I hear Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John in my head anytime I even think about this book. SIX WEEKS OF LOVE & LARCENY (and the rest of The Secrets Trilogy) take place in Philadelphia, a city with a distinct personality that becomes a character of its own throughout the story, shaping the mood for every scene. Anyone who knows Philly knows it’s not only a vibrant city with a rich cultural history but is made up of a collection of neighborhoods that give it a small town feel and a fierce sense of pride among those who call it home. The characters are an authentic fit for this environment making them instantly feel real. The story introduces you to iconic locations, deep routed traditions, Philly lingo and the underlying fandom that unites the city – Go Birds!
If the main characters in this book, Nikki and Lauren Taylor, had a theme song it would be Lean on Me by Bill Withers. Sisterhood is a central theme in the series and is celebrated throughout – not just when a warm hug is in order but also when either sister needs to hear it like it is. They experience some hardships that leave them alone in the world to navigate the ups, downs and in-betweens of life together, leaning solidly on each other every step of the way. Unapologetic honesty and unconditional love are the foundation of their relationship and will leave you rooting for them as much as the romances in the story. Sisters before misters and all that…
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond is central to a scene that highlights the essence of Lauren’s character – reserved, responsible and driven with a playful side lurking just below the surface. How can a song do that, you ask? Well, office party karaoke of course. It’s an all-time fan favorite and a very relatable experience that makes Lauren feel real in a humorous way. She exposes herself in a way that nurtures a budding friendship, catches the attention of an admirer and provides future fodder for sisterly banter. It’s a simple scene that unpacks quite a bit – So good! So Good! So Good!
Baby it’s Cold Outside provides the backdrop for a pivotal moment in Nikki and Chris’s fast-paced romance. They are immediately drawn to one another in the opening scenes of the novel, but Nikki remains cautious of Chris’s irresistible charm, fearing it’s too good to be true. But what if it’s real? As the snow falls outside and Nikki and Chris enjoy an intimate holiday celebration charged with the push and pull of desire versus control, Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell spell out the age-old dilemma of the emotions that fill the room.
Trust is central to almost all relationships and those in SIX WEEKS OF LOVE & LARCENY are no different. I’m reminded of Billy Joel’s A Matter of Trust as friendships are put to the test, suspicion creeps into romance and secrets threaten to destroy everything. “It’s always been a matter of trust” when any relationship grows – either becoming stronger, slowly disintegrating or completely falling apart.
Bonus Song(s) – As the sisters juggle busy lives, navigate first love, expose hidden secrets and face unexpected danger, their fierce connection is the glue that keeps it all together. Their hard-fought circumstances mixed with their unbreakable bond reminds me of a mash-up of Donna Summer’s She Works Hard for the Money and Stand by Me by Ben E. King.
SIX WEEKS OF LOVE & LARCENY by Rebecca Gould Baeurle
Six weeks. Two sisters. One very bad idea. Nikki Taylor’s college life in Philly is already a high-stakes balancing act-juggling classes, two jobs, and an empty bank account. She doesn’t have time for games. But when a cocky, dark-eyed customer leaves his phone number instead of a tip, she answers the challenge-and steps straight into the arms of Chris Sheppard, a charming Temple student with secrets of his own. Meanwhile, her older sister Lauren is holding it all together. Barely. A lifestyle columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Lauren prefers to keep things professional, predictable, and strictly in control. That is, until her new intern uncovers a potential scandal: date rape drugs and a citywide drug ring creeping onto college campuses.
As Nikki’s romance intensifies and Lauren’s investigation deepens, the sisters’ stories converge in unexpected-and dangerous-ways. Because love might be blind, but someone is watching. And what began as flirtation and first dates is spiraling into something much different. Witty, romantic, and charged with tension, Six Weeks of Love and Larceny is a modern-day love story with a criminal twist-where sisterhood is everything, and trust can be a deadly gamble.
Mystery Woman Sleuth | Fiction Literary [ Zolly House Press, On Sale: July 28, 2026, e-Book, ISBN: 9798993054636 / eISBN: 9798993054643 ]
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About Rebecca Gould Baeurle
Rebecca Gould Baeurle has spent a lifetime helping others chase their missions—now she’s chasing one of her own. After a successful career in the nonprofit world spanning education, healthcare, disability inclusion, and community building, she’s traded grant proposals for plot twists.
Originally from a small town in North Jersey, Rebecca earned her degree in Communications and English from the University of Delaware and never stopped writing. Her voice was forged out of necessity to survive in a family of ferocious talkers, and her storytelling chops were honed over decades of hilarious banter.
Six Weeks of Love and Larceny is her debut novel – the first in The Secrets Trilogy. Rebecca lives just outside Philadelphia—close enough to cheer loudly for the Eagles—and is known to disappear to the Delaware beaches with a good book and an even better cocktail. She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Mike, for 36 years, has two grown children who still keep her on her toes, and yes—she really does have a sister she adores.
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