BOOK REVIEW: DANGEROUS PAST by Suspense Sister Roxanne Rustand

Marji Laine here. 

Last week, our Suspense Sister, Roxanne Rustand, released book nine of her Northern Pines Suspense Series. I realized that I’ve never gotten to read one of her books, so I quickly rectified that situation. I didn’t want to start at book nine, so I picked up book one. I’m so glad I did.

Roxanne reminds me of one of my all-time favorite authors, Phyllis A. Whitney. Whitney had a habit of setting a heroine in the midst of unknown hostility where unexplained events covered intentional attacks. Her writing, if memory serves, was either from an omniscient (narrator-type) viewpoint or only from a single point of view, bu
t as the stories progressed, attacks grew more pronounced and more dangerous.

Roxanne, thankfully, uses a dual point of view between the hero and the heroine and even throws in a few other characters from time to time to give a more colorful background. But in the same way as Whitney's heroines, Lauren, faces seemingly inescapable problems.

This is an emotionally-charged story with a good amount of tension and rich characters. It adds multi-layered characters, Lauren and Michael, with strong back-stories, reasonable reactions, and even defining quirks. Amidst past problems and their current hopes and goals, both Michael and Lauren find joy, laughter, and make embarrassing and even heart-breaking mistakes.

A troubled young daughter and an entourage of various pets add to this heart-warming story. Even the goat has a personality!

Dangerous Past has a mild level of suspense, particularly at the beginning as the backdrop of the story is laid with the initial interactions of the characters. Michael and Lauren, though, with their various secrets, hidden needs, and quiet desperation, intrigued me. The story itself amped up its flavor of suspense throughout, and the final scenes satisfied completely, leaving me eager to read more of this series.

Here’s a little more about this story.

She needs to hide from her past. He only wants to be left alone. What could possibly go wrong?

A DISILLUSIONED ATTORNEY
Michael is searching for a quiet life in a small town. Alone. When his elderly, vagabond Aunt Bertie announces her plans for yet another summer in Europe, he agrees to stay at her home on the shore of Briar Lake. It’s perfect timing, while he hunts for a house to buy and a location for his law practice. 

Perfect---until he meets a flamboyant stranger at Bertie’s front door, who refuses to let him inside. A very nervous one, at that.

A WOMAN WITH A TROUBLED PAST
A housemate? No way. Bertie’s menagerie is of epic proportions—thanks to the homeless animals she constantly adopts. Lauren promised to move in and care for them this summer. It’s a promise she cannot break to the woman she has loved as an "extra grandmother" since childhood—even if she fears this forced proximity to a man who could uncover her darkest secrets.

But there’s another problem… one that could end her life.

Roxanne Rustand is the USA Today Bestselling author of forty romance and romantic suspense novels—in both Clean & Wholesome and Christian genres. Her books have sold over 2.9 million copies.

Get your own copy HERE!

But don't miss out on all the books of Northern Pines Suspense - particularly the brand new release, book nine! Learn about them all HERE! 

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I so enjoyed this book with my snowy backyard as a backdrop, wrapped in my sweater and crocheted throw and stretched out in my recliner. What did you do during this year's snowy/icy/frigid days? Share your answer below and you just might win a copy of Roxanne's book. (Don't forget to leave your email address!)