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The Callaways #7
When Shadows Fall
#1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy delivers love, romance and a tantalizing mystery in WHEN SHADOWS FALL, the seventh book in the bestselling Callaway Series.
Olivia Bennett is a biographer, a narrator of lives far more interesting than her own. When she volunteers to write down the memories of Eleanor Callaway, an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer's, she gets caught up in a compelling story of a great love and a terrible secret. Suddenly, she is no longer a spectator but an investigator, and in her quest for the truth, she not only finds herself at odds with Eleanor's sexy and very protective grandson Colton Callaway, but she also discovers a more personal connection to Eleanor's past.
Colton is a firefighter, a man used to going after what he wants and getting it. He pushes the limits, takes chances, and is willing to risk everything to save a life, especially if that life belongs to his grandmother.
As Olivia and Colton stir up the smoldering embers...
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2014
565 people are currently reading
1292 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Freethy
137 books2,675 followersBarbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.
When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!
For a complete list of her books, visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 11, 2015
When shadows fall (Callaways #7) by Barbara Freethy
3 Stars
As a stand alone story this would be an interesting and exciting romantic mystery but as part of the Callaways series I found it repetitive and very much same old same old. It’s almost like Barbara is running out of ideas. In book one Aiden saved Sara from a house fire, which is swoon worthy and romantic… but in this book Colton saves Olivia from a house fire. Yes it’s romantic but seriously? using the same drama for both brothers is just lazy, we need variety. Then we have the fact that Olvia is adopted, we’ve already had the ‘adopted kid drama’ in book four when Brandon was kidnapped and we discovered he was adopted. I just feel like the series needs something fresh to keep it alive.
The good thing about this book, within the series, is that we finally have a conclusion to the back story about grandma’s secret, though it isn’t anything like I had imagined and it did escalate to unbelievable. The initial revelation about the theatre group was story enough but then it grew and grew and ended in a groan worthy train wreck.
I’m thinking that reading eight books in the series one after the other is not the best way to enjoy it, the previous stories are too fresh in my mind for me to be able to forgive the similarities. My advice would be to spread them out with other reads in-between!
Copy supplied for review
3 Stars
As a stand alone story this would be an interesting and exciting romantic mystery but as part of the Callaways series I found it repetitive and very much same old same old. It’s almost like Barbara is running out of ideas. In book one Aiden saved Sara from a house fire, which is swoon worthy and romantic… but in this book Colton saves Olivia from a house fire. Yes it’s romantic but seriously? using the same drama for both brothers is just lazy, we need variety. Then we have the fact that Olvia is adopted, we’ve already had the ‘adopted kid drama’ in book four when Brandon was kidnapped and we discovered he was adopted. I just feel like the series needs something fresh to keep it alive.
The good thing about this book, within the series, is that we finally have a conclusion to the back story about grandma’s secret, though it isn’t anything like I had imagined and it did escalate to unbelievable. The initial revelation about the theatre group was story enough but then it grew and grew and ended in a groan worthy train wreck.
I’m thinking that reading eight books in the series one after the other is not the best way to enjoy it, the previous stories are too fresh in my mind for me to be able to forgive the similarities. My advice would be to spread them out with other reads in-between!
Copy supplied for review
February 9, 2015
I'm a huge fan of Barbara Freethy and of this series. I've enjoyed each book so far and have become so invested in these characters and this family. I've been waiting for Colt's book and for the BIG secret to finally be revealed. I was so disappointed. I just could not get into this story at all. I actually found myself bored with the story after the first couple chapters. It was a struggle for me to finish and I hate saying that because I love this series. I was actually let down as to what the secret was once it was revealed. I was expecting something totally shocking. So even though I didn't like this story this is still a great series and I am so looking forward to Burke's book next. I have been waiting for him since the beginning. :)
April 28, 2015
Actually this one was my favorite of the bunch. And I think because while this one was engulfed in mystery like the previous six books, this book set the mystery up from the beginning while all the other books kinda threw in the mystery and plot lines as the story went on. We knew Colton's Grandma had a secret. We knew Olivia was brought in to find that secret. So I really enjoyed her interactions with Colton and his family and the older women. I will say, again they fell in love in like 5 days (which is a step up from the 3 days of Colton's twin sister in the last one). I'm really trying not to judge this author but it would be nice if her books could take place over longer periods of time. Because I am side eying her characters like WOAH over the crazy fast "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE WITH YOU EVEN THOUGH WE JUST MET ON TUESDAY" time line. It's starting to get a bit repetitive.
