From New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton comes a captivating tale of romantic suspense set in the heart of a rugged winter . . . Photographer Nicole Piper moved to Virginia hoping to put a troubled past behind her and start fresh with her baby daughter. But those hopes are dashed when she receives a very unwelcome Christmas gift—from her late husband. It’s a letter that holds clues to … a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. The victim had helped save Nicole’s life—and paid with her own. Nicole owes it to her to follow the letter’s trail, and perhaps put to rest the fear that stalks her once and for all. But she can’t do it alone.
When Homicide Detective David Ayden first met Nicole, he was looking for a fresh start too. Widowed and raising two teenage boys, Nicole was the only woman who’d stirred his interest—and the attraction was mutual. But that was months ago and she wasn’t ready to trust again. Maybe she still isn’t. All that matters now is that she needs his help—even if it means embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger—and desire . . .
Praise for the novels of Mary Burton
“Will have readers sleeping with the lights on.”
—Publishers Weekly on Before She Dies (starred review)
“Terrifying . . . this chilling thriller is an engrossing story.”
—Library Journal on Merciless
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Photographer Nicole Piper is trying to rebuild her life after the death of her abusive husband. She’s looking forward to spending Christmas in her new home with her baby daughter. But then she receives a package from her dead husband which provides details on the murder of the woman who helped Nicole escape her abusive marriage. Nicole, joined by homicide detective David Ayden goes on a road trip to try to put the pieces of the puzzle together. I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy, fast-paced romantic suspense novella! The plot was compelling and twisted, and the characters were interesting and well developed. This was a quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat and I was very pleased with the sweet ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am not sure what to think about this one. I really like Mary Burton’s books but I had a hard time connecting with this book. I found the writing and characters were good as usual but the story line was ok. I felt like I was missing some background information for this book. Like it is part of a series that I hadn’t read yet. If you enjoy her books I would read it because it is probably just me that couldn’t connect.
Originally published on 2012 in an anthology (Silver Bells) and is part of her Richmond Virginia series. It is a standalone novella but the only bad thing about this one is that it feels like it should be part of a full length novel. It feels like it’s a follow-up to another story. Photographer and new mom Nicole Piper survived her manipulative and abusive husband but even from the grave he torments her. A letter written to her before his death that explains he wasn’t the one who killed her friend but the identity is in a safe deposit box. Along with with Homicide Detective David Ayden, who was there the first time around her husband tormented her and helped safe her life, Nicole goes to find out the truth. David hasn’t felt this way about a woman for a while after the death of his wife he never thought he could but now that the case is over he’s free to pursue a relationship with her, that’s if she’s interested. David isn’t about to let her go off and handle this on her own who knows what her psychotic, late husband set up for her and Nicole hesitant but accepts his help. Nicole feels the same as David but is afraid of her own judgement even though she’s seen proof he’s a good person. This Christmas is going to change her life but will it be for better or worse. Overall, despite the feeling like I was missing a whole other story it was a good read. It was intense and it’s short enough you can just breeze right through it.
Christmas Past by Mary Burton
Pulling strings from the grave – yep – Nicole Piper’s evil deceased husband found a way to get her to make a trip that would endanger her life…again. Luckily she has Homicide Sergeant David Ayden beside her to, hopefully, save the day.
This is a novella length, action-packed, suspense filled thriller that had me from page one and kept me interested to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Kensington – Zebra and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Christmas Past was a fast-paced, suspenseful read. Ayden and Nicole were endearing characters with great chemistry.. Both of them had suffered in the past but, together they were beginning to. heal. That is until her past caught up with her. it This is a wonderful romantic suspense and I would definitely recommend it.
This is a fast-paced and action-packed novella that is perfect for those who enjoy mystery and suspense series. Set at Christmastime in Virginia, the book has a heroine named Nicole who has fled her abusive and well-connected husband on the west coast. Settled in Virginia now with her baby girl, Nicole is happily pursuing her career as a photographer when she gets an unwelcome and unexpected package from Richard. Nicole is frightened but asks David Ayden, a local homicide detective, for help in tracking down what is going on and what Richard really wants. This is a thriller about a serial killer that fans of Mary Burton and of quick mysteries in general will not want to miss!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Nicole made her living doing commercial portraits, which supports Beth and herself. A comeback after three years, the joy of seeing them. Five years with an abusive husband, she finally fled, he was dead, yet, she kept checking the locks. A delayed package is given to her, a dvd and her world once again has crumbled. Was it a truth, it was a matter now for the police to figure out.
David Ayden has the detective duty for the Christmas holidays. Getting a call about the dvd, that Nicole had gotten. He is on alert mode now, wanting to protect her. Truthfully, he wanted the whole family thing, if she would let them date. Meanwhile he and the department would dig into this matter.
One is drawn in from the first.a young woman with a small baby, and you want answers. How come she is afraid, and glad she has close friends.
The plot flowed to the end, and not wanting to stop reading.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and
Kensington books.
Nicole has a violent past. She married a very charming man but discovered that beneath that charming exterior, he was physically abusive and controlling. She was afraid that eventually he would kill her … leaving her no choice but to run and pray for safety.
Not realizing that she was pregnant until she was in hiding, she’s turned all her love to her infant daughter.
She only breathes easily again when she receives a letter from an attorney and discovers that her husband has died. Evidently he left something for her .. and only her.
It’s only when someone tries to kill her that she’s afraid her past isn’t as dead as she had hoped.
This is a novella of approximately 100 pages. It’s a short read, but packed with suspense and action….. a page turner. The characters are finely drawn. Toss in a romance with explicit intimate moments and you get a terrific read.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books – Zebra / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Mary Burton never disappoints. Even though this is called Christmas Past its a true Romantic Suspense, with a Christmas nod here and there. Nicole comes from an abusive marriage, with a little girl. David is a widower, a cop with 2 teenage boys. This is a fast paced Novella with some steamy sex, an abusive husband reaching out from the grave, and wow what a twisted mind Richard had. and the road Nicole and David travel. I would recommend this to anyone who likes, suspense, thrillers, steamy sex and strong vulnerabile woman. Thank you for the arc. All thoughts an opinions are my own and were unsolicited
Boom! Mary Burton has done it again. drop
*****
This book will be released 29 October!! Preorder it now! ******
Overall Rating:
Kindle Unlimited: unknown
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Bells-Mary-Burton-ebook/dp/B07NCPW51M
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Grab a drink (it’s Screwball Peanut Butter whiskey for me tonight ), a warm blanket and get ready for a Christmas story Mary Burton style. .
For a novella, this book packed a punch. David and Nicole/Christina are a wonderful set of MCs. David was strong, kind, and very patient, Nicole has had to do a great deal of healing and might be willing to give David a chance. Of course that would be the easy story, and even in this short book there are no shortcuts.
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Christmas Past has an evil ex that is about to tilt Nicole’s world upside down, a suspenseful story, and an insta love -ish relationship, and even a little bit of heat . The insta love worked for me because there was history for the pair and I knew going in this was a quick read.
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I always one click Mary Burton’s books and this one is no different! Don’t just grab this one but hit her back list because if you like edgy, gritty, psychologically twisted, romantic suspense this is the author for you. Do I recommend? Sure do! Be sure to pick this up on Tuesday!
*****
#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #romanticsuspense #ChristmasPast
#MaryBurton #Netgalley
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I was provided a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, action-filled, steamy romantic suspense novella. The characters were interesting and the plot was engaging and filled with some twisted surprises that were gripping and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. It was a quick, entertaining read and definitely held my interest. David and Nicole were great characters and I loved watching them find their happy ever after in the end.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this read. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Christmas Past (Kindle Edition) by Mary Burton Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. Nicole Piper ( widow with a baby..escaped her abusive husband) but did she? David Ayden(widowed with two teenage sons..police detective) in love with Nicole. There is evil, danger, scary stuff, laughter, tears and steamy stuff all to get to a HEA.
A ghost from the past appears to try to ruin Christmas present.
Nicole Piper barely escaped with her life after she ran from her abusive husband. But now she is settled in Virginia and getting her life back on track. She has her photography and baby Beth, most importantly baby Beth. One more plus in her life is homicide detective David Ayden. She wasn’t ready for him when they first met but now she has had the time and space she needed to get her act together. When she receives a letter that was delivered many months after it was originally sent she plans to drive and meet the attorney mentioned in the letter. The letter indicated the attorney has information needed to catch a murderer. Nicole’s friend Lindsay insists that she take David along with her. Thus begins a dangerous and scary twenty-four hours.
Mary Burton is an excellent suspense writer. She lives up to that reputation with the release of Christmas Past. The plot is exciting and action-packed. The characters are well-developed and likeable. Nicole and David have a strong attraction to each other that enhances the storyline. I liked the fact that David realizes he has to be patient and give Nicole some space. I also liked how Nicole managed to break free from her past baggage to give David a chance. This book is a page-turner and I recommend it especially for fans of romantic suspense.