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Field of Secrets
Ten years after tragedy forced her to leave the place she once called home, a single mother on a search for the person who wronged her father struggles to keep a secret-and her heart-from an old flame that’s back in town for a wedding.
Josie Flores never expected to return to Mount Pleasant, SC after a tragic night ended with her papa being carried away in handcuffs and her leaving the only boy she ever loved. But when she’s lured back with the hope of answers about what happened, she can’t resist the chance to heal her broken family––even if that means facing her one true love who’s back in town for his daddy’s wedding.
After running into the girl that broke his heart, Knox Heyward decides avoidance is the best cure. But when complications leave them in need of the others’ help, and when chasing leads becomes road trips filled with familiar conversations as the threat of danger becomes nights cuddled together in bed, they both find themselves craving more. But more is not possible until the long-buried secrets between them are unearthed.
"There are so many twists and turns that you don't see coming. A real page turner. Addictive and emotional with a perfect ending."-Bookbub reviewer"Bottom line––this a great book to read! Highly recommend."- Amazon Reviewer"I absolutely loved this book. I got so captivated in what was going to happen next that I couldn't put it down."-Goodreads reviewer
Josie Flores never expected to return to Mount Pleasant, SC after a tragic night ended with her papa being carried away in handcuffs and her leaving the only boy she ever loved. But when she’s lured back with the hope of answers about what happened, she can’t resist the chance to heal her broken family––even if that means facing her one true love who’s back in town for his daddy’s wedding.
After running into the girl that broke his heart, Knox Heyward decides avoidance is the best cure. But when complications leave them in need of the others’ help, and when chasing leads becomes road trips filled with familiar conversations as the threat of danger becomes nights cuddled together in bed, they both find themselves craving more. But more is not possible until the long-buried secrets between them are unearthed.
"There are so many twists and turns that you don't see coming. A real page turner. Addictive and emotional with a perfect ending."-Bookbub reviewer"Bottom line––this a great book to read! Highly recommend."- Amazon Reviewer"I absolutely loved this book. I got so captivated in what was going to happen next that I couldn't put it down."-Goodreads reviewer
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2021
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Estell
4 books84 followersCrystal spends her days caring for the sick as a registered nurse and her nights chasing happy ever afters. Somewhere in between she finds time to feed her kids, dogs, chickens, and Churro, the rabbit. When she's not tending her zoo, she finds pleasure--and sanity--in deep conversations, coffee, and coloring outside the lines.
Several years ago, she was diagnosed with two rare conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and a Chiari Malformation, which led to multiple surgeries, including one on her brain. Shortly after, her then 7-year-old son had open heart surgery. It helped her realize life is short, and she should do what makes her happy.
Writing makes her happy.
If you’d like to learn more and stay up-to-date on all the new releases, go to:
https://estellsplace.com
You can also find her on the following social media sites:
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/estellsplace
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/estellsplace
GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/crystalestell
BOOKBUBS: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cryst...
Several years ago, she was diagnosed with two rare conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and a Chiari Malformation, which led to multiple surgeries, including one on her brain. Shortly after, her then 7-year-old son had open heart surgery. It helped her realize life is short, and she should do what makes her happy.
Writing makes her happy.
If you’d like to learn more and stay up-to-date on all the new releases, go to:
https://estellsplace.com
You can also find her on the following social media sites:
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/estellsplace
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/estellsplace
GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/crystalestell
BOOKBUBS: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cryst...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 22, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Story revolves around Josie and Knox, lovers at 17 with big dreams, separated because circumstances were not favourable, united after 10 years. Josie father got deported 10 years ago for reasons she couldn't fathom. Now, she's trying to sort that mystery and not fall for Knox again. That didn't go that well.
Novel was a slow build romance with somewhat, tiresome pace in few places. But the storyline overall was good. Knox even if a good guy, came off as a jerk at times. Though Josie was no pushover and that was something I loved about her. Her stubbornness to fight every situation head-on was commendable. I also liked the kid and Meemaw.
What disappointed me the most was, synopsis gave me a wrong implication that this novel would have some ground breaking mystery, that I didn't found. Yeah there was some loose ends Josie was trying to tie but it wasn't that wicked or mind-blowing to leave me speechless. I had imagined a more sinister revelation.
Overall I would say, If you like contemporary romance with two separated lovers who are soulmates but life was not favourable to them, with a bit of basic mystery, give this book a try.
Story revolves around Josie and Knox, lovers at 17 with big dreams, separated because circumstances were not favourable, united after 10 years. Josie father got deported 10 years ago for reasons she couldn't fathom. Now, she's trying to sort that mystery and not fall for Knox again. That didn't go that well.
Novel was a slow build romance with somewhat, tiresome pace in few places. But the storyline overall was good. Knox even if a good guy, came off as a jerk at times. Though Josie was no pushover and that was something I loved about her. Her stubbornness to fight every situation head-on was commendable. I also liked the kid and Meemaw.
What disappointed me the most was, synopsis gave me a wrong implication that this novel would have some ground breaking mystery, that I didn't found. Yeah there was some loose ends Josie was trying to tie but it wasn't that wicked or mind-blowing to leave me speechless. I had imagined a more sinister revelation.
Overall I would say, If you like contemporary romance with two separated lovers who are soulmates but life was not favourable to them, with a bit of basic mystery, give this book a try.
June 15, 2021
The story opens with Josie and Knox trying to create a special night together. They are two teenagers in love that have sex together for the first time. However, their special night is interrupted when cops show up to deport Josie’s father. When they get to her trailer, he is taken away and her mom takes her and her siblings away in a cab. Knox promises Josie if she ever comes back he will marry her.
Ten years later, you find out Josie had gotten pregnant that night. She has been raising Cam on her own. Her sister Eva received a call from Tommy the Heyward farm manager with a request for Josie to call him. He informed Josie that he had her parents wedding rings and a bonus that was owed to her father that she would need to go to South Carolina to claim. The rings were the reason she decided to get on the plane but the $10K bonus was a factor as well.
While on the Heyward Farm, she decides she is going to found out what happened with her father as the whole deportation doesn’t add up. Plus the private investigator she reached out to found a rap sheet her her father when he was never actually arrested. Indicated he was set up.
Josie and Knox need up having to spend a lot of time together. Knox is getting the farm ready for his father’s wedding and Josie is roped in to help every step of the way. He helps her look into her father’s deportation. They need up picking up where they left off ten years ago when it comes to their feelings. You slowly watch them start to fall in love all over again.
Things seems to be going well for them as a potential couple and with the investigation into her father. Until Carl, the main suspect shows up with a gun and threatens Josie. He is mad because he was fired since he altered Camillo’s records to show he was a criminal.
Knox finds Cam’s pictures after they had sex and knocked her purse over. This is when he finds out he has a son. Josie never told Knox because he had big plans about becoming a big shot lawyer and she didn’t want Cam or herself to be the reason he didn’t get that.
They fly Cam to South Carolina so he and Knox could meet. They become a family until Avery, Knox’s ex, shows up an claims him as hers. Josie had just left Meemaw’s who told her the truth about what happened with her father. Josie drove as fast as she could to Knox to tell him only to see Avery and hear the “news.” She decides it’s time for her to return to California.
In the end, Knox is able to fix the misunderstanding with Avery. Cam helps him fix things with Josie. Mr. Heyward and Millie give their wedding to Knox and Josie stating they have plenty of time to get married but that is was time for Knox and Josie. With their father’s record fixed, Mr. Hayward is able to locate him and bring him to the farm so he can walk Josie down the isle.
I absolutely loved this book. I got so captivated in what was going to happen next that I couldn’t put it down. If you like second chance love stories or second chance family stories, you will love this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I plan to buy a copy when it available.
Ten years later, you find out Josie had gotten pregnant that night. She has been raising Cam on her own. Her sister Eva received a call from Tommy the Heyward farm manager with a request for Josie to call him. He informed Josie that he had her parents wedding rings and a bonus that was owed to her father that she would need to go to South Carolina to claim. The rings were the reason she decided to get on the plane but the $10K bonus was a factor as well.
While on the Heyward Farm, she decides she is going to found out what happened with her father as the whole deportation doesn’t add up. Plus the private investigator she reached out to found a rap sheet her her father when he was never actually arrested. Indicated he was set up.
Josie and Knox need up having to spend a lot of time together. Knox is getting the farm ready for his father’s wedding and Josie is roped in to help every step of the way. He helps her look into her father’s deportation. They need up picking up where they left off ten years ago when it comes to their feelings. You slowly watch them start to fall in love all over again.
Things seems to be going well for them as a potential couple and with the investigation into her father. Until Carl, the main suspect shows up with a gun and threatens Josie. He is mad because he was fired since he altered Camillo’s records to show he was a criminal.
Knox finds Cam’s pictures after they had sex and knocked her purse over. This is when he finds out he has a son. Josie never told Knox because he had big plans about becoming a big shot lawyer and she didn’t want Cam or herself to be the reason he didn’t get that.
They fly Cam to South Carolina so he and Knox could meet. They become a family until Avery, Knox’s ex, shows up an claims him as hers. Josie had just left Meemaw’s who told her the truth about what happened with her father. Josie drove as fast as she could to Knox to tell him only to see Avery and hear the “news.” She decides it’s time for her to return to California.
In the end, Knox is able to fix the misunderstanding with Avery. Cam helps him fix things with Josie. Mr. Heyward and Millie give their wedding to Knox and Josie stating they have plenty of time to get married but that is was time for Knox and Josie. With their father’s record fixed, Mr. Hayward is able to locate him and bring him to the farm so he can walk Josie down the isle.
I absolutely loved this book. I got so captivated in what was going to happen next that I couldn’t put it down. If you like second chance love stories or second chance family stories, you will love this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I plan to buy a copy when it available.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2021
This is a second chance romance and it is Josie and Knox's story and omg you really need to read this book. Josie and Knox were so in love and promised each other forever but when her father was taken away and her mother forced her to leave the boy she loved her life fell apart. The years later and Josie gets a telephone call that her father is owed money from when he worked at Beachmond Hall for Knox's dad but Josie would have to fetch it herself and the only reason she is going there is that the money would help them find her dad who was deported and Josie knew that it would bring up painful memories of what she had and lost as Josie had a big secret that she had to keep from anyone finding out and that was her son Cam and Knox was the father. Knox never forgot Josie and as soon as they meet again there feelings for each other is just as strong but will they get a second chance of being together or will Josie dig her heals in and go back home once everything had been sorted out. There are many twists and turns along the way that you don't see coming but that is what makes this book a real page turner that I couldn't put down as it was so addictive and emotional and the ending was just perfect. This is the first book that I have read by Crystal Estell but definitely not the last as it was so well written and definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2021
The book was a good light work as a break from some of the heavier books I have been reading. If you are looking for a book to read this summer this might be a good choice! I will say that the writing voice came off like it was aimed at a younger audience, and it was repetitive and slow at times. In terms of plot, it was not necessarily realistic, it was very limited in the mystery aspect that was mentioned, and I felt iffy about the use of immigration issues which are really tragic situations being used so casually as a side accessory to the whole story. Overall, it is a nice casual read for the summer.
Please note: I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*SPOILERS*
I felt like there were so many huge topics that were present in this story that were not explored, and these huge events were often just in place to move the plot ahead while the majority of the word count was spent stating obvious things that could have been picked up on with interpretation. It could have turned this into a much more complex piece. For example, Josie's mother commits suicide from the guilt of having her own husband deported because of his cheating on her. They just say that she was a scorned woman, and that she was "never right" and that is supposed to explain why her father was untraceable for ten years. Things like this throughout the plot really took away from the story and the reading experience.
Please note: I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*SPOILERS*
I felt like there were so many huge topics that were present in this story that were not explored, and these huge events were often just in place to move the plot ahead while the majority of the word count was spent stating obvious things that could have been picked up on with interpretation. It could have turned this into a much more complex piece. For example, Josie's mother commits suicide from the guilt of having her own husband deported because of his cheating on her. They just say that she was a scorned woman, and that she was "never right" and that is supposed to explain why her father was untraceable for ten years. Things like this throughout the plot really took away from the story and the reading experience.
February 6, 2023
did not finish
Once I got to the big mystery reveal I couldn’t continue. The blurb should have read.
They were ripped apart as teenagers. Now the years later they return in the same place at the same time only fight the love that never faded. Is this their second chance? Or are they bound to never be.
Or something to that affect. The story was well written. I star. I enjoy ever form of mystery/who done it. 2 stars. Absolutely loved Ms. Mamie. Giving it 3 star.
I absolutely could not connect with MFC. Josie was selfish. I gave up on her causing me to not finish at 80% right after the big reveal. Even when her sister spoke common sense into her she still held onto her pride. I understand her initial decision to keep the secret but at the same time she took away someone else’s choice. Then she decided it would be best to lie to him, when that fell through, she decided she will still go back home with her secret because “he will hate me”. WHAT?!?!? He messes up. Before night falls he realizes his big mistake, corrects it and apologized. But nope the damage is done. ARE U KIDDING ME?!?!!
This is not my first read from this author. I thoroughly enjoy a previous read. This just wasn’t for me.
Once I got to the big mystery reveal I couldn’t continue. The blurb should have read.
They were ripped apart as teenagers. Now the years later they return in the same place at the same time only fight the love that never faded. Is this their second chance? Or are they bound to never be.
Or something to that affect. The story was well written. I star. I enjoy ever form of mystery/who done it. 2 stars. Absolutely loved Ms. Mamie. Giving it 3 star.
I absolutely could not connect with MFC. Josie was selfish. I gave up on her causing me to not finish at 80% right after the big reveal. Even when her sister spoke common sense into her she still held onto her pride. I understand her initial decision to keep the secret but at the same time she took away someone else’s choice. Then she decided it would be best to lie to him, when that fell through, she decided she will still go back home with her secret because “he will hate me”. WHAT?!?!? He messes up. Before night falls he realizes his big mistake, corrects it and apologized. But nope the damage is done. ARE U KIDDING ME?!?!!
This is not my first read from this author. I thoroughly enjoy a previous read. This just wasn’t for me.
July 26, 2021
Josie returns to South Carolina after ten years to find out what happened with her Papa. Knox shows up at his familys home from Boston, for his fathers wedding. Josie and Knox had been together but separated when Knox went to college and her family fled when her Papa was deported. She has a surprise that she never told him about as she was told to leave him alone so he could reach his future goals of being a lawyer.
The characters have great backstories and quite the family mystery/history. The families are tight and supportive. The storyline has surprises and twists from all directions as answers are found and secrets are divulged. People are involved that she never expected. Romance hits many snags as they start the relationship again, almost losing each other several times. Loved the banter and sass with Jeremiah and the adorable Cam. The ending was so perfect, and the epilogue, too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters have great backstories and quite the family mystery/history. The families are tight and supportive. The storyline has surprises and twists from all directions as answers are found and secrets are divulged. People are involved that she never expected. Romance hits many snags as they start the relationship again, almost losing each other several times. Loved the banter and sass with Jeremiah and the adorable Cam. The ending was so perfect, and the epilogue, too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2021
This book is not your typical romantic suspense or romantic mystery book, so if you're looking for something like Sandra Brown, this is not it. It's definitely more of a romance as the love story is the meat and potatoes of the plot...and the romance! I enjoyed every minute of it. The reconnection between Knox and Josie was believable and not instant. The feelings and emotions, I felt them all. The author also described the scenery and made you feel like you were actually there. Great job! Immigration was mentioned, but this book is focused on Knox on Josie's second chance, not telling her struggles with her father's deportation. The author even makes a note about this in the back of the book. It was very interesting to get a glimpse of how she grew up in very similar circumstances. I've read this author's other books too, and they were great as well. This one did not disappoint!
May 31, 2021
Let me start by saying... I LOVE this book! The characters were complex and flawed and the love story between Knox and Josie..just... I don't have words. I laughed, cried, felt their pain as if I were there with them. If you're looking for a good second chance romance set in a small town w/ some mystery and suspense, then this is a must read!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 22, 2021
If you love second chance romances in small towns, then you will love this book! The love between Josie and Knox can be felt throughout and all the details of the setting make you feel like you are in the south. This book kept me engaged from the beginning and I did not want to put it down. I will be rereading this again in the near future for sure.
July 6, 2021
This is an absolutely amazing story which had me utterly gripped from the very first page. Josie is a protagonist who you cannot help but root for. Knox is the perfect first love. The book is humorous in places, moving in others. The story twists and weaves as it beautifully unfolds. I will think about this book for a long time after finishing its final page.
July 10, 2021
When Josie's father was deported she lost the only boy she has ever loved and her home. Now she has received unexpected news and needs to return. This book has everything. Love, loss, betrayal, secrets, and second chances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2021
The book is a good, and enjoyable small town romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2022
This is a beautiful story. Likeable characters and a moving plot. I read the kindle version, which needs some grammatical editing.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews