3-3.5 STARS

"People say that I married Paul for the money, but that's just not true. I married him because I love him, and I love him for all the things he provides. A mortgage-free roof over my head and a belly stuffed with nutritious, organic food. Health insurance and car insurance and cellphone and internet. The freedom of never having to choose between going cold or going hungry again. A life that is safe and stable and secure. And really, when you think about it, isn't security just another word for love?"

I'm so torn on how to rate this one, because I did find the ending to be a little underwhelming, but the atmospheric setting was incredible, and made [b:Stranger in the Lake|52702788|Stranger in the Lake|Kimberly Belle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580401188l/52702788._SX50_.jpg|73021341] an engaging read for me. I will always be a sucker for Appalachian fiction, and the lake was truly an insidious presence along the journey. The author does a fine job of dissecting the motivation behind basic human nature, and the moral at the end of this story was difficult to swallow, yet a timely, encouraging message. I would have liked to have see a little more development in a few aspects of the story, like Sam and Charlotte's relationship, the summer after the boys graduated high school, and a bit more of Charlie and Chet's childhood, instead of the repetition regarding pieces of the investigation, but overall this was an enjoyable read from an author that I admire and respect. If you've enjoyed Belle's previous novels, do yourself a favor and give [b:Stranger in the Lake|52702788|Stranger in the Lake|Kimberly Belle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580401188l/52702788._SX50_.jpg|73021341] a try!

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.