Today I’m reviewing a book that is the second in a series. The first book, Grave Consequences, by Debra DuPree Williams was set in the 1960’s in Alabama.

The story continues in Grave Decisions, as Charlotte Graves is up against another family mystery to solve. Her ownership of her beloved Rose Haven plantation comes into question. The woman who eloped with Charlotte’s ex-boyfriend, Sissy Jo Phillips, is claiming to now own half of Rose Haven and has papers to prove it.

It’s time to join Charlotte once more in the twists and turns of family disfunction and secrets held tightly over a span that goes back as far as the 1600’s and down through the years to their present day of fall and winter of 1968 in Loblolly, Alabama.

With some bad men and possibly a killer on the loose, it is fun to take a break from all the danger and read of the local diner and characters that eat there. Charlotte’s cousin, Fee, runs a beautiful boutique named Soilse, where all the women love to shop. I remember very well shopping with my mother and grandmother in little shops just like this one when I was a little girl and eating at local diners that fit Debbie’s descriptions.

There are many meals around the table at Rose Haven, served up by Charlotte’s grandmother, Miss Marge Mayhew and Charlotte’s Aunt Becky. The food sounds amazing and extended family and friends are always gathered there.

In the midst of it all, Charlotte has to find answers to some serious questions and check out the authenticity of an artifact, before someone gets killed. So many people are in danger, including Charlotte.

Lucky for Charlotte her boyfriend, Roan Steele, is a Deputy Sheriff in town and keeps an eye out for Charlotte and any trouble she may find herself in.

This is a perfect read for summer because it is so fun to be reading a book about cold, sleet, fires in a fireplace, hot teas and cobblers to warm everyone up, when it is 90 degrees outside.

This is another book that you will love and understand if you have a few skeleton’s in your own family’s closet.

Debbie’s descriptions of the town, homes, and characters make you feel like you know them and draws you right in as a part of their family. I read it over the weekend when I was sick and miserable, and it took me right out of my own story and into the wonderful story world that Debbie has created for those who love historical fiction, genealogy , mysteries, and family. Debbie even adds recipes at the end of the book so you can sample the food served around the table and in the diner.

Charlotte learns many lessons in the book about what family means and how God requires forgiveness of others, if we are to move forward in our relationship with Him.

I encourage you to buy the book and enjoy a fun get-away into another world that might sound very familiar to your own.

It can be found at Barnes & Noble and Amazon of course.

Happy Summer Reading!