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Texas Ranger Holidays #3
Texas Christmas Defender
TARGETED AT CHRISTMAS
After earning the wrath of her brother, a notorious drug kingpin, Adriana Garcia has been in deep hiding on a remote Texas llama ranch. But when Texas Ranger Brent McCord manages to find her—leading her brother’s men right to her—Adriana discovers she’s a suspect in the murder of a border patrol agent. The handsome, principled ranger, whose life she once saved during a dangerous sting operation, intends to bring her in for questioning…and protection. To prove her innocence, Adriana has to trust Brent with the truth, her heart and her life. Because her brother and his henchman have the ranch surrounded, and Brent’s all that’s keeping this Christmas from turning deadly.
After earning the wrath of her brother, a notorious drug kingpin, Adriana Garcia has been in deep hiding on a remote Texas llama ranch. But when Texas Ranger Brent McCord manages to find her—leading her brother’s men right to her—Adriana discovers she’s a suspect in the murder of a border patrol agent. The handsome, principled ranger, whose life she once saved during a dangerous sting operation, intends to bring her in for questioning…and protection. To prove her innocence, Adriana has to trust Brent with the truth, her heart and her life. Because her brother and his henchman have the ranch surrounded, and Brent’s all that’s keeping this Christmas from turning deadly.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 5, 2017
53 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Goddard
132 books1,560 followersElizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 26, 2017
Adriana Garcia has taken on a new identity and hidden from her notorious drug cartel brother, fearing for her life especially after she'd hidden his drugs and ill-gotten money. Texas Ranger Brent McCord finds her and knows it's only a matter of time before her brother does too. Will it be too late or can he protect her until they bring Rio Garcia to justice?
The third book in the Texas Ranger Holiday series, this neatly ties up the over-arching mystery of how the Rangers will catch Rio and where their missing agent Carmen Alvarez is. For me, this was a slow build-up kind of story, like a drama played out on the TV screen where the plot thickens just a little more with each scene. Effectively making me anticipate the climax of a job well done and a criminal finally put behind bars! This truly picked up speed towards the end of the book where I could hardly breath or turn the pages fast enough, imagining all kinds of things happening in my head. The danger was palatable, realistic and bone deep! Not only was the plot thick, but so was the romance brewing between Brent and Adriana. It was an edge-of-the-knife balance between protection and not being distracted by the attraction brewing between them in order to survive. This has all the elements in a well-written inspirational romantic suspense; danger, nail-biting scenes, a strong faith-theme, and a happily-ever-after in spite of dire circumstances. A great ending to a continuity series, it was so good it made me wish it was longer than three books!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
The third book in the Texas Ranger Holiday series, this neatly ties up the over-arching mystery of how the Rangers will catch Rio and where their missing agent Carmen Alvarez is. For me, this was a slow build-up kind of story, like a drama played out on the TV screen where the plot thickens just a little more with each scene. Effectively making me anticipate the climax of a job well done and a criminal finally put behind bars! This truly picked up speed towards the end of the book where I could hardly breath or turn the pages fast enough, imagining all kinds of things happening in my head. The danger was palatable, realistic and bone deep! Not only was the plot thick, but so was the romance brewing between Brent and Adriana. It was an edge-of-the-knife balance between protection and not being distracted by the attraction brewing between them in order to survive. This has all the elements in a well-written inspirational romantic suspense; danger, nail-biting scenes, a strong faith-theme, and a happily-ever-after in spite of dire circumstances. A great ending to a continuity series, it was so good it made me wish it was longer than three books!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
December 6, 2017
Texas Christmas Defender ( Texas Ranger Holidays #3)
By: Elizabeth Goddard
Texas Christmas Defender is book three in Texas Ranger Holidays series. It is a Love Inspired Suspense by Elizabeth Goddard. I loved this fast paced action, suspense, love, danger, and much more. I was drawn in right at the start. Ms. Goddard did not disappoint. I loved the main characters Adriana and Texas Ranger Brent.have you on the edge of your seat and reading faster to see what is going to happen next. This is a great story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
By: Elizabeth Goddard
Texas Christmas Defender is book three in Texas Ranger Holidays series. It is a Love Inspired Suspense by Elizabeth Goddard. I loved this fast paced action, suspense, love, danger, and much more. I was drawn in right at the start. Ms. Goddard did not disappoint. I loved the main characters Adriana and Texas Ranger Brent.have you on the edge of your seat and reading faster to see what is going to happen next. This is a great story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
January 7, 2018
I always enjoy the danger and intrigue found in Goddard’s stories, and Texas Christmas Defender is no exception! Adriana and Brent share an action-packed tale that kept me turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen next. Texas Christmas Defender is a great suspense and an exciting conclusion to the Texas Ranger Holidays series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
February 5, 2018
This is the third and final (I think) book in the Texas Ranger Holidays series! It was nice having a book series center around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day! Honestly, I couldn't put the books down. I'm hoping that they write more Texas Ranger novels. Even though, the mystery arcs were all tied up at the end, I would love to know what happens to some of the other Rangers. =)
This review is specifically about Texas Christmas Defender by Elizabeth Goddard. I'm a big time fan and love every single one of her books. This one didn't let me down. It's exactly what you expect when you pick up one of her novels! Very well written with a mixture of suspense, romance, hope, and Jesus in there or as Adriana would say Jesucristo!
The book picks up where the previous story leaves off. You don't have to read the first 2 novels to understand what is going on, but I think you should. They are both great books and there is a story arc that starts in Thanksgiving Protector by Sharon Dunn and concludes in Texas Christmas Defender. So it's a good idea to read all 3 in a row.
This book starts off with Texas Ranger Brent McChord finally tracking down the sister of one of Mexico's most deadly Cartel leaders Adriana Garcia. She has run across the border to Texas to hide from her brother and his cartel. This isn't the first time these two have met. Two years ago when Brent was on a mission in Mexico, Adriana saved his life by hiding him and helping him get away at her own personal risk. During these 2 years, both of them have often thought about the other and their brief encounter. Although a lot of mystery surrounds whether Adriana is bad news or really trying to turn her life around, Brent can't fight the feelings that he has had for the last 2 years. And neither can Adriana. Can these two prove her innocence, survive, and capture Rio Garcia to lead a safe and happy life together? Maybe they can with a little help from Brent's fellow Texas Rangers and God!
I don't want to give too much away. It was a great read! Very Suspenseful! And I appreciate that there was an epilogue at the end! Those are my favorite kinds of stories. I love getting to know what happens to these characters afterwards. Big props for that! I think if you are into Christian Suspense then you will really enjoy this book. I know I sure did! =)
This review is specifically about Texas Christmas Defender by Elizabeth Goddard. I'm a big time fan and love every single one of her books. This one didn't let me down. It's exactly what you expect when you pick up one of her novels! Very well written with a mixture of suspense, romance, hope, and Jesus in there or as Adriana would say Jesucristo!
The book picks up where the previous story leaves off. You don't have to read the first 2 novels to understand what is going on, but I think you should. They are both great books and there is a story arc that starts in Thanksgiving Protector by Sharon Dunn and concludes in Texas Christmas Defender. So it's a good idea to read all 3 in a row.
This book starts off with Texas Ranger Brent McChord finally tracking down the sister of one of Mexico's most deadly Cartel leaders Adriana Garcia. She has run across the border to Texas to hide from her brother and his cartel. This isn't the first time these two have met. Two years ago when Brent was on a mission in Mexico, Adriana saved his life by hiding him and helping him get away at her own personal risk. During these 2 years, both of them have often thought about the other and their brief encounter. Although a lot of mystery surrounds whether Adriana is bad news or really trying to turn her life around, Brent can't fight the feelings that he has had for the last 2 years. And neither can Adriana. Can these two prove her innocence, survive, and capture Rio Garcia to lead a safe and happy life together? Maybe they can with a little help from Brent's fellow Texas Rangers and God!
