The Shadows Over This Olive Grove
Hide More Than Just the Truth
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother’s dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn’t match the man Lillian comes to know.
Still, something dark did happen in the family’s past. Lillian’s seven-year-old charge hasn’t spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he’ll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love–or will it endanger her even more?
My Review:
I read this story in two days. It immediately sucked me in. The prologue was heart wrenching and a good set up to draw you into the unfolding lives of the young widowed father Woody Colton and his new inexperienced nanny Lillian Porter. The characters were well developed and the background thoroughly researched. Everything fit the time period perfectly and realistically. Although, I hate tragedy, through tragedy lessons are learned. I love how that was portrayed in this story.
Yes it is another story about a man and woman falling in love over a tragic circumstance. But, it was done very well. Lillian Porter is no means portrayed to be a weak women. In fact I like that she is a bit stubborn and strong willed. Woody Colton is not a bully either. He is a good man who cares about his family and those in his employ. I believe because of how they are written they are very believable characters. These are people you would encounter in real life.
I found that there was some humor but this book is so full of love and truth. There was a bit of predictability in the story as at one point you know that something was going to happen you just weren’t sure how it would be brought about. So for me the joy in this read was finding out how they would tie it all together to finish out the story.
I didn’t feel that there were any loose ends either. I was content with the end of the story and the fact that it doesn’t have to have a sequel to follow it up. Both authors collaborated very well and I commend them both for such an entertaining story.
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):Many thanks to ZonderKidz for providing me with a free copy of this book to review and post. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
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A Little Bit of Everything 