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Secrets of Roux River Bayou #1
False Pretenses
Zoe Broussard loves the life she and her husband Pierce have built in her beloved Louisiana hometown -- especially their popular brasserie Zoe B’s, to which folks drive all the way from Lafayette for lunch or dinner. It seems like heaven.
But it’s about to become hell. A series of anonymous notes is making her life a misery --because Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Can she find the courage to face her past?
The first in a new series from Kathy Herman, False Pretenses is a gripping suspense novel that leaves a lasting impression about honesty and accountability.
But it’s about to become hell. A series of anonymous notes is making her life a misery --because Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Can she find the courage to face her past?
The first in a new series from Kathy Herman, False Pretenses is a gripping suspense novel that leaves a lasting impression about honesty and accountability.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
224 people are currently reading
1245 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Herman
34 books243 followersBest-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written twenty novels—including the Secrets or Roux River Bayou Series, Sophie Trace Series, the Seaport Suspense Series, and the Phantom Hollow Series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her late husband Paul have a blended family of three grown children. Kathy lives in the Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
August 2, 2011
More like 4 ½ stars. This is the first book I’ve read by Kathy Herman, but from what I read about her, I had a feeling I would like it. And I did! It had the suspenseful plot that slowly built throughout the book and also a really good twist of romantic tension between Zoe and her husband, Pierce. I kept hoping she’d tell him all her lies, and then I found myself hoping Pierce would forgive her. Really grew to like these characters—they just couldn’t split up!
Zoe was a very layered character. Beginning the book, the reader knows she did something wrong, but not what. As the story progresses, her sin is reveled, but I kept discovering more and more layers of Zoe. She’d built such a wall of protection around her—with her false name and past—that she herself almost believed it. Definitely a three-dimensional(or more!) character! Pierce seemed a bit thin at the beginning of the book. It took me a while to like him, but by the time Zoe had to confess to him, he’d grown on me and I began to see a deeper side to him.
One of my favorite twists in False Pretenses (and there were many!) is when Zoe’s life is now in danger because of the false identity she choice. Of all the identities she could’ve picked to start her new life, she landed the one with ties to the drug lords. Wow! What a blow that must’ve been for Zoe! Kathy’s writing was strong and vivid, really putting the reader in Zoe’s little town in Louisiana.
While it took a little to get into this plot, once the ball started rolling it never stopped. I found it easy to immerse myself into False Pretenses and get all caught up in Zoe’s lies and deceits. What an awful way to live, with so much falsehood hanging over you all the time. There were a few parts or scenes that felt a bit awkward for the characters or didn’t flow, but it wasn’t that bad and I doesn’t sway me from reading more of Kathy’s books in the future! I recommend this for adults as well as teens. Nothing questionable that stood out to me, and False Pretenses holds many wonderful lessons on how lies can eat at your conscience and also on how your sins will always find you out.
Zoe was a very layered character. Beginning the book, the reader knows she did something wrong, but not what. As the story progresses, her sin is reveled, but I kept discovering more and more layers of Zoe. She’d built such a wall of protection around her—with her false name and past—that she herself almost believed it. Definitely a three-dimensional(or more!) character! Pierce seemed a bit thin at the beginning of the book. It took me a while to like him, but by the time Zoe had to confess to him, he’d grown on me and I began to see a deeper side to him.
One of my favorite twists in False Pretenses (and there were many!) is when Zoe’s life is now in danger because of the false identity she choice. Of all the identities she could’ve picked to start her new life, she landed the one with ties to the drug lords. Wow! What a blow that must’ve been for Zoe! Kathy’s writing was strong and vivid, really putting the reader in Zoe’s little town in Louisiana.
While it took a little to get into this plot, once the ball started rolling it never stopped. I found it easy to immerse myself into False Pretenses and get all caught up in Zoe’s lies and deceits. What an awful way to live, with so much falsehood hanging over you all the time. There were a few parts or scenes that felt a bit awkward for the characters or didn’t flow, but it wasn’t that bad and I doesn’t sway me from reading more of Kathy’s books in the future! I recommend this for adults as well as teens. Nothing questionable that stood out to me, and False Pretenses holds many wonderful lessons on how lies can eat at your conscience and also on how your sins will always find you out.
July 9, 2024
I found the start a little slow, but it became more suspenseful as it went on. I found Pierce difficult to like, especially when he was so lacking in empathy with what his wife Zoe had been through growing up.
July 18, 2021
After the first 20% I actually thought I will put this book aside. I just was not in the mood for the specific topic (racial unrest), but I thought I will stick it out for another 20% after which it pulled me in and I've finished the book in two days.
If I have to sum up this story with one word, it would be Grace.
“Well, the Lord specializes in messes,” Ethan said. “It’s when we’re rendered helpless that we can really see His power at work. When we can’t, He can. I say we ask Him.”
I loved catching up with Ethan, Vanessa and Carter who I've met in the Sophie Tracie series. I loved how solid they are in their faith and how they impact others through this faith.
What I enjoyed and appreciated about this author's writing was the way she jumped between all the POV's in such a way that I never felt lost, especially between the different voices. I also liked how she included personal thoughts of the characters in a way which only the reader has access to and the flashbacks she included was done in a clear why and flowed smoothly with the rest of the story.
The suspense and the way the author imparted spiritual wisdom to the reader through the characters was what won me over. I also enjoyed how the writer spelled as the characters pronounced certain words - it helped this reader hear the accents.
I struggled a bit to connect with Pierce - especially how he handled certain truths revealed. His pride was evident.
Noah's story of his losses broke my heart.
I adored Adele and looking forward to seeing more of her in book 2.
“A day will come when someone you know is in desperate need of grace. Remember how this moment feels and pass it on. Healing comes as much in the giving as in the receiving.”
Recommended to fans who loves a great suspense novel with a strong Christian theme.
If I have to sum up this story with one word, it would be Grace.
“Well, the Lord specializes in messes,” Ethan said. “It’s when we’re rendered helpless that we can really see His power at work. When we can’t, He can. I say we ask Him.”
I loved catching up with Ethan, Vanessa and Carter who I've met in the Sophie Tracie series. I loved how solid they are in their faith and how they impact others through this faith.
What I enjoyed and appreciated about this author's writing was the way she jumped between all the POV's in such a way that I never felt lost, especially between the different voices. I also liked how she included personal thoughts of the characters in a way which only the reader has access to and the flashbacks she included was done in a clear why and flowed smoothly with the rest of the story.
The suspense and the way the author imparted spiritual wisdom to the reader through the characters was what won me over. I also enjoyed how the writer spelled as the characters pronounced certain words - it helped this reader hear the accents.
I struggled a bit to connect with Pierce - especially how he handled certain truths revealed. His pride was evident.
Noah's story of his losses broke my heart.
I adored Adele and looking forward to seeing more of her in book 2.
“A day will come when someone you know is in desperate need of grace. Remember how this moment feels and pass it on. Healing comes as much in the giving as in the receiving.”
Recommended to fans who loves a great suspense novel with a strong Christian theme.
October 29, 2016
A multi-faceted story filled to brimming with grace. I love the way the author tells it from the point of views of two couples -- Zoe and Pierce and Vanessa and Ethan. She weaves their diverse stories into the increasingly sinister suspense thread and in the process, creates a riveting tale of compassion and love and ultimately the forgiveness that comes from the grace Jesus offers us. Hair-raising, breath-snatching, I came to a point where I couldn't put the book down and had to finish it in one chilling sweep. So many 'aha' moments by the time I reached the triumphant conclusion.
This is book 1 (2011) in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou and you can bet, I'll be hunting down books 2 and 3! And to Kathy Herman fans -- You'll recognize Vanessa and Ethan from the Sophie Trace Trilogy. I haven't read those books but there was enough background references that I felt compelled to check the author's website and sure enough I found Vanessa and Ethan's story in The Right Call, which I'll be reading soon as well.
This is book 1 (2011) in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou and you can bet, I'll be hunting down books 2 and 3! And to Kathy Herman fans -- You'll recognize Vanessa and Ethan from the Sophie Trace Trilogy. I haven't read those books but there was enough background references that I felt compelled to check the author's website and sure enough I found Vanessa and Ethan's story in The Right Call, which I'll be reading soon as well.
September 23, 2012
I think there were just too many story lines going on in this book. And too many loose ends. There were so many hints and references to Vanessa Ethan's past that it makes me wonder if they were in another series Kathy Herman wrote...and so I was going into this book without that prior knowledge.
What happened with Noah? So is Carter not Ethan's son? Why was Drew killed?
What happened with Noah? So is Carter not Ethan's son? Why was Drew killed?
April 3, 2016
Oh. My. Word. This book was so good!!! I loved the atmosphere and the characters. I loved how the suspense slowly built in a creepy way and all the threads came together and I loved the ending and the message of GRACE. I cried at the end. Happy tears. I can not wait to get my hands on the 2nd and 3rd books in this series!
June 27, 2012
Ten years ago, Shelby Sieger changed her name and left her home, bound for Lafayette and a new life…She randomly picks a new name, Zoe from a newspaper article and moves to a small town outside of New Orleans and opens a restaurant. She married Pierre Broussard and they run a popular cafe.
Vanessa and Ethan Langley have just moved into Langley House, with the intention of turning it into a B&B. But Langley House has a six-generation history that includes its share of ghosts. Meanwhile, they are renting a apartment from Zoe and Pierce Broussard while Langley Manor is being renovated. Pierce and Zoe run a cafe together.
Herman, Kathy (2011-03-01). False Pretenses: A Novel (Secrets of Roux River Bayou) . David C Cook. Kindle Edition.
Trouble begins when a white man, the simple-minded Remy Jarvis, is lynched just 200 yards from Langley Manor. Meanwhile, Zoe starts getting anonymous notes, each the same five words cut from the newspaper: I know what you did. Her past is a secret from everyone, including her husband. Does someone know? If so, what do they know? And what will she do to prevent her secrets becoming known? The answers to these questions are slowly uncovered as the story progresses.
The story deals with the questions of why family of origin is so important to our self-image. What elements go into forming a healthy self-image? When those elements are missing in a child’s life, who is responsible? When those elements are missing in an adult’s life, who is responsible? Where do we find our true identity? At what point in time should an adult take responsibility for dealing with the wounds of his or her childhood? A statement from the book: “It’s not your fault if you grew up dysfunctional, but it is your fault if you stay that way.”
False Pretenses has a good Christian message, but not preachy and has an underlying theme of personal responsibility. It is also a story of the triumph of grace over adversity. A memorable quote from one of the characters:
“A day will come when someone you know is in desperate need of grace. Remember how this moment feels and pass it on. Healing comes as much in the giving as in the receiving.”
Vanessa and Ethan Langley have just moved into Langley House, with the intention of turning it into a B&B. But Langley House has a six-generation history that includes its share of ghosts. Meanwhile, they are renting a apartment from Zoe and Pierce Broussard while Langley Manor is being renovated. Pierce and Zoe run a cafe together.
Herman, Kathy (2011-03-01). False Pretenses: A Novel (Secrets of Roux River Bayou) . David C Cook. Kindle Edition.
Trouble begins when a white man, the simple-minded Remy Jarvis, is lynched just 200 yards from Langley Manor. Meanwhile, Zoe starts getting anonymous notes, each the same five words cut from the newspaper: I know what you did. Her past is a secret from everyone, including her husband. Does someone know? If so, what do they know? And what will she do to prevent her secrets becoming known? The answers to these questions are slowly uncovered as the story progresses.
The story deals with the questions of why family of origin is so important to our self-image. What elements go into forming a healthy self-image? When those elements are missing in a child’s life, who is responsible? When those elements are missing in an adult’s life, who is responsible? Where do we find our true identity? At what point in time should an adult take responsibility for dealing with the wounds of his or her childhood? A statement from the book: “It’s not your fault if you grew up dysfunctional, but it is your fault if you stay that way.”
False Pretenses has a good Christian message, but not preachy and has an underlying theme of personal responsibility. It is also a story of the triumph of grace over adversity. A memorable quote from one of the characters:
“A day will come when someone you know is in desperate need of grace. Remember how this moment feels and pass it on. Healing comes as much in the giving as in the receiving.”
January 23, 2016
FALSE PRETENSE was a good read with some interesting twists, but not the page-turner I have come to expect from Kathy Herman.
Zoe Broussard is an eatery owner in the Cajun culture of Louisiana. Along with her husband, Pierce, she has created for herself a wonderful lifestyle, the only problem . . . it is just that, a world she has created. We soon find out that Zoe is not who she says she is, and her past is about to catch up with her.
FALSE PRETENSE is the first book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series, FALSE PRETENSE combines new characters, and old characters from The Sophie Trace Trilogy. I didn’t know that going into it, but soon put two and two together regarding the characters of Vanessa and Ethan Langley.
I enjoyed FALSE PRETENSE, but somehow did not feel the fluidity or the absolutely can’t put it down mentality I usually associate with a Kathy Herman book. Like other readers, I found the Cajun dialect to be a bit intrusive. I know realism is essential, but I found myself not bothering to flip back and forth to the glossary because I didn’t want to take the time and it took away from the flow of the story. I enjoyed some of the unique characters, and some of the incredible plot twists, but I was easily distracted when the pace slowed and some of the dialogue dragged. I did appreciate the book enough that I will buy the sequel. One– because I know Kathy Herman can deliver amazing stories, two–because I can’t wait to see how the Bed and Breakfast the Langley’s are working on turns out.
Zoe Broussard is an eatery owner in the Cajun culture of Louisiana. Along with her husband, Pierce, she has created for herself a wonderful lifestyle, the only problem . . . it is just that, a world she has created. We soon find out that Zoe is not who she says she is, and her past is about to catch up with her.
FALSE PRETENSE is the first book in the Secrets of Roux River Bayou Series, FALSE PRETENSE combines new characters, and old characters from The Sophie Trace Trilogy. I didn’t know that going into it, but soon put two and two together regarding the characters of Vanessa and Ethan Langley.
I enjoyed FALSE PRETENSE, but somehow did not feel the fluidity or the absolutely can’t put it down mentality I usually associate with a Kathy Herman book. Like other readers, I found the Cajun dialect to be a bit intrusive. I know realism is essential, but I found myself not bothering to flip back and forth to the glossary because I didn’t want to take the time and it took away from the flow of the story. I enjoyed some of the unique characters, and some of the incredible plot twists, but I was easily distracted when the pace slowed and some of the dialogue dragged. I did appreciate the book enough that I will buy the sequel. One– because I know Kathy Herman can deliver amazing stories, two–because I can’t wait to see how the Bed and Breakfast the Langley’s are working on turns out.
October 12, 2011
What a good first experience with Kathy Herman's books! Until this novel, Kathy was a new author to me, and now, I have a feeling I will be returning for future novels, as well as searching out her back list. Her style of writing was so personable and friendly, even with a plot that had murder, deception, and racial tension.
In spite of actually reading the back cover blurb somewhere along the way, it slipped my mind that this book would feature the continuing story of a few characters from some of Kathy's earlier novels. I got a tad bit worried that this would make for a less-than-ideal reading experience, but she gave just enough info that I had no trouble piecing together Ethan and Vanessa's back story. In fact, their reasons for moving to Louisiana later became an instrumental part of the story in more ways than one.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Zoe. I think the combination of her attempts to change her past coupled with her desire to fit into the Cajun culture made her the most unrealistic character of the bunch. Her only redeeming feature was her husband, Pierce. His struggle to forgive Zoe for her years of deceit was both believable and heartfelt.
Now that I've connected with all of these characters, I'm anxious to return to the Roux River Bayou and see what's in store for Mrs. Woodmore. Her Southern charm in this novel was like iced sweet tea on a hot summer day--I just couldn't get enough!
In spite of actually reading the back cover blurb somewhere along the way, it slipped my mind that this book would feature the continuing story of a few characters from some of Kathy's earlier novels. I got a tad bit worried that this would make for a less-than-ideal reading experience, but she gave just enough info that I had no trouble piecing together Ethan and Vanessa's back story. In fact, their reasons for moving to Louisiana later became an instrumental part of the story in more ways than one.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Zoe. I think the combination of her attempts to change her past coupled with her desire to fit into the Cajun culture made her the most unrealistic character of the bunch. Her only redeeming feature was her husband, Pierce. His struggle to forgive Zoe for her years of deceit was both believable and heartfelt.
Now that I've connected with all of these characters, I'm anxious to return to the Roux River Bayou and see what's in store for Mrs. Woodmore. Her Southern charm in this novel was like iced sweet tea on a hot summer day--I just couldn't get enough!
April 3, 2012
Zoe B's is a happening brasserie in Cajun country, in the town of Les Barbes. Zoe Broussard and her husband Pierce, have worked hard and have established a successful business, but Zoe realizes that her life is built upon deception, that will soon be revealed when she starts receiving notes that she knows will lead to blackmail. So forcing herself to face the horrible acts of her past, she knows that she has to face what she did and who she really is. She however is not sure her marriage can survive the revelation of the real Zoe. However when the notes lead to the actual act of blackmail, she realizes that she is in deep trouble and the truth has to come out in order to save her's and Pierce's lives. A crazed drug dealer thinks that Zoe is someone other than she really is and is convinced she has stolen a hundred thousand dollars and he wants it back, or someone will die.
An action packed story that I could not put down. I loved this book, it is the first book I remember ever reading from this author but I hope it is not the last one. LOVED the book!! 5 stars. 384 pages US $14.99
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
An action packed story that I could not put down. I loved this book, it is the first book I remember ever reading from this author but I hope it is not the last one. LOVED the book!! 5 stars. 384 pages US $14.99
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
July 23, 2012
Zoe Broussard loves the life she and her husband Pierce have built in her beloved Louisiana hometown—especially their popular brasserie Zoe B’s, to which folks drive all the way from Lafayette for lunch or dinner. It seems like heaven.
But it’s about to become hell. A series of anonymous notes is making her life a misery—because Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Can she find the courage to face her past?
The first in a new series from Kathy Herman, False Pretenses is a gripping suspense novel that leaves a lasting impression about honesty and accountability.
Great story--couldn't put it down. Zoe has to deal with her lies & learn the meaning of grace from her new neighbors & friends who move in to renovate the Langley place (which they find also has a secret--who is the candy man and what is he doing there).
But it’s about to become hell. A series of anonymous notes is making her life a misery—because Zoe has a secret so terrible it could leave the business in shambles and tear her marriage apart. Can she find the courage to face her past?
The first in a new series from Kathy Herman, False Pretenses is a gripping suspense novel that leaves a lasting impression about honesty and accountability.
Great story--couldn't put it down. Zoe has to deal with her lies & learn the meaning of grace from her new neighbors & friends who move in to renovate the Langley place (which they find also has a secret--who is the candy man and what is he doing there).
April 3, 2016
Before I started this book I didn't know if I was going to enjoy this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Forgiveness and Grace were a major theme in 'False Pretenses'. Adele Woodmore was probably my favorite character because she seemed so nice and friendly.
'False Pretenses' was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series - 'Dangerous Mercy' - when it comes out this year.
Something I noticed after reading 'False Pretenses' is that I should have read the 'Sophie Trace Trilogy' series first because some of the characters from that series are also in this series (particularly the Langley's). So I plan to read that series soon, that way I can know the background story to them (plus it seems like the series will be interesting).
'False Pretenses' was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series - 'Dangerous Mercy' - when it comes out this year.
Something I noticed after reading 'False Pretenses' is that I should have read the 'Sophie Trace Trilogy' series first because some of the characters from that series are also in this series (particularly the Langley's). So I plan to read that series soon, that way I can know the background story to them (plus it seems like the series will be interesting).
February 11, 2015
Kathy Herman is one of my favorite authors and this book is one of the reasons why! At the beginning of this book, Zoe was a girl who made a bad decision that she carried with her for years. And as with things we run from, we eventually have to face it again. Well, the time came for Zoe to face it. She made a decision to finally own her mistake, to make amends, and she was met with a very different outcome than the one she expected. In this story, Zoe discovers that God's grace is much bigger than our sin. The person she blossoms into through it all makes this book very enjoyable. An added treasure to this story, Adele is a godly and gracious woman who will be hard to forget. She goes on my list of book characters that really add to the quality of a story. I say keep writing, Kathy Herman, because your books are worth reading!
April 25, 2011
The story started out slowly at first but I did enjoy it once it picked up. I felt though as though I missed something at first; some of the characters seemed to have a backstory from a previous series (this is the first in a new series of books set in a different town than her previous books) and every now and then there were mentions of previous occurrences and I felt as though I should remember what had happened in the previous series. I am going to have to go back through my books read by this author.
May 11, 2012
The characters were well written, felt like old friends and went thru the trials and problems as if I really knew them. Christian writer but she isn't preachy - would recommend all her books.
Some of her comments in the book really hit you in the right place and it turns you back to your roots and upbringing.
Some of her comments in the book really hit you in the right place and it turns you back to your roots and upbringing.
August 9, 2025
I grew up not far from the setting of this book and so that gave me an immediate connection with the story. But if it had been set thousands of miles away, I would have been hooked from the start. A fairy tale turned tragedy.... intrigue... love.. lies.. forgiveness.. this book has it all.
December 17, 2012
Didn't love it. It was interesting, and I don't know why it didn't catch me...it had all the right components! Oh well.
June 11, 2017
Secrets have a way of coming out ...
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID
When the notes first start arriving, Zoe Broussard is terrified that someone has discovered the secret that she has been keeping for the last ten years and will ruin both her personal and professional life. Hoping that she can remove the potential blackmailer's leverage, Zoe takes steps to amend her long-ago transgression.
... Only to find that the situation is actually worse than she ever imagined, because the blackmailer thinks that she is someone else ...
Kathy Herman has instantly jumped onto my "favorite author" shelf. This blend of Christian suspense and romance is EXACTLY the kind of book I like to read. The rest of the Roux River Bayou series is going on my To-Read shelf TODAY, as well as her previous Sophie Trace trilogy, because I want to find out more of Ethan and Vanessa's backstory.
(Two tiny quibbles: 1. The bad guy's surname kept switching between Cowan and Cowen, and 2. Every time the drug heroin was mentioned, it was spelled "heroine" -- NOT the same thing at all!)
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID
When the notes first start arriving, Zoe Broussard is terrified that someone has discovered the secret that she has been keeping for the last ten years and will ruin both her personal and professional life. Hoping that she can remove the potential blackmailer's leverage, Zoe takes steps to amend her long-ago transgression.
... Only to find that the situation is actually worse than she ever imagined, because the blackmailer thinks that she is someone else ...
Kathy Herman has instantly jumped onto my "favorite author" shelf. This blend of Christian suspense and romance is EXACTLY the kind of book I like to read. The rest of the Roux River Bayou series is going on my To-Read shelf TODAY, as well as her previous Sophie Trace trilogy, because I want to find out more of Ethan and Vanessa's backstory.
(Two tiny quibbles: 1. The bad guy's surname kept switching between Cowan and Cowen, and 2. Every time the drug heroin was mentioned, it was spelled "heroine" -- NOT the same thing at all!)
March 21, 2017
Shelby Sieger wants a life of her own, away from her father's abuse, from the preconceptions about who she really is, and from what she had done to finance that new start. After changing her name, she flees, leaving more lies behind her.
Ethan and Vanessa Langley moved to Louisiana to convert the family manor into a bed and breakfast. While the work is being done on the old plantation, they and their imaginative four-year-old son live in a place rented from Pierre and Zoe Broussard.
A lynching of a white man and a note that seems to imply a racial motivation has the town in an uproar. Could young Carter Langley's mysterious African-American Candy Man friend be behind the murder? In addition, Zoe is receiving notes that say "I know what you did", but how can she tell her beloved husband that she isn't Cajun, that her whole life is a lie?
This is a Christian mystery so religion is a big part of it, but Herman isn't preachy. As the story continues, there is more, especially when explaining how Grace must be given as well as received. The characters are real people, with both good and bad parts. Overall, a good read for anyone who isn't offended by religion woven through a story, but who don't want it jammed down their throats by holier-than-thou characters. 3.5 out 5.
Ethan and Vanessa Langley moved to Louisiana to convert the family manor into a bed and breakfast. While the work is being done on the old plantation, they and their imaginative four-year-old son live in a place rented from Pierre and Zoe Broussard.
A lynching of a white man and a note that seems to imply a racial motivation has the town in an uproar. Could young Carter Langley's mysterious African-American Candy Man friend be behind the murder? In addition, Zoe is receiving notes that say "I know what you did", but how can she tell her beloved husband that she isn't Cajun, that her whole life is a lie?
This is a Christian mystery so religion is a big part of it, but Herman isn't preachy. As the story continues, there is more, especially when explaining how Grace must be given as well as received. The characters are real people, with both good and bad parts. Overall, a good read for anyone who isn't offended by religion woven through a story, but who don't want it jammed down their throats by holier-than-thou characters. 3.5 out 5.
June 20, 2017
Excellent book!
I really enjoyed reading False Pretense. The characters come to life in the story. They make mistakes, show sin, love, grace, and faith in God. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is the comparison of two couples. One couple has fully accepted Christ as savior and Lord. He lives in their hearts. The other couple has a head knowledge and worship God but there is no heart knowledge. During the telling of the story with good and bad things happening. the couples both lean on God to get through some very tough situations. I actually had to put the book down for a few hours because the situation was so intense. A loving relationship with Jesus is the final victor in this book. He is the center! I am looking forward to reading the next book.
I really enjoyed reading False Pretense. The characters come to life in the story. They make mistakes, show sin, love, grace, and faith in God. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is the comparison of two couples. One couple has fully accepted Christ as savior and Lord. He lives in their hearts. The other couple has a head knowledge and worship God but there is no heart knowledge. During the telling of the story with good and bad things happening. the couples both lean on God to get through some very tough situations. I actually had to put the book down for a few hours because the situation was so intense. A loving relationship with Jesus is the final victor in this book. He is the center! I am looking forward to reading the next book.
May 23, 2020
This was an amazing story with so much diversity that kept the suspenseful pace gripping for more, throughout the book. I will definitely buy the next books in the series.
This story really touched every aspect of betrayal and lies to the next level. The four main characters were very supportive as they had to grow in their own place. Each really touching another aspect of lies and change it to victory.
Though the writing was good, the repetitiveness got to me at times, and the reason I could not give it a 5-star rating.
Otherwise, a very good plot with great characters that made the story realistic and believable.
Thanks for the freebie back in 2012.
This story really touched every aspect of betrayal and lies to the next level. The four main characters were very supportive as they had to grow in their own place. Each really touching another aspect of lies and change it to victory.
Though the writing was good, the repetitiveness got to me at times, and the reason I could not give it a 5-star rating.
Otherwise, a very good plot with great characters that made the story realistic and believable.
Thanks for the freebie back in 2012.
September 11, 2020
Truth or Consequences
It is my firm belief that we all have untold secrets in our lives. Miss Kathy shows the ultimate consequences of Zoe's deceptions, even though there were extenuating circumstances. She also shows the love our Heavenly Father has for us, even though He sees to it we receive deserved discipline for our actions. The final outcome though, is He stands with open arms to give us undeserved grace, and mercy from the punishment we do deserve.
I would recommend this book, and any of Miss Kathy's works to every member of your family!
It is my firm belief that we all have untold secrets in our lives. Miss Kathy shows the ultimate consequences of Zoe's deceptions, even though there were extenuating circumstances. She also shows the love our Heavenly Father has for us, even though He sees to it we receive deserved discipline for our actions. The final outcome though, is He stands with open arms to give us undeserved grace, and mercy from the punishment we do deserve.
I would recommend this book, and any of Miss Kathy's works to every member of your family!
February 8, 2017
Absolutely loved it
What an exciting story. Couldn't put it down. There is plenty of romance, mystery, great characters, murder and bad guys who could ruin everything. It's completely engrossing. Some serious mistakes from Zoe's past come close to spoiling everything she has going for her...her marriage her friendships, even her Cajun cafe. God steps in when all else looks hopeless. Enjoy!
What an exciting story. Couldn't put it down. There is plenty of romance, mystery, great characters, murder and bad guys who could ruin everything. It's completely engrossing. Some serious mistakes from Zoe's past come close to spoiling everything she has going for her...her marriage her friendships, even her Cajun cafe. God steps in when all else looks hopeless. Enjoy!
June 5, 2017
Zoey felt like she was living a dream...the husband, the business, the friends! A town with "Cajun" flavor and a touch of mystery. Pierce was the man she thought she would never know. Proud. Talented. Kind. And he gave Zoey the love and attention that make her confidence soar. When a threat comes to even suggest that she would lose any of these, Zoey decides to do some damage control. But is it too late? Read about her best attempt to fix a 10 year old mistake.
February 25, 2018
Kathy Herman has quickly become one of my favorite authors
Another good read! I only recently discovered this author and I’m certainly glad I did. When I started this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like it as much as the other two of hers that I’ve read. It quickly gained momentum and drew me in however. Great story about forgiveness and grace. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Another good read! I only recently discovered this author and I’m certainly glad I did. When I started this book I wasn’t sure I was going to like it as much as the other two of hers that I’ve read. It quickly gained momentum and drew me in however. Great story about forgiveness and grace. Looking forward to the next in the series.
August 6, 2021
This book is excellent. I didn't want to put it down! The characters are so easy to fall in love with and the essence of the town is something one to perfection. Grace....such a simple word for such a might force! Grace is woven throughout this story. Trauma affects much more than just our physical bodies....Zoe is proof that trauma destroys people, but it doesn't have to keep us down...unless we let it.
December 28, 2021
Really a 3.5 but a high 3.5. I don't want to go into details or spoilers. It is a good mystery but there are a couple of plot lines that are obvious and a mystery only to the characters in the story. Also, it did get a little preachy which did not bother me but if you don't want that, you should be warned. It is a good mystery, and the character development is well done and other than those two issues I rate it higher than most of the romance/mystery/faith-based books.
April 14, 2022
First book by this author that I had read and wow was I impressed, there are a couple of spots where it goes a bit slow so just missed out on five stars but the characters were interesting, the setting unusual and it kept me reading from start to finish. The suspense builds and became more interesting towards the end, and loved that the house had secret tunnels, reminds you of Nancy Drew stories growing up.
Very nostalgic feel to the whole thing, finding out family secrets and lies.
Very nostalgic feel to the whole thing, finding out family secrets and lies.
July 3, 2017
Sitting on the edge of my seat
I really enjoyed this book. I recently read "Girl on the Train ". It was a suspense novel with sad , hurting people with a sad ending...a morbid book that left me wondering why I ever started to read. This book not only kept me on the edge of my seat but it was uplifting too. So glad I read this!
I really enjoyed this book. I recently read "Girl on the Train ". It was a suspense novel with sad , hurting people with a sad ending...a morbid book that left me wondering why I ever started to read. This book not only kept me on the edge of my seat but it was uplifting too. So glad I read this!
February 24, 2018
A love story full of faith
This is the story of a relationship built on lies. It takes place in Louisiana and centers around a Cajun Cafe with a cast of regular characters. It,s not a “deep” story but the characters have personality and connect. Faith in God helps this couple get over a life threatening situation. It was an enjoyable quick read.
This is the story of a relationship built on lies. It takes place in Louisiana and centers around a Cajun Cafe with a cast of regular characters. It,s not a “deep” story but the characters have personality and connect. Faith in God helps this couple get over a life threatening situation. It was an enjoyable quick read.
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