One Day in December

One Day in December  by Josie Silver

Laurie looks aimlessly out the misty, bus window
on a cold, blustery, London day as she heads home
from another uneventful day at her tedious job.
Suddenly, she locks eyes with a shivering stranger
waiting outside at the bus stop. His penetrating
gaze makes her heart stop.

The undeniable attraction from afar is
mutual and instantaneous. Laurie debates
getting off the bus, the unknown man falters
for a second as if he's going to approach
her, but the bus moves on, and Laurie
can't shake the feeling she's missed a magical
moment in time.

Laurie is so smitten with this elusive stranger
that she spends the next year searching for him
at bus stops and cafes, assuring herself that she
will immediately recognize his piercing eyes
should they ever cross paths again.

Eventually Laurie does meet Jack in person (yes, he has
a name), at her roommate, Sarah's, Christmas party.
This is the man her friend has been gushing
about all these months, so eager for her best friend
to meet the perfect one. A crestfallen Laurie watches
her foolish hopes and dreams fade away when she
sees Sarah's radiant smile every time she looks at Jack.
Wistfully, she recollects that day of infatuation at the
bus stop, but is it possible that Jack remembers her, too?

For the next ten years these three vulnerable characters
travel down a winding road of twists and turns, secrets
and lies, and stunning betrayals as each one of them
searches for the happiness that always seems to be just
out of reach, no matter how hard they try.

This is a warm, emotional novel perfect for a cozy
evening by the fire, especially for those looking
for some holiday, happily ever after, romance.

The Lies We Told

The Lies We Told by Camilla Way

Chilling and sinister, just in time
for HALLOWEEN......

Beth and Doug desperately long for a
child, so when they are blessed with
Hannah, it's a dream come true.

By the mid-1980s, they can't ignore the
fact that their beautiful daughter is far
from normal. Her dark, brooding, alarming
behavior makes them anxious in their own home.
The repeated calls from school detailing Hannah's
cruelty towards other students, and flippant,
blatant disrespect for authority, has both of them
constantly on edge as they struggle to maintain
any sense of normalcy. No one can know what
happens behind closed doors. No one can
learn the truth.

When Hannah purposefully hurts the person
most dear to Beth and Doug's heart, they realize
what they've known all along...they are deathly
afraid of their own daughter, and what she is
capable of doing.

Thirty years later, a young woman by the name of
Clara, is frantic when her boyfriend, Luke, vanishes
without a trace, just like his sister, Emily, did years ago.
When she and Luke's best friend begin an investigation
into his disappearance, it opens Clara's eyes to the
lies and deceit she never knew about the man she loves.
Tension mounts as she feels the presence of eyes always
watching her, and a narrow escape from a burning
building intensifies the sense of danger surrounding her.

Two different scenarios, decades apart, yet these two
stories are intricately intertwined with one another
in this scary, psychological thriller that will keep you
guessing.

Expect a sleepless night after reading the eerie
conclusion.

An Unwanted Guest

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

What begins as a relaxing, winter weekend
getaway for a motley group of guests, turns into
a nightmare of murder and mayhem.

Mitchell's Inn is a quaint, picturesque retreat cozily
nestled in the breathtaking Catskills Mountains.
The guests arriving on this particular day are
strangers to one another, but they do have one
thing in common.....they all have closely guarded
secrets.

The powdery, crystalline beauty of falling snow
lulls them into peaceful tranquility until the
the discovery of a dead body suddenly changes everything.

It all starts the first night when a devastatingly beautiful
guest plunges to her death after falling down the
grand staircase. Could it be a tragic accident, or is her rich
boyfriend somehow responsible? After all, they were heard
arguing in the middle of the night. The soft blanket of white
turns into a dangerous sheet of ice, leaving the Inn with
no power and impassable roads. It looks like the dead body
must remain in their midst until the police can arrive. In the
meantime, another guest is found bludgeoned to death, and
then another, until panic sets it and accusations begin to fly.
Who's the next victim?

Agatha Christie fans will immediately see similarities
between her famous "Ten Little Indians" and this
captivating suspense thriller. It's an age-old plot
that stands the test of time. It's up to the reader to decide;
is the perpetrator one of the guests with a mysterious past,
or someone lurking outside, hiding in the ice-encrusted shadows?


The author marvelously creates a foreboding, menacing
atmosphere for impending doom with her vividly written,
descriptive passages, putting  the reader on edge throughout
the book. The frigid, forlorn isolation of the Inn, tucked
away in the desolate mountains, is the perfect setting
for calculated murder.

If you are looking for a good, old-fashioned, chilling
murder mystery, give this one a try. And have fun
deciding who the culprit really is.

Ghosted

Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

Sarah's in love after spending seven, unforgettable days
and nights with a virtual stranger named Eddie. Incredible
as it may seem, this unexpected, whirlwind romance is not
a fling. Sarah knows how lucky she is. It's hard to start
over when you are a soon-to-be, forty-year-old woman
with a dismal, disintegrating marriage. This is her chance
for newfound happiness.

But Eddie doesn't call Sarah after he leaves for a
trip to Spain, even though he professed his love
and vowed to stay in touch. She's confused and
mystified why he hasn't contacted her. Friends
insist she's been "ghosted", tossed carelessly aside
like so many spontaneous relationships that fizzle and die. Yet
Sarah knows their time together was real and lasting. So she
begins her search to find the man she fell madly in love with
after just a few days; the person who magically appeared
to brighten her lonely life.

Sarah goes to great lengths to track Eddie down, exposing her
vulnerability for all the world to see. Finally she deciphers
clues that point to the fact that their chance encounter
wasn't a random meeting at all. These two lovers share a
heartbreaking, dark past that changed their lives forever.
Facing the truth means abandoning the promising future
they thought was destiny.

This romantic mystery is brimming with emotion. Lost souls
wrestle with guilt, obligations, and fear, knowing that the vision
of a new tomorrow can never be. It's a love story filled with
hope, and the belief that forgiveness and reconciliation can
heal old wounds, but only if the heart is willing.

Rush

Rush by Lisa Patton

The campus of Ole Miss is crackling with
excitement and anticipation.

This is RUSH, that glorious time in college when
wide-eyed, eager young girls primp and pray they
will be lucky enough to win a precious bid to one
of the revered sororities at this esteemed university.

Sophisticated Lilith Whitmore (with her designer shoes
and penchant for anything Tiffany), has one goal in mind.
She's determined her lovely daughter secures a bid to the
exclusive Alpha Delta Beta Sorority, no matter what the cost.
As the House Corp President, it's easy to casually intimidate
everyone she meets. Never underestimate Lilith's influential
powers.

The next step is convincing a former acquaintance, Wilda,
to accept a role on the Advisory Board. It's an easy task
that doesn't take much coaxing since Wilda is rattling around
in an empty house waiting for something to make her feel
productive. Their daughters are even going to be cozy freshman
roommates, but it's all part of Lilith's conniving scheme to
make her own dreams come true, and Wilda falls
right into her trap.

A rich cast of characters fill the pages of this
witty, captivating novel. You'll meet the new, hopeful
pledges who are spoiled by the dedicated staff at the Alpha
"House". Catering to the girls living in the luxurious
mansion is all part of the job, but what about their own
needs?

Pledge Cali has the intelligence and drive to
dream big, but laments the fact that someone may uncover
the truth about her drug-addicted mother. And Ellie,
Wilda's daughter, learns that expensive room decor is
no substitute for self-esteem and true friendship.

At the very core of the story is Miss Pearl, housekeeper
extraordinaire,  and devoted confidant to needy, naive
co-eds whom she loves as if they were her own children.
When Pearl dares to pursue a promotion for herself,
she soon finds that old prejudices of race and class still
fill the halls of a place she holds so dear. She's
sacrificed everything in the name of love.....maybe
it's time to put her own wants and rights above all else.

Little does she know, change is coming. A motivated
group of new pledges speak with one voice to better
the lives of those they love and admire; a chance to
break away from out-dated rules and open a dialogue
about equality for all.

This is a tale written by an author who knows first-hand
about the opulence found in Southern sororities. It's a stark
examination of the fragile, sometimes stormy relationship
between mothers and daughters, the secrets wives keep
from their husbands, the feelings of inferiority for not
having a "pedigree", how forgiveness can right so many
wrongs, and the realization that if enough passionate voices
speak, people will listen.

Take a look at Lisa Patton's latest novel, set to be released
on August 21st. Immerse yourself in this poignant story,
written with charm and delightful humor, about the inspirational
awakening of a group of young women who vow to
make a difference in the lives of the forgotten ones.

Something in the Water

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

A couple makes an astonishing discovery beneath the
calm, undisturbed waters of the South Pacific Ocean......

Breathtaking coral gardens, sandy white beaches
glistening in the sun, a velvety, emerald green sea, and lush,
fragrant hibiscus surrounding a peaceful lagoon. This is the
Polynesian island of Bora Bora, said to be the most magical
place in the world. The perfect spot for newlyweds Erin Locke
and Mark Roberts to relax and unwind.

As a filmmaker of documentaries, Erin is on the verge of making a
name for herself. She's all set to interview three individuals about
their recent release from prison, one of whom is a notorious kingpin
of  British crime. A real coup for Erin to land personal time with a known
murderer and money launderer. This could send her career soaring.

Mark is reeling from his recent job loss as an investment banker and
struggling to pay the bills. Jetting to Bora Bora may be impractical, but it's
something he and his new wife deserve. And there's no better place on Earth
for scuba diving than this island paradise to bask in the incredible beauty
of the ocean's treasures. Erin's hesitancy and fear of diving quickly fades.
After all, she'll do anything to make Mark happy.

But it's what they come across while diving in the gloriously quiet
solitude, that turns this trip into a dangerous nightmare of terror. Can
a secret remain between just the two of them, or is someone watching
as they carefully retrieve their find from the depths of darkness?

This fabulous debut novel opens with Erin digging the grave for her
beloved Mark, which will undoubtedly hook readers from the start.
All the dirty details leading up to the grizzly scene are unveiled from
that point on, and it's an action-packed adventure to the end.

Domestic bliss is in jeopardy in this cloak-and-dagger thriller
that Reese Witherspoon's production company has already
acquired for film adaptation.

A must-read for those who love tantalizing suspense.

The Perfect Couple

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

There's nothing like finding a dead body to ruin
a girl's wedding day....

Celeste Otis and Benji Winbury are getting married.
She's the only child of a couple who epitomize devotion
and love. He's the son of a famous, British mystery
writer and a hedge fund owner who rubs elbows
with the elite. Fabulous festivities are underway, when the bride
discovers her deceased maid of honor floating in the tranquil
waters of Nantucket Harbor the morning of the nuptials.
Suddenly, the celebration ends before it begins, with
every family member and guest under suspicion of murder.

Readers are now privy to every juicy detail in the lives
of rich, well-developed characters in the months and days
prior to this tragic event. It's easy to vividly picture them in your mind.
There's Greer, the cool, sophisticated mother of the groom, who watches
her once successful literary career waning away. And Tag, father of the groom,
intent on resurrecting his youth in the shadow of his wealthy wife.
Karen, Celeste's mother, valiantly fights her battle with cancer
while learning a few startling surprises about her seemingly ideal
union. These are just a few of the many people gathered
on the island, replete with flaws and fears, hiding
salacious secrets, telling devious lies, protecting one another,
and praying the past doesn't come back to haunt them.

Elin Hilderbrand fans will enjoy reconnecting with popular
characters from her previous novels in this latest release. References
to succulent foods and tourist attractions will find you
wishing for a trip of your own to the dreamy, magical island of
Nantucket.

Romance meets mystery, and the result is the best beach read
of the summer season.

"Perfect", indeed.......

The Death of Mrs. Westaway

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

Hal (Harriet) Westaway has nowhere to turn. Frightened and alone, she looks over her shoulder
every minute of every day, fearful that it's just a matter of time before that slimy loan shark
returns with his menacing threats. And there is simply no one left to help her.

When her mother was killed tragically three years ago by a hit-and-run driver, Hal's
life changed dramatically. Survival now falls squarely on her shoulders. She opens her kiosk on the pier every morning to a parade of people who watch intently as she slowly turns over the tarot cards, and interprets their meaning. Nervous customers hang on her every word, believing the cards have the power to shape their lives. It's a skill Hal learned as a child from her mother, and she's quite the expert in the tricks of the trade.

When a mysterious letter arrives informing Hal that she is one of the recipients of her late grandmother's estate, she is puzzled and confused. Surely this is a case of mistaken
identity because her grandparents died over twenty years ago. But there is a flutter of hope
in Hal's heart when she reads the official words on paper; this could be the chance to
escape from her problems and along the way, deceive people she doesn't even know. Just a little white lie, you see, only claiming enough money to get through this incredibly rough patch in her life.

So she sets out on her journey to Trepassen, the massive estate of her "grandmother" to
answer the summons requesting her presence at the reading of the will.  All the while, her mother's words echo in her ears. "Don't fall into the trap of believing your own lies..."

As the story continues, the reader is drawn into Ruth Ware's lair of mystery, a feat she accomplishes
so well. Her impeccably written words describe the doom and gloom behind the crumbling
walls of Trepassen, the baffling questions about her peculiar "relatives", the uneasy feelings
about the old, decrepit housekeeper who whispers dire words of warning, the desperate words
etched into glass long ago in her attic room, and the unsettling feeling that someone is always watching her. The fact is, nothing here is what it appears to be. These ancient grounds hold some very disturbing secrets, indeed.

Immerse yourself in this eerie tale that is reminiscent of the renowned Agatha Christie.
Ghostly, addictive, and thoroughly entertaining, this may be the author's best work yet.

Then She Was Gone

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Everyone loved fifteen-year-old Ellie Mack. Vibrant and beautiful, with a promising future ahead of
her, she couldn't wait to begin a stress-free summer with her handsome boyfriend. But then
Ellie vanished after a routine visit to the library, and all those hopes and dreams slipped away. Life for the Mack family ended that fateful day.

Ten years after Ellie's mysterious disappearance, police find her discarded remains, along with a faded rucksack and various personal items scattered carelessly near the bones. Somehow, the sad news doesn't surprise Ellie's mother, Laurel. She's been waiting for this day to arrive after her
marriage disintegrated and her two remaining children drifted away, unable to bear seeing the grief in their mother's eyes after losing her favorite child. The dull ache in Laurel's heart will never go away until she knows what happened to her darling Ellie.

Just when she needs to lift her spirits, Laurel meets Floyd, a charming, intriguing stranger in a local cafe. Suddenly, her life takes on new meaning as their relationship grows to the next level. Amazing
how much Floyd reminds Laurel of ex-husband, Paul, in his mannerisms and the way he dresses.
And even more unsettling is how much his precocious daughter, Poppy, looks like her deceased daughter. When Laurel learns of a strange connection between Poppy's mother and Ellie, there's a feeling of dread which incessantly preys on her mind. Coincidence or something far more ominous?

This wickedly good, psychological thriller has all the elements for an addictive, tantalizing
read. A missing teenager, her traumatized, heartbroken mother, the suave gentleman who charms his way into her pathetic life, and the creepy innuendos that something dark and evil is about to be unveiled.

Just wait until you find out what that something is.

Beach House Reunion

Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe

Nostalgic, warm, and wonderful....just in time for Mother's Day.

Cara Rutledge is home. After years away, it suddenly feels right to return to The Isle of
Palms, where bittersweet memories fill each and every room of the Beach House. It's the place where Cara fell in love with Brett, where she learned to love the sea turtles, where she found peace and solitude after searching for the missing pieces of her life.

Her beloved mother, Lovie, is gone now, but Cara feels her presence when the familiar scent of jasmine fills the salty air.  And Brett's gone, too. The love of her life, taken from her just when the promise of a new tomorrow was on the horizon. Now she's a fifty-some-year old woman with a much-wanted child, feeling frightened and exhilarated at the thought of starting over.

Cara's niece, Linnea, arrives just in time to help her with the overwhelming challenge of raising a child and trying to make a living. But, like her aunt, Linnea must make decisions of her own when it comes to finding that perfect job, now that college days are behind her. There's constant pressure from her controlling father to choose the path he's picked for her rather than the career of her dreams.
And to complicate things, she falls hopelessly in love at a most inopportune time.

