Showing posts with label Irene Hannon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irene Hannon. Show all posts

Body of Evidence (Triple Threat #3) by Irene Hannon | Romantic Suspense Review

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon

Triple Threat #3
Romantic Suspense

The dead don't give up their secrets easily

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of older residents whose demises appear to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths, as well as her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. And once they join forces to investigate, danger follows close behind. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked.

My Thoughts

Body of Evidence is the third book in the Triple Threat series and in my opinion it's the best of the three. This time the story is centered on the youngest Reilly sister, Grace, who is a forensic pathologist in rural Missouri. Her eventual romantic interest is the new sheriff, Nate Cox.

The two are drawn together when Grace begins to question a couple of deaths among the elderly in the community. As a result Grace becomes the target of an unknown perpetrator. The deeper she digs in the more dangerous things become.

The plot in this story is complex and obviously involved a massive amount of research on the author's part. I had no idea of who the murderer was until the author began to reveal the culprit. And when she did I was still astounded by the complexity of the situation.

Since the book is part of a series I'm often asked if it can be read as a stand alone title. On this one I would say yes you could but you will miss out on the references to past stories involving Grace's two sisters. However the main story is complete in this book. I would say read the whole series if you can but if not enjoy your time in this book. 

More In The Series


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Irene Hannon
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Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.







 

Labyrinth of Lies (Triple Threat #2) by Irene Hannon | Romantic Suspense Review

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon

Triple Threat #2
Romantic Suspense

Danger awaits on a covert mission where few are who they seem to be.

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath its veneer of polish and wealth, Ivy Hill Academy harbors dark--and deadly--secrets. But the biggest shock of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly.

But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

My Thoughts

With the second book in the series the story also moves to a second sister in the trio. This time around the focus is on Cate. She's a detective in St. Louis and has been convinced to do just one more undercover assignment before she resumes her normal duties.

The assignment takes her to an all girls academy to uncover the circumstance surrounding a missing student. It just so happens that her old flame Zeke is undercover on a different assignment at the same academy. Could their cases be linked?

As usual with an Irene Hannon novel the story is intense with danger always seeming to lurk around the corner. And of course there's the element of rekindled romance that keeps wanting to push to the forefront. 

I always enjoy books by Irene Hannon and I recommend this book and series as a must read.



Disclosure

I received a copy of the book to facilitate my review.



 

Point of Danger (Triple Threat #1) by Irene Hannon | Romantic Suspense Review

Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

Triple Threat #1
Romantic Suspense

Hate mail was one thing. 

This was quite another.

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently.

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.


Read an excerpt.
READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

It's an exciting day when a book by Irene Hannon arrives in my mailbox! I enjoy reading romantic suspense and she has become a reliable source of entertainment in this field. Point of Danger is the beginning of a new series so I was looking forward to meeting the new characters and seeing where the series would take me.

The main characters are radio talk show host Eve Reilly and police detective Brent Lange. The story opens up with a ticking package on Eve's front porch. Is it a bomb? Who would leave a bomb on her front porch? 

As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that many people have nefarious motives towards Eve. She's an outspoken, right leaning, political talk show host and there are many that would love to see her silenced.

I loved trying to guess who the ultimate culprit was. I think I changed my mind two or three times before the plot was revealed. And when it was revealed I was pleasantly surprised! 

If you like suspense with a bit of romance mixed in, I recommend that you give Point of Danger a try. 

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Irene Hannon
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I received a copy of this book from Revell to facilitate my review.




 

Sandpiper Cove (Hope Harbor #3) by Irene Hannon | Contemporary Romance Review

Sandpiper Cove (Hope Harbor #3) by Irene Hannon

Book Review disclosure.

Hope Harbor #3
Contemporary Fiction

WISHING FOR THINGS THAT CAN 
NEVER BE IS FOOLISH . . . or is it?

Hope Harbor police chief and single mom Lexie Graham has zero time for extracurricular activities--including romance. Ex-con Adam Stone isn't looking for love either--but how ironic is it that the first woman to catch his eye is a police chief?

When Lexie enlists Adam's help to keep a troubled young man from heading down the wrong path, sparks begin to fly. Could it be that God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine?

Lauded by Library Journal as "a master at character development," Irene Hannon welcomes you back to this charming Oregon seaside village.

COME HOME TO HOPE HARBOR
where hearts heal--and love blooms

Read an excerpt.
READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Up until recently when I thought of Irene Hannon's books I thought of romantic suspense. With her new adventure into contemporary fiction I'm beginning to broaden my thought classification of her as a writer. I love her voice in suspense and her contemporary fiction writings aren't far behind.

Irene's Hope Harbor series makes me want to take a trip to the Oregon coast. The town is full of what all small towns should be, friendly neighbors that care about and for each other, quirky characters that keep things from being boring, and a sense of belonging that makes you feel like you've been a part of the community forever. Plus the beautiful seaside setting doesn't hurt anything.

In Sandpiper Cove we focus on two people that should belong to two different worlds. Lexie Graham is the police chief and Adam Stone is an ex-con. You would think that the two would steer clear of each other. But the heart is a funny thing. It doesn't consider a person's past, only those possibilities that lie ahead. I enjoyed reading about how these two seemingly incompatible puzzle pieces began to fit together. 

There are other ongoing storylines that allow the readers of the series to catch up on what has been going on between the books. Even though this book is part of a series I still think it can be read as a stand-alone novel. There is enough background given for the reader to understand what is going on without being redundant for the series reader. If you've liked Irene Hannon's romantic suspense I urge you to give her contemporary romance a try. You won't be sorry!

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Irene Hannon
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Tangled Webs (Men of Valor #3) by Irene Hannon | Romantic Suspense Review

Tangled Webs (Men of Valor #3) by Irene Hannon

Book review disclosure.

Men of Valor #3
Romantic Suspense

FINN HAS PACKED AWAY HIS COMBAT INSTINCTS--
BUT HE MAY NEED THEM AGAIN WHEN DANGER BEGINS
TO STALK HIS QUIET HIDEAWAY . . .

After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.

Read an excerpt.
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My Thoughts

Tangled Webs brings the Men of Valor series to a close. In this final book our focus shifts to the baby of the family, Finn McGregor. If you read the first two books, Buried Secrets and Thin Ice, you've already become acquainted with Finn.

Finn was an Army Ranger for the last several years, but after a mission in the Middle East went bad he found himself without a definite career path. Knowing that he needs time to recuperate his brothers arrange for him to have some downtime at a friend's secluded cabin.

All seems peaceful and serine until a woman's screams pierce the night. That single event will change things for Finn in ways that he never imagined.

Dana Lewis is Finn's nearest neighbor and she's also recuperating at her family's cabin. She grew up spending lots of time at the cabin with her grandparents and it has always been a place of security and hope. Retreating here seemed to be the right thing to do but this time something is wrong.

I absolutely love Irene Hannon's romantic suspense books. This series has been especially intriguing because it involved three brothers that all have military careers. Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone title but if you plan on reading all of them definitely read them in order.

If your tastes lean towards suspense you won't be disappointed in this book or series. The action is fast and the characters are quite intriguing. Each of the situations are ones that we could easily read about in the headlines. I for one can't wait to see where her next series will take us.

If you are part of a book club you might be interested in downloading the Reading Group Guide.

Other Reviews For This Author

Vanished
One Perfect Spring
Deceived
Buried Secrets
Hope Harbor
Thin Ice
Sea Rose Lane

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Irene Hannon
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Sea Rose Lane (Hope Harbor #2) by Irene Hannon | Contemporary Romance Review



Hope Harbor #2
Contemporary Romance

TWO PEOPLE STARTING OVER . . .
IN A TOWN KNOWN
FOR SECOND CHANCES

After a devastating layoff, attorney Eric Nash heads back to Hope Harbor--only to discover that his childhood home is being transformed into a bed and breakfast. Instead of plotting his next career move in peace, he's constantly distracted by noise, chaos--and BJ Stevens, the attractive but prickly blonde architect who's invaded the house with her motley crew. As for BJ, her client's son might be handsome, but after a disastrous romance, dating isn't high on her agenda. Yet when they join forces for to help Hope Harbor seniors, might they also find healing, hope, and a new beginning themselves?

COME HOME TO HOPE HARBOR--
where hearts heal . . . and love blooms

READ AN EXCERPT
Other Reviews For This Author


My Thoughts

You know a book is good when you come to the end and want to visit the place where the story is set. The Hope Harbor series is like that for me. My rational mind knows that it is a fictional setting but my heart longs to visit a place where second chances abound.

I fell in love with this darling little sea side town in Hope Harbor and now after reading Sea Rose Lane I am even more smitten with the place and the people. The main characters have compelling stories but the supporting characters are really what make them unique.

I enjoyed reading about the tension filled romance between architect BJ Stevens and attorney Eric Nash. The two are like oil and water . . . but then Irene Hannon works her magic and adds an emulsifier like a community project and suddenly the oil and water not only mix but complement each other.

As I said it's the supporting characters that intrigue me. Who is this mysterious painter and fish taco maker? He seems to always have been there, but where did he come from and how does he know what he knows? And please let there be more to Luis' story. Such a survivor and an over comer!

I look forward to the next Hope Harbor book, Sandpiper Cove, but be forewarned it doesn't release until April 2017. Fear not, Irene's next book in the Men of Valor series, Tangled Webs, releases this fall!

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Thin Ice (Men of Valor, Book 2) by Irene Hannon {Romantic Suspense Review}



Men or Valor, Book 2
Romantic Suspense

IF GINNY REED IS STILL ALIVE--
WHO IS THE WOMAN BURIED IN HER GRAVE?

After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again--until an envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case . . . but he's coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon pulls out all the stops in this high-stakes thriller that races to a bone-chilling finish.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Thin Ice is one of those creepy stalker murder mystery type of stories that makes you wonder about the strangers around you. The opening scene has Christy Reeed showing up at her sister's house only to find it engulfed in flames with her sister presumably still inside. 

The story then fast forwards two months and we discover that the body in the burned out house was not her sister after all. Even though Christy has been warned not to contact authorities she does and FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor begins to sift through the mounting evidence surrounding her parents death and her sister's kidnapping. 

Pretty much from the start you know who the suspect is. Irene Hannon flips between telling the story from Christy's perspective and that of the perpetrator. What you don't know is the why. And that is what makes this a spine tingling read. 

In the midst of all the danger is a budding attraction between Christy and the handsome Agent McGregor. Of course it wouldn't be proper for them to have a relationship during the investigation . . . but when everything gets settled the chemistry between the two begs to be explored. 

While this book is part of a series the story stands on its own. The characters and situations from the first book are mentioned so I wouldn't read them out of order, but it would be okay to read this book without reading the first. I'm looking forward to reading this book with my book club and also reading the third book in the series. There's a teaser introduction to book three at the end of this book. Be forewarned, it's good and will make you impatient for the rest of the story.

If you are part of a book club you can find discussion questions for Thin Ice here. 

Other Reviews For This Author


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Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon {Contemporary Fiction Review}

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

Book review disclosure.

Contemporary Fiction

COME HOME TO
HOPE HARBOR--
Where hearts heal . . . 
and love blooms.

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. Now she's home again--with a floundering farm to run . . . a tragic secret . . . and a wounded heart. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets and devastating regrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help with a project that is close to her heart, winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoy Irene Hannon's suspense novels and I quickly devour them as soon as they are on the market. Much to my delight her contemporary fiction titles are every bit as good. She's a talented author and is able to switch genres with ease.

The interesting part is that even her contemporary fiction books have that suspenseful element to them that makes the story fly by. In Hope Harbor she introduces us to Michael Hunter who is a widower seeking a way to realign his life. He has come to Hope Harbor looking for a time of relaxation and reflection.  Through a series of mishaps he meets cranberry farmer Tracy Campbell. If you had to rely on first impressions Tracy would surely write Michael off. 

Tracy has regrets of her own that leave her unwilling to take the risk of being involved with anyone again. When Michael begins to pursue her in order to apologize for their initial meeting she quickly decides it is in her best interest to avoid him. Besides she's got enough on her plate with a failing farm and a charity endeavor that has quickly gotten out of hand.

I enjoyed riding along as the two of them developed a friendship that blossomed into more. In this instance I think I liked the side stories even more than the main one. This quaint little village on the Oregon coast is a place that looks idyllic but just like the rest of America it is also full of hurting people. The interesting part was that Michael came to Hope Harbor to rest, recharge and heal. But God also chose to use him during this time to bring hope and healing to those around him. 

If you're looking for a story about hurting people that receive healing then this is the one for you. I enjoyed the complexity of the story and the vibrancy of the characters and I think you will too.

If you are part of a book club there is a great Reading Group Guide that you can download here. It contains 20 very thought provoking and discussion inducing questions that will help your group get started.

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Irene Hannon
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Buried Secrets (Men of Valor, Book 1) by Irene Hannon {Romantic Suspense Review & $25 Family Christian Certificate Giveaway}

Buried Secrets (Men of Valor, Book 1) by Irene Hannon

Book review disclosure.

Men of Valor, Book 1
Irene Hannon
Romantic Suspense

THEY BOTH WANTED QUIETER, SAFER LIVES. BUT CRIME
NEVER SLEEPS . . . AND KILLERS KEEP KILLING.

After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

What could be better than a new series from a favorite author? Not much if you ask me! Irene Hannon introduces us to the first of three brothers in Buried Secrets which is book one in her new Men of Valor series. Mac McGregor is an ex-Navy SEAL that has had enough of the crazy life and just wants to settle down, find a wife and raise a family just like his good friend and fellow SEAL Mitch Morgan has. Mac makes the move to Carson, Missouri a suburb of St. Louis where Mitch lives and becomes a detective.

During a routine call Mac meets Lisa Grant. Unfortunately he doesn't realize that she is the Chief of Police and winds up sticking his foot in his mouth. Because of that their relationship gets off to a bit of a rocky start. Luckily the case that they are working on together keeps them in contact enough to let the attraction between them blossom.

The case that they are working on is a cold one. They don't have much to go on except some human bones that have been uncovered and a mysterious stone. But that doesn't stop the tenacious Chief Grant. She has the nose of a bloodhound and is determined to see this mystery solved.

One of the interesting things that I really like about this book is that you know right from the beginning how those bones got there and who aided in getting them there. The story that unfolds is fascinating as you watch the detectives unravel the mystery and the subjects scramble to cover up their deeds. Irene does a masterful job of keeping the story racing along to an exciting conclusion. 

The next book in the series is about Lance McGregor, Mac's younger brother. The teaser at the end of this book is so enticing. It is scheduled to come out in the Spring of 2016. I can hardly wait!

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Irene Hannon
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The Giveaway

We have partnered with Family Christian Stores to offer one of our readers a $25 Appreciation Certificate that can be used either online or in one of their stores. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

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Deceived by Irene Hannon ~ Romantic Suspense Review



Private Justice, Book 3
Irene Hannon
Romantic Suspense

A grieving mother. A mysterious child. 
And a dedicated PI who's determined 
to solve the puzzle.

For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plotline that accelerates to an explosive finish.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I always enjoy a good suspense novel from Irene Hannon. Her style is quite intriguing to me. From the very beginning you know all the characters involved and you know the overall mystery. What you don't know is the motive, and that is what makes her stories zing.

I appreciate how Irene uses her characters to move the story-line along. She is masterful at tugging on all of your emotions, especially sympathy. I'm amazed that I almost felt sorry for the villain in this one. He was so loving . . . until he wasn't. 

In Deceived we meet Kate Marshall three years after her husband and son were supposedly killed in a boating accident. She's finally got her feet back under her and is making a new life for herself in St. Louis. One chance encounter at the mall changes everything.

Before she can let the incident go she just has to investigate it a bit further. She seeks out Connor Sullivan with Phoenix, Inc., a private investigative firm that specializes in such cases. At first her situation seems like it will be a tragic incidence of mistaken identity, but after digging into it a bit the story gains traction.

Meanwhile we are introduced to Greg Sanders and his son Todd. They have also recently moved to St. Louis to start a new life. That same chance encounter at the mall has the potential to completely destroy everything he has so meticulously put together.

This very complex story is so tightly woven that you will be forced to continue reading just to understand why. From the beginning the questions just build and build until finally answers begin to be revealed. This was a stunning end to a great series.

I'll leave you with my favorite line of the book:
"Coincidence is a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous" ~ Connor Sullivan in Deceived by Irene Hannon 


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One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon ~ A Contemporary Fiction Book Review



Irene Hannon
Contemporary Fiction

Back of the book:

Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line--until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.

As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become--nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs--the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.

READ AN EXCERPT!

My thoughts:

Hayley had the best of intentions when she wrote her letter asking for help with a birthday present for her neighbor. Little did she or those around her know how much those few words were going to change all of their lives. 

In One Perfect Spring, Irene Hannon takes on the topic of adoption. She weaves an enticing tale that shows some of the effects of this situation for everyone involved, the adoptive parents, the adopted child, and the parent putting the child up for adoption. While this is not a suspense novel it still has Irene's signature fast paced story that includes unexpected twists. 

The book also contains a couple of very moving love stories. Claire has been burned by love before and she's not sure she'll ever be willing to take the chance again. Then Keith shows up and all her carefully constructed barriers begin to crumble. But Keith has some of his own barriers that need to be dealt with. Then there is Maureen. She's sixty something and never been married. She was devastated by love in her thirties and has sworn never to let it happen again. But in a very providential move David enters her life and she'll never be the same.

There is so much to like about this book. It delves deeply into the emotional scars that we contract in our lives and it also shows what a healing balm love can be. If you are a fan of Irene Hannon you're going to be thrilled with this book. If you've never read her work before, you are in for a real treat!

Will you be reading this book with your book club or reading group? Go HERE for a Reading Group Guide. CAUTION: this guide assumes you have read the book and may contain spoilers.

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