"Deadly Devotion" by Sandra Orchard (book 1 in the new Port Aster Secrets Series)

About the book:  Kate knows the truth is out there-but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.

Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident-and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My thoughts:  Set in Canada amongst folks seriously into herbal teas and herbal remedies for depression, tummy aches, and a variety of ills, book one in the Port Aster Secrets Series "Deadly Devotion" has a research scientist seeking to have the police reopen the file on the death of her close friend. The death was ruled a suicide by accident, but Kate Adams absolutely does not believe that to be the case.

She appeals to Tom Parker who is in the Port Aster Police Department though he is a recent import from the FBI. There is plenty of confusion, disbelief, subterfuge, crime, stealth, and other suspicious activity to keep the plot convoluted. Some activity seems bumbling and sometimes the story plot seems unlikely but such is life in general. So I'll leave it for other readers to determine if it is life itself or a flawed story line.

You'll learn that marigolds can be medicinally helpful but they can also be deadly - depends on which marigold you are talking about. You'll learn that the cut-throat world of pharmacology includes research into herbs.

You'll like Tom's father, a retired police officer, who is wise and loveable. You'll enjoy the simple and sweet romance that edges into the story without getting out of hand. I think you, like I, will look forward to Ms. Orchard's book two in the Port Aster Secrets Series.

I recommend Deadly Devotion as a light, easy-going summer suspense that will capture your attention without tangling your mind and heart.

About the author:  Sandra Orchard is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense whose novels include Deep Cover, Shades of Truth, and Critical Condition. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, and Romance Writers of America and lives in the Niagara area of Ontario, Canada. To find out more, please visit www.sandraorchard.com.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group so I could render my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and I was not compensated for this review.