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Global Guardians #1
Watch Over Me
On the run from the murderer of her best friends, missionary Gracie Benson is all alone in Siberia. What she doesn't know is that she has in her possession a medical secret that will save millions of lives -- or cost hers. Trying to keep her alive is an FSB agent, a man pursued by his own demons, including a killer who destroyed his father's life. He and Gracie find themselves in a decades-old mystery of betrayal and Cold War secrets. Only with the help of their friends -- a group of Americans and Russians committed to freedom -- can they outwit the old guard . . . and save Gracie's secret, as well as her life.
370 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2005
347 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Susan May Warren
213 books3,625 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 9, 2021
This book is was on my back-list-of-favourite-authors’-books-to-catch-up-on, and when I saw it available on KU, I downloaded the series and bumped this up on my reading list after meeting the characters in the Montana Marshall series.
Like with most authors, their more current works do feel different to their first published works, however, I still enjoyed this story.
The mystery and suspense was thrilling and exciting. And though I did guess some revelations, the author has a way of throwing in twist and turns when you don’t expect them and keeping the pace fast with all the action and danger for the characters.
Gracie’s longing to make a difference was one any Christian could relate to and I loved how her character turned to God every time she need strength and comfort. I loved how some characters was not saved and asked difficult questions, but also loved how the author described the salvation scene - because yes, when God makes you a new creation, you definitely will feel the difference.
“No one lives a life without mistakes and sin. And God knows that. But He has chosen to love us, to demonstrate just how deep and wide His love is. You can’t out-sin God’s grace.”
I enjoyed this story, learned a lot about Russia, and looking forward to the rest of the series.
*I’ve read this on Kindle Unlimited.*
Like with most authors, their more current works do feel different to their first published works, however, I still enjoyed this story.
The mystery and suspense was thrilling and exciting. And though I did guess some revelations, the author has a way of throwing in twist and turns when you don’t expect them and keeping the pace fast with all the action and danger for the characters.
Gracie’s longing to make a difference was one any Christian could relate to and I loved how her character turned to God every time she need strength and comfort. I loved how some characters was not saved and asked difficult questions, but also loved how the author described the salvation scene - because yes, when God makes you a new creation, you definitely will feel the difference.
“No one lives a life without mistakes and sin. And God knows that. But He has chosen to love us, to demonstrate just how deep and wide His love is. You can’t out-sin God’s grace.”
I enjoyed this story, learned a lot about Russia, and looking forward to the rest of the series.
*I’ve read this on Kindle Unlimited.*
February 19, 2023
Somehow read 2 and 3, but never got around to the first book in the series. Lots of twists and turns and plenty of suspense with a touch of romance. Gracie was in Siberia for a 2 year mission term. It is almost time to go home, but she felt she has not led one Russian to Christ. Little does she know that she will lead the most unlikely person to salvation and life in Jesus.
Susan May Warren's books are always filled with wonderful faith messages that feel absolutely perfect where she places them. I enjoy how belief in Jesus is always an important component of her books.
Susan May Warren's books are always filled with wonderful faith messages that feel absolutely perfect where she places them. I enjoy how belief in Jesus is always an important component of her books.
June 27, 2011
I'm not sure why this book got such high ratings! This was a random book I picked from the library and thought the story sounded interesting. The character's were weak, the plot was weak and the end of the book was just hookey.
April 20, 2021
After thinking on it overnight, I had to go down a star. A little over dramatic and intense for me, plus there was a lack of background. I felt like I entered the book in the middle of a series, even though it’s book 1. I also wasn’t a fan of the romantic entanglement. It did keep me reading, I did have to finish it and find out what happened! All in all, though I’ve enjoyed several of her books, I think I’m going to give this author a rest for a bit.
June 17, 2008
I picked this book up at an ACFW conference and finally got around to reading it. I'm sorry I let it go so long. It was an excellent read. Warren does a wonderful job of keeping the suspense right on the edge. I loved the Russian backdrop to the story and the unbelievable personal connection that she has to the story's plotline. Don't miss her personal note at the end!
July 23, 2012
This was an easy read and had some interesting tension. It had a lot of holes in the whole story and some things that I just didn't find believable.
June 12, 2023
First book I’ve read by this author. A solid 3 star read, but than it ended abruptly and no conclusion for are main couple. This book does belong in a series & when I got the first one, I picked up book 2 and 3 so maybe questions about Vicktor and Gracie future has a couple might be answered later on.
February 2, 2009
Missionary Gracie Benson when to Russia seeking redemption, only to find her hopes disappointed. On the eve of her departure, she discovers the brutally murdered bodies of her colleagues. Suddenly thrust into an unfurling web of deception and lies, Gracie finds herself in a fight for her life, with precious few people to trust. Enigmatic FSB agent Viktor Shubnikov emerges as her unlikely ally - but can Gracie look past his FSB background and her own deep-rooted fears and entrust her life to a most unlikely protector? Viktor finds himself instantly attracted to Gracie's fighting spirit and vows to protect her from the killer who shattered his family years before. However, when thing stands in the way of getting as close to Gracie as he'd like - her tenacious faith. He's seen - and done - too much to deserve grace and forgiveness. When events spiral out of his control, Viktor is forced to relinquish control and entrust his future, and Gracie's, to an invisible God's guiding hand.
In Sheep's Clothing is one of my all-time favorite novels, and as such it's long overdue for an "official" review. Gracie and Viktor are classic Warren creations - they leap living and breathing from the page, fully rounded characters brimming with pain, hope, and potential. The inspiration for their story came from events surrounding a KGB plant in the church discovered during Warren's time as a missionary there. The basic issue of trust in a supposedly good God - how He could allow bad things to happen to essentially good people - is at the crux of Viktor and Gracie's respective faith journeys. Despite their divergent backgrounds, Viktor and Gracie both learn that God's forgiveness isn't something that can be earned - it's a gift, freely given. And only when that gift is received, and control is relinquished, can they rest in the knowledge that in time of need, God - Jehovah Jireh - will provide. In Sheep's Clothing delivers non-stop action and riveting romance, along with life-changing, compelling spiritual truths. Warren never "preaches" and never fails to engage the reader on a thrilling, absorbing journey. I highly recommend this book as a starting point if you've never read one of Warren's books before - you couldn't ask for a better introduction.
In Sheep's Clothing is one of my all-time favorite novels, and as such it's long overdue for an "official" review. Gracie and Viktor are classic Warren creations - they leap living and breathing from the page, fully rounded characters brimming with pain, hope, and potential. The inspiration for their story came from events surrounding a KGB plant in the church discovered during Warren's time as a missionary there. The basic issue of trust in a supposedly good God - how He could allow bad things to happen to essentially good people - is at the crux of Viktor and Gracie's respective faith journeys. Despite their divergent backgrounds, Viktor and Gracie both learn that God's forgiveness isn't something that can be earned - it's a gift, freely given. And only when that gift is received, and control is relinquished, can they rest in the knowledge that in time of need, God - Jehovah Jireh - will provide. In Sheep's Clothing delivers non-stop action and riveting romance, along with life-changing, compelling spiritual truths. Warren never "preaches" and never fails to engage the reader on a thrilling, absorbing journey. I highly recommend this book as a starting point if you've never read one of Warren's books before - you couldn't ask for a better introduction.
Read
March 12, 2016Full of Action and Suspense!
Susan May Warren is a FANTASTIC writer!
This story is full of action, suspense, murder, and a bit of romance.
I loved how the author wove the struggles of being a missionary into this story. Daily missionaries have to trust God for their safety, their provisions, and their purpose. Gracie was struggling with all of this.
It's hard to imagine what else could go wrong in the last few days Gracie had in Russia, but it just seems to keep going and going.
Who can she trust? Will she leave without making a difference in anyone's life?
In walks the FSB, can she trust them to keep her safe or are they the ones out to get her?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Great book!
Susan May Warren is a FANTASTIC writer!
This story is full of action, suspense, murder, and a bit of romance.
I loved how the author wove the struggles of being a missionary into this story. Daily missionaries have to trust God for their safety, their provisions, and their purpose. Gracie was struggling with all of this.
It's hard to imagine what else could go wrong in the last few days Gracie had in Russia, but it just seems to keep going and going.
Who can she trust? Will she leave without making a difference in anyone's life?
In walks the FSB, can she trust them to keep her safe or are they the ones out to get her?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Great book!
April 11, 2016
Susan May Warren is a FANTASTIC writer!
This story is full of action, suspense, murder, and a bit of romance.
I loved how the author wove the struggles of being a missionary into this story. Daily missionaries have to trust God for their safety, their provisions, and their purpose. Gracie was struggling with all of this.
It's hard to imagine what else could go wrong in the last few days Gracie had in Russia, but it just seems to keep going and going.
Who can she trust? Will she leave without making a difference in anyone's life?
In walks the FSB, can she trust them to keep her safe or are they the ones out to get her?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat!
This story is full of action, suspense, murder, and a bit of romance.
I loved how the author wove the struggles of being a missionary into this story. Daily missionaries have to trust God for their safety, their provisions, and their purpose. Gracie was struggling with all of this.
It's hard to imagine what else could go wrong in the last few days Gracie had in Russia, but it just seems to keep going and going.
Who can she trust? Will she leave without making a difference in anyone's life?
In walks the FSB, can she trust them to keep her safe or are they the ones out to get her?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Read
January 4, 2011Missionary Gracie Benson feels like a failure. During her two years in Russia, she has not made one convert and has not learned the language. As she prepares to return to the US, she discovers the bodies of mission friends, Evelyn and Dr. Willie. For some reason she doesn't understand, their killer is after her, too. As the body count rises, Vicktor Shubnikov seems to the the only one she can trust... except he's an FSB agent. Set in Khabarovsk, Russia. This story throws the reader into the middle of the action without any cumbersome backstory.
February 28, 2017
Why can a "6 ft whatever", biggest in the room man, a tall and skinny woman, a short and curvy woman and a small and petite woman all wear the same size clothes?
But seriously, this was great book.
But seriously, this was great book.
December 24, 2008
It's a little slow, but the plot is good.
August 27, 2013
This is a great book! I love that way that the author wove her faith like a thread through the book. It was a mystery, romance, and Christian novel all wrapped up in one amazing book.
November 8, 2012
Good. I need to read it again.
September 11, 2014
Set in Russia, missionaries killed right before a woman missionary goes home. Now someone is after her.
February 9, 2016
After I read Wiser than Serpents I went to the library to see if they had this book. They did! And this book was just as good!
March 25, 2016
First time with this author--it got better with each chapter.
ebook-own-toread
May 22, 2023free on kindle
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March 18, 2025
Grace "Gracie" Benson has just finished serving two years as a missionary in Russia and is days away from returning home to the States. Stopping by her supervisor's apartment to check her email, Gracie finds the couple murdered. Fearing the killer may still be there, she flees.
When Captain Vicktor Shubnikov arrives at the crime scene, he finds evidence that a serial killer he has been chasing for ten years has returned. His only lead is a woman seen leaving, covered in blood. As the danger intensifies, Vicktor is determined to protect Gracie, but will she trust the FSB agent?
Watch Over Me is the first book in the Global Guardians series by Susan May Warren. It was previously published as In Sheep's Clothing, Book 1 in Mission: Russia. I liked Gracie and Vicktor's story. The scene with his salvation was touching. I am looking forward to reading more about them in the next book.
I purchased a Kindle and paperback copy of this book.
When Captain Vicktor Shubnikov arrives at the crime scene, he finds evidence that a serial killer he has been chasing for ten years has returned. His only lead is a woman seen leaving, covered in blood. As the danger intensifies, Vicktor is determined to protect Gracie, but will she trust the FSB agent?
Watch Over Me is the first book in the Global Guardians series by Susan May Warren. It was previously published as In Sheep's Clothing, Book 1 in Mission: Russia. I liked Gracie and Vicktor's story. The scene with his salvation was touching. I am looking forward to reading more about them in the next book.
I purchased a Kindle and paperback copy of this book.
July 12, 2024
(spoilers onderaan)
4⭐
Geweldig boek, duurde wel even totdat ik echt lekker in het verhaal kwam maar daarna in een ruk uitgelezen. Zeker een aanrader🩷
Na het einde ben ik dan toch benieuwd hoe het leven van Vicktor en Gracie verdergaat, maar deel 2 gaat over andere personages (bijrollen in deel 1)
Dus misschien komen ze daarin nog voor? In ieder geval heel erg benieuwd naar!😊
Spoilers:
-christelijk
-moord & romance
- Gracie is een zendeling, Vicktor een politieagent.
- ontmoeten elkaar door verschillende moorden. (Vrienden van Gracie)
- uiteindelijk na heel veel twijfels, misverstanden etc komt het allemaal goed😁😁
4⭐
Geweldig boek, duurde wel even totdat ik echt lekker in het verhaal kwam maar daarna in een ruk uitgelezen. Zeker een aanrader🩷
Na het einde ben ik dan toch benieuwd hoe het leven van Vicktor en Gracie verdergaat, maar deel 2 gaat over andere personages (bijrollen in deel 1)
Dus misschien komen ze daarin nog voor? In ieder geval heel erg benieuwd naar!😊
Spoilers:
-christelijk
-moord & romance
- Gracie is een zendeling, Vicktor een politieagent.
- ontmoeten elkaar door verschillende moorden. (Vrienden van Gracie)
- uiteindelijk na heel veel twijfels, misverstanden etc komt het allemaal goed😁😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2019
Gracie is a missionary in Russia who is scheduled to go home. She feels like a failure because during her time in the country she hasn't lead anyone to the Lord. Suddenly she finds herself being pursued by the person who murdered her friends and co-missionary workers. And, the KSB (formerly KGB) agent assigned to protect her is just too good looking for her own good.
I loved every minute of reading this book. I was kind of sad to finish it because I fell in love with the characters and it's hard to say goodbye (and yes, I know they aren't real.)
I loved every minute of reading this book. I was kind of sad to finish it because I fell in love with the characters and it's hard to say goodbye (and yes, I know they aren't real.)
March 28, 2019
A heart pounding romantic suspense that will grab your attention and take you on a crazy ride. You'll fall in love with these tough and tender characters, agonize over their hardships and revel in their successes. Fantastic descriptions and well timed storylines make this an exciting read in which you can completely immerse yourself.
September 25, 2024
A great read...
I enjoyed Gracie and Vicktor's action-packed romance in Russia, and appreciated reading a book Ms Warren penned early in her writing career when she lived in Russia.
While I felt a tad overwhelmed with all the names at the start of the book, I soon caught up and ran with this suspenseful story.
A great read!
I enjoyed Gracie and Vicktor's action-packed romance in Russia, and appreciated reading a book Ms Warren penned early in her writing career when she lived in Russia.
While I felt a tad overwhelmed with all the names at the start of the book, I soon caught up and ran with this suspenseful story.
A great read!
January 21, 2020
3.5
This is definitely a full on suspense story. Although I love Susan May Warren, I don't love this genre and sometimes it's a bit too on edge for me to truly enjoy the characters. That's what happened here as the entire book takes place as the heroine is running for her life.
This is definitely a full on suspense story. Although I love Susan May Warren, I don't love this genre and sometimes it's a bit too on edge for me to truly enjoy the characters. That's what happened here as the entire book takes place as the heroine is running for her life.
January 29, 2024
Actual Rating: 4.5
Quick Thoughts: How have I never heard or seen this series anywhere? 2005!!! God works in mysterious and wonderous ways indeed! Right when I needed it, and the reminder, and when my heart has been crying out for the persecuted Church, especially in Russia!
Quick Thoughts: How have I never heard or seen this series anywhere? 2005!!! God works in mysterious and wonderous ways indeed! Right when I needed it, and the reminder, and when my heart has been crying out for the persecuted Church, especially in Russia!
April 22, 2024
A week's story full of action. I'm impressed with the author's ability to put so many different thrilling events in a few days time and still manages to have room for casual conversations and strong faith without being overwhelming.
December 30, 2024
What an incredible story! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!! This is a must read about a beautiful godly woman and a strong and kind man struggling with his own faith. I was in tears by the end!! Immediately starting book 2 of this series!!!
July 8, 2017
Over good, but aimed at a female audience.
January 12, 2018
Intriguing mystery
Although I had a hard time getting into this story and figuring out the characters, by the 3rd chapter I was hooked.
Although I had a hard time getting into this story and figuring out the characters, by the 3rd chapter I was hooked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews