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Mission Hope #1
Blood Ransom
Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.
Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade#151;and a high-ranking political figure involved in it#151;disaster nips at their heels.
Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie, and Joseph win their race against time? Romance and adventure drive Blood Ransom, by Lisa Harris, a powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.
Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade#151;and a high-ranking political figure involved in it#151;disaster nips at their heels.
Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie, and Joseph win their race against time? Romance and adventure drive Blood Ransom, by Lisa Harris, a powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2010
179 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Harris
128 books1,278 followersLISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
She has fifty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 9, 2016
This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. It made it easy to stay awake on a long drive as Natalie ran for her life in a third-world African country. I loved both main characters and stayed engaged in the story even when the characters made crazy decisions a couple of times. I'd be sitting there wanting to say, "No! Don't do that!"...as if they could hear me...
It was great to hear the descriptions, which put me right there in the story, and made me feel as though everything were really happening.
Five stars to the narrator, who did a smashing job, even right down to the accents.
It was great to hear the descriptions, which put me right there in the story, and made me feel as though everything were really happening.
Five stars to the narrator, who did a smashing job, even right down to the accents.
August 17, 2018
4.5 stars
Wow! That was really good. RTC
Wow! That was really good. RTC
August 23, 2019
4.5 stars for this romantic suspense from Lisa Harris. This one was lighter on the romance (which is how I prefer it) and had a very strong faith thread as well as a healthy dose of action and suspense. Natalie and Chad are both in Africa working for aid organizations when the most controversial political campaign in 17 years comes along. Those that remember the coup from 17 years ago are anxious. Meanwhile, there are other seemingly unrelated issues going on in the remote villages of the country. When Natalie finds herself in the middle of things, will she let things go to save her own life or will she act on the knowledge she's been given? And where does faith come into all of these tragedies? This was such a great story!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story-line and the character development. Natalie was a character that I could really relate to, and in real life, we could have been good friends. Chad is a good counterpart for her and they do a good job of keeping their attraction for each other at bay until after their lives are no longer in danger. Ms. Harris does a fantastic job of painting a picture of the African rain-forests and desert areas. I could actually see the landscapes in my mind's eye. This was a very well-written book that I could vividly visualize and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Perhaps it was the kindle version that I have, but there were several typos in my copy that detracted from my enjoyment of the story mildly (hence the 4.5 stars instead of a full 5; however, I rounded up instead of down in my star rating in case that was actually JUST my version), so if you're nit-picky about those things like I am, be aware that it may be a problem. It was not so much of an issue that I didn't still love the story, though. I highly recommend this one for fans of inspirational suspense with a touch of romance!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story-line and the character development. Natalie was a character that I could really relate to, and in real life, we could have been good friends. Chad is a good counterpart for her and they do a good job of keeping their attraction for each other at bay until after their lives are no longer in danger. Ms. Harris does a fantastic job of painting a picture of the African rain-forests and desert areas. I could actually see the landscapes in my mind's eye. This was a very well-written book that I could vividly visualize and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Perhaps it was the kindle version that I have, but there were several typos in my copy that detracted from my enjoyment of the story mildly (hence the 4.5 stars instead of a full 5; however, I rounded up instead of down in my star rating in case that was actually JUST my version), so if you're nit-picky about those things like I am, be aware that it may be a problem. It was not so much of an issue that I didn't still love the story, though. I highly recommend this one for fans of inspirational suspense with a touch of romance!
January 4, 2016
This book had been on my "T.B.R." list for a long time. This year I want to shrink this list. The book was full of adventure and mystery. I did enjoy the undertone of "God is in control." I could believe most of the characters. I think the story was based on some true facts. The author did well making the reader aware that these situations really do happen. The ending was a little to wrapped up for my liking, but it was typical.
September 1, 2020
Loved this book and everything it had to say about mission work and Africa. Since this is Harris's lived experience (minus the killing) she knows what she is talking about. Excellent mystery and heart combined.
May 4, 2018
4.5 Stars
Mrs. Harris does an amazing job depicting life in Africa. The descriptions were very well done. She thoroughly did a great job describing the culture of the country.
It was really cool to see life in a different country. At the same time, it was also sobering when things I know I take for granted, are not even options for people there.
For example, clean running water, air conditioning, abundant food and clothing, reliable transportation and communication are not a reality for many people there sadly.
This book makes me more thankful for all of His blessings He's given me. The themes of faith are strong with Christ's love, sacrifice and forgiveness woven into the story. I look forward to reading the second book in this series!
Mrs. Harris does an amazing job depicting life in Africa. The descriptions were very well done. She thoroughly did a great job describing the culture of the country.
It was really cool to see life in a different country. At the same time, it was also sobering when things I know I take for granted, are not even options for people there.
For example, clean running water, air conditioning, abundant food and clothing, reliable transportation and communication are not a reality for many people there sadly.
This book makes me more thankful for all of His blessings He's given me. The themes of faith are strong with Christ's love, sacrifice and forgiveness woven into the story. I look forward to reading the second book in this series!
April 6, 2024
Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhamiazao (fictional) when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon, who is volunteering in a small clinic in the same area. But they get pulled into a strange group of rebel soldiers when a young boy who is injured shows them pictures of the Ghost Soldiers he took as these soldiers hauled off the strong to be used as slaves in mines and killed off the young, weak, and elderly. Will Chad, Natalie and Joseph win their race against time and an election that may change the entire scope of the country?
Romance and adventure drive this thriller about modern-day slave trade and those who are fighting it. As always an excellent thriller with an unusual story line from Lisa Harris.
Romance and adventure drive this thriller about modern-day slave trade and those who are fighting it. As always an excellent thriller with an unusual story line from Lisa Harris.
January 16, 2018
Another great story from Lisa Harris!
Lisa Harris has created a fictional country in Africa, but has given it a very realistic setting with current issues and problems that face that continent. Modern day slavery, corruption, election rigging, mining of natural resources - all feature in this story.
It forces several characters to have to make some hard decisions. When faced with the truth are they going to:
~ organise a cover-up so no one else finds out?
~ look the other way?
~ hold their heads down and not get involved so they can survive the mess when it unfolds?
~ stand up and fight for the truth to be known...no matter what the cost?
I did get caught up in the story - so much so that at times I was saying Noooo! Don't do that! Just don't! Yeah, like they could hear me, or that it would change the direction of the story! So, it's the mark of a good storyteller, I guess.
I appreciated the story, how it made you think, and that the answers weren't easy. I liked how it was shown that doing the right thing can be very difficult and you sometimes wonder where on earth God is in all of it.
I also liked that the chapters were fairly short. I think the story would have got quite intense if we didn't have the shorter breaks, so for this story the shorter chapters worked well.
Looking forward to reading
very soon!
Lisa Harris has created a fictional country in Africa, but has given it a very realistic setting with current issues and problems that face that continent. Modern day slavery, corruption, election rigging, mining of natural resources - all feature in this story.
It forces several characters to have to make some hard decisions. When faced with the truth are they going to:
~ organise a cover-up so no one else finds out?
~ look the other way?
~ hold their heads down and not get involved so they can survive the mess when it unfolds?
~ stand up and fight for the truth to be known...no matter what the cost?
I did get caught up in the story - so much so that at times I was saying Noooo! Don't do that! Just don't! Yeah, like they could hear me, or that it would change the direction of the story! So, it's the mark of a good storyteller, I guess.
I appreciated the story, how it made you think, and that the answers weren't easy. I liked how it was shown that doing the right thing can be very difficult and you sometimes wonder where on earth God is in all of it.
I also liked that the chapters were fairly short. I think the story would have got quite intense if we didn't have the shorter breaks, so for this story the shorter chapters worked well.
Looking forward to reading
very soon!
January 2, 2011
I stumbled upon Lisa Harris's blog by accident. I was immediately impressed with her ministry and heart for God. After reading her blog, I discovered that she was also an author! I looked up her books right away, and was drawn to BLOOD RANSOM. I quickly added it to my Christmas wish list.
Once I turned the first page I was hooked! The prologue was wonderfully written! It captured me and left me yearning for more. But believe me, every single page was just as wonderful. Each twist and turn kept me guessing and rooting for the characters that captured my heart. Natalie, Chad & Joseph were charming and bold. Committed fully to helping people and making the world a better place. The dialog was witty, and kept me smiling.
What a powerful book! I wish there were more authors like Mrs. Harris, authors that are not afraid to tell the truth. This is a gem ladies and gentleman. Enjoy. :)
Once I turned the first page I was hooked! The prologue was wonderfully written! It captured me and left me yearning for more. But believe me, every single page was just as wonderful. Each twist and turn kept me guessing and rooting for the characters that captured my heart. Natalie, Chad & Joseph were charming and bold. Committed fully to helping people and making the world a better place. The dialog was witty, and kept me smiling.
What a powerful book! I wish there were more authors like Mrs. Harris, authors that are not afraid to tell the truth. This is a gem ladies and gentleman. Enjoy. :)
August 19, 2010
I really enjoyed this story. The suspense kept me turning the pages. Natalie was a strong heroine who was a match for the villains. The author discussed a problem (slave trade) that needs to be addressed. A job well done.
July 9, 2017
I discovered Lisa Harris as an author about 2 years ago. Love her books. They always keep me on the edge of my seat & awake most of the night. Blood Ransom is a page turner and it deals with slavery in today's world. She will touch your heart with what is happening today all over the world especially in Africa. This is the first in a series & I can't wait to start reading the next book. You can read it as a stand alone without a problem.
There is so much action and suspense. I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend any books by Lisa Harris. She went to my top 10 favorite authors.
I received this book free and asked to leave an honest review. I didn't go into the details of the book because other reviewers have already said it all. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a Christian romantic suspense to read. Whenever I receive one of her books I put whatever I'm reading aside to read Lisa Harris' book.
There is so much action and suspense. I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend any books by Lisa Harris. She went to my top 10 favorite authors.
I received this book free and asked to leave an honest review. I didn't go into the details of the book because other reviewers have already said it all. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a Christian romantic suspense to read. Whenever I receive one of her books I put whatever I'm reading aside to read Lisa Harris' book.
November 7, 2017
Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris is set in Dhambizao and deals with a topic I'm not real familiar with, modern day slavery. It was very intriguing to read about what's going on in the world. I feel very blessed to live in the US and have the opportunities we take for granted on a daily basis.
Natalie and Chad went to the same high school but when they meet up in Africa, they find out they really didn't know each other at all. With a Presidential election coming up and the possibility of Ghost Soldiers taking entire villages for slave laborers, Natalie and Chad find themselves in constant danger.
This book has tons of drama, suspense and heart stopping moments that's hard to put down. I highly recommend reading Blood Ransom. I can't wait to see what Blood Covenant has in store.
Natalie and Chad went to the same high school but when they meet up in Africa, they find out they really didn't know each other at all. With a Presidential election coming up and the possibility of Ghost Soldiers taking entire villages for slave laborers, Natalie and Chad find themselves in constant danger.
This book has tons of drama, suspense and heart stopping moments that's hard to put down. I highly recommend reading Blood Ransom. I can't wait to see what Blood Covenant has in store.
June 19, 2018
4.5 stars
"Ghost Soldiers"!
When photos taken by a twelve year old boy substantiate what many believe to be a myth, Dhambizao health care worker Natalie Sinclair feels compelled to take action. Convincing a fellow American, Dr. Chad Talcott, to accompany her to the capital city of Bogama with the evidence, the trio finds that travelling anywhere just days before a highly charged presidential election can be nearly impossible. Finding a flight seems providential, until a mechanical malfunction drops them into the middle of the jungle, where it seems that armed militia men now exactly who they are and where they are going. How much blood will be shed before Dhambizao's international corruption is encapsulated?
What a well written story!
"Ghost Soldiers"!
When photos taken by a twelve year old boy substantiate what many believe to be a myth, Dhambizao health care worker Natalie Sinclair feels compelled to take action. Convincing a fellow American, Dr. Chad Talcott, to accompany her to the capital city of Bogama with the evidence, the trio finds that travelling anywhere just days before a highly charged presidential election can be nearly impossible. Finding a flight seems providential, until a mechanical malfunction drops them into the middle of the jungle, where it seems that armed militia men now exactly who they are and where they are going. How much blood will be shed before Dhambizao's international corruption is encapsulated?
What a well written story!
July 27, 2020
Deep in the heart of Africa, Natalie Sinclair works to eradicate a disease decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao, Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on a sabbatical, volunteers at a small clinic. Joseph Komboli discovers that rebel soldiers abducted his family and friends. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade and the high-ranking political figure involved in it—the three of them soon find themselves running for their lives.
A book about the modern-day slave trade. Interesting and thrilling. The scenes flow into each other, drawing the reader deeper into the story. Danger around every corner. I loved this book. It's one I'll long remember.
A book about the modern-day slave trade. Interesting and thrilling. The scenes flow into each other, drawing the reader deeper into the story. Danger around every corner. I loved this book. It's one I'll long remember.
November 8, 2017
This is an action-packed Christian thriller! This story was very realistic and very intense! This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I also learned a lot about Africa and the problems they face. Very well written!
This book was a finalist for the Christy Award in 2011 in the contemporary romance category. In my opinion there was very little romance as the characters don't have time to act upon their feelings (after all they are running for their lives!) until the very end. So I was surprised this was in the contemporary romance category. It seems like it should have been in the suspense category.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Lisa Harris!
This book was a finalist for the Christy Award in 2011 in the contemporary romance category. In my opinion there was very little romance as the characters don't have time to act upon their feelings (after all they are running for their lives!) until the very end. So I was surprised this was in the contemporary romance category. It seems like it should have been in the suspense category.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Lisa Harris!
March 5, 2020
This was my first book by Harris and I greatly enjoyed it. It was definitely an interesting setting for me as this book takes place primarily in Africa.
What I Liked: This was a good introduction to this author, I think. I will definitely read her sequel to this book sometime soon. Natalie and Chad were both very likeable characters who struggled throughout this book understanding why God allows such horrible things and corruption in the world. They know it’s because of sin, but when they live amongst such perversion of justice, it’s hard for them to come to grips with that reality that sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to, and sometimes the results are painful.
I really appreciated how Lisa Harris dealt with such a deep, difficult topic. She handled it very well, I thought, with the characters growing in their faith throughout the book and even being able to encourage their young African friend, Joseph.
All of the details that went into this book were skillfully written. It felt well researched and the plot flowed together seamlessly.
What I Didn’t Like: There really wasn’t anything that I disliked.
I give this book 4/5 stars for this story and I look forward to reading more by this author.
What I Liked: This was a good introduction to this author, I think. I will definitely read her sequel to this book sometime soon. Natalie and Chad were both very likeable characters who struggled throughout this book understanding why God allows such horrible things and corruption in the world. They know it’s because of sin, but when they live amongst such perversion of justice, it’s hard for them to come to grips with that reality that sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to, and sometimes the results are painful.
I really appreciated how Lisa Harris dealt with such a deep, difficult topic. She handled it very well, I thought, with the characters growing in their faith throughout the book and even being able to encourage their young African friend, Joseph.
All of the details that went into this book were skillfully written. It felt well researched and the plot flowed together seamlessly.
What I Didn’t Like: There really wasn’t anything that I disliked.
I give this book 4/5 stars for this story and I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 6, 2024
My eyes were open to the problems in Africa and how bad the situation is in many parts of Africa. The slave situations all around our world is very bad and getting worst even here in America. I liked how Natalie and Chad always looked to God for help in their situations. I think Joseph was a very brave young man with the terrible sight he saw with his village. This is a very good story and I am looking forward to readying Blood Covenant. I will recommend this novel to all the people that come into our church library looking for something good to read.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
October 20, 2017
Saving Joseph's future.
Praying it really took me awhile to get into this book. If I had known more about the topic I know I would have enjoyed it much more. If the author had written her comments at the beginning I think it would have been a book I could not have laid down.
Praying it really took me awhile to get into this book. If I had known more about the topic I know I would have enjoyed it much more. If the author had written her comments at the beginning I think it would have been a book I could not have laid down.
October 28, 2017
Five stars for an intense, compelling story from an author with mission experience in Africa. Events are so real, I had to remind myself that I wasn't actually there!
See how life is for many in central Africa . . .
See how life is for many in central Africa . . .
September 28, 2018
Couldn’t put this book down! Was trying out some other books I had downloaded and most were so badly written I couldn’t get past the second page. This one was different. I loved the setting and the characters. Will definitely try some of her other books.
April 5, 2019
I just finished reading this book. Wow!
Slavery, corruption, fictional African country, kidnapping, bombing, Interpol, United Nations, and so much more is contained within the pages of this book. I couldn't put it down.
Slavery, corruption, fictional African country, kidnapping, bombing, Interpol, United Nations, and so much more is contained within the pages of this book. I couldn't put it down.
August 11, 2017
The story line was written very well, although the romance b/t Chad and Natalie was a bit cheesy. I was moderately surprised at the ending.
April 27, 2018
Good story. But, it was a little confusing in the first few chapters. Trying to figure out who was who.
August 3, 2019
Loved the characters and the plot; and the compassion for down-trodden people in Africa.
January 5, 2020
Excellent book
August 4, 2020
Excellent read. Heartfelt and informative. Yes, we live in a world the abuses power against the weak.
December 3, 2020
Writing got a little clunky here and there but I really appreciated the unique setting—missions and NGOs in Africa, dealing with extreme poverty and corruption.
June 11, 2022
Great story of intrigue in a small African countries election.
April 26, 2023
I appreciated that the story took place in modern-day Africa - as someone living in Africa, so many of the descriptions and details felt familiar and relatable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews