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Hearts in the Crosshairs
She came for her inaugural address—and found herself dodging bullets, instead. Newly elected Maine governor Jillian Goff doesn't know why someone wants to kill her. But she knows they came close. Too close. Enter Dave Hutchins. A member of the state's Executive Protection Unit, Dave's mission is to protect the governor and find the would-be assassin. Without getting emotionally involved. Yet the more time Dave spends with Jillian, the less he can imagine ever leaving her side. Not with her life—and his heart—caught in the crosshairs.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 13, 2009
52 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Susan Page Davis
180 books533 followersFROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: I'm a native of central Maine, and grew up on a small farm with a wonderful mom and dad, three sisters and a brother. Most of my books take place in small towns, many of them in Maine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 30, 2012
Hearts in the Crosshairs
By Susan Page Davis
Love Inspired Suspense
Jillian Goff has just been elected as the first female governor of Maine. Her late husband would have filled the job, but this strong woman has stepped into his shoes handsomely. At her inauguration, someone takes a sniper shot at her, nicking her cheek. Now the EPU, the state’s Executive Protection Unit, must keep her under constant security.
Dave Hutchins is the detective investigating the shooting. He meets with the governor twice a week to keep her informed of the case’s progress. Lonely, Jillian asks him to stay and have a cup of coffee.
They are attracted to each other, but the official policy is to maintain a strictly professional relationship. They struggle to do so, but someone leaks a story to the press that there is hanky panky going on. Dave is disciplined for it and removed from the case.
But, when God makes a plan, he sees it through. Circumstances happen that allow them to be together, struggling to keep their affections a secret from each other as well as anyone else.
The story is well written and adequately researched. The dialogue is believable and the characters are respectable and likeable. The plot is well thought out, without sudden surprises and adequate foreshadowing.
If you’re looking for a good book to take along with you on Pensacola Beach or another relaxing spot, this book is an easy two-day read.
By Susan Page Davis
Love Inspired Suspense
Jillian Goff has just been elected as the first female governor of Maine. Her late husband would have filled the job, but this strong woman has stepped into his shoes handsomely. At her inauguration, someone takes a sniper shot at her, nicking her cheek. Now the EPU, the state’s Executive Protection Unit, must keep her under constant security.
Dave Hutchins is the detective investigating the shooting. He meets with the governor twice a week to keep her informed of the case’s progress. Lonely, Jillian asks him to stay and have a cup of coffee.
They are attracted to each other, but the official policy is to maintain a strictly professional relationship. They struggle to do so, but someone leaks a story to the press that there is hanky panky going on. Dave is disciplined for it and removed from the case.
But, when God makes a plan, he sees it through. Circumstances happen that allow them to be together, struggling to keep their affections a secret from each other as well as anyone else.
The story is well written and adequately researched. The dialogue is believable and the characters are respectable and likeable. The plot is well thought out, without sudden surprises and adequate foreshadowing.
If you’re looking for a good book to take along with you on Pensacola Beach or another relaxing spot, this book is an easy two-day read.
November 5, 2010
Loved this book. Jillian has just be elected governor of Maine and someone tried to kill her. She has to have full time protection until the shooter is caught. I enjoyed the story and could feel Jillian's frustration of being guarded all the time. When I was reading the book and the descriptions of the Governors residence it reminded me of visiting Government House where the South Australian Governor resides and meeting him also. I like how I was kept on my toes not knowing how was after Jillian and not knowing when he would strike next. great read.
October 23, 2009
Great Love Inspired Suspense. About a female governor of Maine and one of her bodyguards, aka a detective on the EPU force, Executive Protection Unit, assigned to protect her.
He is the epitome of the honorable, strong--not quite silent--type, the kind of guy who when wrongfully accused of something, keeps his mouth shut until he's vindicated. My kind of hero
He is the epitome of the honorable, strong--not quite silent--type, the kind of guy who when wrongfully accused of something, keeps his mouth shut until he's vindicated. My kind of hero
March 12, 2015
Honor bound love
Exciting and fast paced story. Likeable characters. Character' trust in God proves to be warranted. Characters are bound by honor to behave with courage and determination.
Exciting and fast paced story. Likeable characters. Character' trust in God proves to be warranted. Characters are bound by honor to behave with courage and determination.
April 15, 2018
Another Good Thriller
I always enjoy Susan Page David because she's a good writer and she writes about Maine where I lived.
The storyline was intriguing,the suspense engaging,and the characters fascinating.
This book is recommended for those that love Christian romantic suspense.
I always enjoy Susan Page David because she's a good writer and she writes about Maine where I lived.
The storyline was intriguing,the suspense engaging,and the characters fascinating.
This book is recommended for those that love Christian romantic suspense.
June 13, 2018
My thoughts.....
I have read several books by this author and I have enjoyed each one.....this one is about a public official who falls in love with a member of her security team and how others viewed the situation.
I have read several books by this author and I have enjoyed each one.....this one is about a public official who falls in love with a member of her security team and how others viewed the situation.
November 21, 2019
AWESOME!!!!!
Another awesome book from this author. I am so delighted that the author is able to turn out such delightful books. It makes my favourite hobby of reading that much more enjoyable.
Another awesome book from this author. I am so delighted that the author is able to turn out such delightful books. It makes my favourite hobby of reading that much more enjoyable.
January 1, 2019
Love Susan's books. This one is suspenseful and very well written. Opens with a bang and just builds from there. Highly recommend.
March 13, 2026
Jillian ♥️ Dave
Eeeee…gads! What a story. Murder, mayhem deceit and betrayal. What else goes on at the highest level of state government? Governor Jillian Goff became a target the moment she took office. Detective Dave Hutchins, one of her protection officers, became more than that as he did his job to protect her. Be ready for a tense read.
Eeeee…gads! What a story. Murder, mayhem deceit and betrayal. What else goes on at the highest level of state government? Governor Jillian Goff became a target the moment she took office. Detective Dave Hutchins, one of her protection officers, became more than that as he did his job to protect her. Be ready for a tense read.
October 18, 2025
Great suspense love story. Kept me guessing until the end “who done it”.
May 3, 2024
I just wanted another suspense off my shelf. I really shouldn't have bought them, in the first place. ((Have stopped altogether, now.)) The LI 'Suspense' books are THE WORST that the LI publishers put out.
I gave up on pg 122 - and I feel that was giving the thing a fair chance. But 1) there's no love, just 'long looks' here and there, 2) the faith is laughable - it's NOT okay for her to stand in front of a window in the governor's mansion, but it's FINE for her to go to church?!?!, and 3) there's no suspense. It's just "governor's in trouble, we're going to cover her here and move her there and protect her here and flank her there"... FOR. EV. ER. without end. It's just strategic maneuvering disguised as a novel, r'something. I was bored to tears, and it took me FIVE DAYS to get halfway thru the thing, when I usually can read a book in two.
And it was just StOOOOOpid, too. What hit man is going to get a high caliber rifle, schlep it up to the top of a parking garage, shoot (and miss) a governor, AND LEAVE THE CASING BEHIND!?!!? It's an empty, abandoned garage - it's not like the thing is hard to find, hello!!!! GAHHHHHH!!!
Everything about this book is stupid. I should take a picture of the dogears (top AND bottom), marking errors or ridiculousness in the part I've read. It's pitiful. I'm not even going back thru to complain about all of the stuff. I've devoted enough time to this wreck. We're calling it, and moving on.
DONE. here.
I gave up on pg 122 - and I feel that was giving the thing a fair chance. But 1) there's no love, just 'long looks' here and there, 2) the faith is laughable - it's NOT okay for her to stand in front of a window in the governor's mansion, but it's FINE for her to go to church?!?!, and 3) there's no suspense. It's just "governor's in trouble, we're going to cover her here and move her there and protect her here and flank her there"... FOR. EV. ER. without end. It's just strategic maneuvering disguised as a novel, r'something. I was bored to tears, and it took me FIVE DAYS to get halfway thru the thing, when I usually can read a book in two.
And it was just StOOOOOpid, too. What hit man is going to get a high caliber rifle, schlep it up to the top of a parking garage, shoot (and miss) a governor, AND LEAVE THE CASING BEHIND!?!!? It's an empty, abandoned garage - it's not like the thing is hard to find, hello!!!! GAHHHHHH!!!
Everything about this book is stupid. I should take a picture of the dogears (top AND bottom), marking errors or ridiculousness in the part I've read. It's pitiful. I'm not even going back thru to complain about all of the stuff. I've devoted enough time to this wreck. We're calling it, and moving on.
DONE. here.
July 6, 2024
He shook his head. "I urge you not to risk appearing in public again so soon."
"You know my feelings about that." Her blue eyes flashed. "Nothing happened to me in Portland. It was my arrival back here that gave the shooter his opportunity. That happens every day. He could try again any time."
Jillian is excited to be governor of Maine. But she did not anticipate that role putting her in immediate danger. Dave is glad to be a part of her security team as a lawman. The new governor intrigues him. Too bad he has to keep a professional distance. Or does he?
This inspirational romantic suspense talks about learning to trust God in trials. I never realized how complicated having a security person fall in love with who he is protecting would be. Protocols would be hard to follow. Glad that I read this book.
"You know my feelings about that." Her blue eyes flashed. "Nothing happened to me in Portland. It was my arrival back here that gave the shooter his opportunity. That happens every day. He could try again any time."
Jillian is excited to be governor of Maine. But she did not anticipate that role putting her in immediate danger. Dave is glad to be a part of her security team as a lawman. The new governor intrigues him. Too bad he has to keep a professional distance. Or does he?
This inspirational romantic suspense talks about learning to trust God in trials. I never realized how complicated having a security person fall in love with who he is protecting would be. Protocols would be hard to follow. Glad that I read this book.
February 22, 2012
I almost put this down unfinished. I found it a little boring, and not very suspenseful, at least until the very end. Part of it may be that I'm just not into politics, and the heroine of this book is a governor. At her inaugural address, she is shot at, and the rest of the book is about the investigation as the Executive Protection Unit tries to figure out who wants her dead. Our hero is one of the officers, and of course it is strictly against the rules to become involved with the person you are protecting. So they basically admire each other from afar.
August 6, 2016
This line of simple, clean books from Steeple Hill have several elements in common: a simple mystery, a romance and a Christian message. Sometimes one of these elements can be a little top heavy but in this case, the storyline was pretty balanced - a fairly intriguing mystery, a low-key romance and a gentle Christian message.
Because these books are short and easy to read, they usually do not have a lot of depth but they can be fun when you want a short, quick read.
Because these books are short and easy to read, they usually do not have a lot of depth but they can be fun when you want a short, quick read.
May 1, 2024
What a great story, suspenseful from the first scene with the attempted assassination of newly sworn-in Maine governor Jillian Goff. The reader is given an inside look at the life of a governor and the workings of the state police unit, the Executive Protective Unit, responsible for her safety. The characters are human and authentic. I really like both Jillian and Detective David Hutchins and root for them all the way. Suspense, romance, and faith are all important elements.
February 3, 2011
The cheese was laid on a little thick but I finished it off anyway. I can't say that I read this one thoroughly though. I kind of skimmed over some parts. The plot was original but I could've done without the religious mentions...
September 13, 2023
Too typical
This whole plot was taking things to fast. It was almost like lightning fast in thoughts. They had barely met and their feelings started before they even knew each other. This was not as good as her previous books
This whole plot was taking things to fast. It was almost like lightning fast in thoughts. They had barely met and their feelings started before they even knew each other. This was not as good as her previous books
June 7, 2024
Seriously, I haven't read a book by this author that I don't love, and I especially enjoy her romantic suspense stories. This one didn't disappoint me at all. I found the idea of a novel about a female governor very interesting, and enjoyed that aspect of it. All in all, it was just perfect.
June 9, 2024
Good book
Loved this fast paced story. There many twists and turns, and many things left you wondering if they should e eventually figure who was trying to kill Jillian and who was feeding information to the killer.
Loved this fast paced story. There many twists and turns, and many things left you wondering if they should e eventually figure who was trying to kill Jillian and who was feeding information to the killer.
February 24, 2011
very predictable.
October 3, 2011
Very good. This book has a wonderful message about the importance of spiritualty and prayer and actually made me feel good. The book also had pretty good suspense and action .
September 10, 2015
A story like the movie the bodyguard the movie but without the sex scenes.
June 27, 2020
Rating 3.5 rounded to 4. Nice romantic suspense. I need to visit Maine someday.
January 14, 2022
Interesting story!
I really enjoyed this story of a woman governor. Good characters with lots of underlying romance. Look forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this story of a woman governor. Good characters with lots of underlying romance. Look forward to the next one.
April 29, 2024
It was clean, mildly Christian, I enjoyed it.
May 23, 2025
I have liked all Susan Page Davis's books that I have read and this is no exception.
May 4, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It’s nicely written with suspense, faith, and romance woven nicely into the story of new Maine Governor, Jillian, and security detail person, Dave.
May 15, 2024
Hearts in the Crosshairs
This book was filled with suspense as well as romance and mystery. Look for motives behind those who are close to the governor.
This book was filled with suspense as well as romance and mystery. Look for motives behind those who are close to the governor.
July 2, 2024
This was good. A. new governor under threat relies on her security services to figure out who is after her, and of course builds a relationship along the way.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews