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Kate Bradley Mystery #1
Good Sam
#1 Amazon Bestseller and multi-award winner! Romantic mystery with an uplifting ending.
Also read the follow-up to Good Sam that's getting rave reviews—Perfectly Good Crime—as featured in Parade, USA Today, BuzzFeed, Working Mothers and more!
Publishers Weekly "Meserve’s narrative has..well-conceived dialogue throughout. Kate’s relatable qualities of self-reliance tinged with vulnerability drive this gratifying mystery-romance about finding the good guys—and knowing when to recognize them."
"If you are a Nicholas Sparks or Richard Paul Evans fan, I'm betting you will like author Meserve's new book GOOD SAM. Uplifting, heart wrenching and a two hankie read, this story is a winner."—Cheryl Stout, Amazon Top Reviewer.
When Los Angeles TV news reporter Kate Bradley is assigned to cover a story about ten people who have each found $100,000 in cash on their front porch she sets out to find the identity of the anonymous Good Samaritan, dubbed Good Sam, who is behind it all.
As interest in the extraordinary gifts sweeps across the country, Kate finds the elusive Good Sam and her exclusive interview with him thrusts her into the national spotlight. Even as his message captivates viewers and wins ratings, Kate suspects he may not be all he claims to be and that the real Good Sam is still out there.
Searching for answers, Kate unravels the powerful and unexpected reason behind the mysterious cash gifts and the true identity of Good Sam becomes the biggest surprise story of her career, turning her personal and professional life upside down.
Five-star review from Romantic Times Book "Who is Good Sam? That is the question that will keep readers guessing. With a delightful premise and enough twists and turns to keep things interesting, Good Sam is a good read. Everything about this book is just sweet, especially firefighter Eric. Handsome and heroic, he will make you want to call 911."
2015 National Indie Excellence Award Winner (Romance)
2015 Independent Author Network Outstanding Romance Novel Award
2015 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards Gold Medal (Fiction)
Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award (Women's Fiction)
"In her debut novel, Meserve writes a fast-paced mystery/romance that's well grounded in the nitty-gritty details of local TV news...a solid feel-good romance sparked with mystery."—Kirkus Reviews
"Rarely have I found myself so satisfied in my soul at the end of a book, having joined a relatable protagonist on her admirable pursuit to uncover truth, no matter the danger or obstacles, and in the process overcoming her own fears and learning to trust again- that there is still good in this world and it starts with you and me. Thoroughly entertaining and inspiring. Everyone should own a copy. It just might make the world a better place."—Catherine Redfearn
Also read the follow-up to Good Sam that's getting rave reviews—Perfectly Good Crime—as featured in Parade, USA Today, BuzzFeed, Working Mothers and more!
Publishers Weekly "Meserve’s narrative has..well-conceived dialogue throughout. Kate’s relatable qualities of self-reliance tinged with vulnerability drive this gratifying mystery-romance about finding the good guys—and knowing when to recognize them."
"If you are a Nicholas Sparks or Richard Paul Evans fan, I'm betting you will like author Meserve's new book GOOD SAM. Uplifting, heart wrenching and a two hankie read, this story is a winner."—Cheryl Stout, Amazon Top Reviewer.
When Los Angeles TV news reporter Kate Bradley is assigned to cover a story about ten people who have each found $100,000 in cash on their front porch she sets out to find the identity of the anonymous Good Samaritan, dubbed Good Sam, who is behind it all.
As interest in the extraordinary gifts sweeps across the country, Kate finds the elusive Good Sam and her exclusive interview with him thrusts her into the national spotlight. Even as his message captivates viewers and wins ratings, Kate suspects he may not be all he claims to be and that the real Good Sam is still out there.
Searching for answers, Kate unravels the powerful and unexpected reason behind the mysterious cash gifts and the true identity of Good Sam becomes the biggest surprise story of her career, turning her personal and professional life upside down.
Five-star review from Romantic Times Book "Who is Good Sam? That is the question that will keep readers guessing. With a delightful premise and enough twists and turns to keep things interesting, Good Sam is a good read. Everything about this book is just sweet, especially firefighter Eric. Handsome and heroic, he will make you want to call 911."
2015 National Indie Excellence Award Winner (Romance)
2015 Independent Author Network Outstanding Romance Novel Award
2015 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Awards Gold Medal (Fiction)
Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award (Women's Fiction)
"In her debut novel, Meserve writes a fast-paced mystery/romance that's well grounded in the nitty-gritty details of local TV news...a solid feel-good romance sparked with mystery."—Kirkus Reviews
"Rarely have I found myself so satisfied in my soul at the end of a book, having joined a relatable protagonist on her admirable pursuit to uncover truth, no matter the danger or obstacles, and in the process overcoming her own fears and learning to trust again- that there is still good in this world and it starts with you and me. Thoroughly entertaining and inspiring. Everyone should own a copy. It just might make the world a better place."—Catherine Redfearn
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2014
1,603 people are currently reading
3,527 people want to read
About the author
Dete Meserve
7 books625 followersDete Meserve is a best-selling novelist and an award-winning creator and producer of films and television series.
She wrote the screenplay adaptation of her debut novel, Good Sam, and produced it as a feature film for Netflix. (Watch today!)
Inspired by a question posed to readers—"What would you do if you could spend an hour in your past?—" her fifth novel, The Memory Collectors, explores the universal desire to revisit pivotal moments in our lives, whether to reconnect with a loved one, undo a painful mistake, or relive a joyous memory. In this suspenseful and emotional journey, four strangers step back into their pasts only to find themselves trapped in time. A shocking twist forces them to unravel hidden connections between them—uncovering secrets that change everything.
She wrote the screenplay adaptation of her debut novel, Good Sam, and produced it as a feature film for Netflix. (Watch today!)
Inspired by a question posed to readers—"What would you do if you could spend an hour in your past?—" her fifth novel, The Memory Collectors, explores the universal desire to revisit pivotal moments in our lives, whether to reconnect with a loved one, undo a painful mistake, or relive a joyous memory. In this suspenseful and emotional journey, four strangers step back into their pasts only to find themselves trapped in time. A shocking twist forces them to unravel hidden connections between them—uncovering secrets that change everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
June 21, 2017
Some elements of a mystery, some of a romance. This book features a main character that somehow manages to be naive and cynical at the same time. I did find the storyline of Good Sam very interesting, but the romance was just too much, too quickly for me. I guess I'm just not a romance kind of girl! This would be a good book to bring along on the beach. Relatively short and easy to digest, it should be a light enjoyable read that many will be able to finish in one sitting.
Kate is used to covering the "bummer beat" for her station. She's who you see on TV when disaster strikes. It's what she's good at. When her boss lobs more of a feel good story her way, she's dismayed. She doesn't think this is the kind of story that'll lead. She can't deny that she finds it intriguing though... local residents have found bags of 100,000 dollars on their porch. Gifted anonymously, no one has any ideas where they came from or why. As more lives are changed for the better, the story explodes. The person dubbed "Good Sam" is famous without anyone knowing who he is!
As expected, some people are eager to claim that the money came from them. They're all disproved, random people looking for praise and attention... until someone who actually has the means to gift large amounts of money comes forward. He even has proof.
As for the romance... there's a couple of contenders for Kate's heart. She wrote off her ex months ago, but she's starting to look at him in a new light... which throws a wrench in her promising new flirtation with a handsome firefighter. Neither will stop her from pursuing this story.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Kate is used to covering the "bummer beat" for her station. She's who you see on TV when disaster strikes. It's what she's good at. When her boss lobs more of a feel good story her way, she's dismayed. She doesn't think this is the kind of story that'll lead. She can't deny that she finds it intriguing though... local residents have found bags of 100,000 dollars on their porch. Gifted anonymously, no one has any ideas where they came from or why. As more lives are changed for the better, the story explodes. The person dubbed "Good Sam" is famous without anyone knowing who he is!
As expected, some people are eager to claim that the money came from them. They're all disproved, random people looking for praise and attention... until someone who actually has the means to gift large amounts of money comes forward. He even has proof.
As for the romance... there's a couple of contenders for Kate's heart. She wrote off her ex months ago, but she's starting to look at him in a new light... which throws a wrench in her promising new flirtation with a handsome firefighter. Neither will stop her from pursuing this story.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
June 3, 2014
What can I say....It was very interesting! With the whole Hidden Cash thing going on right now across the world this whole story just became so REAL. However, that begs the question that our character Kate had to answer....is it for attention???
As the story goes, someone is leaving a huge sum of money on the door steps of people around the city and news reporter, Kate Bradley, is assigned the job of finding out not only why, but who. A job she not only doesn't want in the beginning, but as the story progresses, a job that changes her life forever!
Who would leave money on a front porch???
Kate I have to say is a hard character to like. I wanna like her, but then I wanna smack her upside the head. She's a love/hate kind of character....you love to hate her. She does some really stupid things. Lucky for her someone was there to save her from her stupidity, but still.
Eric Hayes.....Oh how I love our man in uniform!!!! He is like the wounded puppy of this story. Blames himself for his brother's death and only wants to do good in the world. Its such a sweet little love story that he fell for Kate....I so loved that he was there in the river :)
Then you have the Devil himself, Jack Hansen. He is just a work of art. Totally in it for himself. Everything thing he does is for himself. He has everyone, including Kate fooled. Anything to get you name out there. URGH!!!!
With all the things happening Kate knows things aren't adding up roses and she smells a rat.....JACK!!!!
After some digging......she finds the truth, but what she can run and what she can't will surprise you!
The story runs on the News and even the Network picks it up.
I don't wanna give away how it ends and it does...well kinda. Kate may have found what she needed but the story goes on.
I would recommend this book to anyone!
As the story goes, someone is leaving a huge sum of money on the door steps of people around the city and news reporter, Kate Bradley, is assigned the job of finding out not only why, but who. A job she not only doesn't want in the beginning, but as the story progresses, a job that changes her life forever!
Who would leave money on a front porch???
Kate I have to say is a hard character to like. I wanna like her, but then I wanna smack her upside the head. She's a love/hate kind of character....you love to hate her. She does some really stupid things. Lucky for her someone was there to save her from her stupidity, but still.
Eric Hayes.....Oh how I love our man in uniform!!!! He is like the wounded puppy of this story. Blames himself for his brother's death and only wants to do good in the world. Its such a sweet little love story that he fell for Kate....I so loved that he was there in the river :)
Then you have the Devil himself, Jack Hansen. He is just a work of art. Totally in it for himself. Everything thing he does is for himself. He has everyone, including Kate fooled. Anything to get you name out there. URGH!!!!
With all the things happening Kate knows things aren't adding up roses and she smells a rat.....JACK!!!!
After some digging......she finds the truth, but what she can run and what she can't will surprise you!
The story runs on the News and even the Network picks it up.
I don't wanna give away how it ends and it does...well kinda. Kate may have found what she needed but the story goes on.
I would recommend this book to anyone!
August 21, 2017
סיפור שיש בו חלקים נוגעים ללב וחלקים של תעלומה (לא כזו שתאתגר לכם את המח)
קיית, עיתונאית שמדווחת בד"כ על אסונות, מקבלת משימה לסקר אירוע שבו אישה מקבלת 100 אלף דולר במתנה. האישה, מעלה את הסברה שמדובר בשומרוני הטוב שתרם את הכסף ולכן היא מכנה אותו good sam.
ואז מתגלה שעוד אנשים קיבלו 100 אלף דולר באותה הצורה. למעשה 10 אנשים מקבלים 100 אלף דולר בתיק קנווס שעליו מצויירת הסיפרה 8.
קיית נסחפת בחקירה העיתונאית, שמובילה אותה לארוסה לשעבר ג'ק, שאותו עזבה במסיבת האירוסין. ובכיוון אחר לאריק, עובד שירותי ההצלה.
קיית נקרעת בין רצונה לחשוף את סם הטוב, הקריירה העיתונאית שלה, משיכתה לג'ק שעושה לה מניפולציות רגשיות ומנצל אותה ובין החברות החדשה שהיא מוצאת עם אריק.
יש רגעים מאוד יפים בספר בעיקר בסיפור של אריק. ישנם רגעים מעצבנים ברמות קשות בכל הקשור לסיפור של ג'ק.
ובכל זאת, הספר יכל להיות הרבה יותר. יש בו את כל המרכיבים להיות חזק כי הוא עוסק בעיתונאות חוקרת ובהשפעה של העיתונות על דעת הקהל. הוא עוסק ברצון האנושי הפשוט לשמוע על אנשים טובים שעושים מעשים טובים ממניעים כנים ונקיים. הוא עוסק במצבם של האנשים הקטנים בארץ האפשרויות הבלתי מוגבלות (לעשירים בפרט, פחות לאלו שאין להם כסף או אפשרות לרכוש השכלה) והוא מספר סיפור אנושי מקומי וטראגי. למרות כל אלה, הוא אומנם מאוד קריא וקולח אבל הוא לא מצליח לעשות את הקפיצה ולהיות משהו מעבר.
קיית, עיתונאית שמדווחת בד"כ על אסונות, מקבלת משימה לסקר אירוע שבו אישה מקבלת 100 אלף דולר במתנה. האישה, מעלה את הסברה שמדובר בשומרוני הטוב שתרם את הכסף ולכן היא מכנה אותו good sam.
ואז מתגלה שעוד אנשים קיבלו 100 אלף דולר באותה הצורה. למעשה 10 אנשים מקבלים 100 אלף דולר בתיק קנווס שעליו מצויירת הסיפרה 8.
קיית נסחפת בחקירה העיתונאית, שמובילה אותה לארוסה לשעבר ג'ק, שאותו עזבה במסיבת האירוסין. ובכיוון אחר לאריק, עובד שירותי ההצלה.
קיית נקרעת בין רצונה לחשוף את סם הטוב, הקריירה העיתונאית שלה, משיכתה לג'ק שעושה לה מניפולציות רגשיות ומנצל אותה ובין החברות החדשה שהיא מוצאת עם אריק.
יש רגעים מאוד יפים בספר בעיקר בסיפור של אריק. ישנם רגעים מעצבנים ברמות קשות בכל הקשור לסיפור של ג'ק.
ובכל זאת, הספר יכל להיות הרבה יותר. יש בו את כל המרכיבים להיות חזק כי הוא עוסק בעיתונאות חוקרת ובהשפעה של העיתונות על דעת הקהל. הוא עוסק ברצון האנושי הפשוט לשמוע על אנשים טובים שעושים מעשים טובים ממניעים כנים ונקיים. הוא עוסק במצבם של האנשים הקטנים בארץ האפשרויות הבלתי מוגבלות (לעשירים בפרט, פחות לאלו שאין להם כסף או אפשרות לרכוש השכלה) והוא מספר סיפור אנושי מקומי וטראגי. למרות כל אלה, הוא אומנם מאוד קריא וקולח אבל הוא לא מצליח לעשות את הקפיצה ולהיות משהו מעבר.
September 26, 2014
A Wonderful "Comfort Read"
You've heard of comfort food. Dete Meserve has created a "comfort read". "Good Sam" is a book that soothes the soul, with mystery, intrigue, and romance.
The heroin reminds us that we are assaulted daily by news featuring mans inhumanity towards man. As a reporter she thrives on this sort of feature story. When assigned a story she thinks is too fluffy she tries to reject it. But the story draws her in and we discover, along with her, that this story though the complete opposite of her usual feature, certainly isn't fluff. She becomes nearly obsessively intrigued as she investigates the mystery of mans humanity towards fellow man.
I found it a refreshing; touching look at the heart of our society and it was enjoyable to hear about the kindness of others. This book gave me comfort and joy—knowing people are inherently good—by nature. We just have to have our hearts open to find it.
I love this book!
You've heard of comfort food. Dete Meserve has created a "comfort read". "Good Sam" is a book that soothes the soul, with mystery, intrigue, and romance.
The heroin reminds us that we are assaulted daily by news featuring mans inhumanity towards man. As a reporter she thrives on this sort of feature story. When assigned a story she thinks is too fluffy she tries to reject it. But the story draws her in and we discover, along with her, that this story though the complete opposite of her usual feature, certainly isn't fluff. She becomes nearly obsessively intrigued as she investigates the mystery of mans humanity towards fellow man.
I found it a refreshing; touching look at the heart of our society and it was enjoyable to hear about the kindness of others. This book gave me comfort and joy—knowing people are inherently good—by nature. We just have to have our hearts open to find it.
I love this book!
February 18, 2016
This book was a quick read but not a good one. Describing this book as a mystery is insulting to good mysteries. Calling it a romance makes me feel sad for people who think it is, there is no excitement between the characters at all. While I wasn't looking for 50 shades of gray in the characters' chemistry, theirs could be described as 1 shade of pale pink...or maybe just taupe.
May 8, 2018
This is one of those laid back books that is fitting for a day of vacation where you want to read something that won’t truly pull your attention away from family time. It was somewhat engaging but a little too easy to put down. It just never quite caught my attention enough when it came to the plot to make me want more.
Kate is a reporter who prefers the nitty gritty side of life as opposed to the light lifestyle pieces. She’s not one of those reporters that could double as a beauty queen with big hair and a soft voice. Her ex-fiancé Jack is constantly finding ways to try to get back into her life, much to her chagrin, but it won’t deter her from her career. Neither will her Senator father.
When she is given the scoop about someone giving random people $100K in cash, she’s less than thrilled to get a fluff piece. But as she digs deeper, she finds that things are not as they seem, especially when she meets handsome rescuer Eric. She never expects, however, to find herself at the center of the mystery and the scandal that ensues. Eventually she’ll have to make a choice she didn’t see coming.
Kate is a reporter who prefers the nitty gritty side of life as opposed to the light lifestyle pieces. She’s not one of those reporters that could double as a beauty queen with big hair and a soft voice. Her ex-fiancé Jack is constantly finding ways to try to get back into her life, much to her chagrin, but it won’t deter her from her career. Neither will her Senator father.
When she is given the scoop about someone giving random people $100K in cash, she’s less than thrilled to get a fluff piece. But as she digs deeper, she finds that things are not as they seem, especially when she meets handsome rescuer Eric. She never expects, however, to find herself at the center of the mystery and the scandal that ensues. Eventually she’ll have to make a choice she didn’t see coming.
May 28, 2019
When TV news reporter, Kate Bradley, is assigned to the "soft" Good Sam story, she is annoyed at first, but then is quickly drawn into the mystery of it. Why would someone give $100K to 10 strangers? And, why would he/she wish to remain anonymous?
"The greatest thing you can do is help others."
This story was flirty and fun but had substance as well. As a reader, I felt like Kate's sidekick as she uncovered twist after twist while trying to determine Good Sam's identity, and loved that so many were inspired to commit their own random acts of kindness.
"The truth is that good is everywhere."
Next up is to watch the brand new movie on Netflix!
Location: Los Angeles, California
"The greatest thing you can do is help others."
This story was flirty and fun but had substance as well. As a reader, I felt like Kate's sidekick as she uncovered twist after twist while trying to determine Good Sam's identity, and loved that so many were inspired to commit their own random acts of kindness.
"The truth is that good is everywhere."
Next up is to watch the brand new movie on Netflix!
Location: Los Angeles, California
October 18, 2016
I had the privilege of reading Good Sam as an advanced reader a few months before it was released and was captivated by the strong characters and fast pace, Therefore, when I heard that the audio version had been released, I downloaded it and was able to once again enjoy this feel good story. Dete Meserve did Good Sam justice by selecting a top notch narrator who captures the voice I imagined for her protagonist, reporter, Kate Bradley. Whether you have read Good Sam or not I highly recommend the audio version. Also, if you have not yet discovered the value of becoming an audio book reader, you are missing out on a number of wonderful stories and storytellers. While I still prefer to hold a book in my hand, there are not enough hours in the day for me to experience the works of as many new and seasoned storytelling as I'd like. However, audio books allow me to enjoy the stories of many fabulous authors while I am walking, driving, or performing the myriad of mindless tasks that take place throughout the day.If you love romance and mysteries and are looking for a uplifting book, Good Sam is a great choice.
June 30, 2017
I liked this book. I really did, but I just didn't love it. I love a story that has good versus evil and this story definitely did. I think that I really wanted it to be more about the good sam and the good works than about the love story.
Okay, so needless to say, I loved part of the story. The love story portion was far to predictable to me. I had it figured out right away. Characters were good, half of the plot was great, the other so-so. I just wanted more, a less obvious storyline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Okay, so needless to say, I loved part of the story. The love story portion was far to predictable to me. I had it figured out right away. Characters were good, half of the plot was great, the other so-so. I just wanted more, a less obvious storyline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 24, 2017
What a gem! I read this book in one sitting, after having just finished a very hefty one. GOOD SAM had a charming storyline, a handsome love interest, and a very unique premise - who doesn't love the idea of a mystery that tries to discover who has done something good - instead of something awful? Loved it so much that I downloaded the sequel as soon as I was done.
April 30, 2014
Good Sam: Dete Meserve's debut novel has is all:
While first intrigued by the story behind the story, I was delighted with the depth and pacing of this novel, which is focused on good rather than evil. Good Sam is an intriguing mystery filled with enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. I stopping reading only when my eyes refused to remain focused. Kate Bradley, Meserve’s savvy, driven local TV news reporter is compellingly real, facing real life issues. The author is obviously well-grounded in the world in which her characters live. Good Sam gives the reader an insider’s perspective of what goes on behind the scenes of TV news and the ways the media can influence our thoughts and feelings about the world around us. However, since the world we live in is not all good, Meserve gives a slice of betrayal to spice up the story and keep us guessing. But wait, it’s not all mystery, Meserve also delivers romance with plenty of heart.
While first intrigued by the story behind the story, I was delighted with the depth and pacing of this novel, which is focused on good rather than evil. Good Sam is an intriguing mystery filled with enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. I stopping reading only when my eyes refused to remain focused. Kate Bradley, Meserve’s savvy, driven local TV news reporter is compellingly real, facing real life issues. The author is obviously well-grounded in the world in which her characters live. Good Sam gives the reader an insider’s perspective of what goes on behind the scenes of TV news and the ways the media can influence our thoughts and feelings about the world around us. However, since the world we live in is not all good, Meserve gives a slice of betrayal to spice up the story and keep us guessing. But wait, it’s not all mystery, Meserve also delivers romance with plenty of heart.
July 22, 2016
Gripping story, reads like a movie
Good Sam drew me in from the first page and I could not put it down. Dete Meserve weaves a tale filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing. Wonderfully descriptive with fascinating behind the scenes details of a TV news station, Good Sam blurs the line between personal and professional in the search for the truth. An uplifting page turner that reminds us to look for the good in the world, and ourselves.
Good Sam drew me in from the first page and I could not put it down. Dete Meserve weaves a tale filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing. Wonderfully descriptive with fascinating behind the scenes details of a TV news station, Good Sam blurs the line between personal and professional in the search for the truth. An uplifting page turner that reminds us to look for the good in the world, and ourselves.
December 22, 2015
The plot of this book - a Good Samaritan who gives away hundreds of thousands of dollars to seemingly random people and the effect uncovering the truth has on a young reporter seemed like it would make an intriguing book. However, the writing and character development lacked depth. Luckily, it's a quick read. After making it halfway, I decided to bite the bullet and finish the book. The second half was better, but not by much.
December 22, 2016
A enthralling story about goodness! Who is this person who is giving people $100,000 anonymously? Kate Bradley is a TV reporter and is used to getting the Bummer Beat news stories...fires, floods, beatings, gang activity. But her assignment boss gives her this goody two-shoes story. And her life changes. The Good Sam story takes off. She meets Eric Hayes, a fearless fire fighter, and her ex-fiance comes back into her life. Again, who is this person who gives so much money away????
December 10, 2014
This book had a lot of twists and turns that kept me hooked right from page one.
April 11, 2022
I must admit to having this one on my kindle for a while. I downloaded it when it was announced that it would be a NetFlix film. There was every intention of reading it before watching, but I did the opposite!
A cute story about a set of anonymous money gifts to random people, amounting to over $500,000. Reporter Kate Bradley is put on the story, despite wanting to be seen as a serious journalist rather than the one who gets the fluffy stories.
She is slowly pulled into the hype as she gets to know the different recipients.
On the way, she meets hunky firefighter Eric, who begins to steal her thoughts.
As the gift total tops $1m, a connection is made between Good Sam, the nickname for this anonymous saint, and someone Kate would have never thought of.
But will this discovery drive a wedge between her and her blossoming friendship with Eric?
As I said before, cute story. :)
A cute story about a set of anonymous money gifts to random people, amounting to over $500,000. Reporter Kate Bradley is put on the story, despite wanting to be seen as a serious journalist rather than the one who gets the fluffy stories.
She is slowly pulled into the hype as she gets to know the different recipients.
On the way, she meets hunky firefighter Eric, who begins to steal her thoughts.
As the gift total tops $1m, a connection is made between Good Sam, the nickname for this anonymous saint, and someone Kate would have never thought of.
But will this discovery drive a wedge between her and her blossoming friendship with Eric?
As I said before, cute story. :)
November 27, 2017
This was an easy at a go kind of a read. Storyline was definitely different, giving an altruistic slant to the read with a dash of mystery and investigation. The entire story is ideally about finding out the identity of 'Good Sam,' the Good Samaritan
There are few niggles; the romance felt a bit off and I didn't care too much about the characters or writing.
Overall, an okay read..
There are few niggles; the romance felt a bit off and I didn't care too much about the characters or writing.
Overall, an okay read..
July 19, 2019
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
This is what I call a comfort read, with a twist. I really enjoyed this book. The slight mystery going on put this book into a whole new genre for me. It wasn't just a romance but a great reminder that there are good people in this world. Kate is a great character, she is tough, strong and honest, exactly what a women should be (IMHO). The romance is very light. I think this was more about loss, deceit and strength than it was romance. It really makes my heart smile when the characters in a book get it right without all the drama, just because they are good people and know how people should be.
The narration on this audiobook was fabulous! This was my 1st Laurel Schroeder but we not be my last. I think she captured Kate perfectly and did a great job on the male characters, so good I really never thought about the narrator being a female when she was reading for the males and I usually do. I'm very picky about female to male and vice versa!
If you like a book that drags you in from page one and leaves your heart a little lighter, this is a book for you!!
This is what I call a comfort read, with a twist. I really enjoyed this book. The slight mystery going on put this book into a whole new genre for me. It wasn't just a romance but a great reminder that there are good people in this world. Kate is a great character, she is tough, strong and honest, exactly what a women should be (IMHO). The romance is very light. I think this was more about loss, deceit and strength than it was romance. It really makes my heart smile when the characters in a book get it right without all the drama, just because they are good people and know how people should be.
The narration on this audiobook was fabulous! This was my 1st Laurel Schroeder but we not be my last. I think she captured Kate perfectly and did a great job on the male characters, so good I really never thought about the narrator being a female when she was reading for the males and I usually do. I'm very picky about female to male and vice versa!
If you like a book that drags you in from page one and leaves your heart a little lighter, this is a book for you!!
August 19, 2014
Having received Dete Meserve’s novel ‘Good Sam’ as a Library Thing Giveaway novel, I was intrigued by the idea of a Good Samaritan in LA giving away $100,000 to seemingly random individuals. Kate Bradley, a news reporter for Channel Eleven, discovers the Good Sam and the reason for the cash gifts. As she tracks down the elusive Good Sam, Kate also finds resolution to her own fears of trusting another, overcoming a phobia, and realizing true love. Although this story seems a bit contrived, I was touched by the integrity and the valiant acts of heroism demonstrated by Eric Hayes, captain of the fire department search and rescue team. Typically I’d give a story such as this one three stars, but because it was heartfelt and generated a few tears as I read it, I thought that it deserved the four star designation.
However, before this book is released for final publication, it needs a thorough edit, as there were a few grammatical errors in the text.
However, before this book is released for final publication, it needs a thorough edit, as there were a few grammatical errors in the text.
May 20, 2014
Paying it forward…A MUST READ!
I absolutely LOVED this book with its well rounded, believable characters in realistic situations, I felt like I was back in Los Angeles. This story has it all. Plenty of mystery and romance, heroism and deceit, love and loss, but all with a touch of humor.
Set around a news reporter assigned to a feel good story, instead of her usual tragedy and crime beat, and her quest to find the truth about the “Good Sam” who’s giving away a total of $1,000,000.00 to local residents. She is determined to get behind appearances in pursuit of the truth but finds herself caught up in the middle along the way. With subtle messages of trusting your instincts and facing your fears, this book is a real winner!
I absolutely LOVED this book with its well rounded, believable characters in realistic situations, I felt like I was back in Los Angeles. This story has it all. Plenty of mystery and romance, heroism and deceit, love and loss, but all with a touch of humor.
Set around a news reporter assigned to a feel good story, instead of her usual tragedy and crime beat, and her quest to find the truth about the “Good Sam” who’s giving away a total of $1,000,000.00 to local residents. She is determined to get behind appearances in pursuit of the truth but finds herself caught up in the middle along the way. With subtle messages of trusting your instincts and facing your fears, this book is a real winner!
October 8, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is Dete Meserve's first book. I really enjoyed it. In this story, Kate Bradley is a reporter who covers murders, disasters, and tragedy in the Los Angeles area. Kate knows that violence is everywhere but then she is assigned to cover a story about 10 people who have found $100,000 by their front door. Kate dubs the giver as The Good Samaritan, or Good Sam. The story that unfolds includes family, love, liars, and loss. It is all sensitively and tastefully woven together as Kate tries to unravel the Good Sam story. I like the easy writing style and the light mystery. This book is not complex but it catches the reader from the first page. I look forward to the next book by Dete Meserve.
August 15, 2018
Used to mostly seeing the "dark" side of life, LA TV reporter, Kate Bradley's "news hound" instincts kick into high gear when a mystery person leaves a $100,000 cash in a bag on the doorstep of a person who desperately needs it.
New author Dete Meserve has given us a good Samaritan theme that doesn't just touch us emotionally, but equally entertains us with intrigue, mystery, a budding romance (who doesn't love a polite, handsome, hero fireman?), and a "snake-charmer" of an ex flame, who's best left ex!
Reporter Kate Bradley is smart, spunky, tough, but pure female! I'd love to see her in another book! Is there a Good Sam sequel coming?
New author Dete Meserve has given us a good Samaritan theme that doesn't just touch us emotionally, but equally entertains us with intrigue, mystery, a budding romance (who doesn't love a polite, handsome, hero fireman?), and a "snake-charmer" of an ex flame, who's best left ex!
Reporter Kate Bradley is smart, spunky, tough, but pure female! I'd love to see her in another book! Is there a Good Sam sequel coming?
July 6, 2015
I wasn't that tired last night (and the book was good), so I stayed up late to finish it. I really enjoyed it. This book is a great mix of romance, mystery, and is a light read, but not to the point where you feel your brain turning to mush. There's a bit of a point to it, which is fun. I also really enjoyed the conversational writing style. When I got it, it was through a recommendation from BookBub (a website which informs you of bargain Kindle books), and it was $2.99 on Amazon. For $2.99, snatch this up, and read it on your Kindle!
June 14, 2015
What a great story!
It's 6 a. m. I just finished Good Sam. It was too good to put down so I'm just now going to go to bed.
It was worth losing sleep over. The writing was superb and this word nerd/grammar Nazi was impressed with the editing as well. I fell in love with Kate and Eric and booed at the greedy and manipulative Jack.
I'm going to find everything else I can from this author!
It's 6 a. m. I just finished Good Sam. It was too good to put down so I'm just now going to go to bed.
It was worth losing sleep over. The writing was superb and this word nerd/grammar Nazi was impressed with the editing as well. I fell in love with Kate and Eric and booed at the greedy and manipulative Jack.
I'm going to find everything else I can from this author!
June 9, 2014
If you like Nicholas Sparks books, then you will definitely enjoy Good Sam. It has the same emotional touchpoints of a Sparks book yet with a compelling mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. I fell in love with Eric Hayes and was completely absorbed in Kate Bradley's journey to find good in the world. Definitely recommend.
February 23, 2015
Honesty triumphs over deceit in Good Sam
If you like romance mixed in with a mystery the Good Sam will surely be a must read.. A TV reporter seeks the truth even at the risk of losing her career and the possibly someone she loves. Some of our TV newscasters today could use the lesson that the viewing audience expects and deserves the truth in the stories reported,
If you like romance mixed in with a mystery the Good Sam will surely be a must read.. A TV reporter seeks the truth even at the risk of losing her career and the possibly someone she loves. Some of our TV newscasters today could use the lesson that the viewing audience expects and deserves the truth in the stories reported,
September 15, 2014
I loved this book. It is a wonderful debut novel. Take a good story line, some romance and a good mystery and you have a book that keeps you reading until the final pages and this book did. I certainly hope there will be other books to follow by this author.
November 10, 2014
Great read!
A wonderful story about honesty, hope, love, healing and self forgiveness. I loved the way the story played out and concluded. You will not regret taking the time to read this story.
A wonderful story about honesty, hope, love, healing and self forgiveness. I loved the way the story played out and concluded. You will not regret taking the time to read this story.
December 14, 2014
A great feel-good book for the holidays! A news reporter is sent out to discover who and why someone has been dropping bags of money off one folks' porches. She's used to covering murders, floods, robberies... She's not sure how to handle this whole Good Samaratin thing.
November 21, 2014
This was a nice quick read. They say if you like Nicholas Sparks you will like this book.
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