A past she can’t remember. A memory he longs to forget. Will a madman bent on revenge tear them apart or make them strong?
Dr. Eli Merrick’s day off turns into a trauma induced morning that drags him to the emergency room to save an unconscious woman and her baby. Though she’s been identified as Janet Jones, Eli senses that isn’t her name. When Janet’s life is threatened, Eli’s need to protect her and her baby kicks in. He takes her to his home at the Crystal Creek Ranch.
Janet gains consciousness but is puzzled by the people who call her this unfamiliar name. As she struggles through the fog of amnesia, she’s drawn to the powerfully built doctor who shows concern for her and adores her baby. Bit by bit the pieces of her past surge to the surface, but each memory makes her vulnerable to a killer who won’t rest until she’s dead.
As the attraction between Eli and Janet deepens, will she drop her barriers and learn to trust, or will her doubt allow a killer to lure her into a trap that endangers her and those she loves?
If you like clean sizzling romance with lots of spine-tingling suspense, you'll love What She Couldn’t Say by Laura Haley-McNeil.
Buy What She Couldn’t Say and devour this page turner today!
Can you imagine being trapped in your body and aware of your surroundings, but you cannot speak? That is exactly the condition of the woman known as Janet Jones. Dr. Eli Merrick is hoping to enjoy a leisurely day off enjoying a walk with his dog. That quiet walk turns into the sound of screeching metal upon metal of two vehicles. He finds a car at the bottom of the ravine with a young woman and her baby inside the car. Her ID says Janet Jones, but he quickly realizes that this is not her name. However, for whatever strange reason, she cannot talk, so she cannot tell them her name. He just sees it in her eyes when they call her by name. After another failed attempt on her life, he offers to take her and her baby to his aunt's home to care for them. She is suffering from amnesia and cannot speak, but she is definitely in danger.
This was a nail-biting, roller coaster ride for me. I could not get enough. As her memory returns, she reveals a chilling truth that has put her in the sights of a madman. Eli was a sweetheart. I loved this character. He was a strong protector, but he also knew how to be a gentle giant. The mystery was intriguing and enthralling. I raced through the pages of this thriller on a personal quest to find out her true story. Wow! This was my first book by Laura Haley-McNeil, but it will not be my last. She is a talented mystery writer who knows how to pull the reader into the story and the characters' lives. If you enjoy clean romantic suspense, you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dr. Eli Merrick knew his patient would be traumatized when she finally woke up after the horrendous accident. It would be worse if she found out her baby had been placed with Social Services. At least he could prevent that from happening. Aunt Rose would take care of Baby at her ranch until the mother recovered.
Imagine waking up in a hospital with no memory, no voice, and somehow you know someone important is missing. When they brought the baby to her bed at least she realized who that important person was even if she didn’t know her name. With no car, no memory, and no money she and Baby would have to stay at the ranch at least until she could speak again. But someone seems to be trying to silence her permanently.
This book has mystery, intense drama, and romance; a great combination for good reading! You won’t want to put it down. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Dr. Eli Merrick lived in Colorado on a ranch with his aunt while his cabin was being built. Luckily he was a doctor as he witnessed a car go into a ravine and was able to help the woman and her child. It was so sad that she couldn’t remember anything and couldn’t talk. The love between her baby Lily and her was heartwarming. Eli felt like she had been runoff the road, and then one night when someone tried to kill her with a pillow over her face at the hospital, he knew he had to protect her. Luckily his aunt was registered to take children in for a short time, so they got some time with the lovable Lily before he brought Aubrey to his aunt’s ranch. Eli wanted to do anything he could to help Aubrey find out what had happened in her life that she didn’t want to remember and why she couldn’t talk now. This is a sweet romance that had some suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was so well written how the story unfolded about the mystery behind Aubrey. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Dr Merrick, a career in the army had been the most fulfilling, helping those that had served ,now in his forty’s he still is wanting to help people. Lonely road driving toward his home, the Dr stopped to help a car that had been forced off the road. Still unconscious and a baby crying. With help could he keep the baby from going into the system, till the mother awakes. They have a name, the Dr doesn’t believe it is her’s. Someone was paid to kill her, was the baby her’s, even though she did bond with her. Interesting what has the Dr and his family gotten into, in wanting to help. A clean story of love and trust given without questions these two strangers. Readers will love then story of family helping when needed. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
At the beginning of the story a mother and her young toddler were involved in a car accident where she ended up in the bottom of the ravine. Was it an accident or hit and run? And once she regained consciousness why couldn't she speak? This story had a lot of twists and turns that kept me reading long past my bedtime. I recommend this clean, suspenseful, western romance for older teens through adults.
