That Night on Thistle Lane by Carla Neggers

Title: That Night on Thistle Lane
 
Author: Carla Neggers

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Published Date: January 29, 2013

Buy on Amazon: Paperback / Kindle 

Author Website: http://www.carlaneggers.com/

Synopsis:

Librarian Phoebe O'Dunn deals in stories, but her passion for history has taught her that happy endings are rare. Her life in Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, is safe and uneventful…until she discovers the hidden room.

Among its secrets is a cache of vintage clothing, including a spectacular gown—perfect for a gala masquerade in Boston. In the guise of a princess, Phoebe is captivated by a handsome swashbuckler who's also adopted a more daring persona. Noah Kendrick's wealth has made him wary, especially of women: everybody wants something.

When Noah and Phoebe meet again in Knights Bridge, at first neither recognizes the other. And neither one is sure they can trust the magic of the night they shared—until an unexpected threat prompts them to unmask their truest selves.

After all, it takes more than just the right costume to live out your personal fairy tale. It takes heart…and the courage to be more than you ever dreamed.

My Thoughts:

 
Carla Neggers' novel, That Night on Thistle Lane, is a captivating romance and mystery novel that left me fulfilled and happy.  Neggers wrote a wonderful novel that pulled at my heartstrings, had me laughing, and at times left me scratching my head trying to figure out the mystery.  From the beginning of That Night on Thistle Lane, it was apparent to me that Carla Neggers was a New York Times Bestselling Author.  She was able to create 3-dimensional characters in which I fell in love with, she designed a modern day mystery with a surprise twist, and she let readers eavesdrop on the unfolding love story of Phoebe and Noah.

That Night on Thistle Lane is an intriguing story about Phoebe, a small town librarian and Noah, a wealthy young man trying to figure out what to do next in life.  Neggers' novel starts when Phoebe finds herself in the middle of a mystery as she stumbles upon a secret sewing room in the attic of the library.  As she is trying to figure out who inhabited the room years ago, Phoebe decides last minutes to attend a charity function out of town with one of the dresses she found in the room.  At the Boston Masquerade, reserved Phoebe finds herself dancing with a mystery man as sparks ignite.  However, they unexpectedly part ways before the night is over and Phoebe tells herself that she will never see him again.  Fate has other ideas as Noah ends up dog sitting in Knights Bridge, Phoebe's sleepy little hometown.  After several run ins, Phoebe and Noah realize who the other is and find themselves in the midst of a romance and mystery. 

One thing that I LOVED about That Night on Thistle Lane were the intriguing secondary characters.  I enjoyed learning about the O'Dunn sisters just as much as I loved Phoebe.  I believe my favorite sister was Maggie, the dreamer that left her husband in Boston and moved back to Knights Bridge with her two young sons.  Maggie is tough, stubborn, and yet sensitive.  I loved how Neggers allowed readers to get a glimpse at Maggie's broken marriage and then observe as it was pieced back together.  It was obvious that Maggie and her estranged husband, Brandon, were still madly in love.  However, life isn't easy and often throws curve balls.  Neggers showed how even when you may think a part of your life is over, true love can still prevail.  

Brandon was a character that I really came to enjoy.  When he was first introduced as the Pirate at the Masquerade Ball I had my doubts.  However, Brandon soon proved that he was a good man and he would always love Maggie.  It was refreshing to see that he would protect her sisters like his own- be it if he and Maggie were happy, estranged, or divorced.  Brandon took it upon himself to be Phoebe's protector. 

That Night on Thistle Lane is the second book in the Swift River Valley series.  The first book of this series is Secrets of the Lost Summer.  When I began reading That Night on Thistle Lane I was unaware that it was part of a series.  In fact, I didn't find out about the Swift River Valley series until after I had finished That Night on Thistle Lane.  Let this be a lesson to readers:  you do not have to read Secrets of the Lost Summer to enjoy Neggers' second novel.  I feel that it really is stand alone and can be read with or without the first in the series.  That being said, if you read That Night on Thistle Lane I believe you will want to read the rest of the series.  I thoroughly enjoyed That Night on Thistle Lane and intend to go back and read the first part of the series.  Word has it that Neggers' will be writing a third book in the Swift River Valley series and I will definitely be in line to read it!  There are several characters that I am hoping that the third novel will be about and I'm sure I won't be disappointed! 

Carla Neggers', That Night on Thistle Lane is the perfect romance book to curl up with on these long, cold winter evenings.  The only negative thing I can say is that I finished it WAY too soon, I wish that it would have kept going!  Before reading this novel I was not aware of Carla Neggers or her work.  However, she proved to me in That Night on Thistle Lane that she is a wonderful storyteller and I plan to read more from her!  That Night on Thistle Lane is definitely a novel that I recommend to all romance lovers.  Enjoy! 

Carla Neggers

Carla Neggers has provided me with a complimentary copy of her book, That Night on Thistle Lane, for the purpose of review.