Would you take a trip to a foreign country where you knew no one? If a family member went missing, how far would you go to find them? What if you were instructed to go to a foreign country where you didn't speak the language - how would you go about trying to find that person? This is the predicament Emily Noble finds herself in.

After a series of inexplicable accidents happen to James King, Emily Noble's brother, James, disappears. James had instructed Emily to seek the help of Christovao Santos if anything suspicious happens to him. Thus, Emily sets out for Brazil, a country which she is unfamiliar with, and a language which she does not know. By the time she arrives at Christovao's farm, Emily is sick and unable to think clearly. When she attempts to use a gun to obtain information on the whereabouts of her brother, she passes out, only to wake up a prisoner of the very man who is supposed to help her locate her brother.

Christovao "Chris" Santos is an ex-mercenary who lives on a Brazilian farm. He is gun shy with women because of a bad divorce. Consequently, he seeks to live in peace on his farm, Abundancia, without any women present. This all changes when a woman claiming to be the sister of his good friend, James King, shows up demanding answers on the whereabouts of her brother. Before he can really make a determination as to who the woman is, she passes out.

Emily is uncertain about placing her trust in Christovao. She's unsure about whether or not he is a good man. Christovao knows he can't trust Emily. To the best of his knowledge, James doesn't even have a sister. However, their distrust of one another is the least of their concerns. Members of Christovao's former unit are dying - some of them apparently accidents. Now strange accidents are occurring at Abundancia too. Why are these men being targeted? Where is Emily's brother? Will Emily and Christovao learn to trust each other before it is too late?

Despite Emily's only being a children's book illustrator, she is able through shear determination of will to make it to her destination. She is diligent in her efforts, yet shows care for those around her. Her feelings toward Chris are understandable considering she doesn't know him. However, once she begins to care for him, those feelings begin to shine through. Chris is very much a man who has been hurt by a woman. His distrust of women is easily empathized with. But as he slowly learns to seek beyond his own ideas and understanding about who Emily is, it is evident that he is trying to move beyond his distrust of her, and forward with his feelings toward her.

Sharon K. Garner's, Sanctuary, is a sweet story. It reminded me of a classic Harlequin Intrigue Romance. The story is full of plot, emotion, dialogue and more. It's a quick read at 215 pages, yet no question is left unanswered. The romance builds within this suspenseful plot, but the down and dirty deed never occurs making this book a great read for those who object to sex scenes in their books. For individuals who may like these elements in their books, I can honestly tell you I don't believe you will care one way or another. Ms. Garner's, Sanctuary, is a satisfying read - I have no qualms about recommending it to lovers of romantic suspense or sweet romances. I'm happy to have been introduced to a new author and I look forward to reading Ms. Garner's future endeavors.

Reviewed By: Aureauna
© August 2005