Someone has framed Darci Tucker for embezzlement--and she's pretty sure it's her boss. The real criminal will do anything to make sure she doesn't talk, from breaking into her home to hacking her computer. Her only hope for regaining control, and protecting her young son from danger, is Conner Stevenson. Desperate for answers about his sister's sudden disappearance, Conner is determined to uncover why the bookkeeper was named a target. Now Darci and her son have become pawns in a deadly game, and as Conner races to protect them, he finds he wants more than justice. He may want a family for Christmas after all...if they live that long.
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, my resume reads as if I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is my love for writing. I currently pen fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. My books have won several awards and been nominated for two RITA® awards and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.
After spending most of my life in Florida, a few years ago, I moved to the mountains of North Carolina, where I write my stories outside on the back deck in the summertime and inside in front of the fireplace in the wintertime. When I’m not writing or doing writerly things, I enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking—almost anything outdoors. My two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for my liking, so I now pour all that nurturing into taking care of two sassy black cats.
Loved this book! The characters were great and definitely made me feel for them (I especially felt bad for Conner and what he was going through with his sister disappearing).
I liked the suspense and trying to figure out what all was going on with Darci's boss and why her life was in danger. Things definitely got crazy near the end!
The location was nice and Cedar Key seems like a neat town -- I've enjoyed both of Carol J. Post's books that I've read which took place there.
All in all, Mistletoe Justice was a great, quick read! I definitely recommend it if you like romantic suspense.
*I received a complimentary eBook Copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Mistletoe Justice is a novel by Carol J. Post. Darci Tucker is thankful she has her job at P. T. Aggregates. It provides a home for herself and her autistic son. She finally has some insurance to help with treatments Jayden needs. It is also close enough to her family that she can visit them on weekends and holidays. Her Mother can also help her with Jayden and take him to his treatments. She is not, however, thankful for her boss, Mr. Wiggins. He is antagonistic and mean and micromanages everything at the plant. She wonders why the owner hired him; but she knew he was making money. One Friday evening, she left her phone at her desk and went back to get it. Thankfully, she had keys to the building. When she got there, she noticed Mr. Wiggins’ car was there with another one. Hopefully, she could sneak in and get her phone and be gone without running into him and getting yelled at. Instead, she overhears something suspicious and doesn’t want to be found. When she hears her name, she deliberately listens only to hear a threat on her life. What is she to do now? Who would believe her? Conner Stevenson had taken a job working on machines at P. T. Aggregates to see if he could find anything out about his missing sister. The last he had heard, she was on her way over to see him and had found out something that scared her. Then, she disappeared. The police thought she had just run off like she had been doing since she was sixteen. Conner thought otherwise. She was clean and was making a definite attempt to be a mother to her son Kyle. She was even going to church with him. He was sure something was wrong and she didn’t voluntarily run off. Now he needs a break. When Darci and Conner join forces, the menace becomes stronger. What is going on and how will it affect them? What will happen to Kyle and Jayden?
Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway
I love these to read these books after I've read something really heavy. "Mistletoe Justice" didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the development of the characters and the relationships between the characters. Darci knows that she is being set up to take the fall at work. She doesn't know what she'll be accused of, but she knows that something bad is coming. Conner works as a mechanic on the big equipment at the same place. We learn that he is there because his sister had Darci's job before she disappeared...
3.5 stars This is the first book I've read from this author, and I enjoyed her writing style. Just enough blend of romance and suspense/mystery. I liked the characters and the story setup. This book had more of a spiritual/religious aspect to it than I normally read, but just enough to let you know of the characters' faith in the power of prayer, and not trying to push any type of religion. A quick, enjoyable read with likable characters that takes place during the Christmas season and has a suspenseful storyline. I would try this author again.
I liked the book, and would probably read another by this author. My only problem with it was unfortunately a big part of the premise of the book, which made the whole book a little hard to believe. I couldn't understand why Darci wouldn't let her police friend officially open a case, like he wanted to. It seemed to me that if she went to the police first, it would give her a stronger position once whatever her boss was setting her up for came out. Especially once she found out that the person in her job before her disappeared, why did she still think that she - with no training or experience - could do a better job finding out what had happened than the police? Yes, she didn't want to go to jail and not be able to raise her son, but wouldn't it be even harder to raise her son if she disappeared or died?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Darci Tucker thinks someone is trying to frame her for embezzling money from her work. Unfortunately she thinks it's her boss and he is doing a good job of it. Will she figure a way to prove she is innocent and find out what he is up too? Conner Stevenson is looking for answers in the disappear of his sister who used to work where Darci does. Will Darci and Conner work together and figure out what is going on behind the scenes? Or will they get caught in the crossfire!
The story is a good concept and exciting, but I did get tired of her not going to the police for help, especially when she has a friend who is a cop. A good book anyway.
I enjoyed reconnecting with Darci and her son Jayden, who were introduced in Shattered Haven. Conner's desire for justice for his sister made the two of them working together logical. I liked how they handled things with Conner's nephew, Kyle. The pacing was good, and the twists well-foreshadowed.
This novel is swift and fun but requires a massive amount of suspension of disbelief. The heroine, Darci, realizes very early in the story that her boss has begun framing her for his illegal activities. She decides the best course of action is to...
...give him plenty of time to do a thorough job of it. She could, of course, call the police before he has time to destroy and invent evidence, but chooses not to because of *reasons*. So, the premise is frustrating but the execution is good. The characters are likeable, the romance feels organic, and the plot barrels along on sparse, but engaging prose.
The Christian thread in this book is sneaky—I certainly didn’t see it coming. When the heroine first thinks of God, the reader thinks it’s in the throwaway fashion that lots of humans do, without any particular piety attached to it.
The female lead has had a child out of wedlock (at least that’s what we infer; when her ex shows up, her never states that he’s her husband only that the child is his). So we know that she’s already a sinner. But who cares about that in modern romances? The novel’s main concerns would seem to be the importance of family and the nature of the criminal net that is slowly but surely closing around Darci because of a corrupt boss. However, when belief in the Almighty becomes a reoccurring theme in a book, then you figure that this is a big deal.
The criminal plot is actually engrossing, the tension mounting credibly. The danger seems very real, unlike such plots I’ve read in other recent romance novels. However, the religious subplot is distracting and rather slipshod, manifesting itself in Darci’s nature by more of a boundless optimism than anything else.
So is she a sinner? Is Darci to be condemned for her relationship with the charming but useless rascal Doug, the man who caused her to move from her religious groundings? But, if she hadn’t been with Doug, she wouldn’t have had her child Jayden, whom she cherishes with a mother’s fierce love. Is Connor a sinner because he’s a fornicator? But, if he hadn’t slept with Nikki, a casual fling of his who remained a staunch friend after their affair, he wouldn’t have been able to call on her for crucial help with Darci.
The book neatly dodges such conundrums, which is odd, given Darci’s unshakable belief that God is watching out for her. There is no room for philosophizing in a romance novel with supposedly a Christian message. The closest the book gets to reinforcing the importance of such values are the reiteration of prayers and the chasteness of the two romantic leads who never have sex with each other during the course of its story.
If you don’t mind religiosity mixed up with your romance, this book’s inclusion of the godly element is light enough to be inoffensive. If you want the usual steamy sex that you expect with current Harlequin offerings, best to forego it and look elsewhere.
Carol Post has become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. In her newest book, she delivers a powerful story that will grip you from the start. Get ready for a ride that you will never forget in this super charged action packed book.
Darci Tucker has found a new job at a company working in accounting. She really likes her job and the medical insurance it provides. Her son is autistic and with the insurance she is able to get him the care he needs. Her quaint and stable life is about to turn ugly when she discovers that she is being set up for embezzlement. Who is behind this plot to make her the fall guy?
Conner works at the same company as Darci, and has an agenda of his own. It seems while his sister worked for the company, she disappeared without a trace leaving behind a son. Did she find out something about the company that put her in danger? I loved when Darci tells Conner, "We can always find something to be thankful for if we look hard enough." Even in the midst of turmoil, Darci is able to rely on her faith and trust that something good will come to those that believe.
When Darci and Conner team up to uncover the mystery they find themselves in danger. Someone wants to keep them silent and the story takes off on a thrill ride of twists and turns. Someone from Darci's past shows up to cause chaos. Who is this person and why do they want revenge? The book is very well written with dynamic characters that add depth to the story. Carol knows how to weave a story that makes you heart race as she cleverly makes the story come to life with vivid details. The ending is a powder keg of action that will have you guessing till the end. This is a must read for all fans of romantic suspense and those looking for a great story of greed , deception and trust.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
The third book in the series we now get to enjoy Darci's story. Darci used to be the owner of Darci's Collectibles and Gifts before selling out to Meagan, one of the main characters in Book 2, Hidden Identity. Meagan is now married to Hunter, a local cop, whom Darci and Conner keep in the know 'unofficially'.
Darci, a single mom to 4 year old autistic Jayden and now working for P.T. Aggregates, has left her phone at the office. When she returns to retrieve it what does she overhear between Wiggins, her boss, and another man?
Conner, the new mechanic, is the brother of Claire who used to be the accounting manager for Wiggins but suddenly disappeared a few months ago leaving behind a 7 year old son, Kyle. Conner originally thinks that Darci is somehow involved with what is going on but soon realizes that that is unlikely to be true.
Jimmy has always tried to flirt with Darci but with no success. Is he the other man Wiggins was talking to? What about the man in the gray Escalade who is tailing Darci? How does he fit into the picture? Good or bad?
This is an easy, suspenseful read. The storyline will keep you on your toes. I have to admit there were times when Connor really irritated me when he was downing himself thinking he was not good enough to be a husband or a father due to his upbringing. I felt like smacking some sense into him! Apart from that personal dislike, the book is well-written and it was certainly nice to be back in Cedar Key again. Book provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Liz
If you have read any books by Carol Post you know you are in for a treat. She always mixes the perfect amount of romance and suspense. Mistletoe Justice is a great example of the perfect recipe. This story follows Darci Tucker and Conner Stevenson as they try to figure out how deep the criminal activity in their workplace goes. Darci knew she was on to something good when she finds out she is being framed for embezzlement. Little did they know, the ones that are framing her, just make her want to dig deeper. The only way out of this mess is for Darci and Conner to figure out what is going on before it’s too late. Conner has an interest in finding out what is going on, and as he gets to know Darci it becomes even more important to him. Can they untangle the lies and discover the truth before someone gets killed?
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Romance and Suspense. I loved getting to know Darci and Conner and their families and know you will as well. This is the perfect book to cuddle up under a blanket with a warm cup of coffee or tea and travel to another place. Mistletoe Justice is a great suspenseful Christmas story with plenty of twists and turns. Post had me trying to figure out who was behind everything and enjoying the journey. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book really left me breathless! I've often wondered what I would do if someone framed me for a crime I didn't commit - how would I handle it?? This is the situation Darci Tucker finds herself in. It's a very scary situation. She's an accountant and her boss has framed her at work....not only that but he's likely killed before and doesn't seem to have problems about doing it again! The twists and turns this story takes, plus the non-stop action, really had me on the edge of my seat! Thankfully, Conner Stevenson is "undercover" at Darci's work and gets Darci to trust him because his sister is missing and she had the job that Darci has now! As the two of them try to stay one step ahead of Darci's boss & his thugs (trying to get evidence), you will have a hard time putting this book down! You will also have a soft spot for Conner's nephew, who is living with him while his sister is MIA, and Darci's special needs' son. Both boys were a highlight to the story for me! I enjoyed this holiday suspense in Florida! ***I was given this book by the author to give an honest review
Carol Post has just raised the level to a new high for Love Inspired Suspense. This novel has all the depth, drama, intrigue and anxiety that a full length suspense novel has. It does not have mega-multiple subplots, but is still one that will keep you awake, without the caffeine. Definitely a page turn, edge of your seat, high adrenaline story. Darci is a single mom trying to pay the bills. Just your down to earth mother of a special needs son. There is nothing about her life to make you think she would be involved in a crime. You may be second guessing your normal everyday actions and decisions during and after reading this book. Read at your own risk! Clear your calendar for the day because, if you are like me, it will be difficult to put this book down until you have read the whole thing! Exclamation points needed! i did find the title a misnomer, but it is a Christmas book. Thank you, Carol for the opportunity to read this book. I was given a free book in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own
I love Romantic Suspense and Carol Post has not disappointed. This is the first time I have read one of her books but it will by no means be the last. The story grabs you from the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Darci is in constant danger from her boss and an unidentified cohort at P. T. Aggregates where she has started a new job as the new Accounting Manager after the previous person disappeared. She and coworker Conner Stevenson are both trying to find out what is going on all the while dealing with two boys, Darci's autistic son and Conner's handful of a nephew. As they slowly fall in love and get in deeper danger you will not want to put the book down until the end. I recommend Mistletoe Justice and Carol Post. I won this book in a contest and this is my honest review.
Another thriller! And another example of God's mercy and goodness to his children. I realize it's only a story, but it's thrilling to me to know that God is as good to us in real life as we'll let him be. And I believe these stories show that. It's wonderful knowing he has given these wonderful women writers these beautiful imaginations to demonstrate His love toward us. We never know what is going to happen in life; it doesn't have to be anything as dangerous as these heroes and heroines find themselves in, but life has a way of slamming us up against a wall, and we can feel as helpless as the characters in these stories, but God will lead us even through the valley of the shadow of death we might walk through if we will listen to Him. Okay, I'll quit now before I jump up on my wagon and start preaching. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I will seek out other books by this author for several reasons. First I am not a prude, however I am glad to find an author that does not use foul language or have crude sexual content. This book starts out with the mystery immediately instead of developing it slowly. So you get the hook from the beginning. You know from the main character (Darci) that there is something illegal occurring where she has just been hired. I also appreciate the authors use of Darci's son having autism and does so realistically. The romance between Darci and Connor is developed in a way that you are rooting for their romance. I will read this author again and I highly recommend this book.
Phew! Expelling a deep breath as I try to figure out what to say. Sinister simmers in every scene. No flying bullets or face to face combat...at least to start. It's more subtle than that. Just the hint of lurking danger and something going very, very wrong. The tension builds with every page. The kind of cloak and dagger stuff that raises the stakes higher and higher. Suddenly it isn't just about Darci -- her family is endangered too. She's desperate to prove her innocence and put her life back together. Conner is just as determined to help her. The unlikely duo draw closer in their fight for justice. An exceptional romantic suspense that will hold you spellbound until the very last page.
A strong sense of danger, a masterful setup and unexpected twists at the end combine to make this a holiday read that will have you turning pages late into the evening" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK!).
I always enjoy this author's books, and somehow had missed reading this one. Great read with a lot of suspense, and made all the better with the inclusion of 2 very different little boys