A young woman is abducted and later surfaces with answers to the mystery of a large amount of money found in an old backpack. Familiar characters from A Change of Heart face new challenges.
Crime and suspense seem to lurk in the shadows at Dinkel Island in the wake of a cold case involving an abduction that surfaces when a strange cache' of money is found in Tranquility Bay. Grief weighs heavily on Stan Grayson and Ed Heygood who have lost their wives. When a gospel singer comes to town, new clues surface that ultimately bring resolution, love, and new life to the forefront. Return of Bliss is a story about redemption and hope reflective of Psalm 30:5, "Weeping lingers for the night, but joy comes iwith the morning."
Excerpt
"What you got there?"
"I don't know, but it struck hard and it seems to be fighting me. It gives and then pulls on the line again."
"That must be a large bluefish--must be a big one. Or, it could be a skate." Ed worked the line and gradually pulled his catch in closer to the boat when it suddenly seemed to give completely.
"What, did you lose him?"
"No, there's still pressure on the line--there! I think he's coming up now. That baby is heavy--almost like a dead weight."
"Whoa," said Stan, laughing. "I don't think you got a fish at all. I'll bet that's an old tire somebody tossed in there."
Within minutes they found out Stan was partially right. It wasn't a tire, but a muddy, seaweed-laden bag of some sort. Stan got the grappling hook and they pulled it up into the boat. It was an old backpack, and it was a mess.
"Get some rags out of that storage bin," said Stan, pointing to a small door in the gunwale. Ed brought the rags and they began getting the mud and seaweed off. The fabric tore easily when the pulled at it. Inside they found a glob of sodden papers, rotted remnants of clothing, and a small vinyl pouch that had a bulge in it and a zippered end that was corroded.
"What's this?" said Stan. "Let's open this thing and see what's inside."
They cut away the zipper and shook the pouch over their bait cutting board. A plastic box, something like a sandwich storage box you put in a refrigerator dropped out. When they pried the air tight top off they were shocked--it was stuffed with money--a lot of limp, wadded up bills, some of them stuck together. There were bills of all denominations.
"Hello!" said Stan. "Can you believe this?"
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Reviews for "Return of Bliss, Bk 2, Dinkel Island Series, 2nd Ed"
Another easy read by Hugh Harris! 'Return of Bliss BK2 Dinkel Island Series' is several stories all rolled into one with each having many twists and turns. 'Return of Bliss' offers theft, kidnapping and murder into an action-filled crime drama, however, it is also a romantic love story that sweetly follows two couples and how their relationships grow and develop. The back-drop is a church in Dinkel Island and a decades old case with clues that touches the pastor, Kate Sheppard and a gospel singer that comes to town.
I love the easy-flowing writing style of Hugh Harris and this is just another wonderfully written book by him. Definitely a thumbs-up!
I would be remiss if I did not mention the strong religious story line that is refreshingly woven throughout the novel. In fact, 'Return of Bliss' could easily be considered a wonderful "reference" book on Christian values, attitudes and way of life.
I suggest reading the series in order, however, 'Return of Bliss BK2' is a great stand alone. I high recommend you check this one out!
Reviewed by E Harris
2/8/2019
Return of Bliss takes place on Dinkel Island. Even though there have been changes over the years, it has remained a quiet and usually safe place to live. When two widowers discover a backpack containing a large sum of money it causes all sorts of chatter, brings crime to the community and a cold case resurfaces. In addition, there is romance brewing.
The author does a beautiful job of bringing the multiple story lines together. The well developed characters are interesting and easy to relate to. As the story is skillfully presented, it is easy for readers to become immersed in their lives as they deal with second chances, redemption and faith. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Reviewed by Brittany Dalton
9/25/2018
This is an excellent book. It caught my attention from the very first page. I loved all if the characters and it keep me on my feet. The plot of this book is amazing. I will recomend this to all of my friends and famuly. This is an amazing author.
Everyone has secrets of the heart, Follow each character as each one's life is transformed!
"Secrets of the Heart" is a novel which was birthed from Psalm 44:20,21... "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange
