Crosswinds (Rising Storm, #3)

by Elisabeth Naughton

[Lynn]

It's episode three and I'm well and truly sucked into the vortex of this addictive soap opera. The atmosphere is getting more tense in Storm, as focus shifts to the high school kids. Elisabeth Naughton takes over the writing reins, highlighting that the younger folk in the community have lives no less dramatic than their parents!

Lacey Salt feels all alone after the death of her beloved brother. Instead of gaining comfort from her family, she feels snubbed. Her mother's focus is on Ginny Moreno, who's moved into Jacob's old room, whilst her father is working even longer hours at the pharmacy. So, spoilt Princess Lacey goes off on an angst fuelled rampage, setting her sights on her best friend Mallory's boyfriend Luis Moreno; A guy she's had a crush on for a while. Not caring who she hurts or what verbal debris she leaves along the way, Lacey is on a mission to get her man!

Whilst teenage hormones are raging, a new man is spotted in Storm,
“Whoa. Hot military man at one o'clock. We don't get many of those in Storm...”

As with the previous episodes, the narrative flows easily. As each new writer seamlessly takes over from their predecessor, building and developing new and existing characters within a plot laced with lies, intrigue, scandals and secrets.

This episode ends on a bang! Can't wait for the next instalment by Jennifer Probst.

4 stars

***arc generously received in exchange for an honest review***