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Desert Secrets
On the run across the Sahara, a young woman and an ex-soldier must rely on their wits, their faith, and each other in this inspiring romantic thriller.When aid worker Lexi Shannon is abducted at gunpoint in Mali, she quickly learns her kidnappers are really after her brother—and the money he’s stolen. Landing at the secluded desert compound, ex-military pilot Colton Landry has a clear rescue his brother-in-law, who’s being held for ransom. But after discovering the kidnappers also have Lexi, there’s no way he’s leaving her behind.Colton and Lexi’s daring escape soon turns into a deadly chase when their plane is shot down, stranding them in the desert. Making a desperate run for the Moroccan border, they must trust each other and rely on their strength and ingenuity to survive. But it may not be enough to outrun and outsmart their relentless pursuers . . .
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
50 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Harris
128 books1,279 followersLISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 21, 2019
A Saharan adventure, this story contained great characters, dangerous situations, and ever-increasing high stakes. I thoroughly enjoyed 98% of this one, so I’ll be glad to try another book by this author down the road.
The only drawbacks were a plethora of typos and a couple of rather large geographical errors.
Note: Geography has been a favorite subject of mine since early in elementary school, and I placed in the top ten in UIL in maps/geography in the fifth grade. African geography is one I studied particularly in my twenties, memorizing the locations of all 50+ countries, just for the fun of it.
There is no connecting border between Mauritania and Morocco, which made one particular plot point quite unrealistic.
The Strait of Gibraltar divides Spain and Morocco, so it would be impossible to “simply walk into Spain” from Morocco. This also means there is no “border” to cross between the two countries in the way that was heavily emphasized.
There were two lines on page 193 that correctly represented these two scenarios, but they only brought confusion as the geographical issues were already firmly established incorrectly.
Maps are super easy to find online these days. It literally took me five seconds after typing in the search box on Google to refresh my memory and confirm these mistakes. Therefore, it wouldn’t have taken much time in the research phase of this book (or in the editing phase, for that matter) to check the geographical accuracy.
It was fun to see a Christian fiction suspense story set in African countries, but I wish the geographical details would have been accurately portrayed. I really enjoyed the abundance of twists and turns along the journey, and the way the characters turned to God in their time of need was wonderful. This was a delightfully complex story.
The only drawbacks were a plethora of typos and a couple of rather large geographical errors.
Note: Geography has been a favorite subject of mine since early in elementary school, and I placed in the top ten in UIL in maps/geography in the fifth grade. African geography is one I studied particularly in my twenties, memorizing the locations of all 50+ countries, just for the fun of it.
There is no connecting border between Mauritania and Morocco, which made one particular plot point quite unrealistic.
The Strait of Gibraltar divides Spain and Morocco, so it would be impossible to “simply walk into Spain” from Morocco. This also means there is no “border” to cross between the two countries in the way that was heavily emphasized.
There were two lines on page 193 that correctly represented these two scenarios, but they only brought confusion as the geographical issues were already firmly established incorrectly.
Maps are super easy to find online these days. It literally took me five seconds after typing in the search box on Google to refresh my memory and confirm these mistakes. Therefore, it wouldn’t have taken much time in the research phase of this book (or in the editing phase, for that matter) to check the geographical accuracy.
It was fun to see a Christian fiction suspense story set in African countries, but I wish the geographical details would have been accurately portrayed. I really enjoyed the abundance of twists and turns along the journey, and the way the characters turned to God in their time of need was wonderful. This was a delightfully complex story.
April 15, 2024
This book made me too anxious.
December 29, 2019
3.5 stars
Nice twisty suspense, but the countries aren’t very well portrayed. It made it hard to get a sense of geography when the countries didn’t line up along currently drawn borders, so it was hard to get a good sense of the coming and going. I was a little surprised that wasn’t caught in editing since it was such a large feature of the story.
Otherwise, though, I really loved the quick suspense and the many things that happened between the initial issue and the real ending, because there was so much danger that I was sure at least one of them was going to die along the way.
Nice twisty suspense, but the countries aren’t very well portrayed. It made it hard to get a sense of geography when the countries didn’t line up along currently drawn borders, so it was hard to get a good sense of the coming and going. I was a little surprised that wasn’t caught in editing since it was such a large feature of the story.
Otherwise, though, I really loved the quick suspense and the many things that happened between the initial issue and the real ending, because there was so much danger that I was sure at least one of them was going to die along the way.
January 17, 2018
Only someone on the ground could have written such a good account of the hardships and terrors of abduction and flight through the Sahara. The author is a missionary in Mozambique (so this is a clean read) and fictionalises the frequent abductions of outside workers and travellers by North African terrorists. In this case an aid worker supplying water to villages is held hostage and her brother is expected to pay the ransom - but he can't be reached to tell him. While the American government (nor the UK) doesn't deal with kidnappers, families and firms do often pay ransoms and this funds the arms trade.
Escaping and fleeing across the desert with a pilot and his brother in law, our heroine has to cope with everything from a plane crash to a scorpion sting. Luckily for her the local people are hospitable, but they have to try to reach Morocco and hope to contact the brother, who has gone missing while owing a large debt to criminals. If the terrorists don't catch up with them first...
We see a personal arc too as our heroine becomes less of a loner and more of a team player, less of a closed heart and more open to love. This deepens the story and lifts it from being just a thriller or just a romance. I admire the quality of the writing for many reasons and I would be happy to read more by this author.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Escaping and fleeing across the desert with a pilot and his brother in law, our heroine has to cope with everything from a plane crash to a scorpion sting. Luckily for her the local people are hospitable, but they have to try to reach Morocco and hope to contact the brother, who has gone missing while owing a large debt to criminals. If the terrorists don't catch up with them first...
We see a personal arc too as our heroine becomes less of a loner and more of a team player, less of a closed heart and more open to love. This deepens the story and lifts it from being just a thriller or just a romance. I admire the quality of the writing for many reasons and I would be happy to read more by this author.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
June 14, 2017
Hang on tight....Desert Secrets takes the
reader on a daring attempt to rescue Colton
Landry's brother-in-law, Bret. Bret is being
held for ransom in Northern Africa. Unknown
to Colton, another hostage is being held with
Brett.
The other hostage is Lexi Shannon. She
volunteers with the various tribes to help
them find clean water sources. She learns she
was kidnapped as a means to locate her
brother, Trent.
Lexi has no idea where her brother is or why
the kidnappers would want him.
Colton Landry is an ex-military pilot who plans
this mission to rescue Bret. Finding Lexi with
Bret. Colton takes them both with him. Racing
through the sand dunes, they finally reach
the escape airplane. But before they are in
safe territory, it crashes in the desert sands.
How will they survive? How will they contact
anyone to find their location? Then Bret get
bitten by a scorpion. Will he live?
This book has vivid descriptions, thrills, chills
with suspense, mystery and plenty of twists
and turns. There is even a touch of romance
and much needed faith in God's help.
The writing is captivating!!!
I highly recommend this Love Inspired Suspense
book.
I volunteered to read "Desert Secrets". Thanks
to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is
my own.
reader on a daring attempt to rescue Colton
Landry's brother-in-law, Bret. Bret is being
held for ransom in Northern Africa. Unknown
to Colton, another hostage is being held with
Brett.
The other hostage is Lexi Shannon. She
volunteers with the various tribes to help
them find clean water sources. She learns she
was kidnapped as a means to locate her
brother, Trent.
Lexi has no idea where her brother is or why
the kidnappers would want him.
Colton Landry is an ex-military pilot who plans
this mission to rescue Bret. Finding Lexi with
Bret. Colton takes them both with him. Racing
through the sand dunes, they finally reach
the escape airplane. But before they are in
safe territory, it crashes in the desert sands.
How will they survive? How will they contact
anyone to find their location? Then Bret get
bitten by a scorpion. Will he live?
This book has vivid descriptions, thrills, chills
with suspense, mystery and plenty of twists
and turns. There is even a touch of romance
and much needed faith in God's help.
The writing is captivating!!!
I highly recommend this Love Inspired Suspense
book.
I volunteered to read "Desert Secrets". Thanks
to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is
my own.
March 27, 2017
Lexi Shannon is kidnapped at gun point because of the misdeeds of her brother, Trent. She is held hostage as a means of bartering for moneys her brother owes a super criminal. She's held alongside a man, Bret, who has been held hostage for 2 months. His brother-in-law, Colton Landry, rescues Bret and in the process, Lexi.
They are immediately on the run, for their lives, and the pace never lets up.
An exciting thrill ride across the sands of Northern Africa, Desert Secrets is a realistic tale of corruption, greed and kidnapping with a budding romance thrown in. Lexi and Colton are good characters with strong faith and I hope we get to see them again in a f future story.
There were a few typos in my edition (iTunes) plus Lexi's freedom story ended a little too abruptly but this was a thoroughly enjoyable read once again from Lisa Harris.
They are immediately on the run, for their lives, and the pace never lets up.
An exciting thrill ride across the sands of Northern Africa, Desert Secrets is a realistic tale of corruption, greed and kidnapping with a budding romance thrown in. Lexi and Colton are good characters with strong faith and I hope we get to see them again in a f future story.
There were a few typos in my edition (iTunes) plus Lexi's freedom story ended a little too abruptly but this was a thoroughly enjoyable read once again from Lisa Harris.
December 12, 2016
Desert Secrets is a Love inspired suspense by Lisa Harris. It is a very good book with lots of action and no graphic sex scenes. It is refreshing to read such a book. It is difficult to put down but can be read in one or two sittings.
Lexi Shannon is a volunteer who works with tribes to find them clean water sources. She loved her work as a volunteer as she can see that she is helping others. Suddenly, she finds herself kidnapped by a group of men who are really after her brother. They hope she will know where her brother is. Kidnapped with her is Brett Fischer. He tries to help her by giving her water. He claims his brother, Colton, is coming to rescue him. Lexi realizes she had met Colton before. Colton brings in the ransom for Bret (in counterfeit bills) and the three of them escape to his plane. However, their trip home is not to be without detours. His plane is shot down. Now it is Lexi, Colton, and Bret who was injured. As they are chased across Africa, will they make it out of Africa alive?
Lexi Shannon is a volunteer who works with tribes to find them clean water sources. She loved her work as a volunteer as she can see that she is helping others. Suddenly, she finds herself kidnapped by a group of men who are really after her brother. They hope she will know where her brother is. Kidnapped with her is Brett Fischer. He tries to help her by giving her water. He claims his brother, Colton, is coming to rescue him. Lexi realizes she had met Colton before. Colton brings in the ransom for Bret (in counterfeit bills) and the three of them escape to his plane. However, their trip home is not to be without detours. His plane is shot down. Now it is Lexi, Colton, and Bret who was injured. As they are chased across Africa, will they make it out of Africa alive?
April 22, 2017
A little forced/stilted. As a juvenile book, 4 stars. As an adult book, 3 stars.
Typos - such as though when its needs to be through, demotes the book to 3 stars.
Lisa did an awesome job writing action scenes of being captured and escaping, then recaptured and rescued. YA would love the action.
As an adult, I found the book lacking in detail and description in relationships, scenery, etc. Beyond the great action scenes of capture and escape, there wasn't much to the book.
There were slight hints of faith in God and how He keeps one at peace in the midst of chaos. I really appreciated this, but felt that it could have been developed more. The slight hint at romance was very unrealistic. Lisa has great writing ability, but needs to work on character development.
Typos - such as though when its needs to be through, demotes the book to 3 stars.
Lisa did an awesome job writing action scenes of being captured and escaping, then recaptured and rescued. YA would love the action.
As an adult, I found the book lacking in detail and description in relationships, scenery, etc. Beyond the great action scenes of capture and escape, there wasn't much to the book.
There were slight hints of faith in God and how He keeps one at peace in the midst of chaos. I really appreciated this, but felt that it could have been developed more. The slight hint at romance was very unrealistic. Lisa has great writing ability, but needs to work on character development.
February 3, 2017
An exotic locale really amps up the suspense in this gripping novel. Harris leaves very little breathing room for her characters or her readers so you might want to order in an oxygen tank before you start in on this one. Intense, with danger at every turn -- both manmade and nature inspired. Shudder. This North American girl could totally not survive the desert! An action-packed romantic suspense that packs an emotional wallop.
November 30, 2019
This is the 2nd book I read by Lisa Harris. I liked the Christian theme in this story & I liked the beginning. The storyline & the characters didn't interest me.
October 1, 2018
Can they stay one step ahead?
Lisa Harris is definitely one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. From her smaller Love Inspired Suspense titles like Desert Secrets, to her longer novels. I'm hooked, and have been for awhile now.
Desert Secrets was an exciting edge-of-your-seat read and the perfect length for an afternoon escape to the hot and exotic African continent. The authenticity is actually one of my favorite things about Lisa Harris's African Love Inspired Suspense stories...she lives there.
From the dramatic cover to the very last page danger and romance abound as readers breathlessly travel across several countries in a thrilling adventure you won't want to miss!
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Lisa Harris is definitely one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. From her smaller Love Inspired Suspense titles like Desert Secrets, to her longer novels. I'm hooked, and have been for awhile now.
Desert Secrets was an exciting edge-of-your-seat read and the perfect length for an afternoon escape to the hot and exotic African continent. The authenticity is actually one of my favorite things about Lisa Harris's African Love Inspired Suspense stories...she lives there.
From the dramatic cover to the very last page danger and romance abound as readers breathlessly travel across several countries in a thrilling adventure you won't want to miss!
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
November 15, 2024
Kidnapped and escape
She was kidnapped due to her step brother and HE was there to rescue his brother in law.. this is an adventure story of being shot down after being rescued and then rescued again, then rescued again, then rescued again…. Each escape and rescue was different and very wearing not just on them but the reader… only for it to be a little climatic… would have loved more after… or an epilogue to show: does she go back, do they revisit his friend… where are they in say a year??? So much suspense and sitting on the edge of your seat and then……
She was kidnapped due to her step brother and HE was there to rescue his brother in law.. this is an adventure story of being shot down after being rescued and then rescued again, then rescued again, then rescued again…. Each escape and rescue was different and very wearing not just on them but the reader… only for it to be a little climatic… would have loved more after… or an epilogue to show: does she go back, do they revisit his friend… where are they in say a year??? So much suspense and sitting on the edge of your seat and then……
September 26, 2022
Kidnapped!
In a space of four days, Lexi Shannon is kidnapped four times, twice by mercenaries, once by their boss, and finally by the last person she expected to see. Colton Landry rescues her each time. Is it the danger that draws them together? Some kind of magnetism tugs at their heartstrings, but will their paths ever cross after the final rescue? It's an exciting story in need of major proofreading.
In a space of four days, Lexi Shannon is kidnapped four times, twice by mercenaries, once by their boss, and finally by the last person she expected to see. Colton Landry rescues her each time. Is it the danger that draws them together? Some kind of magnetism tugs at their heartstrings, but will their paths ever cross after the final rescue? It's an exciting story in need of major proofreading.
February 10, 2021
This story starts with a bang (or more technically a slap) and keeps you at the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 22, 2022
Excellent book!
This story has twists and turns and is impossible to put down! If you like intrigue and suspense, this book is for you.
This story has twists and turns and is impossible to put down! If you like intrigue and suspense, this book is for you.
January 31, 2024
Good story, a few surprises, but the ending was a little disappointing...
August 12, 2022
This one could've used a better edit, but the story is solid.
March 14, 2017
Desert Secrets by Lisa Harris is an action-packed suspense novel with a light touch of romance. An aid worker, Lexi Shannon, is kidnapped while working in Mali. She finds out that her kidnappers are really after her step-brother, who has stolen a lot of money from some very dangerous people. While in captivity she is thrown in with Bret Fischer who was kidnapped for ransom and has been there for fifty-seven days. Bret’s brother-in-law stages a rescue and takes Lexi along, too. Thinking they’ve made it to safety they start to relax when their plane is shot out of the air. Now, on foot in the hot Sahara Desert they must use their wits and prayers to survive. It’s one plot twist after another. There are several typos but if you can ignore them the book is actually very good. I would recommend it.
March 18, 2017
From the opening paragraph in a remote desert location to the final scenes in a picturesque castle , Lisa Harris takes her readers on an exciting and daring adventure in "Desert Secrets". While weaving a heart pounding tale of betrayal, danger, and romance, Harris masterfully describes the intricate details of life in the rugged African desert. This fast paced romantic adventure is a wonderful read!
March 21, 2017
If you like action... you will like this one! Lexi Shannon is abducted at gunpoint and held because of her brother. Taken into the desert to be interrogated and held hostage, terrifying! Wow, Colton to the rescue... Oh my, more adventure in the desert! Fast paced, action and a touch of romance made a hard to put down suspense!
March 22, 2017
This is a fast-paced tale of kidnapping, daring escapes, fear, and grace. The trauma is written in a realistic way--from personal experience of the author, the end note indicates--and the romance is fairly light, thankfully. The reason I didn't give it any more than three stars is that there are some typos and some of the dialogue seems a bit out of place and/or stilted. I also like to be shown the scenery and people in vivid ways, which is somewhat lacking, though there are some good glimpses. Trusting in God and prayer are a part of the story, but not quite as much as I might like. Otherwise, a good tale that keeps one interested all the way through.
My thanks to the author for a free book to review! My opinions in the review are entirely my own.
My thanks to the author for a free book to review! My opinions in the review are entirely my own.
April 21, 2023
This was an enjoyable suspense, but not one of my favourite by this author. I could see the struggle to escape and how the desert would make this a lot more difficult.
The characters were well likeable and there were a few twists which were surprising.
*I read this book on Scribd.*
The characters were well likeable and there were a few twists which were surprising.
