Currently, I’m reading The Fifth Avenue Story Society but I took a break to read Hailey’s Haven. That is the book I couldn’t put down. So good.

Hailey’s Haven: Christian Romantic Suspense (Smoky Mountain Secrets Book 1)

A safe place to call home…
After escaping her abusive foster parents thirteen years ago, Hailey Donovan thought her nightmare was over. Gatlinburg Tennessee had been a safe place to live, until she’s nearly hit by gunfire while hiking the Smoky Mountains. Her instincts are to avoid law enforcement, especially handsome park ranger Rock Wilson, but when more gunfire echoes around them, they’re forced to work together to escape.

More attempts against Hailey convinces her to leave the city to start over someplace new. Rock talks her into staying and fighting against the unknown assailant. Rock senses Hailey has been traumatized in the past, and is determined to uncover the mystery surrounding her. As Hailey and Rock seek the truth behind the escalating attacks, Rock realizes he’s also in danger of losing his heart. Can Rock provide Hailey the save haven she desperately needs?

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The story line wasn’t exotic but it was well written and engaging. The characters were relatable and the one lazy arrogant jerk was taken down a peg. Highly satisfying.

Everything moved along at a steady pace, the resolution was unexpected and logical. Even if we didn’t see it coming. There were clues along the way with a few red herrings to keep us guessing.

I think it was the writing that kept me reading until it was done. Proving well crafted story trumps big flashy plot.

You need to read this. It’s still a bargain too.

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The Fifth Avenue Story Society 

Five strangers get the chance to rewrite their stories… 

Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.

Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.

Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.

Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.

Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.

When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to reveal their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.

Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.  

“This captivating story full of heart, soul, and humor kept me turning pages until midnight to finish it. Rachel weaves the perfect amount of tension and opens possibilities to keep the reader pondering long after the story is over.  I loved it!” —Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author

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Francine Rivers says she couldn’t put this down. It was probably true for her but it’s not for me. Frequent breaks is my experience with this book. Usually I would skip chapters and maybe hop to the end and call it a day. In this case I can’t do that. While I need breaks I don’t want to miss anything.

I think a tale structured like this one would not be easily written. So many main characters with stories that all matter to the plot.

The whole idea is intriguing and it is developing in layers, it can’t help but keep reader interest alive. I still need breaks to replenish waning interest, it works. I have stick with it to know what is really going on and how it is all going to work out.

I’m almost half way through. I’ll let you know how it goes.

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So far today, I haven’t been faced with any good looking book suggestions.

If any show up before lights out I’ll let you know.

Happy reading y’all