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Smuggler's Cove #1
Desperate Measures
FRAMED FOR MURDER
Accused of murdering her estranged husband, widowed mother Samantha Rogers panics and flees. But the real killer is now after her and her son. She's desperate to find a safe haven where her past is secret. So when John Wagner offers her room and board in exchange for work on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, she moves to Smuggler's Cove. Samantha longs to tell her handsome boss why she's always looking over her shoulder. But when danger arrives on shore, the truth may put John in a killer's crosshairs.
Accused of murdering her estranged husband, widowed mother Samantha Rogers panics and flees. But the real killer is now after her and her son. She's desperate to find a safe haven where her past is secret. So when John Wagner offers her room and board in exchange for work on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, she moves to Smuggler's Cove. Samantha longs to tell her handsome boss why she's always looking over her shoulder. But when danger arrives on shore, the truth may put John in a killer's crosshairs.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
227 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
332 books1,661 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 3, 2014
"Desperate Measures" by Christy Barritt is not one of those suspense books that you want to read before going to bed! It is however, one of those that you just don't want to put down in the daytime once you start reading it! Such a nail biting, hand wringing, riveting and inspirational suspense, so well written and makes one feel like they are right there in the scene with the stars! The ending was rather surprising, but wonderful and sweet, with a super inspiring message that with all the storms raging in our lives, we can always trust the Lord to bring us through it no matter how hopeless we feel about the situation. I loved this book and highly recommend it to everyone. Christy Barritt is a wonderful writer and I thank her for sharing her God given talent.
November 21, 2019
Competent romantic suspense but not much more. Samantha is on the run, accused of a crime she did not commit, with a little boy in tow. John is still blaming himself for his wife's tragic death at the hands of a crazed stalker. Will Samantha learn to trust? Will John get it right this time?
Only Billy knows the answers -- Billy, the crazed super villain who has unlimited resources and goons everywhere. Billy who pays to have Samantha beaten up by generic hoods every three days, who harasses her for weeks at a time, but who never thinks to pull out a gun and do the job himself until -- oh, but that's spoiler territory. My question is, can you really be afraid of a villain named *Billy*? I mean Emilio Estevez played Billy the Kid, and he was adorable, but not really menacing. Whenever I hear the name "Billy" I keep hearing Mick Jagger on LOVE YOU LIVE, introducing Billy Preston to the Montreal crowds.
"Billy? Where's Billy? Billy's gone. Billy's very open for offers. I wouldn't say he's up for grabs, but open for offers." I just wish DESPERATE MEASURES had been as much fun as LOVE YOU LIVE.
Only Billy knows the answers -- Billy, the crazed super villain who has unlimited resources and goons everywhere. Billy who pays to have Samantha beaten up by generic hoods every three days, who harasses her for weeks at a time, but who never thinks to pull out a gun and do the job himself until -- oh, but that's spoiler territory. My question is, can you really be afraid of a villain named *Billy*? I mean Emilio Estevez played Billy the Kid, and he was adorable, but not really menacing. Whenever I hear the name "Billy" I keep hearing Mick Jagger on LOVE YOU LIVE, introducing Billy Preston to the Montreal crowds.
"Billy? Where's Billy? Billy's gone. Billy's very open for offers. I wouldn't say he's up for grabs, but open for offers." I just wish DESPERATE MEASURES had been as much fun as LOVE YOU LIVE.
July 8, 2025
Really liked the setting in the Chesapeake. The romance was too rushed for me, but I did like the characters. Reminded me of Safe Haven by Nicolas Sparks. Great summertime read.
September 15, 2014
This is the first novel I’ve read by Christy Barritt and I was thoroughly intrigued!
Wow! Suspense – oh yeah!
The story draws you in quickly. I found myself holding my breath as the stranger grabbed her and began hurting her. Thankfully I began this at a good time; I never put it down until I was finished. It had just the right amount of excitement, thrills, chills and surprises. The handsome hero was a nice touch, too.
I applaud Christy Barritt for writing a novel that shows such terror and violence without betraying her Christian principles. Too many writers feel that cussing is necessary – not so! And I could enjoy reading it without feeling like my own principles were being compromised.
What a blessing!
Samantha and the other characters are totally believable and the story is one that inspires as well as holds your attention to the very end. I am definitely going to recommend this book to my friends.
January 28, 2020
I've liked this book so much I've read this paperback version 3 times. I recently just finished this book on January 21, 2020 and finished the book on January 22. I will read this book again no doubt.
This book is not only Amazing but fantastic. It's one of those books that once you start you don't want to put this book down. This was my second time around reading this book and I enjoyed it as much if not more than the first time around. It's full of Suspense/Mystery/Action/Romance/Inspiration and also full of twists and turns. I loved this book and yes I would read it again and again.
I like this book more and more each time I read it.
I highly recommend it and everyone can read it.
This book is not only Amazing but fantastic. It's one of those books that once you start you don't want to put this book down. This was my second time around reading this book and I enjoyed it as much if not more than the first time around. It's full of Suspense/Mystery/Action/Romance/Inspiration and also full of twists and turns. I loved this book and yes I would read it again and again.
I like this book more and more each time I read it.
I highly recommend it and everyone can read it.
June 27, 2016
Smuggler's Cove/Samantha and son Connor/John Wagner,
October 3, 2015
good story with the right man coming to the rescue
January 12, 2019
Title: Desperate Measures
Author: Christy Barritt
Series: Smuggler’s Cove, #1
Format: ebook
Length: 457 pages (iPhone)
Rating: 1 star
Synopsis: FRAMED FOR MURDER
Accused of murdering her estranged husband, widowed mother Samantha Rogers panics and flees. But the real killer is now after her and her son. She's desperate to find a safe haven where her past is secret. So when John Wagner offers her room and board in exchange for work on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, she moves to Smuggler's Cove. Samantha longs to tell her handsome boss why she's always looking over her shoulder. But when danger arrives on shore, the truth may put John in a killer's crosshairs.
Favourite character: Connor
Least favourite character: Samantha
Mini-review: Look here’s the thing, I want to read more of this author’s books. While the romance felt very odd and rushed and was not well-paced at all, I can’t wait to read her other books. (Don’t ask me why, I just am.) But this book was not my cup of tea at all. Love Inspired Suspense can be such a hit and miss with me, and this was a miss. A very big miss. Maybe it’s because of how absolutely paranoid Samantha was. I mean, don’t get me wrong, if a psychopath was stalking me and trying to frame me for my husband’s murder I’d be paranoid too. But whereas the paranoia in Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks felt natural and explainable, this just felt ridiculous almost. Like she’s on the verge of being put in a mental hospital. I just don’t know really.
I liked John, he was kinda cool. But I didn’t get that conversation 3/4 of the way through the book that they pretended didn’t happen just so they could kiss and live happily ever after. Again, the ending was really rushed. Not just the romance, but there was about a 5 page (and that’s for the iPhone, so it was probably more like 2 or 3 pages) of what happened and a quick conversation between Samantha and John.
Excuse the rant.
Fan-cast:
Samantha Rogers - Jennifer Morrison
John Wagner - Aaron Paul
Author: Christy Barritt
Series: Smuggler’s Cove, #1
Format: ebook
Length: 457 pages (iPhone)
Rating: 1 star
Synopsis: FRAMED FOR MURDER
Accused of murdering her estranged husband, widowed mother Samantha Rogers panics and flees. But the real killer is now after her and her son. She's desperate to find a safe haven where her past is secret. So when John Wagner offers her room and board in exchange for work on a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, she moves to Smuggler's Cove. Samantha longs to tell her handsome boss why she's always looking over her shoulder. But when danger arrives on shore, the truth may put John in a killer's crosshairs.
Favourite character: Connor
Least favourite character: Samantha
Mini-review: Look here’s the thing, I want to read more of this author’s books. While the romance felt very odd and rushed and was not well-paced at all, I can’t wait to read her other books. (Don’t ask me why, I just am.) But this book was not my cup of tea at all. Love Inspired Suspense can be such a hit and miss with me, and this was a miss. A very big miss. Maybe it’s because of how absolutely paranoid Samantha was. I mean, don’t get me wrong, if a psychopath was stalking me and trying to frame me for my husband’s murder I’d be paranoid too. But whereas the paranoia in Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks felt natural and explainable, this just felt ridiculous almost. Like she’s on the verge of being put in a mental hospital. I just don’t know really.
I liked John, he was kinda cool. But I didn’t get that conversation 3/4 of the way through the book that they pretended didn’t happen just so they could kiss and live happily ever after. Again, the ending was really rushed. Not just the romance, but there was about a 5 page (and that’s for the iPhone, so it was probably more like 2 or 3 pages) of what happened and a quick conversation between Samantha and John.
Excuse the rant.
Fan-cast:
Samantha Rogers - Jennifer Morrison
John Wagner - Aaron Paul
July 10, 2023
This was a fantastic book. However, with the suspense, and action it is not one of those books you want to start before going to bed. Samantha is on the run, accused of a crime she didn’t commit, with her son in tow. To make matters worse, she has some really bad people chasing her too. She hid evidence, to clear her name. That same evidence will put others behind bars. At this point she doesn’t know who she can trust. The people who need to be behind bars worked in law enforcement. John is still blaming himself for his wife’s tragic death. She died from a deranged stalker. He couldn’t have stopped it, but he feels guilty because he was out of town working.
Now that John knows Samantha is in trouble, he can’t let anything happen to her or her son. I loved how her son bonded with John and his dog. He is working hard to get Samantha to trust him.
This is a book I can see myself reading over and over. It’s just that good. You never know what is going to happen. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. There’s a lot of heart pounding moments throughout the book. I loved the end.
Now that John knows Samantha is in trouble, he can’t let anything happen to her or her son. I loved how her son bonded with John and his dog. He is working hard to get Samantha to trust him.
This is a book I can see myself reading over and over. It’s just that good. You never know what is going to happen. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. There’s a lot of heart pounding moments throughout the book. I loved the end.
February 16, 2023
3.75 Stars Rounded Up
I've read some of Christy Barritt's suspense romances in the past. This one was ok, but not as good as the others. There were a few places where the wording was strange, but I didn't feel it destroyed the story. Overall Conclusions - The hero was believable and heroic. The heroine kind of annoyed me at times, but I admired how she was thinking of her son first. The twists and turns were good - I was often surprised. I'd recommend this book to those who love this author and/or clean suspense romance.
I've read some of Christy Barritt's suspense romances in the past. This one was ok, but not as good as the others. There were a few places where the wording was strange, but I didn't feel it destroyed the story. Overall Conclusions - The hero was believable and heroic. The heroine kind of annoyed me at times, but I admired how she was thinking of her son first. The twists and turns were good - I was often surprised. I'd recommend this book to those who love this author and/or clean suspense romance.
November 7, 2024
Desperation
Desperate Measures is Christy Barritt's latest offering. Samantha is on the run, and several bad guys seem to be chasing her. John is a retired Coastie who hires Samantha to help repair his newly purchased but run-down cabins. Of course, in the mix there's a terrible storm that threatens to wipe out the entire island. Desperate Measures is aptly named and Christy even invented a new word for us: franticness.
Desperate Measures is Christy Barritt's latest offering. Samantha is on the run, and several bad guys seem to be chasing her. John is a retired Coastie who hires Samantha to help repair his newly purchased but run-down cabins. Of course, in the mix there's a terrible storm that threatens to wipe out the entire island. Desperate Measures is aptly named and Christy even invented a new word for us: franticness.
June 20, 2023
The relationship btween Samantha and John developed nicely - both of them trying to avoid a relationship based on their pasts made sense. I enjoyed Samantha's son Connor as a character, but this is one of the few stories where I almost wanted more people to show up. Too few red herrings to be satisfying.
February 15, 2018
Desperate Measures
Samantha and her son are running for their lives. John feels the need to protect them. Unfortunately, the danger she's running from follows them to Smugglers Cove. She must learn to trust and he must let go of his past failure.
Samantha and her son are running for their lives. John feels the need to protect them. Unfortunately, the danger she's running from follows them to Smugglers Cove. She must learn to trust and he must let go of his past failure.
May 29, 2020
#1 fan
Christy I can't imagine how you come up with your story Ideas. You always keep me on the edge of my seat. And most of all the hope that you give your readers that God is real and He loves us no matter what.
Christy I can't imagine how you come up with your story Ideas. You always keep me on the edge of my seat. And most of all the hope that you give your readers that God is real and He loves us no matter what.
February 20, 2021
Another winner
I love all of Christy Garrett's books and this one is no exception. Get ready, the action is fast paced and the well done plot emerges early in the book. You are in for a great ride!
I love all of Christy Garrett's books and this one is no exception. Get ready, the action is fast paced and the well done plot emerges early in the book. You are in for a great ride!
May 30, 2023
Good read
I enjoyed the book but found that it wasn't fast paced enough for me. My favorite genre is thrillers so a simple mystery/suspense doesn't grab me the way a thriller does.
I enjoyed the book but found that it wasn't fast paced enough for me. My favorite genre is thrillers so a simple mystery/suspense doesn't grab me the way a thriller does.
July 23, 2023
Can two wrongs ever be right?
John and Samantha have been wronged in different ways. The hurt runs deep. Can they face their fears together or will one keep running?
Christy weaves her tale very well.
John and Samantha have been wronged in different ways. The hurt runs deep. Can they face their fears together or will one keep running?
Christy weaves her tale very well.
November 11, 2024
Very Good
I really enjoyed Samantha and John’s adventure in each getting to know themselves and each other. The suspense had me turning pages late not the night. Now, I think I’ll go dream of island life.
I really enjoyed Samantha and John’s adventure in each getting to know themselves and each other. The suspense had me turning pages late not the night. Now, I think I’ll go dream of island life.
November 15, 2024
It’s a pretty good read m, altho I’d give it a 3.5, if I could. Single mom Samantha is fleeing from men who had embezzled money, and one of the men is a cop. Samantha flees to Smugglers Cove and helps a former Coast Guard guy renovate cabins…
January 21, 2025
Read it in one sitting
I stayed up too late because I had to just read one more chapter… until it was The End. Action-packed and character development are only two of the strong points. Christy Barritt is one of my favorite authors. She only confirmed that once again.
I stayed up too late because I had to just read one more chapter… until it was The End. Action-packed and character development are only two of the strong points. Christy Barritt is one of my favorite authors. She only confirmed that once again.
August 28, 2025
I rated this book a 5 star, but I always rate Christy's books 5 stars! I've never read a boring book by her! Once I begin, I'm hooked and can't put it down! Thank you Christy, for giving us good plots, great settings we would love to visit, and a faith infused heroine!
June 26, 2017
Loved it. Great suspense.
June 16, 2018
Samantha
I love Christy Barritt books.This was another great one.I have read almost all of Christy Barritt books and haven't been disappointed yet.
I love Christy Barritt books.This was another great one.I have read almost all of Christy Barritt books and haven't been disappointed yet.
January 26, 2023
A sweet read.
The suspense started on page one and didn't let up until the end. Loved reading about the island life. Sounds like a place I'd love to visit.
The suspense started on page one and didn't let up until the end. Loved reading about the island life. Sounds like a place I'd love to visit.
March 23, 2023
Another exciting story…
Fear, desperation, hope? Daring characters, brave characters. Time needed to face the past and future. Keep on reading and believing.
Fear, desperation, hope? Daring characters, brave characters. Time needed to face the past and future. Keep on reading and believing.
September 25, 2023
Fantastic job
This story has all the drama and intensity of Christ's stories. It is action packed and yet a touching and tender love story.
This story has all the drama and intensity of Christ's stories. It is action packed and yet a touching and tender love story.
June 6, 2024
great book
This author did an amazing job again. I loved this book and will be trying to find other books by her
This author did an amazing job again. I loved this book and will be trying to find other books by her
November 1, 2024
Quick easy read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews