Leaving Annalise

What Doesn't Kill You #2

by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Multi-awardwinning, Bestselling Romantic Mystery Series
Leaving Annalise picks up the What Doesn't Kill You series with more romance, hilarity, and thrills.

One unexpected and hotly fought-over little boy, two dead bodies, and a series of home vandalisms throw Texas attorney turned island chanteuse Katie Connell into a tizzy. Juggling all of this, Bloody Mary cravings, baggage, and the bad guys too, she waffles between the jumbie house that brought her back from the brink and the man she believes is the love of her life.

See why this series won contest after contest.
2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, Romance, Quarter-finalist (Winner TBA 7-21-14)
2011 Winner of the Houston Writers Guild Mainstream Novel Contest
2010 Winner of the Writers League of Texas Romance Contest
2012 Winner of the Houston Writers Guild Ghost Story Contest

˃˃˃ Once Upon A Romance calls Hutchins an "up-and-coming powerhouse writer."
If you like Sandra Brown or Janet Evanovich, you will love Pamela Fagan Hutchins. A former attorney and native Texan, Pamela lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands for nearly ten years. She refuses to admit to taking notes for this series during that time.

˃˃˃ The reviews are in, and they're good. Very, very good.
"Taut suspense." Midwest Book Review

"Quick, entertaining read." Kirkus Reviews

“Fantastic mystery.” Once Upon a Romance

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

312 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2013

About the author

I'm a USA Today bestselling mystery/suspense/thriller author and a big horse and rescue dog enthusiast.

Free starter library https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/sign-...

You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they're a lot of fun if you do them like this:

* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG):
Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, and Sitting Duck.

* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13):
BIG HORN

* What Doesn't Kill You Super Series:
1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity
2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay
3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box
4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)
5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout

I also have a children's book series featuring Poppy, the world's best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier.

My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run a rustic, off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. When I'm not writing or riding, I'm passionate about wilderness sports, always with a couple of rescue dogs, bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don't sneak up on me).

I've made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books "in print" of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my show Wine Women & Writing, too, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure. Subscribe free at http://bit.ly/PamelaWWWR <--case sensitive.

If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya.
There are many ways: This website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot come. And you can follow me around the web:
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...
Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...
Twitter http://twitter.com/PamelotH
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/pamelafaganh...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pamelafaganhu...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pamelafaganhu...
And, finally, to learn more about my fellow SkipJack Publishing authors, visit: http://skipjackpublishing.com/.

Reviews

[Nan Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky, lucky me! I received an advance copy for the purpose of this review and may I just say I am glad? I knew a sequel was coming and was on pins and needles at the thought of having to wait for it. I wanted to know more about the jumbie house, whether the heroine gets the hero or not, and the flavors and sounds that come alive in this book about island living, murder and mayhem, with a side of suspense and psychotic behavior. What's not to love?

That being said, you should read Saving Grace (Katie and Annalise Series) first because that is where you are introduced to the wonderful, full bodied and sometimes zany characters. That is important. You want to know these people - they could be you or your best friend or your irritating neighbors - except living on a beautiful island. I found Leaving Annalise a perfect second book in this series, even better than the first one, and I really liked the first one! I will be purchasing a copy as soon as it comes out!

[Rhonda Erb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I loved Saving Grace, I love Leaving Annalise even more. It had me laughing one minute and holding my breath the next (again and again). I felt a kinship with Katie Connell and could totally see this book being made into a movie. Pamela Fagan Hutchins is a true wordsmith and talented story-teller. I'm ready for her next book already!
*I received an advance copy for the purpose of a review.*

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book by Pamela Fagan Hutchins in the Katie and Annalise series opens up 6 months after the end of Saving Grace. Katie has almost finished with the renovations and is moving into the jumbie house. Despite being thrilled that she has made the jumbie house her home, there are strange things afoot at the house. Between searching for missing tile and wondering why there are holes in walls, an unexpected guest shows up on St. Marcos. Add to all that, Bart has turned into a jerk and Ava is pushing to get a producer to help their career singing get into 2nd gear. The unexpected guest arrives with baggage, and proceeds to wreak havoc on Katie’s life. Bart refuses to believe Katie when she breaks up with him and then does creepy, stalker things like breaking into Katie’s truck to leave flowers.
This second book lives up to the promise in book one. While sometimes the author is prone to overdo certain points of foretelling, it is a good story and well written. Whether Katie is fighting with the construction of her house, a hurricane, or psychotic drug dealers, she is a person you feel invested in and cheer for her to win.

[Joan Mcnamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first book and wanted to like this one. I thought the characters were underdeveloped and I guess I was never really sure where the plot was headed in this book. First I thought it was a love story, then a mystery, then voodoo, then the whole end threw me. Honestly, I think 3 stars for this was generous-it was a bit of a discombobulated mess for me. Unfortunate because I like the author and wanted to care about these characters from the first book.

[Esther Somorai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from the author through GoodReads, first-reads giveaway. Thank you so much.

A beautiful, eye catching cover, love it. This was a little bit different type of read for me, but found it very interesting and kept me reading. Enjoyed the book for the most part. There's a lot of characters and interaction going on throughout this story to keep your interest up for sure.

[R.P. Dahlke · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Saving Grace, the first in this wonderful romantic mystery series, I had to buy this book. Though it doesn't have the tension of the 1st book, it's refreshingly sweet, funny, romantic and just plain enjoyable. I will continue to read any and everything this author writes.

[Robert Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

when a man from her past enters the picture, a murder in her boyfriend's restaurant and a child in need throw everything into chaos. Forced to choose between the spirited house that saved her and a man who may just be the love of her life, Katie almost yearns for the simpler dramas she faced as a lawyer

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving Annalise by Pamela Fagan Hutchins is a 2013 SkipJack publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Leaving Annalise picks up right where Saving Grace left off. Katie is stunned to find that Nick has traveled all the way from Texas to see her. Now if you read the first book in this series, having Nick show up sort of left me conflicted. I felt like Katie had gone through enough and was finally going to have a little peace and then BAM! the source of so many of her troubles shows up and opens up all those old hurts again.

Things are not always as they appear and Nick ,as it turns out, has a plausible explanation for his behavior. He also has his hands full with family issues. His sister has a child and is on the run from her psycho boyfriend. Nick has promised to help her which means he can't stay with Katie. So, Nick goes back to the States and Katie stays and works on her home. But, one thing after another keeps the work on the house from ever making much progress and Katie's former boyfriend, Bart, didn't take the break up all that well.

Just when it seems that maybe Nick and Katie will finally have their happy ever after.... yep you guessed it. Life interferes and Katie will have to chose between staying in Annalise or going back to the States with Nick.

I really love this series. In this second chapter we get to finally find out why Nick was such a little jerk in the first book and we can catch up with all the people we met in the first book.
The charm of this series is that the author doesn't weave an epic unrealistic fairytale type romance. ( although I'm a sucker for those too)
Katie's life is a challenge as she tries to stay sober, deal with a long distance relationship, an exasperating best friend, an ex boyfriend with a vendetta', and becoming a "mother" to Nick's nephew.
Katie and Nick do the best they can with the cards they are dealt. This is what true love is all about. It's not always hearts and flowers. Life is tough and Katie and Nick don't always see things the same way and they argue, but they also work things out.
Katie has done some real growing up since we first met her. She is doing a great job of staying sober and taking on some rather unexpected challenges.
Nick is actually good for Katie after all. He still gets under her skin especially when he is the calm voice of reason and she wants to be mad.

Once more there is a lot going on with Bart going off the deep end, Ava still trying to become a star, the sabotage on Annalise, crimes, intrigue, tragedy and yes, our ghost is still making an occasional appearance. There is laughter, tears, heartbreak, fear, anger, and disappointments, and there is also love, commitment, family bonds, and hopefully and there will be more adventures like this one in the new book due out next month! Stay tuned! Overall this one is an A.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have received an advance copy for the purpose of a review.
Let me just say I devoured it like it was chocolate! I loved Saving Grace and I loved Leaving Annalise just as much if not more!
If a book makes me laugh out loud it immediately makes it to my favorites list! I lost count at how many times I laughed out loud. I am more of a mystery reader than a romantic novel reader and I loved the thrills and excitement. I found the romance believable, real and even sweet. I found myself smiling through the "love scenes" at times. I think if Katie were a real person, we would be friends. I can't wait to see what she does next... I already miss her.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening scene is hilarious and the book flys from there on. Its pacing is great, its characters colorful, great twists in the mystery, and then things that you hoped might be pulled through from Saving Grace, (the first in the series) are.
The author NAILS the dialog and feel of island living. It is really only something that can be done by someone who has actually lived there.
The books is awesome the series is awesome and rather than falling off as it goes, it gets better and better.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An altogether enjoyable blend of light mystery and contemporary romance with a touch of the supernatural. The whole jumbie (haunted) house and fun tropical island vibe really sets this apart. I jumped in without first reading the series' intro, Saving Grace , but there was just enough backstory that I didn't feel lost.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating read about the life of Katie, more safe and fairy-tale-ish than her previous book. All is fairly predictable, even climax at the end. Of course, Katie becomes the butt-kicking hero of the story who saves the day and new mother of her husband's nephew (his sister passes away). Kept me engaged and reading, and excited to see what comes next in the series.

[Jane Alderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was I wrong?

When Katie begins to question herself about suddenly being thrown into Motherhood, it doesn't take long for her to realize that whatever happens, LOVE will win!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving Annalise pretty much picked up where its predecessor, Saving Grace, left off. I happen to enjoy that in a series. But yet, this story can completely stand on its own. It is not necessary to read its predecessor to enjoy this story. But reading it is sort of like a bonus!

Why is Katie Leaving Annalise?
Annalise is a house. Well, okay, it’s more like a mansion. But it’s the place Katie fell in love with and purchased when she moved to St. Marcos, an island in the Caribbean. It is thought by the locals that Annalise is a jumbie house: haunted.

But Katie loves Nick even more than her jumbie house. After Katie finally gets that wedding ring on her finger, Nick’s life takes an unexpected turn for the worse, and the only way to fix it is to move back to Texas. Katie puts her beloved Annalise on the market and follows Nick’s journey, wherever it may lead.

What follows is an adventure with enough twists and turns to make this mystery novel equal to a thriller!

I was utterly delighted with the way the author set this all up. The problem Nick was faced with just had to be fixed – for the sake of morality! Katie’s decision to follow him and leave Annalise just tugs at the heartstrings. As the tension builds and we wake upon the climax, the author keeps us there for several pages — unable to stop reading until we know how Katie and Nick will fare!

Leaving Annalise: Technically Speaking
There were very few SPAG errors, and the pacing was perfect. As in the first novel of the series, the reader experiences the flavor of St. Marcos, with the local dialect and the author’s vivid descriptions.

When I started reading this Kindle version, I didn’t notice that there was a long excerpt from the next book in the series at the end of this story. Thus, I was happy reading along, with Kindle telling me I was about 65 percent done with the book, when I suddenly realized that the climax was starting! I was totally unprepared for it, which made it that much more exciting! However, it was already 2:30 a.m. when I got to that point, so this author kept me up way too late turning pages, because I just could not stop! But that’s a good thing!

Will I be reading the next installment in this series? I already have it on my Kindle! (You should, too!)

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving Annalise - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Katie is the other half of a singing duo with Ava, the latter always hoping for fame and fortune away from her small island career in this romantic mystery by the amazing and prolific Pamela Fagan Hutchins.

As events change quickly and an old flame she thought had gone out for good returns to San Marcos island, Katie's life is about to be turned upside down in ways she's never dreamt of. Torn between two lovers - old and new - Katie tries to get her 'jumbie house', Estate Annalise, in order before the hurricane season begins, which is not easy as Bart's very possessive and Nick has family issues to resolve back in the States.

Who are Teresa and Derek - and why is Nick worried about their son? What happens at Annalise when the hurricane arrives? Where does Katie see Annalise and what is she holding? Why does Nick have to return to the States unexpectedly after his and Katie's wedding? Who calls Katie 'Mama' and who will do so in the future?
How does Annalise scare off Bart? What does Katie find in the wall space? What does she put inside it for Nick to see?

With travelling between two cultures and trying to live two lifestyles leaves Katie feeling fraught, can she and Nick ever find peace and happiness to raise their new family together? Read this charming murder mystery if you like Death in Paradise or the Murder She Wrote tv series' - it will leave you with a smile on your face as you finish it!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the story begins, we find Katie living at the island, getting Annalise ready to be her home. But Bart, his boyfriend from book one? Not as nice as he seemed. And Nick shows up. Unannounced. With apologies... and a baby?

And so it begins! A lot of stuff is happening; there was a murder at Bart's restaurant, Nick's parents are being harassed by his sister's boyfriend, father of his nephew; and things only get worse from that point on. There is even a hurricane!

This book is excellent. And having Katie's POV makes it so easy to engage with her story. You understand her motivations, her fears, her hopes. She's doing her best to stay sober, trying hard to heal, and has done so much growing... It's amazing!

And the rest of the cast is great, too; they are three-dimentional and interesting. I love all of them, but Eva! oh, Eva... who hasn't had a friend like her?

And Annalise is such a powerful character! Yes, I know, jumbie house! and yet, an awesome character :P

The writing is beautiful, evocative, exciting. You'll be laughing one second, and terrified the next. A story that is really worth your time.

Ashley Ulery keeps doing an extraordinarily good job here, so cherry on top =D

One thing, though. Read/listen the first book before this one. You need to get to know and understand these characters before delving into this one.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is book two in the series and was nice to catch up with what feels like old friends and to find out the next chapter in Katie's life. This was more of a romance story with a side story of mystery but I still enjoyed it. I love the idea of the haunted house and the way she plays a big part in Katie's life and decision.
The love of Katie's life turns up with a big surprise that soon has her world turning upside down. With the big surprise comes baggage and dead bodies neither which are good. Katie was a lawyer before she gave it all up to live on an island, so is no strange to fighting for what she wants but soon she has a big decision as to what she wants more the house of her dreams or the man she has always wanted. With the island throwing up hurricanes and work contractors ripping her off, things are not easy to begin with, add in treasure hunters and drug dealers , then add in a mad ghost and things get really complicated, This book is about the struggles one family faces to stay together and alive.
The narrator was a pleasure to listen to and has a nice singing voice.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of a series withing a series. But it stands alone quite well. Katie has shucked her former life as a lawyer in Texas and she is rebuilding a beautiful, but decrepit mansion in the Caribbean. She shares the mansion with a ghost, who is bent on protecting the woman who is rebuilding the house. This isn't really a ghost story, but the ghost adds a bit of intriguing spice to a great story. Katie has found the love of her life, but her former boyfriend isn't having it. Another shadow is a dangerous man who wants his son, who is temporarily being raised by the boy's uncle until the baby's mother comes home from the Marines.

I have really enjoyed all the books in this series. I started reading them out of order, but it doesn't matter. I do suggest reading each of the mini-series in order so that you get maximum enjoyment.

I listened to this book on audio. The author is the narrator and she does an outstanding job. I heartily recommend this book to mature readers.

[Dee]

I loved these three books, but I'm always afraid I'll give too much away. If you read the first book, Saving Grace, you will want to continue on. There is always a little mystery, some bad guys and Katie continuing to wrap herself around her new life. Married to the man of her dreams, who has been raising his nephew, Katie and Nick move back to Texas so Nick can try to keep custody of the young boy once Nick's sister, a Marine, is killed in action. The father has been in prison, but now wants the boy back. Katie reluctantly puts Annalise up for sale and thinks she will never go back. Ava isn't happy with Katie because she wants a record deal being offered if they go to New York to meet with the music industry big wigs, but Katie has no intention of leaving Nick and the boy who considers her his mother. This leads to trouble back on the island, and there is also trouble brewing in Texas. If you read the first book, you will want to read Leaving Annalise.

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always knew there was more to Nick’s speech than Katie allowed him to say. Granted she was in a bad space at the time and I think things worked out the way they were supposed to. Annalise let’s herself be known when he arrives at the island home but nothing comes easy to Katie or Nick. Little mysteries and big a like trouble the island and Annalise. As with all of Pamela Fagan Hutchins stories you get a bit of everything and lots of excitement!

I cannot tell you how much I love her stories! First, they are all long, you get what feels like several books in one every time! Romantic, mysterious, filled with a sense of spirituality, funny and so much suspense! Pamela weaves a wonderful tale I cannot wait for the next one!

[Mary Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

* audio book review *

Ready for more adventure with our attorney Katie turned islander? I so was and this book didn't disappoint. This story had so much to it. People who we thought we had figured out in book one totally turned out to be different. I am not going to give details because there are many surprises in this book and they start in the beginning. I will tell you that this book is full of the humor, romance, adventure, suspense and mystery. I felt like Katie was a dear friend of mine. But I have to say she can't keep herself out of trouble. We also start to learn the mystery of her house Annalise. There is a supernatural element that I just loved. I am fully invested in her tale and I can't wait to continue on.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Saving Grace and Leaving Annalise back to back this week while I was sick. It's like spending time with a fun, quirky friend who has it all together better than she realizes and you get to go along for the ride. After reading Saving Grace, I *had* to get Leaving Annalise so I could hear the rest of the story. Yea Nick!

My one criticism is that the dialogue from male characters sometimes sounds too artificial. Some of the responses sound more like a woman's response than what most of the men in my life would say. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I thought I wouldn't go on - and then I couldn't stop!
I like the blend of romance and mystery with a good pinch of the supernatural thrown in.
And I like the main character, not always, but most of the time. Which makes her quite "real" to me.
But I also agree with some other readers - it's not clear for quite some time where the story is headed, and I found the middle part lengthy. When I was close to putting this down, suddenly things picked up again and I simply had to finish the book!
A low four rather than a high three for me.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The house Katie wanted was back on the market, so even though the locals say it is haunted she buys Annalise. Workers were lazy, doing things in their own time. Firing them resulted in material being stolen, damages.
Then Ava her new friend has gotten her up on stage singing. Her love life brought Nick back into her life and then more changes for her. Does she end up selling her house Annalise and moving back to Texas with Nick.
Interesting plot, showing the struggles and how she is maturing. The narration by Ashley Ulrey was good. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to see Katie move into her gorgeous home on the British Virgin island of St Marcos, and even happier when Nick joined her and they got married, but the book seemed to drag after so many things went wrong. The jumbie Annalise (spirit of the house) obviously has powers, so why couldn't she (and the 5 dogs) stop people from constantly damaging and stealing from the property?

After taking down 3 major bad guys, let's hope that they will have some peace when they move back to their mansion in the forest, along with baby Taylor, of whom Nick now has full custody.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the first book free on Kindle, and despite having another book already started, couldn't stop thinking about the characters and what would happen to them next. I was not disappointed. Book 2 takes Katie in a direction I wasn't expecting - but I was hooked on the story and delighted with where it went.
If you're looking for an engaging and lighthearted read, I strongly recommend this series.

[Christiane Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to see this story kick it up a notch for Katie in the romance department. It kept you guessing again, and the resulting connections were clever and satisfying. Watching Katie struggle with her new roles, and stepping into real responsibility, was exciting. I can't wait to see where book #3 will take her!

[Chris Blackton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am quite enjoying this series. I like the setting (a Caribbean Island called St. Marcos). It gives the book a different spin not least of which is the Jumbie (a Voodoo spirit) named Annalise. The way the people think, look and behave; the different police reactions; the weather (a hurricane in this book); the food; polar opposites from North American standards.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the 1st book in the series. This was good too but had more paranormal, more relationship drama, and less mystery. Katie has to choose between her house and Nick. Nick has to choose between his baby nephew and Katie. There is a bit of mystery but it doesn't really come into play until the end. The book kept me engaged and it was enjoyable.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable break from reality during evacuation. My only issue is that I couldn't quite figure out what the "story" was through most of this novel. It did tie up at the end in some unexpected ways, but I would've liked to have gotten what the central story was throughout. Or maybe I'm just missing Maggie and Michelle!