Sweet Double-Cross is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first paragraph: “Dead. They’re all dead.” Biochemist Dennis Early stared at the Sweet County, Florida, cornfield in disbelief. The sun crested the tree line and colored the muggy Florida morning with an eerie orange. He swiped at a bead of sweat—not from the weather but out of horror—seeing the devastation of the failed experiment.
But first the photo and verse. This is another of Cheryl’s photos, taken at Homolovi, Winslow, AZ. I love the colors she captured. Layers upon layers of rock…God’s amazing paintbrush. And it just makes you want to praise Him for all He’s done.
And now onto Sweet Double-Cross, Sweet County Secrets Book 2. Here’s the cover and back copy:
A scientific mission turns into a harrowing day of death and destruction.
Dedicated biologist Trudy Fields is passionate about her invasive plant species research in northwest Florida. When real estate developer Kirt Mayfair arrives in Sweet County to learn how to eradicate a kudzu infestation on property he plans to purchase, Trudy is assigned to assist him. Their instant connection surprises them both—especially when Kirt impulsively proposes marriage.
But research and romantic interest take a deadly turn when someone shoots and kills a colleague of Trudy’s on the way to the isolated kudzu experimental island. On the run from a ruthless killer with precision sniper training, Trudy and Kirt must navigate treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and a shocking conspiracy.
As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross?
My take:
This was a fast-paced, twisty romantic suspense. I loved the setting of Northwest Florida! Sally Jo Pitts has created a great cast of characters and a page-turning suspense. I stayed up past 1 a.m. to finish the book! It’s the second book in the series, the first being Sweet Deceit. You can read my review of it here.
I was surprised by who the ultimate villain was, even though there were plenty of clues. But others also had motive, opportunity, and means so the story kept me guessing. Trudy and Kirt’s romance was fun to watch develop, but very believable. I’d like to see more of them in other books. This is a story romantic suspense readers will enjoy.
You can read it on KU or purchase from Amazon
Okay Readers what are you reading this week? Leave the first line in the comments or just comment, and I’ll enter you in a May drawing for a beautiful pen handcrafted by Dr. Steve Hooley, a $60 value. You can see more of his work at his website.
Here’s today’s bluegrass gospel selection. Love me some Ricky Skaggs! 🙂
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Comments 29
I love a good ‘ole hard to figure out mystery!
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This one was a good one, Gail!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
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It is, Diana!
Kudzu is freaky-aggressive. It’s a totally believable project for Trudy and Kirt. Great review, Pat!
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Tell me about kudzu, Priscilla…I’ve seen it take down power lines. lol I really enjoyed the book!
Sounds like a great book. Liked the video.
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Thanks, Sharon. I loved that video.
That looks super interesting!
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It is, Paula!
Cheryl’s photo is amazing! I’m still working through all the photos on her web site. Good Scripture choice, too. The Southwest desert is certainly a place to find strong rocks.
I’ve read “Sweet Deceit” and loved it. Thank you for pointing me to “Sweet Double-Cross”. I’ll be reading that soon.
I’m currently reading “One Nine” by Sara Davis, which begins with: “Brooke Turner lay on her back staring up at her fingers, dripping red in the glow of the dying sun. What…? A splotch of blood landed on her cheek, warm and sticky, and she rolled onto her side and maneuvered herself to a sitting position.”
This is the first novella in “The Long Hot Summer” collection. Why is it called “One Nine”? Joshua 1:9 is Brooke’s go to Bible verse when things don’t go well. It plays a big part in this book.
Tim, I read those novellas in the last couple of weeks. I was real curious about Sara Davison’s title. After reading her story, I thought 1 John 1:9 could have also fit in there. It would be interesting to see how many “1:9” verses have such powerful messages.
Author
That first line is incredible, Tim. I’ll have to get The Long Hot Summer if I don’t already have it!
I first heard this song in my childhood when I was allowed to play my uncle’s COWBOY COPAS album while he was in Vietnam. SWEET MEMORIES!
Author
Cowboy Copas! It’s been a while since I’ve heard that name. Yes, sweet memories!
Love it all! Always the photo & verse. The music you’ve added.
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Thanks, Lisa!
Wow! That photo! Of my goodness the magnificent detail in the rocks, sand and layers. The Scripture is perfect! I love the photos and Scriptures each week.
This was an another great review, Pat. Who would have ever thought to write a suspense novel about Kudzu. It certainly grabbed my attention.
I’m reading The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron. The first lines of the Prologue are: “How many times in life could a boy say he was risking his neck, doing the very last thing he’s expected. . .for a girl?
It was a first for Amos Darby, pounding on a shopkeeper’s door to convince the old man to open up after dark.”
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Excellent first line, Barbara! I’ll have to check that one out!
I love Sally Jo’s writing & I’m glad you’re featuring this–sounds great!
I love the photo and song, too!
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Yes, Sally Jo is a great writer, Delores!
This sounds like a great book and series. I need to check it out.
I am really enjoying this new Coble/Acker book. “Jessica Legare kept an escape bag in the lower left drawer of the desk in her home office.” Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
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I have the Coble/Acker book on my Kindle, and will read it as soon as I get two book club books read, Gloria
!
The book sounds intriguing.
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It is, Elizabeth!
The above photo is a reflection of the Master Painter! What an awesome God we have!
Sweet Double Cross sounds interesting and I will definitely download it on KU.
I just finished Colleen Coble’s Ambush – great book! One of my favorite authors.
Have a blessed weekend!
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Absolutely, Mary G! And Ambush was awesome!
A beautiful picture with a verse that fits so well. You just keep finding great matches, Pat.
The book sounds interesting. The opening lines tend to leave one wondering whether the guy is looking at dead plants or dead bodies. It’s like the first line of the book I’m reading.
I am reading Robin Patchen’s Capturing You. Amazon says the paperback released today, but I am fairly certain that isn’t true. Here’s the first line: She was finally going to get the perfect shot.
I enjoyed the video. Ricky Skaggs certainly doesn’t pull any punches with his opening remarks. I think he came along after I had stopped listening to Country Western music all the time, so I’m not very familiar with him. However, I recognized several of the people and groups in the video.
Author
Oh, my goodness, Edward! Ricky Scaggs is great…you may not remember him because he has changed as he’s gotten older. Go to YouTube and check out his early songs and videos–you might recognize him. 🙂