Terrific combination of second-chance romance and emotional suspense. Sheri moved to Eagle Mountain to start over after the death of her daughter and Terrific combination of second-chance romance and emotional suspense. Sheri moved to Eagle Mountain to start over after the death of her daughter and the end of her marriage. As a teacher, Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue Team member, and avid competitive climber, keeping busy helps her deal with her grief. As the book opens, she witnesses the kidnapping of a little girl, though she doesn't know it at the time. While speaking with the sheriff and the parents about what she saw, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation detective appears, looking for the suspected kidnapper. Sheri is shocked to see her ex-husband, Erik.
Erik is hot on the trail of an embezzler who jumped bail to avoid his trial. He didn't expect to find his quarry involved in a kidnapping. He's surprised when he arrives in Eagle Mountain and sees Sheri for the first time in two years. He notices the changes in her immediately and is just as drawn to her as he was when they were married.
This book hooked me from the first chapter with its complicated suspense and second-chance romance. Because of the tragedy of losing her daughter, Sheri is fully invested in helping to bring young Dawn home. I loved watching her and Erik work together, combining her area knowledge with his detective skills. As they spent time together, their worry about Dawn helped them talk about and work through the issues that ended their marriage. I liked how their rekindling attraction opened their eyes to the love they never lost. However, there is still a little wariness on both their parts until a dangerous situation reminds them that you never know how short your time together might be.
The suspense of the story was outstanding. From the moment Dawn disappeared, everyone was intent on finding her as soon as possible. There were twists and turns, from the intentionally wrecked car to their disappearance, leading law enforcement to believe the kidnapper wasn't working alone. I could feel their frustration as time passed, and they still couldn't find her. An unexpected development changed everything and quickly led Erik and the others where they needed to be. The final confrontation was tense and emotional, though in some unexpected ways. I loved how it made Sheri and Erik realize the truth of their feelings and that they were ready to try again.
Merged review:
Terrific combination of second-chance romance and emotional suspense. Sheri moved to Eagle Mountain to start over after the death of her daughter and the end of her marriage. As a teacher, Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue Team member, and avid competitive climber, keeping busy helps her deal with her grief. As the book opens, she witnesses the kidnapping of a little girl, though she doesn't know it at the time. While speaking with the sheriff and the parents about what she saw, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation detective appears, looking for the suspected kidnapper. Sheri is shocked to see her ex-husband, Erik.
Erik is hot on the trail of an embezzler who jumped bail to avoid his trial. He didn't expect to find his quarry involved in a kidnapping. He's surprised when he arrives in Eagle Mountain and sees Sheri for the first time in two years. He notices the changes in her immediately and is just as drawn to her as he was when they were married.
This book hooked me from the first chapter with its complicated suspense and second-chance romance. Because of the tragedy of losing her daughter, Sheri is fully invested in helping to bring young Dawn home. I loved watching her and Erik work together, combining her area knowledge with his detective skills. As they spent time together, their worry about Dawn helped them talk about and work through the issues that ended their marriage. I liked how their rekindling attraction opened their eyes to the love they never lost. However, there is still a little wariness on both their parts until a dangerous situation reminds them that you never know how short your time together might be.
The suspense of the story was outstanding. From the moment Dawn disappeared, everyone was intent on finding her as soon as possible. There were twists and turns, from the intentionally wrecked car to their disappearance, leading law enforcement to believe the kidnapper wasn't working alone. I could feel their frustration as time passed, and they still couldn't find her. An unexpected development changed everything and quickly led Erik and the others where they needed to be. The final confrontation was tense and emotional, though in some unexpected ways. I loved how it made Sheri and Erik realize the truth of their feelings and that they were ready to try again....more
Good book. After she caught her fiancé cheating on the day they were to announce their engagement, Adrienne decided her medical training was more impoGood book. After she caught her fiancé cheating on the day they were to announce their engagement, Adrienne decided her medical training was more important. Though it took longer than usual because of her royal commitments, she's now ready for the next step. Though convincing her parents, especially her father, to let her go was difficult, Adrienne is finally in Naples and prepared to learn everything she can from cancer doctor Franco Perretta.
I loved the first in-person meeting between Adrienne and Franco. She's trying so hard to be "normal" and ends up in an awkward situation. Franco comes zooming up and whisks her away on his motorbike. Adrienne was surprised to see him there, especially as she had just been thinking of him. I liked her focus on his credentials and work as an oncologist, though there also seems to be a hint of a crush under the admiration. Franco wins my heart later that day when he informs Adrienne that her qualifications and passion brought her there, not her family name. He then goes on to treat her like any other doctor.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Adrienne and Franco. They are drawn together from the beginning, but neither is interested in a relationship. Adrienne is focused on her career while trying to stop her parents' matchmaking attempts. Franco has loved and lost and isn't interested in risking that pain again. However, the more time they spend together, whether work-related or not, the greater their attraction grows. Each of them believes that anything more is impossible. Adrienne knows that Franco is a very private man, and her life is anything but private, thanks to constant media attention. Despite her growing feelings for him, Adrienne attempts to keep him at a distance to protect him. At the same time, Franco knows he's not the type of man her parents want for her.
There are some sweet scenes of them together, from Franco telling Adrienne about his lost love to their midnight swim later in the book. A misinterpretation of something Adrienne does causes Franco to pull back just as a revealing picture of them becomes public; Adrienne is forced to go home and do damage control. I loved seeing how her time away has given her more confidence and the courage to stand up for herself. The dinner scene with her parents was terrific. I ached for Adrienne, who is sure she's lost Franco just as she's found the courage to go after him. Franco is also unhappy without her. I loved his big scene at the end. Aided and abetted by Adrienne's mom, Franco pulls off a very romantic reunion.
I truly enjoyed the romance, but I was also fascinated by the medical side. Franco lost his love to a rare form of cancer and has spent his life since then fighting the disease. Adrienne lost a beloved uncle to cancer, which motivated her to specialize in cancer treatment and research. I enjoyed seeing Adrienne and Marco interact with their patients and their determination to do their best for them. A significant part of the story involves a promising new drug treatment stuck in the approval process, while Franco and Adrienne desperately need it released for one of their patients. Franco follows the frustrating traditional route of approval while Adrienne conceives of another approach. I was fully invested in Adrienne's project and loved seeing it in progress. The results, which I could envision thanks to the author's descriptive skills, were thrilling to see. I loved seeing her get the credit she deserved, and Franco get the tools he needed to continue his work. I loved the update in the epilogue.
#netgalley
Merged review:
Good book. After she caught her fiancé cheating on the day they were to announce their engagement, Adrienne decided her medical training was more important. Though it took longer than usual because of her royal commitments, she's now ready for the next step. Though convincing her parents, especially her father, to let her go was difficult, Adrienne is finally in Naples and prepared to learn everything she can from cancer doctor Franco Perretta.
I loved the first in-person meeting between Adrienne and Franco. She's trying so hard to be "normal" and ends up in an awkward situation. Franco comes zooming up and whisks her away on his motorbike. Adrienne was surprised to see him there, especially as she had just been thinking of him. I liked her focus on his credentials and work as an oncologist, though there also seems to be a hint of a crush under the admiration. Franco wins my heart later that day when he informs Adrienne that her qualifications and passion brought her there, not her family name. He then goes on to treat her like any other doctor.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Adrienne and Franco. They are drawn together from the beginning, but neither is interested in a relationship. Adrienne is focused on her career while trying to stop her parents' matchmaking attempts. Franco has loved and lost and isn't interested in risking that pain again. However, the more time they spend together, whether work-related or not, the greater their attraction grows. Each of them believes that anything more is impossible. Adrienne knows that Franco is a very private man, and her life is anything but private, thanks to constant media attention. Despite her growing feelings for him, Adrienne attempts to keep him at a distance to protect him. At the same time, Franco knows he's not the type of man her parents want for her.
There are some sweet scenes of them together, from Franco telling Adrienne about his lost love to their midnight swim later in the book. A misinterpretation of something Adrienne does causes Franco to pull back just as a revealing picture of them becomes public; Adrienne is forced to go home and do damage control. I loved seeing how her time away has given her more confidence and the courage to stand up for herself. The dinner scene with her parents was terrific. I ached for Adrienne, who is sure she's lost Franco just as she's found the courage to go after him. Franco is also unhappy without her. I loved his big scene at the end. Aided and abetted by Adrienne's mom, Franco pulls off a very romantic reunion.
I truly enjoyed the romance, but I was also fascinated by the medical side. Franco lost his love to a rare form of cancer and has spent his life since then fighting the disease. Adrienne lost a beloved uncle to cancer, which motivated her to specialize in cancer treatment and research. I enjoyed seeing Adrienne and Marco interact with their patients and their determination to do their best for them. A significant part of the story involves a promising new drug treatment stuck in the approval process, while Franco and Adrienne desperately need it released for one of their patients. Franco follows the frustrating traditional route of approval while Adrienne conceives of another approach. I was fully invested in Adrienne's project and loved seeing it in progress. The results, which I could envision thanks to the author's descriptive skills, were thrilling to see. I loved seeing her get the credit she deserved, and Franco get the tools he needed to continue his work. I loved the update in the epilogue.
Terrific continuation of the series. Here we have Jane, a recent transfer into this division of the LAPD. An unpleasant reputation has followed her toTerrific continuation of the series. Here we have Jane, a recent transfer into this division of the LAPD. An unpleasant reputation has followed her to her new position, and she is stuck dealing with "domestic" situations instead of sinking her teeth into meatier cases. Having a partner, Damon, who is rarely there, doesn't help. When she suspects her latest case is not the open-and-shut one everyone thinks it is, she's determined to find the truth. Matters become complicated when FBI agent Tim Ruskin intrudes on her investigation.
Jane and Tim have a history. They met and had a relationship when he was undercover, and she didn't react well when she discovered his deception. Once someone has broken her trust, it isn't easy to get it back. But when she learns that her murder victim may be tied to a Russian-mob-backed human trafficking ring, she'll take a chance on working with him.
I liked watching the rekindling of the relationship between Jane and Tim. He has missed their closeness and chemistry and wants to be together again, and Jane is wary and prefers to keep him at arm's length. Working with each other to solve the case allows Tim to show Jane how he feels and to earn her trust again. Jane is reluctant to risk her heart on him again, but the sparks between them are hard to deny. It doesn't take long for Jane to realize that her feelings for Tim had never died, despite the betrayal she felt. But they must survive their investigation before they can see what the future holds for them.
The suspense of the story was excellent. It started slowly as the background developed, but it took off when Jane and Tim began working together. There are questions about whether the victim was a pawn or a player and her link to the trafficking ring. Every clue they uncover seems to lead to more questions and an unexpected development. As their investigation narrows in on the ringleader, the danger to them intensifies. Flying bullets and being run off the road indicate they are on the right track. I liked the teamwork Jane and Tim exhibited and their respect for each other's abilities. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with its twists and turns as they raced against time to save a group of women destined to be shipped out of the country.
I also enjoyed seeing characters from previous books make appearances. JMac from the Kyra and Jake series encourages Jane, and Billy also gets his two cents in. I'm looking forward to the final book in this series as Billy finally gets his story and his dearest wish.
Good book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Ashlynn is the sister of murdered crime blogger Sean Hughes (The Bait) and iGood book that sucked me in from the start and kept me hooked to the end. Ashlynn is the sister of murdered crime blogger Sean Hughes (The Bait) and is determined to keep his blog going. She receives a tip about a submerged car with a body in the trunk and investigates. When she finds the car where her tipster said it would be, she calls the cops. LAPD detective Denver Holt is the one who is sent to investigate.
Denver wants to make the Homicide/Robbery division. He's not too happy to be stuck looking into a submerged car or dealing with the pushy woman who discovered it. But when her insistence that he check the trunk turns up a dead body, he has a lot of questions. Something about her story doesn't add up. When he is assigned to investigate the case, she's the first one on his list to interview.
Denver was not happy to discover that Ashlynn is not only a true crime blogger but the sister of Sean Hughes. He and Sean had a history, and he believes Ashlynn is cut from the same cloth. But he also can't help worrying about her safety. Denver follows her when she goes to meet her contact and is there to save her when she is attacked. At that point, they decided it would be best if they worked together. Neither expected the attraction that flared between them. Denver was protective of Ashlynn and frequently frustrated by her fearlessness. They grew closer as they worked together. I liked how Denver began to respect Ashlynn's capabilities and understand what motivated her. I also liked how Ashlynn started to see her actions through Denver's eyes and think about their effects. I enjoyed how Denver caused Ashlynn to think about her future. Though there are no big declarations at the end, there is a clear intention to see where their relationship goes.
The suspense in the story was excellent. Most of their leads came from tips from Ashlynn's blog. Her determination and fearlessness make her take chances while investigating those tips. As she and Denver get deeper into the investigation, Ashlynn's actions put a target on her back. There were multiple twists in this story that kept me guessing as to who the murderer was. The final confrontation kept me glued to the pages until it was all over....more
Good book that kept my attention from start to finish. The book opens as Kenzie, the new doctor for Blake, Alaska, is on the road headed for her new hGood book that kept my attention from start to finish. The book opens as Kenzie, the new doctor for Blake, Alaska, is on the road headed for her new home. A native Texan, Kenzie is a little unnerved by the remoteness and wonders what she's gotten herself into. Cautious in the pouring rain, she's following the car ahead of her when she sees it go out of control and plunge off the bridge and into the river. She stops her car to see if she can rescue the driver.
When the man emerges from the water, his size makes Kenzie a little wary, but her medical training overcomes it. She's stunned that he has no memory of who he is or what happened. With no other real options, Kenzie takes him home with her. Her "John Doe" doesn't remember anything about himself other than an overwhelming feeling that he is in danger.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between John Doe, whose name turns out to be Brett, and Kenzie. While still cautious, Kenzie feels Brett is one of the good guys. As they spend time together, tiny pieces of his memory return, such as his love of cooking. I liked how appreciative he was of Kenzie for allowing him to hide out at her place while he recovered and that he repaid her kindness by cooking for her. Kenzie came to enjoy having someone waiting for her when she got home. There are some sweet moments between them during those times. Sparks of attraction began to build. Then Brett's memory returns, and he knows why he was so sure he was in danger - and that he'll do anything to make sure Kenzie is safe. I liked watching them grow closer and share those peaceful evenings. I especially liked that no big misunderstanding drove them apart at the end, just the realization that they belonged together.
The suspense of the story was good, though low-key until the end. Kenzie and Brett keep his presence secret while waiting for his memory to return. This turns out to be a good thing when strangers come to town asking questions. The tension builds as Brett's memory starts to return, and we get a glimpse of what he's been through. There is an attack at the cabin that reveals an unexpected adversary. There are a couple of twists leading up to the final confrontation. I loved how the townspeople supported Kenzie and shaped the resolution of that confrontation. I did find the ending anti-climactic for both Brett's and Kenzie's situations.
Good book that hooked me from the beginning and kept me engaged to the end. Gabriel just transferred to Aurora from LA. He previously worked on the MoGood book that hooked me from the beginning and kept me engaged to the end. Gabriel just transferred to Aurora from LA. He previously worked on the Moonlight Killer case until his wife became one of the victims. After trying to drown his grief, he pulled himself together, determined to find the man responsible. After months of inactivity, Gabriel is convinced that the killer has relocated to Aurora, "the safest town in the state," and it's only a matter of time before he strikes again.
Shayla is the youngest of the Cavanaugh-O'Bannon branch of the family and a brand new addition to the detective branch of the Aurora PD. She is well-known in her family for her upbeat personality and tenacity. The first thing she notices about Gabriel is the sadness in his eyes, and she feels compelled to try to help him. She asks the Chief of Detectives to partner her with Gabriel.
I enjoyed seeing Gabriel and Shayla together. Gabriel is a loner, consumed by his need to bring the Moonlight Killer to justice and guilt over his wife's death. The last thing he wants is a partner, especially one always so cheerful! Every time he tried to shut her down, she simply changed directions and kept up the positive outlook. I liked watching Shayla wear him down on everything from eating to taking a break and getting some rest. She also knew the importance of their investigation and was with him when work needed to be done. Neither one expected the attraction that flared up between them. Gabriel was stunned to discover that he could have feelings for someone else. I liked that there was no "insta-love" between him and Shayla, just an acknowledgment that they wanted to see where their relationship would go.
The suspense was excellent. The killer struck again almost as soon as Gabriel arrived in Aurora. His frustration over the lack of clues was evident as he and Shayla looked at current and past cases. Then one piece of evidence opened the door to a new line of investigation. I was surprised that Gabriel didn't make one significant connection, but I chalked it up to his mind being on another part of their questioning. Shayla caught it, though; she and Gabriel were convinced they had the right guy. The final confrontation was a nail-biter but had a great resolution. I was incredibly proud of Gabriel and his self-control.
One of the things I always enjoy about the Cavanaugh books is the closeness of the family. Their love for each other is evident in the teasing and support they provide. With so many Cavanaughs scattered throughout the APD, it is always fun to see a partner's reaction when a Cavanaugh picks up the phone and calls this cousin or that sibling for a quick answer to a question. Gabriel was no different. Also, with Gabriel having no family, he has no concept of what a group such as the Cavanaughs is like. His nervousness as he and Shayla arrived at Andrew's was adorable, and I loved watching him become part of them....more
Like the other books in this series, this one grabbed my attention at the beginning and kept me hooked to the end. The story opens as Roslyn, a ChicagLike the other books in this series, this one grabbed my attention at the beginning and kept me hooked to the end. The story opens as Roslyn, a Chicago DJ, returns to Idaho to find the man with whom she shared an intense weekend five months earlier. She has something to talk to him about and is very nervous about it. To postpone the inevitable, she sets out on a hike with friends. She becomes separated from them while taking pictures and sprains her ankle as she tries to get back to the trail. With a forest fire raging not too far away, she's worried about getting out.
Dillon is a police officer and search and rescue team member with his dog Bentley. It is his day off, which he spends part of trying to track down the woman he can't forget. After hitting more dead ends, he decides to take a break and go for a walk with Bentley. Before he can leave, he gets a call about a missing hiker, and he and Bentley join the search. Imagine his surprise when he discovers the lost hiker is his "Rosie."
Roslyn is shocked when she realizes her rescuer is the man she came to find. Initially, things are pretty awkward between them as Dillon fights his anger over how she ghosted him after their weekend. For Roslyn, this was not how she wanted to tell him he would be a father. But the two will have to get past the awkwardness and work together because a change in the fire's direction means they have a longer walk to get back to civilization.
I liked seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Roslyn and Dillon. Once Dillon overcame the shock over her pregnancy, he was determined to show her they belonged together. He has no trouble picturing their future as a family. Despite her continuing attraction to him, Roslyn is wary of committing to anything. She was burned in her last relationship and isn't sure she can trust her judgment. I liked how Dillon's patience and care helped ease her fears. But it takes surviving a dangerous situation for Roslyn to take that leap of faith. I loved the hospital scene at the end and seeing Dillon and Roslyn embrace a future together.
The suspense of the story was terrific. Neither Dillon nor Roslyn knew as they made their way back to civilization that an escaped murderer was also trapped in the same area. Roslyn is unaware that she caught him in the background of one of her photographs, and he is determined to keep her from sharing that photo. She and Dillon get a feeling of being followed but aren't sure until Anderson tries to steal her camera during the night. They become more cautious after he gets away from Daniel's pursuit. The tension ramps up as they are on the lookout for another attempt. I was glued to the pages when it came, as Anderson was a desperate man willing to do anything to avoid going back to prison. The confrontation was intense, and I loved how it went down.
Meanwhile, the missing hiker and the escaped convict draw much attention back in town. With Dillon cut off by the fire and little cell service, the Jasper police cannot let him know they may be in danger. I could feel their frustration as their investigation leads them to believe that Anderson is in the same area as Dillon and Roslyn, but a visiting Federal agent tells them otherwise. Fortunately, Brady and Ava trust their instincts and make their own plans.
The media are also all over the story of the missing hiker. Roslyn was a famous DJ back in Chicago when she got caught up in a media firestorm after she ended her engagement. After seeing the wild speculations some of them came up with, Roslyn's desire to keep a low profile was understandable. I liked seeing the Jasper cops deal with them.
Captain Rutledge continues to be a thorn in the department's side. His arrogance is maddening, and his dislike of the K-9s continues to rub others wrong. I loved seeing Emma from the Canine Academy tear him a new one after an especially egregious action. His press conference was infuriating, particularly when he made statements about his future role in the department. I want to see him knocked down a peg or five before the end of the series....more
A heartwarming and emotional story of love, loss, and letting go. It all starts when Dr. Theo Turner finds a newborn baby girl on the steps of the midA heartwarming and emotional story of love, loss, and letting go. It all starts when Dr. Theo Turner finds a newborn baby girl on the steps of the midwife center, Carey House. He and chief midwife Nya Ademi call the little girl Hope while social services try to find a foster placement. Theo and Nya step up to share fostering duties when that proves problematic.
Theo and Nya have been friends for many years, but seeing him with Hope has Nya looking at him in a whole new way. Nya has been a widow for twenty years, and Jim's absence is always in her mind and heart. She closed herself off after his death, preferring not to risk another devastating loss. Instead, she has filled her life with work, friends, and community. She's not about to risk a treasured friendship with inappropriate feelings.
Theo is recently divorced and still dealing with his feelings of rejection and guilt. He's spent the last eighteen months burying himself in work to avoid dealing with the emptiness of his life. His loneliness is amplified when he finds out he won't see his adult children over the holidays.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Theo and Nya. Because they've been friends for so long, their interactions are mostly easy. But the more time they spend together, the more the attraction between them grows, and the harder it is to stay in control. I loved how little Hope drew these two lonely people together. There are sweet scenes of simple actions, such as bathing and feeding the baby, that make Theo and Nya feel like a family. Each tries to fight the feeling, believing that the other is not interested in pursuing a relationship, but neither can resist daydreaming about what could be.
I ached for both as their fears kept them from believing in the possibilities. Giving into the attraction brings those fears to the surface and causes each of them to pull back. All awkwardness falls by the wayside when a medical emergency with Hope unites them in their worry for her. An unexpected twist removes Hope from their care, and Theo and Nya are forced to accept that their idyll is over. Nya's pain was overwhelming, but I liked how it caused her to look at her life and realize how much she'd hurt herself. Her big moment at the end was terrific and led nicely into the epilogue. I liked how the epilogue brought everyone back together the following Christmas. I especially enjoyed seeing the massive changes in Theo and Nya's lives.
Good book that starts with a rush and keeps up the intensity to the very end. As the book opened, we had three Miami cops undercover at a Miami club. Good book that starts with a rush and keeps up the intensity to the very end. As the book opened, we had three Miami cops undercover at a Miami club. Trey and his partner Doug were there watching for drug activity and trying to contact their confidential informants. Roni is there investigating the disappearance of two young college women. Things begin to go sideways when Roni witnesses Doug talking to her suspect, and he is later killed under suspicious circumstances.
Trey received a tip from his CI about women being trafficked, so he and Doug went to check it out. Trey felt something strange was happening, and Doug's actions added to that feeling. In the ensuing shootout, Doug was killed, and Trey was injured. While in the hospital, Trey discovers that Internal Affairs is investigating Doug.
Roni, who is best friends with Trey's sister and has been friends with the family for years, is asked to help IA with their investigation. The thought makes her uncomfortable, but she agrees, mainly to ensure they don't suspect Trey. Telling him is not an option, but keeping it secret eats at her because she had a crush on him as a teen, and those feelings have grown in the years since then.
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Trey and Roni. Trey had always looked at her as his little sister's friend, but that had changed since the shooting. He's a little freaked out by his sudden attraction to her and does his best to keep it under wraps. When Trey asks Roni to help investigate Doug's death, she's happy to help. This throws them together, and it isn't long before the sparks between them grow stronger. I liked how Trey was protective of Roni while still respecting her abilities as a cop. But their budding relationship hits a bump in the road when Trey learns of Roni's work with IA, and he wonders if he can trust her. I ached for them both as they faced this issue. I liked seeing them overcome this obstacle and realize the importance of their feelings. I loved the role reversal at the end.
The suspense of the story kept me hooked from start to finish. I could feel Trey's anguish at Doug's death and his rock-solid belief that Doug was innocent of any wrongdoing. As he and Roni began investigating, they quickly realized they didn't know who they could trust. The deeper they dug, the more complex the case became. Dead witnesses, a growing number of suspects, and attacks meant to stop their investigation kept me glued to the pages as the book progressed. An unexpected twist sent the investigation in a slightly different direction, and a nail-biting confrontation brought it to a fantastic conclusion.
Excellent suspense combined with a second-chance love story. When the sheriff is called to the scene of a car crash that rapidly turns into a murder aExcellent suspense combined with a second-chance love story. When the sheriff is called to the scene of a car crash that rapidly turns into a murder and missing persons scene, he knows he needs expert help. But calling in SAR expert Kate opens a whole raft of complications, as he and Kate have a turbulent personal and professional past. As high school sweethearts, tragedy tore them apart. Years later, they were fellow deputies until competition for the sheriff's job caused their work relationship to implode. Any interactions since then lean on the acrimonious side.
The story's suspense sucked me in from the start, and didn't let go until the end. The search scene had me on the edge of my seat as Hayden and Kate searched for the mother and two little girls, only to discover them in extreme danger. I could feel Hayden and Kate's determination to save the children and injured woman. I liked the realism of this encounter, as Hayden and Kate did not emerge injury-free. The effects of those injuries are also realistically portrayed and influence the rest of the story. Following the investigation kept me glued to the pages as changing information altered perceived suspects and motivations. Several twists led to an exciting ending.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Hayden and Kate. Eighteen years have passed since their high school romance, and neither has truly moved on. Memories of their time together and the circumstances that tore them apart are never far from the surface. It is evident that sparks of attraction still burn underneath the animosity they exhibit, but both try to ignore them. However, as they work together on the investigation and have a chance to get to know each other again, those sparks become harder to resist. Each also begins to see how youth and grief contributed to their parting. I ached for Hayden, the first to acknowledge his feelings, because Kate feared risking her heart again. It takes a deeply emotional revisiting of their past for them to be able to look to a future together....more
Good story about starting over. Carly lives on a small island off the coast of New Zealand, where she runs an outdoor camp for children. Several yearsGood story about starting over. Carly lives on a small island off the coast of New Zealand, where she runs an outdoor camp for children. Several years ago, she lost her husband in a boating accident, and she has been grieving ever since. She's decided that the only way to move on is to sell the camp and fulfill the dream of traveling she gave up when she married.
After his wife left him and their son, Owen sold his medical practice in the city and came to Rawhiti to be the island's doctor. With less stress and shorter hours, he can spend more time with his son, Mason. He hopes to become a better father.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Owen and Carly. They got off to a rough start when Carly called him out on what she saw as reckless behavior on the water. But underneath the antagonism that flared between them were sparks of attraction neither was happy to feel. Carly only has a few weeks left on the island before she leaves, possibly for good. She doesn't want anything to derail her plans. Owen is still dealing with the fallout of his ex-wife's departure and doesn't want to get involved with another woman who isn't going to stick around.
But with Carly being the island's first responder, she and Owen are frequently thrown together and soon develop an easy working relationship. They also live near each other, and Owen's son takes an immediate liking to Carly and her to him. There are plenty of sweet scenes of the three as Carly and Owen do their best to give Mason the attention he needs. At the same time, the attraction between Carly and Owen grows stronger. I ached for both as Carly fought her feelings. Part of her wants to stay and see where it goes, but the other part feels the need to get away. Owen wants to ask Carly to stay but doesn't want her to resent losing her chance to travel. Additionally, he is afraid that her "itchy feet" would cause her to leave after a while anyway. Each of them allows their fears to get in the way of going after what they want. It takes a dangerous situation for them to come to their senses and realize that they belong together. I loved the epilogue and seeing how they overcame those fears.
As always, I enjoyed the medical aspects of the book also. Seeing how a big city doctor dealt with the differences of working in a small, isolated clinic was intriguing. There were a variety of medical emergencies that called on Owen's capabilities, and I liked seeing him rise to them all. I also enjoyed the small island setting. The descriptions of the land and animals (I loved the living alarm clock!) made it sound like a neat place to live or visit.
Terrific book drew me in from the first page, and didn't let go until I'd read the last one. The balance of suspense and romance is excellent. This isTerrific book drew me in from the first page, and didn't let go until I'd read the last one. The balance of suspense and romance is excellent. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone, though a deeper understanding of the dynamics comes with reading the first book, too.
Grace is a nurse taking a break after a tough case. She is also distancing herself from her mother and ex-fiancé by moving to Wyoming near her older brother, the sheriff. While taking online classes for her master's degree, she works as the manager/bartender of Delgado's, a local bar. One night she witnesses an altercation at the B&B across the street - an argument that ended in murder. This put Grace in the middle of a dangerous situation.
Chief Deputy Holden Powell was the responding officer. Holden is a secondary character in the previous book (Wyoming Winter Rescue) and is dealing with the fallout from the events of that book. The sheriff supports him, but Holden feels the pressure of public opinion and is determined to redeem himself. Solving the murder and keeping Grace safe is personal as well as professional.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Grace and Holden. He has been sweet on her since she arrived in town but feels unworthy of pursuing her thanks to what happened. Instead, he worships from afar through daily appearances where she works. When she's in danger, Holden's protectiveness kicks in. He will do anything to keep her safe. Grace has noticed Holden but is off relationships after a recent breakup. However, she can't deny the sparks she feels around him. There are sweet scenes between them when Grace needs him, and Holden steps up to provide the comfort she craves. As they spend more time together, Grace sees the vulnerable man Holden is hiding behind his professional demeanor. I loved watching her overcome his insecurities and show him the good man that he is. At the same time, Holden's support shows Grace that she's stronger than she knew. I loved the ending and seeing them agree that they belong together.
The suspense had me glued to the pages from start to finish. After Grace witnessed the murder of the young woman, she became the victim of multiple attacks. Holden works to solve the murder and keep Grace safe at the same time. The victim was linked to a cult and a local motorcycle club. What did she know about either or both that was enough to get her killed? Grace's attempt to help identify the killer drew unwelcome attention. The twists and turns of the investigation and the attacks on Grace kept me guessing. There were a couple of things I didn't see coming, which made the intensity even stronger. There is a slight cliffhanger involving one character, and a story arc I expect will run through the series. I can't wait to read the next book....more
Good story about love and family. Chandra is the oldest of the six Valentine siblings, intently focused on her career in San Diego. When her father caGood story about love and family. Chandra is the oldest of the six Valentine siblings, intently focused on her career in San Diego. When her father calls a family meeting in the small town of Magnolia Lake, Tennessee, the request is odd enough that she drops everything to go. Chandra is a nervous flyer in small planes, and the last leg of the trip is on a very small plane. A fellow passenger, "JB," provides the distraction she needs to make it through the flight.
JB, Julian Brandon, is headed home to Magnolia Lake to keep a promise. Years earlier, local billionaire, Joe Abbott promised to pay for Julian's schooling if he committed to spending four years as the town's doctor when he finished. Julian dreads his return thanks to unhappy memories attached to his hometown.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Chandra and Julian. They connected quickly on the flight to Magnolia Lake. Julian's calm demeanor and easy conversation soothed her fears. The sparks of attraction were there, but neither expected to see the other again. Fate intervened when Julian came to her rescue after she drove off the road. Their third encounter was an eye-opener for Chandra when she discovered that her sexy rescuer was none other than the town's young new doctor. I had to laugh at this meeting. Chandra is aghast that she's attracted to a man years younger than she is, while Julian is thrilled to have the opportunity to see her again. Very conscious of the age difference, Chandra shoots down his invitation for a date.
However, that isn't the end. Chandra soon has the chance to repay Julian's kindness by helping him. Poor Julian has become the quarry of nearly every single woman in town. During a party given by the Abbots, and at the instigation of her sister Naya, Chandra rescues Julian from his pursuers by implying they are a couple. Julian jumps on the idea as a way to spend more time with Chandra and show him as more settled to the people in town. As Julian finds every opportunity possible to be with Chandra, the sparks between them continue to grow. She is willing to enjoy the attraction but, with her looming return to California, has no interest in a relationship. Julian hopes to change her mind.
A change in circumstances at her job in California motivates Chandra to take a hard look at her plans for the future. I loved how Chandra stood up for herself and didn't allow them to take advantage of her. Her return to Magnolia Lake allowed her to explore the feelings she was just beginning to admit. An unexpected complication pushes them closer together, while Chandra's fears have her resisting the truth. Meanwhile, Julian must face his past before he can move forward into the future he wants with Chandra. The scene at the poker game was a hoot, and I loved Julian's big moment. The epilogue was terrific, and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
The overarching theme of the series is the establishment of the Valentine Vineyards. Stunning family revelations redirect patriarch Abbott Valentine's interests and passions in a new direction. His actions shock his children even as he indicates his desire for their involvement in the new enterprise. It was interesting to see their reactions, good and bad, and how they handled the news. I can't wait to follow the progress.
This was a short and sweet second chance story. Steph is a young widow who lost her husband in a terrible skiing accident. Her recovery from the loss This was a short and sweet second chance story. Steph is a young widow who lost her husband in a terrible skiing accident. Her recovery from the loss has been slow, as she believes the accident was her fault. She stays busy by working at the bakery she co-owns with her sister and helping the local widows' group raise the funds to save an historic schoolhouse. She's not looking for a new relationship; she believes she's had her one shot at love.
Jeremy grew up in Valentine Valley and returned after he finished medical school to replace the retiring town doctor. He remembers Steph - first as his best friend's bratty little sister, then as the widow of the man he was too late to save during an avalanche.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Steph and Jeremy. He's noticed her more as a woman in the last few months, to the point where he refuses to accept her as a patient. He'd rather date her than doctor her but his own guilty feelings keep him from pushing the issue. Fortunately for them, the local widows' group also has matchmaking tendencies. They push Steph and Jeremy into working together to solve a mystery involving the town's historic schoolhouse. As they spend time together, each shares their memories of that terrible day, clearing the way for healing to begin.
I loved following their search for the schoolhouse's past. Along the way they discover that Jeremy's family has a connection to the schoolhouse. They uncover a secret that piques their interest. If it is true, it could mean a big change for the town. I loved what they found, what they did with it, and the stunning surprise that awaited them. The ending was sweet and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
Good book that started with a rush and kept me hooked to the end. Nick is a government black ops operator tracking a fellow operative who went rogue. Good book that started with a rush and kept me hooked to the end. Nick is a government black ops operator tracking a fellow operative who went rogue. He used to work with this operative, and the betrayal he feels has made the search personal. After following Gray to an art gallery and planting a tracking device on the man's limo, Nick walks casually away. A few minutes later, he is attacked by a man who is easily as good, if not better, at hand-to-hand fighting as he is.
Alex is a CIA agent whose job is to go after operatives who have gone bad. Gray and his team are suspected of stealing valuable international artifacts and murdering US military personnel. His first impression is that Nick is one of Gray's men, and he wants to capture and question him. He did not expect to encounter someone who could fight him to a stalemate.
Alex and Nick agreed to a wary truce as they worked out who each other was and why they had a mutual interest in Gray. These men have worked in the shadows for so long that neither of them trusts easily. It was sad and amusing to see how each was constantly looking for signs of betrayal, even once they figured out they were on the same side. Deciding to work together was logical, but there was still some struggle for control until they got past their trust issues.
Matters are complicated by the attraction Nick and Alex feel for each other. Each tries to ignore it while concentrating on their mission, but it is always there, simmering under the surface. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and discover their differences and similarities. I found it interesting that Alex, the "fixer" who has dished out so much death, has dreams of a peaceful retirement. Nick expects to die in the line of duty which lends itself to some reckless behavior on his part. I liked Alex's determination to get Nick to stop seeing himself as expendable.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Nick and Alex develop. It was fast, helped along by the intensity of their situation. Each felt protective of the other, which had the potential to create some problems while they were working. There were some fun parts, such as their differing views on Christmas. I loved watching Alex try to bring a little Christmas spirit into Nick's life, from the Christmas tree with its unique decorations to the snowball fight. Alex's sensitivity is unexpected, given his vocation, and I enjoyed seeing it come out in his desire to help Nick. Both have some insecurities regarding relationships, but their love for each other overcomes them in the end. I loved the ending and their plans for the future.
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. The backstory of Gray and what he did are explained as the story goes on but can be read in more detail in the previous book in the series (Her SEAL Bodyguard). The tension remained steady as Nick and Alex looked for clues about what Gray had stolen, then planned ways to draw him into a trap. The intensity ramped up when they found the stolen crate and what was in it (WOW!). I was glued to the pages as they prepared their trap and set the bait. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Nick and Alex were significantly outnumbered.
Terrific story of love, family, and second chances. When Beth and her sisters, Freya and Trinity, were young, their father walked out on them, leavingTerrific story of love, family, and second chances. When Beth and her sisters, Freya and Trinity, were young, their father walked out on them, leaving May a single mother. When Beth was thirteen, her mother wrote a bestselling female-empowerment book. While the self-centered May went off to do book tours, Beth was left alone to care for her younger sisters. Worried about being caught and separated, Beth tended to be bossy and controlling to hide that May wasn't around. Unsurprisingly, her sisters resented Beth's attitude and left Magnolia as soon as possible.
May recently had a stroke and has summoned Trinity and Freya back home. Beth, who stayed in Magnolia and became a nurse, has picked up the pieces for her mother. Recently divorced, Beth's ex-husband wasted no time letting her know that his girlfriend was pregnant, a hurtful revelation considering the effort Beth put into trying to get pregnant while they were married. Beth spends so much time caring for others that she has no life of her own. She wants to leave Magnolia and finally follow her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. The stress and worry about her mother and her sisters' impending arrival come pouring out during a confrontation with a stranger at the hospital. She and Declan are drawn to each other, but Beth is focused on her plans to leave.
Freya is a tv reality star who, as a teen, was the family's wild child. She did everything she could think of to gain her mother's attention. Even now, her D-list Hollywood lifestyle appears to be a cry for attention. She initially comes across as sarcastic and cynical. This is especially evident when she meets Greer, her mother's agent. She doesn't trust him, but the sparks between them are undeniable. Freya is tired of the backstabbing and me-first attitudes and hopes to change her life. She is secretly writing a book that she hopes will take her in a different direction.
Trinity was the peacemaker, trying to keep Freya and Beth from going too far. She returns to Magnolia pregnant, escaping from an abusive boyfriend. All she wants is a chance to make a good life for herself and her baby. She worries about being a good mother because of May's example, but Freya and Beth promise their support. Trinity meets their next-door neighbor, Ash, the police chief. Ash is clearly smitten, but Trinity isn't ready for anything more than friendship.
I loved following each sister's story as they faced their pasts and worked on writing new futures. I liked watching them forge new bonds as adults, accepting each other for who they are now. There are a few rough patches when past hurts flare up, but overall their love and support win out. Freya and Trinity's support gives Beth the courage to stop putting everyone else's needs ahead of hers. Freya's return to Magnolia gives her a new perspective on her hometown, and new friends help her see the emptiness of her life in California. I loved seeing Trinity's growing confidence as the book progressed, and the mama bear in her shone during the fracas at the baby's christening. When all was said and done, the sisters' relationships with each other were everything they could hope for.
I enjoyed seeing each sister find love. Declan is a great guy with a big heart. I loved how his attention helped Beth see herself differently. His feelings for her are obvious to everyone except Beth. She feels the same attraction but is focused on her plans and believes that he will leave Magnolia after the holidays. I ached for Declan when his grand gesture went awry. I wanted to shake both of them for not talking to each other. I liked how they finally figured out how to make both dreams come true.
Freya and Greer were an interesting duo. Freya's cynicism and sarcasm made for very antagonistic and flat-out rude interactions with Greer for a good share of the book. Sometimes I couldn't understand why Greer didn't just walk away. Most of the time, he seemed amused by her attitude, though he would push back when she cast aspersions on his honor. I felt like part of her attitude was fear of his reaction to her book, which was why she fought so hard against showing it to him. As her mother's agent, Greer is also privy to the updated portions of May's book, and his liking for May makes it difficult for Freya to trust him. There is quite a scene at the end when secrets come out. I liked that Greer didn't give up on Freya and helped her overcome her fear.
Ash and Trinity were sweet together. Ash is a single dad who lives with his mother-in-law so that they can help each other. His daughter Michaela is terrific and has a heart as big as her dad's. Ash recognizes Trinity's skittishness around men and is understanding and gentle with her. I loved how he didn't let her pregnancy stop his interest in her. I had to laugh at how their first date ended and that it didn't stop him from asking for a second one. While he doesn't hesitate to tell her how he feels about her, he is also sensitive enough not to push her for more than she is ready for. His support at the church gave her the confidence to stand up for herself and realize that she was stronger than she knew.
I have mixed feelings about May. Despite her very public admission of her mistakes, she doesn't get a pass regarding her actions when the girls were younger. There was no excuse for the way she left them on her own. I could feel the girls' confusion after May's stroke when so many townspeople commented on how nice she was and how proud of her daughters. They were equally confused and suspicious of her loving attitude toward them while at the rehab center. None of the girls are enthusiastic about the upcoming release of the updated version of May's book. I understood their anger and hurt when they finally got to read what she had added. Putting something in a book before talking to them seemed to show that she hadn't changed all that much. This was compounded by her expectations of their support, especially Beth's, during her upcoming book tour. She finally redeemed herself, so I was happy to see that.
I also enjoyed catching up on characters' lives from previous Magnolia books. I'd like to see Declan's "sister," Shauna, get her story. My heart hurt over Declan's story about his brother, and I'd like to see some resolution to that, too.
This was a fun, heartwarming Christmas story. It opens with a grandmother telling her grandchildren a story, one that starts "in the beginning" insteaThis was a fun, heartwarming Christmas story. It opens with a grandmother telling her grandchildren a story, one that starts "in the beginning" instead of "once upon a time." I hadto laugh at her grandson's aversion to anything with kissing, and her promise to warn him so he could cover his ears.
The story is about two men who have been best friends since high school. Though their lives are very different, they regularly get together for lunch and to catch up on each other's lives. During this lunch, each comments on the busyness and stresses of their jobs. Hank is the owner and sole employee of The Last Call, a tavern. Peter is the pastor of a nearby church, somewhat overwhelmed with the preparations for Christmas which is only a few days away. Each believes that the other has the easier life, and decide to switch places to prove it.
I loved seeing these two confident men get tossed into sink or swim situations. Peter's first night as a bartender was a real eye-opener. The bar is busy and he can't keep up with the orders. The customers get grouchy and Peter worries that he's going to wreck Hank's business. Matters become even more tense with the arrival of a motorcycle gang. They don't take well to Peter's ineptness or his cagy replies about what he does in real life. He's saved from disaster by the arrival of Millie, the waitress from the restaurant where he and Hank have lunch. She also works as a waitress at the local strip club, and knows the motorcycle gang from there. She rapidly defuses the situation and steps in to help Peter with the drinks. Peter offers her a job helping him after hearing her story, and looks forward to getting to know her better. Over the next few days, Peter finds his feet, discovers that his job and Hank's hve many similarities, and gets to know many different types of people he wouldn't have met otherwise.
Meanwhile, Hank promptly misplaces the list of duties Peter gave him. After settling in to watch a football game, he's not too happy to get a call from Peter's sister Grace Ann, fussing at him for missing his appointment to collect the donkey for the nativity play. Grace Ann is the church secretary, very uptight, and no fan of Hank. Hank, who had a crush on her in high school, delights in teasing her. When Hank admits losing the list, Grace Ann promises to make sure he doesn't miss anything. His first full day on the job goes south fast when he mortally offends the church's biggest donor. Grace Ann is horrified, Peter is accepting (and a little envious that Hank had the courage to do it), and the finance committee worried. I liked how Hank brought an outsider's fresh look to raising money. Over the next few days, Hank also discovers the similarities of their work as he listens to people's concerns.
I enjoyed seeing the romances develop between Peter and Millie, and Hank and Grace Ann. Peter and Millie are fairly straightforward. Millie worries about her past being an issue for Peter's church family. I loved Peter's confidence that everything would be fine, though you couldn't prove it by Grace Ann's initial reaction. Hank had a rougher time with Grace Ann. Since he knew her in high school, she has become uptight and judgmental, very different than the girl he remembers. I enjoyed seeing him call her out on her attitude and deliver some home truths she wasn't expecting from him.
The ending was terrific, with a Christmas party that brought together people from both their worlds. I laughed out loud at the description of the bikers singing Christmas carols, and Millie's former coworkers visiting with the missionary ladies from Peter's church. The hilarity continued on Christmas Eve as some of the patrons of the Last Call showed up for the service. The Christmas spirit was alive and well, all thanks to a little job sharing.
I liked the epilogue which provided "the rest of the story" about our two couples. It wasn't a surprise, but I enjoyed catching up on some of the more colorful characters.
Good Christmas story that takes place in a small village in Ireland. It is full of family, quirky villagers, vivid descriptions, and a bit of a mysterGood Christmas story that takes place in a small village in Ireland. It is full of family, quirky villagers, vivid descriptions, and a bit of a mystery. After a heartbreaking break-up with her French boyfriend, Shannon heads home to Emerald Bay and her family. One thing she is sure of - she's off men for the foreseeable future. This is reinforced by two embarrassing encounters with a handsome American man.
Shannon's relationship with James feels like a slow burn until you realize that the entire book takes place over four days. The chemistry between them is evident to everyone around them though Shannon does her best to deny it. I could feel Shannon's frustration as her family seemed determined to push them together. When Shannon gets roped into playing tour guide for James, she doesn't expect to find herself liking him. James makes his interest known with his charming smiles, sense of humor, and johnny-on-the-spot rescues. I liked how Shannon's family drew him into their circle, much to Shannon's chagrin. She also received quite a bit of teasing and significant looks from her sisters, including Hannah's comparison to courting baboons! I ached a little for James because Shannon is still letting her breakup affect her outlook. Once she realizes that life is too short to live in the past, she permits herself to embrace the possibilities. I liked that there were no insta-love declarations, just an admission of mutual liking and an interest in seeing where it goes. With Shannon in Ireland and James due to go back to America, the book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. I hope to see more of them in the next book.
There is a bit of a mystery surrounding James's presence in the town in the beginning. When Shannon finds he's been visiting the older woman, Maeve, she is suspicious of his motives. As a visiting nurse who has known Maeve all her life, Shannon is protective of her favorite patient. Maeve's secretiveness is worrying, but she's still mentally sharp, so Shannon bides her time. While I suspected the truth, the background of Maeve's story was heartbreaking. I loved seeing the happiness that the truth brought to her. There was some drama caused by her son, who was a selfish prig, but it all worked out in an emotional scene that tugged at the heartstrings.
I loved Shannon's family. It is big and boisterous, and they clearly love each other. That's not to say there aren't squabbles and moments of drama. Hannah is a blunt-spoken social activist who doesn't hesitate to get in their faces about the causes she feels are essential. She is also a bit of a pot-stirrer and delights in making things awkward for Shannon when it comes to James. Imogen is the sophisticated sister who is also something of a drama queen. Her reaction to Shannon's cat Napoleon and his presence in their room was hilarious. The twins, Ava and Grace, don't have as much page time, but their differing personalities are evident. Shannon's grandmother, or nan as she is called, is a force of nature. I loved how she and Shannon's mom, Nora, could bring the family under control with just a few words. Shannon's dad was the quintessential pub owner with his outgoing nature and sense of humor. But my favorite family member was Shannon's cat, Napoleon. He has a regal personality mixed with adorable antics. I laughed out loud at how he seemed to stalk Shannon's dad.
This was an intense, action-packed story from start to finish. Lynn is a psychotherapist in a relationship with Nash, an FBI agent. In the ten months This was an intense, action-packed story from start to finish. Lynn is a psychotherapist in a relationship with Nash, an FBI agent. In the ten months they've been together, Lynn has been waiting for Nash to lose his closed-off attitude and talk to her. His inability to open up to her convinces her they have no future together, and she breaks off their relationship.
Nash knows what she wants, but between his childhood and his time in the military and FBI, he has learned to shut down and compartmentalize his feelings. He believes he can learn, but it is a difficult step for him to take. So he heeds her wishes to stay away from her but can't stop watching over her.
The book opens as Lynn is confronted by a patient who blames her for all his problems. He is determined to kill her. After hearing the gunshots, Nash arrives just in time to see Lynn shoot and kill the man. I ached for Lynn, who blamed herself for failing her patient and then killing him. I also hurt for Nash, who wanted to help Lynn deal with the aftermath but was pushed away.
This goes on for several weeks until, once again, Lynn is in danger. Not only is she receiving threatening letters, but she is also kidnapped at gunpoint as she leaves work. I felt her fear as she looked into the eyes of a cold-blooded killer and knew she would die. I loved watching her draw on her inner strength and the things she's learned from Nash and others to find a way out of the situation. Though she was safe, it looks like she is now the target of a notorious serial killer.
I was glued to the pages as I watched Nash and other law enforcement officers do their best to identify and find the killer. I could feel their frustration as they ran into dead-end after dead-end. Meanwhile, Lynn and her best friend leave town for a weekend getaway, believing they'll be safe. She never expected to be followed and have to escape into a blizzard. I was awed by her strength and determination as she struggled to get away. Only Nash's timely arrival brought the bad guy down.
But just when you think everything is sorted out, they discover that not everything is as it seems. The complexity of the plot against Lynn and the motivation behind it blew me away. Some intense scenes involved negotiations and surprise revelations before the true culprit was uncovered. The ending was a nail-biter with yet another life-threatening twist.
Their differing communication styles complicated the relationship between Nash and Lynn. Nash has difficulty talking about his feelings, but showing her has never been a problem. As the danger around Lynn grows, Nash realizes the depth of his devastation if he loses her and vows to make an effort to be what she needs. While I understood Lynn's need for Nash to talk to her, I got a little frustrated with her refusal to see his unspoken language and how she kept pushing him away. I loved when the dam broke, and Nash started talking. His confession of his reasons for not opening up before broke my heart. Lynn made me happy with her reaction and understanding. I hope to see more of them in the following books in the series.
Terrific book. I enjoyed revisiting Christmas village (Christmas in the Scottish Highlands) and catching up with the villagers I met last year. This yTerrific book. I enjoyed revisiting Christmas village (Christmas in the Scottish Highlands) and catching up with the villagers I met last year. This year there are a couple of new residents: Merry, who has come to house-and-animal sit for her Aunt Ava, and Theo, the new partner at the local vet's office.
Merry was involved in a car accident two years earlier, leaving her in a three-month coma. When she woke up, her three previously overprotective brothers took their overprotectiveness to a new level. Needing a little breathing room to reclaim her independence, Merry takes her aunt up on the offer of her cottage in exchange for pet-sitting. Challenges and delays in getting there meant Merry missed seeing her aunt by a few hours. Still, Ava left detailed instructions, not only for the animal care but also for a Secret Santa project that's been in the family for generations. Unfortunately for Merry, her aunt's pet rabbit Chewy lived up to his name, and shredded/ate most of the notes - including which villager gets which gift. Worried about the rabbit after its misadventures, Merry calls the local vet.
Theo has only been in the village for two months and is still getting to know people. He came to Christmas village after a bad breakup looking for a new start. Theo is a big-hearted man who lives for caring for others, whether they are animals or people. His former girlfriend took advantage of him, leaving him determined to avoid getting involved with another needy woman. Theo also has a younger brother, Jeff, who he raised after their parents' deaths. Jeff moved to Australia, far away from Theo's oversight.
The first meeting between Merry and Theo doesn't go well. Theo jumps to the conclusion that Merry is another one of those needy women that he needs to avoid. Merry just wants to be sure the rabbit is okay and get some information on how to care for the animals. Theo tells himself to give her the information she needs and leave her alone, but he can't seem to stay away. Before long, he's showing up at least once daily to check on Merry and the animals. I liked watching Merry do her utmost to maintain her independence, only accepting Theo's help when absolutely necessary.
Merry is also a writer working on a romance novel. Her first attempt didn't go well, and she's having trouble getting her confidence back. She had planned to hole up in the cottage and write, but her need to figure out the Secret Santa recipients forces her into the village. I loved seeing her drawn into village life. Belle, a primary school teacher, invites Merry to speak to her third graders about writing as they work on their Christmas stories. I loved her interactions with the children and seeing how they helped Merry find her writing mojo. I especially enjoyed their suggestions on how to make her story better. Those same children opened Merry up to getting to know their parents.
Theo quickly discovers that Merry has something to do with the Secret Santa mystery. He knows she will not accept any overt offers to help, so he finds subtle ways to expose her to various villagers, enabling her to make the connections herself. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes she is the opposite of needy. I enjoyed seeing how he supported her in her goal of reclaiming herself. Merry, who initially thought that Theo was just as overprotective as her brothers, soon sees a different side to him. I liked seeing her soften her independence just a little bit and accept the occasional assistance from him.
Merry's brothers were over-the-top in their attitudes. Calling her multiple times a day, telling her she's not safe on her own and threatening to come to Christmas village to stay with her make her more determined to stand on her own. When they get to Theo, asking him to spy on her for them or they will come up, Theo is caught between a rock and a hard place. If he doesn't agree, she will lose out on all of the progress she has made. But if he does agree, he becomes part of the problem. I felt for him and the dilemma he faced, knowing that no matter what he did, it would come back and bite him.
I loved watching Merry's growth over the month she was there. Her confidence grew steadily from dealing with the animals to figuring out the Secret Santa thing. I loved following her writing adventures as her characters grew along with her. I ached for her feelings of betrayal when she found out about Theo and her brothers. Theo had her back even there, and I loved his conversation with her brother Noah. It takes some self-reflection, but Theo and Merry discover that there's nothing wrong with accepting help when you need it and that helping each other makes them stronger.
I loved the final scene with the Secret Santa gifts. Their work was clearly successful, and there were even a couple of surprise gifts!
I hope there will be another Christmas village book next year.
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