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The Shadows #4
Secrets and Sacrifice
A gripping story of redemption, forgiveness and new beginnings...
"SECRETS AND SACRIFICE" is Book 4 in the highly acclaimed "Shadows Series" books, but can also be read as a stand-alone novel.
When Grace O’Connor arrives in the Scottish Highlands, she’s hiding a secret and trailing more baggage than she cares to admit. Grace’s sister, Brianna, has a history linked to Grace’s secret.
There, amongst the rugged Scottish Highlands and a community of caring, loving Christians, Grace meets the handsome Ryan MacGregor, an ex-military Paratrooper with a history of his own.
As the secrets of Grace’s past unravel and the sacrifices she’s made are thrown back at her, Grace faces the biggest decision of her life. As everything she has believed is turned upside down, Grace realizes that the walls she’s worked so hard at building have been for no reason whatsoever, and she now needs to discover who the real Grace O’Connor is.
A Christian romance including real-life challenges, and a storyline to touch reader's hearts and draw them closer to God.
"SECRETS AND SACRIFICE" is Book 4 in the highly acclaimed "Shadows Series" books, but can also be read as a stand-alone novel.
When Grace O’Connor arrives in the Scottish Highlands, she’s hiding a secret and trailing more baggage than she cares to admit. Grace’s sister, Brianna, has a history linked to Grace’s secret.
There, amongst the rugged Scottish Highlands and a community of caring, loving Christians, Grace meets the handsome Ryan MacGregor, an ex-military Paratrooper with a history of his own.
As the secrets of Grace’s past unravel and the sacrifices she’s made are thrown back at her, Grace faces the biggest decision of her life. As everything she has believed is turned upside down, Grace realizes that the walls she’s worked so hard at building have been for no reason whatsoever, and she now needs to discover who the real Grace O’Connor is.
A Christian romance including real-life challenges, and a storyline to touch reader's hearts and draw them closer to God.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2017
About the author
Juliette Duncan
98 books340 followersJuliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives in Brisbane, Australia and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.
Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.
Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.
Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.
Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 19, 2017
Powerful story. Intense. Excellent. A glimpse into the brokenness of Brianna who needs drugs to forget and Grace who is so strong she can't understand why Brianna can't get over their tragic pasts. Well written and engrossing from the beginning. Juliette is a fantastic author who just keeps getting better and better. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 20, 2017
This is another winner by Juliette Duncan. This story involves the sisters of Danny from the Shadows trilogy. If you have not read the series yet, you can still read and thoroughly enjoy this book. This story deals with God's amazing Grace and the freedom that comes from knowing the Truth. Juliette once again deals with some real life issues that many of us face. Struggles to forgive ourselves of our past and face up to the truth. It shows that true freedom can only be found in the grace and love offered by Jesus Christ. I found this to be one of Juliette's more powerful stories. I enjoy how she points the reader always to the Lord Jesus Christ in all of her books. I would recommend this book to be added to your list of reading materials.
November 18, 2017
Beautiful
This is a wonderful story of overcoming bad things in their lives with the help of God and family. Brianna has to deal with her rape & loss of her child, Grace was her only support till her brothers came to assist, but they didn't know about the rape. Their older brother runs a out reach program. Brianna finds peace, Grace finds forgiveness & new love.
This is a wonderful story of overcoming bad things in their lives with the help of God and family. Brianna has to deal with her rape & loss of her child, Grace was her only support till her brothers came to assist, but they didn't know about the rape. Their older brother runs a out reach program. Brianna finds peace, Grace finds forgiveness & new love.
May 24, 2017
Lovely story...
The author has lifted my heart with this wonderful story of the troubled life of a woman that was forced to live up to her past when she found Jesus Christ. The author has done a great job of giving this insightful tale a feel goodness.
The author has lifted my heart with this wonderful story of the troubled life of a woman that was forced to live up to her past when she found Jesus Christ. The author has done a great job of giving this insightful tale a feel goodness.
July 26, 2017
Don't miss
This is a story about forgiveness, redemption, and coming into the Savior. You want to cry right along with the characters. It helps you remember that God loves you, no matter what.
This is a story about forgiveness, redemption, and coming into the Savior. You want to cry right along with the characters. It helps you remember that God loves you, no matter what.
December 10, 2018
It took me a while to get into this book and I almost gave up on it twice. I'm glad I kept with it.
The story mainly focuses on Grace O'Connor but there's a side plot involving Grace's sister Brianna and her brother, David. The fourth O'Connor sibling, Caleb, also shows up a few times.
While Caleb and David are Christians, Grace and Brianna are broken people. Brianna was raped by her cousins as a teen which resulted in a pregnancy, but the baby only lived a few months. Brianna turns to drugs to cope. On the same day Brianna was raped, Grace (also a teen) was tasked by a terrorist group to place a bomb. Grace thought it wouldn't go off but a bomb did go off and Grace has blamed herself ever since, but she's also kept it a secret. Grace channels her hurt into her work as a prosecutor.
Grace seems to feel that Brianna should be able to "just get over" her addiction and "just stop wanting drugs". She seems to feel that recovery is a matter of will power. This frustrated me, because obviously, if it were so, Brianna would have already been "in recovery".
In a last ditch effort, Grace takes Brianna to Scotland where their brother David and his family live and run a center. Though the information on Christianity is good--it can seem to get a bit preachy at times. I'm also glad that Ryan wasn't thrown off by Grace's revelation and stood by her through the uncertainty. I'm also glad he suggested to her that they look into the events surrounding her secret--for some reason, it never occurred to her to do so . . . even though she's a lawyer.
Grace seems to do a lot of vomiting. She vomits on her way to drop off the bomb. I think she vomits after the bomb blast that she didn't expect to happen. She vomits during her night in a jail cell. There may be other times as well--but I almost felt like the author didn't know any other way to convey whatever emotion she wanted to convey so she just kept repeating this method.
The story mainly focuses on Grace O'Connor but there's a side plot involving Grace's sister Brianna and her brother, David. The fourth O'Connor sibling, Caleb, also shows up a few times.
While Caleb and David are Christians, Grace and Brianna are broken people. Brianna was raped by her cousins as a teen which resulted in a pregnancy, but the baby only lived a few months. Brianna turns to drugs to cope. On the same day Brianna was raped, Grace (also a teen) was tasked by a terrorist group to place a bomb. Grace thought it wouldn't go off but a bomb did go off and Grace has blamed herself ever since, but she's also kept it a secret. Grace channels her hurt into her work as a prosecutor.
Grace seems to feel that Brianna should be able to "just get over" her addiction and "just stop wanting drugs". She seems to feel that recovery is a matter of will power. This frustrated me, because obviously, if it were so, Brianna would have already been "in recovery".
In a last ditch effort, Grace takes Brianna to Scotland where their brother David and his family live and run a center. Though the information on Christianity is good--it can seem to get a bit preachy at times. I'm also glad that Ryan wasn't thrown off by Grace's revelation and stood by her through the uncertainty. I'm also glad he suggested to her that they look into the events surrounding her secret--for some reason, it never occurred to her to do so . . . even though she's a lawyer.
Grace seems to do a lot of vomiting. She vomits on her way to drop off the bomb. I think she vomits after the bomb blast that she didn't expect to happen. She vomits during her night in a jail cell. There may be other times as well--but I almost felt like the author didn't know any other way to convey whatever emotion she wanted to convey so she just kept repeating this method.
May 6, 2017
Secrets and Sacrifice, written by Juliette Duncan, is book four in The Shadows Trilogy.
This book is about Danny's sister, Grace. She's a barrister in Ireland and fights for justice in the courts. She and her little sister, Brianna, were sent to their aunts to be raised after their mother passed away. Now as an adult, working in the court system, relying on herself and her own abilities she finds that she might just not be enough.
I loved the way that Duncan took us through the emotions of this sister duo as they do life together in their own strength. We already met Danny and his struggles with alcoholism and recovery after salvation, but his sisters are another story with their own pasts to deal with.
What a wonderful way to look at the book of John and what Jesus did for us as unbelievers. Not only are we incapable of true peace without Christ in our lives, we cannot have true peace if we don't give our pasts to Him and depend completely on the only way...Jesus.
Can Grace find true grace is the only way? An excellent read!
I was given this book by the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.
This book is about Danny's sister, Grace. She's a barrister in Ireland and fights for justice in the courts. She and her little sister, Brianna, were sent to their aunts to be raised after their mother passed away. Now as an adult, working in the court system, relying on herself and her own abilities she finds that she might just not be enough.
I loved the way that Duncan took us through the emotions of this sister duo as they do life together in their own strength. We already met Danny and his struggles with alcoholism and recovery after salvation, but his sisters are another story with their own pasts to deal with.
What a wonderful way to look at the book of John and what Jesus did for us as unbelievers. Not only are we incapable of true peace without Christ in our lives, we cannot have true peace if we don't give our pasts to Him and depend completely on the only way...Jesus.
Can Grace find true grace is the only way? An excellent read!
I was given this book by the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.
November 23, 2018
This isn't as much a review as it is a homage to my belated friend, Louise. I bought her a Kindle and kept her supplied with books to read. Even though she was 88 and I'm 60, we often enjoyed the same genre of books...just not all, lol. It was easy for me to keep her supplied with free Christian fiction books, and this, by Juliette Duncan, was the last one she began reading; only she became sick and never had the opportunity to finish reading it before the Lord called her home.
Louise was sicker than she ever told me, even though I knew that her health was bad. She was pretty much confined to her recliner at the nursing home, so the Kindle brought her much enjoyment. I'm not saying this for my benefit, only for those of you who might know another Joyce at a nursing home whom you could supply with a Kindle and load books upon it.
Louise's granddaughter asked me to read what books Louise did not, so I began the task by finishing what she began, this book by Juliette Duncan. Not the biggest romance fan, I was pleasantly surprised by this book as she truly made her fictional story a Christian one by giving praise and glory to the Lord! Louise would have loved reading this story, but I'm sure that she's happier than she has ever been. Thank you, Juliette Duncan, for an amazing story. Thank you, Louise, for having been my friend. The honor was all mine.
Louise was sicker than she ever told me, even though I knew that her health was bad. She was pretty much confined to her recliner at the nursing home, so the Kindle brought her much enjoyment. I'm not saying this for my benefit, only for those of you who might know another Joyce at a nursing home whom you could supply with a Kindle and load books upon it.
Louise's granddaughter asked me to read what books Louise did not, so I began the task by finishing what she began, this book by Juliette Duncan. Not the biggest romance fan, I was pleasantly surprised by this book as she truly made her fictional story a Christian one by giving praise and glory to the Lord! Louise would have loved reading this story, but I'm sure that she's happier than she has ever been. Thank you, Juliette Duncan, for an amazing story. Thank you, Louise, for having been my friend. The honor was all mine.
January 18, 2020
This was an amazing book with well developed characters and a soulful gripping plot. Set in the Scottish Highlands and Belfast, Ireland we face the story of Grace and her sister Brianna, the first a high powered attorney and the second her drug addicted sister. Both girls hold secrets that are tearing them apart inside, Grace has become a workaholic to forget and her sister has turned to drugs to cope. Grace turned her back on God the day her mam died and doesn't want to here what her two brothers have to say about God's healing power until she come to the end of her rope with Brianna and. takes her to the center her brother runs in the Scottish Highlands. The dialog is real life struggles, and the power of God's word and His healing and forgiveness leads both girls on an amazing journey to love and wholeness. Yes, there is a romance woven into this story but is secondary to the rest. Amazing writting, some of the best I've ever read
August 14, 2023
The location of this book drew me to it. It happens in Scotland, but there are many things that are similar to where I live in New Zealand. Grace and Brianna, sisters, bears scars of the past and have secrets they hold which builds walls between them and anyone else they meet. In the midst of a loving, Christian community they come to know Christ as Savior. With loving support around them they can finally face the past. Even though the cost is high, Grace confesses to the crime in her past, determined to make things right.
This is a distinctively Christian book in which salvation is clearly presented. Grace and Brianna and a warm Christian community is displayed. Overall, it is well written, though it did seem like the last few chapters were more summary than compelling scenes.
This is a distinctively Christian book in which salvation is clearly presented. Grace and Brianna and a warm Christian community is displayed. Overall, it is well written, though it did seem like the last few chapters were more summary than compelling scenes.
October 4, 2018
New Creatures in Christ
Grace and Ryan's story is well-written and gives the salvation message as well as showing the forgiveness of man and of God. Grace and Brianna have kept secrets from everyone since they were teens. The two sisters have endured a lot since the death of their mother and running away from Aunt Hilda. Danny and Lizzy play important roles in this story as they continue their ministry for the Lord. Is it possible for God to forgive vile acts committed years ago? Will Grace have to face a prison sentence? Will her future with Ryan be over once he hears her story?
Grace and Ryan's story is well-written and gives the salvation message as well as showing the forgiveness of man and of God. Grace and Brianna have kept secrets from everyone since they were teens. The two sisters have endured a lot since the death of their mother and running away from Aunt Hilda. Danny and Lizzy play important roles in this story as they continue their ministry for the Lord. Is it possible for God to forgive vile acts committed years ago? Will Grace have to face a prison sentence? Will her future with Ryan be over once he hears her story?
June 9, 2019
A great read and it is an interesting continuation of the O'Connor family as we get to learn more about Grace and her secrets and see her find new life on a spiritual level, as well as new life in a more physical way. Brianna also makes some major changes in her life. Book 5 in this series was one of my first reads by Juliette Duncan, and I am happy that I was able to go back and get to know this large, originally divided family and to fill in the many gaps.
A sweet, clean interesting story of a divided family finally getting reconnected with each other and with the Lord. I am not off for a reread of Book 5 to refresh my memory.
A sweet, clean interesting story of a divided family finally getting reconnected with each other and with the Lord. I am not off for a reread of Book 5 to refresh my memory.
May 18, 2017
Grace and her siblings are all very special people. The way Grace helps Brianna is truly amazing. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. The characters in this book are all very special people. God is working throughout this whole book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. The review is my honest thoughts and reaction to this wonderful book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
May 25, 2017
What an intriguing Christian love story Juliette Duncan has written in Secrets and Sacrifices. A family is torn apart at the death of their mother only to lead to a nightmare for the 2 sisters sent to live with an aunt. How they deal with the trauma through their youthful years lead them to the brink of disaster, only to be saved and finding that life can be good by accepting God into their lives.
June 3, 2017
LOVED IT!!!!!!
What a wonderful book! From pain, suffering, fear, drugs to true freedom you can only find in Christ!!!!! Filled with love and hope after letting go all your baggage. Add the Word of God and hymns my heart was filled with joy.
Don't get me wrong it took much work to find the happy ending in this book. Highly recommend and can't wait to read another book by Ms. Duncan.
What a wonderful book! From pain, suffering, fear, drugs to true freedom you can only find in Christ!!!!! Filled with love and hope after letting go all your baggage. Add the Word of God and hymns my heart was filled with joy.
Don't get me wrong it took much work to find the happy ending in this book. Highly recommend and can't wait to read another book by Ms. Duncan.
November 23, 2017
This was such a great book that I immediately ordered and read the following book, A Highland Christmas. I fell in love with the characters. This is a wonderful story of God's love and redemption available to all of we only ask. A love story that presents not just people falling in love, but also keeping God in the center of their relationship. Now I have ordered the boxes set with the first three books in this series.
December 29, 2018
Secrets and Sacrifice
I loved this book. I always love reading about the beauty of Scotland, that was very apparent in this book. The story of Grace and her sister, who had a lot of problems, was very interesting. Grace blamed God for her Mother’s death, which left her and her siblings alone. The story had a lot of things to happen, that they should never have been exposed to , but with the help of God and her brothers, they were able to overcome them.
I loved this book. I always love reading about the beauty of Scotland, that was very apparent in this book. The story of Grace and her sister, who had a lot of problems, was very interesting. Grace blamed God for her Mother’s death, which left her and her siblings alone. The story had a lot of things to happen, that they should never have been exposed to , but with the help of God and her brothers, they were able to overcome them.
May 18, 2017
Grace and Brianna have such tragic pasts that are affecting their future as well as their present. Loved how the author used their brothers and sister in laws to point them to the Lord. This book talked out real issues and how only God can change us and bring us peace and forgiveness. Enjoyed seeing the characters from previous books.
December 8, 2017
The story begins after some tragic events happened to Brianna and sister Grace. Brianna has become a druggie and raped by two cousins. Grace is a barrister (attorney) in England. She plead guilty to placing a bomb that killed 10 people when she was 10 years old.
It a very powerful, moving, and emotional story. In spite of all the trauma, the Lord has plans for them. Only God can change their lives and bring freedom through forgiveness and peace through Christ.
I had a hard time putting this book down.
.
It a very powerful, moving, and emotional story. In spite of all the trauma, the Lord has plans for them. Only God can change their lives and bring freedom through forgiveness and peace through Christ.
I had a hard time putting this book down.
.
December 6, 2017
This was an amazing story which spoke directly to me. There were strong characters and a beautiful story line of love and faith and obedience.
After I read this book I realized that it was #4 in the Shadows Series. I am now going to look for the first three books in the series to read them as well.
After I read this book I realized that it was #4 in the Shadows Series. I am now going to look for the first three books in the series to read them as well.
July 4, 2018
Excellent Book
This book was perfectly written.The story kept you on your toes. It was so interesting to see how they worked out their problems. The best part of this story was Grace admitting her crime from so many years gone by. Presenting the importance of God in your life was
Breathtaking. Great Job!!!!!!!!
This book was perfectly written.The story kept you on your toes. It was so interesting to see how they worked out their problems. The best part of this story was Grace admitting her crime from so many years gone by. Presenting the importance of God in your life was
Breathtaking. Great Job!!!!!!!!
July 19, 2018
Juliette does it again
Juliette Duncan has become one of my all-time favorite authors, and that is saying something since I am a life-long bookmark and an old woman. 😊 This story takes us on a journey of deliverance from Ireland to the hills of northern Scotland. Too much trauma from the unrest in Northern Ireland's past and the turmoil of growing up in an unloving foster home causes deep wounds that only Christ can heal. Will all involved choose His love and forgiveness or continue living with walls around their hearts?
Juliette Duncan has become one of my all-time favorite authors, and that is saying something since I am a life-long bookmark and an old woman. 😊 This story takes us on a journey of deliverance from Ireland to the hills of northern Scotland. Too much trauma from the unrest in Northern Ireland's past and the turmoil of growing up in an unloving foster home causes deep wounds that only Christ can heal. Will all involved choose His love and forgiveness or continue living with walls around their hearts?
December 21, 2018
Diamond in the rough
This is the first book I've read by the author. The subjects she speaks of are not often attempted. Not only does she eloquently write, but her understanding and representation of God in our lives is amazing. This book makes you think and feel. Most importantly, it shows you how to believe ~
This is the first book I've read by the author. The subjects she speaks of are not often attempted. Not only does she eloquently write, but her understanding and representation of God in our lives is amazing. This book makes you think and feel. Most importantly, it shows you how to believe ~
February 2, 2019
This is a beautiful story of God‘s love and redemption. The story was well developed and very realistic. I also fall in love with the characters, who really touch my heart in one way or another. If you are looking for a realistic Christian book full of God‘s love and characters, grab this one and this series. Highly recommend it! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
March 10, 2019
This book was truly amazing. I enjoyed it not only as a Christian based book but also as a romance with a bit of mystery mixed in.
The stories of healing from their pasts so that their future could be better and how God came through for them, especially Grace, after being obedient.
I needed this book today. Thank you.
The stories of healing from their pasts so that their future could be better and how God came through for them, especially Grace, after being obedient.
I needed this book today. Thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2019
This was a wonderful book!
This storyline is full of real people with real struggles in their lives. The good thing is that there are people with God's love to share. They show the these hurting characters about the true love that Jesus has for them. It is well stated and truth to share. Well written.
This storyline is full of real people with real struggles in their lives. The good thing is that there are people with God's love to share. They show the these hurting characters about the true love that Jesus has for them. It is well stated and truth to share. Well written.
March 31, 2020
Meeting Grace in Beyond the Shadows really piqued my interest in her. I was beyond thrilled to find out that this book is dedicated to her. There were wonderful times in this book, lots of learning, hard choices, and trusting in God.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 25, 2023
The Shadows Trilogy from Juliette Duncan isva well-written clean romance based on Christian principles. It's a series lots of depth and faith building. The characters are true to life and you get to know them well. The story is a moving and captivating one which is engaging till the end. The only pity is that the series is finished.
March 3, 2024
Secrets and Sacrifices
This is the story of a young woman who had brought herself up from a lower class life to be a very well known barrister who put people in jail for the bad deeds they did. She falls in love and gives her heart to the Lord and then decides to come clean on what she did as a teenager. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is the story of a young woman who had brought herself up from a lower class life to be a very well known barrister who put people in jail for the bad deeds they did. She falls in love and gives her heart to the Lord and then decides to come clean on what she did as a teenager. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
May 25, 2017
I received an advanced reader copy for my honest review & I have to say that I absolutely LOVE this book! The characters are very realistic & likeable (or unlikable at times), while the storyline was very compelling. The story was so gripping that I couldn't put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews