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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This was a really short story about a couple who must figure out the truth of their past before it is too late. I liked this one, but I missed having more of the Lantern Beach gang on it.