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HIDDEN MOTIVES
Four romances emerge from mysterious shadows
WATCHERS IN THE WOODS -- Carol Cox
Laurel Masters has never met her grandmother. Her mother’s attempts to keep Laurel from having an relationship with the older woman was successful, but now, mother has died and Laurel receives an invitation to visit her grandmother at The Capstone Center for Spiritual Studies (grandmother’s spiritual retreat center). Initially Laurel is excited that her grandmother wants to meet her and that her grandmother is involved in such a great work as a Spiritual Center. However, things go awry as soon as Laurel’s plane lands. As she explores the area it becomes evident her grandmother is involved in things that are spiritual but dance on the evil side. Laurel begins to receive threatening emails she wonders if her only confident at grandmother’s – the computer consultant who is setting up a network at the center – is actually an enemy. Only God can show Laurel what she must do, is it too late??
THEN CAME DARKNESS -- Gail Gaymer Martin
Geri Seward’s grandfather died while in prison for a murder – his family is sure, he didn’t commit. Geri is out to vindicate his name. She gets a job as the housekeeper at Emory estate, the place hiding information needed to clear her grandfather’s name. The owner of Emory estate, Blayne Emory is one creepy character. But, groundskeeper Rich Drake becomes friends with Geri and she’s able to confide in him. Lots of close calls do not deter Geri at all. It’s as if this quest is her obsession and no matter how dangerous it may be she will not quit. Soon Geri realizes Rich’s friendship is not enough, she needs God to help her either succeed or accept defeat. Can she do it?
AT THE END OF THE BAYOU -- DiAnn Mills
Shelby Landry suffers from debilitating migraines. She doesn’t know why she gets them but when it is suggested she travel back to Louisiana where she grew up, and seek out what could have happened then that triggers headaches she decides to go. The home she grew up in is now vacant and land developer, Chad LeBlanc, wants to develop the land. Shelby isn’t sure this deal will be the best for her family, but she’s drawn to this man. Chad helps Shelby face the realty of her tragic childhood. When she learns the truth about the cause of her sisters deaths and her mothers mental illness it is almost too much for her. But her faith in the Lord and friendship with Chad helps her face the past so she can make peace with her future. Is it enough?
BURIED IN THE PAST -- Jill Stengl
Stephanie Keller, niece to Sir John Haverstane, moves to England after receiving a letter from Sir John’s lawyer that he has had a stroke. Stephanie is widowed and decides to go to England to help Uncle John with Haverstane Cottage’s upkeep. When she arrives she discovers her Uncle is in the Nursing Home after another stroke and then he passes away leaving all to Stephanie. Pastor Dudley Larkin, a neighbor, is very friendly, although other members of his household are not. The land Stephanie inherits includes a crumbling but beautiful old chapel. Pastor Larkin and Stephanie decided to restore the building. And suddenly, things begin to go very wrong. How will Stephanie survive in this new lifestyle in a new land while forces try to push her away?
It’s hard to say which one was my favorite –so I won’t- but suffice to say all stories have that creepy, scary feel, just enough to set the reader on edge and enough faith roped through to pull us back.
One nice advantage of an anthology is the short stories can be read at your leisure and you get an entire story in one sitting. Another advantage? You get at least one great writer and some unknowns to discover. Neither advantage is true of Hidden Motives.
The first story compels you to the second story and the second to well, just one more, and suddenly you are turning the last page of the last story! These writers are amazing. Three of my absolute favorites (you know, those writers where you pick up a book and you know it’s going to be worthwhile because that particular author wrote it?) It’s only the last author, Jill Stengl whose work I wasn’t familiar with. I am now!
Although this book has been referred to as Gothic stories I thought they read more like cozy mysteries. Mysteries laced with romance and a faith message. I can’t imagine a better afternoon spent then in front of the fire with this book of scary but triumphant mysteries!
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
December 2, 2004
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