Silent Shadows: Harbored Secrets #3 (2020) - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Harbored
Secrets (Book #3)
Paperback: 336
pages
Publisher: Revell
(March 31, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 080073534X
ISBN-13: 978-0800735340
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Purchase Information
“Pecca Gallegos moved
to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the
dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange
circumstances evolve into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely
ally--her stubborn patient.
Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.
With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.
With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
Thank you in advance to
the author, Natalie Walters, and publisher Revell Books for providing a
complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required. All words are my
own.
I am a member of the
author’s street team. That does not affect how I rate this book though.
This is the third; and
final book in the Harbored Secrets series. While each one can act as a
standalone, they are much more enjoyable as a series. And, this one makes me
want to revisit Walton, Georgia again from the beginning.
 |
| [All three #HarboredSecrets Books] |
In addition, during the
month of March, Revell’s “Beyond the Book” read-a-long was “Living Lies”.
I was introduced to the
author in May 2019 when I did a “takeover” tour with JustRead Publicity tours
for “Living Lies”.
The following October, I
was sent a complimentary copy of the second book “Deadly Deceit”, and enjoyed
reading that one. In fact, I hate to admit this (sorry, Natalie), I found
Deadly Deceit to be even better than “Living Lies”. In chapter 29 of this book,
there is a reference to the case from “Deadly Deceit” as well.
When the opportunity
came to be on the street team for this book – I JUMPED at it. Well, not
literally, but figuratively; and, no, not because this is a purple book. It’s
because I HAD to know how this series was going to end. And, I wanted to know
what was going on. I was already invested in it, and had to see it through to
the conclusion.
 |
| [They look beautiful together] |
It is kind of sad when a series ends – be it television or even a book series. Depending on how invested you are in the characters, it is like saying goodbye to them. This was no exception. I definitely feel sad about saying goodbye to my friends in Walton, but I can revisit with them someday down the road.
Most debut books have
something lacking, but that is to be expected. It is the writer’s debut book
after all, so there are bound to be mistakes or hiccups.
Walters’ debut with
“Living Lies” set a gold standard for a debut book. Yet, Walters managed to set
(and even go above) that standard with each installment.
The duo in this final
outing is Nurse Pecca Gallegos and Colton Crawford, an Army Veteran.
Colton is at the “Home
for Heroes” to recover from a “movement disorder.” The “Home for Heroes” was a
concept during “Living Lies” – where the building played a plot role. It was
previously called the Benedict House. One of the first residents to have been
there – Miguel – was not seen in this installment. I also don’t recall him from
“Deadly Deceit” either.
Lane’s parents were also
absent, so we never knew what happened to them, or rather Lane’s father and his
senate bid. (I wonder if the writer has something up her sleeve there).
Major characters
returning: Sheriff Huggins, his wife Ms. Byrdie, Deputy Charlie Lynch, and of
course Lane (with her son –Noah). Former Deputy Ryan Frost and reporter Vivian
DeMarco are mentioned and make a surprise return.
From the moment this
story begins, it is action packed. By chapter 8, there were bullets flying,
literally. And, like Walters’ previous novels, I couldn’t put this one down.
As usual, Walters
doesn’t disappoint, and I truly felt she gave this one 1000%. That’s not to say
the others were less. Not in anyway. This was just SO good for being the last
installment.
There were also more
humorous moments throughout this. Where “Living Lies” was serious, “Deadly
Deceit” more so; this had a bit more levity. That’s really evidenced with one
line on page 286 “whose driver offered a choice hand signal”.
I’ll admit, that despite the seriousness of the situation – that line make me
laugh out loud.
The characters were
wonderfully written! Since Walters already established Lane, Charlie, the
Sheriff, and Byrdie – more concentration went to Pecca and Colton, along with
the other supporting characters. There was a guy I didn’t trust (or like) from
the beginning. I’m wondering if I am alone with this one. But, from the first
page he’s introduced – I didn’t like him.
Since both Pecca and
Colton were from Texas, and I was born in Texas, I truly enjoyed that nod to my
home state. I appreciated the Whataburger reference even more!! And, I’m sadly
mourning the fact I haven’t had one in 14½ years.
The plot? Where I
thought I almost KNEW where it was going … I was wrong! It was definitely
interesting and didn’t lack. The surprise with Pecca’s sister? Pardon the caps
… DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!! I was definitely impressed. It had my heart racing
a few times. I was relieved that I was wrong in certain areas.
This is an “edge of the
seat”, “doesn’t stop” read. The ending? That was definitely a wild ride. The
way this was written, I was going through chapter after chapter. It sucked me
right in and didn’t let go. I really didn’t want to let go of this one either,
and was a bit sad when I reached the end of it.
A perfect balance of romance and suspense. And, although this is a Christian suspense novel, there were modest elements of faith thrown in. It isn’t overwhelming or preachy. There are no hot sex scenes, and no foul language for those looking for cleaner reads. I really did miss those either. The story and the characters are what drew me in.
A perfect balance of romance and suspense. And, although this is a Christian suspense novel, there were modest elements of faith thrown in. It isn’t overwhelming or preachy. There are no hot sex scenes, and no foul language for those looking for cleaner reads. I really did miss those either. The story and the characters are what drew me in.
There were times the
Spanish was distracting as I don’t speak or understand it, but it was so
minimal that I didn’t mind either taking notes to see what was being said, or
guessing.
I wouldn’t be surprised
to see Kekoa and Claudia back again in another series. And, for those who don’t
know – Natalie Walters has signed another contract with Revell for another
series, and dropped a few hints. Check out her Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter
(links at the bottom).
Natalie, thank you for
allowing me the pleasure and honor of being on your street team!!
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ –
Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ –
Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ –
Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Other Books in the
Series:
Series: Harbored
Secrets (Book #1)
Paperback: 336
pages
Publisher: Revell
(May 21, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800735323
ISBN-13: 978-0800735326
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Purchase Information
“In the little town
of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At
least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown
with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her
husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.
Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.”
Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.”
Series: Harbored
Secrets (Book #2)
Paperback: 336
pages
Publisher: Revell
(November 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800735331
ISBN-13: 978-0800735333
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Purchase Information
“Independent and
tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one
reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious
circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big
story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But
the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds
herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads,
incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront
the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake
of a headline?
Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Walters is
the author of Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. A
military wife of 22 years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier
husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published
in Proverbs 31 magazine and has blogged for Guideposts online.
In addition to balancing life as a military spouse, mom, and writer, she loves
connecting on social media, sharing her love of books, cooking, and traveling.
Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is
passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing
stories that affirm no one is defined by their past.
Natalie Walters can be found on the
following social media accounts:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/natwalterswrite
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