In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name–but no one knows your secret. At least that’s what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.Lane must work with Walton’s newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the … uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she’ll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.
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What a wonderful debut! Though suspense is not my go-to genre, I was drawn to this story first because of the small town setting, but also because of the author’s presence on social media. Say what you will, but I’m always drawn to a warm, down-to-earth person, especially online where things can be so shallow and superficial.
As I mentioned previously, the small town setting of Walton, Georgia comes to life in this story. From the locals who look after one another, to the diner where everyone gathers on the designated night, the flavor feels just right. In addition to the setting, I loved getting to know these characters. Lane’s character is one that truly resonated with me, and I feel she will do the same for anyone that has struggled at any point in their life with depression. I applaud Walters for portraying her in what I feel is a realistic yet sensitive way. I cheered for the way that Lane kept pushing through, even when darkness threatened to take over her heart and mind. Words spoken to her by the precious Ms. Byrdie rooted deep into my heart:
“You are not broken. You are perfectly made. You have to stop punishing yourself for the way God made you – even for your depression. You need to forgive yourself and take captive those thoughts that you are anything but the woman our Creator designed you to be.”
The secondary characters are varied and endearing as well. My particular favorites (other than a handsome deputy Charlie Lynch, of course) are the Ms. Byrdie mentioned above, and Deputy Frost, who works with Charlie. The banter between Charlie and Deputy Frost had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
The plot unfolds with delicious twists, and the mystery is sustained until just the perfect time. It was far enough to keep me guessing, yet soon enough so as to heighten the tension when I had a bit more of a clue than I did before. The investigating feels realistic to me, and I never felt there was any awkward behavior just for the sake of a thrill. Everything happens organically and feels natural. Speaking of feeling natural, the romance is a bit of a slow burn and SO sweet.
I appreciate Living Lies for both it’s entertainment value as much as I do for its honest portrayal of both struggles and hope. Throw in a quality mystery and an endearing romance, and it’s a winning debut. I’ve added book two in the series to my to-read list and will be eager to get my hands on it!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Absolutely stunning novel from talented author Natalie Walters, Living Lies will resonate with many who have experienced depression and anxiety. Honest and compassionate, the author depicts the juxtaposition of what many believe depression is against the reality of those who experience it. No one is immune, not even the faithful, church going Christian.
Following the tragic death of her husband, Lane Kent returns to her hometown with her five year old son. Having experienced depression for most of her life, Lane is currently in a very serious state of depression; she came home to find hope and healing. Instead, she finds family who insist she not reveal her mental health issues. Lane keeps to herself but when she finds a dead body, this go quickly downhill.
The town’s new deputy, Charlie Lynch enlists Lane’s assistance in searching out who killed the young person she found. As the investigation deepens, she finds herself getting closer to a horrible truth.
A truth that may mean exposing Lane’s most desperate secret, her darkest hour…
I highly recommend Living Lies; for the insightfulness and an excellent story. And because maybe like you, I understand what it means to be “living lies”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
Debut author Natalie Walters into this romantic suspense with an edge of creepiness and plenty of questions requiring answers.
When Lane Kent finds a body, she’s pulled into a murder investigation and the orbit of newly-arrived deputy Charlie Kent. With a prominent family, a son to care for, and a secret to protect, Lane prefers to remain in the background and not the spotlight.
As Living Lies unfolds, readers will get lost from the real world as their imaginations enter this small Georgia town, the surrounding forests and swamps, the residents, and the mystery of what, exactly, is going on—something that grows more complicated as the story progresses
Although the villain didn’t come as a surprise to me (from the hints dropped throughout, I had it figured out fairly early), the build to the climax kept my undivided interest.
Not only does Walters tackle a complicated suspense plot and a budding romance, she also shines a light on mental illness and the misunderstandings, misconceptions, and judgement too many people have of those who struggle with it daily.
There’s no question I’ll be one of the first in line for book two in the Harbored Secrets series.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This was my first time reading Natalie Walters and I found myself captivated from the start of the chapter to the end.
For this new author, it was well written and the suspense was well delivered. She is an author I look forward to reading in the future, and considering this is book one, my guess is there will be more.
The book kept you guessing, wondering who did what and why. It is a book definitely worth reading!
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy.
I have to admit – it’s a blessing and a curse when I discover a new author whose first book makes me want everything she will ever write from that point on. Other avid readers will understand. Another author to love! My bookshelves are already overflowing! Nevertheless, I loved Living Lies enough that unless a future novel is extremely disappointing, I will be reading books by Natalie Walters as long as she cares to write them.
Small towns are just the best settings for suspense novels, especially if surrounded by some sort of wilderness. Beginning with its awesome cover, Living Lies drew me into its vivid descriptions and exceptional characters. Lane Kent suffered from severe depression to the point of occasional suicidal thoughts and she blamed herself for the death of her husband. Because of her own struggles Lane understood others who suffered similar afflictions and was particularly compassionate toward them. Charlie Lynch, the new deputy in town, is encouraged to work with Lane after she discovers a body.
With a wonderful supporting cast, especially Miguel, Sheriff Huggins, his wife Birdie, and Deputy Frost, Lane and Charlie take readers on an exciting and sometimes terrifying journey as they race against time to discover a dangerous murderer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the procedures and process of tracking down each clue. Numerous twists and surprises were in store and I was kept in suspense the entire time.
I appreciate the author’s honest portrayal of depression, PTSD, and suicide. I also loved how more than one character lovingly encouraged Lane and pointed her toward the Lord. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Living Lies was a marvelous debut from author Natalie Walters. The writing was so great. I was immediately pulled into the story and completely invested in the characters’ lives. And these characters! Oh my! They were so realistic in their struggles and hardships, triumphs and joys.
This novel tackles some difficult subjects (depression, PTSD, mental illness) with authenticity and grace. These topics should be brought into the light more often and I appreciated the way it was handled here.
I greatly enjoyed my time reading this book. The mystery was good and the suspense kept building. I’ve definitely found a new author to add to my auto-buy list. I can’t wait for book two!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my honest opinion.
What a great debut novel this author has given us, with non-stop action and dealing with some tough subjects, I was quickly page-turning.
From beginning to the end, you really don’t know how this will all turn out, or whom is really the evil? With a young girl murdered, and a town wanting answers, with peeking toms and other dangerous threats, we keep looking!
We are offered a bit of romance, but deep problems threaten all, and you need to wait to the very end for answers!
I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review
Living Lies is a pretty good debut by Natalie Walters. It, also, begins her series, Harbored Secrets. This book is full of mystery and suspense with stay on the edge of your seat action. I did not find this tale predictable at all. I was left guessing up until the last few pages.
I give Living Lies a well deserved five plus stars. I look forward to the next installment from Harbored Secrets series. Well done, Miss Walters, well done!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion
This is a deeply moving story! A subject that I feel affects us all and needs to be talked about. Amazingly real and gritty. Lane has struggles and a past that haunts her daily. Charlie has family and duty that make him who he is. Add in a small town atmosphere and family dynamics and you have a story you cannot put down. This author nailed it! She dragged me through emotions of sorrow, sadness, laughter, tears, heart breaking, cries for justice and the smiles of a love you can’t deny. Oh that Ms. Birdie!!! LOVED her! Many secondary characters from this little town that make a full story.
I got the book from the publisher but these are my own opinions.
Living Lies is a fantastic start for debut author Natalie Walters. It’s fast paced, intriguing, mysterious, and an all around enjoyable read! The cover draws you in and is a really great representation of the story. The story itself leaves you wondering what’s coming and therefore, leaves you turning page after page until the end. Charlie and Lane are great leading characters. They offer strength and great need, humility and confidence, the desire to help and the need to be helped. I loved how they worked together. This book will keep you wanting more and looking forward to what Natalie Walters brings us next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
3.5 stars
“We should be ashamed that so many people are forced to suffer in silence . . . ”
Lane Kent suffers in silence, her battle with chronic anxiety and depression leading her to think that the edge of a precipice is safer than the levels of reality. But it was there on the edge, that strength met weakness and hope introduced himself to despair. If only there hadn’t been a dead body.
Charlie Lynch arrives in Walton, Georgia to assume the position of deputy sheriff when he is immediately distracted by, or rather attracted to, his new neighbor. Their first meeting was rather bizarre and quickly morphed into something more serious, but the day-to-day version of living so close to Lane Kent and her son Noah, is rather enjoyable.
As Lane and Charlie become entangled in a murder investigation, their hearts become tangled in a different sort of discovery, one that will require Lane to believe that she is “loved, wonderfully made, and has purpose”, freeing her to live life out from under the shadow of lies.
With stunning realism and nail-biting suspense, Natalie Walters has penned the next masterpiece in romantic suspense! Held captive from the very first chapter, this was no easy book to put down when life demanded.
One thing that really stuck out to me in this novel was just how damaging mental illness can be to a person’s whole life and being. Lane had enough to deal with emotionally following the death of her husband before she even returned to her hometown and the unexpected events. The internal struggles that Lane dealt with during all of the upheaval in the community effected not only how she viewed herself, but others as well. What’s interesting though, is that her compassion actually helped her see more clearly because it prevented her from jumping to conclusions with people. She saw the heart when others saw the diagnosis. It was sad that she couldn’t seem to see herself in that same light. She was an easy character to connect with and hope for happiness and peace.
I loved that while some of the pieces of the puzzle were easier to put together, others continued to hold you in suspense. I won’t spoil with detail, but I never would have fathomed the inner workings of certain crimes contained within.
This was an easy book to get into, but not an easy to one to get over. Natalie Walters has penned an incredible debut! I can’t wait to see where she takes this series in the next release. I highly recommend to suspense fans!
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Natalie Walters debut novel Living Lies is full of tension-filled moments with a hint of romance on the sidelines. Depression is something that is realistic in the world. No one really knows what it feels like unless you have been affected by it personally or by being near someone close who has dealt with it. Living Lies dives into depression as the background for Lane, the heroine. She tries to keep secrets from her past from coming to life. The inner workings of the suspense captivate readers and allow them to follow Lane and Charlie on their hunt for the killer. With the discovery of the dead body in the first chapter, Walters takes readers on a hunt for justice. The romance seems out of place for me. Not that Charlie and Lane don’t deserve happiness. It just the romance didn’t seem to flow naturally. Overall, Walters definitely created a romantic suspense novel that should be picked up by lovers of romantic suspense. I believe fans of Irene Hannon and DiAnn Mills would enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Living Lies by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
What a wonderful debut novel this is. When an author can capture your attention from the very first page, then you know it’s going to be a good one. The author has written very sensitively about the subject of depression which the main character has had all her life. Lane has tried so hard to fit in with her prominent family but always feels she has failed. She feels responsible for her husband’s accident which took his life and tries so hard to overcome her feelings for the sake of her son. The author wove a beautiful story of love and a second chance for happiness. This story will wrap around your heart for days to come…….. My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Can I start with the cover? Please? It’s just so gorgeous and screams READ ME…which I was only too happy to oblige. I loved that the author tackled something that so many people struggle with—depression. Sometimes as Christians we feel like depression is a taboo subject. That if you’re filled with the Holy Spirit or have enough faith that you shouldn’t be struggling with feelings that can leave a person wondering if death wouldn’t be the answer to it all. Bravo, Natalie Walters.
After thoroughly enjoying this suspenseful read, it’s hard to believe that this is Natalie’s FIRST book! The mystery and suspense were superbly crafted and made for a tough to put down story. The characters in the book took up residence in my heart and touched my soul. My heart broke for Lane and all that she’d been through. As someone who has struggled with a bit of depression over the years, the way this book handled that was truly extremely well done, in my opinion. All in all, this is a can’t miss book!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
What a fabulous debut novel! This book had all of the great elements – well written prose, excellent story-line, fabulous and real-to-life characters, suspense, mystery, drama, romance, mental health issues….. and though that sounds “busy”, this author made it all work together fantastically in this package. Had I not known this was a debut, I would have never suspected as Natalie Walters writes with the style of a pro.
Early on in the book, we meet our heroine, Lane Kent and the hero, Charlie Lynch, as they stumble across a dead body in the woods. In the small town of Walton, the whispers of murder could possibly be the town’s undoing. As the sheriff and his deputies work to uncover the mystery, they find more questions than answers. Meanwhile, new deputy Lynch is also fighting his intense attraction to Lane. While I generally shy away from the strong romance inclinations in suspense novels, this one was very well done. I didn’t roll my eyes and even was cheering for them to get together.
This book also tackled some difficult issues, focusing mainly on mental health issues and the stigma that accompanies those. Ms. Walters does not shy away from that at all, but handles the struggles of those battling depression and PTSD with grace and care. I absolutely adored Ms. Byrdie and her care for those struggling and her strength in her faith. The faith element came through strongly at the end as God’s purpose for our characters shone through.
All in all, this was a great story and had me guessing until the very end. I would strongly recommend to fans of romantic suspense and any who’d like to learn more about depression.
Special thanks to the author and Revell Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. I was not obligated to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
I loved this book! I’m definitely a Natalie Walters fan from now on! I really enjoyed the storyline. The characters were excellent! I think this book had just the right amount of suspense for me. I liked how this book looked at depression and mental health. The author did a great job with that subject. I really can’t wait for the next book!!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
In this debut novel by Natalie Walters, readers will be blown away with this suspense novel! Living Lies is a romantic suspense novel that begins with Lane at a critical moment in her life. This moment leads to Lane discovering a dead body. Next, the police must discover who and why the person is dead. The moment also leads Lane to meeting Charlie, the newest deputy for the area. Charlie is the lead detective on the case, because of his investigative skills. Together, they try to determine what occurred. Not only is Lane worried about herself, but her five year old son. As a widow, she is the sole protector of him. This book was suspenseful and intriguing throughout. This book focuses on forgiveness of ourselves and others and depression. Most books do not address depression in quite the context that Ms. Walters does. She brings awareness to this illness and provides people with a view of someone who struggles with this. I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed! I cannot wait for the next book in the series and learn more about a few of the secondary characters in this book!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
This is a debut novel by Natalie Walters. I was first intrigued with this book by its book cover. I am definitely one of those readers who judge books by their covers and sometimes I’m disappointed and other times I’m pleasantly surprised. This story Living Lies Harbored Secrets Book 1, did not disappoint. It pulled me in from chapter one, and gave me the feels by the end of the story. The characters were engaging. My favorite characters were Byrdie and Deputy Frost. Beautiful story for a debut novel, I’m excited to see what happens in book 2 Deadly Deceit.