Heather

Debutantes #1

by Debra White Smith

Award–winning author Debra White Smith (more than 4 million books sold) offers an exciting new mystery–romance trilogy featuring debutantes Heather, Lorna, and Brittan—three bright young women who always manage to find trouble. Book 1 in this contemporary series features Heather, a winsome blonde whose looks belie her black belt in karate. When Heather meets Tyler, the society page editor, they are immediately attracted to each other, despite her parents’ objections. When Houston’s mayor is shot, the Debutantes solve the case. To remain anonymous, they leave the perfume–laden evidence at the newspaper...along with a long–stemmed rose. Obsessed with the mysterious woman now known as “The Rose,” Tyler breaks up with Heather. As she and her friends work on solving yet another crime, Heather is determined to win Tyler’s heart. Will she overcome his mystery–woman fascination? Can the Debutantes keep their identities hidden? Heather
an intriguing story
that engages mind and heart

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Chick Lit, Romance, Christian

291 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2007

About the author

Debra White Smith is a seasoned Christian author, speaker, and media personality who has been regularly publishing books for over a decade. In the last twelve years, she has accumulated more than 55 books sales to her credit with more than 1 million books in print. Her titles include such life-changing books as Romancing Your Husband, Romancing Your Wife, The Divine Romance: Developing Intimacy with God, the The Lonestar Intrigue fiction series, and The Jane Austen fiction series.

As a woman of God, Debra is committed to the highest standards of integrity and to spending hours a week being still before the Father, staying in tune with Him, and listening for His voice of direction in all she does. This commitment to romancing the Lord, coupled with her lifestyle of devouring, analyzing, and dissecting the Word of God has allowed God to bring about a miracle of deliverance and healing in Debra's spirit, mind, and soul. Debra holds a double Ph.D. from the toughest schools in the world. The first Ph.D. from the "School of Hard Knocks" and the second, from the "School of Very Hard Knocks." Aside from that, she holds an M.A. in English from the University of Texas.

Along with Debra's being voted a fiction-reader favorite several times, her book Romancing Your Husband was a finalist in the 2003 Gold Medallion Awards. And her Austen Series novel First Impressions was a finalist in the 2005 Retailer's Choice Awards. Debra has been a popular media guest across the nation, including Fox TV, The 700 Club, ABC Radio, USA Radio Network, and Moody Broadcasting. Her favorite hobbies include fishing, bargain-hunting, and swimming with her family. Debra also vows she would walk 50 miles for a scoop of German chocolate ice cream.

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda hokey book about three debutantes who solve mysteries while keeping their identity a secret.

[Cheryl-Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, I thought I was going to have to give this book two stars. I was frustrated in that but the writing really isn't that great and the romance part seemed so "easy" that it just disappointed me. The writing never really got a lot better. In discussing this with my sister, I said it reminded me of LDS fiction- it draws in LDS people simply because as my sister put it "it appeals to them in the most important ways- it's clean and wholesome so we are willing to forgive the not so good writing." It's true, I've read author's who are amazing at writing but if the clean factor isn't there I'd rather stay away. Of course, the best books are those with great writing AND a great story. This is a christian author and I guess looking back, some of them are not quite as good in the writing department but I enjoy the books for other reasons. Okay, back to my review. The plot got better. This is a mystery/romance with the romance taking the lead and the mystery a bit backseat. It's like your typical chick flick movie- fairly predictable but super cute/ feel good. When I finished this (in 24 hours) I had a smile on my face and just felt happy and uplifted. Since these are things I look for in a book, and the plot got better I give this a STRONG 3 stars. Just don't expect to be blown away by the writing. By the way, the guy's name in this is Duke- the Tyler thing blows me away- but you'd have to read to understand why the mistake is so rediculous.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather was a fun read with enough drama and romantic tension to tickle my fancy. Like a cozy mystery, but with an extra helping of humor and romance. I normally don't like cozy's that much, but this story had enough hilarious moments and delightful scenes between Duke and Heather that it kept me reading to the end. I literally couldn't put it down. Heather's rich girlfriends were hilarious and made for great secondary characters. This was a really fun story, like a beach read, but with a little more depth to the characterization. And I wanted Duke and Heather to make it in their budding relationship the worst way.

Heather reminded me of Cameron Diaz in the modern version of the Charlie's Angels entourage when she sleuthed around with her friends. I held my breath on more than one occasion expecting those gals to get caught in the act of snooping. And Duke was a charming and delectable hero. That scene with Heather and Duke romping on the beach was... oy! What an awesome and memorable love scene. Wonderfully done! I don't want to spoil the fun twists and turns, but I guarantee that this read will be enjoyable for mystery and romance readers alike. I was still smiling after I finished the last page.

Heather was published by Harvest House and released in September 2007.

[Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way the author portrayed the importance of giving everything you have to God, and trusting Him with it. He can do so much better than we can with the troubles we face in life.

I was so annoyed that Duke let The Rose get in the way of his relationship with Heather. However, I was impressed by the way Heather wasn't the typical defenceless female. I liked that the author made Heather fairly independent.

She was a little too determined to get Duke for my taste, but that is to be expected considering she has gotten anything she wanted from the day she was born. In the end though, she learned to give it all to God and let Him have control of her relationships.

Over all I thought this was a pretty good book and I will be reading the sequels.

[Andrea Coffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book!! The whole concept of this book series is really cool. A couple of rich girls who like to solve mysteries. The only thing, the main guy was kind of annoying...like, it took him forever to finally decide he could really "fall in love" with Heather. :/ And they kissed and stuff before. So, in my opinion, not the ideal relationship. But overall the book was amazing! :D

[Coleen Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a hard time assigning stars--I liked this book even though the whole idea of three "debutantes" being able to solve crimes easier than the police is a bit far-fetched. The characters are Christian and I guess that is my draw at the moment. I look forward to reading Smith's Austen books in the future but want to read the originals again first.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good...predictable plot, typical love story, but still good escapism for me!

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite!!! I swear every cliche known to humankind can be found in this book! definitely skip this one.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quick read.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book- makes me wonder what it would be like to live in such a wealthy world.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun books. I also read Lorna and Brittan. Quick, easy, entertaining read.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely far fetched and no where near the way that I grew up but that's why I like to read!

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of 3

[Destiny Cruz-Johnson]

OMG you have to read this Series!!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute book, clean romance, Christian, and fun suspense