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Stepping Stones Island #4
Permanent Vacancy
BUYER BEWARE
When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous "accidents" at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren't on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm's Irish brogue and handsome face, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.
When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous "accidents" at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren't on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm's Irish brogue and handsome face, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
38 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Katy Lee
103 books194 followersBest-selling and award-winning author Katy Lee has written over thirty novels, filled with romance, suspense, and inspiration. She lives in the rugged beauty of the Utah mountains where she is also a special education teacher at a school for international students. Katy loves to knit warm wooly things while plotting her next suspense story. Keep up with Katy at KatyLeeBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 6, 2017
I am sad after reading this book because Colm deserved a better heroine. Not someone who doesn't trust him at all and only does it when in the end it is proved that he is not guilty and then suddenly she is in love with him. Like really
I wanted the villain to throw her in the water. It would have been good riddance.
Action and suspense were really good and Colm was an awesome hero so 2 stars for them.
I wanted the villain to throw her in the water. It would have been good riddance.
Action and suspense were really good and Colm was an awesome hero so 2 stars for them.
October 1, 2015
Permanent Vacancy was such a great read! I've really enjoyed Katy Lee's Stepping Stones series and hope she writes more books with these characters. It was interesting how Gretchen was fixing up an old house in order to open a bed and breakfast -- and yet also suspenseful because of all the "accidents" that kept happening and putting people's lives in danger.
The characters were great! It's tough to pick a favorite, but I think Colm was my fav just because I loved how he treated Gretchen and some of the sweet things he did.
All in all, a great romantic suspense and I recommend it if you enjoy this genre. You don't need to have read the previous books, but if you have you will see some familiar characters in Permanent Vacancy. :)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The characters were great! It's tough to pick a favorite, but I think Colm was my fav just because I loved how he treated Gretchen and some of the sweet things he did.
All in all, a great romantic suspense and I recommend it if you enjoy this genre. You don't need to have read the previous books, but if you have you will see some familiar characters in Permanent Vacancy. :)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
June 2, 2015
Permanent vacancy is the third and final book in the takes a slight twist from your home-improvement shows. Gretchen has called in a home improvement show to help her as she tries to renovate an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Irish television host Colm McCrae is the host of the show and trying to help her renovate. He starts to question the accidents that keep happening at the house. We have plenty of suspects from the entire town that is not happy that Gretchen has brought strangers to their town to Colm’s playboy boss who might be trying to boost ratings. Gretchen has her issues from her past that she is trying to overcome and prove herself.
As with all of Katie's book she has plot twist to keep you guessing If you've been reading the series you will also see a couple characters make a return appearance. I love Miriam and she had a cameo role in this one.
Permanent Vacancy delivers heartwarming romance and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the end.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
As with all of Katie's book she has plot twist to keep you guessing If you've been reading the series you will also see a couple characters make a return appearance. I love Miriam and she had a cameo role in this one.
Permanent Vacancy delivers heartwarming romance and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the end.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
June 23, 2015
This is the first book from the Love Inspired Suspense books. Katy Lee had me hooked from the very first page! Edge of your seat. Keep you guessing until the very end. BEST BOOK EVER!!!
July 3, 2015
Deb’s Dozen: Gretchen’s determined be independent. Someone’s determined to stop her. Will they succeed?
Gretchen Bauer has had it. She is tired of being controlled by other people. She is bound and determined to start over on her own and to live independently. She starts trying to renovate an old Victorian House on Stepping Stones Island and to turn it into a bed and breakfast. She has signed a contract with a TV reality show, Rescue to Renovation, in order to get the job completed quickly without using up all of her resources.
Arriving at the site of the future Morning Glory B&B, Gretchen finds a Public Hearing Notice nailed to the door frame. She’s confident that her nemesis is behind the notice and determined to wreck her chances. Angry at the attempted manipulation, she is startled by a man’s voice—Colm McCrae, host of Rescue to Renovation, has arrived along with his cameraman, Nate, to start filming.
Accidents begin occurring—to Gretchen. First she falls through the floorboards in the foyer, then she has a large bundle of wood tumble over on her … why do they want to get rid of her? Colm, increasingly attracted to Gretchen, is determined to protect her. Gretchen is equally determined to go it alone.
I read Permanent Vacancy in one sitting. I was intrigued to see if Colm and Gretchen would each be able to surmount their own personal problems and get the renovation done on time despite the accidents. Katy Lee has done a good job of throwing in twists and turns and unexpected happenings along with a cast replete with several nefarious characters. Of the two protagonists, Colm is the more complex, but Gretchen is intriguing as well. You’ll enjoy Permanent Vacancy—and be surprised at the ending! Four stars.
I was given a copy of Permanent Vacancy by Katy Lee in exchange for my candid review.
Gretchen Bauer has had it. She is tired of being controlled by other people. She is bound and determined to start over on her own and to live independently. She starts trying to renovate an old Victorian House on Stepping Stones Island and to turn it into a bed and breakfast. She has signed a contract with a TV reality show, Rescue to Renovation, in order to get the job completed quickly without using up all of her resources.
Arriving at the site of the future Morning Glory B&B, Gretchen finds a Public Hearing Notice nailed to the door frame. She’s confident that her nemesis is behind the notice and determined to wreck her chances. Angry at the attempted manipulation, she is startled by a man’s voice—Colm McCrae, host of Rescue to Renovation, has arrived along with his cameraman, Nate, to start filming.
Accidents begin occurring—to Gretchen. First she falls through the floorboards in the foyer, then she has a large bundle of wood tumble over on her … why do they want to get rid of her? Colm, increasingly attracted to Gretchen, is determined to protect her. Gretchen is equally determined to go it alone.
I read Permanent Vacancy in one sitting. I was intrigued to see if Colm and Gretchen would each be able to surmount their own personal problems and get the renovation done on time despite the accidents. Katy Lee has done a good job of throwing in twists and turns and unexpected happenings along with a cast replete with several nefarious characters. Of the two protagonists, Colm is the more complex, but Gretchen is intriguing as well. You’ll enjoy Permanent Vacancy—and be surprised at the ending! Four stars.
I was given a copy of Permanent Vacancy by Katy Lee in exchange for my candid review.
August 30, 2015
From the cover: When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous "accidents" at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren't on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm's Irish brogue and handsome face, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.
This was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. I liked both main characters and many of the ‘unusual’ other characters. It was a good suspense book. There was plenty of action, danger, surprises, twists, turns and yes romance. There were many suspects (who could have been causing all the accidents) that I had trouble figuring out who was doing it until the end.
This was a great read.
This was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. I liked both main characters and many of the ‘unusual’ other characters. It was a good suspense book. There was plenty of action, danger, surprises, twists, turns and yes romance. There were many suspects (who could have been causing all the accidents) that I had trouble figuring out who was doing it until the end.
This was a great read.
May 31, 2015
Once again Katy Lee has invited me to visit the Stepping Stone Islands where Gretchen Bauer has agreed to allow a home improvement television crew film an episode at her Victorian house in hopes that they can restore it in time to open her Bed and Breakfast. Unfortunately, it seems that her fellow islanders are not in favor of her plans and someone wants her dead or injured.
Irish television host Colm McCrae did not exactly impress me at the beginning because of his flippant attitude. It didn’t take very long, however, for Colm’s true colors to show themselves even if it took Gretchen awhile to trust him. Of course with her experience with men, who could blame her if she never trusted another one?
Katy weaves a fine suspense in this short Love Inspired novel with more than adequate character development and an attention-holding plot. With plenty of action, danger, romance, and surprises, “Permanent Vacancy” further convinced me that Katy Lee’s novels are not to be missed.
This book was provided for review by the author.
Irish television host Colm McCrae did not exactly impress me at the beginning because of his flippant attitude. It didn’t take very long, however, for Colm’s true colors to show themselves even if it took Gretchen awhile to trust him. Of course with her experience with men, who could blame her if she never trusted another one?
Katy weaves a fine suspense in this short Love Inspired novel with more than adequate character development and an attention-holding plot. With plenty of action, danger, romance, and surprises, “Permanent Vacancy” further convinced me that Katy Lee’s novels are not to be missed.
This book was provided for review by the author.
August 6, 2015
It’s good to return to Stepping Stones and revisit some of the inhabitants in more depth.
Gretchen is renovating an old house with plans to turn it into a bed and breakfast. But it’s not going along very easily. Some of the town’s citizens are against bringing in more tourists to the island.
Eventually too many “accidents” build up and a person has to wonder if it’s just sabotage or does someone want Gretchen dead. Either way, she’s in lots of danger.
Who’s doing this? Gretchen begins to suspect nearly everyone – even that charming host of the TV hone improvement show that’s helping with the renovation.
I’m not going to tell you any more of the who, how and why. Just know that when you start reading this book, you’ll probably not put it down until you reach the end. Surprises await you.
Thank you, Katie Lee, for once again putting me on the edge of my seat while on this lovely island. If it were warmer up there, I’d want to move to Stepping Stones.
***A special thank you to the author for providing a review copy.***
Gretchen is renovating an old house with plans to turn it into a bed and breakfast. But it’s not going along very easily. Some of the town’s citizens are against bringing in more tourists to the island.
Eventually too many “accidents” build up and a person has to wonder if it’s just sabotage or does someone want Gretchen dead. Either way, she’s in lots of danger.
Who’s doing this? Gretchen begins to suspect nearly everyone – even that charming host of the TV hone improvement show that’s helping with the renovation.
I’m not going to tell you any more of the who, how and why. Just know that when you start reading this book, you’ll probably not put it down until you reach the end. Surprises await you.
Thank you, Katie Lee, for once again putting me on the edge of my seat while on this lovely island. If it were warmer up there, I’d want to move to Stepping Stones.
***A special thank you to the author for providing a review copy.***
July 13, 2015
This story follows Gretchen Bauer as she tries to gain independence and escape a controlling, abusive ex-boyfriend by renovating a home into a Bed and Breakfast. Colm, the Irish host of a renovation TV show, is a wonderful character also. I found the idea of Colm slipping in and out of an Irish accent a little unbelievable. As a public figure, people would be making a big deal about that right away. As events began happening that made it apparent someone did not want her to succeed, I didn't want to put it down. There are so many people that could be possible suspects that it is not obvious who the culprit is, which I greatly appreciated. Many mysteries I read fall short here because as a reader I can usually figure out halfway through who the villain will be. This is the first book I've read by Katy Lee, and I don't think it will be the last.
July 17, 2015
Gretchen Bauer is one hard headed heroine and seems to be a terrible judge of character when it comes to men in her life. Then she meets television host Colm McCrae whom turns her heart inside out and makes her question her, "I can do it on my own", attitude! Having just gotten out of an abusive relationship Gretchen is trying to start her own B&B and signs up with a home improvement TV show so she can meet her deadline only to have several life threatening accidents happen along the way. Will Gretchen figure out the right man to trust before it is to late?
Permanent Vacancy will keep you guessing and your pounding! Great read!
Permanent Vacancy will keep you guessing and your pounding! Great read!
December 26, 2015
Very rarely do I find suspense books that keep me guessing until the end who the true villain is, but Katy Lee succeeds every time. Not only does she give us a great suspense, but a wonderful love story between sexy, sweet, and caring Irishman, Colm and the feisty and independent Gretchen. The story (series) is also filled with quirky, fun and three dimensional characters that make you want to visit the mysterious and remove Stepping Stones Island.
June 12, 2015
Quick and easy read, Loved this book from beginning to end ♡ I didn't expect everything that happened to happen, kept me guessing. :)
September 22, 2020
Sweet romance in a lovely, small town setting, with a dash of suspense and mystery in a quick read? Sign me up for Katy Lee’s Permanent Vacancy.
Gretchen just wants to renovate her old Victorian house and open a bed-and-breakfast. She’s managed to woo a home improvement TV show to help finance the venture, but the day the crews start showing up, “accidents” begin happening on the property, and we aren’t talking about guys banging their thumbs beneath a hammer. If only the show’s handsome Irish host would stop flirting and making her feel like a pawn to boost the show’s ratings.
Colm has worked hard to live up to the opportunity that allowed him to leave his past behind him, but as the dangerous mishaps around Gretchen’s property escalate, he may have to decide between keeping his secrets and earning the lovely homeowner’s trust.
Can the pair solve the mystery behind the escalating attacks on Gretchen and her home?
This is an easy, one-sitting, sweet romance for the brisk reader. Not a deep read, but neither is it lacking in the emotional connections department. An easy 4 stars.
Gretchen just wants to renovate her old Victorian house and open a bed-and-breakfast. She’s managed to woo a home improvement TV show to help finance the venture, but the day the crews start showing up, “accidents” begin happening on the property, and we aren’t talking about guys banging their thumbs beneath a hammer. If only the show’s handsome Irish host would stop flirting and making her feel like a pawn to boost the show’s ratings.
Colm has worked hard to live up to the opportunity that allowed him to leave his past behind him, but as the dangerous mishaps around Gretchen’s property escalate, he may have to decide between keeping his secrets and earning the lovely homeowner’s trust.
Can the pair solve the mystery behind the escalating attacks on Gretchen and her home?
This is an easy, one-sitting, sweet romance for the brisk reader. Not a deep read, but neither is it lacking in the emotional connections department. An easy 4 stars.
January 21, 2022
This read like a terrible hallmark movie. I am almost surprised they haven't written it for television yet. The main female brings dumb blonde to a whole new level. The christian aspect was forced and got in the way of the story. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
May 19, 2025
Really enjoyed this one! I have not read any of the other in the series, but rest assured, I was not lost at all.
This book provides mystery, suspense, romance, and a surprise ending. Definitely recommend! Mom
This book provides mystery, suspense, romance, and a surprise ending. Definitely recommend! Mom
May 31, 2018
Easy, quick read with a good mystery in it...not a bunch of gratuitous sex and yuckies...just a good romantic "chase" alongside a good "who's the bad guy" with a heroine who has a good character arc.
July 25, 2021
A SUPER read. Great character development, lots of twist and turns, stimulating plot. Truly enjoyed this book!
September 20, 2022
This book was ok.
June 10, 2024
Great series
June 14, 2015
Gretchen Bauer plans on renovating a Victorian home and opening a B&B. Because of money issues, she hires Colm McCrae and his crew - all of whom have a home improvement television show. But the town doesn't want them around and then strange "accidents" occur in the home, ones that seem to specifically target Gretchen. It's exasperated by the fact that Gretchen just got out of an abusive relationship. Is it the crew or a townsie?
I had strong suspicions from the start .
I'd say it's almost a Christian romance because of how heavily Colm relies on God and His blessings to get him through his life.
My issues with this were
1. I had no clue where they were. I figured somewhere in Europe since Colm had a thick Irish brogue that didn't seem too out-of-place with a European island.
2. The "love" was rushed at the end. I put it in quote because in two weeks you can't be in love, and it makes me roll my eyes when adults say that.
I had strong suspicions from the start .
I'd say it's almost a Christian romance because of how heavily Colm relies on God and His blessings to get him through his life.
My issues with this were
1. I had no clue where they were. I figured somewhere in Europe since Colm had a thick Irish brogue that didn't seem too out-of-place with a European island.
2. The "love" was rushed at the end. I put it in quote because in two weeks you can't be in love, and it makes me roll my eyes when adults say that.
November 14, 2016
This was my first time reading a book by Katy Lee, I must say I was not disappointed. She keeps you on the edge of your seat and you have to keep reading to find out who the villain is. I also love that the leading male is Irish. I could just picture Colm with his thick Irish accent while reading. I love how Gretchen is strong willed and determined. I will definitely be reading the rest of her books.
November 6, 2016
Perfect ending
This is the last one in the Stepping Stones series and I wish there were more. Really enjoyed this series and the characters in them. All four books were exciting and full of God's promises. I highly recommend this series. You won't be disappointed.
This is the last one in the Stepping Stones series and I wish there were more. Really enjoyed this series and the characters in them. All four books were exciting and full of God's promises. I highly recommend this series. You won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews