Unexpected Ties

I'm not generally a big mystery fan. I've read mysteries over the years that I've enjoyed, but I was faced with a picked-over selection at my local bookstore, and grabbed this book on a whim, frankly because of the Bold Strokes logo and the look of the cover. Beggars can't be choosers. Having devoured the entire book, I don't know that I'd characterize it as a mystery. Definitely a romance. I can see why mystery fans would be disappointed in this as such. Also, this is the sequel to Unexpected Sparks, which I haven't read, so I don't have that to judge it against, and apparently other reviewer liked the first book better. But I read the first couple of pages before I bought it, and I was completely drawn in from the start by the characterizations, the prose, the sentence structure, and the overall quality feel of the writing. I was charmed from beginning to end by Nikki and Kate, their friends, and their lives in the Maritimes in Canada. The still burgeoning relationship between the two main characters is handled with a precise eye for interesting detail. The characters are buoyed along in their motivations and existence by healthy internal voices, combined with actions consistent with their thoughts, and observations of the actions of others that inform and affect their own reactions. This may seem like a "duh" element for a book, but too often one or another of these elements is neglected by less skillful authors, and the entire book seems weakly constructed as a result. In addition, the healthy love life Nikki and Kate enjoy is used not just as titillation, but as steps in an emotional journey, with each scene changing or reinforcing their relationship in some way. This lent a depth and meaning to the proceedings that some authors seem to forget to provide. The whole experience was refreshing, plus you get the added amusement of the small differences in turns of phrase between Canadian and American English. Quality. Highly recommended. A permanent part of my library (just don't go into it expecting much of a mystery, because those waters are rather vague and muddied, though make for some interesting conflict, and a rather exciting climax: good times).

Had a very good story line and was glad to see younger people taking responsibility for the older generation very uplifting book recommend that people buy this book you won't be disappointed.

This delightful sequel to "Unexpected Sparks" is a light mystery paired with a passionate romance. Returning to solve yet another crime are bookstore owner Kate Shannon and her young, inquisitive lover, Nikki Harris. This reader is not generally a fan of mysteries, but I'm certainly a fan of promising, second-time author Gina Dartt. It's almost as if the reader has a choice with her stories - to either focus on the mystery OR the romance, it's almost like getting two books in one. Focusing on the romance - The relationship between Kate and Nikki continues to develop and mature. The women struggle with the notion of moving in together. The decision is made more difficult when considering Kate's wealth and Nikki's lack thereof. Throw in Kate's meddling grandmother and Nikki's estranged parents, and these gals have a lot to overcome in their personal lives. Focusing on the mystery - After Stephen Elliot dies, Nikki gets the itch to investigate. That itch is encouraged when Kate's grandmother gets involved. As Nikki digs deeper into the clues she uncovers, local law enforcement once again puts a damper on her plans. Worried for her lover, Kate also keeps Nikki's plans under close watch. I'm anxious for the next installment in this series. Will Nikki and Kate finally move in together? How will they overcome their fundamental differences? What's next for Nikki? Will she ultimately decide to get formal training as an investigator? How will Kate react? I guess we'll all have to wait until Dartt is ready to reveal the answers.

Tremendous second novel from the exquisite Gina L. Dartt. The characters in this novel are so thoroughly and beautifully depicted the reader will swear they know them as close friends. Two wonderful people, 40 year old Kate Shannon and 26 year old Nikki Harris embark on a new romance, each is head over heels in love with the other. Their adventures as they get to know each other and discover new things to admire and love in the other gives the reader a totally warm feeling. The humor of the main characters and their friends (especially Kate's friend Susan) is as bright and original as the first novel `Unexpected Sparks'. The author writes very lovely and sensual love scenes that not only reveal aspects of the main characters personality but are also very sexy. Do not miss this book - I only wish there were more novels from this author waiting for me to read. From the publisher's website - Sometimes the ties that bind can be deadly. When Stephen Elliot ends up face down in his chocolate mousse at the Historical Society's annual dinner, Kate Shannon and Nikki Harris are swept up in another mystery, much to Kate's chagrin and Nikki's delight. Family ties run deep in the powerful Elliot family, who pull a lot of strings in the tiny town of Truro, and it's very possible that one of those snarled knots has led directly to murder. Meanwhile, Kate and Nikki have family threads of their own that become more complicated when Kate's grandmother unexpectedly returns from Florida, and Nikki's parents, out on the farm, start taking a sudden interest in the couple's unexpected romantic relationship. Can they sort out all these tangled strands before the killer cuts the lifeline that binds them together?