Harper Shelby left corporate America when her sister was killed and her niece Amelia was presumed dead as well. She is living in the middle of nowhere in Snowy Vista, Virginia, pursuing a quiet, peaceful life as a potter, when a black Jeep comes down the road to her house. Before the vehicle comes to a stop, shots from another vehicle are fired and mayhem erupts. Logan Fitzgerald jumps from the Jeep and pursues the second vehicle, firing shots as he goes. The car is disabled, but the driver gets away. However, Logan does wound the passenger. Harper witnesses all of this from the woods and doesn't know what to think.

Logan has been hired by Gabe Wilson, Harper's brother-in- law, and was on his way to talk to Harper about the possibility of her niece still being alive when the shooting happens. Gabe recently received a photograph and small piece of his daughter's blanket that she had with her four years ago when she disappeared. Now Logan fears for Harper's life. Harper too has received a package with a small piece of that same blanket. Why is someone trying to kill her?

Logan works for HEART, a private search and rescue team. His original mission was to locate Harper and find out if she wants to speak with Gabe about this new discovery. Now his mission is to protect Harper, keep her alive and find out who is behind this. Can he keep her safe as they journey to find out whether Amelia is still alive?

DEADLY CHRISTMAS SECRETS is my fourth rescue operation with the HEART organization. Author Shirlee McCoy continues her Mission: Rescue series by bringing us an endearing, yet thrilling Christmas tale. Harper and Logan are very strong, believable characters who realize they are searching for more in their lives than their current circumstances. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed. Snowy Vista is created as a magical Christmas setting, and Ms. McCoy does an excellent job describing it in detail. DEADLY CHRISTMAS SECRETS is a story about trust; trusting God with the details of our lives, and also placing our trust in others. It is also a story about building real friendships and cultivating current relationships. Though it has a Christmastime setting, this Love-Inspired novel is a great read any time of year.

Book Summary

THE CHRISTMAS TARGET

When new evidence surfaces that Harper Shelby's niece is possibly alive, Harper doesn't expect it to endanger her life. For her protection, she has to put her much-guarded trust in Logan Fitzgerald, the man who unknowingly led a killer to her doorstep. Hired to track Harper down, security and rescue expert Logan doesn't like that he's been used to find a woman who someone apparently wants dead. Now he won't leave Harper's side until he can guarantee her safety and untangle the truth from the lies regarding her sister's and niece's murders. The closer they get to finding answers, the more intent the killer becomes on making sure that there won't be a family reunion—or happily-ever-after—for Harper this Christmas.

Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes