Shake Down

by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

HOUSE OF SECRETS

To clear his imprisoned father's name, Shane Gillum must find evidence hidden in a Martha's Vineyard cottage. But he arrives to find the "vacant" property being prepped for sale by real estate agent Janice Swenson. Is she tied to the notorious owners? Or is she in over her head as the "accidents" on the property grow increasingly dangerous? And who is the saboteur targeting—Shane with his search, or Janice with her dark, hidden past? With so much at stake, trusting Janice is a huge risk…but keeping silent about the cottage's mysteries could mire them both in a deadly scheme.

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Love Inspired, Christian, Christian Fiction, Mystery

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of these Love Inspired books over the years and this one made it to one of my faves of them. I really liked that this one was on the beach! The love story that developed was unique from other books by Love Inspired and that made it a win for me as well! Don't hesitate to pick this action packed love story up! You won't regret it!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confession: I read a lot of Louis L'Amour books, which I think are really just romances about horses and fighting written for men. Somewhere in the middle, you can count on L'Amour to throw in some philosophizing along the lines of "I ain't too bright, but it seems to me that (insert old saw about living free in the saddle or the forest) but also someday I'd like to have someone to settle down with and, by the way, there's a higher power out there." Usually Louis slides it in nice and easy during a quiet moment at a campfire or whilst our hero is pondering some bit of family lore, but to me, it still sticks out as an awkward bit of preachiness which reminds me that I'm reading pulp.
That's how I feel about the "faith" shoehorned into this book. It reminded me of Die For Love by Elizabeth Peters, in which one of the characters callously discusses how to change subgenres of romance by simple additions of character traits, dialogue, and/or plot devices: add a prayer before a meal and a little inner dialogue with God and Boom! it's a faith-based romance. Orson Welles said "You just can't get in bed or pray to God and convince me on the screen." In this case, at least, that holds true for the written word as well. This was an otherwise easy read, with a couple of completely unforeshadowed turns of events.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel had some of the most unique minor characters I've seen in a while (including a trio that are dead-ringers for the Three Stooges). I appreciated that both Shane and Janice were secretive about themselves because they were trying to overcome family crime associations. The pacing of their romance over the course of a summer was appropriate. A satisfying read.

[MaryD · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this *is* under the "Love Inspired"- aka Christian- imprint, the faith part is not overt, but is integrated in the story. The suspense and twists & turns in this story are well done and kept me reading to the end. I highly recommend this one.

[Trish Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was an ending in this book that I definitely WASN’T expecting!!

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice has inherited a cottage from a distant relative.

Her one desire is to restore it and then get rid of it, losing her final tie to the dreaded Moran name that has marred her life. Maybe then her past can be finally put to rest.

Except that someone has other ideas.

What secrets is the cottage still hiding?

And just who is Shane Gillum, and what is his interest in this place?


I got really caught up in this story, and while not exactly figuring out what was going on, I had tapped who the bad guys were and enjoyed finding out how it all fell into place.

It was nice to get Janice's story, finding out more about her and her past, and to see redemption from it in the end.

1. 2. 3.

While these books can be read as a stand-alone, you will get a better appreciation of the characters and their histories if these are read in order.

[Roxann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book the two main characters are hoping no one finds out who they really are. One (female lead) inherited a cottage/beach house in Martha's Vineyard from the 'mob' side of her family. She is working to fix it up and sell it (she just happens to be a realtor). The male lead is the son of one of the people in prison connected to the 'mob'. He trying to find evidence to prove his father is innocent-he also has a hit man looking for him. The two end up together on the same beach. She is hurt needs help and he comes to the rescue. He then befriends her and helps her to fix up the cottage. Many suspicious things are happening throughout the book and the two, Shane and Janice find themselves attracted to each other.

I liked the book. My sister gave me 3 bags full of Harlequin suspense type books. They all read fast. But problem with these books that keep me from giving them a 5 star rating is that they all seem to happen so quickly (this book was an exception-it didn't take place in 48 hours).

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book
Advertised as a house of secrets.

Janice Swenson travels to Martha’s Vineyard. She preps a vacant property, a cottage, to put it on the real-estate market.

Shane Gillum has different plans, a secret agenda.

My Thoughts:

This book is packed full of secrets. Unknowns that kept the pages turning and the story exciting.
Janice and Shane, both were not the persons they claimed to be, and each has a good reason to keep their identities a secret.

I purchased this book (Shake Down) after I read Jill’s, “Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View.” A book I’ve read several times and still reading and studying. I wanted to see the deep point of view in writing, and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved Jill’s style of writing and plan to read more of her books.

If you like adventure, mystery, love, and good strong characters, this book is for you.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shake Down by Jill Elizabeth Nelson was a very good book. It had lots of suspense in it. It was a page turner. Shane Gillum and Janice Swenson came up with these new names because of their family history. Follow their story and the love between them. A must read.

[Pattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the better ones I've read recently. Proverbs 22:1 is an important reminder that, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..." What a great lesson to learn.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much! I was surprised at the end.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love inspired Suspense Typical Christian theme but with lots of mystery. Never really saw the part leading up to the end. Last minute confessions.

[Melenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay read

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intense, suspenseful, interesting, mysterious and intriguing. I highly recommend it will read again and have.