Publication Date: October 29th 2019 by Zebra
Pages: 96 for Christmas Past
400 pages with the two other novellas by Fern Michaels & Judy Duarte
Source: Publisher
About the book:
From New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton comes a captivating tale of romantic suspense set in the heart of a rugged winter . . .
Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.
When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .
My
Thoughts:
Christmas Past is a quick suspense read with the
wintery holiday as a backdrop providing a nice little story to read by the fire.
Nicole escaped her abusive husband, now dead, and is moving
on until she receives a letter promising to identify the killer of the woman who
helped her escape. Nicole knows the letter will dredge up the past, and it does
require she go on a goose hunt for information.
Not something she’s looking forward to, but Nicole wants the man who
murdered her savior brought to justice, not only for her, but for the woman’s
family so that they might have some measure of peace, especially since it’s the
holiday season. Also, on the upside she won’t have to face her past alone,
since Detective David Ayden is determined to see her through this journey.
Nicole and David were getting close, but Nicole put the brakes
on their relationship not yet ready for romance so soon after running from her
horrid husband. Spending time together while they try and hunt for the killer
gives them a second chance at love.
Christmas Past was a quick, entertaining read, one you could
blaze through in an evening. I really liked David and didn’t understand some of
Nicole’s reluctance, but I’ve never come out of an abusive relationship so what
do I know? I liked Charlotte Wellington, the attorney, despite her taking on
Nicole’s ex-husband’s task, and I worried for her welfare. She was a fighter
and I liked that!
I didn’t realize Christmas Past was part of a collection of
stories, three I think, with Fern Michaels and Judy Duarte authoring the other
two novellas. Christmas Past was the only story I received for review,
and I’ve never read anything by the other two authors.
3 Suns
I always get nervous when books are part of a series - do I really need to read them all??? ... I need to start my look for my Christmas reads.
ReplyDeleteNope, these are completely separate stories/novellas. :)
DeleteEeek, it will soon be xmas
ReplyDeleteI know! Time goes by too fast!
DeleteMary Burton is an author I've been meaning to try for awhile now. Have you ever read any of her other books?
ReplyDeleteI have and I liked them better than this one, which I didn't realize is a re-issue from 2013. I've really enjoyed: Hide and Seek and Cut and Run. They're companion books, but can be read as stand alones, but I'd read Cut and Run first. :)
DeleteThanks! My library even has several copies of Cut and Run, so I know what I'll be checking out next time. :)
DeleteHope you like it, Lark! :)
DeleteI don’t see too many suspense novellas but this sounds like an entertaining one... and I like the holiday twist.
ReplyDeleteStrange that you only got one story from the anthology to review. I like Mary Burton and sometimes a shorter read is just the thing.
ReplyDeleteI know, but I probably wouldn't have requested it if it were all three. 100 pages is far less daunting than 400 pages. :)
DeleteThis story sounds good. I like the sound of it.
ReplyDeleteThat cover is absolutely stunning. And ominous. LOL I'm glad you enjoyed this one. It can be rough when you don't understand a character's reluctance. It makes for a frustrating read!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. :)
I know! I really was drawn to the cover too. It wasn't for very long so thankfully not too frustrating. :)
DeleteThis sounds like a suspense filled read! I enjoy a quick read that you can get through in one sitting, and this mystery/romance/holiday read sounds good! Wonderful Review Rachel :)
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape