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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
About the author
Kristy Tate
117 books160 followersKristy Tate is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary women’s fiction and cozy mysteries. Her novels feature strong, intelligent women who face difficulties, unravel mysteries, and navigate romance with a sense of humor . . . most of the time.
She’s the author of more than thirty books, including the bestselling and award-winning Beyond Series and the Kindle Scout winning Witch Ways series. She also writes lighthearted but speculative young adult fiction as Katie Tate.
When she's not reading, writing, or traveling, she can be found playing games with her family, hiking with her dogs, or watching movies while eating brownies.
She’s the author of more than thirty books, including the bestselling and award-winning Beyond Series and the Kindle Scout winning Witch Ways series. She also writes lighthearted but speculative young adult fiction as Katie Tate.
When she's not reading, writing, or traveling, she can be found playing games with her family, hiking with her dogs, or watching movies while eating brownies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 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.
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!
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 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.
November 7, 2026
**Small Town Secrets** by Kristy Tate offers a charming blend of romance, mystery, and suspense, built around a heroine whose search for family leads her somewhere she never expected. Sadie's inheritance of a secluded cottage from a grandmother she never knew gives her a fresh starting point, but her hope of finding the father she has never met quickly turns into a much more complicated journey when mysterious messages begin appearing.
The isolated setting adds an appealing sense of tension, especially when a storm cuts off the only road back to civilization. With nowhere else to turn, Sadie must rely on Caden, her intriguing neighbor, who knows more about her father than he initially lets on. His willingness to help comes with conditions, and the secrets and conflicting motives between them create plenty of room for both emotional complications and unexpected danger.
I particularly like how the premise brings together the longing for family, the uncertainty of trusting someone new, and the possibility of finding love in an unlikely place. Sadie and Caden's developing connection gives the suspense a personal dimension, while the danger surrounding the people they care about raises the stakes beyond their own relationship.
As the first book in the Small Town series, this story sounds like a lovely choice for readers who enjoy clean, faith-centered romance with mystery, small-town atmosphere, and a satisfying balance of heartwarming moments and fast-moving suspense.
The isolated setting adds an appealing sense of tension, especially when a storm cuts off the only road back to civilization. With nowhere else to turn, Sadie must rely on Caden, her intriguing neighbor, who knows more about her father than he initially lets on. His willingness to help comes with conditions, and the secrets and conflicting motives between them create plenty of room for both emotional complications and unexpected danger.
I particularly like how the premise brings together the longing for family, the uncertainty of trusting someone new, and the possibility of finding love in an unlikely place. Sadie and Caden's developing connection gives the suspense a personal dimension, while the danger surrounding the people they care about raises the stakes beyond their own relationship.
As the first book in the Small Town series, this story sounds like a lovely choice for readers who enjoy clean, faith-centered romance with mystery, small-town atmosphere, and a satisfying balance of heartwarming moments and fast-moving suspense.
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 30, 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.
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!
July 3, 2026
More than a contemporary romance - a strong mother daughter relationship
An entertaining contemporary romance with slight suspense. I enjoyed Caden and Sadie's connection and the mother and daughters relationship struggle. It was portrayed in a real-life way, the way I would imagine a single mother would fight tooth and nail to defend her only child
An entertaining contemporary romance with slight suspense. I enjoyed Caden and Sadie's connection and the mother and daughters relationship struggle. It was portrayed in a real-life way, the way I would imagine a single mother would fight tooth and nail to defend her only child
October 14, 2026
Love!
What a sweet, wacky love story! There is humor, there is emotion, there is action, there is mystery, and there is love - all wrapped up as one big love story! The characters are realistic and witty. The ending is a little surprising, but very appropriate and appealing. Fun read!
What a sweet, wacky love story! There is humor, there is emotion, there is action, there is mystery, and there is love - all wrapped up as one big love story! The characters are realistic and witty. The ending is a little surprising, but very appropriate and appealing. Fun 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 17, 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.
July 26, 2026
Good
This was a beautiful story. Caden and Sadie's story has do many ups and downs. And they both are dealing with family issues of some form. But they find their way together. Good read.
This was a beautiful story. Caden and Sadie's story has do many ups and downs. And they both are dealing with family issues of some form. But they find their way together. Good read.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews