Title: Buried Memories (Cedar Key Series)
Author: Carol J. Post
Pages: 224
Year: 2017
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
What an intense and mind-blowing story! I have read the prior three novels in the Cedar Key Series: Hidden Identity, Shattered Haven and Mistletoe Justice with each being an exciting tale. However, the author outdoes herself with this story from the start. Some of the characters return from the other books and the action takes place mainly in Cedar Key, but what captured my attention was guessing if the main character, Nicki Jackson, really saw her mother murdered or not.
Throughout the book, Nicki is being stalked, threatened, and a victim of vandalization of all she owns because someone thinks she can identify the man who took her mother’s life 20 years ago. The nightmares return of that night when the Nicki learns the case has been reopened. Her best friend from her broken childhood is back from serving his country, Tyler Brant, and he wants to keep her safe. In order to do so though, he must face his past experience and allow God to heal his mind, heart and soul.
The twists and turns in the book kept me guessing as to who was after Nicki, and if it was more than one person. Plus, the now budding romance between the best friends seemed to be on then off again and I longed to see the two characters with broken pasts, healed and have hope in their future. Let me just share there are some surprises in the book and the ending was the best, a real “I didn’t see that coming” type of response!
So, enjoy the Cedar Key Series now with this 4th installment! ( )

Buried Memories by Carol J. Post is a suspense-filled story that will grab you right from the start. Nicki has begun a new life in a new town, yet someone wants her dead. And she has no idea who or why. Tyler has been retired from the military and moved in next door. Long ago schoolmates, they reconnect and recognize "they are two of a kind--lost souls trying to find their way throught the quagmire of life's circumstances." Nightmares from the past plague them both. Can Tyler keep Nicki safe until the person who is systematically ruining her life can be found? Can they work through the past traumas they each have endured and find a love that will enable them to banish bad memories? The author has written a sweet romance amidst the ordeals of memories of a long ago murder and wartime horrors. Buried Memories is an action packed story with likable characters who have realistic struggles and emotions. This is one book mystery romance lovers will not want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. ( )

STORY-LINE BURIED MEMORIES:

Buried Memories by author Carol J. Post, grabs the reader and hangs on throughout the novel. With a story filled with tension, grief, suspense, and mystery, Post created a book worthy of the title mystery romance novel along with a clean and wholesome story-line.

Nicki Jackson moved to Cedar Key after the broke up with her fiance. Although, hoping to find peace, Nicki finds old memories, hurts, and abuse are hard to forget. Detectives have reopened her mother's cold case murder, and Nicki finds herself having nightmares and dreams. Neighbor and friend from her past, Tyler Brant, adds another layer of stress to her already stressed out life. Tyler, a former soldier with PTSD, has his own problems and nightmares.

Nicki has acquired a stalker bent on destroying her life and anyone close to her. Can Tyler protect Nicki? Who is trying to destroy Nicki and why? Can Tyler overcome his own nightmares and trauma to help Nicki find the answers needed.

Grab a comfortable seat, my mystery romance novel review of Buried Memories follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Primarily a suspense mystery, Post crafted a clean intense romance between two deeply hurting traumatized people. Post skillfully developed Tyler and Nicki characters; Tyler, a man scarred by war and Nicki, a woman scarred by life, come together in an intense suspense filled mystery. With a campaign to destroy her life in the most horrendous manner, Nicki's stalker is as evil as they come. Carol Post portrayed Nicki's vulnerability with skillful prose. Leaving the reader and Nicki questioning who could hold such hatred for her.

In addition, the suspense and mystery, kept at high peak throughout the novel, grabbed me immediately. As a result, Post did not reveal the villain until the last moment, which keeps the reader glued to the pages. I was surprised by the identity of the villain and the reasons behind the campaign of hatred. The pace was smooth and steady without starts and stops, and the plots were intriguing as Post scripted her story-line. Although the story contains several plot lines, Post wove all the lines together to form a first- class mystery romance novel.

Finally, in concluding my mystery romance novel review of Buried Memories, I found a solid well-written novel which held my attention from the first paragraphs to the last page. Also with believable characters, plenty of action, intriguing story-line, and just the right amount of romance, I found Buried Memories an enjoyable read. Post receives a big high-five for a clean read which did not need sex to sell the story. A good novel, which is well-written with intriguing plots, does not need sex or fluff to increase the page count; kudos Ms. Post, kudos.

BURIED MEMORIES RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

In addition, I would not hesitate to buy Buried Memories for my self or a friend. Suitable for young adults and adults, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a solid, clean, well-written mystery and suspense romance. I look forward to Ms. Post's next book. ( )

What an intense , intriguing thrill ride this book is. All the elements are there for an action packed story that grabs you at the beginning and doesn't stop till the very end. The author once again gives her readers an edge of your seat story with vivid descriptions that keep your heart pounding with anticipation. I started the book and found myself hanging on every word, every action and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Nicki Jackson has moved to Cedar Key to start fresh after a broken engagement. I loved her strong character and her determination. After the murder of her mom when she was a child she lived in foster care . She endured abuse, and lost contact with her sister and always wondered what had happened to her. What happens when Nicki starts searching for her sister after such a long time apart?

Tyler has come back to Cedar Key to stay with his brother and sister-in-law to recover from injuries sustained in the war. He is very guarded and doesn't like to talk about his past. it was nice to see Nicki and Tyler reconnect after many years. I wonder who had a crush on who when they were younger? Tyler is having nightmares but tries to play them off as nothing. The intensity of his nightmares brought on by PTSD were very well written and I loved how the author made it authentic.

As Nicki and Tyler begin to rekindle their friendship strange things start to happen. Why is Nicki having recurring nightmares about a woman getting killed? The incidents start mounting and danger lurks nearby when threatening letters start showing up. No one is safe around her and Nicki thinks she should leave. Will Tyler be able to keep her safe? The story is powerful with threats, attacks and an explosive ending. I loved the twists in the story and how faith and trust in God brought people together to help Nicki. You don't want to miss this story that has intrigue, a mysterious stalker, danger , surprises and an ending you won't see coming. Be sure you grab a copy and get ready to be captivated by the riveting story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. ( )