4.5 stars
Living Lies is a great debut novel with a page turning mystery along with issues dealing with depression caused for different reasons, naturally and those suffering with PTSD. Lane Kent has dealt with depression her whole life but because of her father's political ambitions and the need for her family's appearance of a normal family, she has always felt the stigma of her condition to the point of feeling unworthy, unlovable and suicidal. She lost her former military husband to an accident but she feels responsible for that. Her son Noah is really her only reason to live. Sheriff Huggins and his wife, Ms. Birdie are her biggest mentors and cheerleaders. Ms. Birdie, especially, shows Lane how much God loves her and made her just as she is, how He intended for her. Lane has a huge heart for others, especially vets and the downtrodden. She and Ms. Birdie run a cafe to serve food to many, including those who need a healthy meal.
Charlie Lynch, former Marine, is Walton, Georgia's newest deputy and nephew of the sheriff and his wife. He lives right behind Lane's cafe and home over the cafe. The two are drawn together right away and it gives new hope to Lane, at least off and on. Charlie knows depression first hand from a Marine friend who suffered from it and understands Lane. He is on a trail in the woods nearby when Lane discovers the murdered body of a young girl. The sheriff assigns the case to Charlie and a young techie deputy. The mystery leads them on a course that uncovers unexpected clues as to what was going on with the young girl, her friends and activities in which she was involved. I had ideas of what was going on but there were things about the crime that I didn't see. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Kudos to Ms. Walters for a great debut mystery with a touching message of faith, love, acceptance, forgiveness, healing and helping others.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

“If there’s one thing I know about God - He’s a God of second chances. And sometimes second chances come tall and in a uniform.”

Natalie Walters takes readers on an incredibly emotional and thrilling ride in her debut novel. Living Lies immediately captures the readers’ interest and keeps them invested in the storyline throughout the entire novel. Readers will be introduced to the handsome and charming former Marine Charlie Lynch, who just started a new job as a deputy in the town of Walton, Georgia. He is immediately thrust into a murder investigation when he encounters the distraught Lane Kent, who has just discovered the dead body of a young woman in the woods. The investigation takes many twists and turns, with Lane finding herself in extreme danger, while still dealing with the guilt regarding the death of her husband. Lane and Charlie find themselves attached to each other, but Lane worries that her mental health issues make her undeserving of love. Charlie’s Aunt Byrdie is an extraordinary source of inspiration and provides encouragement through love and faith to those around her, especially Lane and Charlie.

Natalie Walters portrays several difficult issues in a realistic and compassionate manner, such as suicide and attempted suicide, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. There is frequently a stigma in society regarding mental health issues, and people often do not feel comfortable discussing these issues out in the open. This book provides a wonderful opportunity for people to have the needed conversations regarding mental health issues. This is a story of second chances, forgiveness, and love. Readers will fall in love with the handsome Charlie Lynch and will eagerly anticipate the second book of the Harbored Secrets series which features Charlie’s co-worker Deputy Ryan Frost. Who doesn’t love a man in uniform?! Living Lies is highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense, and readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and Rachel Dylan.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Set in small town Georgia, Living Lies delivers page-turning suspense with memorable characters. Lane Kent battles depression and tries to pick up the pieces of her life after the death of her husband. But everything shatters when she discovers a dead body in the woods. Charlie Lynch is the newest Walton police deputy, and it’s hard to fit into a small town where everyone knows each other. But his path intersects with Lane as he works to track down a murder.

If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, this is a novel you’ll want to pick up. For being the author’s debut novel, the writing is up to par with seasoned authors. With an intriguing plot line, the characters are well developed and relatable. I’m more of a suspense fan than romance, but Lane and Charlie belong together. The romance didn’t stand in the way of the mystery. The setting of the small town of Walton added to the story. Both Lane and Charlie struggle with family expectations and work to find themselves in spite of everyone’s over-involvement in their lives.

I would definitely recommend you add this to your TBR list. It’s definitely a well-written, intriguing story.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Natalie Walters debut novel Living Lies is full of tension-filled moments with a hint of romance on the sidelines. Depression is something that is realistic in the world. No one really knows what it feels like unless you have been affected by it personally or by being near someone close who has dealt with it. Living Lies dives into depression as the background for Lane, the heroine. She tries to keep secrets from her past from coming to life. The inner workings of the suspense captivate readers and allow them to follow Lane and Charlie on their hunt for the killer. With the discovery of the dead body in the first chapter, Walters takes readers on a hunt for justice. The romance seems out of place for me. Not that Charlie and Lane don't deserve happiness. It just the romance didn't seem to flow naturally. Overall, Walters definitely created a romantic suspense novel that should be picked up by lovers of romantic suspense. I believe fans of Irene Hannon and DiAnn Mills would enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Living Lies by Natalie Walters from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I really like how the author handled depression and PTSD. She did a really good job with that. I liked the characters a lot and they were developed well.

The story had a nice flow to it. Aside from the beginning and end, there wasn't a lot of suspense. Tension, yes and it was well done too.

I would have liked an Epilogue, but that's a personal preference.

A very enjoyable read! A good first novel for this author!

3.75
Christian Suspense is my all time favourite genre, and when I find a new author in this genre, and one who delivered a enjoyable suspense, I want to do a happy dance. I'm feeling like this after reading Living Lies.

There was a great mystery around the murder of Sydney and why she died. Added to that a small town, a heroine who struggles with depression, a charming hero, the cutest little boy and very interesting side characters, you have a winning combo. Even though I guessed right away what is going on with the paintings and the actual murderer, I still enjoyed the ride of seeing how the characters will come to the same conclusion. The ending and one or two other small things I did not expect, so I enjoyed those twists.

I see a lot of potential in this writer and added her to my authors to watch. There was a few loose ends/unfinished points (for me) and I guessed the plot etc to quickly for my liking, but it was a solid suspense and iff you love suspense like I do, you should give this one a go

If you like Colleen Coble, Dani Pettrey and Irene Hannon, definitly pick this one up..

This is a suspenseful novel around PTSD, depression and organized criminality. The underlying Christian theme can be summed up as everybody is worthy to live and to be loved and everybody deserves a second chance, something even non-Christians can easily agree to. This book might be encouraging for those who suffer of depression or blame themselves for things that ultimately were not their fault.

In my personal opinion there was too much stress on veterans being heroes.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the emotions and action in this book. This is a new author from me and now can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read. It deals with real live issues that need to be addressed and make people aware of.

Living Lies is more than just gripping fiction. The story drew me in before I had finished the first chapter, and didn't let go until I had reached the end. Though the plot reached a stopping point, I wasn't quite ready for the story to end.

The characters are well developed, and you can connect with their fears and frustrations. Lane wants to conceal her weakness, afraid that it will lead to others getting hurt. Charlie wants to prove that he has made the right decision. Besides that, the descriptions of both the people and events let you easily imagine what they look like and what happens.

That aspect alone made it hard to put down, but the underlying messages in Living Lies made it so much better. Lives in the story are built on keeping a public facade intact and worrying too much about what others think. Over the course of the book, people learn that outward appearances are not the most important thing. Being who God created you to be is where your focus should be. A good summary is provided by the quote, "If all you see when you look in the mirror are your flaws, then you’ll believe that’s all anyone else will see. You are not broken."

People learn about trust and sharing each other's burdens. Stories with these aspects remind us that we are to do the same.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

It’s hard to believe this is the debut novel by this author. It is well-written and gripped me from the opening, poignant scene. Lane struggles with depression and feels marked by it even as she tries to hide that from others. The new deputy Charlie Lynch seems to understand without having been told and doesn’t treat her like she’s damaged. Lane starts to wonder if she has reason to hope that she can move on from the tragedy in her past.
Walters writes of depression and PTSD with compassion and insight. It was such a different take on a heroine and it moved me as did Charlie’s unconditional friendship.
Besides the depth to the story, there is an exciting plot with plenty of action and danger. There’s a sense of urgency. It was a hard book to put down. I would highly recommend it and I can’t wait to read the next story about Frost.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Harbored Secrets Series:
Book 1: Living Lies
Book 1: Deadly Deceit (coming 11/5/19)

Living Lies, book one in the Harbored Secrets series by debut author, Natalie Walters, instantly grabs your attention and, like a good suspense book, doesn’t let go. I became so attached to these characters that even after the story was over I still wanted to keep reading.

In her debut novel, Walters tackles a subject that I haven’t seen many fiction authors take on: depression\suicide. And she does so with great diplomacy and eye-opening realisticity. Lane Kent is just struggling for a ray of hope after her husband’s traumatic death, but instead she finds herself tangled up in a web of deadly deceit. The “new guy in town,” former Marine-turned-sheriff’s-deputy Charlie Lynch is tasked with discovering the truth behind the murder that has rocked the small town of Walton, Georgia. Both of these characters are struggling with their own demons, and are so real you can’t help but relate to them. The addition of 5-year-old Noah, Lane’s son, was very sweet, and I loved seeing his interactions with Charlie as he and Lane find themselves drawn to each other.

There isn’t boatloads of action throughout most of this story, but the twisty plot definitely keeps your attention. I had a few guesses as to how the story would play out, but for the most part I was surprised. I greatly enjoyed Walters’ writing style; it’s not overly wordy, but it smoothly draws you into the story, and you can’t stop reading.

All in all, I think Natalie Walters is an author to watch. I look forward to reading book two of the Harbored Secrets series in November! I highly recommend this novel to fans of suspense with a touch of romance.


FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes from LibraryThing and NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

"Living Lies" is a Christian romantic suspense/mystery. The heroine literally stumbled across the body of a murdered girl, and the hero was the officer assigned to investigate and solve the murder. He's drawn to the compassion and kindness shown by the heroine to Vietnam vets and others that are struggling. She can relate to them because she's struggled her whole life with depression and anxiety, plus she still mourned her husband's death and carried guilt about it.

The characters acted realistically to events and came across as real people with genuine struggles. The suspense came from a shady character who kept lurking about the heroine's business and then the threat of another murder at the end.

Since the heroine felt like she was made broken due to her depression, she struggled to accept that God loved and cared about her. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this exciting novel.

Fabulous debut! Natalie Walters has crafted a tightly woven mystery that grips the reader from the first page and doesn't let go until the last page is turned.

Living Lies is a timely tale, tackling the misperception out culture has concerning mental illness and depression. This book shines a spotlight on the destructive power of lines and secrets, and demonstrates the transforming power of truth and forgiveness.

Excellent and highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this book by debut novelist Natalie Walters. This is the first in the series, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

Lane Kent returns to her hometown with her five year old son. Lane lost her husband recently, and she is dealing with deep depression. When she comes into town, she discovers the dead body. She starts working with the newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to figure out who the body is and who was the murderer.

There is some suspense with a little romance thrown in. There is a slight twist, also.

I recommend this book to anyone that likes good, clean, romantic suspense novels.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

A new author debuts with the start of a new series, Harbored Secrets, in this suspenseful novel, Lane, a widow with a young son is taking one day at a time dealing with depression when she unknowingly stumbles upon a murdered teen. The struggles of depression is highlighted throughout this story as the police try to uncover what is happening in their small town. Looking forward to the next book. Highly recommended!

Solid debut!

This suspense novel is believable and features an unlikely heroine, one that suffers from depression. Lane captured my heart with her sweet spirit and desire to help others. Typically, an on again off again romance drives me bonkers, but it rang true knowing the main female character isn't confident of her worth or value.

The secondary characters were wonderful including young police officer Frost and an unnamed character to avoid spoilers.

I look forward to continuing this series.

Natalie's first book is a great read. The story has a good plot, characters and many mysteries. I liked the characters in the story, each one brought more to the story. As the story went on it become more intense in places until the nail biting final conclusion.

I received a readers copy of this book through Netgalley for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

I'm always looking for new romantic suspense authors, and this book did not disappoint. I liked how the author handled the topic of depression and incorporated it into the story. There was also a sweet love story that went along with the mystery. I will definitely be returning for more from this series.

Living Lies is the first book in the Harbored Secrets series by debut novelist, Natalie Walters. Walters has done a superb job of crafting a thrilling suspense, with threads of heart-pounding romance and important messages about acceptance and removing the stigma of mental health and depression. I truly enjoyed this exciting book and I look forward to reading the subsequent titles in the series.

Lane Kent knows heartbreak. She knows the guilt of her past mistakes. Returning to her home town with her young daughter was supposed to be a fresh start but sometimes the secrets and family expectations feel suffocating. When Lane finds a dead body in the woods, she and Deputy Charlie Woods team up to solve the case.

I loved the relationship that builds between Lane and Charlie. I loved how the feelings of love and excitement of a new romance don’t change the facts of Lane’s depression - nothing is swept under the carpet and I loved the dedication to truth and reality. This isn’t a fairytale, but more closely resembles the harsh reality of life, which I though was both really important and helpful for readers, especially those who can relate to Lane’s experiences with suicidal thoughts and depression. Yet, there is a wonderful joy and glow you can feel emanate from Charlie and Lane as they manage to steal quick moments of time in amongst the murder investigation.

There is no shortage of action and tense moments in Living Lies. At first, with the inclusion of chapters from a secondary character, I thought the mystery would be easily laid out to readers and reduce the suspense a little, but the added details, while removing a little of the guess work, only serves to increase the tension and builds to a nail-biting climax.

The crime in Living Lies resolves around murder, drugs, art and basically all those things that make the good guys so eager to catch their bad guys. I loved Deputy Frost - genius, computer-geek, slightly awkward and all-round good guy. I do hope he and others of the wonderfully supportive and detailed secondary characters return in the next books in the series.

Living Lies is a complex, well-constructed and engaging story. With such important and positive messages about mental health, interwoven with the story of crime-fighting action, faith, and romance, I can very highly recommend Living Lies.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog <a href="https://madisonslibrary.wordpress.com">Madison's Library</a>

Really enjoyed this. Refreshing read, great job. Full review on the blog coming shortly. . Really great job!