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The Recipient
Five years after losing her husband, Kacie Nolan rebuilt her life piece by piece—until love tested her courage.
As mayor of a quiet small town, she’s found purpose serving her community and protecting the peaceful life she fought to create. Love is the one thing she refuses to risk again.
Then a stranger arrives.
Jack Wilkens—known to the world as Jett Vanders—is seeking refuge from a life where fame has made him a target. The world-famous musician needs an escape, and this small town offers exactly that. The last thing he expects is to be drawn to the one woman who refuses to be impressed by celebrity.
As their connection deepens, Kacie opens her heart again, and Jett discovers a life that feels real for the first time in years. But when danger follows him to Sycamore Ridge, both must decide whether the love they’ve found is worth fighting for.
Because the truth connecting their lives runs deeper than either of them could ever imagine.
Set in a town where everyone knows your name and second chances are possible, The Recipient is an emotional story of love after loss, courage in the face of fear, and the unexpected ways life gives us the chance to begin again.
Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally rich women’s fiction with a touch of romance and suspense.
As mayor of a quiet small town, she’s found purpose serving her community and protecting the peaceful life she fought to create. Love is the one thing she refuses to risk again.
Then a stranger arrives.
Jack Wilkens—known to the world as Jett Vanders—is seeking refuge from a life where fame has made him a target. The world-famous musician needs an escape, and this small town offers exactly that. The last thing he expects is to be drawn to the one woman who refuses to be impressed by celebrity.
As their connection deepens, Kacie opens her heart again, and Jett discovers a life that feels real for the first time in years. But when danger follows him to Sycamore Ridge, both must decide whether the love they’ve found is worth fighting for.
Because the truth connecting their lives runs deeper than either of them could ever imagine.
Set in a town where everyone knows your name and second chances are possible, The Recipient is an emotional story of love after loss, courage in the face of fear, and the unexpected ways life gives us the chance to begin again.
Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally rich women’s fiction with a touch of romance and suspense.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
About the author
Shail Rajan
5 books259 followersWhat if the life you always wanted was waiting just around the corner? That's the heart of Shail Rajan's writing.
The author of five women's fiction novels, she writes warm, feel-good stories with clean romance set in charming small towns. Her Summer Breeze series — set in the fictional Seneca Springs in upstate New York's Finger Lakes wine country — follows Callie Williams as she rebuilds her life, her heart, and a beloved bed & breakfast. Her standalone novel, The Recipient, blends women's fiction with clean romance and suspense in a small-town setting.
If you love cozy, heartwarming fiction with second chances, found family, food, and community — books in the spirit of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs — Shail's books are for you.
Born in India, raised in upstate New York, she now lives in California with her husband and three children.
Sign up for bonus materials including free stories and recipe book: https://www.shailrajan.com/
The author of five women's fiction novels, she writes warm, feel-good stories with clean romance set in charming small towns. Her Summer Breeze series — set in the fictional Seneca Springs in upstate New York's Finger Lakes wine country — follows Callie Williams as she rebuilds her life, her heart, and a beloved bed & breakfast. Her standalone novel, The Recipient, blends women's fiction with clean romance and suspense in a small-town setting.
If you love cozy, heartwarming fiction with second chances, found family, food, and community — books in the spirit of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs — Shail's books are for you.
Born in India, raised in upstate New York, she now lives in California with her husband and three children.
Sign up for bonus materials including free stories and recipe book: https://www.shailrajan.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 26, 2022
Wow, I loved this book! There were unexpected twists and turns, and highly suspenseful moments with a very creepy villain. At the same time, it was also a fun and easy read about lovely small town relationships between wonderful characters, reminiscent of the author's first book, The Summer Breeze. I was really impressed by how the book merged several genres in a very natural and super engaging way, which kept me excited about what each next chapter would bring. This author excels at character development, imaginative plot lines, and descriptive language that brings each scene to life. Highly recommend this book!
October 14, 2022
I could not put this book down. I loved it so much.
From the cover, I thought I was getting a thriller, but this book was much more than the anxiety I had fill my entire body because of the stalker aspect.
I completely fell in love with this small town that’s a big family, and I want to go on a foodie tour through their restaurants. I want to go swimming at their secret swimming hole and walk the trails through the forest. It was an ideal setting.
Then the characters! They were real and full of love and kindness for each other. With the exception of a couple 🥴 and the way they all weaved together in the end, gah. I was crying. It took me literally until right before it happened to figure it out and when it clicked, I was a mess.
Shail, I loved your book and I truly hope it starts to gain more traction for you, because you deserve it 💜
From the cover, I thought I was getting a thriller, but this book was much more than the anxiety I had fill my entire body because of the stalker aspect.
I completely fell in love with this small town that’s a big family, and I want to go on a foodie tour through their restaurants. I want to go swimming at their secret swimming hole and walk the trails through the forest. It was an ideal setting.
Then the characters! They were real and full of love and kindness for each other. With the exception of a couple 🥴 and the way they all weaved together in the end, gah. I was crying. It took me literally until right before it happened to figure it out and when it clicked, I was a mess.
Shail, I loved your book and I truly hope it starts to gain more traction for you, because you deserve it 💜
December 17, 2022
I couldn't put this book down! I stayed up way too late many nights so I could finish this book. I loved the town that the author created, I want to live in that town. The characters were well written and they cared for each other (with the exception of one.) This book is a good combination of suspense and romance. The villain was creepy and all her thoughts were crazy! I love the way Shail weaved the story and characters together. I look forward to her next book!
December 4, 2022
Looking for a story that has amazing characters, an idyllic setting, and a great twist? This clean, contemporary romance could be just what you're looking for.
Kacie Nolan is the friendliest mayor one could meet. Jett is a famous musician who needs a break and settles in Kacie's town and trying to be a unrecognized when things go terribly wrong. You won't expect the final chapters of this story!
Thank you to @katerockbooktours and @shailrajanauthor for the opportunity to read this in the traveling ARC circle. I hope the next person likes it as much as I did.
Kacie Nolan is the friendliest mayor one could meet. Jett is a famous musician who needs a break and settles in Kacie's town and trying to be a unrecognized when things go terribly wrong. You won't expect the final chapters of this story!
Thank you to @katerockbooktours and @shailrajanauthor for the opportunity to read this in the traveling ARC circle. I hope the next person likes it as much as I did.
May 22, 2022
An intriguing read! This book describes the characters, setting and relationships beautifully making you care about them and what will happen. I enjoyed the element of suspense mixed with the romance and didn't see the end coming.
February 25, 2025
This is the first book I have read by this author. I am impressed and cannot wait to order another Shail Rajan book. Quick read, great characters and a few twists and turns. I would recommend!
July 22, 2022
Shail Rajan has done it again! Her sophomore novel, THE RECIPIENT, is a delicious read that goes down easy, while serving up a surprisingly twisty mystery.
Kacie loves her quiet life as a furniture restorer and mayor of Sycamore Ridge. Rock star Jett needs a change of pace, finding sanctuary in Kacie’s small town.
The friendship between the two main characters is immediate and hints at a deeper connection. The skillful way the author weaves in each character’s backstory forms the backbone of this riveting emotional suspense story.
THE RECIPIENT is full of heart, mystery, comfort food (oh, the food), and a wonderful supporting cast. Just like THE SUMMER BREEZE, THE RECIPIENT is exactly the type of book that invites you to curl up, read from start to finish, and close with a satisfied sigh of time well spent.
Kacie loves her quiet life as a furniture restorer and mayor of Sycamore Ridge. Rock star Jett needs a change of pace, finding sanctuary in Kacie’s small town.
The friendship between the two main characters is immediate and hints at a deeper connection. The skillful way the author weaves in each character’s backstory forms the backbone of this riveting emotional suspense story.
THE RECIPIENT is full of heart, mystery, comfort food (oh, the food), and a wonderful supporting cast. Just like THE SUMMER BREEZE, THE RECIPIENT is exactly the type of book that invites you to curl up, read from start to finish, and close with a satisfied sigh of time well spent.
May 4, 2022
What a great read, combining lovely characters, many of whom are so relatable, with a suspenseful and intriguing narrative. The author clearly loves food and evocative landscapes and portrays them in luscious detail. The story weaves together nicely to form a well-crafted plot, and there is a skillful shifting of perspective between characters that helps keep the reader engaged. It was fun to be engulfed in this story's microcosm and when I put the book down, I could already picture the movie adaptation - cast and all! Want to get lost in a fun read? Grab a morning bun and sink into a chair!
May 1, 2022
The Recipient is the perfect combination of Romance and suspense. The exquisite storytelling is complimented by the artful development of the characters. Rajan masterfully builds sexual tension and expertly weaves the plot together like a fine tapestry. The twists and surprises at every turn make it a book you will want to reread in order to appreciate its brillance. I plan to buy The Recipient as a gift for all my friends.
May 17, 2022
The prologue has you hooked from the beginning. And while Part 1 sets up the main characters and the idyllic setting, Part 2 takes a darker and thrilling turn from get go. It was hard to keep the book away after that. Interwoven storyline that all comes together very nicely in the end - there were twists and turns till the very end. I found myself flipping back to the prologue multiple time while I was reading this book.
Really enjoyed this one.
Really enjoyed this one.
August 20, 2024
The Recipient
This book was so well written with all of adventures of Callie and the rock star. The way everything was spelled out in why the house was bought and Roberts brother moved in to get his life straighten out. The stalker experience was so interesting. The family all came together to give everyone support. Look forward to the next book by Shail.
This book was so well written with all of adventures of Callie and the rock star. The way everything was spelled out in why the house was bought and Roberts brother moved in to get his life straighten out. The stalker experience was so interesting. The family all came together to give everyone support. Look forward to the next book by Shail.
June 26, 2026
A Nice surprise!
After finishing the series of The Summer Breeze - I was delighted with this book who expanded on the characters.
Total surprise ending!
Again, I hated to put this down!!
I'm SO ready for the sequels!!
After finishing the series of The Summer Breeze - I was delighted with this book who expanded on the characters.
Total surprise ending!
Again, I hated to put this down!!
I'm SO ready for the sequels!!
June 27, 2022
This book was amazing! I barely could put it down and the ending was surprising as well as perfect. I love how everything came together in the end.
June 30, 2024
Great story
This is just a real story about real life. I look forward to reading more from this author. Can't wait.
This is just a real story about real life. I look forward to reading more from this author. Can't wait.
July 21, 2024
It was a pretty good story, I recommend it
May 19, 2026
Really enjoyed this book and hated putting it down! It was enjoyable, entertaining and kept me want to read more. There was romance, emotion as well as mystery thrown in.
June 18, 2022
The Recipient is a well-written novel by Shail Rajan set in off-the-beaten path Sycamore Ridge, a place where everyone knows everyone but where gossip is not the norm. Perfect for world-famous rock star, Jett Vanders, to take a break and hopefully, keep under the radar from his stalker.
Kacie, the slightly mysterious wood worker/mayor of the town, agrees to keep Jett’s identity secret when Jett’s brother, Robert, buys and renovates a home in her quaint city. When Jett and his entourage move in, Kacie finds herself drawn to their feeling of family and friendship and spends a great deal of time with the group.
Things begin to heat up between the characters and of course there is a run-in with the crazy stalker fan. It takes from the prologue to the epilogue to understand the title, but in the end, everything works out and is wrapped neat and tidy.
There are several ancillary characters, enough that it was a bit confusing keeping them straight, but all-in-all, a nice story with no loose ends. A nice, easy read.
Kacie, the slightly mysterious wood worker/mayor of the town, agrees to keep Jett’s identity secret when Jett’s brother, Robert, buys and renovates a home in her quaint city. When Jett and his entourage move in, Kacie finds herself drawn to their feeling of family and friendship and spends a great deal of time with the group.
Things begin to heat up between the characters and of course there is a run-in with the crazy stalker fan. It takes from the prologue to the epilogue to understand the title, but in the end, everything works out and is wrapped neat and tidy.
There are several ancillary characters, enough that it was a bit confusing keeping them straight, but all-in-all, a nice story with no loose ends. A nice, easy read.
June 30, 2022
While THE RECIPIENT is more a romantic suspense novel, Shail writes the most endearing characters in all of her books. She writes each character in such detail they feel like real people as I’m reading.
I loved the way this story flowed with a budding romance while still building a secondary suspenseful plot.
I thought everything connected so well in both storylines. When I was reading the last chapter, the title of this book became totally clear to me and made the title such a perfect choice!
About the Book
Kacie is the mayor of Sycamore Ridge, a small quaint town where folks are friendly while at the same time respecting their neighbors’ privacy.
When a famous musician, Jett AKA Jack, moves to town to unwind from his latest tour and get out of the public eye for a while, he strikes up a friendship with Kacie.
Unfortunately, Jack has a stalker that will stop at nothing to win Jack’s love. As Jack develops feelings for Kacie and finds himself rooted to Sycamore Ridge, someone is plotting another ending for Jack.
I loved the way this story flowed with a budding romance while still building a secondary suspenseful plot.
I thought everything connected so well in both storylines. When I was reading the last chapter, the title of this book became totally clear to me and made the title such a perfect choice!
About the Book
Kacie is the mayor of Sycamore Ridge, a small quaint town where folks are friendly while at the same time respecting their neighbors’ privacy.
When a famous musician, Jett AKA Jack, moves to town to unwind from his latest tour and get out of the public eye for a while, he strikes up a friendship with Kacie.
Unfortunately, Jack has a stalker that will stop at nothing to win Jack’s love. As Jack develops feelings for Kacie and finds himself rooted to Sycamore Ridge, someone is plotting another ending for Jack.
July 10, 2024
I loved this book! The author does an incredible job of weaving together the lives of different characters throughout the book, making the plot exciting and compelling. The story is a perfect blend of suspense and romance. The beginning of the book really develops the charm of small town life and lulls the reader into a sense of comfort. Then, the author introduces a series of plot twists that left me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages as fast as I could! The ending was completely unexpected and brought tears to my eyes. I would highly recommend this book!
June 18, 2022
A great summer read filled with romance and mystery. Set in a small town where everyone knows all or think they do.
January 1, 2024
clear your calendar…
Twisty fun that keeps you glued to the page. Rajan has crafted a world of characters you can’t help but root for.
Twisty fun that keeps you glued to the page. Rajan has crafted a world of characters you can’t help but root for.
December 16, 2024
Didn’t enjoy this book much. It was just alright but based on the jacket description I thought there would be some twists and turns maybe some suspense. It was a bit bland.
August 27, 2023
Kacie loves her small quiet town of Sycamore Ridge where is is the mayor and owns a small shop where she builds and refurbishes furniture. Her life is full, except for her personal life. It is known around town that she has a 3 date limit. She hasn’t found the one person to fill the void in her life. When a nice looking stranger, buys and pays to update an old home in town, questions start being asked. He isn’t buying it for himself but for his brother who needs to keep a low profile. Why all the secrets? Once they tell Kacie, she treats him like everyone else and starts spending more and more time with him. But when someone from his past’s figures out where he is, the quiet little town becomes a crime scene. Now everyone is in danger, and Kacie also has a secret that will change both of their lives. I really enjoyed reading this thriller and loved the emphasis that was put on family and friends and definitely recommend it
June 20, 2022
🌟4/5🌟
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I am beyond excited to be participating in one of the first Traveling ARC events put on by @katerockbooktours, and even more excited that it was such a good book!
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Kacie is the mayor of a small-town that values it’s privacy. When a rock star moves into the area for some peace and quiet, she isn’t sure what to expect.
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Without giving away too much, I can say that the characters are likable and believable, and the story moves quickly. My criticisms are that the peak of the drama seems to happen relatively late in the book and is resolved quickly, and some elements seem to be over-dramatized (like Kacie’s “obsession”) or are brought up kind of abruptly (such as her relationship with her parents). That said, I still really enjoyed the book and look forward to what Ms Rajan gives us next! Will there be a next installment in Kacie’s story, or another book that takes place in Sycamore Ridge? I could certainly see either of those being viable options!
.
.
I am beyond excited to be participating in one of the first Traveling ARC events put on by @katerockbooktours, and even more excited that it was such a good book!
.
Kacie is the mayor of a small-town that values it’s privacy. When a rock star moves into the area for some peace and quiet, she isn’t sure what to expect.
.
Without giving away too much, I can say that the characters are likable and believable, and the story moves quickly. My criticisms are that the peak of the drama seems to happen relatively late in the book and is resolved quickly, and some elements seem to be over-dramatized (like Kacie’s “obsession”) or are brought up kind of abruptly (such as her relationship with her parents). That said, I still really enjoyed the book and look forward to what Ms Rajan gives us next! Will there be a next installment in Kacie’s story, or another book that takes place in Sycamore Ridge? I could certainly see either of those being viable options!
September 27, 2025
Security Detail
Kacie is the mayor of Sycamore Ridge. Robert is looking for a home that will be a good place for his brother, Jett, who is a musician &needs rest & relaxation. The house is found & Robert precedes to have it remodeled. Jett has been stalked by an unknown women. There are 2 women who handle his security & his healthy eating. Robert,Ella, Laura & Lindsay,wanted a home that could not be located easily. Trouble hits & Kacie races into action! Is she too late? I enjoyed this book, now, you read it also!
Kacie is the mayor of Sycamore Ridge. Robert is looking for a home that will be a good place for his brother, Jett, who is a musician &needs rest & relaxation. The house is found & Robert precedes to have it remodeled. Jett has been stalked by an unknown women. There are 2 women who handle his security & his healthy eating. Robert,Ella, Laura & Lindsay,wanted a home that could not be located easily. Trouble hits & Kacie races into action! Is she too late? I enjoyed this book, now, you read it also!
Currently Reading
July 19, 2025Dear Reader,
If you're in the mood for a twisty, emotional mystery with a touch of slow-burn, fade to black romance, The Recipient is a "delicious read that goes down easy." And if you're looking for a new book boyfriend...meet Jett 💗.
Wishing you happy reading,
Shail
If you're in the mood for a twisty, emotional mystery with a touch of slow-burn, fade to black romance, The Recipient is a "delicious read that goes down easy." And if you're looking for a new book boyfriend...meet Jett 💗.
Wishing you happy reading,
Shail
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews