Chasing Shadows

by Bertie Stein

She built a sanctuary to protect the innocent. He’s the one man who could destroy it—or save her.

Sheila McBride knows the bitter cost of trusting the wrong man. Three years after a devastating betrayal by someone she loved, she has carved out a quiet life running Chiricahua Coffee & Covers in Willcox, Arizona. Here, she secretly provides refuge to vulnerable families, trusting no one—especially anyone wearing a badge.

But when her young cousin Maria vanishes into the shadows of the Arizona desert, Sheila’s carefully guarded world shatters. Going to the authorities is impossible; a single misstep will expose the innocent families she shields. To save Maria, Sheila must rely entirely on her own wit and desperate prayers.

Then Matt Morrow walks into her sanctuary. He is guarded, dangerous, and carrying a past as scarred as her own.
Deep undercover to dismantle a perilous criminal ring from the inside, Matt has spent a decade running from his past, his grief, and his fractured faith. He never planned on a stubborn cafe owner upending his mission. But as the danger closes in on the border town the McBride family has called home for generations, Matt realizes Sheila is standing directly in the line of fire.

As suspicion clashes with an undeniable, reluctant attraction, Sheila uncovers Matt's true identity. The revelation brings fury, not relief. He is law enforcement. He lied. He represents everything she swore she would never trust again.

With time running out and the enemy closing in, Sheila and Matt must navigate a maze of deception. To save a missing girl, they will have to risk their lives—and find the courage to surrender their broken pasts to a higher power.

The McBride Legacy, Book 1, is a gripping, high-stakes tale of faith, second chances, and romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt’s life as an undercover DEA agent inside a cartel was never simple, but it suddenly grows much harder when the cartel takes the niece of a woman who doesn’t know how to back down and will put her life on the line to try to save others. Sheila is frantic when Maria disappears, and not even warning visits from a threatening stranger will make her stop looking for her. But when he turns up injured on her doorstep and tells her Maria has escaped, she’s forced to review her opinion of him. Only by working together do they have any hope of bringing down the cartel and saving the hundreds of girls it’s trafficked – but the danger is only going to grow as they get closer…

This drew me in from the start and held my attention throughout. Matt's dilemma of wanting to save Maria but also not wanting to waste everything he's worked towards inspired sympathy in his early predicament, while Sheila's combined determination despite very reasonable fear had me rooting for their success - and very glad the immediate enemy is a friend in disguise. I also appreciated her family's support, however overprotective they could be. My one minor quibble was that a few things didn't quite hang together for me (the final takedown seemed much too easy, for a start), but it didn't stop me enjoying the book. I'm intrigued to see what the family face next. 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am quickly becoming a fan of Bertie Stein and her romantic suspense novels. I loved this book that is the start of a new series about the McBride family. This is the story of Sheila, the youngest and only girl of the family. Her family's ranch is in Arizona and there are eight boys all having different careers from ranching including a priest. Sheila is the owner of a cafe and book store. She has been helping illegal immigrants including her cousin, Maria, by providing housing and food. When Maria is kidnapped by a cartel for trafficking and drugs, Sheila fights back. Matt, an undercover FBI agent, is the person who transports Maria and two other girls. He has to threaten and scare Sheila to maintain his cover until he realizes her faith in God is stronger than her fear. The action is intense and a romance begins. The characters are wonderful. You will have to read the book to see if Matt and Sheila survive to pursue the romance. I highly recommend this as a clean romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating and intense read by Bertie Stein. This is the start of a new series and is the story of Sheila McBride and Matt Morrow, a DEA agent who's deep undercover in a cartel operation. From the first page I was captivated and couldn't be bothered until I finished it. Truth be told Bertie Stein has become a fast favorite and I look forward to reading more every time. Highly recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intense! Chasing after human traffickers, Sheila is trying to save her cousin. Her ex Matt ends up helping her. But Matt doesn't tell her everything upfront, and Sheila is determined to get her cousin back. When Matt puts everything on the line to help her, they both end up in witness protection. However, the twist at the end will totally shock you. This was a really intense but great read!

[Jodi]

Another great and intense read by Bertie Stein! This is the start of a new series, which is a spinoff from the Angels Among Us series. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put the book down. Both Sheila and Matt are running from past hurts, but they learn to work with each other to save her cousin Maria.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an action packed and fast paced read. Its about trusting even when you have no reason to. Maria is kidnapped and Sheila is determined to find her and get her back from the traffickers. Sheila is getting in Matt's way and putting his life in danger. She causes him to get found out and blow his undercover assignment. Great visual description and personable characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story kept me reading until the end. I really didn’t want to stop (even for sleep or anything else). The suspense grabs you from the start and just doesn’t let up. Sheila has a faith in God that gives her the strength and courage to go against the cartel. She aids Matt even before she learns he is undercover. So inspiring and emotional. I can’t wait for book 2.

I received this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book can be read as a standalone, it is part of an interconnected series with overlapping characters. Can't wait for the next book.
Drug trafficking
Human trafficking
Undercover
Large family with widespread influence
Dangerous cat and mouse game.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This is the first in the series and I was quickly pulled in. I am looking forward to finding more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charles Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Bertie Stein weaves great story lines with inspiring reminders of faith and trust. Evil often appears to have the upper hand, but God uses everything to create the steps of His larger story. Stein emphasises that with great story telling.

[Anneliesa Gaunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story Continues

I’m glad to see this story continue with characters that reader of the trilogy before this one will recognize.
I appreciated this one more than #3 in that this was more complete and not repetitive thoughts of the characters.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it and I'm looking forward to the next book.
The characters were very believable and interesting. Love was the main reason I kept reading.
I highly recommend this book and series.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the McBride Legacy series. I really got into this story, and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters. This book had a great mix of suspense, drama, and romance. I really enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.