The Stranger at the Door

This is a shorter story from Lorhainne Eckhart in the Billy Jo series but no less interesting. The stranger is 16 year old, Sunday Byrd, who makes several claims around her husband Ash Byrd. Mark, in his usual fashion, gives some credence despite her arriving unannounced and uninvited at his home. Billy Jo gives very little to her and her behaviour convinced she is telling lies...with good reason. Mark is still up against the council and the last thing he needs is for Ash Byrd to follow through on his veiled threats - warnings and interference from Tolly and Gail should not be ignored. Billy Jo also needs to make up her mind about her relationship with Mark, as she resorts to self preservation and insults when on the defensive, especially when Mark retaliates towards her attitude.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

We are back in the small northwestern town where secrets are kept and where what seems to be true and proper on the outside, really is. not. Mark Friessen has recently been appointed police chief and Billy Jo McCade, the social worker who was once the thorn on his side, is now the woman, complicated and all, that is stealing his heart. What happens when a young woman knocks at Mark’s door, making statements that has Billy Jo wondering what is true and what is not . As the web of lies and innuendos grows, Mark’s future and life are in jeopardy. As the plot progresses, the author does what she does best. Bringing to light the fact that the laws of society frequently fail to protect the innocent. That those with power tend to twist the truth in order to benefit themselves, and that sometimes, those that like Mark, have integrity and believe in doing what’s right, are at times thrown “under the train”. This was another thought provoking story in this series. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Mark and Billy Joe get entangled in a very disturbing relationship between a couple - he is in his late 40s and his wife, barely over 16 with two children. He is a powerful man, who knows who is who on the island and outside it. She is a complicated teenager who wants out of a marriage. Lies abound from all sides, and Billy Joe and Mark have to work hard to understand what's going on. The main point in this story is how even in first-world countries, marriage to teenagers is still allowed, everyone knows it shouldn't be happening, but still does, and the main driver is not poverty as it happens in poorer places. As always Lorhainne Eckhart is able to write an engaging story about a difficult topic that many prefer not to touch. Well done! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.