Hattie C. Cooper presents the first novel in the thrilling new trilogy of Sawmill Cove, Idaho.
A musician touring the world, Jay Jeffries left Sawmill Cove long ago to escape painful shadows from his past. But when his brother and sister-in-law are mysteriously murdered, Jay must return home to become the guardian of the only witness: Jay’s four-year-old niece, Penny, who has not spoken a word since the eve of the murder. Though the murder remains unsolved, and mysterious events continue to occur throughout the town, Jay’s primary focus remains protecting Penny.
Ultimately it may take Ryan Hart, a Forensic Artist who is as strong as she is beautiful, to help Jay and Penny come together. Ryan travels the country helping young witnesses like Penny Jeffries heal, but this case is different. For one, her new guardian Jay doesn’t want Ryan anywhere near Penny. And second, the case mirrors her own childhood in an eerily similar manner.
Now, Jay, Ryan, and Penny must all face the dark memories of their past while also accepting their unforeseen futures. Like the lake sitting still and silent amidst Sawmill Cove, the stories at its heart contain incalculable depths.
PURCHASE HERE: AMAZON
PEPPER & MICHELLE’S JOINT REVIEW
MICHELLE: I was so excited when Hattie reached out to us to review her book! The synopsis immediately captured my interest. I love a good mystery mixed in with my romance.
PEPPER: I know! I was immediately drawn to Hattie and to wanted to read SILENT MEMORIES because of her website. I fell in LOVE with her and couldn’t wait to read this book!
MICHELLE: I really did like this book a lot. It had a lot of the elements that we here at All Romance love.
For one: There’s a strong heroine. Ryan kicks ass. She’s smart and strong and doesn’t take shit.
She might be too strong sometimes- not asking for help when she could. But it’s all part of what made me like her. I was rooting for her. I wanted her to find happiness in all of this craziness. And what an interesting profession! Ryan basically works with police departments and gets victims to talk when they won’t do so otherwise. In this case- four year old Penny witnessed her parent’s murder and has stopped talking as a result. It’s Ryan- and a few unlikely friendships - that bring her out.
PEPPER: oooo, I know! I was obsessed with Ryan. I love that Ryan’s name is Ryan. I want her job too. She is definitely one of the strongest heroine’s I have read in a long time. I feel like I really identified with her. And quite possibly wanted to do her as well?
MICHELLE: Ha! She did have some sex appeal that’s for sure.
But, let’s switch it up and talk about precious things and the second element I loved about this book. Children. I don’t have kids so I can’t be 100% sure when people are portraying kids accurately but I have a pretty good idea. Sometimes the kids in a story are unbelievable. Either too perfect or too boring. Penny was perfect.
I thought HCoop did a great job of capturing the essence of a young child dealing with trauma but also interested in living her life and being just a sweet, curious kid. It’s a delicate balance and HCoop nailed it.
PEPPER: For sure she did! I do have a precious baby of the Lord, and she totally nailed Penny. I’m pretty sure that Penny was the best part of this book. I adored her. And I LOVED the relationship that Ryan and Penny shared. It added SO much to this story.
MICHELLE: And, the third thing that worked for me was Jay. He wasn’t supremely Alpha but I liked him like that. Not every hero has to put his balls out on display. Jay certainly had balls and used them. And he was commanding especially when it came to the physical. But he was also sweet and let Ryan come to him at her own pace.
PEPPER: OMG. I have been waiting for you to get to JAY. I loved every minute of Jay.
I think I really enjoy reading about crazy Alpha dudes, but in real life, might not want to be bossed around TOO much. So I think that’s why I really appreciated Jay. He was perfect for me. Like bossy during sexy time,
But backed off a little with the rest of Ryan’s life. That to me is the perfect male specimen.
MICHELLE: So- very few book I have read are flawless and here is my biggest complaint with this one. And it’s actually a good problem. I wanted MORE!
PEPPER: Exactly what I was going to say. I was a little nervous when I saw that this was only like 172 pages - cuz you know I love my 800 page novels…
MICHELLE: I could have just used a little bit more in places. Ryan and Jay don’t like each other at first mostly because Jay is just trying to figure all of this shit out. But I would have liked more of their back and forth before they fell into such an easy rhythm.
PEPPER: Agreed. I loved Ryan and Jay as separate peeps - and LOVED that they had a little snark going on at first. But I needed MORE from them as a couple.
MICHELLE: I also felt like there was something with Jay’s sister in law and Jay’s feelings about her that was left a little too open. I feel like his love for her was deeper than explored and I would have liked to have seen more.
PEPPER: Yeah, I was a little left undone about this as well.
MICHELLE: Oh!, I almost forgot another thing I liked- the bad guy. While ultimately a little predictable, I thought the idea was creative and just believable enough, because lets be honest. People are CRAZY.
PEPPER: I mean, I totally saw it coming, but the villain gave us some delicious lunacy that I LOVE. Obvs not in my life, that’s why I like to read about it… But in any case, super great idea and definitely added to this book.
MICHELLE: All in all, this is a very quick read- I was able to finish in just a few hours.
It’s well written and sweet and I think with a bit more development could really soar. I think Hattie Cooper is an author to watch and we’re glad she found us!
PEPPER: I couldn’t agree more. I’m SO excited that she approached us and cannot wait for more from her!
AUTHOR INFO
Hattie C. Cooper grew up in northern California where she spent the majority of her childhood in the orthodontist chair or band practice. After wearing headgear in first grade she realized she wanted more out of life and pursued a BA in English, a minor in Psychology, and a MFA in Creative Writing. She loves animals, tea, nature, Jim Lovell, and Balvenie Doublewood single malt scotch. Hattie wishes she owned some sheep.
I’ve never been more excited about a new nickname. HCoop is the coolest I’ll ever sound. Ever.
Thank you for a review that had me smiling the whole way through… you two are so wonderful. I feel so much gratitude.
We are so glad you enjoyed the review!!