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Summer of Deception #1
Summer of Deception
Sequel to In a Pirate's Debt. Captain Bloodstone's descendant and Charleston plantation owner, hero Luke Barrett.
Determined to unearth the truth about her DEA agent brother’s reported death, Rachel York takes a position at an historic Charleston plantation, but she finds she is ill prepared to deal with the plantation’s new owner. Luke Barrett may be handsome, but he is overflowing with bitterness and distrust.
Widowed and wounded, former Marine Corps Special Forces operative Luke Barrett has enough to handle with his little girl and an historic property to upkeep. The last thing he needs is a feisty, stubborn woman with whom to contend. Yet, Rachel’s determined spirit awakens something in Luke that he thought died a long time ago.
Luke begins to capture Rachel’s heart until the night she uncovers evidence he may be keeping his plantation solvent by allowing cocaine to be smuggled along his coastline.
Devastated by the possibility, Rachel must decide whether to confront him, even while she conceals secrets of her own.
When all the deception rips asunder in a hurricane, will love survive?
Determined to unearth the truth about her DEA agent brother’s reported death, Rachel York takes a position at an historic Charleston plantation, but she finds she is ill prepared to deal with the plantation’s new owner. Luke Barrett may be handsome, but he is overflowing with bitterness and distrust.
Widowed and wounded, former Marine Corps Special Forces operative Luke Barrett has enough to handle with his little girl and an historic property to upkeep. The last thing he needs is a feisty, stubborn woman with whom to contend. Yet, Rachel’s determined spirit awakens something in Luke that he thought died a long time ago.
Luke begins to capture Rachel’s heart until the night she uncovers evidence he may be keeping his plantation solvent by allowing cocaine to be smuggled along his coastline.
Devastated by the possibility, Rachel must decide whether to confront him, even while she conceals secrets of her own.
When all the deception rips asunder in a hurricane, will love survive?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2017
About the author
Elva Cobb Martin
27 books68 followersElva Cobb Martin's passion is to write adventurous, romantic novels that not only entertain, but celebrate the moral truths found in classic fiction. Truths like honor and respect, fidelity and reverence. She lives in the South Carolina upstate with her husband and a mini-dachshund. For more information visit her web site at: elvamartin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 24, 2017
I was browsing on NetGalley last week and the bright flowers on the cover caught my attention. I'd never heard of the book or the author, but the synopsis sounded good, so I decided on a whim to give it a try.
I was truly pleasantly surprised by this story. The suspense is well handled, and the romance is realistic (even though it is heavier on the romance than what I generally read.) I really, really liked the eclectic cast of characters, and I especially liked the faith they exhibited...handling faith like it truly was something for every-day life. And Aunt Jessica was just a dear!
I also loved the whole idea of a working tea plantation. Having been to Charleston before and drunk their local-grown tea, this particular plot was truly interesting to me.
The only thing that kept me from rating the book five stars was two swears and one h*. I hope that the author will not include even a few in her next book, because I did really enjoy the story and would like to adopt her as a new favorite.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy.
I was truly pleasantly surprised by this story. The suspense is well handled, and the romance is realistic (even though it is heavier on the romance than what I generally read.) I really, really liked the eclectic cast of characters, and I especially liked the faith they exhibited...handling faith like it truly was something for every-day life. And Aunt Jessica was just a dear!
I also loved the whole idea of a working tea plantation. Having been to Charleston before and drunk their local-grown tea, this particular plot was truly interesting to me.
The only thing that kept me from rating the book five stars was two swears and one h*. I hope that the author will not include even a few in her next book, because I did really enjoy the story and would like to adopt her as a new favorite.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy.
Want to Read
April 17, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/17/2019)! 🎁
May 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Martin is a talented story teller, and when I had to stop reading because of other commitments, I was disappointed.
What I liked: There was a touch of suspense in the book and I always enjoy a book where uncertainty adds to the plot. I loved the way Rachel took loving care of Kristina and seemed genuinely happy to watch over the five year old and help her catch up in her studies. The love story was sweet and endearing, and I thought the characters were both believable and genuine.
What I didn't like: Rachel took this job to find out about the circumstance of her brother's death, and yet there were long passages of time when she failed to contact the man who could tell her something about her brother's disappearance. In the beginning of the story, she seemed desperate to find answers, and yet her urgency lagged through the middle of the book. There were also a couple of questionable words I don't really enjoy reading in a Christian book.
Over all, I give this story five stars. It contained romance, mystery, suspense, and pirates. What more could you ask for in a great book? :-)
What I liked: There was a touch of suspense in the book and I always enjoy a book where uncertainty adds to the plot. I loved the way Rachel took loving care of Kristina and seemed genuinely happy to watch over the five year old and help her catch up in her studies. The love story was sweet and endearing, and I thought the characters were both believable and genuine.
What I didn't like: Rachel took this job to find out about the circumstance of her brother's death, and yet there were long passages of time when she failed to contact the man who could tell her something about her brother's disappearance. In the beginning of the story, she seemed desperate to find answers, and yet her urgency lagged through the middle of the book. There were also a couple of questionable words I don't really enjoy reading in a Christian book.
Over all, I give this story five stars. It contained romance, mystery, suspense, and pirates. What more could you ask for in a great book? :-)
March 30, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
2.5 stars
This book didn’t work for me. I requested it because of the description of the hero – former wounded Marine, widowed single dad – and his very visible eye-patch on the cover, but while reading I found out that the said eye-patch was more a handsomeness device than a true sign of an injury. Yes, the hero had a real eye injury but I scarcely saw how it affected his life (besides attracting women’s attention because of the pirate look). I even got the idea that the already besotted man was too proficient driving with only one functioning eye because he kept glancing at the heroine.
The heroine has strong moral convictions, sometimes becoming moralistic, and she is perhaps too naïve and credulous for my taste.
Overall, I thought the story has an average plot with good secondary characters and a great setting, a plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Prism Book Group, the author, Elva Cobb Martin, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
2.5 stars
This book didn’t work for me. I requested it because of the description of the hero – former wounded Marine, widowed single dad – and his very visible eye-patch on the cover, but while reading I found out that the said eye-patch was more a handsomeness device than a true sign of an injury. Yes, the hero had a real eye injury but I scarcely saw how it affected his life (besides attracting women’s attention because of the pirate look). I even got the idea that the already besotted man was too proficient driving with only one functioning eye because he kept glancing at the heroine.
The heroine has strong moral convictions, sometimes becoming moralistic, and she is perhaps too naïve and credulous for my taste.
Overall, I thought the story has an average plot with good secondary characters and a great setting, a plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Prism Book Group, the author, Elva Cobb Martin, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
January 1, 2019
The plot & characters are compelling, but it seems there is something keeping it from moving beyond a surface level. In addition, there is some mild cursing/profanity and racial/cultural stereotyping that made me cringe. The faith thread is fairly strong but could also be taken out of the story without much effect.
March 25, 2017
Summer of Deception by Elva Cobb Martin opens with Rachel York arrives at Barrett Hall ready to work as a nanny for the summer. She quickly learns the man who hired her to care for his nephew’s daughter has died and no one on the plantation is expecting her. Lukeou Barrett checks into Rachel’s background and decides to allow Rachel to care for Kristina, his four-year-old daughter.
That summer in Charleston is difficult. The plantation includes a secluded coastline where it is easy for drug dealers like to exchange money for drugs at night not far from where Rachel takes Kristina to play during the daytime. Luke is fighting the mental werewolves who returned with him from his time with the Marines in the Middle East. Those werewolves and the loss of his wife are made more painful by the loss of his faith. He is also helping the DEA stop the drug dealers. When Rachel is not caring for Kristina, she is trying to find you what happened to her brother, a DEA agent who is believed to be dead.
Elva’s excellent handling of all these twists and turns made this an enjoyable book I had no desire to put down. It kept me up late at night because I kept having to read “just one more page” again and again. I am looking forward to her next book.
That summer in Charleston is difficult. The plantation includes a secluded coastline where it is easy for drug dealers like to exchange money for drugs at night not far from where Rachel takes Kristina to play during the daytime. Luke is fighting the mental werewolves who returned with him from his time with the Marines in the Middle East. Those werewolves and the loss of his wife are made more painful by the loss of his faith. He is also helping the DEA stop the drug dealers. When Rachel is not caring for Kristina, she is trying to find you what happened to her brother, a DEA agent who is believed to be dead.
Elva’s excellent handling of all these twists and turns made this an enjoyable book I had no desire to put down. It kept me up late at night because I kept having to read “just one more page” again and again. I am looking forward to her next book.
April 8, 2017
I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for honest review via Netgalley!
This one did not work for me, I am sorry to say this, because I received ARC, but I can not do the otherwise, I felt like I was reading book from late 80´s and not from recent time!
I could not to make a conenction with H or h, because she was too whiny and he was too rude for me, i put this one down few times and try to pick it up later, but I just couldnt!
DNF, read 60%
1.5 star
This one did not work for me, I am sorry to say this, because I received ARC, but I can not do the otherwise, I felt like I was reading book from late 80´s and not from recent time!
I could not to make a conenction with H or h, because she was too whiny and he was too rude for me, i put this one down few times and try to pick it up later, but I just couldnt!
DNF, read 60%
1.5 star
June 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Martin is a talented story teller, and when I had to stop reading because of other commitments, I was disappointed.
What I liked: There was a touch of suspense in the book and I always enjoy a book where uncertainty adds to the plot. I loved the way Rachel took loving care of Kristina and seemed genuinely happy to watch over the five year old and help her catch up in her studies. The love story was sweet and endearing, and I thought the characters were both believable and genuine.
What I didn't like: Rachel took the job of nanny to secretly find out about the circumstance of her brother's unexplained death, and yet there were long passages of time when she failed to contact the man who might be able to tell her something about her brother's disappearance. In the beginning of the story, she seemed desperate to find answers, and yet her urgency lagged through the middle of the book.
Over all, I give this story five stars. It contained romance, mystery, suspense, and pirates. What more could you ask for in a great book? :-)
What I liked: There was a touch of suspense in the book and I always enjoy a book where uncertainty adds to the plot. I loved the way Rachel took loving care of Kristina and seemed genuinely happy to watch over the five year old and help her catch up in her studies. The love story was sweet and endearing, and I thought the characters were both believable and genuine.
What I didn't like: Rachel took the job of nanny to secretly find out about the circumstance of her brother's unexplained death, and yet there were long passages of time when she failed to contact the man who might be able to tell her something about her brother's disappearance. In the beginning of the story, she seemed desperate to find answers, and yet her urgency lagged through the middle of the book.
Over all, I give this story five stars. It contained romance, mystery, suspense, and pirates. What more could you ask for in a great book? :-)
April 2, 2017
Ms. Cobb’s debut novel delivers all the title suggests. Rachel York is spending her summer in Charleston as a nanny to the precocious daughter of Luke, a Special Forces Marine, who owns a tea plantation.
Both Rachel and Luke have secrets they cannot reveal….as their story unravels they may be lucky to be alive by summer’s end.
This is a captivating fast paced novel that has the charm and warmth of a southern evening. It is well worth the read and highly recommended.
Both Rachel and Luke have secrets they cannot reveal….as their story unravels they may be lucky to be alive by summer’s end.
This is a captivating fast paced novel that has the charm and warmth of a southern evening. It is well worth the read and highly recommended.
March 24, 2017
Great combination of romance, suspense and a touch of history about Charleston, SC. I really love the descriptive language and fresh dialog between the characters. THe plot moved along nicely. Good read.
June 7, 2020
A Christian author, but she takes the Lord’s name in vain and uses profanity in this book. The overuse of the word “loggia” in the first 3 chapters almost had me putting the book down. It was like listening to a preschooler learn a new word and use it until it became annoying. The old southern accents in the dialog were the wrong time period and very distasteful. The style of the book was very simplistic, as if written by and for a younger person. I haven’t finished the book, but the plot has me curious. I may rush through it just to see what happens.
July 1, 2020
Searching for her brother
Imagine having men in dark suits come to your door and tell you the story of your brother's airplane going down on his way back from South America. Worse yet, what if they told you the plane had exploded?
One brave girl heads to Charleston for the summer to try and learn what really happened.
Exciting fast pa ed thriller with a nice dose of romance thrown in. Enjou!
Imagine having men in dark suits come to your door and tell you the story of your brother's airplane going down on his way back from South America. Worse yet, what if they told you the plane had exploded?
One brave girl heads to Charleston for the summer to try and learn what really happened.
Exciting fast pa ed thriller with a nice dose of romance thrown in. Enjou!
October 2, 2020
Summer in Charleston, SC, is one of my favorite places to be, and this story transported me to a beautiful plantation while pulling me into the real-life struggles of Luke and Rachel. When Rachel's obedience to God is so strong, it means she may give up the man she loves, God steps in and has other plans. This is the first book I've read by Elva Cobb Martin, but it surely won't be the last.
May 20, 2017
Great Book!
I truly enjoyed this southern mystery. The characters were well developed. Sometimes I get tired of a book when the main characters think the same thoughts over and over. Not so in this book, which I appreciated. I also appreciated the Christian values throughout.
I truly enjoyed this southern mystery. The characters were well developed. Sometimes I get tired of a book when the main characters think the same thoughts over and over. Not so in this book, which I appreciated. I also appreciated the Christian values throughout.
May 30, 2017
Predictable but a good read
The story was predictable ,but a nice quick read.
Remind you that there is still love that gives you butterfly in your stomach and kisses that make your toes cyrk
The story was predictable ,but a nice quick read.
Remind you that there is still love that gives you butterfly in your stomach and kisses that make your toes cyrk
November 7, 2018
Who is deceiving whom
Great story getting more intriguing as it progressed. Set in modern times with an historical twist and showing how past pains can shape personalities and belief systems. And wonderful characters
Great story getting more intriguing as it progressed. Set in modern times with an historical twist and showing how past pains can shape personalities and belief systems. And wonderful characters
April 20, 2019
Intriquing southern romance
Captivating mystery romance set in historical Charleston. Enjoyed the twists and turns and of course, the perfect ending to all the struggles and questions .
Captivating mystery romance set in historical Charleston. Enjoyed the twists and turns and of course, the perfect ending to all the struggles and questions .
April 21, 2019
Interesting
This was really a great interesting read. It kept your interest until the end.The story was great & well written.It had a lot of suspence & love in it. It a few twists that made it over the top.Highly recommend.
This was really a great interesting read. It kept your interest until the end.The story was great & well written.It had a lot of suspence & love in it. It a few twists that made it over the top.Highly recommend.
May 1, 2019
Fabulous book
I really enjoyed this wonderful read. It was a mixture of everything. Definitely romance, with mystery, and a wonderful ending. I had not read this author before, but will for her again.
I really enjoyed this wonderful read. It was a mixture of everything. Definitely romance, with mystery, and a wonderful ending. I had not read this author before, but will for her again.
October 18, 2019
Very Christian
A great love story filled with mystery. This novel was well written with very descriptive characters. I felt as though it was a little heavy on bible quotations which did not necessarily add to the story line. A little less would have gone just as far.
A great love story filled with mystery. This novel was well written with very descriptive characters. I felt as though it was a little heavy on bible quotations which did not necessarily add to the story line. A little less would have gone just as far.
February 8, 2020
A beautiful story about love.
Elva, does a wonderful job in writing this story related to God, forgive and love. I could not put it down. You had to keep reading to see what the next chapter told. Loved the settings around Charleston. You will want to get this book and a keepsake.
Elva, does a wonderful job in writing this story related to God, forgive and love. I could not put it down. You had to keep reading to see what the next chapter told. Loved the settings around Charleston. You will want to get this book and a keepsake.
April 3, 2020
Rachael’s not very trusting even with Jessica, but she loves Luke’s daughter. Both Rachael andLuke don’t trust each other both with good reason. Morgan doesn’t help the situation or does her brother Archer. Good mystery with a little love involved!
July 5, 2020
Pirate's Treasure
When Rachel came to the Charleston plantation it was for a summer child care job and to find out all she could about her brother's death. She never dreamed of the adventure and love that awaited her.
When Rachel came to the Charleston plantation it was for a summer child care job and to find out all she could about her brother's death. She never dreamed of the adventure and love that awaited her.
July 15, 2020
Summer of Deception is a book I will read again.
Eva Cobb Martin had me so locked in to this story I read the entire book in one sitting. I love everything about these characters and their adventures. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Eva Cobb Martin had me so locked in to this story I read the entire book in one sitting. I love everything about these characters and their adventures. Definitely a worthwhile read.
October 24, 2020
Excellent Christian Romance/Intrigue
Martin unfolds the story well, keeping the reader well engaged with romance and intrigue. I like that she explores issues of trust, humanity, and particularly Christian faith and prayer and how they are the primary strength of a relationship.
Martin unfolds the story well, keeping the reader well engaged with romance and intrigue. I like that she explores issues of trust, humanity, and particularly Christian faith and prayer and how they are the primary strength of a relationship.
March 26, 2021
Wonderful Story of Faith
This is an excellent suspense and Christian love story. It teaches us a lesson about faith, jumping to conclusions and trusting God rather then ourselves. If you like good clean fiction you will really enjoy this book!
This is an excellent suspense and Christian love story. It teaches us a lesson about faith, jumping to conclusions and trusting God rather then ourselves. If you like good clean fiction you will really enjoy this book!
May 10, 2017
Beach story
What a wonderful story. The beach, mystery, confusion, love, and God all in the middle of it. My kind of book.
What a wonderful story. The beach, mystery, confusion, love, and God all in the middle of it. My kind of book.
May 14, 2017
Elva Cobb Martin did a great job of drawing me into the lowcountry of South Carolina.
May 31, 2017
Southern Charm
A well-written romance with a dash of intrigue as a young women seeks to find what happened to her missing brother.
A well-written romance with a dash of intrigue as a young women seeks to find what happened to her missing brother.
May 5, 2018
I can’t quite place why, but this novel reminded me of an earlier time period. It was well written with interesting characters. Very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews