Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter

 Before We Were Us

Book Summary

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

My Thoughts

I found Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter to be a predictable story. It begins the day of Lauren’s accident.  It does not give readers a chance to get to know the characters or their history before the main event.  The story goes back and forth between the present and the months leading up to the Lauren’s accident.  I was not a fan of Lauren.  I found her attitude and behavior frustrating. Lauren was unkind to Jonah (I am being kind with my phrasing). I felt bad for Joanah who was being very patient. I liked Dr. Carson, and there was potential for this character.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pinehaven Lodge and the surrounding area (sounds like a beautiful place to reside and vacation).   I wish the author had captured New Hampshire because, based on the descriptions, the lodge could have been located in any New England state.  The Christian element is light.  There are repetitive details, and the ending was rushed.   I wanted to like Before We Were Us, but I did not.  Unfortunately, Before We Were Us is a forgettable tale.  

Renovated barn for wedding venue

Before We Were Us is available from Amazon*.  While Before We Were Us did not resonate with me, I suggest you download a sample to see if it appeals to you.  You can find Denise Hunter's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am taking a little vacation next week in honor of my birthday. It is not everyday that a person turns fifty-five! I am hoping to pesuade my mother out of the house, so we can go out to dinner (I do not want to cook on my birthday). I have also been burning the candle at both ends, so I plan on relaxing (some cat naps on the couch).  I will return on Tuesday, September 24 with K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend and a cheerful week.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin

 The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos

Book Summary

Two sisters seek a new balance in work, family, and love when one receives a diagnosis that sets the clock ticking.

Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon as she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her.

Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships.

My Thoughts

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is an emotional tale.  I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  The author captured the emotions that are experienced by an individual when they receive a cancer diagnosis as well as by those close to person (family, friends, coo-workers).  The author was able to share her knowledge and experience (with stage 4 ovarian cancer) in this story.  I can tell that Kelly Irvin did her research.  I had no idea that insurance would not cover all the costs.  You can go severely into debt trying to get cured. I liked reading about the caring oncologists and how they are there for their patients.   The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is told from Kristen (the sister who is the oncologist), Sherri (the sister who is diagnosed with cancer), and Daniel’s (Kristen’s husband) point-of-view.  

The story deals with a variety of topics.  Kristen and Daniel are empty nesters who are drifting apart.  Kristen is a dedicated doctor.  We get to see what happened in Kristen’s childhood that drew the sisters closer and led her to become an oncologist.  Sherri is divorced, but she still cares for her ex-husband.  Forgiveness, job dynamics, family troubles, grief, new beginnings, and faith are other topics addressed in this touching story.  We get to see the ups and downs of a family affected by a cancer diagnosis.  Faith was beautifully woven into the story.  Faith and Sherri’s church family are an important part of her life.  You will want to have a box of tissues nearby while reading The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos.  The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is an expressive story with close sisters, a scary diagnosis, a dedicated doctor, thoughtful friends, costly chemo, a frustrated husband, a devoted family, and a firm faith.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is available from Amazon*.  To read the first four chapters of The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos plus learn about Kelly's cancer journey and subscribe to her newsletter, click here. Kelly Irvin has Matters of the Heart coming out July 16, 2024.  It is the second An Amish Calling Novel.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here.  If you follow Kelly Irvin on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  A couple of the other new books out today are Death by Demo by Callie Carpenter, The Orphans' Amish Christmas by Tracy Fredrychowski, Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin, and Murder of an Amish Bridegroom by Patricia Johns.  I hope that you have a hopeful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

On the Way to Christmas by Sheila Roberts, Melissa Ferguson, and Amy Clipston

 On the Way to Christmas

Book Summary

In this glittering and heartwarming collection, three of today’s bestselling sweet romance novelists offer up the gift of cheer for the winter holiday season.

A Christmas Do-Over by Sheila Roberts

Darby doesn’t want to go home for the holidays, but a career fail sends her slinking back to the small town she always wanted to escape. No one there is especially glad to see the former mean girl—especially not her sister, Erica, or childhood best friend, Gregory. Darby is working hard to be a better person, but has she eaten enough humble pie to make amends?

Dashing Through the Snow by Melissa Ferguson

When Willow’s boyfriend of seven years dumps her on the eve of a romantic getaway, she decides to take the two-week train trip on The Christmas Express alone. Hurt as she feels, she can’t anticipate how the hilarious rebound ride with conductor Oliver, elf Ian, and aging world adventurer Clarence will heal her heart—and renew her sense of worth.

A Perfectly Splendid Christmas by Amy Clipston

Kacey adores the metropolitan life, but when she gets away to help her sister during a family crisis and run her bakery, she falls in love with former classmate Drew. The problem: he’s a small-town man, and she’s a big-city woman. Is their love big enough to overcome such a major difference?

Curl up with your favorite holiday drink and sink into three worlds where dreams once thought long-gone are still within reach.

My Thoughts

On the Way to Christmas contains three contemporary Christmas romances by Sheila Roberts, Melissa Ferguson, and Amy Clipston.  These are sweet stories that will get you in the mood for the holidays.  I thought all three were well-written with steady pacing.  I liked the characters and their stories. Amy Clipston takes us back to Splendid Lake in a Perfectly Splendid Christmas.  I enjoyed returning to this charming town for Christmas.  Kacey and Drew are getting a second chance, but only if one of them is brave enough to speak up.  This was a heartwarming story.  Dashing Through the Snow by Melissa Ferguson has Willow embarking on the Christmas Express by herself thanks to her discourteous ex-boyfriend.  There is a handsome conductor who just might be the one for Willow.  I laughed often while reading Dashing Through the Snow.  I enjoyed the humor.  I wanted Willow’s elf shoes (they sound so cute).  The ending was delightful.  

A Christmas Do-Over by Sheila Roberts has Darby returning home for the holidays with her tail between her legs.  Darby needs to apologize for her past behavior and prove that she has changed.  That old saying that what goes around comes around, well Darby may be in for a big dose of what she used to dish out.  These were three lighthearted tales that will get you into the spirit of the season. On the Way to Christmas is a charming collection of Christmas stories with scrumptious cookies, a school choir, an elf ensemble, competitive chess play, a snowball mishap, an ornament accident, and Christmas cheer.  

On the Way to Christmas is available from Amazon*.  Amy Clipston has Something Old, Something New coming out January 3, 2023.  You can find Amy Clipston's other novels here.  You can find Melissa Ferguson's books here.  Sheila Roberts gives us a delightful new Christmas story each year.  You can find them here along with her other books. I appreciate you stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with The High Notes by Danielle Steel.  I hope that you have a stellar day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble

 Edge of Dusk

Book Summary

Even though secrets lie off the coast of Rock Harbor, the truth will set Annie Pederson free—if it doesn’t kill her first. Return to the beloved town of Rock Harbor in the first installment of a new series by bestselling suspense author Colleen Coble.

Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.

But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.

At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.

In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.

My Thoughts

Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble is the first An Annie Pederson Novel.  We travel to Rock Harbor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior.  Annie was nine years old when the attack happened.  Her younger sister, Laura wanted to see the loons.  They snuck out at night and were on the dock when a man came up, attacked Annie, and kidnapped Laura.  It has been twenty-four years since the terrible incident and there has never been a sign of Laura or her remains.  Annie has never been able to let go of the guilt for her part in her sister’s disappearance.  Annie lost her parents and husband in an accident two years prior leaving her to manage the Tremolo Resort and Marina and raise her daughter, Kylie.  Annie is also a law enforcement ranger.  Annie is down by the lake when she finds a body floating in it.  It turns out to be a missing hiker.  Annie is showing a cabin to a friend who wishes to purchase it when they discover two skeletons in a closet.  All of this coincides with the return of Jon Dustan who Annie has not seen since they broke up nine years ago.  As if Annie does not have enough on her plate, she notices that someone has been searching through her home.  They made no attempt to hide their search. While investigating the attack on a camper, Annie is assaulted.  Someone who wishes to keep the past hidden wants her to stop investigating.  Annie works with Jon to uncover the truth.  

Edge of Dusk is set in the same setting as Colleen Coble’s Rock Harbor series.  I thought Edge of Dusk was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I did feel that Taylor Moore’s character needed more fleshing out.  It is a suspenseful novel with plenty of action.  I thought the author depicted the Upper Peninsula with her descriptive words.  She also captured the atmosphere (the spookiness of the woods, the isolation of the camp, the depth of Lake Superior).  I like the different storylines playing out in the book.  The missing teen girls from nine years ago, hikers being found dead, someone in Annie’s home, and a camper being attacked.  I enjoyed following the clues that would allow me to identify the killer (I love solving mysteries).  There are twists and unexpected details that keep everything interesting. I like the action and suspenseful moments.  There is romance as well as Annie and Jon are flung together. The feelings are still there between them (very evident).  Of course, there is the added complication of Annie’s daughter, Kylie.  

I was a little disappointed with the ending.  It was incomplete and we must wait for Dark of Night for answers. There was repetition of details throughout the story (two examples are that it has been nine years since Annie saw Jon and that Annie married Jon’s best friend).  There is one incident that I am surprised Annie did not figure out on her own or at least suspect.  It seemed so obvious (I cannot say more because I do not want to spoil it for you).  It will be interesting to see what happens next.  We get to catch up with some of the key characters from the Rock Harbor series (Bree for example).  Edge of Dusk is a compelling tale with a missing sister, a second chance romance, a precious puppy, a lethal killer, disturbing happenings, an adored daughter, and a fretful mother.

Edge of Dusk is available from Amazon*.  The next An Annie Pederson Novel is Dark of Night which comes out January 10, 2023.  Break of Day will the third novel in the series and it will be in the summer of 2023.  You can find the Rock Harbor series here.  Check out Colleen Coble's other novel here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright.  I hope that you have a tranquil day (we all need less stress in our lives).  I am off to work outside on my summer display.  Evidently, my neighbors feel my home looks barren without my decorations (lights and inflatables).  I talked with my mother and we came up with a summer theme (seashell lights, Hawaiian snowman with surfboard, Santa and penguin enjoying the summer with hula skirts, beach balls).  It will be cute when I am done.  This will stay up until I do my fall decorations before the big Halloween extravaganza.  Take care, stay cool (so hot outside), and Happy Reading!  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I'll Be Seeing You by Robin Lee Hatcher

 I'll Be Seeing You

Book Summary

Generations of secrets unfold as a young college student learns the truth about her great-grandmother’s World War II heartbreak and love. For fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury.

Brianna Hastings’s life seems dull and full of disappointment until a handsome young man visits her church. She’s instantly smitten by the charming Greg, who leads an exciting, independent life—the kind of life she longs for. But when a college history assignment forces Brianna to interview her great-grandmother about life during World War II, she can’t believe it when Daisy presses her with questions about Greg’s character. “What sort of man is he? Who is he at his core?”

What could her great-grandmother possibly know about love at first sight?

The questions take both women back to Boise, Idaho, in the early 1940s, when war emphasized how fragile life could be. Daisy and her older sister pine for the same handsome bomber pilot—until one night of terrible judgment reveals their true characters and drives them apart. Trying to protect the people she loves the most, Daisy condemns herself to live a lie.

In the years that follow, as Daisy grapples with the consequences, she receives unexpected grace from a man she’s known her whole life but never looked at twice. Could what she learned about love save Brianna from heartache three generations later?

My Thoughts

I’ll Be Seeing You by Robin Lee Hatcher has Brianna Hastings doing a research project for her college history class.  She must interview the oldest member of her family who happens to be her ninety-eight-year-old grandmother, Daisy.  Daisy tells her granddaughter about living through World War II in Boise, Idaho.  She has valuable good life lessons to share with Brianna. GeeGee hopes that Brianna is ready to hear them.  I thought I’ll Be Seeing You was well-written with realistic, relatable characters.  The story is told from multiple points-of-view.  It is also goes from the present to the beginning of World War II (the bombing of Pearl Harbor).  I had a little trouble in the beginning adjusting to the back-and-forth, but I soon adjusted.  We get to see how one mistake changes a person’s life and others.  We see how a lie impacts not only the person who told it but to those around them.

With God’s help, we can be forgiven so we can move forward.  I like how the author incorporated faith into the story.  It was well-done and not preachy.  My favorite Christian line is, “When she’d confessed her sin, He’d forgiven her.  There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Jesus Christ.” I loved the references to movies from that time period (The Song of Bernadette, Holiday Inn, and Mrs. Miniver).  I’ll Be Seeing You deals with realistic situations and problems.  We see how the characters overcome them with God’s help.  I enjoyed watching the characters grow as people and in faith. I did feel that the book was a little too long.  There were points that were repeated a few too many times.  A couple of changes would have made I’ll Be Seeing You an even better story.   I’ll Be Seeing You is a touching tale that will hold your interest until the very last page.  I like that we get to see how one bad choice was turned into good.    I’ll Be Seeing You is a story about family, faith, forgiveness, history, salvation, love, and God’s grace.  

I'll Be Seeing You is available from Amazon*.  You can find Robin Lee Hatcher's other novels here.  I appreciate you stopping by today to read my review.  Next time I am featuring A Fatal Booking by Victoria  Gilbert.  It is the third A Booklover's B & B Mystery.  I hope that you have a lively day.  I am heading outside to plant seeds in the garden.  I planted morning glories last week and they are already almost two inches tall.  I have been ordering seeds for the last year.  All the flowers are either red, white, or blue so they go with the theme of our house (The Star Spangled Manor).  We shall see what happens.  It has been hit and miss for me with seeds that I have started indoors.  That is why I am planting the seeds directly in the garden.  Wish me luck!  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston

The View from Coral Cove 

Book Summary

When a jilted romance novelist escapes to a small beach town, the last thing she expected to find was the start of an even better love story.

In the wake of a broken engagement and the death of her last surviving family member, romance novelist Maya Reynolds moves to the haven of Coral Cove, North Carolina, to take over her great-aunt’s toy store. Some of her grief is immediately eased by imaginative eight-year-old Ashlyn Tanner, who talks her into adopting a kitten and inspires Maya to create a princess tea-party room in the store.

Ashlyn’s dad, local veterinarian Brody Tanner, is quickly smitten by the newest resident of his hometown. As a single parent, he sacrifices a lot in order to give Ashlyn the world, so a romantic entanglement with Maya is not a distraction he is looking for.

As the three develop a deepening bond in the seaside town where Maya experienced some of her happiest childhood memories, clouds cast a shadow over Maya’s hope for the future: an impossible deadline looms over her next novel, a long-held secret by her late mother about Maya’s absent father comes to light, and Brody’s resolve to avoid romance seems unbreakable.

But together, they just might discover that sometimes happy endings happen outside the pages of Maya’s novels too.

My Thoughts

The View from Coral Cove by Amy Clipston takes us to Coral Cove, North Carolina where Maya Reynolds has relocated.  Her favorite memories are the summers she spent with her Aunt CeCe.  Her great-aunt has just passed away leaving her toy store to Maya.  Maya, a novelist, can work from anywhere.  It is a good time for a fresh start since her fiancé broke up with her and has moved to England.  Maya is in the Barbie aisle when a kitten rushes in and jumps in her lap purring away.  A little girl soon follows along with her handsome veterinarian father. Eight-year-old Ashlyn Tanner convinces Maya to adopt the calico kitten.  Brody is attracted to Maya, but he is determined to be a good father and keep his focus on his daughter.  Maya is attracted to Brody, but she is afraid of getting her heart broken again.  Maya has writers block and a looming deadline. She is going through an old photo album when Maya discovers a letter from her Aunt CeCe.  Maya has always wondered about her father, but it was something her mother did not wish to discuss.  In the letter, her great-aunt reveals the truth.  It sends Maya on a search for her father.  It is going to be an eventful summer in Coral Cove.

The View from Coral Cove is a charming tale about new beginning, healing, friendship, trust, and love.  I thought The View from Coral Cove was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  Amy Clipston provided beautiful descriptions of Coral Cove.  I could envision the beach town with its quaint shops and friendly residents.  I would love to live in Brody’s home with its beautiful beach views.  I thought the dialogue was realistic.  My favorite character was Ashlyn.  She is a scene stealer.  Ashlyn is a precocious little girl.  Brody and Ashlyn run a cat rescue.  They regularly hold cat adoption events with plenty of help from Ashlyn (who can resist).  The romance is the slow burn type since both parties have had their hearts broken and are scared to trust their hearts to someone.  I enjoyed watching the characters develop as the story progressed.  Maya has insecurities because she was told that her father did not want her.  I thought the author handled this issue very well.   The View from Coral Cove is a sweet, wholesome romance.  This book would make a great movie (toy store owner, handsome vet with cute little girl, a lovable kitten, and a beach town).  The View from Coral Cove is the perfect novel to read while lounging on the beach or by the pool.  I loved the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story.  The View from Coral Cove will leave you with a smile on your face.  The View from Coral Cove is a heartwarming tale with a beautiful beach, a charming child, an attractive veterinarian, an enchanting toy shop, an obstructed writer, and a matchmaking cat.  

The View from Coral Cove is available from Amazon*.  Amy Clipston's next book release is Building a Future which comes out on August 2.  It is the second An Amish Legacy Novel.  You can follow Amy Clipston on Amazon to receive notices when she has a new book release.  Three other books that were published today are:  Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen, Smile Beach Murder by Alicia Bessette, and Magic Lies and Deadly Pies by Misha Popp.  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Trust Me by Kelly Irvin

 Trust Me

Book Summary

When Delaney Broward finds her best friend stabbed to death a decade after her brother suffered the same fate, she must confront her painful past in order unmask a killer who isn’t done yet.

How can this be happening again?

Delaney Broward has spent the last ten years rebuilding her life after finding her brother brutally stabbed to death in his art studio, leaving her without a single living family member. His death even took away her boyfriend, Hunter Nash, who was convicted of the murder. Convinced it’s too dangerous to trust her heart to anyone again, Delaney lives alone. She pours herself into her frame shop in the historic art district in San Antonio. She doesn’t have the husband and children she once dreamed of, but her heart is safe.

Until she walks into her best friend Ellie’s shop and finds she has suffered the same fate. Once again Delaney’s life is shattered by violence, tragedy, and loss.

Hunter Nash leaves prison a free man that same day. He’s determined to prove his innocence, win Delaney back, and restore her faith in God.

Delaney’s mission is to bring Ellie’s murder to justice while protecting her heart. They forge an uneasy alliance, both certain the truth will win out. Both are willing to accept the outcome—if they survive.

About the Author

Best-selling novelist Kelly Irvin's latest Amish romance, Love's Dwelling, debuted in July. The first novel in the Amish Blessings series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas. The series takes a look at adoption in Amish communities. It follows the Amish of Sky Country series, which featured Amish communities in Northwest Montana affected by wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres in the state in recent years. The first book, Mountains of Grace, debuted in August 2019, and delves into the impact on not only an Amish man and woman, but also a smoke jumper, a sheriff's deputy, and a young English woman forced to confront her past because of the fires.

Kelly also writes romantic suspense novels. Her most recent forays into this genre include Her Every Move and Closer Than She Knows, both set in San Antonio and South Texas. Publishers Weekly says of Closer Than She Knows, "this brisk, smoothly written thriller from Irvin pits court reporter Teagan O’Rourke, a murder mystery lover, against a cunning and vicious serial killer. Fans of serial killer fiction with a Christian slant will be satisfied."

The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the ACFW San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers, as well as Sisters in Crime.

A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly wrote nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso, where she was exposed to culture and language that serves as fodder for her fiction writing. She has written hard news, features, entertainment pieces, restaurant critiques, editorials, and weekly columns. Writing awards include the Silver Star Award from the Texas Mental Health Association for articles pertaining to mental health and numerous awards in news, feature, and editorial writing from the Texas Press Association and Texas Press Women.

Kelly retired in 2016 from her position of 22 years as public relations manager for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, where her duties included writing and designing an employee newsletter, writing news releases, collaborating on marketing campaigns, coordinating ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings, coordinating press conferences, updating the web site, and acting as a media spokesperson.

Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for more than 30 years, and they have two young adult children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and visit the babies.

For more information, visit http://www.kellyirvin.com

My Thoughts

Hunter Nash has just been released from prison after serving ten years for a murder he did not commit.  Circumstantial evidence pointed in his direction, so he understands why he looked guilty.  On the day of his release, a woman who dated the first victim is found dead in a similar fashion by Delaney Broward.  Delaney is the one who found her brother dead all those years ago.  Hunter wants to prove his innocence and Delaney wants justice for Ellie.  The two pair up and set out to get answers.  

Trust Me by Kelly Irvin is a Christian suspense novel.  I enjoy reading Kelly Irvin’s Amish novels so I thought I would give her new suspense novel a try (I love solving mysteries).  I started reading Trust Me and became intrigued by the murder at the beginning involving Ellie.  The story then became a little too wordy and it moved at a sluggish pace.  The book needed a faster pace that would have kept up the tension and suspense that would have kept the reader on the edge of their seat.  Instead, Trust Me failed to hold my attention.  I thought the characters lacked development.  They came across flat.  I felt that the romance between Delaney and Hunter eclipsed the mystery.  I wanted more suspense (and mystery) and less about feelings.  Romance lovers, though, will enjoy it.  The mystery involves two crimes that occurred ten years apart.  They are similar to each other.  There are evident clues that will help the reader solve the crime early in the book.  I kept hoping there would be a twist so I would be surprised by the reveal.  Unfortunately, the whodunit played out just as I thought it would.  Trust Me is a Christian novel so there are references to God, faith, and prayer.  I like how faith was incorporated into the story.  The author captured the setting of San Antonio.  She brought the city to life with her vivid descriptions.  Trust Me needed a little more oomph.  Readers who enjoy romantic suspense (emphasis on romantic) will enjoy reading Trust Me.  Trust Me transports readers to San Antonio with a paroled prisoner, a confusing crime, a stricken sister, a determined detective, seedy San Antonio, and a second chance romance.

Trust Me is available from Amazon*.  You can read the first five chapters of Trust Me on Kelly Irvin's website.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here.  Kelly has The Warmth of Sunshine publishing on July 5.  It is the second Amish Blessings Novel.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for A Dash of Death by Michelle Hillen Klump.  It is the debut of A Cocktails and Catering Mystery series.  Please stop by to learn more about this new cozy mystery.  I hope that you have a blessed day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.