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.