Living Lies

Author: Natalie Walters
Genre: Suspense/Romance
Series: Harbored Secrets (book 1)
Release Date: May 21, 2019

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel! It is fantastic and real. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Walters. 

The author tackles some tough topics but does so with compassion. She does not shrink away from showing the struggles of depression and PTSD. She shows many perspectives through her characters, Lane Kent, her parents and veteran Miguel. You can see the growth of the characters as they deal with the many facets of these difficulties as they affect their loved ones and themselves. 

This is not a gloomy novel! The suspense and mystery to be solved is complex and up to date. This story keeps you hopping! It is nicely balanced by the actions of cute kids and an overactive dog. Those scenes were spot on. The romantic angle between the lead characters was interesting. The hero lawman, Charlie Lynch is new in town and is very sympathetic to the female lead, Lane Kent. 

Living Lies is a captivating story and totally awesome for a debut novel. The next story in the Harbored Secrets series is in the works! 

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Abigail Harder

Wow, this book blew my mind! I read it in less than 6 hours on my way back to Kentucky. This book kept my attention for the entire ride!! 

From the very first page, I was drawn into the book. I could hardly put it down. Everything drew me in. The writing, characters, and the plot all made this book worthwhile. The suspense in this book had me continually guessing who was involved in the case and who was innocent. 

The characters were real and authentic. Lane's story really touched me in a way that most stories don't. Even though, I in no way really know what she is going through, I loved seeing her character development throughout this novel. Charlie was another amazing character that I loved from the first time we meet him. I honestly loved all the characters that were in this book! They all were unique in their own way and wormed their ways into my heart. 

Can I just say that I wish and hope that Frost will get his own book?? I really want that! I loved seeing him in this book and now I just want a book on this computer nerd cop!!

I personally have a heart for veterans struggling with PTSD, and there were a few people in here, that I wanted to hug and tell them that everything was going to be okay and then put them into art therapy. Y'all art helps PTSD patients. Trust me I did the research for school this year. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read this next one when it comes out!! 

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Laura Thomas

When young widow Lane Kent stumbles across a dead body in the woods, she doesn’t anticipate the unfolding of a sinister undercover business in her sleepy town—or a new love in her life.

This suspenseful story deals with depression, grief, hope, and forgiveness in a page-turning tender romance. An excellent debut Christian romantic suspense novel by this author. 

​This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Cortney Donelson

Living Lies by Natalie Walters was very hard to put down. I finished it in record time. 

One of the main themes in this romantic suspense novel is mental health, and the topic was beautifully woven into the plot, which was fast-paced and smart. 

I loved the characters! They made me believe in kindness all over again. There was a perfect balance of tension, romance, and small-town dynamics. I have to say, my favorite part of the book was the underlying message that mental health awareness, vulnerability, and grace are key stepping stones on the path to healing. I enjoyed how Charlie loved Lane and how Lane loved herself enough to break free from the grips of her past. 

I would recommend this novel as a fast and enjoyable read. 

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing with no strings attached nor the promise of a favorable review.

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