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Christmas Hostage
Rescuing an innocent hostage
could blow an agent’s cover
Taken hostage by bank robbers on Christmas, security expert Laura Devin suspects one of the thieves is not who he appears to be. When the danger heightens after Laura sees the leader’s face, undercover FBI agent Hollis Pryce is forced to blow his cover to free her. He’ll risk everything to assist her escape from the Montana mountains and the criminal mastermind hunting them…
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
could blow an agent’s cover
Taken hostage by bank robbers on Christmas, security expert Laura Devin suspects one of the thieves is not who he appears to be. When the danger heightens after Laura sees the leader’s face, undercover FBI agent Hollis Pryce is forced to blow his cover to free her. He’ll risk everything to assist her escape from the Montana mountains and the criminal mastermind hunting them…
From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 27, 2022
59 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Dunn
135 books278 followersAfter almost 27 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She has three grown children and a busy cat named Sparky.
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 28, 2025
This was a wonderful read with a plot that kept me guessing!
It centers around a bank heist and brings together two unlikely people who realized that (1) “sometimes we have to get to a desperate place to realize we need God” and (2) that God answers prayers on His timeline, not ours.
It centers around a bank heist and brings together two unlikely people who realized that (1) “sometimes we have to get to a desperate place to realize we need God” and (2) that God answers prayers on His timeline, not ours.
November 2, 2022
"Even before the shouting and the woman's scream, Laura Devin sensed that something was wrong in the lobby of First Federal Bank."
An attention grabbing opening sentence if ever there was one! Cue the ominous music and be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat for the duration of the read because the tension never lets up. Heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping, gasp-out-louding all the way through.
Definitely a meet-cute worthy of regaling future grandchildren with. lol The romance is just as intense as the suspense in this everything-happens-at-the-speed-of-light story. Hollis and Laura's harrowing escape, crashing through the wilderness in frigid temperatures was one of my reading highlights. Yet, even when they finally make it back to civilization they aren't in the clear...the danger only increases.
Phew, this one left me breathless. The only thing missing was Christmas. It's in the title, and there's a reference to a Christmas tree in the bank lobby in the first scene and a Christmas setting in the last (very short) chapter but no other festivities in sight, so I wouldn't call this a holiday read. Definitely an escape read though. :-)
An attention grabbing opening sentence if ever there was one! Cue the ominous music and be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat for the duration of the read because the tension never lets up. Heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping, gasp-out-louding all the way through.
Definitely a meet-cute worthy of regaling future grandchildren with. lol The romance is just as intense as the suspense in this everything-happens-at-the-speed-of-light story. Hollis and Laura's harrowing escape, crashing through the wilderness in frigid temperatures was one of my reading highlights. Yet, even when they finally make it back to civilization they aren't in the clear...the danger only increases.
Phew, this one left me breathless. The only thing missing was Christmas. It's in the title, and there's a reference to a Christmas tree in the bank lobby in the first scene and a Christmas setting in the last (very short) chapter but no other festivities in sight, so I wouldn't call this a holiday read. Definitely an escape read though. :-)
January 11, 2023
I could not finish this book. Like an fbi agent is going to cover so easily.
December 3, 2023
edge of the seat thriller
This story grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. Wonderful, courageous characters and impossible terrain to overcome. Both Hollis and Laura make great heroes and heroines.
This story grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. Wonderful, courageous characters and impossible terrain to overcome. Both Hollis and Laura make great heroes and heroines.
August 12, 2023
I usually really enjoy Christian suspense novels, but this one just fell short for me. I had a very hard time believing that Hollis was a FBI agent. He seemed so inept in certain situations. Almost as though he had no training at all. And the whole story was just not very exciting or intriguing for me.
January 26, 2023
By far one of the worst books I have ever read. It fails at being multiples genres including action, suspense, crime, romance, and Christian.
The characters are undeveloped. They are like cardboard cutouts of people. It follows really stupid romance tropes...for example one of the men kidnapping the main character has a "kind voice." Yeah right. Hate to break it to you, but any woman that finds herself checking out the guy holding her hostage during a bank robbery badly needs a mental hospital.
The "undercover cop" character is completely inept, ineffective and violated standard procedures half a dozen times. For example, even when his own life and the life of a witness are threatened he punches the bad guys in the face, even though he has the opportunity more than once to shoot them or stab them. But don't think this is out of some kind of Christian charity, because he's totally willing to leave an unconscious person with head trauma outside in sub-zero wilderness.
The romance is terrible too. Please look up munchausen syndrome and seriously consider why anyone should want to marry anyone after only a few days. They don't know each other, she clearly has PTSD, he's delusional, and praying for things you want makes you Christian about as much as sitting in a garage makes you a car. If I could give this negative stars I would.
The characters are undeveloped. They are like cardboard cutouts of people. It follows really stupid romance tropes...for example one of the men kidnapping the main character has a "kind voice." Yeah right. Hate to break it to you, but any woman that finds herself checking out the guy holding her hostage during a bank robbery badly needs a mental hospital.
The "undercover cop" character is completely inept, ineffective and violated standard procedures half a dozen times. For example, even when his own life and the life of a witness are threatened he punches the bad guys in the face, even though he has the opportunity more than once to shoot them or stab them. But don't think this is out of some kind of Christian charity, because he's totally willing to leave an unconscious person with head trauma outside in sub-zero wilderness.
The romance is terrible too. Please look up munchausen syndrome and seriously consider why anyone should want to marry anyone after only a few days. They don't know each other, she clearly has PTSD, he's delusional, and praying for things you want makes you Christian about as much as sitting in a garage makes you a car. If I could give this negative stars I would.
November 28, 2022
Non-stop action
Laura is working at a bank when it is robbed. One of the bank robbers is kind when she gets taken hostage and later claims he is with the FBI. Should she trust him? What happens after that decision is an action packed thriller that keeps you guessing and in your toes figuratively until the very end. I don't want to give any more away.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action oriented storyline that has a few kisses. The characters are vibrant and kickass. The Christian ideals are woven in and not just for show. The character development is in-depth. This will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole story. If that's what you like in your Christian suspense romances, then this is for you! Enjoy!
Laura is working at a bank when it is robbed. One of the bank robbers is kind when she gets taken hostage and later claims he is with the FBI. Should she trust him? What happens after that decision is an action packed thriller that keeps you guessing and in your toes figuratively until the very end. I don't want to give any more away.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action oriented storyline that has a few kisses. The characters are vibrant and kickass. The Christian ideals are woven in and not just for show. The character development is in-depth. This will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole story. If that's what you like in your Christian suspense romances, then this is for you! Enjoy!
January 31, 2023
Christmas Hostage
#Sharon Dunn
Laura Devin sets up security systems.While setting up a system is a bank on Christmas she is taken hostage.Hollis Pryce is a under cover FBI agent.Can he save Laura from these dangerous men be for they kill them .Come alone for the ride through towns snow to find out what happens to Laura and Pryce.I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Sharon Dunn you have written a 5 star book
#Sharon Dunn
Laura Devin sets up security systems.While setting up a system is a bank on Christmas she is taken hostage.Hollis Pryce is a under cover FBI agent.Can he save Laura from these dangerous men be for they kill them .Come alone for the ride through towns snow to find out what happens to Laura and Pryce.I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Sharon Dunn you have written a 5 star book
December 22, 2025
CHRISTMAS HOSTAGE by Sharon Dunn is the totally engrossing story of Hollis Pryce, undercover FBI agent, and Laura Devin, computer expert. Once strangers, they are forced to form a partnership in order to stay alive after a foiled bank robbery.
Laura had been hired to beef up the bank’s security because of recent bank robberies. On her first day of work, things instantly take a drastic turn. She could see and hear the robbers and was exposed when she tried to reach for her cellphone in order to call for help. Forced in with the two tellers, she’s the one taken as a hostage. After seeing one of their faces, she knows she’s a liability. Who is this man that speaks and acts differently from the others? Taken to a remote place, how will she find her way out to get help?
Working undercover, Hollis had finally worked himself into the group’s confidences enough to be picked for a bank job. It’s not these men they are trying to catch, but rather the mastermind of the crimes. With police coming, they run. During their escape, he’s shot. Uppermost, he knows he needs to protect their hostage. Giving her hints from his military medic days, she’s able to act like a medical professional who can to keep him alive, which buys her some time. In trying to get her to safety, his cover is blown. He has no choice now but to stick with Laura, on the run for their life.
Harsh winter weather and limited medical and food supplies are only two of the things against them as they try to figure out where they are and to make it to safety before these men on a mission find them. When it appears reinforcements are called in, the numbers against them greatly increase. How will they survive? Can they out think all the attempts thrown at them? Will getting back to civilization mean they are safe? The wedge Laura had built between herself and God, has Hollis putting on the breaks even though he feels the fast-growing attraction. Can this danger have Laura calling on God and relying upon her faith again?
CHRISTMAS HOSTAGE is a book in which the action is immediately intense and grabs your attention letting you know this will be a can’t-put-it-down, read-in-one-sitting book. The romance is just as fast-paced, even with the little bit of braking on Hollis’ part. Sharon Dunn gives us a story of chance, danger, self-preservation, action and romance while wrapping it in a thread of faith. CHRISTMAS HOSTAGE is without a doubt FIVE STAR reading that I can highly recommend to everyone! While there is Christmas in the title, it is set in December and has a faint holiday thread, I consider it more of an anytime story than a holiday read.
I received a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#ChristmasHostage #SharonDunn #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance
Laura had been hired to beef up the bank’s security because of recent bank robberies. On her first day of work, things instantly take a drastic turn. She could see and hear the robbers and was exposed when she tried to reach for her cellphone in order to call for help. Forced in with the two tellers, she’s the one taken as a hostage. After seeing one of their faces, she knows she’s a liability. Who is this man that speaks and acts differently from the others? Taken to a remote place, how will she find her way out to get help?
Working undercover, Hollis had finally worked himself into the group’s confidences enough to be picked for a bank job. It’s not these men they are trying to catch, but rather the mastermind of the crimes. With police coming, they run. During their escape, he’s shot. Uppermost, he knows he needs to protect their hostage. Giving her hints from his military medic days, she’s able to act like a medical professional who can to keep him alive, which buys her some time. In trying to get her to safety, his cover is blown. He has no choice now but to stick with Laura, on the run for their life.
Harsh winter weather and limited medical and food supplies are only two of the things against them as they try to figure out where they are and to make it to safety before these men on a mission find them. When it appears reinforcements are called in, the numbers against them greatly increase. How will they survive? Can they out think all the attempts thrown at them? Will getting back to civilization mean they are safe? The wedge Laura had built between herself and God, has Hollis putting on the breaks even though he feels the fast-growing attraction. Can this danger have Laura calling on God and relying upon her faith again?
CHRISTMAS HOSTAGE is a book in which the action is immediately intense and grabs your attention letting you know this will be a can’t-put-it-down, read-in-one-sitting book. The romance is just as fast-paced, even with the little bit of braking on Hollis’ part. Sharon Dunn gives us a story of chance, danger, self-preservation, action and romance while wrapping it in a thread of faith. CHRISTMAS HOSTAGE is without a doubt FIVE STAR reading that I can highly recommend to everyone! While there is Christmas in the title, it is set in December and has a faint holiday thread, I consider it more of an anytime story than a holiday read.
I received a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#ChristmasHostage #SharonDunn #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance
September 28, 2022
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Christmas Hostage. I'm a big fan of Sharon's work so I'm always thrilled to receive one of her books in the mail. This is an amazing book and I know you are going to love it. It's well-written and action-packed, and you will love her characters.
Computer expert Laura Devin had been sent to the bank to go over the computer to beef up security. Several small town banks have been robbed. It soon becomes evident that a bank robbery is taking place. She manages to call 911 before they became aware of her presence. The robber who caught her didn't take the phone or shut it off but whispered everything was going to be okay. He had a gentle voice.
Undercover FBI Agent Hollis Pryce has been investigating the bank robberies for the last two years. Laura wasn't supposed to be there. Intel told the robbers only two women were to be in the bank, yet there were three. A new hire the teller told them. When the police arrive they take Laura a hostage. After she sees the leader's face Hollis had no choice but to break cover and risk all to save her life.
A dangerous journey through the Montana mountains to stay ahead of the criminal mastermind hunting them down. God has a plan for these two a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life even in this time of political unrest and chaos.
Computer expert Laura Devin had been sent to the bank to go over the computer to beef up security. Several small town banks have been robbed. It soon becomes evident that a bank robbery is taking place. She manages to call 911 before they became aware of her presence. The robber who caught her didn't take the phone or shut it off but whispered everything was going to be okay. He had a gentle voice.
Undercover FBI Agent Hollis Pryce has been investigating the bank robberies for the last two years. Laura wasn't supposed to be there. Intel told the robbers only two women were to be in the bank, yet there were three. A new hire the teller told them. When the police arrive they take Laura a hostage. After she sees the leader's face Hollis had no choice but to break cover and risk all to save her life.
A dangerous journey through the Montana mountains to stay ahead of the criminal mastermind hunting them down. God has a plan for these two a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life even in this time of political unrest and chaos.
December 15, 2024
I didn’t feel that this book was a romance. It also had a bit too much talk of religion for me.
This story centers around a woman named Laura Devin. She is a security expert. She is taken hostage during a bank robbery. She suspects that one of the thieves is not who he appears to be. One of the guys is Hollis Pryce. He is an undercover FBI agent. He is forced to blow his cover to free Laura. He’ll risk everything to assist her escape from the Montana mountains and the mastermind hunting them both. They were on the run in this story and they are falling in love ???? They didn’t go on any dates and they didn’t really know each other. I didn’t see how this book was considered a romance. I also didn’t get much romantic moments in this book to feel that it was a romance.
This story centers around a woman named Laura Devin. She is a security expert. She is taken hostage during a bank robbery. She suspects that one of the thieves is not who he appears to be. One of the guys is Hollis Pryce. He is an undercover FBI agent. He is forced to blow his cover to free Laura. He’ll risk everything to assist her escape from the Montana mountains and the mastermind hunting them both. They were on the run in this story and they are falling in love ???? They didn’t go on any dates and they didn’t really know each other. I didn’t see how this book was considered a romance. I also didn’t get much romantic moments in this book to feel that it was a romance.
December 30, 2022
This story is full of danger and suspense as undercover FBI agent Hollis Pryce and hostage Laura Devin are in the fight of their lives. When the gang's latest bank robbery goes awry, Laura is taken as a hostage and during the escape, Hollis is shot. It will take all of his training and Laura's quick wit to stay alive and try to get to safety. Their efforts are hampered by being in a mountain with no cell service, and later by being in several small towns. If you're looking for an action-packed story, you won't want to miss this one.
December 25, 2022
This is a very suspense-filled book. The author deftly conveys the emotions of the characters and precariousness of their situations. Descriptive landscape and detailed events capture the reader in a whirlwind of excitement and danger. The element of spiritual conflict is so subtle but so important and Ms. Dunn does a great job of proving how important God is in our lives even if we don't see it for what it is.
March 28, 2023
Laura Devin is just trying to help banks to improve their security when the day she is there she gets kidnapped because a bank robbery attempt is made but things go wrong quickly and down hill from there.
Hollis Pryce an FBI agent whom happens to be undercover working to figure who is ahead of the bank robberies; ends up having to blow his cover to save Laura’s life.
Now Laura and Hollis have to work harder than ever to survive this fiasco and bring the bad guys to justice.
Hollis Pryce an FBI agent whom happens to be undercover working to figure who is ahead of the bank robberies; ends up having to blow his cover to save Laura’s life.
Now Laura and Hollis have to work harder than ever to survive this fiasco and bring the bad guys to justice.
October 13, 2023
Loved it.
The plot was mysterious, and kept my attention. I loved the way the Lord was made true by the example of faith that Hollis showed. Believing, and sharing, faith in the Lord in times of turmoil, is the best thing we could all do, too help the people around us learn that God, is always there.
The plot was mysterious, and kept my attention. I loved the way the Lord was made true by the example of faith that Hollis showed. Believing, and sharing, faith in the Lord in times of turmoil, is the best thing we could all do, too help the people around us learn that God, is always there.
January 2, 2023
One of the best books I have read! I truly loved this beautiful story that is filled with suspense, romance, love and best of all, heartfelt moments with God. This book is amazing and the writing is wonderful. Get your copy now, you will love it!
December 19, 2025
Christian romantic suspense
This is a good romantic thriller. It is filled with a lot of action. The setting really set the tone. The characters are likable. It is an entertaining read.
This is a good romantic thriller. It is filled with a lot of action. The setting really set the tone. The characters are likable. It is an entertaining read.
July 26, 2022
It was ok. A little “intense” but drawn out. Quick easy read.
December 11, 2024
This was a good story. Lots going on as they try to save themselves.
October 7, 2025
Super exciting
This was truly edge of your seat mystery and suspense. Cool plot, fantastic characters, and totally worth the read. She is a great author.
This was truly edge of your seat mystery and suspense. Cool plot, fantastic characters, and totally worth the read. She is a great author.
October 22, 2025
What intense suspense! Enjoyed reading this book.
January 8, 2023
Had to think about this for a while before I could write my review.
The story was very drawn out in my opinion and I feel that’s a major part of why I rated it so low. I enjoyed the plot but it wasn’t what I was expecting when I had picked it up. It took me forever to read because I refused to not finish it.
There were parts I did like, but there was a lot I just was not a fan of. But that’s okay, it just was not for me.
The story was very drawn out in my opinion and I feel that’s a major part of why I rated it so low. I enjoyed the plot but it wasn’t what I was expecting when I had picked it up. It took me forever to read because I refused to not finish it.
There were parts I did like, but there was a lot I just was not a fan of. But that’s okay, it just was not for me.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews