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The Last Loyalist by Kathryn K. Murphy-review & interview

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The Last Loyalist by Kathryn K. Murphy-review & interview

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 22, 2026

A lost soldier from the past. A modern woman with everything to lose. A love powerful enough to defy the centuries.

Public defender Melanie Reyes never expected her newest client to look like he’d stepped out of a Revolutionary War portrait. But Nathaniel Harrington isn’t just old-fashioned, he’s the very same British Redcoat who vanished without a trace in 1776.

He shouldn’t exist. Yet his haunted honor, razor-sharp wit, and unshakable loyalty pull Mel closer with every heartbeat. Nathaniel is a man out of time, and she’s the only one who can help him survive this new world.

But passion comes at a cost. To love him means risking her career, her reputation, and the life she’s fought so hard to build. And for Nathaniel, torn between the duty he left behind and the woman who’s captured his heart, it means proving he can be the kind of partner she deserves in a century not his own.

••••••••

REVIEW: The premise is classic fish out of water … a British Redcoat from 1776 suddenly appearing in the present day, defended by a dedicated public defender, Melanie Reyes.

The contrast between Nathaniel’s rigid 18th century honor, loyalty, and wit against Mel’s contemporary life (career pressures, reputation risks) sets up delicious tension.

I love how the blurb emphasizes the internal conflict, Nathaniel grappling with duty to a lost cause versus building a life (and love) in a new era, while Mel risks everything she’s built. It’s that push/pull, that I love, combined with steamy passion, and the romance. 😜

I loved the author’s other stories, (like the Firemark series with its immortal twists or the Sisters in Sirens small-town magic), and this one has to be one of my favourites, with its steamy contemporary romance and light fantasy/paranormal elements.

The time travel element adds that “touch of magic” with the found family vibes, and a satisfying HEA where love truly rewrites history. “Sigh” 🥰

I loved Nathaniel, how he took to this new world with all of its wonders. Always the gentleman, except when he wasn’t 😜

It took me a few pages to warm up to Mel, but I grew to love her. And Abuelita, she was such a character 💜

The standalone makes it a perfect read. And I couldn’t put it down.

If you’re into books like Outlander (for the historical/modern clash of course 😜)but want something shorter, steamier, and more focused on a single couple’s journey, then this book should hit that spot.

The Revolutionary War setting brings a fresh angle (British loyalist perspective rather than the usual Scottish Highlander) and although not a big historical fan, I do love a good historical romance 🥰 this made a nice change.

Overall, it promised to be an engrossing, sexy escape with strong characters and high emotional payoff. And it gave that to me and more.

So if you’re looking for a read with romance, intense chemistry, historical flavor, and a century spanning love story, then look no further.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

TRC:  Hi Kathryn and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release THE LAST LOYALIST.

Kathryn: Thank you! I’m so excited to be here!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Kathryn: Of course! I have always loved reading and writing romance, but before I became an author, I was a history teacher who taught middle school early American history. I hope readers of The Last Loyalist will enjoy the historical references throughout!

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Kathryn:I pick up influence from everywhere. I love to learn new things and people-watch, so sometimes I’ll overhear something in an airport and think about what they said and how, so I’ll file it away until the right moment. Style-wise, I’ve always appreciated stories that are romantic but grounded in reality, with women facing everyday stakes, while something incredible is happening in their lives. I think the idea of a character meeting a really handsome time traveler, only to worry that she doesn’t have any food in the fridge and has to go to work tomorrow, is really powerful because it’s romantic, fantastical, and relatable.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Kathryn:I wrote this story originally in 2017, but wasn’t able to get it to where I was satisfied with the result. Originally, Nathaniel was from the Civil War, and Mel was from Baltimore. In fact, that original version is still complete and on my computer. I had moved on to other stories when I was encouraged to give it another look and rewrote it entirely.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of THE LAST LOYALIST

Kathryn:The Last Loyalist is a time-travel romance in which a British soldier travels forward in time and is arrested in a New York City park when his colleague fires on a police officer. He’s assigned a public defender who takes him under her wing after his release, and they fall in love.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning THE LAST LOYALIST?

Kathryn:That’s a great question, and I’m going to do a poor job answering it because it came in phases. For any book I write, I do a lot of research whether it’s about boats, fire departments or places in New England, Louisiana, Montana, or New York. I really like to learn knew things and whether or not all of it ends up on the page, I think this creates depth which is a strength of my stories.

For The Last Loyalist, I felt like I started from a strong place. I have an undergraduate degree in history, and I worked as a costumed interpreter at a museum in Virginia on the weekends in college before becoming a history teacher for 12 years, so all of that gave me a lot of background to work from. Also, my husband is a film and television director who specializes in American military history, so I’ve been fortunate to have a different baseline than most people. In fact, The Last Loyalist original started as an idea my husband had for a screenplay that he wrote, but never pursued. With the first draft, I visited the Maryland locations for the story and read two books as research on what was to be Civil War cavalry, only to shelve it. When I revisited nine years later, I dove back into research, which led to a delightful sidequest: understanding the British Army during the American Revolution, including rank, and the crossing on a British Man-O-War. It was something new, since much of my time had been spent studying and explaining the Continental Army. Regarding Nathaniel’s character, I would say the most research I did was actually for his time in prison, which I wanted to be authentic and grounded in reality, given what could happen in this scenario. With Mel’s character, I really wanted to understand the world of law, and spent much of my time researching not only the legal code in New York, but also what a day would look like for a public defender, so her depth of character would ring true.

TRC: Does the premise rely heavily on historical fact? How do you blend historical fact with fiction without affecting the historical timeline?

Kathryn: I wanted The Last Loyalist to be a commentary on how far our day-to-day lives have come from the Revolutionary Era, so I imagined what our world would feel like for a British nobleman from that time. In doing so, I wanted to make his experience as accurate as possible so we could get a clearer sense of the world he came from before meeting Melanie. While Nathaneial Harrington did not exist, his regiment did at that battle and even camped at what is now Van Cortlandt Park. I find this strategy of placing someone adjacent to history very effective.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing believability or content?

Kathryn:I recently took Dan Brown’s Masterclass, and one thing he said really stood out to me, which was, “We know the beginning, and we know the ending. Your job as the author is to get from point A to point B in the most interesting way possible.” While they are navigating all the twists and turns of a plot, I try to immerse my characters in the world around them, which is why you’ll see them eating or in their homes, which is something often omitted in fast-paced stories. Another thing I like to keep in mind is that the character has to get themselves out of this mess or reach the final end, so they have to use the tools they already have or overcome what’s been holding them back. This approach puts the creativity on the character. As the reader, we get to see how they handle it in a believable way because we’re on that journey with them as it unfolds.

TRC: Do you have plans for a series and ongoing time-travel?

Kathryn:I have so many ideas for more historical romances and time-travel, and I’d love to do a series! It’ll be interesting to see which one makes it to the page first.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories of mystery and suspense. How do you keep the story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Kathryn:I think it’s easy to want it to work out and help the character along. I once heard James Patterson say, “People will go easy on the villain, but not the hero. They don’t get any shortcuts.” It’s true, and part of the appeal. The villain gets to have infinite money, a secret escape hatch to a secretly fueled helicopter that just happens to be taking off at just the right moment, but the hero has a paper clip and a pack of gum and we love to watch them figure it out. Letting the characters have their moment to shine and work through it is some of the best storytelling out there.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Kathryn:Yes, I do believe that covers play an important role in setting reader expectations for the story. If they see a dog on the cover, they expect a dog, and will be let down if one never shows. Same thing with dragons, men, women, and settings. Not only do covers speak to the content, but they also speak to how complete and polished the story inside will be. With so many wonderful stories to choose from and more demands on their time, readers can afford to be discerning with their time and money.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Kathryn: For me, I typically have a broad idea of the story first, and the characters reveal who they are as the story unfolds. I’ve found that this is the opposite of many other authors, who have ideas for characters and let them choose where they want to go, which builds the story.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Kathryn:I can’t remember where it comes from, but some of the best advice II’veever heard is the bigger the emotion, the smaller you go, because in stressful, high-intensity moments, the human mind closes in on details as it tries to absorb and process information. Less can be more in a lot of cases. Also, controlling when information is shared with the reader is an often-overlooked tool. When a reader has a piece of information four chapters before it becomes relevant in that intense moment, they too experience that feeling of connection, like piecing together a puzzle.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Kathryn:I have listened to the same study music for all of my books since 2018. It is a gentle new age type of meditation music with alpha and beta waves. Now, when I hear it, II’vetrained myself to be able to get back into writing much faster.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Kathryn:That it is easy, and pays well.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Kathryn:I make up stories when playing with my son. Some of his toys have a character arc and background that have continued to evolve for over seven years.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Kathryn:I’m currently working on a new series that is a modern quest for love. My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets When Harry Met Sally in the DC metro area.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Kathryn:I’d love for everyone to keep in touch with me by subscribing to my newsletter, where I share updates from my life and stories every month. They can sign up at my website, www.KathrynKMurphy.com.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Seafood and cheeseburgers

Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Lava cake, apple pie à la mode, or key lime pie

Favorite TV Show: The Golden Girls and Barefoot Contessa

Favorite Sport: Football, Baseball, and Hockey

Last Movie You Saw: Zootopia 2

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate all the way, especially with fruit or nuts

Secret Celebrity Crush: Henry Cavill

Last Vacation Destination: Disney Cruise!

Do you have any pets? One rescued, feral cat, Princess, who now lives the life of luxury. Also, we recently adopted four chickens, which has been a lot of fun.

Last book you read: Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

TRC: Thank you Kathryn for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of THE LAST LOYALIST. We wish you all the best.

Kathryn: Thank you so much for all you do and for this opportunity!

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A Touch of Truth by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

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A Touch of Truth by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

 

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Description:
Sergeant Ash Myers possesses a rare gift—she can detect lies.

Aspiring to become Goldvein, Montana’s first female police detective, her dreams are shattered when a series of violent attacks and murders rock the town, and she becomes the prime suspect. Fleeing into a blizzard, Ash stumbles upon Max, a mysterious man who holds the key to her salvation.

Max, presumed dead for five years after escaping a secret lab, seeks revenge against the doctor responsible for his torment. When news of the doctor’s murder reaches him, instead of retribution, he finds himself drawn to a strikingly beautiful woman—Ash. With a blizzard closing in and the police hot on their trail, Max and Ash join forces to survive in the mountains and uncover the truth about Goldvein.

As they delve deeper, their attraction grows, but danger lurks around every corner, and time is running out. In ‘A Touch of Truth,’ the final installment of the Sisters in Sirens series, Kathryn K. Murphy weaves a tale of steamy romance, suspense, and the strength of a woman’s determination. Experience the power of love and the relentless pursuit of justice in this gripping conclusion to the series.

 

 

Review: 

A Touch of Truth by Kathryn K. Murphy is the 3rd book in her Sisters of Sirens series.  I thought this was a new series, then I read the blurb…. Realizing it’s the last book in her “Sisters in Sirens” series, I grabbed it with both hands. I loved the first books in the series. Three women who are friends in the emergency services, and I loved the title of the book, very aptly named. 

Ash can tell if your lying, it’s come in handy over the years with her job (police) but in her personal life it can be difficult (friends and potential lovers have fallen by the wayside!).  In this book we start with a murder! Who is the man the police find dead? And why does he have Ash’s name on a piece of paper clutched in his hand? (We do find out in the book 😉) 

Max is on the run, he can’t remember when he didn’t feel safe. He needs to lay low and come up with a plan. He never expected to come across a woman who may just make him want to settle down and fight! 

When Ash becomes a suspect in the man that they found murdered, she does the only thing she can do, even though she knows is wrong, she flees the town and shatters her dream of becoming the first woman detective in the town she’s come to love. 

The conspiracy that the government are building an army of secret soldiers was a great twist. But does it become a reality for the book? (Need to read to find out.) And even the town Ash comes from has its secrets! Can Ash and Max work together to find out who framed her, and who stole the last five years of Max’s life? 

Loved how we tie the books in and give it a great finish. It’s not necessary for the first two books to be read, but it does add something to the story. But it does read fine on its own. Characters were great, we even got to catch up with previous characters who were in the last two books. They work really well together; they balance out each other’s natures. In fact, if they clear their names, they would work well as a team on the police force. Storyline was really good. A murder/mystery with a healthy dose of romance. It goes at a pretty steady pace, there isn’t a lot of filler to slow the pace down either. Cleverly written and really well thought out and put together. 

So, if you’re looking for that type of book, I’d highly recommend it. In fact, I’d recommend reading all three books in this series. 

Reviewed by Julie 

Copy supplied by Author

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A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

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A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

 

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Description:
Megan White should’ve died twenty-five years ago.

Now she appears to have it all—a solid career, a trendy apartment—but she feels like a fraud. A firefighter, Megan has an edge she doesn’t deserve. She doesn’t burn. Torn between her duty and her dreams, Megan is about to escape to the life she always wanted when a handsome soldier marches into her life.

After his dad barely escapes a house fire, Troy Chapman is forced to return home from the army. He finds the life he left behind buried in ashes with a beautiful red-haired firefighter at the center of it all.

Troy has six weeks to set everything straight before he returns to base, but time at home isn’t easy. Haunted by painful childhood memories, he is now fighting to reclaim the little peace he had before Iraq. A dedicated soldier, Troy is committed to returning to the army, but something about Megan makes him want to put down roots in the very place he’s been trying to escape for years.

Megan and Troy burn for each other, but time is ticking until they must go back to their separate lives. With a new danger on the horizon, Megan and Troy must decide what they really want before they lose their chance at love—and possibly their lives.

A steamy contemporary romance, A Touch of Fire is the second book in the Sisters in Sirens series. If you like strong women with secret superpowers and the men who love them, you’ll love Kathryn K. Murphy’s newest page-turning romance. Get your copy today!

 

 

Review:

A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy is the second book in this series. And it’s being added as a favourite series to read again. I loved it, couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Ordinary women with powers they have to hide. 

Megan is fireproof, there is no better way to describe it. She’s never been able to get burnt, so being a firefighter seemed the obvious choice of career. She’s also a lover of animals, she has cats and birds, and a turtle. In fact she gets on better with animals that with people. That’s probably why she offers a temporary home to the dog she rescued from the fire she attended. (Can’t keep pets in hospitals).  I liked Megan, a kind hearted soul who only wants to help. 

Laura is the paramedic with healing hands (Laura/Carter are MC’s in book one A Touch of Healing) Laura and Megan became friends after Megan discovered Laura’s secret, they are now secret sisters (sworn to keep one another’s secret safe from the world) she gave a boost to the old man who suffered in the fire. 

Troy is a bit of an enigma at first. We meet him at his work of place with is the army, he’s informed by phone that his father had suffered a heart attack after a fire. He’s being asked to visit and arrange care for his father. Reading between the lines I get the feeling he’s seeing a therapist for the loss of family members. Troy seems like a nice nice, but can he actually help his father and give him the care he needs? 

When Megan and Troy meet for the first time, Troy is mesmerised by the mysterious woman. He wants to know more about her, but before he can talk to her, she’s off…..They soon bond over the love of Troy’s father. They become close, but Troy is hiding something. And that will come back and test the bond Megan and Troy have for one another…..

They want to be together, with him about to return to barracks can they really form a lasting relationship? 

It’s not necessary to read the previous book as it stands on its own quiet happily, but yet there is a mystery that needs solving! And that’s where Ash Comes in ?

A highly recommended read from me. ?

Reviewed by Julie 

Copy supplied for review

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A Touch of Healing by Kathryn K Murphy – a Review

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A Touch of Healing by Kathryn K Murphy – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
Laura Burton has a secret. One that she has always been able to count on until Carter Price crashes back into her life. 

As a paramedic, Laura helps people, but her secret power heals them, or it had until now. She hasn’t seen the billionaire tech mogul since he broke every promise back when they were dating in high school. Now, in the back of the ambulance, Carter’s breaking the rules again when her power fails to work on him. Laura needs to find out why while managing to keep herself and her son afloat on a shoestring budget, when Carter offers her a deal. Live with him and help him recover in exchange for free rent. Can she figure out what has gone wrong while guarding herself from getting hurt again?

A steamy, second chance romance, A Touch of Healing is the first book in the Sisters in Sirens series. If you like strong women with secret superpowers and the men who love them, you’ll love Kathryn K. Murphy’s newest page-turning romance.

 

Review:

A Touch of Healing by Kathryn K. Murphy is the first book in her new Sisters in Sirens series. Laura can heal with just the touch of her hands! She doesn’t publicize the fact, she just starts the healing process. Laura’s a paramedic. She always wanted to become a doctor, but a failed marriage and a little boy put her dreams out of reach, so she trained hard and helps people in her own way….. 

Carter overcame what people thought of him! At school he got in with the wrong crowd and saw him fall from a great height! Prison gave him the wake up call, and a good friend helped him back into the right path. So he was here to say goodbye at the friend funeral! But one too many drinks now has him in plaster and trapped on the town he left behind…..

Laura and Carter are friends who dated brief  until one fateful evening changed all that. And Carter only saw Laura from a distance, until he moved away. An accident brings them back into each others world, but can she  ever trust Carter again? 

Romance? Carter had loved Laura for such a long time, and knew he’d blown his chances with her as a teen, but now he’s an adult and he wants another chance! But will Laura give him that chance? 

We also have the fact Laura doesn’t seem to be able to heal Carter! Is it a coincidence? Or has she lost her healing ability? 

Second chance at romance comes calling for Carter and Laura, whilst convalescing in the town he grew up in he offers Laura a job and home to become his nurse/carer. He’s looking for a second chance with Laura, and he’ll use whatever he can to succeed. They are meant to be together. 

Recommend? Definitely, it’s a great read, it is a slow burn romance, so if your looking for instalust you won’t get it here. We also have a love rival! It’s Carter’s assistant, and she really does try her best to split the new couple up! And we have the fact Laura has powers! Will she confide in Carter? 

I liked Laura she was a great character, love a little paranormal in with my reading. She has a great network of friends and a cute little boy (and an ex husband who may figure in future stories!) She tires so hard to be a good parent, but on a limited budget and now about to become homeless! But she just puts on a brave face and tries her best. 

Carter Was a nice surprise, he overcame his past, he learnt from his mistakes and tried to help others. Becoming a billionaire didn’t really change him as such, but if it hadn’t been for his old school coach, he probably wouldn’t be where he is today. 

This first book in a new series, (sisters in sirens) is all about first responders, but I’ve read and liked a previous series written by this author. (The Firemark Series) 

So can Carter convince Laura that they are meant to be together? And can Laura trust another man, after the last man broke her heart? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

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Simply a Matter of Time by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

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Simply a Matter of Time by Kathryn Murphy – a Review

 

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Description:
Ethan Brooks has led an extremely long double life, one that always felt stable and secure—until he crossed paths with Nora St. Clair. Suddenly, the dogged police lieutenant is invading his office in her quest for answers about the mysterious Brightrock Island he hails from, an idyllic community off the coast of Massachusetts and home to a literal fountain of youth. Sworn to secrecy about his hometown, Ethan must protect the truth about the mysterious island and those who live there at any cost. But that’s easier said than done as Nora captures Ethan’s attention like no one ever has, upending his carefully cultivated life. 

Resident Lizzy Brooks is enjoying her first taste of freedom from Brightrock Island after almost fifty years when Nora’s investigation throws everything into chaos, trashing Lizzy’s dreams when they’ve only just begun. With the clock ticking, Lizzy only has a few short weeks to explore what might’ve been a grand, romantic adventure with Caleb Broussard, her only connection outside the island. But this quiet, kind man whom Lizzy thought she knew has secrets of his own, ones that could impact everything.

Now Ethan and Lizzy are both on borrowed time. But as Nora gets closer to uncovering the truth, Brightrock’s elders deliver an ultimatum: return home or leave the island forever, forcing Lizzy and Ethan to choose between their loves—or their lives. 

 

 

Review:

Simply a Matter of Time by Kathryn Murphy is two stories for the price of one…. 

Ethan is the island’s financial wizard. He’s been doing it for long enough. He’s gotten comfortable with his life, but that’s about to change, and he’s not happy….

Nora is a detective, she’s looking into a case concerning the island and in particular Ethan’s brother. She wants answers and Ethan is the man to give them to her, but he’s being evasive, and now he’s on the move. She’s got no choice but to let it go, but that’s not in her nature…..

Elizabeth “Lizzy” has waited forever to start her degree as a doctor, and now the elders are calling her back, it’s not fair! But Izzy isn’t going down without a fight, she’s going missing, and she knows exactly where she’s going …… 

Caleb met Lizzy briefly, he thinks there is a connection, so when he gets a call from her to meet up, he wants the chance to find out if she feels the same way….. 

And when Ethan finds out Nora has been injured, why does he react the way he does? Is the fact she’s injured in a bomb blast that reminds him of the incident at Brightrock the trigger, or is the lovely lady herself? 

And when Lizzy finds out Caleb’s secret, will she look at him differently? And can they make it work if she has to go back to the island? 

Beautifully written. The book starts not long after the last book, so you could read it without reading the first one, but I feel you’d be missing why Nora is stalking Ethan.  We get to catch up with old characters. You get to feel Izzy’s frustration at being recalled back to Brightrock Island. You understand why she runs away, but is Caleb the right person to run too? He has his own demons to battle, and where will it take them? 

The interaction between Nora and Ethan is great, his reluctance to also return to the island is felt. And I love the banter between Ethan and Nora, it’s had me chuckling a few times through the book. 

I would have liked two books instead of one, as I felt gaps were missing when we jumped to each couple. We have a few twists in the book, we also have a few moments when I thought both couples would walk away from each other. 

Simply a Matter of Time was a really good read. And I totally recommend it. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

 

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The Secret About Time by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

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The Secret About Time by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

 

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Description:
Austin Brooks is almost one hundred-years-old, but he, like all of the residents of Brightrock Island, doesn’t age normally. The tight-knit community off the coast of Massachusetts has a closely-guarded secret—they’ve discovered the fountain of youth. In an effort to escape his painful memories of World War II, Austin has settled into his job at Brightrock’s only school as the funny guy, Mr. Fix It, on track to becoming a principal. Then new teacher Caitlyn Landry arrives from the mainland, throwing all life on Brightrock—especially Austin’s—into chaos. 

After suffering several major losses, Caitlyn is looking for a fresh start. Brightrock doesn’t take kindly to outsiders, but Caitlyn was a necessary hire, and when Austin is tasked with mentoring her, he discovers keeping his lips sealed is easier said than done. With her own regrets and mistakes haunting her, Caitlyn is hardly looking for love, but the more time she spends with Austin, the harder it is for either of them to keep their distance. But what no one on Brightrock knows is that someone is on to their secret, someone who poses a threat to everyone on the island, leaving Austin to decide between his loyalty to Brightrock and his desire to fight for the woman he can’t live without. 

 

 

Review:

A Secret About Time by Kathryn K. Murphy is the first book in her new The Firemark series.

To look at Austin, you wouldn’t think he was nearly one hundred years old!!! Time and the residents of Brightrock are different from “outsiders” it’s a slower pace, and the residents age differently too. 

Austin is a jack of all trades at the school, nothing he can’t turn his hand too, he’s worked hard to forget his past, and becoming principal at the school will keep him pretty occupied. So when members of his community tell Austin they’ve hired an “outsider” to teach at the school, he’s not too keen, he is not keen at all!!! They have too many secrets to keep from the new teacher, it’s going to be tough. Will Austin rise above it? 

Caitlyn needs a break, the death of her beloved parents, and another death after losing them was really hard (she felt guilty about the other death for some reason)

And this seems like too good an opportunity to miss. But on the way over to the island, she’s hit with doubts. And meeting Austin doesn’t help, she gets the distinct impression she’s not welcome!! 

Both settle into the roles they are given, and try to keep out out of each other’s way, but with fate playing its hand, it’s not long till they start bumping into each other. 

Caitlyn still feels like an outsider, the role she’s taken on doesn’t really feel like hers, it feels like she’s only there till the person she’s filling in for comes back!! And her feelings for Austin confuse her too, but she can’t get involved, it hurts to lose someone you love.

Austin is beginning to look at Caitlyn in a different way. She’s smart, fun and totally hot. And after seeing her in a World War II outfit, Austin wants more than a kiss, much more ……

But something or someone has noticed the residents on Brightrock are different. What is in store for Austin and the islanders? And how will it involve Caitlyn? 

I really enjoyed this book. Well written, and very descriptive. Hoping this isn’t that last time we visit Brightrock. 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy supplied for review.

 

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