Promotion Monday Reviews

See what others think of Escape To Big Fork Lake

Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite

For five years Samantha (Sam) Blacker and Bo met at the same time each year at Baker’s Sandwich Shop. They enjoyed each other’s company. Bo would tell her about Jesus and Sam shared a little about her life with him. Sam dated her neighbor Rob a few times until she saw his true nature. When she told him she would not go out with him again, he began harassing her. Fearing for her safety she took out a restraining order against him. When Bo’s attorney, Clarence Wright, informed Sam that John Bolden Winston “Bo” had passed away and left her the Big Fork Inn & Eats at Big Fork Lake, Alabama, Sam saw it as a way to escape the clutches of Rob. She quickly packed her bags and took up residence in the apartment above the restaurant. The Sheriff was suspicious of the new comer in town. However, one local was glad she’d moved to Big Fork Lake; Noah found himself falling in love with her. Just as Sam was settling in she stumbled over the dead body in cabin 7. Soon she found herself charged with murder and was facing trial.

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I thought the story line and characters worked well together in this romance/mystery book.  From the first page till the last I never lost interest—

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 Escape to Big Fork Lake was a very enjoyable romantic suspense. I liked getting to know the characters and the little Town of Big Fork Lake. It was interesting learning a little about running an Inn. I wouldn't classify this as an edge-of-your-seat type story but it did have a few twists and turns along the way that were a bit of a surprise. That's always a plus when you can't figure it all out until the end. There was an underlying message about trusting God and keeping the faith no matter what, as well as a message about remaining morally pure before marriage, which I was delighted to see. It was a good reminder that whatever your failures might be, God meets you where you are. If you're looking for a little R & R with splash of suspense, you may want to take a trip to Big Fork Lake.

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Sam (Samantha) Blacker has plenty of challenges tossed in her direction and plenty of reasons to abandon Atlanta, Georgia. Her job in a bookstore has disappeared, leaving her nearly broke and eager to find new prospects. A close friend (emotionally, if not a frequent visitor) seems to have disappeared with no forwarding address. And to top off her predicament, a particularly persistent and threatening neighbor meets her rejection of his overtures with violence.

What's an enterprising woman to do? Inclination and opportunity meet and merge when Sam discovers her old friend Bo has passed away and left her his picturesque inn near Big Fork Lake, Alabama. She seizes on the occasion to flee her neighbor's attentions and buy herself some time to consider her future. When she arrives, she meets Noah Frye who becomes a promising suitor as well as her stalwart supporter as she learns the inn-keeping business. Still, threats a-plenty keep readers on their mental toes: a mysterious murder, struggles to keep the inn financially viable, doubts about people's motives and characters.

In addition to romance and mayhem, Escape to Big Fork Lake shows how faith can be a support in times of trouble. This theme underlies the plot like strong bedrock for life. The novel is a satisfying blend of entertainment and integrity, as Sam discovers herself and uncovers valuable relationships, one romantic, others personal.

Escape to Big Fork Lake April 23, 2012 By Kay- Paperback

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An enjoyable romantic suspense, 

Samantha (Sam) Blacker's life seems to be in a downward spiral. She lost her job, rent's due and she has to deal with her heavy drinking, very aggressive neighbor. On top of all that, her good friend Bo, didn't show up for their yearly meeting. Then an unexpected inheritance leads her from Atlanta to Big Fork Lake, Alabama. She doesn't think, as a city girl, she'll be happy in the country but also feels like she has no other choice. There she meets Noah Frye. A good man who was a good friend to Bo. It's not long before trouble knocks on Sam's door, a murder victim is found and Sam is the only suspect, her world is turn upside down.

Escape to Big Fork Lake was a very enjoyable romantic suspense. I liked getting to know the characters and the little town of Big Fork Lake. It was interesting learning a little about running an Inn. I wouldn't classify this as an edge-of-your-seat type story but it did have a few twists and turns along the way that were a bit of a surprise. That's always a plus when you can't figure it all out until the end. There was an underlying message about trusting God and keeping the faith no matter what, as well as a message about remaining morally pure before marriage, which I was delighted to see. It was a good reminder that whatever your failures might be, God meets you where you are. If you're looking for a little R & R with splash of suspense, you may want to take a trip to Big Fork Lake.

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I purchased the book for myself and I thought it was great! It's suspenseful and romantic. Several of my co-workers and family members want to read it now! . Anonymous

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Samantha Blacker suffers from bouts of bad luck, finally escaping to something better.(she thinks) In addition to Romance & mayhem this novel shows how faith can support in times of trouble. It's a great blend of entertainment and integrity as Sam unravels her newest set of problems.

This is a really good book. Sam received her dream even though she didn't know it at the time. This novel shows how even when bad things happen they can become a blessing.

Escape to Big Fork Lake is a wonderful book. It is an easy read and it got my attention from the first page and held it to the end. It has it all, romance, mystery and an twist to the whole thing. It is one of those books that you hate to end. Hopefully Mary will continue the story with a second book. Linda Benfield, Gastonia, NC

"Escape to Big Fork Lake" by Mary L. Ball is an entertaining Christian suspense-filled romance. The relationship between Noah and Sam is well done. They loved and desired each other but held strong to their Christian morals and remained celibate. I wasn’t sure who did the heinous crime until toward the end of the book. There were clues thrown in and red herrings. "Escape To Big Fork Lake" is a fast, easy read and a great cozy mystery.

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Tiffany - Goodreads

Sam is in for a life change when she is down on her luck she gets the break she needs. This inspiration romance that is filled with mystery and suspense had me hooked till the last word was read. I truly felt this story was well thought out and had a message of God’s love for each and every one of his children. It was nice to watch Sam and Noah relationship grow. Noah learning to trust and Sam having someone love her no matter what. I also liked watching Sam come to know Jesus. Ms. Ball did an awesome with putting in some of the unexpected to this story. A great story that will leave you happy.