The Herbalist

An Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery

Single mother Lana Taylor works as a herbalist part-time, in addition to the cleaning jobs she has around the town of Appleton, West Virginia. One day, while she is out of the house, her mother gives a regular customer, Betsy Ward, a bottle containing a mixture of herbs she created to help Betsy with a specific ailment. But Betsy dies from it and the police discover it is poison. Lana is considered a suspect, and she is desperate to prove her innocence.

New in town, Athan Meadows, becomes attracted to Lana and wants to help her. But Lana lost her husband years ago and finds it difficult to trust people. Will she allow Athan to help her? And is there a chance Lana will find love again?

This was an interesting mystery. There is a question if this murder accusation is related to a past issue Lana had at her previous employment; she receives death threats throughout the novel, which suggests this is personal. I thought the development of Lana and Athan’s relationship was heartwarming. Athan has a daughter from his marriage with his late wife and Lana has twins; the children take up a good chunk of the novel and are very cute. I recommend this romantic suspense.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author:

Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. In her fiction, Carole combines suspense and tough topics, along with romance. She has a degree in Religious Education and an Associate degree in Computer Science. She has a special love of animals, flowers and plants, traveling, and her husband. Carole and her husband live in SE Ohio, but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, their great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, and good food.

Giveaway:

Carole is giving away the prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in winner’s choice of paperback or eBook. Click the below link to enter:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54227

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Next Novel to Review: The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender

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