This was a very, very good book. The characters were great, believable and the story had me hooked right away. The storyline had a lot of twist and turns and guessing what was happening next. I love how it showed a lot of good family values and some disappointing family issues as well and how the characters reacted to each one and their families. It’s always nice reading a christian book and this fits that as well. The story between the main characters Summer Lake and Grant Wright was enjoyable. I cannot say enough about how great the book is. I just wish I had a man like Grant Wright…I can only dream. ( )

Courage in the Shadows by Robin Patchen is a work of Christian Romantic Suspense by Robin Patchen. She’s a supermodel turned bodyguard. Grant is her cousin’s best friend who works with them both. Samantha works to overcome a past including abuse by her father and being kidnapped when she was a supermodel.

While on assignment together to protect a governor from Mexico, Samatha finds herself facing the dangerous individual who masterminded her kidnapping in the past. Grant attempts to protect Samantha while facing his own struggles with his past. I thought Robin Patchen did an excellent job revealing his backstory, introducing his family, and especially describing the family’s camp.

I loved reading this next book in the Coventry series. It is full of family, faith, danger, and suspense. The author did an excellent job developing characters I wanted to get to know while creating a plot line that kept me interested.

I definitely loved this book, and I recommend reading the series in order. I also look forward to reading the next book in the series. So check out Courage in the Shadows for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I love reading books by this author because she delivers action, suspense and characters that are strong in faith. I enjoy getting to know them on a deeper level and this story especially was geared toward safety, forgiveness and family. We learn more about Summer in this book which helped me understand some of her decisions. She is flawed but still desires to have a family bond. That was almost taken away at one time so she works even harder to protect those close to her. When danger comes her way she reaches out to her cousin for help. I liked her cousin and how he was always there for her. One thing I really liked about Summer was that she refused to ever be weak again. Having that taken away from her has drawn her back to her faith.

With the addition of Grant to the story he brings intelligence, deep feelings for Summer and the intense need to protect her. Summer is on the run from someone from her past who is not just dangerous but vindictive. Grant has this sense of trying to out wit the enemy but at times Summer tries to exclude him. I wonder if sharing his feelings for her was such a great idea? She is nowhere near wanting to let anyone in and Grant will have to break down emotional walls to make her feel loved.

There is a part in the story when Summer meets Grant’s family. The tension between Grant and his brother Bryan has been stewing for years. I liked how the author showed how important it is to keep a close relationship with your family. As Summer observes Grant with his siblings and parents her heart hungers for a family like his. I could relate to Summer yearning for a close knit family. She knows that Grant and Bryan have issues with each other, but she prays that they can work it out. It is interesting to see that Grant can’t forgive himself for something that happened to his brother when they were younger, while Bryan comes to realize he needs to forgive Grant.

Be ready for a story with non stop action as the author delivers us a lesson in forgiveness and trusting God. The ending is worthy of an Emmy as we are taken deep into the world of drugs with danger on a yacht and lives at stake. In the midst of danger our characters turn to God for help and put their faith in him.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

If you’re ready for heart-pounding suspense, combined with great truths and an unrequited love trope, consider Courage in the Shadows by Robin Patchen. Although it’s book 9 in the Coventry Saga, I had no trouble following the action without having read most of the previous books.

It’s a little hard to identify with two very gorgeous looking people who are also security guards, but not so hard to identify with their insecurities. And don’t we all have them? Summer Lake wants to depend on no one, because people in her past have failed her. Grant Wright, her coworker, can’t overcome guilt from his past, which robs him of his family. Can these two hurting souls find peace or will their lives be extinguished before they know where to search for what they most need?

This romantic suspense tale kept me on pins and needles. I loved the way Patchen weaves Truth into the story, such as when Bryan informs Grant, “…you don’t have the power to destroy God’s plan for my life. He was in it all along.” Or when a character muses, “Maybe that was the lesson of life, that there was no true security…But…but God. God offered a true foundation.”

Patchen also gives levity at some serious moments, and I loved it!
“There’s nothing more important than confidence, especially when you have no idea what you’re doing.” I just want to laugh hilariously at the next statement.
“…if she was a believer, then that meant the last obstacle to their being together was gone. Well, except that she could barely stand him.”

I have a penchant for choosing favorite secondary characters. Bryan is my choice here. He has matured so much since childhood and helps both Grant and Summer invaluably.

One last note. Rather than provide an epilogue at the end of the book, there is a link to get it.

I was provided a copy of the book by Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ( )

Perfect love casts out fear. But what is perfect love - something Summer Lake doesn’t think she knows anything about. Fear she understands, however, learning to trust anyone is almost impossible. There are too many things in her past for her to believe in trust, even to trust the Lord. What else will she have to experience in order to believe that God is there with her?

This author just draws you in and doesn’t let go - there is constant action. Kidnapping, drug cartels, antiquity smuggling and murder are just the start of a story that makes you wonder if our wonderful characters will survive this one. It is heartwarming to be a part of the forgiveness experienced by those who have been estranged for years. You don’t want to miss this latest chronicle in the Coventry Saga.

An early copy was received through BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )