Running From Strangers

Running From Strangers
C.C. Harrison
Five Star, Sep 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9781594147098

In Texas when Judge Berriman decides to return seven years old Davy Lopez to the child’s abusive family, his Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Allie Hudson is stunned. Fearing for the kid’s life and distrusting the child welfare system which sent no on to appear in court, Allie considers running away with the child. When she sees his home she makes a decision to go to her hometown in Colorado.

Wildlife biologist Beck Williams agrees to hide Allie and Davy for now on his family ranch. He knows he still loves Allie but has never forgiven her for abruptly running away without a word twelve years ago. Allie also loves Beck though she knows he will never forgive her for her sudden vanishing from his life; if she tells him the truth he would still reject her.

This engaging romantic suspense condemns the child protective services system as filled at the top jobs with appointees, incompetents, under trained and uncaring. The romance takes a back seat to protecting Davy and others. Readers will relish this strong cautionary thriller that insists it takes a village to raise a child while a terrific spin re why she left years ago augments RUNNING FROM STRANGERS (and loved ones).

Harriet Klausner