Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
A gripping new novel from New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock.
Their love caused the loss of both their fathers: one murdered, one convicted as a murderer. Is it possible to set things right after all these years?
Nate Beckett has all the courage in the world when it comes to fighting fires as a smoke jumper. But that courage wanes at the thought of returning to his hometown. His mother has begged him to return home now that his father is out of prison, but it isn't until Nate is injured in a fire that he decides to return.
Years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher's daughter Brenna. When Pastor Stickland discovered Brenna had defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between him and Nate's dad was loud--and very public. When Stickland was run off the road and shot later than night, everyone in town was sure Nate's father was guilty--despite the lack of physical evidence.
Nate respected Brenna's grieving mother's wishes and stayed away from Brenna after that, but life grew so painful that he moved to another town a hundred miles north and became a smoke jumper.
Meanwhile, Brenna married one of the richest men in town and now has two small children. But he's divorcing her after finding another woman, and he's fighting for full custody. Devastation over her current circumstances and the pain of her past converge, and she begins to drown her problems in alcohol.
When Nate Beckett shows up at her door one night, Brenna has to stare down her past. Lies and false assumptions have led to horrible mistakes that set a course for both their lives. Maybe it isn't too late for redemption and second chances . . . and a new start for everyone involved.
Synopsis
A gripping new novel from New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock.One father was murdered, and another convicted of his death. All because their children fell in love.
Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado home town. His mother begs him to come to Carlisle now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn't until he's sidelined by an injury that he's forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too.
Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher's daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna had defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate's drunken dad was loud--and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down, people assumed it was Nate getting even for his father's conviction. He let the rumors fly and left Carlisle without looking back.
Now, Brenna is stunned to learn that the man convicted of murdering her father has been pardoned. The events of that night set her life on a bad course, and she's dealing with a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife where he's using lies and his family's money to sway the judge. She's barely hanging on, and she's turned to alcohol to cope. Shame and fear consume her.
As they deal with the present--including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that's threatening their town--their past keeps igniting. Nate is the steady force Brenna has so desperately needed. But she'll have to learn to trust him again first.
Synopsis
One father was murdered.Another was convicted of his death.
All because their children fell in love.Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado hometown. His mother begs him to come back now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn't until he's sidelined by an injury that he's forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too.
Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher's daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate's drunken dad was loud--and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down not long after, people assumed Nate set the fire to get even for his father's conviction. He let the rumors fly and left town without looking back.
Brenna is stunned to learn that the man convicted of murdering her father has been pardoned. The events of that night set her life on a bad course, and now she's fighting a brutal custody battle with her ex and his new wife where he's using lies and his family's money to sway the judge. Brenna is barely hanging on, and she's turned to alcohol to cope. Shame and fear consume her.
As Nate and Brenna deal with the present--including new information about that fateful night and a wildfire that's threatening their town--the past keeps igniting. Nate is the steady force Brenna has so desperately needed. But she'll have to learn to trust him again first.
Praise for Smoke Screen
"Full of secrets, lies, and with a visceral impact that grabs from the first sentence, Smoke Screen is Terri Blackstock at her finest." --Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author
"Terri never fails to deliver a plot that moves, well-developed characters who are real, flawed, and relatable . . . Just a word of warning if you decide to pick up this book--don't plan to do anything else until you finish it." --Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author
- New York Times bestselling author
- Full-length, stand-alone suspense novel
- Also by Terri Blackstock: If I Run, Intervention, Cape Refuge, Aftermath
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Synopsis
A gripping new novel from New York Times bestselling author Terri Blackstock. One father was murdered. Another was convicted of his death. All because their children fell in love.