#Cozy Mystery Book Review #Murder at Kingscote by #Alyssa Maxwell

Summary: Murder at Kingscote (A Gilded Newport Mystery #8) by Alyssa Maxwell

On a clear July day in 1899, the salty ocean breeze along Bellevue Avenue carries new smells of gasoline and exhaust as Emma, now editor-in-chief of the Newport Messenger, covers Newport's first-ever automobile parade. But the festive atmosphere soon turns to shock as young Philip King drunkenly swerves his motorcar into a wooden figure of a nanny pushing a pram on the obstacle course.

That evening, at a dinner party hosted by Ella King at her magnificent Gothic-inspired "cottage," Kingscote, Emma and her beau Derrick Andrews are enjoying the food and the company when Ella's son staggers in, obviously still inebriated. But the disruption is nothing compared to the urgent shouts of the coachman. Rushing out, they find the family's butler pinned against a tree beneath the front wheels of Philip's motorcar, close to death.

At first, the tragic tableau appears to be a reckless accident--one which could ruin Philip's reputation. But when Emma later receives a message informing her that the butler bullied his staff and took advantage of young maids, she begins to suspect the scene may have been staged and steers the police toward a murder investigation. But while Emma investigates the connections between a competing heir for the King fortune, a mysterious child, an inmate of an insane asylum, and the brutal boxing rings of Providence, a killer remains at large--with unfinished business to attend to . . .(from Goodreads).

Book Review of  Murder at Kingscote

When a dinner party is held at Kingscote cottage, the butler is found run into by the family motorcar, and dies from the injury. Plenty of secrets come to light as investigative journalist and amateur sleuth Emma Cross assists local police with detecting who murdered the butler. She digs up surprising information about betting, gambling, blackmail and more.

Murder at Kingscote is book 8 of 8 in A Gilded Newport Mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in July 1899 Newport, Rhode Island, where the richest Four Hundred come to spend their summer. We follow Emmeline, Emma, Cross in her sleuthing adventure. The seriously unpopular butler of Kingscote is found close to death between the family motorcar and a tree in the cottage garden. Philip King, eldest son, has just used the car and is suspected of the murder. Everything is not as it seems and with Emma’s contacts, friends and intimate knowledge of the community, she uncovers links to betting, gambling, and more.

Main character and narrator, Emmaline, Emma, Cross is editor-in-chief of Newport Messenger. I am impressed with her. There’s something relentless about her questioning of suspects. She’s like a dog with a bone, reminding me of Miss Marple; always close by when a murder happens. She is my favorite character of this story.

Supporting character Derrick Andrews is owner of several newspapers. He seems under his mother’s thumb about his presence in Society and choosing the right woman to marry. He seems to have little mind of his own around Emma, which annoys me.

I felt the characters of this story interesting and multilayered. It’s like I could have known them I real life. The descriptions of New England luxury cottages of the gilded age were detailed and well researched, particularly the grand gothic Newport cottage Kingscote.

I found descriptions of a New England charity event to be my favorite part of this story. The lifestyle and interactions between people reminded me of Downton Abbey with all the grandeur and luxury. 

My least favorite part of this story was descriptions of how mental Health treatment was conducted at the time. To put close relatives into institutions seem to have been pretty easy to do.

Murder at Kingscote is the first book I have read by Alyssa Maxwell. As there were plenty of hints to previous stories, reading it as a standalone worked perfectly. Plenty of exiting and surprising twists and turns along the way made me end up with quite a few suspects, none of which was the right one. The ending was a complete surprise unlike any other I have read. 

Murder at Kingscote is the captivating series conclusion about a murder in rich people’s summer haven Newport, where an investigative journalist digs up information to help police solve the case.

Fans of Alyssa Maxwell will enjoy this book. As will readers of murder mystery. Similar authors to explore might be Clara McKenna or Dianne Freeman. 

Thank you to publisher Kensington Books and NetGally for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own. 

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: captivating series finale, vivid writing, well researched, surprise ending

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Book Details

Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington Books (August 25, 2020)
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B082WQVX6D

About The Author

Alyssa Maxwell is the author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries and A Lady and Lady's Maid Mysteries. She has worked in publishing as a reference book editor, ghost writer, and fiction editor, but knew from an early age that she wanted to be a novelist. Growing up in New England and traveling to Great Britain and Ireland fueled a passion for history, while a love of puzzles of all kinds drew her to the mystery genre. She and her husband have make their home in South Florida. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the Florida Romance Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Novelists Inc. You can learn more about Alyssa and her books, and find her social media links, at www.alyssamaxwell.com.

#Historical Romance Book Review #The Kiss of a Stranger by #Sarah M. Eden

Summary: The Kiss of a Stranger (The Jonquil Brothers Series #0) by Sarah M. Eden

When Crispin, Lord Cavratt, thoroughly and scandalously kisses a serving woman in the garden of a country inn, he assumes the encounter will be of no consequence. But he couldn’t be more mistaken— the maid is not only a lady of birth, she’s the niece of a very large, exceptionally angry gentleman, who claims Crispin has compromised his niece beyond redemption. The dismayed young lord has no choice but to marry Miss Catherine Thorndale, who lacks both money and refinement and assumes all men are as vicious as her guardian uncle. Trapped between an unwanted marriage and a hasty annulment, which would leave his reputation tainted and Catherine’s utterly ruined, Crispin begins guiding his wife’s transformation from a socially petrified country girl to a lady of society. Their unfolding relationship reveals encouraging surprises for both of them, and privately, each of them wonders if theirs may become a true marriage of the heart. But their hopes are dashed when forces conspire to split asunder what fate has granted, and as a battle of wits escalates into a life-threatening confrontation, will it be possible for Crispin and Catherine to live happily ever after?

Book Review: The Kiss of a Stranger (The Jonquil Brothers Series #0) by Sarah M. Eden

Following an attempt to get away from a title pursuing lady, Lord Cavratt makes the unfortunate mistake of kissing a woman in the garden of an inn and her uncle forces them to marry against both of their wishes. While awaiting annulment, Crispin enters what turns out to be a traumatized lady into Society, which leads to a number of surprises. While the couple grows closer, the confusing and complicated situation they are in escalates into a life-threatening confrontation.

The Kiss of a Stranger is the prequel to The Jonquil Brothers Series by Sarah M. Eden, published by Covenant Communication Inc. The story is set in London 1814 and focuses on Crispin Handle, Lord Cavratt who makes the unfortunate mistake of kissing a maid in the garden of an inn, only the maid turns out to be Miss Catherine Thorndale, whose abusive uncle pushes for an immediate marriage so he can throw her out. An annulment would leave both Catherines’s and Crispin’s reputations in shatters. The whole thing seems a confusing mess with the looming threat of her abusive uncle.

Main character Crispin Handle, Lord Cavratt seems a kind person, if somewhat inexperienced with women. I felt he continuously dropped the ball in his relationship with Catherine. Fortunately he stepped up as the plot progressed. 

I felt heart wrenchingly sorry for secondary character Catherine Adelaide Thorndale. She has musical talent and hidden personal resources. When life becomes quieter I am very pleased to see she thrives. She is my favorite character of this story.

I find it jaw dropping how Sarah M. Eden manages to keep the light hearted writing I enjoy so much in place. The signature funny and bantering dialogue I love is included.

The least favorite part of this story I felt were everything to do with uncle Thorndale.
As much as I hated his character I must admit he added a great dramatic effect to the story. I was surprised by the extreme anger and violence which made me suspect he was suffering from some kind of mental disorder.

My favorite part of the story was the romance between Catherine and Cirpin. I felt it quite amusing how he spent such a long time in complete denial of his feelings for her. I enjoyed the verbal fencing conducted in private, which made them get to know each other better and become closer. 

Conclusion: The Kiss of a Stranger is the heart wrenching story of a sudden and mistaken kiss, an unwanted marriage and an unexpected closeness and love developing in the midst of violence and threat.

I would recommend The Kiss of a Stranger to anyone, particularly fans of Sarah M. Eden or readers of historical fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Julianne Donaldson or Esther Hatch. All opinions in this review are my own.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: interesting plot, great villainous character, fabulous writing,

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Book Details

Paperback: 252 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.; 1st edition (January 3, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1608611752
ISBN-13: 978-1608611751

About The Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including Foreword Review’s 2019 INDIES Award finalists The Heart of a Vicar and The Lady and the Highwayman, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist Healing Hearts. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski. https://www.sarahmeden.com/

#Historical Romance Book Review #Vying for the Viscount by #Kristi Ann Hunter

Summary: Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter

For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he's even more at a loss.

The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley's refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued by the area's newest eligible bachelor.

Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires? (from Amazon). 

Book Review of Vying for the Viscount 

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first book in her new series Hearts on the Heath, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, Suffolk 1817 and is about Hudson, Viscount Stildon, who has just arrived from India where he was born and raised. Having listened to local gossip he finds himself in an extensive group of bachelors hoping to court one of the country’s most eligible single women who has a prize winning stallion as her unofficial dowry.

He meets volunteer horse trainer and neighbor Bianca Snowley who shows up every morning to exercise one of his horses. Hudson hires Miss Snowley to help him learn how to move about in society without making a fool of himself.

Main character Hudson, Viscount Stildon, is knowledgeable about horses but confused about the ins and outs of English society and customs. He seems a likeable character who is able to look past social prejudices to view each person’s individual merits. Much like we would today.

Secondary character Bianca Snowley has a difficult relationship to her stepmother reminiscent of Cinderella. I felt sorry for her, but I was pleased to see she stood up to her stepmother more as the story progressed. Bianca was my favorite character of this story.

I found the plot rather unique, as I have not read a story which centers on horses like this one. Main ideas of the plot is what people are willing to do to gain better positions by wealth or inheritance and deals with class distinction and social prejudices relating to children born out of wedlock. 

I love the light hearted and funny writing style with a friendly bantering dialogue and great atmosphere. I felt each character was very well thought out, beautifully described and perfectly placed into the plot. I loved that the story included characters from Kristi Ann Hunter's Uncommon Courtship, book 3 in Hawthorne House Series.

My favorite part of this story was Holden’s adjustment to English society and the romance development between him and Bianca. It started with easygoing, bantering friendship. Romance was developing slowly between them when they were looking the other way. 

My least favorite part of the story was how Bianca was treated by her stepmother. A terrible, conniving character that would make Cinderella’s stepmother seem almost kind hearted. 

Back in India, Hudson felt God was distant from his life and he didn’t attend church. He starts attending church sermons and reading the Bible and reflects on his faith more and he gradually comes to trust God’s plan.

Vying for the Viscount is the unique story set in horse racing environment with great character building and light hearted and bantery writing style. I would recommend it to anyone, and I eagerly await next installment. Readers of historical romance fiction would enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah M. Eden or Julie Klassen.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

My rating:   5 stars / 5

Main reasons: innovative plot, great character building, fabulous writing and dialogue

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Book Details

Series: Hearts on the Heath (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 7/2 edition (August 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764235257
ISBN-13: 978-0764235252

About The Author

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. In addition to several pre-published contests, Kristi is a Rita award winner and has also been a finalist in the INSPY, Christy, and GRW Maggie Award of Excellence. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com. (from Amazon)

#Cozy Mystery Book Review #Tea & Treachery by #Vicki Delany

Summary: Tea & Treachery (Tea by the Sea Mysteries #1) by Vicki Delany

As the proud proprietor and head pastry chef of Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom on the picturesque bluffs of Cape Cod, Roberts has her hands full, often literally. But nothing keeps her busier than steering her sassy grandmother, Rose, away from trouble. Rose operates the grand old Victorian B & B adjacent to Lily’s tea shop . . . for now. An aggressive real estate developer, Jack Ford, is pushing hard to rezone nearby land, with an eye toward building a sprawling golf resort, which would drive Rose and Lily out of business.
 
