Pages

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Book Review: Retired and On the Rocks by Karen Wiesner

This is a  great start to what looks to be another wonderful series.
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press; 1st edition (June 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1603137815
  • ISBN-13: 978-1603137812
     Genre: Inspirational Mystery
      My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0
Product Description:
A missing engagement ring leads to murder... It's been a month since Denim McHart hung up his private investigating career after he ended up with a bullet in his leg. The injury has forced Den to re-evaluate future goals in his career, his love-life and his spiritual life. To keep himself busy in early retirement, he's been attempting to restore an antique table and he's officially bored. He can't seem to keep his mind off his investigative partner, the lovely and complicated Sylvia Price whom he's had an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with in the past. When Sylvia calls him out of the blue, he doesn't waste time getting down to their office. In this past month, Sylvia has been dealing with her own feelings for Den, her overwhelming guilt for the pivotal event that happened years ago and caused her mother to be mentally unstable, coinciding with her inability to forgive herself the way she knows the Lord has forgiven her. Before the sparks can fly between Den and Sylvia in the direction he has his heart set, she says they've got company. Jilted bride Naomi Deva tells him that her groom-Mayor Thomas Julian-dumped her at the altar. Reluctantly, she admits he'd caught her in a compromising position with the best man only minutes before the ceremony. Naomi also reveals the reason why she's sought them: The local police department hasn't been able to turn up the 6.1 carat diamond engagement ring Thomas gave her...and the groom wants it back. Immediately.
Review:  This is a story that presents wonderful characters, romance, mystery, and a forgiveness message in a clean, fun and engaging read.

Denim is sexy, charming and handy to have around in a crisis. He has recently retired from his private investigation (PI) business because of a bullet wound.  The injury and danger to himself and his partner, Sylvia, has caused him to take a look at his life and where he wants to be and who he wants to be with... specifically his ex-partner, Sylvia.

Sylvia was a police officer before she went into the PI business with Den. She really loves Den but hasn’t been able to get beyond some secret hurts and fears from her past to allow her to feel worthy of love.  Her former police partner, Orlando is another close friend who loves her too. Although the men vie for Sylvia’s heart they are mature in their behavior.

Sylvia misses Den and is sure he won’t be happy retired from the excitement of the PI business. She jumps at the chance to call Den in to help on a new case and he makes haste to get to the office to be with her in the hunt.  They have been asked to find a missing 6.1 carat engagement ring. The flashy “almost” bride, Naomi, reveals that her would be groom, the wealthy town mayor, Thomas, walked out of the wedding when he found her in the closet with the best man. Oops! Now he wants the ring back but she claims it’s lost.

The mystery unfolds while Sylvia and Den engage in sharp, snappy dialogue with lots of humor that will make you smile. Underlying the romance and mystery is Sylvia’s emotional and spiritual struggle. The faith based messages are not preachy but are clear and direct as part of the characters’ life fabric. The emotions and mystery keep you pulled into the story from start to finish as you read to discover Sylvia’s secrets, how she resolves her love choices and how they solve the mystery.

Ms. Wiesner has a great talent for writing real to life characters and issues with warmth and humor. If you enjoy inspirational stories, romance and mystery this is a story you won’t want to miss.
xxx
This book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
To learn more about Karen and enter for a chance to win one of her books see her Blogoversary author spotlight.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Your comments are always appreciated!