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 … 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.
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4.5 stars for this ending to the Harbored Secrets series. While this is book 3, you could pretty well read this as a stand-alone. There are only 2 small parts that reference the prior books in such a way that you’d need the history of the prior books, but they’re not integral to the plot-line of the story. So, while it helps to have the background, it’s absolutely not necessary to enjoy this one.
In her typical fashion, Natalie Walters weaves suspense, romance, humor, great characters, difficult issues, and Marvel movie references. She has a good mix of all of those elements in all of her books and this one was no different. I felt like the romance in this one moved a tad too fast, and deducted a half star for both that and the fact that I figured out who one of the bad guys was almost immediately (though his motivation was unclear until the end, so it was definitely just a half star). Neither of those by themselves, or together even, were worthy of a full star deduction – so it was still really good!
As a military wife, Ms. Walters always includes members of the military in her novels, which adds a special element that you don’t often see as well (as you don’t see them in action), and I love that about her books. I enjoyed the concept of “House for Heroes” where a lot of scenes from this book take place as that is where Pecca and Colton meet – he as a patient and she as his nurse. I enjoyed their story of how they meet as it rivals my own (I told my husband to “be a man” within the first hour of meeting him), and enjoyed their witty banter thereafter as well. The characters are real and raw with legitimate flaws as they struggle with how to cope, and the story line was intense and suspenseful (but not keep you up at night suspense). Though I figured out one element early on, there was a super-sized reveal at the end that I never saw coming. If you enjoy romantic suspense with real, deep characters and a solid faith message, I strongly recommend this one!
Special thanks to the author and Revell publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Silent Shadows is the complete package! It is romantic suspense that makes you laugh out loud, swoon, and keep turning pages. I was excited to return to Walton, Georgia, in book three of the Harbored Secrets series. But their small town becomes the perfect setting for things to go wrong. Amidst the danger, I thoroughly enjoyed the humorous moments. Natalie Walters puts together a fantastic group of characters in an engaging story. I found myself drawn to these characters and wanting the best for them. Of course, this crisis teaches a few lessons worth learning. I look forward to reading more from this author. I was given a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Walters but it will definately not be my last. This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.
Pecca has started her life over in a small town in hopes to keep her and her son safe. When trouble begins she relies on the one person she can trust.
I absolutely loved this story. I found the characters to be realistic and enjoyable, I grew to care for them as if they were real people. There were twists and turns along the way that will keep you glued to your sear. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
I recieved an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
This books has become my new favorite of the Harbored Secrets series! I absolutely loved every page! Natalie Walters has crafted balanced characters that will completely hook you from the first chapters. Colton is a perfect fit for this story. He shows his kindness and gentle manner with his actions and he totally won me over! Pecca is funny and full of life and it was the perfect combination when these two were together. There was plenty of romance in this book and I loved that! Yes, there was a suspense element that kept me guessing, however I felt like this story was driven by the characters and the romance and it absolutely works for this particular book!
I loved the relationship between Colton and Maceo. It was a huge part of this story and added depth and layers to Colton’s character in a very organic way. There is just something about a man who’s great with kids right? Swoon! The side characters in Silent Shadows were my favorite! The D-Wing crew were absolutely hilarious and added the perfect amount of humor!
The mystery element is woven into this story really well. It builds as the story progresses and then really ramps up at the end to be an edge of your seat, intense situation.
I loved the mentions of past characters and the sense of small town community that is present in this book. It’s kind of hard to say goodbye to this little fictional world that Natalie Walters has crafted. I’m anxiously anticipating what will come next from this author!
*I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher, however I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This is the third book in this series, and they can each be read alone, but are each equally good.
I loved the compassion shown here to our fellow man, and the theme continues right to the end.
There were a lot of surprises that unfold with this story, and most I never saw coming, the story kept my attention all the way through. There is even a bit of sweet romance, and we meet some awesome veterans here, and enjoyed the competition between the different branches of the service.
With darling children, football and birthday parties, we are quickly drawn into the everyday life of the folks in Walton Georgia, but don’t get too comfortable, you will soon be ducking bullets, and will be absorbed in this story and not see the ending!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
This book deserves more than 5 stars.
Wow! This book is the whole package. Great characters, a suspenseful plot, family dynamics and some humor to break the tension, not to mention the romance that heats up the pages— in a good way, after all this is a Christian Romantic Suspense novel. I couldn’t be more pleased with this third book of the Harbored Secrets series. Natalie Walters is a superb author. She ramps up the excitement in a totally believable story.
Pecca has a past that she is not proud of but is now a Christian. She tries hard to protect her son, Maceo, by moving away from trouble to a small town in Georgia. She takes a job as a nurse at Home for Heroes, working with wounded veterans. “My grandmother told me life is a series of choices. We should always strive to make the right ones, but sometimes we don’t. She said that when we face hardships, whether by our own making or through circumstances beyond our control, that’s when we have to turn everything over to God because only he has enough grace to turn our messes into blessings.”
The meeting with Colton Crawford is epic. She bowls him over. Colton has a disorder that
I was not familiar with. Nurse Pecca helps with his rehab and finds a caring but hurting soul.
Familiar faces from books one and two and a few new ones round out the characters from Walton, Georgia. Maceo is one brave little boy, having a challenge of his own. There is wise counsel from Chaplain Kelly.
Ms. Walters doesn’t skimp on laughs in this suspenseful tale. The wisecracks of the elderly veterans are priceless. She must have been channeling her inner Lucy Ricardo for a scene with an overflowing dishwasher. Could she be speaking from experience?
Don’t miss this whole Harbored Secrets series.
I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
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.
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.
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.
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!!
First of all, I want to thank all Veterans for their service no matter what branch they may be in. God Bless ya’ll! Another wonderful read by Natalie Walters and such a gorgeous cover too! I could easily get lost into the cover.
I finished this book in a single evening because it was so good that I couldn’t put it down.
I really liked visiting the little town of Walton, Georgia. ( We passed by there on our way to Florida last year).
The residents there are friendly and in my opinion easy to make friends with. I like that about a small town. The only thing I don’t like is that everyone knows everyone’s business before you do. ( That happened to my husband once lol which is what happens when you’re related to half of the community ).
Walters writes in such a way that makes these characters real and believable. So many twists and turns that will make your head spin until you figure out what’s really going on! It’s not who you think it is.
I stayed up until 3 am to finish this novel. I really wanted to see what happened to the characters in the story and I was cheering them on the whole time.
I think what I especially liked was the faith filled theme that Walters has sporadically thrown in. She reminds us that We can do all things through Christ and that we are never alone. He is always with us no matter the circumstances we’re in at the time. There are times when our plans never work out. Maybe it’s because God has a bigger, better plan for us. We just aren’t able to see it at this time. Maybe there’s something out there that is meant for us instead of what we want to do.
Pecca and Colton are great characters.
Pecca is a cheerful soul and I like that about her. No matter what like throws at her she still always looking on the positive side. I think I need some lessons from her.
Colton is a little more on the reserved side. I think he’s a little more like me in that way. I’m always cautious until I see how you’re going to react toward me or not. I loved in getting to know him. He was a delight and swoonworthy handsome! I like men without beards don’t you?
Maceo man! I wished I had his energy! I could feel it coming through the pages of the book if that’s possible. I liked him from the start and it’s possible because I have a teen at home now through this Coronavirus.
He doesn’t let his disability stop him from doing what he loves and it takes a special person to show him that.
Now we get to the guy in D wing. I really love those guys. They made me laugh out loud and from then on they were my friends too. I think each guy is really special in his own way and I really enjoyed their personalities. I”m glad to see that they haven’t lost their joy for life as they are at the mansion for healing.
I like that Walters has some Military in her family. It shows coming through the pages in this book.
I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book. So much so that I hated to say goodbye to them.
I think this is the best book in this series but I did love Deadly Deceit.
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive. review. All opinions are my own
Natalie Walters has penned her best work yet! This one was incredibly easy to get into but not so easy to put down. The characters were likable and the setting was easy to visualize. It felt as if I were standing right beside the characters along the whole way. Even though it’s the third in a series and previous characters are present, it could also easily be read as a standalone.
No, I can’t understand what it’s like to have uncontrollable arm movements. I don’t know what it’s like to walk around with a prosthesis. I’m not a single mom whose ex is in prison. What’s interesting is that even though I don’t share experiences with any of the characters, I was still able to find ways to connect with them. I could relate to the fear of having my flaws exposed or feeling like I’m not enough. Of wanting to protect those I love from circumstances that are clearly out of my control. It was easy for me to get inside the minds of the characters and root them on.
At one point I was going to start making a list of why I thought Colton was such a great hero, but I refrained because I don’t want to spoil him for anyone. It was hard seeing him focus on the things he couldn’t do instead of the pretty stellar swoon worthy things he pulled off though. Isn’t that so like us though? It’s easier for us to focus on our flaws instead of abilities. And at the same point, we don’t think that same way about our friends. We are able to see the good in them easier than we can in ourselves. We are our own worst critics. Colton wasn’t only flawed but he felt real, and that’s what I really liked about him.
I liked that this one made me laugh out loud in several places. I’m a big fan of witty humor and funny happenings so I was happy. There was a really good balance between all of the different emotions found within. It was another level of realism I appreciated.
I really enjoyed this one and easily consider it my favorite by Natalie Walters yet. I can’t wait to see what see what she comes up with next!
*I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Silent Shadows is another great read by Natalie Walters. If you’re looking for true to life characters and spine tingling suspense this is the book for you.
I love the healing thread that runs through the story. Pecca thinks she’s left her connection to South Side Barrio behind. For the sake of her son, she’s relocated and cut ties with her old life.
Colton is dealing with the physical effects of his time in the military. A warrior with a movement disorder that incapacitates him, he feels less than the man he should be.
When he meets Maceo, Pecca’s son who has a prosthetic leg, he has an instant connection with the boy’s frustration at his limitations, and a common bond over their love of football.
As danger lurks in the shadows can these three survive long enough to find the healing they each need, the power to overcome their insecurities, and the faith to move forward?
Grab this book. I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest review.
‘Even Lazarus had to die before the Lord could do his work.’
Natalie Walters’ debut novel, the first in her Harbored Secrets series was wonderful and I was happy to have found a new author to read. Book two was good and further cemented my decision to follow Walters. With the finale to the series, she has done her best work ever! This was the perfect ending! She has crafted wonderful characters, a great plot and the best cast of secondary characters a reader could want. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my very own.
Silent Shadows by Natalie Walters is a spellbinding romantic suspense. I turned the pages in anticipation of what would happen next. The characters are so likable and endearing. The story line is original, with a hero who is a war vet with a diagnosis of PMD. (I had never heard of before.) There is action with twists and a sweet and swoony romance which did my romantic heart good.This is the third book in the series, but could easily be read as a stand alone. I loved this book and I really do hope there will be a book about Claudia.
*I was given a copy of this book by Revell Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but what a meet-cute! Every time it came up throughout the story, I chuckled all over again! So many of the side-characters popped off the page with this one! Particularly the men from D-Wing. You can tell that Natalie Walters is a military wife. Her love and compassion for soldiers (active, retired, and injured) is written into those characters. It was great to see characters from previous books and catch up on their lives as well. One thing I appreciated with this story was that there wasn’t a miraculous healing in the end. And yet there was still a great deal of hope. What an encouragement that is!
” . . . .only he has enough grace to turn our messes into blessings.”
Pecca Gallegos would never consider her son’s life, born out of wedlock to a convicted criminal, anything but a blessing, although it seems that the messy side of the equation has followed her to the small town of Walton, Georgia. Learning that her son’s father is due to be paroled was unexpected, but even more unusual is that her life simultaneously appears to be in jeopardy and by association, her son. Working as a rehabilitation nurse at Home for Heroes has been a wonderful experience, but now she’s wondering how she can keep Maeco safe. Interestingly, it seems that her heart has a safety issue as well; her newest patient, Captain Colton Crawford, seems to have taken their unorthodox introduction in stride, which makes him dangerous in more ways than one.
Maybe Colton’s Uncle Jack knew what he was talking about when he said, “the best miracles come when all hope seems out of reach”, for as the story progresses, Pecca and Colton will find themselves reaching for miracles, as they struggle to understand how all things can work together for good. . . and if by chance, the two of them might be able to forge a forever kind of partnership.
This romantic suspense has all the triggers of a good story; puzzling plot threads, opposites attracting, and life lessons emerging; perhaps some readers will think that the inner musings of two people falling in love is a bit much, but the final chapters showcase how this author can bring her story together at the very last minute, earning a resounding round of applause.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Silent Shadows is the third and final book in the exciting Harbored Secrets series. Set in Walton, Georgia, the story follows Pecca Gallegos, a young mother who has run from her past. She has made a new life as a nurse working at Home for Heroes, a place for veterans to find healing and therapy. She loves her work, and she feels safe far away from El Paso and her old life. But her son’s father is an incarcerated gang member, and she gets word that the gang is now searching for her and her son. As her concern for her son’s and her own safety grows, she acquires a new patient, Army captain Colton Crawford, who has been honorably discharged due to his movement disorder. Pecca begins therapy sessions with Colton, and it doesn’t take long for chemistry to develop. But as Pecca’s safety is repeatedly threatened, and Colton’s protective instincts kick in, will Colton be able to overcome his disorder to give Pecca the safety she needs?
After reading Living Lies and Deadly Deceit, I was really looking forward to this last book in the series, and I was not disappointed. It was exciting and romantic and had plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I appreciate the message that is delivered with Colton’s story line; that life may not be what you had envisioned, but that God has a purpose for your life and he has you right where he needs you to be. I liked the awkwardness of Pecca towards Colton; that even though she was a competent professional and beautiful, she was nervous and awkward with him. And I thought the relationship between Colton and Maceo, Pecca’s son, was sweet and endearing. Overall, I thought Silent Shadows was a great read, and my only regret is that it is the last book of the series and I’m going to have to say goodbye to the characters in Walton, Georgia that I’ve become so fond of.
*I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.