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Texas Ranger Holidays #1
Thanksgiving Protector
PROTECTING THE BABYWhen border patrol agent Kylie Perry’s informant is murdered, she makes good on her promise to raise the woman’s baby girl…but soon becomes the target of a killer. Now Kylie must find a way to juggle motherhood and her work on a joint task force aiming to capture a notorious drug kingpin—and somehow stay alive. Texas Ranger Austin Rivers, who’s partnering with Kylie on the case, is a lone wolf dedicated to his job. Yet as the criminal’s henchmen come after Kylie and her baby, Austin vows to protect them. And as Thanksgiving approaches, the man who never thought he was father material risks everything to save a woman and child who feel like family.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
61 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Dunn
133 books276 followersAfter almost 27 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She has three grown children and a busy cat named Sparky.
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 20, 2019
2.5 ⭐️ ...a bit repetitive
November 22, 2022
I couldn’t put this book down. I had to keep turning Pages to find out what happens next. This is a very enjoyable, romantic suspense novel with characters worth getting to know.
November 13, 2017
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Thanksgiving Protector. This is the first book in the series Texas Ranger Holidays. I always enjoy Sharon's work and this is an excellent example of her work. I know you are going to love it. This book is well written, action packed, and full of faith.
Border Patrol Agent Kylie Perry promised her informant that if anything should happen to her Kylie will raise her baby. Now her informant has been killed and Kylie finds herself with a baby to raise as she struggles to capture a drug kingpin. She soon finds that she and the baby have become targets of the killer and must rely on her partner to stay alive.
Texas Ranger Austin Rivers is a lone wolf. He's determined to live his life alone and under his own terms. He has been attracted to his partner in the task force that is after Rio Garcia for some time but will do nothing about it. Now as she has a child he vows to protect them with his life but can he keep his heart from wanting to become a part of this little family? He knows he's not father material.
A struggle of two lonely heartbroken individual drawn together while being targets of a ruthless killer. 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 find out what He has in store for you.
Border Patrol Agent Kylie Perry promised her informant that if anything should happen to her Kylie will raise her baby. Now her informant has been killed and Kylie finds herself with a baby to raise as she struggles to capture a drug kingpin. She soon finds that she and the baby have become targets of the killer and must rely on her partner to stay alive.
Texas Ranger Austin Rivers is a lone wolf. He's determined to live his life alone and under his own terms. He has been attracted to his partner in the task force that is after Rio Garcia for some time but will do nothing about it. Now as she has a child he vows to protect them with his life but can he keep his heart from wanting to become a part of this little family? He knows he's not father material.
A struggle of two lonely heartbroken individual drawn together while being targets of a ruthless killer. 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 find out what He has in store for you.
November 29, 2024
I grabbed Thanksgiving Protector a few years ago from a second-hand sale. I haven't seen many books centered around Thanksgiving, so I wanted to grab it and read it.
Thanksgiving Protector is a quick read. Kylie and Austin work well together and start to develop feelings for each other. Austin isn't thrilled when Kylie keeps her promise to her informant to raise Mercedes as her own. As their relationship builds and the story gets more tense, Kylie and Austin get in their own way.
I like that Kylie is a female border patrol agent and that the story centers around border patrol agents. It makes for a unique storyline. The story ends on Thanksgiving day with the expected happily ever after.
★★★/5
Thanksgiving Protector is a quick read. Kylie and Austin work well together and start to develop feelings for each other. Austin isn't thrilled when Kylie keeps her promise to her informant to raise Mercedes as her own. As their relationship builds and the story gets more tense, Kylie and Austin get in their own way.
I like that Kylie is a female border patrol agent and that the story centers around border patrol agents. It makes for a unique storyline. The story ends on Thanksgiving day with the expected happily ever after.
★★★/5
November 10, 2018
3.5 stars--fairly well done for this type of series. I liked that they have a female protagonist who has a job in a male dominated field--a job she apparently does well. She's tough but also has a heart, as evidenced by the fact that she takes in the baby daughter of one of her informants.
I never quite got hold of why Austin didn't want to commit to love. I understand that he didn't seem to have a loving childhood, but I'm not sure why he thinks he couldn't be a good father based on that--particularly since he has had Robert's influence in his life.
It was good to see agencies working together to accomplish a goal rather than having a turf war or trying to establish dominance on who was in control.
At least their jobs made it seem somewhat realistic that they might be fired upon or in danger. I don't understand why Kylie didn't want Mercedes in protective custody once it became clear that there was danger. Most moms want their kids safe. Then again, most moms would also stay with their kid in protective custody.
I did not suspect the culprit until shortly before it was revealed in the story. That's not unusual for me and someone who usually solves the "whodunit" might fare better.
I never quite got hold of why Austin didn't want to commit to love. I understand that he didn't seem to have a loving childhood, but I'm not sure why he thinks he couldn't be a good father based on that--particularly since he has had Robert's influence in his life.
It was good to see agencies working together to accomplish a goal rather than having a turf war or trying to establish dominance on who was in control.
At least their jobs made it seem somewhat realistic that they might be fired upon or in danger. I don't understand why Kylie didn't want Mercedes in protective custody once it became clear that there was danger. Most moms want their kids safe. Then again, most moms would also stay with their kid in protective custody.
I did not suspect the culprit until shortly before it was revealed in the story. That's not unusual for me and someone who usually solves the "whodunit" might fare better.
October 25, 2017
Action Packed
If you love a lot of action this book has it all. The heroine is a border patrol agent, and the hero is a Texas Ranger enough said. This book has murder, attempted murder, car chase, drugs and when you think you have it figured out you are all wrong.
If you love a lot of action this book has it all. The heroine is a border patrol agent, and the hero is a Texas Ranger enough said. This book has murder, attempted murder, car chase, drugs and when you think you have it figured out you are all wrong.
Read
October 2, 2017Miniseries: Texas Ranger Holidays
December 2, 2024
I hated it. Can't lie.
First, Austin is supposed to be all aloof and stand-offish, but he's NOTHING like that, the entire book. He's articulate, smiling, joking, protective, supportive... NOT aloof. Write what you say, for the love of all that's holy.
Second, if things are that bad at the southern border? WHY aren't the Army, National Guard, and Marines deployed there to clean out the towns? We're told in this book that El Paso is nothing but drug and human trafficking, that nobody is safe being there, that gunfire is an HOURLY thing... That should not be America. I hated it. This isn't 'inspiring', and a 'Love, INSPIRED' (<<
Then we have Kylie, who tells Austin the slain woman was her friend from church. His response is, "What, does she sing in the choir with you?" It SOUNDS like a sarcastic response, and if her world is so deplorable and he's so aloof, why does she immediately take that as "HomiGAWSH, you GO to my CHURCH?!?!?!?!" That isn't a rational first response to that. It's bad, amateur writing.
The action is absurd, too. Mexican 'goon' crosses the border, breaks into a suburban subdivision home, takes the white Mama as hostage with a gun up her neck... and she's terrified!!!!!!! Really? You live four miles from the border, have BlackHawks circling your home on a daily basis, and you LEAVE THE WINDOWS OPEN and are shocked when baddie gets in your house. And are begging for your life - LOUDLY? Really? Like anyone wants to hear it (but the delusional author)? And you LIVE HERE with a five-year old girl who doesn't know the drill? What kind of ridiculousness is this? It's preposterous.
((((((( ** SIGH!!!! ** ))))))))
If Valentina wanted a 'better life', she wouldn't be giving cartel secrets to the border patrol when she crossed over. She'd disappear into the heartland, get a support system/church around her, and NOT get involved with anything having to do with being an informant, FYI. Especially if she has a baby. It's just stupid from page one.
