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Mission: Rescue #2
Her Christmas Guardian
TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER
Former army ranger Boone Anderson immediately senses danger when he spots Scout Cramer and her precious little girl while holiday shopping. Then two cars suddenly give chase in the parking lot—kidnapping the child. His worst suspicions are confirmed, and professional instincts propel him into action. Having lost his own infant daughter years before, Boone is determined to reunite the beautiful single mother and her missing child. But when a secret from Scout's past finally catches up to her, she must work with her self-appointed guardian to save her daughter. Before the kidnappers cancel Christmas for all of them…permanently.
Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes
Former army ranger Boone Anderson immediately senses danger when he spots Scout Cramer and her precious little girl while holiday shopping. Then two cars suddenly give chase in the parking lot—kidnapping the child. His worst suspicions are confirmed, and professional instincts propel him into action. Having lost his own infant daughter years before, Boone is determined to reunite the beautiful single mother and her missing child. But when a secret from Scout's past finally catches up to her, she must work with her self-appointed guardian to save her daughter. Before the kidnappers cancel Christmas for all of them…permanently.
Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
113 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 6, 2018
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this short, sweet, suspense-y story by Shirlee McCoy. The characters were realistic, the supporting cast was hilarious, and Lucy was adorable! <3 The conclusion to the mystery was a little lacking\confusing, but overall, I enjoyed this, and may or may not read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this short, sweet, suspense-y story by Shirlee McCoy. The characters were realistic, the supporting cast was hilarious, and Lucy was adorable! <3 The conclusion to the mystery was a little lacking\confusing, but overall, I enjoyed this, and may or may not read the rest of the series.
June 24, 2019
'We don't always have to be in control to be content. We don't always have to know every outcome to have peace. Sometimes we've just got to trust that the things we can't control are in God's hands, that He's working His good through the worst of circumstances.'
I discovered this author late last year and I've been devouring her books ever since. I've only worked my way through a small portion of her 40 or so books, but it sure is great being able to read one right after the other! Shirlee McCoy is a master of inspirational romantic suspense. I loved Boone's story! He is a character and so the suspense is riveting. Highly recommended.
I discovered this author late last year and I've been devouring her books ever since. I've only worked my way through a small portion of her 40 or so books, but it sure is great being able to read one right after the other! Shirlee McCoy is a master of inspirational romantic suspense. I loved Boone's story! He is a character and so the suspense is riveting. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2014
A sense of danger shivered up my spine as I read the very first page and I didn't stop quaking until the end. This is the second book in the Mission: Rescue series and it is just as good as the first. Reoccurring secondary characters in the form of Hostage Rescue and Extraction team members play an integral role in solving this case. I love the continuity they bring to the series, the chance to get to know them a little better and the thrill of being able to read their stories in future books.
But this is Boone's story and what a dynamic hero! Protective, sharp, determined, focused. Failure is not an option for this guy. He's in the right place at the right time to become entangled in Scout's treacherous life. The consistent, breakneck pace kept me frantically turning pages. In fact, Her Christmas Guardian is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting. It's that good.
But this is Boone's story and what a dynamic hero! Protective, sharp, determined, focused. Failure is not an option for this guy. He's in the right place at the right time to become entangled in Scout's treacherous life. The consistent, breakneck pace kept me frantically turning pages. In fact, Her Christmas Guardian is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting. It's that good.
December 3, 2015
There was definitely a feeling of desperation in this suspense novel of kidnapping and hostage rescue. I liked the characters and the team that Boone worked with. The sense of connection between Scout and Boone helped make the light romantic feelings between them believable in the midst of a crisis. There were some plot points that felt muddled and didn't quite come together, as well as some decisions made by the police and hostage team that didn't seem realistic.
(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
July 8, 2018
This is the 2nd book I read by Shirlee McCoy. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. I loved ❤ the Christian theme in this story. I loved ❤ the action in this story. I loved ❤ Scout's character. I loved ❤ Boone's character. I loved ❤ Lucy. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. McCoy.
April 14, 2015
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So the title of this book suggests a very Christmas themed thriller, but to be honest, there is not a lot about this book that feels like Christmas, other than it is winter time, it's snowing, and there is something really important in a box marked Christmas. I do love a good suspense though, and this was very suspenseful, it reads like a fast past movie or tv show, I could easily see the images in my mind (way to go with descriptions).
