She is determined to prove her worth. He is determined to prove his love.

Flossie Gibson is determined to prove women can thrive without marriage. Capable and caring, she has built a pottery business that offers widows a way to support themselves. But not everyone in Gilded Age Cincinnati approves of such innovations, and Flossie finds herself on the receiving end of pressure from competitors, intimidation from labor unions, and even vandals who threaten to shut down her business and dash her dreams.

Mortimer Stephens anticipates becoming an eventual partner at Gibson Stove Works, but that can only happen if he keeps Mr. Gibson happy. When a labor strike leads to threats against the Gibson family and Mortimer’s controversial opinions put him at odds with his employer, Mortimer is reassigned to work with Flossie and protect her from whoever is determined to destroy her pottery.

Flossie wants nothing to do with the man who stabbed her in the back years ago, but Mortimer seeks to restore their friendship and convince her that perhaps marriage isn’t such a terrible idea after all. Together, they will discover that the most beautiful creations are formed in the crucible of crisis and held together by the bonds of grace.

“Friends to enemies to lovers? Yes, please! With a spunky heroine who is determined not to marry and a devoted, protective so-called enemy who proves himself time and again to be her worthy hero with a heart of gold, what could go wrong? Painted in Suspicion is a faith-filled, heartfelt tale of healing and true love. Fans of Karen Witemeyer and Elizabeth Camden will devour this latest must-read mystery from the talented Crystal Caudill!” -- Grace Hitchcock, award-winning author of To Win a Wager

Perfect for Readers Who Love...

• brother's best friend
• second-chance romance
• strong female friend group
• forced proximity
• protective & spiritually strong heroes
• morally complex heroines
• faith-forward suspense
• Gilded Age settings
• authors like Michelle Griep, Erica Vestch, Jaime Jo Wright