Sweet Tea and Secrets: An Adams Grove Novel [Paperback]

Nancy Naigle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2011

Adams Grove is mourning the loss of Pearl Clemmons, known for her award-winning Chocolate Pecan Pie and the best unsolicited advice in the county.

When Jill returns to settle her grandmother's estate, she's greeted by a Clydesdale-sized guardian dog who doesn't seem to be earning his stripes (although he drools on them pretty well), and Garrett Malloy, the ex-fiancé she left behind a year ago. Jill insists on staying at Pearl's amidst a string of break-ins that have sleepy Adams Grove wide awake and locking its doors. Jill's past with Garrett becomes the least of her worries when she learns that she is the only person standing between a desperate conman and a secret from Pearl's past.

Will Pearl's past kill any chance of Jill and Garrett's future together?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The camaraderie of a small town is captured in all its glory in this story of rediscovered love, lies and deceit. Trust comes in small doses and is lost just as easily as the clever plot unfolds, especially when unusual characters provide surprises." - RT Book Reviews, 4-stars --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Welcome to the small town of Adams Grove, where the tea is sweet and trouble is brewing. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: Crossroads (July 10, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615511716
• ISBN-13: 978-0615511719
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (198 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,809,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Virginia author, Nancy Naigle, writes love stories from the crossroad of small town and suspense in hopes that readers will find an escape from their hectic day-to-day in the make believe worlds she creates.

The award winning novel, SWEET TEA AND SECRETS, is the first in the Adams Grove series. It's now available in print, digital and for the first time...audio.

Other Adams Grove novels include OUT OF FOCUS, and coming on July 9th -
WEDDING CAKE AND BIG MISTAKES (You'll remember Carolanne and Connor from Sweet Tea and Secrets!) followed by Cody Tuggle's story in PECAN PIE AND DEADLY LIES on September 24, 2013. In 2014, stay tuned for MINT JULEPS AND JUSTICE.

If you're tastes run toward young adult or mystery, you might also enjoy INKBLOT co-written by Nancy Naigle and Phyllis Johnson under the pen name - Johnson Naigle.
Hugs and happy reading~

Stay up to date with future releases by joining Nancy's free newsletter. Available on her website.
For more information visit, www.NancyNaigle.com
and friend Nancy on facebook and twitter (@nancynaigle)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Small Town Secrets, Mystery and Romance--the Perfect trio! May 22, 2011

By Tooncesmom TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Betrayed by her long-time steady, Garrett Malloy, Jill Clemmons fled Adams Grove, Virginia to work for-and then live with--Bradley Kase. Now she's returning, and memories of life in the small town, and her lingering and unwanted attraction to Garrett remain.

Grandma Pearl always said you should live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh s---, she's awake!" Hard advice for Jill to follow, even harder when she must come home to bury the woman who was mother and grandmother to her. Despite her high profile career with Kase's foundation, Jill longs for the simplicity of Adams Grove, but how can she cope without the woman who raised her? And how can she cope when sexy architect/contractor Garrett feels a need to protect her?

While she was gone, Garrett made their dreams a reality with his upscale contracting business. He seems to have fulfilled the dreams they planned together. Even though Garrett's success give Jill pause, she's happy he succeeded but knows her life and future is with Bradley and the foundation which, without her expertise, would not be the success it is.

But things are not as simple as they appear. Instead of settling her grandmother's estate and returning to Savannah, Jill finds it hard to leave the home where she grew up. Then things begin to happen: an unlocked door, a ransacked house, being shut up in an attic and having to escape by breaking through a wall. And that's only for starters. As one event after another occurs, Garrett fears for Jill's safety. And when the attacks get personal, they both must use their wits to outsmart a nemesis. But who is it and why would they want to hurt Jill?

Adams Grove has its share of secrets in this compelling story by author Nancy Naigle. The wealth of small-town happenings, well-told back story, a cache of hidden love letters, and rich characterizations make Sweet Tea and Secrets a page turner. Grandma Pearl knew right away that Jill and Garrett were perfect for each other. Garrett sees it, too-he's never stopped loving Jill. But life-threatening evens need to happen to make Jill see the obvious, and then, will it be too late?

You'll love Garrett and Jill and Grandma Pearl. Even though dead, Pearl is a strong presence throughout this delightful sweet love story, spiced with suspense. Ms. Naigle has a distinct voice that will keep her on my "buy" list. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut novel and think you will, too.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Adams Grove and Sweethearts and Secrets May 2, 2011

By Grace

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Sweet Tea and Secrets takes place in Adams Grove and centers around childhood sweethearts, Jill and Garrett, who meet again after the death of a respected town matriarch, Pearl, who is also Jill's grandmother and the woman who raised her. The relationship of Jill to her grandmother is tenderly written, and Jill's rocky reunion with her first love is told amid the dangers and threats arising from Pearl's secrets. This is an enjoyable read - with grief, love, laughter, danger and mystery - it's got it all. I look forward to the next book in the Adams Grove series.

30 of 37 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars It's just OK December 11, 2011

By Flowers

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Bought this book because of all the 5 star ratings. It is not a 5 star book in my opinion. The reader is expected to suspend all reasoning and believe that the main character is just that stupid. At times a very frustrating and predictable book. I've learned to read the lower star ratings as well before I purchase a book to get the full story.