Book Feature: A Look at Seralynn Lewis’s Inspirational Romance, CASSIE’S SECRETS!

Hi, readers! We have a real treat in store for you today, a spotlight on a book by Seralynn Lewis, quite a talented author!    
    
We wish you lots of success on your inspirational, small town, second chance romance! 
   
Let's check out the details, shall we?

 

About the Book

 

Cassie's Secrets is a contemporary inspirational romance and book 1 of the Women of Worthy series. A single mom and a widowed dad have secrets neither of them wants to share. Add in four children between the two of them and a matchmaking sister, the parents don't have a hope of keeping their secrets to themselves…

Here is the book blurb for Cassie's Secrets.

 

Where secrets go, distrust follows. Can two lonely people let go of past hurt and learn to trust again?

Single mom, Cassie Verano, and her two young daughters move to small-town Worthy, Ohio to be near her brother and his family.
She longs to raise her daughters without her ex-husband’s family’s controlling interference, and live in peace. When her daughters befriend two girls who are cared for by their matchmaking aunt, Cassie avoids it at all costs. It’s the last thing she needs or wants after escaping a dangerous marriage.

Widowed business owner, Steve Nardelli, wants nothing more than to complete his huge Australian deal and expand his deceased father’s electronics firm to secure his family’s future. Though his wife died, their marriage was anything but happy. His sister’s matchmaking only annoys him and adds to his guilt, especially when the lovely Cassie Verano seems to be hiding something—and he’s not interested in anyone else’s deceitful ways.

Can Cassie and Steve set aside their deep suspicions and guarded feelings to learn to trust again?

Cassie's Secrets, although part of a series, is a standalone romance.

 

Release Date:  September 1, 2020

 

Genre:  Inspirational Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Second Chances

 

Sounds like an intriguing read here!

Purchase Links:

 

Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/mvnGMl

 

Seralynn is also giving us a peek at this book today!

 

Readers, here is an excerpt...

 

 

Steve and Frank exited the building and turned to walk to Café Napolitano three doors down. Steve halted, causing the man behind him to plow into him. He stumbled and his face paled. The man behind him cussed and walked around him.

“What the heck?” Frank stopped and grabbed his arm. “Are you all right?”

He clamped his mouth shut, but stared in the direction of the café. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Frank scanning the street, but hadn’t seen Cassie.

When Frank jiggled his arm, Steve’s jaw clenched. With covert eyes, he followed the man’s progress toward him and when he turned the corner, Steve glared.

“What’s wrong with you?” Frank’s voice was low, and he looked worried.

“Let’s go to lunch. We have to talk.” Determined to get off the sidewalk, Steve’s gut churned. Who was that guy hugging her? And why leave her and walk away?

Steve’s stomach grumbled, half from the shock of seeing her in another man’s arms and half from hunger. They placed their pizza orders and sipped sweetened tea.

When the server left, Frank cleared his throat. “You want to explain what happened out there?”

Frank stared at him as if he’d grown another head and Steve suspected he’d lost every one of the marbles rolling around in his brain. “I saw that guy hugging her.” He groaned. This was not the way he wanted to start the conversation.

“Wait. You’re telling me you stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, almost got pummeled, and acted like a zombie because of a woman?” Frank chuckled. “This should be good.”

“Ridiculous,” Steve muttered. She twisted him inside out. Not good.

“So, who is she?”

“You remember the woman I sat next to at church a few weeks ago?”

“Cassie, right? Cute little thing with incredible green eyes and a lovely smile.” Frank said in a matter-of-fact way.

“You checked out her eyes?” Steve’s voice rose.

“She’s beautiful. Why wouldn’t I check her out? There’s not a man in church who hasn’t noticed her even if they won’t admit to it. And, I think a few guys would like to get to know her, but she’s pricklier than a holly bush.”

“Who?” He hated the hint of jealousy in his voice.

Frank laughed. “Aha! You are interested. Except, she’s not your type, is she?”

“You didn’t answer me. Who’s interested?” He sounded like an eighth grader.

“Is it important who they are? You’ve already staked your claim, man. What’s important is you’re interested. About time, too. If another guy hugged her and caused you to stop in your tracks, I’d say you have it bad. You can’t stay single forever, you know. A life of solitude is brutal.”

“From a guy who has a wonderful wife and four super kids, you can speak to my life?”

“Look. You had a rough time, but not every woman is like Laura. She wasn’t the wife you thought she was. She lied and cheated. You never saw it coming and it did a number on you, but you need to put it in the past.” Frank’s voice held a hint of exasperation.

“I’m content with my life as it is. This thing with Cassie has me in knots. I don’t want to think about her. But I do. A lot.” He took a bite of the spicy pizza and swallowed. “I could put her out of my mind if I tried. But there’s a problem.”

“What’s the problem?”

“Her daughters are friends with my daughters and she pops in and out of my life. I can’t have any distractions now. I’m not getting enough sleep as it is. It’s crazy.”

 “Whoa. First, are you trying to convince me or yourself? Second, how do you know about this other guy? Have you been spending time with the lovely Cassie and her kids?” His eyes narrowed and his voice wheedled.

“Not trying to convince anyone. I’m trying to give you a picture of what’s going on. Yes, I spent time with her. Mia strong-armed me to check out her house for a security system. We aren’t dating or anything like that. And I went to lunch with her and the kids and my sister.”

“But you do want to date her, correct?” Frank lifted his chin and gave him a hard stare.

He pictured Frank standing in front of a judge and grilling him as a defendant. His stomach lurched. His friend always could ferret information. Quite easily, too.

“I don’t know what I want. She bothers me and she is prickly.”

“She bothers you because you’re interested. Otherwise she wouldn’t bother you at all. And I think this whole conversation is more about you than it is about her. You just don’t want to go there.” Frank smirked as he chomped his pizza.

Trust Frank to cut to the chase.

“I overheard her talking to a guy named Phil when she was at our house for a pool party. Then she looked stricken when she saw her ex-sister-in-law. She has more baggage than the luggage carousel at JFK International and she’s hiding something. Maybe even a whole slew of things. That’s what’s bothering me most about her. I think that guy may have been that Phil guy. It couldn’t have been her ex, because he looked like he wanted more from or he may have even been someone else. Who knows?”

“You’re suspicious. One of two things need to happen. Either you get to know her better and realize she doesn’t have the secrets you think she has, or she does. After all, Steve, everyone has secrets, even you. Why would you expect her not to? Bottom line, get to know her better. Get some clarity. Prayer is the answer.”

“I haven’t prayed in a long, long time.” Steve mumbled and his shoulders drooped. “This situation keeps me awake at night. I keep thinking what an exceptional mother she is to her daughters, and she treats my girls the same way.” Steve took a huge breath. “This is so beyond me right now.”

 

Nice!

So, what are readers saying about this book?

☆☆☆☆

"Honest, inspirational, dramatic...What if your 'second chance at love' comes along--maybe even your true destined love--and you're not ready for it? What makes this love story so compelling is that Cassie and Steve are each still tangled in a complicated net of memory, trauma, guilt, hope, obligation, and determination that has left both of them defensive, mistrustful, and secretive. And their secrets are dramatic enough, and the push and pull they feel powerful enough, to make this a page-turner.

One of the most interesting aspects of the story is how much of the drama springs from the adventures of a supporting character who will star in the next book of the series." - Susan Chapek, Amazon

☆☆☆☆☆

"I can relate to Steve and his mistrust! Seralynn does a wonderful job of bringing out the character's motives. Big themes throughout the novel are forgiveness, the importance of faith in God in prayer, and learning to trust again. A second time inspirational romance with characters you'll fall in love with and root for ... especially a good read for Christian Romance readers looking for Suspense! I'm looking forward to reading Book Two!" - Cheryl Kramarczyk, Amazon

☆☆☆☆☆

"Fantastic read! Draws you into the characters very quickly so that you want to keep reading to find out more. I appreciate the romance novel being presented in a wholesome fashion— all the good elements of the genre. The plot also adds an extra element of mystery and intrigue. Highly recommended!" - Itala, Amazon

☆☆☆☆☆

"Cassie’s Secrets is a heartwarming story of growth, sweet romance, and the power of Christ to heal and overcome wounds. I enjoyed it very much and thoroughly recommend this book. The plot moved well, the main characters were well-developed, and the children vulnerable and sweet. " - dwerckle, Amazon

 

 

☆☆☆☆☆

"Who wouldn't want a second chance? I will admit that this book was a gift and as a mystery/thriller reader, my expectations were fairly low. That said, I was very pleasantly surprised by Cassie's Secrets and how the author drew me in and made me care about the characters. The plot was contemporary, but still spiritual, entirely believable and it kept my interest. I actually read the entire book in one sitting - on a plane - and have since acquired Ms. Lewis' next book. I would strongly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author." - Cathy L., Amazon

 

What an intriguing tale!

Get your copy of this clean, small town romance today, readers! Or, add it to your Goodreads bookshelf!

Also, check out the rest of the books in the Women of Worthy Series...

Mia’s Irishman, book 2:

 

Kate’s Quest, book 3, will be available Winter 2021.

 

 

Thanks for letting us know all about your contemporary, inspirational romance novel, Seralynn! It sounds like quite a read! :)

 

 

About the Author:

I was born and raised in a small historical town in northern Ohio. After having lived in various parts of the United States and for a short time in Germany, my husband and I have found our forever home in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina.

Getting married at eighteen was way too young to know what marriage was all about. After ten years, two children, and a thousand romance novels, it was time to sever the relationship. It wasn’t an easy decision or transition because the kids were small. I dedicated myself to raising my two beautiful daughters. Not being a very good judge of character, I felt I had more growing to do.

I put myself through school but could not find a job. My brother’s wife mentioned there were women who met to pray, and would I be interested? I thought, “Why not?” It couldn’t hurt and might help. That meeting changed my life forever.

When the woman asked me, “Where will you spend eternity?” I didn’t have an answer, and I needed one. That’s when my life changed. 

My daughters are now grown and I have two lovely grandchildren, and a husband who supports everything I do no matter what it is.

When I'm not writing, thinking about writing, or plotting my next novel, I'm busy preparing a telephone Bible Study. That's what I've been doing for years.

A long-time lover of romance novels, I would like nothing more than to sit on a deserted beach somewhere sipping iced tea and reading to my heart's content. My husband and I travel to visit family and friends in my hometown where I browse and delight in my favorite library.

 

Author Links:

Website/Blog:  www.seralynnlewis.com  
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SeralynnAuthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SeralynnAuthor 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/seralynnauthor/  
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/seralynnlewis/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/seralynn-lewis-65258716b

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08G1ZLXLK  
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20620005.Seralynn_Lewis
AllAuthor:  https://allauthor.com/author/seralynn/

Seralynn's Books: