Holiday Illusion

Refuge from Danger #3

by Lynette Eason

A timeless story of Christmas suspense by bestselling author Lynette Eason

To save a sick, orphaned boy, Anna Freeman must risk her own life. Little Paulo desperately needs a new heart. It’s his only Christmas wish—well, that and building his first snowman. For the surgery, Anna must take him to a hospital in the city she once called home. A place she fled in fear years ago. Which means telling Dr. Lucas Bennett that the woman he’s known all this time as a caring orphanage worker is really someone else. Someone with a very frightening past. And that the danger stalking all of them won’t take Christmas Day off.

Book 3 in the Refuge from Danger series. Originally published in 2008.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Christmas, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Love Inspired

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2008

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think for me this one didn't quite hit...Anna didn't quite feel like the same Anna I'd come to know in the other two books. And I guessed who was the bad guy like...about 14% in. XD

Chracters:
Anna is nice and the poor darling has been through a lot. She's a sweet and good character in this book, just not quite the same as I remember her from the other books in the series. And almost a little too perfect sometimes...sorry, I wanted to see more struggling to understand and doubts, wrestling with her faith, you know?
Lucas...I loved him and felt so bad for all the guilt he carried. His arc was nice, if a little fast toward the middle, but I loved him!
One thing that made me sad was we didn't get to see Gabe & Cass or Micah & Amy....*cries* I thought when they called for help it was gonna be Gabe and Micah, but no. Sad.

Romance:
Friends to more---it was sweet. I liked how Anna had her standards and didn't drop them.

Language:
N/A

Violence/Gore:
Car chase, getting shot at, cut brakes, high speed danger, explosion, hyperthermia, heart attack, heart failure, past death of a sibling, calloused comment from a someone in the past about a hysterotomy that might be triggering for some women. <3
There are mentions of blood especially when someone's nose is broken, but overall this was pretty clean.

Overall:
This was pretty good read...just not my favorite because I guessed the twist and wanted to see the characters from the previous book. XD

Recommend age 16+

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls)]

This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.

11/9/2017-
-DNF @ 71pages-

Wanted to like this one since I've enjoyed others by the author, but lots of things were revealed quickly which made it feel rush. I really liked the idea of this book, but it just didn't work out for me. I tried liking Anna, but she just seemed a bit off and naive.

-Content up to what I read:
Spiritual Content- 2 Peter 1:3-4 at the beginning; A few Scriptures are quoted, read, & remembered; Prayers; Talks about God, believing, & sin; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God;
Anna has a faith, but Lucas believes you can only depend on yourself and is a bit bitter;
Mentions of God & believing; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of churches & church going; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of getting religion; A couple mentions of praising God; A couple mentions of a preacher; A couple mentions of blessings & being blessed; A couple mentions of a mission trip; A mention of a miracle;
*Note: Mentions of an evil person; A couple mentions of luck.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: 1 ‘idiot’, 1 ‘stupid’; Some Sarcasm & Eye rolling;
Being threated & pain (up to semi-detailed); A car accident, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Many mentions of a killer, seeing a murder, blood/bleeding, a sting operation, & being shot (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of almost being killed, murders, & deaths; Mentions of crimes, criminals, crime families, & jails; Mentions of being ran off the road & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of gunfire, being shot, & pain (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a fire & death; Mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of gun running & transporting illegal aliens; A couple mentions of smoking & pipes; A couple mentions of piercings;
*Note: A few mentions of & going to Starbucks; A few mentions of car brands.


Sexual Content- 1 fingers-to-lips touch; Touches & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing;
A couple mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of jealousy;
*Note: *Spoiler* Anna was shot in her uterus and had to have a hysterectomy *End of Spoiler*; A mention of a teen girl showing her stomach.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice conclusion to a quick-read trilogy. It didn’t quite hold the same punch as most of Lynette Eason’s books, but it was still a sweet story with decent suspense.

Listened to audiobook version.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holiday Illusion was just an okay read for me. I found the storyline unbelievable and so many things that happened were crazy. The romance was okay, but not a favorite. It was interesting where the evidence she had found all those years ago actually ended up. I liked the ending and how he wasn't bothered by the fact that she wouldn't be able to have biological children.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good one! I loved the twist at the end. I great Sunday read. I would really recommend this one! Doctor on a mission for not only a child that needs him, but his friend and his family! A great story about forgiveness, redemption, and coming home.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually a really interesting read with good plot twists. I loved how they wrapped up the ending and didn’t end there, but explained what happened next! Not too predictable. I enjoyed it

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Freeman loves her job as manager at the Amazon hospital and orphanage. What no one knows is that she is a former FBI Agent who fled to Brazil when the person she put in jail tries to get his revenge. She is happy here and doesn't want to return, but little Paulo needs a heart transplant and has been moved to #2 on the waiting list. Dr. Lucas Bennett wants her to accompany them back home.

Dr. Lucas Bennett has his own secrets, and reasons for coming to Brazil too. In returning home for a while, he's hoping that he can have forgiveness from his father. That and spending more time with Anna, his best friend who he hopes will become something more.

All Paulo wants for Christmas is a new heart...Oh, and to build a snowman. All Anna wants is to finally find the evidence she knows is in that house so she can put away Shawn de Chastelain, and the terror stalking her, for good. All Lucas wants is for the 3 of them to be a family, and will do anything to protect Anna from the danger that seems to be following her at every turn.

I loved this very fast paced, action filled story set during the Christmas season. Although 2 books precede this one and you actually get to meet and know Anna and Lucas in both of them, you don't need to have read them before this one.

#1
#2

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Holiday Illusion" is a Christian romantic suspense. Though the third book in the series, it works as a standalone. Anna and Lucas take a little boy to the USA to get a heart transplant. Anna's attacked, so Lucas invites her to stay at his family's estate. Now both of them are regularly attacked, but by who and why?

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Anna and Lucas already cared for each other after working together for so long, but Anna can't have children and she knows Lucas is being pressured to marry and have children to carry on the family name. The suspense came from the danger from the attacks and not knowing who was trying to kill them.

There was no sex or bad language.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book in the beginning. I also did not realize it was the third installment of a series until I was half way through.

I do not have an issue with Christian novels, but when the religion parts seem forced and breaks up the pacing of the story, it bothers me. Tell a good story about a character who has strong religious beliefs, don't make this a platform for your own personal agenda. I struggled with this book, but I still wanted to know how it ended and I am glad I stuck with it. The ending was really well written and thought out. For a book that had a shaky start it had a great ending.

[Gerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story and I liked Lucas and Anna. I like how their relationship was developed over time.

What I don’t like is when woman don’t protect themselves. Someone is trying to kill Anna and she continues to do stupid things. She gets in the elevator with a man that makes her suspicious and doesn’t get off. Then another time she decides to not take the elevator and walks up three flights of stairs and you know what happens. Of course there were other incidents as well. Oh, and did I mention she’s a former FBI agent?

I figured out early on who the person was trying to kill Anna but didn’t figure out the why.

With all that said I do recommend this book.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-pounding suspense from the jungle of Brazil to a seaside town in the U.S.

Ex-FBI Agent Anna Freeman travels with Dr Lucas Bennett and a child heart transplant patient to the U.S. and suddenly finds herself under attack. Is it the man she fled from 4 years ago after an op gone wrong? Or is there another sinister plot at work? Danger presses in on all sides as Anna and Lucas navigate family issues and work to support little Paolo during his hospital stay. When things spiral out of control, will the truth finally come out or will evil triumph? Grab this intense suspense novel as a wrap up to the series

[Laura Hamby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books by Lynette Eason who is one of my favorite authors. This is book three in a series but can easily stand alone. You will quickly become invested in the lives of the main characters, especially Paulo who needs a new heart. I have to say this book is one of my top books ever. The level of sacrifice that is shown in this story will grab your heart and might transplant a new one in its place.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna and Dr Lucas Bennet take Paulo to North Carolina for a heart transplant. It just happens to be near where they both lived before. Anna was running the orphanage where Paulo was staying. Who is trying to kill Anna or are they after Anna? A lot of intrigue and twists and secrets to figure out.

[Marybelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. I’m just sorry it ended. The only thing I didn’t like about this book is in the end we don’t know how Lucas’ father felt about his new daughter-in-law and grandson, nor do we know whether he accepts God’s love the way his son did. Otherwise it was tender, exciting, and a very fun read.

[Kayla Squire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun finish to the series! A quick read. It was fun to get to know Anna and Lucas a little better and see their story. The other 2 books in the series are the only other Lynette Eason books I've read. I would say where she shines is the action. I was surprised there wasn't more connection with the first two books with this one. A fun read overall.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 3rd book's story line was okay. I liked the Christian parts of this story. I liked Lucas's character. My heart broke 💔 for Lucas. I liked Anna's character. I liked the scenes with Anna & Paulo. I loved ❤ Paulo's character. I thought Paulo was adorable. The ending was okay.

[MARYANN MATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise what a book.

Lots of surprises In The book.. who would of thought you're cousin wanted you dead.. And the love of a fat
her can be changed with 3 little words I love you.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a little to "Polly-annish".... every prayer that was prayed was answered as they prayed....not real life...not everything works out so perfectly.....

[Brenda C. McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!

This is another good book by this author!!! She did really good job this series. Anna and Lucas had an adventure!!! I don't think they were too crazy about it, though.

[Fanaticmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to the series!

[Holli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WONDERFUL read!! Lots of suspense, twists & turns ... let’s not forget “Boy meets Girl”

[Viv Wilday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving this book 31/2 stars. Good read with a twist. Religious story and perfect ending.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, heartfelt story.
Enjoyed this series.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

[Emily Jaspersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, suspenseful writing. Would recommend.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is worth reading

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart transplants, heartaches, deception and more. Lynette always spins a great story! Everyone has something they don't want others to know. What's your secret?

[Donald And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

This book was great. It kept you on the edge of your seat. Lynette Eason is one of my favorite authors.