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Rahab's Rope #1
The Shadow: Someone is Watching
Meagan Winston loves working at Rahab's Rope in Gainesville, Georgia, selling jewelry and other creative items made by rescued trafficked women in India. On each of her journeys to Mumbai the past few years, however, drugs have also made the trip, and she is the only connection the FBI can find.
When bulky former Marine Cole Fleming enters her shop demanding answers, Meagan at first refuses but eventually is taken in for questioning. Can Meagan trust her own heart as Cole discovers and begins to track a possible stalker, or is Cole the man secretly following her?
Praise for The Shadow
I loved it. Very suspenseful. Loved that there wasn't foul language and graphic sex. I will definitely recommend it to friends. - Lynn
...brilliantly written, quite professional, and has an intriguing plot which holds its reader captive. - Jeanie
I absolutely loved The Shadow! Kimberly Rae is one of my favorite authors, and this is one of her best! It's captivating from the very beginning, and hard to put down. Meagan is just back from India after working with a group that rescues women in brothels, trafficked victims who've been sold against their will. But now she is being carefully watched and accused of an international crime! It will intrigue you with its mystery, suspense, romance, humor, and faith in God. The characters are all so realistic and interesting; this book kept my attention all the way through. Rae always handles the subject of human trafficking appropriately - she makes you think seriously about the stark reality of this illicit crime that's going on all around us, without putting your mind in the gutter. Her life-changing books are always clean and Christ-centered, and leave you with a feeling of hope. I highly recommend this book. - Sue
I was terrified from the very first page. I couldn't put this book down! It has it two love stories, parallel missions, and justice--mixed with lunatic danger and a drug investigation. I loved Shadow! - Lou Ann
When bulky former Marine Cole Fleming enters her shop demanding answers, Meagan at first refuses but eventually is taken in for questioning. Can Meagan trust her own heart as Cole discovers and begins to track a possible stalker, or is Cole the man secretly following her?
Praise for The Shadow
I loved it. Very suspenseful. Loved that there wasn't foul language and graphic sex. I will definitely recommend it to friends. - Lynn
...brilliantly written, quite professional, and has an intriguing plot which holds its reader captive. - Jeanie
I absolutely loved The Shadow! Kimberly Rae is one of my favorite authors, and this is one of her best! It's captivating from the very beginning, and hard to put down. Meagan is just back from India after working with a group that rescues women in brothels, trafficked victims who've been sold against their will. But now she is being carefully watched and accused of an international crime! It will intrigue you with its mystery, suspense, romance, humor, and faith in God. The characters are all so realistic and interesting; this book kept my attention all the way through. Rae always handles the subject of human trafficking appropriately - she makes you think seriously about the stark reality of this illicit crime that's going on all around us, without putting your mind in the gutter. Her life-changing books are always clean and Christ-centered, and leave you with a feeling of hope. I highly recommend this book. - Sue
I was terrified from the very first page. I couldn't put this book down! It has it two love stories, parallel missions, and justice--mixed with lunatic danger and a drug investigation. I loved Shadow! - Lou Ann
- GenresFiction
355 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2017
33 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Rae
56 books92 followersAmazon bestselling author of over 35 books Kimberly Rae has lived in Bangladesh, Uganda, Kosovo and Indonesia. She rafted the Nile River, hiked the hills at the base of Mount Everest, and ate cow brains, just to say she'd done it!
Rae has been published over 300 times and has work in 5 languages. Kimberly Rae’s articles have been published in BRIO, BRIO & Beyond, Proverbs 31 Woman Magazine, Mature Years, Diabetes Health, SusieMag, Women of the Harvest, Clubhouse Jr., Keys for Kids, Insight magazine, and Woman Alive, the only Christian magazine for woman in the UK. She writes regularly for Regular Baptist Press and Union Gospel Press.
Rae has been interviewed on multiple radio shows, in several newspapers, on blogs, and once on television. Since the release of her bestselling novels on human trafficking and missions (STOLEN WOMAN, STOLEN CHILD, STOLEN FUTURE), she is a requested professional speaker on human trafficking--not just the problem, but how people can be part of the solution.
Rae also has a series of books on living joyfully with chronic illness (she has Addison's disease) and new books on trafficking:
For Teens: Capturing Jasmina
For Adults and Teens: Captive No More
Someday Dreams
Find out more or order autographed books at www.kimberlyrae.com!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 14, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A do-gooder makes frequent trips to India, to help out her religious organization. On each of these trips, a shipment of drugs makes it through customs. The FBI starts investigating. After a rather hostile beginning, the girl and one of the agents begins to fall in love, but there are still drugs coming through, and someone stalking her.
This is an Inspirational romance, even though there isn't an over lot of praying going on. Not a bad effort.
A do-gooder makes frequent trips to India, to help out her religious organization. On each of these trips, a shipment of drugs makes it through customs. The FBI starts investigating. After a rather hostile beginning, the girl and one of the agents begins to fall in love, but there are still drugs coming through, and someone stalking her.
This is an Inspirational romance, even though there isn't an over lot of praying going on. Not a bad effort.
September 9, 2021
Awesome book! It grabbed me right away. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. It's definitely a Christian book as God is very important to the main characters, and they live their faith. I also want to mention that there really is a business called Rahab's Rope. The book tells all about it. It sounds like a great Christian ministry to get involved in. Another similar one is called Trades of Hope. One of my friends is involved in it and has told me all about it. I plan to look into Rahab's Rope some more and would encourage others to check them both out.
March 30, 2020
Quite good!
I enjoyed the suspenseful plot and the subject of human trafficking. It's such an important and uncomfortable issue in this world, and I always appreciate a Christian author who isn't afraid to bring it up in their writing.
The only drawback for me with this book was that it seemed to focus on too many characters. I would've enjoyed more suspense and depth between Cole and Meagan (and I'm probably spelling her name wrong) rather than the additional distraction of Steve and Stephanie's dysfunctional relationship.
Overall, it was a great book, and I definitely recommend it.
I enjoyed the suspenseful plot and the subject of human trafficking. It's such an important and uncomfortable issue in this world, and I always appreciate a Christian author who isn't afraid to bring it up in their writing.
The only drawback for me with this book was that it seemed to focus on too many characters. I would've enjoyed more suspense and depth between Cole and Meagan (and I'm probably spelling her name wrong) rather than the additional distraction of Steve and Stephanie's dysfunctional relationship.
Overall, it was a great book, and I definitely recommend it.
November 16, 2025
I won a print copy of this book from a blog. I finally had time to read it, and it was so captivating that I finished it in one day1 It is full of mystery, suspense, and even some romance, while delving into topics like human trafficking, drugs, and alcohol abuse, along with forgiveness, self-forgiveness, and learning to trust, with good Christian values and lessons in the story. Well written and great characters! I only wished I had not waited so long to read it! I would definitely read another of this author's books.
November 13, 2017
The Shadow unveils an obsession, a budding romance, and a marriage on the rocks.
Three different relationships intertwine to create a story filled with suspense, danger and tumult in The Shadow, by Kimberly Rae.
Meagan is a young woman fighting for the lives of those caught in the trafficking industry. What she doesn’t know, is soon, she will be fighting for her own life.
Cole is a Marine fighting for his sister’s life. Guilt propels him. PTSD haunts him. And his secrets shroud him.
Steve is on a mission to prove himself. He’s a hot-shot FBI agent looking to move up the ladder. But something keeps getting in his way.
Kimberly Rae has created a powerful story around the mechanisms of the drug market, pornography and human trafficking. The result is action packed, terrifying and eye-opening. She has authored 20 books and has been published over 200 times and in five languages. Her work brings awareness, yet weaves a narrative that is hard to put aside.
Rahab’s Rope, the organization woven into the story, is a real place in Gainesville, Georgia, combating human trafficking and intersecting lives with hope. For more info go to Rahab’s Rope. https://www.rahabsrope.com/
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Three different relationships intertwine to create a story filled with suspense, danger and tumult in The Shadow, by Kimberly Rae.
Meagan is a young woman fighting for the lives of those caught in the trafficking industry. What she doesn’t know, is soon, she will be fighting for her own life.
Cole is a Marine fighting for his sister’s life. Guilt propels him. PTSD haunts him. And his secrets shroud him.
Steve is on a mission to prove himself. He’s a hot-shot FBI agent looking to move up the ladder. But something keeps getting in his way.
Kimberly Rae has created a powerful story around the mechanisms of the drug market, pornography and human trafficking. The result is action packed, terrifying and eye-opening. She has authored 20 books and has been published over 200 times and in five languages. Her work brings awareness, yet weaves a narrative that is hard to put aside.
Rahab’s Rope, the organization woven into the story, is a real place in Gainesville, Georgia, combating human trafficking and intersecting lives with hope. For more info go to Rahab’s Rope. https://www.rahabsrope.com/
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 16, 2018
When I was asked to write a review for Kimberly Rae’s new book, The Shadow, I was excited; I don’t often get the opportunity to review fiction. This book will grab you on the first page. I couldn’t stop reading it.
Meagan Winston works for an organization called Rahab’s Rope. Stateside, there is a store that sells items crafted by women in India. These women are part of what Rahab’s Rope does in India. They created a safe place for women coming out of human trafficking and an opportunity for these women to make an income by creating jewelry and other items that are sold in the Gainesville, Georgia store.
Upon returning from her most recent trip to India, Meagan is approached by Cole Fleming who is working with the FBI to uncover who is smuggling drugs in and out of India. Meagan is the main suspect, but she has bigger problems. She is also being stalked.
The story is well written and keeps you engaged. Each chapter is short and is written from a different point of view. There are several secondary characters that add unique moments to the story. You can’t help but root for Meagan and Cole and their passion to be a new type of missionaries. The Shadow is a story of trust, redemption, hope, and love.
Meagan Winston works for an organization called Rahab’s Rope. Stateside, there is a store that sells items crafted by women in India. These women are part of what Rahab’s Rope does in India. They created a safe place for women coming out of human trafficking and an opportunity for these women to make an income by creating jewelry and other items that are sold in the Gainesville, Georgia store.
Upon returning from her most recent trip to India, Meagan is approached by Cole Fleming who is working with the FBI to uncover who is smuggling drugs in and out of India. Meagan is the main suspect, but she has bigger problems. She is also being stalked.
The story is well written and keeps you engaged. Each chapter is short and is written from a different point of view. There are several secondary characters that add unique moments to the story. You can’t help but root for Meagan and Cole and their passion to be a new type of missionaries. The Shadow is a story of trust, redemption, hope, and love.
June 18, 2018
This is a new author to me and I throughly enjoyed her writing style. The main reason I bought the book was because I've actually been in the Rahab's Rope store in Gainesville, GA and if you are ever close by, please go in and shop. And the fact that it was a suspense novel was a bonus.
This novel is about Megan who works in the store and travels to India twice a year to help with trafficked women. When she comes back from her recent trip she discovers that not only is she in trouble with the FBI, she's also being stalked! Cole is helping a friend in the FBI do some recon work on Megan and their meeting is not all that friendly. Cole is very secretive and his friend in the FBI are in a strained friendship. The stalker is really, really scary and I'll not say anymore. It's a fast paced book and one I found hard to put down. Several twists and turns help keep the suspense level high. Megan's faith in God helps her through all these events that unfold in the book and the author did a great job at not being "preachy" yet getting the Gospel message across.
I wish I could have given it a 4 1/2 start rating, because it really deserves it. I have the next books in the series on my wish list.
This novel is about Megan who works in the store and travels to India twice a year to help with trafficked women. When she comes back from her recent trip she discovers that not only is she in trouble with the FBI, she's also being stalked! Cole is helping a friend in the FBI do some recon work on Megan and their meeting is not all that friendly. Cole is very secretive and his friend in the FBI are in a strained friendship. The stalker is really, really scary and I'll not say anymore. It's a fast paced book and one I found hard to put down. Several twists and turns help keep the suspense level high. Megan's faith in God helps her through all these events that unfold in the book and the author did a great job at not being "preachy" yet getting the Gospel message across.
I wish I could have given it a 4 1/2 start rating, because it really deserves it. I have the next books in the series on my wish list.
January 9, 2018
Meagan Winston’s life maintains a certain order. She works at Rahab’s Rope, a ministry selling jewelry to support women who are rescued from human trafficking, and twice a year she travels to India to bring jewelry supplies and pick up any finished pieces. Little does she know that she has attracted unwanted attention, first from a stalker and then from the feds. Meagan must learn who to trust in this thrilling, inspirational novel by Kimberly Rae.
Featuring international intrigue, a dash of suspense, and a hunky FBI agent, The Shadow aims to please. I enjoyed the developing love story between Meagan and Cole (no spoilers there, you can see they are destined for each other by chapter 3…), and the plot held enough twists to keep a reader guessing at how everything would turn out. This is the first book in the Rahab’s Rope series, and I’m looking forward to reading more of Meagan and Cole’s story.
Featuring international intrigue, a dash of suspense, and a hunky FBI agent, The Shadow aims to please. I enjoyed the developing love story between Meagan and Cole (no spoilers there, you can see they are destined for each other by chapter 3…), and the plot held enough twists to keep a reader guessing at how everything would turn out. This is the first book in the Rahab’s Rope series, and I’m looking forward to reading more of Meagan and Cole’s story.
January 11, 2018
The Shadow is the first book in a trilogy called the Rahab's Rope trilogy which takes the reader into the world of sex trafficking in a way that is powerful and insightful. Instead of bland, boring statistics on a page, Kimberly gives the reader a glimpse of the dangers these organizations face through the eyes of Meagan Winston and Cole Fleming who have each been touched by the dark world of human trafficking. Meagan's work in India for Rahab's Rope has brought her to the attention of several different organizations, not all of which think her work is admirable. She meets Cole, who doesn't exactly make a good first impression. Now Meagan must decide if Cole is on her side or the side of the enemy, all while protecting her own reputation and ultimately, her own life. Can she trust God to keep her safe? Can she trust her heart to tell her the truth? Kimberly also shares the real Rahab's Rope organization and how the reader can help stop human trafficking. Excellent book!
May 16, 2018
This novel hits all the marks in the most amazing ways! I could not put it down. The characters instantly drew me in, and the fact that Rahab's Rope is an actual place in Gainesville, Ga, only made this fictitious tale even more realistic. Even though dark subject matter such as human trafficking, child exploitation, and illegal drug use are touched upon throughout, the novel did not leave me depressed but, instead, gave me much hope. I am pleased to say there was no foul language or any explicit sexual details included -- simply a clean read that deals with true-life issues affecting many in our world today. I also found Rae's approach in weaving a broken marriage into the mix to be refreshing when she allowed us to see how loss, pain, disappointment, and false intimacy can plays such pivotal roles until Christ becomes the central focus. Wow! I can't wait for Book 2 in this series.
* The opinions expressed are my own. A free copy of this novel was given to me by the author.
* The opinions expressed are my own. A free copy of this novel was given to me by the author.
May 28, 2018
I honestly loved this book! I cannot believe I waited so long to read it. Thank you, Kimberly Rae, for providing me with a copy of your book.
This was a fast-paced novel that kept me hooked from the very beginning. The events continued to unfold and at no time was I left in wait for the next “shoe to drop”. The characters were great and Pops added such a good humour to this book. I looked forward to see the love story between the Meagan and Cole grow. But the main love story I was interested in was Steve and Stephanie’s marriage. So often you read about new love blooming, but hardly ever the love in a marriage and what it takes to keep it growing strong.
Human trafficking is such a silent – yet highly prevalent – danger in our world, and I truly admire and appreciate books written on it. The acknowledgment of Rahab’s Hope is truly inspiring.
Well-written all-round book containing suspense, love, humour and faith.
This was a fast-paced novel that kept me hooked from the very beginning. The events continued to unfold and at no time was I left in wait for the next “shoe to drop”. The characters were great and Pops added such a good humour to this book. I looked forward to see the love story between the Meagan and Cole grow. But the main love story I was interested in was Steve and Stephanie’s marriage. So often you read about new love blooming, but hardly ever the love in a marriage and what it takes to keep it growing strong.
Human trafficking is such a silent – yet highly prevalent – danger in our world, and I truly admire and appreciate books written on it. The acknowledgment of Rahab’s Hope is truly inspiring.
Well-written all-round book containing suspense, love, humour and faith.
October 27, 2017
What I liked most about The Shadow is the spotlight this novel shines on a very real problem of human trafficking, as well as the very real organization that purposes to be part of the real-life solution. This added an element of realism to the story.
The Shadow offers much of what you might expect in a suspense novel. Clear-cut good and bad guys. Ratcheting stakes. An overarching sense of menace amid a swiftly moving plot. It provides a good, clean fun for those who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense, with protagonists that are appealing, if somewhat familiar. It did strike me as a story geared for youthful readers, as it doesn’t have the emotional subtlety typically found in adult-targeted novels.
Recommended for fans of the genre who also appreciate an important message.
Thanks to Blog About and the author for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
The Shadow offers much of what you might expect in a suspense novel. Clear-cut good and bad guys. Ratcheting stakes. An overarching sense of menace amid a swiftly moving plot. It provides a good, clean fun for those who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense, with protagonists that are appealing, if somewhat familiar. It did strike me as a story geared for youthful readers, as it doesn’t have the emotional subtlety typically found in adult-targeted novels.
Recommended for fans of the genre who also appreciate an important message.
Thanks to Blog About and the author for providing me this book free of charge. All opinions are mine.
January 11, 2018
Meagan Winston travels back and forth to India to help support the ministry of Rahab’s Rope (rescuing girls from the sex trafficking trade). The pleasant, somewhat vulnerable, young lady is brought to police headquarters for questioning about bringing drugs into the country. Each trip she makes to India coincides with dates of an influx of drugs. Of course, she adamantly denies involvement.
Cole Fleming, a former marine, now working with the FBI, appears to stalk her. He doesn’t want to believe she is involved in drug trafficking, but the evidence points in her direction.
Oh, but the character of Lucas is the clincher—I hate to say that I loved the continual challenges Lucas brought to the story. It was interesting to read his point of view and recognize how off-center was his thinking.
The story is well written (as are all of Rae’s books).
Cole Fleming, a former marine, now working with the FBI, appears to stalk her. He doesn’t want to believe she is involved in drug trafficking, but the evidence points in her direction.
Oh, but the character of Lucas is the clincher—I hate to say that I loved the continual challenges Lucas brought to the story. It was interesting to read his point of view and recognize how off-center was his thinking.
The story is well written (as are all of Rae’s books).
January 30, 2018
Reading suspense novels is not typically something that I gravitate towards, however, knowing that this book somehow tied into human trafficking peaked my interest. As an abuse survivor myself, I am drawn to stories that show women standing in support of those that have endured unspeakable acts in life and then doing what they can to support these individuals as they try to piece their lives back together. That being said, I found this book to be a great read from a romance suspense standpoint as Meagan is a very relatable character and it's easy to get caught up in the her situation. I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series as well as looking at other works by Kimberly Rae.
January 17, 2018
The author clearly has researched and/or has experience fighting traffickers. The references to India and the passion of the main character are true-to-life. The book has enough mystery to be compelling and a lack of gruesomeness so as not to put off a reader like myself. This was a good read - and I hope to find the rest of this series as well as other books by this author.
October 25, 2017
Don't forget to breath while reading this book! Kimberly Rae's thriller has everything: a psycho killer, FBI involvement, rescue of trafficked girls and an NGO's reputation under attack. This story will keep you up all night.
April 24, 2020
Great Suspense
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and was pleasantly surprised to find a good plot within its pages. Suspense mixed in with real life issues make the book hard to put down.
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and was pleasantly surprised to find a good plot within its pages. Suspense mixed in with real life issues make the book hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews