Searching for Hope

Redwood Coast Rescue #6

by Tonya Burrows

He'll risk everything for a second chance.

In the courtroom, defense attorney Callum Holden fights for justice, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he's about to face his toughest case. The brilliant and beautiful true crime researcher Ellie Summers, once the keeper of his heart, now barely acknowledges his existence. In a last-ditch effort to win her back, Cal vows to solve the one mystery that has haunted her for decades: the disappearance of her older sister, Hope.

She’s not willing to compromise her principles… or her heart.

Ellie has a steadfast moral code and refuses to be swayed by a man who makes his living defending the worst of humanity. Between her podcast production company and training Puzzle, her search and rescue puppy, she tells herself she's too busy to miss the charming lawyer with the distractingly good looks. Yet, when Cal presents a photo of a teenage girl resembling her missing sister, she drops everything and joins forces with him to find the truth.

But everything is not what it seems…

Their mission: infiltrate the Hope's Embrace Commune during its annual couple's retreat. It’s idyllic at first, and the longer they stay, the hotter the spark between them blazes. But then the lies, manipulation, and mysterious disappearances begin to surface. Someone within the walls knows exactly what happened to Hope… and is willing to kill to keep the commune’s secrets.

…and finding Hope might mean losing each other.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Thriller

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

Tonya Burrows wrote her first romance at age thirteen and hasn't put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and is still searching for a place to call home. She shares her adventures with her husband, two adorable doodles, and Scribble the Writer Cat.

When she's not writing about hunky military heroes and their courageous K9s, Tonya can be found watching either true crime or baking shows while snuggled up on the couch with her furbabies. She also enjoys traveling—especially long road trips to see the National Parks.

To learn more about Tonya and her books, please visit her website. She's also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @authortonyaburrows.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Hope is essentially a second chance romance--Ellie and Cal were briefly a thing back in her sister Alexis's book ( Searching for Redemption ) until a professional choice he made (Cal's a defense attorney) made her abruptly end their relationship. Cal's been trying to get back in her good graces ever since, and though Ellie has more than one moment of weakness, afterwards she always snaps back to nope, we're over forever mode.

Cal continues to put up with it--he drops an ILY more than once here--but I couldn't help but think she either needed to figure out some self control or stop dropping the guy like a hot potato again the second they would finish...ahem, having relations. Just IMHO. It really wasn't fair to him keep going so hot and cold.

The second half of their story, when they were undercover trying to find Ellie's sister Hope (this time the title is doing double duty, as they're literally searching for Hope and also searching for hope in their relationship) was a bit stronger of a story--the suspense ratcheted up, and the mystery of what is going on in the cult in the mountains takes over. By the time Ellie makes her escape, I didn't want to put the book down!

While this could technically be read as a standalone, parts of the story rely heavily on events that happened earlier in the series (such as the reason why Ellie dumped Cal in the first place, which happened in the epilogue of the previous book, but is also firmly rooted in what happened in Redemption) and having read those will allow you to put things into context a bit better. (Fans of her HORNET series should be on the lookout for some special guest stars ;)) As has become rather standard in this series, the epilogue will have readers anxious for the next book--for those who have been reading along, I'd say this one is on par with the questions raised by the end of Searching for Justice on the OMG, I need to know what's going to happen next scale...

Altogether, a decent story even if it's not going to be a series favorite for me. You'd better believe I'll be counting the days until Sawyer's story, though!

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Mickey C]

DNF ... i had enjoyed series up to this point but this book was just terrible. Someone needed to seriously smack Ellie. She was annoying AF. And comparing Cal to her golden retriever? Really? Editing was poor as well.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book.
Fantastic characters and wonderful plot as always. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Callum Holden is a powerful defence attorney. He’s very protective and loyal. He’s hopelessly in love with Ellie Summers, true crimes researcher. Ellie is a beautiful and intelligent woman. She has principles and strong moral code. She ignores Cal and believes the worst of him.

But Callum is a very determined man, so he is not deterred in the slightest. And so he decides to help her solve the mystery behind her sister’s disappearance. Together they embark on a very dangerous journey of discovering secrets and finding clues. I loved their chemistry and passion. The are very good for each other. Together they make a perfect team.

Overall I loved this book very much. If you’re a fan of second chance, romantic suspense then you’re definitely going to enjoy this.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Cal has it bad for Ellie - unfortunately, she doesn’t want him because of his job and what he did a couple months back. Doesn’t stop him from trying to convince her otherwise. Only when there’s a real chance to find her missing sister in a cult up on the mountain - she’s willing to do something. Needles to say, not only the members of the Rescue Team but HORNET (isn’t that fabulous - Jean-Luc, Laine and the others) coming to the rescue. Absolutely great story that has a lot of potential for the next ones in the series.

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025 04 23 It is a very intense, gripping story. The narration was wonderful. And so was the romance. (I have "read" the Audible version from Audible.com.)
*****
Redwood Coast Rescue Series by Tonya Burrows
1. Searching for Rescue
2. Searching for Risk
3. Searching for Justice
4. Searching for Redemption
5. Searching for Shadows
6. Searching for Hope
7. Searching Blind
8. Searching for Secrets
9. Searching for Valor

[Julie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series! The characters are so rich and complex. And the dogs! Puzzle is such a cutie in this one as he learns to be a search & rescue dog. Even though he hasn't completed training, he's a natural, and does help with the search.

In previous books, I wasn't sure I liked Ellie for Cal (I love Cal-brainy, ethical hero who's hopelessly in love with Ellie). She seemed immature and even a little spiteful. But in this story, as she teamed up with Cal to find her long-missing sister, Hope, by going undercover at a couples retreat, which was basically a cult, she wrestled with her motivation for dumping Cal in her sister Alexis's story. As she came to terms with her choices (and through Cal's eyes, we began to understand her motivation as reasonable) I saw a lot of growth in Ellie's character. By the end of the story, when she finally comes to grips with her feelings for her ever faithful Cal, it's a very satisfying pay-off the two of them to come together.

I'm so worried about supporting character Pierce, though. Ms. Burrows is definitely setting up his story, as well as Sawyer's. They've been my two favorite supporting players through the whole series, so I'm super excited to see them get to shine in their own stories and find their HEAs.

As always, I love the setup of this series, where the SAR and dog-training center is also a therapy center for veterans suffering from PTSD. Their team of misfit veterans and dogs and the bond they've developed with each other is at the heart of every story.

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh i loved it, yes Ellie frustrated me a lot and Cal is really an angel to keep going like he does and hope for the best not sure i would have his persistence. However i loved how she was with Puzzle and it made me like her a little more.

Callum and Ellie are at odds but when the need to help is there they can put their difference aside.....so when a young girl linked to Ellie's sister disappearance call Callum he is ready to help no matter what but secret will be revealed and those can hurt more

Really i enjoyed it a lot between the rescue part, when others come in to hell at Zack request. ....i love redwood coast rescue team but they sure can work well with other. There was a lot of tension, action and twists but the ending ......oh My!!! i did not think it possible the the tension skyrocked, so next book won't be here soon enough in my opinion such a big stressful cliffhanger!

now i admit i also have some questions, i would have loved to see if Clarity was saved ( saved herself and her family or if Trent succeeded) those part are not clear and let us think the worst. We do get answers to some questions from past book mainly about Hope but not a full closure

still i really loved this book and i recommend this series without hesitation, those K9 will win you over in matter of minute like they did with their alpha human male counterpart

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wait is over as to these two and how they finally make it back together…though they were never really apart since Ellie dumped him. She goes back for a night a couple of times over the year and Cal keeps holding out that she will stay with him for good. Ellie is having none of that and when Cal seems to have a lead on her long lost sister, Hope, she agrees to have him help her and infiltrate a cult as a couple. They soon figure out that there is more than meets the eye with Hope’s Embrace, a community that lives on the mountain and may have answers to her sister’s disappearance.
A good read with steam, some suspense, surprises, twists and turns and great characters. There were some questions that were unanswered for me….where did Vigil end up….what was written in the journal…does Cal stay as a defence attorney. I related more to Cal, who gave everything of himself to be with Ellie….Ellie was too stubborn and more cold than hot towards Cal and then the turnaround at the end….too little too late for me. I did like the story and the twist as well as Cal and seeing the other characters and I can’t wait for the next one after the lead in at the end.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Ann C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning!! The book is not standalone. Why, why, why do authors have to have a cliffhanger? If I like a book I will read the next book without a tease.

The book was okay, but not as good as the previous books in the series. I did not like how the cult was handled. I am old enough to remember Jim Jones. I do not need to be reminded. There were unanswered questions to me. The original leader was said to have committed suicide. Did he? I never really understood why Pearce was hiding at the cult location. Why beat him up to get answers if he can't talk? Makes no sense to me. But of course cults are not logical. The book never gave an update on him at the end. There was the cliffhanger for Sawyer but just a mention of Pearce. Are we supposed to wait 2 books before that is resolved?

As usual there was an editing problem. Not only with grammar but with colors. Cal and Ellie were given brown robes, but by the time they got to their cabin the robes had changed to green.

All in all I just did not care for the book. I know I am in the minority, but there are books that I like that others do not.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love this author’s books, but not going to lie, I wasn’t breathless with anticipation for this one. I didn’t quite feel Cal and Ellie and was feeling slightly meh about it.

OMG I was SO, SO WRONG!! I couldn’t put it down, it was so freaking exciting!

Maybe 0.25 stars off because it could’ve used another quick read through to smooth out a couple of inconsistencies:

At the commune, Cal saw ‘the girl’ the first night as confirmed by Vigil, but then it was stated that nobody had seen her in a while and there was a kinda quick fudge to say Cal had been mistaken?
Tyler veered between an injury involving blood and insulin deficiency
Cal and Ellie kept saying there might be a listening device in their cabin, but seemed to either remember or ignore that fact a bit randomly

Overall though, it was the best book I’ve read in a hot minute. I was expecting a totally different plot twist, so the surprise made it even better. I’m so excited to read Sawyer’s story, but I’m actually ok with it not being out for a few months, because that gives me time to go back and re-read HORNET in the meantime.

Phenomenal job, Ms Burrows. You did it again.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love!!! There is so much happening in this book and I am totally here for it! Cal and Ellie are still dancing around each other for much of the story but that’s part of the fun right? They definitely had me rooting for them so hard! You can count on them having some pretty steamy times together. This is romantic suspense at its best though. Great story and characters that draw you in and don’t let go. This whole series is amazing and of course one of the reasons why is because of the doggies! Just love all of them, and Puzzle is no exception. Such a good boy! This storyline takes us on a search for Hope. Cal and Ellie do something against Ash’s wishes to try and find her and end up in a whole heap of difficult situations, some even life or death. I love Pierce and Sawyer too and was very happy that we get more of both of them in this one although I wasn’t prepared for what happens to either of them and wonder what is next for them.
This is a very entertaining read that I only had to put down to sleep and work lol otherwise I would not have. Highly recommend!

[Tina Hobbs Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unable to resist, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "I don't have the answers right now, but I promise you, I'm going to do everything in my power to find out the truth. And if Hope is alive, I will bring her home to you."

Cal makes Ellie this promise. And he means it. He has been trying to win Ellie back for so long, he has almost given up. But this one shot to find her long lost sister - this might finally convince Ellie how he really feels.

Ellie walked away from Cal - or so she thought. She hasn't really been able to leave him behind. She still ends up in his orbit. His determination to help her find her sister, Hope, may be his last effort to win her over. But she believes he will do what he can to help her resolve Hope's disappearance.

Cal and Ellie get themselves into a situation they may not be able to get out of. What happened to Hope isn't what they thought. Everything is going wrong. They need to find their way out alive.

I LOVE this series. This is probably one of my favorites!!

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narration elevates the already thrilling story to a whole new level of suspense and emotional depth. The narrator expertly captures the contrasting personalities of our leads: the slick, confident, and somewhat reckless determination of Cal Holden and the sharp, guarded, yet deeply vulnerable nature of Ellie Summers.

The chemistry between Cal and Ellie is electric, fueled by past hurt and undeniable attraction. Their initial animosity, Ellie’s refusal to compromise her moral code for the charming lawyer, makes the eventual team-up all the more satisfying. The story truly takes off when their mission forces them to infiltrate the serene yet deeply sinister Hope’s Embrace Commune. As lies, manipulation, and new disappearances surface, the stakes become terrifyingly real, forcing Cal and Ellie to confront not only a decades-old killer but the immediate danger of losing each other. This is a thrilling, well plotted read that will keep you guessing right up until the explosive climax.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

When defense attorney Callum Holden fought and won his case that her sister’s attacker be confined to a mental asylum, podcast researcher Ellie Summers ended their hot, hot, hot romance. She couldn’t avoid him in their stamp sized town, they shared friend and work circles. Ellie didn’t get why no one agreed with her point of view, including her sister! Cal’s woken by a midnight call, whispering Ellie’s second sister, Hope is missing! Hope’s been missing 20 years! Poking around a bit, Cal finds a big clue.

Cal and sheriff Ash Rawlings discuss the call and clue, Ash cautions Cal to let him handle it. Having overheard part of Cal’s conversation, Ellie bullies him into tell her all of it and his suspicions. Cal confesses the clue leads to a nearby cult and he plans to go in undercover. Ellie insists she go in with Cal. This outing wasn’t a favorite for reader didn’t who didn’t connect with Ellie as secondary or primary character.
Rating: 3.25stars

[Larisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really really enjoying this series as a whole but I have to say that this one was not a favorite.

I already didn't like the tension that there was between Cal and Ellie in book 5 that I was already going into this knowing I wasn't going to like Ellie and OMG was I right.

Other reviews mentioned the same dislike for her too.

Cal was such a great guy and she never wanted to stop and have him explain his reasoning in regards to her hang-ups. She just wanted to stay mad and just wanted to be right. So infuriating and immature!

I understand about trying to make characters real and to give them flaws. But OMG! She kept leading him on, having these "weak" moments to just do the equivalent of when a man says "it was a mistake" and pushing him away. And he would just look so heartbroken every time. If a man did that she would slap him and storm off!

He deserved better but overall I'm glad that's done so I can move on to book 7 Hello Sawyer :D

[Carina Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the series featuring Cal and Ellie. I have looked forward to reading Cal’s story since he was first introduced as I knew I would love him. He was so much nicer than I anticipated, I always pictured him as a complete ladies man but he came across far from that and completely devoted to Ellie. I did enjoy this story, although I found Ellie a bit frustrating and I didn’t warm to her as much as I would have liked. They certainly had passion between them but there are not my favourite couple out of the series, which I was surprised about.

I loved Pierce and Sawyer in this book and I really can’t wait for their stories.

I absolutely loved Hornet in this book! What a treat seeing Jesse again- brilliant!

Overall an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read for Searching blind once released.

[Avidchic reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't as invested in these 2 characters as others in the series.
I wanted to shake the h from tine to time for what she says and how did treats the H
and then the H needs a good slip for taking her attitude.
he wasn't as strong and capable as some of the previous alphas but was portrayed as more of an indoor intellect.
heading into the precarious situation the way they did was surprising to me as I felt they needed more grit. there were times when the situation got a bit thin in plotline.
in saying that, I enjoy tonyas writing and the. continuation of the series which closes yet another door.
I just wasn't keen on the h at all.
Stephen Borne has narrated all these books and as a solo narrator he does ok for me.
the end of this story gives us a taste of the next. so looking forward to the next instalment

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a slow starter for me. Partly because I haven't read the earlier installments of the series (not yet!) and partly because for me the ebook format gets in the way of connecting with the story. I kept reading and was completely drawn in by the Cal and Ellie and the complicated mystery they are drawn in to solve at the same time as they are facing their conflicting personal attraction. I admit that I am always willing to jump into a story with dogs involved, since their input and interesting behaviors make a story even more interesting. This was a very intense romantic suspense novel, with both plenty of suspense and plenty of spice - an engaging read.


Full disclosure: I was gifted an ARC and asked to provide a review.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Redwood Coast Rescue Winner!!

Ellie Summers is at a crossroads. Her sister Hope is still missing. Her sister Alexis barely survived her ordeal but is now happily getting married to her rescuer. Ellie was dating lawyer Callum Holden, until he defended the man that took Alexis. Ellie’s new pup Puzzle helps.

A phone call reveals new clues. Exploring those possibilities puts people in danger. A real range of emotions to be found here. Love the interactions with the canines, the resilience of those in the Redwood Coast Rescue, and the fortitude of the main characters. Highly entertaining and fascinating. The culmination of many of the prior stories in this series, and a hint at who’s story is next.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Rose Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story of Callum Holden who I fell in love with. I have to say, Ellie got on my nerves a little but those two are cute together. This story surrounds Ellie's missing sister Hope. They find out she was in a cult and infiltrate the cult to find out if she's still alive. I don't want to give anything away, but the story gets so good when Cal and Ellie go into the Commune pretending to be marries. I love that Burrows incorporates all the characters from the other books and updates us on what's been going on with them. After the 6th book, you become invested in each of the characters. All these books are stand alone but I highly recommend reading them in order since characters are brought back and knowing there stories already, will help you appreciate them more. Burrows has a way of leaving you wanting more and this book doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read book 7, Sawyer's story. So good!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't get why Ellie was so upset with Cal. What she claimed he did wasn't that bad, it was his job. She annoyed me at the start. Cal wanting to find Hope to get back Ellie was good, but also creepy. The good thing is that things were resolved with Hope, but man...it was nothing like I thought, was shocked to see what really happened.

Ellie and Cal going undercover to get answers was a disaster from the start. Where they went was a crazy place with crazy people. I'm amazed that things didn't end worse for them. And while things were bad, Ellie and Alexis now have closure with Hope and can go forward in life with out that handing over their heads. Ellie and Cal managed to work things out between them and are building quite the little family unit.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie was so annoying. She did NOT deserve Cal. I was actually waiting for Cal to finally realise he could do so much better. I had a feeling as if Ellie was using him for the entire book. There is also a fine line between a man who loves unconditionally and a man who has no self-respect.
Why was Pearce in the story AT ALL??? Poor guy. I cannot see reasons for his presence in this book. The way he was treated was heartbreaking.
The ending with Ellie's sister was just really sad and creepy, soooo creepy (the series is getting increasingly creepier elements with each book...kind of miss just pure action like in Zak's story without those creepy and spooky moments).
It was amazing to see HORNET guys again. I miss HORNET series so much!

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant narration from Stephen Borne, who brings the emotions, drama, chemistry and heat to your ears.

Ellie is a true crime reporter, who is looking for her sister for years. Cal is a lawyer is also looking for Ellie’s sister. He wants to do this for help Ellie find peace. The two have history and one thing Ellie has is a moral code and will not be compromised or her heart. Between her podcast production company and training Puzzle, her search and rescue puppy, she tells herself she's too busy to remember Cal. But when Cal shows her a photo of a teenage girl resembling her missing sister, Ellie knows she must drop everything and joins forces with him to find the truth.
We have mystery, suspense, action and twists and the right amount of heat.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I thought this book was as entertaining as the others in this series. I felt that this book was creepier than the others as part of it was set in a commune, and I found that setting more disturbing as there was something unsettling about being in a place with people that have been brainwashed and become zealots about their way of life. I liked Ellie and Cal and their second chances at romance story. There were several steamy scenes. I was entertained by Stephen Borne's narration as his performance was easy to follow, and his voice was pleasant. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Callum Holden gets a phone call in the middle of the night from a girl who tells him that Hope is missing, his mind immediately goes to the sister of the woman he loves and how she's been missing for years. Ellie Summers lost her sister years ago and there's been no closure to her case, but this call might give her some new information to find her. Ellie and Callum, who are enemies after a court case went in Callum's favor, team together to mend their relationship and get to the bottom of the search for Hope. It's a touching, eerie, sweet and satisfying story that I highly recommend.
Stephen Borne does a tremendous job with the narration. His dynamic, well-paced voice brings each of the characters to life with their own personality and attitude.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting story for Cal & Ellie!
As with the other books in this series I was hooked from the beginning. The cult storyline was intriguing and I was shocked to see how it eventually played out.
Cal was so sweet to Ellie, one of my favorite hero’s of the series now. It took Ellie awhile to finally get there, but they finally got their HEA.
I feel like the ending was a bit rushed. There were a few things left unanswered, like why Ash wanted to keep them out of it, and what happened to Trent when he escaped?
I hope we get to see more of how True adjust to her new life in future books. Already looking forward to Sawyers story!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love is always complicated. But it doesn't mean it isn't worth it"

Cal has to fight so hard for Ellie, it has been heart wrenching and devastating, with amazing highs followed by crushing lows.....but he never stops believing in them, he knows she is his soul mate and he will never give up on her....but wow! Is it brutal at times!
They may eventually find Hope together, but they find so much more, including answers that they don't really want - but they definitely need.
I love the Redwood Coast Rescue and the family they have formed, not family by blood, but family by choice, by experience and by trauma.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I neeeeeeded to know what was happening between Cal & Ellie!! After seeing them be drawn to each other in Alexis’ book, I needed to know what changed between them. Cal is so in love with Ellie, and wants nothing more than to be with her, but Ellie’s been hurt by decisions he’s made and isn’t willing to give him the time of day. But when he gets a lead on her missing older sister, she’s willing to work with him. The more time these two spend together, the harder it is for her to continue hating him. I absolutely adore Cal and how far gone he is for Ellie. I ate this one up, and I cannot wait for Sawyer’s story next!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everything is as it seems. Ellie has been searching for her sister for what seems like forever. Cal is searching for Ellie's sister so that he can give her something she wants. He lost her because of a choice he made. What will it take for Ellie to forgive him? Or at least talk to him? When a new lead presents itself can Ellie put aside her issue with Cal to bed in order to work with him? One mystery leads to another. There is no slow part of this book. It is full of suspense and twists. There is an HEA for Cal and Ellie but holy cow the journey to that part is a nail biter. I loved it and did not want to put it down. Of course it leads into the next book and I cannot wait!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. The Redwood Coast Rescue with their cute and smart rescue dogs and their unique members. This is Cal and Ellie's story. He's a defense lawyer, she's a podcaster and is training Puzzle, her dog. Hope is Ellie's older sister. I have to say, I didn't care for Ellie much. She didn't deserve Cal, but he just won't give up on her. They have to search for Hope together.

I was gifted an Audible version of this book. The narrator, Stephen Borne has a great raspy, sexy voice for Cal. He, of course, has to speak for Ellie too and that is just ok. Ha. He does a fine job!