The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb

Good Day!  I hope you and your family are doing well while you are home bound.  In our county, they are going to online teaching for our students.  They are equipping the students with computers (if they do not have one) and a company is providing an internet connection for those students who do not have one at home.  The teachers have been undergoing training.  I was glad to see the school board take a proactive approach (worked this out while students were on spring break).  How are things in your neck of the woods?

A small town funeral home

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb-- Dr. Rowan Dupont grew up in the family funeral home.  She has returned to Winchester, Tennessee and taken over the family business. Rowan is happy being back home and living with chief of police, Billy Brannigan.  She knows that serial killer Julian Addington is still out there and wonders when he will reappear.  Rowan is surprised at what she has learned about her family and wonders what other secrets there are about her ancestors.  Her friend and local coroner, Burt Johnston dies.  He sent a final text to Rowan stating that he had found something she needed to see.  Then she receives a call from Detective April Jones that FBI Agent Josh Dressler is missing.  The next day a body is found on the grave of Rowan’s mother.  It appears that Julian is at it again.  When Rowan goes to Burt’s house to get a suit, she finds a bulletin board with pictures and notes relating to Rowan.  Rowan needs to figure out what Burt had learned and see if it will help her stop Julian.  Rowan knows that Julian will be coming for her, but she worries that he will attack those close to her first.  She wants to end this torment once and for all.  This might be their only shot at taking out Julian.

The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb is the third novel in The Undertaker’s Daughter series.  The author does provide a summary of what occurred in the earlier books in this series, but I believe it is better to read The Undertaker’s Daughter series in order (it makes more sense that way).  The beginning is a little slow, but the pace soon picks up.  The Darkness We Hide is a suspenseful novel with twists, turns and surprising revelations.  It is a dark tale with gruesome details that will have you cringing (that is a good thing).  I was put off, though, by the foul language (I find it offensive).  The Darkness We Hide is well written with developed, realistic characters.  I could feel the suspense and emotion in this twisty story.  The Darkness We Hide provides a thrilling conclusion to the series.  All the loose threads (there were so many) are tied up in this action-packed book.  You will find your mouth dropping open in disbelief during a certain scene. I was delighted with the satisfying epilogue.  I was amazed at the evil, warped characters in this story (this author has a vivid imagination).  There are also some truly kind individuals as well.  The Darkness We Hide is a dark and twisty suspense with surprising secrets, a perverse predator, a traitorous turncoat, a repugnant agent, and an upset undertaker.  

The Darkness We Hide releases March 31.  You can pre-order from Amazon* so it will be on your Kindle when you wake up on release day (or have it delivered to your mailbox).  The other novels in The Undertaker's Daughter series are The Undertaker's Daughter (a novella), The Secrets We Bury (currently $1.99 on Amazon) and The Lies We Tell.  I also suggest checking out Debra Webb's A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series. Tomorrow I am reviewing The Sunday Potluck Club by Melissa Storm.  It is the first book in The Sunday Potluck Club series.  By the way. . . What did the sketchbook say to the novel?  I'm drawing a blank!  I hope you have a safe and sane day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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Before He Vanished by Debra Webb: Excerpt & Review

About the Book

Twenty-five years ago, Halle Lane’s best friend vanished from their Tennessee town. When a childhood photo brings Liam Hart to Winchester, Halle is certain the man is the same child who vanished. Now Liam seeks out Halle to help him investigate the circumstances of his mysterious past. Can Liam and Halle uncover the truth before a killer buries all traces of the boy Halle loved—and the man he may have become—forever?

About the Author

DEBRA WEBB is the award winning, USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil,the Colby Agency, and the Shades of Death series. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra's love of storytelling goes back to her childhood on a farm in Alabama. Visit Debra at www.DebraWebb.com or write to her at PO Box 176, Madison, AL 35758.

Q and A with Debra Webb

What was the romance novel that got you hooked on the genre (or: What was the romance novel that inspired you to become a romance author?)

A: I’ve always written stories, but it wasn’t until about a year after I started writing with a goal of actually being published that I understood what I wanted to do. A friend who had a home library that looked much like a small Barnes & Noble store read my newest completed manuscript and announced that I was writing romance. She thrust a book from her extensive library at me and said, “read this.” The book was Perfect Partners by Jayne Ann Krentz! I was hooked! 

Please share in your own words what it means to experience That Harlequin Feeling.

A: Sometimes life can throw some really tough times your way. There is nothing like a great book to give you a mini-vacation away from those less pleasant times. Harlequin has published about 60 books in my Colby Agency series. I’ve received a great deal of fan mail about Victoria Colby and her team. One I remember well was from a lady who needed extensive eye surgery and would literally be unable to read for an entire year. At the end of her ordeal once her eyes started to recover, she wrote to me and said that one thing that helped her get through that dark period was the four Colby books that were released during that time. She couldn’t wait to see what would happen next with the Colby Agency.

What was the name of your first published novel, and tell us a bit about that experience?  

A: Safe By His Side, a Harlequin Intrigue! When I received “the call,” I was in the middle of preparing for my local school’s annual harvest festival. I was the PTA president and in charge of the event! I was so overwhelmed by emotion that I couldn’t stop crying during the call. The editor said she would call me the next day. The rest of that day all I wanted to do was tell everyone and celebrate, but I couldn’t! Not to worry, I celebrated plenty later!

My Thoughts

Before He Vanished by Debra Webb has Halle Lane back in Winchester, Tennessee and working at the Winchester Gazette.  Her best friend, Andy Clark disappeared twenty-five years ago on his way home from school.  Andy’s mother, Nancy has never talked to a reporter.  Halle is given the assignment of interviewing Nancy for an article.  Halle is pleased when Nancy agrees to an interview and the article is picked up by other papers.  Liam Hart gets an envelope in the mail with a copy of Halle’s article.  The pictures of young Andy Clark look just like his childhood photos.  Liam arrives in Winchester looking for answers.  Halle is shocked when she looks in Liam’s eyes and sees those of her missing friend.   Halle and Liam begin digging into the past searching for answers.  Before He Vanished has such an intriguing premise (it is why I picked up this book).  You cannot help but wonder what happened to Andy Clark.  Is Liam really Andy or just a look alike?  There is suspense, murder, mystery, romance and intrigue.  The mystery moves the story forward as they search for the truth.  The story moves back-and-forth between the past (then) and present (now).  Before He Vanished has a clever mystery with surprising twists (my type of mystery).  There is romance (of course) as Halle and Liam search for the truth.   I liked the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story.  Before He Vanished can be read on its own if you have not read the other novels in A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series (this is the sixth installment).  This is the second book I have read by Debra Webb and I am looking forward to reading more.  Before He Vanished is an intriguing romantic suspense with a kidnapped child, a resolved reporter, a mystified man and a curious crime.

Excerpt

The shower was like heaven on earth. Her body had needed the hot water so badly. Her muscles re­laxed and she took her time, smoothing the soap over her skin and then shampooing her hair. She was grateful for the toiletry pack that included not only soap, shampoo and the usual, but disposable razors, as well.

By the time she was finished, her bones felt like rubber. She dried herself, slipped on underwear and the nightshirt and then used the hotel dryer to dry her hair. That part took the longest of all. When she exited the steamy bathroom the delicious aromas of room service had her stomach rumbling.

“Oh my God, that smells good.” She rushed to the table where the silver service sat. “Why aren’t you eating?”  “I was waiting for you.” He joined her at the table. Ever the gentleman.

Halle curled her feet under her in her chair while Liam removed the covers from the dishes. Fish, chicken, vegetables. He had ordered all sorts of dishes and they all looked amazing.  “I thought we’d try a little of everything.”  A bottle of white wine as well as a bottle of rosé had her licking her lips.

“I wasn’t sure which one you preferred.” He ges­tured to the iced-down bottles. “And I didn’t forget dessert.” The final lid revealed a heavenly-looking chocolate cake with fudge icing. “I may die right now.” She wanted to taste it all.

“Eat first.” He placed a linen napkin over his lap and stuck his fork into a tiny, perfectly roasted po­tato. She watched him eat and it was the sexiest thing she had ever seen. She didn’t fight it. Surrendered to instinct and that was how they ate. No plates, just taking whatever they wanted with a fork or fingers and devouring. They drank the wine and laughed at stories from their respective childhoods. From all the stories he’d told her, she could not wait to meet his sister, Claire. 

By the time they were finished, she was feeling a little tipsy. The food was mostly gone and both bottles were drained. She felt more relaxed than she had in decades. They had discussed the day’s events and Burke and Austen—and Derrick. The man was still convinced she had a thing for Derrick. No way. She’d also told him what her mom had to say about any friends from Nashville the Clarks might have had, which was none who ever appeared at their door. She and Liam agreed that was somewhat un­usual considering how social the Clarks had been in Winchester.

“You know,” she said, after polishing off the last of the wine in her glass, “I wrote you dozens of let­ters.”  “Me?”  She frowned and shook her head. “Andy.” Then she stared at him. “No. You. I mean you. Whatever you believe, I know you’re him.”

“Okay.” He laughed, his eyes glittering with the soft sound.  God, his mouth was sexy when he was relaxed. She put her hand to her mouth just to make sure she hadn’t said the words out loud.  “Tell me about the letters,” he prompted.

“I told you what was going on in Winchester. Who was doing what at school. I even put pictures with the letters.” She laughed. Placed her glass on the table. “It was silly, I know. But I wanted to still feel you and that was the only way I could.”

She blinked. He had moved. He was suddenly next to her, on his knees, staring into her eyes, and her breath caught.  “I don’t know if I’m this Andy you loved so much when you were a kid,” he said softly, so softly she shivered, “but I would really like to be the guy you care about now.”

Her heart swelled into her throat. She started to suggest that it was the wine talking, but it wasn’t. The truth was in his eyes. Those blue eyes she knew as well as her own. And despite her wine consump­tion, she was stone-cold sober as she considered what could happen between them tonight.

“I’m really glad, because I would hate to think I’m in this alone,” she confessed.  He kissed her so sweetly that tears stung her eyes. Then he stood and pulled her into his arms. He car­ried her to the nearest bed.  No matter what happened tomorrow, she would always cherish this night.

Are you ready to read Before He Vanished?  Before He Vanished is available through Amazon* and Harlequin.  You can find the other novels in A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with my review of Revenge is Sweet by Kaye George.  I hope you have a whimsical day.  By the way. . . Have you read the bestseller about teleportation?  It's bound to get you somewhere.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Couple enjoying their evening reading together.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb: Excerpt, Q&A, and Review!

Hello!  I want to share some upcoming releases with you.  You might find a book that appeals to you. If you are like me (a book lover), you are always looking for new books. Murder in the Secret Maze by Judith Gonda is out on February 26. Secrets of My Heart by Tracie Peterson releases on March 3.  The Operator by Gretchen Berg publishes on March 10 with Hope Deferred by Linda Byler on March 17.  A Beautiful Arrangement by Beth Wiseman comes out on April 7. 

About the Author

Debra Webb is the award winning, USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Faces of Evil, the Colby Agency, and the Shades of Death series. With more than four million books sold in numerous languages and countries, Debra's love of storytelling goes back to her childhood on a farm in Alabama. Visit Debra at www.DebraWebb.com.

Q and A with the Author

 Did you always want to write for Harlequin?  

From the moment I read my first Harlequin Intrigue novel, I knew I wanted to write for them.

Share your favorite memory of reading a Harlequin romance.

I write romantic suspense so sometimes something light is a great way to relax.  My favorite memory is laughing out loud while reading Stephanie Bond Harlequin romance.

What is a recent book that you have read that you would recommend?

In the Dark by Loreth Anne White.

Mob Guy

About the Book

Can the witness protection program keep her identity secret?

After Allison James finally escapes her marriage to a monster, she becomes the star witness in the case against her deceased husband’s powerful crime family. Now it’s up to US Marshal Jaxson Stevens, Ali’s ex-boyfriend, to keep the WITSEC widow safe. But as the danger escalates and sparks fly, will Jax be able to help Ali escape her ruthless in-laws?

My Thoughts

Witness Protection Widow by Debra Webb is the fifth A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller.  Alison James will testify in four days against the Armone crime family if she can stay alive until then.  U.S. Marshall Branch Holloway has Alison stashed in a remote cabin and is supposed to be with her for the final few days.  But then Branch is injured in a car accident and calls in U.S. Marshall Jaxson Stevens.  Jaxson does not know it is Ali until Branch hands him the file.  She is the one he let get away and is baffled why she married into a mob family.  Alison is leery of letting Jaxson be her protector because she does not want him harmed.  She knows that Harrison Armone Sr. will do what it takes to see her dead before she can testify.  Can Jaxon keep Alison alive to testify in four days?  Witness Protection Widow is a fast paced novel.  There is suspense, intrigue and romantic tension.  This book can be read on its own if you have not read any of the other novels in A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series.  Characters from the other books do make an appearance for those who have read the other four novels.  The point-of-view switches between Jaxson and Allison.  I like getting both perspectives.  We get to see how each person feels about a situation and how easily a comment can be misinterpreted. I like the fast pace of the story as Alison and Jaxson try to stay alive.  I like Debra Webb’s engaging writing style.  She provides just the right amount of imagery (not too much nor too little).  There was the right blend of suspense and romance.  My one complaint is that there were a couple of unanswered questions at the end.  I wish there had been an epilogue to completely wrap up Witness Protection Widow.  Be prepared to lose a couple of hours while you are busy reading Witness Protection Widow.  Witness Protection Widow has hired hit men, a masculine U.S. Marshall, a malicious mob boss, a worried widow, and four frantic days.

Excerpt

She shivered. The fire had gone out. She kept on her jacket while she added logs to the fireplace and kindling to get it started. Within a couple of minutes, the fire was going. She’d had a fireplace as a kid, so relearning her way around this one hadn’t been so bad. She went back to the kitchen and turned on the kettle for tea.

Bob growled low in his throat and stared toward the front door.

She froze. Her phone was in her hip pocket. Her gun was still in her waistband at the small of her back. This was something else Marshal Holloway had in­sisted upon. He’d taught her how to use a handgun. They’d held many target practices right behind this cabin.

A creak beyond the front door warned that some­one was on the porch. She eased across the room and went to the special peephole that had been installed. There was one on each side of the cabin, allowing for views all the way around. A man stood on the porch. He was the typical local cowboy. Jeans and boots. Hat in his hands. Big truck in the drive. Just like Marshal Holloway.

But she did not know this man.

“Alice Stewart, if you’re in there, it’s okay for you to open the door. I’m Sheriff Colt Tanner. Branch sent me.”

Her heart thudding, she held perfectly still.  Branch would never send someone to her without letting her know first.  If for some reason he couldn't tell her in advance, they had a protocol for these situations.

She reached back, fingers curled about the butt of her weapon. Bob moved stealthily toward the door.

“I know you’re concerned about opening the door to a stranger, but you need to trust me. Branch has been in an accident, and he’s in the hospital undergoing surgery right now. No matter that his injuries were serious, he refused to go into surgery until he spoke to me and I assured him I would look after you, ma’am.”

Worry joined the mixture of fear and dread churn­ing inside her. She hoped Branch wasn’t hurt too badly. He had a wife and a daughter.

She opened her mouth to ask about his condition, but then she snapped it shut. The man at her door had not said the code word.

Witness Protection Widow is available through Amazon* and Harlequin.  The other four novels in A Winchester, Tennessee Thriller series are In Self Defense, The Dark Woods, The Stranger Next Door, and The Safest Lies.  The next book in the series is Before He Vanished which releases March 1, 2020. Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow to share my review of The Amish Teacher's Dilemma by Patricia Davids. I hope you have a fabulous day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.