But this book was my favorite. Am debating whether to track down or buy book #8. My library doesn't have it (YET THEY HAVE THE FIRST 7) and while part of me wants to read Burke's story, the other part of me doesn't want to pay $5 to get it from Amazon. Ah, decisions.
But this book was my favorite. Am debating whether to track down or buy book #8. My library doesn't have it (YET THEY HAVE THE FIRST 7) and while part of me wants to read Burke's story, the other part of me doesn't want to pay $5 to get it from Amazon. Ah, decisions.
August 5, 2019
Best of the series in my opinion! We finally get to hear what Eleanor has been trying to tell us when her friend Molly invites writer Olivia Bennett to town to write the story of her and her friends. We also get to see the very yummy Colton Callaway fall hard for the beautiful writer as he helps her unravel secrets that have been kept for many years. Definitely a book everyone should read. I highly recommend it whether you're a fan of the series or not.
October 11, 2016
Awesome book.
Love that this book is a combination of romance and mystery. Highly recommend. Can't wait to read more about the Callaway family from San Francisco
Love that this book is a combination of romance and mystery. Highly recommend. Can't wait to read more about the Callaway family from San Francisco
July 13, 2018
A story within a story
Olivia was an assistant to a man who wrote biographies. She did the interviews and research and brought the characters to life. It felt as if it was time for her to write books under her own name. When she is invited to travel to San Francisco to meet a group of friends who had been part of a small theater group. She knows they want her to tell their story. But there are a lot of questions. How did they know who she is? Why her? What is the story she should tell?
Once she arrives the questions multiply. Why are the men so angry and opposed to their wives speaking to her? Can she find enough backup to learn the real facts and is there enough time left before the people involved can no longer tell their parts?
This is also the story of Colton Callaways who is recovering from injuries in fighting the latest fire. His grandfather has asked him to prevent his grandmother from being hurt by telling her story to Olivia. He doesn’t understand why there is a problem, but finds himself attracted to Olivia while trying to do what his idol, and role model grandfather has asked.
Likable, honorable people who want to protect and support and help.
Olivia was an assistant to a man who wrote biographies. She did the interviews and research and brought the characters to life. It felt as if it was time for her to write books under her own name. When she is invited to travel to San Francisco to meet a group of friends who had been part of a small theater group. She knows they want her to tell their story. But there are a lot of questions. How did they know who she is? Why her? What is the story she should tell?
Once she arrives the questions multiply. Why are the men so angry and opposed to their wives speaking to her? Can she find enough backup to learn the real facts and is there enough time left before the people involved can no longer tell their parts?
This is also the story of Colton Callaways who is recovering from injuries in fighting the latest fire. His grandfather has asked him to prevent his grandmother from being hurt by telling her story to Olivia. He doesn’t understand why there is a problem, but finds himself attracted to Olivia while trying to do what his idol, and role model grandfather has asked.
Likable, honorable people who want to protect and support and help.
February 6, 2018
Olivia and Colton’s Fiery Love Saga! 4.5*****
Olivia Bennett, biographer and adopted at birth, arrived in San Francisco to meet Molly, but indirectly she discover about her heritage ( being Molly’s granddaughter). The sad story of domestic abuse, the group of theatre performers that helped these women and their children escape their lives of despair, and the self- defense/ murder of her grandfather, Stan the crooked cop, and the ‘Wall of Blue’ that stood by and did nothing to help Molly and the other abused women’s.
