Starting Over by Kay Bratt

Starting Over
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #8
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Romance
Takes Place: Hart’s Ridge GA
Main Character: Taylor
Other Characters: Sam, Cate, Sutton, Alice, Shane, Caleb, Corbin
Pets: Diesel along with several rescue animals
Stars: 5

This is another great read by Kay Bratt and the 8th book in her Hart’s Ridge Series.

We return to visit the Gray’s once more in this story about family dynamics, romance, secrets, helping where needed, balancing a busy life with family and of course, Mysteries.

A kidnapping rocks the town of Hart’s Ridge when Lydia, the wife of a local sheriff deputy, goes missing from the local Walmart. Deputy Taylor Gray along with the local Sheriffs Department and the FBI are on the case to find this missing woman. This takes Taylor away from her fiance, Sam, as he is dealing with some family struggles of his own.

Cate is struggling with her romantic life and recovering from a gunshot wound she received at the end of book #7. We meet a new character, Sutton, who has been accused of embezzlement. She moves in with Cate to help with her recovery and has secrets of her own.

Most of the book revolves around the search for Lydia and Sutton’s secret. Two great mysteries that will keep you guessing throughout the book.

I love this series. It pulls the reader in and it is a ‘can’t put down’ read. The characters are all 3-dimensional with distinct personalities. I love their strength and no matter their struggles, they always have each others backs. I recommend reading the books in order so you can get to know the Gray family fall in love with them as I have.

Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end of the book. The kidnapping in the book was based on a real life kidnapping. Parts of it were altered a bit but her inspiration came from an actual event.

Although I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have one issue with the ending. I felt like there was no closure. I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t say more. This was supposed to be the last book in the Hart’s Ridge series but due to popular demand, there will be a 9th book. I am so glad we get to visit with the Gray’s one more time. I am looking forward to book 9.

Happy Reading!