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Pacific Coast Private Eyes #2
Seaside Secrets
A chaplain in the line of fire has her faith and a never-say-die friend on her side in this non-stop thrill ride from the USA Today–bestselling author.Navy chaplain Angela Gallagher wants to put the past behind her, but she’s still haunted by the wartime death of her assistant. So when his brother claims he’s in danger and pleads for her to use her family’s private detective company’s resources to help him stay alive, she can’t turn him down. But someone will stop at nothing—even murder—to keep her from revealing their secrets. She’ll have to depend on a military colleague to keep her head above water. Dr. Dan Blackwater was in the field with her when her assistant died, and he’s determined to keep her safe. Can they sift through the web of lies to find the truth without losing their lives?Pacific Coast Private Sisters fighting crime“Will certainly appeal to those who enjoy outdoor adventures . . . a suspense novel with shady characters, violence and misdirection along the way.” —Fresh Fiction
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
86 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Dana Mentink
205 books2,220 followersUSA TODAY bestseller Dana Mentink enjoys writing in many different capacities. She currently writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
Dana is the recipient of a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, two ACFW Carol Awards as well as a Holt Medallion.
Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her via her website at www.danamentink.com. and be sure to follow her on Bookbub!
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/dana-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 21, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. Let me start off by saying I found the characters ok, but I did not connect fully with any of the characters. I loved that this book was full of action, but I felt that the storyline did not fully come together. I just wanted a little more from this book.
May 7, 2016
Seaside Secrets was a truly action-packed story full of tense situations and uncertainty. The author did a great job of creating a scenario where it was impossible for the main characters, Angela and Dan, to know who they could trust.
This book is the second book in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. It was fun to see the main character from book one show up in book two, however, this book stands alone fine and the author does a good job of filling in a few details for anyone who did not read Dangerous Tidings.
Seaside Secrets dealt with the issue of PTSD and I thought that it was handled well. It was interesting to see how Angela struggled with everything that was happening in the book while also dealing with PTSD. It even impacted the potential relationship between Angela and Dan.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
This book is the second book in the Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. It was fun to see the main character from book one show up in book two, however, this book stands alone fine and the author does a good job of filling in a few details for anyone who did not read Dangerous Tidings.
Seaside Secrets dealt with the issue of PTSD and I thought that it was handled well. It was interesting to see how Angela struggled with everything that was happening in the book while also dealing with PTSD. It even impacted the potential relationship between Angela and Dan.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
August 26, 2019
Seaside Secrets was just an okay read. I didn't love it. In fact, I found myself bored with the story most of the time. The characters just didn't intrigue me and I never felt connected to them. All in all, not a story for me.
*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.*
*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.*
December 7, 2016
3.75 stars
I didn't like it as well as the previous one—it took me several chapters to really "connect" with Angela and Dan, but the crime was very interesting, and by the end of the book, I'd connected quite well enough to be rooting for the characters and be ready to round it up to four stars.
I liked the strong references to God and what faith could do to heal a person. It was also fun to see some of Donna and Marco from book one.
I didn't like it as well as the previous one—it took me several chapters to really "connect" with Angela and Dan, but the crime was very interesting, and by the end of the book, I'd connected quite well enough to be rooting for the characters and be ready to round it up to four stars.
I liked the strong references to God and what faith could do to heal a person. It was also fun to see some of Donna and Marco from book one.
May 4, 2016
Explosions, Mayhem, Dark Secrets, Deceit, Murder…this
is a power packed with emotion, a engaging plot plus
many twists and turns!!!
Angela Gallagher, a Chaplain who served in Afghanistan is
on medical leave suffering from Post Traumatic Stress
Syndrome. She is contacted by the brother of her dead
assistant. She owes the dead assistant her live as he died
taking a bullet by stepping in front of her. The brother
requests Angela to use her family's private detective
company's resources to help him stay alive. So off she goes
to help him.
She runs into Dr Dan Blackwell who she knows from
Afghanistan. Dan is on leave from the hospital where he
works due to suffering from a hand wound. Dan also suffers
from PTSD.
They combine forces along with several members of her
family’s detective company to go up against dangerous
illegal activities.
The characters are well developed, very realistic and very
interesting. The tension was thick with plenty of suspense
great chills, thrills with unexpected twists.
It is a story showing how you need to learn to break free
of the past and be willing to walk into the future.
There is a powerful message of God's forgiveness and
love if we turn to Him.
Seaside Secrets is the second book in the Pacific Coast
Private Eyes Series.
The story is a real page turner!!!
is a power packed with emotion, a engaging plot plus
many twists and turns!!!
Angela Gallagher, a Chaplain who served in Afghanistan is
on medical leave suffering from Post Traumatic Stress
Syndrome. She is contacted by the brother of her dead
assistant. She owes the dead assistant her live as he died
taking a bullet by stepping in front of her. The brother
requests Angela to use her family's private detective
company's resources to help him stay alive. So off she goes
to help him.
She runs into Dr Dan Blackwell who she knows from
Afghanistan. Dan is on leave from the hospital where he
works due to suffering from a hand wound. Dan also suffers
from PTSD.
They combine forces along with several members of her
family’s detective company to go up against dangerous
illegal activities.
The characters are well developed, very realistic and very
interesting. The tension was thick with plenty of suspense
great chills, thrills with unexpected twists.
It is a story showing how you need to learn to break free
of the past and be willing to walk into the future.
There is a powerful message of God's forgiveness and
love if we turn to Him.
Seaside Secrets is the second book in the Pacific Coast
Private Eyes Series.
The story is a real page turner!!!
August 17, 2016
This is second in a series but I hadn't read the first and got on fine. The interesting characters include a heroine who is a navy chaplain and has had challenging experiences on the war scene; and a hero who has quite severe PTSD as a result of his own wartime troubles. Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey is the scenic location, and we get up to our knees in cold water, hole up in a lighthouse and shrink away from the cliff edge, all vividly realised.
The romance is understated, both because of the suspenseful actions taking place at regular intervals, and the difficulty the two people have in coming to terms with their past experiences and being brave enough to move forward. Anyone interested in psychology of stress would probably like a read, or those who want characters with more depth than the usual.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley for an unbiased review.
The romance is understated, both because of the suspenseful actions taking place at regular intervals, and the difficulty the two people have in coming to terms with their past experiences and being brave enough to move forward. Anyone interested in psychology of stress would probably like a read, or those who want characters with more depth than the usual.
I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley for an unbiased review.
May 3, 2016
Seaside Secrets ( Pacific Coast Private Eyes )
By: Dana Mentink
Seaside Secrets is book two on Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. The author had me hooked right from the start and did not let go till the end. she weaves us action and suspense through out the book. The characters were so real it was as if I was right there with them. There was times I caught myself holding my breath. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. Even though this is book two in the series you can read it as a stand-a-lone and you will be ok . Macy Chaplain Angela returns home from Afghanistan . Dr. Dan Blackwell worked side by side with Angela. They both are dealing with issues.
I was given a contemporary copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
By: Dana Mentink
Seaside Secrets is book two on Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. The author had me hooked right from the start and did not let go till the end. she weaves us action and suspense through out the book. The characters were so real it was as if I was right there with them. There was times I caught myself holding my breath. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. Even though this is book two in the series you can read it as a stand-a-lone and you will be ok . Macy Chaplain Angela returns home from Afghanistan . Dr. Dan Blackwell worked side by side with Angela. They both are dealing with issues.
I was given a contemporary copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
May 1, 2016
Seaside Secrets is book two in The Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. I absolutely loved the first in the series and now this book. Author Dana Mentink grabs your attention from page one. This book is jam packed full of suspense, action, and adventure. There are so many things to love about this book! First and foremost is the message that God never leaves us and is patient. Through everything never give up because he never gives up on us.
In this book Angela(Angie) Gallagher is a Navy Chaplain currently on leave after the tragic death of her friend and assistant Julio. He died protecting her and she is holding on tight to the enormous guilt. She suddenly gets a cryptic message from Tank Guzman who is Julio's identical twin brother saying that he needs her help. So she doesn't hesitate to drive from Coronado to Monterey (Cobalt Cove) only problem she ends up at a festival that is very loud and starts to affect her anxiety and PTSD. Then she overhears a woman mention Tank's name and not to meet with her? What is going on??? She is now even more determined to find out where Tank is and what is going on. That is until the person on the phone pulls a knife on her and tells her to mind her own business.
She ends up running into a ghost from her war days, Dr. Dan Blackwell who tried to save Julio. He knows what Angie is going through and wants to keep her safe especially after the person pulls a knife and their car blows up! Angie ends up taking off! Where could she be??? He ends up finding her on the beach crying and shaking, everything is coming back to her ten fold because of her PTSD. She thinks God is not listening anymore and just can't pray. Dan tries to reassure her that God is patient and is still with her. If a knife and a blown up car isn't enough Tank meets with them and tells them someone is trying to kill him? And everyone thought Cobalt Cove was a quiet place. Adventure, mystery and a multitude of suspects start coming out of the wood work. They are at a loss about who to trust in this small town. She ends up calling in some help, Marco and her sister Donna from the PI group.
What have they gotten themselves into and how are they going to get out before someone they care about gets hurt???
You will be on the edge of your seat throughout this book. Who,what,when,where, and why will have you second guessing everyone.
In this book Angela(Angie) Gallagher is a Navy Chaplain currently on leave after the tragic death of her friend and assistant Julio. He died protecting her and she is holding on tight to the enormous guilt. She suddenly gets a cryptic message from Tank Guzman who is Julio's identical twin brother saying that he needs her help. So she doesn't hesitate to drive from Coronado to Monterey (Cobalt Cove) only problem she ends up at a festival that is very loud and starts to affect her anxiety and PTSD. Then she overhears a woman mention Tank's name and not to meet with her? What is going on??? She is now even more determined to find out where Tank is and what is going on. That is until the person on the phone pulls a knife on her and tells her to mind her own business.
She ends up running into a ghost from her war days, Dr. Dan Blackwell who tried to save Julio. He knows what Angie is going through and wants to keep her safe especially after the person pulls a knife and their car blows up! Angie ends up taking off! Where could she be??? He ends up finding her on the beach crying and shaking, everything is coming back to her ten fold because of her PTSD. She thinks God is not listening anymore and just can't pray. Dan tries to reassure her that God is patient and is still with her. If a knife and a blown up car isn't enough Tank meets with them and tells them someone is trying to kill him? And everyone thought Cobalt Cove was a quiet place. Adventure, mystery and a multitude of suspects start coming out of the wood work. They are at a loss about who to trust in this small town. She ends up calling in some help, Marco and her sister Donna from the PI group.
What have they gotten themselves into and how are they going to get out before someone they care about gets hurt???
You will be on the edge of your seat throughout this book. Who,what,when,where, and why will have you second guessing everyone.
July 5, 2016
Seaside Secrets explodes with action from the very first chapter and the fast-paced, high-stakes tension continues through the entire book. There’s also a nice balance of delicious romance, authentic emotional struggles, and a message of hope and courage – as well as a few moments of humor to let your shoulders relax just a tad.
I really liked the characters in Seaside Secrets, the secondary as well as the main. Jeb is hysterical – and his service dog is a sweetheart. Marco and Donna (from Dangerous Tidings) are equally fun, and I found myself grinning frequently at Donna’s feistiness. On top of these, a whole slew of compelling secondary and tertiary characters kept me engaged and trying to figure out whodunit… and what “it” is that the “who” has done. (lol)
Dan and Angela make a great team, and their separate personal battles made them even more relatable. In particular, I found Angela’s fight against PTSD and her struggle to find her footing with God again to be written especially well and with great insight and sensitivity. Some very touching conversations – with her sister and with Dan – have their roots in this battle. It’s a battle that attacks Angela physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and it will be meaningful to anyone else fighting an attack against all fronts, whether it be PTSD or health issues or a broken heart.
Intriguing, action-packed, and compelling, Seaside Secrets belongs on your must-read list! The plot never lags, and the characters set up camp in your heart. Bits of humor mingle with poignant moments and intense drama as well as heart-fluttering romance, achieving the ideal tone for a great romantic suspense. While Seaside Secrets is the second in a series, Dana Mentink has written it well as a stand alone too. To be honest, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this story or these characters and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series – due out later this year – in hopes of catching another glimpse of them.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
I really liked the characters in Seaside Secrets, the secondary as well as the main. Jeb is hysterical – and his service dog is a sweetheart. Marco and Donna (from Dangerous Tidings) are equally fun, and I found myself grinning frequently at Donna’s feistiness. On top of these, a whole slew of compelling secondary and tertiary characters kept me engaged and trying to figure out whodunit… and what “it” is that the “who” has done. (lol)
Dan and Angela make a great team, and their separate personal battles made them even more relatable. In particular, I found Angela’s fight against PTSD and her struggle to find her footing with God again to be written especially well and with great insight and sensitivity. Some very touching conversations – with her sister and with Dan – have their roots in this battle. It’s a battle that attacks Angela physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and it will be meaningful to anyone else fighting an attack against all fronts, whether it be PTSD or health issues or a broken heart.
Intriguing, action-packed, and compelling, Seaside Secrets belongs on your must-read list! The plot never lags, and the characters set up camp in your heart. Bits of humor mingle with poignant moments and intense drama as well as heart-fluttering romance, achieving the ideal tone for a great romantic suspense. While Seaside Secrets is the second in a series, Dana Mentink has written it well as a stand alone too. To be honest, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this story or these characters and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series – due out later this year – in hopes of catching another glimpse of them.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 14, 2016
From the first page to the last, the book had me hooked! I will try not to give any spoilers but the action was non-stop! Dana knows how to keep the readers interest! There is certainly no "boring spots"!! The fast pace kept up through the entire book. My only problem was having to put it down to do other important things around my house! We meet new characters that are added to previous characters from the previous book but if you didn't read that book, not to worry, you will have no problem understanding this book! It's in a totally different location and focuses on Angela, who we only briefly met in the first book of the series. While the book's theme focuses on Angela's PTSD, it is not overwhelming. It is a serious problem with our veterans and Dana handled it honorably! Angela is a Navy chaplain who has returned from Afghanistan and while dealing with PTSD, receives a call for help from the brother (Tank) of a man who was killed while protecting her in Afghanistan. Of course she can't ignore it so she goes up the coast of Calif. to meet him but so many dangerous events being to happen and she's thrust into a situation that goes out of control! Dr. Dan Blackwell, who also served in Afghanistan with Angela lives in the town where Angela is caught up in this dangerous situation. They join forces to try to discover what is going on with Tank and suddenly, so many others! It's a fantastic book and one I would recommend!
April 28, 2016
I just finished Seaside Secrets by Dana Mentink and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is book 2 in her Pacific Coast Private Eyes series. I love a good suspense novel and this one certainly fit the bill for me!
A great mystery, one I never thought of, was the plot. It will surely keep the reader guessing, even when they think they know the culprit. (s)
Navy chaplain Angela Gallagher wants to put the past behind her. She is still haunted by a war time death of her assistant, who sacrificed his life for hers. She can't even function in her role as a chaplain and has been put on leave. This soldier's brother needs her help, so she tries to help, using her family's private investigative company's skills. It soon becomes clear, however, that someone will stop at nothing, even murder, to keep their secrets revealed.
Dr. Dan Blackwater was in the field in the war with Angela and he wants to keep her safe, but there is so much going on, it's hard to keep them both safe!
I loved these characters, especially Dan's. They seemed so real to me. And the suspense was awesome. There is no let up, the book moves along so fast, that I finished it in a day! I highly recommend it. And there are more to come in this series, too!
*I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
A great mystery, one I never thought of, was the plot. It will surely keep the reader guessing, even when they think they know the culprit. (s)
Navy chaplain Angela Gallagher wants to put the past behind her. She is still haunted by a war time death of her assistant, who sacrificed his life for hers. She can't even function in her role as a chaplain and has been put on leave. This soldier's brother needs her help, so she tries to help, using her family's private investigative company's skills. It soon becomes clear, however, that someone will stop at nothing, even murder, to keep their secrets revealed.
Dr. Dan Blackwater was in the field in the war with Angela and he wants to keep her safe, but there is so much going on, it's hard to keep them both safe!
I loved these characters, especially Dan's. They seemed so real to me. And the suspense was awesome. There is no let up, the book moves along so fast, that I finished it in a day! I highly recommend it. And there are more to come in this series, too!
*I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
May 2, 2016
Is she just being paranoid, or did a stranger just call her by name?
Navy Chaplain Angela Gallagher is trying to make amends, having never recovered from the death of a co-worker who died saving her life, and now his brother needs her help. On leave from her chaplaincy due to recurring panic attacks, Angela's path crosses that of another wounded warrior, Dr. Dan Blackwell. Dan is also taking a break from surgical medicine, still experiencing deep regrets over the lives that he was unable to save on the battlefield.
When Angela inadvertently pulls Dan in on what turns out to be a complicated crime wave, they form a tenuous partnership, beside a beautiful California seaside couching secrets beyond explanation. Expect a story that moves at top speed while Dan and Angela race to save lives, expose criminal activity, and rediscover faith ; all while attempting to ignore any semblance of a future.
It was my pleasure to receive a copy of this book from the author in return for my honest opinion.
Navy Chaplain Angela Gallagher is trying to make amends, having never recovered from the death of a co-worker who died saving her life, and now his brother needs her help. On leave from her chaplaincy due to recurring panic attacks, Angela's path crosses that of another wounded warrior, Dr. Dan Blackwell. Dan is also taking a break from surgical medicine, still experiencing deep regrets over the lives that he was unable to save on the battlefield.
When Angela inadvertently pulls Dan in on what turns out to be a complicated crime wave, they form a tenuous partnership, beside a beautiful California seaside couching secrets beyond explanation. Expect a story that moves at top speed while Dan and Angela race to save lives, expose criminal activity, and rediscover faith ; all while attempting to ignore any semblance of a future.
It was my pleasure to receive a copy of this book from the author in return for my honest opinion.
May 11, 2016
Faith is front and centre in this page-turning suspense. Angela's struggles are so raw and honest and I appreciated sharing that journey with her. Plagued by wartime tragedy, she's off kilter, unable to completely trust herself...or her God...any more. There are some poignant scenes that touched my heart and bring depth to an already engaging read.
Mentink knows how to pull together an intriguing suspense. There's a host of interesting secondary characters and it took all my armchair sleuthing experience to figure things out....well, I got some of it right anyway. :-) Love it when I have to work as hard as the hero and heroine to bring the villains to justice.
And speaking of Dan and Angela -- phew -- an emotional romance that seems doomed from the start. Loved their angst-riddled meandering path towards a happily-ever after and Mentink makes them work for every moment.
A blissfully satisfying read that is sure to thrill romantic suspense lovers.
Mentink knows how to pull together an intriguing suspense. There's a host of interesting secondary characters and it took all my armchair sleuthing experience to figure things out....well, I got some of it right anyway. :-) Love it when I have to work as hard as the hero and heroine to bring the villains to justice.
And speaking of Dan and Angela -- phew -- an emotional romance that seems doomed from the start. Loved their angst-riddled meandering path towards a happily-ever after and Mentink makes them work for every moment.
A blissfully satisfying read that is sure to thrill romantic suspense lovers.
May 18, 2016
So many secrets in a ckinic no one wants exposed. One does not know who to trust. Returning from war, Angela - a Navy Chaplain - and Dan - a Surgeon return from Afghanistan's war. They find si much danger they have problems adjusting. Angela battles PTSD and struggles wuth praying for others. She isn't sure she should be a Chaplain anymore. Dan struggles with whether he should be a surgeon or not. Angela struggles miving past her Assistant throwing himself in front of her and dying to save her life. Everyone struggles with their faith from time to time. I will not spoil book. You just have to read it.
May 3, 2016
Seaside secrets
This is a very suspenseful. Kept me interested from the beginning of the book to the end. Angela is one of the sisters that their dad ran a private investigator office. She was a Chaplin in the navy and is haunted by the death of her assistant during the war. The story involves a lot of characters, one of which Dan that is a doctor on medical leave. He helps Angela try to find what is going on. Lots if action, A lot of twists and turns in the story. I was given this book in exchange for a honest review. Definitely recommend it.
This is a very suspenseful. Kept me interested from the beginning of the book to the end. Angela is one of the sisters that their dad ran a private investigator office. She was a Chaplin in the navy and is haunted by the death of her assistant during the war. The story involves a lot of characters, one of which Dan that is a doctor on medical leave. He helps Angela try to find what is going on. Lots if action, A lot of twists and turns in the story. I was given this book in exchange for a honest review. Definitely recommend it.
August 16, 2025
Clean read. Inspirational romantic suspense where the main characters fall in love after two days despite their overwhelming personal emotional difficulties. Lots of introspection shared by both of them. Not my favorite.
May 17, 2016
I was blown away with this story, the message is strong, the story explosive, and filled with mystery and drama, individual destinies, and the horrible pain and fatigue, many returning service personnel feels and lives with.
The story is so well written, I inhaled it, as it kept flowing of the pages. I loved every turn and twist the plot took, and there were plenty.
Angela and Dan had that one perfect moment in time, a basketball game, of all things, before their lives took a turn, and was never the same again.
Now, on a mission, working together to solve the mysteries, I loved the teamwork they were able to accomplish, and the connection they had with each other. Even the sort of mentoring with each other, they took upon themselves, amongst the explosive, non stop, fearful action.
They both had deep wounds from their military service time. The things they had seen, experienced, and lived through, the nightmares, flashbacks, the PDST especially Angela had, it was so well written, I nearly felt the pain and torment they felt.
Dan's support and guidance, when Angela admits, she has lost her connection to God, and the ensuing words, of how He never leaves us, His patience with us, were comforting to read. The lessons of forgiveness, to ourselves, and to another was exemplary, a teaching I want to remember myself.
The story has nail-biting suspense, filled with mystery, danger, and fear, as there's the doubt, that you can't trust no one, not even those, you should run to, at the time of trouble. The human tragedies are touching, the lives and destinies, all makes you take a pause. The budding romance, the feelings Angela and Dan are developing towards each other are not only sweet, but also healing. This story is just all around an amazing tale of God's guidance, His faithfulness, forgiveness, and plan for us, and how it all works out, when it comes to our lives, while at the same time delivering thrilling suspense and action in an intriguing tale
~ Five Spoons
The story is so well written, I inhaled it, as it kept flowing of the pages. I loved every turn and twist the plot took, and there were plenty.
Angela and Dan had that one perfect moment in time, a basketball game, of all things, before their lives took a turn, and was never the same again.
Now, on a mission, working together to solve the mysteries, I loved the teamwork they were able to accomplish, and the connection they had with each other. Even the sort of mentoring with each other, they took upon themselves, amongst the explosive, non stop, fearful action.
They both had deep wounds from their military service time. The things they had seen, experienced, and lived through, the nightmares, flashbacks, the PDST especially Angela had, it was so well written, I nearly felt the pain and torment they felt.
Dan's support and guidance, when Angela admits, she has lost her connection to God, and the ensuing words, of how He never leaves us, His patience with us, were comforting to read. The lessons of forgiveness, to ourselves, and to another was exemplary, a teaching I want to remember myself.
The story has nail-biting suspense, filled with mystery, danger, and fear, as there's the doubt, that you can't trust no one, not even those, you should run to, at the time of trouble. The human tragedies are touching, the lives and destinies, all makes you take a pause. The budding romance, the feelings Angela and Dan are developing towards each other are not only sweet, but also healing. This story is just all around an amazing tale of God's guidance, His faithfulness, forgiveness, and plan for us, and how it all works out, when it comes to our lives, while at the same time delivering thrilling suspense and action in an intriguing tale
~ Five Spoons
November 9, 2017
This didn't make sense to me. Too many holes in the plot. Skimmed much of it.
Disappointed in the detective agency and
and their work too.
Disappointed in the detective agency and
and their work too.
May 30, 2017
Sorry, probably shouldn't review this. I bought the book thinking it was a mystery but discovered it was a romance. In a scene fraught with danger the handsome doctor pauses to notice that our heroine's sweater matches her eyes. Right, OK. I am also uncomfortable with a surfeit of patriotism as expressed in hero worship of vets. I am a vet. So I am willing to admit I might be off the mark on this last point. I am sure the author's other books may be nice. I couldn't finish this one.
May 21, 2025
Two military vets find love on the California Coast.
Enjoyed being with this author. Dan and Angela story was exciting from start to finish. Both had known each other before. But the harshness of war had tried to destroy them. But of them were trying to take their lives back. Dan became Angela hero and partner helping to catch evil men. In the midst they fell in love. Will read more by this author.
Enjoyed being with this author. Dan and Angela story was exciting from start to finish. Both had known each other before. But the harshness of war had tried to destroy them. But of them were trying to take their lives back. Dan became Angela hero and partner helping to catch evil men. In the midst they fell in love. Will read more by this author.
May 18, 2025
Two individuals are in crisis about their life roles. A female Navy chaplain has lost her ability to hear God and a cardiac surgeon questions his surgical skills because he cannot save everyone. Together these 2 work together to stop an organ harvesting criminal enterprise. This is a very good book that hits all the right notes.
July 13, 2025
A lot going on in this book- it was confusing for a while, and near the end, it seems author just jumped quickly to the ending without much thought. The rest of the book was slow, but the character growth happened without words, more of a “a few months later, everything was perfect and happy again.”
March 6, 2019
Verry good book. Another one added to the series. There's 2 more for me to read. I have a hunch that Marco the family friend is going to end up with one of these ladies from this family. Just don't know which one or which book.
November 5, 2025
Help for what some have to experience
I liked that this book recognized PTSD and showed how people can trust God to help them move on in their lives. For too long people with this were sidelined and just told to get over it.
I liked that this book recognized PTSD and showed how people can trust God to help them move on in their lives. For too long people with this were sidelined and just told to get over it.
December 27, 2025
This book was so good that once I started reading i just could not put it down. I loved the storyline and almost all the characters. My favorite was Dan and Angela but some of the others were good too.
check out the story I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
check out the story I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
August 18, 2020
The more I read Dana Mentink, the more I find her stories captivating! There's suspense, there is
character, there is atmosphere.
Working on getting her back list completed !
character, there is atmosphere.
Working on getting her back list completed !
June 24, 2023
Great book. If you love mystery, suspense, romance, etc you really want to read this one.
June 12, 2025
Quick easy enjoyable read.
August 22, 2025
This is a good story about a navy chaplain and a surgeon, who uncover threats and illegal activity.
May 5, 2016
Dana Mentink has done it again. Whenever I read one of her romantic suspense books I know I'm about to be taken on a fast-paced, riveting, action-packed joyride. And that's exactly what I got with Seaside Secrets.
Tank Guzman needs Angela Gallagher's help, but not the help she's accustomed to giving. As navy chaplain she's assisted many to cope with their grief, but the pain of witnessing Tank's brother's death in Kandahar, Afghanistan has her wondering if she's truly qualified to carry on that role. Julio Guzman, Tank's brother, died while trying to protect her, and the guilt she carries, along with the PTSD, finds her stepping away from her duties as chaplain and into helping with her family's detective agency in California, Pacific Coast Investigations. Tank Guzman contends that someone is trying to kill him, but his bitter attitude towards Angela because of his twin brother's dying while trying to save her, along with his checkered past, makes Angela skeptical. Perhaps he's setting her up to be harmed as revenge for his brother's death. Nevertheless, she feels that Tank is telling the truth, and an obligation to help him because of Julio. Dan Blackwater, the heart doctor who served in Afghanistan with Angela and tried but failed to save Julio's life, wants to help her get to the bottom of what's going on with Tank, but Angela wants to keep Dan at arms length because of her attraction to him, unwilling to foster a relationship while she's uncertain about her own life and future. But when a young woman, Lila Brown, narrowly escapes being blown to bits, and Angela's life is eventually threatened, she concedes to a helping hand in Dan; one that might aid her in healing, and possibly in finding someone intent on murder.
Seaside Secrets starts off at a fast pace and keeps your heart pounding until the stunning conclusion. Dana Mentink is an excellent suspense writer. I was thoroughly impressed by the revelation of why Tank Guzman was running; very creative. I loved this book and recommend it highly.
Tank Guzman needs Angela Gallagher's help, but not the help she's accustomed to giving. As navy chaplain she's assisted many to cope with their grief, but the pain of witnessing Tank's brother's death in Kandahar, Afghanistan has her wondering if she's truly qualified to carry on that role. Julio Guzman, Tank's brother, died while trying to protect her, and the guilt she carries, along with the PTSD, finds her stepping away from her duties as chaplain and into helping with her family's detective agency in California, Pacific Coast Investigations. Tank Guzman contends that someone is trying to kill him, but his bitter attitude towards Angela because of his twin brother's dying while trying to save her, along with his checkered past, makes Angela skeptical. Perhaps he's setting her up to be harmed as revenge for his brother's death. Nevertheless, she feels that Tank is telling the truth, and an obligation to help him because of Julio. Dan Blackwater, the heart doctor who served in Afghanistan with Angela and tried but failed to save Julio's life, wants to help her get to the bottom of what's going on with Tank, but Angela wants to keep Dan at arms length because of her attraction to him, unwilling to foster a relationship while she's uncertain about her own life and future. But when a young woman, Lila Brown, narrowly escapes being blown to bits, and Angela's life is eventually threatened, she concedes to a helping hand in Dan; one that might aid her in healing, and possibly in finding someone intent on murder.
Seaside Secrets starts off at a fast pace and keeps your heart pounding until the stunning conclusion. Dana Mentink is an excellent suspense writer. I was thoroughly impressed by the revelation of why Tank Guzman was running; very creative. I loved this book and recommend it highly.
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