This is a debut novel by Natalie Walters. I was first intrigued with this book by its book cover. I am definitely one of those readers who judge books by their covers and sometimes I’m disappointed and other times I’m pleasantly surprised. This story Living Lies Harbored Secrets Book 1, did not disappoint. It pulled me in from chapter one, and gave me the feels by the end of the story. The characters were engaging. My favorite characters were Byrdie and Deputy Frost. Beautiful story for a debut novel, I’m excited to see what happens in book 2 Deadly Deceit.

Living Lies has one of the best first chapters I’ve read in a romantic suspense in a while. It totally gripped me and I believe, set the tone for the rest of the story. Ms. Walters voice is unique and the issues she raises are ones not really seen so much in the bookish world. I loved the mental illness aspect for a multitude of reasons.

One, it’s not really talked about. Two, it adds another level of suspense, albeit internal. Three, it creates sympathy for those who may not have had it in the first place. I’m all for learning lessons while reading and I felt Ms. Walters did it in a natural way that helps the reader gain empathy.

I also love playing the whodunnit game and to figure out the big picture. This book definitely keeps you hopping from one thing to the next.

All in all, this debut entertained me, enlightened me, and has me looking forward to book 2.

*I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

For the most part, I enjoyed the story, and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

What I liked: Ms. Byrdie, who is married to the sheriff is a strong Christian character, and the author did a very nice job of showing this through her actions. I also appreciated that the book helped to shine a light on Mental illness through Miguel, who suffered with PTSD, and Lane, who had depression along with regrets and self blame.

What I didn’t like: The main characters are Charlie and Lane; they did not appear to be Christians at all. One scene had an alarm going off in Lane’s business/home and Charlie, who liked her, showing up without a shirt while Lane was in her pj’s. Ms. Byrdie came running too, and was giving them knowing looks while Charlie smirked. I am hoping this isn’t going to be one of those series with innuendo progressing into over night visits between the couple. Let’s keep it Christian please!

The book was not an edge-of-your-seat mystery; however, Overall this was a solid story with a good plot.

After thoroughly enjoying this suspenseful read, it’s hard to believe that this is Natalie’s FIRST book! The mystery and suspense were superbly crafted and made for a tough to put down story. The characters in the book took up residence in my heart and touched my soul. My heart broke for Lane and all that she’d been through. As someone who has struggled with a bit of depression over the years, the way this book handled that was truly extremely well done, in my opinion. All in all, this is a can’t miss book!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

A great solid debut by Natalie Walters. I think any romantic thriller reader will thoroughly enjoy this book. I know I did. This book deals with a heroine who suffers from depression and it gave me insight as to how those who suffer from this disease feels. I loved the hero. He was everything you'd want in one. Strong, handsome and brave. The mystery/thriller kept me turning pages.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Living Lies
by Natalie Walters

Revell

Christian

Pub Date 21 May 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Living Lies through Revell and Netgalley:

I must say I am rather impressed with Natalie Walters first novel, one fillet with action and suspense.

Everybody knows your name in the Little town of Walton Georgia, but no one knows your secret. That’s what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five year old son. Lane is dangerously depressed after her husband’s death and comes to Walton looking for hope but finds a dead body instead.

Lane finds herself having to work with Walton’s newest deputy Charlie Lynch to uncover the truth behind the murder. When that truth hits to close to home though Lane must decide whether saving the life of another is worth revealing her darkest secret!

Living Lies captivated me from the first page to the last, therefore I find it worthy of five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

This was a very good book. Not only is it an excellent mystery, it addresses the problem of depression. Many people have it to varying degrees. Natalie has it bad. She is afraid of how people will react to her if they find out. She judges that opinion on how her family, especially her father, reacts to it. By the end of the story Natalie decides to speak out about depression and help the man who saved her life. A man suffering from PTDS from the war.

The mystery wasn't edge of your seat. The culprits were pretty easy to figure out. But how they were caught was a good story. This is the first book for Ms. Waters. I will be looking forward to reading more by her.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I had the honor of reading a book from debut novelist, Natalie Walters. Living Lies is book #1 in the Harbored Secrets series, and I am so excited that this book is just the beginning for Natalie Walters. This mystery book has a lot of plot to enjoy and plenty to try to solve yourself as the book moves forward.

Living Lies - The Story

Lane Kent is the mother of a five-year-old son named Noah. She is making a life on her own, by moving back to her hometown of Walton, Georgia. A small town where people know everything about you - which is why it's so hard for her to keep her secret. A secret that her father insists that she keep. In the beginning of the story, Lane is at a bridge, in horrible weather, and a man comes to help her and make sure that she is okay.

She is flustered and doesn't know what to say, so she says that she is fine and is going to get back to her car. Lane has to walk through a wooded area, and as the weather worsens she is having a hard time navigating the path. Smelling something out of place in the woods, and then hears a noise that she doesn't recognize. She chalks it up to an animal and hurries on her way. However, she soon finds herself face to face with a dead body and lets out a scream. and the man that saw her at the bridge comes to find out what made her scream.

The man, is Charlie Lynch, and he is the newest deputy in Walton, in fact his first day on the force was going to start on the upcoming Monday. Instead, he is put in charge of the murder investigation and he will be spending a lot more time with Lane and her son Noah as the investigation goes on. The story discusses Lane's secret, her family, two people that she considers family -Sheriff Huggins and Ms. Byrdie and of course Charlie and his adopted dog Bane.

Engaging Characters and Plot Twists

Natalie Walters has a great way with character development. There is a character, Miguel, who is a vet and has issues that not everyone can understand. Miguel's interactions with Lane show bits and pieces of his personality as we get to know him. Charlie has a completely different opinion on Miguel when he becomes part of the murder investigation. Different viewpoints make a very big difference as the plot thickens.

This book deals with some big issues. Lane's has a decision to make about what needs to be kept a secret, and what needs to be told before a relationship between Lane and Charlie can happen. The outcome affects the whole town, and has a big impact, but not the one you might expect. Living Lies is a wonderful book from an exciting new author. Be sure to pick up a copy and enjoy this new author from the beginning!

Great suspense novel from debut Natalie Walters, who touches the delicate subject of depression and PTSD. I enjoyed the mystey plot a tad more than the romance.

A new author in the Christian suspense market that will appeal to fans of Irene Hannon and Terri Blackstock.
A murder rocks a small town, uncovering secrets, and bringing new discoveries.
I really enjoyed the mystery and was reminded of all the time I watched CSI! I really appreciated how the author brought out some of the issues with mental health, with honesty and compassion.
Though the mystery was a bit on the predictable side, I did enjoy the story!
3.5 stars
I was provided with a copy of this book through Netgalley. My opinion is my own.

Very intense and suspenseful, not only with the crime, but also with Lane's struggles. I think that Walters did a great job with this issue, making it real but not treating it lightly. While the "resolution" might seem trite, it really is the truth that people need to hear. Lane freely admits that it's not a magical answer, but it's the start to healing, and healing may not even come in this life.

There was one point where something is said about "the way God made her", but while God does make us, the defects and illnesses are not of His making. Those are a result of sin in this world. I just wanted the point out there.

Noah was adorable and might have been my favorite part!!!! :) Charlie was so nice and I liked the care he took with Lane and Noah.

This debut offering by Natalie Walters was fantastic. With the right balance of romance and suspense, I turned the pages every chance that I got. Walters used the small town of Walton to invite me into the lives of all types of realistic characters. I truly appreciated the way in which the author respectfully handled the characters who were dealing with mental health issues. Hopefully, that type of compassion will rub off on us all. The romance, mixed with humor, simply made me smile. It was probably the cherry on top. Meanwhile, at a perfect pace, the mystery was revealed. I can’t wait for the second book in the series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I had never heard of Natalie Walters before, but her new book, Living Lies was very good. I like suspense, but without the blood and gore. In the spirit of other Christian authors such as Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason, and Irene Hannon, Walters writes her own novel of suspense and mystery.

The book centers around Lane Kent who lives in a small town in Georgia. Lane is somewhat the black sheep of a prominent family and fails to conduct herself as her father demands. Her whole world revolves around her son, especially after the tragic death of her husband. When she stumbles on the body of teenage girl, her world intersects with the new deputy, Charlie Lynch. While Charlie investigates the murder, he is drawn to Lane and wants to help with the secret burden she is obviously carrying.

I liked Living Lies. It kept my attention and I had to finish it in one sitting. I will be reading any future books by Natalie Walters.

3 stars
Living Lies is extraordinarily well-written. I was pulled into the book from the first page. However, one of the main characters Lane is just an increasingly whiny, self-absorbed woman. The life of this little town is nothing but whispers and backbiting. I kept trying to push through and at 85% realized I didn’t care enough to finish. The plot just isn’t believable for the most part and the secondary characters are mostly unexceptional and the type of cliche characters found in far too many books. Ugh
I just cannot recommend this book which I am sad to say. I had such high hopes for this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #LivingLies #NetGalley

Whenever you open a book, it’s like a gift. Sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s ok. And when it’s a debut author, you wonder if it’s going to be worth it al all. During every page turn of this book, I was so glad I opened the package. It was definitely the right choice. Lane is a complex character in the book. She is like many who don’t see their own worth. I think she’s waiting for her father’s approval and that would speak so much to her. While she waits that, fights depression and anxiety, she finds a body. This is after the new deputy Charlie finds her. The mystery within the pages was really good. It was unique and kept me guessing. Noah is a precious little boy who seems to win every heart he’s around. Mystery, compassion, danger, PTSD, hope, and much more await within these pages. So glad I chose to open the gift and get the benefit of the pages of this book. Well done! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

'Not even God heard her prayers. Or if he did, he chose to ignore them.'

Place: Walton, Georgia. Tiny town where everybody knows everybody else. But some people have secrets. And want to keep those secrets hidden. Lane Kent doesn't want anyone to know her secrets when she returns to her hometown with her little boy. Lane suffers from depression, badly sometimes. She walks out to a bridge, wondering how she could possibly do what she thinks she wants to do, when she is startled by the town's new deputy, Charlie Lynch. She runs off, not knowing who he is, and heads into the woods and falls. And stares into the eyes of a dead body.

Charlie sees into Lane's eyes and heart and desperately wants her to feel worthy of love again. If only she will give him a chance to prove that he really means it when he says he wants to get to know her and will take care of her. But he has to solve this crime.

I love discovering new authors and Natalie Walters gives us her debut novel here and does a wonderful job! She shows us small town life like she's been there. I live in a small town and I could feel the vibes coming off the page here about this one. She also is very adept at her characterizations, causing this reader to feel their hearts. I loved all the cast members; well, not the bad guys, of course, but this town has more than a few characters I'd love to meet. Well done!

*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This book is very well written and grabs you on the first page. It deals with real life problems and is full of emotions. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will be looking for more of her books. She did an excellent job with this book. Thank you Revell Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and I highly recommend this book.

There is something very special about opening a debut novel and I'm so happy to have read this novel especially.
Sometimes when I pick up a suspense novel, I find that they're mostly plot drive. And I'm NOT complaining! But my personal taste draws towards character development.

Natalie Walters surely knew how to balance out suspense, romance, and character growth. And I truly believe this book can be a tool to start conversations and give an understanding about mental illness to those mostly on the outside or who might be struggling somehow but haven't perceived it yet.

Highly recommended book!

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.