So the story starts and its clear that Scout is afraid of someone and it seems like she has taken a lot of time and effort into not being noticed by anyone, her and her toddler daughter, Lucy, largely keep to themselves. Almost right as the book starts, Scout is ambushed and her daughter is taken and she is left for dead in the woods. Thankfully Boone, an ex military with a heartbreaking past, sees all this and can't help but him and the people he works with involved in the search for this kidnapped little girl.
This book reads much more like a suspense than a romance, yes there is a connection between Boone and Scout, but let's face it they are in the middle of an intense situation, Scout is seriously injured, and they are racing against the clock to find her little girl, so there isn't really time for cute flirtations or anything like that. It really is heartbreaking to read, it's one of those scenarios you pray you never have to go through yourself, and you can't help but to empathize with Scout and all that she is going through. You want her to find her daughter more than anything else in the book.
Boone is such a great character. He's an alpha guy, and he is totally take control and do whatever it takes to find little Lucy. He too knows what it is like to be in Scout's shoes, so he wants to make sure that this little girl is brought home. I love that he advocates for her, and that he stands up to the police when he thinks they are going in the wrong direction or questioning Scout too hard.
There is a big mystery going on within the book, who are the kidnappers, what do they want, and what the heck is going on. Scout certainly has no idea what she could possibly have that someone else would want, so a lot of this book is trying to put the pieces back together. Because of that there isn't a lot more I can say without really ruining it for you, but I liked all the mystery and it kept the pace really fast, which I also liked. If you liked suspenseful/thriller books with a little romance thrown in, then this might be the book for you.
So the title of this book suggests a very Christmas themed thriller, but to be honest, there is not a lot about this book that feels like Christmas, other than it is winter time, it's snowing, and there is something really important in a box marked Christmas. I do love a good suspense though, and this was very suspenseful, it reads like a fast past movie or tv show, I could easily see the images in my mind (way to go with descriptions).
So the story starts and its clear that Scout is afraid of someone and it seems like she has taken a lot of time and effort into not being noticed by anyone, her and her toddler daughter, Lucy, largely keep to themselves. Almost right as the book starts, Scout is ambushed and her daughter is taken and she is left for dead in the woods. Thankfully Boone, an ex military with a heartbreaking past, sees all this and can't help but him and the people he works with involved in the search for this kidnapped little girl.
This book reads much more like a suspense than a romance, yes there is a connection between Boone and Scout, but let's face it they are in the middle of an intense situation, Scout is seriously injured, and they are racing against the clock to find her little girl, so there isn't really time for cute flirtations or anything like that. It really is heartbreaking to read, it's one of those scenarios you pray you never have to go through yourself, and you can't help but to empathize with Scout and all that she is going through. You want her to find her daughter more than anything else in the book.
Boone is such a great character. He's an alpha guy, and he is totally take control and do whatever it takes to find little Lucy. He too knows what it is like to be in Scout's shoes, so he wants to make sure that this little girl is brought home. I love that he advocates for her, and that he stands up to the police when he thinks they are going in the wrong direction or questioning Scout too hard.
There is a big mystery going on within the book, who are the kidnappers, what do they want, and what the heck is going on. Scout certainly has no idea what she could possibly have that someone else would want, so a lot of this book is trying to put the pieces back together. Because of that there isn't a lot more I can say without really ruining it for you, but I liked all the mystery and it kept the pace really fast, which I also liked. If you liked suspenseful/thriller books with a little romance thrown in, then this might be the book for you.
November 22, 2025
Suspense filled story with an inspiring and heartfelt theme, Her Christmas Guardian is a sweet but pulse pounding holiday read.
Scout's daughter is kidnapped. Boone Anderson, understanding the loss of a child, devotes his services as a member of HEART to bring them back together. Both Scout and Boone have burdens they carry close to their hearts. The story is a powerful testament, showing personal growth and learning to cope with personal loss.
I enjoyed the intense situations paired with the heart warming storyline. Shirlee McCoy creates characters with flaws and makes them relatable. I found Her Christmas Guardian a touching holiday read, ringing in the season with a faith inspired novel.
I received this ARC copy of Her Christmas Guardian from Harlequin - Love Inspired Suspense in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication December 2, 2014.
Scout's daughter is kidnapped. Boone Anderson, understanding the loss of a child, devotes his services as a member of HEART to bring them back together. Both Scout and Boone have burdens they carry close to their hearts. The story is a powerful testament, showing personal growth and learning to cope with personal loss.
I enjoyed the intense situations paired with the heart warming storyline. Shirlee McCoy creates characters with flaws and makes them relatable. I found Her Christmas Guardian a touching holiday read, ringing in the season with a faith inspired novel.
I received this ARC copy of Her Christmas Guardian from Harlequin - Love Inspired Suspense in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication December 2, 2014.
November 1, 2014
HER CHRISTMAS GUARDIAN by Shirlee McCoy is another nail-biter from Shirlee! The second book of her new Mission:Rescue series, HCG, is another page turning suspense with an inspiring theme of coping and moving on with life after the loss of a loved one by a stalker or kidnapper. With the aid of HEART, a hostage rescue team devoted to rescuing victims and reuniting families. What an incredibly powerful story! and so wonderfully written! Love your books, Shirlee, have never been disappointed in any of them! I LOVE this series and am looking forward to the next installment! Definitely give this book a 5 star rating and recommend it to anyone wanting a good inspirational suspense written by a lovely Christian lady.
December 19, 2014
Her Christmas Guardian is a great, suspenseful, edge of your seat, tinged with romance book. It is a short read but keeps your attention throughout. Scout's daughter is kidnapped and Boone wants to help to locate her. He works for a rescue and location company. He has also had his daughter kidnapped in the past. This story is a story of faith, family, restoration, and progress. I enjoyed it tremendously.
I received the book from the author for my honest opinion.
I received the book from the author for my honest opinion.
November 7, 2014
I don't really go for books like this but I found myself enjoying this book all the same. I had requested this book because I wanted to get into the holiday spirit with my reading so that drew me to this book. It was hard for me to put the book down I had to know what was going to happen next. This was well written, the story line was interesting and good for you lovely readers who are interesting in a book that's during the holidays with loads of suspense.
May 22, 2015
I loved this book. I also loved the main character Boone.
February 17, 2017
Very good.
February 17, 2017
The book was very good.
February 7, 2018
Fantastic story
Thank you Ms. McCoy for writing such a great book. Cannot wait to read more in this series. The characters are exceptional, the setting is wonderful.
Thank you Ms. McCoy for writing such a great book. Cannot wait to read more in this series. The characters are exceptional, the setting is wonderful.
May 28, 2019
I was really hoping Boone's book was going to be awesome. I am quite disappointed. This was probably one of the lightest romances out of the series (I am totally reading these out of order), but it unfortunately couldn't save it from still having some of those classic romance plot clichés I find myself having major issues with. I can't stand it sometimes.
What are my issues? Well, first off Boone and Scout only have known each other…what, 2-3 days (at least while Scout was conscious)? 6 days if you count the 3 days she was unconscious in hospital….but they have already decided, in those 2-3 very tense days that Scout is frantically looking for Lucy, that they simply must be in a relationship. Then that leads into the Christmas season (issue 2), which let’s just say is a few weeks later, tops. And this is when the author just has to throw in one of those Christmas will you marry me proposals. She says yes…
So this lady who says men are not to be relayed upon, who is supposedly leery because the last two were liars, who’s just getting over being stalked, shot at, beaten and having her kid stolen from her just says yes? After knowing him for how long? A month? Maybe I’m just a jaded, crazy, bitter, cynical person, but no. I cannot make that fantasy leap. The cautious, wonderful mother Scout is, I don't believe for a second she would make that dive so soon.
What the author did get working in her favour was the desperation pouring off of Scout. That was pretty well portrayed, all things considered. Her attraction to Boone totally took a back seat to her worry over her daughter. Not to say I thought everything in the situation was portrayed well, but the majority ruled on this point.
And that feeling of desperation helped make up for the fact the plot was a bit odd…and muddled. Oh, and the police officers….yeah I don’t think so. Lamar is kind of a jerk to a woman who is obviously devastated and made desperate because of her daughter's kidnapping. And Rodriguez or whatever the hell her name was. Yeah right. I highly doubt the police would ever say they were going to FORCE someone to not go to the meet point during a kidnapping situation. They could advise against it, but I like to believe that if you said "too damn bad, I'm going. That's my baby they have" they would be like "Okay, free country. Let us help you be as safe as possible." not "You're going to miss that meeting" (paraphrasing, obviously). At least that's my limited experience acquired via documentaries about kidnapping.
All in all this one was a disappoint to me. I really like this series over all, and I was hoping Boone and Scout would have a good back story...not so much. But if you are able to suspend you belief in reality and gloss over romance cliches...and the idea that most police officers involved are a holes, you might not mind this one.
What are my issues? Well, first off Boone and Scout only have known each other…what, 2-3 days (at least while Scout was conscious)? 6 days if you count the 3 days she was unconscious in hospital….but they have already decided, in those 2-3 very tense days that Scout is frantically looking for Lucy, that they simply must be in a relationship. Then that leads into the Christmas season (issue 2), which let’s just say is a few weeks later, tops. And this is when the author just has to throw in one of those Christmas will you marry me proposals. She says yes…
So this lady who says men are not to be relayed upon, who is supposedly leery because the last two were liars, who’s just getting over being stalked, shot at, beaten and having her kid stolen from her just says yes? After knowing him for how long? A month? Maybe I’m just a jaded, crazy, bitter, cynical person, but no. I cannot make that fantasy leap. The cautious, wonderful mother Scout is, I don't believe for a second she would make that dive so soon.
What the author did get working in her favour was the desperation pouring off of Scout. That was pretty well portrayed, all things considered. Her attraction to Boone totally took a back seat to her worry over her daughter. Not to say I thought everything in the situation was portrayed well, but the majority ruled on this point.
And that feeling of desperation helped make up for the fact the plot was a bit odd…and muddled. Oh, and the police officers….yeah I don’t think so. Lamar is kind of a jerk to a woman who is obviously devastated and made desperate because of her daughter's kidnapping. And Rodriguez or whatever the hell her name was. Yeah right. I highly doubt the police would ever say they were going to FORCE someone to not go to the meet point during a kidnapping situation. They could advise against it, but I like to believe that if you said "too damn bad, I'm going. That's my baby they have" they would be like "Okay, free country. Let us help you be as safe as possible." not "You're going to miss that meeting" (paraphrasing, obviously). At least that's my limited experience acquired via documentaries about kidnapping.
All in all this one was a disappoint to me. I really like this series over all, and I was hoping Boone and Scout would have a good back story...not so much. But if you are able to suspend you belief in reality and gloss over romance cliches...and the idea that most police officers involved are a holes, you might not mind this one.
February 21, 2020
I have to admit that if this wasn't a Love Inspired Suspense book, I don't know if I would have rated it a 4. It is much better than many other books in this line, so I think it deserves more than an average rating.
I haven't read the previous book in the Mission: Rescue series/subseries. I think this book can stand on its own, though the relationships within HEART might have been explained in the first book of the series, but that's really the only part that gave me a bit of pause while reading.
The story grips you from the beginning--though it is a bit similar to another romantic suspense book I read not too long ago, and that did have me wondering if I'd read this one already or not for a page or two. (I had not.)
In our current culture, it seems many people just keep to themselves and don't offer to help someone who seems to be in trouble. It was a bit refreshing to read about Boone offering help to a stranger his instincts told him was in trouble. I was also impressed that his coworkers rallied around him with few questions--being loyal to their friendship with him even when it wasn't their "job" to do so. I could understand the one friend being a bit nervous about having them stay at his girlfriend's house--he was worried the danger would follow them and involve his girlfriend in a potentially dangerous situation. But I didn't see him ASK her what her thoughts on it were. Did she want to offer shelter and he was the one being cautious? Or did he just agree without asking her? That's not explained.
Sometimes I think the "griping" was a way for the characters to relieve tension or diffuse a tense situation, rather than being serious complaining.
I haven't read the previous book in the Mission: Rescue series/subseries. I think this book can stand on its own, though the relationships within HEART might have been explained in the first book of the series, but that's really the only part that gave me a bit of pause while reading.
The story grips you from the beginning--though it is a bit similar to another romantic suspense book I read not too long ago, and that did have me wondering if I'd read this one already or not for a page or two. (I had not.)
In our current culture, it seems many people just keep to themselves and don't offer to help someone who seems to be in trouble. It was a bit refreshing to read about Boone offering help to a stranger his instincts told him was in trouble. I was also impressed that his coworkers rallied around him with few questions--being loyal to their friendship with him even when it wasn't their "job" to do so. I could understand the one friend being a bit nervous about having them stay at his girlfriend's house--he was worried the danger would follow them and involve his girlfriend in a potentially dangerous situation. But I didn't see him ASK her what her thoughts on it were. Did she want to offer shelter and he was the one being cautious? Or did he just agree without asking her? That's not explained.
Sometimes I think the "griping" was a way for the characters to relieve tension or diffuse a tense situation, rather than being serious complaining.
January 13, 2021
I loved that the hero's name was Boone, but I had some serious issues with his relationship with Scout. They seemed to come to an understanding of each other far too quickly. Also, I was troubled that Scout was shot in the head (a graze, but she was still out of commision for three days) and yet insisted on being part of the hunt for her daughter. It felt like a stretch that medical professionals were agreeing to that.
December 29, 2020
OK I'll admit this is the cozy mystery or Hallmark movie version of romantic suspense, but I really enjoy these books. The heroine is not a helpless female, but can accept when she needs help. The hero has military background and capabilities without being all alpha. I will continue the series which I wandered into sort of randomly.
April 20, 2019
WOW!!!!!
This book was excellent. It contained intrique, mystery, a faith in God and romance. It led the main characters through the valley of death and brought them out the other side with their lives intact and a bright future to look forward to.
This book was excellent. It contained intrique, mystery, a faith in God and romance. It led the main characters through the valley of death and brought them out the other side with their lives intact and a bright future to look forward to.
July 22, 2020
Mission
These books are an interesting story that keeps God and family at the forefront as they should be. Thank you Ms. McCoy.
These books are an interesting story that keeps God and family at the forefront as they should be. Thank you Ms. McCoy.
June 29, 2022
This book was not too bad.
December 27, 2023
I love the fast paced suspense of Shirlee McCoy's books and this one is no exception. I loved it!
July 27, 2024
Nice work 👏
Nice one, I love the characters, the strenght but most of all the faith in God that will pull them through.
Nice one, I love the characters, the strenght but most of all the faith in God that will pull them through.
July 30, 2024
wonderful read
This book needs more than 5 stars. The action starts from the beginning with no let up till the end.
This book needs more than 5 stars. The action starts from the beginning with no let up till the end.
November 25, 2015
SUMMARY: Former army ranger Boone Anderson immediately senses danger when he spots Scout Cramer and her precious little girl while holiday shopping. Then two cars suddenly give chase in the parking lot—kidnapping the child. His worst suspicions are confirmed, and professional instincts propel him into action. Having lost his own infant daughter years before, Boone is determined to reunite the beautiful single mother and her missing child. But when a secret from Scout's past finally catches up to her, she must work with her self-appointed guardian to save her daughter. Before the kidnappers cancel Christmas for all of them…permanently.
REVIEW: Once again a book with a Christmas title that really didn't have anything to do with Christmas other than the time of year. This was a good suspense novel and is part of the Mission:Rescue series. I really liked Boone and Scout. Boone was haunted by his past and sought to overcome it through his rescue work. Scout thought her "mousy, routine" life was just perfect not realizing that something in her past would turn her whole world upside down. The emphasis is more on the suspense than the romance but you can see the sparks developing. A quick, clean, easy to read Love-Inspired suspense that contains a good faith thread.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "What is hope except the belief in something that you desperately want but aren't sure is going to happen?"
"We don't always have to be in control to be content. We don't have to always know every outcome to have peace. Sometimes we've just got to trust that the things we can't control are in God's hands, that He's working His good through the worst of circumstances."
"Don't make this be about discomfort or hardship. All it's about is love. I have enough of that to get me through anything."
"Believing is half the battle." "What's the other half?" "Knowing that whatever happens, God is in control of it, and that it really will be okay."
REVIEW: Once again a book with a Christmas title that really didn't have anything to do with Christmas other than the time of year. This was a good suspense novel and is part of the Mission:Rescue series. I really liked Boone and Scout. Boone was haunted by his past and sought to overcome it through his rescue work. Scout thought her "mousy, routine" life was just perfect not realizing that something in her past would turn her whole world upside down. The emphasis is more on the suspense than the romance but you can see the sparks developing. A quick, clean, easy to read Love-Inspired suspense that contains a good faith thread.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "What is hope except the belief in something that you desperately want but aren't sure is going to happen?"
"We don't always have to be in control to be content. We don't have to always know every outcome to have peace. Sometimes we've just got to trust that the things we can't control are in God's hands, that He's working His good through the worst of circumstances."
"Don't make this be about discomfort or hardship. All it's about is love. I have enough of that to get me through anything."
"Believing is half the battle." "What's the other half?" "Knowing that whatever happens, God is in control of it, and that it really will be okay."
December 3, 2014
4 STARS
A parents worse nightmare something has happened to your child. Both Boone and Scout have a child missing. Her Christmas Guardian is full of drama, action suspense that will keep you glued to the story.
Scout Cramer and her daughter notice somebody following them. She makes it to her car and cars follow her and take her daughter. Scout is a single mother. She has lived in the same town for three years. Scout has no family except her three year old daughter.
Boone Anderson has had his daughter taken 5 years ago while he was overseas fighting. He can't find his daughter but he helps others reunite with theirs. He notices Scout scared in store and tries to help her. He realizes three cars are following her so he joins in.
Scout will do anything to be with her daughter again. Boone convinces his boss that they can help her at no charge and they step in to help protect Scout even from herself so she can be with her daughter.
This is the second book in the Mission Rescue series. A few of the characters are back to help Scout.
This is a fast read. I wish it was longer story more in depth but it is a good action packed clean story. I hope we get to see more about Boone's past get resolved.
I like Shirlee McCoy's writing style. Will read more stories from her in the future.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of Her Christmas Guardian.
December 1, 2014
When her little girl, Lucy, is kidnapped, single mom, Scout, teams up with Boone and his rescue team to bring Lucy home.
As a romance, this didn’t quite work for me, it’s a tricky premise to have the heroine fall in love when you’d think her entire focus would be on locating her child, plus the falling for one another happened so quickly and with limited interactions.
I was puzzled that Scout didn’t automatically volunteer whatever might bring back her daughter, it seemed strange to me that it took her so long to relay the backstory to Boone, even if she was ashamed, it was so clearly relevant to her daughter’s case. Scout had gone into hiding with the kid for a reason, and that reason made for some pretty obvious suspects that I thought she would divulge immediately, after all, who did she think was after her in Walmart, if not that family?
The action scenes were good and panicky, and I did enjoy pondering what the deal was with Amber’s family, though I found the reveal to be a bit of a letdown.
Lastly, if you’re considering this because the title implies it’s a Christmas novel, there’s mention of a Christmas tree and that’s kind of it. I get that it’s a marketing decision, the publisher thinks a Christmas title will sell at this time of year, but if it ends up feeling like false advertising and breaks the reader’s trust, I’m not sure that it’s the most beneficial sort of marketing.
I received this through a Goodreads giveaway.
As a romance, this didn’t quite work for me, it’s a tricky premise to have the heroine fall in love when you’d think her entire focus would be on locating her child, plus the falling for one another happened so quickly and with limited interactions.
I was puzzled that Scout didn’t automatically volunteer whatever might bring back her daughter, it seemed strange to me that it took her so long to relay the backstory to Boone, even if she was ashamed, it was so clearly relevant to her daughter’s case. Scout had gone into hiding with the kid for a reason, and that reason made for some pretty obvious suspects that I thought she would divulge immediately, after all, who did she think was after her in Walmart, if not that family?
The action scenes were good and panicky, and I did enjoy pondering what the deal was with Amber’s family, though I found the reveal to be a bit of a letdown.
Lastly, if you’re considering this because the title implies it’s a Christmas novel, there’s mention of a Christmas tree and that’s kind of it. I get that it’s a marketing decision, the publisher thinks a Christmas title will sell at this time of year, but if it ends up feeling like false advertising and breaks the reader’s trust, I’m not sure that it’s the most beneficial sort of marketing.
I received this through a Goodreads giveaway.
December 9, 2014
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Harlequin romances are always very enjoyable and satisfying. This "Love Inspired Suspense" kept me reading until the end to see what happens.
Although this book was #2 in the Mission Rescue series, it is not necessary to the story line to have read the first book, but it may help to have prior familiarity with the other members of HEART (Hostage Extraction and Rescue Team).
Scout Cramer cut all ties in San Jose and ran away to rural Virginia to raise her daughter Lucy. Boone notices the young mother and her child when they suddenly bolt from the crowded Walmart and bump into him. He recognizes the fear in her eyes and tries to help her, but she refuses. He can't shake the feeling that something is wrong, and while he watches her drive away he notices several SUVs follow her and kidnap her child. Boone calls in HEART to find the child. As they work together to rescue her, Boone and Scout grow closer through their mutual losses.
I liked the story and the characters, and I would recommend this book for a quick suspenseful read, but the following issues prevent me from giving it 5 stars: 1) It seemed like their feelings developed too fast with too little interaction between them. 2) The big reveal was a little anticlimactic and rushed. Although the title is Her Christmas Guardian, the book itself wasn't very Christmas-y (this didn't really bother me).
Harlequin romances are always very enjoyable and satisfying. This "Love Inspired Suspense" kept me reading until the end to see what happens.
Although this book was #2 in the Mission Rescue series, it is not necessary to the story line to have read the first book, but it may help to have prior familiarity with the other members of HEART (Hostage Extraction and Rescue Team).
Scout Cramer cut all ties in San Jose and ran away to rural Virginia to raise her daughter Lucy. Boone notices the young mother and her child when they suddenly bolt from the crowded Walmart and bump into him. He recognizes the fear in her eyes and tries to help her, but she refuses. He can't shake the feeling that something is wrong, and while he watches her drive away he notices several SUVs follow her and kidnap her child. Boone calls in HEART to find the child. As they work together to rescue her, Boone and Scout grow closer through their mutual losses.
I liked the story and the characters, and I would recommend this book for a quick suspenseful read, but the following issues prevent me from giving it 5 stars: 1) It seemed like their feelings developed too fast with too little interaction between them. 2) The big reveal was a little anticlimactic and rushed. Although the title is Her Christmas Guardian, the book itself wasn't very Christmas-y (this didn't really bother me).
March 15, 2015
The rugged Maryland landscape is up front in this wintry tale. A young mother has her small girl kidnapped after her car is forced to crash. The woman was also followed by a former Army ranger who had seen her in a large store on the outskirts of town and suspected she needed help.
I found some elements good but thought others needed more explanation at the right time. If the hero is standing in the staff area of the store when the girl comes in, and he tells her she shouldn't be there, why was he there? I kept waiting to be told. Instead we learnt all about how his wife went into a cult and brought their child, who is now a missing person. While this supplies his motivation well, it doesn't tell us why he was in the staff room.
The hero is part of a group which rescues kidnap hostages. It decides to help find the little girl pro bono. That would be, instead of calling in the FBI? I keep thinking there is a conflict of interests somewhere, or a lack of communication. Anyway there is plenty of action so if you are after a lively suspense read with a slight but growing romance as the characters spend time together, you may well enjoy this book.
I found some elements good but thought others needed more explanation at the right time. If the hero is standing in the staff area of the store when the girl comes in, and he tells her she shouldn't be there, why was he there? I kept waiting to be told. Instead we learnt all about how his wife went into a cult and brought their child, who is now a missing person. While this supplies his motivation well, it doesn't tell us why he was in the staff room.
The hero is part of a group which rescues kidnap hostages. It decides to help find the little girl pro bono. That would be, instead of calling in the FBI? I keep thinking there is a conflict of interests somewhere, or a lack of communication. Anyway there is plenty of action so if you are after a lively suspense read with a slight but growing romance as the characters spend time together, you may well enjoy this book.
March 18, 2015
From the cover: Former army ranger Boone Anderson immediately senses danger when he spots Scout Cramer and her precious little girl while holiday shopping. Then two cars suddenly give chase in the parking lot—kidnapping the child. His worst suspicions are confirmed, and professional instincts propel him into action. Having lost his own infant daughter years before, Boone is determined to reunite the beautiful single mother and her missing child. But when a secret from Scout's past finally catches up to her, she must work with her self-appointed guardian to save her daughter. Before the kidnappers cancel Christmas for all of them…permanently.
This was a nice little book, with some suspense. I have read several books from the love inspired suspense group from Harlequin, but this one was different. I can't quite put 'my finger' on why I gave it only 3 stars. It was fast reading, but I found the characters not to my liking. So much was held back between the two characters, I'm surprised anything worked out between them.
This was a nice little book, with some suspense. I have read several books from the love inspired suspense group from Harlequin, but this one was different. I can't quite put 'my finger' on why I gave it only 3 stars. It was fast reading, but I found the characters not to my liking. So much was held back between the two characters, I'm surprised anything worked out between them.
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