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Back in Miracle, Montana after escaping her stalker boss on the east coast, Serena Harrington is in desperate need of a job to support her and her adopted son. As luck would have it, Mark Stern, her teenage crush, is hiring.

As the new interim president of Agape College, Mark is on the hunt for a secretary. With the tarnished reputation of his womanizing predecessor, Mark needs someone who will make the right impression. And he needs to keep his past locked away.

Serena and Mark working together is a perfect situation, until they uncover a link between them that might be the perfect storm to destroy Mark’s career. Will the secret they share bond them together, or tear them apart?

This Christian Romantic Suspense novel is part of the Sacred Bond Guardians series of Christian romance novels. Check out the original Sacred Bond series of inspirational romances, also by Lee Tobin McClain.

193 pages, ebook

Published March 1, 2016

330 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

Lee Tobin McClain

173 books525 followers
New York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.

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5 stars
285 (63%)
4 stars
130 (28%)
3 stars
31 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
1,288 reviews3 followers
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February 4, 2021
What a twist with Mark being the father of Serena's son - Joey. But when to tell her was hard to tell for Mark. Serena and Mark try to hide their emotions for each other but have a hard time not falling in love. Then Ted shows up - the stalker of Serena and things get intense. Especially when he shows up at the retreat and has a gun and it's pointing towards Joey. Serena talks Ted into letting Joey go but then turns on Ted and says she isn't going with him. Mark tries to intervene and ends up getting shot in the process but Ted is taken down by a couple of men that were hunters that were at the retreat also. The truth comes out from Ted that Mark is Joey's father and Mark ends up having to explain how that came to be with all the board members of the college. Instead of kicking Mark out, they support him and he continues on as the president of the College. Serena is switching to a different section so that it isn't a conflict for Mark and Serena to have a relationship. Happy ending - Mark proposes to Serena :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
827 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2021
Realistic and enjoyable

Single mom seeking employment finds work for a campus president. He has a big secret that will affect her and her son. She is running and has a secret herself. He needs to bring himself to break a promise to his late wife in order to make things right and are in danger from what she's running from. Suspenseful with many twists on the way to the HEA. Highly recommend.
318 reviews
May 7, 2018
This was so good

I got the book yesterday and started to read it and could not put it down. You know that gossip is the root of all evil as was in this story along with the other issues. God really had to work hard for Mark, Serena and Joey. Though miracles do happen. Excellent story to read.
Profile Image for Liz.
10 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2018
Good read

This book, like the other Sacred Bond books I’ve read, is a little predictable but a quick easy read. Very light and heartfelt love story that I obviously enjoyed because I keep reading the series!
Profile Image for Laura Hamby.
191 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2021
Perception vs Preconceived

In this novel we are reminded how easy it can be to jump to the wrong conclusions. We also see how a person can get their mind set on the wrong goals and it results in dangerous circumstances.
1,263 reviews27 followers
January 26, 2021
A refreshing book to have read in our now chaotic time in life. How gossip or conclusions sway people and those that stand strong and withstand tension for friendship. Bonds that are rare thesr days you will find here.
Profile Image for Kelly.
444 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2021
A good book

Likeable characters. A sweet story. Thankful for second chances and Papa God's Words over me. A good reminder to listen to who He says I am... As well as not make assumptions. Serena made a lot of assumptions in this story.
Profile Image for Brenda Poulos.
Author 13 books79 followers
March 19, 2021
Tri-Bond

A heartfelt book that kept my interest throughout--until the Epilogue. It was overflowing with new characters, which took away from the ending. It also presumed that we readers would care about them without laying a foundation.
241 reviews
April 14, 2021
Faith, love and redemption

This was a beautiful story. Mark doubted himself, his faith, and his right to happiness. Serena struggled with her own demons, but never lost her faith. I read this book in one day, that's how much I enjoyed it.
15 reviews
May 9, 2018
This book was a quick read but the characters were well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed this author and will read more of theses books.
47 reviews
May 14, 2018
Lee does it again

Western Bond is filled with strong characters who live out their less than perfect lived according to His plans. The bond holds.
Profile Image for Connie Wittenbraker.
11 reviews
April 24, 2019
Heartwarming story of teen friends separated by years and miles.

Serena finds love in her teenage crush that has become an adult love and a safe place for her and her son.
Profile Image for Deb Shank.
493 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2021
Clean. Readl.

Clean read, employable. A few surprises. All came out well. Enjoy reading clean run novels, with God at the center, makes it more believable. How we all struggle.
840 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2021
Enjoyed!

Mark and Serena have a story that has mystery, confusion, fear, sorrow, love and more. It is well written and ready for you to read.
339 reviews
January 26, 2021
Thumbs up!

Lots of action while trying not to fall in love because of past issues. This was a page turner, but a sweet story in spite of many pitfalls.
26 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2021
Wonderful!

I loved this book, the romance, the suspense, the secret even the little action packed chapters with the stalker. I like that it centred around God as well!
155 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2021
Good story.

As usual the Sacred Bond Guardians stories will entertain you. They have suspense, encouragement and of course romance. Each book can stand alone.
273 reviews
May 11, 2021
Fantastic

I can't believe the twists and turns Lee can weave for her characters. They all finally acknowledge the need for the Lord in their lives, just as we do.
41 reviews
August 23, 2022
The book was predictable as a Hallmark movie but I was ready for a light read
136 reviews
July 25, 2024
A Western Bond

Great story. I really like the Bond Guardians. You will enjoy this story.. I enjoyed this love story very much.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,436 reviews85 followers
March 1, 2016
Another fabulous Sacred Bond Guardians installment!! So much tension and secrets between Serena and Mark, I truly enjoyed seeing their friendship blossom. I found this story relatable as well. We all have things that we keep secret because we think we are protecting someone or honoring their wishes. Mark had to battle with his decision to keep a secret throughout the whole story. The lesson to learn is that truth is always best, and to let God guide you in your answer.

I always enjoy reading Lees stories and this one did not disappoint. It was a fast read as well, as I was easily able to read it in two days, but still understood what I was reading. Highly recommend to those who want to read about fresh starts, relying on God, forgiveness and letting go.

I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review which I have given.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
March 1, 2016
Lee Tobin McClain has once again given us a stunning romance laced with a big dose of suspense.
We see Serena's struggles as she escapes a stalker with her special needs adopted child.
and trying to make a life in a small town that does not want her.
I loved the suspense,the romance and watching Serena's walk with the Lord.
Welcoming was an update of all the characters from the Sacred Bond and Sacred Bond Guardians who are always there for each other influenced by their Patriarch John Moretti.
There were clues to a possible continuation of the series, I hope so.
I was honored to receive and advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
March 1, 2016
Lee has done it again and written a story that is a wonderful addition to the Sacred Bond Guardian Series. It can be read as a standalone, but the entire series is well worth reading. This one is another outstanding combination of wonderful characters faith, romance and suspense that had me pulled in from the first pages and kept me reading. I also enjoy that Lee brings back characters from the prior books and brings the reader up to date with what is going on in their lives. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book as well the entire series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
446 reviews10 followers
March 28, 2016
We met Mark several books ago. He was devastated to find out the man who raised him was not his father. He's grown a lot since then. Now he is the interim president at a small Christian College. When Serena is hired to be his secretary, he learns that her adopted son is his adopted son. The story has several secrets that must be revealed.

The action was pretty good. The only problem I had was with Serena - I kept echoing what Mark was saying - she was judging and jumping to conclusions without knowing all the facts...

Thus ends the second series of Sacred Bond. As much as I hate to say it, I hope the author moves on to a new series. I think it's time...
Profile Image for Joyful.
563 reviews
March 1, 2016
This Christian Romantic Suspense novel is part of the Sacred Bond Guardians series of Christian romance novels by Lee Tobin. However it can be read as a standalone. I love this author's style of writing. The theme is trust, truth, and forgiveness. Mark and Serena both have secrets. Will these secrets affect their jobs at the college? Will it keep Mark from being appointed to the permanent appointment of college President? I love the characters Serena, Mark and Zoey. I was given a copy for an honest review. I highly recommend this book and the series.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews17 followers
March 1, 2016
Another winner in the Sacred Bond Guardians series. The men in all the Bond books are very strong characters. However, they are not perfect and that is what makes such a great story. Well written. My interest was peaked from the beginning. A few twists to the plot. Hair raising towards the end. Kept me engaged throughout. Very clean. Strong characters made it easy to root for them. Single mother with a twist about how this came about. Uplifting. Highly recommend. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
2,021 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2016
Another great Christian Romance/suspense by one of my favorite authors. A great addition to the series. This book can be read alone but I recommend the series as they are all great books. Many thanks to Lee for letting me read and review for her.
Profile Image for Sue Stinnett.
1,374 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2016
Brains & Brawn

Another great book in the Scared Bond Series that who shows men can be strong and still be tender and caring. As in all the books redemption is powered! Great characters and well written.
1,135 reviews16 followers
August 23, 2016
A WESTERN BOND

This is the fourth book I have read in the Sacred Bonds Guardians series, this one I liked the least. To me, the characters seemed very undeveloped compared to the other books, or maybe I just didn't like them. The stalker situation didn't seem very realistic.
Profile Image for Laura.
276 reviews
August 29, 2016
A Western Bond

Lee Tobin McClain has written another book in the Sacred Bond Guardians series that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Full of intrigue and sweet romance, you won't want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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