Then we have Austin checking out the cartel boss' crossing van, with "did you hear that?!" moments every other sentence, flashes of movement/light around them, danger and possible Mexican cartel thugs listening, and HE SAYS THE NAME OF THE DEEP COVER AGENT WHO IS IN MEXICO GIVING THEM INFORMATION out loud, right there by the van.
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!?!!?
I... it's... Y'know what? Dunn thinks her readers are idiots.
Nobody would believe a trained Special Forces dude could be that stupid.
That was it for me. DNF at pg 43.
First, Austin is supposed to be all aloof and stand-offish, but he's NOTHING like that, the entire book. He's articulate, smiling, joking, protective, supportive... NOT aloof. Write what you say, for the love of all that's holy.
Second, if things are that bad at the southern border? WHY aren't the Army, National Guard, and Marines deployed there to clean out the towns? We're told in this book that El Paso is nothing but drug and human trafficking, that nobody is safe being there, that gunfire is an HOURLY thing... That should not be America. I hated it. This isn't 'inspiring', and a 'Love, INSPIRED' (<<
Then we have Kylie, who tells Austin the slain woman was her friend from church. His response is, "What, does she sing in the choir with you?" It SOUNDS like a sarcastic response, and if her world is so deplorable and he's so aloof, why does she immediately take that as "HomiGAWSH, you GO to my CHURCH?!?!?!?!" That isn't a rational first response to that. It's bad, amateur writing.
The action is absurd, too. Mexican 'goon' crosses the border, breaks into a suburban subdivision home, takes the white Mama as hostage with a gun up her neck... and she's terrified!!!!!!! Really? You live four miles from the border, have BlackHawks circling your home on a daily basis, and you LEAVE THE WINDOWS OPEN and are shocked when baddie gets in your house. And are begging for your life - LOUDLY? Really? Like anyone wants to hear it (but the delusional author)? And you LIVE HERE with a five-year old girl who doesn't know the drill? What kind of ridiculousness is this? It's preposterous.
((((((( ** SIGH!!!! ** ))))))))
If Valentina wanted a 'better life', she wouldn't be giving cartel secrets to the border patrol when she crossed over. She'd disappear into the heartland, get a support system/church around her, and NOT get involved with anything having to do with being an informant, FYI. Especially if she has a baby. It's just stupid from page one.
Then we have Austin checking out the cartel boss' crossing van, with "did you hear that?!" moments every other sentence, flashes of movement/light around them, danger and possible Mexican cartel thugs listening, and HE SAYS THE NAME OF THE DEEP COVER AGENT WHO IS IN MEXICO GIVING THEM INFORMATION out loud, right there by the van.
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!?!!?
I... it's... Y'know what? Dunn thinks her readers are idiots.
Nobody would believe a trained Special Forces dude could be that stupid.
That was it for me. DNF at pg 43.
September 6, 2019
This was a great book! I loved the action, suspense, and the romance between Kylie, and Austin. This is a Christian based book, so it doesn’t have any sex in it at all. Kylie is a border Patrol agent. Her friend ended up dying. Kylie promised her if anything happened, she would take care of her daughter Mercedes. I loved that little girl. She found her way into my heart throughout this book. The action intensified after she took Mercedes in. Someone was after Kylie and her adopted daughter. Austin was part of the team as a Boarder Patrol. He was always there when Kylie needed him. Throughout the book he fell hard for both mother and child. This book is a keeper.
December 7, 2020
I love books about Texas Rangers and this book doesn't disappoint! I really like the way Sharon Dunn portrayed Law Enforcement through the characters in this story. The depth of caring for other people, even people who previously broke the law, they are still people worth redeeming. God loves every single one of us, even those who aren't perfect - as none of us are. I appreciate how she dealt with the issues at the border. She was factual but sensitive to the people. The border can be a deadly place which led to a very suspenseful tale!
November 5, 2017
Action-packed, adrenaline-laced and then you add a baby to the mix and it triples the tension! I had no idea how Kylie and Austin were going to out-run the killers, who seemed to be one step ahead of them, and protect little Mercedes at the same time. The ending surprised me...can't wait to read the next installment of Texas Ranger Holidays (Christmas Double Cross by Jodie Bailey)!
March 10, 2019
Riveting suspense, action, adventure and the border patrol angle was captivating. The faith element struggles were strong and made the characters more relatable. Loved it ...it can be read as a stand-alone, but is part of the Texas Ranger Holidays series.
December 6, 2019
This is the 2nd book I read by Sharon Dunn: This book's storyline was okay. Some parts of this was sad 😥. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian theme in this story. I liked Kylie's character. I liked Austin's character. I loved ❤ Mercedes. I liked the ending.
November 15, 2022
Action packed, suspense novel. Loved the story and glad I get to continue with some of the characters on the next story. Wish there was a little more interaction with the two main characters. I feel like they pushed each other away until the last chapter.
October 26, 2017
Poor writing with annoying main characters and barely there romance.
November 2, 2017
What a great book! I fell in love with the characters. I loved all the twists and turns and found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. It is well written.
November 17, 2017
I have never before read a book published by Harlequin and after reading this one I'm not sure I'll ever do so again...
It was unbearable at times and barely bearable at others but I did it.
It was unbearable at times and barely bearable at others but I did it.
December 21, 2017
A good read on a rainy rainy day.
Looking forward to her next one.
Looking forward to her next one.
September 6, 2018
Must admit I did not see that end coming. Was a surprise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2018
Loved this book. I hope there is one that follows
January 30, 2019
Final Twist
This book was well written with plenty of suspense and mystery. The final twist was a surprise to me. Good read.
This book was well written with plenty of suspense and mystery. The final twist was a surprise to me. Good read.
November 29, 2022
A very very good book. Very hard to put down book
May 20, 2023
This was an interesting start to this series. Loving Kylie with hesitant Austin makes for a rough road between the pair. Throw in the traitor and a sweet baby girl and you have a winner.
February 3, 2025
An action-packed suspense filled with the dangers the Border Patrol and the Texas Rangers face when the cartel targets an agent and an innocent baby!
October 25, 2017
Thanksgiving Protector is by Sharon Dunn. It is a Texas Ranger Holidays novel. It is a Love inspired series suspense which means no graphic sex scenes. It is a good read and does keep you on your toes.
Border Agent Kylie Perry promised her informant, Valentina, to take her baby if there are any problems and raise her. All the paperwork is in place and Kylie has been given directions as to where Mercedes is. Kylie never wants to have to do this; but upon Valentina’s death, she races to get Mercedes and get her to safety. She is given help from her partner, Texas Ranger Austin Rivers. Usually, Austin is a Lone Wolf; but is partnered with Kylie to help locate a drug lord. Now Kylie’s life is in danger from a different source, Mercedes’ father. He is looking for revenge for Valentina’s betrayal and intends for Kylie to be killed. Is he the only one wanting Kylie dead? Can Austin protect Kylie and Mercedes and keep his heart protected from them?
Border Agent Kylie Perry promised her informant, Valentina, to take her baby if there are any problems and raise her. All the paperwork is in place and Kylie has been given directions as to where Mercedes is. Kylie never wants to have to do this; but upon Valentina’s death, she races to get Mercedes and get her to safety. She is given help from her partner, Texas Ranger Austin Rivers. Usually, Austin is a Lone Wolf; but is partnered with Kylie to help locate a drug lord. Now Kylie’s life is in danger from a different source, Mercedes’ father. He is looking for revenge for Valentina’s betrayal and intends for Kylie to be killed. Is he the only one wanting Kylie dead? Can Austin protect Kylie and Mercedes and keep his heart protected from them?
Read
October 2, 2017Miniseries: Texas Ranger Holidays
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews