Kay Bratt's Blog, page 2
May 26, 2023
Book Five of Hart’s Ridge is OUT!
In the small town of Hart’s Ridge, danger is never far away, as Deputy Taylor Gray knows all too well. Even as she hopes for a respite after a recent wave of crime, a stranger arrives in town and threatens the safety of one of its residents. With her instincts honed by years of law enforcement experience, Taylor jumps into action to protect one of their own.
But as Taylor works to uncover the truth behind the stranger’s motives, her sister Jo faces a different kind of challenge. As a single mother who has always shouldered her problems alone, Jo is cautiously optimistic about the future as her family finally seems to be finding stability. But as secrets come to light and tensions rise in the town, she begins to wonder if her newfound hope will be short-lived.
With Kay Bratt’s signature blend of suspense and heart, Instant Karma is a thrilling addition to the Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series. As the Gray family and their community face new challenges and unexpected twists, readers will be hooked until the very end.
Get the Kindle Edition here: INSTANT KARMA
Paperback here: INSTANT KARMA PAPERBACK




INSTANT KARMA is my absolute favorite book of this series!
It has every thing you can imagine- mystery, friendship, family, and love!
– Laurie, Goodreads Reviewer
The post Book Five of Hart’s Ridge is OUT! appeared first on Kay Bratt.
May 15, 2023
8 Women’s Fiction Books With a Mystery [Set in Dream Worthy Destinations]
We already know our readers love women’s fiction. And some of you enjoy it when we weave a mystery within the pages. It adds an element of interest to try to guess what’s coming next! People also love a great setting — going somewhere in their imagination without leaving the comfort of their home. Somewhere that is anywhere but where they currently are. So I’ve found some books that combine the two! Enjoy these stories that can fit either in women’s fiction or mystery, combing elements to have you turning pages to have all the pieces come together while you visit a dream worthy destination!
Settings include Maui, India, France, Japan, California, New England, Texas, and more!
How many of the following 8 have you read?
Pathway to Lavender Valley.Six Women. Four Decades. One long, unexpected reunion.One letter holds the power to change the lives of five women forever.
The House on Blackberry HillOld family secrets, a bitter tragedy, and a restless spirit add mystery and an eerie touch to this compelling story that is steeped in small-town New England flavor so rich you can taste it.
Where Rivers PartA far-reaching corporate conspiracy that will take readers to San Antonio, Texas.
Saving GraceWhen fate hands tightly wound attorney and certified hot mess Katie Connell a second chase in the Caribbean, will she find herself, or will a killer find her?
The Secrets We HideSet against lush backdrops in Hawaii, Japan, Corsica, and the south of France, this beautiful story of resilience perfectly balances the heartbreak and destruction of mental illness with the compassion and serenity of an unforgettable hero.
Marriage UnarrangedIt all started, no..ended… with that box.The year 2000 and Aashi’s life was all set.New Millennium, exciting beginnings, new life.
Or so she thought.
Chasing ValentinoA 100-year-old postcardA move to the West coastA spark of a memoryChanged her life … forever.
On sale for $2.49 on Kindle!
A breathtaking novel about the secrets that families keep and one woman’s illuminating search for the truth, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Maui, Hawaii.
The post 8 Women’s Fiction Books With a Mystery [Set in Dream Worthy Destinations] appeared first on Kay Bratt.
April 28, 2023
[LOWEST PRICE YET] ON AMAZON All STAR WINNING BOOK!
Book one, Hart’s Ridge, is on sale for just a few days on Kindle! These are also in Kindle Unlimited! Grab it here for 99 Cents —–> USA https://amzn.to/41XT4HTUK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Harts-Ridge-Book…/dp/B0BGD2N93HCanada https://www.amazon.ca/Harts-Ridge-Book-ebook/dp/B0BGD2N93HAustralia https://www.amazon.com.au/Harts-Ridge-Book…/dp/B0BGD2N93H★ If Robyn Carr and Melinda Leigh had a book-baby, Hart’s Ridge would be it. Join Kay Bratt in this small town mystery series with cases to solve, and a small-town deputy determined to do it.When five-year-old Molly walks into a gas station on the outskirts of town, alone and barely speaking, one sheriff’s deputy is determined to reunite her with her missing mother.Nestled gently in the Blue Ridge mountains, Hart’s Ridge is a small and yet undiscovered quaint town. That is until you dig a little deeper and learn that no matter how perfect things look, every town has its secrets. Taylor Gray has lived there since she was a kid and has clawed her way out of poverty, foster care, and then the police academy to reach her dream of being in law enforcement.However, the townspeople aren’t the only ones that she is committed to serve and protect. She’s also the unofficial caretaker of her father and adult sisters, a family fractured by tragedy and barely keeping it together. Her role is heavy and rarely appreciated, but she’ll stop at nothing to try to piece them back together one day.The mother of a young girl is missing. Time is of the essence and Taylor plunges into the investigation, determined to find her and reunite mother and child. When the sheriff brings a familiar face in to take charge, things begin to unravel at a pace hard to keep up with, and what they find is every law enforcement officer’s worst nightmare.Hart’s Ridge is a standalone novel and book one of the new Hart’s Ridge mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, International Best-Selling Author of Wish Me Home and True To Me.EDITORIAL REVIEWS
“Kay Bratt never disappoints and Hart’s Ridge is no exception. A fast-paced story, filled with drama and secrets in a small-town that will capture your heart.” Tammy L Grace, USA Today Bestselling Author
A Selection of 5-Star Reviews:




Perfect for TV fans of shows like Blue Bloods or NYPD Blue or Chicago Blue or the various Law and Order shows. Bratt’s explicit inspiration here is the true crime genre she personally loves, and in fact the case here is based on a real-world case nearly four decades old. But it is *also* a women’s fiction tale of a woman, her family, her small town, and the various secrets involved all around, all over town. -Jeff, BookAnon.com




Kay is such a talented author with fiction that spans different genres, and this one gives a cosy mystery crime thriller kind of vibe. I was fully invested in the story and cannot wait to read the next one! -Ritu, ButIsmileAnyway.com




I loved that Hart’s Ridge is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. That in itself is a big pull for me. I love small towns and I have a special place in my heart for the Blue Ridge Mountains. I highly recommend this book. You will love Taylor and you’ll dislike some of her co-workers. I think you will be as excited as I am that there are more cases to solve in Hart’s Ridge! – Phyllis, pjp-reviews.com




As soon as I started reading, Taylor and Bernard just took hold. I really enjoyed these characters (one is a dog). I felt a connection to Taylor; vulnerable, strong, and independent. Loyal to her family and to her job. -Beatrice, Goodreads Reviewer




An intriguing mystery with a great twist. It involves a missing mother, her vulnerable four-year-old child, a strong, smart, female police officer, and her fabulous, brave, and heartbroken rescue dog! Who could ask for more? I absolutely LOVED it! -Jan, Bookbub Reviewer




I have read and loved every single book Kay Bratt has written, and Hart’s Ridge is no exception. What I loved about it is that she has entered into a new genre, mystery with a splash of romance and a jigger of family messiness. Did I mention there is a dog? Kay has always written about strong women, and Hart’s Ridge is no exception. -Kathy, Amazon Reviewer




This is my first Kay Bratt book. I can tell you it won’t be my last. I loved it from page one. A small town murder with all the small town drama. That ending Kay….it had me in tears. -Cindy, Goodreads Reviewer




This is a first in a new series by the talented author, Kay Bratt, and I could not be more excited. I honestly could not put this book down! While the storyline consisted of a mystery, this story was much more. It had so much heart and depth. I would highly recommend if you are looking for something light-hearted, but utterly entertaining. -krmccollom, Bookbub Reviewer
The post [LOWEST PRICE YET] ON AMAZON All STAR WINNING BOOK! appeared first on Kay Bratt.
[LOWEST PRICE YET] ON AMAZON CHARTS WINNING BOOK!
Book one, Hart’s Ridge, is on sale for just a few days on Kindle! These are also in Kindle Unlimited! Grab it here for 99 Cents —–> USA https://amzn.to/41XT4HTUK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Harts-Ridge-Book…/dp/B0BGD2N93HCanada https://www.amazon.ca/Harts-Ridge-Book-ebook/dp/B0BGD2N93HAustralia https://www.amazon.com.au/Harts-Ridge-Book…/dp/B0BGD2N93H★ If Robyn Carr and Melinda Leigh had a book-baby, Hart’s Ridge would be it. Join Kay Bratt in this small town mystery series with cases to solve, and a small-town deputy determined to do it.When five-year-old Molly walks into a gas station on the outskirts of town, alone and barely speaking, one sheriff’s deputy is determined to reunite her with her missing mother.Nestled gently in the Blue Ridge mountains, Hart’s Ridge is a small and yet undiscovered quaint town. That is until you dig a little deeper and learn that no matter how perfect things look, every town has its secrets. Taylor Gray has lived there since she was a kid and has clawed her way out of poverty, foster care, and then the police academy to reach her dream of being in law enforcement.However, the townspeople aren’t the only ones that she is committed to serve and protect. She’s also the unofficial caretaker of her father and adult sisters, a family fractured by tragedy and barely keeping it together. Her role is heavy and rarely appreciated, but she’ll stop at nothing to try to piece them back together one day.The mother of a young girl is missing. Time is of the essence and Taylor plunges into the investigation, determined to find her and reunite mother and child. When the sheriff brings a familiar face in to take charge, things begin to unravel at a pace hard to keep up with, and what they find is every law enforcement officer’s worst nightmare.Hart’s Ridge is a standalone novel and book one of the new Hart’s Ridge mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, International Best-Selling Author of Wish Me Home and True To Me.EDITORIAL REVIEWS“Kay Bratt never disappoints and Hart’s Ridge is no exception. A fast-paced story, filled with drama and secrets in a small-town that will capture your heart.” Tammy L Grace, USA Today Bestselling Author
A Selection of 5-Star Reviews:




Perfect for TV fans of shows like Blue Bloods or NYPD Blue or Chicago Blue or the various Law and Order shows. Bratt’s explicit inspiration here is the true crime genre she personally loves, and in fact the case here is based on a real-world case nearly four decades old. But it is *also* a women’s fiction tale of a woman, her family, her small town, and the various secrets involved all around, all over town. -Jeff, BookAnon.com




Kay is such a talented author with fiction that spans different genres, and this one gives a cosy mystery crime thriller kind of vibe. I was fully invested in the story and cannot wait to read the next one! -Ritu, ButIsmileAnyway.com




I loved that Hart’s Ridge is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. That in itself is a big pull for me. I love small towns and I have a special place in my heart for the Blue Ridge Mountains. I highly recommend this book. You will love Taylor and you’ll dislike some of her co-workers. I think you will be as excited as I am that there are more cases to solve in Hart’s Ridge! – Phyllis, pjp-reviews.com




As soon as I started reading, Taylor and Bernard just took hold. I really enjoyed these characters (one is a dog). I felt a connection to Taylor; vulnerable, strong, and independent. Loyal to her family and to her job. -Beatrice, Goodreads Reviewer




An intriguing mystery with a great twist. It involves a missing mother, her vulnerable four-year-old child, a strong, smart, female police officer, and her fabulous, brave, and heartbroken rescue dog! Who could ask for more? I absolutely LOVED it! -Jan, Bookbub Reviewer




I have read and loved every single book Kay Bratt has written, and Hart’s Ridge is no exception. What I loved about it is that she has entered into a new genre, mystery with a splash of romance and a jigger of family messiness. Did I mention there is a dog? Kay has always written about strong women, and Hart’s Ridge is no exception. -Kathy, Amazon Reviewer




This is my first Kay Bratt book. I can tell you it won’t be my last. I loved it from page one. A small town murder with all the small town drama. That ending Kay….it had me in tears. -Cindy, Goodreads Reviewer




This is a first in a new series by the talented author, Kay Bratt, and I could not be more excited. I honestly could not put this book down! While the storyline consisted of a mystery, this story was much more. It had so much heart and depth. I would highly recommend if you are looking for something light-hearted, but utterly entertaining. -krmccollom, Bookbub Reviewer
The post [LOWEST PRICE YET] ON AMAZON CHARTS WINNING BOOK! appeared first on Kay Bratt.
April 7, 2023
Do you get my news?
Plus other goings ons around here with the Pack:
Book news, of course!PS. That book is NOT ON SALE (YET) but all my subscribers will see that graphic in the newsletter when it is on sale!
Join Here to Get Kay’s News!
The post Do you get my news? appeared first on Kay Bratt.
March 25, 2023
FREE BOOK for FIVE DAYS ONLY!
As a gift to my readers, I’m offering Chasing China, A Daughter’s Quest for Truth, FREE for five days on Kindle! This is the first novel I ever wrote and many of you already have it, but for my new readers, this is big book with a lot of drama. Buckle up! Grab it [here].
The post FREE BOOK for FIVE DAYS ONLY! appeared first on Kay Bratt.
March 14, 2023
I Released a New Book This Week!
Within In My Life, the third book of the Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series, Deputy Taylor Gray investigates a triple murder alongside her unofficial partner, Detective Shane Weaver. While juggling her professional duties, Taylor also struggles to navigate personal decisions and determine what it will take to help bring balance to her life.
Meanwhile, Catherine, recently released from a 20-year prison sentence, attempts to reintegrate into society, but faces rejection from potential employers and distrust from her adult daughters. Will she be able to find the stability and peace that she longs for?
As readers delve deeper into the town’s secrets, they will discover the darker side of Hart’s Ridge, proving that even seemingly perfect places have hidden flaws. Bratt masterfully weaves a thrilling tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In My Life is book three of the new Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, million-copy best-selling author of Wish Me Home and True to Me.
5.0 out of 5 stars A crime thriller
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better with each book Kay Bratt writes. The first words of the first one pulled me in and the excitement doesn’t quit. Each book has a mystery to solve, and we learn ever more about the Gray family and their interactions with each other. Cate is looking for a job, Jo and Anna remain a bit mysterious and standoffish, and Lucy just continues to be Lucy; while Taylor is still trying to protect everyone. Oh, how I admire Ms Bratt’s storytelling ability and her characters. She always has strong women at the forefront. A doozy, the mystery in this read affects the entire community. I couldn’t even venture a guess at solving it. I wanted to know the conclusion but I didn’t want the book to end. Highly recommend! 5.0 out of 5 stars Hart’s Ridge Keeps Getting Better!Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
In My Life by Kay Bratt is book number three in the Hart’s Ridge series. If you love police procedurals, mysteries, family dynamics, romance or anything along those lines, you would love this series. After reading the first book in the series, which is Hart’s Ridge, I couldn’t wait to read more. I thought book one was great and the second one was better and In My Life was better yet. I highly recommend this series. I can’t wait to read more and see where it is headed.
The main character is Taylor Grey. So far each book is about a different crime and a different member of the cast. In My Life is about Cate who is Taylor’s mother who spent twenty years in prison after being convicted of murder and arson. I love Cate’s tenacity. She works hard to re-enter society and the lives of her children while maintaining her patience. I wanted to be able to hug her so many times.
The case in this new addition to the series deals with a triple murder that takes place on a Christmas Tree farm. Taylor spends long hours tracking down leads and trying to solve this murder. For a case that seemed unsolvable, I loved where the clues actually came from. I think you will too. It is quite ingenious.
Kay Bratt does an awesome job with her character development. She also does a great job of leaving you wanting more. The first four books in this series are coming out in quick succession and I understand there will be four more but they will release with more time in between. I am not sure how I will handle that. I love diving into a series and binge reading. At this point, I am so engrossed in the series and the relationships, I am sure I’ll be waiting impatiently for more. Give this series a try. Until next time…Happy Reading!
5.0 out of 5 stars Small Town MysteryReviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
WOW! This is the third book in the Hart’s Ridge series. A triple murder has taken place and deputy Taylor Gray is hoping to solve it. She wants the killer caught and her town of Hart’s Ridge to feel safe. Suspense, twists and turns, secrets, mystery, relationships and dogs to keep you turning the pages. And if that is not enough the family dynamics alone will keep you intrigued. I am really loving this new series by Kay Bratt. Can’t wait for the next book.The post I Released a New Book This Week! appeared first on Kay Bratt.
February 23, 2023
WIN 8 BOOKS by 8 BESTSELLING AUTHORS!
8 Bestselling Authors = 1 Fabulous Giveaway!
Enter for a chance to win eight signed books including: Vanishing Girls by @lisareganauthor , Hart’s Ridge by @Kay Bratt, Her Last Breath by @Dan Padavona, The Little Grave by @authorcarolynarnold , The Silent Dolls by @@ritaherronauthor , Don’t Know Jack by @Diane Capri , and Blind Blake by Denise Grover Swank – Author , and Killer Music by Tammy L. Grace, Author .Immerse yourself in the world of mysteries and thrillers when you win this HUGE GIVEAWAY of autographed paperback books by bestselling authors you know and love!Learn more and enter here —>https://www.subscribepage.com/mysterythriller8bookgiveawayCOMMENT BELOW and let me know if you entered!Ends March 8, 2023. Not affiliated with Facebook or Instagram in any way.#giveaway #signedbooks #bookgiveaway #mysterythriller#giveaway #bookstagram #bookworm #books #bibliophile #booklover #bookish #booknerd #bookaddict #womensfiction #fiction #booklovers #authorsofinstagram #litfic #bookclub #bookgiveaways #bookgiveawayalert #bookstafiends #booksbooksbooks #bookgiveawayThe post WIN 8 BOOKS by 8 BESTSELLING AUTHORS! appeared first on Kay Bratt.
February 14, 2023
Lucy In the Sky is Here!
Lucy Gray doesn’t always start trouble, but it’s sure to be there when she arrives. This time, when she runs from her hometown, she’s determined to undo her biggest mistake yet and finally hits some good luck. But her sister, Taylor, has always told her that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. This time, she might be right.Deputy Taylor Gray grew up wanting to solve crime, but she never dreamed of taking on a case that could change her family forever, either bringing them together in a healthier dynamic or shattering any hope of ever fixing the many fractures within. With this one, there’s no other option—she will get to the truth.
The Hart’s Ridge series features Deputy Taylor Gray, a young woman carrying the world on her shoulders as she does her best to solve mysteries and piece her fractured family back together.
Lucy in the Sky is book two of the new Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, million-copy best-selling author of Wish Me Home and True to Me.
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Im6pCf A Selection of 5-Star Reviews for Lucy in the Sky!



Ms. Bratt’s characters are real and flawed. Old and new, she brings more life to each of them. This is a fast paced story filled with family drama, secrets, mystery and emotion. -@mokwip89911



Oh wow!! I absolutely loved book #1 in the Hart’s Ridge series but little did I know that the author would kick it up another notch or two with the second book. Lucy in the Sky was amazing and I was totally drawn into Lucy’s life and struggles. And then there’s Taylor over there with a huge case, a family secret that she is trying to get to the bottom of and get answers to. The drama surrounding both sisters intrigued me and compelled me to devour the story. – SusantheBookBag Blog



Kay Bratt’s venture into mystery and true crime fiction is a home run for me. -Susan, Amazon Reviewer



This was an excellent suspense, crime drama and I am left wanting more! – @akshihtzu, BookBub



The book is filled with charm and wit, signatures of the author, as well as a lot of family drama. It is a quick read that is realistic and the basis on a true story made it even more interesting for me. – Vickie, Amazon Reviewer



I love that each story has an element that is based on a real-life crime or situation that has happened. It makes each story a whole lot more interesting! I can’t wait for the third book to come out now! -Ritu, Goodreads



The way this author brought this all together and gave us just what we wanted was so good. Well written and well rounded story of a family of almost lost sisters. Sisters who when the chips are down they are there for each other. -Linda, GoodreadsGrab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Im6pCfThe post Lucy In the Sky is Here! appeared first on Kay Bratt.
January 3, 2023
Whatever Will Be, Will Be
Approximately three years ago, my Ben and I moved into our dream house. Working with awesome builders who became very good friends, every tiny piece of the home was designed to our wants and needs. We went with the modern farmhouse design. Gray floors, white shiplap. Black leathered countertops on one side and gray/white marbled on the island. Sparkling white cabinetry. Floor to ceiling windows. Even a built in doggie door and benches! Natural jute rugs and blinds throughout. Gorgeous gas logs to stare at.
It was beautiful, y’all.
As for my Ben, he loved having our own boat slip and a great neighborhood to ride the golf cart around in. It was so clean and well-kept.
Six months or so passes and we are completely happy in our new forever home.
I go shopping, which surprisingly, isn’t something I really do often. But sometimes if I have to to the town over for a doctor appointment, or hair, I’ll pop in a shop or two. And you must know, I’m not someone who collects things. I do not like clutter, or collections, or useless purchases. I will think about things for ages (and research the best deals/reviews) before buying. I’m not a impulse buyer.
But one day I was in a store and I saw this little blue bird.
I do love birds. But I admired it and walked on, because that blue didn’t go with anything in my new home. It was completely off-design.
As I strolled through the aisles, I kept thinking of that little bird and I felt drawn to it! I didn’t understand it all, and didn’t have a place to put it that I thought it would look good, but I found myself going back and examining it again.
Then I popped it into my cart, unsure why or where it would go, but feeling like I had to have it.
So I brought it home and put it in my office, where it wasn’t front and center in the main rooms.
Fast forward a couple of years, and the neighborhood ended up not being so wonderful any more. Suddenly there were too many homes being squeezed in, and a difficult neighbor or two. I spent my downtime looking at Zillow, dreaming of somewhere new.
Then one day in my emails, I saw a day-old listing for a house in the country.
A one-bedroom log cabin built in 1989 and then expanded in 1998.
The photos were old. Really old and the house looked like it needed a lot of work.
But it came with 19 acres of woods with lake access.
No dock or slip. Orange linoleum kitchen floors. Old cabinets.
But lots of privacy.
I called the number.
“Sorry,” homeowner said. “I took the listing down after 24 hours. I’m buried with people who want to see it and am not taking any more lookers.”
I begged. I pleaded.
So he said if we’d come at 9pm, (!!) we could see the house last.
Even without seeing pictures of the updated areas of the house, I wrote up an offer.
When we arrived, it was dark but as soon as we followed the long gravel driveway up to the house, we were in love. Without even walking in.
The owner was talking to the couple who was finishing up, and they were making it clear that they were putting in an offer.
But so did we.
The one room that had been remodeled was the kitchen, and it was beautiful.
The owner had three offers to choose from the next day.
But he chose ours, even though it wasn’t the highest.
He chose ours because we had a connection via both being involved in the adoption circles.
We moved in and have been having a ball fixing this place up and making it comfortable for our grandkids to come visit.
My Ben got a tractor and he’s over the moon about it.
The Bratt Pack has lots of places to explore, and no visible neighbors to bark at.
We have a quaint little path to walk down in the woods to be at our cove.
The style of this house is country, cozy, and fits us perfectly.
We are loving having real, raging fires in our stone fireplace.
And remember that useless, un-matching blue bird?
It is the exact color of the already painted kitchen in our new house, and has a place of honor in my amazing kitchen.
We call this place Hart’s Ridge.
And we are so blessed to have this home.
God knows what he’s doing.
Even if we don’t.
The post Whatever Will Be, Will Be appeared first on Kay Bratt.


