Allye what have you gotten yourself into?
Allye apparently saw something that she wasn’t supposed to when she left her studio one evening. This did not bode well for her as strange things began happening. To top it off, Allye was also dealing with some health issues that she was keeping a secret … even from her own family.
Eric … this is the kind of man you want around. Not only does he work with the police, he is also a protector. He didn’t realize that he had feelings for Allye until he was trying to piece together what was happening to her … or was anything happening to her? He also picked up on the fact that Allye just wasn’t Allye – looking tired, worn down, not her usual perky self, not the Allye he had known.
There are also some intertwining smaller stories throughout these pages – Corina and Bryce, Dion and Lucky, Chief McHenry and whether he could be trusted, Allye’s mom and Mayor Jennings, Hailey and Wesly, Allye getting ready for the annual arts festival (this endeared Allye to me as I could relate to what that entails).
Allye also had an interesting habit. Whenever she was feeling stressed, tired, or just needed to work something out, she would pick up her knitting needles. She was so talented at it and knew her patterns so well, she could knit with her eyes closed. That is a feat in and of itself and made her a relatable character, I thought.
I liked how this story progressed and that there were many other smaller stories intermixed that all blended together. There were some happy endings and some not-so-happy endings when all was said and done. And the whodunnit in this tale? Totally unexpected. It will be interesting to see what Eric and Allye get up to the next time we read about them.

Shadowed Witness is the second book in The Secrets of Kincaid series, but it reads beautifully as a standalone. Angela Carlisle delivers a gripping romantic suspense filled with danger, mystery, and faith.
Allye Jessup is navigating serious medical challenges when her life takes an even darker turn—she witnesses what she believes is a murder outside her workplace. After being attacked and blacking out, she wakes up in a different location with no evidence left behind. As the strange events escalate—including a home break-in with an eerie green glow—those around her begin to doubt her story. But Allye knows what she saw, and she’s determined to prove it.
Detective Eric Thornton is newly promoted and pulled into the case. He’s known Allye since their teenage years as her brother’s best friend but always kept his distance. Now, protecting her becomes personal. Though even he struggles to make sense of what’s happening, being there for one of the incidents shifts his perspective—and his feelings.
Carlisle weaves a tense, twisty plot that keeps you guessing. Just when you think you have it figured out, she throws in a curveball. The romance is heartfelt, the characters are relatable, and the underlying theme of faith adds meaningful depth.
Shadowed Witness is a fast-paced, emotionally engaging read with just the right balance of suspense and heart. Fans of Jessica R. Patch or Patricia Bradley will feel right at home with this compelling story of trust, danger, and second chances.

SHADOWED WITNESS (The Secrets of Kincaid Book #2) by Angela Carlisle is a fast-paced Christian romantic suspense featuring a female protagonist who does not know if she can believe what she remembers about a murder she witnessed, or did she? This is the second book in the Secrets of Kincaid series, and it can easily be read as a standalone book.

Photographer Allye Jessup has always been a little clumsy, but lately she has had mysterious symptoms that are severely affecting her daily life. As she waits for further testing, she is leaving her office one night and believes she hears something behind her building. She gets off a scream before she is choked into unconsciousness, but when she wakes up, the mayor who finds her believes she just fell down her office stairs and knocked herself out. When she is attacked in her home, the story is so strange that even her friend, one of the town’s detectives, is having trouble believing her.

Detective Eric Thornton wants to believe Allye, but there is no proof at either scene and he is consumed with other cases. When a body surfaces in a shallow grave in the park, it appears to have evidence that proves Allye’s story. Could Allye have seen more than she knows and really be in danger?

This is a page turner full of suspense and unknowns. Allye is dealing with mysterious health issues and does not want her family to worry, so she is bearing the burden alone until she is diagnosed, but it also puts her in even more danger. Eric has his own problems not only with his workload, but with family trauma while growing up. Even with all their personal problems, they feel an attraction and the threats to Allye make Eric more protective. This is a Christian romantic suspense and with Allye’s health issues there are no sex scenes. The suspense is constant and kept me turning the pages. I only guessed part of the crime plot conclusion and the solution to Allye’s health problems was a surprise until it was suggested as a cause.

I recommend this second Christian romantic suspense in this series and look forward to more.

Shadowed Witness is one of those stories that are equal parts heartfelt and maniacal. Allye is savagely attacked, but no one believes it was anything more than a nasty fall. Eric’s latest case has shaken him to his core and has left two young boys without a home. Together, they uncover more than what either of them bargained for.

The psychological aspect of this novel is truly mind-bending, as it’s hard to decipher if what is happening to Allye is truly happening or if it is all in her head. This is what I enjoy the most about psychological thrillers, as they keep the reader on their toes and make the possibilities of where the story could take you endless.

There is a moment that Allye breaks down and cries out to God, praying in anguish that I felt in my soul. Her health struggles almost mirror my own exactly, and in that moment, despite her being a fictitious character, I felt a connection that stayed with me the entire time I was reading. It was nice to be seen, even if only through literature, though seeing my issues in black and white made parts difficult for me to read. Anyone who’s struggled with undiagnosed medical issues will understand.

The writing is great as we get into the minds of both Eric and Allye, and there are some pretty intense moments, particularly the last quarter of the novel. While I had my suspicions about who was behind everything, I was mostly surprised by the perpetrator and their motivations, which was a nice surprise. All in all, this was a great, clean, suspenseful read with fleshed-out characters, an interesting plot, and a message that proves that a little faith and perseverance will go a long way.

Shadowed Witness is the first book I have read written by Angela Carlisle, and I am excited to read more. This was an intense romantic mystery thriller/suspense, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was very well written, and the twist surprised me.

The character development was good. Allye is struggling to figure out what is going on with her health. With all these mysterious symptoms and her aunt’s MS diagnosis, could that be her mysterious illness? In the middle of this, Allye also finds herself in the middle of a murder. Eric is on the case and trying to help Allye figure out what is happening. He is also trying to help out the two boys who are left orphaned after their mother was found murdered. Eric is trying to eradicate the drug problem in the town. Watching Eric struggle through the case and his past is great, watching his change.

The small-town setting was perfect for this story. The storyline kept me on my toes. I enjoyed all the layers of this story. We have Allye trying to figure out what is going on with her secret illness, her being gaslit, and if she even witnessed a murder. Being on the case with Eric and Allye trying to solve the case was a fun adventure to go on. The main drug dealer was a surprise, and figuring out the other people's involvement was heartbreaking. Could not ask for a better suspense thriller story.

This friends-to-more romance was the perfect kisses-only, no spice book.

Angela Carlisle does a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. Reminding the reader to put their trust in God and lean into Him in the hard parts.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Entertaining mystery!

I really enjoyed this suspense written by a new to me author. In the beginning, the reader is left wondering if Allye really witnessed a crime, but as the story continued, I thought the plot was fairly predictable. But the plot pacing was excellent and kept me engaged.

One of Ms. Carlisle's strengths is penning realistic characters that are not flat, but realistically flawed individuals that grow throughout the story. I enjoyed Allye and Eric's friends to more relationship. While predictable, it is always fun to watch the relationship shift to romance. The romance was well-written, realistic and sweet.

I loved the way Eric wanted to believe Allye was telling the truth, searching for ways he could collaborate her story. I think I was most drawn to Allye's struggle with a mysterious illness, with not only its physical symptoms, but the emotional toll it was taking on her. The theme of learning to rely on one's faith as well as others to provide strength and support is woven throughout their story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I liked this inspirational romantic suspense that centered around Allye and the believably of the incidents she reported to the police. Others being so critical of what she was sure she saw made her a very vulnerable character. Police detective Eric was a flawed hero. I was disappointed he did not believe Allye and consider her in danger but that made for more suspense later on. Eric did come through as a hero in the secondary plot of the boys needing help after their mother died.

I found it interesting that Allye had so many physical and psychological issues. I had suspicions of what was going on so the ending was not a surprise. While there were clues leading to the identity of the villain too there was a twist at the end and plenty of suspense.

This is a good inspirational romantic suspense with relatable characters, a good mystery plot and a good faith message. While it is the second in a series, it reads well on its own.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Shadowed Witness by Angela Carlisle
4 Stars
Book 2 in The Secrets of Kincaid Series

Another great read by Angela Carlisle! I am really enjoying her writing style and this series.

Read if you enjoy:
- Christian romantic suspense
- Unknown Illness Mystery
- Childhood Crush/Friends to More
- Friend's Sister Trope
- Lost Memories
- A Crime that "Didn't Happen"
- Protective Hero
- Small Town Secrets

This book was really fast paced with a good balance of romance. From the first chapter, you are drawn into Allye Jessup's world....she is a photographer who believes she's witnessed a murder, yet wakes up bruised, disoriented and without proof. She is the sister to Bryce Jessup in book 1 and we see Bryce and Corina a bit in this one too from book 1.

Allye reports the incident to local police, which brings in Detective Eric Thornton to take the case. He cares for Allye and is very protective of her throughout the story, as he can tell something is going on with her. Allye has been through a lot lately with her health as well - a mystery illness with some series brain fog and memory issues. This leaves her second guessing what she saw but as things continue to get even more weird....she knows it couldn't be her mind betraying her. She realizes soon this is the real deal.

What I appreciated most was the way the story handled doubt....both in her mind and in faith. Allye’s struggle with her health and memory made her a more layered character and the inclusion of those internal battles added depth to the threats she faced. I was proud I guessed the bad guy and the reason for the medical issue she was having! (I never guess these things haha) I think I would have liked a little more of their romance bits together but overall I would recommend as a good Christian romantic suspense series! Looking forward to book 3 next year!

Would recommend as a good Christian romantic suspense series! Looking forward to book 3 next year!

Thank you to Bethany House Fiction for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

"As she edged toward the back of the building, she heard a 7 louder ka-thump as if something heavy had fallen. The sounds changed to a muted, almost rhythmic thumping. She reached the corner and peered around. Two men. One standing back in the shadows, watching. The second man delivered another savage kick to something— no, someone—unmoving on the ground. The blow left the fallen man’s head tilted at an unnatural angle. Allye sucked in a breath. The attacker swung around, chest heaving. Looked her straight in the eyes."

Allye loves her life as a photographer, but lately something has felt off. Her body does not want to cooperate with normal life demands. And when she witnesses a crime, she wonders how she is going to survive it all. Especially since no one really believes her.

Detective Eric Thornton is Allye's brother's longtime best friend. He wants to think that Allye is telling the truth about an attack. But the evidence does not support her report. Will he continue to investigate or dismiss her like everyone else?

This book is full of plenty of suspense, unexpected twists and turns and romance. Mystery is layered in with the danger as Allye tries to determine why her health is failing and if there are external causes. I guessed parts of the ending, but much of it was a complete surprise.

This is book two in "The Secrets of Kincaid" series. Characters do overlap. But I think this book could be enjoyed without reading the first book. But Secondary Target is worth reading first as it is a fantastic book.

I read this book for a launch team. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

This was an action packed novel from start to finish! I love Christian suspense novels, and this one didn't disappoint. While this book is in a series, it can be a stand alone. I didn't read book 1 in the series and was able to follow along easily. There is a mild romance going on in this book, no content warnings for my readers to be aware of. As a migraine sufferer myself, I enjoyed reading about someone who also deals with the same issue. I feel the author captured what living with migraines is really like, and I wondered if she suffers from them herself or if someone close to her does. This was a great fast paced novel. Thank you to Bethany House for sending me a copy for review.

Retract your statements or next time it won’t be a camera.

Allye Jessup is a well loved photographer. Her services are in demand and her knitted creations are quickly sold when made available. However, something is going on that she just cannot figure out, starting with suffering from some unknown illness. Brain fog, dizziness and more make her wonder if the things she is seeing are real. Her reports are second guessed and for some - flat out disbelieved. What is really going on?

Detective Eric Thornton, longtime friend of Allye, becomes the one that must unravel this mystery. With attacks, break ins, murder and more their faith that God has it in control is being tested. Will this mystery finally get solved - before more people die?

An ebook was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

This is a *Must Read* book! It's full of suspense, drama and just enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.
Don't start reading this book at bedtime unless you want to be up all night, because once you start reading it you can't put it down.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I definitely couldn’t put down this second book in Angela Carlisle’s Secrets of Kincaid series! I read the first book earlier this year and I’ve been so excited for Allye’s story ever since. This book definitely lived up to the hype in my mind! As Allye’s body betrays her, she’s starting to wonder if maybe her mind is betraying her too. But thankfully local detective Eric believes her- at least that something is going on! Allye and Eric’s pursuit of the truth exposes something much bigger than the murder Allye witnessed and threatens to permanently silence her- and all she holds dear.

I loved how Allye and Eric found their way to each other. It felt well-paced and authentic. Not without bumps, but those hard conversations really made their relationship believable. There were so many mysteries to unravel- it was a suspense reader’s dream. I also liked the drama of finding out what was actually going on with Allye’s health. Also Eric’s journey to forgiveness and how they both leaned into their faith at different points in the story.

Angela Carlisle is one of my new favorite voices in romantic suspense and I can’t wait for the third book in this series next summer, which unfortunately seems way too far away!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

What a novel! This is the second book in the series. And yes, you need to read the first book first! The first book introduces you to the characters and solves a mystery. This is the second book that takes one of the secondary characters from the first novel and makes her the center of the stage.

Allye is a feisty one. She’s also a bit clumsy. Always has been. But it’s getting worse. And her headaches. Really, she’s got a lot going on with her health, but she’s not sharing with her family. Her older brother is involved with and married to her best friend now. And she doesn’t want to burden them. She’s on her own.

When Allye hears something outside her studio one night, she goes to investigate.
What happens is she’s attacked and left crumpled at the bottom of the stairs. But she witnessed a murder. She’s found by the mayor, who’s her mom’s boyfriend. He says she fell down the stairs, but she knows otherwise. Can she convince anyone of what she witnessed? Or will they all just think she is her normal, clumsy self who fell down the stairs and imagined it all?

As more things happen and things escalate, will anyone be on her side? Can she convince Eric the detective, that she is telling the truth and not losing her mind? Will she find someone she can trust with her health? And will she survive the attempts on her life?

This was a wonderful fast fast-paced action novel. It’s full of suspense. It’s got mystery. And it’s got some romance too. But remember, read book one first!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Shadowed Witness is an enthralling addition to the exciting Secrets of Kincaid series! I loved the first book in the series and had very high hopes for this one. It was everything I anticipated and more! Revisiting Kincaid, Kentucky, and delving into Allye's story was a deeply moving experience. The well-written, fast-paced plot, packed with page-turning suspense and mystery and imbued with faith, drew me in immediately and kept me reading intently to the very satisfying ending. Well-crafted, realistic characters are easy to connect with and cheer for. I admire Allye's strength and determination as she faces danger and the challenges of a daunting, undiagnosed medical condition. Eric is the ideal protective hero despite his own personal struggles. I enjoyed how their romantic relationship unfolded. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a riveting, emotion-tugging romantic suspense read. Note: Even though there are carryover characters in this book, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I read an early copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shadowed Witness is the second book in The Secrets of Kincaid series but could be enjoyed as a standalone without any issues as well.

This is only Angela Carlisle's second novel, but one thing is already abundantly clear--- she absolutely knows how to craft a story that will keep you on the very edge of your seat! Right from the start, this one drew me in with the action and sense of danger... twists and turns throughout kept me guessing as to exactly what was going to happen and what was truly going on. The addition of Allye's health issues was absolutely brilliant. Just as she is questioning her own mind, it adds that level of uncertainty to us as readers as well, not knowing for certain if these things truly were happening or not, and I absolutely loved that. Were there some twists that I suspected earlier on? Yes... but that didn't stop me of enjoying every second until those answers came out nonetheless. While I definitely felt like the suspense took the center stage in this story, I loved the romance between Allye and Eric too. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, this is definitely one worth checking out.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

“I’m a little broken, Allye. Maybe a lot broken. I’ve got a lot of baggage, and I’m jaded when it comes to trusting people.” “I’m broken too. I think everyone is to some extent. Maybe the more important thing is that we do the hard work and let God mend those broken places.” “Maybe you’re right.”

I’m speechless! This book was so fantastic! It’s overflowing with danger, suspense, twist & turns, faith, and a sweet romance. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, I had to know how it all was resolved.

Allye is strong and determined. Her strength in dealing with her migraines and other medical issues was wonderfully presented. I enjoyed the little glimpses of Allye’s family and their relationships. Her strength and determination shine throughout all the twist and turns in the investigation. She wants to deal with EVERYTHING on her own. Until… Eric. Eric is caring, protective, and haunted by his past. His struggle with believing all that Allye encounters doesn’t change his protectiveness or concern for her. I loved when they opened up to each other and supported one another. I also loved the threads of faith woven throughout the story. The epilogue! 🫠😍 Y’all it was so very satisfying!!

A few more quotes:
“Seriously. Your sister is way out of my league.” “Yes, she is. But I haven’t met a guy yet who is in her league.”

“I can stand.” “I know. It’s okay to accept help, you know.” “But it isn’t easy.” Her words were barely a whisper.

“You aren’t scared of werewolves?” “Not with a big strong detective by my side.” “You trust me to protect you? Against werewolves?” “Of course. And I’d take lots of pictures. Think of what the newspapers would pay for those kind of photos.”

This ARC was provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

The Shadowed Witness is a fast-paced suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. Allye was amazingly strong-willed for having health issues. Working through the sick times as well as doing work as a photographer left her unable to cope. That was before her life was in danger.

The storyline is filled with family relationships, unknown circumstances, danger, conspiracy, and a race to bring the criminals to justice. There are twists and turns, along with betrayal, but the ending wrapped things up nicely. The blossoming romance added tension as the relationship grew.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own

“Maybe the more important thing is that we do the hard work and let God mend those broken places.”

Ever been torn between the reality of what you may have seen and the possibility that your mind is playing tricks on you?

I’ve been there. It’s an awful feeling when loved ones doubt what you’re sure you saw or experienced…and then the doubt creeps in.

Freelance photographer Allye Jessup is struggling with an undiagnosed health challenge when she’s attacked for witnessing something. When someone she trusts disagrees with how events happened, Allye is almost convinced that the attack didn’t happen. Almost.

Carlisle highlights broken things, the need for trust, the burden of secret-keeping, and the struggle to ask for help. Watching Allye transition from feeling ill-equipped to trust (both naturally and spiritually) to someone who accepts help with grace was inspiring. I was encouraged by her determination to continue trusting in God regardless of what happens.

Carlisle delicately balances her faith thread with pulse-pounding action and real-life struggles to produce a compulsive sequel to The Secrets of Kinkaid series. Will Allye continue to be a target for what she knows, or will she outrun her attacker?

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.