Sadie Carson is an expert on unfinished business. Five years after the derailment of her dreams she’s just barely existing, using her job as a hospice nurse to give others the one thing she can’t seem to find—closure. So when her elderly neighbor Charlie, a brilliant conspiracy nut known for harassing the FBI, is murdered, Sadie suspects Charlie might’ve been onto something and intends to make sure someone solves the mystery of her friend’s death, even if it’s her.

The feisty little blonde may have found the victim’s body, but FBI Special Agent Archer Hayes has no intention of letting some nosy civilian interfere with his investigation. The guilt he feels is bad enough. The last thing Archer needs is another distraction to haunt him. Especially one as beautiful and beguiling as the girl next door.

But throw in a mountain of hoarded evidence and suspiciously coded journals and the case takes a puzzling turn toward a decades-old conspiracy cover-up from World War II-one only the victim’s closest confidant can help untangle. Sadie and Archer reluctantly join forces to decode the riddle of secrets Charlie carried to his grave. Or did he?

Someone is after a dangerous truth. But to uncover it or bury it is a question that leads the unlikely pair on a quest for redemption that lands Sadie in the crosshairs of a desperate killer. And when the dangers of the past and present collide Archer must fight to save the life of the woman he’s falling for . . . only to discover he might be the one in need of saving.

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My Thoughts

Y’all! This story is intense!!! I chose reading this book over sleeping… now y’all should know that “better than sleep” is seriously high praise! Not that I had any say in the matter by the time I realized I should have been sleeping… at that point, this story had consumed me and I was completely riveted and compelled to see it through to the last page before my reader heart would let me rest. (maybe y’all think I’m being dramatic but I’m telling you… INTENSE!)

Sweet Sadie Carson has been living in limbo since her world came tumbling down around her five years ago. I wanted to give her a hug and maybe a puppy, anything to help her break out of the safe but sad rut that she’s stuck in. Sadie is a great combination of soft, feminine, and feisty sass. Even though she feels broken on the inside, she is a force to be reckoned with when push comes to shove (or kick).

Tough as steel, Archer Hayes prides himself on his razor sharp focus and complete dedication to his work. He keeps his distance from any and all distractions, not allowing himself the benefit of friendship or any semblance of a relationship. I suspect Archer is living with more than his fair share of survivor’s guilt and he’s in no hurry to forgive himself for being the last man standing.

Sadie is a loyal advocate for her patients and her dedication to uncovering the truth about her neighbor and dear friend, Charlie, is relentless. Between the ever-present danger, guilt, and Archer’s growing attraction to the temptation that is Sadie, there’s no rest for the weary man! This isn’t your granny’s murder mystery, the vivid storytelling pulls readers into intense situations and steamy temptations. When Fall Fades is going on my all-time favorites list!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Amy Leigh Simpson is a rather enthusiastic writer, singer, runner, foodie, on-the-precipice-of-crazy mother of three.

When she’s not stealing a few precious moments at naptime to guzzle another critically necessary coffee and squeeze out a few more adventures in storyland, she’s chasing around two tow-headed miscreants (Ahem)—boys, playing dress up with one sweet princess baby, and being the very blessed wife to the coolest, most swoon-worthy man alive.

Perhaps not traditional fodder for mystery and suspense (albeit apropos for the hefty dose of romance in her books) but, alas, stranger things have come from sleep deprivation, voracious reading, and restless creativity.

She is a contributor to the popular blog The Writer’s Alley and a member of ACFW. Her Sports Medicine degree is wasted patching up daily boo boo’s, but the remnant medical musings usually find their way onto the page with fluttering hearts, blood and guts, and scars that lead to redemption.

Connect with Amy on Facebook where she shares amusing mommy anecdotes, recipes, and everyday life and writing blunders, or at The Writer’s Alley for writing tips, inspiration, and fiction fun.

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The Girl Next Door series

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