The small town of Adams Grove is mourning the loss of Pearl Clemmons, known for her award-winning chocolate pecan pie and the best unsolicited advice in the county.
When Jill returns to settle her grandmother’s estate, she’s greeted by a Clydesdale-sized guardian dog, who doesn't seem to be earning his stripes (although he drools on them pretty well), and Garrett Malloy, the ex-fiancé she left behind a year ago.
Jill insists on staying at Pearl’s amidst the string of break-ins, but Jill’s past with Garrett becomes the least of her worries when she learns that their lives are in danger. She is the only person standing between a desperate conman and a secret from Pearl’s past.
Will Pearl’s past kill any chance of Jill and Garrett’s future together?
Professional Reviews
Review of Sweet Tea and Secrets
5 stars: Jane Austen "book maven" on Amazon
Sweet Tea and Secrets is a polished and sophisticated, yet laidback novel with a down home country feel. From the start, I felt like I was pulled right in to the quaint town of Adams Grove. The relationship between Jill and Garrett was fun and sassy. I loved the physical tension and how it was sweet, exactly right up my alley. The re-development of their relationship was something that kept my interest throughout the novel.
Ms. Naigle's writing style was detailed but not with an overkill of unnecessary information. The plot line was exciting and very believable and I wanted to know more when the story ended. This story was so compelling and I would love to read more about Jill and Garrett and the characters of Adams Grove. I give Ms. Naigle 5 Stars for Outstanding Fiction.
I found it delightful and highly enjoyed it!
4 stars: Wendy L. Hines "Minding Spot"
Jill Clemmons left the small town of Adams Grove a year ago for the big city lights of Savannah. She moved in with her boss Bradley and is very successful at her new job of fundraising. When she finds out her beloved grandmother has passed away, Jill hightails it back home.
Pearl is the only family Jill has left and she is devastated at the loss. Garrett Malloy, Jill's ex-fiance, keeps popping in to help her, although she doesn't need his help. She's envious that Garrett is living the dream that she and he and talked about and planned together for years.
On top of the devastation of losing her grandmother, Jill's boss and live-in boyfriend, Bradley, keeps issuing demands that Jill come home. He wants her by his side for business and doesn't understand her wanting to stay in the small town. Also, there have been several break-ins in the area, where crime is very low and no one locks their doors. But when Jill and her big dog Clyde are locked into the attic, the word spreads like fire through the town and everyone is soon locking their doors.
When Pearl's will is read, Garrett and Jill are shocked. In order to inherit the land and the house, they must live together for thirty days. Pearls is adamant that they belong together even if they are too pig-headed to realize it. But when their lives become endangered, will Jill and Garrett realize their love for one another is worth fighting for?
Sweet Tea and Secrets is a heart-warming romance set in the south with a twist of suspense. Attention to the details really sets the scenes and the quaint town, reminding me of my own small town upbringing, where everyone knows everyone and all of the gossip. Character development is exceptional and the story is adequately paced, keeping this reader entranced in their lives and their struggles. Nancy Naigle has written a beautiful and entertaining novel sure to appeal to romantic suspense fans. I found it delightful and highly enjoyed it!
Romantic Mystery
5 stars: L. Rigod "avid mystery reader"
In Adam Grove, Virginia, I was introduced to a lovely, talented, young woman named Jill Clemmons. Jill is instantly likable and we are thrown into a wonderful birthday scene of her Grandmother's.
The next scene has us in despair. Grandmother has passed and Jill not only needs to deal with the emptiness, but also a severe betrayal by her live-in boyfriend. Why the betrayal? Is something going on?
Naturally, Jill returns to Adam Grove and reunites with her former love, best friends, and the changes her life is now facing. These would be overwhelming in their own right, but, something is going on. Someone tries to hurt her Grandmother's dog, set the woods on fire, and also her home. Also, Garrett, Jill's former love is poisoned. Why?
This book is a love story but has the ribbon of suspense and mystery running throughout the entirety. You think the crime is obvious but, I assure you, it is not. This book was well written, cleverly plotted, and the characters are ranging from almost angelic to sinister and evil.
As a bonus, Ms. Naigle tosses in some Southern recipes as a treat which Clyde would agree with.
Enjoy this new, to me, Author and now to await her next release this November, of "Out of Focus" the next Adam Grove love mystery.
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