The novel was intensely written, and filled with emotion, as the domestic abuse topic is so very relevant in today’s culture. The characters, especially Eleanor, wounded firefighter Colton Callaway’s grandmother and Olivia’s love interest, bravely defended her friend, Molly, saved her family, and finally told her friend’s story, when she was not able to do so. Family and true friendship are the basis for this intriguing novel! A Must Read!
Olivia Bennett, biographer and adopted at birth, arrived in San Francisco to meet Molly, but indirectly she discover about her heritage ( being Molly’s granddaughter). The sad story of domestic abuse, the group of theatre performers that helped these women and their children escape their lives of despair, and the self- defense/ murder of her grandfather, Stan the crooked cop, and the ‘Wall of Blue’ that stood by and did nothing to help Molly and the other abused women’s.
The novel was intensely written, and filled with emotion, as the domestic abuse topic is so very relevant in today’s culture. The characters, especially Eleanor, wounded firefighter Colton Callaway’s grandmother and Olivia’s love interest, bravely defended her friend, Molly, saved her family, and finally told her friend’s story, when she was not able to do so. Family and true friendship are the basis for this intriguing novel! A Must Read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
Olivia Bennett ist Biografin. Sie erzählt Lebensgeschichten, die viel interessanter sind als ihre eigene und durch die neue Geschichte könnte sich das ändern. Immer wieder hat man so kleine Teaser auf diese Band bekommen. Elenor Callaway hat Alzheimer und hat einige interessante Kommentare in der letzten Band losgelassen. Colton soll dafür sorgen, dass Olivia von seiner Großmutter fernbleibt. Bloß die Funken zwischen ihnen kann man kaum ignorieren. Das Thema in diesem Buch ist Ernst und sehr wichtig und das verwoben in einer Liebesgeschichte. Beides hat seine Zeit, seine Seiten und ist eine gute Mischung. Es sorgt für Spannung und ehrlich gesagt weiß ich nicht was mir besser gefällt. Es ist mein Lieblingsband der Reihe, einfach weil es anderes ist und die Liebe nicht untergeht. Auch die Reaktion von Colton auf die Geheimnisse seiner Großeltern fand ich toll. Olivia erlebt hier viel und alle Emotion waren nachvollziehbar.
December 4, 2019
What a love story! And now just the introduction to Olivia and Colten, but the grandparents! Eleanor and Patrick’s love is beautiful and timeless. I have been wanting to k ow about the terrible day and big secret for so long and it did not disappoint. I thought the way it was built up and delivered was creative and impactful. Colton brought a different view to the family and we got to see more of Burke, including what his dead fiancée name was. I did not like Coltons new boss, but the tension between the boss and Burke was interesting. Emma was present which is a high five from me because Emma is an amazing character and I love her approach to justice and family. Olivia is well developed and determined. Her scenes with humor and empathy and doggedness were great and I loved the scenes at the beach and the final letter. Great read!
January 12, 2018
Not bad!
This is the 7th book I’m a series. So far, I haven’t been disappointed in any of them. The books are chronological and pertain to siblings and their romances, so it is much more satisfying to read them all in order. However, there is enough summary information from the previous books that if you only read one of them, you aren’t lost.
The plot of this book has been foreshadowed in previous books in the series. I was actually a little surprised that this one wasn’t the last one of the series. Then, I realized that the next one has been foreshadowed for several novels, too. Even with that much build up, the resolutions are well done and worth the wait. If you like romance and light suspense, this is a wonderful series to try. I’m enjoying it!
This is the 7th book I’m a series. So far, I haven’t been disappointed in any of them. The books are chronological and pertain to siblings and their romances, so it is much more satisfying to read them all in order. However, there is enough summary information from the previous books that if you only read one of them, you aren’t lost.
The plot of this book has been foreshadowed in previous books in the series. I was actually a little surprised that this one wasn’t the last one of the series. Then, I realized that the next one has been foreshadowed for several novels, too. Even with that much build up, the resolutions are well done and worth the wait. If you like romance and light suspense, this is a wonderful series to try. I’m enjoying it!
April 17, 2023
I am really loving the Callaway Brothers series, about a big family of firefighters and first responders who live in San Francisco. This book was about Colton, who has a romance with Olivia, a woman who is going to take down the memoir of his grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. His grandfather doesn’t want her to tell her story. This is a plot that has been building for several books, so I was definitely curious to see what grandad had to hide. There were some definite surprises in this one. I liked Olivia’s storyline. I really enjoyed the mystery plotline in this one. I’m really excited to read Burke’s story next. 4/5 stars.
June 6, 2018
I'm never disappointed after reading a Barbara Freethy book - especially one involving the Callaway family and this one was no exception. I love all of the characters in this series and feel as if they are all people I know. Loved the plot in this one, a very good mystery and family secret that comes to light.
August 9, 2017
I just love the Calloway family and I really enjoyed learning about Grandma Eleanor's story from when she was younger. What strong women her and her friends were. Loving reconnecting with this family this summer :)
June 4, 2019
Love the Callaways!!! Am so glad to FINALLY get to the bottom of the "mystery" and to Colton & Olivia's story as well. We are running out of Callaways…. :( Highly recommend this series and Barbara!
September 23, 2019
You really can't go wrong with a Freethy novel. However, this one hit a little close to home for me. Domestic violence is real and a huge issue, and needs to be talked about. Hands down a great novel.
December 31, 2019
Great suspense!
This is Colton and Olivia's story. As always in this series, the story telling and the characters are great. There is lots of mystery and a developing romance. Very entertaining!
This is Colton and Olivia's story. As always in this series, the story telling and the characters are great. There is lots of mystery and a developing romance. Very entertaining!
February 11, 2020
I loved this book it is book #7 in the Callaways story and just like the other books such a story. This author just writes the best stories that are great from the beginning to the end. Barbara hit a grand slam with #7 and unlike on the craps table it's a winner for her!
December 5, 2020
Another outstanding book out of this series of brothers.
It also told of a story of bravery of Molly and Eleanor, and how Patrick would do anything to stand by his wife.
Definetly a must-read series.
It also told of a story of bravery of Molly and Eleanor, and how Patrick would do anything to stand by his wife.
Definetly a must-read series.
May 23, 2017
Another great book by Barbara Freethy in the Callaway series.
August 29, 2017
Another good Callaway family story! We finally found out Grandma Callaway's secret that's been alluded to in previous stories.
October 16, 2017
An ok read but the relationship developed very quickly.
December 6, 2017
Love the series
June 12, 2018
Crying!
December 5, 2018
These are such cute stories. I'm not sure how the series seems to stretch out so far when I'm just about done with the siblings, however, they are still very engaging reads.
July 19, 2019
When shadows fall
Olivia and Colton were very interesting to read.just wished there was a little more to the story with Molly but loved reading
Olivia and Colton were very interesting to read.just wished there was a little more to the story with Molly but loved reading
January 27, 2020
Loved this love story with a twist!
October 29, 2020
Firefighter
Researching a story and finding a family connection was a shock to Olivia. Colton runs into Olivia and sparks fly. Will there lies change.....
Researching a story and finding a family connection was a shock to Olivia. Colton runs into Olivia and sparks fly. Will there lies change.....
January 6, 2021
Really great book, best in the series. A great series to listen to while working from home. Helps the work day to pass quickly.
August 12, 2021
Great book
Wow what an amazing book. Each story just gets better and better. I’m so happy the secret was finally revealed. I cannot wait to hear Burke’s story now
Wow what an amazing book. Each story just gets better and better. I’m so happy the secret was finally revealed. I cannot wait to hear Burke’s story now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews