The Protector: O'Malley Series, Book 4

I was following along part I just fine, then on to the next portion downloaded (part 2 of 2) and two of the most critical events to the whole story were lost - dinner with Jennifer where she tells Kate what's going on and the plane blowing up. Impossible to follow on this download.

Only because I can do other things while listening.

Yes. I think he does a good job in them all.

I have read the book and listened to this audio three times. I really like the author.

Each book in this series keeps my interest with faith based it has enough to give my spirit a lift

Relationships with action; I couldn't wait for the next part or book to continue the story.

I’ve read several Christian based romances and have generally found them enjoyable and I especially like sharing them with my daughter who has inherited my love of a good romance. However, I found the Christian bigotry portrayed in Dee Henderson “The Protector” very offensive. I am a lifelong Christian and I try to live the precepts exemplified by Christ’s life and teachings. The portrayals of hell fire and brimstone based Christianity is a discredit to the richly diverse, companionate and contemplative spiritual tradition that has been the basis of my experience of Christianity.

I could overlook the ridiculous Christian moral lessons Cassie says, "Lord, help me to not be attracted to Jack because he's not sure of his beliefs." Personally I think that is a slap in the Lord's face, I'm sure he has better things to be worried about. If she's so upset by his uncertainty than maybe that is what she should be thinking about.

I could overlook the unrealistic budding relationship of 30 somethings. So after over a month of daily contact Cassie finally decides she can "date" Jack - hey, what were they doing the whole time? What is the implication of dating? The guy bent over backwards to give her everything and she could desire and all she can worry about is being afraid of having a relationship more than a friendship.

I could even overlook the tangent subplots that went nowhere, but I thought the ending stunk. I guess the truth is that if the ending/final explanation wasn't so disappointing I would have over looked all those things, but as it stands, I really was let down.

The plot "twist" at the end lasted a whole minute and a half. The "mystery arsonist" was such a minor character I didn't even realize who he was for the most part. I also didn't believe the arsonist's motives - I understood why he would do what he did, but I sure didn't believe that a serious fire fighter (as opposed to an arsonist who becomes a fire fighter to be near fire) would stoop to such levels. Furthermore, I hated the idea that the whole book was built up to why Jack was being targeted, only to find out it was arbitrary; nope, no vendetta, no dislike, just in the wrong place at the wrong time and no better than the loser of a coin toss.

I gave this two stars because the character development was good and the writing was interesting, I just didn't like the plot or the motives.