Troubles continue to mount upon Cara's return. She's dismayed by her brother's uncontrolled drinking, and the fact that her nephew seems to be headed down the same road of self-destruction. Through it all, Cara draws upon her inner strength to face a whirlwind of problems, just as Lovie did when life seemed insurmountable. She finally acknowledges feelings for a new love, letting go of the treasured memories of the past. There's a blossoming future within Cara's reach when she discovers loss can bring new beginnings.

Those readers who read Monroe's original book, The Beach House (and viewed the movie
recently on Hallmark Channel) will thoroughly enjoy spending time once again with the strong women of the Rutledge family. If you are a new reader, indulge yourself by meeting this memorable cast of characters in the earlier books of this series. By the time you finish, you'll look upon them as good friends.

How lucky her fans will be if Mary Alice Monroe chooses to continue the story about what happens next at The Beach House in sweet, sultry South Carolina.

The Home for Unwanted Girls

The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

Quebec, 1950. Sixteen-year-old Maggie is pregnant by Gabriel, a poor, French farm boy. Her
English-speaking father and judgmental, uncouth mother, send her away to toil on the farm of a jovial aunt and lecherous uncle until the baby is born. Adoption plans go awry, and the sickly, little girl, called Elodie, is sent to an orphanage. She knows little of the outside world beyond these walls, always surrounded by nuns who watch her every move. Little does she know that these are the good days, unaware of the torture that awaits her.

Heartbroken and naive, Maggie goes on with life, diligently working in her father's successful seed  store and eventually finding contentment with a successful businessman. She dreams of a reunion with the child she was forced to abandon years ago. Elodie's life takes a dramatic turn for the worse when the Canadian government turns Catholic orphanages into homes for the mentally ill, all in the name of making money. Overnight, children are put into psychiatric facilities, with no one caring  about their rights. Socially awkward, with visible scars of inhumane treatment, resilient Elodie learns to fend for herself. She has dreams of her own; reuniting with the mother she's never known.

This novel, based on the author's own mother's recollections of dark times, tells a story of  the sharp divide between the English and French cultures in 1950s Quebec and Montreal. Children born out of sin were cast aside and subjected to abhorrent conditions in the very institutions that were meant to protect them. It's a captivating tale full of disturbing images, but one that will ultimately make you believe that anything's possible, as long as you have hope.

A Nantucket Wedding

A Nantucket Wedding by Nancy Thayer

Blended families unite on this tranquil island for their parents'
upcoming nuptials, but soon discover there's a whole lot of chaos
and surprises waiting for them in paradise.

Alison never thought she'd find love again after her husband died.
All that changes when she meets charismatic David at a cocktail
party, sparking an attraction and passion she hasn't felt since she
was young. With this handsome, successful man by her side, she
begins to plan their spectacular wedding at his idyllic summer
home on Nantucket. But their grown children have to meet one
another before wedded bliss has a chance, and that's where the
drama begins.

When sisters Jane and Felicity arrive to help plan their mother's
wedding, their stormy relationship slowly dissolves as they share their innermost insecurities about marriage and children. Perhaps it's time for lovely Felicity to stand up to a husband who chides her for not understanding his needs. Maybe Jane has the right to change her mind about a decision she and her obstinate husband
made long ago. And how does a vulnerable woman resist
the flirtations of her soon-to-be step brother? David's determined
daughter questions a will that leaves her newfound siblings some serious
money, while struggling to find a place in her father's empire. It's anyone's
guess as to how they will survive the tumultuous ride ahead.

Usher in the season of beach reads and romance with this fun, delectable story
about forgiveness, second chances, and starting over. A great choice to kick-off
sunny days ahead, cool ocean breezes, and cobalt blue skies, if only
in your dreams.

Sometimes I Lie

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

Amber Reynolds hears the voices of the never-ending parade of doctors and nurses who enter her hospital room, but she doesn't see them. Pungent, antiseptic smells surround her. A coma has paralyzed her body, but her mind is wildly racing.

She remembers the rage she felt every day working for her demeaning boss at a radio station. She recalls her husband's suspicious nights spent away from home, fueling the nagging realization he might not love her anymore. She remembers feeling apprehensive and uneasy after meeting an old flame for an innocent drink. Her memory begins to piece together the circumstances that happened before her accident, and who might have been behind the wheel of a car, out of control.

Now she hears her husband's cozy conversations with her manipulative sister at her bedside. Are they whispering secrets, assuming she can't hear? And who is the mysterious stranger that sneaks into her hospital room late at night, that makes her heart race with panic and fear?

Disturbing, childhood reflections continue to haunt her; memories of a fire's fury, hidden diaries, violent arguments, and the friend who was always by her side. Separating the lies from the truth is sometimes impossible, even for a child.

This psychological thriller takes the reader on a long walk through a complicated maze before  reaching the stunning ending. Take the time to reread passages to mentally sort out the dizzying
array of events and people who play a role in the life of Amber Reynolds.

Then breathe, and do it again.

Then breathe, and do it again.

The Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

Emma and Zadie have weathered the most challenging of times, yet still remain steadfast friends.
The grueling days of medical school are behind them. Life now consists of finding balance between career and family, often navigating that slippery slope between raising children and finding time to unwind. But there's a festering wound beneath the surface of their friendship, a wound that's about to be ripped open, a wound that may never heal.

Aloof, brooding, and brilliant, Emma is a trauma surgeon with a husband who adores her; he's the antithesis of what everyone expects to see on the arm of this beautiful woman. Patients adore delightful Zadie. As a pediatric cardiologist, she radiates a zest for life at work and home with her successful husband and four rambunctious children. What Emma and Zadie don't talk about in their busy lives is the traumatic event that occurred during their third year of medical school. And they certainly don't speak of Dr. Nick Xenokostas, the charming, wildly attractive surgeon who had such a profound impact on their lives many years ago. Surprisingly, Nick has accepted a position in town working in Emma's practice, and his presence is hard to ignore. Harboring all sorts of secrets, the good doctor feels bound and determined to reveal sins of the past. And one of these women will go to extraordinary lengths to keep him from doing just that, feverishly anticipating the dire consequences that are sure to follow.

Exactly how much duplicity can a friendship withstand? This story, clearly written by an emergency  room physician, examines the heart...the one that steadily beats to keep us alive and the one that can be easily broken by deceit and lies. Pack this debut novel in your bag for that relaxing, upcoming spring break. You'll laugh, cry,  and be thoroughly entertained by a tale that explores how vulnerable we all are when it comes to matters of the heart.

Educated

Educated by Tara Westover

She gazes at the valley below as the bus rolls down the highway, never stopping at her home in Buck's Peak, Idaho because she doesn't go to school. She has no birth certificate. She's never seen a doctor or nurse. Along with her survivalist father, mother, and siblings, Tara prepares for the "Days of Abomination, watching for the sun to darken, for the moon to drip with blood". This is the only life she knows.

Tara Westover's intoxicating words tell a story that few of us can fathom. She chronicles her life growing up in an authoritarian Mormon household, with a controlling father at the helm. She works grueling, dangerous hours with her brothers in a junkyard, salvaging steel and car batteries to put food on the table. She becomes a reluctant apprentice to her mother's role as a midwife and mixer of herbal remedies. She endures violent abuse from a brother, learning to appease him in order to escape an even worse fate. She listens to the preaching of a father who accuses her of deeds of the Devil, while he basks in the glow of her heavenly voice. She's never heard of the horror of the collapse of the Twin Towers, the Holocaust, the Civil Rights Movement. This is the only life she knows.

When brother Tyler dares to go to college and encourages her to do the same, she follows his lead and eventually earns a degree from Brigham Young University. From there it's across the sea to Cambridge University, and the hallowed halls of Harvard. However, these documented, defining moments are wrought with anguish and pain. The joy and pride of great accomplishments are often followed by  grave doubts, as she questions the decisions she's made. Loyalty and love of family are still at the center of her existence.

This memoir is a soul-crushing story of self-preservation. It's about one woman's courageous journey to discover the power of education beyond the unconventional confines of a small town in Idaho. It's about finding peace, acceptance, and happiness after a childhood of turmoil and isolation.

The Wife

The Wife by Alafair Burke

Angela never dreamed that her "egghead" husband would be this hot of a commodity. Jason Powell is a distinguished economics professor at NYU, a popular television personality, and bestselling author. Women find him incredibly irresistible.

Angela discovered that fairy tales do come true when she met this refined stranger while catering a fancy cocktail party in East Hampton. Her life as a struggling, single mother changed dramatically that summer after a whirlwind romance led to marriage within a few short months. Not only did Jason profess his undying love for her, he also vowed to never reveal his wife's deep, dark secret; one that plagues her each and every day. In return, Angela pledged to do anything to protect her family.

Blissful days end six years later, when Jason is accused of inappropriate behavior by an attractive intern. Just a simple misunderstanding, he says, until another woman comes forward with far more serious charges. Jason's life and career begin to unravel as Angela tries to shield her son from vicious gossip and innuendos. But when Jason's second accuser disappears, Angela finds it's not so easy to believe her husband's side of the story. A savvy police detective takes the investigation to the next level, doggedly tracking down new leads and scrutinizing every detail of Jason's whereabouts. It's only natural that people begin to pry into reclusive Angela's life before she married superstar Jason. What is she hiding? It appears her greatest fear may become reality if that deep, dark secret becomes public for all the world to see.

There are a multitude of domestic suspense thrillers being released, but this shrewdly written one stands out above the rest. The topic of sexual harassment fills our news every day. As a former prosecutor, the author calls upon her experience to enlighten the reader about how the legal system handles these accusations, and how the police solve the most baffling of crimes with systematic, painstaking investigations.

This novel is an entertaining roller coaster of a ride. Decide for yourselves which characters are credible and which ones are playing a cunning game of deception in this addictive read, brimming with uncertainty and intrigue.

Now That You Mention It

Now That You Mention It by Kristan Higgins

Arriving just in time for Valentine's Day...an
engaging story about finding the healing
power of love, in a place called home.

Overweight as a teenager and shunned by classmates, Nora Stuart
always relied on her superior intelligence to get by during the
difficult days of adolescence. Childhood memories of carefree
days with her younger, popular sister and their adventurous
father are deeply etched in her mind. But when Dad abandoned
them without saying goodbye, life on this tiny island off the
coast of Maine became unbearable, and she knew that winning
a prestigious scholarship was the only way to escape from all the pain.

Now a successful doctor in Boston, Nora's shiny, new life is in shambles. A near fatal accident and shaky relationship with a charming ER physician, tells  her it's time to return home for rest and recuperation. But the lukewarm welcome she receives from loved ones, makes her doubt if she's made the right decision.

Nora's stone-faced mother isn't too interested in reconnecting with her daughter, preferring to dote on her pet bird and new career as a "hug therapist".  Her belligerent niece resents Nora's presence, hiding behind a mask of hurt and shame. It seems her mother, the sisterly thorn in Nora's side in high school, is now serving time behind bars. And then there's Luke Fletcher who has fallen from grace since his days of glory as the high school heartthrob. He still blames Nora for robbing him of the scholarship that he believes rightfully belonged to him. Luke's twin brother, Sullivan, is battling a crisis of his own, while valiantly trying to raise his insecure daughter. Nora needs to make peace with her past and forge ahead with the future, but this little island of secrets is standing in her way.

Warm your heart this season with romance, humor, and love.

Need To Know

Need To Know by Karen Cleveland


Vivian Miller is a loving mother, devoted wife, and a dedicated
analyst for the CIA counterintelligence. It's a job that
requires long hours away from home, but husband, Matt, is always there to pick up the pieces. The children adore him and so does she.

That's why her discovery of Matt's duplicity is so troubling and unfathomable. While secretly attempting to expose a Russian operative on her computer, five faces of sleeper agents living in America, flash before her eyes. It's the break she's been looking for, except for the one all too familiar face staring back at her. Matt. The man she loves, the father of her children, is a Russian spy.

Now Vivian must choose between her sworn solemn oath of allegiance to her country, or turning her husband into the proper authorities for his part in this profound betrayal. Could there be a logical explanation? How can she bear to destroy her precious family? Ultimately, the choice she makes throws her family into
the arms of the enemy.

There's danger and turmoil around every corner. Just like Vivian,
the reader doesn't know who trust, and that's part of  the appeal of this
novel. The chapters of recollection give clues about the beginning of the
Miller relationship, but no defining clarity as to what's true and what's a lie.
Adding to the story is the author's experience as a former CIA analyst.
She knows so well the details of the inner workings of counterintelligence,
and the clandestine nature of this part of government. Fascinating
stuff for those of us who clamor to know more about the CIA.

This one crackles with tension and suspense, a fast read you'll want to finish
in one sitting. And, oh, what a killer ending.

Grist Mill Road

Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates

Matthew and Patrick were inseparable in 1982, spending endless days exploring the wilderness surrounding the Swangum Mountains. Just a bike ride away from their hometown of Roseborn, ninety miles outside of New York City, they created their own adventures under crystal blue skies, with the scent of pitch pines, and the taste of succulent blueberries, until one act of gruesome violence changed their lives in countless ways. Two boys, one girl, taunting words, and a Red Ryder BB gun, defined who they are forever.

There are three narrators in this story. Patrick, Matthew, and Hannah, the young girl and victim of the heinous crime. It's 2008. Patrick and Hannah are married, she's a crime reporter, he's struggling to find a job in the collapsing economy. Hannah knows that Patrick was there on that fateful day, but does not know the extent of his involvement. Matthew resurfaces, nudging his way into the lives of those he once called friends. But forgiveness never comes easy. 

Far beyond the grizzly account of the crime itself, this story is about
perception versus reality, truth versus fiction. The character development
is superb. Some readers will embrace this novel, finding it impossible to put down.
Others will find it abhorrently difficult to fathom. Expect to experience raw emotions
of anger and compassion. Peel away the layers and  prepare for the shocking conclusion.

The Woman in the Window

The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

Dr. Anna Fox lives in isolation, spying on neighbors, popping pills, and drinking bottle after bottle of merlot while watching vintage, black-and-white movies to pass the time. As a child psychologist, suffering from agoraphobia herself, she dabbles in online counseling for others afflicted with the anxiety disorder. And each and every day, she thinks about her estranged husband and eight-year-old daughter that no longer live in the rambling Harlem brownstone they once called home.

Her latest obsession is with the Russell family who recently moved in across the street. Father Alistair, Mother Jane, and Son Ethan, a lanky, nervous teenager who stops in for an occasional visit. It's hard living with a controlling father and his volatile temper.

It's after one of these visits, that Anna witnesses the unthinkable  through the zoom lens on her Nikon camera while peering into the window of the Russell home. Frantic, she stumbles to her phone in a drunken stupor to call for help. But when the police arrive, her highly questionable story is dissected piece by piece. No one heard the piercing screams, no one can corroborate her terrifying ordeal, no one believes her,

So many questions, so few answers. Poor, paranoid Dr. Anna Fox, fabricating a grand tale because she's a lonely, delusional lady.

This deliciously sinister, psychological thriller will delight Hitchcock fans. Short, tantalizing, chapters make it an easy read. The premise may sound familiar, but don't be mistaken; there's an abundance of unexpected twists and complex characters that should play out well when this debut novel is released on film.

Think you have this one all figured out? Close your shades and think again........

Elmet

Elmet by Fiona Mozley

John Smythe is a big, burly, hulk of a man who lives contentedly off  the land and nature in a corner of Yorkshire, England, once known as Elmet. Lovingly, he protects his two children, the beautiful, brave Cathy and tenderhearted Daniel. Secret missions often take "Daddy" away from home where his dark side erupts, exposing the power of his fists and the fury of his temper.

At one time, John was employed as a debt collector for the landowner Mr. Price, who allows them to live on the idyllic property once owned by the children's mother. Now Price confronts John about possibly forfeiting these living arrangements. John is the voice of a group of dissenting laborers demanding more pay from the farmers, who are led by the landowner himself. Price decides John must fight in order to settle the dispute. But there is far more violence that follows when Price loses a prized possession. A brutal, bloody encounter finds a family under attack, piercing the tranquility they cherish. Fearless Cathy, along with the unwavering support of her brother, sacrifice all in the name of family loyalty.

If you are a reader who wants to start the New Year with a change of pace, I encourage you to check out this selection that has already earned accolades and awards. Mozley's melodic writing, with a whisper of medieval fantasy, is a soulful, emotional debut steeped in legend about a brother and sister's love.