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* * * New Edition: 29 Aug 2013 * * * Reworked into Christian-based book * * *

The traditional role of man and woman becomes twisted with Dan and Evelyn.

Dan wasn't a playboy. He didn't have any commitment issues. In fact, he wanted it all. Relationship and family. Only problem? He wanted it with someone who didn't want anything to do with him.

Evelyn didn't fool around in relationships because she had never been in one. She was certain that things like love and happily-ever-afters weren't meant for people like her. There was simply too much darkness in her past.

A past she thought she'd buried.

But she was wrong.

After more than a decade, her nightmare returned to haunt her, forcing her to face up to memories she couldn't seem to shake.

Could she ever close the books to her past and let go of the horrors she had been through? Could she ever learn to trust again?

342 pages, ebook

First published December 7, 2012

337 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Trisha Grace

34 books111 followers
Trisha Grace graduated from Bradford University with an Accounting and Finance degree. She has always been an avid reader and has a passion for writing. After being a tutor for over six years, she finally sat down and penned her own novels.

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5 stars
198 (63%)
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72 (22%)
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40 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy Walker.
Author 3 books38 followers
December 21, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the teaser chapter in the back of Moving On (Book 1 in the Series) I wasn't sure that I wanted to continue. But curiosity got the better of me and I opened Closing Books. The part that was bothering me was the "out of no where" new problem that Evelyn suddenly had. The book picks up where Moving on left off. Tyler and Kate are back but this story centers on the relationship between Dan and Evelyn.

Evelyn is a survival strong type of person. She wears her mask to hide feelings, because her childhood taught her that feelings were not something that should not be shared. Dan is perplexing. He's the older, and often ignored, sibling to the unforgettable Joanne. Yet he's not bitter about his sister getting pampered. He comes across as friendly but shy. And he definitely has his hands full with trying to manage any sort of relationship with the queen of "no second dates".

The story quickly pulls you in and I ended up reading the whole book in a few days. (Note: I read fast and can devote several hours to reading at a time). While the whole series is Christian based these two characters are not devout. Evelyn would probably classify as more Atheist than anything. Dan is pretty non-committal. That may be the reason that this book seemed a more preachy in sections than the previous book.

There are sections where Kate is trying to explain God, and His love and His plan. It was borderline "if I wanted to hear a sermon I'd go to church." Most of the time when I get to these types of sections I just stop reading. The one reason I didn't is because it really did fit with the characters. There is no magical "you've accepted God and now life is perfect," but Kate's harping got old. Evelyn's first encounter with the Bible is because she needs something to bore her to sleep. Which I had to laugh over because it is so her character.

Because the story is really a continuation of the previous book, it wraps up the loose ends that I wasn't to happy about in my review of Moving On. There were a lot of "Didn't see that coming" moments. But there were also some "Really? That was it?" moments. I suspected Evelyn's secret to be worse than it was. The loose ends of the previous book were wrapped up with the drama in Evelyn's life which seemed contrived.

The best part of the book, by far, was the interaction between Dan and Evelyn as they figured out their relationship. I could feel how conflicted Dan was. I could feel how Evelyn struggled with her desire to be loved and her belief that no one would. Watching the two of them struggle with their own insecurities and issues made the final few chapters that much more rewarding.

The writing was very well done. Even when Kate lost her temper, she did so in a way that only worked for her character. The mystery, the suspense and the love story were all very done. I would recommend this book, but strongly encourage readers to read Moving On first so that the back story makes sense.
Profile Image for Amy Petrowich.
317 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2019
Intense and deep

Evelyn has some really dark secrets and Dan is determined to love her anyway. The intense drama that surrounds this couple often fades away as they embrace. Their relationship manages to grow and blossom and brighten all the dark spots in Evelyn’s heart.
I highly recommend this book but that comes with a warning! Don’t pick it up if you don’t have lots of time to read because putting it down is really hard!!
Profile Image for Lois Kirby.
143 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2021
Closing Books

Closing Books usually means opening others especially if it is a good series. Developing relationships makes for a good story. The first covered Kate and Tyler who in turn are friends, Kate with Evelyn, Dan who is there for Eve whenever she needs a shoulder for comfort. There are many conflicts and business and personal. Many other characters make for a great read.
Profile Image for Careen Malahay.
52 reviews1 follower
Read
August 18, 2017
I just finished reading this book A few hours ago but I'm still thinking about it. At first, I wanted to slap Evelyn for her wrong decision but when I read her past, I wish I could dive inside the book and embrace her. I love how she grew as a person, how she embrace the people around her and how she came to God. Overall, this book give me a roller coaster of emotions yet, inspires me too.
Profile Image for Pam Merrill.
309 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2019
Realilistic characters with story that holds your interest. We've found out about Kate a d Tylsr in a previous book. Now we get to find out what happens with Eve and Dan's on a d off romance. Think the bad guys will finally be REVEALED? They have lots of friends in this man made family so we may even get to read more about all of them. It's not always easy to find good clean books to read.
125 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2020
This was a great and quite intense book that got me hooked from the beginning to the very last page. The author definitely didn’t disappoint me.

The unanswered questions from the first book, such as Evelyn’s secret and the mastermind behind the murder of Kate’s parents, were addressed.

All in all, this was a great Christian based romantic suspense novel.
Profile Image for Eileen Carter.
2,044 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2023
awesome

Throughout the book there were twists and turns so much that you almost had a hard time keeping up with all the action. But this book was truly incredible. Whether you have read the first. Ok in the series or are reading this as a stand alone book it was truly one you will have a hard time putting down.
Profile Image for Beverly Bailey.
26 reviews
October 29, 2017
Good read

Good mystery with a love story as well. Kept me guessing who do what. Would recommend reading; read Boom 1 first though. Love the continued flow of characters and story line.
570 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2020
A great story Vol. 2

I love how this storyline sees to pick up were the first one left off. But it gets more interesting and intense with every page. I love the characters and how they all interacts with every situation. Looking forward I he next story.
352 reviews
January 19, 2021
I almost did not continue reading the book with the first few pages were repetition of the previous book. However, even frustrated with Evelyn's dishonesty, I like the twist in the story and found it appealing to finish the story and what I relief when finally Dan and Evelyn were honest to each other and became a happy couple.
2,085 reviews19 followers
July 15, 2022
Encouraging for torture/abuse survivors; even if it is just a book. It's always nice when the good guys win against all odds. Better yet, when it has great characters and an interesting story. This book has that. An interesting series.
15 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2025
Everyone deserves a happy Everyone after

Love that the writer continued the book series with Evelyn's story and explained her backstory. From the first book I wondered what she had been through.
Profile Image for Tammy.
332 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2019
Great continuation of the characters from book 1
27 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2020
Just as good as the first in the series! Love the blend of crime with a christian background. Nice touch with the "funeral" scene.
29 reviews
March 22, 2020
Good book, would recommend

Loved the story, her husband went from complete jerk to a supportive husband. She endured a lot more then most women would of
Profile Image for Heidi Michelle.
8 reviews
January 26, 2023
I liked this one better than the first in the series. Good suspense and I loved that Evelyn was able to overcome her past.
95 reviews
July 13, 2024
Great sequel

Great to read a continuation of the story but with new twists and turns to keep you engaged. Can't wait for book three.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,306 reviews45 followers
July 1, 2019
Trisha Grace is a new author to me, and I've enjoyed getting to know her through her books.
This series was fun, suspenseful, and romantic. There were many times my heart was racing because of all the scary events which happened to this group of people.
I loved how they all come together for each other and help each other like one big family.
In the first story about Kate and Tyler, I thought it was fun to see how they worked out the guidelines regarding the mansion.
In the second book, Evelyn and Dan really had a dynamic which was crazy.
With the third story, we see a little bit our Ryan and Ashley's past. Plus, the crazy dangers from the first book show up again and we're taken on a roller coaster ride of events.
Then the last story, which isn't the last story, we get to finally read about quiet Joseph and sweet Christine. Just when you think this group can't take any more crazy events, there's more.
Wow! Trisha Grace really knows how to write suspense and action. I didn't want to put the book down. Now I need to get book number 5 in the series which covers Joanne's struggles and then wait for book 6 which is about Lydia.
I've really enjoyed this series. It kept me guessing and in edge the whole way through.
If you like suspense, action, drama, and romance rolled up in one series, then this is the series for you.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,480 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2014
Title: Closing Books
Author: Trisha Grace
Publisher: T.G.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Closing Books" by Trisha Grace...

What was this novel about?

* * * New Edition: 29 Aug 2013 * * * Reworked into Christian-based book * * *

"The traditional role of man and woman becomes twisted with Dan and Evelyn.

Dan wasn't a playboy. He didn't have any commitment issues. In fact, he wanted it all. Relationship and family. Only problem? He wanted it with someone who didn't want anything to do with him.

Evelyn didn't fool around in relationships because she had never been in one. She was certain that things like love and happily-ever-afters weren't meant for people like her. There was simply too much darkness in her past.

A past she thought she'd buried.

But she was wrong.

After more than a decade, her nightmare returned to haunt her, forcing her to face up to memories she couldn't seem to shake.

Could she ever close the books to her past and let go of the horrors she had been through? Could she ever learn to trust again?"

and more.... from the author.....


"This is the second book in the Ghost of the Past series by Trisha Grace, I brought to you yesterday book one Moving On yesterday. This continues the story of the group that is made up of Tyler and Kate, (first book) and then this one focuses on Evelyn and Dan, but you still get Lydia (Kate’s sister), Ryan, Joseph, Marianne, and Mr. Sawyer who play a major part in the first and second books. I will say this one had a lot more dark aspects to it. It brings up subjects such as rape, murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping. Some of which happen to characters that you love. It also has some blackmail and splashes of the evil past that Evelyn went through as a child. It opens up your eyes to why her character is the way it is. You understand all things Evelyn by the time this book ends. You also start to see what kind of man Dan is, he is a true hero in this book. He doesn’t give up on her and that is just what Evelyn needs. It gives you glimpse of what can happen if you let go of your past. It’s much easier to live the way you do because of your past instead of letting go of that past and living the way you ought to. I hope Ryan get’s his story soon, after what he went though in this book he needs someone who understands him. I hope that you all take your time and read this really great series, that in my opinion just keeps getting better. Oh and there are a few surprises regarding Kate and Tyler that you wont want to miss if you have read the first one."

What I received from this read.....

One thing is for sure...the author knows how to get and keep your attention. Yes, I read this author's book... Ghost of the Past Book 1 and I am so glad I did because it really helped me understand a little more of what was going on in this author's next book... "Closing Books." Now, first of all I will say this read is a very dark read that has some issues with rape, child abuse, human trafficking, torture, blackmail, attempted murder and kidnapping, so if this is not your kind of read maybe you had better stop now! If not, then welcome to this author's masterful well written captivating story. The story may be a little hard to understand at the beginning especially if you haven't read the first book by this author but if you stick with the read it will finally let you figure who everyone is and how they fit in the story. I was really caught up with this authors vivid descriptions of her characters. The main characters Dan and Evelyn were very well developed, colorful, authentic, well portrayed and definitely believable. There were some other characters such as Tyler and Kate who were very interesting and I will stop here and not give any of the story away other than say you to pick up this good read and see for yourself how this author brings it all out about what all is truly going on with Evelyn and Dan in this this well plotted story. Many questions will be answered such as why, what, how and even who as you read "Closing Books." This author first book left us with a cliff hanger...and I will say I never expected how this read turned out.
Profile Image for Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm.
1,257 reviews109 followers
December 31, 2014
The year has finally come to a close. What best way to end this year than to read something that would depict closure and acceptance of the past and moving forward to a brighter future. In my opinion, Trisha Grace's Closing Books is the perfect way to end my 2014.

This second book featuring Evelyn Jordan is much darker and more intense compared to the first book, Moving On. Kate Mitchell had gotten married and her best friend, Evelyn was really happy for her. Because of Kate's marriage to Tyler Hayes, Eve became part of a ragtag company of a doctor, firefighter, a security specialist, a lawyer and probably the best cook in town. But deep inside, she didn't feel that she belonged to that group. Although she had been dating Dan (Ty's bestfriend) on and off, she didn't expect any foreseeable future with him. Her grim and dark past prevented her from going forward with Dan. A dark past which suddenly was catching up on her. A grim past that would easily destroy her present life. A past that would definitely make Dan leave her.

I found myself sobbing multiple times upon reading Evelyn's story. The thought of her growing up from one foster home to another, being a victim of slavery and maltreatment was just too much for me. I felt sick to the stomach knowing there were actually real people who have experienced what Eve had endured in the book. Trisha Grace wrote a novel so intense that the readers are easily drawn to the story with tears in their eyes. I liked how Eve was portrayed as a straightforward lady, at the same time, a woman who's afraid of her own shadows. I also liked how Dan had reached out to her and gave his heart and soul to a tortured spirit that is Eve. And how they found God amidst them in times of danger and trouble. I also liked how the story from Book 1 was picked up dramatically in this second book and there had been a closure to the mystery that surrounded the protagonists. The other characters also proved to be beneficial to the story because they had their own unique personalities that make them real and relatable with.

And so, as the new year starts, I happily announce that 2014 had been a fruitful year to me and I'm glad that I was able to end it with a bang, through Trisha Grace's Ghost of the Past 2- Closing Books.
Profile Image for Kathryn Svendsen.
468 reviews12 followers
October 16, 2015

Evelyn liked Dan but every time he got too close Evelyn would back away. Being friends with him was great. That wasn’t the problem. The problem was that she didn’t think anyone would ever want her if they knew about her past. So she just never told them about it. No one. Ever. Except Kate.

Unfortunately, the past that Evelyn thought she had left behind for good, returned. Her friends noticed that her behaviour had changed, but she never said anything. Kate, who always answered Evelyn’s phone when Evelyn wasn’t close enough to grab it, was no longer welcome to do so. Stymied by such odd behaviour, Kate determined to figure out what was going on.

What Kate and her friends discovered was more than one person should have to deal with on her own. Convincing Evelyn of that was something else. The twists and turns in the story connected to other events which had affected Evelyn’s friends in the past.
Discovering what happened to Evelyn when she was a child was utterly horrific and speaks to some of the awful things that can happen to children in foster care.

Fortunately there are good foster homes out there where things like that do not happen. Perhaps it will even encourage some people who care about the welfare of children to consider becoming foster parents.

I loved the themes of friendship, trust and loyalty in Closing the Books. Does Evelyn allow Dan to become anything more than just a friend? You’ll have to read the book to find out if she can get over the barrier of her past to develop a relationship with him.
I thought this sequel to Moving On was excellent. Not only were the themes and plot current but the story was well written and engaging. I gave this story a rating 5 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

To see my complete review, visit Shelf Full of Books: http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Profile Image for Kim Beck.
222 reviews12 followers
July 8, 2014
This is the second book in the series and it continues on the story with Evelyn and Dan. I think that from the splashes of their relationship from the first book that you were hoping that it would be them this time. This book does touch on some darker issues then the the first one did, but it's needed to understand Evelyn and see how she truly operates. It's a great book that brings us up to date on Tyler and Kate(first book) and all the other side characters. can't wait to read number three. Full review here: http://allnightbooks.com/?p=331
1,399 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2016
The things Evelyn went through as a child are truly awful. Evelyn and Kate's relationship is really special. Watching Dan and Evelyn's relationship change is wonderful. The people in this book are like one big happy family. You will love all of them. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
278 reviews
February 3, 2020
Great series

Love these books, suspense and romance in one. Can't wait to read the whole series. Faith and family are so important!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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