Savannah's Secret

By Marie Held

SAVANNAH'S SECRET is a romantic spy thriller. And thrilling it is. Reporter Serena Watson begins researching the mysterious destruction of an old mansion, the Peck House, in Savannah, Georgia. Curious about the strange lack of information about the explosion, she initiates a title search. Suddenly someone breaks in to her apartment, then a stranger bumps into her, someone who claims to know her, yet won't explain how. Brent warms her that she must stop her investigation. When it seems that there are men watching her, she reluctantly agrees. For Brent makes her feel safe and protected, and she finds herself definitely drawn to him. Then Brent steals all her notes and disappears without telling her what is going on. Angry, she goes on with her investigation and into life-threatening-danger.

This is a better spy thriller than a romance, if only because the romance follows my least favorite plotline. The conflict results from neither party bothering to communicate, when one simple question or an honest answer would have resolved the issues. Brent thinks he is protecting Serena by not telling her what is going on. Wrong! Serena assumes that Missy is Brent's girlfriend. Wrong! Brent assumes Serena is still in love with her ex-boyfriend, Randall. Wrong! Neither one will let the other know that they love one another and so suffer. While there are many fans who enjoy this romantic formula, I find myself frustrated at the characters for not speaking out.

I also found Serena a little too weak for a reporter. She let her father and Brent keep her in the dark too much. I know this is what I would classify as a sweet romance, with a very young heroine, but again I would prefer a stronger heroine.

Those of you who are fond of the old fashioned, sweet romance will love SAVANNAH'S SECRET. Marie Held has turned her first novel into a wonderful blend of romance and spy thriller. She has made a good beginning.