Traces of Guilt by Dee Henderson

Evie Blackwell is a skilled investigator with the Illinois State Police.  She has been asked to go to Carin, Illinois to help start a new task force that would work on cold cases.  She's been sent there to work on two cases - one a missing child and another a missing family.

Gabriel Thane grew up in the area and is now the town sheriff.  He very much loves his job and what he does.  The missing family case holds a special place in his heart, as the father of the family was a deputy.  

Evie arrives in town and, after an arrival she didn't exactly plan for, dives into the cases.  As she dives into the cases she unearths many new leads and some very surprising connections - some connections Gabriel doesn't want her to make.  Evie realizes that Gabriel and his family are the ones best able to help her.

As Gabriel and Evie work together they draw closer together.  They spend many times talking about the case, but also talking about each other and their plans for their futures.  

Dee Henderson has written a remarkable book!  You were drawn in from the very beginning.  The story lines keeps you going until the very end - and then the end comes way to soon and leaves it unfinished between Gabriel and Evie. I can't wait for the next one in this series!!!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own. 

The Wish by Beverly Lewis

Leona Speicher had always wanted a sister.  Her dream came true when Gloria Gingerich moved to Lancaster County.  Leona becomes very close to Gloria and her family but all that changes when Gloria's father is expelled from the community - for reasons no one talks about.  For a short time Gloria stays in contact with Leona, but soon Leona looks all contact with her best friend.

Several years passed and Leona is engaged to the deacon's son.  In an unexpected surprise, Leona receives a letter from Gloria.  After much prayer and discussion with her family, she goes to visit her old friend.  Leona desires to reestablish her friendship, but will it ruin her?  Will her fiance Tom understand why she is doing this?

Beverley Lews has written another remarkable book.  You are drawn into each character and feel the heartbreak and struggles of not just Leona but also of Gloria.  Leona yearn to help her friend but isn't sure how to help her.  Gloria is struggling with the "English" life her family now lives and yearns for the simple days of her Amish upbringing.  Through both of their struggles they grow closer together and learn a lot about their own lives.

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.