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Lavender Mountain #3
Appalachian Peril
With her life under attack…
she must join forces with the lawman from her past.
An unseen enemy has tracked Beth Wynngate to Lavender Mountain, leaving her no choice but to seek the help of Sammy Armstrong. They share a fraught history, but the Falling Rock deputy sheriff is her best hope of survival. As Sammy teaches her the art of self-defense, Beth fights for a future that could be gone tomorrow.
she must join forces with the lawman from her past.
An unseen enemy has tracked Beth Wynngate to Lavender Mountain, leaving her no choice but to seek the help of Sammy Armstrong. They share a fraught history, but the Falling Rock deputy sheriff is her best hope of survival. As Sammy teaches her the art of self-defense, Beth fights for a future that could be gone tomorrow.
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 9, 2020
34 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Herbert
76 books683 followersDebbie Herbert, a USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling writer, pens Psychological Suspense, romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She’s always been fascinated by magic, romance and Gothic stories.
Married and living in Alabama, she roots for the Crimson Tide football team. When not working on her upcoming books, Debbie enjoys recumbent bicycling and jet skiing with her husband.
2017 RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance in the national contest sponsored by the Romance Writers of America® Debbie has a degree in English (Berry College, GA) and a master’s in Library Studies (University of Alabama).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 16, 2020
I was lucky to receive an early copy of this book and i liked it! It can be read as a stand alone perfectly but if you have read the precedent books in the series you will meet again some characters you have loved before and see some hints about past stories. I like that because you can be new to the series or not and you won't be lost but if you are not new you get kind of little bonus.
The investigation was well written even if i found the culprit(s) too early for my taste i enjoyed to follow Sammy and Beth .
Sammy is loyal and i like how protective he is without thinking he is better than her , he is full of respect.
Beth ...she is both too naive for my taste while she is saying she doesn't trust easily and a bit too stuborn too. I liked her more at the beginning because...she is saying trusting is hard for her then she keeps falling into the same traps....once could be possible but twice? that's because stupidity and i wanted to shake her to open her eyes about the situation.However she is courageous and a talented artist.
Then the ending left me unhappy because i didnt feel like every vilain got what he/she/they deserved...i like good one be rewarded but bad one must be punished and in this case it didn't give me the closure i wanted.
That being said it's a very enjoyable suspense a,d i really appreciate this series
The investigation was well written even if i found the culprit(s) too early for my taste i enjoyed to follow Sammy and Beth .
Sammy is loyal and i like how protective he is without thinking he is better than her , he is full of respect.
Beth ...she is both too naive for my taste while she is saying she doesn't trust easily and a bit too stuborn too. I liked her more at the beginning because...she is saying trusting is hard for her then she keeps falling into the same traps....once could be possible but twice? that's because stupidity and i wanted to shake her to open her eyes about the situation.However she is courageous and a talented artist.
Then the ending left me unhappy because i didnt feel like every vilain got what he/she/they deserved...i like good one be rewarded but bad one must be punished and in this case it didn't give me the closure i wanted.
That being said it's a very enjoyable suspense a,d i really appreciate this series
July 21, 2020
There is seldom a time in the third book of the Lavender Mountain miniseries that danger is not lucking somewhere in the background, just waiting to adversely affect the heroine or even the hero. I often did not realize an incident was imminent until it caught me unaware, and then I was held captive until the whole event played out as I had no idea how it might end. Debbie Herbert definitely knows how to create a story packed with mysterious uncertainties, where those responsible for a dangerous set of circumstances are hinted at while the risk to the “good guys” keeps mounting. Suspenseful developments drew me into APPALACHIAN PERIL, and the romantic aspects kept me invested in the futures of the main couple.
After her home in Boston was broken into, Beth Wynngate began to worry that someone who blames her deceased father for his own difficulties is now trying to make her pay. The decision to return to her home state of Georgia and stay at the home she inherited in Falling Rock will hopefully have her avoiding more harassment, but it seems to have failed because the person is once again making threats. Fearful of what might eventually occur, the local sheriff’s office is called and Sammy Armstrong is sent to determine if there is a problem. Although an incident in her past makes Beth wary of this cop, he vows to be more competent this time. When trouble comes calling again, Sammy plans to make certain the perpetrator is caught before harm comes to the woman whose behavior fascinates him.
I have always enjoyed stories by Debbie Herbert because of their originality, and the Lavender Mountain miniseries has been full of creative intrigue while also featuring diverse characters. The moments in the book where danger is the focus are handled with much imagination as occurrences are inventive, while any peril is convincingly depicted and often frightening. There were a few times when I became very anxious, as there were way too many scenarios in which a situation could go, and many of them had a very bad outcome. While I had an inkling of who was behind the growing number of threats toward Beth, my thoughts were only a deduction without proof until all is revealed.
Sammy is a dedicated cop who wants to prove to Beth that he is trustworthy and can efficiently do his job. How he makes his point is shown in various ways, and I really liked how these two got along as they came to know each other better. She is trying to stay positive, yet it is hard when so much remains a mystery in her life. The two other couples from the previous books in the miniseries make an appearance, and it was great catching up with them.
After her home in Boston was broken into, Beth Wynngate began to worry that someone who blames her deceased father for his own difficulties is now trying to make her pay. The decision to return to her home state of Georgia and stay at the home she inherited in Falling Rock will hopefully have her avoiding more harassment, but it seems to have failed because the person is once again making threats. Fearful of what might eventually occur, the local sheriff’s office is called and Sammy Armstrong is sent to determine if there is a problem. Although an incident in her past makes Beth wary of this cop, he vows to be more competent this time. When trouble comes calling again, Sammy plans to make certain the perpetrator is caught before harm comes to the woman whose behavior fascinates him.
I have always enjoyed stories by Debbie Herbert because of their originality, and the Lavender Mountain miniseries has been full of creative intrigue while also featuring diverse characters. The moments in the book where danger is the focus are handled with much imagination as occurrences are inventive, while any peril is convincingly depicted and often frightening. There were a few times when I became very anxious, as there were way too many scenarios in which a situation could go, and many of them had a very bad outcome. While I had an inkling of who was behind the growing number of threats toward Beth, my thoughts were only a deduction without proof until all is revealed.
Sammy is a dedicated cop who wants to prove to Beth that he is trustworthy and can efficiently do his job. How he makes his point is shown in various ways, and I really liked how these two got along as they came to know each other better. She is trying to stay positive, yet it is hard when so much remains a mystery in her life. The two other couples from the previous books in the miniseries make an appearance, and it was great catching up with them.
July 24, 2020
As I always say, this author has written another great read. It was really hard to put the book down. There was always something going on. Beth was constantly in danger. Like a cat with nine lives, she avoids death time and time again. She lives in Boston but is threatened and her apartment broken into. With no place left to go, she has to flee to Lavender Mountain. She could stay with her step mom but they aren’t each other’s favorites. Her deceased dad was a judge and very strict. The step mom seems a bit jealous of Beth. There’s talk of him being a crooked judge and someone just out of prison may want revenge for being sent away for years. Is that who’s after Beth? And her dad couldn’t possibly be corrupt. He was always by the book, in life and in work. He loved her dearly but also stayed aloof so it was hard to just let your hair down around him. Her family was dysfunctional to say the least. So uptight and rich and snobby. Beth is down to earth. Her brother is spoiled and so resentful.
I loved the heart pounding suspense of the story. Everywhere Beth turned, there was a disaster waiting to happen. Even turning to family seemed dangerous. She sure didn’t want to cause them any harm. I always love this series because it is set around Blood Mountain. A place in Georgia that is so remote but a lovely windy road going up and down and around a mountain. Just like it’s described. Just like a dragon’s tail. I’ve traveled it many times to work and we had so many people brought in from wrecks. Most didn’t make it. So I could relate to Beth’s close call. This is a book male or female would enjoy. There is romance but so much suspense it evens out. It’s clean, no cussing. There are only a few sex scenes but they are very tastefully written. Oh yeah, did I mention the hot deputy, Sammy, who Beth has known for years? He is protecting her but all the while grows closer to her. The feeling is mutual.
I loved the heart pounding suspense of the story. Everywhere Beth turned, there was a disaster waiting to happen. Even turning to family seemed dangerous. She sure didn’t want to cause them any harm. I always love this series because it is set around Blood Mountain. A place in Georgia that is so remote but a lovely windy road going up and down and around a mountain. Just like it’s described. Just like a dragon’s tail. I’ve traveled it many times to work and we had so many people brought in from wrecks. Most didn’t make it. So I could relate to Beth’s close call. This is a book male or female would enjoy. There is romance but so much suspense it evens out. It’s clean, no cussing. There are only a few sex scenes but they are very tastefully written. Oh yeah, did I mention the hot deputy, Sammy, who Beth has known for years? He is protecting her but all the while grows closer to her. The feeling is mutual.
August 7, 2020
Rating: 3.9 / 5
Unlike Murder in the Shallows, my first read by Debbie Herbert, the story in this book is almost the exact opposite.
What I loved and praised Herbert for in MitS was the mystery and suspense of everything, the attention to detail in making a claustrophobic swampy setting. The climax of that book was by far my favourite part, keeping me on edge right up until the very end. The one thing that didn't click with me was the romance, which I found a bit lacking and out of nowhere.
Here, the romance is organic and flows naturally; but the mystery, unfortunately, was rather predictable and not nearly as heart-pounding.
Ideally, if Herbert could combine the suspense of MitS and the romance from AP, then you'd have a pretty perfect harlequin suspense novel. However, regardless, I do like this author's writing style, and therefore may take a look at more of her works in the future.
Unlike Murder in the Shallows, my first read by Debbie Herbert, the story in this book is almost the exact opposite.
What I loved and praised Herbert for in MitS was the mystery and suspense of everything, the attention to detail in making a claustrophobic swampy setting. The climax of that book was by far my favourite part, keeping me on edge right up until the very end. The one thing that didn't click with me was the romance, which I found a bit lacking and out of nowhere.
Here, the romance is organic and flows naturally; but the mystery, unfortunately, was rather predictable and not nearly as heart-pounding.
Ideally, if Herbert could combine the suspense of MitS and the romance from AP, then you'd have a pretty perfect harlequin suspense novel. However, regardless, I do like this author's writing style, and therefore may take a look at more of her works in the future.
July 22, 2020
It can be so difficult to write a mystery where anyone could be the villain but only one has all of the opportunity. For Beth, tensions ratchet when the inexplicable happens and the unexpected becomes commonplace. Danger is fierce and peril strikes. Will the protection from the sheriff (Sammy) provide the calm she needs? Dedicated to his job, he wants to believe she is innocent of the actions. But will his nature lead him astray?
August 28, 2020
I really enjoyed the suspense in this story. I really liked Beth Wynngate's character for she makes me think of my friends past & present. Sammy Armstrong is a basic down to earth guy. That some people can't see. I like how Debbie brings in characters from the past into the present story. Its fast paced and lots of action. The biggest surprise is who is behind killing her. I have been enjoying this series alot for its action and suspense. J
June 26, 2020
Like a fantastic cup of coffee, APPALACHIAN PERIL by Debbie Herbert is a harrowing thrill ride to the very last drop, or page as the case may be. “I rooted for Beth, a gifted teacher and artist, and Sammy, a deputy sheriff, committed to discovering who and why. Together they’re determined to seeing justice served. I highly recommend this book!
July 22, 2020
What an interesting and exciting romantic suspense! I really liked the MCs...Beth and Sammy were fun and likeable characters. The mystery and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Herbert definitely has a talent for writing romantic suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
August 2, 2020
Appalachian Peril is the third book in the Lavender Mountain series. From the beginning until the end this fast-paced suspenseful thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. This amazing read was full of mystery, suspense and danger. It had wonderful characters with great chemistry. I love this series and I can't wait to read the next book.
April 3, 2025
The overall plot is very tamed compared to the first two. The writing style is still great, but there were just too many plot holes from the jump! I'll say this one is more action-packed than the first two. You go from serial killer to human trafficking to a stalker?? The third act kind of spun into a different story, but it's still an enjoyable read!
August 6, 2020
Loved this edge of your seat, heart racing, action packed adventure filled with dangerous and exciting charters, witty dialog, exciting twists and undeniable passion. Was a emotional thrill-ride from beginning to end.
December 15, 2020
Beth comes back to Lavender Mountain for the winter holidays and to get away from Boston, where someone broke into her home. But did she leave the threat behind or is the threat closer than she knows?
January 25, 2024
One thrilling event after the next, great chemistry between Beth and Sammy, who is trying to protect the stubborn Beth from a dangerous stalker. Great dialogue, situations with a little loving as well.
Read
August 1, 2020Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Lavender Mountain (Book #3)
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Lavender Mountain (Book #3)
Read
August 1, 2020Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Lavender Mountain (Book #3)
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Lavender Mountain (Book #3)
August 1, 2021
Beth and Sammy.
August 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! Well written, engaging characters & storyline. I'm looking forward to checking out other books by this new-to-me author.
August 23, 2021
I felt the book was rushed in parts especially the romance between the characters. The book let on too early who the culprit was which left me feeling very frustrated with how naive Beth was.
October 20, 2021
That awkward moment when you're actively rooting for the villain to win.
February 4, 2023
A new author for me and I loved the book. Will look for more of her work.
August 19, 2020
Beth Wynngate's father, a judge, died months ago and now someone is stalking her and making demands that she give up $50K. Who is doing so and why? Reluctantly, she seeks help from Deputy Sheriff Sammy Armstrong, who quickly determines that the danger is real and not just a figment of Beth's imagination.
He suspects several people, including Beth's stepbrother and her stepmother, but is it possible that the bad guys are part of her own family? What about that low-life sent to prison by her late father?
As the clues begin to pile up, the dangers increase, but who is going to be hurt or even killed first: Beth or Sammy?
He suspects several people, including Beth's stepbrother and her stepmother, but is it possible that the bad guys are part of her own family? What about that low-life sent to prison by her late father?
As the clues begin to pile up, the dangers increase, but who is going to be hurt or even killed first: Beth or Sammy?
July 21, 2020
There is seldom a time in the third book of the Lavender Mountain miniseries that danger is not lucking somewhere in the background, just waiting to adversely affect the heroine or even the hero. I often did not realize an incident was imminent until it caught me unaware, and then I was held captive until the whole event played out as I had no idea how it might end. Debbie Herbert definitely knows how to create a story packed with mysterious uncertainties, where those responsible for a dangerous set of circumstances are hinted at while the risk to the “good guys” keeps mounting. Suspenseful developments drew me into APPALACHIAN PERIL, and the romantic aspects kept me invested in the futures of the main couple.
After her home in Boston was broken into, Beth Wynngate began to worry that someone who blames her deceased father for his own difficulties is now trying to make her pay. The decision to return to her home state of Georgia and stay at the home she inherited in Falling Rock will hopefully have her avoiding more harassment, but it seems to have failed because the person is once again making threats. Fearful of what might eventually occur, the local sheriff’s office is called and Sammy Armstrong is sent to determine if there is a problem. Although an incident in her past makes Beth wary of this cop, he vows to be more competent this time. When trouble comes calling again, Sammy plans to make certain the perpetrator is caught before harm comes to the woman whose behavior fascinates him.
I have always enjoyed stories by Debbie Herbert because of their originality, and the Lavender Mountain miniseries has been full of creative intrigue while also featuring diverse characters. The moments in the book where danger is the focus are handled with much imagination as occurrences are inventive, while any peril is convincingly depicted and often frightening. There were a few times when I became very anxious, as there were way too many scenarios in which a situation could go, and many of them had a very bad outcome. While I had an inkling of who was behind the growing number of threats toward Beth, my thoughts were only a deduction without proof until all is revealed.
Sammy is a dedicated cop who wants to prove to Beth that he is trustworthy and can efficiently do his job. How he makes his point is shown in various ways, and I really liked how these two got along as they came to know each other better. She is trying to stay positive, yet it is hard when so much remains a mystery in her life. The two other couples from the previous books in the miniseries make an appearance, and it was great catching up with them.
After her home in Boston was broken into, Beth Wynngate began to worry that someone who blames her deceased father for his own difficulties is now trying to make her pay. The decision to return to her home state of Georgia and stay at the home she inherited in Falling Rock will hopefully have her avoiding more harassment, but it seems to have failed because the person is once again making threats. Fearful of what might eventually occur, the local sheriff’s office is called and Sammy Armstrong is sent to determine if there is a problem. Although an incident in her past makes Beth wary of this cop, he vows to be more competent this time. When trouble comes calling again, Sammy plans to make certain the perpetrator is caught before harm comes to the woman whose behavior fascinates him.
I have always enjoyed stories by Debbie Herbert because of their originality, and the Lavender Mountain miniseries has been full of creative intrigue while also featuring diverse characters. The moments in the book where danger is the focus are handled with much imagination as occurrences are inventive, while any peril is convincingly depicted and often frightening. There were a few times when I became very anxious, as there were way too many scenarios in which a situation could go, and many of them had a very bad outcome. While I had an inkling of who was behind the growing number of threats toward Beth, my thoughts were only a deduction without proof until all is revealed.
Sammy is a dedicated cop who wants to prove to Beth that he is trustworthy and can efficiently do his job. How he makes his point is shown in various ways, and I really liked how these two got along as they came to know each other better. She is trying to stay positive, yet it is hard when so much remains a mystery in her life. The two other couples from the previous books in the miniseries make an appearance, and it was great catching up with them.
July 24, 2020
As I always say, this author has written another great read. It was really hard to put the book down. There was always something going on. Beth was constantly in danger. Like a cat with nine lives, she avoids death time and time again. She lives in Boston but is threatened and her apartment broken into. With no place left to go, she has to flee to Lavender Mountain. She could stay with her step mom but they aren’t each other’s favorites. Her deceased dad was a judge and very strict. The step mom seems a bit jealous of Beth. There’s talk of him being a crooked judge and someone just out of prison may want revenge for being sent away for years. Is that who’s after Beth? And her dad couldn’t possibly be corrupt. He was always by the book, in life and in work. He loved her dearly but also stayed aloof so it was hard to just let your hair down around him. Her family was dysfunctional to say the least. So uptight and rich and snobby. Beth is down to earth. Her brother is spoiled and so resentful.
I loved the heart pounding suspense of the story. Everywhere Beth turned, there was a disaster waiting to happen. Even turning to family seemed dangerous. She sure didn’t want to cause them any harm. I always love this series because it is set around Blood Mountain. A place in Georgia that is so remote but a lovely windy road going up and down and around a mountain. Just like it’s described. Just like a dragon’s tail. I’ve traveled it many times to work and we had so many people brought in from wrecks. Most didn’t make it. So I could relate to Beth’s close call. This is a book male or female would enjoy. There is romance but so much suspense it evens out. It’s clean, no cussing. There are only a few sex scenes but they are very tastefully written. Oh yeah, did I mention the hot deputy, Sammy, who Beth has known for years? He is protecting her but all the while grows closer to her. The feeling is mutual.
I loved the heart pounding suspense of the story. Everywhere Beth turned, there was a disaster waiting to happen. Even turning to family seemed dangerous. She sure didn’t want to cause them any harm. I always love this series because it is set around Blood Mountain. A place in Georgia that is so remote but a lovely windy road going up and down and around a mountain. Just like it’s described. Just like a dragon’s tail. I’ve traveled it many times to work and we had so many people brought in from wrecks. Most didn’t make it. So I could relate to Beth’s close call. This is a book male or female would enjoy. There is romance but so much suspense it evens out. It’s clean, no cussing. There are only a few sex scenes but they are very tastefully written. Oh yeah, did I mention the hot deputy, Sammy, who Beth has known for years? He is protecting her but all the while grows closer to her. The feeling is mutual.
June 17, 2020
Beth Wynngate is force to flees Boston back to Appalachia, Lavender Mountain after receiving threatening letters and been stalked. Someone wants to make her paid for her deceased father's corruption. Which Beth can't believe is true.
Sammy, the deputy sherrif will be working on the case to find out who's behind this before Beth get hurt or worse. And will be teaching her self-defense. The history they shared will get in the way and feeling will change.
I have really loved this book and couldn't put it down.I have received an arc of it by Debbie Herbert.
Sammy, the deputy sherrif will be working on the case to find out who's behind this before Beth get hurt or worse. And will be teaching her self-defense. The history they shared will get in the way and feeling will change.
I have really loved this book and couldn't put it down.I have received an arc of it by Debbie Herbert.
July 22, 2020
Once again the author delivers a story that has the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next. The characters are strong and the author does a great job bringing them to life. It's a mystery that you think you know who done it but then there's a twist. The reader gets a story that has suspense, some romance, more suspense and surprises. A definite must read. I can't wait to read what this author has in store for us next!
June 18, 2020
It's not often you read a suspense mystery where you can guess the guilty parties early on yet the author still manages to surprise you and keep you reading just the same. Appalachian Peril is one of those rare gems. A book you don't want to put down.
October 7, 2023
Well written story, I actually read this book before reading the other 2 in the series and now that I have read the first 2 I'm going to go back and read this one again
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews