Legacy Lies Loyalty by Darlene Fredette

             When loyalty is tested, and lies run deep, the legacy they inherit could cost them everything.

About the Book: Bound by a loved one’s promise, Jordan McKenzie is devoted to caring for the historic estate she calls home. But a string of mysterious accidents pulls her into a web of danger. When a hidden family connection surfaces, and an innocent kiss lands at the worst possible moment, she’s left questioning trust, devotion, and the people closest to her.

 Chef Logan Crane returns to Redford Falls, hoping to claim an inheritance that could make his dream restaurant a reality. Meeting Jordan changes everything, and her warmth becomes an anchor in the storm he never saw coming. As old wounds reopen and loyalties shift, he realizes she’s the one person he can’t imagine facing the truth without.

 With danger looming and long-buried secrets emerging, Jordan and Logan must decide what—and who—is worth fighting for.

Our Review: there are many reasons to commend the author for in this latest edition to the Redford Falls Stories. First, we have a delicious romance between two deserving people; next, long buried family secrets—on both sides—which beg to be uncovered; third, the series of mysterious ‘accidents’ that hamper solving the initiating incident. Author Fredette has an enviable way of keeping the reader turning the pages to learn the identity of the ‘bad guy’. And what a trip it is.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Legacy Lies Loyalty merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Secret Recipe by Darlene Fredette

 In the heat of the kitchen, one woman’s secret recipe blends danger, deception, and desire.

 About the Book: Jess Robinson is desperate for a fresh start, but an unexpected call from her criminal father drags her back into a world filled with danger and deception—one she thought she’d escaped. With a missing bag of stolen jewels at stake, she must execute the perfect con.

          Between two jobs and family obligations, firefighter Travis Cooper is stretched too thin. The last thing he needs is an unqualified baker at his widowed mother’s bakery and who stirs up more questions than answers. Something about Jess feels familiar, and while Travis is drawn to her, he’s convinced she’s hiding more than a few secrets.

          As drama simmers and danger closes in, Jess and Travis are caught in a game where every move could cost them everything.

Our Review: As with all her creations, author Fredette’s ability to pack strong emotions into a short story is enviable. Jess Robinson isn’t exactly ‘on the run’ but she’s running for the life of her inmate father—to keep him safe from retaliation behind bars.

          Another of Fredette’s many talents is creating setting. If readers believe nothing much happens in a small town, think again. Redford Falls might be on the far end of Eastern Canada, but it could easily be any small town, anywhere on the globe.

Last, Jess’ background, compelling to all, is no different from any adult who has experienced loss, sadness and neglect at the hands of a manipulative parent who likely knew no other life.

          Secret Recipe will draw you in from the first page and not let go till the very last line.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Secret Recipe, merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

A New Dawn by Trina Spillman

        A pulse-pounding political thriller where love, betrayal, and democracy collide.

About the Book:

A catastrophic explosion rocks Washington, D.C., leaving chaos in its wake. Attorney Ian McCullough rushes to find his partner, a presidential nominee caught in the blast, and instead uncovers evidence pointing to a conspiracy at the nation’s highest level. Each step closer to the truth puts Ian in greater danger, as powerful forces move to silence him.

At the center of the plot is the ruthless vice president, whose false-flag operation could plunge the country into panic and secure his rise to power. With enemies closing in and only a few unlikely allies to trust, Ian must risk everything to expose the truth before democracy itself becomes collateral damage.

Our Review: As a long time, fanatic reader of political fiction, we glommed onto A New Dawn and liked it for its fresh voice and relevancy to today’s political climate. We found the ‘lead’ characters, Ian and James, to be well drawn and compelling in their motivation, conflicts and devotion to each other. As the “stars” of this show, both filled the bill nicely.

A few of the secondary characters however [such as the commandant of the naval base] took up needed space which should have been devoted to more the important and necessary antagonistic characters who deserved additional time—and clear identification to name and role.

Overall, the story ends too abruptly, leaving several loose threads. A bit more attention to the “powerful forces” behind the underlying plot was just not there, thus leaving us wanting.  

Based on a scale of 1-5. A New Dawn merits a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors