What do you think?
Rate this book
Vacation Sweethearts #2
Reach for Me
He has left his homeland to protect his family.
She has fled her hometown to abandon hers.
At a remote mountaintop retreat, an optimistic triple amputee veteran meets a pessimistic beauty in the valleys of their lives.
In his valley of determination…
Highly decorated for his heroism in fighting terrorism on behalf of his grateful nation, Keenan has given enough to his country. Yet, his enemies are going after him and his former team members as an act of personal vengeance. To protect his family, Keenan leads a trail away from Britain. Off the grid, he is incognito at a remote resort in the mountains of Tennessee. While waiting for his storm to pass, he meets an American girl who is hiding for a different reason in the same misty mountains…
In her valley of discouragement…
Bearing the burden of a mistake-riddled life, prodigal adopted daughter Phoebe Pace has nowhere else to go. She finds solace in the Great Smoky Mountains, living in quiet regret. What is she going to do with her new neighbor encroaching in her private personal space? Why is he so friendly toward her? So delightful to be with? So charming? So inquisitive…? Just when Phoebe begins to think that she might open up her heart to Keenan, the ex-soldier’s unfinished business pulls her into a crisis she has never experienced before, and danger comes knocking…on the wrong door.
She has fled her hometown to abandon hers.
At a remote mountaintop retreat, an optimistic triple amputee veteran meets a pessimistic beauty in the valleys of their lives.
In his valley of determination…
Highly decorated for his heroism in fighting terrorism on behalf of his grateful nation, Keenan has given enough to his country. Yet, his enemies are going after him and his former team members as an act of personal vengeance. To protect his family, Keenan leads a trail away from Britain. Off the grid, he is incognito at a remote resort in the mountains of Tennessee. While waiting for his storm to pass, he meets an American girl who is hiding for a different reason in the same misty mountains…
In her valley of discouragement…
Bearing the burden of a mistake-riddled life, prodigal adopted daughter Phoebe Pace has nowhere else to go. She finds solace in the Great Smoky Mountains, living in quiet regret. What is she going to do with her new neighbor encroaching in her private personal space? Why is he so friendly toward her? So delightful to be with? So charming? So inquisitive…? Just when Phoebe begins to think that she might open up her heart to Keenan, the ex-soldier’s unfinished business pulls her into a crisis she has never experienced before, and danger comes knocking…on the wrong door.
- GenresChristian
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
144 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Jan Thompson
64 books143 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian coastal city and beach town romance with flavors of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with elements of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Her books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, family, and friends.
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 6, 2017
Reach For Me by Jan Thompson is a contemporary Christian romantic thriller. It is the second book in the Vacation Sweethearts series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed Reach For Me, I was drawn into the novel from the start. Jan Thompson cleverly opened with her characters presenting an air of mystery that had me immediately asking questions. I greedily consumed the novel as I sought the answers.
The main characters of Keenan and Phoebe were both likable and unique. They were similar but different. Both were running from their pasts but with different reasons. In their isolation, they were drawn to each other.
The novel showed that God is always in control. We need to trust Him and put our faith in Him. Sometimes we fear God is silent but He is always working on our behalf. "I keep reminding myself that God has the bigger picture." He sees our needs and He responds.
Trusting others is an important theme too. In times of trouble we need to know who has got our back. We also want people to know us well enough that we trust them to pray for us when we have no words. "She... had interceded on her behalf when she could not pray."
There is the theme of identity. Who we are is not tied to our things or even our bodies. Who we are is connected to who we are in God. Whose we are is of vital importance. "Her security had to be in Jesus Christ."
The novel explores the theme of healing. Healing can be physical or mental. We all have some area of our lives that needs a touch from the Great Physician.
God has a plan for each and every one of us. There is no retirement age from God's work. If you are still breathing, God can use you no matter how old you are.
There is the theme of loneliness. It is possible to feel lonely in a crowd. We may choose to live in isolation or it may be thrust upon us but we are never alone when we know God.
I really enjoyed Reach For Me. It was my first novel by Jan Thompson and I was hooked from the start. Jan Thompson writes in such a personable way that I 'felt' included in all the action. The characters were all likable, making the reader care about their outcome. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
A fabulous read for a dark winter's afternoon... or a warm summer's day... either way, it's a great way to spend a few hours.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed Reach For Me, I was drawn into the novel from the start. Jan Thompson cleverly opened with her characters presenting an air of mystery that had me immediately asking questions. I greedily consumed the novel as I sought the answers.
The main characters of Keenan and Phoebe were both likable and unique. They were similar but different. Both were running from their pasts but with different reasons. In their isolation, they were drawn to each other.
The novel showed that God is always in control. We need to trust Him and put our faith in Him. Sometimes we fear God is silent but He is always working on our behalf. "I keep reminding myself that God has the bigger picture." He sees our needs and He responds.
Trusting others is an important theme too. In times of trouble we need to know who has got our back. We also want people to know us well enough that we trust them to pray for us when we have no words. "She... had interceded on her behalf when she could not pray."
There is the theme of identity. Who we are is not tied to our things or even our bodies. Who we are is connected to who we are in God. Whose we are is of vital importance. "Her security had to be in Jesus Christ."
The novel explores the theme of healing. Healing can be physical or mental. We all have some area of our lives that needs a touch from the Great Physician.
God has a plan for each and every one of us. There is no retirement age from God's work. If you are still breathing, God can use you no matter how old you are.
There is the theme of loneliness. It is possible to feel lonely in a crowd. We may choose to live in isolation or it may be thrust upon us but we are never alone when we know God.
I really enjoyed Reach For Me. It was my first novel by Jan Thompson and I was hooked from the start. Jan Thompson writes in such a personable way that I 'felt' included in all the action. The characters were all likable, making the reader care about their outcome. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
A fabulous read for a dark winter's afternoon... or a warm summer's day... either way, it's a great way to spend a few hours.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
May 4, 2017
`Reach for Me` is a contemporary mystery/suspense novel written by author Jan Thompson. It is the second novel in the Vacation Sweethearts series. I prefer the first in the series over this one.
This novel begins with good characters and beautiful writing like most Christian contemporary novels. Then there is a slight twist into suspense. Some places had me on my toes as I read and I wish there had been more suspense. However, in several places, I became engaged and didn't want to put the novel down.
I read the Kindle version and found several literary errors toward the end of this version. Examples are: in chapter 31 the word he was used instead of his, and, in the same chapter, future was used instead of further. However, having said that, I recommend this book to fans of contemporary novels. It would make a great weekend read. I like that there were scripture verses quoted throughout the novel.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
This novel begins with good characters and beautiful writing like most Christian contemporary novels. Then there is a slight twist into suspense. Some places had me on my toes as I read and I wish there had been more suspense. However, in several places, I became engaged and didn't want to put the novel down.
I read the Kindle version and found several literary errors toward the end of this version. Examples are: in chapter 31 the word he was used instead of his, and, in the same chapter, future was used instead of further. However, having said that, I recommend this book to fans of contemporary novels. It would make a great weekend read. I like that there were scripture verses quoted throughout the novel.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
January 27, 2017
Reach for Me, written by Jan Thompson, is book 2 in the Vacation Sweethearts series.
I've read a lot of Thompson's books and what I enjoy the most is that she entwines scripture throughout each book. I loved the verses from Mark 4:29-40 where it talks about Jesus rebuking the wind and spoke to the sea," Peace, be still." AND it stood still! Something only Jesus could do...
A quote I got from the book was from something Experanza had told Phoebe when people question how God could allow things to happen and Phoebe recalled what she said..."...me and women were the sinful ones, and God was the holy one. "
This book was a bit more on the suspenseful side of Thompson's writing. She took the reader on a vacation that was filled with thugs and doll-faced murderers with a lot of scripture to help the good guys out!
I would recommend this book for older teens and up. Enjoyable read!
I've read a lot of Thompson's books and what I enjoy the most is that she entwines scripture throughout each book. I loved the verses from Mark 4:29-40 where it talks about Jesus rebuking the wind and spoke to the sea," Peace, be still." AND it stood still! Something only Jesus could do...
A quote I got from the book was from something Experanza had told Phoebe when people question how God could allow things to happen and Phoebe recalled what she said..."...me and women were the sinful ones, and God was the holy one. "
This book was a bit more on the suspenseful side of Thompson's writing. She took the reader on a vacation that was filled with thugs and doll-faced murderers with a lot of scripture to help the good guys out!
I would recommend this book for older teens and up. Enjoyable read!
April 23, 2018
4 stars
I received a free copy of Vacation Sweethearts Reach For Me by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely.
A heartwarming romance involving the former United Kingdom Special Forces veteran and now triple amputee Keenan and American Phoebe who have both left family and or country to find love, peace, purpose and healing with each other in a remote Mendenhall mountaintop Tennessee retreat. This full length romantic suspense is tension filled, contains a survivor of war,a survivor of an abusive relationship,some military related violence,death, forgiveness, love and a happy ending.
I received a free copy of Vacation Sweethearts Reach For Me by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely.
A heartwarming romance involving the former United Kingdom Special Forces veteran and now triple amputee Keenan and American Phoebe who have both left family and or country to find love, peace, purpose and healing with each other in a remote Mendenhall mountaintop Tennessee retreat. This full length romantic suspense is tension filled, contains a survivor of war,a survivor of an abusive relationship,some military related violence,death, forgiveness, love and a happy ending.
October 22, 2025
Good characterization with Phoebe and the problems in her past, and Keenan recovering from a debilitating attack that left him with only one limb. I appreciated the other characters from another of Jan Thompson’s series making an appearance, and giving more depth to their characters also. Emotions and intrigue combined to create a story that I didn’t want to put down.
September 15, 2017
I could not put it down. So good!
Everyone has stuff in their past. Hurts, sorrows & fears. but to choose to be brave and live the life God gave you takes faith. This is what this love story is about . Trusting God.. Great book!!!
Everyone has stuff in their past. Hurts, sorrows & fears. but to choose to be brave and live the life God gave you takes faith. This is what this love story is about . Trusting God.. Great book!!!
September 27, 2017
Jan Thompson is one of my favorite authors, and in the Reach for Me book (Vacation Sweethearts, #2) she did no let me down. I loved the characters Keenan and Phoebe. Without giving away any of the story, let me just say, read this book it will not disappoint you.
October 5, 2019
There is mystery to this story. It takes reading a while to find out the back story of Kennen & Phoebe who have both experienced loss & pretty big trama. I think it is worth the time to read. They do have an HEA however. I received a free copy from the author. This is my voluntary, honest opinion.
October 5, 2024
What an amazing tale. Though the plot was great and had a hint of danger, there were a few sad moments. Excellent work, Jan Thompson.
October 21, 2025
An interesting story for some intrigue and mystery included. Will Keenan be able to hide from his enemies or will they find him?
February 18, 2017
This contemporary suspenseful chaste sweet Christian romance is Book2 in the Vacation series, a spin off of Savannah Sweethearts Series. The author has written a sweet story with complex characters celebrating the immeasurable grace and undeserved mercy of God. It can be read as a stand-alone, however there are some interactions with characters from her other books. If you have read any of the others, it's like meeting up with old friends. There is just enough suspense to keep your attention. The author developes each character showing their inward and outward difficulties. Can this optimistic triple amputee veteran protect this pessimistic beauty from the danger of his past?
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
February 5, 2017
Reach For Me (Vacation Sweethearts- Book 2 )
By: Jan Thompson
Reach For Me is book two in Vacation Sweethearts series by Jan Thompson. She weaves a contemporary Christian romance with suspense. I really enjoyed reading about Phoebe and Keenan, they were likable characters and easy to follow. Phoebe has left her family and Keenan has left his homeland to protect his family . Keenan is a heroism for fighting terrorism . Both are hiding out on this remote mountain in Tennessee. They both meet , but their friends are very protective of them. They do not want either one of them to get hurt, they have been through enough. This story is full of action and suspense that will have you glued to your seat and trying to read faster to see what will happen next. Are these two safe in on this remote mountain? Can they help each other?
I was given a complementary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. Al opinions are my own.
By: Jan Thompson
Reach For Me is book two in Vacation Sweethearts series by Jan Thompson. She weaves a contemporary Christian romance with suspense. I really enjoyed reading about Phoebe and Keenan, they were likable characters and easy to follow. Phoebe has left her family and Keenan has left his homeland to protect his family . Keenan is a heroism for fighting terrorism . Both are hiding out on this remote mountain in Tennessee. They both meet , but their friends are very protective of them. They do not want either one of them to get hurt, they have been through enough. This story is full of action and suspense that will have you glued to your seat and trying to read faster to see what will happen next. Are these two safe in on this remote mountain? Can they help each other?
I was given a complementary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. Al opinions are my own.
January 16, 2017
This amazing book will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Phoebe leaves her family and friends to hide out in the mountains. When she finds Keenan sitting on her porch she isn't happy. Watching there friendship grow is amazing. Esperanza and Lamar are very protective of Phoebe because of what she has been through. Keenan is trying hard not to get close to Phoebe so she won't be in danger. With all the excitement in this book you won't be able to stop reading it. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. I was gifted this book for a honest review, The review for this book are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
January 19, 2017
I loved this romance with a healthy dose of suspense.
Phoebe learns to forgive herself and let God work in her life.
I loved the characters, the storyline and returning to Savanah to catch up with some old friends.
This book can be read as a standalone but reading all of Jan Thompon's books enhances your reading experience.
Phoebe learns to forgive herself and let God work in her life.
I loved the characters, the storyline and returning to Savanah to catch up with some old friends.
This book can be read as a standalone but reading all of Jan Thompon's books enhances your reading experience.
January 31, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book. I love the characters and the suspense. I loved watching Phoebe grow in her walk with the Lord. I love that Jan writes clean stories.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews