Out of Circulation

Hemlock Creek Suspense #1

by Heather Day Gilbert

Katie McClure always dreamed of becoming an FBI agent like her father, but an injury has permanently sidelined her as a librarian in her rural West Virginia hometown. Katie's peaceful life is torn apart when armed men burst into the library, targeting her. Her fears mount after a break-in at her apartment, and she reluctantly accepts an offer of protection from Ace Calhoun, the Manhattan bodyguard who rushed to her aid against the library invaders.

But Ace didn't show up in Hemlock Creek by accident. Even as he hides his true motives for protecting Katie, he's pulled in by her indomitable courage and her undeniable attraction to him.

With the Russian mob breathing down her neck, the clock is ticking for Katie to find out what happened to a bank stash that went missing years ago. To her dismay, she discovers her father was not the man she believed him to be...and neither is Ace.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Mystery

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2016

About the author

Heather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I start any story by Heather Day Gilbert, I know that I am in good hands. Even though novellas are not always my favorite story, Heather’s Out of Circulation won me over with ease. From the fast-paced opening to the wannabe FBI agent turned librarian, Katie McClure, and the mysterious Ace Calhoun, I was caught by the intrigue of this story from page one.

Usually novellas are deficient in some way to my reading experience – either the character development doesn’t go as far as I’d like or the plot feels rushed or some combination of the two. In Out of Circulation, however, I didn’t feel any of my usual dissatisfaction with novellas. Heather devotes equal attention to all parts of the story. The characters are endearing and take on lives of their own. I really came to care for the McClure’s, Katie in particular, of course, because this story centers on her. It’s hard to make a character both realistically vulnerable and realistically stubborn, but Katie’s character truly meshes both of these characteristics in a genuine way. It’s always a joy to relate to a character’s insecurities, even when it’s not something you have experienced yourself firsthand – that’s a sign of great writing!

The romantic thread is sincere and a joy to watch unfold. I also especially loved the vibe that Katie has with her siblings, Molly and Brandon, and I was so glad to see that they will both have their own stories. The pacing of the plot is fabulous, and the mystery unfolds realistically. There were actually a couple of things that I thought I had figured out, but it turns out I was wrong – it’s always fun when your assumption is turned on its head. Like the story itself, quiet, unassuming Hemlock Creek in rural West Virginia is not quite what it seems.

Out of Circulation is a perfect read for fans of romantic suspense and an ideal way to while away a summer Saturday afternoon (or a few lunch breaks during the work week, can I get an amen?!).

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

“God knew you before you were even born. Follow after Him and He will lead you on right paths."

Another really good book by Heather Day Gilbert. This one was short on pages but long on action and excitement. I loved the West Virginia setting and as always, the characters and dialogue was great. Not as good as the Murder In The Mountains series, but still a great read and definitely worth reading.

For more reviews, please check out my blog!
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[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of Circulation, by Heather Day Gilbert, is a romantic suspense story that will delight readers. Katie is a wanna-be FBI agent like her father and yet working as a small town librarian. Ace, quite the ladies’ man and an ex-con on a mission for a shady character insinuates himself into Katie’s life as a bodyguard. With masked gunmen at the library, a torn-up apartment, car chases and more, what in the world is going on? Who is after Katie and her family and what for? An old FBI case? Was her father really a crook? Can Ace find the answer before things blow up in his face? Will Katie find out that perhaps the dreams she’s been going after aren’t the right ones after all? Gilbert weaves a strong thread of Christian values throughout the novella and although the romance seems inevitable, it’s fun to watch the relationship develop. Another great read from this author.
This story is currently part of the SMOKE AND MIRRORS Christian romantic suspense collection and I was given an advanced copy of the collection in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Novella was short but pack full with action. The McClures were quite a dynamic family, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them a bit more in the next two books in the story.

Because this is a novella, it did felt rushed in certain parts, but overall there was a good pace throughout the story.

I liked Miranda and the Murder in the Mountains series a bit more.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story overall, although I had a hard time connecting with the characters as much as I wanted to. I think I would have preferred a little more length so that I could have taken more time to really get to know them; as it was, I felt that there was a lot of depth to them, but I didn't really understand them that well. Also, I was a little confused by Katie's quick change of attitude toward Ace. She's (justifiably) suspicious of him, then her sister points out that she's smitten by his looks and she immediately drops all her suspicion and independence and just wants to get to know him better? It just didn't quite ring true to me. Also, I guess I'm not used to books where the main characters are hiding bad secrets from each other, so that threw me off a little. :S But I did like the way things wrapped up.

Content--mentions of gunplay, including people shot; escalating threats, including bombings and cars run off the road; mentions of bitterness against God and parents; mentions of cursing; mentions of various crimes

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Librarian, Katie McClure's attention diverts from books to an interesting and handsome young man who's new to the library. Ace Calhoun is in the right place at the right time as armed thugs appear, singling Katie out.

Life in Hemlock Creek is not as it seems. All is quiet and peaceful until someone appears to be after Katie. Ace takes over as bodyguard, and plays his role well, among other things.

As the plot thickens so does a spark of attraction. Filled with surprising and suspense-filled action, Out of Circulation is a book to enjoy in an afternoon or evening. Unpredictable and captivating, I was caught up in the plot and enjoyed the character development. Out of Circulation has my recommendation! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sometimes she felt like God enjoyed snatching things from her - her ability to walk properly, her father, her chance for an exciting future . . . . "And now, Katie McClure is not even sure that her father's F. B. I. career was as stellar as she was led to believe.

When a young man claiming to be a professional bodyguard from Manhattan rolls into her small West Virginia town, Katie's demure life as a local librarian accelerates into full speed. After Katie's life is seriously threatened, Ace Calhoun is employed to protect the McClure family while police continue their ongoing investigation. As Katie teams with the handsome Ace Calhoun in a race against time, to solve a mystery that she never knew existed, there is much more at stake than stolen money, for two hearts have become inextricably entwined.

This short, action-packed story was fun to read and certainly deserves its upcoming sequels. Katie McClure's life has just gotten very interesting!

[Karin Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie McClure, who dreamed of being an FBI agent, instead works as a librarian in the small town of Hemlock Creek, her plans for her future dashed by a permanent foot injury. Hers is a dull job—until one day armed men threaten her at the library and a man named Ace Calhoun comes to her rescue. As her attraction to Ace grows, so do her suspicions of who he really is and what he really wants.

This is a wonderful, superbly written novella. The action is nonstop, the characters are real and compelling (Katie and her family are the sort of characters you wish were next-door neighbors), and there’s plenty of romantic tension throughout. Readers of romantic suspense will love it. Apparently this is book 1 in the Hemlock Creek Suspense series. I’ll definitely be reading future books in the series.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie McClure is a small-town librarian who knows how to handle firearms. She's quick-witted, organically pretty, and much feistier in her head than she is in real life. Enter Ace Calhoun, emotionally wounded alpha male bodyguard who looks like Superman. The fact that he shows up at the library the same day as some villainous bad guys can't be coincidence. But as is usually the case in one of Heather Day Gilbert's mysteries, not all is as it seems.

I so loved this story. Any time someone can write a heroine who feels real, I'm hooked. Add in an endearing romance with the handsome leading man, and that's even better. Throw in a mystery that surprises me in its outcome, and that's Out of Circulation.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Gilbert is a wonderful young author who writes really good mysteries. She has also written a Viking take based on fact. She has a Murder in the Moutain series that is terrific.

This one, Out of Circulation, is a novella that is quite good. I was completely surprised by the culprit. Total shock.

I highly recommend it.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.

[Linda Husvar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart-stopping drama caught my attention from Page Two. Katie, the quiet librarian in a small West Virginia town, had no idea why Ace, the New York "body guard," came to Hemlock Creek. I liked the mix of mystery, suspense, and romance as Katie dealt with a crippling disability. This novella was so intense, I had to read it twice! Highly recommended. I was privileged to receive an early complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Russian mob is threatening here and Katie has to find out what happened to a bank stash that went missing years ago because they want it! Katie now knows her father was not the man she believed him to be...and who is Ace the man who is protecting her really? I liked this story, a lot of action, mystery and secrets to figure out... I was gifted a copy for review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor to review this wonderful book for the author. Ace never expected to get attached to the family he was hired to investigate. The way Ace and Katie first meets is a total adventure. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will also feel God working throughout this whole book.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appalachian. Romance. Suspense.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an edge of your seat thriller. Good characther development and example of how to deal with not being able to do with your life what you had dreamed of doing. Loved it. Highly recommend. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was great! She packed so much into such a short story and it didn’t feel rushed at all! I’m really looking forward to reading the next book!

[Tina Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie McClure is a local librarian in Hemlock Creek until one day a mask man entered the library and puts her in harms way. Why someone would do that is beyond Katie's imagined. Katie is single and was injured in an accident when she was younger. She wanted to be an FBI agent like her dad was but her injures put her on the sidelines. She has one brother and one sister. When the masked man entered the library so did a man named Ace. Ace claims to be a bodyguard that is there to help keep her safe . Who is this Ace fellow and where did he come from? Why her? Ace Calhoun comes to Hemlock Creek to find the McClure family. He is suppose to be under cover to find something. He finds Katie in the library being threaten by another man. Who is this man and why is he treating Katie? Ace's cover is a bodyguard but he has some secrets to. Can he keep Katie safe from the men that are looking for her? Are they looking for the same thing that Ace is looking for? This is book one in the Hemlock Creek series. This is a quick read and it is full of secrets . There is also some romance. I would say its like similar to a cozy murder but to me it has more to the story that most of the cozy books do. I liked it very much . Mrs. Gilbert writes Christian fiction that is different from most of the typical Christian books. I love her writing style and I think if you like clean mysteries then you will like this one. I am looking forward to read the next one in this series. Clean Christian fiction.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little short romantic suspense story. It was a quick read, but had lots of twists and turns that I never saw coming. While it was fun and the mystery and suspense were very good, the romance was too quick and too much for my liking. If you enjoy a quick fun mystery with a good bit of romance, though, this is the story for you!

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie McClure grew up wanting to be just like her dad and join the FBI, but a high school injury to her foot that caused a limp would not allow her. Instead she has become a librarian which she thoroughly enjoys. When intruders with guns enter the library one day, Ace Calhoun who was passing through town and stopped to visit the library protected her. Together, Ace and Katie have to figure out why the intruders were after her.

Nicely written and enjoyable romantic suspense. I look forward to reading the others in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book from this new to me author. I look forward to reading the rest of this series and many more books by this author.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Motives

I have had this book in my bulging TBR folder for over a year and I came across it when I was looking for something that wouldn’t take too long to read. A couple of pages in and I was chuckling; “Seriously. Her life was so boring…..she’d resorted to nearly salivating over a handsome man…..”. Oh my, keep your mind on cataloguing books, Katie. The book blurb says that Ace Calhoun isn’t the man she believed him to be, and my first reaction was ”with a name like that I’m not surprised”. I mean, who is called “Ace”?, but as it turns out, it IS his real name. The book is written in the third person, switching between Katie’s POV and Ace’s, so the reader learns some background information as well as what is happening in the present. We are also privy to their thoughts, thereby gaining more insight into each character. This story is fast-paced, but not rushed, and develops as organically as a novella can, given the length constraints.

Katie’s older sister, Molly, is obviously beautiful, but while Ace talks with her, it is when he meets Katie that he is smitten. It is not “insta love”, but he notes her attractiveness, her flaming red hair and her green eyes, and the more time he spends with Katie, the more he is drawn to her. Ace is in a dilemma, and eventually decides to be honest about his motives for being in Hemlock Creek, and together, he and Katie look for the hidden money, without success. I thought I knew where the stash was hidden, but I was wrong. The McClure family is a nice one and I am pleased that the author wrote Molly as a nice character, a loving sister, as so often in books the beauty of the family is not a nice person.

The novella is well-written and I didn’t spot any major errors in grammar or typos. The story is a good blend of romance and mystery/suspense, but is easy reading, rather than nail-biting suspense.
There is a thread of the Christian faith running through the story that was in no way intrusive. I often wonder why people blame God when things go wrong, but never give Him credit when their lives are cruisy and going the way they want.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on https://christianshelfesteem.wordpres...
Suspense Novella

If your bookshelf includes authors like Dani Pettrey and Lynette Eason, it will gladly welcome Heather Day Gilbert. In this novella (just over 130 pages), Gilbert leads her readers through a fast-paced tale that teems with action. From the moment an armed gunman entered the Hemlock Creek Library until the last piece of this puzzle fell into place, Gilbert’s remarkable talent as a suspense writer kept me engrossed in Kate and Ace’s predicament.

As a lover of books, I was eager to read a story where a female librarian had been cast into the role of heroine. Katie McClure is a bit of a firecracker — quick witted and tenacious. The kind of woman who would never allow a handicap to make her appear weak in the eyes of others. While outwardly she exuded confidence and independence, inwardly her shattered dream of becoming an FBI agent and the heartache of losing her father were taking their toll. Katie had become guarded around others and withdrawn from God. Much of this would change after a gunman and a bodyguard walked into her library. Ace’s conflicted motives for protecting Katie and her fierce independence insured that their romantic connection didn’t progress too rapidly. I was pleased to read how their attraction extended beyond the physical and indeed included some elements of faith.

Written in the third person, Gilbert deftly uses interpersonal as well as internal dialogue to convey a sense of urgency in her writing. This POV was key to illuminating elements/secrets to her readers which remained hidden from the characters. That being said, I did not guess the villain before the big reveal. What a shocker for Katie, her family, and YOU!

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my eagerness to read a romantic suspense novel by one of my favorite mystery authors, I read book 2 first. Oops! Although this wasn’t a fatal mistake (the books are easily standalone), I was determined to rectify the situation ASAP. You see, Heather Day Gilbert’s Hemlock Creek Suspense novels are that good. Out of Circulation (book 1) hit my Kindle immediately, and I was not disappointed. If you are a fan of Love Inspired Suspense novels, you NEED to get this book.

Katie McClure wanted to be an FBI agent just like her dad. But an injury put an end to her dreams and landed her in the library in her hometown. But danger found Katie anyway, as armed and masked attackers storm the library. What in the world could they want in small town West Virginia? Enter hunky bodyguard, Ace Calhoun. But Ace has secrets that may put Katie in more danger than before.

Gilbert does a wonderful job of fleshing out her characters. Out of Circulation may be a quick read, but I never felt the characterization suffered for that. Katie’s southern ways and Ace’s NYC background provide a lot of opposites attract sparks. They do share one thing in common — they struggle with faith in a God who seems silent in the midst of the hardest times. I loved how both discovered that God was never gone, but right with them all the time. In addition to the chemistry between the two characters, there is plenty of action. This one offers up a lot of twists that keep Katie, Ace, and the reader on their toes.

So if you are looking for romance and suspense, at least in your reading life 😉 , get Out of Circulation. It’s the perfect weekend read.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie McClure is the only one in her family who wanted to follow her father’s footsteps into the FBI. Instead, she works in the library in a rural Appalachian town and lives in an apartment that’s only steps away from her mother’s house.

When masked intruders invade the library with guns – and call Katie by name – her mother hires a handsome stranger to protect her. Ace Calhoun claims to be a freelance bodyguard, but he has ulterior motives for getting close to the McClure family.

Katie and Ace are appealing characters, even though Ace is deceptive. This is a novella, not a full-length novel, yet there’s time for character development, a budding relationship, and of course the mystery.

Out of Circulation is book one in Heather Day Gilbert’s new Hemlock Creek Suspense series. The McClure family is Katie, her sister and brother and their mother. Their father is dead. I hope the series will follow Katie, since I found her easiest to relate to. I’m also hoping her brother will move back home and resolve his resentment toward their father.

Heather Day Gilbert is also the author of the Murder in the Mountains contemporary suspense series and a Viking historical novel, God’s Daughter. For more about the author, visit http://heatherdaygilbert.com/.


[Review based on reading this novella in the romantic suspense collection, Smoke and Mirrors, from my personal library. Out of Circulation is now available as a stand-alone book.]

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of novellas involving the McClure family who live in Hemlock Creek, a small West Virginian town.

Katie McClure is a local librarian who to her great shock is accosted at her work by gun wielding balaclava wearing men, one of whom happens to know her name. Katie is rescued by Ace Calhoun, who happened to be in the library at just the right time, the thugs escaping.

This is just the beginning for Katie and Ace as her mother engages Ace to serve as Katie's bodyguard. The mystery as to why these masked men are after Katie deepens as the seeds of a romance between Ace and herself are planted. It's not long before both develop feelings for the other.

But are Ace's intentions all above aboard? Why has he suddenly appeared on the scene and what's Katie's deceased father got to do with it?

Day Gilbert does a good job building the mystery. I liked Katie and Ace, particularly Katie. She had withdrawn from much of life because of a debilitating leg injury she suffered as a teen leaving her with a permanent limp plus the loss of her father who was her greatest supporter.

Like many novellas, this one wraps up a little too quickly and the best suspense scene was surprisingly cut short leaving me a bit flat. But I'm looking forward to reading the second in the series and hope we get to see more of Katie and Ace.

[Wendy Huddler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace and Katie

It seemed someone was out to hurt Katie. But who and why? She was only a librarian. Maybe she needed a bodyguard.
She what happens to Katie and see if she gets hurt or something worse.
Heather Day Gilbert has done it again. A story that pulls you into it. One you don’t want to put down.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The librarian and the barbarian

Tall red headed, freckle faced Katie meet tall, muscled, & handsome Ace Calhoun, a yankee of dubious character and mission. His boss is demanding he find & turn over the missing $1.5 million he (the boss) stole years before from the Russian mob. Much is packed into this too-short book. Good story, maybe a Readers Digest version.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A great book full of twists and turns, suspense and mystery. It was well written. The characters seemed real and I fell in love with them. I can't wait to read more in this great series. This is the first book in the series. I loved the spiritual thread in this book.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very Good Thriller

Nail biting suspense pulls you through this book as Kate and Ace race to solve the mystery of a heist.
I loved the storyline and the characters.
This book is recommended for those who love romantic suspense.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

Thanks for another great read Heather! I think this had been my favorite so far! It was a fast paced fun read!