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!