The Boutique In Bar Harbor

Secrets In Maine #4

by Amy Rafferty

Childhood friends are reunited as they untangle a web of secrets. Will their friendship—and newfound love—be restored?Cara Rivers hails from a wealthy family and runs a successful boutique, carrying everything from clothing to art. But beneath all the glitz and glamor, intrigue surrounds her family’s history.This attracts the attention of FBI agent Lance Steel, who is curious to know how Cara acquired some of her more rare items. As Cara’s childhood friend, Lance feels torn on his involvement with the case, especially when rumors of art theft spread in Bar Harbor and damages the Rivers’ family reputation.Cara loses faith in Lance until a mysterious benefactor clears her name. Her family becomes the prime suspect once again as more high-value antiques disappear. Lance proposes a fake engagement to Cara, hoping it will bring him closer to the truth.Love blossoms amid chaos as Cara and Lance learn that some mysteries are best solved together.Discover "The Boutique In Bar Harbor," Book 4 in Amy Rafferty's Secrets In Maine Series, and embark on a heartwarming journey of love, forgiveness, and strong family bonds.

For the best experience, read the books in order and enjoy the ride!

Genres: Mystery

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2023

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

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Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are realistic and intriguing. Embark on an enthralling journey with these characters as they share their heartwarming tale of love, family bonds, mystery, intoxicating romance, deception, tangled secrets, drama, family saga, friendships, picturesque setting that is magnificent with colorful sunrises and sunsets that are breathtaking, heartfelt emotions that require readers to have Kleenex or Puffs, shattered heart, trust issues, adventure, love/loss, and more. Cara Rivers is a woman that has been shrouded in mystery and beauty, she is captivating not only to the people of Bar Harbor but also to her own family. Rivers Boutique is the place where contemporary sophistication meets old-world romance as Cara curates a collection of the latest fashion, exquisite antique jewelry, and enchanting ornaments. Lance Steel, an FBI agent, becomes entangled in the Rivers family legacy. He was once a cherished childhood friend of Cara, which makes his job incredibly difficult because he must choose between his duty and their deep connection. There are rumors of art theft surrounding her family so the trust that Cara had in Lance is shattered which leaves their friendship in ruins. A mysterious benefactor clears Cara's name as fate intervenes, which reignites a flicker of hope for her and Lance. High-profile antiquities vanish and the spotlight falls on the Rivers family once again, this causes Lance to be determined to uncover the truth because he wants to win Cara's trust back. In a daring move, he proposes a fake engagement, plunging them into a whirlwind of emotions. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with a heartwarming tale of love that is engulfed by treacherous paths, reconciliation of the past, and forging a future filled with hope.

I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The truth you’re both looking for is connected, and only together will you be able to connect all the dots to make the big picture."

Cara Rivers and ....Lance Steele? Weren't they once best friends? Secrets will be revealed and questions answered... and asked. Can't anyone have a simple answer to why Cara runs a small boutique store? Why her house is full of artificial intelligence? And why her dog,Franklin, seems to be able to understand and answer her?

After a separation of four years, it seems that the fates are drawing former best friends together again as they seem to be approaching the same situation from different angles. Can they get beyond what happened and be civil enough to work together? Lance has approached Cara to help him find someone for his client. Getting involved in a mob boss' last stand wasn't in the picture, but it's blowback is what begins to reignite a long anger and sadness filled attraction.

An enigma wrapped in a startling mystery that will leave you gasping for air and craving the next in the series, Amy Rafferty' s skill with adventure and mystery is why I keep returning to her books and highly recommend them 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara Rivers and ex best friend Lance are thrown together into some mysteries that run back for years, some for generations. Will they be able to get along long enough to get through all the twists, turns, poisonings and other secrets?

For those who have been reading along in this series, we finally get a glimpse into Cara Rivers life and what she really does for a living. Her house sounds amazing as does her dog Franklin.

There are lots of little bits that pull together the series so far. I’m looking forward to the next book to see what clues for the big mysteries behind all that’s not what it appears to be in Bar Harbor.

Disclaimer:
I am part of the ARC team. I received this book from the author, voluntarily read and reviewed it.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Rafferty, again, leads us down the next phase of life with Cara and Lance as they reunite again.
After four years, has enough time passed to bring them back together and erase all the distrust and broken pieces of their separate hearts? Accusations and false beliefs may have ruined their friendship forever. Others are searching for truths of the real world of Cara. Is she the alleged Vagrant Thief or is there something else at play here? Will Lance ever admit his love for Cara? At this point, if the truth isn't spoken it may end it between them, once and for all. Such a page turner, as all of Amy's crafted stories are, will not disappoint.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caravan Rivers has the River Boutique where she has a collection of her latest fashion, antique jewellery and ornaments. FBI Agent Lance Steel had hurt their friendship from their young days over the art theft surrounding her family. .Cara with her friend Mica go to a house where they help a injured dog and Jacob Neethling is stabbed. Cara meets Lance once again at that house . A exciting read with a lot of twist and turns and suspense which has you wanting to read more. There is a great romance between Cara and Lance. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebuilding trust and friendship.

A powerful and intriguing story in a phenomenal series. Cara and Lance were best friends until events drove them apart. Tension and mistrust abound as they are forced to work together alongside their best friends to solve an age-old mystery. I love the dynamics between the couple, as well as between their friends as they stumble on clues and attempt to discern who to trust. Absolutely a must-read book and series from a brilliant and talented writer who will quickly become your favorite author.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this installment get us deeper into the secrets that are hidden in Bar Harbor.
Cara and Lucas have been best friends until he betrays her. It's been four years since they have spoken. They come together in LA and now they are trying to mend their relationship and begin to put the puzzle pieces together to solve the mystery.
Cara tells Lucas her secrets.
There are so many things happening and keeping the people straight.
This one will keep you engaged.
While this can be read alone it is best to read this in order.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long term best friends, Lance and Cara, are now enemies, fuelled by efforts to prove she is the Vagrant burglar. There is no love lost from Cara, deeply hurt by Lance's involvement. Lance in turn is deeply hurt at the loss of friendship, but his reasons for chasing the Vagrant was different to his partner's.
Circumstances brings them together, but there are secrets, lies and distrust and the web of intrigue continues. Feelings have been hidden and buried, but still burn strong; honesty and truth is a necessity.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the Bar Harbor series! This one is Lance and Cara's story. We get more background on Cara and find out a little about Franklin and his awesomeness. Penny and Chase's story is continuing to evolve. Wait for an awesome ending!

I can't wait to see where the next books take us. Weddings are to come, secrets are being revealed, and so much more.

Come along to Bar Harbor, meet some great people, and come along as you see their lives evolve and how the characters intermix.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara and Mica are breaking into a Mob Bosses house, only to find a badly stabbed German Shepard whimpering in his bed.
As Mica takes care of the dog, Cara continues to sweep the house and finds a bloody, stabbed body. He's still alive and Cara calls for help.

Now what have they gotten into....

Another great plot twist by Amy Rafferty. Can't wait for the next installment.

I received this ARC from Amy Rafferty and an leaving my honest review.

[Jeannie Vitale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends in the past, Lance and Cara’s relationship goes through many ups and downs in this page-turner. The drama and suspense continue throughout the entire story. A great ending to look forward to. It is so easy to see the characters in this book! Franklin is the best! I would recommend this book and series to all! Can’t wait for book 5! I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much is uncovered in this book, so much more to be revealed. I love the characters. Cara and Lance have lots of secrets. This book does not disappoint, it will grab you from the beginning, keeps your interest till the end. There are many many secrets. Another great book by Amy. I highly recommend this series, you will not be disappointed. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Secrets in Maine series/Bar Harbor. Cara Rivers and Lance Steel were once the best of friends. They haven't seen each other in four years. They end up crossing paths, not that Cara wanted too. Cara lives in an amazing smart/intelligent house, and has an amazing dog Franklin. Can Cara and Lance work things out, and work together? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to the next book in the series!!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bar Harbor has proven to be an interesting place to visit. Lance and Cara have a complicated past. Once best friends, a mistake has cost them that relationship even though Lance isn’t willing to write a relationship off. So much mystery and intrigue make a reconciliation harder although it is obvious they are attracted to each other. Both have secrets they have to share before wounds can be healed. I really loved this book and can’t wait for the next one.

[Karen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the Boutique in Bar Harbor. Oh my, each book in this series is fantastic.
I loved reading Cara's story. Cara is a remarkable woman. I loved the interaction between Cara and Lance. I really enjoy a series that follows the lives of family members throughout the series. Amy Rafferty you have a wonderful series in Bar Harbor. I am going to begin book 5 and then only have 2 more. This is another one of your series that I'm going to hate to see end. Love your series.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A wonderful mystery! A fake fiance is just what Lance needs for his future, will Cara go along with this? They have been best friends for so long until lately. A must read to see what happens. A great addition to the series. Looking forward to the next one!

[Danette Fowlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery gets better and better. As I read each book in this series, I'm trying to figure out how it's going to end. I love learning more about Cara and Lance. Has a mystery deepens, I can't wait to read the next book. This author outdoes herself book after book.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling, exciting & intriguing book in the Bar Harbor Series. Cara & Lance decide to set aside their differences & work together. Who can they trust? So much deception & unknowns. ( My gorgeous German Shepherd Ice features in the early chapters. Thanks Amy).
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary honest review

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as ARC reader. Thank you Amy Rafferty for this amazing series.
Cara & Lance grew up together and were best friends. They had a fight and that was the end of their friendship. Years later they’re thrown back together to work on a case. Will their friendship survive and their guards come down?

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists and turns with plenty of action, suspense and romance in Bar Harbor. Cara is an amazing character. She's fearless, determined, quirky and defiant. Her relationship with Lance is captivating and I love them together. I loved everything about this book. Keep 'em coming Amy Rafferty, this series is fantastic!

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara has her story and she’s back home and runs into Lance her ex friend. They had been great together but a misunderstanding breaks them apart. But can they talk things out and find out what really happened? Plus there are things that are happening around town that will pull her in and see what she will do? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Donna Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara, surrounded by mystery (what is her profession, what is so special about her dog, and more) and FBI agent Lance, her childhood friend, have issues to resolve relating to their relationship, both past and present. As secrets are revealed relating to them and their families, they are all faced with an unnamed enemy or is it several enemies. A very suspenseful, mysterious must read page turner.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get pulled into this brilliant mystery story and it will keep you guessing until the very end of the tale. It will lead you on a journey of secrets and a web of lies. See where this tale will take you

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boutique in Bar Harbor A Fake Engagement

This is book four of this series and Cara and Lance renew there friendship and work to solve the case for Penny There is danger around poisoned wine keys missing and a reveal of feelings Another wonderful story Loved reading

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Loved it..! I love how the Secrets always come out when you least expect it. Amy ‘s books are wonderful and engaging. Cant wait for the next one!

[Isabel Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.It's a pleasure to read.I highly recommend it

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a awesome story about Cara and Lance and the mysteries that are happening with them. Thank you Amy for this excellent book.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was rooting for Lance because Cara is just nutty, and I mean, what can go wrong?
This series gets better which each novel and new mystery. Another five star read.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The famous Cara from the series reveals more into her life and relationship with Lance. The suspense from the Order of the Rose mysteries continue. ❤️

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked I can't stop reading I have to know how this is going to unfold. Started #5 this morning.