Silent Shadows

Author: Natalie Walters
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Harbored Secrets #3
Release Date: March 31, 2020

They're running from their pasts into an unknown future.
But first, they'll have to survive the present.

Nurse 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 evolves into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally--her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the 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.

Welcome back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

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Reviewer: Connie Saunders

Just looking at the title and cover of this book, I was convinced that I was in for a treat and I wasn't wrong! Silent Shadows has everything that I love in a story:  family bonds, suspense, romance, and laugh-out-loud humor! It also has realistic characters striving to forget their past by working to have a better future. Pecca Gallegos has a past that wasn't always pretty but she is now a loving Christian mother, a wonderful nurse, and she has a great sense of humor! It's no wonder that she immediately captures the attention of Colton Crawford, a new client at the facility where she works. Colton is dealing with a physical problem that is thought to be related to PTSD and he questions why God has allowed this. Is it possible that Pecca and her young son Maceo are what Colton needs? Will he be able to protect them if threats by an unknown person (or persons) turn to violence?

Silent Shadows is the third and final book in the Harbored Secrets series and it is a terrific way to say goodbye to the people of Walton, Georgia. Walters uses Pecca's job at the Home for Heroes to remind us that our veterans need love and support as they deal with both physical and emotional issues. Colton's attention to Maceo gives the boy a glimpse of a strong, positive male mentor and the romance between Pecca and Colton simply took my breath away. Best of all, there is a strong faith message woven throughout the story.

This Harbored Secrets series will make you glad that you visited Walton, Georgia, and you may feel sad that this is the last book of the series but you definitely won't regret reading Silent Shadows. It is great Christian romantic suspense!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Martha Robinson

From the first glance at the beautiful Gothic cover to the descriptions of the charming Southern setting to the interactions with the gruff but tender-hearted veterans of D-Wing at the Home for Heroes, I loved every word of Silent Shadows, by Natalie Walters.

Pecca Gallegos, a rehabilitation nurse and her seven-year-old son Maceo won my heart. Pecca is admirable in her role as therapist/nurse and as a single mother raising a son who has a prosthetic leg. She literally tackled her newest patient Captain Colton Crawford when she saw him chasing Maceo. Then she discovered they were only playing football.

Colton, a former Army intelligence officer, diagnosed with a psychogenic movement disorder (PMD) in his right arm, gritted his teeth and tried to control his uncontrollable right arm with every fiber of his being. During one of his therapy sessions, Chaplain Mike Kelly asked him to imagine what his future would look like. While doing that, Colton wrestled with his feelings toward God. Why did God allow this to happen? He had been on track for a long military career, and now he could not hold a fork.

Adrian, Pecca’s brother, warned her that Maceo’s father, currently in prison, was up for parole. Some of his friends in the South Side Barrio gang might come looking for her. When shots were fired at Pecca and Colton outside the diner, the local police became involved. A plan to protect Pecca was devised with Colton watching out for her while she was at work.

Then Maceo’s father was killed, and Colton and the local police have to uncover who else might attempt to kidnap and/or kill Pecca and Maceo—and why.

 The suspense and romance kept building. I couldn’t put the book down and finished reading it within 24 hours. I highly recommend it!

Although Silent Shadows, by Natalie Walters, is the third novel in the Harbored Secrets series, it can be read as a stand-alone—but you may also want to read Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. I plan to!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group Revell through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

" . . . .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 are 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.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

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.

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