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A Lantern Beach Escape novella found in the kindle bundle, Summer of Suspense: Sixteen Tales By Some of Christian Fiction’s Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors.

What if you married someone, only to discover that she was suspected of killing her former fiancé?

While on their honeymoon, Grayson and Rachel Stewart are confronted with dark details of Rachel's past. As more facts begin emerging, their new marriage is thrown into a tailspin. The newlyweds must figure out how to move forward . . . and Grayson must figure out if he's married a killer.

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First published November 12, 2019

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About the author

Christy Barritt

336 books1,698 followers
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

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5 stars
329 (56%)
4 stars
155 (26%)
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80 (13%)
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10 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
January 16, 2020
If you were accused of killing your fiance would you return to the scene of the crime for your honeymoon? Me neither, but Rachel Stewart chose to. That decision sent her newlywed husband on a search for answers. Did Rachel kill Mark?

Rather contrived at times, but I have to admire Ms Barritt's creative genius. A unique page-turner suspense novella.

I purchased the Summer of Suspense anthology. No review required.
Profile Image for Heather Green.
Author 9 books11 followers
May 19, 2021
My least favorite of her books so far

I really like this author, but this wasn't her best work. The couple were newlyweds, but they didn't act like any newlyweds I've ever known. And their conversations lacked the intimacy of people who knew each other well enough to be married. It was almost like they were dating instead. I had a really hard time with the fact that Rachel hadn't told her husband about her past. And even if her reasons had merit (they were flimsy at best), the fact that she withheld being $20k in debt didn't fly with me at all. That's not something you keep from a spouse. It was a quick read and was squeaky clean.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,321 reviews43 followers
August 4, 2020
When you feel like all is lost, you’ve breathed your last breath and you’re going under, will there be anyone to save you?
This is a story that will keep you on edge the whole time you read it. From the moment Rachel falls into the water to the very last you will need to remind yourself to breathe!
Christy Barritt has done it again with this tale set in the charming town of Lantern Beach. However, there’s something not quite charming going on and Rachel needs to figure it out before it's too late. This book is full of suspense, drama, and action, with a little bit of romance thrown in.
The author has a way of capturing you from the very first page to the very last. She is tremendously skilled at keeping us guessing who the bad guy is! There is so much packed into it, it was hard to breathe sometimes. My heart was pounding and my mind was going fast trying to figure out how it was all going to end.
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, and action, you will love this book!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,185 reviews45 followers
December 13, 2019
In Lantern Beach for their honeymoon, Grayson finds out that his new wife just might be a murderer. The Rachel he knows would never be capable of murder, but apparently there's secrets she doesn't want shared. As an investigative reporter, he vows to get to the bottom of it all and find out the truth about his wife.

Afterglow is another compelling and impossible to put down story from Christy Barritt. It completely held my attention and even after finishing it, I'm still thinking about it. I can't forget to mention the cameos from a couple of original Lantern Beach characters. Loved seeing them pop up.

I first read this as part of the Summer of Suspense collection.
Profile Image for Faith Posten.
314 reviews12 followers
November 28, 2019
Honeymoon Disaster

While on their honeymoon, Rachel and her husband are shocked to be approached by Bruno, the brother of her former fiancee who died shortly before their wedding. Bruno indicated that it was all Rachel's fault. Naturally it causes questions to arise in her husband's mind. But they decide to do their own investigation about the event even though it was 2 years ago. It causes many questions because the strangest thing is that Mark's body never was found. Will they be able to find the answers? Read this novella.
Profile Image for Katharine Showman.
60 reviews
May 29, 2020
This book is listed as a novelette. I needed a short book this month because I had two family birthdays and our 43rd anniversary plus the pandemic and I was stressed out. This book was scary. It starts with Rachel Stewart being pushed off a pier. In flashbacks we learn the former Rachel Molls has been accused of being responsible for her former fiancé, Mark Murphy's death. Her new husband, Grayson Stewart helps her find answers that many questions. Now will Rachel die before they can enjoy their new life together? This was hard to put down. You might even read it in one sitting.
519 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2020
Interesting but not Tantalizing

For a novella, the story is a bit intriguing. (There are a few errors in the script). The beginning is what draws the reader in—when the action begins with the drowning. The plot is believable in the sense that it’s quite possible that men marry women of substance for their money. Grayson’s insistence on investigating the matter is what lends credibility to the story. Still, there is the lingering doubt that one finds in Grayson’s mind (such as when he cancelled dinner plans).
Profile Image for Candi Sellick.
2,512 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2022
While on their honeymoon, Rachel and her husband are shocked to be approached by Bruno, the brother of her former fiancee who died shortly before their wedding. Bruno indicated that it was all Rachel's fault. Naturally it causes questions to arise in her husband's mind. But they decide to do their own investigation about the event even though it was 2 years ago. It causes many questions because the strangest thing is that Mark's body never was found. Will they be able to find the answers? Read this novella.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,089 reviews66 followers
August 16, 2022
Grayson and Rachel are in Lantern Beach on their honeymoon. While they are there, the past seems to want to come back to bite Rachel. Grayson knows about her former fiance, but he does not realize that she was a suspect in his disappearance. Rachel feels someone is watching them. They decide to investigate and find out the truth once and for all. This was a fast paced mystery from the beginning pages when Rachel finds herself in a dangerous situation. It was a short book, but it was enjoyable. It was a clean mystery, and perfect when you just need a short book to read during lunch.
1,052 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2021
Short but decisive

Afterglow is a very short book, took about an hour to read. The new bride, fortuitously for the sake of a story, chose Lantern Beach for her honeymoon with Grayson, even though her former fiance had mysteriously disappeared from this very place. Rumors that she had killed that fiance threaten to derail her new marriage. A mystery quickly resolved, but neatly written, settles old news and clears the air.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
January 27, 2020
Dark waters

A very exciting, intense short story. A honeymoon is kind of a strange time to be investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a former fiancé but that's what Grayson has to do. Some of my favorite Lantern Beach characters make cameo appearances and are helpful as Grayson and Rachel face danger and find answers on Lantern Beach.
Profile Image for Megan Byrd.
Author 10 books48 followers
April 8, 2020
Rachel and her husband Grayson are honeymooning on Lantern Beach. Rachel sees the brother of her ex-fiancé and her past unravels in front of her eyes. She admits to Grayson that Mark’s death has placed unmerited suspicion in her. As an investigative reporter, he suggests they try to find some answers. Will Rachel be cleared once and for all?

A quick, suspense read.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,201 reviews25 followers
January 10, 2020
I enjoyed this story line! It drew you in and kept the pages turning. I never had a doubt about the innocence of the h but couldn't wait for the questions to finally be answered. Her new husband was awesome! Short read, but worth it.
1,843 reviews12 followers
September 26, 2023
I like Ms. Barritt's writing. She does a good job in this short mystery story. It is perfect for an afternoon read. The ending was a total surprise. I have not found a book she has written that I did not enjoy.
Profile Image for Hunter Q Lee.
497 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2019
A short but very intriguing story.

This is a short but very intriguing story. It is a short but enjoyable read with all the excitement and emotion you expect from Christy Barritt.
1 review
November 29, 2019
Too short

It was a great book. It was a little short but it kept me intrigued all the way. Great read 5 stars
Profile Image for Tonya.
Author 22 books2 followers
December 14, 2019
I found it very odd that this was the same story done in another book. I’m all for reusing characters and writing sequels, but I wish it had been made a little more clear.
Profile Image for Holly.
712 reviews21 followers
December 21, 2019
Lantern Beach is one of my favorites!! And we're back there again and it was fun!
Profile Image for Kay Defreese.
669 reviews43 followers
December 21, 2019
Good mystery novella

I don't usually care for novellas but this one was exceptionally well written. The mystery kept me engaged. I love the books in the Lantern Beach series.
4,416 reviews28 followers
December 30, 2019
Afterglow review

Afterglow is the first very short romantic suspense book in the Lantern Beach Escape series written by author Christy Barritt.
Profile Image for Kitty.
105 reviews
February 16, 2020
Afterglow Book 1 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠5 Stars

Quick fast paced read. Good storyline and dialogue. It says it’s a 3 hour read, however it only took me like an hour.
Profile Image for Sue Stinnett.
1,374 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2020
Excellent

Short suspense story. Her former fiancee drown but she has been haunted by suspension that she had murdered him. Now on her honeymoon her husband helps find the truth.
Profile Image for Carol Round.
Author 9 books22 followers
April 4, 2020
I've read every one of Barritt's books in the Lantern Beach series. She is one of my favorite authors. If you love Christian Romantic Suspense, you'll love all of Barritt's books.
172 reviews
May 2, 2020
This was a great novella and a great mystery.
Profile Image for Pam Jackson-gorsline.
985 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2020
Afterglow

This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were interesting and likable.
5,428 reviews67 followers
February 7, 2021
Afterglow( Lantern Beach Escape Book 1)

A very good story about a young woman that has been accused of murder but no body is found but then the culprits try to murder her
2 reviews
February 17, 2021
After

I really enjoy all of Christy Garrett's books and this one didn't disappoint. It held my attention and kept me in suspense.


Profile Image for Emily.
231 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2021
Great read!

If you're looking for a little mystery thats a quick read, this is a story for you! I enjoy Christy Barritt mysteries.
412 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2022
Short & sweet

Another fun easy read from Christy Barritt. This is an interesting & intriguing mystery, but more of a short story than novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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