"Tracy's Book Nook - Northern Intrigue Series by Lyn Cote"

Winter's Secret

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Winter's Secret is the first book I've read by author Lyn Cote and I really enjoyed it! It would be perfect for curling up with in the wintertime in front of a blazing fireplace with a cup of tea. As it was, I read it in April when we were getting a taste of summer with 30 degrees Celsius heat!!

I found the main characters, Wendy and Rod, to be strong and likeable characters. In fact, the book was chock full of very memorable and sometimes humourous characters such as Veda McCracken - the town witch with the poison tongue out to get Wendy with her venomous words; the nosy editor of the town paper, Fletcher Cram, who cares nothing for making friends, just getting the scoop on the story; Uncle Dutch and his seedy friends and enemies in bar fights on weekends. There's just so many of them that entertain and add dimension to this great story.

This is a great winter love story with lovely, easy flowing sentences. For example,

"She realized she'd been craving his kiss for a long time. Joy surging with each beat of her heart, she kissed him back, not wanting his touch to end, willing him to go on. His lips moved over hers, strong but not insistent-almost tentative as though she might evaporate. She tugged him closer, wanting to comfort him with her warmth. He responded and his tenderness brought tears to her eyes." (pg. 192, Winter's Secret)

A really lovely description without any sexual content that is out of place or too graphic as I have found in some other books.

I stumbled upon a couple of phrases that were startling in their descriptions such as:

"Outside the window, the snow flurries had picked up--showers of white flakes dashing themself against the windshield as though committing mass suicide." (pg. 10, Winter's Secret)

Clearly the author wanted to communicate the strength of the storm in an original way and she succeeded. :) I find it a delight to stumble upon original sentences, phrases, or descriptions that make me stop and reread them, tasting them on my tongue, trying them out on my lips and stashing them in my memory to think about later. This author provides a few of these throughout her novel.

There is an overwhelming theme of God's Providence in this story as well. The Sherriff needs to lean on God to help him find the burglars and it isn't until he finally capitulates in his struggles against God, that he is able to draw from His strength and solve the crimes. The repeated losses suffered by the Pastor and his wife, Penny, with their several miscarriages does not go unnoticed by God. He provides a baby for Zach's mom in another way - a babe that has lost both parents in a car accident now needs a home and arms to love him. He will find that in Penny's arms. God has used unusual situations to provide for his children's deepest desires. This story is a great example of that.

Overall, this is a lovely winter love story with polished and smooth writing, strong and curious characters, and interesting plot twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book and am sure any one who picks it up will too!

Autumn's Shadow

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Autumn's End is another mystery romance by Lyn Cote. It follows in the tradition of the first of the Northern Intrigue Series. It tells the story of a young high school principal, Keely Turner, who finds herself the victim of some teenage pranks which become more and more serious as time wears on. She must turn to a new officer, Deputy Burke Sloan, for help and their hearts are stirred as they investigate the case together. Will they find the perpetrator in time?

This is another fine romance thriller by Lyn Cote. I enjoyed the strength of the characters, the romance, and the thrill of trying to undo the mystery as the story progresses. I'm sure you will enjoy this novel as well.

Dr. Kirsi Royston finds much more than she bargained for when she arrives in Steadfast, Wisconsin. She plans to back out of her contract with the town clinic, but when she meets her new colleague Dr. Doug Erickson, she realizes that her original intentions no longer match her heart's longings. Now Kirsi and Doug must get to the bottom of a dangerous local drug ring. Can their growing love for each other survive the dangerous circumstances threatening to drive them apart? (c)book cover, Summer's End, Lyn Cote

Another great love story by Lyn Cote. Not as memorable as the first of this series, but a good solid book in its own right.

I enjoyed revisiting some of the favourite characters from the first two books such as Constable Rodd Durand and Deputy Burke Sloan as well as Keely Turner. You'll enjoy these characters and their small town relationships. Go ahead and read this series today.