Whirlpool

I was in the airport traveling and purchased Whirlpool in Cinncinati's airport in the Christian section of the bookstore there. I don't usually read mysteries, so I was pleasantly surprised at the depth and intricacy of the plot. I cared about the characters from page one and I really loved the romantic element weaved throughtout the story. The ending was terrific and very satisfying! Now I'm going to have to read more books by this fabulous author. I'd recommend Whirlpool to anyone who loves a great mystery with engaging characters and an intelligent plot.

This book captured my attention right from the beginning. I never guessed the ending until the end. It is a wonderful mystery and and anyone who loves Christian mysteries, will love this book.

Stefanie Canfield is trying to adjust to the hard changes her life has thrown at her recently, including a divorce and the death of her mother. When the mill she co-owns with her ex burns to the ground, she finds herself in the unpleasant position of being a suspect.Ryan Harrison never wanted to return to Julesburg, but his job as arson investigator brings him back. The only bright spot is a reunion with childhood friend Stefanie. But their relationship becomes strained when she finds out what his job is. The fact that he is trying to bring her back to God doesn't seem to be helping. When she is accused of murder, however, all bets are off.This is an intriguing book that is equal parts mystery and romance. The author does a good job of balancing the two elements. As a die hard mystery reader, I felt the mystery aspect was a little weaker then it could have been. The first chapter is a little rough while giving us the background we need to understand the characters. However, these two elements only dampened my enjoyment slightly. I got so caught up in the story and characters that I couldn't put the book down. The spiritual sub-plot felt natural and added another layer to an already engrossing book.Christian fiction fans rejoice! There's something in this wonderful book for everyone. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Stefanie Canfield is just trying to move on with her life. Her husband left her for his mistress and is currently flaunting her all over town. But Stefanie is nothing if not a survivor. She has opened a small gym and enjoys spending time with her new best friend Val.Until the fourth of July. Stefanie is uncomfortable when she sees her ex-husband Hunter with his new fiancé Trisha. But things go from uncomfortable to horrible when the mill that Hunter and Stefanie still own together, burns to the ground...and Stefanie is one of the main suspects.Ryan Harrison is an arson investigator sent to Julesburg to investigate the mill fire. It's hard for him to return to Julesburg because he had lived there when he was in junior high. The only good memory he has is of his friend Stefanie, so he hopes to look her up while he is in town. But Ryan is shocked and dismayed when he discovers that his friend Stefanie is the prime suspect.Stefanie knows she didn't do the arson, but is suspicious that her ex-husband could be trying to frame her. But things get even worse when a body is located in the mill. Then another resident is found murdered and Stefanie is again the main suspect. Ryan and Stefanie don't know what to do. They are finally having a chance at a relationship together, but something or someone is trying to put Stefanie away in jail.Lorena McCourtney has written a sweet romance with an intriguing mystery that will keep you turning the pages to find out who done it. I look forward to reading the rest of the Julesburg inspirational romantic mystery series, just so I can stay involved in the goings on of this small town. If you're in the mood for a feel good book with a bit of mystery, pick up a copy of Whirlpool today

Arson investigator Ryan Harrison recalls his childhood friend Stefanie Canfield's glint of mischief and rebelliousness with affection. But that look has been replaced by shadows and disillusionment because she has lost faith in her God, in marriage, and in herself. He returns to the small town of Julesburg to investigate the suspicious burning of the town's plywood mill. Proving arson would earn him a nice promotion. Ryan had no idea that his childhood friend in an equal partner in the company. Now duty must come before friendship, even if the investigation opens a chasm between them that friendship can scarcely span.Stefanie's marriage resembled a business merger more than it did a union of hearts. Hunter's initial displays of interest stunned the "Porky Princess", despite her subsequent weight loss. Now the owner of the Fit `n' Fun health club, this svelte divorcee still bears the scars of her marriage, her husband's cheating with Trish, and her rejection in favor of the "other woman". With her ex-husband's carefully constructed alibi in place, suspicion falls on Stefanie when arson is proven at the plywood mill. The financial problems surrounding the mill provide adequate motivation, and a lack of an alibi provides opportunity.Stephanie endears the false accusations of arson even when the insurance investigator turns out to be her childhood friend. But when her nemesis appears in public wearing her mother's necklace, Stefanie reacts. Unfortunately, stress brings about blackouts and Stephanie does not remember trying to snatch the necklace from Trish's neck. Witnesses recall every detail, however, when Trish later turns up dead. Stephanie believes she left Trish alive, but with her blackout episodes, even she is not absolutely certain of her innocence.Stephanie's struggle to prove her innocence and to recover her spiritual beliefs provides a refreshingly human heroine in WHIRLPOOL, the first of The Julesburg Mysteries series. Stephanie could have too easily fallen into the trap of martyrdom given her ex-husband's treatment and the loss of her mother to cancer. Instead, she proves herself to be tenacious yet spiritually disillusioned, strong yet capable of foolish choices. With maturity and insight, Stephanie confronts the challenges of struggling with injustice and self-doubt. Moreover, author Lorena McCourtney includes inspirational touches and spiritual struggles without a heavy hand that could detract from the narrative; instead, the inspirational passages move the plot along as well as deepen the characterizations. WHIRLPOOL is a satisfying read appropriate for inspirational as well as mainstream readers, coming very highly recommended.