True Courage

Uncommon Heroes #4

by Dee Henderson

When his cousin's wife and son are abducted by a dangerous, unknown perpetrator, FBI agent Luke Falcon embarks on a desperate search for the kidnapper, racing against time to find the missing victims before it is too late, but his investigation becomes complicated when he falls in love with the only witness to the crime. Original.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Christian Romance

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com

Reviews

[Seasielle ... · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title really captured my attention. (I can really feel that this book is pack with suspenseful actions, a little bit of mysteries, and romance.) Never heard of the author for I was never a fan of Christian books, not until I stepped into the Logos Hope book fair. I'm now a big fan of Christian books. :)

"Don't expect too much for it will only lead to disappointments."

That's true for what I had experienced in this book. I mean through the title, I really expected a lot. But somehow I got disappointed. Nevertheless, this book is still a good one for I know that our opinions differ from one another. So let's respect each others opinion. Thank you. :)

The storyline was obviously simple. The twists or suspense was just the way I expected it. I mean, seriously, I thought it would be a different one and the readers would take their time guessing what will happen next, or their reactions would be unrecognizable or shocked looks for those unexpected plots. Unluckily, it's the other way around. My reaction was just a blank annoying face for I predicted all those scenes to happen. I'm really expecting a page-turner climax or a not-to-stop-reading-until-the-end. It did not arise my excitement contradicting its title which I found very interesting. (Okay, I know I'm just repeating some words/phrases/sentences. My apology. Time to stop now.)

In every book I had read, I always make sure that I gained/learned something from it.
Lessons learned from Kidnapped: First, never give up while we can, coz we'll never know what will happen next. If Luke gave up, he'll never find Caroline alive. There's a lot of opportunity waiting for us so we should always try. If we don't succeed at first, there's always a 2nd time, 3rd time, and so on. Meaning there's a lot of time to try, and no time to give up. So why would you consider the latter if the offer of the former is much better? :) Second, love for others and for our family is the best one we can give. Caroline switched places with her sister because of her love for her, and for her sister's family. Love is the most unselfish and priceless one that we can give to one another. It is given freely, and should be accepted wholeheartedly. Just like the love of God for each and everyone of us. According to John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Meaning, God sacrificed Jesus to save all of us from our sins. That's what I really called "true love". Giving your all yet you don't expect anything in return, but just a simple "thank you". Third, Faith will never leave us empty-handed. That's the best thing I loved about this book. The Faith of each character to one another especially the faith of Caroline and Sharon's family. That's immeasurable. Their faith keep them alive. Fourth, determination will lead us to success. If we're not determine(which I thought this one is similar to the 1st one, still I gonna write it) we will not achieve anything. Fifth, make friends with everyone but trusts only a few people for not all of them are genuine, some are waiting to destroy us. Just like Jason, he planned all of these to destroy Mark's family in terms of their financial needs for he knows they are rich.(Though I know this one is inevitable for Jason is the president of the bank where Mark deposited his money.) But still, we should learn to hide some things. We can never know what will happen. Lastly, always Pray. Yes, that's right. Prayer is the most powerful weapon we can use against all adversaries/hindrances/etc. We should always put God first in everything we do and never let go of Him once we already succeeded, for He's always there for us until eternity.

Hope you like my review. Thanks everyone.
God Bless!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is vintage Henderson. A tense page-turner that still offers sweet breathing spaces of tender romance. Honestly, I absolutely adore the way this author develops a romance in her earlier works. So unhurried but with real intent. Luke and Caroline live in different worlds -- you really can't get farther apart than a school teacher and an FBI agent. She spends her days nurturing the children in her charge while he spends way too many hours wrestling with the dark depravity of the dregs of society. The innocent and the cynic. And yet they work...when they can get their schedules to mesh.

And then their world turns upside down and the suspense takes off with so many twists and turns that it's impossible to catch your breath. And Henderson is so clever in her delivery -- some things we know ahead of the characters, others we're left to struggle right along side them. There's a real sense of urgency -- emotionally delivered from various points of view. Made my heart race as I sped my way to the end -- which brought sublime reader satisfaction!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost too suspense full for this reader ! Another home run by author Dee Henderson.
FBI agent Luke Falcon and Caroline, 5th grade Christian school teacher.
The book opens with the wedding of Caroline’s sister, Sharon, to Mark Falcon, Luke’s cousin. Sharon is a doctor and young widow with a 9 year old son Benjamin.

[Chloe Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
4-star read.

➡️ Read within 24 hours.
➡️ Kept me on the edge of my seat.
➡️ Romance done right.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee Henderson is a favourite author in our house and this particular story, True Courage, is my favourite of her books. (It has since been re-released as Kidnapped.)

Frank Hardin has been on the FBI's most wanted list for a while, with FBI Special Agent Luke Falcon and his partner FBI Special Agent Jackie Noner trying to track him down for the past year. He manages to stay one step ahead of them.

This new assignment is special - this one will personally hurt Luke Falcon.

It is Labor Day weekend and Luke Falcon arrives at the crime scene of another of Frank Hardin's victims. This time it's Frank's girlfriend Karen. As Luke and Jackie get ready to follow up on leads, Luke receives a frantic call from Caroline Lane (his cousin's sister-in-law, and whom he has been dating for the past year) saying that Mark, Sharon and Benjamin haven't arrived at the holiday home.

And so the nightmare begins as Luke begins the search for his missing family.

Caroline Lane had been expecting a weekend break with her family, and hopefully seeing Luke again. She hadn't been prepared for the storm that breaks over her as she struggles to deal with the fact her family is missing. Luke is used to this sort of thing, she isn't. Yet it is her steady faith that Luke draws comfort from, and her self-sacrifice that touches his heart.i


This abridged audiobook version of True Courage is well read by Todd McLaren - a big plus for me where audio books are concerned!
Also there is music in lots of places to give atmosphere; and sound effects - footsteps, dog barking, phone ringing, helicopter whirring, to name a few - which help to bring the story alive.
Whether you're resting due to ill health, doing household chores or travelling in the car, this audiobook is enjoyable to listen to over and over again!

[Sarah Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

TRUE COURAGE (reprinted and renamed under the title KIDNAPPED) was somewhat disappointing to me when I first picked it up and attempted to start reading it. My very first disappointment came as soon as I realized that its plot was not connected to any of the previous books in the Uncommon Heroes series. Since all of three previous novels in this STELLAR series centered around three Navy SEAL officers and hinged nicely on one another, I expected to be introduced to, meet, and learn about a fourth man on the same team. Sadly, though, I was introduced to an FBI agent named Luke Falcon instead. Then, my second disappointment came when I could not get interested in the plot as quickly as I wanted to. Contrary to all the other novels that I had read up to this point, I had to read four chapters of KIDNAPPED before I was intrigued enough to continue and finish reading the entire selection. Having said all that, I still feel that KIDNAPPED is still worthy of taking the time and effort to read. I still am fascinated by Dee Henderson and her talent!!!!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than the last couple Henderson books I read. The romance was not so "sappy," but more realistic. The thriller part was good, but somewhat unrealistic. The story was somewhat predictable but definitely had some twists and turns to it. Henderson did well at tying up the loose ends at the end of the book. There were definitely some grammatical errors, especially towards the end.

[Phoebs 🫶🏻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 !!!! This was a really good book. Definitely wanna read more of Dee Hendersons books 😀

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This whole series was really good!
This last book felt a little disconnected from the rest of the series, but the storyline was still good.
I'm glad I read this! If you need an easy Christian read, this is for you.

[Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5?? Almost DNF-ed around 25%. I was just bored the whole time. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Esther · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I appreciated:
- Focusing on the characters that were known (not giving away what the kidnappers and kidnapees were doing).

What I disliked:
- The title! Knowing someone was going to get kidnapped, and just waiting for it.
- The main relationship between Caroline and Luke. It was floundering and casual, and all the sudden it was deep and saying "I love you". It didn't feel like any of the needed conversations happened that led to that progression and depth. I've loved Dee Henderson's writing for the depth and growth of characters and relationships, and this one fell very flat.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Fourth book in the series. I have read them all. Book Number 2 and this Book Number 4 were my favorites. This one was a real page turner for me, I had a difficult time putting the book down.

[Tinomutenda Mpunganyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Courage by Dee Henderson is a gripping story that delves into the complexities of dealing with life’s challenges. The trauma of family being in physical danger and being attacked by malicious individuals, combined with unwavering strength found in faith, creates an intense narrative full of suspense and emotional depth.

Luke’s and Caroline’s Strengths:
Caroline’s strength in the face of trauma is undeniable. She relies heavily on her faith and consistently turns to God for guidance, showing a deep foundation in the Word of God. Luke, on the other hand, while resilient, struggles more with his faith throughout the ordeal. He falters at times, doubting himself and his path. His foundation seems to be a bit weaker, but in the end, he turns back to his faith and finds peace. This journey of wavering and returning to God is relatable to many.

Luke’s Grief and the Role of Faith:
Luke’s grief is initially overwhelming, but his eventual return to faith helps him manage it. The realization that grief can overwhelm even the strongest people is a key part of this book. His willingness to face his emotions, even when overwhelmed, demonstrates how faith doesn’t necessarily remove grief, but it does provide the strength to cope with it.

Building on the Rock or Sand:
Caroline’s life is firmly built on the rock of God’s Word. She faces incredible trauma yet remains unshaken, trusting that God will provide for her. Luke, in contrast, builds his life on a foundation that at times straddles both rock and sand. His moments of doubt and his struggle to move forward when life gets tough show that his faith, while present, needs to be reinforced. For me, building my foundation on the Word of God has been transformative. It’s helped me navigate the storms of life, including negative self-talk and difficult challenges, by providing clarity and peace.

Interfering Factors in Relationship with God:
In my life, work and its challenges have often interfered with my relationship with the Lord. The pressure of expectations—both my own and others’—can sometimes make it difficult to prioritize time with God. I’ve found that when I rely too much on my own logic and sense of control, instead of seeking God’s guidance, I can easily lose sight of His peace and lack reverence towards Him. However, when I refocus and place my trust in Him, even during stressful times, I find a renewed sense of peace and clarity.

Receiving and Giving Grace:
I’ve received grace from others in powerful ways—whether at work, at home, or in the world. Whether it was through patience when I’ve let things slip, or through understanding when I’ve failed to meet expectations, the grace extended to me has been overwhelming. On the other hand, I give grace by letting go of grudges and choosing to forgive. It’s important to treat others with grace because, as humans, we all make mistakes. Forgiveness and grace are central to healing and maintaining relationships, both with others and with God.

Personal Reflection on the Book:
True Courage is a compelling story that offers both suspense and emotional depth. The twists and action kept me engaged, and the characters had enough complexity to make them feel real. However, I would have appreciated a bit more world-building and physical descriptions to help set the scene. The dialogue, especially from Benjamin, the nine-year-old, occasionally felt too mature for his age, though I understood that his intelligence came from his upbringing.

Additionally, I felt that the dialogue was too structured at times. It just didn’t feel like real conversation. Some of the dialogue felt more like narrative, and there were situations where characters spoke in ways that didn’t feel natural. Some sentences were too perfect, almost as if they had been carefully constructed rather than spoken. In real-life conversation, words come out more spontaneously.

Another aspect I found curious was the emotional control of the characters. While their composure in the face of extreme trauma is admirable, it sometimes felt a little too restrained. With so much going on—attempted kidnappings, murders, and personal danger—there were times when I expected characters to break down or lash out. The lack of more visible despair in such harrowing circumstances was noticeable.

In conclusion, True Courage is a strong read that balances suspense with a faith-driven narrative. While I would have liked to see more emotional depth in certain parts, the book still provides an uplifting message of strength and grace through faith. It’s a great reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, God’s grace is a powerful force that can guide us through the darkest times.

[Moonlight 🌸 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny how I went from utterly sucked in, grinning-in-public, not-wanting-to-stop-reading to not being able to read another word. I noticed I come into DH books more for the heart they often have and the Bible messages, and then the action can be just right or too technical for my tastes.

For the first quarter I absolutely loved this!! I was gleeful when I saw the conflict between Luke and Caroline. I loved sweet little Benjamin, and Mark and Sharon’s scene together had me giggling and kicking my feet. Yes to all the romantic Christian men!! The action was also gripping and I felt so tense.

Toward the middle I began to zone out a bit. It was all technicalities to solving a case, and the tension between Luke and Caroline had to take a complete backseat to the action.

Then it got completely technical and I found myself reading the same line over and again while zoning out. I tried to push on but ultimately realized my mind wasn’t assimilating the story and all the textbook-like details any longer. So I had to skim to the end.

I think I prefer DH books where the MCs aren’t law enforcement officers. That’s when I get the perfect-for-me balance of action and romance. E.g Jack, Rachel, and Stephen’s books in The O’Malley series. But the books where one of the MCs is a cop or so have more action and details that isn’t very fitting for my reading tastes!

[Stella Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-release of a book called True Courage and I know I have read it in the past but it had been long ago enough that I had forgotten what happened and it was like a new book for me. I enjoyed it tremendously. It was full of suspense and was a real nail biter. I loved the main characters, Luke Falcon and Caroline Lane, and their faith in God. I thought the romance was well done and not the main plot of the book just the way I like it. I am never disappointed in Dee Henderson’s books.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Agent Luke Falcon's best friend is cousin Mark. When Mark's wife, Sharon, is kidnapped, Luke is the first person to try and find her. At the same time, Mark has a terrible car accident leaving his 9 year old son and Sharon's sister, Caroline, to try and find Sharon. Fast paced with lots of twists and turns, this was a great conclusion to Henderson's Uncommon Hero series.

[Drew Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific series.

[Michelle Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

it kept me on the edge of my seat

From beginning to end, I was on the edge of my seat, riveted. I highly recommend Dee Henderson for a good read.

[Anna Zak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Kidnapped was written by Dee Henderson and was published in 2008. Kidnapped is a fiction story about a kidnapping..obviously. Kidnapped was originally called True Courage and was part of a series written by Dee Henderson called Uncommon Heroes. It was later reprinted as Kidnapped and is its own novel unrelated to the Uncommon Heroes series. The book is fiction, it is a little romantic and has a lot of suspense and mystery to it. The book revolves around a family kidnapping. FBI agent Luke Falcon is working the case of the kidnapping and he also happens to be the cousin of Mark Falcon who is the father and husband of the family that is kidnapped. Mark Falcon is married to Sharon who has a sister, Caroline. Caroline and Luke are also dating. Mark and Sharon also have a young son named Benjamin who plays an important role in this book. The book is very suspenseful and I liked it. It jumped right into the action and it had some twists in it that you wouldn't expect. There were times in the book when it was a tad bit predictable but other than those few times it was very suspenseful. I think it was an interesting book and not too confusing, it kept you interested and wanting to keep reading. I don't think I was ever bored. There was always something going on. I think Kidnapped was a very suspenseful book and I recommend it to anyone who likes suspense!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I preferred the SEAL stories and the Hornet pilot story from earlier books in the series, I found this FBI hero tale refreshing particularly in its Christian content. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Dee Henderson's books a lot, but it gets old reading how every one of her main characters is in angst over salvation. Add in a supporting character, and potential love interest, who is on the opposite side of the fence belief-wise and it's her typical novel formula. I was so glad to meet to Christian characters who simply faced challenges of living their faith every day through trials, tests, and tragedy. I loved the note Caroline wrote to Luke about how God prepared him for his difficult job in the FBI. I would dearly love to slip that note into the pockets of all the heroes I know who struggle with the demands of their day to day lives.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense read that I couldn't put down. The only thing I thought was odd was that being part of the Uncommon Heroes series it didn't have the same trend as the other three...none of the characters from the last book were mentioned. But that didn't take away the feel of the book. The romance was just about right for me and the characters were real with their emotions and struggles.

[Larisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should be a stand-alone book, instead of book 4 in the series. Totally unrelated to the other 3 books.


The storyline was good, but felt dated at times. There was too much suspense and not enough connection between Luke and Caroline.

It’s a good book. It's just not what you're expecting as the 4th book in the series.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely the best book in the series. It's actually not relatead to the other books, so you could read this one without reading the others. The author does a good job of blending Christian perspectives into the story without being overbearing.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know that much about ways FBI dealt with kidnapping situations. This was interesting from that point of view, but the really great part was how the different characters dealt with a horrible situation thru their Christian faith. Really loved this book and the Uncommon Heroes series.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I enjoy about Dee Henderson is the way she develops her characters. We see their weaknesses and see them turning to God for strength. This was very suspenseful and hard to put down for the last third of the book.

[Alice Zwickl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as always

Dee always blends mystery and faith in the perfect way. This book is another perfect example of her skill. Its one of those, stay up way too late can't put it down books

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy reading Dee Henderson's books. This one was another great story. Looking forward to reading many more of Ms. Henderson's stories!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! WOW! Absolutely could not put it down.

[Kylie Kleinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in the series and probably my favorite!

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Quick read. Faith building. Strong women characters.