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Key to Love
When architect Elise Springer's father is injured, she immediately leaves San Francisco to care for him. The last person she expects to encounter in her Pennsylvania hometown is her childhood friend Lucas Fisher. Lucas is investigating his brother's mysterious death, and Elise can't resist lending a hand.
Lucas longs for the close family ties he never had. He's back in Scranton to set up a classic car restoration business and build a future. The torch he carries for Elise burns brighter than ever, but before he can declare his love, he must obtain the legal rights to adopt his nephew--and prove his brother's death was no accident.
As they unearth clues to find the murderer and a missing stash of money, Elise faces a dilemma. Is her career on the West Coast the key to her happiness, or is it an animal-cracker-eating four-year-old and his handsome uncle instead?
Lucas longs for the close family ties he never had. He's back in Scranton to set up a classic car restoration business and build a future. The torch he carries for Elise burns brighter than ever, but before he can declare his love, he must obtain the legal rights to adopt his nephew--and prove his brother's death was no accident.
As they unearth clues to find the murderer and a missing stash of money, Elise faces a dilemma. Is her career on the West Coast the key to her happiness, or is it an animal-cracker-eating four-year-old and his handsome uncle instead?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2013
7 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Judy Ann Davis
23 books400 followersAward-winning author Judy Ann Davis began her career in writing as a copy and continuity writer for radio and television in Scranton, PA. Throughout her career, she has written for both industry and education.
She writes both contemporary and historical fiction and is best known for “writing romance with a touch of mystery."
Many of her short stories have appeared in various literary and small magazines, and anthologies, and have received numerous awards. Nineteen of them are now collected in UP ON THE ROOF & OTHER STORIES.
To date, she has written five novels and six novellas. Her latest novel, WILLIE, MY LOVE, was a finalist in the American Fiction Awards and the NEST Awards (National Excellence in Story Telling.) Her historical series include RED FOX WOMAN and UNDER STARRY SKIES. Set in the 1868 Colorado Territory, RED FOX WOMAN was a finalist in the International and USA Book Awards.
FOUR WHITE ROSES, a cross-genre romance and mystery with a touch of paranormal, was a finalist in the Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie Awards, Book Excellence Awards, and American Fiction Awards
When Judy Ann isn’t behind a computer, you can find her looking for anything humorous to make her laugh or swinging a golf club where the chuckles are few.
She is a member of Pennwriters, Inc., and Romance Writers of America. She divides her time between Central Pennsylvania and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
JudyAnn’s Blog: https://judyanndavis.blogspot.com/
Judy Ann;s Website: http://www.judyanndavis.com/
She writes both contemporary and historical fiction and is best known for “writing romance with a touch of mystery."
Many of her short stories have appeared in various literary and small magazines, and anthologies, and have received numerous awards. Nineteen of them are now collected in UP ON THE ROOF & OTHER STORIES.
To date, she has written five novels and six novellas. Her latest novel, WILLIE, MY LOVE, was a finalist in the American Fiction Awards and the NEST Awards (National Excellence in Story Telling.) Her historical series include RED FOX WOMAN and UNDER STARRY SKIES. Set in the 1868 Colorado Territory, RED FOX WOMAN was a finalist in the International and USA Book Awards.
FOUR WHITE ROSES, a cross-genre romance and mystery with a touch of paranormal, was a finalist in the Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie Awards, Book Excellence Awards, and American Fiction Awards
When Judy Ann isn’t behind a computer, you can find her looking for anything humorous to make her laugh or swinging a golf club where the chuckles are few.
She is a member of Pennwriters, Inc., and Romance Writers of America. She divides her time between Central Pennsylvania and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
JudyAnn’s Blog: https://judyanndavis.blogspot.com/
Judy Ann;s Website: http://www.judyanndavis.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 30, 2015
Lucas Fisher, needs the help of his friends to solve the mystery of his brother's death, help to gain custody of his nephew, Todd and help to put his life in order from Elise. Elise returns home to Scranton, Pennsylvania when her father is injured and needs surgery.
Lucas has always been the best friend of one Elise's brothers and she has know him since he was a child. Now it is twelve years since she has seen him and she is a successful architect in California. She has the organization skills, the architectural skills to remodel his business and home and she falls in love with Todd.
The story has conflict as Elise and Lucas work sometimes together and sometimes not so together to solve the murder of his brother. The story has an interesting cast of characters from his brother's ex-wife, Elise's old best friend, her abusive cop husband to the adorable Todd. Add two overprotective brothers, her supportive father, the staff at the Child Protective Services and Cindy the nurse for her dad, Cindy's brother Nick, an honest cop and J.B., Lucas's assistant and one can't forget Lucas's ex-girlfriend, some high powered clients the two fools she works for in San Francisco and the comedy starts.
Key to Love is most of all a love story, as the title indicates and a very interesting mystery too, as the actions moves along to Elise solving the murder too. You ask, who done it? Well, if you want to know you will have to read the story and be surprised, just like I was. Key to Love is an excellent story.
Lucas has always been the best friend of one Elise's brothers and she has know him since he was a child. Now it is twelve years since she has seen him and she is a successful architect in California. She has the organization skills, the architectural skills to remodel his business and home and she falls in love with Todd.
The story has conflict as Elise and Lucas work sometimes together and sometimes not so together to solve the murder of his brother. The story has an interesting cast of characters from his brother's ex-wife, Elise's old best friend, her abusive cop husband to the adorable Todd. Add two overprotective brothers, her supportive father, the staff at the Child Protective Services and Cindy the nurse for her dad, Cindy's brother Nick, an honest cop and J.B., Lucas's assistant and one can't forget Lucas's ex-girlfriend, some high powered clients the two fools she works for in San Francisco and the comedy starts.
Key to Love is most of all a love story, as the title indicates and a very interesting mystery too, as the actions moves along to Elise solving the murder too. You ask, who done it? Well, if you want to know you will have to read the story and be surprised, just like I was. Key to Love is an excellent story.
April 11, 2016
The story centers around Luca Fisher, a man raise by his grandmother after his parents abandoned him, and Elise Springer, an architect with a well known firm in San Francisco. Both are back home in Pennsylvania but for very different reasons. Lucas, to get custody of his nephew after his brother was killed in a car accident, and Elise, to help her father after an accident that left him with a broken ankle nod leg. While growing up, Lucas was friends with her three brothers and Elise was always trailing after them. Obvious sparks emerge when these two are together.
This is a book filled with family, friendships, small town atmosphere , mystery, ulterior motives, a sweet boy, and a dog. But above all , it's a story about love and what the key to that love is. This is my first book by Ms Davis, but it won't be my last.
This is a book filled with family, friendships, small town atmosphere , mystery, ulterior motives, a sweet boy, and a dog. But above all , it's a story about love and what the key to that love is. This is my first book by Ms Davis, but it won't be my last.
April 10, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and The Wild Rose Press for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
Although this is not my usual genre I did enjoy it.
The main characters, Elise and Lucas, were well-drawn and likeable. We were shown some of their flaws which made them all the more human. The real heart-stealer, however, was Todd, Lucas' 4 year old nephew. I could have adopted him myself.
If you enjoy romance with a touch of mystery this is definitely a book for you.
Although this is not my usual genre I did enjoy it.
The main characters, Elise and Lucas, were well-drawn and likeable. We were shown some of their flaws which made them all the more human. The real heart-stealer, however, was Todd, Lucas' 4 year old nephew. I could have adopted him myself.
If you enjoy romance with a touch of mystery this is definitely a book for you.
August 25, 2013
I immediately fell in love with the main characters. What a great love story with a bit of mystery added. I loved all of the characters and the element of mystery kept me on my toes. Both the romance and the mystery aspects were well played and wrapped up to make a perfect story. I can't wait to read more from this author!
August 30, 2014
This is a terrific story. The characters were real and the writing drew the reader in. Great descriptions and secondary characters made the story come to life. You can't help but love the characters. Good mystery, good romance, nothing overly graphic and terrific humor between the characters. Elise and the interaction with her dad and brothers was great. Highly recommend.
October 31, 2014
~~~RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW~~
A sweet story with a twist of suspense.. A child hood friend you don't play easy to get. A little boy that will make you fall in love with him. A killer that needs to be caught...WOW!!! And amazing story that will you will love! A read you don't expect, but a read you don't want to miss!
A sweet story with a twist of suspense.. A child hood friend you don't play easy to get. A little boy that will make you fall in love with him. A killer that needs to be caught...WOW!!! And amazing story that will you will love! A read you don't expect, but a read you don't want to miss!
April 13, 2016
A Heartwarming Read
I really enjoyed this sweet/suspenseful contemporary romance. I love humor in a book and this one definitely has it. I also love when kids are featured in a book and Key to Love had a cute animal-cracker-eating six-year-old. The book had great family interaction with the heroine and her two brothers. A very heartwarming read.
I really enjoyed this sweet/suspenseful contemporary romance. I love humor in a book and this one definitely has it. I also love when kids are featured in a book and Key to Love had a cute animal-cracker-eating six-year-old. The book had great family interaction with the heroine and her two brothers. A very heartwarming read.
April 17, 2016
Old friends, new romance
A charming and intriguing cozy romantic mystery. Child custody battle, accidental death or murder, a dog, and great cars all add up to an enjoyable read.
A charming and intriguing cozy romantic mystery. Child custody battle, accidental death or murder, a dog, and great cars all add up to an enjoyable read.
May 13, 2014
This was a wonderful book! It had just the right amount of romance, family and mystery and even had a touching ending. I loved it!
April 8, 2016
Loved!! Elise and Lucas's relationship was interesting to read about, hard not to admire, and fully love sap worthy. All romance fans should add this to their must read list.
April 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this story, the romance and suspense kept my interest. The little boy is adorable and a perfect touch to the book. Great characters that I felt like I knew. Love the small town feel.
October 25, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
This was such a fun read animal crackers and all. From Liz and Lucas arguing about watches and shoes to groceries and bathroom time these two characters will have readers laughing.
There is a mystery involving Lucas’s older brother and finding Ranger, Todd’s stuffed animal. I am surprised the state did not run a deeper investigation into the death of Lucas’s brother.
Liz seems to be a female that does not like men walking over her, calling her honey, sweetie, babydoll, etc but when it comes to her boss she lets these men take advantage of her so much. I wonder why she allows it. It seems like she did not see this and kept allowing it to happen for years. While visiting her hometown she finally realizes this is what’s happening and determines to put a stop to this.
This was a fun fast read. I started and finished in one night. I admit I really need to stop reading books that make me laugh. My hubby really does not appreciate being woke up and then growl at me when I state it’s the books fault. J
I enjoyed that this book focused more on the romance happening between Lucas and Liz along with the mystery surrounding the death of Lucas’s brother than then characters jumping in bed every other page.
I recommend this to contemporary romance readers who enjoy a little mystery and laugher in their books.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
This book was purchased in July 2013 at Amazon.com
This was such a fun read animal crackers and all. From Liz and Lucas arguing about watches and shoes to groceries and bathroom time these two characters will have readers laughing.
There is a mystery involving Lucas’s older brother and finding Ranger, Todd’s stuffed animal. I am surprised the state did not run a deeper investigation into the death of Lucas’s brother.
Liz seems to be a female that does not like men walking over her, calling her honey, sweetie, babydoll, etc but when it comes to her boss she lets these men take advantage of her so much. I wonder why she allows it. It seems like she did not see this and kept allowing it to happen for years. While visiting her hometown she finally realizes this is what’s happening and determines to put a stop to this.
This was a fun fast read. I started and finished in one night. I admit I really need to stop reading books that make me laugh. My hubby really does not appreciate being woke up and then growl at me when I state it’s the books fault. J
I enjoyed that this book focused more on the romance happening between Lucas and Liz along with the mystery surrounding the death of Lucas’s brother than then characters jumping in bed every other page.
I recommend this to contemporary romance readers who enjoy a little mystery and laugher in their books.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.This book was purchased in July 2013 at Amazon.com
October 23, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was a pleasure to read. It had a great mixture of romance and mystery. The romance is between lifelong friends Elise and Lucas. It is a little unclear initially exactly what draws them to each other, but their relationship seems to bloom quickly, despite Elise's reservations. The mystery of the book revolves around Lucas' brother and his death, along with people wanting to claim custody of his nephew just to get the insurance money. It is set up nicely to make it difficult to decide exactly which players are trustworthy and who actually has the boy's best interests at heart. Adding to the story is Elise's job demands on the other side of the country and the decisions she must make. I greatly enjoyed the characters (I actually just have a thing for men named Lucas). Elise and Lucas were both likable. There is also a fun playfulness to the story, especially involving some of the peripheral characters. It was a good story and I would recommend this book with confidence to romance and romantic suspense fans, alike.
June 8, 2014
As much as I wanted to like this book, I just could not get passed some of the language used and the chemistry between the characters was not well developed. After 10 years, Elise and Lucas reunite and within a 24-hour period he is determined to marry her because he has been in love with her all his life. The book becomes predictable and Todd, Lucas' nephew and father (Mike Fisher) become part of the story, which deflects from the romance factor. This reads more like a typical soap opera, Clarisse is the evil, ugly step-mother who wants custody of little Todd. Oh and I forgot to mention that Lucas is a millionaire who prefers that no one in town know such information.
I was unable to connect to the plausibility of the story.
I was unable to connect to the plausibility of the story.
August 14, 2013
I'll give this story a four star review. It was entertaining with the mixture of romance between childhood friends Lucas and Elise, the mystery surrounding Lucas' brother's death, and the other family dynamics. I think I would have given it a 5 star if it had a slightly faster pace, a few plot points were eliminated and the heat factor was kicked up a notch. Overall an enjoyable read.
September 18, 2013
I'd like to give this a five star, in my mind this book was amazing. A little heart breaking considering the circumstances but still cute. Between four year old Todd, Lucas and everyone else this book was really good.
April 18, 2016
Elise returns to her home town to help her father and encounters childhood friend Lucas whose life is in chaos. Humorous situations from the secondary characters pull the heroine and hero apart but Lucas’s cute nephew draws them together. A sweet contemporary read.
April 17, 2016
Entertaining Cozy Romantic Suspense
I love second chance stories and this one did not disappoint! It has it all! Humor, suspense and an adorable animal-cracker eating four-year-old! Lucas and Elise have a chemistry that won’t be denied. Grab a copy for your upcoming summer beach read!
I love second chance stories and this one did not disappoint! It has it all! Humor, suspense and an adorable animal-cracker eating four-year-old! Lucas and Elise have a chemistry that won’t be denied. Grab a copy for your upcoming summer beach read!
September 9, 2013
A good wholesome read with a suspenseful twist.
August 13, 2013
This was a nice easy read that kept you guessing and had a twist that caught me out.
September 8, 2013
Not a bad read, set in PA. The characters are quirky and cute, and it definitely has some suspense.
January 1, 2014
This book was amazing.
April 10, 2016
An old love revisited... Loved this heartwarming story! The family dynamics are terrific, and the kid is adorable. This H&H deserve their HEA, and the author delivers!
April 13, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book, especially with the animal cracker eating kid. The balance of the heartwarming romance, the humor, and the suspense was perfect!
This author delivers on everything!
This author delivers on everything!
October 3, 2013
A good mystery with a love story, great combination.
June 5, 2017
Wonderful story with just enough intrigue and mystery to keep the plot engaging. Lucas and Elise had a history but their chemistry felt as if they just met. I loved the addition of Lucus's nephew and how Elise and Lucas interacted with him. Adorable! He also brought together a whole host of drama with all the different players in the form of secondary characters. I was surpirsed by the ending and totally enjoyed getting to it. This was a book that kept one reading and interested. I highly recommend it.
August 25, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Summary: Key to Love
When architect Elise Springer's father is injured, she immediately leaves San Francisco to care for him. The last person she expects to encounter in her Pennsylvania hometown is her childhood friend Lucas Fisher. Lucas is investigating his brother's mysterious death, and Elise can't resist lending a hand. Lucas longs for the close family ties he never had. He's back in Scranton to set up a classic car restoration business and build a future. The torch he carries for Elise burns brighter than ever, but before he can declare his love, he must obtain the legal rights to adopt his nephew--and prove his brother's death was no accident. As they unearth clues to find the murderer and a missing stash of money, Elise faces a dilemma. Is her career on the West Coast the key to her happiness, or is it an animal-cracker-eating four-year-old and his handsome uncle instead?
Review:
This was a very heart touching story, which feels real. The flow is perfection. The author captured the emotions of each person she wrote about. From the very first page, you are sucked into this book and can’t put it down.
The editing is well down; I didn’t come across any grammatical errors, which to me ruins a book. The plot is well-developed and complete. This book would make a wonderful movie.
Conclusion:
Would I recommend this book to others? YES
Would I read other books written by this Author? YES
Is this book a Novel or Novella? Novel
Is this book priced correctly? It depends on if you’re a budget buyer or not. If you’re a budget buyer, it’s over priced. As someone who lives on a fixed income, I won’t pay the prices for this book as paperback or e-book. Yes, it’s worth the money, but if I hadn’t gotten this book for free from my review, I would have never bought it to read, as I look for bargain priced books.
Summary: Key to Love
When architect Elise Springer's father is injured, she immediately leaves San Francisco to care for him. The last person she expects to encounter in her Pennsylvania hometown is her childhood friend Lucas Fisher. Lucas is investigating his brother's mysterious death, and Elise can't resist lending a hand. Lucas longs for the close family ties he never had. He's back in Scranton to set up a classic car restoration business and build a future. The torch he carries for Elise burns brighter than ever, but before he can declare his love, he must obtain the legal rights to adopt his nephew--and prove his brother's death was no accident. As they unearth clues to find the murderer and a missing stash of money, Elise faces a dilemma. Is her career on the West Coast the key to her happiness, or is it an animal-cracker-eating four-year-old and his handsome uncle instead?
Review:
This was a very heart touching story, which feels real. The flow is perfection. The author captured the emotions of each person she wrote about. From the very first page, you are sucked into this book and can’t put it down.
The editing is well down; I didn’t come across any grammatical errors, which to me ruins a book. The plot is well-developed and complete. This book would make a wonderful movie.
Conclusion:
Would I recommend this book to others? YES
Would I read other books written by this Author? YES
Is this book a Novel or Novella? Novel
Is this book priced correctly? It depends on if you’re a budget buyer or not. If you’re a budget buyer, it’s over priced. As someone who lives on a fixed income, I won’t pay the prices for this book as paperback or e-book. Yes, it’s worth the money, but if I hadn’t gotten this book for free from my review, I would have never bought it to read, as I look for bargain priced books.
January 18, 2017
I have to say enjoyed reading this book, but I found parts of it unrealistic. Lucas and Elises' involvement in solving the murder mystery was a little over-the-top in my opinion. Regardless of this I became involved in the story and couldn't put the book down. I plan to read more books by Ms Davis in the future.
June 1, 2016
You get more than the Key to Love in this delightful, humorous romantic suspense. You get heartwarming interactions between the heroine, hero and his sweet, animal cracker loving nephew! Ms. Davis entwines all the details necessary for an excellent romance with a hint of suspense.
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May 30, 2016Great Read
This is a good read. Would have been a quicker read if I had more time. Love the ending of the book.
This is a good read. Would have been a quicker read if I had more time. Love the ending of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews