Customer Reviews

In Plain Sight

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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Jovana's story after reading Danger at the Door could not have been a better addition! I loved every moment of watching her struggle, survive and conquer with the help of a man she didn't expect to love-once again, Michelle has shown how God's love can lead you through anything and make it better. I absolutely recommend this book!

In Plain Sight is the story of Jovana, a beautiful immigrant from Macedonia trying to escape a troubled past and start over. As a new Christian, she is determined to do the right thing, but can she trust either of the men who seem to have fallen for her? More importantly, can she trust herself? In this book, author Michelle Sutton continues to write from a heart of passion. Her treatment of sexual issues within a Christian context are bold, realistic and refreshing, while the strong redemptive message in this book comes across loud and clear without being `preachy'. Well done! There is definitely plenty of heat, but it is always tasteful and honest. Any less would have been weak, especially considering the background of the main characters.
Although there are certainly elements of suspense in this book, I would have to say that it is still best categorized as straight-up romance. For me, suspense is all about the unexpected, and there really were no surprises. However, it seemed as though Sutton did this quite consciously. Even though the plot was quite predictable, this was not necessarily a bad thing. Not only do we see the story from the point of view of both the female heroine and male hero, but we are actually allowed into the mind of the psychotic antagonist, Kurt. Right from the opening paragraph we know that he is bad news. For me, the tension came from my own silent pleas with the heroine, Jovana, to NOT be so easily manipulated.
The real strength of this novel, in my opinion, is the rich message of God's grace and redemption that is so beautifully presented. Jovana is a complex character with a very mottled past. Sometimes her actions seem almost irrational, but this was part of what I appreciated about the book. In reality, people who have suffered deep trauma often act in unpredictable ways. Jovana is a classic case and just because she gave her heart to Christ, she still needed time and help with the mending process.
In Plain Sight is well written, engaging, sensual, and most of all, a wonderful example of Christ's redeeming love. The message that God has can redeem even the vilest of sinners comes across with eloquence and impact, while at the same time never overshadowing the warmth of the romance. I give In Plain Sight 4 ½ stars.

Michelle Sutton is the bomb! The woman knows how to tell a great story! She never disappoints. I thoroughly enjoyed In Plain Sight. Loved it even more than the first one, Danger At The Door. In Plain Sight is my favorite novel out of all of Michelle's. I loved the suspense! How she kept me hooked. Wanting to know what happens next. Her characters in this novel are great! You really feel the pain that Jovana and Randy have gone through in their pasts. You get to see the healing process that they go through. I like how she tied in the story of Hosea and Gomer. All and all another wonderful read! The only complaint I have is that she has a tendency of keeping me up until four or five in the morning when I'm reading one of her books. Lol You know I love you, girl!

In Plain Sight by Michelle Sutton is a Christian inspirational suspense novel published by Desert Breeze Publishing. Twenty chapters lure you into a well-developed plot where the main character Jovana struggles to overcome her past. Abused and abandoned by a former boyfriend, who left her on the street to die, she loses her unborn child. Jovana relocates to Arizona where she works in a diner and meets two handsome men. Roadblocks of learning the English language and being confused with idioms are minor setbacks compared to inner struggles with her faith as a new, "baby" Christian and learning to accept the love of a good man.

Will she choose Kurt, a flirting customer, or Randy, the diner's manager? She feels more comfortable with Kurt, because she doesn't feel she's worthy of Randy, her boss. When Laney and Bojan, her brother, (from previous novel Danger at the Door) go to Paris for their wedding, Jovana and Randy are thrown together. Bojan asks Randy to stay with Jovana while they're out of the country. Kurt keeps phoning her and has his own plans for Jovana. Will she ever see through him, or will she rebel against her brother's protection as she did as a teen?

This novel's characters come alive for the reader. Both outer and inner conflicts provide a light suspense, and the short book packs a powerful punch when Jovana's ultimate decision and choice of men determine her future on earth and in heaven. The author spins a tale that has the potential to be life-changing. It's powerful story unlocks keys as to why people act certain ways and can be an instrument to aid understanding that will enable others to reach out and lend that helping hand that is so desperately needed, or at least be able to understand.

With In Plain Sight, the author weaves a tale of romance and redemption. I loved Danger at the Door, the first book, but this novel was even better. I highly recommend both being read one after the other for the most impact. You get to know and love the characters from the first book and continue to read about them in the second for a powerful experience. Let her powerful books heal your heart!

I read the first book in this series last year and really enjoyed the story. I was happy to read this book which features Jovana the sister of Bojan the hero of Danger at the door. We take up the story when Jovana has come to America to live escaping her ex who abused her in many different ways. Jovana is working at Bojan's Diner. Randy is the manager and is helping keep an eye on Jovana who has limited English. I found it fun reading how easy it was for her to be confused with the American sayings trying to understand what is being said literally when its a saying. Add to the mix Kurt who has designs on Jovana that are anything but nice you have another good light suspense. What I do like about this story is as we learn about the abuse Jovana experienced we also see how shes been conditioned to act in a certain way. Much like abused children will often test foster parents in a lets see how far I can push till you do what I know you will to me type situation and when the parent doesn't react the way the child is use to they will then start to trust the family, Jovana also pushes the limits to see how far she can push. I like how Michelle explained the behaviour as if you haven't been in this sort of situation many of us wouldn't understood. While being a good book it also gives an insight to how people who have been abused may behave and is a good tool to help us understand these people more. I also love how Jovana is a new Christian and wants to be a better Christian but also struggles with her old life. This too is reality.
A very good read.

Ms. Michelle Sutton has presented us with an interesting book about someone who moved into America and tried to fit into our lifestyle while learning our cultures and mannerisms. She brought many thought-provoking issues to the surface to consider when around other people. We also get a reminding glance into how hard it can be to stay dedicated to a commitment to Christ when you don't fully understand.

These characters were so realistic and the storyline so emotionally charged that it was impossible to not be caught up with them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in other cultures and/or the trials of a new commitment to God. This is a truly great book. - Brenda Talley

Review of In Plain Sight
c. Michelle Sutton
April 2010
Desert Breeze
ISBN: 1-978-1-936000-51-7

Michelle Sutton's sequel to Danger Behind the Door, In Plain Sight, delves into the life of Bojan's sister, Jovana, and the results of her teenaged lifestyle. I would say "lifestyle choices" but at age fifteen, Jovana may have chosen to run from the family who loved her to the gang of men who abused her, though in most of the civilized world we call such men kidnappers and pedophiles.

Michelle's characters again are extremely engaging. Both of her main characters, Jovana and Randy, underwent traumatic events. Both were changed by their experiences. The story begins close to the wedding of Bojan and Laney. Jovana has come to the United States from Macedonia to be with her brother. She works in one of his restaurants where Randy is the manager and has a not-so-secret crush on Jovana. Jovana's years of living with a man who abused her left her a victim of uncontrolled sexual behavior she uses to protect her emotions. Although she dedicated her life to Christ, she still has a long way to go to learn self-control. When she finds herself attracted to a good man, Randy, she acts out to test his character. Randy was hurt in a robbery at a former place of business. For protection, he carries a weapon. Bojan thinks Randy will be a good bodyguard for his sister while he and Laney are on their honeymoon and asks him to stay with her. Randy soon learns that he must also protect her from herself when she is attracted to a villain.

I enjoy Michelle's ability to draw me into an exotic world. Her people experience real pain and temptation, even after being forgiven. They learn that together they are stronger when they uphold each other's resolve to live a faithful life. And that's an encouraging message.

I enjoyed, Danger at My door, so much, In Plain Sight, became a must read. Michelle, lives up to her reputation has the "Edgy Inspirational Author." Her writing has an easy flow that draws you right in.

In this book she took on the after effects of abuse, a woman often experiences. She approached it realistically, and at the same time revealing God's healing touch.
Another, edgy subject she shed light on, in a positive manner, was the temptation of sex outside of marriage. In a Christian life style this is often a big issue.

Michelle approached both of these issues with candor and honesty, and with an easiness that naturally blended into the story. In my opinion, as a Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor, we need more Christian writers willing to step out of the norm.

Thank you Michelle, you inspire me! Rita

In Plain Sight picks up where Danger At The Door ended, yet it can completely stand alone. Jovana is Bojan's younger sister, who became a Christian at the end of Danger At The Door. She's moved to Arizona, where she is working at a diner, and is working on putting her past behind her. Yet the scars of her former life rear their ugly head and she doesn't see herself worthy of a "good" man's love or respect. Michelle once again does a fabulous job of showing the struggle between our old self and who we want to be in Christ. I was clearly reminded of the scripture in Romans 7:14 -7:22 where Paul talks about What I want to do I do not do, what I do not do I do. The struggle within ourselves. I highly recommed this book!

I think this might be one of my favourite Michelle Sutton books... but I've loved them all :). In Plain Sight really appeals to me because I find Jovana such a believable main character. I love how realistic she is and how true-to-life her reactions are. Michelle writes all of her books with incredibly passion and truth and In Plain Sight follows her "edgy" style. I think Michelle has written a character that does exactly what so many women do when they feel insecure- try to use their "feminine assets" to control the men in their life.


In Plain Sight is well written and very easy to read. I was hooked from page one and all that suspense and romantic tension just kept me reading! I seriously read the entire book in one weekend- I would have read it in one sitting if that pesky life and parenting stuff hadn't gotten in the way ;). I would definitely recommend this book to fiction lovers everywhere.