MYSTERY AND ROMANCE
The story is a sweeter, cleaner version rewrite from a previously published book called Autumn’s Hope. Autumn Lavin has moved to Montana and has purchased the Carlston Bar and Grill from Summer. Her plans are to open a vegetarian restaurant with a juice bar. Let’s just say, that in beef country, not everyone is happy.
The story is a mystery suspense, with a simmering romance in the works. Autumn meets opposition to her plans for the vegetarian restaurant, even as far as a meeting by the city council. She has a friend from culinary school that will be the chef, and Autumn will handle the front of the house.
There is trouble with more neglected, starving horses, threats against the ranchers who are housing these horses, and secrets and lies that eventually will come to light. Not everyone is trustworthy—no matter how good they seem.
The relationship between Autumn and Jonas is a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. He wasn’t happy with her choice for the bar and grill, but he supports her against some who try to destroy her dream. The chemistry between them is evident but he has issues from being injured during Afghanistan—between PTSD and the physical injury, he doesn’t believe he will ever have a chance to be happy. Autumn is dealing with a pregnancy, possible rape, and falling out with family and friends in the town she was from. Will this town be a new beginning or more of the same?
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more books in this series. While it is a sweeter version, it is not ‘squeaky clean’, or ‘religious based’, as some of her books. There are kissing scenes and mentions of wanting intimacy, but no detailed scenes. I would call it spicy-sweet.