Tempers are already steaming, but things really get sticky when Ford is found dead at the foot of Rose’s property and the police think she had something to do with his dramatic demise. Lily can’t let her grandmother get burned by a false murder charge. So she starts her own investigation and discovers Ford’s been brewing bad blood all over town, from his jilted lover to his trophy wife to his shady business partners. Now, it’s down to Lily to stir up some clues, sift through the suspects, and uncover the real killer before Rose is left holding the tea bag (from Goodreads).

Book Review: Tea & Treachery (Tea by the Sea Mysteries #1) by Vicki Delany

When real estate developer Jack Ford is found dead on grandmother’s B & B property, tea shop owner Lily Roberts tries to help, but running Tea by the Sea teashop in tourist season on Cape Cod while keeping her grandmother out of trouble is big job. The police are determined grandmother Rose has committed the crime, so Lily carves out time for some private investigating.

Tea & Treachery is first installment in Vicki Delany’s Tea by the Sea Mysteries series published by Kensington Books. The contemporary plot is set in fictional town North Augusta, in Cape Cod. We follow Tea by the Sea tea shop owner Lily Roberts when a murder happens on her grandmother’s B & B property, Victoria by the Sea. The victim is property developer Jack Ford who has made a lot of enemies in the area because of his dodgy business practices. He has tried to force Grandmother Rose Campbell to sell her B & B but Rose has resisted by some intense verbal altercations, so police suspect she has motive for murder. Granddaughter Lily has her hands full, but carves out time to help her grandmother by doing her own private investigation. Soon secrets come to light which changes the case entirely. 

Main character Lily Roberts is pastry chef and owner of local tea room. She has grown up in New York, but has recently moved to The Cape to help her grandmother and have a better lifestyle. I liked her a lot, and found her a suitable character to calm her grandmother down.

Supporting character Rose Campbell is the temperamental, opinionated and demanding English grandmother who insults the police and not is helping her case at all. She refuses to sell her property because she is passionate about environmental issues. I loved her feisty and eccentric character. She kind of “makes” this story and is my absolute favorite.

For me the best part of this story was the vivid nature descriptions of the Cape Cod area which drew me in and made me feel I was actually there. The descriptions of the baking involved in the running of the tea shop and the recepies at the back was very enjoyable. I felt the dialogue was light and humorous. A perfect summer read.

I felt the worst part was when property developers and council members turned up to force Rose into selling her grand stately home promising her progress, money and jobs. -Whatever would get them the property. I felt bad for Rose, but she certainly didn’t cave. I appreciated the dramatic element.

Tea & Treachery was an entertaining plot set in The Cape with focus on environmental vs property development issues. Well developed characters and good descriptive writing and dialogue made for a perfect summer read. The ending was a total surprise to me. I suspected plenty of people along the way, but the actual culprit evaded my attention.

Fans of Vicki Delany would love this new series. As will readers who enjoy cozy mysteries. Similar authors to explore might be Victoria Gilbert or Kirsten Weiss. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Rating: 4 stars / 5. 

Main reasons: entertaining plot, good descriptive writing, surprise ending

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

Series: Tea by the Sea Mysteries (Book 1)
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington (July 28, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1496725069
ISBN-13: 978-1496725066

About The Author

Vicki Delany is one of Canada's most varied and prolific crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. Most recently, she is the author of the Year Round Christmas cozy mysteries from Berkley, The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and (writing under the pen name of Eva Gates) the Lighthouse Library mysteries also from Crooked Lane.
Although she's loving writing cozy mysteries these days in the past she's written standalone novels of suspense (MORE THAN SORROW, BURDEN OF MEMORY), a traditional village police procedural series (The Constable Molly Smith novels - the eighth of which is UNREASONABLE DOUBT) and the lighthearted Klondike Gold Rush Series (Incl GOLD DIGGER and GOLD WEB)
She also writes Rapid Reads novellas for Orca Books including the mulit-award-nominated JUBA GOOD and BLOOD AND BELONGING.
Vicki's work has been nomiated for Arthur Ellis Awards, the Derringer, The Bony Blithe, and the Ontario Library Association's Golden Oak.
Vicki is a past-president of the Crime Writers of Canada, a member of Capital Crime Writers, and Sisters in Crime and a founder and organizer of Women Killing It! A festival of female crime writers held each year in Prince Edward County, Ontario, where she lives among the tomato and sunflower fields. Visit author's web page: http://vickidelany.com/

#Historical Romance Book Review #The Gentleman and the Thief by #Sarah M. Eden

Summary: The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden

A gentleman scribes penny dreadful novels by night and falls in love with a woman who is a music teacher by day—and a thief at night.

LONDON 1865
From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.

Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.

When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.

When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief? (from Goodreads)

 

My thoughts about The Gentleman and the Thief 

We follow Holly Darby, who tries to make himself more useful to DPS. He works on solving two mysteries. First, and foremost, he tries to keep his brother out of danger while he wonders about musical teacher Anna Newport’s strange behavior of late. Holly and Anna soon find themselves using their unique skills in the same fight solving both of their problems.

The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden is the second book in the Proper Romance Victorian Series published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. The Gentleman and the Thief takes place two months after The Lady and the Highwayman story, and I found it very entertaining and satisfying to read more about the characters I had come to enjoy so much.

The setting is London 1865, where members of The Dread Penny Society rescue orphans and street urchins from neglect and abuse. To fund this charity work the DPS’ authors write the extremely popular dread penny stories. The Gentleman and the Thief continues some of the threatening and dramatic elements from The Lady and the Highwayman but the main element of this plot is theft. 

Main character Holly Darby is «old money» but his family has gone poor due to gambling. He has connections in Society which he uses for all they are worth to recruit patrons for the DPS’ charity work. Getting tired of his «party-goer» role and wants to be where the action is. He has a network of serving-class spies. 

Supporting character Anna Newport is musical teacher at a girls’ school. Anna has felt the need for “extracurricular activity” as thief trying to get back what was stolen from her family. I felt very sorry for her situation and found the motivation behind her actions understandable.

The story has a rather unique build, as it is divided into parts with different perspectives.

I felt it was an interesting and entertaining twist how two penny dreadful stories were woven into the main plot.

The Gentleman and the Thief includes spelling out of the cockney dialect which always amuses me. The dialogue includes liberal amounts of light hearted bantering that I love. There are impressively detailed descriptions of a secret up-scale gambling den. Some massive research must have gone into write this part.

Romance between Anna and Holly started off with an instant attraction, but while the plot progressed there was initially little quiet time for it to grow. It felt realistic that there was a gradual development in their relationship and that they became closer when their situations became more resolved. 

There are plenty of interesting and entertaining elements in this standalone story ranging from thievery, a relative gone missing, an up-scale gambling den and dangerous thief masters who “own” orphaned street urchins. 

Fans of Sarah M. Eden will love this book. As will readers of historical romance fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Josi S. Kilpack and Esther Hatch. 

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Edelweiss+ for providing this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

 

My rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: great and inventive plot, enjoyable dialogue, impressive research

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

Series: Proper Romance Victorian
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (November 3, 2020)
ISBN-10: 1629727903
ISBN-13: 978-1629727905

About The Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including Foreword Review’s 2019 INDIES Award finalists The Heart of a Vicar and The Lady and the Highwayman, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist Healing Hearts. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski. https://www.sarahmeden.com/
Sarah is represented by Pam Pho at D4EO Literary Agency.​

#Historical Romance Book Review #Friends & Foes by #Sarah M. Eden

Summary: Friends & Foes (The Jonquil Brothers #1) by Sarah M. Eden

After five years of tracking and capturing spies on English soil, Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lampton, is in pursuit of his last quarry. But at a traveler’s inn, he encounters an unexpected and far more maddening foe: Sorrel Kendrick, a young lady who is strikingly pretty, shockingly outspoken, and entirely unimpressed with him. Indeed, Sorrel cannot believe the nerve of this gentleman, who rudely accuses her of theft and insults her feminine dignity. Doubly annoyed when they both end up at a party hosted by mutual friends, Philip and Sorrel privately declare war on one another. But Philip’s tactics, which range from flirting to indifference, soon backfire as he finds himself reluctantly enjoying Sorrel’s company; and, much to her dismay, Sorrel finds Philip’s odd manner to be increasingly endearing. In the midst of this waning war and growing attraction, Philip catches wind of the French spy he’s been tracking, and Sorrel inadvertently stumbles upon a crucial piece of the puzzle, making her indispensable to the mission. But can two proud hearts negotiate a ceasefire when cooperation matters most? (from Goodreads)

Book Review of Friends & Foes 

Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lambton goes to his friend’s estate for Christmas while at the same time working for the Foreign Office to catch one of Napoleon’s most dangerous spies. On the way there he meets Sorrel Kendrick, the infuriatingly stubborn and opinionated lady who challenges him. They agree to be enemies, only it seems exhausting to keep up the animosity.

Friends & Foes is the first book in The Jonquil Brothers series by Sarah M. Eden published by Covenant Communications. The setting is 1814 when England fears French invasion by Napoleon. We follow Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lambton, as he works for the Foreign Office. Under cover of spending Christmas at his friend’s estate in Suffolk, he is really on a hunt for the dangerous Napoleonic spy Le Fountaine. While on the spy’s trail, he meets stubborn and opinionated Sorrel Kendrick. She dislikes him from the very beginning, while he has his secret reasons for pretending to be the dandy she dislikes so much. They get off to a spectacularly bad start, but unexpectedly she manages to help him with his spy catching operation.

Main character Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lambton does his best to help his younger brothers and I think it speaks volumes of what kind of person he is. He is impressive and my absolute favorite.

Secondary character Sorrel Kendrick has been trampled by a horse and lives in constant pain from the injuries. She tries to hide her vulnerabilities and tries to build armor around herself. I felt so sorry for her, but was pleased to see she managed to respond differently and open up more.

Sarah M. Edenhas a signature light hearted, bantering and humorous writing. I love that by following her great writing I learn new expressions in the English language I have not heard in a long time, -or ever. The dialogue feels like the perfect mix between funny, bantering and serious conversations.

I cannot remember having read anything similar to the plot of Friends & Foes as it is dealing with consequences of being trampled by a horse. It felt very hard to read.

My favorite part of the story was the romance developing between Sorrel and Philip. There was mutual animosity from the start. As they got to know each other better, trust and closeness increased and the romance got room to develop. I thoroughly enjoy the way Sarah M. Eden writes these scenes and I don’t know of any other author who creates romance quite like this.

Research of the devastating consequences of being trampled by a horse I found both impressive and very, very sad. Great research of how spies operated in England during the Napoleonic wars shone through. 

Friends & Foes was superb entertainment owing to the combination of an interesting plot, great character building, great dialogue, and vivid writing. Drops of Gold (The Jonquil Brothers #2)  is already on my Kindle and I so much look forward to starting it.

Fans of Sarah M. Edenwill love Friends & Foes; as will readers of historical romance fiction.

If you want to explore similar books, you might like to check out the works of Julianne Donaldson or Josi S. Kilpack. 

All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: interesting plot, great character building, super dialogue, and vivid writing

Get your copy here:

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications; 1st edition (January 6, 2012)
Publication Date: January 6, 2012
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC

About The Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review's 2013 "IndieFab Book of the Year" gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski (from Amazon)

Visit Author's web page: https://www.sarahmeden.com/

#Historical Fiction Book Review #Catching a Witch by #Heidi Eljarbo

Summary: Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo

What Would You Do to Save Your Best Friend from Burning?
The year 1660 is when it all changed...

That's when a witch-hunter comes to Clara Dahl's seaside village in Norway. She's horrified to discover how fast her neighbors and friends are to turn against each other. She soon realizes her sleepy, little, picturesque corner of the world has been invaded by evil—and it has nothing to do with witchcraft.

As neighbor turns against neighbor, Clara finds herself drawn into the fray, forced to do what she can to protect her friends and loved ones. An educated and upstanding minister's daughter, Clara speaks out against the witch-hunter's unjust treatment of those accused of witchcraft. She sees how he plays the villagers, using their superstitions and religious beliefs to make good people accept horrible things.

When Clara’s best friend Bess is accused of being a witch, Clara must make an incredible sacrifice to save not only her friend, but the entire town… before it’s too late.

About the Book

In 1660, women had no voting rights, couldn’t own property, and were treated as second-class citizens. If that weren’t bad enough, many innocent women—especially poor women—were tried and executed for witchcraft. The people responsible for their deaths were often their own friends, family members, and neighbors.

Catching a Witch is a story about a young woman who's willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people she cares about most in this world.

You’ll love this book if you enjoy…

Historical dramas
Witches and witch hunting
Historical thrillers
The history of religion and superstitions
A story with a strong female protagonist fighting for what’s right

Book Review: Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo

When Clara Dahl returns to seemingly quiet and idyllic little Norwegian town, Rossby, she is shocked to find a witch hunter is invited to weed out the female population. Supported by town council, untrue and silly allegations are made against women and Clara has to take drastic measures to prevent her best friend from being tried as a witch. On this quest a couple of surprising allies turn up.

Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo is about, Clara Dahl who lives in idyllic little town, Rossby, in western Norway. The town gets a visit from famous English witch hunter Angus Hill. Rumors and allegations are made by children and people with all kinds of agendas to cast blame on town’s women. With an unbelievable mixture of misguided beliefs and share callousness Angus Hill rounds up innocent women, including Clara's best friend Bess, and throws them in jail. In danger of being declared a witch herself Clara tries to speak in their favor, but as a woman she is not heard. She has to resort to drastic measures and the help of a couple of surprising allies to free the “suspects”.

Main character Clara Dahl is the well educated and privileged minister’s daughter who has an exotic background very different from others in the village. She has a mindset reminiscent of today. I find her kind and assertive even though she seems to view herself as slightly introverted and is my favorite character in this story.

Innkeeper/Councilman Hansen seems to have plenty of negative traits. I find him disrespectful and focused on keeping up his power and reputation. He carries around a stick he uses to beat children who get in his way. When deciding my least favorite character there is plenty to choose from, but Hansen is certainly right at the top of the list.

I felt the writing of Catching a Witch was vivid, descriptive and engaging.
I enjoyed the descriptions of village health care and the closeness of women in the little village community. The use of medicinal herbs seemed close to cooking and the natural knowledge of women brought from mother to daughter through generations I find fascinating. These descriptions were my favorite parts of the story.

The witch trials described seemed to have elements of gruesome entertainment which reminds me of descriptions of be-headings in town squares in the Middle Ages. I felt a hurtful lump in my stomach reading these parts of the story. Most savage methods were used against innocent, even pregnant, women. This was my least favorite part of this story, although I appreciated the dramatic element.

As I have not read any other historical fiction work set in Norway 1600s, I think the research of village life in western Norway was educational and great. The witch hunter’s methods and activities I found mind numbingly atrocious. -Good writing.

Similar authors to explore might be Geraldine Brooks, Katherine Howe, Kathleen Kent or Elizabeth George Speare.

Thank you to author Heidi Eljarbo for providing this copy which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 3 stars / 5

Main reasons: Good character development and research, Vivid writing

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

Paperback: 284 pages
Publisher: TCK Publishing (July 27, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1631610333
ISBN-13: 978-1631610332

About The Author

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of Catching a Witch and its sequel Trailing the Hunter. She grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren--so far--in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier and a bird. Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter. Heidi's favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

If you would like to know more, please visit:
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Twitter: @HeidiEljarbo