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The Defenders #5
Small Town Justice
DANGEROUS SECRETS
Back home in Serenity, Jamie Lynn Henderson's determined to prove her brother was framed for the town sheriff's hit-and-run death years ago. But as she encounters dead end after dead end, Jamie Lynn discovers someone will go to any lengths—even murder—to bury the evidence. Her only hope of staying alive long enough to uncover the truth is Shane Colton, the late lawman's wary son. Shane's world was shattered by one senseless act that he can't forgive. But somehow he is drawn to protect the lovely woman trying to free her brother from prison. If they don't work fast, Jamie Lynn's single-minded quest might lead them both into the killer's trap.
Back home in Serenity, Jamie Lynn Henderson's determined to prove her brother was framed for the town sheriff's hit-and-run death years ago. But as she encounters dead end after dead end, Jamie Lynn discovers someone will go to any lengths—even murder—to bury the evidence. Her only hope of staying alive long enough to uncover the truth is Shane Colton, the late lawman's wary son. Shane's world was shattered by one senseless act that he can't forgive. But somehow he is drawn to protect the lovely woman trying to free her brother from prison. If they don't work fast, Jamie Lynn's single-minded quest might lead them both into the killer's trap.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
27 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Hansen
180 books250 followersValerie Hansen is the pen name of Valerie Whisenand.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.
There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.
You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.
There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.
You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 12, 2020
Small Town Justice is the fifth book in its series and yet I didn't feel like I needed to read the other books in order to follow along with this story.
I loved how the book opened with an intense scene - right away you are drawn into the story and wondering why someone is after the heroine. The conclusion was great!
The romance aspect was interesting. There didn't seem to be any immediate sparks and I kind of liked that. ;)
All in all, Small Town Justice was really good and I recommend it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I loved how the book opened with an intense scene - right away you are drawn into the story and wondering why someone is after the heroine. The conclusion was great!
The romance aspect was interesting. There didn't seem to be any immediate sparks and I kind of liked that. ;)
All in all, Small Town Justice was really good and I recommend it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
May 21, 2020
This book has a bunch of twists and turns. It's a page turner and easy to read. This book is about a young girl who's brother was railroaded for the murder of the sheriff. She comes back to her home to find out what really happened but when she comes home the killers try to get rid of her. She finds help from an unlikely source. This book is amazing.
I highly recommend it. I will read it again and have.
I highly recommend it. I will read it again and have.
March 24, 2019
Jamie has come back to town to try to find out what happened to her family. Her brother was convicted of murder and she isn't so sure that he actually did it. Her Mom and Dad sent her to live with an aunt and then never called her to come back with them. She is now an adult and wants some answers.
From the minute she comes back into town she runs into trouble it seems on every corner. She has Shane Colton who offers to help her because he has to keep saving her. Shane and his Mom know that she is trying to find out whether her brother is acutally of quilty of killing Shanes Dad all those years ago.
Great book would recommend it to all my friends
From the minute she comes back into town she runs into trouble it seems on every corner. She has Shane Colton who offers to help her because he has to keep saving her. Shane and his Mom know that she is trying to find out whether her brother is acutally of quilty of killing Shanes Dad all those years ago.
Great book would recommend it to all my friends
October 5, 2020
I have read a lot of Love Inspired Suspense novels, but this has got to be one of the best. The plot was a bit more involved than most of these books, and you didn't know what was coming next. Great characters too. I couldn't put it down
August 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this multi-dimensional plot with well-developed characters. The mystery was intricate and interesting.
The faith thread throughout the story was strong and came in the form of many characters sharing their faith with the female lead.
The book is completely clean in language and content.
I borrowed this book from our local public library.
#################
The faith thread throughout the story was strong and came in the form of many characters sharing their faith with the female lead.
The book is completely clean in language and content.
I borrowed this book from our local public library.
#################
August 15, 2018
SMALL TOWN JUSTICE is a romantic suspense that is set in the imaginary town of Serenity, Arkansas...but the town is set in the location (and layout) of real life town Salem, Arkansas, only about ten miles from where I live. How fun is that? Ms. Hansen lives nearby this area, too.
It was fun visiting areas I've been in person on the pages of this book and imagining the story really happening.
Jamie Lynn doesn't believe for one minute her brother really was the driver in a hit-and-run homocide and she hates that he's spending 30 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Likewise, Shane's mother believes her husband was murdered and not by accident. The two women together are determined to find answers. Who really killed Sam Colton and was it an accident? But the killer doesn't want his past sins found out and he's prepared to kill again. And again. And again.
We knew from pretty much the beginning who-dun-it but we don't know how they'll get caught or what will happen in the journey to get there.
Jamie Lynn is tenacious and not easily scared away even though Shane tries his hardest to convince her into letting it go and don't dig up old wounds. He wants his mama and his son to be safe -- and worse, they won't be if Jamie Lynn keeps poking around.
Good read.
A friend (not the author) gave me her copy of the book. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a review.
It was fun visiting areas I've been in person on the pages of this book and imagining the story really happening.
Jamie Lynn doesn't believe for one minute her brother really was the driver in a hit-and-run homocide and she hates that he's spending 30 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Likewise, Shane's mother believes her husband was murdered and not by accident. The two women together are determined to find answers. Who really killed Sam Colton and was it an accident? But the killer doesn't want his past sins found out and he's prepared to kill again. And again. And again.
We knew from pretty much the beginning who-dun-it but we don't know how they'll get caught or what will happen in the journey to get there.
Jamie Lynn is tenacious and not easily scared away even though Shane tries his hardest to convince her into letting it go and don't dig up old wounds. He wants his mama and his son to be safe -- and worse, they won't be if Jamie Lynn keeps poking around.
Good read.
A friend (not the author) gave me her copy of the book. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a review.
January 23, 2016
Jamie Lynn is intent of finding out who framed her big brother for the sheriff's death years earlier. To do so, she has to go home and when she arrives, attacks begin--against her! When she is rescued by Shane Colton, she discovers he's the late sheriff's only son and he is loath to trust her. After all, a member of her family killed his father.
But as complications pile one on the other, Shane becomes convinced that Jamie may be right and that his dad may have been murdered. Why and by whom is the big question each of them now has to answer. But doing so also places Shane and his little boy and mother in danger, too.
When the answers slowly are revealed, so also are the feelings that Shane and Jamie feel for each other, all of which ends satisfyingly, if with a big some unexpected deaths.
But as complications pile one on the other, Shane becomes convinced that Jamie may be right and that his dad may have been murdered. Why and by whom is the big question each of them now has to answer. But doing so also places Shane and his little boy and mother in danger, too.
When the answers slowly are revealed, so also are the feelings that Shane and Jamie feel for each other, all of which ends satisfyingly, if with a big some unexpected deaths.
February 22, 2017
Small Town Justice is my first book by Valerie Hansen. I was very pleased with this well-written book. Jamie and Shane's story is full of suspense, drama, humor and a tiny hint of spice. There are no sex scenes in this book. I especially liked the characters, they are fantastic. I enjoyed Small Town Justice and would be happy to read more from Valerie Hansen in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I read a print copy of this book.
I read a print copy of this book.
July 12, 2023
This novel was full of action as Jamie Lynn tried to find evidence to prove her brother's innocence in the killing of a county sheriff. As the story unfolds, we find out that there was some inefficient investigating involved in the attempt to solve the crime. The story moves quickly and provides a good read.
June 23, 2024
Half baked characters.Unlikeable hero.No chemistry and forced romance.Anti-climatic climax.
The book is a quest for heroine to find answers about what happened to her family and still she has only 1 conversation in epilogue with her newly discovered mother and no conversation at all with her brother due to whose conviction the entire cycle had started.
The book is a quest for heroine to find answers about what happened to her family and still she has only 1 conversation in epilogue with her newly discovered mother and no conversation at all with her brother due to whose conviction the entire cycle had started.
July 24, 2017
Danger and romance abound in this thrilling couldn't-put-it-down book!
August 6, 2017
Love inspired suspense.
January 26, 2020
AWESOME!!!!
This is an awesome book!!! There's plenty of action, mystery, humor, evil carrying on, and even some romance!!! And, finally, some justice served up!!!!!
This is an awesome book!!! There's plenty of action, mystery, humor, evil carrying on, and even some romance!!! And, finally, some justice served up!!!!!
February 4, 2020
I started out liking this book and have read other books by this author but when I got near the end I got to thinking I was missing something. Buy the ending I changed my 5 stars to four.
March 28, 2023
Quick, easy, fun read--what I call "mind candy".
December 2, 2015
Jamie Lynn and Shane shared one nightmare, only from different sides of the fence. This is one story that proves the grass isn't always greener on the other side ;)
After traveling back to her childhood home to find answers to questions from long ago Jamie Lynn is determined to find the truth. Her only problem is the people trying to hurt her. And of course the man that saved her life.
Many near death occurrences make Shane decide to stick close to Jamie Lynn, even if getting closer to her might hurt them both in the long run. She and Marsha (Shane's mother) become fast friends and band together to get Shane on their side in seeking the truth that might heal both families. Together (eventually) Jamie Lynn and Shane fight together, and unravel many secrets from the long ago murder while becoming close friends.
Once they are close to finding the truth, the people responsible for so much pain in the community decide they wont let the truth come out. Marsha and Kyle are kidnapped, and the suspect wants Shane to bring him his fathers(the old sheriff and murder victim) notes in exchange for his family. Jamie Lynn couldn't let Shane go into that situation, so she decides to steal his truck and beat him there, then trust God like she had when younger.
After a little time Jamie Lynn helps Marsha and Kyle escape, but leaves herself as the only hostage. And of course that's when the cops show up and the suspect goes whacky(well more whacky). Shane is also there, and decides he just cant let Jamie Lynn stay in there alone, and barges in to save her. Luckily, he does. Well, she saves herself but he saves her from falling to the bottom floor.
Now, the truth is out for all to know and RJ is set free. Jamie Lynn finds her mom, and they are all reunited once again. There is also a wedding taking place... but you'll have to read for yourself to find out who :)
Valerie Hansen is a wonderful writer. I will read anything I can get my hands on with her name on it. While she is a Christian author, and God is evident in all her books, she DOES NOT shove it down your throat. So, if your an unbeliever wanting to read Small Town Justice you will have no issues. If you are a believer, like me, you will love God's presence even more! Enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are all mine.
After traveling back to her childhood home to find answers to questions from long ago Jamie Lynn is determined to find the truth. Her only problem is the people trying to hurt her. And of course the man that saved her life.
Many near death occurrences make Shane decide to stick close to Jamie Lynn, even if getting closer to her might hurt them both in the long run. She and Marsha (Shane's mother) become fast friends and band together to get Shane on their side in seeking the truth that might heal both families. Together (eventually) Jamie Lynn and Shane fight together, and unravel many secrets from the long ago murder while becoming close friends.
Once they are close to finding the truth, the people responsible for so much pain in the community decide they wont let the truth come out. Marsha and Kyle are kidnapped, and the suspect wants Shane to bring him his fathers(the old sheriff and murder victim) notes in exchange for his family. Jamie Lynn couldn't let Shane go into that situation, so she decides to steal his truck and beat him there, then trust God like she had when younger.
After a little time Jamie Lynn helps Marsha and Kyle escape, but leaves herself as the only hostage. And of course that's when the cops show up and the suspect goes whacky(well more whacky). Shane is also there, and decides he just cant let Jamie Lynn stay in there alone, and barges in to save her. Luckily, he does. Well, she saves herself but he saves her from falling to the bottom floor.
Now, the truth is out for all to know and RJ is set free. Jamie Lynn finds her mom, and they are all reunited once again. There is also a wedding taking place... but you'll have to read for yourself to find out who :)
Valerie Hansen is a wonderful writer. I will read anything I can get my hands on with her name on it. While she is a Christian author, and God is evident in all her books, she DOES NOT shove it down your throat. So, if your an unbeliever wanting to read Small Town Justice you will have no issues. If you are a believer, like me, you will love God's presence even more! Enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are all mine.
December 26, 2015
Jamie Lynn and Shane shared one nightmare, only from different sides of the fence. This is one story that proves the grass isn't always greener on the other side ;)
After traveling back to her childhood home to find answers to questions from long ago Jamie Lynn is determined to find the truth. Her only problem is the people trying to hurt her. And of course the man that saved her life.
Many near death occurrences make Shane decide to stick close to Jamie Lynn, even if getting closer to her might hurt them both in the long run. She and Marsha (Shane's mother) become fast friends and band together to get Shane on their side in seeking the truth that might heal both families. Together (eventually) Jamie Lynn and Shane fight together, and unravel many secrets from the long ago murder while becoming close friends.
Once they are close to finding the truth, the people responsible for so much pain in the community decide they wont let the truth come out. Marsha and Kyle are kidnapped, and the suspect wants Shane to bring him his fathers(the old sheriff and murder victim) notes in exchange for his family. Jamie Lynn couldn't let Shane go into that situation, so she decides to steal his truck and beat him there, then trust God like she had when younger.
After a little time Jamie Lynn helps Marsha and Kyle escape, but leaves herself as the only hostage. And of course that's when the cops show up and the suspect goes whacky(well more whacky). Shane is also there, and decides he just cant let Jamie Lynn stay in there alone, and barges in to save her. Luckily, he does. Well, she saves herself but he saves her from falling to the bottom floor.
Now, the truth is out for all to know and RJ is set free. Jamie Lynn finds her mom, and they are all reunited once again. There is also a wedding taking place... but you'll have to read for yourself to find out who :)
Valerie Hansen is a wonderful writer. I will read anything I can get my hands on with her name on it. While she is a Christian author, and God is evident in all her books, she DOES NOT shove it down your throat. So, if your an unbeliever wanting to read Small Town Justice you will have no issues. If you are a believer, like me, you will love God's presence even more! Enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are all mine.
After traveling back to her childhood home to find answers to questions from long ago Jamie Lynn is determined to find the truth. Her only problem is the people trying to hurt her. And of course the man that saved her life.
Many near death occurrences make Shane decide to stick close to Jamie Lynn, even if getting closer to her might hurt them both in the long run. She and Marsha (Shane's mother) become fast friends and band together to get Shane on their side in seeking the truth that might heal both families. Together (eventually) Jamie Lynn and Shane fight together, and unravel many secrets from the long ago murder while becoming close friends.
Once they are close to finding the truth, the people responsible for so much pain in the community decide they wont let the truth come out. Marsha and Kyle are kidnapped, and the suspect wants Shane to bring him his fathers(the old sheriff and murder victim) notes in exchange for his family. Jamie Lynn couldn't let Shane go into that situation, so she decides to steal his truck and beat him there, then trust God like she had when younger.
After a little time Jamie Lynn helps Marsha and Kyle escape, but leaves herself as the only hostage. And of course that's when the cops show up and the suspect goes whacky(well more whacky). Shane is also there, and decides he just cant let Jamie Lynn stay in there alone, and barges in to save her. Luckily, he does. Well, she saves herself but he saves her from falling to the bottom floor.
Now, the truth is out for all to know and RJ is set free. Jamie Lynn finds her mom, and they are all reunited once again. There is also a wedding taking place... but you'll have to read for yourself to find out who :)
Valerie Hansen is a wonderful writer. I will read anything I can get my hands on with her name on it. While she is a Christian author, and God is evident in all her books, she DOES NOT shove it down your throat. So, if your an unbeliever wanting to read Small Town Justice you will have no issues. If you are a believer, like me, you will love God's presence even more! Enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are all mine.
January 6, 2016
The constant danger and terror of the attacks, keeps the reader on their toes, but the great humor, that is spread all over the story, balances the intense menace, and brings light to the tale.
I enjoyed the characters, and their interaction in the story. They have a connection, Jamie and Shane especially are drawn to each other, despite the circumstances of their lives. Kyle, Shane's son, is a delight, and Useless, the dog, definitely steals some of the attention.
The action and danger is constant, and the attacks becoming more and more frequent. The secrets and conspiracy theories of the old crime start to come to the light, and the badly handled investigation from before, suddenly gets new light, information no one in the town expected.
Jamie and Shane work on the investigation, their banter is fun, and the attraction adorable. How fate is integrated into their lives, and into the story, is natural, and genuine, the way he, and his mom, share it with Jamie logical and practical.
Enjoyable and fun story, I liked the suspense, characters, and the action in the tale. The romance came fast, but the connection between Shane and Jamie was legitimate and true
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
I enjoyed the characters, and their interaction in the story. They have a connection, Jamie and Shane especially are drawn to each other, despite the circumstances of their lives. Kyle, Shane's son, is a delight, and Useless, the dog, definitely steals some of the attention.
The action and danger is constant, and the attacks becoming more and more frequent. The secrets and conspiracy theories of the old crime start to come to the light, and the badly handled investigation from before, suddenly gets new light, information no one in the town expected.
Jamie and Shane work on the investigation, their banter is fun, and the attraction adorable. How fate is integrated into their lives, and into the story, is natural, and genuine, the way he, and his mom, share it with Jamie logical and practical.
Enjoyable and fun story, I liked the suspense, characters, and the action in the tale. The romance came fast, but the connection between Shane and Jamie was legitimate and true
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
January 1, 2016
4 Stars
Small Town Justice is full of mystery, secrets, danger and love. Jamie Lynn has come back to find out what happened to her family all those years ago. She is sure now that something has been covered up.
Jamie Lynn stopped by her old home and someone tries to burn her house with her in it. She is rescued by Shane Colton. There families had something happened when she was ten that changed both of their lives.
Never new what was going to happen next to Jamie Lynn next or someone else around her. She was not going to leave until she finds out what really happened that night. Was her brother framed? Are both her parents alive?
Jamie had given up on prayer when she was ten. She learns to pray again with faith. I like Jamie. She is smart, caring, determined and brave.
I would read more from Valerie Hansen in the future. It was a entertaining and clean read.
I was given this ebook from Netgalley and Harlequin to read. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Small Town Justice.
December 27, 2015
Two people who shouldn't want to trust each other have to to reach the result they both want. The story is set in a small town (obviously) and contains the quirks and faults that a small town provides. I liked the two main characters. Sometimes I wanted them to be a bit, more. I'm not sure exactly what.
I loved the little boy of the story - a fun addition.
I liked the story. I felt for the most part the suspense was fairly believable. But somewhere at the end when everything started to unravel, I felt the tightness of the plot did too.
Rating: 3 Stars
Content: Violence, drinking not in a positive light, kissing
Source: Netgalley
I loved the little boy of the story - a fun addition.
I liked the story. I felt for the most part the suspense was fairly believable. But somewhere at the end when everything started to unravel, I felt the tightness of the plot did too.
Rating: 3 Stars
Content: Violence, drinking not in a positive light, kissing
Source: Netgalley
November 30, 2015
Maybe a little less. A good book, with one of the most disappointing endings I have read. I had hoped to give it at least 4 stars, maybe more. It had all the things I like in these series. Then, came the end, when a few things were explained away in words rather than a plot line, and more than a few left hanging - not as "cliffhangers," just simply unanswered. Sad. It could have been so good.
Read
January 9, 2016"Great characterization and storyline development combine in Hansen’s latest and lead to a satisfying conclusion" RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Read
January 2, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
February 15, 2016
Just started reading, so it seems interesting and captivating. I am now on page 60.
Read
June 13, 2017I like this book very much.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews