Kidnapped in Texas

by Virginia Vaughan

A kidnapping case

reveals a secret that changes everything…

After witnessing an abduction, FBI agent Luke Harmon vows to return the teenage victim safely to her aunt, his ex, Abby Mitchell. But Abby has a secret—the girl is their daughter. To rescue his child from a human trafficking ring, he’ll partner with the woman who deceived him. But can he forgive the past before Abby becomes the next target…and his family is lost forever?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Protectors

Book 1: Kidnapped in Texas
Book 2: Texas Ranch Target

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Family, Adoption, Love Inspired, Christian Fiction, Love Inspired Suspense

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published January 24, 2023

About the author

Award winning author Virginia Vaughan lives by the motto ‘It’s not hoarding if its books’. Always the kid with her nose stuck in a book, becoming a multi-published author hasn’t stopped Virginia from continuing to grow her own collection of favorite reads. Her family has refused to help her move anymore because of the sheer number boxes of books, but she’s no quitter. She’ll keep buying books and, the next time she moves, hire a moving van.

If you love stories where romance intersects danger and faith, subscribe to Virginia’s email list at https://bit.ly/3NYqzTl and be the first to know when a new story arrives.

Reviews

[Amy Clipston · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! It kept me guessing and the action also kept me on the edge of seat. Such an awesome ending. I highly recommend!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a pace faster than a speeding bullet and it kept me engaged from beginning to end. Beginning with the terrifying kidnapping of a young girl named Kenzie off the streets of a small town in Texas, this book deals with the difficult topic of human trafficking in a realistic and gut-wrenching way. Abby, Kenzie’s guardian and aunt, witnesses the kidnapping but can do nothing to stop it. Enlisting the assistance of FBI Agent Luke Harmon, her former boyfriend, Abby is determined to do whatever it takes to get Kenzie safely home again. The story of Luke and Abby’s former love and how they need to trust each other again is one that touched me deeply. Luke not only lost his love but he also lost his faith in God and needs to find his way back. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the characters and all of the feelings that I experienced as I read about them. I especially enjoyed the twists in the story and the way the author kept me guessing about the bad guys until the ultimate revelation at the end. I love a good mystery and this one fit that perfectly! I also liked how the fast pace continued throughout the book, as new details were added about the case and the predicament that Kenzie was in. Abby’s faith was important in the story but it does not overwhelm it; it’s just part of who she is and this makes her more realistic as well as admirable. Luke is a likable character, flawed and vulnerable but strong when the occasion demands it. He is a hero to emulate and a dynamically complex male protagonist. The fact that the book is a clean read in spite of the difficult topic it deals with was a bonus for me. The entire book was an enjoyable, quick read and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy suspense, romance and faith all mixed together to make a remarkably cohesive story.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kidnapped in Texas" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. I liked that Luke and Abby had genuine issues to work through before they could work as a couple. Abby grew up looking out for herself and wanting to be in control. Luke grew up in a situation that left him unforgiving and doubtful about a good God. When Luke learned that Abby didn't tell him about their having a daughter (who was just kidnapped), the trust from their childhood friendship was broken.

Luke accused Abby of not trusting him. He's skilled at working abduction cases, but when Abby didn't see immediate progress, she investigated on her own with mixed results along with increased danger. She came to realize that she didn't really trust Luke (or God) though she cared about him. Luke still cared about Abby but wasn't sure that love was enough for a relationship to thrive without more trust between them. He had to come to value this second chance more than holding on to his anger. This relational conflict continued between the two until nearly the end, so I thought resolving these issues might come too abruptly. However, it worked out believably.

I liked that Abby could think quickly in an emergency. She was often able to rescue herself and others from a burning house and the other suspenseful encounters with the bad guys. Luke tended to show up at just the right moment to help, so he still was a rescuing hero. Abby learned to trust God (rather than feeling like it all came down to her), and Luke learned to give and accept forgiveness. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped in Texas kicks off Ms. Vaughan’s new Cowboy Protectors series in a big way! There’s a lot going on in this story starting with a kidnapping that leads to life-changing revelations! The fast-paced, exciting plot with some cleverly crafted twists drew me in from the beginning and kept me guessing all the way to the reveal. The characters are realistic, and the author has a talent for tapping into their emotions. I love Abby and Luke as individuals and as a couple. Their second-chance romance unfolds sweetly despite their struggles to overcome trust issues and perceived betrayal. I especially appreciate the strong, encouraging faith thread that is woven into the story. Fans of inspirational suspense will not want to miss this one! I look forward to more exploits with Abby, Luke, Kenzie, and Dustin.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Where was God in all of this?’

Virginia Vaughan is quite good at inspirational suspense and in this one she tackles the kidnapping of young girls in a Texas town. She build her suspense up until the last, too. And I absolutely was totally shocked at the culprit! Put this one on your radar.

My thanks to Love Inspired for a copy of the book via Net Galley. The review opinion is my own.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped in Texas by Virginia Vaughan Is a page turner and one that will keep you up late at night to find out what is going to happen next. With wonderful characters! As FBI agent Luke Harmon witness a kidnapping, he is determined to find the girl and bring her home to her aunt! Little does he realize her aunt is his ex-Abby Mitchell who is keeping a secret! This is such a great story I was given an ARC for an honest review these words are my own honest opinion Pick up your book today you won't regret it.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review. I loved this book of Abby, Luke, Kenzie and Dustin. This book is about second chances. There is never a time that you cannot find forgiveness. You may feel like because you are in a small town, you and your children are safe. That is not always the case. Abby watches her niece being kidnapped, but could not stop her abductor. She will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Full of action and plot twists...
Looking forward to reading more books by this author...

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action-packed story full of second chances, Kidnapped in Texas is a great read. FBI agent, Luke Harmon, witnesses a teenage girl being abducted. He promises her Aunt Abby, his ex, he will find the girl. During the investigation he learns the abducted girl is his and Abby's daughter. Will he be able to find their daughter and bring her home? Can he ever forgive Abby for keeping his child from him? When Abby becomes a target of the trafficking ring, will he be able to protect her while continuing to search for their daughter?

Luke has to learn to be open to second chances and God's unconditional love. There are many kinds of second chances in this story that serve as a reminder that we all need second chances at some point in our lives. It is our choice how we deal with them.

I highly recommend this book and can hardly wait for the next one in this series. I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

fbi agent Luke is brought into hunt for a teenage girl that has gone missing . the aunt happens to be his ex abby. they are trying to find her and then discover that there is a human trafficing ring in the area. the more they look the more girls they find that have gone missing . abby also has a secret that she has to tell luke . if you like suspense, second chances and a topic that is happening right now in a lot of places . this is well written and will have you reading it to the last page very good i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an lhonest review

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped In Texas is a real page turner. You can't stop reading to see what happens next.
Abby and her ex, FBI agent Luke work well together in trying to break up a human trafficking ring. And the ending, totally was a surprise.
You won't be sorry to read this book.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped in Texas is written by Virginia Vaughn. This is the first book in a new series that is entitled Cowboy Protectors. This was a suspenseful heart pounding read.

Abby is now the caretaker of her niece and nephew. Her sister and brother in law were killed in a car accident. Kenzie, her niece is abducted in broad day light from a coffee shop. Abby is terrified and won’t stop until she finds her. Even if that means trusting Luke. Her high school sweetheart, who is now an FBI agent.

Tensions run high between the former couple when Abby admits that she is Kenzie’s mother and she gave her up for adoption to her sister who couldn’t have kids. Luke is Kenzie’s father and is blindsided by the news. The case becomes more personal.

Details slowly start to emerge that those around Abby can’t be trusted. They soon find out that there’s a human trafficking ring that has been operating around the small town of Jessop. Someone wants to shut Abby up and stop her from trying to find Kenzie.

Abby relies heavily on her faith. It’s the only thing that is keeping her sane. Luke however had a rough childhood and has distanced himself from God. He doesn’t understand how Abby can still believe when Kenzie is missing.

The author has created a suspenseful adrenaline pounding adventure for her readers. I didn’t want the story to end.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy or this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced 2nd chance read. It starts out from the beginning throwing you into a kidnapping taking place in broad daylight and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end! Abby couldn't believe that her teenage niece was just kidnapped right in front of her and her ex FBI agent Luke witnessed it as well and they both try to head after the car taking away her niece. Even though there is some past between these two they work together to help get Abby's niece back safely. I highly recommend this read! Great job Virginia!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fast paced mystery that is chock full of adventure!
When Kenzie is kidnapped, both Abby’s and Luke’s worlds are turned upside down in more ways than one!
This is definitely story full of turns that will keep you guessing and wanting to turn the page!
I love how the author kept the story realistic and enveloped the lessons of faith and the importance of trust while at the same time dealing with very real life issues with great care.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Vaughan has written another fantastic romantic suspense. Fast paced edge of your seat plot. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! It involves abduction, child trafficking and long lost loves reuniting. It also demonstrates God’s redemptive power.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby's sister and brother in law are killed in a car wreck. Abby becomes guardian to her niece and nephew. When her niece is kidnapped she turns to FBI agent Luke Harmon for help in locating her niece. Abby and Luke have a special past together. They used to be sweethearts. In a race against time Luke and Abby refuse to give up finding her niece Kenzie. This is a must read suspense.

[Barb Beechy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great page turner.. has a kidnapping by human trafficking ring, also a secret that makes finding kenzie even more pressing.. you can't stop reading till the end. I was given an early ARC for an honest review, and this is my true review.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kidnapping on the very first page sets the stage for this exciting story that never slows down. Abby Mitchell and her ex-boyfriend Luke Harmon set out to find her niece Kenzie but their rescue efforts become even more frantic with the possibility that she's been abducted by a human trafficking ring. Can they overcome their troubled past so that Kenzie can be saved?

Virginia Vaughan works her magic once again in this carefully crafted story that is the beginning of a new series. Multiple twists and turns kept me turning the pages and the intrigue steadily intensified as the search continued. The addition of surprising secrets and a second chance at romance made this a story that you don't want to miss! I recommend Kidnapped in Texas to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Virginia Vaughn's best suspense novels so far. I immediately loved the characters of Abby, Luke, Kenzie, and especially Dustin, who became my favorite. The story had lots of non-stop action, tense situations, but is also filled with lots of faith on Abby's part. I admired her determination and inner-strength.

Figuring out who was behind the kidnapping eluded me and was a surprise. There are lots of them in this one that will keep you guessing. Kidnapped in Texas is about second-chances, forgiveness, faith, and family. Highly recommended and hard to put down.

I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly choose to review it. All my opinions are my own.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of mystery, suspense, drama and of course romance. Abby Mitchell, can't believe her niece has been kidnapped right before her eyes, nor is she expecting her past to come crashing into her present. FBI agent Luke Harmon has found himself back home while on leave from the FBI. When he must put his past and present to the side to try and figure out who is kidnapping girls in this small town before it is to late to help them. He is not sure if he is capable. I loved this page turner and look forward to more. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kidnapped in Texas" by Virginia Vaughn was a great, easy to read mystery! The story was fast paced and very easy to get into. And I was totally surprised by the ending! I highly recommend this book if you enjoy good, clean, short mysteries.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kidnapped in Texas” by Virginia Vaughan was a lovely read! I loved the characters. I could feel their pain and joy. The author captured my attention from the beginning. I couldn’t put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Christie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped in Texas
Another great book by author Virginia Vaughan! This is book is number one in the Cowboy Protectors series. This book deals with parents and families worst nightmare, a kidnapping and human trafficking. However, the author does a great job of not going over the top with this topic.
You meet Luke Harmon an FBI agent, and Abby Mitchell, who works for a TV News Station. Luke has come back home after his grandfather passed away. Abby is living in her childhood home taking care of her 14 year-old niece Kenzie and 11 year-old nephew Dustin after her sister and her husband were killed in a car accident.
Kenzie is kidnapped in broad daylight right in front of Abby. Luke, seeing the events take place jumps in to help. Luke realizes that the kidnapped girl’s aunt is his form Abby. Abby has carried a secret for 14 years that Kenzie is Luke’s daughter. Luke is furious that Abby kept this secret from him for all these years.
Abby has painted a target on her back after she vows on live TV to come after the kidnappers and bring her daughter home. Luke must set aside his mistrust of Abby to protect her and bring home his daughter.
This book is very fast-paced, action-packed and will keep you guessing until the end. I love that I didn’t figure out “who did it” until the author revealed who it was. You will not be disappointed and I highly recommend this book. Happy Reading!

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know who you can trust, even in small-town America. A fast-paced romantic suspense about a real crime of human trafficking, forgiveness, and second chances.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ashley Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Great suspense and very fast paced.

[Jennifer Heckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kidnapped in Texas is Virginia Vaughan's first book in her Cowboy Protectors series.

FBI agent Luke Harmon is home on nonactive duty after a case he'd worked went sideways, and to settle an inheritance his grandfather left him.

Abby Mitchell has been raising her niece, Kenzie and nephew, Dustin after her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident.

When Kenzie is kidnapped by a suspected human trafficking ring, Abby teams up with her ex, Luke to try to find her. However, Abby has a secret that changes everything. Can Luke forgive her for deceiving him and save Kenzie before it's too late?

This is a wonderfully written second chance love inspired suspense novel with the perfect amount of action, sweet romance, and faith. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

My thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC of this book. I was only asked to write an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped in Texas grabbed me at the first page and held me fast until the end. If you enjoy second-chance romance filled with action, suspense, and mystery, Virginia Vaughan has written the perfect book for you. The twisty plot, the believable and complex characters, the fast pace, and the hidden villain made this one of those books that's impossible to put down. I highly recommend it to readers of clean romantic suspense and of Christian romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written book.

[Jane Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Virginia Vaughan's books. At the beginning of Kidnapped in Texas I was a bit confused trying to wrap the relationship dilemma around my brain, lol. However, once I got it, I did not want to stop reading until I found out who did it. In fact, it was 3:45 am when I finished it. The characters were more than just fictional characters. The events that unfolded with the abduction and the past history of Abby, Kenzie, Dustin, and Luke kept the storyline intriguing. Each character's emotions were so realistic as they dealt with such tense situations. It was as if you were experiencing things right along with them. I would recommend this book. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I do think you will enjoy it.

[Lynn Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. There was action from the very first page. This is a fast paced read. The story totally grabs your attention. With an abduction and the hunt for a missing girl there is plenty of action and suspense throughout the whole book. The characters are excellent and faith plays a role throughout the story. I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this new series.

I received an advanced copy of the book, but it in no way affected my review.