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Second Chances #2
Alias Raven Black
Seeking redemption in all the wrong places…
Brenna has lived most of her life just left of the right side of the law. While on vacation at a secluded ski resort, her past finally catches up with her. Her father, who she hasn’t seen since she ran away at sixteen, suddenly wants to reconcile.
Before she can make sense of that overture, the FBI whisk her off to Minneapolis. In exchange for a clean slate, she is recruited to work as a mole in the home of known mobster and suspected drug lord, Anthony Giordano. Under the alias, Raven Black, she becomes nanny to Giordano’s children.
Brenna’s hands are full just learning to mother two spoiled kids, while her main objective, finding information that would put their father away for life, remains elusively out of reach.
Will the secrets she discovers bring absolution from the past she’s tried so hard to leave behind or simply tear her heart in two?
Brenna has lived most of her life just left of the right side of the law. While on vacation at a secluded ski resort, her past finally catches up with her. Her father, who she hasn’t seen since she ran away at sixteen, suddenly wants to reconcile.
Before she can make sense of that overture, the FBI whisk her off to Minneapolis. In exchange for a clean slate, she is recruited to work as a mole in the home of known mobster and suspected drug lord, Anthony Giordano. Under the alias, Raven Black, she becomes nanny to Giordano’s children.
Brenna’s hands are full just learning to mother two spoiled kids, while her main objective, finding information that would put their father away for life, remains elusively out of reach.
Will the secrets she discovers bring absolution from the past she’s tried so hard to leave behind or simply tear her heart in two?
348 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2012
242 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ellen Brink
25 books120 followersBarbara is a multi-published author of mystery, suspense, and young adult. Her Fredrickson Winery Novels have been on the best-seller lists multiple times, and her Christian thriller, Split Sense, won the Grace Award in 2012. Again in 2016, she won the Grace Award with the 2nd book of her Double Barrel Mysteries, Much Ado About Murder.
Barbara grew up on a small farm in Washington State, but now lives in the mean "burbs" of Minnesota with her husband and their pups. With their adult kids now pushed out of the nest and encouraged to fly, she spends much time reading, writing, collecting books, riding motorcycles, and keeping one step ahead of AARP. She also really likes black licorice.
Barbara grew up on a small farm in Washington State, but now lives in the mean "burbs" of Minnesota with her husband and their pups. With their adult kids now pushed out of the nest and encouraged to fly, she spends much time reading, writing, collecting books, riding motorcycles, and keeping one step ahead of AARP. She also really likes black licorice.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 30, 2019
Alia Raven Black is book two in the Second Chance series by Barbara Ellen Brink. Brenna running away from home at sixteen and got into the wrong crowd. However, her past caught up with her at an isolated ski resort by the FBI and her Father. Before Brenna could learn what her father wanted was risk away by the FBI to help then find information on a local drug lord in Minneapolis. The readers of Alia Raven Black will continue to follow Brenna to see what happens.
I love reading books in this series, and Alias Raven Black did not disappoint. The plot and the characters of this book ensure that I engage from the beginning. I like Barbara Ellen Brink's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Ellen Brink did an excellent job of describing the setting of this book.
The readers of Alias Raven Black will learn about the consequences and problems people have going undercover to gain information for law enforcement agencies. Also, the readers of Alias Raven Black will learn about the difficulties children have living on the streets.
I recommend this book.
I love reading books in this series, and Alias Raven Black did not disappoint. The plot and the characters of this book ensure that I engage from the beginning. I like Barbara Ellen Brink's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout the book. Ellen Brink did an excellent job of describing the setting of this book.
The readers of Alias Raven Black will learn about the consequences and problems people have going undercover to gain information for law enforcement agencies. Also, the readers of Alias Raven Black will learn about the difficulties children have living on the streets.
I recommend this book.
March 11, 2023
I think it would have been helpful to read the first book in the series before this one. I received this as a free book and it was good but not noteworthy.
February 21, 2020
A fun, fast and furious journey with Brenna Blackman (alias Raven Black). The FBI has finally caught up with the erstwhile Raven Black. So has her father who has secrets of his own. He dad, hired a young, handsome private detective to find Brenna. Needless to say, Thomas falls in love with her.
Using her Raven Black crimes against her, FBI agents blackmail Brenna to go into very dangerous waters undercover as a nanny in the house of a ruthless, heartless mobster. Brenna has no skills with children, is pretty indifferent to them. Surprise, surprise…she soon falls in love with both children and is ready to put her own life in danger to protect them.
This is primarily a law-and-order detective novel driven by Brenna/Raven trying to get evidence against an evil man who is a killer…the father of those children. The drive to bring this corrupt, depraved killer drives the story, and it is also story with Christian characters maintaining their values, living their lives and doing their jobs. I recommend it as a suspenseful, seat of your pants read.
March 16, 2018
Quite a story
This follow up to Running Home shared only one character in common. Two very different but tense stories. It is always scary when you get messing with Italian criminals. They are ruthless and nobody is safe if they get in the way. That kept me on the edge all the way through. I figured out some of the things early on, and Raven Black should have come up with that as well, given her level of intelligence. But that would have made a dent in the storyline, so I chose to live with it, since I enjoyed the suspense of the rest of the story. And even then, there were a few surprises! Lots of people who weren’t who they seemed to be kept me on my toes. Both books were good reads. Plenty of action, suspense, romance and drama, along with a reminder that God can and will do anything for His children, no matter what they may have done in the past.
This follow up to Running Home shared only one character in common. Two very different but tense stories. It is always scary when you get messing with Italian criminals. They are ruthless and nobody is safe if they get in the way. That kept me on the edge all the way through. I figured out some of the things early on, and Raven Black should have come up with that as well, given her level of intelligence. But that would have made a dent in the storyline, so I chose to live with it, since I enjoyed the suspense of the rest of the story. And even then, there were a few surprises! Lots of people who weren’t who they seemed to be kept me on my toes. Both books were good reads. Plenty of action, suspense, romance and drama, along with a reminder that God can and will do anything for His children, no matter what they may have done in the past.
May 3, 2023
Great book!
I loved this book. With a big criminal in the mix, I couldn't believe this would be a clean book. This author just shows stories don't need sex or curse words to make the story great. She wove God's love for us into the story in such a way that non Christians might actually believe in God & our Savior. What a wonderful gift for a writer to have. The suspense & romance were just right to bring full emotions from the reader.I hope to read all of Barbara Brinks' books.
I loved this book. With a big criminal in the mix, I couldn't believe this would be a clean book. This author just shows stories don't need sex or curse words to make the story great. She wove God's love for us into the story in such a way that non Christians might actually believe in God & our Savior. What a wonderful gift for a writer to have. The suspense & romance were just right to bring full emotions from the reader.I hope to read all of Barbara Brinks' books.
June 2, 2021
Love Made Perfect
This book kept me interested and thinking about what the next page would bring from start to finish! The characters weren't exactly good people , some not even likeable, but that makes the knowledge that there is acceptance and love from God even more valuable. Well written with many second chance relationships explored.
This book kept me interested and thinking about what the next page would bring from start to finish! The characters weren't exactly good people , some not even likeable, but that makes the knowledge that there is acceptance and love from God even more valuable. Well written with many second chance relationships explored.
October 20, 2020
Hooked from the first sentence
Love this author's book!!
One of my favorite authors.
The kids in the story who do they really belong to? Kidnapped or biological?
If biological then how? If kidnapped then from where? Or legal heirs?? Hmmm
Love this author's book!!
One of my favorite authors.
The kids in the story who do they really belong to? Kidnapped or biological?
If biological then how? If kidnapped then from where? Or legal heirs?? Hmmm
March 3, 2023
Together
I had to give it a five star because the ending was so sweet,. However, the issues that would come out of such an ending would be life altering and not as easy as the author made it seem.
I had to give it a five star because the ending was so sweet,. However, the issues that would come out of such an ending would be life altering and not as easy as the author made it seem.
March 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book, but was starting to be anxious for it to be done. The problem was trying to read too many things at the same time. The characters are interesting and it is certainly suspenseful.
July 30, 2023
An original plot of a young woman who tried to gain her father's attention by her outrageous behaviour. She ends up on the shady side of the law and is offered undercover work by the FBI instead of jail time.There are some interesting plot twists before the happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
Terrific story! Spell-bound every second!
February 21, 2023
Clean. Intrigue. I enjoyed it.
March 2, 2023
suspense & romance
Great book. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were very believable and I couldn’t put the book down.
Great book. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were very believable and I couldn’t put the book down.
March 12, 2023
Good one
I enjoyed this well written, captivating story. All of the characters were portrayed as realistic and interesting. It's a satisfying read.
I enjoyed this well written, captivating story. All of the characters were portrayed as realistic and interesting. It's a satisfying read.
August 15, 2023
needs editing
Needs proof reading and editing and a decent plot and a less obvious story line. Had it figured out within just a couple chapters, but finished it, so 2 stars.
Needs proof reading and editing and a decent plot and a less obvious story line. Had it figured out within just a couple chapters, but finished it, so 2 stars.
May 18, 2025
When you start with an intriguing character and a highly adventurous opening scene you can expect a good story. This is a bit predictable but I was entertained anyway.
October 16, 2025
A suspenseful story with good character development. The story line kept me guessing until close to the end. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
August 7, 2023
Very unrealistic but an OK read.
September 21, 2016
Alias Raven Black.
Loved this read to the very end! Wished there was a book 3. This is redemption at its finest. Thank you!
Loved this read to the very end! Wished there was a book 3. This is redemption at its finest. Thank you!
July 16, 2015
PG
Violence: implied and a gun shot
Language: no swears, but one or two partial but cut-off ones
Sex: no sex, some non-descriptive kisses
There was a lot of both "witnessing" and "faith-promoting" Christian elements that sometimes felt a little heavy-handed, probably because I already know/embrace it. But, I don't think it detracts from the story. It was really exciting and enthralling. Highly recommended - 5 stars!
Violence: implied and a gun shot
Language: no swears, but one or two partial but cut-off ones
Sex: no sex, some non-descriptive kisses
There was a lot of both "witnessing" and "faith-promoting" Christian elements that sometimes felt a little heavy-handed, probably because I already know/embrace it. But, I don't think it detracts from the story. It was really exciting and enthralling. Highly recommended - 5 stars!
March 24, 2016
I thought I was not going to like the story about Brenna since she had basically been a criminal in the last story but I knew my curiosity would get the best of me if I didn't at least try to find out what became of her. I am glad I did. I really enjoyed this story, even better than I liked book 1.
February 20, 2015
Runaway at sixteen, pregnant and alone
Brennan has led a lonely life. Her mother disappeared at two, her father was never there for her. She ran away and her life became a runaway train.
Brennan has led a lonely life. Her mother disappeared at two, her father was never there for her. She ran away and her life became a runaway train.
January 8, 2016
I read the first book in the series, which I found lagged, and lacked the suspense. This, however was the opposite, hence finishing it in a couple of days! I found it hard to put down. Intriguing story line, plus the faith aspect. Clean, and interesting characters. I wish there was a sequel!
February 4, 2016
This is the second book in the Second Chances series.
I enjoyed the suspense and all the characters.
The book shows God's mercy and forgiveness.
This was a book that will be enjoyed by those who like inspirational
romantic suspense.
I enjoyed the suspense and all the characters.
The book shows God's mercy and forgiveness.
This was a book that will be enjoyed by those who like inspirational
romantic suspense.
October 17, 2014
God forgives
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author works God and scripture in the books. I would recommend this book to anyone who is running from God.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author works God and scripture in the books. I would recommend this book to anyone who is running from God.
May 22, 2019
I enjoyed reading Alias Raven Black and was glad I had some spare time because I didn't want to put it down. Plenty of action and surprises and a heartfelt romance as well.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews