Project Sentinel: A Second Chance Christian Romantic Thriller

by Elle E. Kay

Under the all-seeing eye of Project Sentinel, the truth is a memory away—and a love she forgot is their only hope.

Her memory is gone. But Faith Flanagan is about to learn what she believed about her past was a lie, and the truth could kill her. Two years after the accident that shattered her world, Faith is haunted by unsettling dreams and the growing suspicion that she's not who she thinks she is.

When Elijah Knight, a dangerously attractive operative from a life she can't recall, crashes back into her existence, he brings a chilling her husband was murdered. Faith, he claims, holds explosive files Thad entrusted to her—files that could expose a conspiracy wielding Project Sentinel, a terrifyingly advanced AI surveillance system with the power to predict their every move. Now, they're on the run, pursued by relentless enemies who will kill to keep their secrets buried and the files out of Faith's unremembering hands.

As fragments of her past resurface, so does an undeniable, complicated passion for the man sworn to protect her. But in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where betrayal lurks around every corner, can Faith unlock the secrets buried in her mind before they become her undoing? And can a love she doesn't remember be the one thing that outsmarts the machine and the rogue officials controlling it?

If you enjoy gripping romantic suspense packed with secrets, high-stakes conspiracies powered by chilling AI, and a love fighting to be remembered against all odds, you won't want to miss Project Sentinel.

Genres: Suspense, Inspirational, Mystery, Christian Fiction

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2025

About the author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning Christian fiction author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance novels. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is actively involved in her church's youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Her writing journey began with non-fiction, poetry, and children's books before she made her Christian fiction debut in 2016. Since then, she has written 24 novels in the genre.

Elle is the author of the Endless Mountain and Pennsylvania Parks series, both romantic suspense collections set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Appalachians.

In addition to her solo projects, she has contributed to several multi-author series, including the Lawkeeper series (three contemporary and four historical novellas), Blushing Brides (two novels), Heroes of Freedom Ridge (three novels), and Christmas in Redemption Ridge (two novels). In October 2024, she contributed Midnight Offensive to the Silent Night anthology, part of the Winter Shivers collection.

Her stories seamlessly weave faith, suspense, and romance, offering readers thrilling narratives grounded in Christian values.

For updates on her latest works and upcoming releases, visit her website at elleekay.com.

Reviews

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge-of-your-seat suspense

This novel will immerse you in the world of spies, danger, betrayal, and heart break. There is a good Biblical foundation in Elijah’s life and Faith is finding her faith again amid the trials of life. They encounter much danger, not knowing who is trustworthy, who is good, who is bad, and where the danger will come from next. Their shared history makes the present more difficult at first, but they both want a future if they make it out alive.

I enjoyed the story; I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Sharon Whalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic faith filled suspense. Elle as usual incorporates many twists and turns to keep you guessing whom you can trust. It is scary how modern technology can so easily be used for nefarious intent. ‘Big Brother is watching you’.
There is much about betrayal , forgiveness and redemption. They are reminded that God is in control as He is in all of our lives, He knows the outcome before the challenges arise. People may let us down but God never does.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, all the opinions expressed are my own.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Project Sentinel was a well-written read involving danger, secrets, amnesia, a scavenger hunt, an AI project that could be deadly, and suspense. Faith has amnesia from a car accident she was in with her late husband two years ago. She stopped trusting God due to the car accident and her amnesia, but can she start trusting Him again? What about her feelings for Elijah,
Elijah and Faith has a shared history, and what a shared history it was before experiencing pain and fears. The plot was engaging, the storyline was fast-paced and gripping, and the story had plenty of action. Project Sentinel kept my attention throughout this story, and I had a hard time putting it down.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and options are my own..

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost love and danger

An action-packed and heart-wrenching book. A lost love between CIA agents, Faith and Elijah. Twenty-seven years later, they are brought together to work a case. Faith, now a widow, realized she still has feelings for Elijah. But past hurts and impending danger thwart a reconciliation. Once the smoke clears , they will be able to rekindle their lost love.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle E. Kay has another hit her hands with Project Sentinel! Two years after a tragic car wreck that took the life of her husband Thaddeus, Faith still grapples with amnesia, struggling to remember what happened before the accident. Faith is forced to trust what others have told her, even if she has snippets of memories that say otherwise. Faith emerges from the wreck to learn that she is a housewife with a deep Faith in God, and a mother to Donovan. Donovan is married and has a young son, but his wife suddenly leaves everything behind. But all of that doesn’t match up with the muscle memory skills that Faith displays or the splices of memories that she has. Plus Faith is grappling to Believe in a God who allows her to lose her memory and her husband at the same time. When a man named Elijah shows up claiming to know Faith and telling her that her life is in danger, what Elijah says holds some merit for Faith. Elijah is shocked and thankful that Faith doesn’t remember because it’s keeping her safe, but also sad because the history and love they once shared is also lost. Faith chooses to believe Elijah and soon realizes that her instincts were right all along and nothing is as like what she was told. Choosing to believe Elijah means the lives of everyone she loves is in danger, but it also means the pieces of her life are being put back together again.

The creativity of Elle E. Kay always fascinates me! I’m amazed time after time at how Ms. Kay continually comes up with plots and storylines that keeps Readers attention, often keeping them on the edge of their seats, and at the same time weaving God Honoring Truths in the middle of difficult situations and offering Hope! Elle E. Kay has definitely done this with Project Sentinel! I thought the plot was unique. The amnesia part brought back memories of when I read The Years I Lost by Kristina Hall. I loved that Faith and Elijah were older because in Romantic Suspense the main characters are usually in their 30s. (When you’re an older Reader it’s nice to have Characters closer to your age bracket doing all the things that you love in a book, not just a desk job or being someone who only offers wisdom and advice.) I love how Faith’s muscle memory of her job came back to her and how Elijah helped her hone in her skills. I truly appreciated and loved that Faith definitely had a struggle accepting God and believing in Him after the accident and how it led her on a unique Journey to Belief. I thought that Project Sentinel was a unique blend of intrigue and Trusting in the Unknown when things are dangerous and murky and you have no choice. If you are looking for a great read that is full of suspense and Truth, then I highly recommend Project Sentinel by Elle E. Kay!

Have you read Project Sentinel? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Elle E. Kay for giving me a copy of Project Sentinel to review and for giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story with a plot that sounded like it could have been ripped from the news. A tragic car accident two years before had left Faith Flanagan a widow with no memories of the crash or her life with her husband. Trying to get back her old life was difficult when she couldn't remember any of the details. She had to develop a new relationship with her son Donovan who she didn't remember. She has flashes of a memory of a man who is not the one in the picture of her husband with her standing beside him. She begins to wonder if she had not been faithful to her husband. So when that man in her memory actually shows up telling her she is in danger, she doesn't know what to believe.

Elijah Knight has never forgotten the love he had for Faith. She has no memories of their relationship before he failed her and she married their friend Thad. She has no memory of working as a CIA operative along with her husband and Elijah. He knows that she is in danger and her lack of memory will not help her if the people who want the files she hid come after her. Elijah has to try to jog her memory and make her realize that the accident that killed her husband was actually people trying to murder her and her husband.

Elijah and Faith have to try to stay ahead of the people trying to stop her from retrieving the files and exposing the corruption in the government. It seems like every step they take is discovered and they have no idea that Project Sentinel, a terrifyingly advanced AI surveillance system with the power to predict their every move is tracking them. As Faith follows the clues that she doesn't remember leaving, Elijah realizes she had used places and situations from their past relationship. Just when you think the situation has been solved and the enemies have been exposed- there is still so much story left to tell in this book.

The way the story is written just made the pages fly by. The characters were wonderful and the plot was very convincing.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Betrayal, amnesia, non-stop action, explosive, conspiracies, and secrets! This story has just about everything! What is real and what isn't. Faith can't remember much of her life due to a TBI following a car accident that killed her husband but then a handsome stranger encounter leaves her feeling unsettled because she knows this man means something to her! Elijah has a long history with Faith but there are people who want to harm her, and he must protect her but first he needs to convince her that she knows where something is and they must find it! So begins a huge cat and mouse game involving rouge government agents that involve an AI surveillance program, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
I loved all the characters in this story! Faith is not only fighting for her life but struggling to get her relationship with the Lord back! She wants to trust but it's hard for her. The relationship with Elijah is also very complicated and the writer did a good job of showing how hard it would be to balance their government work and personal lives. Amazing story that I couldn't put down!

[funkelbunt.liest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Project Sentinel is a Christian romantic suspense story full of action, danger, mystery and faith.

Due to Faith’s amnesia she doesn’t know who to trust anymore and she lost her trust in God when she and her husband were in a devastating accident.

This fast paced story is about betrayal, forgiveness and second chances.

I loved the Christian elements of this story and Faith’s redemption arc while the ongoing questions of what is going on, who wants to hurt her and who is on her side kept the plot exciting and engaging.

The romance wasn’t my favorite part, but this is mostly because I am not a fan of second chance romance in general. Faith being a widow who has forgotten huge parts of her life made me a bit uncomfortable so it was a bit difficult to be completely invested in the story since the past and present love story between Faith and Elijah is not a side plot, but an integral part of the book. But like I said, this is more personal taste than a fault of the book.

* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Project Sentinel was an absolute page turner from the very beginning! Elle E. Kay is a master of romantic suspense focused on faith, and this book does not disappoint! Faith, the FMC, and Elijah, the MMC, are characters in which the reader becomes invested. Faith, who was once a woman of great faith, is suffering from amnesia and cannot remember a vast majority of her past, a past that includes Elijah Knight. She also questions her previous faith. Despite being unable to remember her past, Faith is endangered, as she hid incriminating evidence. Her husband was murdered by those seeking this evidence. Faith becomes a target and encounters Elijah, a colleague of her husband, who seeks to protect her. While Faith does not remember Elijah, she recognizes his face from her dreams. The plot is full of plot twists that keep the reader guessing.

I enjoyed this second chance Christian romantic suspense story and appreciated the later in life characters. There is a strong redemption arc, along with a faith focus. I highly recommend Project Sentinel!

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

God asks us to take a leap of faith sometimes and plunge headfirst into deep waters without knowing what is under the surface.

For Faith Flanagan, who is suffering from amnesia, finding the faith to make that leap seems very unlikely. Suffering from a TBI which occurred in a car accident when her husband died, she spends her time trying to remember everything that happened between her childhood and the present time - but to no avail. Nothing makes sense and very few people are familiar.

Elijah Knight has a long history with Faith and her deceased husband, but that doesn’t bring any recall. Things get scarier, when it appears there are those that want her dead. As more details come to light, Project Sentinel takes on a very sinister, evil form. Will her faith and her memories return before she is collateral damage?

An ecopy was received through Faith Writes Publishing and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith has had amnesia for two years following a coma. Elijah introduced himself to her as a friend of her late husband’s. Is he telling the truth? She feels a connection to him but cannot remember what it is. When her life is in danger, Elijah does everything he can to protect her. Who is out to get her and why? Who can they trust; can she even trust Elijah?

This is an exciting romantic suspense with a background of spies and intrigue. Wonderful Christian truths are included in the story including prayer and trusting in the Lord.

Favorite quote: “But she didn’t fight the prayer. She needed the Lord on her side whether or not she was ready to surrender herself to Him.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, captivating romantic suspense. It was exciting, fast paced, and full of secrets, suspense, and covert operations. Added to that Faith had amnesia for the past two years after a car accident where her husband, Thaddeus, had lost his life. Then Elijah showed up and Faith wondered if she had an affair with him but she could not remember.
There was so much that happened in this book that I could not put it down until I read the final chapter. I was not disappointed in how it all turned out. I liked how the author kept me guessing through most of the book. I was not sure what was going to happen or who Faith could trust. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Project Sentinel is gripping suspense with a second-chance romance involving spies. Elijah Knight and Faith Flanagan are layered characters with a heartbreaking history together. Will they survive investigating Project Sentinel and be able to get over their past hurts to have another chance? Author Elle E. Kay kept me captivated with this electrifying plot and truly likable characters. This author makes faith a natural part of the story, and her writing style is easy to read and works great for romantic suspense. I highly recommend this thrilling book to readers of clean and of Christian romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written book.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. When Faith’s husband is killed in an accident she has severe injuries to recover from along with Amnesia. Her first love, Elijah who was also her husband’s best friend warns her she is in danger, and things progress from there as they look for the hidden evidence against fellow CIA agents who are working against the country and killing off politicians. As her memory returns, they both work to find her son and get him released from captivity. This book is full of suspense, second chances, and working for common goals. Definitely a must read.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah works with the CIA. His good friend, Thad was killed 2 years before. His wife, Faith, had survived, but lost her memory. Elijah has continued to look out for her because Thad had shared secrets with her. If their enemies thought her memories were returning, her life would be in danger. Elijah and Faith had loved each other years ago, but because of Elijah's travel with the CIA, she married Thad instead. As Elijah tries to keep Faith safe, old memories are stirred up. Lots of twists and turns trying to discover who could be trusted and who was corrupt.

[Marilu Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never disappoints me with her books, and this one is not different. This book have everything to keep anyone on the edge of their seat, the suspense, the intrigue, the CIA the FBI the traitors the assassins, and in between all that , this book is clean and fast paced, is a second chance romance. I love this book so much and wholeheartedly recommend it. I received a copy from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've debated whether to give this a 4 or a 5 star. There were some loose ends that are bothersome to me. I know there will be follow ups and some of missing pieces will probably be covered later.
This book is about former friends who is find each other in their mid-forties. There were many sub-plots. Why was Rayni mentioned in chapter 31? Her attacker Ava left her alive. She is dangling now. How did Ava really feel about Elijah?

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the description of this story, I thought it was about an AI system. It's not so much about AI as about those wanting the system to engage in evil. It's a complicated mystery figuring out who the good guys are vs. the bad guys. It is an enjoyable read. I received a complimentary ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read full of danger, mystery, suspense and love. I absolutely loved Faith and Elijah's story. Theirs is a great second chance romance. So much has happened to these two over the years but circumstances bring them together and their love rekindles. A captivating read that I absolutely loved.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping tale will grab you by the shirtfront and won't turn you loose until the very end. Every time I think I will stop at the end of the chapter, something happens that keeps me turning the pages. I love an amnesia story and when it involves a second chance and suspense, it's exactly what I want. I received an advance copy of this book and I am so thankful for it! This is a great book!

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it was suspenseful and the story’s pace was good, one must disband reality for some parts of this. I did not find many aspects to be close to believable. Pushed the limited for me, especially a woman who hasn’t held a gun in two years just being comfortable with a weapon? Needed more to justify some things.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith and Elijah have a second chance but to get there they have to find murderers, spies, survive attacks and keep their loved ones safe. This book was exciting with interesting and dangerous characters.

[Desiree Luhnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes off from the start and continues it’s fast pace throughout. It has it all:
Lost love
Danger
Amnesia
Suspense
Grief
Foundering faith
And the list goes on. It will keep you reading until the end. I loved it!

[Lesley Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

faith

It is refreshing to read a novel which places so much importance on a relationship with God. I loved it and it has made me more motivated to put my trust in the Lord. The story line was well presented and is a great read. Well done Elle.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional story!

An exceptional story that had me hooked from cover to cover. The reality of AI technology is frightening and a real eye-opener. This is a must read book that I highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book for free. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Holly Moseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular!

A must read for those who like suspense stories. Espionage, CIA, Secret Service, FBI, second chance romance, and so much more! Elle E. Kay has written another amazing book.

[Lyn Herbohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable!

A lot happened in this story! There was danger, a treasure hunt, betrayal, faith lost and found, amnesia, and two people with a past only one of them could remember. The story was engaging and kept me turning pages until the end.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Talk about a wild ride - this novel took off at warp speed and didn't stop! I was captivated by Elijah and Faith's story. CIA operatives, memory loss, co-worker betrayal, sinister plots - and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing!

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Suspense Novel

This novel is definitely a page turner. Filled with suspense that leads you down a winding trail. Filled with faith and perseverance. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Laramee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic suspense featuring amnesia and a rush to solve the mystery with a second chance romance thrown in!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.