relzreviewz.com Carolina Reckoning by Lisa Carter

Synopsis:~

When 30-something housewife, Alison Monaghan discovers proof of her husband’s infidelity in a photograph with a mysterious woman, she must decide how to confront Frank when he returns home from work. Despite the influence of her best friend Valerie, a strong Christian, Alison remains aloof from God and is determined to handle this crisis her own way. But Alison may not get that chance. Frank never makes it home. Soon his body is found on a lonely back-country road in antebellum Weathersby Historic Park where Frank served on the board of directors and where Alison, with a degree in landscape design, was a volunteer garden docent.

Homicide detective Mike Barefoot, a Cherokee native from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, immediately puts Alison at the top of his suspect list. He finds himself drawn to her–and not just because she had motive for the crime. As an army veteran, Mike usually keeps his emotional walls high. And as a detective, he knows not to get involved with murder suspects. So why he is so attracted to Alison? Can he fight his feelings for her–and the stirrings in his heart toward God?

My take:~

I enjoyed the premise of Lisa Carter’s debut novel, Carolina Reckoning, with a woman faced with the infidelity of her husband and then his murder, losing her chance to ever ask him the reason for his betrayal. As Alison attempts to come to terms with her loss, she is confronted with a detective who believes she may be responsible for her husband’s death. While there is much to enjoy about this story ~ the faith elements, an interracial romance, an elusive killer ~ the waters get a little muddied halfway through as the story flounders and Alison’s behaviour borders on the unrealistic. That said, I like where Lisa was trying to take the story and the faith elements were particularly well handled as Alison and Mike wrestle with God’s promises in light of their difficult circumstances. Carolina Reckoning proves Lisa’s talent and I look forward to her continuting to grow her craft and abilities.

With thanks to Abingdon for my review copy