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Double Identity
Sophie Clarkston is shocked to learn that she isn't who she thinks. Her birth certificate is forged. Her name—made up. And her widowed "father" is suddenly missing, leaving behind a heartbreaking letter asking forgiveness. Desperate for answers, Sophie turns to private investigator Cain Garrison in tiny Promise, Virginia. But the moment they leave his office, her life is threatened and her home ransacked. Who is after her? And who, exactly, is she? With questions about his own past, Cain vows to help Sophie uncover the truth. Before someone comes out of the shadows to keep it hidden forever.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 9, 2011
7 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Diane Burke
35 books46 followersThis award winning author lives in Central Florida. She loves to visit the beach, spend time with friends and family, read, and, of course, write, write, write.
She loves to hear from her readers. Catch her on her website dianeburkeauthor.com for her latest books or write her at diane@dianeburkeauthor.com
She loves to hear from her readers. Catch her on her website dianeburkeauthor.com for her latest books or write her at diane@dianeburkeauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this clean, love-inspired, Suspenseful romance. I bought this at our local goodwill store and I voluntarily chose to review this story. I've given it a 5* rating. I had a hard time putting it down, it pulled me into it quickly. The heroine thought all these things were coming out of the blue and she tried to get answers. It was intense and I loved it. A good ending.
July 24, 2024
Intelligent Love Story
It is a multilevel storyline of relationships, including the most important one, our relationship with Christ. The characters show real emotions, thoughts and reactions that are believable and relatable. Well written and well worth reading.
It is a multilevel storyline of relationships, including the most important one, our relationship with Christ. The characters show real emotions, thoughts and reactions that are believable and relatable. Well written and well worth reading.
June 19, 2017
nice, fast read. totally loved the suspense. it was a little more religious that i thought but overall a great read.
June 30, 2017
While Cain building the cabin and waiting a year and a half for Sophie is very sweet, I'm not sure the set-up of the story (in terms of days and weeks) warranted it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
Great mystery
April 1, 2025
A very fast read. There was a pretty good storyline, not a lot of character development. Overall, it was an easy read and likable story.
April 8, 2014
Sophie Clarkston is shocked to learn that she isn't who she thinks.
Her birth certificate is forged. Her name - made up. And her widowed father is suddenly missing, leaving behind a heartbreaking letter asking forgiveness. Desperate for answers, Sophie turns to private investigator Cain Garrison in tiny Promise, Virginia.
But the moment they leave his office, her life is threatened and her home ransacked. Who is after her? And who, exactly, is she? With questions about his own past, Cain vows to help Sophie uncover the truth. Before someone comes out of the shadows to keep it hidden forever.
Well first off the synopsis, as always, embellishes a bit.
But that said I was going along with this book pretty good, I liked the author's writing style, I liked where the story was going, and the climax was well written, very descriptive and accurate (as far as I can tell with my limited knowledge)...until the last chapter. Then it went down hill in my opinion. I know people love happy endings, but the happy ending shouldn't feel like you just slammed face first into a concrete wall at top speed.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
Okay, last chapter and how it ruined the whole thing for me and lost this book a star.
Dropped my rating by a full star to 2.5 stars. My recommendation is, read this book until she gives him her new name and says 'nice to meet you" and STOP!!!!!! Unless you're not like me and don't have a problem with face-first splat into an unrealistic happy ending.
Otherwise, very good book. Just VERY unfortunate it has my ultimate romance book pet peeve at the end.
Her birth certificate is forged. Her name - made up. And her widowed father is suddenly missing, leaving behind a heartbreaking letter asking forgiveness. Desperate for answers, Sophie turns to private investigator Cain Garrison in tiny Promise, Virginia.
But the moment they leave his office, her life is threatened and her home ransacked. Who is after her? And who, exactly, is she? With questions about his own past, Cain vows to help Sophie uncover the truth. Before someone comes out of the shadows to keep it hidden forever.
Well first off the synopsis, as always, embellishes a bit.
But that said I was going along with this book pretty good, I liked the author's writing style, I liked where the story was going, and the climax was well written, very descriptive and accurate (as far as I can tell with my limited knowledge)...until the last chapter. Then it went down hill in my opinion. I know people love happy endings, but the happy ending shouldn't feel like you just slammed face first into a concrete wall at top speed.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
Okay, last chapter and how it ruined the whole thing for me and lost this book a star.
Dropped my rating by a full star to 2.5 stars. My recommendation is, read this book until she gives him her new name and says 'nice to meet you" and STOP!!!!!! Unless you're not like me and don't have a problem with face-first splat into an unrealistic happy ending.
Otherwise, very good book. Just VERY unfortunate it has my ultimate romance book pet peeve at the end.
February 16, 2011
LI Suspense
Diane Burke
2011
Steeple Hill Books
Fiction/Inspirational/Suspense
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
What do you do if you wake up one day and everything you know, is not as it was when you went to sleep. Sophie Clarkston did exactly that. She woke up one morning her father was gone, her mother had died when she was a baby, and now her daddy was gone. It didn't matter that Sophie was now a grown young woman, her father was all she had, and she was determined to find him, regardless of the note and money he had left for her.
Hiring a private investigator was all she could do, after the police had told her that she was NOT Sophie Clarkston. Pretty much they were saying that she did not exist, that records showed she was not who she thought she was. She went back to Promise, Virginia the small town she considered home. There she could stay in the cottage, that had been in her mother's family for years. Hiring Cain Garrison seemed like a smart move. It would prove to be something that would save her life, several times. What she did not realize, however was that she would loose her heart to Cain, all the while it was being broken by the things he found out about her father.
I enjoyed this book, and read it front to back without putting it down! Diane Burke has written such a delightful story, intriguing with enough mystery to keep you guessing, and enough romance to keep you hoping that dreams do come true! Truly a great book. Discussion guide included. 215 pages $5.50 US 4 stars.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this book.
Diane Burke
2011
Steeple Hill Books
Fiction/Inspirational/Suspense
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
What do you do if you wake up one day and everything you know, is not as it was when you went to sleep. Sophie Clarkston did exactly that. She woke up one morning her father was gone, her mother had died when she was a baby, and now her daddy was gone. It didn't matter that Sophie was now a grown young woman, her father was all she had, and she was determined to find him, regardless of the note and money he had left for her.
Hiring a private investigator was all she could do, after the police had told her that she was NOT Sophie Clarkston. Pretty much they were saying that she did not exist, that records showed she was not who she thought she was. She went back to Promise, Virginia the small town she considered home. There she could stay in the cottage, that had been in her mother's family for years. Hiring Cain Garrison seemed like a smart move. It would prove to be something that would save her life, several times. What she did not realize, however was that she would loose her heart to Cain, all the while it was being broken by the things he found out about her father.
I enjoyed this book, and read it front to back without putting it down! Diane Burke has written such a delightful story, intriguing with enough mystery to keep you guessing, and enough romance to keep you hoping that dreams do come true! Truly a great book. Discussion guide included. 215 pages $5.50 US 4 stars.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this book.
March 9, 2012
By the time you get this letter I'll be dead.
2 days after her father disappears, Sophie Clarkston receives the letter that sends her world crashing around her. Having gone to the police to report him missing, she discovers that she & her father have fake IDs. Travelling from place to place has never before alarmed Sophie - it was their way of life. Her father's a woodcrafter, she now works with clay, & touring the craft fairs is how they make their living - or was it to keep them on the move? The only place she could possibly call home is the cottage where they spend 2 weeks of every year, during which time they would pay a visit to her mother's grave. Surely he would go there. With no sign of him at the cottage, Sophie goes to Private Investigator Cain Garrison to hire him to help her find her father.
Having learnt the hard way about getting involved with one of his cases, Cain pushes down the empathy rising in him. He has to remain professional & detached. So why is he now at the window watching her leave...& watching her help Mrs. Gleason picking up oranges? And who is that man in the alley now getting in his car - & heading straight for Sophie?!
A great action filled story, with undercurrents of faith, love & forgiveness throughout, & a very sweet ending.
2 days after her father disappears, Sophie Clarkston receives the letter that sends her world crashing around her. Having gone to the police to report him missing, she discovers that she & her father have fake IDs. Travelling from place to place has never before alarmed Sophie - it was their way of life. Her father's a woodcrafter, she now works with clay, & touring the craft fairs is how they make their living - or was it to keep them on the move? The only place she could possibly call home is the cottage where they spend 2 weeks of every year, during which time they would pay a visit to her mother's grave. Surely he would go there. With no sign of him at the cottage, Sophie goes to Private Investigator Cain Garrison to hire him to help her find her father.
Having learnt the hard way about getting involved with one of his cases, Cain pushes down the empathy rising in him. He has to remain professional & detached. So why is he now at the window watching her leave...& watching her help Mrs. Gleason picking up oranges? And who is that man in the alley now getting in his car - & heading straight for Sophie?!
A great action filled story, with undercurrents of faith, love & forgiveness throughout, & a very sweet ending.
March 5, 2011
I absolutely loved this book! I have to say that the author did an outstanding job of avoiding cliches while coming up with a refreshingly original plot.
In my humble opinion, if you are looking for a 'good read,' then Double Identity fits the bill without a doubt.
Not only did Diane Burke meet my expectations out of an up & coming author, but she exceeded them beyond what I could have hoped for! Don't worry, no spoilers here.
All I'll say is that the plot alone was enough to make me want to read this one! Also, I just recently finished reading her first book 'Midnight Caller' and I thoroughly enjoyed it so I was very pleased to find another book by her on Amazon.com just the other day.
Just finished reading it last night, it was so good I could hardly put it down!
I'd have to say that Double Identity is a must read for anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense with authentically real characters complemented by an original storyline that is unpredictable and yet impressively creative.
Diane Burke is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. You can't go wrong with this book!
In my humble opinion, if you are looking for a 'good read,' then Double Identity fits the bill without a doubt.
Not only did Diane Burke meet my expectations out of an up & coming author, but she exceeded them beyond what I could have hoped for! Don't worry, no spoilers here.
All I'll say is that the plot alone was enough to make me want to read this one! Also, I just recently finished reading her first book 'Midnight Caller' and I thoroughly enjoyed it so I was very pleased to find another book by her on Amazon.com just the other day.
Just finished reading it last night, it was so good I could hardly put it down!
I'd have to say that Double Identity is a must read for anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense with authentically real characters complemented by an original storyline that is unpredictable and yet impressively creative.
Diane Burke is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. You can't go wrong with this book!
August 15, 2015
I'm not sure how I feel about this book...
I remember reading "Midnight Caller" and thinking it was excellent, so I was excited to once again read one of Diane Burke's stories. The suspense itself was good, but the romance was just okay. I was a bit confused on the age thing though. At one point, Cain's mother said she hadn't heard from Sophie's mother in thirty years when she'd announced the birth of her daughter, but I was under the impression that Sophie was in her early twenties. Later, her father had been on the run for 23 years. Well...
Then to add to my disappointment was the bomb dropped in next to last chapter. I didn't like that ONE BIT and couldn't really believe it would really happen? Then the final chapter...ugh!
Anyway, this book had promised and I really liked the suspense in it...
I remember reading "Midnight Caller" and thinking it was excellent, so I was excited to once again read one of Diane Burke's stories. The suspense itself was good, but the romance was just okay. I was a bit confused on the age thing though. At one point, Cain's mother said she hadn't heard from Sophie's mother in thirty years when she'd announced the birth of her daughter, but I was under the impression that Sophie was in her early twenties. Later, her father had been on the run for 23 years. Well...
Then to add to my disappointment was the bomb dropped in next to last chapter. I didn't like that ONE BIT and couldn't really believe it would really happen? Then the final chapter...ugh!
Anyway, this book had promised and I really liked the suspense in it...
March 4, 2012
I read and loved Diane’s first book, “Midnight Caller,” and was eagerly awaiting her second. And she didn’t disappoint. “Double Identity” had me hooked from the first line. I got pulled immediately into the story and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. And just when I thought I had figured out what was going to happen, suddenly there was a twist, creating a new complication for the characters to deal with. The characters are well-drawn, and I felt I was right there with them, experiencing their conflicts and struggling with questions of faith, especially Sophie, as she realizes her life has been based on lies and deception. Plenty of action kept me entertained as I eagerly read my way to the final page. I can’t wait to see what Diane comes up with for her next book.
October 30, 2011
A good Love Inspired Suspense Christian romance novel. Sometimes I have a hard time sticking to these and it takes me a while to finish, but it was well written and kept me intrigued. I liked the main characters of Cain and Sophia, and how their faith intertwined with what they were going through to make them stronger and get through life threatening events, both in their past and present.
August 29, 2013
I loved this story. Sophie has just discovered her entire existence is a lie, and she asks Cain to help her find the truth. Both have scars and fears. Add to this the fact that someone wants her dead, and complete strangers treat her with hostility. The tension and breadth of emotion and drama was exquisite. Definitely worth the time.
April 7, 2011
When her father disappeares Sophie finds out that all her identification is forged. She hires a private investigator to help find answer. The moments she leaves his office she is almost hit by a car and finds her house has been broken into. Not a bad mystery romance.
July 19, 2012
One of the sweetest moments in this romance is Cain rebuilding Sophie's cabin and then waiting for a year and a half. It's a great conclusion, but his devotion doesn't seem warranted by the initial set-up of the story.
March 19, 2014
A good read. Diane came to our book club and charmed all of us with information from the writer's world. Her research and detail in her book was accurate, impressive and most interesting. She writers in series and I have them all on my reading list!
October 6, 2012
I liked this book a lot. A quick, easy read that kept my attention the whole time.
September 1, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read but well developed. I didnt want to put it down. Fell in love with all the characters.
January 19, 2016
Just came across this author for the first time. Reading this book put the author as one of my author to look out for. Even though its a love story but the gospel is clearly presented. Nice read!
November 22, 2016
I LOVED IT!!! However I was fighting tears at the end....
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews