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Coventry Saga #9
Courage in the Shadows
When she crosses paths with a killer from her past, can she survive long enough to step into her future?
Ever since she and thirteen other models were kidnapped years before, Summer Lake has fought to ensure that she can protect herself. But when her job as a bodyguard brings her into contact with a man she believes masterminded her kidnapping, her first urge is to run, terrified of being taken again. Instead, she follows the stranger, determined to bring him to justice.
Bodyguard Grant Wright fell in love with Summer the instant he saw her, a fierce protector standing in front of the other endangered young women he'd come to rescue. Years later, Summer still sees him as barely more than a coworker. Grant bides his time, sticking close in an effort to keep her safe and hoping she'll eventually open her heart to him. When her life is threatened, he's not about to allow her to fight her enemies alone. He'll stay by her side whether she wants him or not.
But Summer and Grant have an enemy whose global smuggling organization is so powerful, so pervasive, that it'll be a miracle if either of them emerges from this battle alive.
You don't want to miss this page-turning romantic suspense, the latest in the addictive Coventry Saga.
Ever since she and thirteen other models were kidnapped years before, Summer Lake has fought to ensure that she can protect herself. But when her job as a bodyguard brings her into contact with a man she believes masterminded her kidnapping, her first urge is to run, terrified of being taken again. Instead, she follows the stranger, determined to bring him to justice.
Bodyguard Grant Wright fell in love with Summer the instant he saw her, a fierce protector standing in front of the other endangered young women he'd come to rescue. Years later, Summer still sees him as barely more than a coworker. Grant bides his time, sticking close in an effort to keep her safe and hoping she'll eventually open her heart to him. When her life is threatened, he's not about to allow her to fight her enemies alone. He'll stay by her side whether she wants him or not.
But Summer and Grant have an enemy whose global smuggling organization is so powerful, so pervasive, that it'll be a miracle if either of them emerges from this battle alive.
You don't want to miss this page-turning romantic suspense, the latest in the addictive Coventry Saga.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
477 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Robin Patchen
70 books1,024 followersRobin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball-and-chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 5, 2023
Loved the two main characters! While there is a suspense thread, Courage in the Shadows was more about the backstory of Grant and Summer as well as character growth for both of them. I enjoyed learning more about their pasts and meeting their family members. Glad to see a couple of family members will be featured in future novels.
Former model Summer along with her younger sister Misty were captured in Mexico years ago. Between that and a difficult childhood, Summer doesn't trust anyone but herself. When one of captors from Mexico shows up on her current job in Boston, she's forced to admit she needs help in finding him.
Another enjoyable novel in the Coventry Saga Series.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Former model Summer along with her younger sister Misty were captured in Mexico years ago. Between that and a difficult childhood, Summer doesn't trust anyone but herself. When one of captors from Mexico shows up on her current job in Boston, she's forced to admit she needs help in finding him.
Another enjoyable novel in the Coventry Saga Series.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 13, 2023
Another fabulous romantic suspense novel from Robin Patchen! This is book 9 in the Coventry Saga, but can easily stand alone. Fans of the series will be glad to get into the mind of Summer Lake, known in the previous 2 books solely as "Lake" who seemed to be a tough, no-nonsense sort of woman. In this book, we get a bit of her history that sheds light on that persona as well as opening up to who she really is underneath that facade. We get glimpses into her past as she encounters the perpetrator of a past trauma on a routine job. When she is caught following him, her life is put in danger. Her partner Grant comes to help her out and though she bucks against his help, she finds herself grateful for it. As they attempt to stay one step ahead, Summer begins to see Grant in a way that he has always seen her and romance begins to blossom along with the danger.
I really enjoyed the story line of this one and enjoyed getting into the depth of some characters who have been in the background of a couple of the author's other books I've read. The plot was action packed and intense and the romance element was enjoyable as the characters have history together. There was also a good bit of family struggles for both of the main characters that they dealt with throughout the story, which added a unique twist as well. The faith thread was also good on this one. Summer is a new Christian and trying to figure out how God played into her circumstances. Overall an excellent romantic suspense novel and one I'd definitely recommend. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
I really enjoyed the story line of this one and enjoyed getting into the depth of some characters who have been in the background of a couple of the author's other books I've read. The plot was action packed and intense and the romance element was enjoyable as the characters have history together. There was also a good bit of family struggles for both of the main characters that they dealt with throughout the story, which added a unique twist as well. The faith thread was also good on this one. Summer is a new Christian and trying to figure out how God played into her circumstances. Overall an excellent romantic suspense novel and one I'd definitely recommend. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
February 25, 2023
Courage in the Shadows is book 9 in the Coventry saga series. The series is written by Robin Patchen. Every book in the series keeps getting better and better but this one may be my favorite one yet. I love that Lake got her own story.
