The Heart Hopes: can differences be put aside for the truth?

The Heart Hopes is the second book in the Opposites Attract series by Lyn Cote. Patience is eager to begin her first official year teaching the first grade. She immediately recognizes that one little boy, Jackson, needs a little extra attention. Unfortunately, she is selected for jury duty when she hears a case prosecuted by Gil Montgomery, the “by the book” DA and Jackson’s father. Her not guilty vote results in a hung jury and she becomes the pariah of their small town. However, Patience was not convinced the accused was behind the crime. Despite his annoyance at the mistrial, and at Patience, Gil realizes that she is the key to helping his son. Can he put aside his preconceived notions to hear Patience out about his son and new evidence in the case? 

Oh where do I begin? The Heart Hopes started out strong, then it fell off the deep end. I loved that Patience saw a little boy on the verge of being labeled “the troublemaker,” a label that would follow him, leaving him floundering. Then she gets a jury summons. I find it very unlikely that a juror who has a connection to anyone involved with the case, especially the DA, would be allowed to stay on the jury. A halfway decent defense attorney would argue for her removal. And the judge allowing it after she makes their connection known was unbelievable! I tried so hard to enjoy this series; however, after the disappointment of the first book and then the unlikely plot of the second book, I will not be finishing this series. 

The Heart Hopes is available in eBook. 

Only Her Heart: love, romance and faith

Only Her Heart is the first book in the Opposites Attract series by Lyn Cote. Annie Petrov is about to quit the job she loves. Why would she do that? She’s in love with her boss, Jack Lasater. The computer genius who understands code and computer security more than people only sees her as an executive assistant. Annie has had enough. However, before she can turn in her resignation, their personal lives explode and the focus becomes putting out the fires. Jack’s estranged father needs his help finding a computer hacker and Annie’s sister surprises everyone when she leaves her husband and twin sons. As they deal with business and their personal lives, will Jack open his eyes and see Annie as more than just an employee? 

Lyn Cote writes stories with love, romance, faith and a bit of mystery. It is a fairly quick read packed with lots of activity, perhaps too much activity. Unfortunately, Only Her Heart was a bit confusing with way too much going on. With Jack’s issues with his father, Annie’s situation with her sister, and other relationship developments, the mystery of the computer hacker was put on the back burner. When it was solved, it was not the shocking reveal I would expect. I enjoyed the characters. They were real, relatable with real life issues:  anger, resentment and forgiveness. There were times I wanted to tell Annie to mind her own business. Overall, I enjoyed Only Her Heart and will continue the series. If you enjoy stories of love and faith, you may enjoy Only Her Heart.  

Only Her Heart is available in eBook. 

Winter's Secret: a romance and mystery story

Winter’s Secret by Lyn Cote is the first book in the Northern Intrigue series. A small town in Wisconsin is experience a series of burglaries. The newly appointed sheriff, Rodd Durand, is determined to find the thief, he has nicknamed “The Weasel.” He notices that the victims have a connection to a local nurse, Wendy Carey. As the two team up to help catch this thief, the small town rumor mill starts turning about their relationship. The old stories of bad families and feuds between families start to turn their ugly heads. When the town bullies start to spread rumors about his incompetence, Rod is now in a race against time. Can Rodd ignore the small-town chatter to find the thief? Will he catch him in time before someone gets hurts?

Winter’s Secret is a very interesting romance/mystery novel. I loved every minute from the first page to the final gasp as the identity of the thief is revealed. It is a mystery that keeps you guessing. I loved all the characters from the ones you love to the ones you hate and love to see their reign of terror come to an end. I also enjoyed that the mystery for the next book begins near the end and pulls you in to continue the series. I will definitely be reading the series. The books are currently on my Amazon wish list for future purchase. I highly recommend Winter’s Secret.

Winter’s Secret

is available in eBook and audiobook