Echoes of the Past: Spirit Lake Book 2

Echoes of the Past is the second installment in the Spirit Lake series. This particular story follows Erica as she returns to the lake and Joe, while also introduces an additional character in Paula.

Erica is finally a free woman: her divorce is final. Unsure what she wants to do now, she decides she might go back to work. When her friend, Evelyn, calls and needs help running her inn, Erica does what any good friend would do. She comes to her aide immediately and even brings reinforcements, her best friend Paula. Although Erica tells Paula she is going to help Evelyn and nothing more, Paula doesn’t believe for one second that Erica wanting to see Joe again has nothing to do with her decision. Erica arrives at the Bed & Breakfast only to realize that things are not what she expected. If the bizarre things happening weren’t bad enough, she must also deal with some unpleasant guests, a prowler, a murder, and the dilemma that the man she cares for has secrets and is the main suspect of the murder. Will Erica be able to figure everything out before it is too late? Will Erica and Joe have a chance at happiness now that she is back?

Echoes of the Past offers readers a paranormal twist with spirits wanting some attention and the suspense of a murder. I was drawn into this story instantly with the prologue from the past and remained deeply engrossed with the many twists and turns along the way. Although I did not read the first of this series, the author has done a beautiful job at creating a story that will grip readers and can easily stand alone. If readers are like me, they will have the desire to return to the beginning and read the first story about Joe and Erica. Both Joe and Erica are passionate characters that readers will immediately connect with. The secondary characters of the Carters, Paula, and Cal offer humor, friendship, and tenderness against the turmoil surrounding the inn and Erica. I look forward to the opportunity to continue the story in the next installment and hope to see more of Cal and Paula. This is my first experience reading something by Audra Cole and I was pleasantly surprised with the depth of the story she told. Echoes of the Past: Spirit Lake Book 2 is beautifully written and worth every one of the 5 Angels it earned!

Reviewed by: Jessica