Protected Secrets - A Whispering Pines Mystery, Book 10 (PAPERBACK)

Chapter 1
SCOOP. LIFT. DUMP. REPEAT.
After only five minutes of this, I had worked up a sweat and needed to peel off my fleece jacket.
Scoop. Lift. Dump.
Scoop. Lift. Dump.
After another five minutes, it was clear I would regret volunteering for this job tomorrow. This stuff was heavy. My arms were already yelling at me.
Still, I continued lifting, dropping shovelfuls of snow over the side where they landed on the thawing lake with a solid wet thump. This was good for me. Not only the physical exertion of pushing and removing snow from the boathouse deck but also the emotional exertion of preparing the small boathouse apartment for someone else to stay in it. I was being a bit dramatic about this. I knew that. It’s just, this was the first place I’d ever lived by myself. I’d gone from my parents’ home to sharing a dorm room with my college roommate to an apartment with my then boyfriend. This apartment, approximately the length of a school bus and twice the width, was the place where I’d become independent. Emotionally, at least.
Once I’d completed my task, except for a couple stubborn stuck-on spots that would have to melt on their own, I leaned against the railing and took in the sight before me. The first warm day of the year in Whispering Pines was glorious. According to the calendar, and the even more reliable local Wiccan population, it wouldn’t officially be spring for three more days, but it sure didn’t look like winter to me. I breathed in the smell of wet sun-warmed pine and smiled. Across the vast forest that surrounded both the lake and the village, any snow left from the storm that hit two days ago was melting quickly, dripping like rain from the boughs. Little plip, plop, plip sounds came from everywhere as the drips formed small puddles on the ground. Any animals wandering through the woods today were in for a shower.
“Here you are.”
I turned to see my boyfriend and business partner, Tripp Bennett, cresting the stairs along the side of the boathouse. I pointed at the dozen or so fishing huts dotting the lake.
“Don’t you think the owners should pull those in now? Look at all the puddles forming on the surface.” As if backing me up, sunbeams glinted off a few. “Isn’t that a sign that it’s time?”
“The villagers know the lake pretty well. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“It’s been warm for March, though. If it was me, I’d haul them in.”
“What are you doing up here? Other than worrying about fishing shanties.”
“I came to help Holly clean the apartment.”
He took in my leaning against the railing stance and teased, “You appear to be doing a fine job.”
“She kicked me out.” I flexed my hands up and pressed them against the rail to stretch my tight forearms. “I shoveled the snow off the stairs and deck instead.”

Do I need to read the series in order? No. Each book stands alone, but starting with Book 1 will give you the most enjoyment in getting to know the characters and following the series arcs if you read the books in order.

Is this a paranormal cozy mystery? Yes. It blends cozy mystery storytelling with supernatural elements like
witches, folklore, and hidden magic.

Is the book violent or graphic? No. This follows cozy mystery conventions, focusing on intrigue and relationships rather than graphic content.

Is there romance in the story? There are light romantic elements, but the primary focus is the mystery.

Is this appropriate for teens / is there adult content? The Whispering Pines mysteries, Witches of Blackwood Grove mysteries,
and Wish Makers fantasies are appropriate for teens. The Gemi Kittredge
mysteries are okay for older teens.

When will I receive my paperback? All paperbacks are print-on-demand or printed at the time of order. Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery. You will receive an email when your order is ready to ship. It will include a tracking number so you can track your order.

What format will I receive an e-book in Instantly downloadable e-books come as either an EPUB or MOBI.

Can I return or exchange this? Digital products are not returnable. Paperbacks are returnable only if they sustained damage in shipping.