Torn between her old boyfriend and her new love, reporter Jenessa Jones begins to doubt her true feelings. Meanwhile, when she’s pulled into an old case involving sex, lies, and murder, she can’t help but follow the story. But someone doesn’t want her poking around and he’s willing to kill her to stop the story.
Debra Burroughs writes with intensity and power. Her characters are rich and the stories are full of compelling suspense and real romance. She can be found, most days, sitting in front of her computer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, dreaming up and writing about strong women, their relationships with men (good and bad), involved in exciting, mysterious, and romantic situations.
This is the first book I've read in this series but I didn't have any problems getting into the story. Jenessa becomes interested in a twenty year old accidental death under mysterious circumstances and proceeds to investigate to find out what really happened. Jenessa uncovers secrets that lead to threatening calls and attempts on her life. Meanwhile Jenessa is torn between her police detective boyfriend and her girlhood love.
I have all of this author's books, Love her writing, I can get involved in the story line.
Boat house secret will grab you and keep involved from page 1 to the last page..Don't Delay get this newest book today, then get comfortable and settle in for a delightful read...with all kinds of twists and surprises...
I love historical events like this. Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
There are "spoilers" here but I really don't think any reader will be surprised by much in this book. I gave it 2 stars for the mystery part...the rest of the book was so predictable it was such a joke. And the fact that Logan doesn't even know the birthdates of his "nephew" is so stupid (okay maybe not the exact date, he's a guy after all, but the month at least!) Such a coincidence! His girlfriend and his cousin having a baby around the same time! It was such an easy mystery to solve, how could the police not have solved it! And in reality there was more than one person who contributed to the murder. Who should be punished for it? The hit and run just nailed the coffin shut on who the author decided to pin the murder on. That scenario was not even necessary except to have the story come to an end. And it seems to me that the person should get off, because ultimately another person caused Nick's demise. All in all, a light read but get ready to snort in disgust that you can figure out just about everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A great mystery with romance throughout. In previous books Janessa Jones returns to Hidden Valley and becomes involved with Det. Micharl Baxter, a former high school friend. Janessa hears of a 20-year old drowning which was ruled an accident, but Det. Baxter's partner, Det. Provenza, was never convinced it was an accident.
As Janessa becomes involved in a journalist investigation of the case, she begins to get threats to cease her investigation. Ultimately she solves the crime and discovers that she still has feelings for Logan Alexander, a boyfriend from high school with whom she had a child who was given up for adoption. Additionally, positive leads become available as to the whereabouts of their son.
A fast paced read, good story line and good mystery. Can be read as a stand alone, but better if read in order.
I thought that the author did a bad job with this book. The romance part didnt make any sense. Why was it ok for jenessa to betray michael even after logan had betrayed her? Logan was portrayed as a sleaze the whole series until jenessa decided to pick him, it didnt make any sense. The author took a story that was good and made it unbelivable. To me the way she handled michael made jenssa look really bad and heartless. Her getting her son back after he was adopted was to much to belive. Jenessa was to wishy washy about michael and logan and it made her character look very bad.
This is third in the series. The main character is Jenessa, a reporter for the town newspaper. The 20 year anniversary of the death of the mayor son is coming up and the ruling of accidental death has never felt right to the town cop who worked it back then. Jenessa editor wants a story to keep the readers buying papers, so Jenessa looks into the cold case. She isn't finding much but suddenly gets threats to quit looking now. Can she figure it out before someone is killed ? Loved this book.
When a twenty year old accidental drowning becomes a murder you known Jenessa Jones will be in the middle of it. Even after getting phone threats about leaving the death alone she still digs. The controversy between both her now boyfriend Michael Baxter and her teen-age boyfriend Logan Alexander trying to pull her two different directions is driving Jen crazy. When she finds out who her adopted son is kind boggling. Finding out who did the teen-age boy in all those years ago is a great whodunit.
Jenessa digs into another cold case, putting herself in danger and stirring up issues among the important families in town. This story seems to connect emotionally more than the first two, and eventually leads to a satisfying conclusion. The plot twists and turns as witnesses come out of the woodwork and suspects abound. The book has just the right balance between romance and investigation, making it very entertaining.
A weak three stars. The ending was especially bad. We were on a two-star trajectory like in book one, but the story drove itself into a wall to end things abruptly, so it didn’t make me quite angry enough to deduct another star.
The good news is that Michael, Sara, and Jake can have a happily ever after. Poor Logan, though, gets stuck with the unlikable heroin. I actually feel pretty bad for Logan now, but it’s his own damn fault.
This was a story I could not put down. Once I started reading it caught my attention. The suspense n the morals between the characters was so believable, also the hardship of believing in oneself to do what had to be done made Jenessa a real person and the author made sure that what she went through so real I had to feel sorry for her til she decided her own love for the rest of her life.
After slogging through a third of the book, I almost gave up. But, I cheated and skimmed through the rest. This was a Kindle freebie. I'd read the first one and thought it was okay. I skipped #2 (glad I did 😊). I was so tired of Jenessa's love life and of all the unnecessary rambling, but I don't like to not finish a book. I got all the main points by skimming the rest.
I loved the book but a little sad at the ending. Vanessa takes on a cold case where a supposed drowning turns into something else. There are so many twists and turns and romances sprouting and fai!ing. Good read and could not put it down to see who was with who at the end.
The boxed set of three novels was a free download. I didn’t realize I had already read the first in this series and rated it a solid meh. The next two are of similar quality. Mildly entertaining, though, and each one is short. I probably should avoid novels with reporters as a main character. They rarely are portrayed correctly.
What a wonderful family story with lots of characters who are related grew up in the small town and each have secrets. Jenessa is returning to her hometown with secrets. This story kept reader.on her toes while Jenessa solved a twenty year old crime. Will continue following this talented author
Thoroughly enjoyable read... A mixture of romance old and new, a cold case murder, child adoption, family assault... As the local journalist unravels the old murder, the it twist and turns, and with attempts on her own life to silence her, keeps you guessing right to the last couple of chapters. Looking forward to reading more in the series 😊
The third book in the series is every bit as good as the fast two. The progression of the characters is perfect. I feel like I am reading about friends and can't wait to read The Gate House Secret. Debra has become one of my favourite authors.
I just love this series. The mysteries that she solves are so engrossing that I can't seem to put it down. That's why I like this so much, it draws you into the lives of all the characters involved. Looking forward to reading the next one to see what mystery Jen solves this time. And whose family it includes
This was a free read but the story line was right up my alley. It was good from the start and I enjoy it all the way through to the end. Sometimes a bit predictable but still very much enjoyable. I would recommend this to everyone who just wants an easy entertaining read.
This was a really well written book. It was easy to follow and everything just seemed to make sense. With some mystery stories nothing seems to make sense until the very end. I loved the characters and the story. It had just the right amount of romance to keep the story interesting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Jessica was attracted to two men. Trying to solve a 20 year old death case, people are opening up to her and as she gets more information things become dangerous. There was so much going on 20 years ago that made it quite challenging to figure everything out and Jessica needed to choose only one man. Good clean read.
Jenessa Jones is my hero. She’s tough as nails. She loves so hard. She has an inner drive that never lets up.
I love how the author continually finds a way to keep me from putting this book down. I’m three books in to the series without a break. There is no greater compliment than that.
I love these books. Mystery, love and suspense. Something I don't have to wrap in plain brown paper to read. No foul language. Thank you for the simple enjoyment of a good story.
Twenty year ago a young man died at Lake Jonas. Mayor and Mrs. Evans did not believe that their son accidentally drowned at a lake house party. As investigator, Jenesa, reopens the case things take several twists and turns. Read to see who did it.
This book has an unsolved murder of long ago mixed with a complicated list of characters with romantic ties. It includes twists and turns along the way and is a nice easy read.
I didn't read the first two books in the series but I don't think it was necessary to enjoy this book. This book stands on its own. It had a nice mix of characters, romance, mystery and suspense. No strong language or overt sex should appeal to many readers.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were intertwined very well which made this book more realistic for me. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with added romance!
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. Lots of twists and turns to keep me interested. The characters intertwined well with one another and the story flowed smoothly.
Good continuation of the story as the characters become more involved and the mysteries keep unraveling. Enjoyed this book as well as the first two and look forward to the fourth.