Beguiled

Sometimes, you just need a no-brainer read.  Enter Beguiled by Deanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand.  I started this book on Sunday and finished it Monday (and would have finished it sooner if we didn't participate in "Souper Sunday" with the one and only Jen Jones).  Beguiled is the first book I've reviewed for Bethany House Publishers, and I must say that the book was pleasantly surprising.

Beguiled follows Rylee, a young woman living in Charleston, as she works for the wealthiest families as a dog walker.  But as more and more of her clients become victims of crimes, the police begin to question Rylee about her involvement.  Rylee teams up with Logan, a reporter covering the story, in hopes that she will be able to proclaim her innocence to the police- and to the city of Charleston.  As the reader progresses through the mystery (complete with some very intense moments), we find out more about Rylee's past and the importance her history plays in the epidemic of crime in the wealthiest neighborhoods.

Sure, the book wasn't necessarily too thought-provoking, and it definitely didn't change my worldview or anything, but I had almost forgotten how nice it is to simply read a story for the sheer enjoyment of it.  Yes, I love reading the 100 greatest novels and the other books on my reading list, but sometimes you just need an unambitious story to take you far away from the insanity of your week.  I don't say unambitious to insult the authors; on the contrary, Gist and Bertrand created a story which allows readers to read and simply enjoy.  There is nothing wrong in that pursuit.  My advice for you?  Go grab a no-brainer read and enjoy it sometime in the near future.  It's actually quite a rewarding experience. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Behtny House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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