“I’m your son.”
These are the words that turned Shelby’s world upside down.
It’s been five years since Shelby’s last adventure. He’s finally followed through on his original goal when he first moved back to his boyhood town of Serenity, Michigan. Namely, to settle down and enjoy life.
But did he decide too late? His health is suffering. His social circle is shrinking.
And then comes the knock … shrinking.
And then comes the knock on his door. Revealing the son he never knew he had.
But is that all there is to the story? Or is there something more sinister at work?
In addition to being forced by circumstances to reevaluate everything in his life to this point, Shelby must now decide whether or not to trust this newcomer, someone who could hold great joy–or great heartbreak–as Shelby enters life’s third and final act.
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Facing his ex-wife’s battle with cancer and his own body’s betrayals as he ages, Shelby’s life is turned on it’s head when a young man arrives on his doorstep claiming to be the son he never knew he had.
As the character of Shelby ages, these stories have become a little less action and a little more psychological adventures, but I suspect the retired boxer, ex-fixer will always be an action guy, and I love that about him, so even though he barely leaves home in this story, this was still the Shelby Alexander I’ve come to know and love.
Serenity Reborn is a major turning point in the Shelby Alexander saga. It has moments that will tug at your heartstrings … maybe even cause you to blink away a tear or too (I sure did), but if you’re a fan of the series or the genre, its a story I think you’ll love as much as I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Shelby Alexander novel. It is a great series. I like the fact that he is an older guy instead of a 20 something action hero. He is a well developed character.
Move back to your hometown to enjoy life – not likely for this guy. True to form life is anything but serene for Shelby at the moment. The story line of this novel did not go the way I expected. Fantastic twist and turns in the plot. I totally did not expect the ending.
I sure hope we will see more of Shelby Alexander soon.
Another interesting Shelby Alexander story. I can’t believe how realistic Shelby’s problems were to aging. It really makes the reader feel for him and his physical problems. The story keeps the pages turning wandering how his son is going to kill him or if he will be able to somehow survive. The son doesn’t realize the real plan is to kill him after he kills Shelby. A trip to the hospital screws up the plans for a little and Shelby and Mack let their defenses down which nearly means the end of them both. Thankfully, Helen, Sheldon’s ex saves the day by calling Katherine, Shelby’s current lady friend. The final moments really tense and heart throbbing but they manage to survive, although Shelby does lose the son he had just learned about. It gave it a sad ending but it left Shelby and Mack to live another day. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Emotionally charged, and action-packed, Shelby has to confront the fact that he is aging, and some of the regrets in his life, as well as at least one new surprise…And we all know how well he likes to be surprised.
5 yrs after the last book Shelby finds himself aging not so gracefully. Helen, his ex wife is in hospice. His friend Mack has moved closer to him! He’s still seeing Katherine. He’s shocked to discover he has a son who looks just like him! His life has slowed down quite a bit due to old age and severe arthritis but he still has it when he needs to bring it. This was a look at Shelby’s emotional side as he reflects on his past! I love the relationship he has with Mack! This book was a little different from the rest in the series but it still brought the humor, action and drama! I enjoyed it.
Shelby, what a guy! and Mack, together, what a pair!
Their witty, sarcastic banter, priceless.
Serenity Reborn, 7 in series, author, Craig A. Hart’s
best Shelby book, all about him, past meets present.
The past wants him dead, a twisted standoff and fate keep him alive, thank goodness or Mr Hart. Love this guy!
An excellent goodread… first Shelby book, will make you want to read all 6, not first, you’ll love him more.
Shelby Alexander has a son? The story has a great build-up of suspense and intrigue. It is full of reflections, tragedy, and surprises. A great page-turner I didn’t want to put down. All the characters were well-developed and believable.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Craig Hart, but now I remember why I enjoy them so much. The characters drew me into their lives so that I felt I was sharing a drink with them by the campfire. The book begins with Shelby Alexander visiting his ex-wife as she nears the end of her life after suffering with cancer. He’s also facing some health issues of his own.
I must say that this book didn’t end how I hoped it would, but I realize now that the ending was really for the best. Life often throws us curve balls, and Shelby’s realization that he could have a son was one of the most surprising ones. Looking forward to more of Shelby Alexander.
Serenity Reborn (The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series Book 7) by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo finds Shelby supposedly relaxing and enjoying life. Katherine is still in the picture, but Shelby still hasn’t popped the question. Ex wife Helen is in hospice having good days and bad fighting cancer. Max, well Max is still Max, but adjusting well after his divorce. Max and Shelby’s relationship is the same as always. They are getting old, but still drinking hard and fiesty as ever.
Shelby has noticed someone parking out on the road with a clear view of his house. He immediately thinks through anyone who might still be alive and holding a grudge. He’s spooked, and then suffers numbness in one hand and is unable to move it. His stalker is back, so he calls Max. And then, a knock on his door and the young man tells him he’s Shelby’s son!
Quite the setup for another great story in the Shelby Alexander series! And this one sure is a corker!
So many story lines happening in this book. The author does a marvelous job making the relevance to each other obvious in a most subtle way. I loved how everything worked out! I really love this series!
What happens when an unexpected visitor turns up on your doorstep, claiming he’s your long-lost son? Do you welcome him with open arms and a happy smile?Demand a DNA test? Slam the door in his face? Or ask him for proof of ID and names, dates etc? That’s the dilemma Shelby Alexander – retired boxer and amateur sleuth,in partnership with long-time homicide detective pal, ‘Mack’ Macintosh face together when (unknown to them, an escaped criminal and co-conspirator with Shelby’s deadly enemy Darkmore), Patterson Jeffries, does just that. Nervously he shows Shelby a DNA test result, that confirms the result of a previous similar test Shelby’s already done, persuaded by his daughter to join her in doing.. it’s true, Patterson IS his son!
Trouble is, although he’s immediately bonded with Shelby and shares several mannerisms and facial features with him, Mack’s more suspicious nature leads him to do some background checking of his own, on his friend’s behalf. What will he discover? How will Patterson react if he realises the truth is not what he believed?What is prison-kingpin Darkmore’s agenda in getting Patterson released? Who is Norman? What is his role in the plot against Shelby? Who ‘s in the firing-line?
There’s always non-stop thrilling action in a David Berens/SJ Varengo Shelby Alexander Thriller series novel and Serenity Reborn is no different from the previous six Shelby Alexander stories, in that respect. Why not get them all and follow the exciting characters’ stories as they develop and become more engaging and familiar – every one is a 5-star winner!
Serenity Reborn (The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series Book 7) by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo finds Shelby supposedly relaxing and enjoying life. Katherine is still in the picture, but Shelby still hasn’t popped the question. Ex wife Helen is in hospice having good days and bad fighting cancer. Max, well Max is still Max, but adjusting well after his divorce. Max and Shelby’s relationship is the same as always. They are getting old, but still drinking hard and fiesty as ever.
Shelby has noticed someone parking out on the road with a clear view of his house. He immediately thinks through anyone who might still be alive and holding a grudge. He’s spooked, and then suffers numbness in one hand and is unable to move it. His stalker is back, so he calls Max. And then, a knock on his door and the young man tells him he’s Shelby’s son!
Quite the setup for another great story in the Shelby Alexander series! And this one sure is a corker! I was given an ARC of Serenity Reborn and am voluntarily posting an honest review.