Winter's Secret

Northern Intrigue #1

by Lyn Cote

Sheriff Rod Durand is desperate to solve the snowmobile burglaries. As the one link to the crimes against the elderly, Wendy Carey is determined to risk anything to protect those she loves. As they follow the thief's trail, Rod and Wendy discover much more than they bargained for. First book in a 3 book series.

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Suspense, Contemporary

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2004

About the author

Lyn grew up loving books. Her favorite night of the week was Friday night, when the Bookmobile came to her neighborhood in Illinois. She’d spend those two hours chatting with the driver of the Bookmobile and the librarian and making the big decision of the week — which books to check out! In those distant days, children were limited in how many books they could check out. Lyn could only take home six a week — and there were so many to choose from. Her favorites were Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski, The Little House series and the One of a Kind Family series. Later, she discovered Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances!
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.

Reviews

[Kristen Kooistra · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I'm not sure how I picked this up. (those darn book events get me every time!) And I say that because I am NOT the target audience for this book, so I want to open up with that. I realized shortly into it that it was contemporary which I almost never read. I kept going though.

The mystery was intriguing, and the characters had a lot of depth to them. I was trying to solve the mystery and piece together all the small town relationships. I connected with the main characters and liked that they had a colorful history with good and bad points. They had flaws and strong attributes.

The setting and atmosphere was nicely described. And sheesh, do I understand lake effect! I remember the November we had a unbelievable amount of snow.

Full disclosure, I did hit about 40% and feel like my interest had piqued. At that point I was ready for the story to be wrapping up, and clearly I wasn't close. At 50% I skimmed until 80% and picked up there. I still wanted to know how it all played out and whodunit. I just think that as someone who doesn't read this genre, I could've had this cut in half and been happier. I think people who do like clean, contemporary mystery/romances should give this a shot. I'm betting they wouldn't mind the length as much as I did.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book; good mystery plot with a wholesome romance budding between the new town sheriff Rodd and the towns visiting nurse Wendy . The ongoing mystery of who is breaking into local homes while the family and owners are away carries you through to the end when the author then grabs you again with a new mystery about the fate and family of a baby the sherrif saves from a car accident ! Though not the usual type of romance I read I will be back to read the next book in the series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Secret ( Northern Intrigue book 1 )
I really enjoyed this book and the way Lyn Cote keeps you on the edge of your seat till the last page. This is one more page turner. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. Winter's Secret is full of action, mystery, and romance. Someone in this small town of Winconsin are stealing and vandalizing the homes of the seniors. Windy is the town nurse and when someone is sick she goes to check on them , if she thinks they need to go to the clinic she carries them. If these patients have to spend the night , then their home is broken into. Rodd Durand is the sheriff and he gets a call when these homes are broken into. Now he thinks this is really strange that the homes that are broken into is Windy's patients. The thief is always on a snowmobile and is not always easy to follow. The sheriff needs some help on this one. Can Windy help catch the snowmobile thief? All she wants its do her job and she cars for her patients. Who's home will be next? There is also some romance budding in Winter's Secret . Just when you think it is over, the sheriff saves a baby from a car accident. Can't wait to read book 2 of this series.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.

[Sarah Grace Grzy]

DNF

This just wasn't cutting it for me . . . Leave a comment if you want more details on why.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter’s Secret is a story about letting God have control. Both of the main characters struggle with an aspect of this. Rodd struggles to turn to God for the everyday things in life and Wendy struggles to accept the fact that God does not hold the past sins of her family members against her. Rodd and Wendy are a complex couple. I liked them, but felt sorry for them as they struggled to work through events that caused them pain.

This book has an exciting mystery to solve and interesting side characters that made the community truly feel real to me. And the author did a great job of making me feel immersed in the harsh winter of northern Wisconsin. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. The mystery was not easily solvable and kept me guessing all of the way through it. This was a very enjoyable story.

I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a review, but happily do so.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Joan]

I downloaded this as a free kindle read - aware that it was 'Inspirational' but I had no idea just HOW churchy/preachy/God-cures-all it was going to be. To be honest, I got to the stage where wondered why the poor sheriff even bothered trying to find the thief - after all, everyone kept telling him that it was only when he stopped resisting God that the crime would be solved.

I did like the mix of characters - although some of the back-story became very confusing at times - but the sheer volume of 'godliness' was overwhelming and in the end I skimmed through the overly- saccharine churchy moments.

Not rating at this moment. I liked the author's style and I would definitely read more from her if it was not 'inspirational'.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unapologetically and wonderfully Christian in songs, praise & prayer. Storyline is interesting and characters are enjoyable. Good bed, beach, couch or appt.-wait reading. Highly recommended for Christians and other human reader.

Truly enjoyed the written-in-full hymns and Holy Bible verses. Just FYI it’s a cliffhanger...sadly.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this one! It takes place in the winter in a very small town in Wisconsin. Wendy, a young woman from a family who is looked down upon by some, is doing her best to live right. But she feels like the shame of her family is constantly a cloud of shame over her, no matter what she does. I'm from a small town, so I really related to the small town dynamic and characters and how that all played into the story line. This small town isn't all bad though, and the community plays a large role in this story in a positive way. Back to main characters, Rodd, the new sheriff, comes to town with his own set of things he's dealing with, and is quickly pulled into trying to solve a string of break ins. His job leads him to interact with Wendy, but any type of interaction is quickly noticed and gossip of it spreads like wildfire, making getting to know each other and trying to solve the mystery of the break ins, tricky.

I just loved Wendys relationship with God and her faith. She had been through so much, but she was so solid in her faith. I also loved that this book had some mystery, but also a survival element regarding living in the harsh winter conditions in Wisconsin. I really enjoyed the part about the blizzard! Really glad I read this for a Buddy Read because I'd not heard of this author or this book. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series and will also check out more books by this author!

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I started it, and did not quit until I had finished it. Very well written, with a plot and sub-plots that kept me wanting to read more. I look forward to reading more books in this series!

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely mix of mystery and romance in a rural northern Wisconsin community in the middle of winter. The author does a fabulous job creating the harsh wintery ambiance that brings an extra edge to the mystery. And the small town vibe was just the right mix of heartwarming and infuriating -- with an intriguing blend of characters who are likeable...and not so much. I loved the way the romance between Wendy and Rodd quietly developed in the midst of the investigation and day to day life of a sheriff and a community nurse. And there's no doubt that this is a Christian Fiction novel -- the faith thread runs deep as Wendy encourages Rodd to allow God into his life in a meaningful way.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Rudy Sanda and, while he has a pleasant narrator's voice, I found the way he portrayed some of the characters -- especially women and the elderly -- in an over-the-top way that I found grating.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is breaking into homes of people spending the night at the local clinic. Sheriff Rodd Durand has to figure out what the connection to Wendy Carey is and who the Weasel causing all the trouble is. Wendy decided long ago that men aren't to be trusted. But she has trouble controlling her heart around the sheriff who is trying to help solve the crimes happening to her patients. It's next to impossible to figure out who the culprit is. The sheriff seems to be one step behind.

Plenty of suspense and enough mystery to keep you from guessing who the culprit is. Just when you think you have it figured out, there's another twist to the story. This was a great story, and a real page turner.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter's Secret is an exciting story of intrigue and romance! I enjoyed the setting, a small Wisconsin town, and shivered at the descriptions of its cold, wintry climate. I also enjoyed the ongoing mystery that Sheriff Rodd Durand struggles to solve, as well the romance that develops between he and Wendy Carey. The conclusion surprised me and left me eager to read the next book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed Winter’s Secret!

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this one definitely kept me interested! Someone is ransacking the homes of elderly patients when they stay overnight at a clinic, and the new Sheriff is taking lots of heat because he hasn't caught the perpetrator yet. The main characters are both dealing with insecurities because of their families, and the story also involves suspense, romance, and forgiveness. I want to read the rest of this series and discover what other things happen in this small Wisconsin community.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once I got over the fact that maybe it is possible to have enough snow in Wisconsin to snowmobile on during deer hunting season (I am still not sure even northern most Wisconsin has this much snow in mid-November) the book was all right. I thought it moved a little slow and just was not my favorite. However, I want to see what is going to happy with the whole baby with no parents/stolen car plot, so I'll probably check out the second book in the series at some point.

[Kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery might not have you on the edge of your seat, but it's a page turner nonetheless. A good wholesome read. Great to snuggle up with on a cold winter night.

[Colleen Forry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery/fiction/romance novel. I thought the characters could have been a bit more developed, as well as the history part, but overall it was an ok, easy read.

[Donita Corman · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me.This was an exciting story and hard to put down.Loved every minute of it

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery which keeps you guessing all the way. And the budding romance between Rodd and Wendy is beautiful and is brought out very well. Very engaging read.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Lyn is great at reading a wonderful story and a good mystery, I question the form of Christianity she writes under. God‘s word is very clear about how we should handle holidays, and people who cause strife in the church. But none of that was handled in that way in the book. Not trying to question whether or not she is a believer, just stating the facts. I will admit I wrote my own books before I understood what God‘s Word says about these things, so I can’t be too harsh, but it does make me wonder. Hopefully this author can get her mind straight on God‘s word and continue to write such wonderful intricate mysteries in the future.

[VickiMNE · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried this out because it was free and wholesome--two good things. I didn't find the mystery overly engaging and the repeated inner dialogue/angst of the hero & heroine in their budding relationship seemed rather juvenile for people in their mid-20s+. I'd pick up the next one in the series if free and going on a trip.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read

This was a good, clean romantic suspense. A series of burglaries in his county have the sheriff stumped as pressure mounts for him to catch the thief. He also gets involved romantically with a local nurse whose family ties include run-up with the law.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

A good small town romantic suspense story, that has me wanting to continue on in the series. This one is also free on kindle!

[Roxane Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it was a mystery. More a romance / spiritual book with a burglary case trying to be solved. Good writing, just not what I had thought it was.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this book, yeah it was nice, but overall i couldn't really get engaged in the story or connect with the characters. I wanted to stop and come back to this book later but I've already done that with the book right before this one and I need to return it to the library. On to the rest of the review
The cover: I'm not wild about this edition's cover but I wasn't drawn in the by other's I've seen either so i'm neutral about this one. I wouldn't buy this book based on the cover I'd read the back first and then decide.
The Characters: I wasn't invested in either. Both were okay but I felt like i was a bystander and in no way involved. I like to get involved with the main characters it makes me interested in their lives and their choices. I want to root for them or at least make me angry enough to want to wack them over the head with a book or something. Wendy and Rodd though, they were meh. for me. I was interested in the beginning but at the story progressed I lost interest. Wendy knew would have to get over her mother's past and Rodd would have to learn to lean on the Lord. The side characters were slightly interesting but not enough to keep my attention. Except for Veda I loved it when people stood up to her.
The Story : Mediocre, I wasn't engaged with the over all thieving story, the bombing was a bit interesting but no one really got hurt so it didn't seem like the stakes got any higher than they were at the beginning of the book. If it's a mystery i would like the urgency to increase as the story progresses but it didn't not even when Rodd went into the lake. And the ending was a bit dull not even an over the top confrontation with the culprit. I wasn't even excited about the wedding
Recommended? Eh maybe I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought i would but that's just me. It's a slower paced story (in my opinion) but still nicely written, so i'd say go for it you might find a new favorite where i didn't.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Secret by Lyn Cote
Northern Intrigue Series Book One
Sheriff Rodd Durand is a loner and not well-worded with women. As the new sheriff in the town of Steadfast, he finds that he needs to prove himself in a big way. They have a thief breaking into homes of the elderly while they are in the hospital. And he sees that the pretty nurse seems to be the line connecting the dots.

Wendy Carey has decided to stay single and work at the job she loves so much. The new sheriff is handsome enough but his words set her off. She has had to prove herself continually to this town. Between her mom's poor choices after the death of Wendy's dad and her uncle Dutch's activities—the past rises up and chokes her.

Welcome to the town of Steadfast, Wisconsin where you never know who is watching you so they can gossip. And gossip travels fast. There are quite a few interesting characters in town and now one of them is a thief. Great mystery and romance story. There are two more books after this one; Autumn's Shadow and Summer's End.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story overall, although there was quite a bit of insta-attraction and denying of attraction going on, which are not my favorites. I was interested in the mystery and in seeing how everything was going to play out, although it seemed like the mystery took a back seat to the characters' personal struggles at times. And because of the way things wrapped up, I kept waiting for something more to happen, which made the ending a bit anticlimactic.

I really appreciated the reality of Wendy's struggle to live down her family's reputation, as well as her relationships with her grandfather and her sister. And I loved her interactions with her patients! Also, kind of a small thing, but with all the romantic angst going on between the main characters, I really liked the sweet background relationship between Sage and Trav. <3 There was tons of potential for drama there, but somehow they avoided all of it.

3.5 stars

Content--mentions of drinking; mentions of neglect; robberies and people hurt; some medical emergencies; some physical attraction and kissing (not detailed)

[Bansari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clean, sweet romance with a mystery case surrounding it. The characters are etched nicely and story telling is simple. The author definitely is a god believer Christian and keep on making references to be a good one. Which sometimes I felt was not needed in the plot.

This is kind of a read when you just want to finish something light in 1-2 setting.

It does gives subtle lessons of kindness and love and not judging yourself by your circumstances.

[Sheila Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was just wonderful. I hated for it to end.

The plot was great. Who was breaking into the elderly people's homes and stealing only money, never goods?

Both main characters and love interests came from sad backgrounds, but it seemed to make them stronger. I just really liked both of them.

Great story, told well.

[Jackie Listermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great book.I'm now on the second book of the series

Was a great book I'm reading the second book of the series.I'm looking forward to reading the whole series.I highly recommend reading