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Protecting Her Witness
A family in danger…a U.S. Marshal sworn to protect.
U.S. Marshal Chalissa Manning has been running from her past and God for most of her life. When she meets widower Titus Davis and his son, Sam, her well-built defenses begin to crumble. But someone is targeting Titus and Sam, and it’s up to Chalissa to both protect them and to find out who is behind the attacks.
As the threats pile up, will Chalissa be able to keep the family she’s grown to love safe?
U.S. Marshal Chalissa Manning has been running from her past and God for most of her life. When she meets widower Titus Davis and his son, Sam, her well-built defenses begin to crumble. But someone is targeting Titus and Sam, and it’s up to Chalissa to both protect them and to find out who is behind the attacks.
As the threats pile up, will Chalissa be able to keep the family she’s grown to love safe?
252 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2021
10 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hamaker
29 books551 followersAward-winning and best-selling author Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 7, 2021
Characters: Titus and Chalissa were well-developed main characters. Both has good backstories to give them depth. I also liked how Titus's son, Sam, was portrayed. I don't have much experience with autistic kids, but Sam's behavior felt authentic. I also appreciated how he tied into Chalissa's backstory. I did find the portrayal of Eve, Titus's deceased wife, frustrating. To me, she existed for no reason but to say how horrid she was compared to how great Chalissa was. I did appreciate, though, how Titus admitted he hadn't handled his relationship with Eve the best.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main moral was trusting God. Chalissa had trouble with this due to her past.
Plot: Suspenseful moments, plot twists, developing relationships, and good conversations kept me flipping electronic pages. The ending was a bit of a letdown to me though. I wanted to see a showdown between Chalissa, Titus, and the criminals.
Romance: Clean. Just a kiss or two. Titus and Chalissa's relationship did progress pretty fast, but that's common in romantic suspense.
Writing: This is the first book I've read by Sarah Hamaker, and I really enjoyed her writing style. Everything flowed well, and I could "see" what was going on.
Overall: Protecting Her Witness was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to those who like Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main moral was trusting God. Chalissa had trouble with this due to her past.
Plot: Suspenseful moments, plot twists, developing relationships, and good conversations kept me flipping electronic pages. The ending was a bit of a letdown to me though. I wanted to see a showdown between Chalissa, Titus, and the criminals.
Romance: Clean. Just a kiss or two. Titus and Chalissa's relationship did progress pretty fast, but that's common in romantic suspense.
Writing: This is the first book I've read by Sarah Hamaker, and I really enjoyed her writing style. Everything flowed well, and I could "see" what was going on.
Overall: Protecting Her Witness was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to those who like Christian fiction and romantic suspense.
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 25, 2021
I was offered an advanced copy to read and review before its release. Protecting Her Witness caught my attention because I love a good, clean, suspense book. This book was a page turned. Nearly every end to every chapter hooked me and I had to keep reading to know what happened next. I never felt that the book dragged on or was too long. It was the perfect length, the characters and storyline well developed. There were twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting either. The characters and events were realistic and not far-fetched. A relationship with Christ and redemption are woven throughout the book as well as people with special needs and relating to them and their unique needs and ways of communicating. I recommend this book. The author was very descriptive and was great with creating suspense. I will read more books by this author in the future! This review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy. I was asked to give my honest opinion and was not compensated for my review.
October 27, 2021
I absolutely loved this book on so many levels! A real page turner that I didn’t want to put down. While protecting Titus and Sam who are in witness protection, Chalissa finds it difficult to stay focused on her job amidst the growing feelings for her client and his adorable son. The author does a fantastic job of showing how a person can overcome fear and trust God in any situation. The love and care she shows Sam, Titus’s highly functioning autistic son is heartwarming and left me in tears more than once. This is a terrific read that I highly suggest putting on your list! I was given a complimentary E-book copy and my opinions are my own.
October 28, 2021
What a page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved these characters especially Sam and that he had autism as it showed how we all live in an imperfect world but with God we can deal with all circumstances. He takes the ashes and gives us beauty in the midst. This story is raw, real and full of God’s amazing grace and forgiveness. Well written and engrossing from the start. Entertaining and enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
October 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It's full of suspense and also good feelings. Chalissa is a US Marshall that is tasked with protecting Titus and his son, Sam. The author does a fantastic job of telling how putting your faith in God can get you through any situation. It was a real page turner. I highly recommend this book.
I did receive a copy from the author, but this review is my own opinion.
I did receive a copy from the author, but this review is my own opinion.
February 2, 2022
This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. Titus and Chalissa's story is a clean read that is full of action and suspense. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of Christian suspense. Loved it!
March 26, 2023
Protecting Her Witness is an engaging romantic suspense that keeps you worried about the characters until the end. I especially enjoyed reading about the way Chalissa interacted skillfully with the autistic child in the story. For an interesting read that takes you inside the witness protection program, this book delivers.
October 26, 2021
Wonderful
October 13, 2021
A witness to protect, a child with autism, and a hunting past – would she be able to do her job?
A romantic suspense that will keep you intrigued until the very end.
“Being held by this man made her feel safe, protected, and yes, loved. But she couldn’t contemplate such a future until Titus and Sam’s safety had been assured.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
A romantic suspense that will keep you intrigued until the very end.
“Being held by this man made her feel safe, protected, and yes, loved. But she couldn’t contemplate such a future until Titus and Sam’s safety had been assured.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 28, 2021
Protecting Her Witness by Sarah Hamaker
A family in danger…a U.S. Marshal sworn to protect.
U.S. Marshal Chalissa Manning has been running from her past and God for most of her life. When she meets widower Titus Davis and his son, Sam, her well-built defenses begin to crumble. But someone is targeting Titus and Sam, and it’s up to Chalissa to both protect them and to find out who is behind the attacks.
As the threats pile up, will Chalissa be able to keep the family she’s grown to love safe?
This is Chalissa Manning and Titus Davis and his son Sam's story.
U.S. Marshal Chalissa Manning settled into a steady pace as she ran the gravel loop ringing Burke Lake.
She noted the mile marker as she swerved around a mom power-walking while pushing a jogging stroller.
Whitney Houston belted “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” into her earbuds, the pulsating beat from the 1980s hit in rhythm with her stride.
“Help!” a male voice shouted as Chalissa came up on the marina parking lot. “My son’s missing!” Without hesitation, she veered off the path and into the parking lot, stopping her music and pulling her earbuds out.
Several groups of people stood in small clusters near the fishing pier.
A tall man wearing jeans and a long-sleeved flannel shirt topped by a vest with multiple pockets approached one of the clusters, his voice raised enough for Chalissa to hear.
“Have you seen my son?” The group shook their heads collectively, and the man moved onto another group, asking the same question and receiving the same reply.
Chalissa jogged up to him and touched his arm as the man turned away from the group. “Sir? Maybe I can help you.”
“Mr. Davis, my name is Chalissa Manning.” She waited until she had his attention once more. “I’m with the U.S. Marshal Service.”
I highly recommend reading.
Protecting Her Witness by Sarah Hamaker is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Sarah Hamaker.
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
A family in danger…a U.S. Marshal sworn to protect.
U.S. Marshal Chalissa Manning has been running from her past and God for most of her life. When she meets widower Titus Davis and his son, Sam, her well-built defenses begin to crumble. But someone is targeting Titus and Sam, and it’s up to Chalissa to both protect them and to find out who is behind the attacks.
As the threats pile up, will Chalissa be able to keep the family she’s grown to love safe?
This is Chalissa Manning and Titus Davis and his son Sam's story.
U.S. Marshal Chalissa Manning settled into a steady pace as she ran the gravel loop ringing Burke Lake.
She noted the mile marker as she swerved around a mom power-walking while pushing a jogging stroller.
Whitney Houston belted “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” into her earbuds, the pulsating beat from the 1980s hit in rhythm with her stride.
“Help!” a male voice shouted as Chalissa came up on the marina parking lot. “My son’s missing!” Without hesitation, she veered off the path and into the parking lot, stopping her music and pulling her earbuds out.
Several groups of people stood in small clusters near the fishing pier.
A tall man wearing jeans and a long-sleeved flannel shirt topped by a vest with multiple pockets approached one of the clusters, his voice raised enough for Chalissa to hear.
“Have you seen my son?” The group shook their heads collectively, and the man moved onto another group, asking the same question and receiving the same reply.
Chalissa jogged up to him and touched his arm as the man turned away from the group. “Sir? Maybe I can help you.”
“Mr. Davis, my name is Chalissa Manning.” She waited until she had his attention once more. “I’m with the U.S. Marshal Service.”
I highly recommend reading.
Protecting Her Witness by Sarah Hamaker is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Sarah Hamaker.
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
February 19, 2022
I found the book to be fast-paced and was written well. Hamaker knows how to spin a yarn to keep the reader on the page. What I liked best was the author’s attention to the characters and the human equation. I favor suspense stories that deal with issues rather than blood and guts and blowing up things all the time. I thought Hamaker did well in balancing the suspense and the romance.
I thought Sam’s characterization, high on the autistic spectrum, was fairly on spot. Having been a caretaker for a twelve-year-old autistic grandchild as well as a professional social worker, I did pick up on the symptoms. Kudos for taking on this challenge.
The only weakness I saw was the predictability and repetitiveness in the romance subplot, inherent in most romances. Of course, we know hero and heroine must eventually overcome the obstacles to romance and go forward together. It is extremely difficult to avoid repetition of the man and woman’s internal thoughts regarding attraction and rehashing the stumbling blocks against their having a future together. Though predictable, I thought the author handled reader expectations fairly well.
All in all, Protecting Her Witness is well worth the time to read. Entertaining/informative.
I thought Sam’s characterization, high on the autistic spectrum, was fairly on spot. Having been a caretaker for a twelve-year-old autistic grandchild as well as a professional social worker, I did pick up on the symptoms. Kudos for taking on this challenge.
The only weakness I saw was the predictability and repetitiveness in the romance subplot, inherent in most romances. Of course, we know hero and heroine must eventually overcome the obstacles to romance and go forward together. It is extremely difficult to avoid repetition of the man and woman’s internal thoughts regarding attraction and rehashing the stumbling blocks against their having a future together. Though predictable, I thought the author handled reader expectations fairly well.
All in all, Protecting Her Witness is well worth the time to read. Entertaining/informative.
November 8, 2021
Chalissa has made a career of protecting witnesses, but never before has she felt such an instant connection to one. Titus and his young son Sam have been in the witness protection program for years, but now the date of the trial Titus is to testify at is approaching, and suddenly threats start appearing - and escalating. Will Chalissa be able to keep the pair safe? And what about her heart?
This was the first book I've read by the author and overall I was impressed. It was an enjoyable, if fairly light, read and held my interest. The one thing that bothered me a bit was the way that it felt like, early on, each potential threat sort of fizzled out. While most were neatly tied back to the perpetrator in the end, some still felt overly elaborate - but maybe that's just me. Also, Chalissa's return to her faith came a bit pat. Nevertheless, I guess that's what fiction's about, and it was still a good story. I hope to read more by the author in future.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This was the first book I've read by the author and overall I was impressed. It was an enjoyable, if fairly light, read and held my interest. The one thing that bothered me a bit was the way that it felt like, early on, each potential threat sort of fizzled out. While most were neatly tied back to the perpetrator in the end, some still felt overly elaborate - but maybe that's just me. Also, Chalissa's return to her faith came a bit pat. Nevertheless, I guess that's what fiction's about, and it was still a good story. I hope to read more by the author in future.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
September 15, 2022
This was a bit of nail biter as you follow along in the story of a man who is trying to do the right thing legally which puts him in witness protection. Titus is a wonderful character in this book as he cares for his autistic son, Sam. Sarah Hamaker did a great job of building the character of Sam as well. He is a precious young man that you will fall in love with. The character of U.S. Marshall Chalissa Manning is an interesting character as well. She has a lot of "baggage" that she is carrying around due to things in her past that she feels responsible for. Chalissa ends up being assigned to protect Titus and Sam, after which time it appears that Titus is under attack. This book had a wonderful plot line with plenty of action and suspense, but the true story of the characters did not get lost in the mystery. This is a fairly short book, but prepare yourself because you will not want to put it down once you start. Sarah Hamaker is a very talented author who writes with heart. The inspirational message added even more depth to the story as a wanderer finds their way home.
April 2, 2022
I liked this romantic suspense with an emphasis on romance. The budding romance between the U.S. Marshall, Chalissa, and Titus, the man she is assigned to protect, is the main focus of the plot. There is some suspense but, until near then end, the causes of the suspense were odd and the results fell flat. Much of the developing narrative was about Chalissa as she worked through past hurts. She was angry with God and Hamaker has included a good lesson on having faith in God even when disasters happen.
Potential readers should be aware that Titus' son, Sam, is on the Autism spectrum. Some of the suspense involves him. Chalissa's brother was similar and what happened to him years ago is the origin of some of Chalissa's pain. While handled well, some parents may find trigger situations in this novel.
This is a good novel for readers who like romantic suspense with an emphasis on the human element, especially trusting God no matter the situation.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Potential readers should be aware that Titus' son, Sam, is on the Autism spectrum. Some of the suspense involves him. Chalissa's brother was similar and what happened to him years ago is the origin of some of Chalissa's pain. While handled well, some parents may find trigger situations in this novel.
This is a good novel for readers who like romantic suspense with an emphasis on the human element, especially trusting God no matter the situation.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 3, 2021
From the very beginning of the book, thrilling and exciting!Shalissa is a United States Marshal who is trying to move on with her life, after dealing with some personal tragedies. She is assigned to a, witness protection case. It begins as another task, and her line of duty. However, it soon becomes much much more! Due to the earlier personal tragedies in her life, she has become angry with God. This new case, begins to open her eyes, and her heart. Because of the complexities of the case, she slowly begins to look at God in a different way. At the same time, she is fighting her own emotions, trying not to become personally involved with the new case. One 8 year old little boy, soon changes everything! He will fall in love with the characters. You will also shed tears. When you are finished reading, you will be anxious to read something else by this author. She does a wonderful job of blending together exciting fiction, with loving scripture.
April 11, 2022
PROTECTING HER WITNESS by Sarah Hamaker
If you need to have danger, suspense, and a little romance in your novels, this book is for you!
Chalissa Manning is a very capable U.S. Marshal. She's good at keeping her emotions out of the equation...until now. She just can't stop herself from caring about Titus and his son. They're in the Witness Protection Program, and they're both in danger. The marshals assigned to their case are only human; there is only so much they can do to keep Titus and Sam safe. Unfortunately, it isn't enough.
I enjoyed this novel very much, and I looked forward to reading it every day. The author was adept at making the main characters likable, and then placing them in grave danger. Even the marshals weren't safe! This kept me coming back for more.
I noticed some grammatical errors, but I'm a proofreader. I get paid to notice things other readers miss.
That being said, I did enjoy the story, and I would like to read other novels by this author.
If you need to have danger, suspense, and a little romance in your novels, this book is for you!
Chalissa Manning is a very capable U.S. Marshal. She's good at keeping her emotions out of the equation...until now. She just can't stop herself from caring about Titus and his son. They're in the Witness Protection Program, and they're both in danger. The marshals assigned to their case are only human; there is only so much they can do to keep Titus and Sam safe. Unfortunately, it isn't enough.
I enjoyed this novel very much, and I looked forward to reading it every day. The author was adept at making the main characters likable, and then placing them in grave danger. Even the marshals weren't safe! This kept me coming back for more.
I noticed some grammatical errors, but I'm a proofreader. I get paid to notice things other readers miss.
That being said, I did enjoy the story, and I would like to read other novels by this author.
November 21, 2021
really enjoyed this romantic suspense novel.
Kept my interest all the way through - couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to them next.
The storyline is of a widower with a young son who's in witness protection, and a marshall in charge of their protection. There were quite a few threats from not only the man he was testifying against but an unthought-of person from his past.
I don't want to give it away - it really was easy to read and kept you guessing. Protecting Her Witness
Kept my interest all the way through - couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen to them next.
The storyline is of a widower with a young son who's in witness protection, and a marshall in charge of their protection. There were quite a few threats from not only the man he was testifying against but an unthought-of person from his past.
I don't want to give it away - it really was easy to read and kept you guessing. Protecting Her Witness
November 28, 2021
US Marshal Chalissa Manning accidentally meets a man with a little boy and comes to their aid, little knowing their lives will soon become closely intertwined. Secrets, danger, suspicion and more continue to plague these endearing characters. You can’t help but care about Titus’s young son, Sam, who is affected with mild autism. The exciting tale is filled with action and suspense, riveting your attention as it unfolds and takes you for a wild ride to the conclusion. This clean thriller offers an escape from the ordinary that you’re glad you don’t have to experience personally. I would also recommend it for a book club discussion. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
May 29, 2024
Very upsetting and disturbing that an EMT injected a seven year old boy with Fentanyl (a synthetic opioid drug, 50-100 times more potent than heroin and morphine), a day after he broke his arm, which is currently in a cast. The boy's father and gf, an FBI agent, didn't question this at all, which makes them clueless and dangerously stupid to the addictive and deadly problems of Fentanyl. They just accepted the injection. Horrifying. Thankful my parents aren't like that, and would ask questions and say no when necessary. Any doctor or EMT, etc., who doesn't like questions or tries to get around them, is afraid of the truth.
April 3, 2022
Protecting Her Witness is a Christian suspenseful romance written by Sarah Hamaker. This story starts out with Titus and his son fishing and his son disappears just a Chalissa, a U.S. Marshal, is in the area. This story starts out with mystery, suspense and action and just does not end. It is a well written, fast paced story that is easy to read and envision what is happening despite many twists and turns. The author has done a fantastic job writing this story that deals with a single dad in the witness protection program while raising his handicapped son. This story grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention to the very end. It was inspirational to read of Titus and Chalissa developing feeling for each other, but Titus refuses to act on since Chalissa is not a Christian. He takes the Biblical instruction of being equally yoked very seriously.
I received a complimentary of this story from the author, this is my honest review.
I received a complimentary of this story from the author, this is my honest review.
November 12, 2021
Christian fiction, without being heavy-handed.
What if you fell in love with someone in witness protection? What if you were the US Marshal assigned to protect said witness and his adorable child on the spectrum? An enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. I'll be reading more from this author!
Also, it's totally clean and appropriate for all ages, always a plus.
What if you fell in love with someone in witness protection? What if you were the US Marshal assigned to protect said witness and his adorable child on the spectrum? An enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. I'll be reading more from this author!
Also, it's totally clean and appropriate for all ages, always a plus.
December 6, 2021
Great novel
Really enjoyed this novel. We'll written without foul language and focusing on sex. This author fleshed out her characters so that they stepped out of the pages and I enjoyed how they interacted with one another. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Really enjoyed this novel. We'll written without foul language and focusing on sex. This author fleshed out her characters so that they stepped out of the pages and I enjoyed how they interacted with one another. I look forward to reading more by this author.
June 23, 2024
Chalissa Manning is a U.S. Marshall assigned to protect a widower Titus Davis and his son Sam. Sam is a special needs child with autism. While protecting Titus and Sam, Chalissa and Titus start falling in love. I really enjoyed this amazing Christian mystery romance novel.
October 30, 2021
A wonderful story with just the right amount of suspense and romance thrown in to make a perfect book. First time author for me but not the last.
August 28, 2022
Excellent read!
May 27, 2023
Awesome read. I love WITSEC books, and this one was a very enjoyable read. Great characters, and Sam was a delight
November 21, 2024
Have never been disappoint with this author....
August 5, 2025
great book
It was exciting, scary, and romantic. I loved it. I highly recommend this author and all her books. This book makes the 3rd of hers that I’ve read. Loved them all
It was exciting, scary, and romantic. I loved it. I highly recommend this author and all her books. This book makes the 3rd of hers that I’ve read. Loved them all
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews