For her entire life, Lisa Garth has felt like a supporting character in the drama of life. The designation never bothered her—until now. Lantern Beach, where she’s settled and runs a popular restaurant, has boarded up for the season. The slower pace leaves her with too much time alone. Braden Dillinger came to Lantern Beach to try to heal. The former Special Forces officer returned from battle with invisible scars and diminished hope. But his recovery is hampered by the fact that an unknown enemy is trying to kill him. From the moment Lisa and Braden meet, danger ignites around them, and both are drawn into a web of intrigue that turns their lives upside down. As shadows creep in, will Lisa and Braden be able to shine a light on the peril around them? Or will the encroaching darkness turn their worst nightmares into reality?
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
In Shadow of Intrigue by Christy Barritt, I am returned to the island of Lantern Beach. This time I learn more about Lisa, the weird combination chef and what makes her tick. While the mystery does not have a dead body, it focuses more on the PTSD of Branden and the effects it causes for him. The mystery surrounds someone wanting to cause him and Lisa harm. But who? Sparks blossom between Lisa and Branden. But my favorite part is coming back to a setting with familiar characters and learning more about some of the secondary characters who populate this little island. With enough mystery to hold my interest, Barritt does a wonderful job at creating a story I enjoyed spending time with. If you are a fan of Christy Barritt, then I recommend picking up this novel.
"People can run but they can't hide. . . . Revenge is within reach."
Braden Dillinger didn't make a good first impression on Lisa Garth when he put her in a chokehold; but in his defense, those threatening text messages had put him on high alert. Someone was trying to kill the former Special Forces soldier . . . . weren't they? . . . he was having a hard time remembering, and what he could remember was all jumbled up.
When Ty and Cassidy had asked Lisa to welcome Braden Dillinger to Lantern Beach, she never expected to have such a violent introduction. But the man had apologized repeatedly for his mistake and seemed to relish the opportunity to heal his body, mind, and spirit from an extreme brain injury there on the island. There was just something special about Braden, and Lisa couldn't let go of her desire to know the "real" Braden, no matter how many times he confused her.
Fans of Christy Barritt's Lantern Beach series will love shining the spotlight on Lisa, whose culinary talents had put her on the map, but whose lonely heart was starving for the right kind of attention; could she have found what was missing in her life in the form a broken and battered national hero?
Shadow of Intrigue is the second book in the Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense series. If you haven't read any of the other Lantern Beach books, that's fine. This book stands alone great.
I think I like Lisa even more after this book. She's sweet and super likeable. She was my favorite supporting character in the Lantern Beach Mysteries so it was great to finally get her story. She's this quirky chef who comes up with all kinds of unique flavor combinations that just somehow work and are totally delicious. I want her to be my friend. She's awesome.
Braden was an interesting character. He's paranoid but has every right to be. Someone's trying to kill him. There's been multiple attempts on his life and with his memory acting up, he feels like he's losing his mind and starts to wonder what's real and what's not. I really liked him. He's struggling but trying so hard to overcome it all. I couldn't help but root for him.
Shadow of Intrigue was a little slower paced than previous books but in no way does that mean it was any less great. I really enjoyed this trip back to Lantern Beach and can't wait to visit it again soon!
I couldn't wait to get back to Lantern Beach in Shadow of Intrigue by Christy Barritt. In this one, we learn more about Lisa. She's one of the most interesting characters in this series so I was excited for her story
Lisa is tasked with being a 'hostess" for one of Ty's friends while he and Cassidy are out of town. Braden is a Special Forces member on the road to recovery. Their first encounter leaves a lot to be desired, but it doesn't take long for the chemistry to ignite with him and this scientist turned chef. But there is also danger just around the corner that cannot be ignored.
I just love the Lantern Beach stories. These can stand alone, but then you'd miss out on all the history of the friends. It is well worth the time to get to know the people of Lantern Beach.
Wow... this was unlike any other book in the series. Braden, a Special Ops Guy with PTSD, and then Lisa. I really did appreciate the story of Braden’s struggles.
Their romance was crazily fast. But I did find it sweet. Probably because of Braden’s struggles.
There was a lot of prayer in this book. Second chances and hope. Again, I did wish she used Scripture to back up some of the promises because otherwise it just seems like a psychiatrist’s pep-y’all (not trying to be harsh here).
And the bad guy? I pieced it together about 2/3 in, wishing I was wrong. It was well done there. This series doesn’t get quite as much into the suspense as the first series.
This main character was fun and quirky. And I love how she keeps showing up in the books that follow this one.
Christy Barritt has a good balance of mystery and suspense. She varies the intensity level just enough to let the reader breath before amping things up again.
I'm intrigued by the characters who were already on Lantern Beach before this series. I will be looking into the authors earlier books!
Christy Barritt has done it again! This is another FANTASTIC, FAST PACED, FULL OF ACTION and SUSPENSE book! (With a bit of romance mixed in.) Her stories just keep getting better and better! Shadow of Intrigue is a story of love and redemption. Of finding what’s lost and remembering what’s found to be true. I appreciated how this author wove in this story, the struggles of one who has been through tough times serving our country. The mental health of many of our heroes is widespread, and we need to do all we can to care for them. To give them hope when they feel so lost. In this book, Christy Barritt has a way of capturing you from the very first page to the very last. She is tremendously skilled at keeping us guessing who the bad guy was in this story! You think it’s one person but then it’s someone else. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish it. Be prepared to not put it down, even to eat or sleep! I received this book from the author to give an honest review. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend you pick this book up!
SHADOW OF INTRIGUE is the second book in Ms. Barritt's Lantern Beach romantic suspense series, but it stands alone. Lisa has been asked to help as hostess to Ty's friend who suffers from PTSD. But things turn bad quickly. Braden gets out of the shower to find a stranger in the kitchen and attacks her -- ready to kill.
This would be enough to send the normal person running from the man, but Lisa is built of sterner stuff and embraces the unusual (as evidenced by her cooking style) and welcomes Braden into her world.
When the "bad guy" was introduced into the story I knew who-dun-it. And when certain other things were mentioned I knew how. But it was a suspenseful read and it was nice to get to know Lisa better and get to know Braden.
Shadow of Intrigue is book two in the Lantern Beach series by Christy Barritt. This story is a great combination of romance and suspense. This is a sitting on the edge of your seat kind of book. I love this series. Be sure to get your copy of Shadow of Intrigue today.
I was looking forward to it because I had so enjoyed and connected with Lisa during the Lantern Beach Mysteries series so wanted to see her story play out.
On the other hand, I had also been looking forward to Austin and Skye's story in the previous book Tides of Deception, and the ending of that greatly disappointed me (I'm hoping the author will change that ending!!!) so I was hoping I wasn't going to get another disappointment again!
I didn't.
I did figure out the plot and what was going on as it is very similar to one of Christy Barritt's Cape Thomas books, but the characters, setting and scenario were different enough that I was still kept interested enough to keep reading and see how it was all going to unfold.
Braden was a perfect match for Lisa!
My one complaint is that Lisa only opens her restaurant for 2 days during the off-season, and one of the days she chooses is a Sunday!? (Keep the Sabbath is one of the 10 commandments, and with Lisa being a Christian it seemed sensible she would hold to that. I know some who have to work on a Sunday do keep a separate day of the week special, but that wasn't mentioned as something Lisa did.) Plus, she closes to have her friends over for a Sunday meal. (Huh - is she open or not?) So I was a bit confused there.
Otherwise a great suspense on our favourite Lantern Beach!
Shadow of Intrigue is the second book in the Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense series. Christy Barritt gave it to me in exchange for an honest review. Cassidy and Ty are our of town to celebrate his mother's birthday. Braden Dillinger is using their place while he is recovering from being hurt in the service. Physically, he seems to be mostly OK, but he has tremors and memory issues, including blackouts. This causes him to have trouble in this town. Lisa Garth, owner of the Crazy Chefette, is planning to act as his hostess. Their relationship starts out horribly. Braden then gets helpful at the restaurant, even taste-testing new recipes. There is some romance, but even that goes sour because of his memory lapses. Much danger and suspense fills the pages of this book. Things become more ominous with each chapter. I like that the characters pray during scary times. Then, they give thanks when things are better. Most everyone likes Lisa's unusual concoctions, but a man named John Linski is violently critical. This frightens Lisa. Braden is being threatened by someone, too. He thinks a terrorist group wants to kill him. Read this book to find out what happens! I truly loved it!
This second installment of the Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense Series focuses on Lisa, Ty and Cassidy's friend who likes to concoct crazy combinations in food and is a little bit quirky. Lisa couldn't have imagined that she would be single at this stage of her life, but there doesn't seem to be anyone in town that is a right fit for her. Enter Braden, a friend of Ty's who is staying at Lantern Beach while he heals from PTSD and escapes the past. Braden believes someone is out to kill him, but then he can't remember who or why. Lisa is attracted to Braden, but also a little afraid of his unpredictable behavior and memory lapses as she gets drawn into the danger surrounding him. Is someone out to get him, or is he just paranoid? I enjoy hearing more about the secondary characters from the Lantern Beach Series, but I have to say, I was hoping to catch up a little more with Ty and Cassidy too. Looking forward to Book #3 in this series. I received a copy of this book from the author but the opinions are my own.
Oh my, we are back at Lantern Beach! Before you think you can't read this book because you haven't read any other books in the Lantern Beach series, don't worry. These are all "stand alone" books but once you read one, you'll want to read them all!!! This story focuses on Braden, a soldier who is suffering from PTSD and Lisa, the chef of a local restaurant. As Braden works on his recovery, it seems that someone is threatening him - or is he imagining it? Lisa believes Braden but when things begin disappearing on the island, a window is broken at her restaurant, and a food critic attacked, she begins to doubt her opinion. As Lisa and Braden try to discover the truth - about the events and each other - it looks like things may get much worse before they get better. Suspense lovers - this is for you!!!
Lisa is the owner of The Crazy Chefette where she puts together unusual food combinations that taste delicious. She volunteers to provide meals for Braden, a friend of Ty's, and while she's cooking dinner he puts her in a chokehold and threatens her. He comes by the restaurant to apologize the next day and offers to help serve food after hearing her waitress has canceled. Braden suffers from a brain injury and has blackouts. Strange things are happening on the island and signs point to Braden as the culprit but he doesn't remember doing them. He thinks someone is trying to kill him but doesn't know who. Can Lisa trust Braden? Who is behind the threats and criminal behavior?
I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue as well as the subtle romance. I am glad that there are more stories about Lantern Beach. Look forward to the next one about Wes!
“It was out of the tragedies that people learned. The hard parts of life strengthened a person’s character. It taught people to appreciate the good and to be compassionate for others when they suffered.”
“... if you settle for what’s always been good enough then you never know what could be better.”
I’ve read many, many Christy Barritt books and this one was far from my favorite. It didn’t help that I figured it out like in the first 10% or so! And Lisa Garth was also my least favorite secondary character in the Lantern Beach Mystery series. Honestly, some of her food sounds pretty gross and I’ll try most kinds of food!
But the book did have its moments and definitely should be read if you’ve been binge reading all things Lantern Beach.
Good and short book. Liked the story, the romance and faith content.
I did have some issues though. For me, the intro was quite extensive and it kept me waiting too much for the story to develop. I know that, usually, a good intro is necessary and appreciated, but not when the book is so short. 🤷🏻♀️
I also have to say that the first book had me guessing a lot more than this one. This one was sooooo predictable. BUT..., I do have to say that I loved Braden and Lisa more than Skye and Austin. I know this is weird, but for me, they had a better chemistry (here comes another 'but') BUT, I believe that having a relationship with someone you met 3 or 4 days ago is not necessarily wise or normal.
Besides these things, I really want to finish the 3rd book and see how everything goes.
From previous Lantern Beach books we know that Lisa is the chef who owns the Crazy Chefette and enjoys coming up with unusual food combinations. Other than that we don’t know much more about her until this book. In this one we get to find out why she opened the restaurant and get to know some of her history.
While Ty and Cassie are out of town Braden is staying at their place and they have asked Lisa to help him out. Their first meeting does not go well and Lisa decides to stay as far away as possible. However then she sees another side of him and a connection begins to form. This connection is tested when mysterious things begin to happen around town.
Braden is suffering from PSTD and believes someone is trying to kill him but his memory is fuzzy. While trying to heal he is trying to figure out what is real and what is in his head. My heart ached for him. Lisa has a wonderful heart and I loved that she did not take everything at face value, but searched for answers. I was rooting for these two to be able to overcome the challenges in front of them and find happiness.
I enjoyed catching up with the residents of Lantern Beach and am looking forward to returning in future books. (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
Lisa Garth, owner of The Crazy Chefette, stars in her own Lantern Beach novel. Each book in this spinoff series can stand alone, but they are more fun read in order so you know the continuing characters. No murder in this story but plenty of suspense and danger, as one expects from a Christy Barritt book. Braden Dillinger, new to the island, connects with Lisa, but will his issues push them apart or draw them together? Can they untangle they web he’s caught in? I guessed the culprit, but it didn’t take away from enjoying the thrilling story. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Lisa Garth is the owner of a popular local restaurant on Lantern Beach. During the winter season, she concentrates on creating new—unusual but delicious—recipes.
When she meets Braden Dillinger things don't go as planned. He is a former Special Forces officer who has come to the island with the hope he can recover from his—invisible but no less real—battle scars. But, he is dangerous? That's the question Lisa must answer. Her gut says no, but his erratic behaviors seem to say yes.
Will Lisa be able to find the truth—without getting hurt— and will Braden find the truth and the healing he is searching for?
Are you looking for a realistic, page-turner about PTSD/TBI veterans with a twist? Then this is the book for you. Yet again, Christy Barritt produces gritty and lovable characters trying to maneuver through life while facing obstacles the size of Goliath. Don't count them out since Lantern Beach is known for loyal friends, even if you just met.
You will enjoy the stories of Lisa and Braden as the saga of life on this idyllic yet sinister island continues.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
The suspense and God-breathed romance is enough to keep you turning page after page. I read this book in less than 48hrs. I could hardly put it down! The way the Author has written this story line with such intricate detail makes the story pop right off the pages and into reality. It really taps those heart strings knowing that Military vets have and still do go through so much so that we can walk safely in our country too. And personally, I love some of the recipe ideas that come from the character Lisa!
This was my first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect. I was hoping for a romantic suspense story that balanced the mystery with the romance. This book came up short on the romance side. The mystery surrounding Braden Dillinger held my interest and I didn’t guess the “villian” immediately, which is a good thing. Even for a Christian based book, Lisa was too innocent, especially for a woman her age, and for me that made the relationship between Braden and Lisa not work. 3.25 Stars
In Shadow of Intrigue, book two in the Lantern Beach Romance series, Christy Barritt weaves a tale involving an international terrorist organization, a sleepy island, and characters with their own set of secrets. A very interesting book. I read the series out of order, but each book was a stand alone with characters from each book supporting the "star" characters in each book. It did not detract from the plot line to read them out of order. I recommend the series.
Love this authors books, and this one didn't disappoint. This book was fairly fast paced, with some twists. Just say I kind of had the killer figured out about half way through the book, but was in the dark on motive till the end. I could identify with Lisa as I too bad been over weight during school. I always appreciate the spiritual parts of Christy's books.
I like Christy Barrett Books and this was another one that drew you in with the characters and suspense. The only drawback was that I felt like I was able to guess early on who the culprit was and there are some details that felt like they didn’t quite line up. But overall I still liked the book, the characters, the character development, the storyline and the way it all wrapped up.
PTSD.Braden wanted peace and quiet, taking Ty up on the offer to stay at their place while gone. Except he didn’t like the quietness, anything to keep his mind and thoughts at a distance. Meeting Lisa the unusual chef, was not the best way to met someone, still they are drawn to one another. Two broken souls, that gives a haunting story, and to figure out who and why of what was happening. Well done, one is drawn into the story from the beginning and the characters of Lisa and Braden.
I loved Lisa's story! Learning about why she decided to run her own restaurant, and things from the past that she was determined to overcome. I also enjoyed Braden's character as different and unique.
The suspense is great all throughout the story, with a touch of sweet romance. I highly recommend this book!
Shadow of Intrigue - Book 2 in Christy Barritt's side series about Lantern Beach. As in all of these books, the suspense starts right at the beginning and carries through to the ending. That means you need to clear your schedule because you're not putting this book down for a couple hours.