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Small Town #1
Small Town Secrets: A Sweet Small Town Romance with a Kiss of Suspense
When Sadie inherits a cottage in the middle of nowhere from a grandmother she never met, she hopes to find the father she never knew. Instead, she discovers mysterious messages that may or may not lead to her father.
When a storm knocks out the power and washes out the one road that can take her back to civilization, Sadie turns to her only neighbor, a man with a secret agenda of his own.
Caden knows Sadie's father, and what he knows he dislikes. Still, he's willing to help his new neighbor track down her father...for a price. What neither of them realizes is they are not only unwittingly endangering their hearts but also the people they love.
Fans of sweet suspense novels by RaeAnne Thayne, Taylor Hart, and Cami Checketts will love this heartwarming yet fast-paced Christian series featuring the Haywood family of Cascadia, Washington.
When a storm knocks out the power and washes out the one road that can take her back to civilization, Sadie turns to her only neighbor, a man with a secret agenda of his own.
Caden knows Sadie's father, and what he knows he dislikes. Still, he's willing to help his new neighbor track down her father...for a price. What neither of them realizes is they are not only unwittingly endangering their hearts but also the people they love.
Fans of sweet suspense novels by RaeAnne Thayne, Taylor Hart, and Cami Checketts will love this heartwarming yet fast-paced Christian series featuring the Haywood family of Cascadia, Washington.
Audible Audio
Published November 22, 2024
474 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Tate
104 books153 followersDr. Seuss was my first love. When my mom left me in the children’s section of the library I’d find Horton and the Cat. My mom hated the good doctor and refused to checkout his books. He was my secret, guilty pleasure. Eventually, I read about Narnia, Oz and Green Gables.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 9, 2023
This book was a struggle to complete. People’s names change throughout, there are clear author notes included toward the end. The story is flimsy at best and uncomfortable to read. I barely managed to finish, and only did because I’m no quitter. Editing was done incredibly poorly and I definitely do not recommend this book.
January 4, 2024
A very enjoyable book! The only thing I could complain about is that this "trip" was as necessary as a fist in the nose. Some kind of clogged hole. Without it - engaging, intriguing. It's a pity that the most interesting moment, the one where everything is explained, was not presented from the heroine's perspective - we missed all the emotions. Everything happened outside of us :/
April 11, 2024
This book was rough! Names changed several time which mad it very hard to follow. Two characters had met and interacted and then two chapters later they have never met?! I don't want to have to go back in a book because I am so confused as to what is going on.
My biggest issue is that Ms. Tate calls this Christian fiction but then really skirts the line on moral issues. This is better off being called clean but not Christian. A few swear words thrown in, one character alludes to being a homosexual, amongst other things. I also find it interesting that none of it happens until you are more than half way through the book. I choose to read Christian fiction to avoid the swearing, sex, and other things this world is caught up in. Definitely would not recommend!
My biggest issue is that Ms. Tate calls this Christian fiction but then really skirts the line on moral issues. This is better off being called clean but not Christian. A few swear words thrown in, one character alludes to being a homosexual, amongst other things. I also find it interesting that none of it happens until you are more than half way through the book. I choose to read Christian fiction to avoid the swearing, sex, and other things this world is caught up in. Definitely would not recommend!
August 30, 2023
This book will transport you to a cottage in the middle of nowhere inherited by a young woman, who has been looking for her never in her life father, from a grandmother she never knew existed and to her next door cabin neighbor a young man nursing a broken heart, or so he thought, when his secret love gets engaged to marry to his brother.
Sadie keeps getting strange messages in the cottage that she thinks may have been left by her father, a man whom Caleb, her neighbor, knows and despises. Together this two get into an agreement, Sadie will go with Caleb as her date to his brother engagement party and he will help her track down her father. What can go wrong with this, right?
As much as these two are the protagonists of the book so is the small town of Cascadia, Washington, where most of the story takes place. The author capture the essence of living in a small town and how everyone knows everything about everyone, but also the sense of community that happens in small towns.
I felt like I was living everything that Sadie and Caleb were going thru and felt part of the little town of Cascadia.
The ending of the book will make thing that what you always knew about the people surrounding you is not always the truth even if their actions were done with what they thought were the best intentions.
Sadie keeps getting strange messages in the cottage that she thinks may have been left by her father, a man whom Caleb, her neighbor, knows and despises. Together this two get into an agreement, Sadie will go with Caleb as her date to his brother engagement party and he will help her track down her father. What can go wrong with this, right?
As much as these two are the protagonists of the book so is the small town of Cascadia, Washington, where most of the story takes place. The author capture the essence of living in a small town and how everyone knows everything about everyone, but also the sense of community that happens in small towns.
I felt like I was living everything that Sadie and Caleb were going thru and felt part of the little town of Cascadia.
The ending of the book will make thing that what you always knew about the people surrounding you is not always the truth even if their actions were done with what they thought were the best intentions.
December 10, 2023
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
When Sadie inherits a cottage in the middle of nowhere from a grandmother she never met, she hopes to find the father she never knew. Instead, she discovers mysterious messages that may or may not lead to her father.
When a storm knocks out the power and washes out the one road that can take her back to civilization, Sadie turns to her only neighbor, a man with a secret agenda of his own.
Caden knows Sadie's father, and what he knows he dislikes. Still, he's willing to help his new neighbor track down her father...for a price. What neither of them realizes is they are not only unwittingly endangering their hearts but also the people they love.
MY TAKE
Sadie has a pull to find her father despite how badly he hurt her mother. So, when Sadie's paternal grandmother passes away and leaves Sadie her house, it's a no-brainer that she'll at least go to see the place. What follows is a journey of discovery for Sadie and for the veterinarian neighbor Caden. There's a nice twice at the end along with the romance.
4 1/2 stars
When Sadie inherits a cottage in the middle of nowhere from a grandmother she never met, she hopes to find the father she never knew. Instead, she discovers mysterious messages that may or may not lead to her father.
When a storm knocks out the power and washes out the one road that can take her back to civilization, Sadie turns to her only neighbor, a man with a secret agenda of his own.
Caden knows Sadie's father, and what he knows he dislikes. Still, he's willing to help his new neighbor track down her father...for a price. What neither of them realizes is they are not only unwittingly endangering their hearts but also the people they love.
MY TAKE
Sadie has a pull to find her father despite how badly he hurt her mother. So, when Sadie's paternal grandmother passes away and leaves Sadie her house, it's a no-brainer that she'll at least go to see the place. What follows is a journey of discovery for Sadie and for the veterinarian neighbor Caden. There's a nice twice at the end along with the romance.
4 1/2 stars
September 24, 2023
An enjoyable romance with a twist and, at times, an element of comedy. Kristy Tate has included several genres into this engaging story: single parent family, small-town romance, suspense, humour, Christian ethos and she ends the book with a profound insight into the essence and importance of family.
With Sadie’s mom refusing to divulge details about the father she never knew, Sadie sets out on her own search. However, before she has any success, a lawyer’s letter informs her of a cottage inherited from her unknown paternal grandmother.
When Sadie moves into the isolated cottage, against her mom’s advice, she spends only one disturbed night there before a storm causes a power failure and mudslide, and she seeks assistance from her neighbour, Caden. An increasing number of inexplicable incidents at the cottage results in a closer relationship and more surprising discoveries than either of them expected…
I received a BETA copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
With Sadie’s mom refusing to divulge details about the father she never knew, Sadie sets out on her own search. However, before she has any success, a lawyer’s letter informs her of a cottage inherited from her unknown paternal grandmother.
When Sadie moves into the isolated cottage, against her mom’s advice, she spends only one disturbed night there before a storm causes a power failure and mudslide, and she seeks assistance from her neighbour, Caden. An increasing number of inexplicable incidents at the cottage results in a closer relationship and more surprising discoveries than either of them expected…
I received a BETA copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
March 27, 2025
This is my first book by Kristy Tate. I really liked the first few chapters, although switching characters back and forth either during a chapter or from chapter to chapter had me a little confused. I was understanding the situation with Sadie inheriting a home that belonged to her paternal grandmother she had never met. She meets her neighbor, Caden, who is a veterinarian and it's a given that they hit it off. But part of the way through the story, many more characters showed up making it hard for me to keep up with who was who. I did finish the book because I really wanted to see how it ended. I am not sure that I could explain all that happened correctly after the first few chapters though. Since I was reading on my Kindle, I did not want to go backwards to try to figure out who some of the characters were and where they came in. So I just kept reading hoping it would make sense. I think with a little editing and adjusting, this could be a really excellent story.
November 22, 2025
Why did you have to include the political slur???
I found the characters likeable, and the plot was interesting. Then you had to go and throw in that line about the hat: "It makes you look like a Trump supporter!" As you know, half the country supports Pres. Trump. When I begin a novel that is not expressly a political drama, I neither want, nor need, to know your biased affiliation - it was completely uncalled for and in no way improved the story or affected the outcome.
So my question is WHY?? Why go to the trouble of alienating people who just enjoy reading for pleasure? Had you NOT felt it necessary to include your TDS, I might have continued the series. However, since you did, I suggest you refrain from letting your mask slip off for future reference. Charming "Christian fiction" need never expose an author's hatred for the President - it's quite tedious. How about praying for our country instead?!??
I found the characters likeable, and the plot was interesting. Then you had to go and throw in that line about the hat: "It makes you look like a Trump supporter!" As you know, half the country supports Pres. Trump. When I begin a novel that is not expressly a political drama, I neither want, nor need, to know your biased affiliation - it was completely uncalled for and in no way improved the story or affected the outcome.
So my question is WHY?? Why go to the trouble of alienating people who just enjoy reading for pleasure? Had you NOT felt it necessary to include your TDS, I might have continued the series. However, since you did, I suggest you refrain from letting your mask slip off for future reference. Charming "Christian fiction" need never expose an author's hatred for the President - it's quite tedious. How about praying for our country instead?!??
May 11, 2025
she got a letter saying the grandmother she never met died and left her a house
she had lived with her mom all her life, never met her dad (it was his moms house)
she tried to find her dad to meet him
the man in the next house down the rural road they shared is a vet with a huge family who owns a farm and business
they fell in love and he helped her find her dad who took off
they came home when her moms dad had a stroke and died. her father was at the funeral along with his mom who didnt really die. she wanted to meet her granddaughter and wanted her to have the house but she turned it down
the vet proposed and she said yes
her mom married the pastor
she had lived with her mom all her life, never met her dad (it was his moms house)
she tried to find her dad to meet him
the man in the next house down the rural road they shared is a vet with a huge family who owns a farm and business
they fell in love and he helped her find her dad who took off
they came home when her moms dad had a stroke and died. her father was at the funeral along with his mom who didnt really die. she wanted to meet her granddaughter and wanted her to have the house but she turned it down
the vet proposed and she said yes
her mom married the pastor
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2023
Sadie inherits a cottage from a grandmother she never knew. She has never met her father either and her mother refuses to offer much information. The road to the cottage washes out and she befriends the neighbor. He knows her father and will try to get a meeting. In return he wants her to be his date at an engagement party. The engagement- his brother is marrying the woman that he has always loved. There is an element of mystery/suspense as well. The premise was interesting, the execution could have used a few edits.
January 31, 2025
cute story
Small Town Secrets had an interesting and unique storyline and good main characters. It was a little difficult to follow at times because of the formatting and the mistakes that I believe would have been easily caught during proofreading (like two different times when the wrong character’s perspective was listed and the reader has to try to figure out what’s going on/who is actually speaking). But with that and the spelling/punctuation errors aside, it was very enjoyable.
Small Town Secrets had an interesting and unique storyline and good main characters. It was a little difficult to follow at times because of the formatting and the mistakes that I believe would have been easily caught during proofreading (like two different times when the wrong character’s perspective was listed and the reader has to try to figure out what’s going on/who is actually speaking). But with that and the spelling/punctuation errors aside, it was very enjoyable.
June 16, 2025
It was ok. New author to me.
I think it would have been better if it went through an editor because there were a lot of name changes like I've seen mentioned in other reviews. Plus, the POV changes were a doozy. Yes, they're marked off with the MCs names but if you read, sometimes, that's not the case!
Also, it said that there were seven Haywood children but they also said something about eight, I don't know if that's a thing that'll be discussed in the other books in the series, but I thought that was weird.
I honestly don't know if I'll continue.
I think it would have been better if it went through an editor because there were a lot of name changes like I've seen mentioned in other reviews. Plus, the POV changes were a doozy. Yes, they're marked off with the MCs names but if you read, sometimes, that's not the case!
Also, it said that there were seven Haywood children but they also said something about eight, I don't know if that's a thing that'll be discussed in the other books in the series, but I thought that was weird.
I honestly don't know if I'll continue.
April 25, 2024
I could not finish this book! There were so many editing errors. It was ridiculous. Caden mentioned that he and his six brothers shared one bathroom, but yet when he said his siblings names, there are five boys and two girls, so how did he share a bathroom with his six brothers!I quit at chapter 5, and there were so many errors before that. This author needs a better editor. I do not recommend this book.
January 20, 2025
This could have been a good story with a helpful editor. The transitions were mostly nonexistent, there was no continuity check (people had different names within a few pages) and lots of events cropped up without an explanation of what happened next. People popped into the story without much information about who they were and their relationship with the main character. Some paragraphs of description felt like they were lifted out of another resource and dropped in.
April 21, 2025
Small Town Secrets
This is a sweet story of romance with a slight twist of suspense. Sophie has inherited a house from a grandmother she never knew. She has been searching for her father who she has never met. When a storm knocks her power out, she finds herself staying with her neighbor, Caden, the local veterinarian. The two find a companionable calm together. Then strange things begin happening. Does someone want to cause her harm?
This is a sweet story of romance with a slight twist of suspense. Sophie has inherited a house from a grandmother she never knew. She has been searching for her father who she has never met. When a storm knocks her power out, she finds herself staying with her neighbor, Caden, the local veterinarian. The two find a companionable calm together. Then strange things begin happening. Does someone want to cause her harm?
February 5, 2024
I loved the story but it was hard to read due to the typographical errors and names being mixed up. There were a few places I had to reread several times to see if I has misread the first time! Also, the separation of each character perspective was hard to decipher because there was no clear separation or they were not labeled at all. This author definitely needs someone else to proofread/edit.
October 19, 2024
Finding family
This was a great small town romance between a young nurse and a veterinarian. He thought he was in love with his brothers girlfriend until he kissed the lovely nurse. She was trying to find her father but he kept sneaking away. It has a lot of laughter and mis communication, but a great read!
This was a great small town romance between a young nurse and a veterinarian. He thought he was in love with his brothers girlfriend until he kissed the lovely nurse. She was trying to find her father but he kept sneaking away. It has a lot of laughter and mis communication, but a great read!
March 29, 2025
I’m not gonna complain too much about this book because it was free on a Stuff Your Kindle Day.
If you want a book with no plot really, mixed perspectives, spelling errors and more then this book is perfect.
It’s an okay story. It’s the first in a series but I will not continue it.
If you want a book with no plot really, mixed perspectives, spelling errors and more then this book is perfect.
It’s an okay story. It’s the first in a series but I will not continue it.
May 18, 2025
This was a fast read. I liked the author’s style. However, there were a handful of mistakes in the book, which took away from the believability of the author. Sometimes she tried too hard to be funny, which didn’t really work. Some storylines didn’t make sense.
June 1, 2025
It was ok
Fairly quick read. Kisses only. Not bad. First time reading this author. Some Christian views expressed, but not preachy...if that's an issue for you. Truth revealed in the epilogue.
Fairly quick read. Kisses only. Not bad. First time reading this author. Some Christian views expressed, but not preachy...if that's an issue for you. Truth revealed in the epilogue.
October 4, 2025
enjoyed the story
Only a touch confusing at first when it switched between viewpoints, but overall a good read. Odd that writing /leaving a review requires a certain number of words
Only a touch confusing at first when it switched between viewpoints, but overall a good read. Odd that writing /leaving a review requires a certain number of words
November 5, 2025
Unexpected
When the book started I thought another predictable story. Was I ever wrong! Nothing went as usual in a romance novel. The heroine was full of anxiety and doubt. Through it all a love story is woven into the intricacies of life.
When the book started I thought another predictable story. Was I ever wrong! Nothing went as usual in a romance novel. The heroine was full of anxiety and doubt. Through it all a love story is woven into the intricacies of life.
September 5, 2023
Oh wow, what a surprise ending! Completely enjoyed this mystery/romance and recommend it highly.
March 17, 2025
Romance and mystery
This is a light read. The characters are likable. I enjoyed the book. Very entertaining read for late night reading for me.
This is a light read. The characters are likable. I enjoyed the book. Very entertaining read for late night reading for me.
May 12, 2025
Sweet
This book is the sweetest. Good character development with Sadie and Caden. This is a sweet hometown story with a little mystery.
This book is the sweetest. Good character development with Sadie and Caden. This is a sweet hometown story with a little mystery.
July 2, 2025
Don't buy, needs work
This is missing a lot as far as content. Definitely needs to be looked at. Not worth the money as is.
This is missing a lot as far as content. Definitely needs to be looked at. Not worth the money as is.
July 3, 2025
Great Story
I really enjoyed reading this story and seeing how everyone came together to help each other. This really is a really good story.
I really enjoyed reading this story and seeing how everyone came together to help each other. This really is a really good story.
October 21, 2025
Enjoyable read
I always think how can people who obviously care for one another be so dense! Figuring it all out is what the story was and it had good characters.
I always think how can people who obviously care for one another be so dense! Figuring it all out is what the story was and it had good characters.
November 3, 2025
Small Town Secrets
I loved this book. There was a bit of mystery, twists and turns and a healthy dose if old fashion romance.
I loved this book. There was a bit of mystery, twists and turns and a healthy dose if old fashion romance.
December 1, 2025
A nice story line, however, to many name changes in the story. Very confusing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews