REVIEW: Garden of Secrets by Barbara Freethy

Description

Dr. Charlotte Adams is torn between two men.  Rev. Andrew Schilling is her past, a high-school romance that went drastically wrong.  But he's back in town now and part of her present -- along with newly-divorced Police Chief Joe Silviera, whom she's been powerfully attracted to for months.  The question is, which man is her future -- and Charlotte has to face and accept her past before she can build a life with Joe.

About the Author

A native California, Barbara has lived at both ends of the state. While she misses the hot summer nights of Southern California, she enjoys the beautiful bays and hillsides of Northern California, as well as the exciting and intriguing city of San Francisco.

Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (September 20, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451636512
• ISBN-13: 978-1451636512

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

***slight spoilers***

You would think have two men attracted to you would be a good thing, but for Charlotte, the local OBGYN, it has thrown her world into a tailspin.  After being back in Angel's Bay for a year after what she had hoped would be a quick visit has turned more permanent.  Andrew, her boy friend from high school has reappeared back in her life and she agrees to meet him at the New Year's eve party given by her rival's sister.  This is the guy who cheated on her and is now the local minister.  At this same party, Joe, the town's chief of police is there and she is extremely attracted to him.  So, what should Charlotte do?

Well, when the hostess is almost murdered and Charlotte is found with the body and covered in blood, things get really sticky.  Especially since this was the sister of the girl who cheated with Andrew!  So when Pamela shows up to help her sister, things get even worse.  There are some seriously fun moments in this story  Joe is spending a lot of time going over the case with her and I got the sense that he would like to review a bit more than the case.  The wonderful thing about this series is that you don't need to read them in order to enjoy them.  The books each stand on their own and yes, some of the characters overlap in the series, but  that doesn't detract from any of the stories.  This is just a fun and super quick read filled with a bit of sex, mystery and tension.
 

REVIEW: At Hidden Hills by Barbara Freethy

 Description

Mysterious dreams draw costume designer Isabella Silviera to Angel’s Bay, the California coastal town where angels occasionally dance above the waves. Bestselling author Barbara Freethy enchants again in this emotional and compelling tale of family secrets, abiding friendships, and heart-touching romance.

 Isabella’s drive to Angel’s Bay would have ended in tragedy when her car slid off a cliff if she hadn’t been rescued by Nick Hartley. As he helps her to safety, she realizes he is the man who has haunted her dreams. Nick, however, is committed to reconnecting with his estranged teenage daughter, refusing to respond to his powerful attraction to Isabella. And Isabella’s police chief brother has his hands full with a missing mother, an abandoned baby, and an unknown father. What is Isabella’s role in the mysteries—both past and present— that swirl around the town?When she starts helping at the Hartley family theater, all the pieces begin to link together. Loves found and lost, heartbreak and happiness, courage and betrayal are all part of the patchwork quilt of the community—and of life. Isabella’s gift is seeing the patterns. . . .

About the Author

A native California, Barbara has lived at both ends of the state. While she misses the hot summer nights of Southern California, she enjoys the beautiful bays and hillsides of Northern California, as well as the exciting and intriguing city of San Francisco.

Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (January 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439176493
• ISBN-13: 978-1439176498

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT

I dove into this story not realizing that it is part of a series called Angel Bay with a paranormal slant.  Each main character has a psychic gift of sorts and in this case Isabella has the gift of "sight" where she can see the future and warn others of danger.  I found the characters of Nick and Isbella unique and very likable with all of their flaws, mainly that they can see they are meant for each other.  There are the usual twists and turns that build up the suspense and romance.  If you are looking for something magical and not too paranormal, give this series a try.


I received this book at no charge from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.