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Deep Harbor
THE COURAGE TO START OVER Carol Ann “CJ” Jansen has felt adrift ever since she lost her beloved older brother, Kick, to a tragic boating accident. But working for powerful congressman Snapper Lewis in the exciting and often tumultuous world of politics has provided a kind of anchor in her life.Until CJ stumbles upon information that could implicate her boss in corruption. When the congressman dies of an apparent suicide, CJ digs deeper with the help of Colin, Kick’s former life partner. But as they expose one shocking secret after another, CJ begins to wonder if she’s also in jeopardy. Moving to a small New England town for her own protection, CJ gradually begins to engage with her new surroundings. Her blossoming friendship with the owner of a charter fishing boat offers the promise of much more. But before she can claim happiness, CJ must navigate a course through all her doubts and fears, and trust that this time, the water that took so much from her might just lead her safely home . . . “There are so many layers to this story; as each is peeled back and reveled to the reader, it’s the heart, soul, and resilience of CJ, a strong female character, that endears Deep Harbor to us.” —Delilah, radio host and bestselling author “Michaels’s highly developed skills as a storyteller are evident in the affable characters, suspenseful plot, and delightful romance.” —Publishers Weekly
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
4332 people are currently reading
8208 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
424 books6,514 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
April 5, 2019
Too much of a lot of things: too much about wine. I felt as if I was taking a class in it. Way too many references to the guy who wore too much cologne. Too many references about parents deaths, brother's death, too much about her fear of the water. As it went on, it became more and more unbelievable -- while in WITSEC she was in a beautiful little town with wonderful people who took her in as part of their family and she even got a dog! And of course met a wonderful man. And the ending took the cake when someone returned from the dead. Fern -- puhleeeeze.
March 24, 2019
I have read quite a few books by this author and I have enjoyed them all. They have tugged my heartstrings in different ways.
I downloaded the book due to the cover, it made think of beauty and feelings, and of course, the blurb. The story started with a bang, CJ worked for a Congressman who had some nefarious dealings and insider trading in stocks and was soon found to have committed suicide. Our brave protagonist started investigating which soon led to some powerful people being incarcerated. Her life being in danger with attempts on it, she was compelled to go into WITSEC, she landed on coast of Maine, met Derek and a love story and happy ending ensued.
Fern Michaels took the main character on a twisty jaunt which was fun to read in some parts. I liked CJ's determination and loyalty to her boss. The story was...nice...I suppose, and it flowed well. But for me, I needed more.
My niggles, 52%of book was a thriller, 10% had her transitioning and moving into witness protection, the rest was a love story. So I couldn't decide what this book was as it didn't engage my emotions either for the thriller section or the romance. In the entire book, the CJ drank bottles of wine, it wasn't a glass or two, always a bottle or two and from the mid half when the story became a love story, she cried in most of the scenes. I couldn't believe she was the daring investigator of the first half. Ufff!!
Overall, I read the book and forgot it. On to my next. Thriller, oh my thriller, where art thou?!!
I downloaded the book due to the cover, it made think of beauty and feelings, and of course, the blurb. The story started with a bang, CJ worked for a Congressman who had some nefarious dealings and insider trading in stocks and was soon found to have committed suicide. Our brave protagonist started investigating which soon led to some powerful people being incarcerated. Her life being in danger with attempts on it, she was compelled to go into WITSEC, she landed on coast of Maine, met Derek and a love story and happy ending ensued.
Fern Michaels took the main character on a twisty jaunt which was fun to read in some parts. I liked CJ's determination and loyalty to her boss. The story was...nice...I suppose, and it flowed well. But for me, I needed more.
My niggles, 52%of book was a thriller, 10% had her transitioning and moving into witness protection, the rest was a love story. So I couldn't decide what this book was as it didn't engage my emotions either for the thriller section or the romance. In the entire book, the CJ drank bottles of wine, it wasn't a glass or two, always a bottle or two and from the mid half when the story became a love story, she cried in most of the scenes. I couldn't believe she was the daring investigator of the first half. Ufff!!
Overall, I read the book and forgot it. On to my next. Thriller, oh my thriller, where art thou?!!
April 5, 2024
i wish i was joking but this is the worst book ive ever read
May 6, 2019
Pleasantly surprised with this story by Fern Michaels! It starts off as a political mystery / thriller then changes course to romance with her characteristic dog! A huge surprise ending adds to the enjoyment of this great story! 8 out of 10.
March 25, 2025
C.J. Jenson was an administrative assistant of a powerful congressman Snapper Lewis.
C.J. Immersed herself in the tumultuous world of politics.
When her boss goes missing C.J. feels threatened. One secret will expose another. C.J. was moved under witness protection to a coastal town in Maine. She fit right in, loving it and meeting a wonderful boat owner.
When everything in Washing D.C. is cleaned up, she decides to stay in Maine
C.J. Immersed herself in the tumultuous world of politics.
When her boss goes missing C.J. feels threatened. One secret will expose another. C.J. was moved under witness protection to a coastal town in Maine. She fit right in, loving it and meeting a wonderful boat owner.
When everything in Washing D.C. is cleaned up, she decides to stay in Maine
March 3, 2025
actually the worst book, literally only finished it bc my coworker gave it to me and i felt bad. follows a group of undiagnosed alcoholics that say things like “cripes” and “nutters”
August 6, 2019
A: CJ may want to check into AA
B: There were so many explanation points that these people must have constantly been screaming at one another
C: The repetition 😩
The only reason it got two stars is because I kind of liked the twist at the end. Otherwise....just awful.
B: There were so many explanation points that these people must have constantly been screaming at one another
C: The repetition 😩
The only reason it got two stars is because I kind of liked the twist at the end. Otherwise....just awful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
3.5 stars. Thirty-four year old Carol Anne Jansen (CJ) works as chief of staff for Snapper Lewis, chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee for the past 12 years. The book starts out strong as CJ overhears a confrontation in Snapper's office and hides under her desk to avoid being discovered. A few days later, Snapper is discovered in his car, the apparent victim of suicide by carbon monoxide. CJ is executor of his will and she discovers some potential evidence of insider trading by the chairman.
A couple of so-called accidents get her hooked up with the FBI and the US Marshall's service.
I loved the cover of the book. Something seemed missing in the story -- press coverage of the death of a congressman should have been crazy but I go with the fiction and it didn't take us in that direction. Lots, lots, lots of wine in this book. If you are a reader who likes romance, you should enjoy that aspect of the story. The author throws in a surprise at the end.
A couple of so-called accidents get her hooked up with the FBI and the US Marshall's service.
I loved the cover of the book. Something seemed missing in the story -- press coverage of the death of a congressman should have been crazy but I go with the fiction and it didn't take us in that direction. Lots, lots, lots of wine in this book. If you are a reader who likes romance, you should enjoy that aspect of the story. The author throws in a surprise at the end.
June 8, 2020
In this stirring new novel, acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels delves into the remarkable ways in which moments of crises can lead to our greatest acts of courage . . .
When Carol Ann "CJ" Jansen lost her beloved older brother, Kick, in a boating accident, she came adrift. Kick had taken on the role of caring for his little sister after their parents were killed in a car crash. Inheriting half his fortune has left CJ financially secure--yet needing a purpose. As administrative assistant to powerful congressman Snapper Lewis, she's immersed herself in the exciting and often tumultuous world of politics.
But suddenly, the career that anchors her life is threatened. CJ stumbles upon information that could implicate her boss in corruption. When the congressman dies of an apparent suicide, the closer CJ gets to uncovering the truth, exposing one shocking secret after another, the more she wonders if she's also in jeopardy.
Moving to a small New England town for her own protection, CJ gradually begins to engage with her new surroundings. Her blossoming friendship with the owner of a charter fishing boat offers the promise of much more. But before she can claim happiness, CJ must navigate a course through all her doubts and fears, and trust that this time, the water that took so much from her might just lead her safely home .
When Carol Ann "CJ" Jansen lost her beloved older brother, Kick, in a boating accident, she came adrift. Kick had taken on the role of caring for his little sister after their parents were killed in a car crash. Inheriting half his fortune has left CJ financially secure--yet needing a purpose. As administrative assistant to powerful congressman Snapper Lewis, she's immersed herself in the exciting and often tumultuous world of politics.
But suddenly, the career that anchors her life is threatened. CJ stumbles upon information that could implicate her boss in corruption. When the congressman dies of an apparent suicide, the closer CJ gets to uncovering the truth, exposing one shocking secret after another, the more she wonders if she's also in jeopardy.
Moving to a small New England town for her own protection, CJ gradually begins to engage with her new surroundings. Her blossoming friendship with the owner of a charter fishing boat offers the promise of much more. But before she can claim happiness, CJ must navigate a course through all her doubts and fears, and trust that this time, the water that took so much from her might just lead her safely home .
January 11, 2021
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways, I was not required to give a favorable review. This is another hit from Fern. This one keeps you on your toes, but also brings closure to CJ after the loss of her brother 4 years earlier, and now her boss the Congressman. CJ ask the only person in her life she trust, her brother's partner to help her figure out who killed her boss and to fix everything. Her boss is like he dad and he made her the executor of his will. But between Mr. Stinky (the bad guy) and a lot of unanswered questions she finds peace when she is put into witness protection under the get him. But when she end in up in a small New England town near the water, which she fears because both her parents died coming from a boating competition her brother was in when she was ten, and then her brother to a drunk hit his boat with his ski do. But the boat captain she meets doesn't push her but make her very happy. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I do.
July 14, 2019
I felt like this storyline has been done before. Girl witnesses a crime, has to go into Witness Protection, moves to small town, falls in love...
With that said, there was a lot left incomplete in this book. The first 3/4 of it was hard to get into. Then the last 1/4 of the book was so rushed, it almost seemed like the author had a deadline to meet.
Something that was highly redundant and at times annoying was how much "wine talk" was in the book, or should I say just how much drinking the characters did. It was so excessive and ridiculous. It was pointless for the book.
With that said, there was a lot left incomplete in this book. The first 3/4 of it was hard to get into. Then the last 1/4 of the book was so rushed, it almost seemed like the author had a deadline to meet.
Something that was highly redundant and at times annoying was how much "wine talk" was in the book, or should I say just how much drinking the characters did. It was so excessive and ridiculous. It was pointless for the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 8, 2024I never rate books, but had to weigh in...this one is awful.
Too many references to expensive wine, and too much imbibing of said wine.
So many names for the guy who wears awful cologne. Was that where the humor was hidden?
CJ is a millionaire and yet, is worried about the cost of living in her new town?
And a key character comes back from the dead? Paleeeeze!
This book was terrible.
Seems as though extra words were added just to pad the length of the book.
I've not read a Fern Michaels book before. I will not seek them out - ever.
Jeez.
Too many references to expensive wine, and too much imbibing of said wine.
So many names for the guy who wears awful cologne. Was that where the humor was hidden?
CJ is a millionaire and yet, is worried about the cost of living in her new town?
And a key character comes back from the dead? Paleeeeze!
This book was terrible.
Seems as though extra words were added just to pad the length of the book.
I've not read a Fern Michaels book before. I will not seek them out - ever.
Jeez.
February 3, 2019
Deep Harbor is a classic Fern Michael's story: enjoyable characters, a twisty plot wrapped up in romance. CJ has endured much loss in her life and hers is rather stagnant. Then her employer dies and she uncovers dark secrets about him. Forced to go into hiding she finally finds a love interest and the story ends with an unexpected curve at the wedding. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance read.
August 20, 2019
I picked this one up because it sounded exciting: A woman who is the chief of staff of a high ranking congressman stumbles upon corruption in Washington and possibly involving her boss. It sounded like a good thriller, and the first half is one, but then the book changed speeds and I found myself wishing we could get back to the exciting stuff. I think the different parts of the book made the storyline feel choppy. The author brings things full circle in the end, but I think a little more of the ending might have felt more satisfying. Overall, a good summertime read.
February 20, 2019
C. J. works as an aide for a Congressman. When her boss commits suicide she is convinced it has to be murder. Her investigation leads her down a dangerous and emotional path.
This book held my interest but it wasn’t a 4* book. It had suspense, romance, some laugh out loud humor, and a few twists. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
This book held my interest but it wasn’t a 4* book. It had suspense, romance, some laugh out loud humor, and a few twists. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
March 7, 2019
CJ has lived a life with so much tragedy involved. First her parents are killed in an Accident and then her brother is accident
So , she is skeptical when her boss and ( mentor ) commits suicide.
CJ feels it deep in her gut that he was murdered.
This starts a wild ride and a another great Fern Michaels read !
So , she is skeptical when her boss and ( mentor ) commits suicide.
CJ feels it deep in her gut that he was murdered.
This starts a wild ride and a another great Fern Michaels read !
October 5, 2020
This book was amazing i love it a lot
June 4, 2021
Hard to get interested in. Very shallow characters.
Read
January 8, 2024Nice change.
Nice change from the sisters series. Look forward to another way to get away. Nice ending. Felt like I was there.
Nice change from the sisters series. Look forward to another way to get away. Nice ending. Felt like I was there.
May 27, 2020
Loved the book! Had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoy Fern Michaels stories . Definitely a favourite author of mine.
March 27, 2021
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
February 16, 2022
I really like this author. She likes dogs and wine and so do I. Mystery that had a surprise ending with some romance thrown in. I want to read more by her.
July 4, 2020
DNF
Did not pass 50 page rule. Too many others 2 read. (From Jane A’s loaned bag of books.)
Did not pass 50 page rule. Too many others 2 read. (From Jane A’s loaned bag of books.)
March 21, 2022
Ok, I know that Fern Michaels is a very popular author. This was the first book of hers that I read. I was appalled at the blatant persistent promotion of alcohol consumption throughout almost every page of the book. I can only assume that Ms. Michaels owns a winery and it was a shameless promotion of excessive drinking. The story really didn’t need it and in my opinion was ruined by what I can only call an obsession with wine. I asked a friend of mine (who had recommended the book to me) before I finished it, if the main characters decided in the last chapter that they needed to attend AA meetings. She laughed and said nope.
April 1, 2019
This was relatively good story though not particularly good writing. The political climate that Congressman "Snapper" Lewis, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, with his Chief of Staff CJ Jansen, inhabit is reminiscent of the current one, mimicking the element of corruption among elected officials. When CJ witnesses or experiences multiple dangerous events, including the apparent suicide of Lewis, she begins to investigate. She enlists the help of her deceased brother's life and business partner, Colin Kelly. As Lewis' executor CJ has access to his estate, and they find a secret condo, below his known one, and odd transactions on the dark Web accessed through computers found in that condo. They then contact the FBI through Colin's friend Agent Matt Mullen. It happens that they have landed in the middle of an investigation by the Feds into insider trading and money laundering by a number of people, and the stinky man that has threatened Lewis and others is traipsing through the Rayburn building, and then making attempts on CJ's life. She is put into the witness protection program, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. There as she works at an art gallery and rescues a dog who falls into the water, she meets and begins a romantic relationship with Derek Wellington, while "remaking" her life that previously consisted of working 12-hour days.
Her parents had been killed in a car accident returning from a regatta that her brother Kick was running. Then 20 years later Kick is killed in a freak boating accident. Colin promises Kick to watch out for CJ. Kick and Colin had amassed a huge amount of money having started the franchise business of KC's Hatchery, a food conglomerate. She is living in Kick's former home that is massive and very secure, and has multiple high end sports cars. Nevertheless, CJ lives within her federal salary, though she now owns half of the business and all his assets.
Snapper was motivated to begin his insider trading because he has a brother who has for 13 years been in a vegetative state, and requires care costing $25,000 a month. When he finally decides he can no longer do that, he realizes his life is in danger, and he turns himself in and we find at the very end, he did not commit suicide but was also put into witness protection . While once the perpetrators are indicted CJ is allowed out of the program, Snapper will remain in the program. Derek and CJ get married, and in disguise Snapper appears as her uncle to walk her down the aisle.
There is a nauseating overdone play on words about the man who is apparently running the insider trading scheme and wears an excessive amount ot horrible smelling after shave. Again and again another name for the man is dreamed up. There is also a pretentious referral to wine, naming one after another high end brand, that is a obsession of CJ's. It is a conplicated plot and jumps back and forth, with the romantic involvment sappy. So, I think it would have been more palatable with better writing.
Her parents had been killed in a car accident returning from a regatta that her brother Kick was running. Then 20 years later Kick is killed in a freak boating accident. Colin promises Kick to watch out for CJ. Kick and Colin had amassed a huge amount of money having started the franchise business of KC's Hatchery, a food conglomerate. She is living in Kick's former home that is massive and very secure, and has multiple high end sports cars. Nevertheless, CJ lives within her federal salary, though she now owns half of the business and all his assets.
Snapper was motivated to begin his insider trading because he has a brother who has for 13 years been in a vegetative state, and requires care costing $25,000 a month. When he finally decides he can no longer do that, he realizes his life is in danger, and he turns himself in and we find at the very end, he did not commit suicide but was also put into witness protection . While once the perpetrators are indicted CJ is allowed out of the program, Snapper will remain in the program. Derek and CJ get married, and in disguise Snapper appears as her uncle to walk her down the aisle.
There is a nauseating overdone play on words about the man who is apparently running the insider trading scheme and wears an excessive amount ot horrible smelling after shave. Again and again another name for the man is dreamed up. There is also a pretentious referral to wine, naming one after another high end brand, that is a obsession of CJ's. It is a conplicated plot and jumps back and forth, with the romantic involvment sappy. So, I think it would have been more palatable with better writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2019
A patron brought this one in with the statement, "I couldn't put this one down. It was wonderful!" Another patron nearby repeated the praise. I gave it a try. Honestly, if I didn't have their build up, I'd have stopped after a couple chapters. I kept reading it hoping to get to the "good parts". I never did.
The story revolves around C.J. Hanson. She's had more than her share of heartbreak. Her parents were killed in a tragic accident when she was 10. Her older brother, Kick, has raised her while earning a fortune running a high end chain of restaurants. Then Kick is killed in a freak boating accident. C.J. is left alone but financially secure. She secures a job as the administrative assistant to a powerful congressman, Snapper Lewis. She loves the job and feels a purpose to be there to help serve the public. Her life basically revolves around keeping Snapper on track, jogging, and drinking wine. Tragedy strikes again when Snapper commits suicide - or does he? C.J. can't believe it. She's sure there is foul play involved. The cops seem unable to investigate the matter. Nothing seems fishy to them so C.J. takes on the case with the help of her brother's partner who happens to have ties to the FBI. Nothing far-fetched here.
Things get worse when "Mr. Stinky Cologne" keeps entering the picture. No kidding, that's the name he's given by C.J. She even has the door man in her expensive building sniffing for him. Attempts are made on her life and she's entered into a witness protection program. She's welcomed into a gentle New England fishing community. Here she meets a great guy and some romance is beginning to develope. Naturally he's been deeply wounded by a past break-up so she's being very cautious not to hurt him more. Wine enters the plot again and she throws up on him without getting a drop on herself. She plans to give him a bib for a joke. Really???
But there's more drama waiting. Due to her brother's accident and death, she has an aversion to anything dealing with water. While jogging along the ocean she manages to face that fear and enter the water to save a dog dressed in clothes riding in a child's stroller all alone and falling off a pier. She becomes a local celebrity and that's obviously going to hinder the witness protection program's efficiency. Through it all, the wine keeps flowing. There are more twists to follow but I won't spoil it for anyone wanting to read it. I took a look at the ratings and comments regarding this one. Still can't believe so many raved over it. I guess I missed the humor and suspense some of them found. I expect more from Fern Michaels and would not recommend it.
The story revolves around C.J. Hanson. She's had more than her share of heartbreak. Her parents were killed in a tragic accident when she was 10. Her older brother, Kick, has raised her while earning a fortune running a high end chain of restaurants. Then Kick is killed in a freak boating accident. C.J. is left alone but financially secure. She secures a job as the administrative assistant to a powerful congressman, Snapper Lewis. She loves the job and feels a purpose to be there to help serve the public. Her life basically revolves around keeping Snapper on track, jogging, and drinking wine. Tragedy strikes again when Snapper commits suicide - or does he? C.J. can't believe it. She's sure there is foul play involved. The cops seem unable to investigate the matter. Nothing seems fishy to them so C.J. takes on the case with the help of her brother's partner who happens to have ties to the FBI. Nothing far-fetched here.
Things get worse when "Mr. Stinky Cologne" keeps entering the picture. No kidding, that's the name he's given by C.J. She even has the door man in her expensive building sniffing for him. Attempts are made on her life and she's entered into a witness protection program. She's welcomed into a gentle New England fishing community. Here she meets a great guy and some romance is beginning to develope. Naturally he's been deeply wounded by a past break-up so she's being very cautious not to hurt him more. Wine enters the plot again and she throws up on him without getting a drop on herself. She plans to give him a bib for a joke. Really???
But there's more drama waiting. Due to her brother's accident and death, she has an aversion to anything dealing with water. While jogging along the ocean she manages to face that fear and enter the water to save a dog dressed in clothes riding in a child's stroller all alone and falling off a pier. She becomes a local celebrity and that's obviously going to hinder the witness protection program's efficiency. Through it all, the wine keeps flowing. There are more twists to follow but I won't spoil it for anyone wanting to read it. I took a look at the ratings and comments regarding this one. Still can't believe so many raved over it. I guess I missed the humor and suspense some of them found. I expect more from Fern Michaels and would not recommend it.
May 25, 2019
I'm not sure what this book was. My first thought was that it was a comedy. However, the situations were very serious. But the two main characters seemed to be more on a lark than serious investigating. Same with the witness protection. I've never been in witness protection so maybe it is all fun and games and wine. I'm still wondering about George. After seeing him the two main characters selected one of their own doctors to travel to California to exam him and see how bad his condition really is and if he is being given the right care. Unless I missed it, there was no resolution to this in the book. Oh yeah, CJ made sure to use her millions to make sure he was taken care of. So from that are we to assume George is living a machine supported existence with no hope of improvement?
June 2, 2020
Fern Michaels never fails to surprise or add twists to her story telling. I have read tons of her books over the years, mostly her series and have enjoyed every one. This was intriguing as it started out as a murder/political mystery that caught your interest and ended with a cute love story and the main character discovering who she was, what was important to her and her life as she wanted to live it. A most enjoyable read in a day and a half.
January 11, 2020
Oh my what a mess this book was..simply awful
CJ works as the assistant to Snapper Lewis, a hugrly powerful politician. If I remember correctly he is the chairman of Ways and Means. Something fishy is going on but before CJ can figure it out, Snapper kills himself.
CJ ends up in the Witness Protection Program and starts living an idyllic life in a cute harbour town.
The first half had CJ alternating between wisecracking and panicking about someone wanting to kill her. She drinks wine constantly..uncorking bottles..always of some vintage meant to impress. I dont know. If I needed a clear head to go thru documents etc because i thought someone was trying to kill me I dont think i would be gulping glasses of wine.
The second half of the book has CJ having an insta friendship with her Witness Protection officer. She still guzzles wine every day, more expensive vintage each time. But now the story is more of a "meeting a great guy but will he ever know the real me". The first half of the book makes a very rare appearance.
Than....BAM. The problems in the first half of the book are slam dunked fixed. The second half problems are a teeny bit "oh no..it won't work" but obviously it works in spades. An event in the ending is laugh out loud ludicrous.
And besides loving high vintage wine..CJ is a multimillionaire. There is a bit in the end where CJ is actually concerned about her expenses in this tiny little town. Puhleeze!
This author has written a ton of books. I think she needs a new editor, one who isnt afraid to tell her to make a more realistic book.
CJ works as the assistant to Snapper Lewis, a hugrly powerful politician. If I remember correctly he is the chairman of Ways and Means. Something fishy is going on but before CJ can figure it out, Snapper kills himself.
CJ ends up in the Witness Protection Program and starts living an idyllic life in a cute harbour town.
The first half had CJ alternating between wisecracking and panicking about someone wanting to kill her. She drinks wine constantly..uncorking bottles..always of some vintage meant to impress. I dont know. If I needed a clear head to go thru documents etc because i thought someone was trying to kill me I dont think i would be gulping glasses of wine.
The second half of the book has CJ having an insta friendship with her Witness Protection officer. She still guzzles wine every day, more expensive vintage each time. But now the story is more of a "meeting a great guy but will he ever know the real me". The first half of the book makes a very rare appearance.
Than....BAM. The problems in the first half of the book are slam dunked fixed. The second half problems are a teeny bit "oh no..it won't work" but obviously it works in spades. An event in the ending is laugh out loud ludicrous.
And besides loving high vintage wine..CJ is a multimillionaire. There is a bit in the end where CJ is actually concerned about her expenses in this tiny little town. Puhleeze!
This author has written a ton of books. I think she needs a new editor, one who isnt afraid to tell her to make a more realistic book.
October 9, 2022
A good book for when you just want to relax with a good story. Yes, there is a bit of mystery and suspense – as well as romance --- a good balance that never has you on the edge of your seat, but just emersed in a good story. CJ Jensen is the Chief of Staff for a major member of Congress. She admires his concern for “the common person” and his work ethic… No going off on “political junkets” for him. She has thrown her whole life into her work. Her parents were killed in an automobile accident when she was young. Her brother took over the parental duties. Her brother and his partner Colin became successful in business and were her nuclear family. When her brother was killed in a boating accident Colin became her protector and best friend. Then her life exploded again… The congressman she worked for “committed suicide” but CJ convinced Colin to help prove it was murder. Strange things began to happen and CJ wound up having to go into Witness Protection. She was given a new name, family background, and taken to an undisclosed spot to live until the FBI could finish the case and the court had given a judgement. – All was OK until she became serious about a new man while living in the witness protection cover -
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