Discovered Facade

by Julie Bawden-Davis

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2026

About the author

Bestselling author Julie Bawden-Davis loves writing page-turning suspenseful books often spiced with romance, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire.

Julie began penning stories at the age of 5, when she wrote sweet, little romance books for her grandma. From there, she graduated to sneaking to a neighbor’s house to watch “Dark Shadows” (because her parents thought it was too scary for her). Then, in her teens, she raced home from school, dragging her younger sister behind her, to become immersed in the world of “General Hospital.”

Julie lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. She gains inspiration by being surrounded by plants when she writes.

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Reviews

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Discovered Facade by Julie Bawden-Davis. Lupe was such a compelling heroine — strong but vulnerable, trying to rebuild her life after everything she’s been through. It was easy to love her and truly understand her fears and resilience. Coming from an emotionally abusive relationship myself, I especially connected with Lupe’s internal struggles and her journey toward healing. Her growth felt authentic and empowering.

The chemistry between Lupe and Emilio was beautifully written. Emilio didn’t overshadow her strength — instead, he complemented it and supported her in a way that felt genuine and earned, which made their relationship even more satisfying.

I don’t usually gravitate toward novellas because there often isn’t enough space to fully connect with the characters. But this one was different. Julie’s writing is so engaging and suspenseful that I felt invested right away. The pacing was tight, the tension kept building, and it was honestly hard to put down.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Discovered Facade, delving into the differences in men - one contolling and the other a protector. Liupe emerges as a women with strength and determnination and finds her inner fighter. I was surprised with the shorter length ( didnt realise it was a novella) and how much intensity the author has implmented. Fantastic read for a weekend

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was awesome seeing how Lupe became a feisty woman and a protector of all innocents.

[Linda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic novella.

Lupe fakes her death to get away from her abusive husband and returns to Mexico. She soon finds work as a typist at the docks and discovers feelings for her employer, Emilio.

What happens when her husband finds out she’s alive? Will Lupe go back to Texas with him? Or will she find a way to stand up to him?

For a novella, there was a lot packed into this story. I loved it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Discovered Facade’ was tension-filled. The pulsating plot involved fear, hurt, determination, hope, dread, a new beginning, uh oh…a blast from the past on steroids, courage, finding love, and becoming a part of something truly helpful. Additionally, Lupe, the protagonist, was a heroine who was determined to be a survivor. I kept rooting for her. Moreover, I liked the author’s vivid descriptions which created a compelling tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the captivating novella.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting this book was like peaking behind the curtain at how a secondary character became the person they were. As I read, I couldn't stop the song "Church Bells" from playing in my head. From the oilman to the poor girl, there were similarities but the ending of the book beat the song. This book contains the action we have come to expect from this series but it also was a story of second chances. The story is set at a time before computers when women had to wear skirts which gave me pause for a minute but only a minute as the story overshadowed my need for the familiar. This book is short but the author still does an amazing job of building characters who feel real and relatable. She also does a nice job of making the villain appropriately vile and rotten. The MMC was the perfect love interest for our FMC who had been hurt before.
This book checked all the boxes for me on what it takes to make a good romantic suspense. We will also see Lupe again in the future (or the past depending on the order you read the books.) I may have to go back and re-read her niece's book. If your are new to the series, this book will keep you reading. If you are like me and have read the rest of the series, this only enhances the overall tale.
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Susa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story that gives us readers valuable insight in the set-up of the Mexican Underground Railroad which will help so many people in this series!

Lupe returns to Mexico with the help of Rodrigo. She staged her death in Texas to get away from her abusive husband Antone Kincaid.
Lupe starts working at the docks as a typist for Emilio Sánchez.
The evening she’s celebrating her new job with Rodrigo and Estrella, she is followed by a car on her way home … maybe someone who does Antone’s bidding?
Emilio and Lupe develop feelings for each other, but before they will turn that into something more permanent she needs to tell him her story over dinner at his place.
The following morning Lupe gets a letter from her husband Antone, threatening her and all those who helped her disappear, so she decides to follow him back to Texas to keep all others save.
However, Lupe changes her mind and with the help of Emilio she finds her inner strength and starts to fight back!
Antone corners Lupe in Emilio’s home, but she shoots him first in the hand and then in the leg and then Emilio and Rodrigo come to her help. Emilio tells Antone to give Lupe her divorce and to never come after her, or he will ruin him and his business.
Lupe and Emilio marry and turn their hacienda into an important way-station for people in need.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of survival, loss and love found in the midst of healing.Lupe had survived her own nightmare and was working on creating a new life when she met Emilio. She was a strong, courageous woman and Emilio was a kind and compassionate man. Lupe is first introduced in book #2 of the Discovered Truth series. She is Tatiana’s aunt. I highly recommend this novella as well as the entire series.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short prequel telling the story of Lupe, a beautiful but sheltered girl and her escape from a controlling abusive man who posed as a loving partner to trap her. An action packed story of resilience, family loyalty, retribution, compassion and love. A great addition to this brilliant series.