Cover Reveal ~ The Nature of a Lady

Today we are having fun with a cover reveal for Roseanna M. White's upcoming book. 

The Nature of a Lady will be the first book in her new Secrets of the Isles series.

But before we get to the cover here is a little information about the book:

1906 – Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn’t exactly a hit in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer...and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage’s former occupant, also called Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

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Oliver Tremayne—gentleman and clergyman—is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he’s happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth’s summer cottage…especially when he realizes it’s the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can’t quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the two work together, along with Libby’s maid—his cousin—they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: 

love.

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Now let's check out that lovely cover...

Don't you just love it?

Coming Summer of 2021.

Line by Line ~ Review

Line by Line

Love Along the Lines #1

By Jennifer Delamere

Alice McNeil is finally within grasping distance of the life she has dreamed about for years. A life that will allow her independence and not dependent upon any man to secure her future. Working as a telegrapher has allowed her to excel, putting her mind to work, and secure a position with Henley and Company.

Douglas Shaw has risen about the poverty of his childhood and he is determined to continue his upward climb, even in the face of his parent's disapproval. After a trip abroad he is more than impressed with the skills of Henley's newest telegrapher. And when Miss McNeil refuses to be bullied by the company's other telegrapher Archie Clapper, he senses a kindred spirit of sorts in her.

As time passes, Alice and Douglas have an enjoyable friendship, one that is based on their work and mutual interests, both have an interest in the changing world of science and technology. When an incident occurs that threatens the future that they have been striving for they are forced to reexamine their lives.

I liked the interactions between the various characters. But I think some of the best scenes were between Douglas and Andrew Carnegie. The wisdom that Carnegie shared is something every reader should take to heart. What is truly important in your life? Money? Fame? Family? 

This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Delamere and have to say I was pleased with her work. The characters came to life and were more than just words on a page. One was involved in their lives and cared about their hopes and fears. This is the first book in the Love Along the Wires series and one that I can see myself reading as they become available. It is also interesting to delve into communication that isn't instantaneous - something that seems almost unfathomable in the world we find ourselves living in today. Telegraphs, Morse code, coded messages all an unknown yet at the time of this book the newest thing.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can her dreams of independence withstand a dash of love?

Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen a career as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind. Years later, she doesn't regret her freedom in foregoing marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm. But when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's now determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He immediately earns Alice's respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms. However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?

It's Murder, My Son ~ Review with Giveaway

 Go Back to the Beginning to When Mac Met Gnarly.

It's Murder, My Son

A Mac Faraday Mystery #1

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger 

Mac Faraday has just come into an inheritance he never expected. The mother who gave him up for adoption has never stopped loving him and has left him a legacy.  A legacy that includes a German Shepherd named Gnarly. And Gnarly is quite a legacy to inherit - Mac's life will never be the same again.

Deep Creek is a small community that is a destination to get away to. At least until the murders start piling up. With a chief of police anxious to close the cases as soon as possible evidence is being ignored or thrown out. As a former homicide detective, Mac is not about to sit on the sidelines as a murderer gets away with a crime. Are the murders related or has Deep Creek just become a new crime hot spot? With the help of his late mother's assistant Archie Monday, his just discovered half brother David O'Callohan, and his delinquent German Shepherd a killer just may be brought to justice.

The narration by Mike Alger is well done so that this listener's attention didn't wane as the story progressed. The pacing didn't drag in any way. The narrator has a good voice for presenting the story which is always a plus so that one isn't distracted by a poor presentation, rather his voice draws one into the story. 

I have to say Gnarly makes the series and the book! His antics are what keeps bringing me back. Who could say no to a kleptomaniac dog with a hidden past (classified, might I add) who has political aspirations?  If you are in the mood for a small town caught up in a rash of murders and political corruption, this is for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title: It's Murder, My Son by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 1)
Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 288 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  June 23, 2010
Tour dates:  Aug 31 to Oct 9, 2020
Content Rating: PG-13 - (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

Book Description:

What started out as the worst day of Mac Faraday’s life would end up being a new beginning. After a messy divorce hearing, the last person that Mac wanted to see was another lawyer. Yet, this lawyer wore the expression of a child bursting to tell his secret. This confidence would reveal Mac as heir to undreamed of fortunes, and lead him to the birthplace of America’s Queen of Mystery and an investigation that will unfold like one of her famous mystery novels.

Soon after she moves to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, Katrina Singleton learns that life in an exclusive community is not all good. For some unknown reason, a strange man calling himself “Pay Back” begins stalking her. When Katrina is found strangled all evidence points to her terrorist, who is nowhere to be found.

Three months later, the file on her murder is still open when Mac Faraday, sole heir to his unknown birth mother’s home and fortune, moves into the estate next door. Little does he know as he drives up to Spencer Manor that he is driving into a closed gate community that is hiding more suspicious deaths than his DC workload as a homicide detective. With the help of his late mother’s journal, this retired cop puts all his detective skills to work to pick up where the local investigators have left off to follow the clues to Katrina’s executor.

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, Thorny Rose Mysteries, and the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—close to thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

​A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds (including the nephew of the late-great Gnarly! (pictured above)) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

​Connect with the author: 

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~ Pinterest  ~ Goodreads

"Lauren's dialogue is brisk, her setting beautiful and the addition of Gnarly is very clever...It's Murder, My Son is a delightful read and I look forward to more of Carr's Mac Faraday mysteries." --Connie Gregory, Connie's Reviews

"I couldn't put this book down! Lauren Carr develops the characters and weaves the details of the murder investigation into a complex storyline that keeps the reader relentlessly turning pages. She is skilled at teasing you into reading more. I finished the last page still wanting to read more!" -- Kelly Carpenter, Kelly's Lucky You

"No disrespect to Mac Faraday, Archie Monday, David O'Callaghan, Travis Turner or any of the multitude of good, bad and ugly characters populating Lauren Carr's It's Murder, My Son; but to me, the most interesting character in the book is a lovable, mischievous, sneaky German shepherd named Gnarly." - David M. Kinchen, Huntington News

TOUR SCHEDULE:
Sep 1 –Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 2 – Books for Books – book review of It’s Murder, My Son
Sep 2 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 3 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 4 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 7 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway
Sep 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 8 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 9 –My Fictional Oasis – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 11 –Nighttime Reading Center – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
Sep 11 –fundinmental – book spotlight/giveaway
Sep 14 –Literary Flits – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 15 –Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 16 –Books for Books – book spotlight
Sep 17 –Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/guest post/giveaway
Sep 18 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 21 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 22 –Mystery Suspense Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 22 - Mystery Suspense Reviews - book spotlight/author interview
Sep 23 –Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 24 –Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 25 –Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 28 –StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 29 –Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Sep 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 30 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/giveaway
Oct 1 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 1 - So Fine Print – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 2 – Adventurous Jessy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Oct 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Oct 6 – Literary Flits – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 6 - Amy's Booket List - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder
Oct 7 – Sylv.net – book spotlight
Oct 7 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/guest post/giveaway
Oct 8 - Splashes of Joy – book review of Candidate for Murder/guest post/author interview/giveaway
Oct 9 – Nighttime Reading Center – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 9 - Adventurous Jessy – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
TBD – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
TBD – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway: Prizes: ​ $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr,  author of CANDIDATE FOR MURDER (ends Oct 16)

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Killer Deadline ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Killer Deadline A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery #1 By Lauren Carr Narrated by Anita Alger Nikki Bryant is returning home to take over the family's television station in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. After years of honing her skills as an investigative journalist, it is time to return home to her family and to her first love. Though there is that awkward situation of now Ryan being her step-brother. But, hey, a girl can hope, right? Nikki is determined to get to the truth of her father's murder all those years ago. But are her investigative skills up to the challenge of a cold case that hits close to home? And when another murder hits the station Nikki can't help but wonder if they are related.  This was a fun read and I really loved Elmo - who couldn't love a rescued boxer with a social media following most influencers would die for? Let's just say Elmo totally rivals Lauren Carr's other canine creations (if you've read her other books) but Elmo is the perfect housekeeper! Nicki's an intense individual who makes the perfect investigative journalist. She wants answers yesterday and she is willing to dig in to get them. She might get it wrong at the beginning but with the help of her family and close friends, she'll get the answers she wants and needs. And all this while trying to figure out how to let The One know that he is the one for her, with somewhat humorous results, I might add. The narrative by Anita Alger is perfect for this book. She keeps the story moving at a good pace and presents Nikki well. At just over 6 hours and 30 minutes, it is a good length for commuting to work or for doing chores around the house. Or you could double the enjoyment and read along with the audio. This is the start of a new series starring Nicki, Elmo, Ryan, and the rest of Pine Grove, PA! If you love cozy mysteries this one is for you. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. Book Details: Book Title:  Killer Deadline (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  232 pages Genre:  Mystery/Cozy Mystery Publisher:  Acorn Book Services Release date:   April 23, 2020 Audiobook release date: August 5, 2020 Content Rating: G. This is a true cozy mystery. No sex. No on-stage violence. No swearing. Just good clean fun! "Here we go! Carr is a master storyteller who always offers a plot full of twists and turns, a bit of humor to offset the dark, and a unique cast of characters. In Killer Deadline that cast includes - handsome Ryan, her first love (who is now her step-brother); a mysterious social media friend called Nerdy Guy; Elmo, a super-smart dog, a boxer, she rescued who has become a social media star and has a penchant for cleaning; a TV station full of suspicious employees; and more. "This book is a wonderful read to pick up at the end of a long day. It truly is a "cozy murder mystery."  I promise, it'll draw you in right from page one and keep you turning the pages until you reach the very last page. I can't wait for the second book in this series." - Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn Book Description: Folks in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, claim that where Nikki Bryant goes, trouble is not far behind. Her refusal to back down from a challenge has made Nikki Bryant a top investigative journalist. When an online friend nudges her to join him in a pact to reconnect with their first loves, Nikki and her boxer dog Elmo leave the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charming town of Pine Grove. There, she must face the biggest challenges in her career and life—the first love she had left behind and her father’s unsolved murder. But before she has time to unpack her car, Nikki stumbles upon the dead body of local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison, her childhood rival. Could Ashleigh’s death be connected to an explosive news story that she had teased about airing live? Did that explosive story have anything to do with the murder of Nikki’s father? With the clues in her father’s cold case hot again, Nikki intends to chase down the story of her life until she catches his killer—no matter what it takes. Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ Audible ~ BookBub Add to Goodreads Meet the Author: Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! Killer Deadline marks Lauren's first venture into mystery's purely cozy sub-genre with a female protagonist. Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. ​A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. ​Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Bookbub Tour Schedule: Sep 21 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway Sep 22 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – audiobook review/giveaway Sep 22 - Books, Tea, Healthy Me - book spotlight/author interview Sep 23 –seasons of opportunities – audiobook review Sep 23 -Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review/guest post/giveaway Sep 23 -A Page Before Bedtime –book review/giveaway Sep 24 –I'm All About Books – book spotlight/giveaway Sep 25 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway Sep 28 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight/giveaway Sep 29 – Viviana MacKade – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway Sep 29 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review/giveaway Sep 30 - Cover Lover Book Review - audiobook review/giveaway Oct 1 – The Book View – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway Oct 2 – My Journey Back – audiobook review/giveaway Oct 2 - Splashes of Joy  - audiobook review/giveaway Oct 5 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review Oct 5 - Pen Possessed – book spotlight/giveaway Oct 6 – fundinmental – book spotlight/giveaway Oct 6 - Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review/giveaway Oct 7 – Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight/giveaway Oct 7 - Buried Under Books - audiobook review/giveaway Oct 8 – Mystery Suspense Reviews – audiobook review/author interview/giveaway Oct 8 - Pine Enshrined Reviews - audiobook review / guest post / giveaway Oct 9 – Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review/giveaway Oct 12 - Amy's Booket List - audiobook review/giveaway Oct 12 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway Oct 13 – jea reads/instagram – book review Oct 13 - Book Lover in Florida - book review/giveaway Oct 13 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway Oct 14 – Christa Reads and Writes – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway Oct 15 – My Reading Journeys – audiobook review/author interview/giveaway Enter the Giveaway: Prizes: ​ $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr,  author of CANDIDATE FOR MURDER (ends Oct 16)

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Foreign Interference ~ Review

Foreign Interference

A Carrier Chronicles Novel #5

By Ethan Jones

Carrie O'Connor has been sent to Australia to investigate a disturbing case of foreign interference. But she is all too soon pulled into a mission that takes her far from Australia. Could this foreign manipulation truly have infiltrated several Western governments, including her own? Carrie is about to find out. Unless the very people she is trying to track down take her out first. 

With her window of opportunity closing, Carrie has to rely on untested local assets. But just how much trust she can place in them is a question she just can't answer. And with someone targeting her and her team, this may be a mission that Carrie won't be walking away from.

In typical, Ethan Jones's style, we are taken to a variety of locals throughout the globe as our heroes try to save the world and democracy for another tomorrow.

The pacing gives the reader a steady dose of action. The reading is clean with no language to offend, no gratuitous violence, and no skimping on peril. If you want page-turning spy suspense, look north to the Canadian border - the CIS has what you are looking for.

I was provided a complimentary uncorrected proof with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

Played like a pawn…

Fresh off an operation that sent shockwaves across Europe, CIS covert operative Carrie O’Connor is dispatched down under. Her assignment is to identify the meddling of a foreign power in Australia’s internal affairs that could wreak havoc on their democracy.

Working with untested partners with dubious motives, Carrie discovers the extent of the political interference reaches higher than anyone had expected. With her efforts thwarted at every step by shadowy figures, she’s uncertain who she can trust and has to question even her closest allies.

Tested as never before, Carrie must infiltrate the powerful network pulling the strings. She’s taken on the CIA, terrorists, and her own past, but she has never come across something as powerful as this… What will she need to do to stop this deadly interference from spreading beyond the continent and across the globe?

Find out in Foreign Interference, Carrie’s latest adrenaline-filled spy thriller.

Nine ~ Review

Nine

By Rachelle Dekker

Someone feels that Lucy needs to escape. There is just one problem Lucy doesn't know anything about the world out there. And the world is dangerous enough when you aren't being hunted by the very people you are trying to escape from.

Zoe Johnson knows she shouldn't get involved, but there is something about Lucy that is just drawing her in. She can't leave someone so innocent, so naive to figure it all out on her own. Though Lucy's few details about herself seem a tad far-fetched. 

But all too soon Lucy's claims have seemingly become reality and now Zoe is on the run. But who is after them, after Lucy and why?

But Lucy is more than she appears and what she doesn't know or remember could get all of them killed.

Nine is a story about choice versus programming. What makes a person a person? When does one's humanity end and all that is left is a living, breathing tool? These are the questions that, to my mind, define this book. 

I really enjoyed this new offering from Rachelle Dekker. The genre is considered suspense but this is such an inadequate classification as there is so much more to this book. Yes, it most definitely has moments of suspense but there is a depth to it as the various characters are faced with a decision. Can a person programmed to obey any and all orders change? Can a person disconnected from their humanity overcome everything they have ever known to make a choice of their own? Can love restore what should have been? 

Something about this book, while totally different reminds me of Jill Williamson's Replication: The Jason Experiment. Can someone, programmed for a single purpose, be something more? In my opinion, this book delves into this question, examines it, and answers it in an interesting and entertaining manner. Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. Though not considered science fiction or fantasy I feel fairly certain that those who enjoy these genres might enjoy this title as well.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Zoe Johnson spent most of her life living in the shadows, never drawing attention to herself, never investing in people or places. But when a wide-eyed, bedraggled teenager with no memory walks into the diner where Zoe works, everything changes. Now, against her better judgment, Zoe, who has been trying to outrun her own painful memories of the past, finds herself attempting to help a girl who doesn't seem to have any past at all. The girl knows only one thing: she must reach a woman in Corpus Christi, Texas, hundreds of miles away, before the government agents who are searching for her catch up to them.

Award-winning author Rachelle Dekker throws you into the middle of the action and keeps the pressure on in this page-turning story that, asks Are we who the world says we are--or can we change our story and be something more?

The Edge of Belonging ~ Review

The Edge of Belonging

By Amanda Cox

Ivy Rose Lashly outwardly seems to have a perfect life - loving parents, attentive fiancee, and a great job. But appearances can be deceiving - and her life is about to start unwinding after her grandmother's death. Ivy Rose needs to know her past; she feels that her worth depends on what she does not know. 

Harvey James exists but doesn't truly live, at least, not until he finds a newborn abandoned near the highway bypass he called home. Finding this baby awakens a feeling in him that forces him to step out of what he knows and into the unknown.

These two stories, set approximately twenty-four years apart, are integral to one another. Told in alternating chapters, the reader is on a journey of discovery. Who are Ivy and Harvey? And how do they fit into each other's stories? 

The Edge of Belonging is a journey of the heart and the mind as two very different people try to discover where they belong in the world. Both are so much more than the events that shaped their lives. But realizing one's worth is harder than it seems. Random comments, rumor, and innuendo have lasting impacts and often not in the way one means. But hurting wounded hearts are easily deceived by the lies they hear. This book is a story about the power of family, friendship, and love. Some stories need to be told, and this is just such a one. If you are looking for a good read, this is one book you do not want to miss. Would make an excellent book club selection.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.   

About the Book:

When Ivy Rose returns to her hometown to oversee an estate sale, she soon discovers that her grandmother left behind more than trinkets and photo frames--she provided a path to the truth behind Ivy's adoption. Shocked, Ivy seeks clues to her past, but a key piece to the mystery is missing.

Twenty-four years earlier, Harvey James finds an abandoned newborn who gives him a sense of human connection for the first time in his life. His desire to care for the baby runs up against the stark fact that he is homeless. When he becomes entwined with two people seeking to help him find his way, Harvey knows he must keep the baby a secret or risk losing the only person he's ever loved.

In this dual-time story from debut novelist Amanda Cox, the truth--both the search for it and the desire to keep it from others--takes center stage as Ivy and Harvey grapple with love, loss, and letting go.