A Safe Place Under Fire

Peril on the Ranch

Written by Lynette Eason

Narrated by Sara Sheckells

Published by Love Inspired Suspense Harlequin Audio

Release Date: 05.26.26 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

4 Stars!

Peril on the Ranch begins with a baby left where she should be safest.

That is what makes this story feel so personal. Isabelle Trent’s ranch is not just land, work, and open space. It is a place of refuge. As a foster mother, Isabelle is already living a life that says vulnerable children matter. Then an infant is abandoned on her ranch, and the place meant to shelter the helpless becomes the place danger is trying to invade.

I loved that emotional center. A baby in danger changes the whole feeling of a suspense story. Every threat feels closer. Every decision feels more urgent. Isabelle does not know who left the little girl or why someone is willing to kill to reach her. She only knows this child has been placed in her care, and she is going to protect her.

That is the part of Isabelle I loved most. Her courage is fierce, but it is not loud. It shows up in the way she refuses to step away from the child who needs her. She is protective, compassionate, and brave in a way that feels deeply meaningful.

Mac is such a strong match for this story. I loved the steadiness he brings beside Isabelle. He does not erase her strength. He stands with her while the danger keeps pressing closer. Their connection grows in the middle of fear, which made the romance feel tender without softening the suspense.

This audiobook has that heart-beating-out-of-your-chest tension I enjoy. Lynette Eason keeps the danger close to home, and that made it even more gripping for me. The ranch should feel safe. The baby should be protected. Isabelle should not have to fight for both at once. Yet that is exactly what makes the story so compelling.

Sara Sheckells’ narration is wonderful. Her voice carries the suspense clearly, but she also gives warmth to the tender places in the story. That balance matters so much with this audiobook. The danger needs urgency, but the baby’s vulnerability and Isabelle’s protective love need gentleness. Sara Sheckells gives the story both, and I stayed completely invested while listening.

I also enjoyed the Christian faith content. Prayer, trust in God, and lived-out faith are what makes this story so meaningful to me. The faith thread belongs inside the fear, inside the choices, and inside the courage it takes to protect what God has placed in your hands.

This Christian romantic suspense has a tender center and a dangerous edge. A baby left in need of protection. A woman determined to shelter her. A ranch that becomes the battleground.

I received a digital ARC of this audiobook book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my honest evaluation of the writing, content, and narration.