The Great Charade, page 1
Table of Contents
Synopsis
Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
About the Author
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
Chapter Thirty-three
Chapter Thirty-four
Chapter Thirty-five
Chapter Thirty-six
Chapter Thirty-seven
Chapter Thirty-eight
Chapter Thirty-nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-one
Chapter Forty-two
Chapter Forty-three
Chapter Forty-four
Chapter Forty-five
Chapter Forty-six
Chapter Forty-seven
Chapter Forty-eight
Chapter Forty-nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-one
Bella Books
Synopsis
Abby Carpenter is in a tailspin knowing she is about to spend ten days in the company of her ex-girlfriend—who is now engaged to her brother—for a family holiday gathering in Red River, New Mexico. The same ex-girlfriend who last year at Christmas had lured her into bed. Abby’s solution? A pretend girlfriend for the holidays would surely keep her ex away and in her own room at night, right?
Nic Bennett’s life has been far from ideal and Christmas is her most dreaded holiday of all as she relives horrors from the past. When an attractive stranger approaches her with the offer of a chance to get away for ten days, she agrees. But with a counteroffer that brings both anxiety and excitement to the desperate Abby.
Among the holiday lights and snow-covered grandeur, the lines between pretend and reality blur as the two women have the time of their lives. Soon Abby learns it isn’t her ex she can’t resist. And Nic learns what it means to be part of a family for Christmas.
www.BellaBooks.com
When you shop at Bella, more of your dollars reach the women who write and produce the books you love. Thanks from all of the authors & staff at Bella!
Blog: Bella Media Channel
Facebook: BellaBooks
Twitter: @bellabooks
Instagram: TheBellaBooks
Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
Red Tide at Heron Bay
One of the best things I love about Ms. Hill’s writing is she takes the time to describe the environment and surroundings within the story, not so much as to stall the storyline but more to enhance the feeling of really being there with the characters…Ms. Hill does a wonderful job of blending mystery with a love story (reminds me of Devil’s Rock and Hell’s Highway) and she did it justice again in this book.
-Carol C., NetGalley
Love the Hawaiian shirts and the person wearing them. This romantic intrigue had my attention from the beginning. Detective Harley Shepherd, upbeat yet sad as she deals with the loss of someone close to her. Lauren Voss, resort manager, shying away from relationships as she continues to deal with a relationship that went off the rails. Both women “ran” to Heron Bay to heal. Little did they know that tragedy would be waiting for them right around the corner. I enjoyed the flirting and teasing. Some of the comments had me chuckling and laughing out loud.
-Kennedy O., NetGalley
The Stars at Night
The Stars at Night is a beautiful mountain romance that will transport you to a paradise. It’s a story of self-discovery, family, and rural living. This romance was a budding romance that snuck-up and on two unsuspecting women who found themselves falling in love under the stars and while gazing at birds. It’s a feel-good slow-burn romance that will make your heart melt.
-Les Rêveur
Hill is such a strong writer. She’s able to move the plot along through the characters’ dialogue and actions like a true boss. It’s a masterclass in showing, not telling. The story unfolds at a languid pace which mirrors life in a small, mountain town, and her descriptions of the environment bring the world of the book alive.
-The Lesbian Review
Gillette Park
This book was just what I was hoping for and wickedly entertaining. The premise of this book is really well done. Parts are hard to read of course. This book is about a serial killer who targets mostly young teenagers. The book isn’t very graphic, but it still breaks your heart in places. But there is also a sweet romance that helps to give the book a sense of hope. Mix that with some strong women, the creepiness of the paranormal factors, and the book balances out really well. There is a lot of potential with these characters and I’d love to see their stories continue. If you are a Hill fan, grab this.
-Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
Hill is a master writer, and this one is done in a way that I think will appeal to many readers. Don’t just discount this one because it has a paranormal theme to it! I think that the majority of readers who love mystery novels with a romantic side twist will love this story.
-Bethany K., goodreads
It was suspenseful and so well written that it was anyone’s guess what would happen next! The characters—all of them, as you’ll learn, were perfectly written.
-Gayle T., NetGalley
Gerri Hill has written another action-packed thriller. The writing is excellent and the characters engaging. Wow!
-Jenna F., NetGalley
…is a phenomenal book! I wish I could give this more than five stars. Yes, there is a paranormal element, and a love story, and conflict, and danger. And it’s all worth it. Thank you, Gerri Hill, for writing a brilliant masterpiece!
-Carolyn M., NetGalley
After the Summer Rain
…is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that features two awesome women who are learning what it really means to live and love fully. They’re also learning to let go of their turbulent pasts so that it doesn’t ruin their future happiness. Gerri Hill has never failed to give me endearing characters who are struggling with heartbreaking issues and beautiful descriptions of the landscapes that surround them.
-The Lesbian Review
Gerri Hill is simply one of the best romance writers in the genre. This is an archetypal Hill, slightly unusual characters in a slightly unusual setting. The slow-burn romance, however, is a classic, trying not to fall in love, but unable to fight the pull.
-Lesbian Reading Room
After the Summer Rain is a wonderfully heartfelt romance that avoids all the angsty drama-filled tropes you often find in romances.
-C-Spot Reviews
Moonlight Avenue
Moonlight Avenue by Gerri Hill is a riveting, literary tapestry of mystery, suspense, thriller and romance. It is also a story about forgiveness, moving on with your life and opening your heart to love despite how daunting it may seem at first.
-The Lesbian Review
…is an excellent mystery novel, sheer class. Gerri Hill’s writing is flawless, her story compelling and much more than a notch above others writing in this genre.
-Kitty Kat’s Book Review Blog
The Locket
This became a real page-turner as the tension racked up. I couldn’t put it down. Hill has a knack for combining strong characters, vulnerable and complex, with a situation that allows them to grow, while keeping us on our toes as the mystery unfolds. Definitely one of my favorite Gerri Hill thrillers, highly recommended.
-Lesbian Reading Room
The Neighbor
It’s funny…Normally in the books I read I get why the characters would fall in love. Now on paper (excuse the pun), Cassidy and Laura should not work…but let me tell you, that’s the reason they do. I actually loved this book so hard. …Yes it’s a slow burn but so beautifully written and worth the wait in every way.
-Les Rêveur
This is classic Gerri Hill at her very best, top of the pile of so many excellent books she has written, I genuinely loved this story and these two women. The growing friendship and hidden attraction between them is skillfully written and totally engaging….This was a joy to read.
-Lesbian Reading Room
I have always found Hill’s writing to be intriguing and stimulating. Whether she’s writing a mystery or a sweet romance, she allows the reader to discover something about themselves along with her characters. This story has all the fun antics you would expect for a quality, low-stress, romantic comedy. Hill is wonderful in giving us characters that are intriguing and delightful that you never want to put the book down until the end.
-The Lesbian Review
Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
After the Summer Rain
Angel Fire
Artist’s Dream
At Seventeen
Behind the Pine Curtain
Chasing a Brighter Blue
The Cottage
Coyote Sky
Dawn of Change
Devil’s Rock
Gillette Park
Gulf Breeze
Hell’s Highway
Hunter’s Way
In the Name of the Father
Keepers of the Cave
The Killing Room
The Locket
Love Waits
The Midnight Moon
Moonlight Avenue
The Neighbor
No Strings
One Summer Night
Paradox Valley
Partners
Pelican’s Landing
Red Tide at Heron Bay
The Rainbow Cedar
The Roundabout
The Secret Pond
Sawmill Springs
The Scorpion
The Stars at Night
Sierra City
Snow Falls
Storms
The Target
Weeping Walls
About the Author
Gerri Hill has over forty published works, including the 2021 GCLS winner for Gillette Park, the 2020 GCLS winner After the Summer Rain, the 2017 GCLS winner Paradox Valley, 2014 GCLS winner The Midnight Moon, 2011, 2012 and 2013 winners Devil’s Rock, Hell’s Highway and Snow Falls, and the 2009 GCLS winner Partners, the last book in the popular Hunter Series, as well as the 2013 Lambda finalist At Seventeen. Gerri lives in south-central Texas, only a few hours from the Gulf Coast, a place that has inspired many of her books. With her partner, Diane, they share their life with two Australian shepherds—Rylee and Mason—and a couple of furry felines. For more, visit her website at gerrihill.com.
Copyright © 2021 by Gerri Hill
Bella Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
First Edition - 2021
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Heather Honeywell
ISBN: 978-1-64247-339-1
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized print or electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
Chapter One
Abby nearly cringed when “Mom” popped up on her cell. Normally, that would bring a smile to her face. But it was November, after all. Her call could only mean one thing.
“Hey, Mom,” she greeted, forcing some cheerfulness into her voice.
“Good morning, Abigail. Am I catching you at a bad time?”
Abby eyed the three monitors on her desk, all with different data and spreadsheets. Could she lie and say she was absolutely swamped and had no time to chat? No. That would only delay the inevitable.
“No, it’s good.” She paused. “What’s up?”
“Well, it’s almost Thanksgiving.”
“So it is.”
“And you know what that means.”
“Yes. Christmas is right around the corner.” Again, the forced cheerfulness hid her chagrin. “Can’t wait.” The words were out before she could disguise them, and she sighed. “I meant that sincerely, of course.”
“Oh, Abigail. Are you still not over it?”
“I’m over it, Mom.”
“You can’t blame your brother, honey. It’s as much Holly’s fault as anything.”
She closed her eyes as if that would make the situation go away. “Do we have to talk about it?”
“Of course not. We’ll sweep it under the rug like we did last year. We’ll all have a joyous Christmas, just like last year,” she said sarcastically.
“Oh my god! You’re blaming me, aren’t you?”
“I said no such thing.”
“I can tell by your tone.” She grabbed the bridge of her nose. She wondered what her mother’s reaction would be if she knew that she and Holly had slept together last Christmas? But no, she couldn’t blurt that out. She was too embarrassed by the whole thing to ever tell her mother about that transgression.
“So, Aaron and Holly are coming up on that Thursday, the twenty-third. I know that’s when you normally come too, so—”
“Surely to god you’re not suggesting we ride together?” she asked sharply.
“Well, it seems a waste. You all live in Dallas. Why take two vehicles on a ten-hour trip?”
“Because if we took one vehicle, one of your children would not survive the trip and there’d be a funeral to plan.”
“Oh, Abigail, so you’re really not over it?”
“Have they set a date yet?” she asked in a clipped tone. “I mean, it’s been two years. What are they waiting on?”
“Well, he did hint that they might have some news. I can only hope that means they’re finally getting married.” Her mother cleared her throat. “I know you don’t want to talk about that. So…when do you plan to come up?”
She could opt for the day after. The later she got there, the less time she’d have to be around them. Or she could go the day before and get settled in and establish her territory before the happy couple arrived. She leaned her head back and slowly shook her head.
“I don’t know yet, Mom. I’ll let you know.”
“But, honey, it’s only six weeks away. I have meals to plan. Your father is going to take a few days off from the ski lodge, or so he says. I wanted him to take the whole ten days off—I mean, he is retired, after all—but he insists they need him there. I swear, he’s working more than ever. Do try to come on that Thursday, honey. We’ll do our annual Christmas lights tour on Christmas Eve. Of course, we’ll do our fancy Christmas Day dinner, like always. And you’ll need to let your father know what days you want to ski. He’ll get lift tickets in advance for you.”
Whatever days Aaron and Holly weren’t skiing, that’s when she’d go. But she would save that request for later.
“I better get back to work, Mom.”
“That’s it? But we haven’t decided anything yet.”
“I will be there on or before the twenty-third. How’s that?”
“Before? Oh, that would be wonderful. I’ll tell your father.”
She smiled at her mother’s exuberance. “Love you, Mom. Talk soon.”
She rested her head in her hands, wondering what in the world she was going to do. It had been nearly unbearable last year. That is, until the morning she’d found herself in bed with Holly, her ex of two years now. That had pushed her stress level to new heights, and she’d fled Red River four days early, blaming some crisis at work that demanded her attention. She’d not seen nor spoken to her brother nor Holly since then.
And now Christmas was rolling around again. Oh joy.
Chapter Two
At noon, Abby hurried into the courtyard, the common area between the three towering office buildings, hoping Sharon had beaten her there. The lunch crowd was crazy today as the first real cold front of autumn had chased away the lingering summer heat that had been holding on for dear life, it seemed. She saw a few empty tables but instead of grabbing one, she scanned the area, finally seeing someone waving at her. She smiled at her friend, then sidestepped two men who rushed to grab one of the remaining tables.
