What do You think about Danger In The Shadows (2005)?
I really liked this book, but I have one SERIOUS qualm with it. The author must have done a lot of research about childhood trauma and PTSD, because Sara's response to her situation seems relatively realistic. BUT! Near the beginning of the book, Adam--a man she just met a day or two ago--tries to comfort her with a hug, she recoils, and he HOLDS ON. When she says, "I don't want this," he says, "Tough. You need this," and holds her until she relaxes. THIS IS NOT OKAY. Maybe it's the hyper-awareness of PTSD and trauma vicitms these days (Henderson is writing in the late 90s and cultural attitudes have changed quite a bit since then). But. No. It's not okay to touch a trauma victim without permission. It's not okay to disregard her verbal expression of discomfort. It's not okay with any woman, but it was especially glaring in that situation. Henderson wanted us to see Adam as chivalrous and breaking down her walls and all of that, but all I saw was a well-intentioned but heavy-handed jerk. The rest of the book is fine, and he's a good guy otherwise--very attentive and considerate. So I'm thinking this is the author's misunderstanding of trauma, not an actual character flaw. Other than that very small scene, the book was excellent and I enjoyed it a lot.
—Notbagels
The story is a woman was kidnapped as a little girl, with her twin sister. The sister died and the woman was simply very lucky to have survived. The main culprit was never caught and is still stalking her. Her brother is her main protector, so it is very handy that he is a crack FBI agent.The thing that really bothered me was how strong Sara had to be simply to survive, but just because someone who fancied her was persistent, she kept giving in. {{{{{Spoilers}}}}} Looking at it objectively, one could safely say her beau was harassing her. I know if I told a man "no, I'm not interested" so many times in so many ways, I'd be angry and have the heebiejeebies that he wouldn't leave me alone. But they fall in love and her brother likes the guy, so all is wonderful and OK and we can read about them riding off into the sunset.Maybe I read this book at the wrong time in my life to just see it as romantic, but instead see a defence of male domination. All the same, it kept me entertained for a while. Which is a good thing to be able to say about a book. :)
—Mary Arkless
Danger in the Shadows is the prequel to Dee Henderson's well-known O'Malley Series about seven foster children who grow up and create their own adopted family. Dee Henderson writes wonderful Christian suspense. The protagonist, Sara Walsh, lives in constant hiding from her childhood kidnapper. The man who kidnapped her never completed his mission. She is his only loose end. Sara lives in constant fear of the little presents and letters left by her childhood kidnapper. Afraid of the dark and fearing for her life, Sara attempts to live a normal life as a children's book writer. Sara lives a secluded life in the protection of her FBI brother, Dave. That is, until one fateful night when she meets famous retired football player, Adam Black. Can Sara follow her heart and stay out of Adam's spotlight? This is a MUST read! If you like suspense and romance all-in-one, this is the book for you! Dee Henderson did an amazing job with this book giving the readers an emotional connection with Sara. You cried when she cried. You were scared when she was scared. Being an only child, I have always wanted an older brother. I connected with Sara and was intrigued by the protective older brother, Dave. The romance was a main part of the book. Although you don't find out more about Dave's romance until later in the O'Malley series, I enjoyed the romance between Adam and Sara. Every woman wants the type of man Adam is. He is persistent and focused on Sara. When Sara is dismissive, Adam pursues her. The book is fast-moving that keeps the reader's attentions throughout. No slow start for this book
—Contessa
