Another winner from Carol Cox: My review of "Trouble in Store"

about the book....

Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he's not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he's worked for. In hope of turning her interest elsewhere, he determines to get Melanie married off, and luckily, there are many single men in town quite willing to take her off his hands.

The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn't want her to marry any of them. He's drawn to her more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store offer unexpectedly positive results.

But someone doesn't want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger. Will Melanie and Caleb's business--and budding romance--survive the trouble that's about to come their way?

my review....

Carol Cox has created another winner with "Trouble in Store"! I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of characters who grace the pages of the book, from the spirited Melanie Ross who arrives in town and garners a continued stream of proposals, to Caleb Nelson who is struggling to provide for his son and raise him as a single father. There were many moments that left me laughing, and I enjoyed the swift dialogue between Melanie and Caleb in particular. The romance that sparks in Melanie's life is well-handled and was enjoyable to watch unfold. Likewise, the mysterious notes and the suspicious deaths make for a page-turning read that kept me glued to the pages. In the midst of all of these entertaining elements, the author also touches on elements of faith that lend a deeper flavour to the story, particularly as characters struggle with death and pain, and with God's plan in the midst of the good and bad of life.

Readers looking for a well-written historical read with a romantic flair and mystery should grab a copy of "Trouble in Store"! I highly recommend this enjoyable book, and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 about the author....

Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch. Visit her website at www.authorcarolcox.com.