1.5 stars ( )

I received this book via two friends, one of whom sent it on to me when they were done with it.

Mirror Lake area sounds like a peaceful place to live or at least to visit. The idea of missionaries Lydia and Simon having met at the Bible Camp that was there before Abby bought the property and wanting to renew their vows there was an interesting twist, even if they weren't a big part of the story.

In the early part of the book, it is hinted that both Quinn and Abby have some part of their past lives that was a bit traumatic. We do eventually find out what those are, but for a while it was a bit annoying to me to have it hinted at but not know the why behind the hints.

I admire Abby wanting to go out on her own, especially after her brother keeps refusing to let her have a bigger part in the management of the hotels. I do give her credit for stepping out on faith and working toward something she wants.

I like that Abby's willing to give second-chances. Instead of listening to town gossip, she's willing to "judge" each person based on how they present to her, particularly in the cases of Cody Lang and Quinn.

In one sense, I can understand her brother's caution and wanting to protect her, even if he does overdo it. Since someone was "after" him, I can see him worrying that the problem might spread to his sister. But in other areas, he seems to want to keep Abby caught in the aftermath of the abduction when she was six-years-old rather than seeing that she has grown up.

If you analyze the plot behind the likable characters, it's easy to see that it's a well used plot in the romance genre, where the two main love interests assume things rather than talking to each other about what they're feeling etc. which prolongs the story. ( )

I wasn't sure about this book when I saw it on the shelf but after reading two paragraphs, I was hooked.

Quinn returns to Mirror Lake to run his father’s locksmith business. It's not that he wanted to return, he had to after being fired from his job as a personal bodyguard. Arriving in Mirror Lake, Quinn turns his father's dying business into one that is, at least breathing. That is when Alex Porter, of the famous Porter Hotels, calls to hire Quinn to watch over his sister, also in Mirror Lake. Quinn says no. However, no one tells Alex Porter no and he uses a job that Quinn has bid on to hook him...take this job and I will put in a good word for you on the other job. Quinn finally agrees. The catch, Alex's sister, whom he describes as "fragile,” cannot know that Alex is there to protect her. ( )