Reviewed by Rosetta Diane Hoessli, Author

***** (Five Stars)

I have to admit it. I love cozy mysteries, sweet romances, and happy endings. L. B. Griffin, author of SECRETS, SHAME, AND A SHOEBOX (prequel to THE TWENTY-ONE YEAR CONTRACT), has written one of the best.

 This novel is deceptively quiet, for lack of a better description - at least in its first several chapters. Ms. Griffin lovingly creates her characters, taking her time to build perfect people with spot-on interactions, and uses them to lull readers into believing they can predict where this story is going.

 But I’m here to warn you: You can’t.

 Just when you’re beginning to wonder how all these terrific characters are going to play together, the story takes off and our heroine, shy and naive, is suddenly forced to fight for her life when she’s confronted by characters you only slightly mistrusted. Excitement and adrenaline ramp up every page, and you find yourself skipping ahead to be sure everything comes out all right.

 In addition, Ms. Griffin, a lifelong resident of Bath, England, uses colloquialisms native to her region in such a truthful way that this Texan was intrigued enough to do a little extra research – but that touch added great reality and energy to her setting and her characters. I found it humorous, touching, and a perfect addition to her story.

 I’m off now to purchase a copy of THE TWENTY-ONE YEAR CONTRACT. I suggest you do the same!