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Northern Shore Intrigue #1
Precarious Summer
An arsonist terrorizes a single mom and those she loves~Why? Faith-filled romantic suspense from a Carol Award–winning When an arsonist targets a Lake Superior tourist town and in particular café owner Audra. She and sheriff Carter team up to uncover the culprit… And in the process, can they find the faith to heal and love? Book one in a compelling series! If you want a “Book you can't put down and where the suspect and motive are not revealed until the end,” by a USA Today Bestselling author, don’t miss Precarious Summer! Beautiful shore, dangerous seasons
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2020
387 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Cote
121 books588 followersLyn grew up loving books. Her favorite night of the week was Friday night, when the Bookmobile came to her neighborhood in Illinois. She’d spend those two hours chatting with the driver of the Bookmobile and the librarian and making the big decision of the week — which books to check out! In those distant days, children were limited in how many books they could check out. Lyn could only take home six a week — and there were so many to choose from. Her favorites were Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski, The Little House series and the One of a Kind Family series. Later, she discovered Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances!
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 27, 2020
If you are looking for a romantic suspense that will keep you guessing until the end, then Precarious Summer is a great choice. There were many potential suspects in this story and I really enjoyed that I couldn’t immediately figure out who was behind the fires.
The romance between Audra and Carter was well-written and very believable. Both of these characters had things that they had overcome from their pasts, and they both clung to God as they lived their lives during the novel.
I liked the setting of the story and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Bitter Autumn.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
*Previously published in 2007 as Dangerous Season through Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense*
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The romance between Audra and Carter was well-written and very believable. Both of these characters had things that they had overcome from their pasts, and they both clung to God as they lived their lives during the novel.
I liked the setting of the story and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Bitter Autumn.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
*Previously published in 2007 as Dangerous Season through Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense*
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
July 7, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Lyn always writes characters that are relatable and a storyline that keeps you turning pages.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but was not required to write a review.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but was not required to write a review.
February 4, 2022
FIRE,FIRE ALL AROUND. This book is set in a small town on Wisconsin's Superior Lake. The time is a hot summer when tourists crowd into the small town to buy passes for Lake Superior lighthouse, island cruises, Apostle Island cruises, patronize restaurants, gift shops, hotels and motels. Characters dealing with tourism need to make their money in the short, summer months. Audrea is one of these folks. A single mother to Evie, seven years old, she has saved up to buy this Victorian house. She sells baked goods, coffee, juices, later during the day she bakes pizza. She is hoping to do well. Audra's Place keeps her very busy during tourist season.
An attractive, young woman, Sheriff Carter Harding finds her someone he would like to know better. She has an uncle who the sheriff has had a problem with. Sheriff Carter is very nice to Evie. Evie would like to have a dad. Her best friend's father is so cool to his daughter. Audra becomes attracted to Sheriff Carter, he is a good looking man and so nice to them. Sheriff Carter seems to like children. The three become acquainted and enjoy being friends. Carter and Audra would like to become more than friends, but both are afraid of commitment.
Fire have been set. The sheriff needs to find who is setting them. People have been hurt. Tom Robson, Carter's stepfather, was burned and sent to the hospital, Audra's hands were burned trying to put his fire out. She has to stop working until her well used hands heal. But not quite. Back to work. On the Fourth of July celebration, someone sent fire crackers into the crowds. Noone was hurt, luckily, but many could have been killed. The serial fire starter always leaves a handful of burnt pennies close by where the fire was set. Sheriff Carter is trying hard to catch whoever it is doing all this.
There are two fourteen year old boys who are always fighting. Chad Keski has been taken away from his abusive father and put into foster care. A nice couple, Tom and Shirley, are fostering this boy. Chad had been setting fires. Has he started again? Brent Ramsdel, Audra's cousin, is another angry young man. His father, Audra's Uncle Hal, does not like Sheriff Carter, he accuses him of being incompetent and should lose his job. He also blames Carter for things he didn't do.
I liked the character of Florence, the half Ojibwa, who is proud of her Indian heritage.
This is a Christian book. Christian actions, forgiveness, love float through the book.
This is the first book I have read by Lyn Cote. I like her way of writing, the characters are good people and good description of the environment of the small town where everybody knows everyone.
An attractive, young woman, Sheriff Carter Harding finds her someone he would like to know better. She has an uncle who the sheriff has had a problem with. Sheriff Carter is very nice to Evie. Evie would like to have a dad. Her best friend's father is so cool to his daughter. Audra becomes attracted to Sheriff Carter, he is a good looking man and so nice to them. Sheriff Carter seems to like children. The three become acquainted and enjoy being friends. Carter and Audra would like to become more than friends, but both are afraid of commitment.
Fire have been set. The sheriff needs to find who is setting them. People have been hurt. Tom Robson, Carter's stepfather, was burned and sent to the hospital, Audra's hands were burned trying to put his fire out. She has to stop working until her well used hands heal. But not quite. Back to work. On the Fourth of July celebration, someone sent fire crackers into the crowds. Noone was hurt, luckily, but many could have been killed. The serial fire starter always leaves a handful of burnt pennies close by where the fire was set. Sheriff Carter is trying hard to catch whoever it is doing all this.
There are two fourteen year old boys who are always fighting. Chad Keski has been taken away from his abusive father and put into foster care. A nice couple, Tom and Shirley, are fostering this boy. Chad had been setting fires. Has he started again? Brent Ramsdel, Audra's cousin, is another angry young man. His father, Audra's Uncle Hal, does not like Sheriff Carter, he accuses him of being incompetent and should lose his job. He also blames Carter for things he didn't do.
I liked the character of Florence, the half Ojibwa, who is proud of her Indian heritage.
This is a Christian book. Christian actions, forgiveness, love float through the book.
This is the first book I have read by Lyn Cote. I like her way of writing, the characters are good people and good description of the environment of the small town where everybody knows everyone.
October 11, 2022
Questo libro è stato una piacevole sorpresa. Il mistero è proprio ben congegnato, c'erano più colpevoli possibili e ho sospettato solo alla fine di quello giusto, ma ero poco convinta. Bella anche la storia d'amore. Ho già acquistato i successivi tre libri di questa serie è credo proprio che li leggerò molto presto.
March 27, 2020
Precarious Summer: Clean Romance and Mystery (Northern Shore Intrigue Book 1) by Lyn Cote
Book starts with notes of Bible and where to find the phrases used and also a dedication.
Have read other books from this Harlequin series and they put me out of my comfort zone.
What I like just from the start is the location, praying/religion, attraction/romance, fire investigations, bakery and family from all different age groups and their problems.
Lots of twists and turns and clues are given along the way as to just who is causing the fires.
Sheriff Carter is on the trail and also on the bakery owner and her daughter radar.
Love how there are many around to help her with your young child and at the shop. Love how something is mending the breaks in her immediate family.
Carter had his own background of being a bad boy, fire starting etc so he knows what to look for and who to stand up for-believing in them.
Audra and Carter don't realize who it is but think it's themselves the person is after Audra has been getting phone calls at work, blackmailing ones if he's hearing things and seeing things right.
Carter thinks it's others in town that want him out of the position he has as sheriff.
Despite the scary parts of the fires and those that are impacted I never realized who was at fault for all of it.
Love how each one effected comes to terms with their past and Audra has to also....
Easy to keep track of the handful of characters in this story. Can't wait to read more of this series!
Ends with excerpt from another story.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Book starts with notes of Bible and where to find the phrases used and also a dedication.
Have read other books from this Harlequin series and they put me out of my comfort zone.
What I like just from the start is the location, praying/religion, attraction/romance, fire investigations, bakery and family from all different age groups and their problems.
Lots of twists and turns and clues are given along the way as to just who is causing the fires.
Sheriff Carter is on the trail and also on the bakery owner and her daughter radar.
Love how there are many around to help her with your young child and at the shop. Love how something is mending the breaks in her immediate family.
Carter had his own background of being a bad boy, fire starting etc so he knows what to look for and who to stand up for-believing in them.
Audra and Carter don't realize who it is but think it's themselves the person is after Audra has been getting phone calls at work, blackmailing ones if he's hearing things and seeing things right.
Carter thinks it's others in town that want him out of the position he has as sheriff.
Despite the scary parts of the fires and those that are impacted I never realized who was at fault for all of it.
Love how each one effected comes to terms with their past and Audra has to also....
Easy to keep track of the handful of characters in this story. Can't wait to read more of this series!
Ends with excerpt from another story.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
March 28, 2020
Probably closer to 4.5 stars, this suspenseful plot grabbed me right away. Arson, anger, revenge, romance, and mentoring relationships are all explored. Several characters overcome past mistakes that they are not proud of and make a difference in the lives of others. A big part of this story revolves around not judging others by their past and jumping to conclusions, but allowing for the possibility that they have changed for the better. I enjoy mysteries, but they are sometimes discouraging to me because I figure out who did it entirely too soon. This was not the case with Lyn Cote's book. She gave enough possibilities that had real merit that the ending was not a foregone conclusion. Fans of suspense and clean romance will love this one.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author, but was not required to write a positive review.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author, but was not required to write a positive review.
April 10, 2020
Precarious Summer by Lyn Cote
Northern Shore Intrigue Series Book One
Audra Blair, the owner of Audra's Place, is working to support herself and her daughter, Evie. The summer is starting out good for her business. Not so much for their town. An arsonist is on the loose.
Sheriff Carter Harding has only been on the job a few months. The people of his small town are depending on him to find and stop the arsonist. Some think it's a young man who had issues in the past...Carter knows about acting out as a teenager. In fact, some in town won't ever let him forget.
No clues. No leads. The more time Carter spends around Audra, the more he wants to spend with her. Not until he solves this case though. If he can solve it. Wonderful new small-town suspense romance series from this author.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Northern Shore Intrigue Series Book One
Audra Blair, the owner of Audra's Place, is working to support herself and her daughter, Evie. The summer is starting out good for her business. Not so much for their town. An arsonist is on the loose.
Sheriff Carter Harding has only been on the job a few months. The people of his small town are depending on him to find and stop the arsonist. Some think it's a young man who had issues in the past...Carter knows about acting out as a teenager. In fact, some in town won't ever let him forget.
No clues. No leads. The more time Carter spends around Audra, the more he wants to spend with her. Not until he solves this case though. If he can solve it. Wonderful new small-town suspense romance series from this author.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
April 14, 2020
It’s Complicated Carter
Carter Harding is the new Sheriff in town and he has his own insecurities that still haunt him. Then the fire happens almost immediately. No real clues left. Some of the citizens voice their opinion about Chad. Chad reminds Carter so much of himself as a teenager with a chip on his shoulder. Shirley has custody of Chad because of his sorry father. But now his own step father, Tom, is also a rental tenant and he is helping Shirley with Chad. Then there is Audra who is taking his thoughts in another direction altogether. Audra has an adorable seven year old. She has just opened up her own business as a single woman. With his plate already full, Carter is more interested in her than he should be. That’s just the beginning!!! The ending is the mystery of it.
Carter Harding is the new Sheriff in town and he has his own insecurities that still haunt him. Then the fire happens almost immediately. No real clues left. Some of the citizens voice their opinion about Chad. Chad reminds Carter so much of himself as a teenager with a chip on his shoulder. Shirley has custody of Chad because of his sorry father. But now his own step father, Tom, is also a rental tenant and he is helping Shirley with Chad. Then there is Audra who is taking his thoughts in another direction altogether. Audra has an adorable seven year old. She has just opened up her own business as a single woman. With his plate already full, Carter is more interested in her than he should be. That’s just the beginning!!! The ending is the mystery of it.
June 25, 2020
I loved the suspense and the romance in this book. I loved Audra and Carter and how they each had had some problems when they were younger and worked them out. These characters had known each other and had begun to become friends. I enjoyed not being able to figure out who was starting the fires. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
July 25, 2020
Seasonal fires
An arsonist is loose in the lake shore town, wreaking havoc on the townspeople & tourists alike. Sheriff Carter Harding is hard pressed to find the motive or culprit. Two teenagers, each with disgustingly horrible fathers, keep fighting each other. Audra is just trying to make a living for herself & her daughter. Interesting characters & captivating storyline.
An arsonist is loose in the lake shore town, wreaking havoc on the townspeople & tourists alike. Sheriff Carter Harding is hard pressed to find the motive or culprit. Two teenagers, each with disgustingly horrible fathers, keep fighting each other. Audra is just trying to make a living for herself & her daughter. Interesting characters & captivating storyline.
August 14, 2020
What excellent story! With trying to discover who was setting the fires, I must say the story had me guessing until the end! I loved the dynamic between Audra and Carter whether they would end up together or not, and I loved the setting of the book with the tourism backdrop. Definitely a book I would recommend!
March 18, 2021
Precarious Summer
This story is definitely a good, clean romance mystery! The characters are so real with very real situations happening. You will find romance, intrigue, suspense,and the story will have you questioning aloud, "Who is setting the fires?" I highly recommend this book. The author, Lyn Cote, is amazing!
This story is definitely a good, clean romance mystery! The characters are so real with very real situations happening. You will find romance, intrigue, suspense,and the story will have you questioning aloud, "Who is setting the fires?" I highly recommend this book. The author, Lyn Cote, is amazing!
July 11, 2021
When single mom. Audra opens a coffee shop/bakery, she has no idea what the summer holds for her. A series of fire bombs create turmoil in the small town nestled by Lake Superior and connecting Audra to the new Sheriff. The events make for a page turning story with suspense and sweet romance with a feel good ending.
July 11, 2021
Precarious Summer
This book is a combination suspense, crime, romance novel. It deals with human frailties and emotions but shows how God can give peace even in the midst of the storms.
This book is a combination suspense, crime, romance novel. It deals with human frailties and emotions but shows how God can give peace even in the midst of the storms.
October 1, 2021
Nice mystery romance
Good beginning to a series with well -drawn characters and a sweet romance. Will Sheriff Carter Harding solve the mystery of who's setting fires in this small northern Wisconsin town? Audra hopes so because she's falling for the handsome lawman.
Good beginning to a series with well -drawn characters and a sweet romance. Will Sheriff Carter Harding solve the mystery of who's setting fires in this small northern Wisconsin town? Audra hopes so because she's falling for the handsome lawman.
November 11, 2021
A very good mystery!
This story held my attention in such a way that I could not put it down. I love the characters and how they were interwoven in the history of the town. Was a wonderful journey and I am looking forward to more like it.
This story held my attention in such a way that I could not put it down. I love the characters and how they were interwoven in the history of the town. Was a wonderful journey and I am looking forward to more like it.
May 7, 2020
My first experience reading this author. Interesting story line, no foul language, nice simple story.
September 3, 2025
Enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the subsequent books in this series. Plenty of intrigue with a bit of romance and life struggles mixed in.
July 31, 2020
Excellent clean romance and intrigue!
August 9, 2020
An exciting summer
A small town sheriff and a Cafe owner realize that forgiveness, kindness and love make the world a better place.
A small town sheriff and a Cafe owner realize that forgiveness, kindness and love make the world a better place.
July 10, 2021
This was captivating from cover to cover. I stayed up way into the night because it was worth losing a little sleep to finish reading it.
October 10, 2023
📚THE STORY📚
Audra is ready and excited for the summer tourist rush - she has just purchased a beachside Victorian in her small town to turn into a cafe, and she's hoping to make plenty during the season to support herself and her seven year old daughter, Evie. After getting pregnant as a teenager, Audra has been raising Evie without the support of her family, but with the help of an older couple who run a boarding house and often 'take in strays.'
What she doesn't expect, though, is a string of arson fires that will frighten the tourists, bring suspicion onto her family, and put her and Evie in danger. She already has enough on her plate dealing with threatening phone calls and the chaos of multiple family members acting like teenagers - some because they are, and others because they just haven't seemed to mature past adolescence. As the fires get closer and closer to home, Audra must face the reality that someone seems to have it out for her and her loved ones.
Investigating these fires is Sheriff Carter, a handsome local with a rough past. Carter grew up in the area and had a rough time as a young man involved with violence and drugs. Now newly appointed Sheriff, Carter has to prove himself to a town where many people can't see past his history. A bunch of unsolved fires certainly doesn't help - nor does his family's involvement with the drama surrounding them.
Audra and Carter have a growing spark between them, but there are plenty of obstacles in its way. Initially, Audra keeps her heart on lockdown to protect her daughter and keep gossiping locals at bay - but Carter keeps her safe through the turmoil, and she's drawn to his charms. Plus, Evie adores him, and keeps dropping not-so-subtle hints that she wants someone like Carter to be her daddy.
Can Carter solve these arsons before anyone gets hurt? Will Audra let herself get close - and if she does, will she get burned?
💕THE ROMANCE💕
Carter is a protective, caretaking hero and a sweet fatherly figure to Audra's daughter. The two have plenty of opportunities to get closer, and their stolen kisses add excitement to the developing romance. Fun times together at Audra's cafe, meals at the boarding house, walks on the beach, and a Fourth of July carnival all create a great backdrop for them to grow closer.
Because this is a romantic suspense with a law enforcement hero, there's a bit of "damsel-in-distress" energy to their relationship. He's often rescuing, comforting, or protecting Audra. As a character, Audra is independent and individualized, but within the plot and the romance, she's a bit more dependent on him.
Audra's physical characteristics, particularly in the context of Carter's attraction to her, are often referred to in terms like "delicate," "feminine," "fragile," "slender," and her pale skin and blonde hair are referenced frequently. In contrast, what draws Audra to Carter are his "masculinity" and commanding presence.
✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️
Both characters are already strong in their faith. Their journeys toward God mostly took place before the events of the book, but their experiences of coming to God after struggle inform their choices. We see the empathy of people who know what it's like to feel alone or lost, and who have a personal stake in finding faith.
Characters pray frequently. Audra and Carter attend a church service together, but we don't actually see or hear much of the service, as they spend it distracted by each other's presence. Other characters do grow closer to God over the course of the book, influenced by Audra and Carter's guiding advice.
A number of other characters behave badly, though when they swear and insult one another, it's summarized by the narrative rather than made explicit in dialogue.
📝MY THOUGHTS📝
The plot is great, with high stakes and tension maintained throughout! The mystery unfolds with plenty of opportunities for the characters and romance to shine. The numerous potential suspects for the arsons, and the way each person's motives and opportunities are woven throughout, keep things really interesting.
This book is so rich in details! I loved the specifics of Audra's work at her cafe - the realism of getting there early, setting up with the bread dough, dealing with carryout pizza calls - it was like seeing the other side of a summer vacation to a cute little beach town!
As someone who used to be a foster parent for teenager boys, I really appreciated the depiction of Chad, especially through Carter's eyes. It's a thoughtful treatment of trauma and generational cycles of abuse. The book includes a number of different types of relationships, showcasing the many ways families (and chosen families) can either support one another or tear each other down.
I did have a bit of a hard time keeping track of all the characters at first. There are a lot to keep track of, plus all their complicated connections - cousins, stepdads, uncles, estranged birth fathers, siblings, neighbors, etc. It definitely adds to the richness of the small town setting, but took a while to get settled into.
Audra is ready and excited for the summer tourist rush - she has just purchased a beachside Victorian in her small town to turn into a cafe, and she's hoping to make plenty during the season to support herself and her seven year old daughter, Evie. After getting pregnant as a teenager, Audra has been raising Evie without the support of her family, but with the help of an older couple who run a boarding house and often 'take in strays.'
What she doesn't expect, though, is a string of arson fires that will frighten the tourists, bring suspicion onto her family, and put her and Evie in danger. She already has enough on her plate dealing with threatening phone calls and the chaos of multiple family members acting like teenagers - some because they are, and others because they just haven't seemed to mature past adolescence. As the fires get closer and closer to home, Audra must face the reality that someone seems to have it out for her and her loved ones.
Investigating these fires is Sheriff Carter, a handsome local with a rough past. Carter grew up in the area and had a rough time as a young man involved with violence and drugs. Now newly appointed Sheriff, Carter has to prove himself to a town where many people can't see past his history. A bunch of unsolved fires certainly doesn't help - nor does his family's involvement with the drama surrounding them.
Audra and Carter have a growing spark between them, but there are plenty of obstacles in its way. Initially, Audra keeps her heart on lockdown to protect her daughter and keep gossiping locals at bay - but Carter keeps her safe through the turmoil, and she's drawn to his charms. Plus, Evie adores him, and keeps dropping not-so-subtle hints that she wants someone like Carter to be her daddy.
Can Carter solve these arsons before anyone gets hurt? Will Audra let herself get close - and if she does, will she get burned?
💕THE ROMANCE💕
Carter is a protective, caretaking hero and a sweet fatherly figure to Audra's daughter. The two have plenty of opportunities to get closer, and their stolen kisses add excitement to the developing romance. Fun times together at Audra's cafe, meals at the boarding house, walks on the beach, and a Fourth of July carnival all create a great backdrop for them to grow closer.
Because this is a romantic suspense with a law enforcement hero, there's a bit of "damsel-in-distress" energy to their relationship. He's often rescuing, comforting, or protecting Audra. As a character, Audra is independent and individualized, but within the plot and the romance, she's a bit more dependent on him.
Audra's physical characteristics, particularly in the context of Carter's attraction to her, are often referred to in terms like "delicate," "feminine," "fragile," "slender," and her pale skin and blonde hair are referenced frequently. In contrast, what draws Audra to Carter are his "masculinity" and commanding presence.
✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️
Both characters are already strong in their faith. Their journeys toward God mostly took place before the events of the book, but their experiences of coming to God after struggle inform their choices. We see the empathy of people who know what it's like to feel alone or lost, and who have a personal stake in finding faith.
Characters pray frequently. Audra and Carter attend a church service together, but we don't actually see or hear much of the service, as they spend it distracted by each other's presence. Other characters do grow closer to God over the course of the book, influenced by Audra and Carter's guiding advice.
A number of other characters behave badly, though when they swear and insult one another, it's summarized by the narrative rather than made explicit in dialogue.
📝MY THOUGHTS📝
The plot is great, with high stakes and tension maintained throughout! The mystery unfolds with plenty of opportunities for the characters and romance to shine. The numerous potential suspects for the arsons, and the way each person's motives and opportunities are woven throughout, keep things really interesting.
This book is so rich in details! I loved the specifics of Audra's work at her cafe - the realism of getting there early, setting up with the bread dough, dealing with carryout pizza calls - it was like seeing the other side of a summer vacation to a cute little beach town!
As someone who used to be a foster parent for teenager boys, I really appreciated the depiction of Chad, especially through Carter's eyes. It's a thoughtful treatment of trauma and generational cycles of abuse. The book includes a number of different types of relationships, showcasing the many ways families (and chosen families) can either support one another or tear each other down.
I did have a bit of a hard time keeping track of all the characters at first. There are a lot to keep track of, plus all their complicated connections - cousins, stepdads, uncles, estranged birth fathers, siblings, neighbors, etc. It definitely adds to the richness of the small town setting, but took a while to get settled into.
June 3, 2024
Precarious Summer by Lyn Cote is a 2020 publication.
An arsonist is on the prowl, and it just so happens that, Chad, a young man with a history of setting fires, is a local town resident. Sherriff Carter, to prevent throwing suspicion on Chad right off the bat, asks Audra to see if she can find out where Chad was when the fire was set. Unfortunately, this puts Audra in a tough position, but as more fires are set, she and the Sherriff work in tandem to discover the truth…
In the process the two grow closer, but the past and a prickly family situation could derail their budding romance…
This is a solid romantic suspense novel mingled with family drama, and a sweet romance. I loved the two MCs in the story- both overcoming difficulties by turning to faith in God, both benefiting from a strong influence in their lives.
While anyone who is a regular reader of mysteries can probably figure out who the arsonist is- there were several other viable suspects and I was never one hundred percent positive I had guessed it right. The motive is also hard to figure out so the suspense is steady, and the mystery keeps you turning pages- but the family drama is what held me captive, and I truly enjoyed seeing Carter and Audra grow closer, allowing themselves to come to peace with their pasts and work on any lingering challenges together.
Overall, a quick, easy read, clean, with a mild Christian/faith-based message. It’s a story anyone can enjoy without fear of extreme violence or other uncomfortable subject matter. Since this book is part of the KU program, I’m on board with reading the next book in the series.
3.5 rounded up
An arsonist is on the prowl, and it just so happens that, Chad, a young man with a history of setting fires, is a local town resident. Sherriff Carter, to prevent throwing suspicion on Chad right off the bat, asks Audra to see if she can find out where Chad was when the fire was set. Unfortunately, this puts Audra in a tough position, but as more fires are set, she and the Sherriff work in tandem to discover the truth…
In the process the two grow closer, but the past and a prickly family situation could derail their budding romance…
This is a solid romantic suspense novel mingled with family drama, and a sweet romance. I loved the two MCs in the story- both overcoming difficulties by turning to faith in God, both benefiting from a strong influence in their lives.
While anyone who is a regular reader of mysteries can probably figure out who the arsonist is- there were several other viable suspects and I was never one hundred percent positive I had guessed it right. The motive is also hard to figure out so the suspense is steady, and the mystery keeps you turning pages- but the family drama is what held me captive, and I truly enjoyed seeing Carter and Audra grow closer, allowing themselves to come to peace with their pasts and work on any lingering challenges together.
Overall, a quick, easy read, clean, with a mild Christian/faith-based message. It’s a story anyone can enjoy without fear of extreme violence or other uncomfortable subject matter. Since this book is part of the KU program, I’m on board with reading the next book in the series.
3.5 rounded up
November 25, 2023
A Good Suspense Romance
There were several things I loved about this book and only one thing that bothered me enough to mention it. I’ll get that out here first. In a couple places the POV flips back and forth within the chapter. It was disconcerting at first, but after I realized it, I was able to continue reading without much trouble.
The good things were the story being clean and lived up to its marketing. The parts where God is mentioned occurred in various places, often enough to indicate a serious relationship with God, but without being preachy. I couldn’t fully pinpoint who the antagonist was, though the name was on my list of possible perpetrators. Overall, this was a good book. Even though I’ve read the second in the series, I look forward to re-reading it. If you enjoy clean, inspirational, suspense romance, then give this book a try.
There were several things I loved about this book and only one thing that bothered me enough to mention it. I’ll get that out here first. In a couple places the POV flips back and forth within the chapter. It was disconcerting at first, but after I realized it, I was able to continue reading without much trouble.
The good things were the story being clean and lived up to its marketing. The parts where God is mentioned occurred in various places, often enough to indicate a serious relationship with God, but without being preachy. I couldn’t fully pinpoint who the antagonist was, though the name was on my list of possible perpetrators. Overall, this was a good book. Even though I’ve read the second in the series, I look forward to re-reading it. If you enjoy clean, inspirational, suspense romance, then give this book a try.
January 25, 2023
Clean Romance Mystery
This book was not to bad and I would recommend it but it would not be a favorite. I felt like I was reading a second book of a series not a first in the series. The author eventually told about the “past” of each character but I felt like I was hanging or missing something throughout the whole book. I felt like it didn’t flow right.
This book was not to bad and I would recommend it but it would not be a favorite. I felt like I was reading a second book of a series not a first in the series. The author eventually told about the “past” of each character but I felt like I was hanging or missing something throughout the whole book. I felt like it didn’t flow right.
October 10, 2024
This Christian romantic suspense novel was decent. The storyline was quite engaging; however, if you're seeking encouragement, this series may not be suitable as it portrays some deeply flawed characters, which can be disheartening due to the depicted human depravity. Ultimately, good prevails, but it's a journey to reach that point.
July 29, 2025
The Sins of the Father
You will read about Dysfunctional Families from the beginning to the end of this book. There are also examples of those trying to live above or beyond the dysfunction, those still fighting the past but growing. You will also read of love, familial, romantic, and God’s. I enjoyed the story.
You will read about Dysfunctional Families from the beginning to the end of this book. There are also examples of those trying to live above or beyond the dysfunction, those still fighting the past but growing. You will also read of love, familial, romantic, and God’s. I enjoyed the story.
March 25, 2022
Good story.
I was able to guess who was responsible for the town's troubles near the beginning of the book, but I enjoyed the story anyway.
The love story was sweet, and the characters were interesting and had depth. I will most likely continue to read this series.
I was able to guess who was responsible for the town's troubles near the beginning of the book, but I enjoyed the story anyway.
The love story was sweet, and the characters were interesting and had depth. I will most likely continue to read this series.
September 12, 2023
So good
This book was so good I read it in one day that good. The characters are very supportive and likeable. This was very spiritual filled, wholesome clean romance/mystery. I highly recommend you don't want to miss a great read.
This book was so good I read it in one day that good. The characters are very supportive and likeable. This was very spiritual filled, wholesome clean romance/mystery. I highly recommend you don't want to miss a great read.
November 4, 2023
Great story
This is a great story. A fire bug has everyone upset. Chad is getting blamed and it looks like he could be guilty. Carter and Audra are both doubting their decisions of romance. Hal is set on ruining Carter's career. And what about the pennies?
This is a great story. A fire bug has everyone upset. Chad is getting blamed and it looks like he could be guilty. Carter and Audra are both doubting their decisions of romance. Hal is set on ruining Carter's career. And what about the pennies?
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