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Witness Protection #4
Top Secret Identity
HER NEW LIFE
Morgan Smith had to give up her name, her calling and her past when she entered the witness protection program. Now a caretaker of horses on an Iowa farm, she spends her days in the stables and helping kids learn to ride. But danger has followed her. She longs to tell her handsome boss, Alex Reardon, everything—about the troubled adoption agency she worked for, a missing infant and the attempt on her life. But sharing her past with Alex could put him in grave danger and lead a killer to their door….
Witness Hiding in plain sight
Morgan Smith had to give up her name, her calling and her past when she entered the witness protection program. Now a caretaker of horses on an Iowa farm, she spends her days in the stables and helping kids learn to ride. But danger has followed her. She longs to tell her handsome boss, Alex Reardon, everything—about the troubled adoption agency she worked for, a missing infant and the attempt on her life. But sharing her past with Alex could put him in grave danger and lead a killer to their door….
Witness Hiding in plain sight
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
74 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Dunn
132 books275 followersAfter almost 27 years of marriage Sharon's beloved husband Michael passed away in 2014. Together they had a life filled with adventure, laughter and unconditional love. She considers herself blessed to have been loved that way. She has three grown children and a busy cat named Sparky.
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
Her love for mystery and suspense began in the fifth grade, when she found a whole set of Nancy Drew mysteries with pink covers in the school library. Sharon is the author of five humorous mysteries that were written for Christian readers. Her second book in her Ruby Taylor mystery series was voted book of the year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She has written over thirty books for Love Inspired Suspense many of which have appeared on USA Today Bestseller lists. Night Prey (Love Inspired Suspense) won the Carol Award from American Christian fiction writers.
Sharon has a bachelor's degree in film production and a master's degree in history. She loves old movies like Double Indemnity and anything by Frank Capra or Alfred Hitchcock. She enjoys reading all kinds of books but is partial to the nonfiction of C. S. Lewis. She loves to hear from readers. You can contact her and sign up for her newsletter at her website http://sharondunnbooks.net/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 8, 2016
*drinks coffee*
Okay.
He placed his finger under her chin, tilted her head up and kissed her. She melted beneath his touch as his mouth covered hers. His arms surrounded her, pulling her close. She responded to the strength and warmth of his kiss. In his arms she felt released from the pain and uncertainty of her life. She'd wanted this for a long time.
His arm wrapped around her waist. His stubble grazed her smooth cheek as he deepened the kiss. His hand brushed through her hair and touched her ear. She couldn't pull away if she'd wanted to. He kissed her lightly several more times before tilting his head back.
Breathless, she opened her eyes.
There. There was some sweet kissing for you to enjoy.
Now, on with the story!
Morgan Smith - or should I say, Magdalena Chávez - has been in the Witness Protection program for two months. She's gotten a job on a horse ranch working for Alex Reardon. She loves horses and is great with them, but Alex is frustrated because he likes her but can't get to know her better. Every time he attempts to talk to her about her personal life, she shuts down. We know this is because she is in Witness Protection, but he finds it frustrating.
The whole book basically consists of Magdalena dealing with unending attempts on her life. UNENDING. First someone rattles her doorknobs and knocks her down when she goes out to the barn. Then there's a fire in the barn when Magdalena's inside it. A strange rider spooks her horse and she's thrown in the river. A poisonous snake is turned loose in her room. A car hits her car and runs her off the road, nearly killing her. A car tries to run her down while she's crossing the street. Then of course we get to the climax which involves lots of running, shooting and attempted strangulation.
Nearly getting killed all the time is stressful enough, but on top of this Magdalena has to deal with Alex acting like a hurt puppy because she won't tell him jackshit about her life. I would be super-annoyed and frustrated with him, but she is sad because she likes him and she can't be 'honest' with him.
Alex is actually a pretty believable combination of a mensch and a man who is losing patience with a woman he's trying to get to know better.
MENSCH:
He demanded no answers or explanation from her for why she was so afraid.
...
"I'm not leaving you here with that guy coming after you. What kind of man do you think I am?"
However, I wish he had been MORE patient and calm with her. Men can never be TOO patient or TOO calm. Especially since she's nearly dying every day. Doesn't that make him suspicious? Like maybe she has her reasons for keeping her mouth shut? o.O
No slut-shaming in this book. That's a plus.
GOD
The God and Jesus talk is kept to a minimum and isn't too grating. We have some nice stuff in here, like Magdalena quoting Proverbs 15:1 and a woman 'doing the Christian thing' by feeding Alex and Magdalena when they come to her door bedraggled and in trouble. This was pleasant. I highly support the idea that Christianity should be associated with kindness, compassion and mercy.
Then we have some neutral stuff like Magdalena questioning her faith after seeing 'the evil in people' or something.
Lastly, we have the annoying stuff like, "You can get through it, Morgan. God's not afraid of your honesty. You can shout at him if you need to, just don't stop talking to him." Not only does Alex see fit to tell Magdalena this, he also says stuff like,
The anger he'd felt earlier had subsided. "If Jesus can die on a cross for the likes of me, I can forgive you for all that I've been through."
You know what, Alex? FUCK YOU. Fuck you. How dare you say that to her?!?!!? One, she was not just keeping her past from you for shits and giggles, Alex. She was under Witness Protection. Do you even know what that means?!!?!? Two, I hate HATE when (usually it's born-again) Christians get all "I forgive you," and I'm like, "Thanks, but I didn't even do anything." I have a really low bullshit tolerance and as soon as people start condescendingly forgiving me for alleged sins (against them) while comparing themselves to Jesus I lose my shit. How can you BE with a man who thinks it's okay to talk to you this way?!!?!?!?!? I have LITERALLY broken up with men because of this. LITERALLY.
Deep breath, Carmen.
He also says, "Because I love you, silly." I don't know, this would rub me the wrong way. Condescending.
There's a lot of romantic face-touching in this. I guess Dunn thinks it's a prelude to kissing that's a little sexier than hand-holding? I don't know, I'm weirded out if a man is touching my face all the time, but okay.
There's also a nice subplot about an angry young man named Craig who works as a laborer on the horse ranch and is snarly and disrespectful to Magdalena. Alex wants to step in and be all forceful, but Magdalena slowly and sweetly wins Craig over with kindness and patience. I thought that was nice. Although there are missteps He was only a teenager, but no male liked a woman stepping in to defend him against another man. but overall I thought this side-plot was well done.
Alex is certainly not one of those non-violent Christians. He is very much with the punching. He punches lots and lots of bad guys in this. And he does other stuff like saves Magdalena from drowning and risks his life to pull her from a car wreck on a mountainside and stuff. So he's a really physical and forceful guy, no turn-the-other-cheek ideas here. He really gets tons of punching in. I was starting to think he must be an undercover agent or something, not just a horse rancher. Man's got a left hook and he knows how to use it.
Tl;dr - Well. This certainly isn't the worst Christian romance novel I've ever read. The absence of slut-shaming is particularly nice. However, I don't think it was the best one, either. Alex was getting on my nerves sometimes.
2 REAL STARS, 2 ROMANCE STARS
Okay.
He placed his finger under her chin, tilted her head up and kissed her. She melted beneath his touch as his mouth covered hers. His arms surrounded her, pulling her close. She responded to the strength and warmth of his kiss. In his arms she felt released from the pain and uncertainty of her life. She'd wanted this for a long time.
His arm wrapped around her waist. His stubble grazed her smooth cheek as he deepened the kiss. His hand brushed through her hair and touched her ear. She couldn't pull away if she'd wanted to. He kissed her lightly several more times before tilting his head back.
Breathless, she opened her eyes.
There. There was some sweet kissing for you to enjoy.
Now, on with the story!
Morgan Smith - or should I say, Magdalena Chávez - has been in the Witness Protection program for two months. She's gotten a job on a horse ranch working for Alex Reardon. She loves horses and is great with them, but Alex is frustrated because he likes her but can't get to know her better. Every time he attempts to talk to her about her personal life, she shuts down. We know this is because she is in Witness Protection, but he finds it frustrating.
The whole book basically consists of Magdalena dealing with unending attempts on her life. UNENDING. First someone rattles her doorknobs and knocks her down when she goes out to the barn. Then there's a fire in the barn when Magdalena's inside it. A strange rider spooks her horse and she's thrown in the river. A poisonous snake is turned loose in her room. A car hits her car and runs her off the road, nearly killing her. A car tries to run her down while she's crossing the street. Then of course we get to the climax which involves lots of running, shooting and attempted strangulation.
Nearly getting killed all the time is stressful enough, but on top of this Magdalena has to deal with Alex acting like a hurt puppy because she won't tell him jackshit about her life. I would be super-annoyed and frustrated with him, but she is sad because she likes him and she can't be 'honest' with him.
Alex is actually a pretty believable combination of a mensch and a man who is losing patience with a woman he's trying to get to know better.
MENSCH:
He demanded no answers or explanation from her for why she was so afraid.
...
"I'm not leaving you here with that guy coming after you. What kind of man do you think I am?"
However, I wish he had been MORE patient and calm with her. Men can never be TOO patient or TOO calm. Especially since she's nearly dying every day. Doesn't that make him suspicious? Like maybe she has her reasons for keeping her mouth shut? o.O
No slut-shaming in this book. That's a plus.
GOD
The God and Jesus talk is kept to a minimum and isn't too grating. We have some nice stuff in here, like Magdalena quoting Proverbs 15:1 and a woman 'doing the Christian thing' by feeding Alex and Magdalena when they come to her door bedraggled and in trouble. This was pleasant. I highly support the idea that Christianity should be associated with kindness, compassion and mercy.
Then we have some neutral stuff like Magdalena questioning her faith after seeing 'the evil in people' or something.
Lastly, we have the annoying stuff like, "You can get through it, Morgan. God's not afraid of your honesty. You can shout at him if you need to, just don't stop talking to him." Not only does Alex see fit to tell Magdalena this, he also says stuff like,
The anger he'd felt earlier had subsided. "If Jesus can die on a cross for the likes of me, I can forgive you for all that I've been through."
You know what, Alex? FUCK YOU. Fuck you. How dare you say that to her?!?!!? One, she was not just keeping her past from you for shits and giggles, Alex. She was under Witness Protection. Do you even know what that means?!!?!? Two, I hate HATE when (usually it's born-again) Christians get all "I forgive you," and I'm like, "Thanks, but I didn't even do anything." I have a really low bullshit tolerance and as soon as people start condescendingly forgiving me for alleged sins (against them) while comparing themselves to Jesus I lose my shit. How can you BE with a man who thinks it's okay to talk to you this way?!!?!?!?!? I have LITERALLY broken up with men because of this. LITERALLY.
Deep breath, Carmen.
He also says, "Because I love you, silly." I don't know, this would rub me the wrong way. Condescending.
There's a lot of romantic face-touching in this. I guess Dunn thinks it's a prelude to kissing that's a little sexier than hand-holding? I don't know, I'm weirded out if a man is touching my face all the time, but okay.
There's also a nice subplot about an angry young man named Craig who works as a laborer on the horse ranch and is snarly and disrespectful to Magdalena. Alex wants to step in and be all forceful, but Magdalena slowly and sweetly wins Craig over with kindness and patience. I thought that was nice. Although there are missteps He was only a teenager, but no male liked a woman stepping in to defend him against another man. but overall I thought this side-plot was well done.
Alex is certainly not one of those non-violent Christians. He is very much with the punching. He punches lots and lots of bad guys in this. And he does other stuff like saves Magdalena from drowning and risks his life to pull her from a car wreck on a mountainside and stuff. So he's a really physical and forceful guy, no turn-the-other-cheek ideas here. He really gets tons of punching in. I was starting to think he must be an undercover agent or something, not just a horse rancher. Man's got a left hook and he knows how to use it.
Tl;dr - Well. This certainly isn't the worst Christian romance novel I've ever read. The absence of slut-shaming is particularly nice. However, I don't think it was the best one, either. Alex was getting on my nerves sometimes.
2 REAL STARS, 2 ROMANCE STARS
October 21, 2016
2.75 stars
Probably the weakest story in the series thus far. I liked the characters, but a lot of stuff seemed funny. I didn't ever understand the reason for the conflict with Stephanie, and I wanted more of the growth of Craig after it played so large a part toward the beginning of the book.
The fire was probably the weakest part of the whole book. If she passes out from smoke inhalation, why does she go about her day like nothing happened and not even go to the hospital to be checked? The damage also seems really small for a fire in hay bales. It happens and never gets mentioned again. When she has a rattlesnake against her foot, I was surprised that he didn't pluck her off her feet and get her out of danger rather than running out of the room to find a weapon first. Then the ending was really, really rushed and gave more questions than answers. It seemed like a great deal of the bonding between these characters actually happened off the page and not where I could read about it.
Probably the weakest story in the series thus far. I liked the characters, but a lot of stuff seemed funny. I didn't ever understand the reason for the conflict with Stephanie, and I wanted more of the growth of Craig after it played so large a part toward the beginning of the book.
The fire was probably the weakest part of the whole book. If she passes out from smoke inhalation, why does she go about her day like nothing happened and not even go to the hospital to be checked? The damage also seems really small for a fire in hay bales. It happens and never gets mentioned again. When she has a rattlesnake against her foot, I was surprised that he didn't pluck her off her feet and get her out of danger rather than running out of the room to find a weapon first. Then the ending was really, really rushed and gave more questions than answers. It seemed like a great deal of the bonding between these characters actually happened off the page and not where I could read about it.
March 1, 2014
Book four in the 'Witness Protection' continuity series.
This one is about Morgan who grew up in Wyoming and after finding herself involved in illegal baby adoptions in Mexico, is now in the program in Iowa working at a horse boarding stable. Falling in love with Alex, her boss, was not part of the plan. But soon they both find themselves involved in all kinds of accidents and mishaps. Very enjoyable story.
This one is about Morgan who grew up in Wyoming and after finding herself involved in illegal baby adoptions in Mexico, is now in the program in Iowa working at a horse boarding stable. Falling in love with Alex, her boss, was not part of the plan. But soon they both find themselves involved in all kinds of accidents and mishaps. Very enjoyable story.
February 25, 2014
I am loving this series, "Witness Protection" by various authors. This one "Top Secret Identity" by Sharon Dunn, has been a joy to read! What suspense, time after time when I thought it was over, something else would happen!! The suspense was high and entertaining. The words of inspiration that Sharon has quoted in this book, tells us that she is a great Christian lady, who loves writing and giving God the glory at the same time! Thank you Sharon, for sharing your God given talent with us. Looking forward to the next book in this series, "Family in Hiding" by Valerie Hansen, another fantastic Love Inspired Suspense writer!!
August 25, 2014
I was disappointed with this book much like the one before it. It lacked depth and I just didn't enjoy it.
November 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Morgan is in Witnesses Protection hiding from people that want her dead. They have located her, but want her death to look like an accident. She is happy in her new location, and loves working with the horses, and is falling for her boss. The US. Marshals has told her not to tell anyone that she is in the program, and don’t tell anyone about her past. Alex was falling for Morgan too. He didn’t understand why she wouldn’t share her past with him, or talk about anything personal. He was very protective over Morgan. The suspense and action were good. I love this whole book series. The books can be read as standalones. I’ve read them out of order and wasn’t confused with the story line at all.
October 11, 2022
A good read, but still alot of unanswered questions.
August 11, 2014
#4 Witness Protection Continuity.
Morgan Smith is working at The Stables in Iowa.
Morgan Smith is not her real name, and she is allowed no contact with her family.
Morgan Smith is in Witness Protection, and alone. She can't tell anyone who she really is...or where she's from...or what she's seen.
She is definitely not allowed to fall in love!
Being alone is hard, not telling the truth is even harder, and as for not falling in love...well, she's struggling with that one too!
As for keeping safe and hidden, Morgan has followed the rules, but it seems someone has managed to find her after all, and he has murder on his agenda.
A good continuation in the Witness Protection Continuity. I did feel for Morgan, the sense of being alone, not being able to talk to anyone about your past, always looking over your shoulder as well as dealing with the emotions of finding out about a crime and living with the horror of it. Doing the right thing isn't always the easiest thing.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
You really do need to read these books in order as each book, while a story on its own, also has a plot which runs & develops through all the 6 books, building up to the grand finale in book 6. This means that you will not only want to read this book, but also the other 5 in the series! So if you are looking for a one off story to read, then this is not the book for you. However, if you are short of reading material & want a series to get you going, then you might want to try out this series.
Morgan Smith is working at The Stables in Iowa.
Morgan Smith is not her real name, and she is allowed no contact with her family.
Morgan Smith is in Witness Protection, and alone. She can't tell anyone who she really is...or where she's from...or what she's seen.
She is definitely not allowed to fall in love!
Being alone is hard, not telling the truth is even harder, and as for not falling in love...well, she's struggling with that one too!
As for keeping safe and hidden, Morgan has followed the rules, but it seems someone has managed to find her after all, and he has murder on his agenda.
A good continuation in the Witness Protection Continuity. I did feel for Morgan, the sense of being alone, not being able to talk to anyone about your past, always looking over your shoulder as well as dealing with the emotions of finding out about a crime and living with the horror of it. Doing the right thing isn't always the easiest thing.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
You really do need to read these books in order as each book, while a story on its own, also has a plot which runs & develops through all the 6 books, building up to the grand finale in book 6. This means that you will not only want to read this book, but also the other 5 in the series! So if you are looking for a one off story to read, then this is not the book for you. However, if you are short of reading material & want a series to get you going, then you might want to try out this series.
March 23, 2015
There is more romance than suspense in this novel.
The two main characters are very clearly presented. Their pasts are slowly revealed explaining what makes each of them hesitant about getting involved with others. I was able to really get connected with Morgan and feel sorry for the situation that she is in.
I am used to the Love Inspired Suspense line of books being filled with heart-pounding danger running throughout the book with calm moments strategically placed. Most of this book has a much more subtle suspense in it. Later in the story the danger did pick up and then it really captured my interest. I found that most of the way through, though, it was an enjoyable nice light romantic book to read. It was clean and yet there was plenty of attraction clearly spelled out, just the kind of romance that I love to read.
I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion.
The two main characters are very clearly presented. Their pasts are slowly revealed explaining what makes each of them hesitant about getting involved with others. I was able to really get connected with Morgan and feel sorry for the situation that she is in.
I am used to the Love Inspired Suspense line of books being filled with heart-pounding danger running throughout the book with calm moments strategically placed. Most of this book has a much more subtle suspense in it. Later in the story the danger did pick up and then it really captured my interest. I found that most of the way through, though, it was an enjoyable nice light romantic book to read. It was clean and yet there was plenty of attraction clearly spelled out, just the kind of romance that I love to read.
I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 12, 2016
The super quick romance of these 'love inspired suspense' is getting old pretty quick. But I cannot complain about the concept of the stories.
This is about a woman who witnessed a crime involving illegal infant adoptions in and out of the Mexican adoption agency she work for. Because of that she is put into witness protection.
Unfortunately, for me, it didn't offer a definite conclusion to the story.
This is about a woman who witnessed a crime involving illegal infant adoptions in and out of the Mexican adoption agency she work for. Because of that she is put into witness protection.
Unfortunately, for me, it didn't offer a definite conclusion to the story.
April 14, 2014
Morgan agreed to help the Marshal's in their quest to bring down the baby selling ring. The problem is, her location keeps getting breached. When she and Alex fall in love, their lives change more than they thought.
November 5, 2014
An awesome story! i love this series. I love how each story fits together. The suspense and plot kept me riveted to the book. I would love to know what happens to Alex and Morgan in their new life.
March 1, 2014
Fun read with lots of action and adventure. I really enjoyed reading this book.
March 17, 2014
Good story.
March 28, 2014
Pretty good story, unconventional ending to me..
May 8, 2014
This is a good, fast paced read. Plenty of action and romance. I highly recommend it!
May 29, 2014
Great book. Kept my attention from the first chapter until the ending. Lame ending. It kept me in the dark. I still have unanswered questions.
July 18, 2014
This is the third book in the Witness Protection series.. This was another great book.. Love the romance,mystery,and Christian values..
May 5, 2015
Pretty good. I had a hard time buying that the characters were so into each other instantly...even though that's exactly what happened with me and my husband...
January 18, 2018
it was a good book this is the second time reading this one too, a very good book
February 10, 2019
Not a bad entry in the Witness Protection series. Morgan is a relocated witness who has taken a job on a horse ranch. Her boss is a good man and she is reluctant to develop any feelings for him, but it happens anyway. Alex is rejected by her, but he falls for her anyway. Complicating this is the fact that she has been found by the enforcers for the baby trafficking mob and her "accidents" are causing some notice. There is also a leak in the Des Moines office of the US Marshals.
All of this is a stew of sorrow, fear, and loss. They manage a happy ending, though.
All of this is a stew of sorrow, fear, and loss. They manage a happy ending, though.
January 13, 2021
I loved that Morgan and Alex's relationship developed slowly over several weeks. The subtle attacks on Morgan made sense as they were trying to make it look like an accident. That said, I didn't really buy Alex's anger when he learned Morgan was part of Witness Protection. I get that he didn't like being lied to, but it's not like she had a choice.
October 28, 2020
Great book- could not set it down!!
The setting for two people to fall in love is not one I had ever heard of! Also the story grips with the occasions of offensive attacks on the lovers are possible.
The setting for two people to fall in love is not one I had ever heard of! Also the story grips with the occasions of offensive attacks on the lovers are possible.
December 28, 2018
another of Sharon's books. Alex and Morgan's story. Cowboy, mystery, bad guys.
November 29, 2019
Nice Read
I really enjoyed this book,suspense,thrills,mystery and some really good action.But I got confused with the ending and felt left up in the air I'm going to read it again.
I really enjoyed this book,suspense,thrills,mystery and some really good action.But I got confused with the ending and felt left up in the air I'm going to read it again.
February 20, 2021
Man oh man...what a book!! Never a dull moment!! Absolutely loved it!!
January 7, 2023
I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.
April 17, 2024
About the only thing I can say is that it is clean. I have read a lot better.
February 28, 2025
Quick easy read with plenty of action.
Read
June 6, 2025Great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews