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Keeping Guard
"You can't hide from me." Her anonymous stalker's threats are getting scarier and scarier. Now Kylie Summers fears for her life. She flees her home for the protection of a former military man in a small Virginia town. But her brother's handsome best friend already has a long list of obligations. Kylie knows she's intruding on Nate Richardson's life. Even though he promises to keep her safe, Nate's keeping her at arm's length emotionally. Until her stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Nate to choose between keeping guard over his wary heart—or Kylie. ***Keeping Guard was first published by Love Inspired Suspense in 2011.***
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2011
396 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,667 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 19, 2019
Not quite Barritt's trademark suspense. And I guessed the villain from the beginning.
September 17, 2023
Filled with suspense, danger, romance and faith. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and following them on the journey. The older couple next door were a fun addition with lots of banter. Kylie arrives in Yorktown to hid from a stalker while the police try to catch the stalker back home in Kentucky, however stuff starts happening in Yorktown. Has the stalker discovered where she went? The relationship builds really fast, but they are spending almost 24/7 with one another and see each other at their worst. There was once incident with the police in Kentucky that made me question what they were thinking. The suspense kept me invested, it wasn't until close to the end that I figured who the stalker was. I found the epilogue to be a little cheesy and predictable, I would have been happy if the book had ended without this being included. Overall I enjoyed this fun read and watching the characters grow, rediscover their faith and find contentment in life.
June 20, 2019
Great story
I really loved this story and it did have a few surprises. I think basing it on Yorktown was good too. Kind of nostalgic.
I really loved this story and it did have a few surprises. I think basing it on Yorktown was good too. Kind of nostalgic.
April 15, 2012
Title: KEEPING GUARD
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
February 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-44431-1
Genre: Inspirational/romantic suspense
Kylie Summers fears for her life. With her brother’s help, she flees her home for the protection of a former Coast Guard man living in a small Virginia town. Nate Richardson is Bruce’s best friend, and he agreed to let Kylie stay a week, no longer. But it is pouring down rain when Kylie arrives, and when Nate gets there, he wears a hood so he doesn’t get wet. Kylie freaks out and runs and Nate chases her. He ends up getting hit over the head with a rolling pin.
Being kind-hearted, despite his hurting head, Nate still agrees to let her stay, but he tries to keep her at arm’s length—but then her stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Nate to choose between keeping guard over his heart—or Kylie.
KEEPING GUARD is one of Ms. Barritt’s suspenses, and if you like that type of book, it will keep your heart pumping. I’m kind of glad that the hero wasn’t the what-seems-like-mandatory-for-this-line FBI agent or police officer, but instead, an ex-military man, eking out a normal life for himself in a small town. That was a major plus. He is kind-hearted, if a little grumpy at times, and willing to do anything for his best friend (Kylie’s brother) even “babysitting” a scared-out-of-her mind heroine.
I have loved Ms. Barritt’s cozy mysteries, and wish that were still a popular genre. She absolutely shone in that line. In this line, the story is a bit predictable, but she has the genre down pat, she knows the formula and the writing shows it. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 214 pages.
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
February 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-44431-1
Genre: Inspirational/romantic suspense
Kylie Summers fears for her life. With her brother’s help, she flees her home for the protection of a former Coast Guard man living in a small Virginia town. Nate Richardson is Bruce’s best friend, and he agreed to let Kylie stay a week, no longer. But it is pouring down rain when Kylie arrives, and when Nate gets there, he wears a hood so he doesn’t get wet. Kylie freaks out and runs and Nate chases her. He ends up getting hit over the head with a rolling pin.
Being kind-hearted, despite his hurting head, Nate still agrees to let her stay, but he tries to keep her at arm’s length—but then her stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Nate to choose between keeping guard over his heart—or Kylie.
KEEPING GUARD is one of Ms. Barritt’s suspenses, and if you like that type of book, it will keep your heart pumping. I’m kind of glad that the hero wasn’t the what-seems-like-mandatory-for-this-line FBI agent or police officer, but instead, an ex-military man, eking out a normal life for himself in a small town. That was a major plus. He is kind-hearted, if a little grumpy at times, and willing to do anything for his best friend (Kylie’s brother) even “babysitting” a scared-out-of-her mind heroine.
I have loved Ms. Barritt’s cozy mysteries, and wish that were still a popular genre. She absolutely shone in that line. In this line, the story is a bit predictable, but she has the genre down pat, she knows the formula and the writing shows it. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 214 pages.
March 13, 2022
I have to say that I genuinely believe that the author has a tendency for certain plots. I was reminded so much about one of her other books with this story's plot line.
Still..., I have to say that I liked it. I didn't exactly felt much for Kylie, but Nate was a really cute and likable character. Their relationship did have a good build up, but, for some unknown reason, it still seemed a little rushed or forced to me. [Maybe it was me complicating things in my head 😬🤷🏻♀️]
The faith content was quite good. You see Nate and Kylie relying on God throughout the story. Plus, we also get this 'reconciliation with God through the hard process' situation, which many people might find relatable.
Also, bonus points for the story..., THE EPILOGUE!! 😍 I LOVED IT! It was really short and simple, but I just love those kind of closures to the stories that makes you see and hope for a bright future.
I'm liking Christy Barritt's books so far. Looking forward to more of her books.
Toodles and blessings ⚘️
Still..., I have to say that I liked it. I didn't exactly felt much for Kylie, but Nate was a really cute and likable character. Their relationship did have a good build up, but, for some unknown reason, it still seemed a little rushed or forced to me. [Maybe it was me complicating things in my head 😬🤷🏻♀️]
The faith content was quite good. You see Nate and Kylie relying on God throughout the story. Plus, we also get this 'reconciliation with God through the hard process' situation, which many people might find relatable.
Also, bonus points for the story..., THE EPILOGUE!! 😍 I LOVED IT! It was really short and simple, but I just love those kind of closures to the stories that makes you see and hope for a bright future.
I'm liking Christy Barritt's books so far. Looking forward to more of her books.
Toodles and blessings ⚘️
February 20, 2020
I thought the story was ok.
I guess this was worth the read. The story moved fast enough. But I have to say, that I really didn’t like the heroine. Kylie was annoying and gave me mental whiplash with all of her indecisiveness. I was irritated with her ungratefulness and belligerence towards Nate. I get that she had a reason to be sensitive about being independent, but she was really nasty about it. I don’t see how anybody could fall in love with someone like that. I honestly got to the point that I just wanted to finish the book so I wouldn’t have to deal with this annoying character anymore. The cheesy and corny romantic elements were all over the story, but since I like those, I thought the story was ok.
I guess this was worth the read. The story moved fast enough. But I have to say, that I really didn’t like the heroine. Kylie was annoying and gave me mental whiplash with all of her indecisiveness. I was irritated with her ungratefulness and belligerence towards Nate. I get that she had a reason to be sensitive about being independent, but she was really nasty about it. I don’t see how anybody could fall in love with someone like that. I honestly got to the point that I just wanted to finish the book so I wouldn’t have to deal with this annoying character anymore. The cheesy and corny romantic elements were all over the story, but since I like those, I thought the story was ok.
August 2, 2019
Kylie's Survival
Christy Barrett has sharpened her writing skill so much over the years. I love her stories with romance as well as suspense. This is one of those stand alone books in Yorktown, VA., with a quaint and historic setting. You can see it all as you read the ugly and the more lighthearted parts too. Much of the story takes place in a wonderful, old kitchen in the Revolutionary Grill. Someone is desperate trying hunt down and hurt Kylie. But at the same time, her brother's friend is doing his best to save her life, but will he loose his heart in the process?
Christy Barrett has sharpened her writing skill so much over the years. I love her stories with romance as well as suspense. This is one of those stand alone books in Yorktown, VA., with a quaint and historic setting. You can see it all as you read the ugly and the more lighthearted parts too. Much of the story takes place in a wonderful, old kitchen in the Revolutionary Grill. Someone is desperate trying hunt down and hurt Kylie. But at the same time, her brother's friend is doing his best to save her life, but will he loose his heart in the process?
July 26, 2019
Another Christy Barriitt Hit!
Another riveting hit by Christy Barritt! This book reminds us of several things. One is the importance of liking and when possible loving what you do. Another is a reminder that as believers we are running a race in which we are to push forward through the storms and hardships knowing that Jesus is our true rescuer but that God uses people along the way to love and support us. I have lost count of how many of Christy’s books I have read. I can say as long as there are more left I will keep reading them!
Another riveting hit by Christy Barritt! This book reminds us of several things. One is the importance of liking and when possible loving what you do. Another is a reminder that as believers we are running a race in which we are to push forward through the storms and hardships knowing that Jesus is our true rescuer but that God uses people along the way to love and support us. I have lost count of how many of Christy’s books I have read. I can say as long as there are more left I will keep reading them!
February 1, 2021
Two chefs in the kitchen
Kylie is a rescue, and Nate is a rescuer. Each has a background of turbulent relationships, and their current situation is both complicated and symbiotic. While Kylie is stalked they are both injured multiple times and spend more time in the hospital getting stitched up then they do cooking. Amazingly, even with stitched up gashes, bruised ribs, concussions, near-drowning, and assorted other injuries, they are able to fight a crazed stalker and win. Great descriptions of historic Yorktown. Christy Barritt has nailed another one.
Kylie is a rescue, and Nate is a rescuer. Each has a background of turbulent relationships, and their current situation is both complicated and symbiotic. While Kylie is stalked they are both injured multiple times and spend more time in the hospital getting stitched up then they do cooking. Amazingly, even with stitched up gashes, bruised ribs, concussions, near-drowning, and assorted other injuries, they are able to fight a crazed stalker and win. Great descriptions of historic Yorktown. Christy Barritt has nailed another one.
August 20, 2020
Keeping Guard begins when Kylie goes to her brother's friends place to hide out from her stalker. After a very interesting meeting with Nate things start to get slightly better for Kylie. That is until strange things start happening, now Kylie and Nate must figure it out before it is too late.
This was another good book by this author. I really enjoyed the relationship, and the plot line. I thought it was really good.
This was another good book by this author. I really enjoyed the relationship, and the plot line. I thought it was really good.
August 30, 2021
This is a great stand-alone book by Christy Barritt. The two main characters, Nate and Kylie, each have their own past issues that they need to work through in this book. I love the story because Kylie becomes the lady in need off a rescuer. Along comes Nate, to fulfill this role for her. There is a lot of rescuing going on throughout the book. I love the whole adventure with these two characters.
February 21, 2018
Keeping Guard
Kylie and Nate have had cameo appearances in several books I've read. I love learning about their story. They've both been used in the past and find in each other someone who makes them strive to be better. The community and the church family are a healing blessing. Such a good book!
Kylie and Nate have had cameo appearances in several books I've read. I love learning about their story. They've both been used in the past and find in each other someone who makes them strive to be better. The community and the church family are a healing blessing. Such a good book!
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July 9, 2019Letting down your guard
Christy has a Christian point of view she shares in all of her stories. It is refreshing to read about people who do not jump into bed every time you turn the page. There is so much more in life!
You can also see the area of Yorktown as Nate shows Kaylie the town.
Christy has a Christian point of view she shares in all of her stories. It is refreshing to read about people who do not jump into bed every time you turn the page. There is so much more in life!
You can also see the area of Yorktown as Nate shows Kaylie the town.
October 27, 2019
WOW what a fantastic story
This setting is absolutely the best. A great story with lot's of twists and turns. The characters are wonderful and even some laughs along the way . The best book I have read in weeks. Thank you Ms. Barritt for your wonderful imagination, and for putting the words in the right places.
This setting is absolutely the best. A great story with lot's of twists and turns. The characters are wonderful and even some laughs along the way . The best book I have read in weeks. Thank you Ms. Barritt for your wonderful imagination, and for putting the words in the right places.
September 28, 2020
Rescue me!
This unbelievably inspirational and intriguing suspense surrounding the,quaint little town of York town Virginia was filled with drama and mishaps along the way to two young people finding love. This sweet romance between two people who have trust issues and the compelling drama that will definitely keep you wanting more from this amazing author.
This unbelievably inspirational and intriguing suspense surrounding the,quaint little town of York town Virginia was filled with drama and mishaps along the way to two young people finding love. This sweet romance between two people who have trust issues and the compelling drama that will definitely keep you wanting more from this amazing author.
August 17, 2024
Christy has to be the best Christian author I have read. Keeping Guard kept me on the edge of my seat so to say. I read this book in two days, that's right more or less non stop. It is a don't put me down kind of book. There is suspense, mystery added with some romance and a lot of faith all in just the right amount. She has definitely spoiled me for all other authors for sure
July 3, 2025
Gripping
Kylie is being stalked and the stalker has upped his game. She has to get away. Her policeman brother sends her to his friend a few states away while trying to catch the stalker, but then events start happening there, too!
Great character and scene development are trademarks for Ms. Barritt and Keeping Guard is true to form.
Kylie is being stalked and the stalker has upped his game. She has to get away. Her policeman brother sends her to his friend a few states away while trying to catch the stalker, but then events start happening there, too!
Great character and scene development are trademarks for Ms. Barritt and Keeping Guard is true to form.
July 30, 2019
Another Intriguing Mystery
This was another Intriguing mystery full of suspense.
The storyline was compelling with all the twists and turns .
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic suspense.
This was another Intriguing mystery full of suspense.
The storyline was compelling with all the twists and turns .
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic suspense.
September 20, 2019
Christian romantic suspense
I really enjoyed the characters, the suspense, the setting, and the Christian message sprinkled into the story. But it seemed slow moving in places and a bit repetitious to me.
I really enjoyed the characters, the suspense, the setting, and the Christian message sprinkled into the story. But it seemed slow moving in places and a bit repetitious to me.
September 22, 2019
Another great book
I like the balance between love and mystery. This balance keeps you wanting more. You become invested in the characters. The writing is great and the story is well thought out. Highly recommend.
I like the balance between love and mystery. This balance keeps you wanting more. You become invested in the characters. The writing is great and the story is well thought out. Highly recommend.
September 26, 2019
GOOD!!!!!
This is a good book. I don't think it's on par with some of the author's other books. It just didn't seem to have the "zing" the author's other books seemed to have. It didn't hold me spellbound as her other books have done.
This is a good book. I don't think it's on par with some of the author's other books. It just didn't seem to have the "zing" the author's other books seemed to have. It didn't hold me spellbound as her other books have done.
October 21, 2019
Wow it was great Good plot better ending
A real good Christian fiction and even better plot set this bool apart This is left me on the end of my seat with the twists and turns in plot.
A real good Christian fiction and even better plot set this bool apart This is left me on the end of my seat with the twists and turns in plot.
May 4, 2020
Great read!
Loved this story! I found Kylie and Nate very relatable in their life experiences and how those experiences influenced their relationships with God. Loved the reader questions at the end too! Very nice addition!
Loved this story! I found Kylie and Nate very relatable in their life experiences and how those experiences influenced their relationships with God. Loved the reader questions at the end too! Very nice addition!
May 5, 2020
Keeping Guard is Another winner!
An excellent read by Christy Barritt!! Great storyline and characters are well written. I loved the history of the town and restaurant. I highly recommend Keeping Guard!!
An excellent read by Christy Barritt!! Great storyline and characters are well written. I loved the history of the town and restaurant. I highly recommend Keeping Guard!!
July 2, 2020
Fantastic Read!!!!
I loved this story from the very beginning.....it kept my attention so much that I read it in one sitting! Christy Barritt has become my favorite author and she always delivers a great story. You will love it too!
I loved this story from the very beginning.....it kept my attention so much that I read it in one sitting! Christy Barritt has become my favorite author and she always delivers a great story. You will love it too!
February 5, 2021
Another winner
Christy Barrier is an amazing author and this book does not disappoint. While I have loved all Christ's books, this is one of my favorites. I was intrigued from page one. I'll let you read it for yourself to see why.
Christy Barrier is an amazing author and this book does not disappoint. While I have loved all Christ's books, this is one of my favorites. I was intrigued from page one. I'll let you read it for yourself to see why.
February 20, 2021
Clean and full of realistic charm! The happiness comes through
Clean reading is hard to find even when you expect it I am glad to find an author who believes that you can express clean words of expression!!
Clean reading is hard to find even when you expect it I am glad to find an author who believes that you can express clean words of expression!!
September 18, 2021
unexpected ending
As usual, Barritt’s book was fast paced, carefully planned, with an unexpected ending. The stand alone book was a good change from her other books but still had all her wonderful parts.
As usual, Barritt’s book was fast paced, carefully planned, with an unexpected ending. The stand alone book was a good change from her other books but still had all her wonderful parts.
February 12, 2022
Relocating due to a stalker, Kylie discovers troubling events in her new location too. In true Barritt style, the action begins on page one and doesn't let up until the end. Suspense, danger, romance and a faith-filled message make this book a great read.
October 26, 2022
Rescued indeed...
The most unlikely couple find and rescue each other. Christy Barritt has a once again wiggled her way into my heart with another refreshing "Happily ever after." In a world that is quickly losing hope. Great job Christy.
The most unlikely couple find and rescue each other. Christy Barritt has a once again wiggled her way into my heart with another refreshing "Happily ever after." In a world that is quickly losing hope. Great job Christy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews