Special Target

by Jerusha Agen

She’s trying to save the boy’s life. What if he’s supposed to save hers?

For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances.

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew.

The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive.

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.

A gripping and gritty standalone Christian suspense thriller from the bestselling author of the Guardians Unleashed Series.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Contemporary, Fiction

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

About the author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

Reviews

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my infinite stars, Jerusha Agen has me ugly crying on a plane! I did not see it coming and the feels slammed into me hard.

I’m talking tears rolling, snot dripping, people staring, husband concerned sobbing!

From the first page I could not stand Ashley, and I fell head over heels for Matthew. Tiernan? Jury was out on him for most of the book.

I had no idea where the story was going, but I trust the author completely so I gripped the Kindle and plowed on ahead.

I can’t remember the last time a book hit me this hard.

Girl! Can she write or can she write! My heart is broken and slowly being put back together again. And it’s a wonderful, beautiful ache. Man, I didn’t see that coming! I just can’t get over it!

I cannot recommend this one highly enough. It’s definitely in my top five and I truly doubt it will be moved as the year goes on. No exaggeration. It’s that good.

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. I’m so jealous of readers getting to experience this for the first time.

I’ll be reading it again for certain!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Target is an awesome Christian suspense thriller by Jerusha Agen. This stand-alone novel gripped me from the very beginning and just wouldn't let me go. I really didn't plan to read it when I did, seeing as I had other books to read first. However, once I started reading, I could not put the book down. There was lots of suspense, danger, and action; just the way I like my suspense books.

This story is told from only one point of view, that of social worker Ashley Sorenson. She is joined by a recently orphaned teen with Down's Syndrome named Matthew. A teen who she needs to find a home for, but is unable to at first, so he ends up in her care. Which she is not thrilled with. And she has no clue how to handle a person with Down's Syndrome. In fact, I admit, she really started to get on my nerves with the way she felt towards him. But, I will say this for her, she did her best to take care of him even when danger headed their way. And as the story progressed, you could see her feelings towards him start to change.

Another main character in the story is Tiernan, a man who claims to be an FBI agent. But, is he really? Should she be trusting this stranger? And what about his supposed fellow agents? She honestly doesn't know who to trust when troubles come their way and she finds herself on the run with the orphaned teen.

As she tries to navigate these challenges, memories from her past help to explain her lack of trust and her animosity toward God and Christianity. A faith that both Matthew and Tiernan try to share with her. There are some powerful truths that the author shares and some difficult topics are tackled. Very thought-provoking. And there were quite some emotional scenes. Make sure you have your tissues handy. I wish I had. I admit, there was a point where I wanted to question the author directly and say, "Why, why, why??"

Another book I highly recommend by this author.

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense + Character Growth!

Ashley Sorenson works with CPS and is incredibly protective of the children in her caseload. She goes above and beyond to protect them. However, when she is left as the temporary caretaker of a teenager with Down syndrome, Ashley is resistant to the assignment and keeps herself as distant as possible from her charge Matthew.

The action quickly picks up as it becomes clear someone is after Matthew. Will Ashley be able to save him or will it be Matthew that saves Ashley?

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Target grabbed me in the first few chapters, and I HAD to keep reading until I finished! Yes, I read past my bedtime. The action was fast paced with danger around every corner and the characters were three-dimensional and intriguing. The author’s message that all lives have value is very clear.
This book is a bit different than Agen’s previous books but still extremely well-written and engaging. It is suspense and mystery, not romance. Ashley Sorenson, the female main character, is not very likable at the beginning of the novel, but Agen shows her growth as the story progresses. As she navigates a life on the run with a teenager with Down Syndrome and an obviously Christian FBI agent, Ashley begins to question many things that she had always believed to be true. It was hard for me to figure out which of the other characters should be considered “good guys” and which should be suspect.
This is an excellent and thought-provoking read.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Philipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced story about pain and fear, and ultimately forgiveness. Ashley is a cynical social worker with a painful past. Matthew is a child with Downs Syndrome who needs her help. Tiernan is an FBI agent with a love for God and helping lost people. Together they fight to keep Matthew safe from the people trying to silence him. A powerful story for a world that needs more light.

[Kristin Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Special Target, Jerusha Agen masterfully crafts a story which incorporates themes such as danger, regret, romance, forgiveness, redemption, and most importantly a great reminder of life's preciousness. She also emphasizes a the fact that every person is created in the image of God. This book ignited a powerful range of emotions as I read it and ends in a deeply emotional conclusion. With all these aspects, it is one of the most impactful stories I have read in recent memory and it leaves a lasting impressing. I wholeheartedly recommend this story.

[Joann Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions about it. 


This is through the eyes of Ashley the main character who does not know God. She doesn't understand why God allows what He does. She has her own opinions about children born with disabilities and to be honest her opinions drove me mad. Early on I really didn't like her. I thought I would but once Matthew entered the scene she started getting on my nerves. You know sometimes you have that one character you just want to reach through the pages and smack some truth into them. She was that character for me in this book. 

Aside from that I enjoyed reading this book. It really brings to light how special God makes everyone. The journey for Ashley to see that is long. She has her own issues to work through that are really tough. Stuff no child should have to go through. The themes in this book although not detailed, but definitely hunted at are difficult to read about as you start to understand her trauma. 


Ashley is a social worker who helps kids in difficult and abusive situations. She finds herself with Matthew. A teenager with Down Syndrome whose parents just died in a plane crash. Because there is nowhere to place him she brings him home until she can find someone to foster him. From there she and Matthew are on the run as some bad guys want to find and torture him for information his parents had and she has to work with the FBI to keep him safe but can she trust the FBI? She's not so sure. Through it all she grows to love Matthew. To understand just how special he is. To know that just because he has Down Syndrome doesn't mean he can't live a wonderful and happy life. Matthew loves God and he tries to show God's love to Ashley many times. This book doesn't have the happy ending one might expect but it's message is powerful. By the end of the book I felt differently about Ashley and I fell in love Matthew myself. He's an amazing character and as he got more comfortable with Ashley he showed her just how smart he really is. He showed her God's love and with the help of a special FBI agent she was able to find the peace she so desperately needed.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Target is a fast-paced Christian suspense novel that throws you straight into the action from page one. Ashley, a rather cynical Chicago social worker, finds herself unexpectedly entangled in an FBI investigation when a teenage boy with Down syndrome named Matthew enters her life — and someone dangerous wants him silenced. The tension stays high and the pages turn fast with twists that land at just the right moments.

And Ashley... oh, Ashley. She is one of the most frustratingly realistic protagonists I've encountered. She is stubborn, distrustful, and constantly making reckless choices, but her behavior is clearly rooted in deep trauma, which made her feel painfully real. She is not easy to root for, but by the end, her arc earns every bit of the emotional payoff it delivers.

Matthew is truly a special character. He melted my heart from the very beginning, and his ability to bring light into an otherwise dark story made him even more memorable. His faith is sincere and deeply meaningful, and I especially loved the Bible story that was so important to him. This book serves as a beautiful reminder that God creates each person with purpose, and even when we do not fully understand that purpose, we can still hold fast to the truth that God is good. I also appreciated the resonating faith thread turned that wrestles with hard questions about suffering, purpose, and healing.

TRIGGER WARNING: Trauma and PTSD themes, childhood abuse, negative attitudes toward disability, and more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character, Ashley Sorensen,is a social worker who takes on the responsibility of a teen with Downs syndrome when his parents are killed in a plane crash and there is no placement for him. She had no idea that his parents were guarding secrets that caused him and all around him to be in danger. With an FBI agent determined to keep them safe, this novel led me on a merry chase to follow the clues and try to figure out who could be trusted. The story was intense, highly emotional and filled with a message of hope. With flawed characters who need to find God’s mercy and grace even as they do their good works of helping others, this book spoke to me like no other novel that I have ever had the pleasure to read. I loved this book and I am convinced it is the author’s deepest and best book yet. Told with heart and soul as well as an intelligent and compassionate approach to those who face the challenge daily of caring for a child with special needs, this novel is memorable, heart touching and can be life changing if you let it talk to you. That being said, I really want to encourage everyone to read this book, to dive in with hearts ready for it to speak to you. This novel is one of the most profound and deeply moving fictional books with a firm faith foundation that I have ever read. It didn’t just touch my heart, but it also spoke to my soul, the part of me who wants to see all of my loved ones saved. With a message of God having a specific purpose for everyone that He creates and that He has good plans for each of us, this book resonated inside me, even as I read it a second time. I rarely read books twice, but I wanted to read this one again so I could listen more closely to the messages it had for me. I knew what was going to happen and was ready to shed tears, but what I was not prepared for is the deep longing this book gave me to share the gospel message with others before it is too late. Matthew, the character with Downs Syndrome, represented Jesus well and faithfully. Even with a limited vocabulary, he continued to speak a message of life and faith. His courage in the face of possible death was inspirational and showed me clearly that God does have a plan for everyone, even those whom the world casts aside as unworthy or different. This novel is a fictional tale with a strong foundation of a hope that outlasts our lives on earth and a call to action to bring as many as we can along with us to eternity. Run, don’t walk, to get your copy of this amazing story that deserves so many more than five stars!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Joseph and Sandra Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I really enjoyed reading this book!! It is a little different from Jerushas other stories. It doesn't have as much romance as her other books but it sure does make up for that in the Lords messags. It does have a touch of romance and with this story it just the right amount!! We start with Ashley who is a Chicago social worker who will do almost anything to save a child from a bad situation. Then she meets Mathew Borden a 16 year old boy with down syndrome who's parents died in a plane crash. She finds it impossible to find a suitable even temporary foster home for him. She actually ends up taking him home with her. From the first night she feels something isn't quite right, she feels like she's being watched. This story really grabbed me from the first page and I couldn't put it down! There was lots of danger and suspense. It was a very fast moving book which I love. We also have Tiernan an FBI agent who says he's on her and Mathews side but is he?? Ashley doesn't know who to trust so she trusts no one and ends up on the run with Mathew. Throughout the book she has flashbacks to her childhood which explains a lot of her trust issues and her problem with Christianity and the Lord. Trust me you will absolutely love this book. Its a bit of an emotional read but well worth the messages! 5 stars!! Thank you Jerusha Agen for allowing me an Arc of this book and to be on your team.

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will take you down a very long emotional road that will end with you in tears. Ashley is a social worker who wants to help every child that comes through her work load. Then one day she gets a call for a teenage boy whose parents have perished in an accident. When she goes to pick him up, she already knows that it will be hard to place a teenager but one who is special will be even harder. When she can't find a placement she takes the boy home with her. Along the way there are several people she comes in contact with, but are they friend or foe? Who has put a target on Matthew's back and why? While Ashley is doing what she thinks is best for Matthew and trying to keep him alive, she is also dealing with a very difficult past that is quickly catching up to her. This book is very different from the others that I have read from this author, but in a good way. I would love to give this book more than five stars because of the depth of the story that will leave you wanting more. As you read this book, please don't give up on it because it is wrote in first person perspective. I even had my doubts at the beginning of the story, but it drew me in very quickly and didn't let go until the last page. I am so thankful that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of the book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Target is an action-filled novel with the main lead, Ashley Sorenson, having a huge positive character arc. She does have some great qualities to start with. The first scene has this social worker risking her life to save children from their bat-wielding father. Her feelings and treatment about, Matthew, a sixteen-year-old boy with Down's Syndrome, however, left me cold. Now, that's the author's intention, so don't judge the story or the author by the character's initial reaction. The changes that Ashley undergoes are set in an exciting tale of mystery and suspense. Why is someone after Matthew? Who is their mysterious rescuer? Why is the FBI involved? I loved reading about the faith of Matthew and of Agent Hanks. While there are many touching scenes throughout the book, the last one is incredibly so. I had one quibble with the story in that I think a social worker would be educated about the abilities of children with Down's Syndrome.
There are some possible triggers in the story, including abortion, child abuse, and non-graphic child sexual abuse. I felt these issues were all handled extremely well.
I would recommend this to readers that enjoy Christian suspense. I would definitely read more from author Jerusha Agen.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written novel.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Target by Jerusha Agen is one of those rare suspense novels that lingers long after you turn the final page. It’s not just thrilling - it’s emotionally weighty, raw, and deeply human. Jerusha doesn’t shy away from hard topics, and she explores them with honesty and compassion. There were moments when the intensity of the characters’ pain made me stop and breathe, but that’s exactly what made the story so powerful.

The plot is tight, gripping, and unrelenting - true page-turner material. You feel the danger in every chapter, yet the emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones. The suspense keeps you racing forward, but it’s the heartfelt journey of the characters that anchors you.

What I appreciated most is how Jerusha weaves hope into such dark and difficult circumstances. Even in the rawest moments, there’s a thread of redemption, courage, and grace. The characters are flawed, relatable, and beautifully written, and their struggles feel achingly real.

Special Target is suspense with soul - a novel that grips you, breaks you a little, and then puts you back together with a deeper understanding of strength and faith. It’s the kind of book you’ll think about long after you close it, and one that reminds you why stories matter.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jerusha Agen caused my mind and my heart to battle it out, from the first page of Special Target and I'm still not sure who won. My first thought was after the first chapter was this: "WOW!! Where will Matthew and Ashley go next?" With the opportunity to "meet" the three top characters at first blink, my heart crashed and then picked up a rhythm of defiance. Throughout this book, I understood that faith can help you leave the past where it belongs.

Defiant seemed to be the code word for how Ashley lived her life. Her past had laid her present into a tangled web of ruin. It wasn't until Ashley attempted to find a place within their world as Matthew and Tiernan gently molded her pliable heart. Danger, fear and unfailing love became key words to a life well-lived and fought for, but Ashley had a lot to overcome in a past that could never be rewritten.

This story was a gift of learning. Tiernan and Matthew attempted to teach Ashley about forgiveness and peace. Ashley was beginning to follow a well-defined example. Step by step, God's gentle Spirit began unwinding the tough, and battered notes of what was left behind. What a treasure this book was. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and I cherished every moment.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Target is an edgy realistic Christian story by Jerusha Agen. This author does not pull any punches with the way life is in this flawed world of ours. Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson does all she can to help the children that come under her care but that may not always be enough. As she working with orphaned sixteen-ear-old Matthew Borden. It is difficult to find a foster home for teenagers but especially one with Down Syndrome. Suddenly her life becomes one of suspense, danger, and information on a need-to-know basis. An action-packed thriller with unknown suspects and FBI agents she is afraid to trust.

I loved Matthew’s faith in a God that at the beginning Ashley did not know. The story is told from her POV. It is an honest look at how those who don’t know the Lord would think, feel and act. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that. For almost all of the book Ashley needs the Lords but refuses to listen to Matthew few words or FBI agent Tiernan, yet God continues to work. With a conclusion that is heart breaking as well as inspiring, it leaves you thinking.

One warning is that there may be triggers for some concerning child abuse and abortion. A wonderful book just be prepared for these issues.

[Mary Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with a social worker, Ashley, arriving on a call and saving three children from being abused more than they already were. She was devoted to saving as many children as she could. From that it’s apparent that Ashley was abused as a child, without any one to help her.
She’s dedicated to her career and you feel that part of her heart that she will save every child that she can. Until she’s assigned to Matthew, a 16-year-old with Down syndrome who survived a plane crash that killed his parents. Despite her commitment to saving children, Ashley doesn’t seem to feel the same towards Matthew. She doesn’t seem to realize that children are affected differently by Down syndrome, and she doesn’t show him any empathy. It was one of the saddest parts of the book for me.
When an FBI agent becomes involved in trying to protect Matthew, and Ashley - as she is now fully involved with taking care of Matthew, even though she doesn’t seem to fully grasp everything that is going on at first. It definitely adds to the emotional rollercoaster of twists and turns in the book. The story is full of painful pasts and unresolved traumas, making some issues even harder to deal with - especially with sweet-hearted Matthew. The book does have faith and scripture throughout the book, and it’s done well.
This book doesn’t have any romance that is usually in this author’s books, but I am glad. This book is better without it; I think it would have taken away from the story.
The book does have heavy topics like child abuse, abortion, trauma, and loss that could be triggers for some. With that said, I think it was well written in that you are made aware, but it is without the details.
Once you start the book, it’s a definite page turner, and you will not want to put it down. I do recommend having a box of tissues nearby, because there are some sad parts woven through and there are also some beautiful parts that will completely wreck you.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very unique and definitely makes you think! From the first page, I was hooked, but for the first time, I couldn't stand the main female character, Ashley (she gets better by the end - don't worry!) I felt like she was very judgemental and was shocked by her attitude towards Matthew (which is probably the sweetest character I've read about this year). Then you find out why she was like that and it made the story more real, because she wasn't perfect and was definitely flawed. This book didn't have any romance, but there was a slight romantic thread between Ashley and the MMC, FBI Agent Tiernan, but the focus of this book was definitely more suspense/thriller. I will say that the ending had me crying, like sobbing and while it wasn't the ending I would have chosen (which is why the book is 4 stars), it was a sweet ending. (I am literally tearing up while writing this review) This book was a wonderful example of God's goodness, His forgiveness and His sovereignty. As Matthew would say " God good!". Overall, I liked the book and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received the book as an ARC from the author - all thoughts are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating story!

Ashley, a tough as nails social worker, who doesn't believe in God is tasked with the safety of a 16-year-old down syndrome young man. She's had enough suffering in her life, that she can't honestly understand why Matthew's parents brought him into this world, in her opinion, only to suffer. A mysterious FBI agent named Tiernan keeps showing up to help her and Matthew yet she doesn't fully trust him.

Matthew is such a gift. I absolutely loved this character; the author portrays him so well. He is here for such a good purpose. With all that he may not understand, he understands the important things such as faith in God and being a kind and good person. Ashley struggles to see God as good because of her parents and finds unforgiveness as the only understandable way forward. And the mysterious FBI agent who does his best to help them both amidst danger and betrayal.

With mystery and deep hurt surrounding Ashley's past, and danger surrounding sweet Matthew's present, Special Target is heartwarming, heartbreaking and redemptive. I could not put it down! You don't want to miss this one!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lana Spelliscy · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first page to the last, this gripping story doesn't let go. Action, adrenaline, and danger mix together for the perfect thrilling book. It starts with a bang and doesn't stop until after the entire story is told. From the start the characters are realistic and down to earth. With flaws they want to hide from the world, every reader can find something to relate to on a deeper level. They don't stay with their flaws but learn and push through them to give a strong redemptive grace to the book. It was fun and informative to learn with the characters how to move forward from a seemingly devastating mistake. Every life is valuable and worthwhile which shines through each page of this book.
The fast pace of the story moves the characters from danger to danger, never knowing which twist is going to come next. Just when you think you might have part of the book figured out, the adrenaline spikes and leaves you wondering what has happened. The pages flew by! Another wonderful and exciting thrill ride with Jerusha Agen at the wheel. Grab a copy as soon as you can! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mara]

Thank you Jerusha for allowing me to be a part of this launch team. It was a beautiful story.

Special Target by Jerusha Agen

I have tried to write a review in my normal way, to give a part of the story with my thoughts. This story is different for me. It hit close to home in many ways.

Special Target is a story about living through trauma and coming out on the other side. Ashley Sorenson has seen a lot of evil in the world beginning at home. And although she lived through it, she held onto it and carried it as her shield so that she held people at arm's length. She is a social worker who does her best to get children out of bad situations. But when she had to help a teenager with Down Syndrome, Matthew, who lost his parents in a plane crash, the case became very personal.
Matthew lost both of his parents in a plane crash and did not have any other family. To avoid having to put him in the local Psychiatric hospital, she took him home with her. She had no idea how her life would change just by making that one decision.

[Jeanloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Target by Jerusha Agen is an intense work of Christian fiction that will have you needing a box of tissues by the end.

Ashley Sorensen is a Chicago area social worker who ends up caring for Matthew Borden, a 16 year old boy with Down’s Syndrome, when she can’t find emergency placement for him after his parents are killed in a plane cash. For most of this book I did not like Ashley at all. Her total distrust led her to continuously make terrible decisions. She held very common misconceptions about people with Down’s syndrome that seemed to be magnified to extreme lengths.

Tiernan is an FBI agent tasked with keeping Matthew and Ashley safe. He is a complete optimist with an unwavering faith. He is (mostly) patient with Ashley’s distrust and terrible decisions. As trouble heats up and keeping Ashley and Matthew gets more and more difficult the suspense builds to a heart pounding level.

This book has a lot of deep layers and a twist that had me yelling at the book. I highly recommend this book.

I received an arc from the author. My opinions are my own.

[Jane Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Sorenson, a Chicago social worker, is tough as nails until she meets Matthew, a teenager with Down Syndrome whose parents are killed, and she needs to place him somewhere. But...those homes are all full and she's tasked with keeping him. Ashley sees only the condition, not the person. Ashley struggles with why his parents didn't abort him before birth. Then an FBI agent has an interest in Matthew especially after several attempts on his and Ashley's life. This is hard story to read especially Ashley's attitude toward Matthew thinking he can't understand anything or talk well. But she has her reason, especially her secret. Theres a lot and intrigue packed into this story and a surprise ending. It's heartbreaking as well as educational and redeeming story. I highly recommend this book if you like to be stretched in your thinking and understanding. I was given an advance copy of this by the publisher, but these are my own words and thoughts.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson has seen it all, but when she has to provide sanctuary to orphaned Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, she feels ill-equipped to handle it. She is baffled by his late parents' decision to allow him to be faced with such a life.

But then she and Matthew are in danger, their lives are on the line, and Ashley is forced to examine her feelings. When events from her past intersect with Matthew's life, she puts her life on the line to protect Matthew and discover why they are targets. But Ashley can't do it alone, but she doesn't know who to trust. Who wants to help them? And who wants to use them? If she can't figure it out their lives will be over and evil will prevail.

This is intense in both action and emotions. Definitely different than Jerusha Agen's previous works but still good and thought provoking.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is "Wow"!! Special Target hits so many emotions as you read it. Social workers have a tough job and it is demonstrated by Ashley Sorenson as you follow her on her mission to save the children of Chicago. But when Matthew, a 16 year old with Down Syndrome, needs a place to stay after the death of his parents, she doesn't want anything to do with him but her sense of duty to the boy makes her continue to care for him. When it becomes apparent that he is in danger, she is determined to protect him but doesn't know who she can trust. This book is a journey of discovery and the revelation of secrets that Ashley has held for years. Action, suspense, twists and turns, trust, faith, and characters that keep you guessing make this book a must read. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all the books I have read, I have never seen such a compelling and powerful argument for the sanctity of life than in this very important book. The emphasis on God’s goodness and special craftsmanship of each and every person, no matter what they look like or what abilities or disabilities they have, was meant for a great purpose. I have come away from this book changed and encouraged to continue to care for others. Though the unexpected twists and the darkness the characters battled broke my heart a little, I appreciated the remarkably realistic portrayal of people’s prejudice or kindness, which was dependent upon their reactions and beliefs. I can easily say that this is the best book about people with disabilities that I have ever read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

God has a plan. He has a purpose. But for Ashley, a rather cynical social worker, this is a concept she finds very hard to believe. Unable to find a foster home for a special orphan, she ends up as the temporary guardian. The only problem, Matthew is non-verbal and Down Syndrome. Matthew’s favorite saying is God good. With Ashley’s past, she finds that very hard to believe. After all, how can God be good if he allows children like Matthew survive?

Matthew may have knowledge about his parents’ dealings and the FBI wants that information. Someone is following him, or has Ashley’s past caught up with her? Either way, the danger increases.
A story of fear, forgiveness and believing that God’s plan is good - one that will stay with me for a long time. Received through SDG Words, LLC and BookFunnel, these thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Target is different than most of the author's books I've read, but it had me from the beginning. The subject matter is emotional, but the storyline handled it well. The characters are interesting and at first, I didn't care much for Ashley but felt sorry for her sordid past that haunted her.

The story had non-stop action filled with danger and the characters were literally running for their lives. There are lots of twists and turns in the story and came with a surprise. Make sure to allow time to read and keep the tissues handy. An emotional story but well worth the read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerusha Agen knows how to weave an unforgettable story!

I LOVE the title and how it refers to one of the characters.

As much as I loved Matthew Haase, the star of the show for me was Ashley Sorenson, the social worker. Her amazing growth both amazed and humbled me. At first, I wanted to pull her aside and tell her to change her attitude, but she rose to the heroine status all on her own. I was in awe of how her journey centered on empathy and interconnectedness, leading her to embrace the power of community. She learned that needing people is as important as being needed. How wonderful for her to grow into someone willing to stand in the gap when danger came. I loved her transformation and enjoyed seeing how the author built upon “fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God” to support the theme.

Special Target has a cleverly contrived plot, it’s stuffed with unforgettable characters, and well-paced with steadily mounting suspense. It’s an enjoyable page-turner!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Vicki Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley is a dedicated social worker who works hard for the children she is asked to advocate for. But everything changes when she is assigned Matthew, a 16 L year old orphan with Down Syndrome. She is unable to find him a foster home, and soon finds herself entangled with FBI agent Tiernan, as someone is trying to kill Matthew. What secrets does Matthew have? And what from Ashley's past keeps her from engaging with Matthew, and trusting his God. As always with Jerusha's books, I couldn't put it down. A beautiful story of God's love for all of us, and how He is able to use us all, even those with limitations. You will love this book. I received and Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) with no obligation to post a positive review.

[Naomi Shores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Sorenson the DCS caseworker assigned to Matthew a boy with Downs Syndrome was not my favorite character as the story opens. Her ideas/prejudices on people with Downs Syndrome really bothered me because I personally know a few people with DS and they are not like what she perceives. As the story progresses she struggles with what she perceives is right and what is true. There is a lot of personal growth in her character. The book has a strong faith element, reflects that God created each of us in His image and that He can/will use each of us to His glory, there is a lot of suspense and danger, and forgiveness and redemption with a little romance. You will feel emotionally engaged by the time you finish this book.