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Undercurrents #1
Undercurrents
Shaye Kendall, an Olympic-bound swimmer, has been in the witness protection program ever since she witnessed her boyfriend's murder. She now has a new name, a new life, and strict orders not to reveal her secret. But fitting into a community is hard when you can't tell people anything about yourself.
When she learns that one of her new friends, Matt Whitmore, is LDS, she can't even tell him that she's a Mormon too.She doesn't dare get involved. The fact that Matt's father is a high-profile senator could give her the kind of exposure she doesn't need. How can you fall in love when you can never reveal who you really are?
But when someone almost takes her life, Shaye recognizes that whoever is after her knows exactly who and where she is. Can she trust Matt to help her? Can she trust his family?
When she learns that one of her new friends, Matt Whitmore, is LDS, she can't even tell him that she's a Mormon too.She doesn't dare get involved. The fact that Matt's father is a high-profile senator could give her the kind of exposure she doesn't need. How can you fall in love when you can never reveal who you really are?
But when someone almost takes her life, Shaye recognizes that whoever is after her knows exactly who and where she is. Can she trust Matt to help her? Can she trust his family?
172 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
89 people are currently reading
1843 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hunter Abramson
68 books1,984 followersTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
February 13, 2018
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Shaye Kendall, an Olympic-bound swimmer, has been in the witness protection program ever since she witnessed her boyfriend's murder. She now has a new name, a new life, and strict orders not to reveal her secret. But fitting into a community is hard when you can't tell people anything about yourself. When she learns that one of her new friends, Matt Whitmore, is LDS, she can't even tell him that she's a Mormon too. She doesn't dare get involved. The fact that Matt's father is a high-profile senator could give her the kind of exposure she doesn't need. How can you fall in love when you can never reveal who you really are?
But when someone almost takes her life, Shaye recognizes that whoever is after her knows exactly who and where she is. Can she trust Matt to help her? Can she trust his family?
MY TAKE
I love everything written by Abramson. I read this book some years ago and only recently realized it was available on audiobook. I love these characters. I love the tension in the series. What keeps them apart--all while they love each other and long to be together--is believable. The suspense is awesome too.
Written for an LDS audience, if the religious references (which are important to the characters) doesn't make you twitch, it's a good read. My father-in-law who is not of that religion but is religious wasn't bothered by it.
Shaye Kendall, an Olympic-bound swimmer, has been in the witness protection program ever since she witnessed her boyfriend's murder. She now has a new name, a new life, and strict orders not to reveal her secret. But fitting into a community is hard when you can't tell people anything about yourself. When she learns that one of her new friends, Matt Whitmore, is LDS, she can't even tell him that she's a Mormon too. She doesn't dare get involved. The fact that Matt's father is a high-profile senator could give her the kind of exposure she doesn't need. How can you fall in love when you can never reveal who you really are?
But when someone almost takes her life, Shaye recognizes that whoever is after her knows exactly who and where she is. Can she trust Matt to help her? Can she trust his family?
MY TAKE
I love everything written by Abramson. I read this book some years ago and only recently realized it was available on audiobook. I love these characters. I love the tension in the series. What keeps them apart--all while they love each other and long to be together--is believable. The suspense is awesome too.
Written for an LDS audience, if the religious references (which are important to the characters) doesn't make you twitch, it's a good read. My father-in-law who is not of that religion but is religious wasn't bothered by it.
February 10, 2016
At a Glance
Romance: Clean, just right
Language: None
Characters: Well developed
Plot: Fast paced and well defined.
Religious: LDS, Christian (non-pushy)
I was captivated with this story. It had just the right amount of suspense and romance. The religion was a part of their lives and not preached so it was not a distraction to the story. It was real and not cheesy. The storyline of a young girl in the witness protection program was well defined and felt real as we experience her struggle to blend who she was with who she has to become. Even the ending left enough hope though there were still obstacles to overcome.
I recommend it highly and can be read by a YA audience without hesitation. I will read the next one.
Romance: Clean, just right
Language: None
Characters: Well developed
Plot: Fast paced and well defined.
Religious: LDS, Christian (non-pushy)
I was captivated with this story. It had just the right amount of suspense and romance. The religion was a part of their lives and not preached so it was not a distraction to the story. It was real and not cheesy. The storyline of a young girl in the witness protection program was well defined and felt real as we experience her struggle to blend who she was with who she has to become. Even the ending left enough hope though there were still obstacles to overcome.
I recommend it highly and can be read by a YA audience without hesitation. I will read the next one.
December 22, 2023
This was the first book of Traci’s that I read a long time ago, and many times since. It’s the book that first introduces us to Jim and Katherine Whitmore and other characters who show up in many of her other books. When I heard it was getting rereleased with a new cover, I happily started rereading the series, and Undercurrents is as good as I remember it being! It’s funny how attached you can get to fictional characters, and I really love how the characters in this book live on in others.
This book starts out with Christal being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she ultimately ends up in the Witness Protection Program with a new identity. It’s not an easy feat to disappear when you are one of the top swimmers in the country, but she does her best to hide in plain sight. But when Matt Whitmore notices her, being invisible isn’t possible much longer.
This book starts out with Christal being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she ultimately ends up in the Witness Protection Program with a new identity. It’s not an easy feat to disappear when you are one of the top swimmers in the country, but she does her best to hide in plain sight. But when Matt Whitmore notices her, being invisible isn’t possible much longer.
July 3, 2013
I actually really liked this! It was suspenseful and had an intriguing story line! I liked the witness protection side of it and the fact that Shaye had to hide but yet tried to be true to herself. I think I might slowly be becoming a Traci fan! :) I'll have to give one of her other books a try!
March 17, 2016
Oh my, what a book. I don't normally read mysteries, but this one came highly recommended and was one I couldn't put down. It was well written, emotional and such a vibrant story. The end wasn't an end and of course I have to read the next one to fulfill my anxieties and questions about these characters I have become friends with.
April 22, 2008
I really liked this book--I have read it twice. The characters seem real and it isn't cheesy like some LDS fiction.
April 20, 2021
A quick clean read. I was expecting more action and less college romance. I’ll probably try one of her other books because they came recommended.
February 12, 2024
2024 Review:
The stage is set in this book full of intense moments and mystery, and sweet romance.
My heart hurt for Shaye and everything she went through. Witness Protection would be a really difficult life to live. But I loved the ways she grew, and how she pushed forward even while she was in the middle of the hard things.
The romance is so sweet in this one! Read it and tell me Matt doesn’t just melt you heart. The way he responds to her near the end when she has that one issue with her car? Yeah, I was sold. I was immediately rooting for both MCs to have their happy ending.
Speaking of the ending though, this ending is a doozy! Make sure to have book two lined up because you’re going to want it in your hands immediately!
CW/TW: murder and attempted murder; minor details about wounds or injuries; car bomb; being followed by someone who wants another dead; heavy religious themes, particularly represented is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2021 Review:
I’ve recently become a fan of Traci Hunter Abramson’s books so when this one was recommended for a challenge I’m participating in, I was happy to read it.
For a minute when I was reading, I thought everything was going to wrap up a little too nicely in a bow and I wasn’t thrilled about that. But plot twist! Things don’t get wrapped up! You need another book…or two! Yeah, I didn’t know this was part of a trilogy when I started it. But I like how the suspense built toward the end and really pulled me in. Now there is even more mystery and intrigue and I’m excited there is more to the story.
I really liked Shaye and felt kind of bad for her with her situation. It was an utterly rotten situation, definitely unfair. So I thought it was understandable that she was hesitant and came across as standoffish to some. I think I would, too. I also liked Matt and his family. Senator Whitmore and his family are some of my favorites in the Guardian series so it was fun that they’re in this series, too (which appears to be a prequel series to the Guardian series, actually). I liked that Matt was generally understanding and open to listening to Shaye, even when she caught him off guard and made things hard for him for a little bit. He’s a good character.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series!
*Note: this is a romance with heavy LDS cultural references interwoven throughout. If you’re unfamiliar with the LDS church or the jargon members of that church use, there will probably be some confusion at some parts. Nothing that would negate from the overall story, but just some things to be aware that could cause confusion. Also mentions drug dealing, shooting and killing, death, and witness protection.
The stage is set in this book full of intense moments and mystery, and sweet romance.
My heart hurt for Shaye and everything she went through. Witness Protection would be a really difficult life to live. But I loved the ways she grew, and how she pushed forward even while she was in the middle of the hard things.
The romance is so sweet in this one! Read it and tell me Matt doesn’t just melt you heart. The way he responds to her near the end when she has that one issue with her car? Yeah, I was sold. I was immediately rooting for both MCs to have their happy ending.
Speaking of the ending though, this ending is a doozy! Make sure to have book two lined up because you’re going to want it in your hands immediately!
CW/TW: murder and attempted murder; minor details about wounds or injuries; car bomb; being followed by someone who wants another dead; heavy religious themes, particularly represented is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2021 Review:
I’ve recently become a fan of Traci Hunter Abramson’s books so when this one was recommended for a challenge I’m participating in, I was happy to read it.
For a minute when I was reading, I thought everything was going to wrap up a little too nicely in a bow and I wasn’t thrilled about that. But plot twist! Things don’t get wrapped up! You need another book…or two! Yeah, I didn’t know this was part of a trilogy when I started it. But I like how the suspense built toward the end and really pulled me in. Now there is even more mystery and intrigue and I’m excited there is more to the story.
I really liked Shaye and felt kind of bad for her with her situation. It was an utterly rotten situation, definitely unfair. So I thought it was understandable that she was hesitant and came across as standoffish to some. I think I would, too. I also liked Matt and his family. Senator Whitmore and his family are some of my favorites in the Guardian series so it was fun that they’re in this series, too (which appears to be a prequel series to the Guardian series, actually). I liked that Matt was generally understanding and open to listening to Shaye, even when she caught him off guard and made things hard for him for a little bit. He’s a good character.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series!
*Note: this is a romance with heavy LDS cultural references interwoven throughout. If you’re unfamiliar with the LDS church or the jargon members of that church use, there will probably be some confusion at some parts. Nothing that would negate from the overall story, but just some things to be aware that could cause confusion. Also mentions drug dealing, shooting and killing, death, and witness protection.
February 19, 2024
Happy 20th anniversary to the Undercurrent series!! I was excited to learn that this series got new covers and a few content updates because this was the first series I read by Traci Hunter Abramson about a decade ago.
Shaye Kendall, aka Christal, is in the witness protection program after she witnesses her boyfriend's murder. After a swim practice she literally bumps into Matt Whitmore, son of Senator James Whitmore. Matt is taken with Shaye and although, she has to keep so many secrets about herself from him they start hanging out. One thing leads to another and before Shaye knows it--she and Matt are dating.
I loved the connection between Shaye and Matt and how the Whitmore family welcomed her in. They're one of my favorite fictional families and I'd love to be an honorary Whitmore. As always, I loved the dual POV, I really enjoy seeing both main character's side of the relationship. The author writes suspense like no one else and once I started rereading this series I couldn't stop and finished the trilogy over a weekend.
In the story, Matt and Shaye are both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mentions of faith and service related to the church, are shared in a natural way and not forced. I feel inspirational or Christian romantic suspense fan would enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shaye Kendall, aka Christal, is in the witness protection program after she witnesses her boyfriend's murder. After a swim practice she literally bumps into Matt Whitmore, son of Senator James Whitmore. Matt is taken with Shaye and although, she has to keep so many secrets about herself from him they start hanging out. One thing leads to another and before Shaye knows it--she and Matt are dating.
I loved the connection between Shaye and Matt and how the Whitmore family welcomed her in. They're one of my favorite fictional families and I'd love to be an honorary Whitmore. As always, I loved the dual POV, I really enjoy seeing both main character's side of the relationship. The author writes suspense like no one else and once I started rereading this series I couldn't stop and finished the trilogy over a weekend.
In the story, Matt and Shaye are both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mentions of faith and service related to the church, are shared in a natural way and not forced. I feel inspirational or Christian romantic suspense fan would enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 30, 2024
This book by Traci Hunter Abramson was a re-read for me. This book came out 20 years ago, and I read it as a young mom. Actually, I binge read the whole series after I put our daughter down for the nights. I loved getting to binge read it again. And I loved it just as much this time as I did the first time I read it.
I loved Shaye. She's a young college student. The reader knows that she is in the witness protection program, because she witnessed a murder. But to everyone else, she's just the shy swimmer who keeps to herself. One thing I really love about her character is the way she stays true to who she is. She wants to continue to go to church. And to do what's right.
Matt is such a great guy. He sees Shaye and there's just something about her. I love the way he works so hard to get her to see him, too. Not realizing that she's trying to protect not only her heart, but her life as well.
This book will keep you reading long after bed time wanting to make sure that both Matt and Shaye stay safe!
I loved Shaye. She's a young college student. The reader knows that she is in the witness protection program, because she witnessed a murder. But to everyone else, she's just the shy swimmer who keeps to herself. One thing I really love about her character is the way she stays true to who she is. She wants to continue to go to church. And to do what's right.
Matt is such a great guy. He sees Shaye and there's just something about her. I love the way he works so hard to get her to see him, too. Not realizing that she's trying to protect not only her heart, but her life as well.
This book will keep you reading long after bed time wanting to make sure that both Matt and Shaye stay safe!
March 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, more than I anticipated I would because of it being Abramson's first novel. Yes, her skill as an author grew, but she started from a great place! The book fits within the romantic suspense genre, with more on the romance side than a the thriller. But the suspense was the backdrop and was integral for the plot.
I found it very intriguing how she explored the witness protection program and its impact on things you hold most dear such as religion. I had never considered the complications or changing your identity and what that would do to LDS Church membership. Being very active LDS, I enjoyed the insight of this dynamic.
I found it very intriguing how she explored the witness protection program and its impact on things you hold most dear such as religion. I had never considered the complications or changing your identity and what that would do to LDS Church membership. Being very active LDS, I enjoyed the insight of this dynamic.
May 24, 2022
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I love the whole series.
Shay has to go into the witness protection program and it is hard to hide her because she is a swimmer trying to get on the olympic team.
Shay has to go into the witness protection program and it is hard to hide her because she is a swimmer trying to get on the olympic team.
May 21, 2019
This book is AWESOME!!
March 24, 2024
Quick, light read. Cheesy LDS content. Took a break from my non-fiction for something lighter and this delivered. I’ll probably pick up another of her books for the same reason.
June 10, 2025
when i was in 6th grade i had a fat crush on a boy named jack carson. he was an only child. his dad worked as the police sheriff and his mom was a prosecuting attorney. between the two of them, jack’s parents put a LOT of people in jail. his parents were afraid that someone would track down jack and hurt him as revenge for what his parents had done, so jack was forbidden from having any social media. it’s been 15 years since then and every once in a while i wonder, “what is jack up to? did he go to college? did he get married?” but guess what— he still has no social media. Jack Carson is a forgotten name. A forgotten identity. Someone without a past and therefore no known future.
Shaye Kendall might know something about that.
Shaye Kendall might know something about that.
November 21, 2022
Shaye has a new name, a new life, and strict orders not to reveal her secret. She is in the witness protection program and her life depends on her keeping her identity a secret. The problem is that someone knows her true identity and she is in danger. This is book 1 in a trilogy. LDS fiction.
#BookQuest categories=present day, "the" not in the title, and friends.
#BookQuest categories=present day, "the" not in the title, and friends.
March 3, 2020
enjoyed it again
December 28, 2020
Cute. Better than average for the genre.
August 18, 2024
I just love the Whitmore family.
December 28, 2023
This was the book that introduced me to one of my all-time favorite authors and set of characters! It is as good now as it was over a decade ago!
Shaye was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and witnessed something she shouldn’t have. With her Olympic dreams dashed and no family to speak of, she exists without community or connection.
When she unexpectedly finds love and belonging, can she stay the path and keep everyone safe?
Read this book if you like:
🏊♀️ Fast-paced Books
🏊♀️ Suspense
🏊♀️ Witness Protection
🏊♀️ Riding Horses
🏊♀️ Finding Faith
🏊♀️ Stunning Artwork
🏊♀️ High Profile Characters
🏊♀️ Dual POV
This is Book 1 in the Undercurrents series which rereleases with new covers on Jan 24. It was such a delight to do a buddy read with @klas for this book! I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shaye was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and witnessed something she shouldn’t have. With her Olympic dreams dashed and no family to speak of, she exists without community or connection.
When she unexpectedly finds love and belonging, can she stay the path and keep everyone safe?
Read this book if you like:
🏊♀️ Fast-paced Books
🏊♀️ Suspense
🏊♀️ Witness Protection
🏊♀️ Riding Horses
🏊♀️ Finding Faith
🏊♀️ Stunning Artwork
🏊♀️ High Profile Characters
🏊♀️ Dual POV
This is Book 1 in the Undercurrents series which rereleases with new covers on Jan 24. It was such a delight to do a buddy read with @klas for this book! I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 25, 2017
This book will keep you up all night, trust me! It also includes clean romance and gives different perspectives of several characters, so you know what's going on.
January 11, 2024
"Shaye, you landed the most eligible bachelor on campus, and you didn't even tell me!"
Traci Hunter Abramson's romantic suspense are what I live for!
Undercurrents is book 1 in the Undercurrents trilogy and the new covers Covenant has designed to celebrate nearly 20 years from when this book first came out is a dream as well!
This is the perfect mash-up of romance and suspense! I also love the dash of sports romance both of the main characters bring. When it comes to suspense-Traci is queen and this book will have you racing to turn the pages!
Be aware that this trilogy follows the same two main characters and if you're going to get one book, just know I recommend having books 2 and 3 on hand.
Once you start you wont want to stop :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: Mild suspense and violence, witness protection program, sports, romance-kisses only.
Traci Hunter Abramson's romantic suspense are what I live for!
Undercurrents is book 1 in the Undercurrents trilogy and the new covers Covenant has designed to celebrate nearly 20 years from when this book first came out is a dream as well!
This is the perfect mash-up of romance and suspense! I also love the dash of sports romance both of the main characters bring. When it comes to suspense-Traci is queen and this book will have you racing to turn the pages!
Be aware that this trilogy follows the same two main characters and if you're going to get one book, just know I recommend having books 2 and 3 on hand.
Once you start you wont want to stop :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: Mild suspense and violence, witness protection program, sports, romance-kisses only.
December 26, 2014
Ok, I loved this book! Just the right amount of suspense. Just the right amount of romance. Just the right amount of spirituality. It was not cheesy like so many LDS fiction books are. I love Traci's writing style. She writes like she actually understands the English language. Some authors are incapable of being creative in how they convey messages.
I got really attached to the characters involved. I loved Thanksgiving at Matt's house. It made me excited for the holiday season. The book made me want to swim, it made me want to fall in love, and it made me want to be a better person. That's when I decide a book deserves 5 stars. It entertained me and pulled real emotions and desires out of me.
I'm so glad I bought all three books at once! I'd be dying right now if I did not have the second one to jump into!
I got really attached to the characters involved. I loved Thanksgiving at Matt's house. It made me excited for the holiday season. The book made me want to swim, it made me want to fall in love, and it made me want to be a better person. That's when I decide a book deserves 5 stars. It entertained me and pulled real emotions and desires out of me.
I'm so glad I bought all three books at once! I'd be dying right now if I did not have the second one to jump into!
December 4, 2015
I didn't realize that this author's book series had all the same characters. It gets a little tedious and simultaneously overwhelming to remember so much about each character. I'm not a huge fan of that. But by itself this book was one of my least favorites by this author. And it was even shorter than most of her books! Shaye is in the witness protection program for seeing the murder of her boyfriend. Matt meets her and falls in love with her. Trouble happens and Shaye runs for her life. Chris Rush is a judge behind it all but he's not caught in this book. You have to read the rest of the books to find out how it all works out. But since I've read other books I know it all works out. Matt marries Shaye who goes by CJ (Christal Jones is her real name). Definitely not my favorite and I don't think I will read any more if this series since I've already started the others. Ages 13+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2016
I read this book many years ago, and made notes that I am now sharing for my review, I love this author, she tells a story that draws you in and I never want to put one of her books down. The story is about a girl who is in Witness Protection, she is also a very good swimmer, she needs to stay hidden which is hard to do when you want to get on the olympic team for swimming. While at school she meets Matt, whose father is a High Profile Senator, she really likes him but thinks its dangerous to get too close when she doesn't want the bad people to find her.
December 18, 2023
This book is the one that got me into the suspense romance genre. It was also the first book that I ever read by Traci Hunter Abramson. Diving (pun intended) back into the beginning of where we first meet the Whitmore family, I enjoyed every single page. I loved how Matt and Shaye’s relationship changed so naturally. Just so realistic. I love the tension and suspense throughout the book. Traci has shown us even then, that she is a magnificent writer.
February 5, 2024
I read this book several years ago. I struggled getting into it a little more this time, however, I think that had more to do with the narrator than it did with the book. There were things my sister pointed out that I didn't think of the first time I read it -- like what it would actually mean for someone LDS to go into witness protection -- and I paid attention more to that this time. I really enjoyed the book.
May 25, 2018
My most common complaint is when an author is too wordy. Abramson has the opposite problem. She writes like I imagine I would if I were an author -- she's very concise. The result is that the story often felt rushed, and I had a difficult time connecting to the characters. It was cute and clean, though. I liked it, I just didn't fall in love with it.
September 29, 2007
my mom bought this book for me on tape and one day i was so sick so i listened to it. i enjoyed it so much that i went to the library the next day to check out the actually book and i got the sequel. its full of suspense and mystery. it was very captivating and entertaining
April 3, 2018
I really liked this series, much more than I expected to. I'm not a big fan of LDS fiction, so I was pleasantly surprised. Read all three books in the series; very enjoyable. Quick read, plot wasn't too deep, though there were a few twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews