Training Grounds

by Christy Barritt

Genres: Romance

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2026

About the author

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Reviews

[Kalyn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Barritt is on fire with this series! Breathtaking series with such suspense! This book had me on the edge of my seat many times! I hope that she just keeps bringing more exciting series!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary suspense story will grab you from the first chapter and hold on until the heart-stopping conclusion!! Rowan King is a famous Hollywood actress who has returned to Refuge Cove. Her family welcomes her with open arms even if they don't know the reason for her visit. Rowan is running and hoping that no one will find her here. When trouble does find her, her family and the one she left behind, Wes, step in to protect her. But can she risk their lives or will she finally end this nightmare by doing the right but hard thing? If you like suspense, mystery, complex characters, a touch of romance - and did I mention dogs - this book is for you. It is part of a series but it is a stand alone read. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Training grounds

Book five in the Refuge Cove series brings Rowan King, Hollywood star, home with a deadly secret. Right away, the feeling of eyes on her every move shattered her peace. And the gunshots in the woods did nothing to soothe her feelings. However, she was pretty dumb, continually leaving the Cove for a casual trip to town, where she was recognized. And then to top it off she left home for a meeting without Wes or Calab anywhere near. It was a grave error as she walked into a trap. Overall a good read in spite of inconsistencies (such as the house mysteriously moving very close to the fence and gate. The pond also moved somewhere else. But I digress. Read the books in order to know who the Harding's &vHendersons are and how they are woven into the story.

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Training grounds- where it all begins

Rowan left Virginia looking for a future she thought would make her happy. Sadly it took more than it gave. It took years she could have spent finding what she was looking for was right in front of her. This story brings up the prodigal son-living his life as he wanted when everything he wanted was where he left. Rowan came home and found her family waiting on her with open arms, accepting her and supporting her as families do, whose moral compass runs true north.
This series has so much character lessons and suspense that keeps your mind twirling to see what happens next as Christy Barritt is so talented in doing in her writings.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actress Rowan King returns to Refuge Cove and her family after witnessing a suspicious death in Hollywood. The warm reunion is tainted by the danger she may have brought with her. Security specialist Wes Bennett just happens to be at Refuge Cove assessing safety and risks, so he steps in to help keep her and the rest safe. The drama and tangled web tighten around Rowan as the story unfolds. Another exciting suspense offering from this prolific mystery writer. This book can stand alone, but the series is best read in order. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I an BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Rowan King returns home after watching her boss cover up a murder. When she arrives home she encounters her former boyfriend, Wes Bennett who is now a security specialist and hired by her brother to improve security at Refuge Cove. When trouble follows her, Wes tries to protect her. This is a thrilling addition to this series. It is a stirring book about trust, relationship and family.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fast-paced contemporary suspense read! The action starts right away and doesn't let go. Rowen King, a Hollywood actress, returns home but doesn't tell her family why she returned. However, danger follows her, to the point where her family and Wes, her ex and a security specialist, step in to protect Rowen. Training Grounds will keep your attention from start to finish with its well-crafted storyline and engaging plot.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, big trouble hits the King family and descends upon Refuge Cove. Layered among the opposition are three intimidating families and groups. Fortunately, this family has many friends and allies. They need every one of them to protect each other, their mission, legacy and future.

Stay tuned for the next installment from Christy Barritt. Like a certain potato chip, you can't read just one.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding where you truly belong

This was so good. A perfect extension of the other books in this series. I love how Christy portrays a true Christian family that loves no matter what and are there for each other. This series has been so good. I have enjoyed every single book and I love every single character. They are great characters that even with their flaws and shortcomings they keep their eyes on the Lord. The whole series is most definitely worth reading.

[MARYANN MATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly Good

The book started off slowly. But then pickup I don't usually read a book in a few days but it was hard to put it down. The suspense kept you reading just a few more chapters. The book gives you shuttle hints as you read who's behind it all. But with all the twist and turns in it makes you wonder. I love her books can't wait for the next one.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series have been excellent reads, keeping my interest from beginning to the last page. I enjoy books where people who feel they are so clever, have everything so well thought out to stay ahead of being suspected of being the culprit. The second chance romance between Wes Bennett and Rowan King was very satisfying.

[Patty Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite i think

Wes , Rowen and Remington have crawled into my heart . Their advenuture and love conquring all. And then Millie and Caleb finally getting married. They all need to hurry and have a quadruple wedding. Including Max and Hadley. I can ot wait to read Luke's story.

[Kim English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even people who wanted to fly liked having a safe place to come back to.-Rowan King
Book #5 in the refuge cove series does NOT disappoint. It is action packed on every page, leaving you wondering what is going to happen and hoping for the best. I could not put it down!

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing

Training Grounds another in the Refuge above series does not disappoint! The storyline unfolds in a very intriguing way. I started reading it & literally couldn’t put it down. The suspense is so intense that it makes you think, what’s next.

[Robyn Seitzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Good Read!

Rowan and Wes
Initials in a tree,
She went to Hollywood
Love was not to be.

Things went wrong
As wrong as they could be.
Will she live to tell?
Well, we shall see!

Such a good book! Lots of suspense and just enough romance.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Training grounds is suspense and romance, with lots of twists, questions, and intrigue. It was intense and emotional, and kept me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down. I’m loving this series - each book can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading them all.

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Training Ground is another

Great great book written by Christy Barritt. This is another mystery I thought I knew who done it. But I was wrong again. I love how she has such good inter action between characters. This is another 10 of 10. Get it now and enjoy the heck out of it

[Kaye Sinkule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always and forever ♥️

I have read most of Christy Barritt's books through the years and just as this book proved the JOY and LOVE in an 'always and forever' relationship, I can completely trust that her books are 'always and forever' the best books to read!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action

This story was action packed. It had drama, suspense, romance. There were points were I WA Ted to talk at the female protagonist for doing something stupid. Definitely recommended.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in an excellent series. I'm going to be very sad when this series ends.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I liked the fast pace action with mystery and romance sprinkled in. Strong female characters make this a book to read.

[Karen O'Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Christy Barritt is such a wonderful writer. I sat do.wn and started reading and couldn't stop. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Evan gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

Another wonderful read by Christy Barritt. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Such a wonderful family story….faith and family!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in Refuge Cove series!

[SUSAN SKOGLUND · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Christy has written in a while. It’s full of mystery, suspense, & intrigue; along with family, humor & love.

[Donna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

Another clean book with twists and turns. Enjoy reading these. I’m grateful for Christy developing characters and walking them through life’s struggles

[Julie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

This author is one of my favorites. This series is awesome, so awesome that I want the characters to be real. They feel like family.

[Tina at Mommynificent · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not my favorite of the King siblings, I’m glad to know Rowan now. The amount of time keeping a secret took up in this book kind of drove me crazy, but I enjoyed the story anyway. Not my favorite FMC, but I definitely liked the steadiness and faithfulness of the MMC. Excited to meet Luke in this book! Can’t wait for his story!