Ransom by Danielle Steel

A powerful story about a mother's courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Fernanda Barnes's life was once graced by security, success and stunning wealth. Now, widowed and with a mounting pile of debts, she is trying desperately to shield her three children from the rising panic within her.
When a file of press clippings and photos of the Barnes family is found in the desk of a convicted criminal, police detective Ted Lee is sent to protect them. He is a man of unshakable integrity but even he cannot prevent the devastating events that follow.
In a gripping race against time, Detective Lee is the only man who can save Fernanda and her children from a terrifying fate . . .