I don't want to give too much away. It was a great read! Very Suspenseful! And I appreciate that there was an epilogue at the end! Those are my favorite kinds of stories. I love getting to know what happens to these characters afterwards. Big props for that! I think if you are into Christian Suspense then you will really enjoy this book. I know I sure did! =)
November 4, 2017
When a book is about a notorious Mexican drug cartel, you know it's going to be action-packed and very fast-paced! Elizabeth Goddard sure knows how to write a book just like that! I had a hard time putting this one down. I actually felt like I was an observer in this story, cheering the "good guys" on and hoping that none of them got killed! Those drug cartels are ruthless and the author does a very good job alluding to that fact without actually describing it so we don't have to go into the gory details of it. I admired Adriana, the main heroine who was the sister of the head of cartel. She didn't want to be involved with the cartel in Mexico so she escaped that life and hid out at a llama farm in the U.S. However, she always had to be on her guard because she knew that her brother could find her at any time. I know this is like real life because you never really get out of a drug cartel - they always find you! Meet Texas Ranger, Brent McCord! He manages to find her through cryptic clues in a letter anonymously sent to him. Together they decide to take a stand against Adriana's brother, Rio. There are other Rangers involved and many cartel members, of course. I really liked how Adriana felt she needed to, at one point, talk to her brother face-to-face just one more time and say some things. That take a lot of bravery. The author included many situations that were realistic and terrifying which made my heart race as if I were truly there!
I definitely recommend this book. Now I want to read the other books in this series!
I definitely recommend this book. Now I want to read the other books in this series!
November 13, 2017
Two years after she helped a Texas Ranger escape from her brother’s Mexican drug cartel, Adriana Garcia comes face to face with him again. In Texas. On a llama farm. Where she’s in hiding.
Brent McCord has not forgotten the beautiful woman who saved his life. When she becomes a suspect in the murder of another Ranger, he is adamant Adriana did not commit the crime. In order to prove it, he goes searching for her and finds her. On Christmas day. But has he led the cartel to her as well?
I loved Adriana. The woman is smart, strong, and determined with a tender heart in spite of her father’s, and now brother’s, involvement in a ruthless cartel. She willingly places herself in harm’s way to protect the people she loves and her faith is strong.
There is a connection between Brent and Adriana that readers know they won’t be able to ignore for long despite their best efforts.
Booby traps, hidden tunnels, bombs, car chases, and gunfights kept me turning the pages to discover whether Adriana will accomplish her mission to shut down the cartel. And, of course, to find out if she gets her man.
Disclosure statement:
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.
Brent McCord has not forgotten the beautiful woman who saved his life. When she becomes a suspect in the murder of another Ranger, he is adamant Adriana did not commit the crime. In order to prove it, he goes searching for her and finds her. On Christmas day. But has he led the cartel to her as well?
I loved Adriana. The woman is smart, strong, and determined with a tender heart in spite of her father’s, and now brother’s, involvement in a ruthless cartel. She willingly places herself in harm’s way to protect the people she loves and her faith is strong.
There is a connection between Brent and Adriana that readers know they won’t be able to ignore for long despite their best efforts.
Booby traps, hidden tunnels, bombs, car chases, and gunfights kept me turning the pages to discover whether Adriana will accomplish her mission to shut down the cartel. And, of course, to find out if she gets her man.
Disclosure statement:
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.
December 11, 2017
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Texas Christmas Defender. This is the third book in the Texas Ranger Holidays Continuity Series. This book is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I love that about Elizabeth's books. I know you are going to love it.
Adriana Garcia has been running from her brother and his drug ring. After she left him she stole his drugs and his money in an effort to stop him and his operation. She now owns a llama ranch and is living quietly. The border patrol and the Texas Rangers are after her, they have been told she wants to start her own syndicate with the drugs and money she stole from her brother. Only one man believes in her. He must find her before her brother finds her and kills her.
Texas Ranger Brent McCord can't believe that the woman who saved his life and hid him from her brother could do the things that have been reported. He must find her and prove her innocence. He finds her but before he can get her out of there her brother and his men surround the ranch. Can he keep her safe? Will she be willing to trust him?
A journey of two people trying to survive on a ranch turned war zone. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your heart and watch Him turn your life around.
Adriana Garcia has been running from her brother and his drug ring. After she left him she stole his drugs and his money in an effort to stop him and his operation. She now owns a llama ranch and is living quietly. The border patrol and the Texas Rangers are after her, they have been told she wants to start her own syndicate with the drugs and money she stole from her brother. Only one man believes in her. He must find her before her brother finds her and kills her.
Texas Ranger Brent McCord can't believe that the woman who saved his life and hid him from her brother could do the things that have been reported. He must find her and prove her innocence. He finds her but before he can get her out of there her brother and his men surround the ranch. Can he keep her safe? Will she be willing to trust him?
A journey of two people trying to survive on a ranch turned war zone. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too. Give Him your heart and watch Him turn your life around.
December 27, 2017
Adriana Garcia is hiding from her drug cartel brother only to have her location compromised when she's accosted with a gun to her head on Christmas morning by Brent McCord, a Texas Ranger she'd helped rescue back in Mexico. She's being accused of murder. Can Adrianna prove to the Texas Ranger that she's innocent of all the alleged crimes attached to her name or will it be too late? Will her brother find her and kill her before she can prove her innocence? Elizabeth Goddard has never disappointed me as a reader. Her well-honed writing skills bring her characters and stories alive in such a way that you're gripped from page one. Texas Christmas Defender is a rollercoaster, edge of your seat thriller that is bound to keep you hooked! I savored getting lost in Adrianna and Brent's world!
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
January 18, 2018
Really enjoyed this story from start to finish, Adriana and Brent are such great characters and so well written! Even though some parts seemed unrealistic, the action was tangible and despite the violent content of a drug cartel/runner the story is clean and authentic. I was amazed by Goddard's research and she writes the story with all heart. Inez was my fave character from the beginning and I'm so glad how things worked out for her and Adriana! Christmas, hope and the impossible becoming possible are all themes that worked brilliantly for this book....Goddard never fails to grab my attention and pull me in!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
November 20, 2017
Texas Christmas Defender is a Love Inspired Suspense book by Elizabeth Goddard. This is a quick paced story that is full of suspense, action, danger, intrigue, faith, love and much, much more. I was transported right into the story with the very first line! There is so much happening in this story that you won’t want to put the book down. I loved spunky, determined Adriana Garcia and Texas Ranger Brent McCord who is there to do his job. I received a complementary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. 4.5 stars!
December 5, 2017
Okay
Little slow with the suspense, I think I had read 50% or more of the book before there any action. Adriana's brother is the head of a drug cartel, she has stolen cash and drugs from her brother in the hopes of taking down the cartel. On top of that she saved the life of a Texas Ranger that her brother's men had been searching for. Brent McCord hadn't forgotten Adriana and what she did for him, but she was the sister of a notorious drug dealer. Surely the Lord would not have him to fall in love with her. The Lord looks at the heart not what is on the outside.
Little slow with the suspense, I think I had read 50% or more of the book before there any action. Adriana's brother is the head of a drug cartel, she has stolen cash and drugs from her brother in the hopes of taking down the cartel. On top of that she saved the life of a Texas Ranger that her brother's men had been searching for. Brent McCord hadn't forgotten Adriana and what she did for him, but she was the sister of a notorious drug dealer. Surely the Lord would not have him to fall in love with her. The Lord looks at the heart not what is on the outside.
January 29, 2019
Adriana is running from her brother who is a drug kingpin in Mexico. She has managed to escape to the USA. But the Texas Rangers are looking for her also. They are afraid she is going to set up another drug cartel in the US. Ranger Brent McCord is looking for her to help protect her from her brother and recover the cash and drugs she took from her brother. Will he be able to locate her? And if he does will he be able to protect her? Why did she take the drugs and cash and what will she do now? An exciting story!
December 29, 2019
Not at all like a sappy Hallmark Christmas movie, this book doesn't really have much about the holiday, it just happens to start on Christmas Day. The llama farm setting is unique. This suspense-filled book pits the Texas Rangers against a Mexican drug cartel. The drug lord's sister, who has betrayed him and stolen some of his drugs and money, falls in love with a Ranger, who also has a black sheep in his family. The ending doesn't fulfill my idea of "happily ever after."
December 18, 2025
Adriana decides to "take" some things from her drug lord brother and tries to escape so she could start a new life. He isn't going to let her get away with that. He will send people out to find her and take back what belongs to him.
She saves Texas Ranger Brent McCord from her brother. Once her brother finds out two years later he wants her bad.
Noe she meets up with her Texas Ranger again. Check out the story and let me know what you think. I enjoyed it and think you will too.
She saves Texas Ranger Brent McCord from her brother. Once her brother finds out two years later he wants her bad.
Noe she meets up with her Texas Ranger again. Check out the story and let me know what you think. I enjoyed it and think you will too.
November 1, 2017
Elizabeth Goddard always does a great suspense story. This one is part of a Texas Ranger series. Mistaken identities, drug cartels, all the ingredients for a wonderful suspenseful tale are here. And the Texas Rangers are always a wonderful element!
*I received a copy of this book from the author. My opinion is my own.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. My opinion is my own.
June 4, 2023
Last in the series
Adriana has been hiding from her brother and the Rangers. The ranger she saved 2 years before finds her. What follows is an intense tale, but it came to a very satisfying ending, including the wrap up of the 2 other couples. Very well written. Elizabeth Goddard is a brilliant writer. Very much enjoyed this story.
Adriana has been hiding from her brother and the Rangers. The ranger she saved 2 years before finds her. What follows is an intense tale, but it came to a very satisfying ending, including the wrap up of the 2 other couples. Very well written. Elizabeth Goddard is a brilliant writer. Very much enjoyed this story.
November 13, 2017
Fast paced action story that will keep you on the edge of the seat. Each page grips the reader and gives excitement, mystery and intrigue. Great story! I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my personal honest opinion.
December 4, 2017
I just loved this one! Such good, edge-of-your-seat suspense kept me up all night. The chemistry between Adriana and Brent is full of sparks. This author knows how to weave a story and make you wonder where the next danger is going to come from. I loved the secondary characters, too!
March 6, 2018
AWESOME!!!!!!
Another great story tying God in the everyday lives of those who trust Him with their lives. A page-turner with intrigue, love and trust in God. Keep up the good work and keep the great stories coming. I love to read ' em!!!!!!
Another great story tying God in the everyday lives of those who trust Him with their lives. A page-turner with intrigue, love and trust in God. Keep up the good work and keep the great stories coming. I love to read ' em!!!!!!
November 14, 2023
A great suspense. Adriana Garcia is on the run from her brother, head of a drug cartel. She is not sure who to trust. Brent is determined to stop Rio and protect Adriana. He is not quite sure who to trust, either, but they have no choice but to trust each other. I thought this was a great story.
October 21, 2017
This is one of the best suspense books I have ever read. I found it so difficult to put down. fell in love with these great characters. Can't wait to read the next book from this great author.
January 1, 2018
Another excellent read from this author. Exciting and filled with action throughout. I was given a copy of this book, but all opinions expressed here are my own.
April 16, 2018
this is a good story, she is on the run and he is a texas tanger. if you like suspense and romance you will like the story
August 14, 2018
A wonderful suspense book that has strong storyline with Texas Rangers that are a nice surprise . Each page seems to get more intrigue.
January 22, 2019
Love this book!
December 12, 2020
I think this is one of her better ones, although I've enjoyed everything of hers I've read so far.
November 12, 2024
Goddard usually is a very good read but she leaned a little to the preachy side on this one. It took me over a week to read it and the story was a little weak.
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December 2, 2017Miniseries: Texas Ranger Holidays
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December 2, 2017Miniseries: Texas Ranger Holidays
Want to read
January 26, 2018This is the third book in the Texas Ranger Holiday series. This book ties up nicely the mystery of how the rangers will capture Rio and where the missing agent is. The danger felt like it was real. There was a nice balance between distraction and protection. The theme has a strong faith and happy ever after ending. A good ending to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews