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WITSEC Town #2
Sanctuary Buried
Eight years ago Francesca Canetti testified against her father—the head of a mafia crime family.
Now she’s Frannie Peters, running a bakery in the witness protection town of Sanctuary. Her former-starlet mom and her younger sister mooch off all her hard work, her best employee has terminal cancer, the town’s mafia crew insists she’s one of them and her love life is so non-existent it isn’t even funny. Dare she try and unearth a better life?
Matthias Hernandez is a ranch hand with his own bundle of secrets. His feelings for Frannie have lain undiscovered for a long time, until he realizes his family won’t fix itself. It’s time to dig up the future he’s always dreamed of.
When Frannie stumbles on a killer at work, the culprit turns his attention to her — and with the attention comes deadly consequences. Can they figure out the identity of the “dark angel” before it’s too late for all of them?
** A Christian Romantic Suspense **
Now she’s Frannie Peters, running a bakery in the witness protection town of Sanctuary. Her former-starlet mom and her younger sister mooch off all her hard work, her best employee has terminal cancer, the town’s mafia crew insists she’s one of them and her love life is so non-existent it isn’t even funny. Dare she try and unearth a better life?
Matthias Hernandez is a ranch hand with his own bundle of secrets. His feelings for Frannie have lain undiscovered for a long time, until he realizes his family won’t fix itself. It’s time to dig up the future he’s always dreamed of.
When Frannie stumbles on a killer at work, the culprit turns his attention to her — and with the attention comes deadly consequences. Can they figure out the identity of the “dark angel” before it’s too late for all of them?
** A Christian Romantic Suspense **
296 pages, ebook
First published November 24, 2014
234 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Phillips
167 books872 followersLisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 26, 2024
Sanctuary Buried is the second book in the series and I highly recommend reading the books in order. The first book sets up the WITSEC town, and Sanctuary Buried builds on book one (Sanctuary Lost).
I love the unique plotline of the story. It is a WITSEC town that you can only get to by helicopter. No one can easily get in or out. No one (other than a few select people outside of Sanctuary) even knows the town exists.
I liked Frannie, I felt like she was a strong character from a highly dysfunctional family. Her mother and sister were over the top. I also liked Matthias. My only complaint about their relationship is that it happened quite suddenly, which didn't make much sense.
There were a few inconsistencies/parts of the story that did not make sense. At times, it felt like you were jumping into the middle of a thought. At times I didn't understand the point of certain things. Or how certain people got away with certain things with no repercussions.
I did figure out one of the bad guys but didn't figure out the whole situation. Despite my complaints listed above, I enjoyed the story. It had enough to keep me invested.
I can't wait to continue the series (but I have to because my library holds have not come in!).
I love the unique plotline of the story. It is a WITSEC town that you can only get to by helicopter. No one can easily get in or out. No one (other than a few select people outside of Sanctuary) even knows the town exists.
I liked Frannie, I felt like she was a strong character from a highly dysfunctional family. Her mother and sister were over the top. I also liked Matthias. My only complaint about their relationship is that it happened quite suddenly, which didn't make much sense.
There were a few inconsistencies/parts of the story that did not make sense. At times, it felt like you were jumping into the middle of a thought. At times I didn't understand the point of certain things. Or how certain people got away with certain things with no repercussions.
I did figure out one of the bad guys but didn't figure out the whole situation. Despite my complaints listed above, I enjoyed the story. It had enough to keep me invested.
I can't wait to continue the series (but I have to because my library holds have not come in!).
December 20, 2014
Even better than the first! 4.5 stars
Sanctuary Buried is the second book in Lisa Phillips’ WITSEC Town series. It picks up shortly after Sanctuary Lost left off. I had really enjoyed the first book and had high expectations for this one. I can happily say that it surpassed them all!
Lisa once again does an excellent job of bringing her fictional town and all of the characters who live there to life. I loved the descriptions and getting to “visit” old friends again. There are a few new players in this book and I really enjoyed getting to meet them, as well. I loved how realistic everything is and that I could easily imagine being there with them. I also really appreciated the attention to detail and all of the technical research Lisa obviously put into this story.
Though this is book two in the series, you don’t have to read them in order. Lisa includes enough background and extra details that you won’t feel lost. There may be a couple things that don’t make complete sense at first, but the books don’t tie tightly together.
Francine “Frannie” Peters witnessed a murder at the age of sixteen and agrees to testify and enters witness protection, much to the dismay of her spoiled mother and younger sister. I honestly loved Frannie from the start. She is sweet and kind, but also strong and stubborn. She has a lot of questions about God and all that she was taught as a child. She also struggles with her feeling toward her mother and sister, who do their best to make her miserable. She tries very hard to love them and be kind to them, while also removing herself from their abuse. I found her to be very realistic and was sad to see her story end. I hope she makes an appearance in a future story.
Matthias Hernandez is the hero of the story and I loved him too! He is strong, kind, loving, but he also carries a weight on his shoulders. I loved how protective he is of Frannie and how he works to take care of her. He truly wants what is best for her, even though he is concerned it isn’t him. I enjoyed watching him grow in faith as he spent more time with Godly influences and learned who He is. He is the kind of character that you cheer for when he wins, and mourn for when he fails. He pulled on my heart from the beginning, and I have to confess to being just a little envious of Frannie.
Their romance was very sweet and I enjoyed following them through their story. I loved how they started out as barely acquaintances, but slowly became friends, then more. While their relationship wasn’t the driving force behind the story, it still flowed throughout and was never dropped, or lost, which I really appreciated.
I absolutely loved the mystery and suspense! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even guess what would happen next. I was also very surprised by who the villain was, which I thought was great! The story took so many twists and turns, that I honestly still have no idea how Lisa managed to keep them all straight, but she did! Most of it was tied up in the end, with a couple threads to tie into the next book, which I am anxiously anticipating. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
My only “complaint” is that I had really been hoping something awful would happen to Mimi and Izabella, but unfortunately for me, it didn’t. So I was slightly disappointed there, but I’ve been consoled with the knowledge they will get their just rewards later on.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery with a lot of suspense!
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sanctuary Buried is the second book in Lisa Phillips’ WITSEC Town series. It picks up shortly after Sanctuary Lost left off. I had really enjoyed the first book and had high expectations for this one. I can happily say that it surpassed them all!
Lisa once again does an excellent job of bringing her fictional town and all of the characters who live there to life. I loved the descriptions and getting to “visit” old friends again. There are a few new players in this book and I really enjoyed getting to meet them, as well. I loved how realistic everything is and that I could easily imagine being there with them. I also really appreciated the attention to detail and all of the technical research Lisa obviously put into this story.
Though this is book two in the series, you don’t have to read them in order. Lisa includes enough background and extra details that you won’t feel lost. There may be a couple things that don’t make complete sense at first, but the books don’t tie tightly together.
Francine “Frannie” Peters witnessed a murder at the age of sixteen and agrees to testify and enters witness protection, much to the dismay of her spoiled mother and younger sister. I honestly loved Frannie from the start. She is sweet and kind, but also strong and stubborn. She has a lot of questions about God and all that she was taught as a child. She also struggles with her feeling toward her mother and sister, who do their best to make her miserable. She tries very hard to love them and be kind to them, while also removing herself from their abuse. I found her to be very realistic and was sad to see her story end. I hope she makes an appearance in a future story.
Matthias Hernandez is the hero of the story and I loved him too! He is strong, kind, loving, but he also carries a weight on his shoulders. I loved how protective he is of Frannie and how he works to take care of her. He truly wants what is best for her, even though he is concerned it isn’t him. I enjoyed watching him grow in faith as he spent more time with Godly influences and learned who He is. He is the kind of character that you cheer for when he wins, and mourn for when he fails. He pulled on my heart from the beginning, and I have to confess to being just a little envious of Frannie.
Their romance was very sweet and I enjoyed following them through their story. I loved how they started out as barely acquaintances, but slowly became friends, then more. While their relationship wasn’t the driving force behind the story, it still flowed throughout and was never dropped, or lost, which I really appreciated.
I absolutely loved the mystery and suspense! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even guess what would happen next. I was also very surprised by who the villain was, which I thought was great! The story took so many twists and turns, that I honestly still have no idea how Lisa managed to keep them all straight, but she did! Most of it was tied up in the end, with a couple threads to tie into the next book, which I am anxiously anticipating. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
My only “complaint” is that I had really been hoping something awful would happen to Mimi and Izabella, but unfortunately for me, it didn’t. So I was slightly disappointed there, but I’ve been consoled with the knowledge they will get their just rewards later on.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery with a lot of suspense!
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 31, 2022
Great sequel
I loved this one as much as the first book in this series. It's quite interesting how much life and how many different characters a gifted author can develop within such a closed community as Sanctuary. The pace and story telling are also great as in the previous book too.
So if you are looking for clean Christian suspense novel you are right here :-)
I loved this one as much as the first book in this series. It's quite interesting how much life and how many different characters a gifted author can develop within such a closed community as Sanctuary. The pace and story telling are also great as in the previous book too.
So if you are looking for clean Christian suspense novel you are right here :-)
September 19, 2019
Another page turner book by Lisa Phillips. Another murderer in Sanctuary. For a town of less than 200, they have a lot of murderers. Yeesh. This murderer is the Angel of Death who kills only those who want out of Sanctuary, are depressed, or terminal. Also, as with the first book, a group outside of Sanctuary is hunting someone inside; they just need to draw them out to get to them.
This story gave me pause a few times. As with the first one, I questioned things that happened, and that didn’t flow well. With this one there were assumptions (which ended up to be right) but the assumption came from left field...like it was pulled from thin air with no basis on which to make those claims.
Well, I guess I’m done with this author for a while. When I'm finding holes all over, and I'm critiquing more than praising an author's work, I need to give it a rest.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because the faith element was great within the story!
This story gave me pause a few times. As with the first one, I questioned things that happened, and that didn’t flow well. With this one there were assumptions (which ended up to be right) but the assumption came from left field...like it was pulled from thin air with no basis on which to make those claims.
Well, I guess I’m done with this author for a while. When I'm finding holes all over, and I'm critiquing more than praising an author's work, I need to give it a rest.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because the faith element was great within the story!
February 5, 2017
SANCTUARY BURIED, book two in the WITSEC Town Series was even more suspenseful than the first.
Frannie Peters’ life in Sanctuary has been very day-to-day. She has spent her time running the town bakery while trying to ignore the over-the-top antics of her mother and sister. But dealing with her mother and sister becomes the least of her problems when Frannie walks in on an attempted murder. Now, the killer is after Frannie even though she has no way of identifying him. The only positive thing that comes out of being the murderer’s next target is that Matthias Hernandez, the man of Frannie’s secret infatuation, steps forward to protect her.
Matthias Hernandez is always smiling and helping someone out, but his secrets run just as deep as the other residents of Sanctuary. His family is a mess, and he shoulders the blame. It’s because of him that they live in the WITSEC town and because of that, he feels it’s his job to keep the family together. But, he secretly desires more. A family of his own. Matthias has been attracted to Frannie for a while, something he’s kept to himself or so he thinks. But, when Frannie becomes the target of a would-be killer, he no longer keeps his distance.
I really enjoyed SANCTUARY BURIED. I liked the slow development of the relationship between Frannie and Matthias. But there was plenty more than just romance to the book. The suspense was high as I tried to figure out who the killer was and what was his motivation. The setting continued to put an interesting slant on the story. A whole town of people keeping secrets had me assuming anyone could be guilty. Ms. Phillips also created characters like Frannie’s mom and sister that you just wanted to hate. To me, that’s always a sign of good writing.
Another great installment. Look for my review of SANCTUARY BREACHED next week.
Frannie Peters’ life in Sanctuary has been very day-to-day. She has spent her time running the town bakery while trying to ignore the over-the-top antics of her mother and sister. But dealing with her mother and sister becomes the least of her problems when Frannie walks in on an attempted murder. Now, the killer is after Frannie even though she has no way of identifying him. The only positive thing that comes out of being the murderer’s next target is that Matthias Hernandez, the man of Frannie’s secret infatuation, steps forward to protect her.
Matthias Hernandez is always smiling and helping someone out, but his secrets run just as deep as the other residents of Sanctuary. His family is a mess, and he shoulders the blame. It’s because of him that they live in the WITSEC town and because of that, he feels it’s his job to keep the family together. But, he secretly desires more. A family of his own. Matthias has been attracted to Frannie for a while, something he’s kept to himself or so he thinks. But, when Frannie becomes the target of a would-be killer, he no longer keeps his distance.
I really enjoyed SANCTUARY BURIED. I liked the slow development of the relationship between Frannie and Matthias. But there was plenty more than just romance to the book. The suspense was high as I tried to figure out who the killer was and what was his motivation. The setting continued to put an interesting slant on the story. A whole town of people keeping secrets had me assuming anyone could be guilty. Ms. Phillips also created characters like Frannie’s mom and sister that you just wanted to hate. To me, that’s always a sign of good writing.
Another great installment. Look for my review of SANCTUARY BREACHED next week.
August 22, 2023
Good mystery read for those with problem solving minds with a unique storyline, being in a witness protected city in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed the faith stories of several characters, especially Matthias and Frannie, as they discover what it means to be a person of faith. And I appreciated the themes of hard work and perseverance, especially in times of challenge. I loved the quote in chapter 4 about trust “trusting someone with the truth is harder, but eventually a whole lot more rewarding. This encapsulated for me Matthias and Frannies journey, learning that letting others in is worth the risk.
August 19, 2024
I absolutely love this series. The resilience of the people who opted to live their lives there, adapting to a new way of life and possibly learning a new skill to fit in.
Matthias was unsure how to approach Frannie after developing feelings for her, without rousing her skittishness. Her family not pulling their weight and when the treatment of a dear friend brings shock to those close to them, it starts a series of events to disrupt the existence of the town.
When you start this series, you won't want to stop and it will escalate to all the books written by this author.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Matthias was unsure how to approach Frannie after developing feelings for her, without rousing her skittishness. Her family not pulling their weight and when the treatment of a dear friend brings shock to those close to them, it starts a series of events to disrupt the existence of the town.
When you start this series, you won't want to stop and it will escalate to all the books written by this author.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 7, 2024
Read the first one, talk about a dysfunctional town. I started this one but after 2 chapters gave up. Who wants to read a book were a mother hides in a closet to protect herself and sends her 16 year old daughter out of the closet to face her mobster father and his killing rage. The girl testifies and is thrown in WITSEC with her mother and sister who treat her as Cinderella and the wicked step mother and sister. Mock her and sponge off of her. With the possibility of this behavior lasting the entire book, I said NO. Life is too short to read more about abusive, mean, dysfunctional families and those that just take it.
October 5, 2018
CAN'T PUT THE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES DOWN!
Lisa Phillips is endearing with her edge of the seat suspense that will keep you reading far into the night, way past a responsible bedtime.
Warmth, humor, and most importantly, faith, is infused in this irrisistible suspense series.
You will NOT be disappointed!!!
Lisa Phillips is endearing with her edge of the seat suspense that will keep you reading far into the night, way past a responsible bedtime.
Warmth, humor, and most importantly, faith, is infused in this irrisistible suspense series.
You will NOT be disappointed!!!
December 28, 2022
I loved this book. I hate that I didn’t read book one before this number two book but it didn’t take away from this story at all. Matthias (Tias) and Francine (Franny) are great main characters and amid all the danger and suspense their romance blossoms. I feel sure you will love this book like I do.
February 19, 2024
This story started out with a bang and the action just kept coming. After testifying at her father's trial, Frannie and her mother and sister were relocated to Sanctuary, a small isolated town in the mountains of Idaho. Everyone in the town is there as part of WITSEC. Tons of suspense with lots of romance thrown in. Lots of characters to keep track of.
July 18, 2018
Good continuing story of the WITSEC town of Sanctuary!
However, the author or editors missed correcting some "Andy" and *Aaron" listings that were a little troublesome to this reader and the only reason I couldn't give 5 stars! On to Book 3!
However, the author or editors missed correcting some "Andy" and *Aaron" listings that were a little troublesome to this reader and the only reason I couldn't give 5 stars! On to Book 3!
March 21, 2019
Child of WITSEC
This book centers around someone brought to Sanctuary very young. It tells of what happens if you decide to stay when you get old enough to leave. It talks about what family means in WITSEC.
This book centers around someone brought to Sanctuary very young. It tells of what happens if you decide to stay when you get old enough to leave. It talks about what family means in WITSEC.
September 23, 2020
Frannie was a bit irritating
The Sanctuary story was enjoyable to read but the tendency of Frannie to almost lose a good thing because of her pride was irritating! Glad she came to her senses but it was so painful until she did.
The Sanctuary story was enjoyable to read but the tendency of Frannie to almost lose a good thing because of her pride was irritating! Glad she came to her senses but it was so painful until she did.
October 31, 2021
Wonderful story that I really enjoyed!
Mathias and Frannie are finally coming out from their shyness and spending more time together is helping them deal with the baggage that each one carries! Now, Mathias and Frannie stand as one.
Mathias and Frannie are finally coming out from their shyness and spending more time together is helping them deal with the baggage that each one carries! Now, Mathias and Frannie stand as one.
January 9, 2022
Engaging
Although this book stretched my ability to suspend belief, I still enjoy the read, finding the characters fairly relatable, the plot fast moving, and the conclusion satisfying.
Although this book stretched my ability to suspend belief, I still enjoy the read, finding the characters fairly relatable, the plot fast moving, and the conclusion satisfying.
February 9, 2023
This story is full of action, maybe love & mystery that doesn't stop until the very end. No, I was totally shocked to learn who the angel of death was. Quite a wild ride. I received a free copy. I choose to write this review.
June 9, 2017
Great book on how family affects us and how God love and guides us!
February 17, 2018
Interesting
Now have read the first two books in series. Interesting location and concept. Like following the characters. Need to get books 3and 4 before I read book 5.
Now have read the first two books in series. Interesting location and concept. Like following the characters. Need to get books 3and 4 before I read book 5.
November 28, 2018
I'm still frustrated that this isn't volume one in the series. But I really liked it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2019
Good escape reading. Not quite as good as the first book but still recommend.
May 5, 2020
The ending!
I was not crazy about the ending. Feels like everyone is just hanging! Maybe could have been wrapped up a little better?
I was not crazy about the ending. Feels like everyone is just hanging! Maybe could have been wrapped up a little better?
July 3, 2020
Nice series. Suspense, mystery, inspiration, romance. Liked this 2nd book even better than the first.
July 12, 2024
This is my kind of book - action, suspense, a whole gamut of emotions to go with it. I will read more of these.
February 18, 2025
Good book. Enjoying getting to know the town residents
June 8, 2015
Contemporary Witness protection plot with two people with terrible families that find love with each other in this heavy handed Christian themed romance.
So we get an impossible tiny town in the middle of nowhere America that is filled with witness protected folks and their security vet keepers. This is more then a little silly because it would be impossible to keep that a secret, jut the infrastructure (roads, builders, sewer system, etc..) people would remember putting all that stuff into the town and would have eventually told someone that they shouldn't about it.
Ok. So after a suspension of disbelief, we jump into two sweet people ( almost 30 year old virgins?!) how have some terrible people in their families which slowly torture them though out the story. At the same time, Frannie Peters, the town baker is also being harassed with death threats by the town killer with her new boyfriend, Matthias Hernandez trying to woo her as he is trying to protect her.
I wanted to get into the story because there is a huge cast of interesting characters that the author clearly put lots of thought into their back stories, but I didn't believe that a strong independent woman like Frannie would have let her family poop all over her for so long?! It just didn't makes any sense just like the whole town.
296 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
So we get an impossible tiny town in the middle of nowhere America that is filled with witness protected folks and their security vet keepers. This is more then a little silly because it would be impossible to keep that a secret, jut the infrastructure (roads, builders, sewer system, etc..) people would remember putting all that stuff into the town and would have eventually told someone that they shouldn't about it.
Ok. So after a suspension of disbelief, we jump into two sweet people ( almost 30 year old virgins?!) how have some terrible people in their families which slowly torture them though out the story. At the same time, Frannie Peters, the town baker is also being harassed with death threats by the town killer with her new boyfriend, Matthias Hernandez trying to woo her as he is trying to protect her.
I wanted to get into the story because there is a huge cast of interesting characters that the author clearly put lots of thought into their back stories, but I didn't believe that a strong independent woman like Frannie would have let her family poop all over her for so long?! It just didn't makes any sense just like the whole town.
296 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
April 18, 2016
I appreciated that this is a Christian romantic suspense. I really like romantic suspense, but too often in this genre the hero and heroine hop into bed five minutes after they meet. Characters with Christian values are refreshing. I also like that, although this is part of a series, the story could be understood without having read the previous book and that it had a satisfactory resolution.
The concept of a secret town for people in witness protection is highly improbable, as is the president, his wife, and his entire security detail being wiped out. However, the idea of a closed community, many of whose residents had criminal histories was intriguing, and the mystery was good.
The concept of a secret town for people in witness protection is highly improbable, as is the president, his wife, and his entire security detail being wiped out. However, the idea of a closed community, many of whose residents had criminal histories was intriguing, and the mystery was good.
August 13, 2023
I loved the first book in this series, but this one was even better. It seemed there was more going on and the book was even more suspenseful than the first. As much as I liked the main characters in the first book, the ones in this one were even more likable, and the book had an even stronger Christian message than the first. After reading two books by Lisa, she has me hooked and I want to read everything she has written and will write.
June 15, 2015
Interesting Concept
Excellently written, though a few things were not believable -i.e. someone not picking up immediately on poison in a letter and opening two more of the same (no one is that stupid), the president and his whole protection detail being taken out (not going to happen), and a whole town in witness protection? Other than that, story well written and enjoyable to read.
Excellently written, though a few things were not believable -i.e. someone not picking up immediately on poison in a letter and opening two more of the same (no one is that stupid), the president and his whole protection detail being taken out (not going to happen), and a whole town in witness protection? Other than that, story well written and enjoyable to read.
June 6, 2015
Interesting concept, muddled plot, confusing sub-lines. Not sure if this was just a means to get to the next in this series in which these characters need to be where they ended up in this edition or what, but several parts felt as if a conclusion was being drawn and then the author realized more pages were needed. Would have been better as a novella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews