Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Carolina Reckoning

GIVEAWAY

CARTER, LISA
CAROLINE RECKONING

Alison wanted her husband dead, not gone...

When Alison Monaghan discovers proof of her husband's infidelity, she plans to confront him. But she never gets 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 is 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 also finds himself drawn to her -- even though she had motive for the crime. Mike usually keeps his emotional walls high, and as a detective, he knows not to get involved with murder suspects. So why is he so attracted to Alison? Can he fight his feelings for her -- and find the killer before Alison becomes the next target?

My Review:

Wow. What an engrossing read. From the suspense to the romance to the characterization -- Carter has created a memorable novel that I couldn't put down. My parched flowers will testify to that. Scorching heat and not a drop of water since I was inside devouring this book. Oops. Sorry garden. But not really because I enjoyed every scrumptious minute shared with Alison and Mike.

An unusual romantic suspense because the timeline covers nearly a year. So this isn't a frantic rush kind of a read. There are still high action moments and plenty of danger lurking in the wings but there's also the essence of a good mystery. Carefully plotted out, leads are scrupulously followed not only by Detective Mike but by the intrepid Alison who might have watched a few too many crime shows on TV. Intricate details present a selection of prime suspects. I found it hard to put the pieces together as Carter expertly revealed clues by slow degrees. What exquisite torture!

But when it comes right down to it, relationship is at the heart of this story. Characters faced with a reckoning of sorts -- with each other and most importantly, with God. I love the way those deep connections balance the suspense. Raw and real and totally believable. From the dynamics in Alison's grieving family to Mike's battles with his past. Their slide from friendship to romance isn't easy but, oh my goodness, is it worth it!

This is the kind of novel you lose yourself in and when you reach the end you are reluctant to let go of characters that have somehow wrapped themselves around your heart.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Carolina Reckoning please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 10 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

44 comments:

  1. Kav, this book is sitting on my shelf not being read! What a shame that is after reading your review. It's why I follow you. :)

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    1. Ohhh....you must read it and tell me what you think. I'm working my way through Lisa Carter's backlist 'cause I love her books so much.

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  2. Oh wow, this one sounds really good. I don't think that I have read anything by Lisa. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. If you like Dee Henderson you'll like Lisa Carter. At least, I think so. Good luck, Loraine.

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  3. Sounds interesting. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom.

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  4. Sounds like quite an exciting thriller. I love that the detective falls for her... adds something sweet to the exciting! Please enter me, thank you.

    freda.mans[at]gmail.com

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    1. You're entered, Freda. And yes, this book ticks all the boxes. Romance, suspense and a thrill of a read. Good luck.

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  5. Intriguing. I'll definitely read it regardless of the contest. However, you can enter me: lorettaATlorettaeidsonDOTcom

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  6. Oooohhhh! This sounds really good! Please enter my name. lelandandbeckyATreaganDOTcom

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  7. We have a few of Lisa's books in the church library. I would love to win this one to add to our shelves. It sounds like a good "page turner".
    Thanks!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It really is a page turner and your library patrons will love it. Good luck, Janet.

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  8. This sounds like a wonderful story! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity, Kav.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  9. I !ove your review. I've been hearing about Lisa Carter but havent read anything of hers yet, so please count me in. Thanks for the giveaway.

    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Tracey. I think you'll enjoy Lisa Carter. Here's hoping you get a chance. Good luck.

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  10. This sounds really good! Would love a chance to win! Have a Blessed day!
    swanphillips4(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  11. Sounds intriguing! lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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  12. Oh my goodness, this one does sound good. Another one for "must read" list. Thanks for the great review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. That list keeps getting longer and longer, doesn't it? Good luck, Pam.

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  13. I would love to get lost in this suspenseful story. Thanks for all the opportunities to win a book from all these authors that are new to me.
    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. Isn't it fun to discover new-to-me authors? Good luck, Diane.

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  14. Sounds like a great romantic suspense, Kav. Lisa is new to me and this book sounds like a great one to start off with. Thank you for the opportunity.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  15. Sounds like a great read! I've been wanting to try this author.

    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

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    1. I predict you'll be impressed by her books, Deborah. Good luck.

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  16. KAV, this one sounds intriguing! I love the cover. Thank you for the great review.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  17. Sounds like one I'd enjoy reading..
    dkstevensne atoutlookDOTcom

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  18. Thanks for the review. Sounds like the kind of book I'd like to read. Hope to win the giveaway! kathyATkathycarltonwillisDOTcom

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  19. Depth of characters are what draw me into a book faster than a bee to honey :-)

    Lisa is a new-to-me author who I've heard little about, guess I'm missing out on something good from your review!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. You're definitely missing out. And yes, if you like depth in your characters you're going to love Lisa Carter's books. Good luck, Trixi.

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  20. Flowers can wait when a book is that good!!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. LOL -- my flowers resent that remark. But they survived so all is well. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  21. Your review tempts me to ignore my precious, drought-struggling flowers and and read this book, as well as others by this author!

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    1. I hate to tempt a gardener away from her garden but...you definitely want to try out this author. Good luck 4linwood.

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    2. My Carolina garden might forgive me for reading "Carolina Reckoning" since we enjoyed a much needed rain today!
      Janice
      pjrcmooreATwindstreamDOTnet

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