Deputy Marcus O’Connell is blindsided one night after a series of calls comes in from an unknown number, and the caller on the other end is a child. All he knows is she’s six years old, her name is Eva, and there’s someone in her house who wants to hurt her.
Marcus is the ultimate bad boy turned deputy. He knows everything about how to get away with something, considering he was one of the middle of the six O’Connell siblings. He never had responsibility resting on his shoulders like his brother Owen, and he’s never been the center of attention like his little sister, Suzanne. Marcus knows how to find trouble and talk his way out of it.
Now, as the head deputy for the Livingston sheriff’s office, he knows everything about everybody, and no one can pull anything over on him. It’s why he’s such a damn good deputy. But even Marcus dreads what cops know as the third call.
When Marcus takes the call the first time, he thinks it’s a prank. The second time, he knows there’s a problem. The third time the call comes in and is patched through to him, he knows it’s something he can’t ignore. The only thing is, the girl is terrified and keeps hanging up, and Marcus knows someone is in the house with her.
Where are her parents, and who is this mysterious girl who needs his help?
"Lorhainne Eckhart is one of my go to authors when I want a guaranteed good book. So many twists and turns, but also so much love and such a strong sense of family." (Lora W. Reviewer)
New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
It's an okay book. I listened to it twice. I still feel like it leaves a lot to be desired. There are things that could have been drawn out more. I would have also loved to see more of certain things that happened. Or maybe a what happened after about a certain situation. I can't explain it any better than that without giving spoilers.
Date Started: 4/1/21 Date Finished: 4/1/21 Rating: 4 of 5
Book Title: The Third Call Author: Lorhainne Eckhart Pages: 170
Note: This is book two in the series. The series can be read as standalone books. I have a review for Hometown Hero which is book seven in the series.
This book isn’t based on a true story, but it is really realistic. There are many topics it addresses that most movies, television shows, and books gloss over or glamorize. I’m very happy that this one didn’t. I love that we get a glimpse of how things really are rather than how we all wish they could be. Don’t get me wrong, the fluffy is nice, but I want the real deal now and then.
At the beginning of the book, there was a very intense situation. A little girl calls the police because she feels that she and her mother are in danger. Turns out that the situation was intense, but it wasn’t a hostage situation. The person was attempting to help her and her mother suffered PTSD and was triggered by a sound.
I really loved the dialogue in this book. It was raw and emotional. It was realistic. The compassion behind what the main character felt was real. It caught my emotions fully. I was really impressed. I guess it doesn’t help that the thing that upset him would have upset me just as much.
This book really highlights the fact that the justice system doesn’t always work properly. An innocent woman whose daughter thought she was in danger goes to prison for charges piled up against her when she was a victim. The prosecutor didn’t care at all. She and her daughter were homeless. She was just doing the best she could for them both. She got put in a bad situation and lost it all because of it.
While there wasn’t a real hero of the story, I really feel the main character of the story came through in spades. He went out of his way to make sure that the mother had good representation so that she didn’t go to prison for the rest of her life for something that she wasn’t even guilty of. He even went and checked on the daughter after the fact because he felt so guilty. He wasn’t really responsible, but he felt like he played a major part in it.
While I loved the ending of this book, I really feel like there could have been another ending that happened years later. I won’t say what I mean exactly because I don’t want to fill this review with spoilers. If you read it, you’ll know what I mean. There’s just something that I wanted to see wrapped up in the end. Or what happens to a certain two characters in the book. I really enjoyed the story.
The second book in this series is an intense drama filled with emotions dealing with the frustrations of a broken system that leaves a young mother and child homeless and a lone man abandoned by those in authority who should have had his back. When justice takes a harsh turn, trying to make things right, Marcus finds that not only does his family have his back, but someone he has loved for a long time is ready to step in to help him.
This is a fast-paced story that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you involved from start to finish. The O’Connells continue to be a strong family core that stand up for each other and those they care about. Marcus’s story is a powerful read that may make you rail at the injustice that often occurs when those who deserve our protection the most are the ones who fall through the cracks and are failed by our system. It will definitely grab your attention and leave you ready for whatever’s coming next for this amazing family.
This is going to be a great series. In this second story Marcus finds himself searching for a young girl who needs help however he never imagined what would happen when he found her. So much drama and tension in this intriguing and addictive story.
What a well written and absorbing book which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
4.5 ***** stars. New family series that is more suspenseful than the Friessens. Deputy Marcus answers a 911 call from scared 6 year old Eva. When he finally finds her, the situation is not what he was expecting. When a Good Samaritan tries to offer a safe place for a homeless mother and daughter, things just spiral down. It’s interesting how the story unravels and how people are misunderstood. Unfortunately, life is not always fair. They find out the hard way. Well written! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Really good addition to the series! This was a more suspenseful read than normal from Ms. Eckhart but really good. This series seems to have a little more edge to it than the Friessens. It's a really good expansion of her repertoire. This story was heartbreaking in lots of ways but did end with a HEA. Can't wait to read more about the O'Connells. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Marcus is the deputy sheriff of his town and loves his job. He is covering everything on the sly for his sheriff who lost his wife recently and isn't coping well. Charlotte runs the office. When calls come in from a frightened little girl, Marcus races to her aid, but where is she? They eventually track down the cell phone call from Eve. A small town. A scared little girl. A man with a gun. A small cabin deep in the woods. This book was a wonderful story.
If you haven't read a book by Lorhainne Eckhart you are missing out!
The Third Call is the second book in "The O'Connells" series and further introduces you to the family members and the close knit family that functions well together even though each person has their own distinct personalities. I'm anxious to start book three. Don't miss out on the way this author can bring you into the family's life as if you've been neighbors in this small town your whole life.
This multifaceted author once again delivers a thought provoking and action filled story. Be aware that though this is the second book in the O’Connell series, it’s definitely a standalone, so no worries if you haven’t read book one. This time the O’Connell we get to meet is Marcus. The middle child and the once bad boy who’s now lead deputy in his town. Calls to 911 come in different varieties. Sometimes they are prank calls, but when the same caller, this time a child, dials 911 not twice but three times, you know it’s likely not going to end well. While Marcus puts himself in danger to help a child and her mother, he doesn’t realize what he’s going to find. As the danger intensifies, we as a reader come face to face with some real issues that our society faces. Reine, the mother’s child, is homeless due to events beyond her control when her husband, a firefighter, gets lung cancer. The insurance company did not help them and little by little during and after her husband’s death, debts accumulate and she and her daughter Eva are left without a home or any assistance. In the meantime, the man that now has Marcus as a hostage is another victim of society. A soldier that saw the horrors of war, and the cruelty of those that he was suppose to look up to. When Tommy tried to protect a defenseless creature, he ends up dishonorably discharged and with PTSD. Will Marcus survive to safe them all or will someone get hurt in the end? We are also reminded that life is not black and white but a variety of grays. Another well written and as mentioned before, thought provoking story by this author. I was entrusted a copy of this book . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This story was hearbreaking, painful, sad, suspenseful, and ultimately hopeful. It touched accurately on so many subjects that are currently at the forefront of society. A lot of bang for your buck is packed into this fairly short audiobook, 3 hrs and 21 min.
I listened to the audiobook. The story grabbed my attention immediately. It often, almost breathlessly, held my attention. It pushes to the forefront that we are all one incident away the life changing moments. A set of circumstances can occur where a decision made in innocence of desperation can alter your life forever.
Health care, mental health, poverty, child welfare, homelessness, the criminal justice system, and policing all play a part in this riveting tale.
I liked Marcus. He stood up for what he believed in and tried to correct wrongs. I wasn't sure how I felt about Charlotte at first, but I came to like her. I felt badly for Tommy, who also tried to do the right thing and suffered the consequences for it. Rayne and Eva's situation was the truly heartbreaking part. The situations that occur that confirms that life is often out of your control no matters how hard you work, you try, or want to control it.
I hope at some point down the line there will be an update about the characters in this book. There was part of the book that left openings in certain situations that could be addressed down the road.
The narration was well done. I would absolutely recommend this book. The ending by itself helps to make it worth the time. I give this 4.5 stars.
This book masterfully interweaves several hot button topics from modern life (the health care system, mental health, and homelessness to name a few). It evokes feelings of anger, sympathy and even shock. A scared little girl and her calls for help are the catalyst to a situation that quickly spirals out of control and ends in tragedy. Marcus O’Connell is the deputy Sheriff who responds to 6 year old Eva’s calls for help. He is desperate to find her after hearing she is frightened by the man with a gun. Locating her was not a simple matter, but neither is the situation surrounding her. A question leads to a confrontation that quickly deteriorates into something much more serious and deadly. The aftermath leaves Marcus shaken, angry and feeling guilty, but it also forces his colleague, Charlotte, to make a life changing decision. Through it all, the O’Connell family rallies around to offer unwavering support and love.
I love the Friessen family stories, but I think the O’Connell family stories will be right along side of them in my heart and on my “to keep and read again” list. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A thrilling second visit with the O’Connell family in Livingston, Montana. Deputy Marcus O’Connell receives several 911 calls from a six-year old girl. She is with her mother, but scared and wants him to come get her. With help from his dispatcher, Charlotte Roy, he is able to locate the girl, but then things go terribly wrong. Marcus can’t believe what should have been a wellness check has turned in to a life and death situation. He has loved Charlotte for years even though they have only shared one kiss. Charlotte loves Marcus and has been trying to get her husband to sign for a divorce, but neither one wants to give the other the house…a house that was her family home. Will Charlotte finally realize that by clinging to her home that she could lose something more important? (by paytonpuppy)
The second book in the O'Connell family series did not disappoint! True to the nature of other series written by this author, you really get to know each of the members of the family. When you are finished reading their story you feel like you have known them all you life. The family connection that runs through this series, like with her other series, makes you want to get to know them better and makes you want to be a part of that connection. Another very well written story! I can not wait for the next book!!!!
This book is the second in a new series, although it can be read as a stand-alone. I am thoroughly enjoying the dynamic of the O’Connell family and hope that this series will continue for a long time. In this book, Marcus O’Connell who is a sheriff’s deputy receives a phone call from a six year old girl who appears to be in danger. If’s difficult for him to determine the situation as the girl keeps hanging up. By the third call he is convinced and is determined to find out the situation. Things are not as cut and dried as it seems and other members of his family have to get involved.
Marcus O Connell is member of a large family,his job is deputy Sheriff he takes job seriously but very professionally.things change when they keep receiving calls from a 6 year old girl named Eve.this give him problems and he needs to challenge the end results.Charlotteis the one that got away they work together but he will not take the affair any further till she sorted her husband and her living accommodation out. This book deals with life problems and situations.Hope this family are going to be as good as the Friessens
This book really had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It was so good an I could not put it down because I had to know what was happening to Eva and her mother. Lorhainne eckhart has fast become a favourite author and I truly love the way her mind thinks. Not what I would normally read but this book reels you in and does not stop until you finish reading the last page. Cannot wait to read more in this series.
I received an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I have already fallen in love with the O'Connell Series and Family! Marcus is such a great and caring Deputy! I am beyond happy that Marcus and Charlotte are now together and they taking care of Reine's little girl, Eva! I am so ready for Book 3, Lorhainne Eckhart!
It’s been awhile since I have read anything of hers since the Frissens series so I was glad to have something new to pick up. This is an ver good drama that covers a lot of daily struggles of mental illness, homelessness, healthcare, etc . A short read with a good story line.
A truly emotional and action packed story. This book hit it close to our society today. Really enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Second novel in the O’Connell series this one centres on Marcas the Sheriff’s Deputy. Marcas is a small-town cop who believes in the same kind of officer discretion that saved him from a life of petty crime and made him law enforcement officer. It sees him covering for his aging grief ridden alcoholic Sheriff and meting out small town justice.
When he gets caught up in what appears to be a hostage situation he finds himself in over his depth after having driven his chief home to sleep it off. He finds himself saddled with a fellow gung ho cop and a superior by the book outside officer called in to assist him. Matters come to a very unsatisfactory solution with a DA who has her own agenda and a “hanging judge”.
Good people too often find themselves in circumstances beyond their control. Too often they are forced to make politically correct choices rather than humane and just ones. Marcas is forced to accept choices not of his making but is rewarded with a promotion to Sheriff when his boss retires. Since under all this drama this is a romance he gets the gal in the end as well. There are those in law enforcement and justice who see everything as black and white, cut and dried and then there are men like Marcas who recognize the world in shades of gray.
This is the second book in The O’Connells series but I think you can listen to it as a standalone if you want to. I’m not going to retell the excellent blurb; I mostly want to comment on the fact that this is a duet narration rather than the more common dual narration. Duet means that male narrator performs all of the male voices and a female narrator performs all of the female ones. This provides a richer listening experience, reminiscent of radio dramas. Both of the audio performers did a great job and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book.
The story itself also held my attention. Parts of it were very suspenseful and towards the end there was also a bit of romance. However, the romance was not the main focus in this book. I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to listen to the next one.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
What starts with a phone call to the Sheriffs station by a little girl takes the listener on an emotional journey that had tears in my eyes more than once. From start to finish the story held my focus. The plot is a journey and the writing was such, that I felt immersed into the plot.
I liked the wide range of different characters, and how the story touched upon what bought them all to that point in their lives. Some of these histories made my heart ache.
Despite a lot of deep issues touched on within the story, it was still nice to learn something more about the O'Connell family and the broader community.
This is an emotionally wrought story that I listened to in one sitting and really enjoyed. I just could not stop listening to then emotive performances by Eric Umstott and Shannon Cook. Both of these narrators did an impressive job with the voice acting, and emotion that really gave the story a natural voice. Audiobook Obsession Review.
The Third Call The O'Connells, Book 2 By: Lorhainne Eckhart Narrated by: Eric Umstott, Shannon Cook
There are some books that hit your heart, and Marcus's story did just that to me. As deputy, he takes his job extremely seriously, and an emergency call from a 4 year old in need of help has him on the job. What he finds is a woman and child, left homeless and helpless by our broken system with a man who appears to be dangerous. But is he? What Marcus finds is heart wrenching and truly shows what incredible character he has. Unfortunately, he finds out just who can rely on as well. This story hits such realistic notes, made me think and also had me falling in love with this O'Connell brother. It's a wonderful addition to this series and one you do not want to miss.
The narrators are both new to me, and I was drawn in by their performance. This book is highly emotional, full of suspense and that touch of romance. Shannon Cook and Eric Umstott bring each facet to their narration and give us every feeling in the best possible way. I will be watching these two and enjoying more of their talents.
This all started with a 911 call from a child. Was it a prank? A mistake? Will the child call back? Was there really a danger? That is what deputy Marcus O'Connell is worried about. When he received the third call,Marcus puts himself in danger to save this mother and child. This story about the complexity and psyche of a man in a desperate situation. Lorhainne Eckhart story is emotional, full of angst, and drama, that not only surrounds Marcus and Charlotte, but also the other members of the O'Connell family. I love stories that have a large close knit family who are there to help whenever needed. Shannon Cooke and Eric Umstott are new narrators for me. They are very talented and brought all the emotions, love, angst and feelings of despair of each character . I really enjoyed listening to this story. 🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧
Deputy Marcus O'Connell was a bad boy growing up in town and now he is a Deputy Sheriff. He is covering for the actual Sheriff who is terribly broken up over his wifes death and has been drinking to much to operate the Sheriff Dept. Dispatch notifies O'Connell that a 911 call came in from a young child, but then the child hung up. They think it is just a kid that is playing with their parents cell phone, then a second call from the child comes in and now they think there is trouble and they discover the phone is a burner phone and no way to trace. Now the third call comes in and the department are doing whatever they can to find this distraught child. Narrator does a good job with the various characters voices.
I loved how this book started and progressed- it was full of action. Marcus is a deputy who is trying to save a young girl who has called 3 times to get help. The romance felt really secondary and a little anti-climactic given the excitement of the initial half of the book. It is short and a fast listen and It held fast to my attention.
The duet narration of the audiobook was also quite excellent. Eric Umstott and Shannon Cook did fantastic playing the multiple characters, including a child and the duet narration made it an auditory experience.