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The Witness
** SILVER MEDAL WINNER in the GLOBAL BOOK AWARDS 2025 in ROMANCE-SUSPENSE **
A musician by choice. A protector by nature.
Cops and deer. Her mama always told people Raina could sense them before she saw them. So the day she left home for a quick trip into town and sensed a cop ahead, she wasn't surprised to see one working a traffic stop. But never in her wildest dreams could she sense that traffic stop would turn into her own personal nightmare.
Attempting to save the life of a defenseless deputy, Raina nearly lost her own in a short but brutal attack. As she recuperates, the life she knew and loved is systematically being taken away from her by those she thwarted. Now she must dig deep inside herself for the courage to not only survive but to forge a new life in case she did.
Assigned to her case, Detective Channion Scott had a solid reputation for solving crimes. When he soon turned into her personal bodyguard, he wondered how was he to solve his attraction to the courageous woman who'd risked her life to save another's?
A musician by choice. A protector by nature.
Cops and deer. Her mama always told people Raina could sense them before she saw them. So the day she left home for a quick trip into town and sensed a cop ahead, she wasn't surprised to see one working a traffic stop. But never in her wildest dreams could she sense that traffic stop would turn into her own personal nightmare.
Attempting to save the life of a defenseless deputy, Raina nearly lost her own in a short but brutal attack. As she recuperates, the life she knew and loved is systematically being taken away from her by those she thwarted. Now she must dig deep inside herself for the courage to not only survive but to forge a new life in case she did.
Assigned to her case, Detective Channion Scott had a solid reputation for solving crimes. When he soon turned into her personal bodyguard, he wondered how was he to solve his attraction to the courageous woman who'd risked her life to save another's?
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
21 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Standridge
3 books13 followersAWARD-WINNING and BEST-SELLING Author Jordan Standridge is still diligently working to keep her fans happy and in suspense...or in love. Her journey has just begun.
An avid reader and writer since childhood, Jordan is joyfully expanding her literary sphere to her novels. Influenced by Walter Farley and Louis L'Amour growing up, and later Julie Garwood, Jordan now creates her own stories.
Weaving many of her real-life experiences with her imagination, she infuses them with her humor, love for animals, life lessons, values, a quiet theme of faith, and then some true romance. Next, she'll probably add in a dash of mystery or suspense because she can.
A frequent traveler and mover, Jordan currently lives near Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
An avid reader and writer since childhood, Jordan is joyfully expanding her literary sphere to her novels. Influenced by Walter Farley and Louis L'Amour growing up, and later Julie Garwood, Jordan now creates her own stories.
Weaving many of her real-life experiences with her imagination, she infuses them with her humor, love for animals, life lessons, values, a quiet theme of faith, and then some true romance. Next, she'll probably add in a dash of mystery or suspense because she can.
A frequent traveler and mover, Jordan currently lives near Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 27, 2025
Standridge’s heartfelt trilogy traces the intertwined journeys of three women overcoming loss and danger, each uncovering that the path to healing runs through connection as much as endurance. In The Secret, Standridge introduces Morgan O’Connell, a woman clawing her way out of grief to rebuild both her life and a sanctuary for others. Harmony Hills is more than a horse facility—it’s the heart of Morgan’s recovery. Standridge ties Morgan’s emotional recovery to the daily work of restoring trust, both in herself and in others. Though the story’s suspense heightens the stakes, it’s Morgan’s self-discovery and the authenticity of her connections that give it real depth.
The Witness shifts gears into high-stakes suspense. Raina, whose act of selfless courage turns her into a target, is thrust into a nightmare of trauma and pursuit. What follows is an emotionally gripping narrative where action and tenderness coexist in perfect balance. The pacing remains taut, the stakes high, but Standridge never lets the heart of the story fade. Through Detective Channion Scott’s devotion and his growing feelings for Raina, the novel becomes less about survival alone and more about endurance and human connection.
The Rescues brings the series full circle, returning to Harmony Hills with a story that hums with quiet strength. Ripley Capilano’s chance arrival at the ranch and her bond with a traumatized horse set the stage for one of the series’s most emotionally nuanced romances. Her relationship with the guarded and steadfast Ty Stanton unfolds with slow-burning depth. Their journey from cautious strangers to soul-deep partners mirrors the horse’s recovery—pain yielding to trust, and fear to faith.
Rooted in the heart of Arizona, the stories feel authentic and alive. The expanse of the desert and the quiet pulse of ranch life anchor the emotional intensity of each story. Read together, the three novels form an emotionally cohesive trilogy that celebrates endurance, compassion, and second chances. Standridge's prose is vivid yet unpretentious, the dialogue authentic, and the pacing perfectly tuned to the rhythm of each story’s emotional stakes. She brings both the ache of grief and the promise of healing to life with quiet emotional precision. Harmony Hills feels real and lived-in; a refuge where pain meets possibility and where the land itself seems to mirror the characters’ longing for peace. Fans of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series and Nicholas Sparks’s The Rescue and Safe Haven will find much to admire. A page-turning, emotionally charged trilogy that blends suspense, romance, and redemption in equal measure.
The Witness shifts gears into high-stakes suspense. Raina, whose act of selfless courage turns her into a target, is thrust into a nightmare of trauma and pursuit. What follows is an emotionally gripping narrative where action and tenderness coexist in perfect balance. The pacing remains taut, the stakes high, but Standridge never lets the heart of the story fade. Through Detective Channion Scott’s devotion and his growing feelings for Raina, the novel becomes less about survival alone and more about endurance and human connection.
The Rescues brings the series full circle, returning to Harmony Hills with a story that hums with quiet strength. Ripley Capilano’s chance arrival at the ranch and her bond with a traumatized horse set the stage for one of the series’s most emotionally nuanced romances. Her relationship with the guarded and steadfast Ty Stanton unfolds with slow-burning depth. Their journey from cautious strangers to soul-deep partners mirrors the horse’s recovery—pain yielding to trust, and fear to faith.
Rooted in the heart of Arizona, the stories feel authentic and alive. The expanse of the desert and the quiet pulse of ranch life anchor the emotional intensity of each story. Read together, the three novels form an emotionally cohesive trilogy that celebrates endurance, compassion, and second chances. Standridge's prose is vivid yet unpretentious, the dialogue authentic, and the pacing perfectly tuned to the rhythm of each story’s emotional stakes. She brings both the ache of grief and the promise of healing to life with quiet emotional precision. Harmony Hills feels real and lived-in; a refuge where pain meets possibility and where the land itself seems to mirror the characters’ longing for peace. Fans of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series and Nicholas Sparks’s The Rescue and Safe Haven will find much to admire. A page-turning, emotionally charged trilogy that blends suspense, romance, and redemption in equal measure.
October 5, 2025
This book is an emotional and inspiring story that beautifully blends suspense, resilience, and romance. I really appreciated how the book highlights the emotional toll of trauma while still offering hope and healing.
If you enjoy stories about brave women, protective heroes, and love blossoming in the midst of adversity, The Witness is a must-read. It’s gripping and heartfelt.
If you enjoy stories about brave women, protective heroes, and love blossoming in the midst of adversity, The Witness is a must-read. It’s gripping and heartfelt.
September 16, 2025
Love this book. I had read the first if the series. This one was totally different. Who would think leaving home and driving down the road thinking you would have a typical day could get you in so much trouble. What started as an ordinary day turned into a life altering nightmare. Just stopping to help someone ends with putting your own life In danger. This was not how Raina planned to start her day. The book keeps you in suspense just when you are ready to put it down something else happens and you have to keep reading to see where it goes. Lots of turns and twist with a few surprises thrown in. I love this book even more than the first one. Can’t wait for number 3 to come out. Great job Jordan💕
October 1, 2025
One of the things that most interested me about this book was its plot. It's captivating, engaging, and above all, entertaining. Raina is the protagonist of this story. She is a strong and determined woman who tries to save a police officer, but in her attempt, her life takes a 180-degree turn. Against all odds, her life hangs in the balance, and now her fate is in her hands. Will she put all her strength into surviving, or will she not fight for her life?
I certainly can't wait to read the complete series by this great author, who undoubtedly knew how to create female protagonists, capable of taking their destinies into their own hands, women who fear nothing and who, no matter what, dream of a better future.
I certainly can't wait to read the complete series by this great author, who undoubtedly knew how to create female protagonists, capable of taking their destinies into their own hands, women who fear nothing and who, no matter what, dream of a better future.
October 1, 2025
An enthralling novel
“The Witness” takes readers to a story of courage, hope and determination. Jordan Standridge has penned an enthralling story that will leave readers at the edge of their seats the moment they read the first lines. It happened to me; I was glued to the pages from the start because it's a story that tells readers about a strong, determined and intuitive female character who uses her qualities to help other people. In this story, Raina saved a defenceless deputy and put her life at stake. Now, she must pluck up courage to survive and to start a new life for herself sorting many obstacles out.
All in all, it’s a great novel that contains some turns and twists that change the course of the plot. I definitely recommend it.
“The Witness” takes readers to a story of courage, hope and determination. Jordan Standridge has penned an enthralling story that will leave readers at the edge of their seats the moment they read the first lines. It happened to me; I was glued to the pages from the start because it's a story that tells readers about a strong, determined and intuitive female character who uses her qualities to help other people. In this story, Raina saved a defenceless deputy and put her life at stake. Now, she must pluck up courage to survive and to start a new life for herself sorting many obstacles out.
All in all, it’s a great novel that contains some turns and twists that change the course of the plot. I definitely recommend it.
September 15, 2025
Great Mystery (Police FBI )
Best "free book" ever! Little did I know that I would get into reading a free book this long. Words to describe: RIVETING, PAGE TURNER, CLEAN, SUSPENSEFUL, GREAT CHARCTER DEVELOPMENT, WELL WRITTEN AND MORE! I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE READ THIS HAD IT NOT BEEN FREE BUT I AM SO GLAD I DID. WILL BE READING MORE of this authors books and they don't have to be free !
Best "free book" ever! Little did I know that I would get into reading a free book this long. Words to describe: RIVETING, PAGE TURNER, CLEAN, SUSPENSEFUL, GREAT CHARCTER DEVELOPMENT, WELL WRITTEN AND MORE! I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE READ THIS HAD IT NOT BEEN FREE BUT I AM SO GLAD I DID. WILL BE READING MORE of this authors books and they don't have to be free !
September 20, 2025
Phenomenal Book
Jordan Standridge is a new author for me. Man, am I ever glad that I read this book! I started this morning before going to work, was almost late to work because I didn't Want to stop reading, came home from work and read non stop until the book was finished. I connected with the characters. The descriptions in the book were so well written, I could visualize what was happening in my head.
Jordan Standridge is a new author for me. Man, am I ever glad that I read this book! I started this morning before going to work, was almost late to work because I didn't Want to stop reading, came home from work and read non stop until the book was finished. I connected with the characters. The descriptions in the book were so well written, I could visualize what was happening in my head.
October 24, 2025
This book definitely stood out from the first in such an amazing way! Truly inspiring as a woman to read this book and can be just the life altering thing that can make you see the light. I cannot wait to see what happens in the third installment. This writer is so incredible, she pushes her characters in ways that life pushes us! Will they break and give up, or push through and win/survive! Find out winter of 2025 through early 2026 no exact publishing date yet, but I’ll be waiting for it!
November 8, 2025
I think it is fair to say that I’m having a lot of conflicting feelings about how to review this book. The story at a high level is a good one. I love the characters. As the name of the series indicates, the protagonist is a strong and courageous woman who you can’t help but like and pull for her to get through these challenges. I enjoyed the different story threads and how they all fit together.
However, there are aspects of the author’s approach to writing that I found problematic. The book is a lot longer than it probably needs or should be because the story had a tendency to go down a rabbit hole. As a reader we would get a brain dump of what was going through one of the main character’s minds at a certain point, not unreasonable except the tendency to go into way too much detail was there. Then we’d get the same for what a more obscure character was thinking, which isn’t normal. The way it was done often had me thinking about the old writer’s adage to “show, don’t tell.” It felt like the reader was getting both shown and then told and told and told. At times the story took turns that stretched credibility, but I managed to get past those instances, and the reader was sometimes told things that I didn’t think were needed to understand the story and didn’t add anything to it, just bogging it down. I imagine some readers wouldn’t notice or take issue with the things that bothered me. If you think you’re one of those readers, the book has a lot of good points, so give it a try.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
However, there are aspects of the author’s approach to writing that I found problematic. The book is a lot longer than it probably needs or should be because the story had a tendency to go down a rabbit hole. As a reader we would get a brain dump of what was going through one of the main character’s minds at a certain point, not unreasonable except the tendency to go into way too much detail was there. Then we’d get the same for what a more obscure character was thinking, which isn’t normal. The way it was done often had me thinking about the old writer’s adage to “show, don’t tell.” It felt like the reader was getting both shown and then told and told and told. At times the story took turns that stretched credibility, but I managed to get past those instances, and the reader was sometimes told things that I didn’t think were needed to understand the story and didn’t add anything to it, just bogging it down. I imagine some readers wouldn’t notice or take issue with the things that bothered me. If you think you’re one of those readers, the book has a lot of good points, so give it a try.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
January 11, 2026
Really enjoyed this book! Would like it to be a tv mini series. I think it would be very entertaining.
October 2, 2025
The Witness is the second book in the Women of Strength, Courage, and Hope series by Jordan Standridge. In a dramatic start, the protagonist Raina selflessly saves a deputy policeman. She does not realise that this act of kindness and compassion will turn her own life into a living hell. Detective Channion Scott is assigned to work on her case and finds himself needing to protect not only Raina’s life but his own heart and emotion as well.
If you enjoy a strong female protagonist, thrilling action and a sprinkling of romance, then this is an excellent choice of book. The author balances the internal emotions and external action of the plot well and creates likeable, believable characters. I am giving this book five out of five stars.
If you enjoy a strong female protagonist, thrilling action and a sprinkling of romance, then this is an excellent choice of book. The author balances the internal emotions and external action of the plot well and creates likeable, believable characters. I am giving this book five out of five stars.
October 1, 2025
From the first page, I felt there was something different about this book. The narrative style was very fast-paced and engaging, with a pace that makes it impossible to put down. The story starts with an unexpected twist, and from there, everything becomes increasingly intense. I thought the protagonist's tension, vulnerability, and survival instinct were all incredibly well done.
I devoured the book in no time, and I'm already eager to read the ending, because this is the second book in a three-part series, and I feel like each instalment increases in intensity a little more. It's one of those reads that draws you in without you even realising it. Highly recommended.
I devoured the book in no time, and I'm already eager to read the ending, because this is the second book in a three-part series, and I feel like each instalment increases in intensity a little more. It's one of those reads that draws you in without you even realising it. Highly recommended.
September 9, 2025
Love this book. I had read the first if the series. This one was totally different. Who would think leaving home and driving down the road could get you in so much trouble. What started out as an ordinary day turned into a life altering nightmare. Just stopping to help someone and putting your own life in danger. This was not how Raina planned to start her day. The book keeps you in suspense. Just when you think you’re ready to put it down something else happens and you have to keep reading to see where it goes. Lots of turns and twist with a few surprises thrown in. I loved this book even more than the first one. Can’t wait for number 3 to come out. Great job Jordan💕
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews