An Alaskan widow must rely on a police chief to help find her attacker in this inspirational romantic suspense mystery by a USA Today–bestselling author.Jewel Caraway thought she’d left her mistakes in the past—but then her past arrives at her door. Though she’s thrilled to reunite with her estranged sister, something about her sister’s new husband makes Jewel uneasy. Does he know her secret? Is he the one behind the growing list of attacks against her? And if he is involved . . . does that mean her sister is, too? With nowhere else to turn, Jewel must rely on police chief Colin Winters—the first man to make the widow question her resolve to never love again. But will he stay by her side when her guarded secrets are revealed?Experience more action-packed mystery and suspense in the rest of the Mountain Cove series by Elizabeth Goddard.
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website.
Deception was action-packed right from the start and it didn’t let up til the very end! This was a very exciting story full of twists and turns, possible suspects, and hidden pasts.
I really liked Jewel and Colin. These two characters had things hanging over them that kept them feeling guilty and stopped them from being able to live their lives to the fullest. It was nice to see their journey to emotional freedom and trust in God.
There were definitely characters that I cared for and those I didn’t. It was hard for Jewel and Colin to know who could be trusted. I thought that the description of the wild Alaskan scenery was breathtaking and that it made me feel as if I was there. I especially felt awe, yet a sense of worry at being in the ice caves! A good addition to the Mountain Cove series, Deception can also be read as a stand alone novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful book!! Elizabeth Goddard brings us the sixth and last installment in the Mountain Cove series. This story has elements of mystery, suspense, faith, and romance. I was immediately drawn in from the first page. Jewel Caraway owns a B&B and has managed it single handed since her husband, Silas, was killed. Presently she is taking a few hours for herself to hike the trail around Deadman Falls with her sister and new brother-in-law. She was waiting at the agreed upon spot to meet and while gazing out at the falls suddenly feels a push then nothing but air as she starts falling. Jewel is a strong woman full of grit and determination which helps her battle to survive. Being found by SAR on the river bank with her body battered and bruised her fight to live has only started. Colin Winters is the Chief of Police in Mountain Cove and has been friends with Jewel and Silas for many years. He vows to help Jewel uncover the identity of her attacker and to go to whatever lengths necessary to protect her. I really enjoyed this story. It pulled me in quickly and kept me turning the pages. The characters are complex and endearing. The plot is fast paced and the imagery will literally bring the story to life. This story is part of a series, but for me it was definitely a stand alone story. This is a book I would recommend to anyone. *I received this book from the author for a honest review, free of bias or outside influence. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jewel was an interesting and engaging character, but I got annoyed that she kept being independent to the point of being stubborn and risking her life. She didn’t seem to “get” the idea that she should step back and let other people do their jobs in order to keep herself safer instead of going off by herself and continuing to poke around alone and in risky places. Otherwise I really enjoyed Jewel and loved the Alaska setting. It was neat to have a 40+ romance, too!
Waterfalls are my favorite in nature and this book has TWO of them, one in the beginning and one at the end. As stunning as they are to observe in nature, and in this case the Alaskan wildlife, they are also extremely dangerous.
"Part of a rainbow, transparent and fading into the mist, caught her attention. Mesmerized, Jewel stood at the edge of the rocky, moss-covered ledge that was flanked by spruce and hemlock, firs and cedars in the lush, temperate rainforest. She watched the churning at the bottom of an endless vortex that would trap anyone or anything unfortunate enough to fall. She wondered what secrets it held in its depths--then flinched at the memory of how she had buried a secret of her own and never thought about it again."
Someone is definitely after Jewel Caraway, so much so that she is trying to consider what to do with the secret she buried twenty years ago and desperately trying to figure out who to trust for help. She has a B&B to run, but the attacks won't stop and she's not sure how much her sister, Meral, really knows.
Police Chief Colin Winters taught Jewel in a self-defense class how to defend herself should she ever need it. He has even helped her learn how to handle a gun. However, Colin has his own past secrets and because of that he vows never to get close to anyone again.
I didn't have a fave character in this story, but there was definitely someone I could NOT stand....Buck, Meral's new husband. He's creepy, he's hiding something, he is sinister looking when Meral's not aware of it, and he seems to be hiding something. I felt bad for Meral, but since she married a guy she knows nothing about, it made the plot more complicated.
I suspected one person as the bad guy from the start and I was right, but there were still twists I never saw coming so the intrigue kept me fully alert until the end of the book :)
I have truly loved this series from the first book (Buried), but I think my fave one was Tailspin :) It was nice that the characters from the previous books are mentioned in this one. I also loved the scripture that is the theme of this book: Psalms 103:12, As fas as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. I always enjoy the Dear Reader at the end, get a copy of Deception and enjoy!
I want to thank the author for the review copy provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Waterfalls, Ice Caves, murder, danger, suspense, drama, intrigue, faith and love are all contained in “Deception”. Jewel Caraway owns a B&B. After being estranged from her family for many years, jewel’s sister and her new husband appear in Mountain Cove. During a hiking trip with her sister and new brother-in-law, Jewel gets separated from them. Next thing she knows she gets a shove in the back sending her falling into the waterfall!!! Colin Winters is the Chief of Police in Mountain Cove. He believes Jewel is hiding something from him but she will not share what it is. Both Jewel and Colin have to face prior horrible personal experiences. They will need to learn to trust and support each other in order to survive. The scenery is described so vividly that the reader feels like they are right there. The story is filled with many faith references and inspirational reflections. This is the sixth book in the Mountain Cove series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I find it hard to believe that Elizabeth Goddard didn't grow up in Alaska. Her descriptions of the beauty, intricacies, and uniqueness of this land are so vivid. I felt I was in the ice cave (and feeling a little chlostorophic, by the way), and getting slapped by juniper trees as I fled through the forest.
And yes, I ran right alongside Jewel Caraway. (Though my running days are long over!) I lived her panic with her, though I don't think I would have put myself in some of the questionable situations that she chose. Yikes!
I must say that Chief Winters was my favorite character in this story. His internal battle was so true to life, and he had just enough faults to make him an incredibly sympathetic character. And what a satisfying romance! The two mains were like chocolate chip cookies and milk. Every page made me anxious for their next encounter - and I was never disappointed.
I'm grateful to the author for a free copy in return for an honest review.
Deception ( Mountain Cove # 6 ) By: Elizabeth Goddard
Even though this is the sixth book in The Mountain Cove series you can read it as a -stand -alone. I love to read Elizabeth Goddard’s books, she does not disappoint me. She had me hook right at the start and did not turn me loose till the end. There were so many twist and turns that you have to hold on for your life. You feel like you are right there with them . The author weaves of action, adventure, suspense , and some romance in her novel that will keep you turning the pages and guessing till the end. The story starts off with Jewel’s life is in danger. Someone is after her . This is a mystery all through the story. Who would want Jewel dead and why. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
This book had me hooked from the start. I kept trying to figure things out but it took till the very end. A true page turner with characters that seemed real as well as a great inspirational message and theme. I hate to see this series end. Would love to see these characters again. Can't wait to read the next book by this author.
The first 3 lines drew me in & had me mesmerized! “Powerful and dangerous. Beautiful and terrorizing. Dead Man Falls was a force to be reckoned with”. From there, it was a wild ride trying to escape from someone who is after Jewel Caraway! With the help of police Chief Colin Winters, can they outrun the danger that follows them with every turn? Or is the killer in their midst already?
Mystery, mayhem, and danger lick their heels everywhere they go. It seems Jewel has a 20-year-old secret coming back to haunt her. Colin holds back due to past mistakes he feels were his fault. Is God calling them to deal with their past so that He can carve out a new future? I love how the author bases this story on Psalm 103:12; “As far as the East is from the West, so far He has removed our transgressions from us.” We’ve all made mistakes and have many regrets, but she reminds us that we can give it to the Lord and He will make it right in us. I absolutely love Elizabeth’s writing; she has all the elements I so love in a book! Suspense with many twists and turns to keep you turning the pages, spiritual lessons to be learned and applied to my own life, characters to befriend and fall in love with, all with the underlining of romance waiting in the wings! The Mountain Cove series is one not to be missed, or any of her books for that matter!
This is from the authors note in the back, I hope it encourages you as much as it did me; “If only we could know the future, there are probably many decisions we would have made differently. Though we can’t know what will happen, the good news is that we can trust God for our future, and we can also trust Him to take care of our past. Sometimes there are still repercussions, but those are easier to bear when we give the burden over to God and accept His grace. “
**I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review which I have provided here. Thank you Beth for taking me on another ride of my life and making me fall in love with your writing more! I look forward to many more future stories!**
Even though this is the sixth book in the series the actual plot is a stand-alone story. The only thing that connects it to the other books is that a number of the secondary characters in this book were main characters in previous ones. There are hints to where their lives have gone since their stories were told.
I love picking up a book by Elizabeth Goddard. I know that I’m in for a real treat. There was no disappointment for me in this one. She has once again crafted wonderful characters. Both of the main characters made appearances in previous books in the series. This time they are front and center claiming all of our attention.
The story starts off with an incredible adrenaline rush as Jewel’s life is endangered almost from the beginning. It continues its roller coaster ride through danger and brief periods of rest and contemplation. Who is after her? What is her secret and is it the reason she is in danger? Can she trust her heart and her life to Chief Colin Winters?
There were so many twists to the story that I was kept guessing how it all tied together until the very end. If you have any interest in suspense novels you won’t go wrong by picking up this wonderful book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read newer books by this author so I started checking out her older LIS Harlequin books. I love "series" books so fortunately I was able to find all of her Mountain Cove books online to read even though this is an older series (2015-2016).
This series is set in Alaska and the author did a beautiful job with the imagery of the area, along with describing the beauty and danger that can lie between the mountains.
Each book in this series has its unique story and characters but they all tied back together with some of the characters mentioned in previous books and were located in the same Mountain Cove, Alaska area.
I really enjoyed this fast paced, suspenseful, romance series and would highly recommend! I read each book in less than a day because they were so fun and easy to read.
Jewel Caraway is happy to have her estranged sister visiting after a 20 year separation. However, shortly after she and her new husband arrive, Jewel becomes the target of some malicious accidents. Police Chief Colin Winters, who “secretly” loves Jewel, vows to protect her and catch the bad guy. There was plenty of action, but half of it could have been avoided if Jewel didn't continually do stupid stuff. The villain was obvious but always seemed to not be seen. Their pasts, both Colin's and Jewel's are supposed to keep them from having a relationship, but it has been 10 years since her husband died and they can't get it together. I gave it one star for the action scenes which were suspenseful.
If only there was someone she could trust enough to share her secret - maybe then she wouldn’t be in the crosshairs. - Jewel
Get ready for an edge-of-your seat ride with this story! The action never stops from that first hike at Dead Man Falls. Is her secret so important that people should die for it, including herself, perhaps? The author keeps you guessing all the way through, ending with something completely unexpected.
You don’t want to miss this Love Inspired Suspense. The comments and impressions are my own.
This was my first book by Elizabeth Goddard, but it won't be my last. Goddard kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Her characters were well drawn and I cared what happened to them. Just when you think you've figured out the mystery there is a twist in the story. And I loved the Alaskan setting.
Deception is a fast paced, intense clean romantic suspense. The hero and heroine are likeable and easy to relate to. Murder attempts on the heroine bring out the protector in the hero. Twists in the plot keep the reader hooked. Great blend of suspense, romance and faith.
Thank you Ms. Goddard for writing such a great story. A really awesome love story and a great mystery too. The setting was just right and the characters were wonderful. Lot's of twists and turns. Will recommend to anyone.
I have not read any of the others in this series, but wow this one was amazing. Someone is trying to kill Jewel and she thinks she knows why. What follows is a game of cat and mouse that ends with the good guys winning and the bad guys going down. Really enjoyed it.
I received a copy of this book. Great Story and Wonderful Characters. Full of action and plot twists. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
This is the Last book of the Mountain Cove Series. I don't know about you but that makes me extremely sad. I have really enjoyed this series and all the characters we have met. I'm going to miss them. This book is well written, action packed, and full of twists and turns. I love Elizabeth's work; she always weaves her faith throughout the story like a tapestry. Jewel Caraway is a widow. Her husband was struck by lightening years ago. She has built up a good business in her B & B. She had been brought up in a wealthy home but was disowned when she married the wrong man. Suddenly her sister shows up with a new husband in tow. Is this a chance for reconciliation? When some one pushes her over a deadly waterfall, the Chief of Police steps in to protect her. Who could want her dead? Did this have something to do with the secret she held close to her heart? Chief of Police Colin Winters has been half in love with Jewel for years. After failing to protect the last woman he loved he has determined to never love again so he has kept his distance as much as possible. Now her life is in danger, how can he protect her when she is keeping things from him? Can he save her and keep his heart safe? A journey of two brokenhearted people trying to survive one attack after another. They must learn to trust each other but more importantly to trust God. He is the only one that can save them from this madman. God has a plan for these two and it's more than they ever dreamed. God is like that! He has a plan for you too. It's far greater than you thought possible.
This book is the 6th in the Mountain Cove series but it can be read as a stand alone. Even though there are characters from past books, you will not be confused by their appearance if you haven't read the other books. This book has non-stop action so be ready to hold on to your seat! That's what I love about Beth Goddard's books. She holds the reader's attention with her storylines so well. In this book you think you know who the villain is right away but there are so many twists and turns that you are constantly wondering if you are right or not! The story is set in beautiful Alaska but the rugged scenery lends to the story itself as nature creates some of the suspense throughout the book. There are problems at the waterfalls and the ice caves and the trees and the rivers. The heroine, Jewel, is being hunted and targeted and she doesn't really know why. She is constantly being attacked and how she survives all these attacks, I can hardly believe! Poor woman! The chief of police, Colin, has always been interested in Jewel but has never acted on those feelings. Now, however, he wont stand by and see her killed! He does everything possible to being her attacker to justice. Open the book and be prepared for a great story and great characters! It's an awesome read!
DECEPTION is Ms. Goddard's newest suspense, and it is edge of your seat fiction for sure. Someone is trying to kill Jewel, but why and who? The trouble always seems to start when her sister and her new husband arrived on vacation. Jewel is happy to see her sister, since the family was estranged, but she is a bit uncomfortable with her sister's new man.
Jewel is a bit older than the average characters in Love Inspired Suspense, since she's in her mid-to-late forties and Colin is in his fifties. It was nice reading a story about a middle-age couple who've loved and lost. That was a surprise since the average age in most LIS are late twenties to mid-thirties.
The :who-dun-it and why are fairly obvious in this story, but when a female turned out to be assisting, the suspense level went up. Who is helping? How did they discover Jewel's carefully kept secret? I had to keep reading to find out that part of the suspense and how the "bad guys" were caught.
If you like romantic suspense, then you might like DECEPTION.
I just recently discovered the Mountain Cove series with Tailspin and now Deception. I am eager to catch up with the first four books in the series. My favorite thing about each book, is that the reader is immediately drawn in from the first page, and as the story unfolds, our attention is drawn in many directions. Much like life, there is never a single story line in our daily lives. But, as danger seeps in, and relationships develop, Deception, like Tailspin, leaves you spellbound from start to finish. I am honored to be an encourager for Elizabeth Goddard, who asks only for an honest review. I recommend her books to anyone who loves a good mystery, with interesting and sometimes romantic relationships, while respectful of the reader.
Elizabeth Goddard delivers another action-packed adventure in Deception! The drama unfolds quickly in this fast-paced story, and danger lurks around every corner. I really enjoyed the intrigue of Jewel and Colin’s story; it kept me turning the pages as I puzzled over secrets and suspects. I also enjoyed the vivid imagery of the Alaskan wilderness and the inspirational threads that were woven through the narrative. Deception is an exciting tale and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is the 6th book in the Mountain Cove series but can be read as a standalone. This author is one of my favorite authors of Christian suspense, and she certainly didn't disappoint with this one. The story had me pulled in from the first pages, and it is another one that I read in one setting because I didn't want to put it down. Elizabeth certainly knows how to combine wonderful characters with the elements of faith, suspense and romance and write a story that keeps the reader turning pages to see what is going to happen next. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I definitely recommend this one along with the other books in the series.