Karyn Rae

This was my first book by Karyn Rae but it certainly won't be my last. This book had me interested from the first page and I had trouble putting it down until the end. I am thrilled to know that this is part of a series and can't wait to read the next book.

This novel - part love story, part family drama and part coming of age - is set in Charleston, SC, one of the most beautiful places in the world but also a city that until not very long ago had very rigid class settings between the rich and the not so rich. The main character is Harlow and she is having her 40th birthday as the novel begins. Even at 40, she is very unsure of herself and her place in the world mostly due to the way her mother treated her growing up. She's just received divorce papers from her husband and she knows that her parent's art gallery and the house she grew up in were all left to him in their wills and not to her - their only daughter. The author uses flashbacks to Harlow's growing up years so that we can better understand why she is so unsure of her place in Charleston society. As the story unfolds and Harlow begins to understand more about the past, her future will be changed in ways that she can't even imagine.

This was a fantastic novel about love and friendship and romance and family. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.… (mais)

In her debut novel, The Achilles Heel, author Karyn Rae weaves an intriguing tale of romantic suspense that easily draws the reader into the story from the beginning.

When Annie Whitman's husband Jack suddenly dies in a tragic car accident, her world is turned upside down, unable to cope with her grief Annie escapes into the bottom of a vodka bottle. When Annie resurfaces and finds the courage to move forward with her life, she receives a key at the will reading and stumbles upon a lockbox stored in the crawl space in the basement that contained items that has Annie questioning her husband's life and death. Annie embarks on an investigative journey that will transport her from her home in Kansas City, Missouri to the tropical island paradise of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, where she follows mysterious clues in search of the truth behind her husband's secret past.

Kessler Carlisle is a country music superstar from Nashville. Tired of the whole music scene, Kessler announces his retirement after playing his final tour date, and escapes to the relaxing tropical island of St Croix, Virgin Islands. Even though he finds the peace and quiet he sought on his island retreat, Kessler is having a hard time adjusting to his retirement ... that is until he meets the lovely widow Annie Whitman.

Filled with intriguing mystery, suspense, and an unexpected romance, the reader follows the story of Annie and Kessler as they deal with issues, secrets, and discover the truth of what is really important in life.

Author Karyn Rae does a wonderful job of weaving mystery and romance within the storyline, it is filled with enough suspenseful twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. I loved following Annie's journey as she searched to uncover her dead husband's secret past. The danger that lurked and the unexpected twists and turns kept me engaged and turning the pages. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I loved the romance that blossomed between Annie and Kessler. In my mind I pictured Kessler to be a mix between country music stars Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney ... wow what a yummy combination! I loved the raw emotion, passion, friendship, and sassy banter that made up their relationship, it is a testament of the heart's ability to heal and move on.

With a realistic cast of characters who are easy to relate to; witty dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a rich description of the settings; The Achilles Heel is a captivating romance suspense novel that will draw you in with its intensity and drama, and leave you wanting more with its unexpected and surprising conclusion.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-achilles-heel-by-karyn-rae...… (mais)