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Sleeping in Eden by Nicole Baart & Giveaway (US Only)

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eden

I was really excited to read Nicole Baart’s newest novel Sleeping in Eden which releases on May 21 and it didn’t disappoint in the slightest.  I’ve read two other of her books:  The Moment Between (my review) and Far From Here (my review) so I was already familiar with her writing style and the wonderful tales she weaves.  Sleeping in Eden is a tale of love, deceit, innocence lost, murder, and a mystery that will uncover secrets long buried.  I was immediately drawn into the tangled web that slowly unfolded as I read and I can tell you that this is one of those books that you just don’t want to put down and when you do you make sure to rush back to it.

There are two stories being told in Sleeping in Eden, one past and one present, but ultimately they seamlessly weave together in the end.  I have to admit that I couldn’t figure out how these two separate storylines would come together although I tried really hard.  The opening scene of the novel is of Dr. Lucas Hudson being called out on a man who was found hanging in his barn.  It seems to be a pretty standard case of suicide until Lucas discovers a body buried beneath the hanging man … a body that appears to have been there for a good many years.  Is this the body of Angela, the daughter of the man who has hung himself, who disappeared eight years ago or is it someone else entirely?

Angela had ties to Lucas and his wife Jenna.  Jenna, being a social worker, had spent many hours counseling Angela and essentially the couple had taken Angela under their wing.  When she went missing it hit Jenna especially hard.  Now, eight years later Lucas and Jenna’s marriage is suffering and with nothing else to focus his attention on Lucas becomes very passionate about trying to find out just who the girl is that had been buried under the barn floor for so long.  As Lucas begins to look into missing girls in his attempt to identify the girl things spiral even more out of control with the appearance of someone they once thought was long lost.

Then the novel backtracks to Meg who lived in Blackhawk long before Lucas and Jenna moved there.  Meg was a tomboy through and through growing up but even tomboys grow up and discover boys.  From the beginning she and Dylan seem to have a spark that only grows as they get older but then there is good old Jess next door who has loved Meg forever.  What does Meg do – go with the safe bet or give in to her passionate side?  What seems to be only an innocent love triangle between young people will lead to a tragedy that no one could see coming. As the past and the present collide the consequences will shock everyone.

Sleeping in Eden by Nicole Baart is my favorite of her novels so far and that says a lot as I loved the other two books I read as well.  I would certainly recommend her books in a heartbeat.  She has a beautiful and descriptive way of writing that captivates a reader from the beginning to the end of her wonderful stories.

Read the first chapter
Nicole’s website, Facebook, and Goodreads
Pre-order at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US only)

I have one copy of Sleeping in Eden by Nicole Baart to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do let me know and I’ll pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • Tweet, like on Facebook, or blog for 3 entries.

This giveaway is open to US residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, May 18/13.  Good luck!

 

Source:  Review copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley.  No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

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Comments

  1. This book sounds like a god mystery to keep you turning the pages. Please enter me for a chance to win. I am a follower and have liked on Facebook. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

  4. I love when two stories come together like that. The fact that this is your favorite book by the author says a lot to me!

    I subscribe to your blog via RSS feed. I’m still clinging desperately to Google Reader but also have feedly and bloglovin and you’re in both. 🙂

  8. Thanks so much for the fantastic, review, Dar! I love your site and your thoughtful book analysis. You’ve influenced my reading on many an occasion. 🙂 All best to you! Warmly, Nicole

  9. There are a lot of novels out right now that deal with the past and present. I am kind of tired of that format but when done well, I put my little quibbles aside and just tuck in with it.

    That cover, with that little blurb “a novel” over her wrist reminds me of a tattoo!

  11. Excited to read Nicole’s book. I’ve read several of her other books and really enjoy her writing style. And I’ve been looking for a new book to read : )
    -Ashley

  18. Would love to read this book.New author for me I am going to check out her other books.e-mail follower Twitter follower@rhondareads will tweet.

  21. Terrific review, Darlene! This sounds like my kind of book.

    I’m a follower and will post this in my blog’s sidebar. Thank you do much for finding all of these great books and hosting so many giveaways!

    suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

  22. Two murder’s the same place at seperate times, sound’s super interesting. I would love to win and read this book. Putting it on my TBR list.
    I follow with email
    I tweeted

  23. I always enjoy stories that weave together the past and the present. Thanks for the giveaway.

  26. Loved the review on this. Sounds like a great book to read. I’m a follower also tweeted. Thank you for the give away.

  32. This sounds like a very interesting story. One that I would love to read.

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  33. I liked her first book and this one sounds just a good. Glad to know you enjoyed it.

    I am a follower.

    nisethusfarATyahooDOTcom

  34. I absolutely love that book cover! Plus, I have a degree in ministry and Genesis was one of my fav books of the bible to study.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    I follow via email: mestith at gmail dot com
    I liked this post on FB: Meghan Stith

  44. So happy to have found your blog while doing a search for the author Sarah Addison Allen. Smile!

  46. Books that have two weaving plot lines are my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    I follow via GFC (Lara Frame)

    lafra86 at gmail dot com

  50. I’ve had this one on my wishlist for awhile (man my wishlist is huge! lol). So I’d be thrilled to win a copy! I’m always a sucker for books with a past/present to them. I love watching the stories unfold together.

  53. wow sounds like a great story! I love murder mysteries! thanks for a great giveaway! put my name in please 🙂

  54. I’m a longtime follower of your blog & I subscribe to your newsletter. I also follow you on google.

  58. I’m familiar with Nicole Baart’s work, and have really enjoyed her previous books. I’d love an opportunity to win a copy of “Sleeping in Eden!”

    P.S. I’m a follower of your blog! Thanks!! 😉

  59. So sorry, but I forgot to add that I also “liked” the giveaway (I always do when I see them!), as well as follow your blog. Could you please provide me with the extra entries? Thanks so much!!

  64. This book sounds interesting and I really like the cover. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  66. Like and posted on Facebook
    Facebook Name: Anita Yancey

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  67. Oooh, I like the sound of this one! Thank you!

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

  71. I love it when there are two equally interesting storylines. Your review was fabulous, especially when I got to the “love triangle” part near the end (even if the story hadn’t grabbed me by then, that was the kicker). Thanks for the great review!