*I read this book on Scribd.*
March 4, 2017
Can you imagine living in a foreign country as an aid worker and being kidnapped because someone is looking for your brother? If that is not enough to scare you half out of your mind, imagine being rescued and then having your plane shot down somewhere in the Sahara Desert. Lexi Shannon simply goes from one hair-raising experience to another, having scarcely any time to rest before the next wave rolls over her. Colton Landry, the pilot who rescued her, had come for his brother-in-law Bret who had been held captive for two months with a two million dollar ransom demand hanging over his head. Finding Lexi at the compound with Bret was quite unexpected. As they make their getaway, the excitement intensifies. They have friends but the ones chasing them seem to have a much larger network and are better equipped. Between the suspense, momentary glimpses of potential romance, and their constant trust in God, they remain focused on making it home. Always in the back of her mind, Lexi is struggling with what her brother has done that makes these people so intent on finding him. And why are they so dead set on accepting her word that she has no idea where to find him? I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 10, 2017
ENDLESS PURSUIT!!
This is an edge of your seat read!! Very believable for our time. Lexi Shelton is in Mali working with a relief agency helping to establish wells for clean drinking water. She finds herself kidnapped but only knows it has something to do with her stepbrother and something he's stolen. Colton Landry is an ex-military man & pilot who has come to rescue his brother. When he finds his brother, he also finds Lexi. What follows is an endless pursuit across the desert that is filled with secrets on every turn! Danger is around every dune! Can anyone be trusted? Will they ever reach safety at the Moroccan border? Will justice be served? Intriguing read from start to finish!
This is an edge of your seat read!! Very believable for our time. Lexi Shelton is in Mali working with a relief agency helping to establish wells for clean drinking water. She finds herself kidnapped but only knows it has something to do with her stepbrother and something he's stolen. Colton Landry is an ex-military man & pilot who has come to rescue his brother. When he finds his brother, he also finds Lexi. What follows is an endless pursuit across the desert that is filled with secrets on every turn! Danger is around every dune! Can anyone be trusted? Will they ever reach safety at the Moroccan border? Will justice be served? Intriguing read from start to finish!
March 8, 2017
In this fast-paced tale of international suspense, relief worker, Lexi and pilot, Colton, meet again under much-strained circumstances. They are running for their lives and running out of hope. Or are they?
This superb tale by Lisa Harris must be added to your spring or summer break stack.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my own opinion.
This superb tale by Lisa Harris must be added to your spring or summer break stack.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my own opinion.
March 8, 2017
"Desert Secrets" is another great suspense novel from Lisa Harris, featuring exotic locales, non-stop action, thrilling adventure and wonderful characters who place their faith and trust in God. Lisa Harris is one of those authors whose books just demand that you read them. Once you start reading, it's nearly impossible to stop. All of the action is believable and could be pulled from today's headlines, and the situations they find themselves in and how they manage to extricate themselves, make for an action adventure thrill ride that's akin to watching a great movie. There's always a wonderful romance, and the author manages to bring up thought-provoking questions of life, faith and God, easily and unobtrusively woven throughout the story. This is another excellent book by an excellent author.
August 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this suspense book by Lisa Harris. Can you imagine being on a mission to help a native country and all of a sudden you are captured with no way to free yourself? This is what this book is about. Lexi finds herself captured and meets another refuge who has been in captivity for a few months. He tells her his brother in law is going to free him and she can be free as well..enter knight in shining armor to rescue them. It doesn't turn out to be that easy. Read the book to find out what happens.
February 26, 2017
Easy read by Lisa Harris. Interesting (believable) story. A good combination of suspense and romance. Nice ending.
February 25, 2017
Though this was an entertaining adventure it wasn't as inspiring as I had hoped.
April 12, 2017
Desert Secrets by Lisa Harris is a Love Inspired suspense novel and is a book you will need to fasten your seatbelt for. The breakneck action, taking place over just a few short days, begins in the first chapter with the kidnapping of the heroine, Lexi, a young engineer who has gone to Timbuktu, Mali to help provide water for the many in need of fresh, clean water. The action continues til the end of the book with scenes like more kidnappings, plane crashes and chases through the Sahara desert. With the barren terrain and blistering sandstorms and insurgents continuing to pursue her, Lexi's contentment she'd found in helping people was quickly slipping into panic mode? Will Lexi ever get out of the mess she's in--the mess her stepbrother caused with his greed for money? Can she trust Colton, the handsome and very capable man she recently met? Is there a chance for a romance amidst all the chaos? The author has written a plot that crackles with energy and tells an entertaining and suspenseful story. The characters are realistic, intense, and evocative--you definitely are rooting for the good guys to catch the bad guys and to catch them in time! Through all the action and drama, faith in a God who cares is woven into the story, reminding readers that God can be relied on for strength and wisdom. Even when the unexpected hits and the end is uncertain, we can know that God is right there in the middle of it all.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. A review was not required and the opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. A review was not required and the opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews