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Hart's Ridge #5

Instant Karma

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In Instant Karma, the fifth book of the Hart's Ridge small-town mystery series by Kay Bratt, Deputy Taylor Gray is hoping for a break after the recent crime wave that hit her town. But when a stranger shows up unexpectedly, she realizes that danger never takes a holiday.

Meanwhile, Cate Gray is cautiously optimistic in her hope for a solid future, and when karma finally seems to be on her side, she dares to dream of her own happily ever after.

But in Hart's Ridge, nothing is ever as it seems. As secrets are uncovered and tensions rise, readers will be on the edge of their seats, unable to put down this suspenseful tale.

If you're a fan of small-town mysteries with well-drawn characters and an engrossing plot, then you won't want to miss Instant Karma, the latest book in the Hart's Ridge series.

Instant Karma is book five 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.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2023

3307 people are currently reading
534 people want to read

About the author

Kay Bratt

55 books2,078 followers
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.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
Profile Image for Sue .
2,040 reviews124 followers
May 21, 2023
Instant Karma, the fifth book of the Hart's Ridge series, gives the reader Jo's story and keeps us updated on the other members of the family. We also get to meet Farie, an elderly neighbor and we learn all about her past and present as she struggles to get beyond a big mistake that she'd made.

The Grey family has just opened an animal rescue center on Taylor's farm. Cate, the mom, and all of the sisters are involved in the running of the shelter. Taylor has less time to help than the rest because she's still a deputy in the local police department. One of the neighbors makes a huge mistake and rents a room to a guy who seems very nice and caring but once he moves in, he's a boarder from hell. Faire only took in a boarder to try to save her house and pay her bills and doesn't know how to take the treatment that the new boarder is dishing out. She gets Taylor and one of her old friends involved and they work to get rid of the evil person in the house. Will they be successful or will Faire lose her home? As all of this is going on, Taylor gets reminded of something that happened in her past and quits seeing Sam as she works through her troubled thoughts. Will she learn to forgive and get her happily ever after?

This book is full of family love, forgiveness and acceptance and willingness to help neighbors when they need help. It great to see the sisters getting along with their mom and each other after years of estrangement.


772 reviews17 followers
May 18, 2023
The minute this book was delivered to my kindle I instantly stopped and started reading!
I devoured this book In one day. I couldn’t put it down…. We get more of the Gray family and more into their pasts, we also get to meet Faire and she is instantly a fan favorite.
We get a mysterious stranger, more than one blast from the past for Jo and a huge twist at the end! ( I’m still in shock )
This family is the true essence of forgiveness, resilience, strength and love
This book shows how far each character has grown and how fast their rescue farm has progressed.

I absolutely love this series!
Profile Image for Dawn Baffa.
371 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2023
Missed the mark

This book for me missed the mystery, twists, suspense that was in the other stories. I wasn't intrigued by the story, actually kind of predictable. Yes I will keep reading her stories. Because one story that I couldn't connect with doesn't define the Authors talent.
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,234 reviews75 followers
May 24, 2023
The Hart’s Ridge series continues with the focus on Taylor Gray, her family and the small town with the big heart. Taylor is focused in this book on finding the truth about a new stranger in town who seems to be creating some mischief in his path. The family’s boarding and rescue business takes off and all of the family members are involved, making things seem peaceful, but there are secrets bubbling that will soon make everyone take notice. I loved the new character introduced in this book! Faire Tinsley, an elderly woman who is whip smart and not to be messed with, plays a central role and she is endearingly sweet and innocent but also her own force to be reckoned with. An octogenarian with financial problems, Taylor and company come to her assistance when she is in harm’s way from the new guy in town. The mystery is understated but ever present and the romance simmers with the sisters and their mom during the telling of the story. I enjoyed getting to know the family better, and especially enjoyed getting to see Ellis use his strengths to continue to help others, specifically Faire. There are so many multiple layers to this book that one just has to read it to enjoy them all, so my advice to anyone who enjoys a good, well-written book with relatable and lovable characters is to get the book and enjoy your visit to Hart’s Ridge! This is part of a series and I recommend that you read the entire series but that is not absolutely necessary.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the author as a member of her advanced reading team. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”
Profile Image for Gail.
970 reviews
May 19, 2023
In Instant Karma, the fifth book in the Hart’s Ridge series, you get know Jo, the fourth Gray sister. We’ve now read more about all four of them. It’s hard to pick a favorite, I love them all. I guess Taylor would be my favorite. We do get to see more of her in each story. This time she’s helping out a new character, Faire Tinsley. Faire has brought a tenant into her home with disastrous results. Thankfully, Taylor is there to help. The fifth installment is a great addition to the series. I can’t wait to read the sixth to find out what happens next to the Gray family and the residents of Hart’s Ridge!
Profile Image for Lori Boyd.
787 reviews93 followers
May 28, 2023
Kay Bratt continues her Harts Ridge series with Book 5. We get to know Jo, another Grey sister, and her back story. Endearing mature characters facing realistic challenges pertinent to our times. I found all storylines were in touch with today’s issues and relatable to all. Wonderful characters just wanting a better life while dealing with their specific dilemmas. Enjoyable series, quick paced page turner. Binge read worthy for sure!

I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is mine alone!
Profile Image for Margie Shaw.
540 reviews49 followers
May 24, 2023
Instant Karma is the 5th installment in Kay Bratt’s new Hart’s Ridge mystery series. Hart’s Ridge is a quaint little town filled with wonderful characters although it still has its fair share of trouble. Taylor Gray, a local police deputy is the oldest sister in the Gray family who are the main characters in the series. In this particular book, we get to learn more about her sister Jo, a look into her past and what her hobbies and interests are. We also find out that Taylor has been keeping a secret. Something tragic that she hasn’t felt comfortable sharing. We are also introduced to a couple of new characters, one being Faire, an elderly widow with a very special ability. She makes a terrible choice and this is where the trouble comes into play. This was a great read and this series has rapidly become one of my all time favorites. I enjoy it because I have grown to like and care about these characters and also because each book contains a mystery that is based off from a real life occurrence/crime that makes them all the more interesting. This is a series I recommend but I do believe it’s best to start from the beginning because you wouldn’t want to miss a thing! I’m now anxious to read Nobody Told Me which is the next book in the series to see what Kay Bratt has in store for us next. I’m rating this book with 5 stars!
Profile Image for Ritu Bhathal.
Author 6 books154 followers
May 25, 2023
I adore these Hart's Ridge books by Kay Bratt and was thrilled to get a copy of Instant Karma, book 5 in the series, as an ARC.
This time, along with keeping up with Taylor Gray, the main character whose thread runs through all these books, we get to know more about her sister, Jo, and her son. Until now, readers haven't had a chance to get to know much about her, other than that she is a single mother, so getting the background on her was another stepping stone to being immersed in the Gray family.
It was wonderful to see how Kate, Taylor's mother, continues to build on her dream of an animal sanctuary, meaning we get to meet all wonderful animals, too!
Since there is always a crime or mystery to solve, we also have a chance to peep into the life of Faire, one of the long-term residents of Hart's Reige, but someone who has become an almost recluse, with her bird, Baby, as her main company. Fearful of a lonely future, with not much money left in her coffers, Faire offers a room in her house to a lodge, which brings more than just rent money to the table.
Another truly wonderful read!
I can't wait for number 6, and am even more excited knowing there are 8 in total!
Profile Image for Carol Engler.
409 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2023

Instant Karma #5
This book took me a little longer to get into. Fast forward a year the girls and Cate are working on their animal rescue adventure. Best part of book .
Jo old friend from HS is back. His has seen war, then became a famous singer , then he had sudden on set of PTS which takes him out. ( ok seem unlikely after years as a Country Singer Star, to have sudden on set PTS) Then add in Jo's HS drama friend returns about the same time.
Anna is having problems too.
Taylor is after 5 years suddenly it have issues with a rape I forgot ever happen in the first book. She pushes Sam away because suddenly she flashed back it to those feelings after years of nothing.
Faire a new character is having renter problems.
Not one of my favorite books in this series.
Profile Image for Wendy Camp.
25 reviews
May 26, 2023
Instant Karma is the fifth book in Kay Bratt’s Hart’s Ridge series. Well done Kay, another great book! In this book we learn more about Taylor’s sister Jo as well as an older woman named Faire. I love how the family has become closer, has started a new venture together, and how they work together to help friends.
6 reviews
November 2, 2023
I enjoyed the first couple of books in this series, this one is a little too sweet, too sugar coated for me. It does not mean that the story was not good but every story line ended with falling into each others arms, big hugs and expected endings.
Profile Image for Mrs Linda J Kitson.
94 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2023
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of the fifth book in the Hart’s Ridge series and again, Kay Bratt has created another unputdownable read. If you haven’t read Hart’s Ridge yet, I highly recommend you read them in order, you won’t be disappointed.

Instant Karma focuses on two characters, Jo Gray, Taylor’s sister who has a son, Levi, and Faire who has been a recluse for many years following a deeply unpleasant episode involving her gift as a medium.

The Gray family are flourishing and working together at the ‘farm’ they have developed in Taylor’s house grounds, Taylor herself is happy about this, so glad to see the family come together. Jo and Levi are a big part of this. Levi has grown up without a father and one day, whilst being cared for by his aunt, he is caught carrying out some unacceptable behaviour, the consequences of this are a real surprise.

Faire, as she deals with ageing and loneliness after the death of her husband, Tom, and the shattering effects of a reading she gave to a Senator’s son, decides to take in a tenant to help pay the bills on her large home. Brian seems like a good choice…or is he!

I don’t do spoilers so you have to read the book to know more. If you are caught up on the Hart’s Ridge series, you don’t have to wait long as the book is released on May 26th!

Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
March 1, 2025
The Sheriff's department was hoping for a relief in the crime spree that had hit Hart's Ridge. But that was wistful thinking on their part.
Faire Tinsley has lived alone in the big house she and her husband had owned. After his death, the house was a burden; but it was home to Faire. Finally, after selling all the furniture she could from the upstairs, she decided to take in a renter. They could rent the three rooms on the second floor. They would have to pay half the utilities and internet if they wanted to have it installed. She had a man coming to see about the rooms and hoped he worked out. Brian Keith Robinson turned out to be a very mannered young man who needed a place to stay every weekend while he was in town to visit his mother in a rest home. He wanted a secure and settled place and not a hotel. Although she didn't intend to have him move in so fast, she thought he was such a pleasant and sociable young man that she immediately rented to him. He promised to fix little things, like light bulbs, for her in his spare time just to be nice. Soon this changed.
He did live up to his end of the bargain for a short time; but them began to take advantage of her. He brought in a cat without asking her and the cat traumatized her parrot, Baby. He watched movies with her and them claimed they hadn't watched a particular one. She found him in the one room on the second floor that was locked. He told her it was unlocked and he was looking for storage room. He took four of her six dining room chairs to his room without her permission although he claimed she had given him permission. He claimed the air conditioning wasn't working and that according to the law, he could withhold rent until it was fixed. He also left a bottle of pills on her kitchen counter and a note telling her to take these for her memory.
Because she needed the money, she went to the courthouse to check on this law he was talking about. Before she could go in, she ran into Taylor Gray. Taylor saw she was upset and they sat down to talk. After hearing what she had to say, Taylor insisted they go talk to her mother's friend, Ellis Cross whose daughter was an attorney. After their visit, she was advised to get an attorney and how to handle this particular situation. Ellis insisted on going over and seeing about the air conditioning. He was there when Brian returned and when faced with the fact that the AC had been turned to heat, Brian lost it and began berating them everything and told them they couldn't evict him and that he wasn't leaving, which had not been addressed. What will happen now?
Jojo, the last Gray sister, returns home with her son, Levi. She goes to work for the rescue center and enjoys her work and being with her family again. Then, a voice from the past intrudes on a meeting the family is having. It is Corbin Eastwood who had gone to school with Jojo. What will happen now?
Profile Image for Linda.
1,091 reviews135 followers
June 5, 2023
This is the fifth book in Kay Bratt's HART'S RIDGE series.
Each book is heartwarming and a story that will make you stop and think. This family has many problems but they are there for each other. Always.

My favorite line in this book:
"NO ONE SHOULD CARRY THE BURDEN OF SHAME IN SILENCE."
There is more to the paragraph, but this line did me in.

Taylor is a good cop and great big sister. She's kept her sisters together and done what she had to to keep them alive. This family has had their share of ups and downs and things happening that will keep you turning the pages. Each sister has a story and they all depend on each other to help carry them through.

When Faire Tinsley lets a young man move in to rent a couple of rooms from her little does she know that her world is about to take a drastic turn. Things may never be the same for her. In some ways that is good. She's a bit magical. But what she goes through is nothing short of horrid. She's a good person and does not deserve what this jerk is doing. When Taylor and Della Ray come to the aide of this sweet and kind woman Brian will think it's much safer for him to move along. Maybe. You'll love Faire. She's just such a gentle soul. Alone and pretty much a recluse for a long time but she is about to spread her wings and learn how to take charge again.

Jo and her son Levi are at the center of this installment too. Levi is up for the lead in a summer play and Jo encourages him to do his best. There are a couple of people back in her life this time and one I loved. Eldon and Corbin who Jo knows from their high school days are back in town. Each doing what they do best. I love Eldon. He's just the type to make a person laugh when they are down. I think Jo's life is about to take a happy turn.

This book really does give you lots to think about. A few gasps along the way and a big hurrah once things are settled. I was so happy when Taylor finally talked to Sam again. I did not want them to end at all. They just belong together. This is the kind of family drama you can read and know there is hope for them. It might take a bit but eventually it will happen. I love this series.

I can't wait for the next book: NOBODY TOLD ME.. It will be wonderful.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lara.
1,141 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2023
Instant Karma is the fifth book in Hart’s Ridge by Kay Bratt. Faire Tinsley is a long time resident of Hart’s Ridge. A sort of recluse, she realizes she needs extra income in order to keep her beloved home. She decides to take on a tenant. An easy arrangement quickly turns into a nightmare as her new tenant begins to act odd and erratic. Faire reluctantly turns to Deputy Taylor Gray who discovers this stranger is not who he says he is. Meanwhile, two men from Jo’s high school past come back into town. Jo convinces herself she doesn’t need or want a relationship. But their presence in town forces Jo to confront the past. Will Faire be able to recover her home from a sinister tenant? Will Jo hold on to her secret or will she be forced to reveal it?
WOW! was the one word I uttered as I turned the final page of Instant Karma. The Hart’s Ridge series keeps getting better and better. Instant Karma is a great addition to the series. The themes of strength and resilience run throughout the story. The situation with Faire and her tenant kept me on my seat. I enjoyed seeing Della Ray again and her unwavering support for Faire. Jo has kept the identity of Levi’s father a secret. Some in town have their speculation but she has been able to stay mum. When she reveals her secret to one particular person, it was a shocker to say the least. It was not a reveal I was expecting! Taylor is also hiding a secret which I hope that story comes to fruition in a future story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Instant Karma and I can’t wait to finish out this series! I highly recommend Instant Karma.

Hart’s Ridge is available on May 26 in eBook

Books 1-4 are currently available in paperback and eBook
Profile Image for Sheri.
50 reviews
May 30, 2023
If you love small towns and beautiful mountain settings, you are in for a treat! Instant Karma is the fifth book in the Hart’s Ridge mystery series, set in the fictional town by the same name nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In book one 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 (estranged) mother Cate who has recently been thrown back into the mix. True to form, (because if you know Kay Bratt there are always dogs, which I love), there are lots of furry friends to make you smile as they run a rescue dog sanctuary and their newest endeavor Gray Escapes Dog Daycare and Boarding Facility.

Like the four preceding books, Instant Karma is also loosely based on a real-life crime! In it you will meet Faire Tinsley, an elderly woman who had become a recluse after the passing of her husband, and an incident she prefers not to think about. We get to know Faire and her bird Baby, and root for her as Taylor Gray comes to her rescue when Faire becomes the focus of this newest crime!

We also delve into Taylor’s sister Jo’s life and get to know her and her son Levi better. We find out how tough it can be to raise a young teen as a single mom, but even more so when there are secrets that have never been shared. Will Jo finally find her happy place in life? You’ll have to read to find out for yourself.

Since I am not one to ruin the story by retelling it, I will just leave it there. Instant Karma 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 6!

15 reviews
May 19, 2023
This is Book 5 in the Hart’s Ridge series. If you haven’t read these books, you are missing out!!

This book continues the story of Taylor Gray, the town Deputy and her family. The family has just opened an animal rescue and boarding facility on Taylor’s farm. The entire family, mom Cate and sisters Jo, Anne and Lucy are all dedicated and working for the rescue. Jo has been watching her sister’s and mother’s developing relationships and discovers she is lonely. To her surprise, two very different men want to pursue her, but can Jo trust her heart to share her secret?

In addition to the family business, Taylor has a tough job as crime seems to be increasing in their small town. A series of rapes in nearby Atlanta bring past pain and anxiety to Taylor, as she suffered a viscous attack several years ago. The close proximity of the current rapist has Taylor on edge. She hasn’t told anyone about her attack for fear of being thought of as weak.

A local resident, Faire Tinsley, is in a financial panic. She is unable to afford the upkeep on her large home that she and her beloved late husband shared. She decides in a moment of desperation, to rent out the upstairs rooms. Handsome attorney Brian Robinson offers to rent the rooms to be close to his mother. Unfortunately, Brian is not what he seems and Faire is in dire need of legal support for her safety.

This is another masterfully written story that is impossible to put down!
4 reviews
May 31, 2023
Instant Karma
by Kay Bratt

I was fortunate to read an advance copy of Kay Bratt’s 5th book in the Hart’s Ridge series Instant Karma and it didn’t disappoint.
The book picks up about 12 months from the last one. The family has opened up a dog rescue on Taylor’s property using money Cate received in her settlement. They remodeled Taylor’s home for Anna n her kids n built separate cottages for the rest. They all work fulltime at the rescue/boarding business except Taylor since she is a fulltime sheriffs deputy but she does her fair share on the farm. This book lets us in on Jo’s life and she has 2 men from her past come to town n we learn who Levi’s dad is. A local senior citizen Faire Tinsley is also highlighted. To keep her historic home she takes in a boarder that becomes a nightmare. Her story is unbelievable n a good lesson for all not to take in borders wo a background check n rules/contracts in place. Taylor n her sheriff co-workers help her out but ultimately Faire’s special abilities get her out of this mess. Everyone’s lives seem to be going great, was worried about Taylor n Sam but back on track n Cate’s special relationship is getting stronger n even their dad seems to have his life back n a special someone in it.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to #6.
Again a stand alone book but I strongly suggest you read the entire series starting w #1 so you will have a clear understanding of the family characters n all the past ones that pop up in the books.
41 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2023
This is the fifth installment of the Hart’s Ridge Series and it doesn’t disappoint at all. This one grips you from the first page with a character named Faire Tinsley an elderly lady with a bird called Baby. Faire decides to make some extra money by renting a room out in her house. Little does she know she’s renting it out to a dangerous con man. She gets Taylor on the case and she helps Faire to get rid of him it’s a very humorous case for Taylor. We find Cate in this book setting up a dog rescue and a boarding place for dogs. Cate being an animal lover it’s a great job for her. She builds cabins for the girls to live in so they can help her. All except for Lucy she’s still on her boat a rebel at heart she is. All of the girls are helping Cate out when they can. This installment of the series we focus on Jo. She’s the single mother bent to raise her son Levi alone. Anna’s kids get involved with a local theater group for the summer. Jo
decides this is just what Levi needs for the summer. He’s less than excited to hear about it. We met some new characters and some from previous book’s return. We see two high school friends of Jo’s come into this book. It makers her wonder if she’s making a mistake being alone. This book is full of fast paced stories all tied up to make a great book. I’m not sure I’d suggest this as a standalone read. Characters from previous books appear again in this one.
453 reviews7 followers
May 21, 2023
Instant Karma, the 5th book in the Hart's Ridge series, did not disappoint. Kay Bratt has a way of writing and developing her towns and characters so you feel like you are part of the community. So every time you open a Kay Bratt book it feels like going home. This book shares more about the Gray family and how they have come back together, now united in the cause of opening and running an animal rescue and shelter. It is a stand-alone story but why wouldn't you want to read the first 4 books in the series so you can have that "I've come back home" feeling too?

Amazon description: In the small town of Hart's Ridge, danger is never far away, as Deputy Taylor Gray knows all too well. Even as she hopes for a respite after a recent wave of crime, a stranger arrives in town and threatens the safety of one of its residents. With her instincts honed by years of law enforcement experience, Taylor jumps into action to protect one of their own.

But as Taylor works to uncover the truth behind the stranger's motives, her sister Jo faces a different kind of challenge. As a single mother who has always shouldered her problems alone, Jo is cautiously optimistic about the future as her family finally seems to be finding stability. But as secrets come to light and tensions rise in the town, she begins to wonder if her newfound hope will be short-lived.
Profile Image for Jeff.
1,745 reviews165 followers
May 26, 2023
Excellent Mid-Series Wrap Up And Soft Reboot. This book is exactly what the title says - an excellent epilogue to the series as it has been, and a soft reboot for what is to come. The story to this point, as much as it has been about Hart's Ridge, has also been about the one family, and here we see (most) of their initial travails handled and handled well. Meanwhile, a dark secret emerges that will seemingly drive at least the next book and, depending on how Bratt chooses to play this, could well drive the back half of this planned eight book series. This is also one of the creepiest, and yet even more real because of it, books, with the crime here not being rape or murder or torture or some such, but scams and elder abuse - another facet of life that is seemingly all too common these days in the "real" world, and one which Bratt manages to work into her town and series quite well indeed. And as a bonus, as a "soft reboot" of the series... this is actually a decent entry point for those who have not read the prior books and yet don't mind events from them being discussed within this book. Overall a well told story in a well developed small town in real-enough North Georgia Mountain country, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing where Bratt takes this next. Very much recommended.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
177 reviews
June 1, 2023
This is the 5th book in the Hart's Ridge Series and it does not disappoint. I loved this book from beginning to end. It kept me engaged and I just had to know how it all turned out.

Faire, a widow in the community, decides to take in a boarder because she is having financial difficulties. Brian, her new border, at first seemed like a really nice guy. Do things really look as they do? How is Faire going to handle this border? What mysteries does he possess? Will Faire lose her home?

Meanwhile, we learn more about Jo's story. Struggling to be a single mom, Jo just wants what is best for her son. Kyle has some behavior issues, so Jo signs him up for theater. He is not thrilled, to say the least. He ends up doing the best he can and wows everyone, especially Jo. A couple of guys from Jo's past show up in her life, so she has some decisions to make

Taylor's family has established an animal rescue, under Cate's leadership. Even though Taylor is less involved than the others because she is a local police deputy, the entire family is involved.

Taylor stopped seeing Sam until she could deal with some demons from her past that she is battling.

This is a story of family, love, forgiveness, community, and supporting others. It is heartwarming and there is a mystery to solve. I think you will love this book as much as I did.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,420 reviews12 followers
July 22, 2025
I have fallen in love with this series; once I start a book, I have to read it all as I just can't put it down - just one more chapter I tell myself at 3am!!!

In this book, the animal rescue the Gray family have decided to open in Harts Ridge is just starting, with each of them having a role and a place to live.

In this book, we learn more about Jo and her Son Levi. We meet some people from her distant past, and there's a twist at the end, which I didn't quite see coming.

Of course, Taylors job as a Deputy is still very much her main focus, and when Faire, a loved member of the community, gets into difficulty, Taylor steps in to try and sort it out. Faire has become a bit of a recluse, and when circumstances dictate, she needs extra income she encounters a bit of an issue.

Then there's Taylors relationship with Sam. Will she let him in and help her when her demons threaten to derail their happy friendship.

The books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I've already downloaded the next book in this series, as I just can't wait to find out more about the Gray family and Harts Ridge.
Profile Image for Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews .
556 reviews36 followers
May 26, 2023
Instant Karma is another great installment of the Hart's Ridge series. These books are so good. I've read a lot of wonderful sites this last couple of years and this one is on the list of one of the best. The Hart's Ridge series has a lot of great elements to it and I'll let you in on a few of them. 

Probably one of my favorites is that the setting is a small town. You know me. I love small towns no matter where they are. Everyone knows you and you know everyone. It just gives you a homey feel right from the beginning. 

Taylor is a sheriff's deputy. She loves her town and takes the best care of its residents. I love detective stories so this is another element I love. She really takes care of her family. I admire this young woman. 

Each book in the series has a different crime going on and this one has to do with a senior citizen. I have to live that because I am one. By some people's standards by a lot of years. Don't worry, if you're lucky you'll be old too! 

The characters that stay around are ones that you can care about. In every new book I'm looking forward to catching up with the ones I have grown to care about. The characters I don't like seem to find their way out of town. 

If any of these elements are ones that we share, I suggest you try this series. If you haven't read it yet, the first one is a free download. So, what are you waiting for. This holiday weekend is a good time to jump in and binge read the whole series! Until next time..,Happy Reading! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
32 reviews
May 25, 2023
Book 5 - There’s enough karma to go around!

One of the things I really like about this series is that when a book about a specific character ends, it does not end the character being a part of the story like so many other series do. Although that character won’t be the main part of the story in future books, they still show up in more than just a supporting role. They are still growing as a “person” and their story is not done. I also like how there are multiple plots going on at the same time. It keeps the story interesting, and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Instant Karma introduces you to several new characters, some of which are going to drive you as crazy as they did the other characters! Some you will love, others you will loathe! And the Karma? Yeah, there are several characters that get a taste of that too! Along with many secrets being revealed, we also learn more about Taylor’s past and how it is is affecting her present.

I love this series! I don’t want it to end!
Profile Image for Janice Spina.
Author 53 books111 followers
September 22, 2024
Instant Karma book 5 of the Hart’s Ridge series is another story created around the Hart family and their loves, losses, heartaches and other family issues. They have a lot of problems but as a family they work out together and are always supportive of one other in the toughest of times.

Taylor is the head of the family being the oldest daughter. She feels a need to take care of the rest of her siblings since they were young and continues even as they are now grown whether they have families of their own or not. She is a police officer who always protects those who need help and does all she can to right any wrongs she sees.

In this book Taylor watches over an elderly woman who has been harassed by a renter in her home. She also is having recurrent episodes of a past incident where she was attacked. She refuses to share her problem with anyone including the man she loves.

This is an emotional and heartfelt read as we learn more about each of the sisters and how they interact with one another and in their love relationships.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,604 reviews21 followers
May 19, 2023
The stories in this series just keep getting better and better!

Faire Tinsley, an elderly resident of Hart’s Ridge, is having some problems with a difficult tenant. Deputy Taylor Gray is happy to assist her in solving the problem.

The Gray family has taken on a family endeavor backed by Cate’s settlement. Things seem to be going great for all of them. They’ve each found a role in the business that is well-suited to them, and they are getting along great.

Taylor has distanced herself from Sam due to flashbacks relating to a traumatic incident in her past.

Taylor’s sister, Jo, has encountered two men. Corbin and Eldon, from her high school years. She tells herself she’s not ready for a relationship. She just wants to raise her son. Volunteering for a local play production with Eldon brings out her long-forgotten passion for the theater. There are some surprises coming!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
375 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2023
This is the 5th in the Hart's Ridge Series. This is a series but could be read as a stand alone, but why would you. This is such a wonderful series. I just couldn't put this down and read it a few hours. Every series focuses on a different family member or character. Today we meet Faire Tinsley an elderly member of the community. Faire decides to rent the top half of her house to help with the expenses. Farley rents the top half of the house to Brian who seems like the perfect tenant until he isn't. We also learn more about Jo Gray, Taylors sister, and her son Levi. Levi has gotten in trouble with Jo over some bad behavior and has to pay the consequences. This is just a wonderful story and you won't be able to put it down. Thank you Kay Bratt for the ARC. Be sure to pick this up on May 26th, you won't reget it!
Profile Image for Terri.
2,362 reviews52 followers
May 27, 2023
I am loving these books! This family of women know what they are about. Whatever problems they've had in the past they have learned from and are dealing with.

Taylor is by far my favorite of the family, but I really enjoyed Faire in this book. She is an older woman who has found herself on hard times since her husband died. She decides to take in a border, but does she ever pick the wrong one! Then she has to shed her reclusive ways to ask for help with the situation. Taylor is right there in her police uniform to help her straighten things out.

Taylor has issues of her own. Her sister, Jo, is also prominent in this book. Men from her past are front and center and it comes down to having to choose her path and hoping she does better than before.

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Love, love , love these books!
Profile Image for Susan (The Book Bag).
978 reviews89 followers
May 29, 2023
I love this series and am always anxiously waiting for the next installment. And then I devour it! This series is so, so good.

Instant Karma has a little different feel to it from the previous ones in this series. There wasn't the intense crime that shakes the community and has to be solved. Don't get me wrong, there was a bad guy and crimes being committed but this story focused more on the people of Hart's Ridge and the sisters of the Gray family, which was very nice. I enjoyed getting to know all of them a little bit better.

The Hart's Ridge series just keeps getting better and better and I'm always so excited when the next story is available. Book #6, Nobody Told Me, is coming out on August 21st!

I highly recommend the whole series. These are stories you don't want to miss. I know you'll be looking forward to them, just like I am.
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