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Holly #3
Crossed Off
Collin Wells is relentless and ruthless, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he his foster sister, the girl who always manages to slip through his fingers.
Holly’s foster brother has haunted her footsteps for years—taunting her, toying with her—and until recently, she never dared to stop running and build a life for herself. Now, everyone she loves is in danger. How can she protect the people she loves when her foster brother comes to collect?
Holly’s foster brother has haunted her footsteps for years—taunting her, toying with her—and until recently, she never dared to stop running and build a life for herself. Now, everyone she loves is in danger. How can she protect the people she loves when her foster brother comes to collect?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2018
609 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Warrens
20 books514 followersJesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
July 14, 2025
The step brother is sick AF 😡 I don't think I ever hated a book character more than I hated him. This series is so intense so many different things happening the poor FMC has endured so much in her life had this been a real life scenario I don't think I could survive what she's had to go through.
This series is so captivating and hard to put down quick and easy read. A page turner, never a boring moment lots of heart thumping moments. Although the FMC faces so much bad in her life she always focuses on the light in the darkness. I love the found family all the friends who have become her family makes the story more beautiful.
Trigger warning this series touches on alot of serious topics, such as: abandonment, murder, orphan, fear, sexual assault, abuse, PTSD, trauma, depression, eating disorders
This series is so captivating and hard to put down quick and easy read. A page turner, never a boring moment lots of heart thumping moments. Although the FMC faces so much bad in her life she always focuses on the light in the darkness. I love the found family all the friends who have become her family makes the story more beautiful.
Trigger warning this series touches on alot of serious topics, such as: abandonment, murder, orphan, fear, sexual assault, abuse, PTSD, trauma, depression, eating disorders
June 5, 2022
Alert, Holly fans: this one is pretty intense and does contain trigger situations. Ms. Warrens does a great job of portraying a dastardly villain.
I loved seeing all of the characters that surround Holly with their love and compassion.. Although it was sometimes hard to get through some scenes, the author shows the lighter side of Holly, too. She may be small, but she is a force to be reckoned with. Holly is a character that will live in my memory for a long time. I loved that Ms. Warren put her husband and their Pizza Restaurant in this book, borrowing from real life. After all, Holly needs her favorite pizza! Holly and company are totally believable! Marx epitomizes the ideal father figure who wants to protect Holly. And Jordon, Sam and Jace are there for her as loyal friends. I especially liked her spiritual journey and that she recognizes that God is there for her in dire circumstances.
If you have not met Holly Cross, please do yourself a favor and grab all the Holly books!
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
I loved seeing all of the characters that surround Holly with their love and compassion.. Although it was sometimes hard to get through some scenes, the author shows the lighter side of Holly, too. She may be small, but she is a force to be reckoned with. Holly is a character that will live in my memory for a long time. I loved that Ms. Warren put her husband and their Pizza Restaurant in this book, borrowing from real life. After all, Holly needs her favorite pizza! Holly and company are totally believable! Marx epitomizes the ideal father figure who wants to protect Holly. And Jordon, Sam and Jace are there for her as loyal friends. I especially liked her spiritual journey and that she recognizes that God is there for her in dire circumstances.
If you have not met Holly Cross, please do yourself a favor and grab all the Holly books!
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
December 6, 2023
This series was so good! This author has a way of captivating the reader like none other. The story about Holly and her stalker was so well written, I felt like I was there. Holly is a christian, but the author did her character in very good taste, making it a good read for secular readers as well. You will fall in love with Holly, she is smart, protective, and has an ornery side that will make you giggle, giving you brief breaks between the intense moments. I hated to see the story end. I won't say more about the ending, other then I will look for more books by this author. This author has proven that you don't have to use overly descriptive details and foul language in order to write a 5 star thriller.
July 6, 2025
Just finished Crossed Off and it was excellent. Be warned it does contain violent material so be warned of these trigger warnings. Holly is trying to stay away from Collin who wants to kidnap her. When he gets her can she survive? Can Marx get to her on time? When reading this book I envision Collin as the devil and what he is trying to do to Holly. He lies to her about people who love her. It is hard to read at times but when you see the love of Christ that radiance through it is a beautiful story as well. The author writes this well!! I will never get enough of these wonderful story and I see me rereading these books once a year! 5 star and highly recommend!!!
May 21, 2025
Another fantastic book in the series! It brought me to tears a few times. What a hard read, but I am wanting these characters to be part of my own life and family. Especially Marx, definitely Marx. I need a Marx in my life. And marshmallows, definitely need marshmallows.
March 17, 2019
So good and so difficult to read but still so good.
June 28, 2019
Wow! What a series! Suspenseful, action-packed, a charming detective, and some super creepy psychopaths!
February 20, 2020
February 2020 - re- read in anticipation of the next book coming soon (squeee!!) Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still cried through the last 20% of the book. I'll just leave that there.
Oh. My. Goodness. What an amazing conclusion to this series! While this book had good closure, I am itching for more from these characters. I'd like to see what the next chapters of their lives holds and I hope the author does decide to revisit them someday. This book was extremely intense, and the author did include a note that there were some scenes that might be difficult for some readers. Fortunately, there was not any explicit detail, but you could still feel the intensity of the moments. I'm pretty sure I cried through the last third of the book, which goes to show how well written the characters were that I was able to empathize so strongly (I'm actually tearing up as I write this review nearly a full day after - it took some time to process!). If you haven't read the other books in the series, I believe you could still enjoy this book as a stand-alone.... but you will have a much richer history if you read "Criss Cross" and "Cross Fire" first. I would highly recommend all 3 books in this series. This book is a Christian suspense. While this one has more spiritual depth, none of the series is at all preachy. Being a Christian is part of who Holly is and she's reminded of scripture when she finds herself in sticky situations. In spite of her faith and trust in God, she still has very human tendencies, which is part of what makes this book so real, and not at all preachy. The characters are very well developed and the action is well utilized, realistic and intense. This is one that I would not recommend for younger readers due to the intensity, but I would strongly recommend for more mature readers. This book held great depths of emotion. I didn't find myself laughing as much during this one as the other 2 (probably because I cried through a third of it), but it was very healing. I would also definitely recommend reading the author's note at the end. Though I've never experienced the severity of experiences that Holly has, I have had many of the same fears and insecurities. The author tied that in with her note at the end to remind us that we don't need to be beaten down so severely to be wounded and in need of healing. I truly LOVED this book (and the others in the series) and can't wait to read more by this author!
Oh. My. Goodness. What an amazing conclusion to this series! While this book had good closure, I am itching for more from these characters. I'd like to see what the next chapters of their lives holds and I hope the author does decide to revisit them someday. This book was extremely intense, and the author did include a note that there were some scenes that might be difficult for some readers. Fortunately, there was not any explicit detail, but you could still feel the intensity of the moments. I'm pretty sure I cried through the last third of the book, which goes to show how well written the characters were that I was able to empathize so strongly (I'm actually tearing up as I write this review nearly a full day after - it took some time to process!). If you haven't read the other books in the series, I believe you could still enjoy this book as a stand-alone.... but you will have a much richer history if you read "Criss Cross" and "Cross Fire" first. I would highly recommend all 3 books in this series. This book is a Christian suspense. While this one has more spiritual depth, none of the series is at all preachy. Being a Christian is part of who Holly is and she's reminded of scripture when she finds herself in sticky situations. In spite of her faith and trust in God, she still has very human tendencies, which is part of what makes this book so real, and not at all preachy. The characters are very well developed and the action is well utilized, realistic and intense. This is one that I would not recommend for younger readers due to the intensity, but I would strongly recommend for more mature readers. This book held great depths of emotion. I didn't find myself laughing as much during this one as the other 2 (probably because I cried through a third of it), but it was very healing. I would also definitely recommend reading the author's note at the end. Though I've never experienced the severity of experiences that Holly has, I have had many of the same fears and insecurities. The author tied that in with her note at the end to remind us that we don't need to be beaten down so severely to be wounded and in need of healing. I truly LOVED this book (and the others in the series) and can't wait to read more by this author!
May 23, 2018
When life seems unbearable, do we listen to the voice of fear or love? This is a choice Holly Cross faces repeatedly in Crossed Off, the gut-wrenching, third installment of the Holly Cross series.
Still reeling from a fiery tragedy that has left several friends and innocent people dead, Holly Cross’s life gets even tougher as an evil threat from her past looms closer. Heart-pounding suspense, raw emotion, and intense faith battles abound as Holly struggles to overcome a deadly adversary before he destroys everyone and everything she cares about.
Crossed Off is a very intense novel, not only because of its themes of abuse and violence, but also because of the emotional journey that Holly and her friends undertake. But the most prominent feature of the story is an overarching message of hope and the enduring power of God’s love.
I highly recommend this novel for a thrilling and powerful read.
Still reeling from a fiery tragedy that has left several friends and innocent people dead, Holly Cross’s life gets even tougher as an evil threat from her past looms closer. Heart-pounding suspense, raw emotion, and intense faith battles abound as Holly struggles to overcome a deadly adversary before he destroys everyone and everything she cares about.
Crossed Off is a very intense novel, not only because of its themes of abuse and violence, but also because of the emotional journey that Holly and her friends undertake. But the most prominent feature of the story is an overarching message of hope and the enduring power of God’s love.
I highly recommend this novel for a thrilling and powerful read.
March 15, 2019
I just adore this series. Holly is a thoroughly lovable character with quirks galore. The horrors she has endured would be far too much for most to handle, and yet CC Warrens treats Holly's past with dignity, respect, and yes, humor. I love how the supporting characters know her limits and respect them, while still challenging her to keep moving forward. In this third part of the tale, I found myself completely engaged in the story and then thoroughly horrified that a fourth is needed. I'm serious, Crystal. I NEED a fourth Holly book. I need to know how she handles all the awful things you did to her in this book. I need to know that Jesus does something amazing in her and through her, and how things work out with Jordan. They have to work out eventually, right? Please?
March 16, 2020
I loved every book in the series. Action packed and heartfelt. C.C. Warrens is a talented author and I really enjoy her writing style and storylines.
August 14, 2023
Breathe! Breathe! Okay, this is what I’ve been telling myself as I read through this book! WOW!!
There were so many moments of sheer terror and times of holding my breath to see what would happen. But also times of sweet lightheartedness, spunk, and funny relationships. She does this all in such a way that you as a reader, are drawn in and can't let go until the end.
This author can truly capture her readers in the story and keep them reading until they are finished.
I have added CC Warrens to the list of authors who put their characters through so much!
I’m not sure I would EVER want to be one of this author’s characters because they go through so much, and yet, they come out stronger in the end!
CC Warrens is a gifted author. One of the things I appreciate about her writing is that she’s not afraid to speak the truth. She wove moments of hope and life lessons throughout this book. Lessons like reaching out to God when it feels like things are out of control and out of our hands. God has got it all in His hands and timing. When it feels the darkest, He’s still there with us!
If you love books that will keep you spellbound until the very end, then this is one for you!
I highly recommend you put this book up and read it
There were so many moments of sheer terror and times of holding my breath to see what would happen. But also times of sweet lightheartedness, spunk, and funny relationships. She does this all in such a way that you as a reader, are drawn in and can't let go until the end.
This author can truly capture her readers in the story and keep them reading until they are finished.
I have added CC Warrens to the list of authors who put their characters through so much!
I’m not sure I would EVER want to be one of this author’s characters because they go through so much, and yet, they come out stronger in the end!
CC Warrens is a gifted author. One of the things I appreciate about her writing is that she’s not afraid to speak the truth. She wove moments of hope and life lessons throughout this book. Lessons like reaching out to God when it feels like things are out of control and out of our hands. God has got it all in His hands and timing. When it feels the darkest, He’s still there with us!
If you love books that will keep you spellbound until the very end, then this is one for you!
I highly recommend you put this book up and read it
January 18, 2025
Warrens has crafted an intense suspense novel. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. This novel is hard to put down. These characters will longer long after turning the final page. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean mystery/suspense novels.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean mystery/suspense novels.
I borrowed a copy from KU. I have expressed my honest view.
January 13, 2023
Review: This was the third installment of the series and it too was absolutely fantastic. Again, well written. It was gut wrenching and suspensful. I've gotten to love and care for these characters so I know by the last book I'm going to be completely lost.
I really recommend everyone to read the series
I really recommend everyone to read the series
May 14, 2025
If you like suspense, thrillers, serial killers, protective men, and Christian themes… then this is the book for you. I am really enjoying this whole series so far. It keeps you hooked from beginning to end and you really fall in love with the characters as you get to know them so deeply, especially Holly. This girl is so strong and I can’t believe everything she has endured in her 28 years of life. I don’t want to say too much for fear I’ll give something away. But I will say - Definitely add this whole series to your TBR if you like Christian suspense. So so good!! I’ve been listening to the audiobooks (bought directly from C.C. Warrens) and Heather Masters does an amazing job!!!
FMC: Holly
MMC: Detective Marx (father figure), Jordan (childhood friend, sheriff)
What you’ll find:
🔸 Suspense, Thriller
🔸 Protective men
🔸 Found family
🔸 Friendship
🔸 Faith themes
🔸 Prayer
INFO:
📚: Book 3 of 5 - “Holly Novels” series
🔹: Best to read in order
📖: 396 pages; 🎧 12th 39min
CONTENT:
🌶️: None
🤬: None
⚠️: Rape (past), abuse/beating (on page), death, stalking
FMC: Holly
MMC: Detective Marx (father figure), Jordan (childhood friend, sheriff)
What you’ll find:
🔸 Suspense, Thriller
🔸 Protective men
🔸 Found family
🔸 Friendship
🔸 Faith themes
🔸 Prayer
INFO:
📚: Book 3 of 5 - “Holly Novels” series
🔹: Best to read in order
📖: 396 pages; 🎧 12th 39min
CONTENT:
🌶️: None
🤬: None
⚠️: Rape (past), abuse/beating (on page), death, stalking
December 18, 2025
This story was difficult to read because of the horrendous things Holly faced. I finished the last third of the book through blurry vision caused by tears. intense but hopeful. with God we are never alone.
May 10, 2025
Whew! Thrill ride all the way!
July 15, 2021
Started off with the 1st in the series, which I do not always do, but went through all 3 of the Holly books, and as a Christian, loved the way the author brought God and Jesus into the stories and how God helps us in our everyday lives.
These books were so realistic and on point that I could "feel" what Holly was going through and rooting for her to win all the way through all 3 books. Such a great writer and not sure how she wrote about all the horror without actually going through the same things, which I hoped never happened.
The PTSD and constant showers are so true with most women who go through Holly's horror again a great job as a writer.
As a reader I felt that I was walking with all of the characters in this series and was ready to leap up and help them, which was impossible as they were in the book and I was the reader.
I am going to try and read all of C.C. Warrens books.
These books were so realistic and on point that I could "feel" what Holly was going through and rooting for her to win all the way through all 3 books. Such a great writer and not sure how she wrote about all the horror without actually going through the same things, which I hoped never happened.
The PTSD and constant showers are so true with most women who go through Holly's horror again a great job as a writer.
As a reader I felt that I was walking with all of the characters in this series and was ready to leap up and help them, which was impossible as they were in the book and I was the reader.
I am going to try and read all of C.C. Warrens books.
November 18, 2024
For ten years Holly's been on the run from her abuser, her foster brother Collin. Collin knows her vulnerabilities and how to hurt her. He's smart, evil, and relentless. Marx, Jordan, and Sam are committed to protecting her, but even they know their protection may not be enough to keep her from her worst nightmare. And Holly is terrified.
Holly is willing to put her life on the line for anyone who needs her help. Bruised and battered by life and her stalker, she doesn't see her own value. She tries to be self-sufficient to protect her friends and often puts her own life at risk.
This is probably the hardest to read of the three Holly Novels I've read so far. Some of the scenes are ugly and fearful, and Holly's survival is at stake. The relationships Holly has developed with her friends are rays of light in her dark world and give hope that her future will be brighter. In the darkest moments, she remembers God's love and promises.
Holly is willing to put her life on the line for anyone who needs her help. Bruised and battered by life and her stalker, she doesn't see her own value. She tries to be self-sufficient to protect her friends and often puts her own life at risk.
This is probably the hardest to read of the three Holly Novels I've read so far. Some of the scenes are ugly and fearful, and Holly's survival is at stake. The relationships Holly has developed with her friends are rays of light in her dark world and give hope that her future will be brighter. In the darkest moments, she remembers God's love and promises.
March 28, 2018
Just when you think a series can’t get any better…BAM! This book had me from the first sentence and didn’t let go until the end. Wait! It didn’t even let go then…I want MORE!!!
First let me say that this is Book 3 in a series and they must be read in order. So if you haven’t read, Criss Cross and Cross Fire yet, then buy them and start this amazing, thrilling, rollercoaster ride of suspense, mystery, humor and God’s mercy! This 3rd book continues with Holly, Marx, Jordan, Jace, and of course, Collin. If you read book 2, then you can imagine how this book will start. And start with a bang, yes! Emotions in high gear from the start and it only intensifies from there.
This is the book we’ve been waiting for. The one where Collin is finally finished with toying with Holly. He’s ready to get down to business and he doesn’t care who is hurt in his quest to destroy Holly. Holly is surrounded by many people who love and care for her, Marx, Jordan, Jace, Sam and she’s trying her best to keep them safe from Collin as well. There are so many touching scenes in this book. I probably highlighted at least a third of the book. One minute you will find yourself crying from sadness, then laughing at something quirky Holly does, then on to holding your breath and hanging on for life. This book does get gritty. The author, C.C. Warrens, does it in a very compassionate, tasteful way and although the horrible scenes will have you gasping for breath, she always ends it and gives you plenty of time to breath and compose yourself. Holly, even when she’s on the brink of despair, she can always come back with something to be thankful for or some witty comeback that will ease the tension.
This is Christian fiction, but it’s not “preachy”. It’s real. It’s about life and how dirty it can get. It’s about how even at our worst, God is with us. He never leaves. Holly’s relationship with Jesus is woven throughout the whole series and is not overpowering. So don’t let this being Christian ficition stop you from reading these amazing books. I think you will love them!
C.C. Warrens is an excellent writer and I’m so thankful that I found her books. Because I love a book that will totally capture me and not let go. It’s full of surprises and not your typical mystery that you figure out before you’re halfway through. You will fall in love with the characters and the story, you will be exhausted from the suspense, you will laugh out loud at Holly, you will end each book saying “I can’t wait until the next one!”
First let me say that this is Book 3 in a series and they must be read in order. So if you haven’t read, Criss Cross and Cross Fire yet, then buy them and start this amazing, thrilling, rollercoaster ride of suspense, mystery, humor and God’s mercy! This 3rd book continues with Holly, Marx, Jordan, Jace, and of course, Collin. If you read book 2, then you can imagine how this book will start. And start with a bang, yes! Emotions in high gear from the start and it only intensifies from there.
This is the book we’ve been waiting for. The one where Collin is finally finished with toying with Holly. He’s ready to get down to business and he doesn’t care who is hurt in his quest to destroy Holly. Holly is surrounded by many people who love and care for her, Marx, Jordan, Jace, Sam and she’s trying her best to keep them safe from Collin as well. There are so many touching scenes in this book. I probably highlighted at least a third of the book. One minute you will find yourself crying from sadness, then laughing at something quirky Holly does, then on to holding your breath and hanging on for life. This book does get gritty. The author, C.C. Warrens, does it in a very compassionate, tasteful way and although the horrible scenes will have you gasping for breath, she always ends it and gives you plenty of time to breath and compose yourself. Holly, even when she’s on the brink of despair, she can always come back with something to be thankful for or some witty comeback that will ease the tension.
This is Christian fiction, but it’s not “preachy”. It’s real. It’s about life and how dirty it can get. It’s about how even at our worst, God is with us. He never leaves. Holly’s relationship with Jesus is woven throughout the whole series and is not overpowering. So don’t let this being Christian ficition stop you from reading these amazing books. I think you will love them!
C.C. Warrens is an excellent writer and I’m so thankful that I found her books. Because I love a book that will totally capture me and not let go. It’s full of surprises and not your typical mystery that you figure out before you’re halfway through. You will fall in love with the characters and the story, you will be exhausted from the suspense, you will laugh out loud at Holly, you will end each book saying “I can’t wait until the next one!”
January 11, 2022
Crossed Off
This book, though heartbreaking in descriptions of trauma for the main characters was too long and drawn out. By this book, the third in the series, I became impatient to have a resolution and started skipping sections. I can’t imagine living through such horrible circumstances and I feel sure there are many who are probably living with terrible trauma right now but there’s only so much as a reader that I can absorb without becoming frustrated and my compassion waning. I actually didn’t feel this way after the first book. I would liked to have seen the main character’s healing progress more quickly in the story line instead of so many side issues.
This book, though heartbreaking in descriptions of trauma for the main characters was too long and drawn out. By this book, the third in the series, I became impatient to have a resolution and started skipping sections. I can’t imagine living through such horrible circumstances and I feel sure there are many who are probably living with terrible trauma right now but there’s only so much as a reader that I can absorb without becoming frustrated and my compassion waning. I actually didn’t feel this way after the first book. I would liked to have seen the main character’s healing progress more quickly in the story line instead of so many side issues.
June 8, 2020
Wow! There are so many twists and turns in this book, it is hard to put down. Holly's stalker will stop at nothing to see that he gets what he wants. He is beyond insane. Again, if you love mystery and suspense, you will love this book. I would highly recommend reading the first two books first, so you have an idea of the big picture.
October 16, 2020
Fabulous series!
This is an excellent series by a fantastic author. It’s not always easy reading because of the trauma that Holly endured, but it is a message of hope that God is with us in the darkest times.
This series has great suspense, characters that feel like friends, and the ability to touch your heart. This was my favourite book of the series.
This is an excellent series by a fantastic author. It’s not always easy reading because of the trauma that Holly endured, but it is a message of hope that God is with us in the darkest times.
This series has great suspense, characters that feel like friends, and the ability to touch your heart. This was my favourite book of the series.
February 28, 2025
Very heavy and difficult read. The difficult scenes I felt were dragged out too long. Definitely keeps you on your toes and the ick factor is very real! Also I just wanted to yell at Holly and tell her to quit being an idiot and listen to people when they tell her to stay out of it! 😆
December 14, 2023
This one was tough to read. The writing itself was great and it kept me wanting to read more, but I felt like there was too much of the trauma part and not enough good to balance it out.
June 7, 2024
This one was pretty intense in a law and order SVU kind of way. Not sure how I felt about this story line covering so many books.
January 7, 2025
"Every single person matters, and no one should simply disappear. No one should ever have to think, no one's looking for me."
In spite of every precaution, every measure taken, every safeguard . . . . Holly Cross is convinced that her foster brother Collin will find a way . . . to destroy her, and all those who occupy a special place in her heart. He's crossing people off of a list . . . . . starting with a fiery blaze at a women's shelter.
After one of her dearest friends succombs during the fiery blaze, every instinct tells Holly to go on the run . . . . again. The only thing holding her back is a promise, Holly has assured a little girl who survived the fire that she would remain by Maya's side until family members arrive. Determined never to be a victim again, Holly continues to indulge Detective Marx's protective vigilance (most of the time) by making sure that she never ventures anywhere alone. Will it work? The final pages of this book hold the answers.
Despite taking a rather dark turn, this horrifying chapter in Holly's story stands as a testimony to God's faithfulness even in the "valley of the shadow of death"; for we are never alone.
Content Advisory: The final quarter of this book was difficult to read, the depravity of man being on full display. Honestly, I read over some portions to avoid dwelling on the evil, choosing instead to reach for what was "true, noble, honest, right . . . excellent or praise worthy" . . . . because there were plenty of those things in this story as well.
In spite of every precaution, every measure taken, every safeguard . . . . Holly Cross is convinced that her foster brother Collin will find a way . . . to destroy her, and all those who occupy a special place in her heart. He's crossing people off of a list . . . . . starting with a fiery blaze at a women's shelter.
After one of her dearest friends succombs during the fiery blaze, every instinct tells Holly to go on the run . . . . again. The only thing holding her back is a promise, Holly has assured a little girl who survived the fire that she would remain by Maya's side until family members arrive. Determined never to be a victim again, Holly continues to indulge Detective Marx's protective vigilance (most of the time) by making sure that she never ventures anywhere alone. Will it work? The final pages of this book hold the answers.
Despite taking a rather dark turn, this horrifying chapter in Holly's story stands as a testimony to God's faithfulness even in the "valley of the shadow of death"; for we are never alone.
Content Advisory: The final quarter of this book was difficult to read, the depravity of man being on full display. Honestly, I read over some portions to avoid dwelling on the evil, choosing instead to reach for what was "true, noble, honest, right . . . excellent or praise worthy" . . . . because there were plenty of those things in this story as well.
April 12, 2018
This is book three in the Holly series and I most certainly suggest that you read one and two before this one so you will know about Holly and the other main characters and what brought them to where Crossed Off begins….. This was a tough book to read, because you find yourself right there in the midst of everything that is going on. You feel the heart as it beats erratically, hear the labored breathing and the screams from the tortured girl, as the monster toys with her. You can see the blood as it pools on the floor. C.C.Warrens is a master of description and can certainly reach your very soul with her words. Abuse, molestation and the torture of children is very prevalent in our society today. You read about it everyday. This leaves lasting scars on the emotions of these children that stay with them through out their life. Through all of Holly’s story, we can see the hand of God working and hardened Marx finds himself on his knees begging God to let Holly live. Holly with all her phobias and insecurities touched many lives as she clung steadfastly to her belief that God still cared for her. You cannot put this one down, for you are so caught up in the happenings. Now we await Marx’s story.
April 17, 2019
Heat-wrenching and triumphant
C.C. Warrens has written a suspense series that touches the heart on many levels. Dealing with stalking and abuse these books are thoughtfully yet realistically written. The author delves into the intense emotions that surround the abused and the loved ones around them.
Holly was shifted around through the foster care system after the horrendous death of her family and loss of her memory. Years later their killer is stalking her. Through her circumstances she meets a detective (Marx), a cop (Sam), and a former childhood friend (Jordan) who’s now a sheriff. They all rally around to protect her.
She is wary of men; her stalker is nothing compared to her psychotic foster brother (Collin), who she’s been running from for the last ten years. Two years ago he found her and nearly broke her physically and emotionally. Now, can she trust these three men along with her best friend Jace or must she run again? Will God keep his promise to be with her no matter what or will her faith be shattered?
I couldn’t put these books down. Each book has its own intensity and the last two books had a twist I never saw coming.
C.C. Warrens has written a suspense series that touches the heart on many levels. Dealing with stalking and abuse these books are thoughtfully yet realistically written. The author delves into the intense emotions that surround the abused and the loved ones around them.
Holly was shifted around through the foster care system after the horrendous death of her family and loss of her memory. Years later their killer is stalking her. Through her circumstances she meets a detective (Marx), a cop (Sam), and a former childhood friend (Jordan) who’s now a sheriff. They all rally around to protect her.
She is wary of men; her stalker is nothing compared to her psychotic foster brother (Collin), who she’s been running from for the last ten years. Two years ago he found her and nearly broke her physically and emotionally. Now, can she trust these three men along with her best friend Jace or must she run again? Will God keep his promise to be with her no matter what or will her faith be shattered?
I couldn’t put these books down. Each book has its own intensity and the last two books had a twist I never saw coming.
May 19, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Holy smokes – this series is fire! This is book three in the Holly novel series from C.C. Warrens and I REALLY can’t say much here without giving away spoilers. I will just keep repeating myself however in urging you to pick these books up if you love heart pounding suspense and thrillers.
This one continues with all the stalker vibes – abuse and torture that will literally make your skin crawl and suck you into the pages. Yes, this is still a Christian suspense/thriller, but this one was HEAVY – so incredibly well written though. You can truly feel the fear and pain for these characters while you’re reading.
Holly is one tough woman who endures an unimaginable amount of suffering, but the found family aspect with these stories is top notch. Love and hope can be found even in the ugliest of circumstances.
Very low on the romance and VERY high on the suspense – just a fantastic read for me and I’m going to continue to fly through these books to see how it all turns out.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Holy smokes – this series is fire! This is book three in the Holly novel series from C.C. Warrens and I REALLY can’t say much here without giving away spoilers. I will just keep repeating myself however in urging you to pick these books up if you love heart pounding suspense and thrillers.
This one continues with all the stalker vibes – abuse and torture that will literally make your skin crawl and suck you into the pages. Yes, this is still a Christian suspense/thriller, but this one was HEAVY – so incredibly well written though. You can truly feel the fear and pain for these characters while you’re reading.
Holly is one tough woman who endures an unimaginable amount of suffering, but the found family aspect with these stories is top notch. Love and hope can be found even in the ugliest of circumstances.
Very low on the romance and VERY high on the suspense – just a fantastic read for me and I’m going to continue to fly through these books to see how it all turns out.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
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