Summer Lake was kidnapped along with her sister and other models years ago. She was able to get away. While on a mission guarding a head of a Mexican state she recognizes one of the family members. Her defensive instincts perk up and she follows him out to the car where she sees the beginning of a shady transaction take place. However they see her and she almost gets taken out.
Grant has been in love with Summer since he rescued her. He sees the change in her demeanor and looks for her when she leaves. He arrives at the right time. Suddenly they find themselves on a leave of absence and Summer’s life being threatened.
They find themselves being caught up in a cat and mouse game. The enemy seems to find them. They are using all of their resources to try and find what they are up too. They are both running from pain from their pasts.
This book is full of heart pounding action and suspense. I absolutely loved Summer and Grant. I remember the first book that Summer appeared in and the baggage she carried. It was nice to get her full story. Don’t fret if you haven’t read the whole series. The author fills in enough gaps. However this series is phenomenal and I don’t want it to end.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Summer Lake was kidnapped along with her sister and other models years ago. She was able to get away. While on a mission guarding a head of a Mexican state she recognizes one of the family members. Her defensive instincts perk up and she follows him out to the car where she sees the beginning of a shady transaction take place. However they see her and she almost gets taken out.
Grant has been in love with Summer since he rescued her. He sees the change in her demeanor and looks for her when she leaves. He arrives at the right time. Suddenly they find themselves on a leave of absence and Summer’s life being threatened.
They find themselves being caught up in a cat and mouse game. The enemy seems to find them. They are using all of their resources to try and find what they are up too. They are both running from pain from their pasts.
This book is full of heart pounding action and suspense. I absolutely loved Summer and Grant. I remember the first book that Summer appeared in and the baggage she carried. It was nice to get her full story. Don’t fret if you haven’t read the whole series. The author fills in enough gaps. However this series is phenomenal and I don’t want it to end.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
January 25, 2023
People tend to think if you stand firm, reveal no emotion you are arrogant or uncaring. Not so for Summer Lake who seems a staunch, unyielding woman in her role of professional guardian. “Lake” as she prefers to be called holds much pain buried beneath the surface as she is a survivor, along with her younger sister, of a kidnap scheme when she was a young model. Grant partners with Lake on their most recent assignment protecting the wife of a Mexican diplomat in the US for surgery. When the woman’s brother visits her hospital room, Summer is shocked to realize he may be the one who initiated her kidnapping all those years ago. In her attempt to determine the validity of her thought process, she follows him into the garage and unwittingly witnesses a crime. Grant realizes she’s left the hospital w/o him and he’s desperate to find her. To add to the plot twist, Grant was the one who saved her, her sister and other models those ten years ago and he’s fallen in love with her, though Summer has no clue. In fact, she sometimes finds Grant irritating! So begins another great story of suspense, intrigue, romance and faith by author Robin Patchen. A hard to put down story with strong characters, plenty of twists and turns-a story of redemption and victory. I received an ARC of the book and all opinions stated herein are my own.
January 31, 2023
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Coventry Saga Series, and this book was probably one of the best, simply because we finally get to understand Summer Lake’s story. I’m not sure if I enjoyed learning more about Lake, or more about Grant in this book. I think Grant actually, but I learned a lot from Lake that helped me in my own life. I love how the author blends biblical truths, life lessons with romance and an amazing suspenseful story that keeps me turning the pages. And, she continues to bring in the small town feel and amazing community of Coventry. I loved getting to know Summer more and I also loved getting to see her personality and her first crush develop naturally. It was fun to read and very realistic as someone who had no experience in the romance department. Grant was amazing and so patient, exactly the way a woman would want a man to treat her when she was putting herself out there in the unexpected world of dating while being a target of a hitman. I hope there are more books in this series. I’m ready for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
January 20, 2023
Summer Lake, who goes by Lake, is a bodyguard and part owner of the company. While on assignment, she spots someone from her past who was never brought to justice. Rather than notifying the police, she jumps in over her head and takes on the role of a detective. Her partner, Grant, who unlike her, has some training in investigations, comes to her rescue when she fails to respond to his calls and texts. Before long, they are running all over New England in an effort either to get away from the bad guys or to try to figure out what the bad guys are doing. The story is chockfull of action and suspense. They get a lead on the head honcho, but before they can take steps to bring him down, over and over again they learn that he is already ahead of them. He is one slimy sleaze ball who is surrounded by men who are equally as evil and willing to do his bidding. Grant does everything in his power to keep Lake in his sight and safe from harm. Besides her being his boss and a partner in the company, she is a beautiful woman with whom he has been in love for years. Frankly, I find it hard to picture being in love with someone that long and never giving the first hint of how I feel, but she was oblivious. The story carries an understated faith message, but the reader is aware that several of the characters are believers with strong moral values and belief in the power of prayer. On multiple occasions, their belief in the power of prayer is put to the test. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
January 23, 2023
Wow! what a good book! An extremely suspenseful romantic thriller that will grab you from the beginning. Events from the past for Summer and Grant come to the forefront seven years later, with their current assignment. Can they working together finally get the "culprit" that vanished years ago? Danger seems to lurk no matter where they turn. You won't want to put this book down, just will have to know what happens next. A real page turner!! Will Grant have his prayers answered or will he be rejected and move on with his life alone without his true love? Recommend!! Received an ARC and this is my honest voluntary review.
January 24, 2023
We meet Grant and Summer(sorry Lake!) on their quest to exact justice and stop evil in its tracks. Grant has quite a job ahead because
how do you reach/help someone who believes the only one they can depend on, is themselve? I loved to see how the characters grow, develop and learn life/faith lessons!
Suspense kept me from putting this book down!! Will they succeed? Will they catch the bad guy? Will they live? Will they acknowledge their feelings?? So many questions!!
I absolutely loved it! I loved being back in Coventry and can't wait for the next book in the series!
Excellent job, Robin Patchen!
how do you reach/help someone who believes the only one they can depend on, is themselve? I loved to see how the characters grow, develop and learn life/faith lessons!
Suspense kept me from putting this book down!! Will they succeed? Will they catch the bad guy? Will they live? Will they acknowledge their feelings?? So many questions!!
I absolutely loved it! I loved being back in Coventry and can't wait for the next book in the series!
Excellent job, Robin Patchen!
January 24, 2023
Another winner in this beautiful series; the story of Grant and Summer.
Beautifully exciting but gentle peek into the world of people and drug trafficking, the world of law enforcement and a tender love story that runs through it. Grant is one of my new favourite heros. Totally love his character and dedication to Summer even when it seemed like there was no hope of a future for them.
As always, a strong faith message about God's unfailing power and desire to rescue us from evil and ourselves!
You won't regret picking up Courage in the Shadows😊
Beautifully exciting but gentle peek into the world of people and drug trafficking, the world of law enforcement and a tender love story that runs through it. Grant is one of my new favourite heros. Totally love his character and dedication to Summer even when it seemed like there was no hope of a future for them.
As always, a strong faith message about God's unfailing power and desire to rescue us from evil and ourselves!
You won't regret picking up Courage in the Shadows😊
January 22, 2023
As I read, I kept picturing this as a movie. So much action! And I would love to have seen it portrayed by actors. I remembered Summer Lake from the last book in the series and was rather surprised (and pleased) to see the personal, softer side of her. Unexpectedly, she comes across a previous abductor whom she and her sister have a history with. Enter several scary scenes!
As always, with Ms Patchen's stories, I appreciate that they are not only clean but incorporate prayer into the plot. Without the frequent prayers, I have to doubt that the main characters would still be living.
January 26, 2023
Great story as always ! Clean,faith based and strong characters . Don't miss it !
January 26, 2023
Just another non-stop adventure. So enjoyed following Summer and Grant on their perilous journey. You gotta read this!!
January 12, 2023
COURAGE IN THE SHADOWS is the latest novel in the Coventry Saga by ROBIN PATCHEN, but it can easily stand alone. It is a fast paced roller coaster ride, with unforgettable characters (some of whom are unforgettable for the wrong reason), an interesting romance and a strong Christian message - everything you need for an enjoyable read.
When Summer Lake recognizes the voice of the man who kidnapped and terrorized her seven years ago, she follows him into the parking lot, much to her partner Grant Wright’s horror. This sets in motion a search for Vasco Ramon, head of a Mexican drug and human trafficking cartel.
Summer is a co-owner of the Green Beret Protection Agency, where she and Grant work as guards. She hates to be seen as weak and does not trust easily due to growing up with an abusive father. She is afraid of becoming attached to anyone, as she sees everyone who has meant anything to her abandoning her She has recently given her life to the Lord and is starting out on her Christian walk.
Grant joined the army and trained as a Green Beret with Summer’s cousin Jon. He keeps away from his family because of the guilt he feels for his brother Bryan’s accident. He finds the work at GBPA boring, but has been in love with Summer for seven years, since he rescued her, and is determined to protect her….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend Courage in the Shadows highly enough.
When Summer Lake recognizes the voice of the man who kidnapped and terrorized her seven years ago, she follows him into the parking lot, much to her partner Grant Wright’s horror. This sets in motion a search for Vasco Ramon, head of a Mexican drug and human trafficking cartel.
Summer is a co-owner of the Green Beret Protection Agency, where she and Grant work as guards. She hates to be seen as weak and does not trust easily due to growing up with an abusive father. She is afraid of becoming attached to anyone, as she sees everyone who has meant anything to her abandoning her She has recently given her life to the Lord and is starting out on her Christian walk.
Grant joined the army and trained as a Green Beret with Summer’s cousin Jon. He keeps away from his family because of the guilt he feels for his brother Bryan’s accident. He finds the work at GBPA boring, but has been in love with Summer for seven years, since he rescued her, and is determined to protect her….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend Courage in the Shadows highly enough.
January 14, 2023
I was given this book to read for an honest review. This is Grant and Summer's story. Summer has been thru some life altering experiences and she has recently become a follower of Christ. Summer is a warrior, since she was a small child, she has protected those she loves. She is a survivor of human trafficking and an owner in a company of Bodyguard. Grant is the best friend of Summer's cousin, Jon, and Summer's partner at work. Grant has been a follower of Christ for many years and has been secretly in love with Summer since he helped rescue her from the human traffickers.
Our story begins with Grant and Summer protecting a high profile Mexican government official. What they don't know is that the official's brother may not be as honest she is. Summer over hears two men talking about an antiquity, when the men see her they give chase and shoot to kill. Summer knows they won't stop until she's dead, because she may have recognized one of the mens' voices'. There are many things to be revealed.
I have been following Robin Patchen for several years, she is a gifted romantic suspense writer, who puts Christ in each one of her stories. My advice would be grab your copy of this book and hang on because it will be a dangerous read.
Our story begins with Grant and Summer protecting a high profile Mexican government official. What they don't know is that the official's brother may not be as honest she is. Summer over hears two men talking about an antiquity, when the men see her they give chase and shoot to kill. Summer knows they won't stop until she's dead, because she may have recognized one of the mens' voices'. There are many things to be revealed.
I have been following Robin Patchen for several years, she is a gifted romantic suspense writer, who puts Christ in each one of her stories. My advice would be grab your copy of this book and hang on because it will be a dangerous read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
Ms. Patchen's books just keep getting better and better! The continued story line of the town of Coventry and how intertwined all of their lives are is just fascinating. Summer Lake was an intriguing character in previous books, so I was glad she played the starring role here. Can she trust ANYONE again? Her childhood was rough, and her late teens/early twenties weren't much better.
Learning to trust both God AND the people around her is definitely a work in progress, but at least she is making progress. Find out how far she comes in this next book of the Coventry saga.
Learning to trust both God AND the people around her is definitely a work in progress, but at least she is making progress. Find out how far she comes in this next book of the Coventry saga.
January 23, 2023
Seven years ago Summer’s life changed after been kidnapped. Now, the same man is back I her life and she is determined to take him down. Will she let Grant, her partner as a bodyguard, help her not only with the danger they are in but to heal finally heal her heart and find happiness and love? Full of action, intrigue, fait, friendship and family, a really great story.
April 22, 2023
Each book in the Coventry Series just gets better but I gotta wait til May for the next? *pout*. Loved it.
January 21, 2023
Another romantic suspense from Robin Patchen that is hard to put down. Summer Lake and Grant are partners in a company that hires out to protect people. Grant has fallen for Summer, but she has a stay away from relationships because of her abusive father. While on assignment, Summer recognizes the voice of her kidnapper. She and no one near her is safe. The novel just flows smoothly capturing your attention from the beginning.
January 12, 2023
The 9th book in the Coventry Series, this stand alone book takes one of the characters from previous books and develops her own story. Lake (as she wants to be addressed) is all business and totally focused on her “job” protecting people. From the very beginning of this book, I was drawn in to the story and could feel the fear when she was in danger in the parking garage. As always, all of the characters are flawed, well developed and many find opportunities to forgive and/or be forgiven. While Christian, many are still growing in their faith and their relationships with Christ as well as their own family members. Lake eventually softens to allow others to call her by her name, Summer, and begin a relationship with Grant. Grant has a huge family and … I can see lots of new possible story lines and characters to learn more about in the years to come. This book was filled with adventure, what seemed to be impossible circumstances to resolve and tender and humorous interactions between members of the family. Can’t wait for the next book.
January 15, 2023
Book 9 in the Coventry Saga series picks up with the story of Summer Lake - you might remember her as the hired bodyguard of the daughter of Denise Masters, from book 8, Wreathed in Disgrace. Courage in the Shadows has Summer facing the nightmares of her past as she tracks down the person who caused those nightmares years ago, when he kidnapped Summer and several other women. Summer went from being a high fashion model to being a tough bodyguard because of that trauma. Robin once again weaves a tale of intrigue as Summer and her partner, Grant, work together to take down the drug dealer who was also her captor. The story is filled with the excitement, suspense, and romance we've come to expect and love from Robin Patchen's books!
January 17, 2023
With Courage in the Shadows you get another great read by Robyn Patchen in the Coventry Saga series. This installment has the combination of romance, reconciliation, forgiveness all wrapped up in an adventure filled story. Of course the story includes prayer and dependence on God as a theme. I enjoy these stories immensely and am looking forward to the next installment. Read it, you won’t be sorry !!!!!
January 12, 2023
Having the great privilege of being one of Robin Patchen's ARC readers, I got the enjoyable opportunity to read the book early and for free with no strings attached, except for me to leave an honest review. With this book, we are introduced fully to Summer Lake and more fully to about the man who rescued her from the kidnappers in Mexico 7 years before.
This book shows us the brokenness of both Summer and Grant and how that impacted their lives and their relationships. Don't miss their journey as two imperfect Christians being used and molded by our perfect God. Working together with a solid wall between them thrown up by Summer, see how the major challenges and trials of an investigation into evil was used by God to bring them together.
This book shows us the brokenness of both Summer and Grant and how that impacted their lives and their relationships. Don't miss their journey as two imperfect Christians being used and molded by our perfect God. Working together with a solid wall between them thrown up by Summer, see how the major challenges and trials of an investigation into evil was used by God to bring them together.
January 12, 2023
I liked it. It starts with lots of action and some suspense, the middle section is all about building of the relationships, then the end is action again and a mention of all the characters from previous books. I found that some questions were never answered and that did bother me a bit. No idea why Summer had such a terrible phobia of boats and what ever happened to Daniel? Hopefully those questions will be answered in another book. It wasn’t my favourite of her books but it wasn’t my least favourite either. It falls somewhat in the middle for me.
January 16, 2023
Another wonderful story from Robin Patchen.
January 12, 2023
Book 10 in this series doesn't disappoint. It follows Summer Lake in her role as a bodyguard and co-owner of a security firm in Boston. Suffice it to say, she gets in the thick of things and there's plenty of action. Anyone who likes romantic suspense will love this book. I didn't want to put it down!
January 13, 2023
Just finished this! Amazing! I couldn't put it down. Excellent plot and characters. Very well written.
January 11, 2023
I loved this book. I think Grant and Summer are my favorite couple. It is full of action, suspense, romance and faith. I couldn't put it down. Robin has another winner.
January 11, 2023
Well done! Following Lake and Grant as their relationship grows, twists and turns, suprises, suspense, its all here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
I was privileged to read an early copy of this book. I'm a huge Robin Patchen fan - that's no secret - but this one may be my favorite of hers so far. Yes. I know. I've said that about other books before... but she just keeps getting better and better! Lots of twists and turns and I-didn't-see-that-comings in this one. Love the hero in this story. Highly recommend!
January 28, 2025
Oh my goodness! This was such an incredible read—it had everything I was looking for and then some. The chemistry between the two characters was absolutely electric! This is definitely a must-read.🙌🏻❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews