Silent Shadows By Natalie Walters

Silent Shadows
by Natalie Walters
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 9780800735340

Having read the first 2 books in the series I was excited to see that Revell was offering book 3 for review! I'm so glad they allowed me to be part of the reviewing team!

Summary:

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.

My Review:

Where do I even start with how fantastic Silent Shadows was?! I was so glad to go back to Walton, Georgia, but sad because I knew it was going to be the last book in the Harbored Secrets series.

While each of these books are suspense novels, the banter between the characters adds a levity to it that keep me turning the page! First there's Pecca... and her "introduction" to Colton. That is a scene NOT to be missed! Then throughout the rest of the story, the characters give each other a lot of grief. That's right up my alley!

"And that's my cue," Charlie, making a face, stood up. "I'm just going to do... man stuff." He hitched his thumb toward Colton and the kids. "Sweat, compete in feats of strength -- not talk about The Bachelor."

There is an underlying threat that the reader needs to figure out (along with the characters), but connecting the dots isn't easy in this one! When I finally figured something out, as in right before it was revealed, I was messaging the author saying something along the lines of..."oh my gosh is this really happening?" Poor Natalie! Don't you ever wish you could have a conversation with an author at certain points in a book? Yea, that was me... x2!

The writing was fantastic. I was gripped to the story from page one. There are actually twists and turns that will have you scratching your head trying to figure out what's going on and who's involved with what! As always I appreciate the thread of faith that's woven into the storyline. It's important for me to see the characters who have faith that might be teetering, to get a good grasp of who God is in their lives! This quote really hit me as I read it:

"She 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."

One of the aspects Natalie Walters addresses is C-PTSD. I had heard of the disorder, but didn't know the acronym. I'm thankful for the background she has as a military wife because it gives credibility to her writing and Colton's disorder. Also, Maceo, Pecca's son has a storyline that fits SO well with Colton. Just... everything really came together in Silent Shadows!

Don't miss out on this book and this series. You will fall in love with the little town of Walton, GA along with its inhabitants.

About the Author:

Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. A military wife of twenty-three years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.