Midnight Clear

Guardians Unleashed #0.5

by Jerusha Agen

Her worst fear is another Christmas alone. Until she isn’t alone.

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time. Marion Ainsley is determined this holiday will be everything it’s never been for her. She’s placed gifts under the tree for the dogs in her shelter, Forever Home, and watched every romantic Christmas movie she can find. All she’s missing is a person to love her despite the scars that have driven her into hiding.

Her dream of a real Christmas crumbles when a blizzard moves in, bringing more than snow. She finds a man half-buried on her property. And he’s holding a baby.

The unexpected visitors are being chased by enemies far more frightening. People who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Will Marion’s mysterious friend, Phoenix Gray, and an undercover police officer be able to keep her safe? Or will this Christmas be her last?

Midnight Clear is an early prequel novella that features Phoenix Gray, the mysterious woman who established the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency. Read more about the Phoenix K-9 Agency women and K-9s in Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

*Midnight Clear was included in the limited-time Holiday Menace ebook anthology.

Praise for Jerusha

"Jerusha Agen once again delivers top-level suspense and thrilling action. Fast-paced suspense at its best.”
– DiAnn Mills, bestselling author of Concrete Evidence on Covert Danger

"Fast-paced, explosive thriller. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough."
– Carrie Stuart Parks, award-winning, bestselling author of Relative Silence on Rising Danger

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

About the author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

Reviews

[Megan Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Clear is a classic Christmas romantic suspense novella with all the romance and suspense — yes, plenty of nail biting! — you could ask for. With a signature HEA.

I first read this story as part of the Holiday Menace anthology (no longer available), and I didn’t actually read the author name before I started reading — you know how Amazon takes you straight to Chapter One. But Jerusha’s unique voice quickly came through, and had me heading back to check that I could actually discern her voice!

Right up front, Jerusha does a great job of creating suspense. When Marion decides to risk going outside and discovers a scary man holding a baby, I could feel every emotion she was feeling. Yikes! To her credit, our heroine has incredible courage and mercy, though, so she’s able to do whatever it takes to save the baby and find romance along the way.

If you haven’t read any of Jerusha’s Guardian’s Unleashed series, this prequel is a great place to start. If you have, then this is a great opportunity to see Phoenix Grey before all the “magic” happens.

[Vicki Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

This prequel gives background on the start of the Guardians series. It's Marion's story of never feeling that she was good enough because of physical and emotional scars. God created us in His image, but so many of us have difficulty accepting and loving ourselves. Jerusha brings Gods adoption and love for all of us to light in midnight Clear in a beautiful picture. She also deals with the tragic issue of human trafficking that is rampant in the US and around the world. You will love this book and the whole series!

[Kendra Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! It has edge-of-your-seat suspense, and it is filled with so much joy and love. The romance is so sweet, and the message is beautifully heartwarming. I didn’t want this book to end, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

[Lottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book !!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to the Guardians Unleashed series by Jerusha Agen a few months ago when I was on the launch team for book four in the series, Lethal Danger. I fell in love with the characters and have been wanting to read more. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this prequel novella as a part of the launch team. Midnight Clear had previously been published as a part of the Holiday Menace anthology.
Midnight Clear takes place right before Christmas and a huge snowstorm is blowing in, leaving Marion without power. She then finds a strange, intimidating man half buried in the snow outside her home. Even more concerning is the fact that he is protecting a baby. The reader wonders, along with Marion, where this man has come from, why he has a baby, and whether she will be safe as she offers her aid. Thankfully she has her two dogs to help protect her if needed.
A reader of the series will recognize that Marion is the owner of Forever Home, the dog rescue and training facility where the K-9 agency featured in the books gets their well trained dogs. I don't know how much she is featured in the other books, if at all, but I do remember her from book four. Another familiar face is Phoenix Gray, the founder of the K-9 agency. But this book takes place BEFORE she founded the agency, which is sort of cool.
I loved the suspense and action in this book as the main characters try to figure out how to save the baby and protect her, and themselves, from the bad guys. Trafficking is involved. Getting to see the dogs in action was a highlight of the story. As was seeing Marion's love and care for them, even while she herself feels she will never be loved. It is also a story about redemption with the gospel message being shared. The truth of God's love for us and how He wants to adopt us into His family.
I loved this book and really hope to get a chance to read the books between this one and book 4 that I recently read.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team, and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Joann Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading through the Guardians Unleashed series for awhile now and this novella is an excellent addition to this series to give a little glimpse into the most mysterious main character in the series. The lady who started it all. Phoenix Gray is the most mysterious character in a book series I've ever read. A glimpse into her life before she started the PK-9 team was pretty cool. This story is full of action and although it's mostly about Marion and her journey to Jesus and love we get to see a glimpse Phoenix's character.
I saw through her hard exterior to part of her heart that she cares deeply for friends who she treats at family. I have seen her hard shell in each book but in each book she takes each woman and her dog and gives them her all to keep them safe, train them well and love them in her own way. Marion was introduced briefly in Guardians Unleashed book 4 but her connection to Phonenix was not really made known. It may be just my imagination but I feel like the relationship between Marion and Phoneix is more than just dog training. Hopefully I will find out in the next book if I'm right or just have a wild imagination.
If you haven't read the Guardians Unleashed series yet it's worth picking up and starting in book 1. Each women's story has been excellent. This novella just wet my appetite for the next book about Phonenix Gray and her journey.

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only discovered this author and her books this year and I have fell in love with this series and the characters in the books. This prequel novella is no exception. I started with the fifth book in the series and after reading it, went back and read the first two. I just need to read two more to be caught up before the next book comes out. You don't have to read these books in order, but if you do then you will know the background on all of the characters. In this novella you meet Marion who runs a rescue and rehabilitation for dogs, called Forever Home. It is close to Christmas with a massive snow storm coming in. While Marion is taking care of the dogs, one of the dogs starts barking and she finds a man with a baby in the snow. Once they get inside, she finds out that the man's name is Eli. From there on out , you will be on the edge of your seat in this fast-paced novella. You won't put this down until you have completely finished it. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a remarkable young woman, scarred by life but still willing to reach out to help others. When she finds a strange man almost buried on the snow drifts outside her home, Marion is bewildered to find that he is clasping a young infant in his arms. The story of Marion and Eli is heart-warming and scary as human traffickers are hot on Eli’s trail, trying to retrieve the baby they stole. Marion’s friend Phoenix Gray shows up at just the right time and helps them plot a way to save the baby and themselves, just in time for Christmas. This prequel novella to the Guardians Unleashed series is fast-paced and riveting and a wonderful addition to a mesmerizing series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella set before the events of the Guardians Unleashed series! The Christmas setting was meaningful and worked perfectly with the main characters’ struggle with the enemy and their own internal conflict. As always, the dogs were my favorite characters, but I also enjoyed reading more about Marion, Eli, and Phoenix. It was wonderful to see Marion learn about Jesus during Christmas time, and I was impressed with Eli’s kindness and willingness to help Marion. Some difficult subjects were addressed, such as domestic abuse, neglect, kidnapping, and trafficking, but I thought they were handled well. I was touched by this story and encouraged that some people don’t value the outward appearance more than what is inside someone’s heart and mind. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Guardians Unleashed book!! My only complaint would be that I wish it was longer!! I never want to stop reading about these characters!! This is a stand alone read but you will want to read the others in the series after this. In this prequel, Marion runs a dog rescue and basically is very isolated because of certain things in her past. She discovers a man and baby half-buried in the snow near her house and things "snowball" after that. If you like well-written characters, action and suspense, with a touch of romance, this book is for you. And if you want to see what happens to these characters later, read Lethal Danger where Marion and her rescue are featured. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guardian Unleased series is one of my favorite Christian romantic suspense series! In Midnight Clear, the prequel novella, I enjoyed reading how Marion Ainsley got involved training the dogs for the K9 agency, and how she met Eli, a wounded stranger protecting a sweet baby girl. When trouble comes to call we are left wondering who will be standing.

Midnight Clear tackles the horrors of human trafficking, with self sacrifice and a strong faith thread. I can't wait for the next story in this series!

I am reading this novella before Phoenix's story and it sets up the perfect segue to her story which I can't wait to read! Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Clear, by Jerusha Agen is a prequel novella to the Guardians Unleased series. This is a very well written, fast paced suspenseful Christian Christmas story that got my attention right at the beginning and held it to the very end. I enjoyed Marion's strong and caring character. I enjoyed getting a little more information about Phoenix, the owner of Phoenix K 9 Security and Detection Agency. Having read all the books in this series, there has been a little mystery behind her character. It was nice to get a little look into her character. As with other books in the series, the characters are comfortable sharing their faith. This is a wonderful little addition to the series.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story from the author, this is my honest review.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered where those ladies from the Guardians Unleashed series get their well trained dogs? Well, wonder no more! Marion has a dog rescue and training facility that produces fabulous results. A chance encounter with Phoenix Gray sets her on the path, or was it a planned meeting? Whatever it was, it changed the course of Marion’s life.

Saving a man and a baby in a snowstorm was not on her agenda - could she do it? You’ll have to read on to find out.

This early copy of the prequel to the Guardians Unleashed series was received through SDG Words, LLC and BookFunnel. The thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Laura Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Midnight Clear Jerusha Agen tells us when Phoenix Gray decides to start The Phoenix Security and Detection Agency.

When Marion Ainsley rescues a man carrying a baby just as a snow storm rages dropping more snow. The man is being chased to get the baby and brings danger. They will do anything to get what they want. Phoenix, a supporter and volunteer of Marion’s dog rescue, has come to assist her with the dogs. She uses skills Marion didn’t know she had to help them.

This series is a favorite of mine. Jerusha brings suspense and romance with great characters. I’m anxious to read Phoenix’s story in the next and finale book. You’ll not go wrong reading Jerusha’s believable stories.

[Lisa Philipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This is a novella about Marion and her dog Lilly. She runs a rescue for dogs and is a talented dog trainer. Marion is friends with Phoenix and she gets involved in a kidnapping case by finding a man, sheltering a baby, in the snow behind her kennel building. She meets Eli, an undercover agent, and helps bring the bad guys to justice.
Marion also goes through a crisis of faith and realizes that God loves her regardless of her external appearance.
This is a great story about a great character, and it includes the start of the PK-9 agency that Phoenix runs. A definite must read.

[Terri Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Clear is the prequel to the Guardians Unleashed series. I would like to give it more than five stars but five is the highest rating available. Marion Ainsley wants Christmas to be special. She’s never had a great Christmas. This year her holiday is going to be very different than years past. An undercover police officer with a baby aren’t what Marion expected. This is a story of fear, struggles, hope, redemption and triumph. The suspense is fast and edge of your seat. There’s a thread of faith woven through the story in a gentle but powerful way.
My thanks to the author/publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed here are mine.

[Kristin Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this exciting prequel to the Guardians Unleashed series by Jerusha Agen, Midnight Clear gives you a glimpse into how Phoenix K-9 got started and to how all their awesome dogs are trained.

You will get a brief backstory of Marion and her dog training center which takes place during a snow-bound adventure at Christmas. Open the gift of this well-written story, full of adventure, action, love, and dogs! You won’t be able to put it down starting at page one.

If you haven’t read the Guardians Unleashed series take this chance to get started. This book will definitely make you want to read the rest!

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. All the opinions are my own.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve gotten used to reading dual perspective books and I so missed hearing from the hero in our story. A snowstorm and forced proximity bring our main characters together while a tiny life hangs in the balance. There are a few canine side characters. Criminals, law enforcement, and faith.

This was a sweet Christian romantic suspense novella. I’ve read book 4 in this series and decided to head back to the first prequel book and start at square one in prep for book 5 being released this fall.

It was a nice read with some strong characters. A fast paced, 2 day, Christmas romance. Some of the romance was a bit too fast and rushed for my taste.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot of action that kept me turning the pages. The sweet romance combined with suspense, and well-developed characters made the story come alive.

The addition of the time of year; Christmas, and the biblical references to being saved by Jesus, made the story special to me. The characters were realistic and easy to relate to. Being the prequel to the Guardian Unleashed series sets the reader up for an amazing adventure.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in the Guardians Unleashed series and this novella was no exception! Although short, the story immediately grabs you and you are drawn to the main character, Marion who believes no one could love her because of her scars. No one except her beloved K9's that is.

This is such a sweet Christmas romance novella, and the perfect addition to the series! I highly recommend the entire series and for this book, I would give it 5 stars! ( My only complaint is that I wish it was longer!!)

I was given this book to read and review - all opinions are my own.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has a dog she loves - a rescue — and she wants to do a fundraiser. Her dog LOVES SNOW — eating it too!! She takes for him for a walk - comes back and has no power!!! Her dog goes crazy - and takes her outside again. And she finds a man who fell — and she hears a mew . . . thinks it is a cat — but it is a baby!!! Who he has rescued from traffickers. And this begins an adventure none of them will forger!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own

[Carlien Peens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I also know how a book hangover feels. A fast, intense read filled with suspense, fear, drama, angst, romance, faith, and hope! When you read the last page, a feeling of "Wow! Did all that just happen?" Fills you. Jerusha Agen did an excellent job with this book. From the first page, you are drawn in by Marion and her life, her struggles, her victories. How she overcome her own fear to help Eli in need, even though he is bringing a heapload of trouble with him.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It is a quick and easy read, but it is full of non-stop action throughout the whole book. It has me guessing the whole way. I loved the main characters, and I felt like I was living in the book. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean romantic suspense novels.

Many thanks to the author/publisher for allowing me to review this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kimberly Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a mysterious stranger shows up on her doorstep with a baby in the middle of a snowstorm, Marion is caught completely off-guard. Upon learning he has kidnapped the baby from kidnappers, she has to decide whether to trust him or contact authorities. Come along on this great adventure in the prequel to the Guardians Unleashed series.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves Christian suspense!

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous novella! I loved getting to see the beginnings of Phoenix and how her organization began. Intense action and very memorable characters combined to create a breathtaking story. Makes me want to go back and read the entire series again!

My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. My review has not been solicited and my review is completely unbiased and true.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a great read that is full of suspense, drama, lovable K-9's and sweet romance. I loved it and highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. How can all these wonderful emotions be packed in a book with so much danger? I loved learning more about Marion and Eli. Seeing a quick glance of Phoenix Gray before she starts the K9 security business was just as I expected from Ms. Agen. I can't wait to learn more about Phoenix Gray soon.

I received an ARC of this novela in exchange for my honest review.

[BJayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerusha Agen writes stories that grab you from the start and don��t let go until the very end. With a blizzard, a woman alone in her house, and kidnappers who won’t stop until they get what they want, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read this book after I read all the others in the series. It’s a good prequel to start off the series. Readers who want to read the entire series should start here. This story isn’t necessary to understand the series and it could easily be skipped. However, I’m glad I read it as it introduces the mysterious Phoenix and how the k-9 dogs started their training.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll devour this prequel in an afternoon or evening and be glad. It's a cozy suspense with powerful messages of wounded warriors and lovable, loyal K-9s.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.