WRDF Review of NovelTea Next Door by Cindy K. Green
Title: NovelTea Next Door
Author: Cindy K. Green
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Line: Mystery/suspense Crimson Mini
Length: 107 Pages
Sweet
Release Date 07/30/08
Blurb:
Second in the NovelTea Series:
Government agent Grant Gerard knows he's cocky. It's the reason he
can do this job day after day. He's always kept his life simple and
uncomplicated…until destiny took a turn when he met bookstore/tea shop owner
Juliet Truesdale.
Armed with a new lead pertaining to known criminal spook, Alexis
Guthrie, Grant enlists Juliet to aid the investigation which ends up at the
door of her neighbour, Adam Trudeau. This investment banker neighbour of hers
seems harmless enough despite his annoying interest in Juliet. Will this turn
of events only usher in more dangerous or even deadly situations for the duo?
Can Grant allow Juliet into his heart and keep her safe from the danger looming
in the distance?
Review:
Although part of a series this book can stand alone. Ms Green
leaves the ending open for the next book, however she does wrap it up enough
for the reader to find satisfactory closure.
She creates a great ‘gum shoe’ atmosphere without rendering the
story dated, creating a modern hero with a twist. Juliet and Grant are
fascinating in their interaction with each other and complement each other
beautifully. A very human character, with a slight rough edge to him Grant is a
great hero with a deep attraction to Juliet- slightly naive with a hint of
prudishness. I was drawn into their relationship which develops alongside the
mystery. This isn’t a roller coaster ride of suspense, it has a slower,
steadier pace, yet remains engaging throughout. The romantic elements of the
plot are tightly drawn with a faster pace than the mystery. I thoroughly
enjoyed it and wanted to rush out and buy the previous book in the series.
The book is written in the first person from Grant’s POV. This may
put some readers off but I didn’t struggle with it at all. I think Ms Green
pulls it off successfully and it enhances the reader’s involvement rather than
detracting from the story. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Overall, a very successful ‘sweet mini’ and definitely worth a
read.
I, too, adore Cindy's Novel Tea Series. Novel Tea Next Door is written in Grant's POV, the first being written in Juliet's. Cindy's has pulled this off brilliantly. Grant's cockiness, which he is aware of and plays on, only adds to his attraction. I would highly recommend the Novel Tea series to anyone.
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