Living Lies is Natalie Walter’s debut novel. I feel like I have been waiting for this story for what seems like forever! But, before we talk about the story, can we all admire this awesome cover? I love it! It really sets the mood for the story and the murder that has taken place in this small southern town.
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This
story starts quickly! Within the first few pages, Charlie and Lane meet
and make a very gruesome discovery, which sets up the story for the
rest of the book. Charlie is definitely my favorite character. He is
pretty much summed up in this quote, “My intention is to get to know
her. Have dinner. I’d like to take her some flowers, maybe even
chocolate-if people still do that kind of thing-and if given the chance,
make her smile.” Um...what is not to like about that? And he’s really
good with Noah, Lane’s son. Speaking of Noah, he is written really well.
I love when authors peg the age of a child, it makes the story so much
more realistic.
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I
did have a bit of trouble connecting with Lane. She is holding a lot
in, which makes her a bit too reserved for me. At the same time, I
totally get why she is that way. Natalie does a great job of bringing
depression, and it’s stigma, to the forefront.
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Finally,
I’ll leave you with my favorite quote from the book. “If there’s one
thing I know about God—He’s a God of second chances.” What a great truth
and don’t we all need second chances?
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*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
PAULA'S REVIEW:
I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel! It is fantastic and real. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Walters.
The author tackles some tough topics but does so with compassion. She does not shrink away from showing the struggles of depression and PTSD. She shows many perspectives through her characters, Lane Kent, her parents and veteran Miguel. You can see the growth of the characters as they deal with the many facets of these difficulties as they affect their loved ones and themselves.
This is not a gloomy novel! The suspense and mystery to be solved is complex and up to date. This story keeps you hopping! It is nicely balanced by the actions of cute kids and an overactive dog. Those scenes were spot on. The romantic angle between the lead characters was interesting. The hero lawman, Charlie Lynch is new in town and is very sympathetic to the female lead, Lane Kent.
Living Lies is a captivating story and totally awesome for a debut novel. The next story in Harbored Secrets series is in the works!
* This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Also...See Nicole's Interview with Natalie, and Nicole's Review
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Living Lies at Amazon
BackCover Blurb:
In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.
Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.
PAULA'S REVIEW:
I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel! It is fantastic and real. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Walters.
The author tackles some tough topics but does so with compassion. She does not shrink away from showing the struggles of depression and PTSD. She shows many perspectives through her characters, Lane Kent, her parents and veteran Miguel. You can see the growth of the characters as they deal with the many facets of these difficulties as they affect their loved ones and themselves.
This is not a gloomy novel! The suspense and mystery to be solved is complex and up to date. This story keeps you hopping! It is nicely balanced by the actions of cute kids and an overactive dog. Those scenes were spot on. The romantic angle between the lead characters was interesting. The hero lawman, Charlie Lynch is new in town and is very sympathetic to the female lead, Lane Kent.
Living Lies is a captivating story and totally awesome for a debut novel. The next story in Harbored Secrets series is in the works!
* This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Also...See Nicole's Interview with Natalie, and Nicole's Review
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Living Lies at Amazon
BackCover Blurb:
In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.
Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.
I hope Revell gets this series into audio! Thanks ladies!
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