Garden of Secrets by Barbara Freethy

In Angel's Bay, Dr. Charlotte Adams has returned and is struggling with personal issues. She has feelings for the Chief of Police, Joe, but she also wants what she had years ago with her first love, Andrew, who is now the town's minister. She's scared though to pursue either of the men because she doesn't want to get hurt, so she keeps the barriers around her heart firmly in place.


At a New Year's Eve party, both men aim for her for the New Year's Eve kiss, but Charlotte panics and rushes up the stairs. Moments later, the lights go out and there is a scream. The lady of the manor has been robbed, and she is unconscious with blood everywhere. Charlotte is immediately a suspect. She was near the victim and had a questionable past with the victim's sister.

Joe knows she is innocent but he has a hard time keeping her away from the investigation. When Pamela, the victim's sister arrives, Charlotte sees red. She is the reason Andrew left her all of those years ago. But Joe still can't find out who the perpetrator is and divides his time with the investigation and getting Charlotte to let down her barriers and let him in her heart.

After an attempt on Charlotte's life, her heart reveals who she is falling in love with. But will she get to express her love before her life is ended for good? Because Charlotte has seen something she shouldn't and she can't be allowed to live, if the ones who robbed and attempted murder on the mayor's wife have anything to say about it.

Small town living, a handful of inter-connected characters, a blossoming romance and the drama of suspense and secrets all merge together into an entertaining, yet heartwarming romantic suspense. Barbara Freethy knows how to tell a story and ensnare her reader in her web and she does it with finesse! If you enjoy romantic suspense set in a small town, then you won't want to miss Garden of Secrets!