By The Book

When 30-something housewife, Alison Monaghan discovers proof of her husband’s infidelity in a photograph with a mysterious woman, she must decide how to confront Frank when he returns home from work. Despite the influence of her best friend Valerie, a strong Christian, Alison remains aloof from God and is determined to handle this crisis her own way. But Alison may not get that chance. Frank never makes it home. Soon his body is found on a lonely back-country road in antebellum Weathersby Historic Park where Frank served on the board of directors and where Alison, with a degree in landscape design, was a volunteer garden docent. Homicide detective Mike Barefoot, a Cherokee native from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, immediately puts Alison at the top of his suspect list. He finds himself drawn to her — and not just because she had motive for the crime. As an army veteran, Mike usually keeps his emotional walls high. And as a detective, he knows not to get involved with murder suspects. So why he is so attracted to Alison? Can he fight his feelings for her — and the stirrings in his heart toward God?

Award-winning author Lisa Carter describes her Southern suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” She is the bestselling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.

CONNECT WITH LISA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

My Impressions:

After reading Lisa Carter’s latest novel, A Vast And Gracious Tide, I knew that I had to find more books by this new-to-me author. Her debut, Carolina Reckoning, is available on Audible, so I grabbed it and settled in for some great listening while taking my morning walks. I found the novel to be well-plotted romantic suspense with all the twists and turns I crave. Recommended.

Carolina Reckoning begins with the murder of Alison Monaghan’s philandering pilot husband. While Alison had been prepared to confront her husband with his infidelities, she was not ready for the losses she has to face. The novel centers around her quest to find the killer of a husband she finds she really didn’t know at all. The plot progresses with assaults on Alison and her family — break-ins, shootings, etc. Her constant support comes from best friend Val and the detective who is investigating the case, Mike Barefoot. The interactions between Alison and Mike explore a burgeoning relationship that starts with suspicion and ends with something much deeper. The mystery certainly kept me guessing with the many suspects and their motives for murder, and while I had my suspicions on just whodunit, I was surprised by the reveal. The faith thread is a constant in the novel, and more than one character embarks on a journey of discovery of the love and power of God.

Carolina Reckoning was a great accompaniment for my morning exercise. This romantic suspense was an engaging listen. Now to find more books by Carter.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Tags: Lisa Carter, romantic suspense fiction

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Vast and Gracious Tide
Author: Lisa Carter
Publisher: Gilead
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A wounded veteran and the police chief’s daughter must work together to bring a killer to justice

Caden Wallis lost friends, his girlfriend, and even his leg to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks broken and still reeling, struggling to make peace with his new life.

McKenna Dockery has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé died three years ago. Now, when the handsome yet heartbroken Caden arrives at her doorstep, she starts to wonder if there may be hope for her heart after all . . .

But no sooner do they meet than a man is found murdered on McKenna’s property–and Caden is the prime suspect. The two must learn to trust each other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Lisa Carter describes her Southern suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” She is the bestselling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.

CONNECT WITH LISA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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MY IMPRESSIONS

Lisa Carter is a new-to-me author. I have seen her books for some time and have been anxious to read one since they look exactly like what I would love. I was right! A Vast And Gracious Tide is an outstanding novel. It has the right blend of romance and suspense with a good dose of a historical mystery. For fans of the romantic suspense genre, this book is highly recommended!

A Vast And Gracious Tide is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  I have never been there, but Carter’s descriptions of quaint small towns, beautiful beaches, and historic lighthouses moved this bucket list destination up to the top. Carter filled the fictional town with quirky and lovable characters. Main characters McKenna and Caden are opposite in many ways. McKenna has clung to her faith throughout the dark times in her life, while Caden believes there is no way a God can or would want to heal his brokenness. I loved how they complimented each other as they grew in their relationship with each other and God. The chemistry between the two is sizzling sweet. Carter took her time in unfolding the love story and the mysterious goings on in Tuckahoe. But for those who love adrenaline-laced action, this book delivers. I was turning the pages at a furious pace as the danger increased. Caden was in the Army Special Forces, and his training came in handy when the two must confront the bad guys. I also loved how the author took historical facts from the WWII-era and blended them into a modern-day mystery. The faith thread is naturally woven throughout the story. Never preachy, it was, nevertheless, a moving part of the characters’ development. McKenna’s view of faith is revealed early on in the novel and defines it — She staked her life and her heart on the fulfillment of that which she had yet to see. Choosing, despite the empty void, to trust while her dreams remained unfulfilled. When the pain and loneliness were at their height. When, perhaps, faith meant the most. (p. 24.)

I really loved A Vast And Gracious Tide. It certainly makes me want to find more books by this talented author. It’s perfect for your beach getaway or staycation.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to JustRead Blog Tours and Gilead Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Don’t miss your chance to enter this great giveaway prize pack! One winner (US only) will receive:

Print copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter
Sea glass jewelry set (see here)
Framed print of Psalm 93:4 (see here)

$65 value

Giveaway will run from midnight June 18, 2018 through 11:59pm July 2, 2018. It is subject to the policies found here.

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Tags: Lisa Carter, romantic suspense fiction