Even after a three-year relationship, there are times when doubts start popping up. And in TOURIST SEASON Brenda Novak starts right off exposing some of the doubts that Ismay Chalmers has regarding her engagement to longtime boyfriend Remy. Some things just don’t add up and there’s a sort of niggling feeling that has Ismay wondering about certain events in their time together. Now at Remy's parent's vacation home during a storm, Ismay has time to weigh her options. She has uncovered some items that suggest some secrets about Remy.
Brenda Novak deftly introduces tidbits that add a sinister feel to TOURIST SEASON. Just enough creepiness to keep you turning pages rather quickly. Candidly from the start you are not quite sure what would be considered a happy conclusion for this book.
There is an undercurrent of angst, danger, and anticipation of something unexpected throughout much of TOURIST SEASON, just as Brenda Novak wanted. It hooks you right from the start and you can’t help flipping pages looking to see what comes next. Characters are not necessarily as they appear. Events are somewhat elusively described as if we are supposed to look more closely to get the whole picture. Geniusly constructed plot.
Windsor Cottage in the Mariners holds a lot of secrets. Quite innocently Ismay begins to uncover some, rather piece by piece. Things don’t seem to be as they seem. People all have been less than forthcoming, all leaving Ismay questioning her ability to read people. As an attorney, this bothers her. Ismay is staying at her fiancé Remy’s place on the Mariners. Having completed her schooling and passed the bar she is waiting for Remy to finish his medical school exams. The plan is that he will join her, but these plans keep getting more elusive. Unfortunately for Remy, this separation gives Ismay time to examine her feelings. And Remy is falling short.
Windsor Cottage caretaker Bo becomes a lifesaver for Ismay. She also finds him rather appealing, which questions her feelings for Remy. Add to the equation Bastian, Remy’s brother is now also staying at the cottage. Bastian is a piece of work in too many ways to mention.
So Brenda Novak deftly crafts a crime, mystery, and romance novel with some dubious characters enhanced by impressive events and secrets for fun. Seems like everyone has a secret or two they would like safely hidden. In TOURIST SEASON Brenda Novak carefully leads us through a maze of events that happened over many years and hopefully get resolved in the end. Watch out for forks in the road. Another great read by the inimitable Brenda Novak.
A summer by the ocean promises new beginnings—until old secrets resurface.
Ismay Chalmers is ready for a relaxing summer reconnecting with her fiancé at his family’s luxurious beachfront cottage. But before Remy can join her, a hurricane bears down on Mariners Island. Alone in the large house, Ismay makes a disturbing discovery in Remy's childhood closet. She's not sure what to make of it, but is relieved when the property’s caretaker, Bo, checks in on her.
Bo's home is damaged, so they temporarily shelter together, and Ismay is comforted by his quiet strength. But the unannounced arrival of a family member puts Bo back at his place and changes Ismay's summer into something other than what she wants—or ever expected. With so many reasons to feel unsettled, Ismay finds herself turning to Bo, who gives her more than a sense of security; there’s something about him that makes her feel alive, stirring her to wonder what life might be like if she chose a different path…
As Ismay grows closer to Bo, she begins to hope the reclusive caretaker might eventually let down his guard. But when she finds out that he has secrets, too, she begins to question how well she knows any of the men in her life—and how well she can trust her own heart.
© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy