After three years in the witness protection program, Sadie Malone’s life in Texas is bland and humdrum--until she meets a new co-worker. Bowen Boudine ignites a flame in Sadie's long-dormant heart, but when she discovers he knows her true identity, she attempts to flee. He thwarts her escape and reveals the reason he’s been sent to locate her.
Bowen, a seasoned operative with International Retrieval Organization takes his job escorting Sadie safely back to California seriously, but quickly finds he's falling for her. Can he maintain a professional relationship while he protects her from the crime boss her testimony helped to convict?
Sadie Malone has been in the Witness Protection Program for 3 years, following the deaths of her husband and young daughter. She and her husband were computer experts who found evidence of drug smuggling, and human trafficking by the company who had hired them. Sadie's testimony sent the owner to prison, but his son was not charged and he swore that she would pay.
Bowen Boudine is an operative with International Retrieval Corporation. He has been hired by Sadie's brother-in-law to find her. He has extremely important information for her that will change her entire life.
But first she has to trust him and right now, all she wants to do is run. The information he has for her sends her packing her bags and ready to go back to California. The only other person she can trust is her handler, Griff. And then he is murdered. Is there a leak in WITSEC?
Bowen has sworn to protect her, but can he keep his mind on the game instead of his growing feelings for her? The trip back is fraught with danger. Some people will lose their lives, others will have their lives changed in different ways.
This is a Christian Romantic Suspense. Heavy on Suspense. The characters are easy to like. Even the bad guys aren't as scary as they could be. The story line is good, even if it is a little light weight. Enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author / Pelican Book Group - Harbourlight Books / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Goree gives readers a good sense of what it must be like to be in a witness protection program with constant awareness and sense of danger. Sadie (Debra) seemed to be a woman of mixed character. At times she acted strong but at other times she made foolish decisions that endangered herself and others. Bowen is a good hero. I appreciate that the budding romance aspect was controlled until the situation was resolved. And as for Smitty, if I was Ginger I'd fire him on the spot.
The aspect of this novel I liked the best is the strong faith message. The plot worked relatively well. Much of the early part of the book deals with character development with most suspense left until near the end. I am not sure the villain would really agree to the suspenseful meet up but, then again, this is fiction. This is the first book in a series featuring a private retrieval agency.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Weep in the Night is fast-paced inspirational suspense that is well-written with Biblical scriptures that add to the characters' development throughout the story.
Sadie, whose husband and daughter, are killed in an auto accident is in the Witness Protection Program, but also on the run. Her assigned protector, Bowen, takes his job seriously always trying to stay one step ahead but struggling with his faith. Sadie also struggles with her faith but has accepted her past and tried to come to grips with it. She never loses hope.
There are lots of twists along the way and a surprise ending you will love. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
"Weep in the Night" by Valerie Massey Goree kept me reading to the end. The book was hard for me to read somewhat as the story was about a car wreck, Anything with car wrecks right now is hard for me due to the season of grieving in my life. If a reader likes story that keep them on the edge of their seats, then I recommend this book. It was interesting to read how someone has to live in the WITSEC? I am sure I couldn't live in it, I am not good with secrets! I liked that the damsel in distress was named Debra, not to many people spell it lot that and I was glad to see it spelled liked that because it is how my name is spelled. The characters in this novel seemed "Real Life. I really liked the faith element in the story as well. I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
From the moment I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I love a good suspense story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author delivers a story that has me so glued to the pages that I blocked everything around me out. There are many stories out there about the Witness Protection Program, but this one felt real to me. It would be very difficult to give up everything and start a new life.
Sadie has no choice but to change her life and leave behind memories of her husband and daughter. Trying to keep a low profile, she works and keeps to herself. She changes the way she looks and is very careful not to get to close to anyone at work. While I was reading the story, I thought about the emotional burden Sadie carries with her everyday. Her handler assures her she is safe until one day everything changes.
Bowen works with Sadie and tries to befriend her but I think Sadie was suspicious of him. His questions seemed innocent but he had to make sure Sadie was the woman he has been assigned to find. My radar raised a little as I tried to figure out if he was a good guy or a bad guy. When he finally opens up to Sadie she is confused. Is he there to protect her or to kill her? The author cleverly gives readers clues as to who Bowen is and slowly his mission is revealed.
With twists throughout the story I was completed caught off guard at some of surprises the author delivers. I did like the focus being on protecting Sadie and not so much on a romance developing between them. This to me makes the story better because we get plenty of danger and see how intricate an operation is to keep someone safe. Bowen is clever and doesn’t take any chances with Sadie’s life. Spending time together on the run, helps Sadie start to trust Bowen more.
The story is not with a great faith element. In fact Sadie spends many nights reading her Bible and praying. It gives her a chance to share her faith with Bowen. He has struggled for years believing that God will never forgive him. Maybe Sadie can help him understand that God forgives us and welcomes us into His grace. This is perhaps my favorite part in the entire story because it illustrates no matter what sin you may have committed, God is there to show His unconditional love. Get ready for an ending that holds a big surprise.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Valerie Massey Goree is a newer author to me. I have read a few other books by this author and I have always enjoyed her stories. Weep in the Night was an amazing read. Sadie Malone has been in witness protection for three years. Her testimony helped put a crime boss away for the murder of her husband and daughter. She has been living a quiet routine life.
Bowen Boudine who is with the International Retrieval Organization shows up. He knows who she really is and tells her she has to come home to California. Sadie, her first instinct is to run, she is still very fearful of the crime boss. Bowen convinces her he can protect her. She is not sure if she cant trust him - especially when she finds out her handler has been murdered.
This book is full of twists and turns. This will be a book that you will want to carve some time out to read. It is packed full of suspense in it's 302 pages. The author has done really good research to how witness protection works - and she makes the story feel real. I cannot imagine leaving everything that I have known behind - and starting over with a new name, identity and no link to the past.
The author has created a great unique story line, she has well developed real feeling characters. This is the first book in the Stolen Lives Trilogy. I have read them out of order, and that does not affect the stories at all. They can all be read as stand alone books.
Thank you the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Program for allowing me to read a copy of this book --- all thoughts are my own.
Weep in the Night is one of those fast-paced books that you just can’t devour fast enough. And staying up late to finish it is so worth it. I was so pleased to learn it is part of a trilogy.
This is a suspense heavy book. The main character Sadie is in WITSEC after her husband and young daughter are killed. She puts away the bad guy with her testimony but his son is out there just trying to find her and make his revenge. Can she stay one step away from the bad guy when there seems to be a hole in WITSEC?
But most of all can she trust Bowen with her life and her heart? He seems to be her best bet at this point. Can he protect her and his heart at the same time?
I really enjoyed this book and could not wait to get book two in my hands. It’s heavy on the suspense with a reasonable dose of romance and Christian faith thrown in.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Weep In The Night is part of the Stolen Lives series by Valerie Massey Goree. I have read and enjoyed the other two books from the series and thought they were great. I absolutely loved this one even more. Even though it is part of the series, it can be read as a stand alone. This time readers will be introduced to Sadie, who is in the witness protection program after her daughter and husband died. In comes Bowen and wants to protect her. Because of what she has been through and her life is in jeopardy, she does not trust easily. I thought this was a great suspense filled tale to read. It had some twists and turns that I did not see coming. I never knew what was coming happen next. I had to keep reading to find out what would become of Sadie and Bowen. I could not put this action packed story down until I read the whole book in one sitting.
I would give Weep In The Night one hundred stars if I could. I know romantic suspense lovers will want to pick this one up. I highly recommend it! It is a great, clean read. I can not wait to read more by Valerie Massey Goree. She definitely has a fan of her work here.
I received a digital copy of Weep In The Night from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
What I think you should know: Weep in the Night by Valerie Massey Goree is Christian Fiction, however I would categorize it as Romantic Suspense. This is the first in the Stolen Lives series and features Sadie Malone who has been in Witness Protection since her husband and daughter were killed.
What you might need to know: Sadie’s Husband and Daughter were murdered prior to the start of this book.
What I think about this book: This was such an interesting story, from the beginning you know that Sadie is hiding and that Bowen is not who he said he is, but who can Sadie trust. I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery of this story, the secrets were slowly revealed in a way that kept me engaged and invested in the story. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing what was going to happen next. This was the first book I read by Goree, but it will not be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Sadie Malone has learned to stay under the radar. She usually answers to her new last name. And she tries forget the life that once included a husband and daughter. To keep herself safe, she can no longer remember those that were lost to her.
For the first time since she became a widow, she notices another man. But then she discovers that Bowen is not who he seems. Who can she trust?
This series features the International Retrieval Organization. I have read some books featuring characters in the witness protection program. I felt like the different precautions and layers of this story seemed realistic. Mostly everything rang true. The relationship might have moved a bit quickly. But I appreciated the emphasis on faith and on trusting God even during hard to understand situations. Only a few parts of the plot seemed improbable.
This was a great first book in the series, and I will definitely read more.
Imagine being in the witness protection program requiring you to always be on guard. Sadie Malone lives such a life. Dealing with the deaths of her husband and daughter causes Sadie to be distant from God. But gradually, she draws nearer to God.
Meanwhile, Bowen Boudine enters Sadie’s life and reveals his knowledge of Sadie’s true identity, Sent by Sadie’s brother-in-law to bring Sadie back to California to be reunited with her daughter, the two deal with their developing feelings who,e dealing with danger around them. The ending provided the perfect conclusion to this series.
As the first book in a series, I loved being introduced to the characters and look forward to reading the next books in this series. I definitely recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Loved this book. I just love romantic suspense anyway, but I fell in love with these characters. I can't imagine being in witness protection or the reason Sadie was there (completely heartbreaking). But when Bowen shows up, everything changes.
Loved the suspense. Loved the action. The characters were easy to like even when they made silly mistakes. Bowen was a professional and I loved the way he was drawn to Sadie. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Here is a very well-developed novel filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense and featuring a fascinating variety of characters. This new to me author has certainly crafted a captivating story that draws you in and holds you fast. Very well done! As their faith in Jesus is revived, the two main characters are filled with peace and confidence in facing together a hope-filled future. All in all, this one is a winner and I highly recommend it! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
Weep In The Night: Stolen Lives Book 1. A wonderful work of Christian fiction. The story was realistic. The characters were believable. A good good read
For three years Sadie Malone has been in witness protection. That's a long time for someone to settle into a new identity, and a new, supposedly safe life. She's had a lot of grieving, because her husband and her little daughter were killed, which is why she was moved to witness protection. I really felt for her already at this point! But her whole world is about to be rocked again, when Bowen Boudine enters the scene. He not only flares emotions long forgotten, but he has information that is going to totally, completely, oh so majorly change her life!
As a romantic suspense, this book is clean. It's also leans heavily on the suspense, which it does well. The suspense rises even more when Sadie's handler is murdered. What does it take to keep her safe and free her from the secrets that until recently only God knew about in full? What plans does God have for her or for Boudine? With a strong faith thread worked into the plot, this book was a nice read for a suspenseful weekend.
My digital copy came from Celebrate Lit. This review is my own and contains what I thought about this book A positive review is never required.
"Nah. It's just little ol' me." His shoulders drooped, which caught her attention. "Had a wife and little girl." Antennae now on full alert, Sadie rummaged in her purse for her keys. "What happened?" She expected to hear about a divorce, but his next words stunned her. "They were killed in a car wreck." Just like her family. Goosebumps pinpricked her arms. To hide her alarm, she pressed the car remote.
Sadie is definitely living a lonely, sad life in the Witness Protection Program. She has had to be relocated already as her identity was compromised. She is forced to treat everyone she meets with suspicion. Meeting Bowen Boudine sends sparks through her from the first introduction, but she is also highly suspicious of him. He finally reveals something truly life altering to her, and that he knows her true identity. He is not the bad guy though; he is working to protect her. But his heart becomes entangled with Sadie's as well. What will they do? How could a relationship between them ever work? He also thinks that his past has too many sinful actions in it and that God and Sadie will never forgive him. She assures him that they both will forgive him.
What an engaging and exciting plot in this book! Sadie and Bowen were very likable and well developed characters. But all of the characters refused to open up and share their past. They were all harboring many secrets. I would like to have known more in-depth details of exactly what happened to Sadie's family, especially why it happened. There were so many characters that I had trouble keeping up with them and their role in the story. This book would make a great movie! It also would be nice to read a sequel to know what comes next.
I rated this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to those who love mysteries.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Testifying against a criminal cost Sadie Malone her husband and her daughter in a car crash and then everyone and everything when she went into the Federal Witness Protection Program.
One year into her latest new life as Debra Johnson, she's settled into her garden center job and making friends at work and her new church.
A friendly carpenter joins the building center staff but there's something about Sam that sets off warning alarms in Sadie. Even though he's awakening her heart, she isn't sure she can trust him.
Kyle, a member of the church volunteers, makes her uneasy. Then her elderly neighbor moves and new tenants seem to know Kyle.
All these sudden new people in her life and the unease make is time to call her WITSEC handler, Griff, and get investigations underway.
When Griff turns up dead in his car, Sadie flees back to LA and hopefully to family.
A cat and mouse game where just who is safe and who is out to kill Sadie left me turning pages well into the night.
Never read anything by Valerie Massey Goree before, but I really enjoyed this book. The suspense was great, the plot well constructed, the characters lovable and relatable, and the romance sweet. The only thing I wasn't so much a fan of was the religious content- it just didn't catch me, personally, but I can separate that and still enjoyed this read.
Read the full review (with violence content, sexual content, plot & age recommendation) on my blog @ www.bookssheloves.blogspot.com
In Weep in the Night the protagonist, Sadie, is in a witness protection program. What makes this story different then others of this genre and is there are many different parties looking for Sadie some for obvious dangerous reasons but another with a good news. The reader is constantly trying to figure out who the true bad guys are.
It's an entertaining suspenseful and quick read with relatable characters. The religious themes are woven into the plot in a believable way, the romance isn't surprising but sweet and the challenges they have to face kept me interested.
I want to thank Netgalley for thisfree copy in exchange for my honest review.
Goree's romantic suspense kept me turning the pages. I liked the chemistry between Sadie and Bowen. Their relationship seemed real in a surreal world of witness protection gone wrong. Lots of twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
This is a good read, the story line is interesting & keeps you guessing as to who the real enemy is going to be. It did feel that the end was wrapped up a little to easily.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.