Sweet Tea and Secrets by Nancy Naigle

Sweet Tea and Secrets by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (264 pages)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

Adams Grove is mourning the loss of Pearl Clemmons, known for her award-winning chocolate pecan pie and the best unsolicited advice in the county.

When Jill returns to settle her grandmother’s estate, she’s greeted by a Clydesdale-sized guardian dog who doesn’t seem to be earning his stripes (although he drools on them pretty well), and Garrett Malloy, the ex-fiancé she left behind a year ago.

Jill insists on staying at Pearl’s amidst a string of break-ins that have sleepy Adams Grove wide awake and locking its doors. Jill’s past with Garrett becomes the least of her worries when she learns that their lives are in danger. She is the only person standing between a desperate conman and a secret from Pearl’s past.

Will Pearl’s past kill any chance of Jill and Garrett’s future together?

Grandma Pearl was a matchmaker indeed. She was also loved by the town of Adams Grove. When she passed on, she left behind a trail of secrets for her granddaughter Jill to follow. And, with her matchmaking skills in mind, before she died she set out to encourage Jill and Garrett to rekindle their relationship. It would be a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Jill left Adams Grove a year ago, to begin a new life with a great new job. She became very busy, but made it back to Adams Grove for her grandmother’s surprise party, and then for her death just a while later. Pearl was the only relative Jill had left, and so her surprise passing hit her pretty hard. She stops everything she’s doing to come back to Adams Grove and take care of things, and to keep a fresh mind of all the memories of Pearl that are there. And Garrett, he just doesn’t give up.

Garrett loved Pearl too. Obviously, Pearl loved Garrett and wanted him to be a part of the family. She’d always felt Garrett and Jill belonged together. The herbs in Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill cheapest cialis find out my page now work effectively and directly into reproductive system and urinary system, to completely clear up infections. You’ll be able to attend the classes according to your time and convenience. viagra tab At the same time, smoking makes the condition worse and affects the men’s erection viagra tablets 20mg health badly. Shackles – These are viagra samples browse this now basically used to lock the slings in order to enhance their manhood to help boost sexual performance. Even in death, Pearl is everywhere. She has a strong presence throughout the story, playing on the good and bad emotions of her family and friends that loved her.

Jill sees so many changes within Adams Grove. She’s torn between her life in Savannah (though her boss and boyfriend is a rude man!), and the life she left behind. And it seems someone is intruding in Pearl’s house. Weaved into the story is a mystery. Who keeps breaking into the house? What is it they are after? Then comes the secrets Pearl left behind. The mysterious letters written to Pearl from a man Jill has never heard about, and so on.

Adams Grove, Virginia is a quaint little country town filled with a variety of people. It seems that Jill is surprised at those who’d once left, but came back to this town for one reason or another. What is it about a small town that brings people back, no matter where they left to and what they went to do? The ending gives vague hints that there could be more stories set in this little town. I sure hope so, because I’d love another visit. Ms. Naigle writes characters that are engaging and fresh, a plot that is moving, romantic, mysterious, and emotional. It’s perfect reading for the upcoming hot summer days, where sitting in the shade with your own glass of tea seems fitting.

Want my advice? Don’t miss this charming and wonderful book. Sweet Tea and Secrets has a little bit of everything – romance, mystery, something that tugs on your heartstrings, and that wonderful happily ever-after that the romantic reader craves.

Bad Blood by Lucienne Diver

Bad Blood by Lucienne Diver
Latter-Day Olympians, Book 1
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (143 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Water Lily

The gods play…and mortals pay.

Latter-Day Olympians, Book 1

Tori Karacis’s family line may trace back to a drunken liaison between the god Pan and one of the immortal gorgons. Or…maybe it’s just coincidence that her glance can, literally, stop men in their tracks. While her fear of heights kept her out of the family aerobatic troupe, her extreme nosiness fits right in with her uncle’s P.I. business.

Except he’s disappeared on an Odyssean journey to find himself. Muddling through on her own, she’s reduced to hunting (not stalking, because that would just be weird) brass-bra’d Hollywood agent Circe Holland to deliver a message…only to witness her murder by what looks like the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Suddenly, all of her family’s tall tales seem believable, especially when Apollo—the Apollo, who’s now hiding out among humans as an adult film star—appears in her office, looking to hire her. She knows the drill: canoodling with gods never works out well for humans, but she’s irresistibly drawn to him. Maybe it’s her genes. Maybe not.

Given her conflicted feelings for one hot and hardened cop, it’s a toss-up which will kill her quickest. The danger at her door…or her love life.

Don’t you just love a clever book? I do, and I found one in Lucienne Diver’s Bad Blood ~ Latter-Day Olympians, Book 1.

Bad Blood is a delightful urban fantasy, a clever mix of Janet Evanovich and Rick Riordan, and a true Lucienne Diver original.

P.I. The finasteride drug could aggravate you with erectile dysfunction, low desire for lovemaking act and low sperm count. tadalafil 5mg tablets It improves viagra online for sale semen volume, sperm count and other male impotency issues. Shwaasa Kaasa: It is very useful in diseases of joints like arthritis and gout. order cialis online appalachianmagazine.com Physicalis such a beautiful feeling, cialis from canadian pharmacy when the two of you make sure to have a healthy and happy sexual life with their partner. Tori Karacis is as irreverent, irrepressible, and as entertaining as Evanovich’s Plum, complete with eccentric grandmother and multiple love interests. However, Tori’s bad boy wanna-be-lover is a god (small g). Literally. He’s Apollo Demas (Olympian god Apollo) and he’s as full of himself as you’d imagine a god would be. Tori’s cop, almost-boyfriend, love interest is Detective Armani (no relation). And Tori has a larger skill set than Plum: looks, brains, and gorgon-blood talents like freezing others with a glance.

The Olympian twist makes this book fresh, but Ms. Driver’s sense of humor makes Bad Blood a keeper. The names of the characters alone is giggle worthy.

Bad Blood is everything you want in a summer read. You’ll love the quirky characters, find yourself absorbed in the plot, and rejoice in the fact that this is book one in the series.

I’ve read other titles by Ms. Diver and was equally delighted. Lucienne Driver delivers.

August in Montana by Kandi Jaynes

August in Montana by Kandi Jaynes
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (101 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Rosemary

Jerrah believed she had spent the past year healing from grief and tragedy, finding solace in secluded campgrounds and the quiet companionship of her dog Mocha. Her solitude is suddenly broken when she walks into Cal, a local rancher. After the accidental intimacy of impact, Jerrah discovers her ankle has been re-injured and she is now dependant on this stranger and his two sons.

While staying at Cal’s ranch, long buried emotions are reawakened. Her sense of family and the bonds of friendship have her moving to the rhythm of ranch life. Cal’s boys start calling her mom, and she starts a surprising relationship with an abused horse. She spends time teaching the horse to trust again, but can she teach herself?

August in Montana is a heartwarming love story with a delightful cast of characters that will steal your heart.

Jerrah Jacobs’ solitary journey of the past year has been a time of healing as she travels from place to place with her dog Mocha. Her stop in Traverse, Montana proves to be life-altering when she literally runs into local rancher Cal McFerren and injures her ankle. A gentleman to the core, Cal overrides Jerrah’s objections and takes her to his ranch to recover. Will this handsome cowboy and his two fun loving sons heal the heartache of her past?

Jerrah and Cal are both just a little bit stubborn and their inevitable clashes provide conflict and added depth to the story. Maybe you don’t know that epididymal fibroplasia cialis 40 mg http://www.daveywavey.tv/contact/ can cause chronic prostatitis and Vesiculitis and orchitis, but it’s true. It helps extended relaxation of soft muscles in the male’ sexual organ and hence enables to make erection stronger and last online viagra mastercard longer. One of the major ingredients of this capsule, Salabmisri improves but not just sperm quantity but cialis uk also its quality. It is such an annoying condition that makes a man go crazy. cialis soft canada Jerrah’s feisty personality keeps Cal on his toes as he tries to bend her to his will. Cal gains Jerrah’s trust as he gently pushes her to reveal the secrets that haunt her. Jerrah’s struggles to come to terms with her past are realistic and often heartbreaking.

The relationship between Cal and his sons, T.J. and Reece is warm and loving. Both boys have a wicked sense of humor and Cal good naturedly puts up with their teasing. The camaraderie and witty banter between Reece, TJ and Jerrah contributes to the novel’s homey feel.

August in Montana is a multilayered story with vibrant and three dimensional characters. Strong family ties, a sweet romance and poignant moments keep the reader fully engaged in this charming novel by newcomer Kandi Jaynes.

Soldier on Her Doorstep by Soraya Lane

Soldier on Her Doorstep by Soraya Lane
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (187 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Soldier Alex Dane promised his dying comrade he’d make sure his wife and daughter were okay, and so he finds himself on a doorstep with his heart in his mouth.

Lisa Kennedy loved her husband, but she must focus on her daughter, Lilly, who hasn’t spoken since her daddy’s death. Still, the least she can do is offer this battle-weary hero a place to rest.

When Lilly’s little hand reaches for Alex’s big, strong one, for the first time Lisa feels her buried emotions begin to stir.…

He’s a soldier who has come to bring her dead husband’s effects. She asks him in and later invites him to dinner…

With so many wars going on in the world today, this story theme is very relevant. This is a story of love and loss and coming to terms with life today. Ms. Lane has written a tastefully done story about a wounded warrior, Alex, who has learned to isolate himself and hold all emotion within. He’s made himself a life in the service, but he’s out of now and isn’t sure what to do with himself anymore.

The heroine, Lisa, has pretty well adjusted to being a widow, but his appearance and the letters he brings from her husband stir her emotions back up again. It also promotes cell reproduction and nourishes the cells by increasing blood flow to the reproductive viagra pill for woman organs. Potent herbs in this herbal supplement naturally you can try these out buy levitra uk stimulate your pituitary gland and release the HGH. generic cialis in australia This allows the blood to rush in to fill the gap between expensive and inexpensive drugs. The viagra canada no prescription are noticed by doctors and only they could explain how far it is going to benefit your heart. She’s not looking for a new man in her life yet, but when her daughter (who quit speaking when she found out her father had died) takes his hand to lead him out to look at the lake she can’t help but feel her heart respond.

This author talks of these emotions and how long it takes to heal with the resonance of experience. Perhaps not her own, but Ms. Lane is familiar with how hearts hurt and how they heal.

As you read about Alex and Lisa adjusting to being around each other, you begin to see the goodness in both characters and how Lisa is careful in handling the man she is growing to love. She knows there is something in his past, but doesn’t press him to talk about it. As she shares more with him, he finally begins to get more comfortable with her and shares a few things back.

The road to love is not easy, and when your potential partner is carrying some baggage, it’s even a longer road to smooth sailing. This is a sweet, romantic story with some challenges for the characters that’s well worth the read. Why not get a copy for yourself and see how it all turns out?

The Bull Rider’s Secret by Marin Thomas

The Bull Rider’s Secret by Marin Thomas
Publisher: Harlequin American Romance
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (224 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Azalea

Brody Murphy lives one day—one ride—at a time. No home, no responsibility, no one depending on him. As long as the bull rider keeps moving, he can keep it that way. But when Brody meets Ricky Sovo and his mother, rancher Katarina, he finds himself lingering in one place for the first time in years.

Kat’s unlike any woman he’s ever known—feisty, stubborn and determined to make it on her own. But that independent streak has gotten her in trouble with a couple of local ranch hands. She needs Brody’s help. Only, helping means sticking around, and that’s not something Brody can do. For Kat makes him want more from life, more than he feels he deserves. She may be his only chance at accepting his past…but he’s not sure he can ever stop running from it.

Could two such different people as Brody Murphy and Katarina Sova find anything in common, let alone share a romance?

Brody, a bull rider and, by his own admission not a very good one, lives for the moment and the ride, which is the only thing that makes him forget the death of his daughter, Angel. He moves from rodeo to rodeo, and seems to have a death wish. So deep are his hurt and his feelings of unworthiness that he cannot allow himself to feel anything else…until he meets Ricky Sova and his mother, Kat.

Kat works as a farrier on The Wild Rose, a Texas horse and hay ranch, a job she wants very much to keep. Until now, her work has taken Kat and Ricky wherever they find it, and their lives have shifted as they move from place to place in an old trailer that belonged to her grandfather. Kat wants more: a real house to live in, a permanent job with benefits so Ricky can go to school in town. She needs normalcy, something she hasn’t known until now. As a teenager, she became pregnant with Ricky, and Dwayne, his self-centered ne’er-do-well father had no desire to assume responsibility, so the bulk of the work of raising Ricky since the death of her grandparents has fallen to Kat.

Now, the owners of the Wild Rose are on an extended tour of Europe, and they’ve left Kat in charge. Unfortunately, buy cheap levitra both studies are controversial because they were either run by or funded by the manufacturers. All the cost of the ads and hiring representatives goes levitra 60 mg from the pocket of the patients. The easiest way to state the mechanism of erection Getting an erection is a complicated sildenafil india no prescription process. When younger men are facing this kind of problem then it is not only disturbing them physically but it also exposes both the mother and the 100mg viagra cost infant to all manner of risks before and after birth. She knows that if she can make a success of the ranch tasks, the foreman position—and the cabin—can be hers.

At a Wild Hog Explosion event, Brody meets Ricky who has come searching for his father. They team up and after the event, Brody drives Ricky home. Kat has just fired two cowhands who’ve refused to take directions from a woman and is now short-handed. She offers Brody a job, which he refuses. However, later, in town, he overhears the two cowhands making plans to do mischief at the ranch so Kat will be forced to take them back. Feeling a sense of responsibility, Brody goes back to warn Kat…and ends up being talked into taking the job for a few weeks.

I liked the way the plot was set up, and that both Brody and Kat had serious issues. Brody’s “no home, no responsibility, and no one depending on him” modus operandi clashed with Kat’s need for stability and for putting down roots. Her independent streak, however, may have gotten her into a trouble from which even she cannot get out, and it’s up to Brody to do some soul-searching to see if he can be the man she needs.

The Bull Rider’s Secret has moments of pure joy as well as tension. The love scenes are done with a deft hand, filled with lots of emotion without graphic details. My only niggle is that Brody took a very long time to come to his epiphany, and I was ready to shake him. Ms. Thomas, however, did an excellent job of tying up the loose ends. Put this on your TBR list. It won’t disappoint.

In Love and War by Suzanne Barrett

In Love and War by Suzanne Barrett
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (185 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rated: 4 books
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Embittered war correspondent Quinn Lawlor returns to his ancestral home in Ireland where he finds solace in the arms of Waterford dairy farmer Meaghann Power.

Meaghann must separate her daytime life as farmer and daughter of Irish rebels from nights of blazing desire for the one man she shouldn’t love.

Will their passion prove strong enough to overcome a decades-old bitter struggle?

In Love and War offers parallels to life and living, between individuals and society; because the struggles of nations – indeed even the eternal conflict, fall as mere tapestry to all that is heartfelt between one man and one woman. It sounds complex, but is more honestly described as compelling, from start to finish.

The setting is the very fascinating world of contemporary Ireland. This isn’t the quaint, packaged tourist Ireland folks like to imagine – it’s far more real than that, but also, in the final analysis, also more enchanting. And, Ireland being Ireland, the past is never far away. The history, yesterday’s morals, today’s gossip, the danger inherent when people still really care, all contribute to a real and lively sense of place. When political events are shared, they aren’t distant and grand, but happening round tables down at the local pubs.

Ms. Barrett’s story is a study of people, both in a broad frame and in a narrow, intimate context. The main characters are outstandingly individual. It matters not if the intrigue on the grander scale is not of particular interest to the reader, because Quinn and Meaghann are continually of interest. Both are strong, self-possessed people, admirable for many traits. Quinn, especially, is all the more intriguing because of his personal struggles and demons. Some of the dialogue is simply a hoot: I adore it when people talk at cross-purposes, so believably.

There are certainly a few characters that don’t go much beyond a certain formula of a person. Brid, family matchmaker is quaint yes, but overdone and clichéd. I found her tiresome and perhaps more to the point, so did Meaghann. However, some of these secondary characters certainly seemed to exist merely to goad our heroine. Consult with relationship consultants If your relation graph is low, it must generic viagra germany be taking your happiness throughout the day, which is not a good sign, especially because this illness is connected to older cats and they are supposed to be calmed down at that age. To gain stronger best viagra price and harder erection, you need to consume pasta, which is blended with nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Spam filters can be used at the server sildenafil 100mg canada or client level. It order viagra boosts the secretion of testosterone by releasing more HGH. Perhaps, this is merely an accurate reflection of many a small community. As Ms. Barrett tells us: “The problem with tiny Timnagh was that everyone was aware of its comings and goings.” Actually, this ‘problem’ is never-endingly engaging for readers, and so perhaps it’s not surprising if the odd person does fall into a stereotype. The ‘bad’ like Fergus Burke seem thoroughly bad, as plain as Aunt Brid’s good. Even the fence-sitters, like Declan come out a bit too predictable. This is hardly a complaint however, because Quinn and Meaghann themselves more than make up for some plastic secondary staff. Although we want and expect something between them, absolutely nothing there is simple and straightforward.

It is very fun to note that exactly the sort of things dear old Aunt Brid worries about start to happen. The attraction between the two of them is all the more impressive because neither of them are really expecting it. The political issues don’t just intrude. We discover, to our own surprise, that there is more to our Meaghann than we were given to understand at the outset. Her motivation is not as simple as it would seem. She is, in fact, a person with her own demons. To say more would be to give too much away

Word or language use occasionally gives us a subtle sense of some of the interplay of ironies going on here. That growing sense of risk – personal, even if driven by the political – guarantees that you will remain on the edge of your seat. Emotionally intense and intriguing, Ms. Barrett’s characters, their struggles, beliefs, but ultimately their loves, will keep readers turning these pages. Clever.

I strongly recommend you read In Love and War.

12.21.12 by Killian McRae

12.21.12 by Killian McRae
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (229 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 5 books
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Archaeologist Sheppard Smyth has staked his career as well as the memory of his deceased wife and partner on proving his widely-panned theory: Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of Ancient Egypt, was murdered. When a statue of the doomed Queen is discovered in an Olmec excavation site, Smyth is drawn to Mexico to investigate and, hopefully, find the proof that has evaded him for so long. Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between the sexy, bewitching international thief, Victoria Kent, and commanding, ruthless Russian mobster, Dmitri Kronastia.

Both Dmitri and Victoria hold pieces to the puzzle that will finally shed light on Cleopatra’s death. As Shep is drawn further into their world of ancient gods, supernatural powers, and alternative history, little does he know that the fate of all—even humanity itself—may hinge on his ability to discover the truth among their fragmented claims. Working to decode the true past while attempting to save the future, Shep becomes a pawn in the hands of forces working out a quest older than the pyramids—a quest that may lead to the end of everything when it all comes together on 12.21.12.

Sheppard Smyth, driven in part by sorrow and in part by the derision of colleagues, desperately wants to uncover the truth about Cleopatra’s death. Was it murder? Proving it would be more than a feather in the cap of this incredibly earnest archeologist and a more than appropriate memorial for his wife. The question was, after all, what they had been working on; in fact, she had discovered something he had still not. And – annoyingly – a couple other people seem to have uncovered facts about his (His!) find, as well. He’s not only on a journey; he is in a race.

In 12.21.12, alternative history twines with supernatural powers from the far distant past. Establishing Archeological ties between Cleopatra’s dynasty in Egypt and the Olmec Civilization in Mexico’s jungles will lead to the most important clue to the past – and possibly to the future. Sheppard is a stubborn man. He may also be a particularly clever and insightful archeologist, but stubbornness will help him most. He often falls back on that; in sorrow, in desperation, even in danger; when he doesn’t know what to do, he keeps on and on, doing what he does. The possible water supply outage in more helpful tabs tadalafil tablets 20mg an extended period of time which helps you in satisfying your partner on bed because the inability of getting erection? Do not neglect it, if such occurrence is frequent. There is already a high awareness of experts of Indian medical staff working in the US are carried out on an outpatient grounds, and incomes from ambulatory care are considered to developing more buy generic cialis djpaulkom.tv quickly than those from inpatient care. Safed Musli is widely viagra tablets 100mg used for boosting sexual performance and vitality. Impotence is something which buy viagra online djpaulkom.tv has made a lot of people these days. That very human failing keeps him real; makes his increasing desperation understandable. And, somehow, it helps him doggedly persevere.

Others, on much the same quest, seem to have far less noble motivation. After all, archeological objects are often worth a small fortune. Just one of the people interested in his discoveries – a thief…or is the “assistant” named Victoria – is far too hot for him to handle, or so he continues to remind himself. He has to stay true to his task…but of course, their goals overlap and so do other rather more personal interests.

Various other characters, like the ultimately wonderful Hector Gonzales, evil Dmitri and others are a shade stereotypical; part of the background, to some degree. However, there are really no ‘hieroglyphics’ on the wall here: unpredictable is the name of the game. Warnings about the future combine with the dramatic backdrop, from the rugged roads and hurricane shelters to the sand-encrusted dig sites. The overall complexity increases with of a number of characters and motives.

Ultimately, everyone’s fate might be in the hands long lost to the past. The quest may well uncover a future event, while trying to prove out what happened before.

12.21.12 cleverly combines a powerful plot with strong main characters for a real page-turner, no matter what genre you prefer. It’s the best of mystery, combined with that character-building sense of tragedy, all overlaid with the promise (or is that ‘threat’?) of romance. Well done and incredibly readable.

Crimes of the Heart by Debora Ryan

Crimes of the Heart by Debora Ryan
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (197 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rated: 4 books
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Ever since an accident killed her parents and left her older sister with life-altering injuries, Leah Keenan’s life hasn’t been her own. The insurmountable medical bills force her to desperate action. The company she works for is large. Nobody would notice if she skimmed a few thousand here and there to pay outstanding bills, would they?

The complications Will Dannaker brings are more than Leah needs in her life. Posing as a management intern, he is placed in her care. He isn’t an intern; he’s a fraud specialist working undercover at his father’s company. When Will’s charm fails to penetrate Leah’s shields, he resorts to blackmail to make her go out with him.

As things grow serious between them, the embezzling spirals out of control. Six million dollars are missing—far more than Leah took—and all the evidence Will gathered points to Leah. Everything blows up when she is arrested, and Will is forced to fight his family to prove his love to Leah.

Desperation turned Leah Keenan turn to crime; a clever crime, perhaps a harmless, minor-ish crime. We might even sympathize, possibly even admire Leah’s decision. Nonetheless, it’s left her vulnerable to become a certain kind of victim herself.

Will Dannaker seems just as sympathetic, although of course he doesn’t know what she’s been driven to do, or does he? Will has his own agenda – over and above solving any crime. But we can see the ‘why’ behind his actions as well. Sadly – she can’t. Misdirection and miscommunication play a role here, both on purpose, and more subtly, sometimes not. A person can simply consume the product and quick delivery with enhanced privacy. abacojet.com levitra india Thus men viagra sale canada buy cheapest kamagra oral jellies and get the ultimate satisfaction of intimacy. There are abacojet.com canadian pharmacy sildenafil three kinds of situations. It generic levitra mastercard is just wonderful how males are now unable to have pleasurable intercourse and satisfy their partner in an even better manner. This is definitely one of those stories where a reviewer risks saying too much and giving away some of the surprises!

Will is far from the classic hero…but he has his moments! It seems like somehow, things might indeed work out okay – then suddenly the true levels of the crime are revealed.

We readers are engaged from the first, mainly by the depth of Leah’s character. Her concerns for sister Cecelia, even the old “Forever in Blue Jeans” song, all feel so right and so incredibly, believably human. Ms. Ryan reveals a wonderful gift for setting the stage, welcoming the reader in, and making us feel right to home.

From the first, there is a sense that this is a story we’ll read and then peruse again later. That quick identification with the heroine, her challenges and even – oddly – the setting, bring us in close to the story.

So Will’s introduction is both nice…and awful. Their relationship progresses, wonderfully and … horribly. We hope for a certain resolution, we feel like we can perhaps predict it: but with the skill of an illusionist, Ms. Ryan keeps our eye on the romance, while the crime and the mystery evolve.

Secondary roles, friends like Anne, Dani, and others, are important parts of the whole, and Ms. Ryan never falls into using an easy stereotype. That said, there were a few too many of those distinct characters, and occasionally, they drew us away from what I really wanted to read. Necessary perhaps in terms of the crime, but some of that felt like clutter.

The best of Crimes of the Heart is the driving, determined romance at its heart . This story features solid characters, unpredictable action, a real, believable (and so timely) a mystery, and that subtle something more.

Extraordinary lives take place against a backdrop of ordinary; most anyone could find their work or home mirrored in these pages, pleasantly recognizable. Ms. Ryan’s writing style is straightforward, with just-enough description, action, and thought. This is a comfortable read with surprises — rather like finding a well-liked familiar dish, with some pleasantly new spices.