Alison Stone (1)

This read quite a bit like a Lifetime movie. Not that this is a bad thing, but that from the beginning it was pretty predictable.

Christina runs a health clinic, and Dylan is back in Apple Creek on leave from the FBI. An Amish girl is drugged and left on Christina's doorstep, and a whole slew of things happen from there. The fact that the girl is Amish really has little bearing on the story itself. Instead the focus turns more to Christina's past and being attacked while she was in show more college.

So many of the characters seemed to do and say exactly what they needed to move the story along, and not necessarily realistically. I mean, if I were to walk into a local school and accuse one of their coaches of something horrible, no way would they explain to me exactly what was going to be done to handle the situation just like that. There were be investigating, confidentiality, and so on.

And if I thought someone was trying to kill me, obligation or not I would not be going into his home alone to check on his ailing wife. Especially if with one call I could have a sheriff deputy/brother there with me.

Everything just worked out so neat and tidy with a bow. It was a quick, easy little read, but not without its flaws. show less

Random Acts is a sweet romantic suspense with strong inspirational elements. I love romantic suspense, as it's my favorite genre, but I usually go for ones with a bit more heat than this one. Having said that, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think that's because not only is the suspense plot well done, but the emotional level of the book is very strong. In my opinion, the romance is good, but I think the book wouldn't be nearly as strong without the relationship between Danielle and show more Ava (the hero's daughter), and Danielle and her Gram and sister. Patrick, the hero, has had a difficult past, serving in the war, and losing his wife, and he grips your heart from the start. He's hoping to have a second chance with Danielle, who is holding onto her life as a lawyer in Atlanta. Danielle's emotional journey in the book was nice to see. The book has a great hook, and had me turning the electronic pages from the beginning. The pacing was fast, and I read the book in a few sittings. For those interested, the suspense v. romance ratio was quite a bit more heavy on the suspense side, which was also fine with me. I was able to figure out the villain before he was revealed, but I didn't have a problem with that. I think the people who would enjoy this read the most are suspense fans and those who enjoy emotional sweet romances as opposed to those looking for sexier stories. I think the fact that I normally would want something spicier but still liked this book is a testament to strong writing, emotionally developed characters, and a great suspense story. I would recommend. show less

I enjoyed Alison's first book, Random Acts, so I couldn't wait to read Too Close to Home. Like Random Acts, Too Close to Home is a sweet romantic suspense. This book is heavy on the suspense, and if that's something you enjoy, you should definitely pick this one up.

Alison is very good at creating characters with strong emotional depth, and paring that with a fast paced suspense and satisfying plot. In Too Close to Home, we meet Kathryn who has been running from her past for ten years. She's show more brought home by some unexpected news--that she's been inherited half ownership in the company, Midport Industries, that her father used to work at. Her father committed suicide ten years prior, and she's been dealing with those struggles and guilt over his death. Kathyrn's been busy focusing on her life in Buffalo and distancing herself from her mom and sister, and the hero, Benjamin. When Benjamin's father dies, and leaves him as half owner of the company with Kathyrn, it's a surprise to him too. Kathryn and Benjamin were friends growing up, but there had always been something more under the surface.

On her first day someone is dead at the plant, and she wonders if there could be foul play. From the time Kathryn arrives in town, she's greeted not too nicely by those who are afraid she's going to sell Midport to the highest bidder--and they'll ship all the jobs out of the town. She's also met with warnings from those who tell her that something sinister is going on at the plant.

We see the suspense build at a great pace, along with a tender romance that's actually realistic. I really enjoyed this fast paced book and read it in a few days. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves romantic suspense, especially of the sweet variety. show less

I am not usually a cozy reader but the pointe shoes drew me in. Being a former ballet dancer I had to read it. It's a nice, simple, cozy mystery that takes place in a quiet little town of Tranquility, New York. There is a murder, dance teachers, students and a studio but there is not a whole lot about ballet itself.

The book has likable characters, there moments of suspense and humor. I enjoyed peeking into the window of a family dealing with their mother's diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. show more The author handled this subject in an wonderful way.

It's not the best but not the worst either. I will admit that I would not have read it if it was not for the cover. I do recommend it to cozy readers who just want a simple, easy weekend read.

I was provided this book by Netgalley free of charge in exchange for an honest review. show less