Silent Protector

by Barbara Phinney

His life as a U.S. marshal was something Pastor Ian McNeal had left behind...until he's asked to care for little Charlie Troop. The boy witnessed a terrible crime and hasn't spoken since--except to his Auntie Liz, the one adult he trusts. Ian just wants to find the truth, something only Charlie can reveal. But Charlie isn't talking, and Liz is determined to protect Charlie against anyone who'd hurt, frighten or pressure him--including Ian. Yet with a killer dead set on making sure Charlie never speaks again, a protector like Ian is just what Liz and Charlie need.

Genres: Romance, Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Mystery, Christian, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2010

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspirational suspense story featuring young Charlie Troop-who witnessed his father’s murder; Charlie’s Aunt Liz-who is the only person Charlie will speak to; and Pastor Ian McNeal-who is a former U.S. marshal and is assigned to protect Charlie. This was a good enough read although I wasn’t always as invested in the story or the characters as I had hoped to be. I did enjoy the setting on an island in Florida with an impending hurricane and its subsequent arrival on land.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Troop saw his father murdered. Pastor Ian McNeal has been called back into the US Marshalls to help with Charlie's protection. Charlie's Aunt Liz flies in from Maine to take Charlie home with her. Ian knows the man that killed Charlie's Dad is planning to kill him. On top of all the danger from a murderer a hurricane is heading for them. Lots of excitement. Really good read.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Liz finds out her nephew has witnessed a terrible crime, she vows to do anything to protect him. Including being ran off the road, a poisonous snake put in her bag, and other things, just makes Liz determined to keep her nephew safe. Ian, a former US marshal and now a Pastor has also vowed to keep the nephew safe. But putting Ian and Liz together may be a match not made in heaven.

[Lindsey Haderlie Boulier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that have suspense but are also clean and have a little bit of Christian faith. This one is about I little boy who is taken into protective custody but he will not say who killed his dad. He eventually opens up to his protector and helps solve the case.

[Judine Brey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book too abrupt in general. I didn't buy Ian and Liz's relationship, and I had so little connection to the characters I almost stopped reading half-way through.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining story, but it is one I can put down and pick back up with ease. It's not a story I can't wait to get back to. The story was just okay.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a ten year old boy witnesses the brutal murder of his father one night, his life hangs in the balance. Because the murderers are high dangerous and will do anything to kill any witnesses, the police put the boy in protective custody with ex-U.S. marshal turned preacher, Ian McNeal and tells his aunt the boy is dead. But when he contacts her two days later from a stolen cell phone, he's able to give his location. Now, not only does Ian have to protect the little boy, but also his protective aunt.

Though the story was interesting and the romance, though a bit long in coming, was a bit fast, there were things that just didn't jive well in this story. Since the boy is in police protective custody and the father (I'm assuming) didn't leave any kind of will, Liz had no authority to take Charlie from Ian. I kept waiting for Ian to tell her he has custody of the boy, but he acted like she could take Charlie and wouldn't be able to stop him. I wasn't sure what the deal was with this whole thing - seemed she would have been kidnapping the child if she had taken him...

[Alexa Verde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual and beautiful Liz Tate travels far to protect her little nephew Charlie Troop, who stopped talking after seeing his father killed. But Charlie already has a SILENT PROTECTOR by his side, Pastor Ian McNeal, who is also dead set on finding the murderer. Between Ian's founding a Shepherd's Smile community in an impoverished area and working on clues, Liz doubts that Ian will find time and energy to properly care for Charlie. That is, until a set of scary and mysterious events shows them they need each other to help the boy - and themselves - to survive.

I also always enjoy to escape into tropical settings, and the latter almost becomes a character itself in SILENT PROTECTOR. The beauty of Florida nature combined with a threat of the coming storm are a great addition to the story.

[Judine · Rating 2 out of 5]

In general, I found this book to be too abrupt. Not only did I not buy Ian and Liz's relationship (which was completely surrounding a child), but I had so little connection to the characters that I almost stopped reading halfway through. The suspense was there, but it wasn't strong enough to save the rest of the novel.

[John Hanscom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty standard.