This was my first novel from Connie Chappell but do not believe that reading any of the others would have helped much in understanding what was actually happening. Wrenn is a very hard worker taking on several jobs as well as the love of her life Gideon. They have had their fair share of trauma and heartache mostly at the hands of Gideons father, who was a well known banker who mysteriously vanishes after finding information about money laundering. While Gideon is away for a week on a hunting trip, some interesting items show up for Wrenn. There is a pocket watch with an engraving with which wrenn hopes to find its owner. Then there are letters with cryptic messages and Easter lilies. Enter Brett Kilmore. Brett is looking for Gideon. Once Wrenn informes Brett that Gideon will be gone for a week, he decides to stay and wait for him to return. While there he tells Wrenn he is concerned about the items she has been receiving. At first Wrenn seems to be more of a stronger character but becomes weaker when Brett is around. I really loved the premise of this story but the author fell short of holding my interest. There was way to much going on at one time and the characters were all over the place. This might make a good lifetime movie but fell short of a great mystery.

Well written novel with good premise. Had some difficulty understanding why Wrenn would trust Brett and allow him to become so involved in her project. This was the first one in the series of three that I have read, perhaps it would have been easier to follow if I had first read the others in the series.

Lily White Lie by Connie Chappel is the 3rd in the Wrenn Grayson Mystery series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Black Rose Writing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Wrenn Grayson is a busy lady, holding down three jobs in the small town of Havens, Ohio. She works for Mayor KC Tallmadge part-time. She also writes historical articles for the newspaper. Usually, the main thing that keeps her busy is being a Historian-for-hire. She tends to stick her nose into everybody’s business, so she often finds herself in some rather strange predicaments. Wrenn lives in a small cottage with her partner Gideon, who is a History Professor at the local university.

My Synopsis:
Wrenn is on her own while Gideon is hunting for a week. When an old buddy of his stops in with news about Gideon’s fugitive father, he decides to stay until Gideon’s return. He decides to stay with Wrenn, in her small cottage, and without her actual approval. Brett is going to be a pain.

A new councilman is stirring up issues for the Mayor, and it looks like the Mayor may be on his way out in the next election, which means Wrenn may lose her job as well. She isn’t sure she would mind, as she is not happy with the political shenanigans happening in Haven. This may leave her more time to devote to her passion, which is research and writing. Fortunately, she has been given an old watch to research so that the owner’s descendants could be re-united with this family heirloom. She hopes to find out who the original owner is, and then write a feel-good story for the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Wrenn is receiving flowers and strange notes. She would like to brush these aside, but Brett is convinced that she is in danger.

My Opinions:
I almost stopped reading this one. I hate bullies, and I hate women who will not stand up for themselves. Connie Chappel created both these characters (quite well), and the respect I had for Wrenn in the first couple books has diminished – drastically. In this book, every time I think she’s going to grow a pair, Brett sweet talks her out of it. Hated that part of the book.

However, I am glad I continued reading, because Brett ended up having some redeeming qualities, just not quite enough to make me like him. Also on the good side was the plot, and as always, the writing was clear. Chappel writes straight-forward mysteries. Although I suspected early on who the culprit was, the motive behind everything was a twist I didn’t see coming.

I gave this a three star rating on Goodreads, but did not find the book especially memorable. I liked the premise, but wasn't as satisfied with the mystery. Thanks for the opportunity.