The Truth Lies Buried

Borteen Secrets #2

by Morton S. Gray

The past never stays buried for long . . .

Jenny Simpson has found herself back in her seaside hometown. She’s returned to Borteen Bay after receiving some crushing news. But it’s also a chance to begin again.

A new job leads her to widower Carver Rogers, an enigmatic and handsome sculptor she can’t get out of her head.

Jenny and Carver are drawn to one another despite the emotional scars that they’d rather keep hidden.

But they have more in common than they think . . . They’re shocked to learn that both their fathers disappeared without a trace twenty-five years ago.

And it all links back to a meeting at a police station one fateful night.

Now Jenny and Carver have found one another, can they solve the decades-old mystery? Perhaps they can find a way to move on from their tragic pasts . . . together?

But is Carver really on Jenny’s side — or could the truth be buried beneath their feet?

Genres: Romantic Suspense

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2018

About the author

Morton lives with her husband, two sons and Lily, the tiny white dog, in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember, penning her first attempt at a novel aged fourteen, the plot of which closely resembled an Errol Flynn film. As with many authors, life got in the way of writing for many years until she won a short story competition in 2006 and the spark was well and truly reignited.

She studied creative writing with the Open College of the Arts and joined the Romantic Novelists’ New Writers’ Scheme in 2012. After shortlisting in several first chapter competitions, she won The Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Star competition in 2016 with her novel ‘The Girl on the Beach’. She has gone on to publish a further five books with Choc Lit 'The Truth Lies Buried', 'Christmas at Borteen Bay', 'Sunny Days at the Beach', 'Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe' and 'Summer at Lucerne Lodge' She has stories in two charity anthologies 'Cosy Christmas Treats' and 'Sunny Summer Treats' both published by Choc Lit Publishing.

Previous 'incarnations' were in committee services, staff development and training. Morton has a Business Studies degree and is a fully qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She also has diplomas in Tuina Acupressure Massage and Energy Field Therapy.

She enjoys crafts, history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

Reviews

[Kirsty ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Girl on the Beach, the first in this series so I was really looking forward to reading this …and it didn’t disappoint. In fact I may have loved it more than the first book. Morton is definitely turning into one of my favourite romantic suspense authors.

I loved the way these two lives come together and both rediscover a shared past of their fathers disappearance. I also loved seeing Carver open up and start to see how he can live, and love again.

The twists I guessed but was still pleasantly surprised to be right about. There’s a section in the book where Carver and Jenny try and guess what happened to their fathers which includes silly ones as well as more serious guesses. I did something similar, not expecting to be right. So that’s me nice and smug.

It flows well, it’s a fast read and I was reluctant to put it down. I ended up with a later night reading session to finish it. It has something for everyone. A fantastic read

Right, now I’m off to dig the garden for buried treasure 🙂

(Read the book find find out why…)

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the first part of this series as well. So I was very curieus to read the next one. I was very pleasantly surprised. I liked this book even better than the first one. Although there was a lot of romance, there was also a lot of sadness, but always with a hint of suspense in the background. I adore this combination. It kept me wanting to read on and on and on until the end. It was very hard to put it away. I simply loved it and I am already looking forward to the next part. Bring it on! :)
Thank you, Choc Lit

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, The Truth Lies Buried was one of those WOW reads. It really wasn’t what I had anticipated it to be. In my mind, it was going to be an easily enjoyable chick lit read that I do like to indulge in now and again. I was very very wrong, The Truth Lied Buried had so much more depth and emotion at its core that I was truly engaged and invested in the core characters Jenny and Carver. For me, it was a cross between women’s and thriller fiction.

When we meet Jenny and Carver they are both consumed by grief and struggling with a sense of belonging. When the two are thrown together it causes both of them to evaluate where they are in life.

Suddenly when dangerous old secrets from the past come to light in the future. Their safety is compromised and all that progress they were making may come tumbling down. Add in a fictional seaside town with a whole host of unique characters and anything can happen.

A beautifully written story with true to life likeable characters. Morton S. Gray, I love Borteen Bay and would love to go back again and again.

[Lisa Aiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a very sweet romance, low on steam. There was a mystery to solve thrown into the mix also. The relationship between Jenny and Carver had some awesome potential. Carver seemed very broody, withdrawn, angry, full of grief. All with good reason. He was a widower, who felt responsible for his wife's death, and he never moved beyond his grief. Instead, he holed up in solitude, not tending to his home. Jenny is brought in by Carver's well-meaning in-laws, to help him clean up his home and sort through his things. In doing so, she reached beneath his pain and helped him re-engage in life. The mystery element behind all of this is that Jenny and Carver met many years ago, in a police station, when both of their fathers went missing. Neither have much recollection of it, and their mothers never really allowed discussion of the subject. They start comparing notes and memories and question. And this is where things just never took off for me. The relationship between Carver and Jenny just seemed formal and stiff. Maybe that has more to do with cultural difference, because I'm much more used to the crass, uncultured American ways. The mystery itself was a bit of a let down when it all came to light. And it just amazes me how when people have questions they don't just ask them. You can bet your sweet patootey that if I hadn't seen my father in 25 years and he showed up out of the blue, he wouldn't get out of my sight until he'd answered every last question I had. Screw being polite and proper and civilized. See...crass, uncultured American ways!!

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read that I raced through as I just loved seeing how things played out for the main character, Jenny, and all those around her as they struggled to piece together the mysteries that had plagued their lives for so long.

Jenny returns to Borteen, her childhood home, in very sad circumstances. She's lost her mother and her life has been put on hold while she nursed her through ill health. Her father went missing 25 years ago so she is feeling very alone, but old schoolfriends appear in her life when she needs their support and she soon finds herself feeling very much part of the community and wanting to use that strength to move on with her life. Someone suggests she takes up cleaning to help her decide what she wants to do with her life, and she soon gets her first client and she's thrown in the deep end with what she faces!

Carver is grieving for his wife Bliss and has given up, seemingly, on himself and living a normal existence. His brother in law hires a cleaner to help start the massive clean up in his home and when Jenny turns up he's a little reluctant to let anyone in. It soon becomes clear though that they have a past together and this bond brings them closer together and eager to get to the bottom of the mystery that has left them missing a part of themselves for so long. This leads to some dark and rather startling revelations that both weren't expecting

The characters in this book were the main reason I loved this book so much! Jenny is so easy to like and you feel for her as she goes out of her way to help Carver, whilst still grieving for her own loss. And Carver (swoon!!) is dealing with life by burying his head in the sand but finds peace living in the woods and just needs someone like Jenny to let him see that it is possible to move on but still remember those he has lost.

The finale was really tense and a fabulous way to end the story and I just wanted to read more! Highly recommended!!

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

There are secrets in the small town of Borteen Bay. A mystery that to this day remains unsolved. Several decades ago now several fathers never returned home – never ever to be seen nor heard from again. Why? The answer has never been found. But childhood friends, now adults dealing with life’s tragedies may finally find an answer – but probably not the one they thought to find. Or the connection beneath the surface to that time, and each other.

THE TRUTH LIES BURIED has layers that are peeled away slowly to bring us to modern time and some answers for Jenny, Carver and many others. But first, they each have to deal with a different loss and begin rebuilding lives that were crushed in the process.

Because THE TRUTH LIES BURIED is such a mystery and romantic suspense it’s not fair to mention any clues or details of this story. For that, you’ll have to indulge yourself. What I can safely tell you is that this is a story that will capture your emotions as lives are changed, rearranged and rebuilt – as the truth comes to the surface in a most surprising way. My heart broke for Jenny and Carver in many ways, but Carver is the most broken right now. Watching their friendship, and then perhaps more, start to heal them both was an enjoyable journey.

I don’t believe you will walk away from this story easily for it grabs your attention and demands your presence. I enjoyed every moment of this one, of discovery and of sadness, and finally of hope for the future. If you love a good Romantic Suspense or Mystery with a very likable, relatable couple then I would strongly recommend THE TRUTH LIES BURIED. I believe you’ll be quite satisfied with the results.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Debbie Southwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widower Carver’s life is a mess since he wife died so his Brother in Law hires Jenny to clean his home which is in the middle of the woods. Jenny herself has recently lost her Mum who she had been looking after and is trying to decide what to do with her life.
There is definite chemistry between Jenny and Carver but there is also a mystery to solve relating to their past which is slowly revealed throughout the book.
I found the main characters very likeable and I loved the way that you could feel Carver’s feelings of bereavement and loss in the writing.
Although I partly guessed the mystery it didn’t stop my enjoyment of this book and I would definitely recommend it and will certainly be reading more of Morton’s books.
Thanks to Choc-Lit for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review which is completely my own opinion.

[Carol Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed my first visit to Borteen Bay in The Girl on the Beach, and so I was greatly looking forward to reading The Truth Lies Buried. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

The two main characters grow as the story progresses, as does your empathy for them as you read. Carver was a good male lead, strong and yet sensitive, with a backstory that explains his state of mind and the manner to which he has become accustomed to living, before Jenny enters (or re-enters his life). He also has a dog, which in my opinion, is a bonus in any book.

The story and action unfold at a steady pace, with some lovely tender moments along the way. With likeable characters, a wonderful setting (I’d quite like to live in Borteen Bay) and a good amount of intrigue to hold you to the end, it’s an absorbing read.

[Isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very good story but very badly drafted, I’m afraid. Such a shame, as I saw so much potential. It is boring through and through when facts and details are needlessly repeated over and over again, sometimes with exactly the same phrasing; this only led me to think that either the author has misjudged her reader’s average attention-span or the book has been very roughly edited.
The subjects here debated are very interesting and full of potential but alas! the dynamics between the characters, even their love story and their struggle with the past are simplistic and treated with a disarming triviality. The characters themselves are turned into a half-cliché/half-bore,
The style is slow and dull and the only thing that kept me reading was the thrill of the suspense, although the end was again a bit disappointing.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series - The Girl on the Beach so I was eager to read this book. I wasn't disappointed and think I enjoyed this one more than the first book which I wasn't expecting. It could be read as a standalone but the first book was so fab why would you not want to read it too?

I really liked both of the lead characters and enjoyed getting to know their stories as the book progressed. Once again the setting of Borteen Bay was gorgeous - I would love to holiday here. This is a compelling tale of mystery and romance, with bereavement, betrayal, abandonment and great twists along the way which were unexpected in places. Fast paced and so well written I loved it.

Highly recommended. I can't wait for Morton Gray's next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst this is the second book set in Borteen it stands alone. Indeed it stands firmly with its own cast of memorable characters and events. The main characters have both suffered devastating losses but gradually realise that they have more than this in common. An event in the past takes on increasing importance as their relationship develops. There is so much in this book that any details may be a 'spoiler' but I predict there will be surprise and admiration for the ingenuity of the author when you finally arrive at the solution to the mystery. Following a sucessful first novel with a sucessful second one is notoroiusly difficult but Morton S Gray pulls it off!
I read this as part of the Choc Lit tasting panel in return for an honest review.

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book intending to read a couple of chapters. I finished it exactly three hours later – so this might give a clue as to how I liked it.

The protagonists are Jenny and Carver – sharing a common happening, that their fathers both disappeared without trace 25 years ago. Carver is wounded (physically and mentally) – his beloved wife died 3 years or so ago and he blames himself (quite rightly in my opinion!) Jenny is at a crossroads in her life, after caring for her mother till she died. The story has quite a few twists and turns – keeping the reader interested as the plot unfolds.

Anyway, I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a nice little romantic mystery with a happy ending.

[Victoria Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny is at a crossroads in her life. Is her future in the seaside town of Borteen or should she return to London? Add to the mix a handsome, moody widower, strange occurrences and a past hurt waiting to be resolved, and perhaps it’s not so easy to leave Borteen after all.
Gray’s second book in the Borteen series is a stand-a-lone romance with a mystery to solve. A great multi-layered read, as this story is also about bereavement, betrayal, abandonment and resilience. So put the kettle on, put your feet up and enjoy following Gray’s trail of hints and clues as a strange mystery develops. This is an enjoyable read with a relatable heroine, a tortured hero and a great twist … or two.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny has had a tough time nursing her mother with cancer and after her death she returns to her childhood town of Borteen. She soon reconnects with old friends and she gets a cleaning job with Carver while she thinks about her options. Carver has lost his wife and everything has got on top of him and he is reluctant to let anyone into his house but he soon forms a bond with Jenny..... but what is the secret that links them?

A another great book set in Borteen I loved the first one and this one is just as good. The main characters Jenny and Carver are great and the storyline is compelling, a real page turner, with a good mix of mystery, twists and romance to keep your interest

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Jenny leaves London and returns to her home town, she takes on the massive task of sorting out the chaos in a house belonging to a man who's retreated into grief and solitude. A friendship slowly develops between them, Jenny and Carver discover staggering similarities in their early lives and become determined to unravel the secrets that have mystified them both for twenty years. The Truth Lies Buried has intrigue, romance and mystery, with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second in a stand alone series. In fact I was looking for a Christmas mystery when I stumbled along this author. The next book is actually a Christmas theme along with another in the series. These are deemed romance, but the first two I’ve read aren’t cheesy. And there is a mystery to satisfy my favorite genre. I enjoyed both this and the first in the series. Even if you think you don’t like romance, you might want to check it out. She is a good writer, and I continuously read with little breaks. That’s surely a sign of a good book!

[Isabelle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an enthralling story, that convinced me I should read romantic suspense more often (starting with the previous book in the series). The first two chapters were so sad I wasn't sure yet I could really enjoy the book, but then it quickly became harder and harder to put down.
I can't really mention what I most liked without spoilers, so I'll only add that the main characters have interesting professions.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this novel is that it grips you from the start! It's a story about Jenny and Carver, who both have had major losses, struggles to overcome and mysteries that haunt them.
A well written novel whose story line is easy to follow, the characters are real and believable.
A story of suspense, romance and heartache, The Truth Lies Buried is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this one!

[Angela Britnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romantic suspense story and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Jenny and Carver are both grieving in their own ways and I loved to see how they gradually became part of each others lives. The mystery element of the book revolves around their two fathers who disappeared on the same day many years earlier and it is eventually resolved in an unexpected way. You will want your own house in the woods when you finish reading this book.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author in her Borteen Secrets series The first was The Girl on the Beach which I thoroughly enjoyed and The Truth Lies Buried did not disappoint.
Indeed, it was everything I love in a book - a compelling mystery, a believable heroine, a gorgeous hero and a touch of romance. Plus, of course, the setting. I'd move to Borteen Bay tomorrow!
Looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

[Angela Peixoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling book filled with suspense and love. A must read.

[Kim Cl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on: https://boekenfansreadschoclit.wordpr...
Choc Lit Reading Panel Belgium

[Bronwyn Hegarty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version, and initially thought what silly romantic rubbish. The story grew on me although it is fairly light and the author spells too much out in a pedantic way. I wanted to keep listening to hear what happened to the main characters - Jenny and Carver - ridiculous name - but it fits with his work passion. It is listed as crime in Choc Lit publishers but it is a light mystery, and interesting enough for the genre.

[Janice Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale with elements of mystery and romance and a twist or two, but this book was so much more than a simple romantic suspense novel, dealing with love and loss and coming to terms with grief. Thoroughly recommended - it is part of the Borteen Secrets series, but is a standalone read.

[Yvonne Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carver has suffered a great tragedy in his life. Jenny tries to help him to move on whilst sorting out her own life and dreams. However there is a mystery in this picturesque seaside town that affects them both. Can they work together or will they both be destroyed?

Great read with characters that are fascinating and really grab you!

[Samantha E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah .... I wasn't expecting this when I read it. What a consuming, gripping and captivating storyline.

Jenny has moved back to her hometown Borteen to care for her mother. She left many years ago to live the adventure dream with her boyfriend. Things didn't go quite to plan and she finds herself back to her Mum's.

After her Mum's passing, Jenny starts talking to an old school friend at the funeral who suggests she looks for work in the area. Jenny sets up a little cleaning company and finds herself working for Carver at the wooden castle in the woods.

It's a bit eerie and is protected by a police trained guard dog. The house is a mess which is being kind and Jenny sets to work trying to sort out the destruction.

Carver carries around a heavy sadness surrounding and absorbing him. He has let everything go. The only things he talks to are his dog and the wood he carves.

This is a story about the past, abandonment, lost loves, a wishing tree, secrets, clocks, mystery, suspence and romance all rolled in to one.

I am in awe of Morton S Gray for another magnificent book.

[Anni Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super book, thank you Morton. Beautifully crafted characters I totally engaged with and who I cared about. I loved The Girl on the beach and Harry Dixon, but loved the Truth lies buried and Carver even more. The gripping plot with many twists and turns along the way kept me reading and turning pages to the end. Why were Jenny and Carver both in the same police station at the same time twenty five years ago? Anyone who could answer that is now dead, so it is left for the two to combine forces and unravel their history. I couldn’t put it down, I loved it.