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CAPTIVE: Some dreams should never come true
She owed him her life, but did she have to be his forever?
He rescues her from an icy river on a Deep South winter's night, risking his own life against freak blizzard-like conditions. He drives her to his home over impassable roads to render treatment for exposure. David Stetson, a good Christian man, tries to warm her, to keep her alive. For the first time in his life, he holds a beautiful woman in his arms who needs him.
But when Elise Farmington awakens inside a rural, isolated trailer in a half-conscious state, she mistakenly believes she's been kidnapped and assaulted, determined to get away at whatever the cost.
As she faces the terrifying consequences of a near fatal accident, Elise's misperception becomes a reality, and she becomes the captive of a lonely, desperate man who succumbs to temptation and longs to have her forever.
He rescues her from an icy river on a Deep South winter's night, risking his own life against freak blizzard-like conditions. He drives her to his home over impassable roads to render treatment for exposure. David Stetson, a good Christian man, tries to warm her, to keep her alive. For the first time in his life, he holds a beautiful woman in his arms who needs him.
But when Elise Farmington awakens inside a rural, isolated trailer in a half-conscious state, she mistakenly believes she's been kidnapped and assaulted, determined to get away at whatever the cost.
As she faces the terrifying consequences of a near fatal accident, Elise's misperception becomes a reality, and she becomes the captive of a lonely, desperate man who succumbs to temptation and longs to have her forever.
203 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2023
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Michael Garrett
74 books12 followersMichael Garrett is a novelist and short story writer who has the distinction of being Stephen King's first editor and publisher. His 1990 novel KEEPER received rave reviews from critics and was optioned for a movie. He recently wrote a career guide for writers entitled THE PROSE PROFESSIONAL: Your Career as a Fiction Writer, which was published in 2001. However, Mr. Garrett's contributions to the literary world go well beyond writing. He is an Editorial Associate of the Writer's Digest School and, since 1986, has taught a number of fiction and screenwriting workshops at major colleges and universities across the country. Mr. Garrett is also a three-term President of Magic City Writers, an organization for professional and semi-professional writers. Currently, he is an Advisory Board member of Kentucky's Green River Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 16, 2023
Captive by Michael Garrett is a thrilling Christian contemporary suspense that drew me in from the start.
The opening chapter raised many questions, before we went back in time six days in chapter two to see what had led up to that moment. It was an edge of your seat moment as we realized something out of character had occurred.
We witness how pressures on a character over time can become a melting pot that bubbles over, causing a path down which one would not usually travel.
Actions always have consequences – for good or bad – and we must be prepared to face them.
Temptation is a major theme. “We’re all tempted; it’s how we resolve the temptation that’s important.” Even Jesus was tempted in the desert. We must stand on the word of God to defeat the enemy. Sometimes the enemy is within and it is us who need reminding of who God is. We always have the choice to repent, confess and return to the straight path.
We see the importance of trusting God. “It was all he could do for her. The rest would be in God’s hands.” We do what we can, and trust God to do what we can’t.
The action is seen from alternating points of view and in the third person. We see lives in trouble – sometimes of our own making but not always. We see a character who wants to make good choices but then the unthinkable happens.
Michael Garrett uses pathetic fallacy as a terrible storm mirrors the inner turmoil. The scenes are vividly painted by the use of descriptive language.
We all need forgiveness – for the little and for the big things. It is important to both give and receive it.
The story reminded me of the story of the prodigal son in the Bible. It is similar but different. It showed a life spiraling out of control but God waited in the wings for the character to return home.
Captive was an exciting suspense. It is not one for the faint-hearted as there are gritty, realistic scenes. The author shows we are all just one bad decision away from out of control lives, but God is always waiting for us to repent and return to Him. Like the father in the prodigal son, God will wait, and then run towards us as He sees us approaching. There will be much rejoicing in heaven as a sinner comes home.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The opening chapter raised many questions, before we went back in time six days in chapter two to see what had led up to that moment. It was an edge of your seat moment as we realized something out of character had occurred.
We witness how pressures on a character over time can become a melting pot that bubbles over, causing a path down which one would not usually travel.
Actions always have consequences – for good or bad – and we must be prepared to face them.
Temptation is a major theme. “We’re all tempted; it’s how we resolve the temptation that’s important.” Even Jesus was tempted in the desert. We must stand on the word of God to defeat the enemy. Sometimes the enemy is within and it is us who need reminding of who God is. We always have the choice to repent, confess and return to the straight path.
We see the importance of trusting God. “It was all he could do for her. The rest would be in God’s hands.” We do what we can, and trust God to do what we can’t.
The action is seen from alternating points of view and in the third person. We see lives in trouble – sometimes of our own making but not always. We see a character who wants to make good choices but then the unthinkable happens.
Michael Garrett uses pathetic fallacy as a terrible storm mirrors the inner turmoil. The scenes are vividly painted by the use of descriptive language.
We all need forgiveness – for the little and for the big things. It is important to both give and receive it.
The story reminded me of the story of the prodigal son in the Bible. It is similar but different. It showed a life spiraling out of control but God waited in the wings for the character to return home.
Captive was an exciting suspense. It is not one for the faint-hearted as there are gritty, realistic scenes. The author shows we are all just one bad decision away from out of control lives, but God is always waiting for us to repent and return to Him. Like the father in the prodigal son, God will wait, and then run towards us as He sees us approaching. There will be much rejoicing in heaven as a sinner comes home.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2023
Intriguing story. Not the type I usually read but the book description and the cover jumped out at me and drew me in.
The story grabbed me immediately and I was immersed into the characters lives, but then a few chapters in the writing seemed to lose the crispness and polish of the early pages. I kept at it and that seemed to just be a lull. The story recaptured me and I kept following along, thinking I knew where the story was going. More than halfway through when it went a different direction that I didn't care for I almost quit reading, but curiosity for how it would end kept me going and once again it sucked me back in until I read the last 30% of it nearly non-stop today in spite of having work to do.
Amazing character development with a multitude of people, every one believable. In the midst of the turmoil and trauma and pain, there was God and His role in their lives was woven in believably through their struggles.
The end startled me and I still don't know what to think about that. But wanted to get a review posted while it was fresh in my mind.
The story grabbed me immediately and I was immersed into the characters lives, but then a few chapters in the writing seemed to lose the crispness and polish of the early pages. I kept at it and that seemed to just be a lull. The story recaptured me and I kept following along, thinking I knew where the story was going. More than halfway through when it went a different direction that I didn't care for I almost quit reading, but curiosity for how it would end kept me going and once again it sucked me back in until I read the last 30% of it nearly non-stop today in spite of having work to do.
Amazing character development with a multitude of people, every one believable. In the midst of the turmoil and trauma and pain, there was God and His role in their lives was woven in believably through their struggles.
The end startled me and I still don't know what to think about that. But wanted to get a review posted while it was fresh in my mind.
March 8, 2025
This was a great book with a stomach-turning premise? What happens when a man rescues a woman, but she thinks she's been kidnapped? It provided so much suspense . . . For the first half. The front part of the book is SIX stars. Most of the rest, when David becomes infatuated, moves to 4 or 4.5 stars. The final ten percent felt rushed and unbelievable. The epilogue annoyed me. Plus, Elise basically leaves as a character in the end when she becomes even more important. That being said, even up to the last page, I kept turning it with the need of revelation. That's the mark of a fantastic story, never losing interest. I would have loved a trial, but I mostly enjoyed what I got.
June 5, 2023
I love suspense but I can't handle violence and gore. My emotions were pulled in more ways the one. Some disturbing moments. I guess that's what makes a good book though!
The book was intense and if that's your style then definitely read it! 3 1/2 ⭐️s for me!
I received a complimentary copy by the author but the opinions stated are my own.
The book was intense and if that's your style then definitely read it! 3 1/2 ⭐️s for me!
I received a complimentary copy by the author but the opinions stated are my own.
February 12, 2024
Good suspense
I recommend this book and author . It's faith based, clean and has a Good message. The suspenseful moments are also good.
I recommend this book and author . It's faith based, clean and has a Good message. The suspenseful moments are also good.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews