2020 Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Book
Boston’s Most Eligible Bachelor has it all: good looks, a great career, and plenty of wealth and prestige. But Bradley Sanderson’s charmed life quickly falls apart when scandal rocks his famous family. Arrests have been made; the media circus has begun, and Brad’s been tasked with the daunting chore of restoring the Sandersons’ good name. Moving back to Carter … Moving back to Carter Island and picking up the pieces hasn’t been easy, especially when the one person he needs the most won’t give him the time of day.
Bakery owner and island resident Molly Carter is loyal to her core, but that doesn’t mean Brad’s homecoming hasn’t left her torn. Brad’s darkest days aren’t lost on Molly, but reaching out to her lifelong friend isn’t so simple when she’s forced to guard her heart. Everything changed when she woke up alone after their sexy summer night.
The complications keep coming when Brad’s long-lost brother shows up in town, bringing the remnants of his checkered past with him. Forgiveness and redemption are possible for all, until new secrets come to light that may have dire consequences.
more
Anyone who follows my reviews has probably figured out that I’m a romantic suspense junkie. And I’m a series junkie. Long before I was a book reviewer and blogger, I was an avid reader. I found Cate Beauman’s Bodyguards of LA County series quite some time ago, and I devoured each one as soon as they released. When the first book in The Carter Island Novels series went live, I was a bit giddy. When it was about three years between books, I was more than a tiny bit despondent. Suffice it to say that when I heard that this book was coming, I was beyond thrilled to get to read Aftermath of Secrets as I’m pretty sure I straddle the line between devoted fan and quite possibly a rabid fan of Cate Beaumann’s words.
While you can read Aftermath of Secrets as a standalone, there’s so much backstory in Secrets Hidden in the Glass (book one) that you’ll definitely get the best reading experience by reading these books in order. This book is a contemporary romantic suspense, small-town romance, and friends to lovers romance all rolled into one. (Honestly, that’s my favorite.) There’s no cliffhanger, and it ends in a very heartwarming HEA.
I’m a characters girl, so if I can’t connect with the characters in a book, it’s really hard for me to recommend it. I couldn’t have loved Molly and Brad more than I do. Molly was already a “friend” from book one. She’s a tough cookie, and I couldn’t admire her more. But Brad was just…SWOON! She’s steadfast, loyal, and his rock as he’s reeling from this crazy situation no one saw coming. And despite the fact that he can be a bit of a jerk at times when the emotions really overcome him, he’s not afraid to own up to his mistakes. And who doesn’t love a guy who can man up and admit when he’s wrong and do what he can to fix it?! The secondary characters are just as lovable, too, as one would expect from such a small town that’s its own island.
Compared to book one, the pace of this book is a bit slower (but definitely NOT slow), however, the twist wasn’t any less surprising. I’ve read the book twice now, and I loved it more the second time around. I literally hated putting it down to adult. Or sleep. Or even grab some food. I’ve loved each of this author’s books and this one was no different. I’m on pins and needles waiting for book three now!
NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Aftermath of Secrets by Cate Beauman 5 out of 5 stars!
Aftermath by Cate Beauman is Book II of the Charter Island series and picks up where book one left off, though it is Molly and Brad’s turn to be in the spotlight. I don’t know why Aftermath fell a little flat, unless it was because I was blown away by Secrets in the Glass and read it immediately after, and it didn’t grab me, like the first one. Could it be because I wasn’t as invested in the characters and their outcome, like I was with Callie and Nate?
One drunken night had ruined Molly and Brad’s lifelong friendship. Molly, Brad, and Molly’s brother, nate, had been like the Three Musketeers. They both missed it, though they didn’t know how to fix it. With romantic suspense a lot comes down to communication. Who would make the first move?
When the characters mentioned watching Friends reruns, I thought, isn’t Friends always on cable somewhere. LOL I watch them all the time. I love little touches like this that make it easy to relate to moments in the characters lives.
Molly is easy going, but she is a tomboy and not shy about saying what she thinks. I love Molly thoughts about fashion…sneakers, jeans and a sweat shirt. And makeup? What’s that? She is the opposite of Callie and I think that’s why they make such great friends. Sounds like someone I could be friends with too. They can fill in the blanks and help navigate some of their troubles, all while building a friendship.
Molly’s sister, Gwen, is the opposite when it comes to fashion. I love when she is dressing her for a New Year’s ball and she looks in the mirror, all glammed up, and says,”Holy crap.” I busted out laughing. Been there, done that.
Brad’s brother, Jordan, appeared, I thought his timing highly suspicious and Brad is leery.
I knew a shitstorm was brewing, it’s just, what kind of shit storm will it be.
I have read a lot of Cate Beauman’s books and love them. I’m not sure what happened with Aftermath. The beginning seemed a little choppy. I was already invested in the characters and wanted the best for Molly and Brad, but, for me, it never reached the level of Secrets in the Glass. I would recommend reading Secrets in the Glass first and feel Aftermath keeps Carter Island on the map.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Aftermath by Cate Beauman.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
I found Cate Beauman’s second installment from her Carter Island series, Aftermath of Secrets, to be a great read. I loved the first book and this one does not disappoint. It was great going back to this beautiful community. The story was full of mystery, suspense, action, adventure and romance. Could not ask for more than that.
I am giving Aftermath of Secrets five plus stars. I am hoping there will be more releasing soon from the Carter Island series.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
4.25 stars
“Aftermath of Secrets” by Cate Beauman continues the saga of life on Carter Island and centers on Dr. Bradley (Brad) Sanderson, who has returned to the island to take over his uncle’s medical practice, and Molly Carter, who has grown up from the young girl he used to hang out with until one memorable night caused an estrangement. Renewing their relationship will take work, but they may not both be willing to go all in to make it a success.
This contemporary romance with suspense elements is the second book in the ‘Carter Island Novels’ series and picks up seamlessly after the first story in the series. This could possibly be read as a stand-alone story, but I think it is much more impactful if the previous tale is read.
It was great to be immersed in the island life and to see how life progressed for the families impacted by the upheaval detailed in the first book. I enjoyed watching the way Brad integrated back into the society he had left behind and admired his courage at working through the discomfort of dealing with all of the changes in his life. The readjustment to his new normal, and the healing of past hurts with Molly is vividly depicted and I was invested in their journey and cheering for them all the way. The suspenseful element was a bit predictable and, optimist that I am, I was disappointed by the outcome for one particular person, but overall I enjoyed this story and hope to see more of these folks.
A copy was provided for review
Secrets Hidden in the Glass left me anxious to discover how the dirty laundry played out on Carter Island. Because of the community being so close-knit, there aren’t too many who haven’t been affected by the past and current events. Brad Sanderson comes back to keep the clinic up and running — but he has a lot of demons waiting to be reckoned with. His family has been ripped apart and there is a lot of unfinished business with Molly Carter.
This pair’s friendship was interrupted by a night of deep passion — that left both of them shaken and on edge years ago. Now, the chance to figure out what it all means is in front of them. Sadly, it’s in one of the darkest times of life Brad has had to face. A cherry is added to the top when his long-lost brother resurfaces, threatening even more upheaval of dirty secrets for the Sanderson family.
As much as I loved the first book, I have to say that Cate really pulled my heart strings with Brad and Molly. Their love began as a deep-rooted friendship and that always gets me as I feel those are the strongest and offer longevity. The romance outshines the mystery — but not so much that I didn’t stay intrigued!
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
You really have to read the first book in this series to understand what is going on. It can be read as a stand alone–but there are undercurrents that happened in book one which is why all that happens happens.
The Sandersons were a founding family of the town–but the older generation did things-unspeakable things that left Brad holding the bag. He had escaped this little town and lived in Boston–a prominent doctor. His uncle who ran the clinic in the little town was involved with the atrocities and Brad had to come back to take over his practice.
Molly Carter made a mistake years ago with Brad and swore she would never do it again. They had been friends since childhood and she did not want to lose his friendship. She was an amazing baker and owned a bakery in town!
There are about three love stories going on in the midst of all the publicity of Brad’s uncles and fathers wrong doings.
Brad’s older brother showed up and Brad did not trust him one bit–but gave him another chance—-
This book will keep you guessing and hoping that all works out in the end!!
I received this e-book from the Author for my entertainment and possible review.