Kristina Anderson
Silent Shadows by Natalie Walters has Pecca Gallegos living in Walton, Georgia with her son, Maceo. She moved to get her son away from the dangerous life of his father who is currently in prison. Pecca works as a rehabilitation nurse at Home for Heroes where the men who occupy D-Wing just love her. Her latest patient, though, is a different story. Captain Colton Crawford and Pecca get off to a rough start. Colton has a movement disorder that has drastically changed his life. Doctors have been unable to cure or find the cause. Dr. Mike Kelly and his treatments are Colton’s last hope. Colton is drawn to Pecca and her friendly son, Maceo. After dinner at the local café, someone takes pot shots at Pecca. Someone from Pecca’s past is after her. Colton works to uncover who is behind the attacks and to keep Pecca along with Maceo safe. Silent Shadows is the third book in the Harbored Secrets series, but it can be read on its own (but, really, why would you want to). We do get a visit from recurring characters along with new ones. I thought Silent Shadows was well-written with complex, realistic characters. I did find the pacing a little slow in the beginning, but it soon picks up with the action. I admit that it does feel like a medical romance until bad things start to happen. The story then draws you in as Pecca finds herself in danger. She wants to keep her son safe and needs Colton’s help to do it. I enjoyed the older veteran’s in D-Wing. They were a delight and added humor to this intense story. I was confused as to Pecca’s profession. We are told she is a nurse, but she also oversees the patient’s physical therapy. Online sleuthing led me to rehabilitation nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurses may sub-specialize in this field). I felt bad for Colton as he dealt with his movement disorder. It seemed so painful and uncontrollable. I can see why Colton was frustrated. I thought Home for Heroes sounded like a wonderful place and I hope such places exist int he real world for our amazing veterans. The mystery is challenging because it is not what you expect. I liked figuring out who was the bad guy. The attraction between Colton and Pecca was obvious (very palpable). Maceo is such a cutie and it is obvious he needs and wants a male role model in his life (one he likes football and Marvel comics is preferred). Silent Shadows has intrigue, danger, action, humor, faith, secrets, action and romance. I enjoyed the epilogue that nicely wrapped up Silent Shadows and the Harbored Secrets series. Silent Shadows is an intriguing novel with football fanatics, Marvel mania, a deadly destroyer, vigilant veterans, a chronic condition, a nurturing nurse, and a surprising secret.
Marilyn Johnson
This is book three in the Harbored Secrets series, I do feel it is a stand alone book, You probably miss some history in a few sub characters but do not need to read them to understand this one. However you will miss some good reads. I enjoyed the mystery, suspense, comedy and romance in this book. Pecca Gallegos is a nurse in a rehab center for wounded military. She finds herself running from her past. Army veteran Colton Crawford is not really wanting to be here but needs some healing. When Pecca crashed into him, neither one expect what the future will hold. Colton and Pecca have a relationship full of sparks and hardships. I loved the town and the relationships between the men in the Home for Heroes.