Schedule of Events:
Mon: Classic Mystery
Tues: Romantic Suspense
Wed: Urban Fantasy
Thurs: Thriller
Fri: Cozy Mystery
Sat: Paranormal Elements
Synopsis (Goodreads):
Cilla McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes. So she comes to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse that once belonged to her grandmother—a legendary actress who died of an overdose more than thirty years ago.My Thoughts: Whoa, mama! Can Nora Roberts spin a good tale or can Nora Roberts spin a good tale? The twists and turns, the whys, the bridge between the past and the present... they were so expertly interwoven that I couldn't tear myself away.
Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilla’s almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer. Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford’s quirky charm, though she can’t help indulging in a little fantasy.
But it’s reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilla. A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother’s life—and may be the catalyst for a frightening, violent assault. And if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, like her world-famous grandmother, be cut down in the prime of her life.
Cilla and Ford were so wonderfully alive in this book. Cilla's passion for restoring and creating and rebuilding was vivid and lively. Ford's ability to debate like a hardcore fanboy and *see* things with an artist's eye made me swoon. I think the fangirl in me was crying out in joy at some of the things he said. Oh, Ford. You had me at Battlestar Galactica.
The mystery of Cilla's grandmother unfolds slowly - much like the old farm that Cilla is restoring. As the house begins to come back to life, Cilla's desire to understand if the old letters tie into her grandmother's death intensifies. Ford's willingness to help, to listen, to be there for her when she needs him cracks the ice around Cilla's heart and allows her to grow into the strong confident woman that he sees when he looks at her.
It probably doesn't need to be said but I totally didn't see the resolution coming. I am seriously deficient in deciphering clues. I'm thinking of starting a club for all of us that can't figure out who the bad guy is until the final scene. I'm going to be the president. Just so you know. Anyway. The mystery kept me engaged nearly as much as Cilla and Ford's romance did. All around, this was a very satisfying read.
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I will totally join your club. I can figure it out but it usually takes me till 3/4 and then I am just guessing (don't hire me as a PI)
ReplyDeleteI am thinking I need to check out this book!
And that's why I get to be the President. I can guess correctly (and it's usually just a wild stab in the dark) about 1 out of every 20 times. Those aren't good odds.
DeleteSounds like a good read! I remember my mom loving Nora Roberts when I was growing up -- I had no clue she wrote mysteries! I always wrote her off as one of those sappy romance story types.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
A lot of her books involve some sort of mystery or mysterious event that forces the hero or heroine back to their hometown (or the like) to face something sinister. They're more romantic suspense, just so you know, instead of being a straight mystery.
DeleteI don't know that I've ever read a Nora Roberts book. Hmm. Might have to fix that.
ReplyDeleteYou totally should. She writes good stuff. Her characters always get me. They're just so freaking real!
DeleteI haven't read anything by Nora Roberts. For shame, for shame. Battlestar Galactica...WOOT!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are killing me today! Lol! Battlestar Galactica!
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