Hello Goodbye

Hart's Ridge #7

by Kay Bratt

In the captivating new installment of Kay Bratt's acclaimed Hart's Ridge series, "Hello Goodbye," the tranquil town is gripped by fear and concern following a shocking double murder that leaves three adopted children once again orphaned. Amidst the turmoil, Deputy Taylor Gray finds herself relegated to a secondary role behind the town's detective, but her unwavering dedication to solving the case knows no bounds.

But the challenges faced by the Gray family extend beyond the murder investigation. Taylor's fiancé, Sam, is blindsided by a life-altering revelation: he discovers he has a 12-year-old daughter he never knew existed. This revelation sets in motion a tumultuous journey for Sam as he navigates the complexities of instant fatherhood while striving to maintain his relationship with Taylor.

Amidst the chaos, Sam is determined to help Taylor find closure for a painful chapter from her past. As he endeavors to mend the scars that haunt her, he hopes to win not just a part but the entirety of her heart, even the parts she has closed off.

Kay Bratt's signature storytelling style beckons readers back into the enigmatic world of Hart's Ridge, where secrets are hidden in every nook and cranny, and the indomitable bonds of family face their most challenging tests. "Hello Goodbye" weaves a gripping narrative of mystery and the unbreakable ties that bind a small-town community. If you're yearning for an absorbing mystery with well-drawn characters and a compelling storyline, this latest addition to the Hart's Ridge series is a must-read.

Hello Goodbye is book seven of the new Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, million-copy best-selling author of Wish Me Home and True to Me.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2023

About the author

Writer, Rescuer, Wanderer


Kay Bratt is the powerhouse author behind 40 internationally bestselling books that span genres from mystery and women’s fiction to memoir and historical fiction. Her books are renowned for delivering an emotional wallop wrapped in gripping storylines. Her Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series earned her the coveted title of Amazon All Star Author and continues to be one of her most successful projects out of her more than two million books sold around the world.


Kay's literary works have sparked lively book club discussions wide-reaching, with her works translated into multiple languages, including German, Korean, Chinese, Hungarian, Czech, and Estonian. 


Beyond her writing, Kay passionately dedicates herself to rescue missions, championing animal welfare as the former Director of Advocacy for Yorkie Rescue of the Carolinas. She considers herself a lifelong advocate for children, having volunteered extensively in a Chinese orphanage and supported nonprofit organizations like An Orphan's Wish (AOW), Pearl River Outreach, and Love Without Boundaries.

In the USA, Kay served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Georgia, as well as spearheaded numerous outreach programs for underprivileged kids in South Carolina. Most recently Kay spent a year volunteering as a Hospice volunteer.


As a wanderlust-driven soul, Kay has called nearly three dozen different homes on two continents her own. Her globetrotting adventures have taken her to captivating destinations across Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Central America, the Bahamas, and Australia. Today, she and her soulmate of more than 30 years find their sanctuary in St. Augustine, Florida.


Described as southern, spicy, and a touch sassy, Kay loves to share her life's antics with the Bratt Pack on social media. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the fun and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Explore her popular catalog of published works at Kay Bratt Dot-Com and never miss a new release (or her latest Bratt Pack drama) by signing up for her monthly email newsletter. 
For more information, visit www.kaybratt.com.


Reviews

[Vicki Larmee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a turn this book made!!

[Lori Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the latest book in Kay Bratt’s Hart’s Ridge series. Once again, Bratt didn’t fail me.

A double murder that leaves 3 adopted children orphaned and Hart’s Ridge deputy Taylor Gray is once again on the case. Taylors’s fiancée, Sam, is blindsided by the fact of being an instant father. At the same time, Sam is trying to help Taylor close a painful chapter in her life so they can move on to their happily ever after.

At this point, Hart’s Ridge feels like home and the Gray’s have become family. Some answers to previous questions are revealed. I was 95% sure I was right, but Bratt threw in a twist I hadn’t considered. Normally I would not enjoy this long of a series and would be bored at this point, BUT Bratt’s compelling story telling and constant movement within is addictive. Storyline, topics and characters, both primary and secondary, are well defined and easy to follow from book to book. I look forward to the next installment and dread when the day comes to say goodbye.

Clear your calendar, get your favorite drink, grab a blanket, curl up in a comfy chair and get ready to lose yourself in this series.

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor gets pulled into a double homicide while Sam tries to determine if he is a father. Sam is helping Taylor with tracing the DNA of the man who raped her.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great day when Kay Bratt has a new book starring the Gray family. This one doesn’t disappoint. It is full of more family drama, mysteries, and another cliffhanger. The mystery based on true crime was shocking, traumatic, and so sad. Taylor’s mystery is finally solved with shocking results. And that cliffhanger! I can’t wait for the next installment!

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Goodbye by Kay Bratt is the seventh book of the Hart’s Ridge series. The once tranquil small town of Hart’s Ridge is once again rocked to the core with a shocking crime which leaves two parents brutally murdered and three adopted children orphaned. With twists and turns, the couple’s seemingly perfect image is opened to secrets and possible motives. Deputy Taylor Gray throws herself into solving the case while dealing with turmoil in her personal life. First, Sam, her fiance, is blindsided by the sudden appearance of a 12 year old girl, Alice, claiming to be his daughter. Second, there is a sudden development from a case from her personal past that could threaten her entire family. Even in a small town, there are secrets hidden in every nook and cranny, is the killer hiding among them?
From the opening chapter, Hello Goodbye hits readers with a brutal crime and the mystery swirls to secrets, lies and the usual suspects. The case itself was intriguing and engaging. Will the killer be a surprise? Unfortunately, I found Taylor hard to like in this story. While she usually has a hardened exterior, with hidden emotions, I found her a little too harsh and a few times, I even commented out loud with “Yikes, Taylor.” I like Sam more and more with each book and I loved how he opened himself to the possibility of being Alice’s father and engaged in a relationship with her. Overall, Hello Goodbye was an engaging, roller coaster of a story which kept me guessing until the end. I highly recommend Hello Goodbye as well as the rest of the Hart’s Ridge series.

Hello Goodbye is available in paperback and eBook

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in Kay Bratt’s “Hart’s Ridge” series is filled with roller coaster highs and lows of emotion and drama. The mystery involved is the double murder of a mother and father and Deputy Taylor Gray throws herself wholeheartedly into the investigation, always acknowledging that Shane is the lead detective and she has to follow his guidance even when she disagrees. There are some false trails along the way to solving the crime, but there are also plenty of clues that helped me to guess the identity of the killer. The book is complex with two sub-plots that are important to character development as well as establishing how much the characters depend on each other for support. In one sub-plot, Taylor is determined to ferret out the identity of her attacker who raped her four years before and never got caught. Sam, her new fiancé, aids her in her quest by seeking the help of a DNA expert who is quite a character. Kathie is quirky, intelligent, humorous and diligently dedicated to her work, so she was a fun character to get to know. The other sub-plot is about Sam’s discovery that he may have a daughter whom he has never met. Alice turns out to be a sweet young girl who has had a hard life but who is not bitter or angry about her lot in life, but rather accepts things as they are and tries to roll with all of it. All of the characters are likable and relatable but none more so than Alice, a young girl who has had few choices in life but who is not afraid to reach out for help and to trust others to come to her aid. This book was fast paced and hard to put down as well as one that I will long remember for its realistic portrayal of grief, loss, tragedies and celebrations. The novel can be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend that readers enjoy the entire series in order to be introduced properly to the small town setting and all of its memorable characters who play recurring roles in the books.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7, and Kay has outdone herself with this series. Taylor Grey is the main character, but all the characters are done well. While investigating a double murder of 3 adopted children, her fiance finds out he might have a daughter he didn't know about and the usual Grey family issues....all tie together so well in an interesting entertaining story with twists and surprises along the way.
Kay I'm thinking you need more than one more book in this series. I highly recommend the entire series.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two good mysteries going on with a double murder of a mom and dad and Taylor getting a good lead on who her attacker was. Great characters with a lot of moving parts.
I’ve really enjoyed this series.

[Cathy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Kay Bratt book I declare that it’s my favorite. I can’t help it because she continues to raise the bar and exceed the expectations of this reader. Hello Goodbye is no exception. Kay Bratt knows exactly how to touch on and explain and expound on delicate subjects such rape, death and betrayal. She also knows how to talk about second chances and love gained by taking those chances. If you haven’t read the Hart’s Ridge series then start at Book one and start now!

[Cindy Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Small Town Mystery with Family dynamics! Loved this book. Great surprise ending.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Goodbye written by Kay Bratt is her seventh installment of the Hart’s Ridge series. I know I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…This is the BEST book in the series. Honestly, this series gets better and better. Originally there were only going to be eight books but, I’ve recently heard that she is going to continue this series for a while. They will be coming out at a little slower pace. She has been writing and releasing books at a wild pace. I don’t blame her a bit for slowing down and never worry, I will let you know when a new one releases.

This book, just like the last one, left me with my mouth hanging open. I couldn’t believe that she just left me (and everyone else) hanging out to dry like that. I know I have a while to wait for the next book and I know I just said I didn’t blame her for slowing down but, Holy Cow! 

This book sees Taylor grappling with her past and her present. Sam is helping her find closure to a painful chapter in her life. She does find closure but, so much more damage is done to not only her but also her family. Sam is dealing with news of his own and Taylor doesn’t know how to accept what has happened to Sam. 

From the minute I picked up this book until I finished it, I could not put it down. I always seem to run into the next day and when I do my dreams are filled with scenarios of what is to come. This book was not any different. There is so much I want to tell you about this book and I just can’t. I don’t want to spoil your fun and give too much away. My heart was broken for a few of the characters and soared for others. This book is packed and you will definitely want to know what has happened to a few of the characters we met in the past.

If you like police and detective books, a little romance, family interactions and small town living you will enjoy this series. There are characters in this series that I will always remember and those that will always hold a piece of my heart. This is truly a special series that I highly recommend. This is Kay’s first foray into this genre but you would never know it. I think she has surpassed her wildest dreams with Hart’s Ridge! So, Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Laura L. Gerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this book reveals three flaws by Bratt. Don't get me wrong, she's a really good writer, but she's beginning to get on my nerves. Here's why.

First, not every victim has to be directly tied to Taylor. Bratt tends to introduce characters so she can kill them and have Taylor bleed while she is solving the case. She wants us to believe that Taylor is cop in a small town. That's fine. But we don't have to know, Sissy at the dinner, Amos and Daniel on the Christmas Tree Farm, Jedidiah who was working on her farm, etc, etc. We can meet town's people through the crimes committed. Because every time she puts someone new in a book. I didn't know if she was going to kill Sam's long lost daughter (she's killed another kid) but she had the mother suicide instead... She needs to address this.

Second, Eldon... I'm glad she finally tied the whole assault thread running from book one. That's good. But, there is a continuity issue. In the book she says that Eldon's folks owned the farm and it was lost to taxes, and echo of Taylor's family. But Bratt goes and states that it happened when Eldon was 15. Now we know that Taylor is the oldest and that Eldon and Jo were in the same class. We don't know which of the middle two are older, Jo or Anna. It would be logical that Anna was older and that Jo the second youngest. But even if Jo was second oldest at 15 when they moved to the property, then Taylor was 16 or 17. Not the children they were purported to be.

Third, Taylor finds out the name of her rapist and leaves to get to her family, who she is suddenly concerned about. She, a cop, is so concerned about her family that she fails to call the sheriff and notify him. He could have been there long before Eldon captured her family. This is something that potentially could be a plot point where she loses her badge over not doing it. And she should. Because her actions made no sense.

Will I keep reading? Yes. But I would hope that Bratt would stop using people that are immediately tied to Taylor in some way because if not people need to start wearing crucifixes and carrying garlic.

[Cynthia Mello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm fascinated with this series.

Thanks to the author for such incredible characters and the brutal truth about dysfunctional families and the trauma that makes or breaks us. I'm loving the wrongs and also enjoying the good that can come from forgiveness and acceptance. The animals are also a joy to read about. This recent book got me realizing my own trauma and songs I hated because a brother that violated me.
I repressed so much that I really just knew two songs I hated to hear and this story had me finally look up the years they were famous. I was always ashamed and though it wasn't talked about by parents back then. I was a child 9 years old. I just repressed so much that k thought it was my fault. He stood my innocence he was a teen. Luckily my younger brother caught him and ratted him out. Thanks for that fear of thinking I was to blame when I was still playing with dolls and had no clue of what was going on.Anyway I have laughed, cried and found some sense of clarity I was never to blame. Also resonating the fact I had to practically raise my younger sister by the time I was 12 or even younger as we were 6 years apart .Also babysitting a niece but I loved them. I relate so much with Taylor it's uncanny. I became an RN eventually so I even relate to her job and heart breaks of it. What a amazing book and thank the Gods and universe teaching children younger these days. Its so hard trying to explain cruel people hurting children and animals . I hated having to say those warning to my baby girl. This book shows humanity in an honest open way. One complaint I'm not a crying type , it can't happen again. Just call me Lucy I guess.This tale of my experiences I only pointed out so others may read it and find it helped heals something for them as well. All my psychiatric training and constant reading, helping heal patients I'm just blown away how this book out of tons of knowledge helped me. Be proud of that and many thanks.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! What a story and what an ending. This series just keeps getting better and better. And I really don't want it to stop. Eight is just not enough.

This is another story in the Hart's Ridge series. Book seven. In this one you will get an answer to who hurt Taylor several years ago. I was floored. I honestly didn't see that one coming. I thought it was someone else entirely and was glad it wasn't him. You get to know Sam a bit more and Alice who may or may not be Sam's daughter.

This was a very emotional read. A mother and father were brutally murdered and you try to figure out who did it. I have to admit that here I did figure it out. I had my suspicions the same way Taylor did. The same reason. That did not take away from this story in any way though.

This family, the Grays, are a force. Together they can overcome just about anything. They fight amongst themselves at times but are always there for each other. Mess with one and you have the rest on you. That includes the mother who was away for so long. I won't say where in case you haven't been reading this series. The dad who had his own demons and the sisters. They are always there for each other when things get intense.

I can't wait to find out what happens next. I hope Taylor and Sam get married. I hope Jo, Anna and Lucy find the love they desire. I hope Cate and Jackson find their way back to each other. I really do. I believe there is a story there. A love story that went sideways but can be put back together. I love this family. They feel so real. So together. So there for each other.

Take a trip to Hart's Ridge and get to know the Grays. It will be worth it.

FIVE big huge stars. A five kleenex box rating also. It's just so good.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes in a long series, it's easy to get tired of the same old family members fighting the same old battles. The Hart Ridge series is just the opposite -- it just keeps getting better! I'm actually sad that the next book is the last book in the series but maybe the author will take her readers back to Hart's Ridge sometime in the future.

There's a lot going on in Hart's Ridge in book seven of the series. The Gray family is still arguing among themselves -- not huge arguments but the bickering that's done in a family that loves each other. Taylor is still searching for the person who assaulted her four years earlier and Sam has found a DNA genealogist and he hopes that once this mystery in Taylor's life is solved, she will be able to totally commit to him and their future life together. His life is upended when a 12 year old girl gets in touch with him and claims to be his daughter. He never knew that she existed and Taylor isn't sure how she feels about this new revelation in his life. To make life even more unsettled, there is a double murder of a well known family in town that left behind three adopted children. Taylor isn't the lead detective on the crime but she works hard to find out who the murderer is and to reduce the fear that the people in town are feeling.

This is a fast paced novel with lots of twists and turns with several issues happening at once. I think Taylor is a fantastic character. She's well written and we see her strength as she tries to solve the dual murder and on the other side, her love for her family and the people in the town. This book is a compelling read and I quickly turned pages to find out what happened next. Can't wait for book 8 which is the final book of this fantastic series.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love small towns and beautiful mountain settings, you are in for a treat! Hello Goodbye is the seventh book in the Hart’s Ridge mystery series, set in the fictional town by the same name nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Like the six preceding books, Hello Goodbye is also loosely based on a real-life crime!

Although each book in the Hart’s Ridge series can be read as a standalone, for me I loved reading them in order following along as Kay Bratt builds on her characters and their world. In book one (Hart’s Ridge) you meet Taylor Gray (the only female Sheriff’s Deputy in Hart’s Ridge) and her dysfunctional family consisting of her father, 3 sisters, and her (no longer estranged) mother, Cate. True to form, because if you know Kay Bratt there are always dogs, (which I love) to make you smile.

Hello Goodbye centers around multiple main story lines, one of which is a brutal murder of the adoptive parents of three children (based loosely on a true to life crime). Shane (the lead detective) and Taylor are on the hunt for their killer. Meanwhile Taylor is still trying to solve a personal crime against herself which has haunted her for four years. With the help of her new fiancée Sam, (who is also dealing with some personal issues of his own) they search for her attacker. Hopefully they can find a resolution to both issues that could affect their future as a couple.

We are left with a huge cliff hanger at the end, but since I am not one to ruin the story by retelling it, I will just leave it there. Hello Goodbye was an excellent, heart pounding, fast read for me, and I highly recommend it! True to form Kay Bratt left us wanting more! I can hardly wait for book 8 in the series and have my fingers crossed there will be more!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 7 of the Hart's Ridge series and I loved it, just the others. This is a great series.

The protagonist of the story is Deputy Taylor Gray. Taylor and her sisters went through foster care most of their lives. Taylor basically raised her sisters after her mother supposedly burned to death in a fire with her baby brother.In this installment there is a double homicide. The Swansons who have 3 adopted kids kids, are discovered brutally murdered. We first met this family when we Taylor called to Their home after Marc’s parents refused to let him in due to missed curfew. While Marc is the prime suspect in the homicide, he is currently in a behavior health facility. Is it possible that he may have broken out and gone and killed his parents? There are several suspects but who could have done this heinous crime? Taylor and Shane are on the case to find out who could have brutally murdered this couple and left their kids without parents.

As Taylor is dealing with a double homicide her relationship with fiance Sam could be rocky due to them finding out he may have a 12 year old daughter that he didn't know about (we found that out at the end of the last book).

Sam is also trying help Taylor close a case that is very personal to her. She has a lead but will she finally be able to put an end to this case so she can move on with the rest of her life . And as if this isn't enough, there is another tragedy to the story that you won't see coming.

There are several stories going on so Taylor has her hands full. This is definitely a page turner that you will have trouble putting it down. Be ready to curl up and engross yourself in this well written mystery with twists and turns until the surprise ending.

[Margie Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Bratt is a very talented author! I just recently finished Hello Goodbye which is the 7th book in her Hart’s Ridge series. I’ve read them all and I feel like they get better with each new book. They are all so compelling. Once you start you just want to keep right on reading. The story takes place in Hart’s Ridge, which is a quaint little town with wonderful residents but it doesn’t lack in crime. Taylor, the main character, is a police deputy on the local force. There is always a crime for her to investigate. What I find interesting is that the author uses actual real life crimes to base her stories off from. We also learn about Taylor’s family and all the drama and heartache that they have experienced throughout the years. That in itself is enough to keep any readers interest piqued. With each new book we are slowly introduced to the towns residents and with Hello Goodbye we learn that you don’t always know who your friends are. Sometimes people are like wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. There’s also romance and love interests that sometimes comes with hidden surprises. This book has it all and this series has quickly become my favorite. I can’t wait to read Starting Over to see what is going to happen next for the residents of Hart’s Ridge especially since Kay Bratt has left us with a really big cliffhanger at the end. I love reading these books and I can’t recommend them enough. This is another 5 star read by a really great author!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking Final Chapters Leave Readers Breathless. This book was one of the more interesting in this series both because the crime being investigated here is one of the more brutal Bratt has ever put into her fiction (at least in my now 5+ yrs of reading most of her work) *and* because Bratt's style doesn't normally lend itself to "oh my god I can't stop reading I have to know what happens next NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" level pacing... and yet this one's last several chapters read exactly that way. Thus, showing a truly deft hand with her storytelling along with strong growth as a storyteller. Indeed, perhaps one minor weakness here is that given the somewhat limited number of characters (wait, what? I know - but bear with me here), it isn't really *possible* to show just how shocking this particular crime would be throughout an entire region of small Southern towns - though even here, Bratt works well within her style and within the world she has crafted through this series to relay that as best as possible. And yes, as others have noted, given everything that happens here... Book 8 *could* be the series finale... but I too agree I'd like to see it continue well beyond that point. Very much recommended.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just get better and better. Kay Bratt is a wonderful author. She has a way of drawing you into a story whereby you simply can not put the book down. I was on the edge of my seat reading the last few chapters!

Each book is a combination of a murder/mystery that is based on a real-life case; and alongside that, is the everyday family life of the Gray family, a family which has had its own fair share of ups and downs.

In this book, a family is torn apart when tradegy strikes, leaving 3 children orphaned; Taylor and Shane work together to find the person responsible.

One of the major storylines that started in the first book looks close to being solved. Taylor suffered a terrible ordeal, which has haunted her ever since; Sam loves her so much that he needs to find the person responsible so that he and Taylor can move on together.

Then there's Sam, and the recent revelation his family may be bigger than he thought. He's trying to deal with it himself, but when he gets a phone call, he has to get Taylor involved.

The books in this well written series need to be read in the order in which they were published to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storylines.

I have already downloaded book 8 and can not wait to start it.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kay Bratt's Hart's Ridge series and I swear, each installment draws me in even more than the previous one. I love how I have become so entrenched in the lives of the Gray family and the Hart's Ridge community. Each story is a wonderful blend of a captivating mystery that Taylor is involved in, but then we also get to be a part of the family dynamics and all that that entails. There's plenty of drama, compassion, and love.

Along with the murder investigation that Taylor finds herself involved in, her new fiancé is faced with a child he knew nothing about suddenly appearing in their lives. Plenty of drama there and what will it all mean for their relationship?

This is an amazing series and one that I highly recommend. Hello Goodbye is another exciting, heartwarming story in the continuing, complicated lives of the Gray family. Book eight is scheduled to be released next month. I'm so excited to read more!

[Gwen S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor's Sleuthing Ended Eldon and ??Cafe's Life! 4.75*****Spoiler Alert

While solving the double homicide of a religious Catholic couple, who adopted three foster care kids, one of which, smart golden boy- Larson, killed them out of abandonment fear, found Taylor and Sam finally tracked down her rapist via genealogy and Katie, to West Virginia. There they located the historical tour woman, and found out it was Eldon, her bastard first born, and Jo's new lover and drama partner. Taylor's dad shot him as Cate jumped in front of Jackson, getting wounded herself. Sam and Alice may become a duo in Taylor's life pending the DNA tests, so she would not be returning to Derek and his two kid's as babysitter/ wife!?!... Such a tragic ending that could break the Grays apart once again. I hope Taylor notifies Ellis of Cates precarious health.
Great characters and plot line. A gravity defying, Must-Read!

11/18/23- 11/18/23 COVID-19 TGWeek 2023.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime continues to plague Hart's Ridge. First, the Swanson parents were found dead. Katherine was found in the yard after she had tried to run away for help but didn't make it. Bishop was found in the house. The house was ransacked. All this happening while Larsen and his sister Abby were asleep upstairs. Marc was in a lockup for troubled youths and was not home. Who would do this heinous crime and why?
Just after Sam proposed and Taylor accepted, their engagement went by the wayside when Sam got a call that told him he had a 12 year old daughter that he never knew of. Both he and Taylor had to come to grips with this information even after Alice's mother told them Alice wasn't his. However, she looks just like him.
While Taylor works on the Swanson murders, Sam continues to work with Katie to find through genealogy mapping who raped Taylor years ago. So far, only Taylor and the Sheriff know she had been raped and was working the case. What do they find?

[Janice Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Goodbye, the continuing saga of Kay Bratt’s Hart Ridge Series, is full of problems for the Gray sisters’ as the eldest sister, Taylor, tries to solve a crime that has left three children homeless and at the same time deal with the demons of her past that continue to plague her until resolution. There are many issues that keep coming up for the sisters and many surprises as Taylor is on the job solving the latest murder while trying to keep her family intact through it all.

There is always something happening in this series to keep the reader interested and wholly invested in the sisters’ welfare. Taylor deals with an unexpected announcement about her fiancé that she must come to terms with as well as Sam. I look forward to the next book in the series to find out what Taylor will have to tackle next.

A memorable series full of interesting characters that drive the stories forward.

[Mrs Linda J Kitson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Goodbye is the 7th book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt and it does not disappoint.

Deputy Taylor Gray is on her own personal trail to find out who broke into her home and attacked her four years before. The trail has been cold, but with the help of DNA and a genealogist, Taylor finally has a chance to track down her attacker. Does she find him?

Her efforts though are sidetracked by a brutal double murder of two seemingly upstanding pillars of the community. The day job has to come first so Taylor has to focus on the case. It’s surprising what falls out of an investigation.

If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend that you begin with book 1, Hart’s Ridge, and read them in order. Lucky you, no waiting for the next book, you can binge read the series. I am now impatiently waiting for book 8, Starting Over, to see how things turn out.

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Bratt has really outdone herself with “Hello Goodbye”, Book #7 in the Hart’s Ridge series. Right from the very first chapter you are gripped and brought into a horrific murder that Deputy Taylor Gray and Detective Shane Weaver will have to solve. Taylor is also dealing with her own problems with her fiancé, Sam, and the discovery of him possibly having a 12 year-old daughter he never knew about. She is also working her own case where she was attacked, and feels she is getting closer to solving it, but may need additional help to do so. As usual, there are always so many twists and turns until you get to the truth. Please, Kay, do not stop at book 8 (Starting Over). This is such an excellent series - I am sure you have a wealth of stories to tell here, and all the Gray women deserve happily-ever-afters. Thank you for such an amazing read!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several things are going on in Deputy Taylor Gray’s life. She’s working on a case involving the murder of parents to three adopted children, her fiancé Sam is shocked to find out he may have a 12-year-old daughter he knew nothing about, and Sam is helping Taylor find closure to an incident that happened in her past by working with a genealogy expert. Taylor also feels saddened by the apparent breakup of her mother, Cate, and Cate’s boyfriend, all because she spent time in prison, even though she was later found not guilty of the crime that put her there. It’s a lot to cope with but Taylor and her family are strong and stand behind one another through thick and thin.

Another awesome book in the Hart’s Ridge series with a surprise ending. I love this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kay Bratt has taken her Hart’s Ridge series to a new high with her latest book. Deputy Taylor Gray is juggling 3 problems. The first one from her past is keeping her from moving forward with both her personal and her professional life. The second is coming to grips with finding out that her fiancé has a daughter he never knew he had and how that will affect their future. The third is finding the person who brutally killed a husband and wife, leaving 3 adopted children without parents. She is also trying to keep her family dynamics on a path to recover and heal from their rocky past. This is a fast paced story and once I started it I didn’t want to put it down. I loved it, and can’t wait for the next book.

[Victoria Bahnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Goodbye is the 7th book in the Hart’s Ridge series and continues the saga of the Gray family and other inhabitants of this small Georgia town. There’s no shortage of drama in Deputy Gray’s life – she’s investigating a brutal crime that has shocked the community, still working to solve a personal attack that continues to haunt her, trying to resolve her feelings about a surprising developing in her fiancé’s life, and trying to keep up with the other members of her family.

It's an engaging, fast-paced read right up to the cliffhanger at the end.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Charlie Sandino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was oh, so good, it is the 7th book in the series and it was as captivating as the previous ones. I enjoy the town of Hart's Ridge and the people that I have gotten to know throughout the series so far. The author has a great way of telling the story, the characters became more familiar the ones we already have met. The author keeps up the suspense as we read along. This story brings us back into the family of Taylor and a crime that has to be solved. This read was fast paced and it was impossible to put down the book. We get to know the complexities of a case and how mystery unravels in the storytelling. This book did not disappoint and it will be difficult to wait for the next book in the series. I am grateful to have read this book!
Thank you