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Echo Mountain #4

Christmas Undercover

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FATAL CHRISTMAS

FBI agent Sara Vaughn believes a group of pharmaceutical businessmen are engineering drugs with deadly results. Her boss won't approve a sting operation, so she goes rogue—following the suspects on a hike in the Cascade Mountains to record evidence. But when Sara witnesses them murder one of their own, they target her. Saved by a handsome volunteer mountain rescue worker, Sara at first suspects Will Rankin is another bad guy hunting her. But when the widowed father of two risks everything to save her, she knows that Will is all that's standing between her and seeing Christmas morning.

Echo Mountain: Saving lives and finding love in the mountains of Washington State

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

28 people are currently reading
139 people want to read

About the author

Hope White

52 books76 followers
Accused of being an eternal optimist, I was born and raised in the Midwest and migrated to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago. I began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when I was in grade school, and wrote my first book when I was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!

My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.

When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com

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5 stars
73 (44%)
4 stars
49 (30%)
3 stars
32 (19%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,482 reviews67 followers
November 8, 2015
It has been a long time since I read a romantic suspense novel. This was really great read if you are the type of person that likes more suspense then romance. It is also a faith based novel, so there isn't any graphic sex or anything else of that nature. It's a clean read. Also, don't worry about it being overly religious, it isn't and most of the strength of faith belongs to Will.

That said, that doesn't meant that the book is light reading. It does keep you on the edge of you seat wondering what's going to happen to Sara, especially after she sees too much and the group she was tailing see her. The story isn't as fast as a lot of other novels in this series, but it does have a fantastic heroine that doesn't take any malarkey. Will is fantastic too. He's strong but a very good and capable father, trying to cope with the death of his wife a few years back.

Sara is FBI, but she's gone rogue to catch some unsavory characters. In doing so she drags Will and his daughter down a dangerous road. It is easy to understand why she doesn't trust Will when he first shows up trying to help her.

Will has problems of his own. Getting involved helping her is putting his daughter at risk as well as his in-laws. Will really takes charge in his own way, when it comes to keeping Sara safe, but not in the way you usually see in these types of books. He's not a He-Man type of guy, but he is the protective kind of guy, and I think I like that better. I also like that Sara doesn't let the man do all the rough stuff.

I really loved this book.
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,450 reviews
November 24, 2015
SUMMARY: FBI agent Sara Vaughn believes a group of pharmaceutical businessmen are engineering drugs with deadly results. Her boss won't approve a sting operation, so she goes rogue—following the suspects on a hike in the Cascade Mountains to record evidence. But when Sara witnesses them murder one of their own, they target her. Saved by a handsome volunteer mountain rescue worker, Sara at first suspects Will Rankin is another bad guy hunting her. But when the widowed father of two risks everything to save her, she knows that Will is all that's standing between her and seeing Christmas morning.

REVIEW: This is book 4 in Hope White's Echo Mountain series although it is the first of the series I have read. I have read other Love Inspired books by Hope White and found this one not quite as strong. The Love Inspired books are an enjoyable and quick read for when you need a break between more in depth novels. Although you know from the start who the bad guys are this plot had good development. I thought Sara was a little obsessed over this case and could understand why she had conflicts with her FBI boss. Will was definitely a "white knight" both loyal, compassionate, and kind hearted. I would have liked to see a bit more intrigue but overall this was a good read.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "For the first time in her life, Sara felt a connection to God as she helped Will avoid the pitfalls of fear and focus on the guiding light of hope.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
October 9, 2019
Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by BookTrib

I tend to be a bit of a snob when it comes to reading inspirational romance.  I want that touch of faith, but I don't want it to be overwhelming or preachy.  I'd never read Hope White before, so I wasn't sure on what end of the scale she was going to land.  In the end, there was that right amount of faith for my tastes.

I also can be a little picky when it comes to romantic suspense.  Finding that right balance between the suspense and romance is hard.  All too often one or the other tends to overpower the other leaving me feeling like I missed out on something.  Again, Ms White seemed to find the right balance.  The suspense part kept me interested and wondering what's going to happen next and the romance was developed enough.   I hate nothing more than an "I love you" coming up and questioning where that came from.

Will was a little too good to be true.  A man of faith, a great father, and just seemed to be overly optimistic.  And then there was Sara who was very work oriented, focused and running scared.  Will saves Sara's life and then they were almost inseparable.  I think this was where I got lost a little.  Sara, while she wasn't my favorite person, seemed more real to me but at the same time, I just wanted to give her a good shake.  And Will, as I said earlier, just seemed too good to be true.  I think he allowed an attraction to Sara put him in dangerous situations.

This was a quick entertaining read.  The book was set during the Christmas season which added a nice little touch.  If you're looking for a sweet romance with a bite of suspense, try this one.
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
January 4, 2016
This romantic suspense story spends much of the time outdoors as hiking, mountain search and rescue and first aid are involved, in Washington State's Cascade Mountains. An FBI agent spying on some unethical drug company owners, witnesses something which makes her decide to flee - but in the dark, fired on and hurrying, she falls over an edge.

The agent is found by a lone man hiker, and between her concussion and paranoia, he doesn't know what to make of her. He's widowed and fills his time by volunteering for Search and Rescue, when he is not looking after his young daughters. The pair have to get down from the mountains; their phones can't find a signal. I would have thought SAR people would carry a satellite phone as well as a cell, but maybe he'd left it behind or there just wasn't coverage.

The nearby town is preparing for Christmas and we get family activities as a nice contrast. This is a lively suspense story about determined people, including a tracking dog handler late in the story, and the romance could be read by young adults as well as adults.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
March 18, 2017
Mixed feelings. I enjoyed part of the story, but then at times the story seemed to not flow that well (maybe it was just how I perceived it). I liked the setting and kind of wish I had read the previous books first, because then I might have enjoyed the book more. Still, all in all, I did like the story.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review.*
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
September 12, 2015
Christmas Undercover is by Hope White. It is an Echo Mountain novel. It is a Love Inspired suspense so has no language or graphic sexual scenes. It is a great suspense and keeps you wondering what is going on.
Sara Vaughn is an FBI agent who is on a forced vacation. She wants to find proof that drug company LHP, Inc., which is owned by David Price, Victor LaRouche, and Ted Harrington, is trying to sell a sleep medication that is poisonous. She has been ordered off the case by her boss Greg Bonner; but she is determined to stop them. She found out the men were going camping in the Cascade Mountains of Washington and managed to get herself a job as cook for the company that was taking them camping. No one knew who she was. When the men left camp one night, she followed them. She was close enough to record their meeting and even closer to see them push David Price off the cliff. In her haste to get away, she revealed herself and the men started to follow her. She came to a dead end, a cliff. Luckily she had her rope and tied it to a tree at the edge of the cliff and rolled over the cliff. When the men came to this spot, they found her rope and started bringing it up. Before it went very far, Sara took her chance and let go.
Will Rankin was a member of the Search and Rescue team out of Echo Mountain. He was on a solo camping trip in the mountains to figure out his life. He was a widower raising two young girls. He was trying to come to grips with his wife’s death and his current position. While hiking he came across the Sara’s body. At first he feared she was dead; but quickly found out she wasn’t. She came too and in her fear and anger, she hit him in the eye. She was definitely hurt but wouldn’t give into him. She thought he was a plant to kill her. He managed to get her to his cabin and tried to help her. When a man came to the cabin and almost beat Will to death, Sara killed him.
Can Will protect her until she could she get on her feet? Would Sara figure out what was going on and be congratulated by her boss or would she figure out what is going on? Could Will keep her and his family alive?
2,323 reviews38 followers
December 26, 2015

3 STARS

I liked it. Lots of Action, danger, romance, darling little girls, prayer, heroes and characters you want to cheer on. Plus it is a clean read.

This is the fourth book in the series but the first one I have read. It can stand alone really well.

FBI Agent Sara Vaughn is supposed to be on vacation but she went undercover as a trail guide and witnessed a murder. She took off in the dark and fell down the mountain.

Sara believes a drug company is going to go forward with a dangerous drug. She thinks they need to be stopped. Some of the executives of the company are planning a trip hiking on Echo mountain. Her boss told her there was no case and to drop it. She is stubborn.

Will Rankin sees a body and hurries to help but Sara thinks he is the bad guy. Will is a single father of two little girls. He is alone on the mountain to pray by himself. He is a search & rescuer.

There is so much going on. You never know who to trust. Sara with her head injury retreats to hiding like she did when she was younger. Sara also decides not to let people know she works for FBI until she can talk to her boss.

The setting is the Cascade mountains.

This a exciting book, a fast read. That I wish it could have been longer.

I would be willing to read more books by Hope White in the future.

I was given this ebook to read for free from Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Christmas Undercover.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,736 reviews199 followers
November 1, 2015
I finished this a little over a day ago, but am having trouble remembering it. So obviously it's not a story that stuck with me. I do remember that while reading it I though it was a little crazy, SO much happens and not all of it is believable. I liked the main characters, but found it hard to believe that someone like Sara could have become an FBI agent with her attitude towards authority. I thought Will's mother-in-law was a little over the top, in her behavior towards Will, but I loved her devotion to her granddaughters. Overall, this was an okay Love Inspired suspense novel and I liked it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
Profile Image for Crystal.
520 reviews24 followers
May 23, 2020
This book is about a FBI Agent, her boss and survival in the wilderness and of course some romance.
I loved this book because it was suspenseful from beginning to end. The book is a page turner, easy to read and love the possible deadly twists and turns.
I highly recommend the book and will read again and have.
1,282 reviews9 followers
June 12, 2023
Action packed and mesmerizing!

Sara is working undercover on Echo Mountain, when one of the guys she is investigating, throws one of his partners off a cliff. Then she is running for her life until she fell off a cliff. Will is out hiking to find some closure, when he finds Sara. After some misunderstandings, they both start working together to prove what had happened. Trouble is never far behind, which is bad, as Will has his two little girls to worry about. Can they all stay safe and still prove that the bad guys are out there? Action packed throughout the whole thing, with tons of twists and turns.

The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story and move it forward. Read Safe Harbor first and then this series in order. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Deeann Zessin.
171 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2023
My 5 star ratings’ are currently reserved for above and beyond exceptional works, so a 4 star rating is a very good book and 3 is a good book.

I enjoyed Christmas Undercover. So far, it is the best in the Safe Harbor and Echo Mountain series. I liked Will and Sara. I really liked Will in the previous books as well. It was refreshing to have characters who were not so self-deprecating and to not spend so much time rehashing an abusive or traumatic past. I especially enjoyed Will’s confidence in God. Though the book does not have a strong faith base, I still like that it is incorporated into the story. I also like that it was not danger on top of danger on top of danger…that was getting old in the previous books. This book was more believable and a pleasure to read. I’m now looking forward to the next.
309 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2017
I was looking for something quick and Christmassy. While it wasn't the most horrible book I ever read, it wasn't the best either. I am not a "romance" reader, so I just found it too implausible that the two main characters fell "in love" with each other under these circumstances. There really was nothing to base a relationship on, but lies. Spoiler alert: the book ends with them going off happily ever after, when Will doesn't even know "Sara's" real name. Seriously?
Profile Image for Judine Brey.
779 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2019
I was pleased that this book of the Echo Mountain series worked well as a stand alone novel because I read it out of order (not something I'd ever recommend). I was glad Will found someone to partner with him to raise his girls. Sara's single mindedness in her career was a nice counterpoint, especially when she realized what she was missing. That said, these pieces all falling into place at the end was a little forced.
Profile Image for Mary.
209 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2018
Very enjoyable

Loved the story of Sara and Will from start to finish, they both overcame trying obstacles and were united by love and love of God in the end.
938 reviews
July 9, 2018
Was hard to lay this book down. Fast moving...a real page turner!
Profile Image for Crystal.
520 reviews24 followers
July 29, 2018
It was a good book to read and it was suspenseful. Would of rated it a five stars but had an inkling how it was going to end before I finished the book. Would recommend it. The book is by Hope White.
59 reviews
October 31, 2018
Loved it

Once I picked up this book I couldn't stop reading it. On to the next one.
I read the first 3 and couldn't put them down either.
60 reviews
December 24, 2019
Interesting Story

I love books that I can read quickly and do not lose interest. Thanks for story telling and hope to enjoy more
338 reviews1 follower
Read
September 9, 2021
Sara and Will's story...OR How an FBI Agent Became a Small Town Detective. Very good read.
1,830 reviews18 followers
November 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I had to smile when Sara met Will, the abuse the poor man took, and still helped her.

Check out the book I think you will enjoy it too.
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
October 13, 2015
A story filled with suspense, conspiracy theories, chasing the villains in the wilderness, danger, anxiety and scares!
The story has so much action going on, every moment the plot has twists, set backs, and new villains, it was impossible to put down, the story had a hold of me from the start.
A drug company is a powerful enemy to have, and without the knowledge whom they had bought or were blackmailing in the small town, they had no idea to know whom to trust, and where they would be safe.
Sara is a very complex character. The childhood drama she had suffered, had left her mind scared, and in the fearful state, dehydrated, and injured, had put her mind into a spin. My heart went out for her, and the struggle she was facing. She had lost trust, and faith, she is lost and alone, with a tunnel vision of catching the culprits.
In her scared, offensive, survival mode, she keeps pushing Will away, again and again, even though in his company she for the first time feels peaceful and secure.
Will, the widowed single dad of two adorable little girls, is drawn to Sara, despite the danger that seems to surround her. He puts his trust into God, into His Guidance, and keeping him and his loved ones safe and secure, including Sara.
The hunt for evidence of the crimes is tireless, taking them into a wild chase, while risking their lives again and again.
The only possibility of future together for Sara and Will is, if the offenders are caught with evidence that will hold in a court of law, and if Sara learns to trust God in her life, and lean on Him in the storms of life.
Trust is a fragile thing, so easily broken and damaged. The story is a beautiful example of building a trust again, finding kindness and goodness in people around us, making the right choices in life and accepting help when needed.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Profile Image for Sherry.
94 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2016
3 1/2
FBI agent Sara Vaughn is sure that drug company owners will be selling drugs that are deadly. Her boss has forbidden her to investigate the case any further. However, Sara doesn't take no for an answer. She takes leave from work and heads for the Cascade Mountains where she signs up for the same hike as the suspects to try to gather evidence on her own. While she's following them she see them murder one of their partners and then she becomes a target. Will Rankin is hiking when he comes across an unconscious Sara and tries to help. She's sure he's been hired to finish her off. He seems like such a nice guy though and he has two cute daughters. Slowly she begins to see that he truly is trying to help her but now she's put him and his girls at risk too. Can they gather the evidence they need to take down the owners of the drug company or will it be too late?

I enjoyed this story. It was suspenseful and full of intrigue. Although you know whose responsible there were still some surprises along the way, which I liked. I thought the characters were well developed and realistic. Sara did drive me crazy with her obsession with the case, although you could understood why she was that way. Will was a great guy and had so many great qualities. His loving and understanding ways was why he had so many friends looking out for him. I just didn't understand what attracted him to Sara. I really appreciated the way Will had a positive impact on Sara. It caused me to think about whether I'm having a positive impact on people. Will had a strong faith and it showed in his life. Overall it was a great story and I would recommend it to those who maybe appreciate more intrigue than romantic tension.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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