Fatal Past ~ Twin Oaks Secrets by Sarah Haymaker is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line: Dr. Eve Davenport pushed herself to finish her 5K run strong.
But first the photo and verse. The verse is one of my favorites and one that I comfort myself with when life gets tough, as it has a habit of doing. As for the photo, it was taken from my backyard of the sunset one afternoon in late February.
And now for Fatal Past – Twin Oaks Secrets by Sarah Haymaker. Here’s the cover and back copy:
When a pediatrician foils an attempted child abduction, she’s thrust into a dangerous game in which she must rely on the help of her former boyfriend to stay alive.
Dr. Eve Davenport has forged a life for herself far from the pain of her past. But when she foils the kidnapping attempt of Ethan Smith, she comes face-to-face with the boy’s father, Jefferson Smith—the high school sweetheart who broke her heart and left her with secrets she’s buried for nearly a decade. Jefferson can’t believe the woman who saved Ethan, his late twin brother’s son, is Eve—the girl he once loved and lost. But as the danger mounts, Jefferson and Eve must confront their tangled history and uncover who is behind the attacks targeting Ethan and Eve.
This was part of the 2025 Long Hot Summer collection.
My Take:
Fatal Past by Sarah Hamaker is a story I loved from the get-go when Eve saves Ethan from a would-be kidnapper. Then the boy’s dad turns out to be a man she was in love with as a teenager–Jefferson Smith. They both still love each other, but neither will admit it.
Eve was raised by her uncle, and was treated worse than Cinderella, often not getting supper as punishment for breaking one of her uncle’s rules. She got away from him when she was 18 and attended med school, becoming a pediatrician. The story has twists that you won’t see coming as danger mounts for both Eve and Ethan. It’s a great romantic suspense, one that the reader will think about long after “The End.”
You can purchase it here.
Okay Readers, what are you reading this week? Leave the first line in the comments to be entered in a March drawing for a book from my library! February’s winner is… you won’t believe it, but it’s Tim Johnson! Only 2 men usually comment and Random dot org picked both of them for February!
Here’s today song, one that Gail Hollingsworth told me about. It’s amazing how AI can put two singers together like this! I hope you enjoy!
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Comments 37
That verse is such a comfort! Good sunset photo! And, thank you for winning one of your books!
I have not read any books by Ms Hamaker. This one sounds intriguing. I don’t know how I missed the Long Hot Summer collection last year.
That was a nice Cline/Reeves song.
I am currently reading another book by Claire O’Sullivan (See what you started, Pat.) This one is “Rules of Engagement” and begins with: “Scott took a breath and squinted through the laser scope mounted on his ARAK-21. He then checked his watch. 0500.” This is a spy thriller in the vein of Tom Clancy. In fact, I was immediately reminded of Clancy’s “Executive Orders” because both deal with a weaponized Ebola virus that threatens the world population. Hope your seat has a comfortable edge, because you’ll be on it for most of the book.
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I’ll be reading Claire O’Sullivan’s Mayhem book soon, Tim. I think you’d really enjoy Sarah’s books!
Congratulations right back at you, Tim! Quite interesting that it worked out that way.
Nowhere to Hide by Debby Giusti
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Oh, goodness, Sharon! I love Debby Giusti’s books. She’s actually responsible in a way of me getting published. My first book which later became Shadows of the Past, was turned down by Harlequin. I knew something was wrong with it, but had no idea what and I ran into Debby at a conference. I explained my problem and she said, “Get in contact with Susan May Warren. She’ll help you.” So I did and three years later, I had a contract. 🙂
Always a great “go to” verse, Pat because is full of challenges.
Fatal Past sounds like a fabulous read.
Congratulations,Tim! (Clap clap)
“I remember the last time I was here listening to Miss Stansberry play the wedding March on the church piano.” This is the first line from On the Trail of Truth by Michael Phillips.
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Love that first line, Barbara! And the verse is full of challenges
I love the photo and such a comforting verse!
Fatal Past sounds like a book I need to add to my TBR list. Sarah Hamaker is a new to me author.
I’m reading Romance Under Wraps by Claire O’Sullivan. “Catherine Cade 0700 Monday. Another week passed and I still had no idea who I truly was.”
Have a blessed weekend everyone!
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I just downloaded another of Claire O’Sullivan’s books, Mary G. Can’t wait to get started on it.
Great verse and photo.
“Just burn them if you have to.” Kenzie waved a hand toward one of the tall bookshelves filling all but one wall in the library room.
All Booked Up by Melody Carlson
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What an intriguing first line, Gloria!
Comforting verse, especially these days. I’ve read and enjoyed Fatal Past. It was so good! Just started Raging Waters by Dana Mentick.
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Hi Gail. Thanks for the song suggestion. I love this version of “I Fall to Pieces”! I’ve read Raging Waters by Dana Mentick and it is good!
I am reading Double Agent by Lisa Phillips.
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I want to read that one, Judy! Maybe soon…
I’m reading Susan Furlong’s love inspired suspense “Amish Country Homicide”. The first line goes:
“Alena Walsh turned off the highway and breathed a sigh of relief, tension of two long days of traveling easing from her shoulders. “
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Great opening line, Emily!
Both the picture and the verse are beautiful. I love “I Fall to Pieces,” what a heartrending song! Your review of Fatal Past: Twin Oaks Secrets is enticing. I am reading a nonfiction book, True North Rising, by Whit Fraser about Canadian indigenous peoples’ histories. Whit Fraser was a reporter who covered northern Canada news stories. The first line: “I will remember the look in Tootalik’s eyes forever.”
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Oh, wow, that’s a great first line, Priscilla! Makes me want to read the book.
not reading anything now
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I know how that goes, BN100. 🙂
“The thing about tutoring Logan Mitchell is that he can make you feel like you’re the only person in the room. Sometimes. “
The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham.
And a few others. Fatal Past looks great.
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Love that first line, Paula! Pepper Basham is a great writer. 🙂
This comes from Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier by Megan Short: “Your location has been compromised. A handler is on the way to extract you.” The caller from the US Marshals Service hung up, leaving Beth Ryder’s heart to gallop in her throat. How? How had her location been compromised?
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Oh, goodness, what an heart-stopping first line, Diana! I’d like to read that one.
love the song! not reading anything at the moment!
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I totally get not having time to read anything, Shelia!
“Hardship seemed my constant companion”. This is from Gabrielle Meyer’s “Through Each Tomorrow”. I haven’t read anything by Sarah Hamaker, but the book sounds really good. Thank you for sharing.
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Meredith, I think you’d enjoy any of Sarah Hamaker’s books! Through Each Tomorrow sound very interesting.
Beautiful picture. Those verses are always appropriate. On the song, I have to wonder if AI put the voices together or if it generated the voices the way they have been using AI to continue producing new music by Randy Travis.
I am reading a new book that will be released by Leslie Gould in about ten days. I’m hoping to finish reading in time to post a review on release day. An Amish story, the title is When They Met Again. First line:
The moment the ladybug landed on her arm, Joanna Grebel decided she wouldn’t go to her cousin’s wedding after all.
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That is an intriguing first line, Edward. I’m pretty sure AI put them together which makes me think AI might not be all bad.
So busy at work, not time for reading 🙁
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I totally get being so busy…I read at night and lately I’ve been too tired to read much, Natalya!
Love the scripture and photo, Pat!
Prologue
What would a French glamour girl wear to stash weapons in the dead of winter besides a haute couture gown? The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron
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Thanks, Caryl! Love that opening line.
“Gracelynn Ferguson gripped the Model T’s window frame and leaned forward, breath caught in a suppressed gasp.” – The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham
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Intriguing first line, Kelly!