I was given an ARC of this book from the author and this review is my honest opinion, given voluntarily.
This suspense filled, romantic novel takes the reader on an adventure of finding answers for the mysterious woman who cannot speak after her car accident and for the main male character, Eli, who has a life changing realisation.
I found this a little slow at the start and then, once a name had been found for the main female character, the story picks up pace as the flood gates of information burst open. Plenty of action, lingering looks and high emotions along with a cute baby makes this a lovely, well thought out, attention grabbing read.
Faith is mentioned but more in the background at times. Also this reader felt that alluding to swearing/oaths by the characters with Christian beliefs was not necessary or right.
Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was well explained. Loved the descriptions of the rodeo atmosphere and ranch life too!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
I loved this story between Aubrey and Eli! Eli meets Aubrey after she is injured in a crash when she was pushed off the road into a ravine. She and her daughter were rescued by Eli but Aubrey has amnesia and is also unable to talk. Eli takes her back to his aunt’s ranch to recover as well as to protect her from whomever is out to get her. They work together to unravel her memories before it is too late. This book is a romantic suspense that makes you just want to keep reading. It is a HEA and is a stand alone in the Crystal Creek Ranch Series. I received an ARC for this book for an honest opinion. Love her books and her writing style!
I really enjoyed this book. It is a clean romantic suspense novel. Eli, an ER doctor, rescues Aubrey and her baby daughter from a car wreck where her car had been forced down a steep hill. It is soon realized that Aubrey has lost her voice and much of her memory. Someone wants her to be permanently silenced. Can Eli protect Aubrey and her daughter? Can he also win her love? Her home is in New York; his is in the small town of Crystal Creek.
This book contains spiritual principles such as prayer, seeking God for direction, and caring more for the other person’s good than your own.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
What She Couldn't Say by Laura Haley-McNeil Book 10 of 11: Crystal Creek Series A past she can’t remember. A memory he longs to forget. Will a madman bent on revenge tear them apart or make them strong? Dr. Eli Merrick’s day off turns into a trauma induced morning that drags him to the emergency room to save an unconscious woman and her baby. Though she’s been identified as Janet Jones, Eli senses that isn’t her name. When Janet’s life is threatened, Eli’s need to protect her and her baby kicks in. He takes her to his home at the Crystal Creek Ranch. Janet gains consciousness but is puzzled by the people who call her this unfamiliar name. As she struggles through the fog of amnesia, she’s drawn to the powerfully built doctor who shows concern for her and adores her baby. Bit by bit the pieces of her past surge to the surface, but each memory makes her vulnerable to a killer who won’t rest until she’s dead. As the attraction between Eli and Janet deepens, will she drop her barriers and learn to trust, or will her doubt allow a killer to lure her into a trap that endangers her and those she loves? This is Janet Jones and Dr. Eli Merrick's story. A woman slouched against the steering wheel. Masses of brown hair caked with blood covered her face. She didn’t move. The familiar fear sank talons into Eli’s chest―she hadn’t made it. He slipped a hand through the broken glass and pressed fingers to the pale skin beneath the delicate curve of her jaw. A pulse fluttered beneath his touch. Air rushed from his lungs―she was alive. He knew he could save her. He’d pulled victims with less of a chance than she had from the Grim Reaper’s grasp. The soft cry sounded again. A frown pressed into the woman’s forehead. Eli peered through the wreckage to a car seat tipped on its side. His breath caught in his throat. Beneath a bloody baby blanket that had once been colorful with chubby animals celebrating a birthday, stared an infant’s frightened eyes. The baby’s fearful gaze locked onto Eli. The cut sliced across her forehead was sticky with blood. Eli’s jaw tightened. The cut should be stitched soon to avoid scarring and had to hurt. The flicker in the infant’s eyes told the story. She knew something was keeping her mother away from her. She was in a strange place, staring at a strange man. Something wasn’t right. I recommend reading. What She Couldn't Say by Laura Haley-McNeil is a 4 star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Laura Haley-McNeil. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This story was full of intrigue, mystery, suspense, heartache, frustration, and overcoming strength.
Our heroine is brave through all that happened in her life and courageous in her fight for truth and justice despite the price it cost.
Our hero is a gentle giant of a man with a tender heart for those who suffer. He needed to be her protection and rock.
Their slow discovery of their affection for each other carried throughout the story and they finally did get their happy ever after in spite of the odds stacked against them.
The one downside in my opinion was the persistent use of phrases of them uttering oaths or swearing silently in difficult times. No improper words were written but just frequent mention of their presence. I feel swearing and oaths have no place in a believer’s heart, mind, or mouth.
I received an advanced reader copy and these are my personal thoughts and opinions.
I enjoyed this new Crystal Creek romantic suspense standalone story. It really caught my attention with its wonderfully sympathetic, realistic characters. From the car crash off the back country road into the gully, to a Colorado rodeo, to exploring an old goldmine, the scenery is vivid and the action nearly nonstop. The use of modern technologies to aid in the recovery of Aubrey's lost memories keeps it from feeling like a cliché.
As Aubrey and Eli work to learn who she is and the events that sent her fleeing NYC for the Rocky Mountains, they grow closer to each other in a realistic way. I also like the fact that, as adult professionals, they control their emotional and hormonal instincts to concentrate on the task at hand: keeping Aubrey and her baby, Indy safe.
I received an Beta/ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
“What She Couldn’t Say” by Laura Haley-McNeil is so dramatic and nerve racking, fraught with mystery, intrigue and danger. The characters are very well developed and realistic. The storyline is interesting, with vivid scenery and fast paced action, capturing our attention from start to finish. Laura Haley-McNeil writes sensitive, emotional stories, with real life characters, that wring our heartstrings, striking a poignant chord that resonates and reverberates in the human heart. Laura understands the thoughts and feelings of people so well that she weaves them into the hearts and lives of her characters, who spring to life on the page as real flesh and blood people,with hearts pounding and thoughts racing. Weaving suspense into the story is a major brain exercise, that Laura does to the height of perfection. I highly recommend “What She Couldn’t Say” to all readers who love Laura Haley-McNeil’s deeply sensitive style and exquisite choice of words.
During a morning hike, veteran doctor, Eli, rescues a woman and child when their vehicle crashes into a ravine. Discovering her identity and details about her past becomes Eli’s focus, especially when her life is further endangered and she is unable to tell him what the threats entail. As Eli spends more time with the mysterious woman and her little girl, he tries to fight his developing feelings for her, not realising that she is struggling in a similar manner! The author builds the suspense surrounding 'Janet’s" past in a skillful manner, keeping the reader guessing as to the outcome until the final chapters. The narrative is a little ‘long-winded’ in parts, but this is cancelled out by the overall anticipation of what would happen next. I was given a free advance copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
As Dr. Eli Merrick walks his dog Tank on a deserted road, a car speeds by and he notices a car had driven down a steep hill. Eli dials 911 and helps an unconscious woman and her crying baby. They were both taken to the ER, and the woman remains unconscious for several days. When she awakes she has no memories, and is unable to talk. When reunited with her baby she is overjoyed. It was determined that someone intentionally drove her off the road. With nowhere to go and no money; Eli invites Aubrey (the woman) and her baby to stay at his family ranch. Will someone try to attack Aubrey again? This is a must read, a super thriller! Wonderful plot, beautiful setting, and strong intense characters. This was addicting and I could not put it down!!!
I was both a beta/ARC reader for this book. It is a medical thriller with Dr Eli Merrick, an ER doc, with 10 years experience in a MASH unit and before that as a cosmetic surgeon. When he discovers a young mother and her baby at the bottom of a ravine in her totaled SUV all his instincts go on high alert. Her injuries and trauma make her a mute and with amnesia. Along with everything else there’s someone determined to find her and kill her. He’s determined to protect her under her name “ Janet Jones” and “Baby”. There are sparks, but Eli is cognizant of her trauma and how unsettled she is and doesn’t push. There’s a lot going on here with hidden dangers and shadows from the past with more at stake than either realize. Clean.
This is one of the best books I have read this year. I really liked this romantic suspense because of the two main characters and the sweet baby, Indy.Eli Merrick was a doctor building a home on the Crystal Creek Ranch. I found it interesting how he met Aubrey and her daughter. I liked all of the suspense, drama, and surprising twists and turns as everything came full circle and the truth was revealed. I also enjoyed the ending of the book and how much the characters loved each other. It was a very moving story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Riveting Romantic Suspense – UnPutDownable! This book is the 10th in a series. I have not read the other 9 books, yet I never felt lost reading this one. It absolutely stands alone. However, I do plan on reading the rest of the series ASAP. This story starts out with a bang and never lets up! The suspense and drama are intense, but won't cause nightmares. The romance is sweet and makes perfect sense. There is a nice touch of Faith throughout the book. There is nothing graphic, the book is suitable for teens and adults.
A young mother with a baby have been in a car accident down a mountainside. The mother suffers from amnesia and loss of her voice, has no idea who she is, why, or where she is. A rancher/doctor heard the accident and found it and has taken responsibility upon himself to protect her and the baby while they try to discover who is trying to kill her. The story is very well written and kept me entralled till the end! I was provided copy of the book by the author. This review is my honest opinion. It is well worth reading!
This book had me hooked from the beginning. There is so much suspense and it takes so many twists and turns I didn’t expect what actually happened. Of course the sweet, slow burning romance between Eli and Aubrey was so well written and then little baby Indy steels everyone’s heart. Aubrey was in a car accident and Dr Eli was the one that found her and Indy. She had amnesia and didn’t remember her name or her babies name and on top of that she could no longer speak. This is such a fantastic book, I recommend this, just be prepared for not getting other things done, it is hard to put down.
Eli rescues a woman and baby from a car accident and despite memory loss and inability to talk following the trauma, they learn to communicate and discover she is being targeted. Eli and Aubrey are well written and engaging characters who are put under tremendous pressure by her circumstances. The story is full of suspense and surprises as the truth emerges and is very enjoyable. I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review.
What She Couldn't Say an outstanding example of romantic suspense at its best. I have thoroughly enjoyed several of Ms. Haley-McNeil's romances, but this is the first suspenseful one I have read. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this mesmerizing novel. Nothing else got done until I finished the book in the wee hours of the morning. The characters are interesting; the romance arc is realistic, and the suspense is awesome!
What She Couldn't Say is a cozy/thriller by Laura Haley-NcNeil. I thought that this book was fantastic! I liked that Dr Eli used to he a plastic surgeon who gave up face tucks for an ER doctor. I thought the characters were so well written and the author wove the mystery and built emotion to a great conclusion. I think this book is a great way to spend an afternoon reading and drinking a glass of sweet tea. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I loved the suspense, intrigue and danger woven throughout this story. The action begins with the first chapter and lasts all the way to the end. Eli discovers a wrecked vehicle that had gone over a cliff with a mother and child inside. Miraculously, they survive only to discover someone was trying to kill the mother. With amnesia and unable to speak it will be difficult to discover who is trying to kill her. Will Eli be able to help?
This story is so intense. It captured my interest from the beginning and just didn’t let go. “Janet” goes through so much in the story, both in the present and in the past. Every memory recaptured just seems to lead to more heartbreak. Eli struggles with his need to protect her and his growing feelings for her. I loved this suspenseful, romantic story. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Her husband was killed — and she has lost her voice She leaves New York — and a car runs her off the road!! Fortunately a doctor hears and goes to help her. Not only does he help her, but she eventually lives in his with her daughter and his housekeeper. This is SUCH A GOOD STORY!! Lots of twists and turns and yet God works through it all!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Good storyline and characters! I really enjoyed the story, but the book itself was tedious at points. Definitely could use some more editing to reduce wordiness and redundancy, and increase the depth of scenes and characters. The author started in with some great detail, especially with back story and medical terminology for what the main character was going through, but it just wasn’t developed.
I found Janet having amnesia and unable to talk a plot I have not encountered in any other book. I was intrigued from the beginning. I did get a little tired of Eli's talk about her full lips, wanting to kiss Janet, etc. I read a lot of books and authors use the same lines. The mystery is good and the ending is a surprise.
a really wonderful read filled with interesting and complex characters. Lots of twists and turns and mystery, make this a real page turner. The story captures you immediately and keeps you wanting more. A must read!
From the very first chapter to the last this book is full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, danger and specially romance I like the storyline the characters are well developed and this book is clean, fast pace very entertaining read I absolutely recommend it.