#Historical Christmas Book Review: #Fair Mountain Christmas (Heartwarming Christmas) by #Heidi Eljarbo

 

4 stars / 5

Summary: Fair Mountain Christmas: A sweet, feel-good holiday novella (Heartwarming Christmas)

Nostalgia and Christmas miracles burn bright in this uplifting and heartwarming story about new beginnings and falling in love under a blanket of stars.

Fair Mountain, December 1972.

A few days before Christmas, Juni’s editor gives her a writing assignment that throws her far outside her comfort zone. She and her terrier, Leo, retreat to her grandparents’ old cabin in the Norwegian mountains in hopes of inspiration. But the trip turns into a heart-wrenching and emotionally challenging encounter.

Memories of Juni’s childhood seep in as soon as she enters the cabin, and as for the writing assignment…what does she know about what children need for Christmas?

Juni’s focus changes when handsome Henry Norheim from Moose Lodge down the hill unexpectedly shows up outside her cottage door. His dedication to family, traditions, and Christmas celebration is contagious, but for Juni, coming out of her lonely shell is easier said than done.

As Juni’s deadline draws closer, and the snowflakes softly swirl down on Fair Mountain, she has to face up to her past, open her heart, and dare to take a step forward. Will the miracle of Christmas live up to its promise of hope, goodwill, and love this year?

Fair Mountain Christmas is a wonderfully warm story for fans of Jenny Hale, Rachael Bloome, Megan Squires, and Elizabeth Bromke.

“A delightful holiday read…a gentle reminder to take time to find the memories and moments that make Christmas magical.” –Chalon Linton, author of Historical Romance and Christian Fiction

“Reading Fair Mountain Christmas gave me the same warm feeling as curling up in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate.” –Lynn Morrison, author of the Oxford Key Mysteries (from Amazon).

Review:

Fair Mountain Christmas is the lovely new Christmas novella by Heidi Eljarbo. The plot is set in the Norwegian mountains December 1972 and is about newspaper writer Juni Lind who goes to the family mountain cabin to find inspiration for her article to be printed in the newspaper just before Christmas. She reflects on memories from childhood Christmases spent in the cabin and finds a way to use some of it for her writing assignment; 5 things children need for Christmas.  

While trying to write, good looking handyman Henry Nordheim turns up. He invites Juni to stay at the lodge nearby. She gets involved in a number of typical Norwegian Christmas preparations, and gets plenty of ideas for her article. She gets to revisit past feelings not yet dealt with. Between Henry, her unprocessed feelings, old and new relationships, Juni carves out new perspective and direction for her life.

Main character Juni Lind is a newspaper writer who has experienced plenty of hurt and loss in her past. She seems like good woman who prefers to close off her heart to protect herself and bury her feelings in work. She felt like a very recognizable character I really liked.

Supporting character Henry Nordheim, the handyman with a great heart who seems very invested in his large family and knows everybody in the area. I would have really appreciated had his character been a bit more developed, but I understand the novella concept might not allow room for this.

This is an easy to read historical set in a time period I have not read before, -yet which made it stand out for me. As a bonus I got to relive my own childhood Christmases in the 70s. I recognized a lot of the elements, particularly the baking of 7 different Christmas cookies and the decorating. The snowfall added an excellent dramatic element as things were put on hold while everybody waited for the snow plough to come open the road for traffic again.

My favorite element of the story was the topic for Juni’s article: 5 things children need for Christmas. Without spoiling, I found the perspective very interesting. Something worth reading for parents who struggle to find the perfect gift every year. 

I would recommend this easy read to anyone who would like to curl up with a blanket in front of the fire as the afternoons get darker and it gets closer to Christmas. I would also recommend it to readers who enjoy historicals in general or particularly stories set in Norway or Europe.

Similar authors to explore might be Jenny Hale, Rachael Bloome, Megan Squires, and Elizabeth Bromke. Thank you to #Heidi Eljarbo for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: Newspaper writer Juni Lind goes to the family mountain cabin to find inspiration for her article about 5 things children need for Christmas. She gets snowed in, reflects on feelings from her past and meets local handyman Henry who helps her gain new perspective going forward.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Where to get your copy

Amazon Kindle

Book Details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0949HKZW7
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 4, 2021
Print length ‏ : ‎ 86 pages

Author Bio

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near.
Heidi 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.
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.
Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.heidieljarbo.com/newsletter

If you would like to know more, please visit:

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#Historical Cozy Mystery #Book Review: #Death in Daylesford by #Kerry Greenwood

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Summary: Death in Daylesford (Phryne Fisher book 21) by Kerry Greenwood

When a mysterious invitation arrives for Miss Phryne Fisher from an unknown Captain Herbert Spencer, Phryne's curiosity is excited. Spencer runs a retreat in Victoria's spa country for shell-shocked soldiers of the First World War. It's a cause after Phryne's own heart but what could Spencer want from her?

Phryne and the faithful Dot view their spa sojourn as a short holiday but are quickly thrown in the midst of disturbing Highland gatherings, disappearing women, murder and the mystery of the Temperance Hotel.

Meanwhile, Cec, Bert and Tinker find a young woman floating face down in the harbour, dead. Tinker and Phryne's resilient adopted daughters, Jane and Ruth, decide to solve what appears to be a heinous crime.

Disappearances, murder, bombs, booby-traps and strange goings-on land Miss Phryne Fisher right in the middle of her most exciting adventure (from Goodreads).

My thoughts of this fabulous murder mystery

Death in Daylesford is book 21 in the Phryne Fisher’s Mysteries series by Kerry Greenwood, published by Poisoned Pen Press. This time Miss Fisher is taking a holiday of sorts to visit a spa for WWI war veterans to consider donating to the cause. Mysteries seem to follow her and Dylesford and Hepburn Springs is no different. A murderer is on the loose specializing in killing victims at local crowded events, staging it as accidents. Women also seem to quietly disappear from farms in the area and Miss Fisher sets out to find what’s really going on in the beautiful Victoria spa country. At home in Melbourne Miss Fisher’s 3 adoptive children are solving their very own mystery, finding what happened to a drowned schoolgirl found floating in the harbor.

Main character is baron’s daughter Phryne Fischer who seems a confident woman who work as a private investigator. She seems to have a strong character and doesn’t care a jot that people might judge her for living a very different life from women of her time. I find that impressive, which makes her my favorite of this story.

Supporting character is Lady’s Maid Dorothy, Dot, Williams, who seems to take on a bland presence wearing beige/brown clothing at all times. She seems to have an interesting relationship to her boss, speaking to Miss Fisher like a servant when in public, but being friend and confidant in private. I found her likeable and dependable. Like the ideal practical kind of “female Watson”.

This is the first book I have read by Kerry Greenwood, and read it as a standalone. That worked out perfectly, but I wish I had read book 1 and maybe a few more from the start to get a grip on how Miss Fisher developed into the formidable, renowned character she is in book 21. In this book you kind of get a 2 for 1 deal as the plot reads like two separate mysteries. I loved the descriptions of prosperous Australian lifestyle of the 1920s. I have read a few contemporary books set in Australia before, but this one stood out with its historical setting, the colorful characters (apart from beige Dot) and the great writing; even funny in places. I’m very pleased there are so many more books in the series. The murder in the middle of a festival was an excellent dramatic element, but my absolute favorite was the fabulous surprise ending where the identity of the culprit took me totally by surprise.

I feel hooked by this series and is excited to see what the next book will be about. I recommend this one to readers who enjoy an excellently written historical mystery with a fabulous ending. Similar authors to explore might be Victoria Purman or Rosalie Ham. Thank you to #Poisoned Pen Press and #Edelweiss+ for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: Death in Daylesford is the fabulous new story where Miss Fisher experiences murders in the middle of crowds and local women of Daylesford mysteriously go missing from their homes. Miss Fisher’s children work with Melbourne police to find what happened to a schoolgirl drowned in the harbor.

Where to get your Copy

Amazon Hardcover | Amazon Paperback | Amazon Kindle | B&N Hardcover | B&N Paperback | B&N BookNook (E-book)

Book Details

Publisher : Poisoned Pen Press (June 1, 2021)
Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1728234522
ISBN-13 : 978-1728234526

About The Author

Kerry Greenwood (born 17 June 1954 in Footscray, Victoria) is an Australian author and defence lawyer. She has written many plays and books, most notably a string of historical detective novels centred on the character of Phryne Fisher. She writes mysteries, science-fiction, historical fiction, and children's stories, as well as plays. She is unmarried but lives with a "registered wizard" (from Amazon).

Contact Details: Facebook | Website

#Historical Romance #Blog Tour & Spotlight: #Isabelle and Alexander by #Rebecca Anderson

About the Book: Isabelle and Alexander (Proper Romance Victorian) by Rebecca Anderson)

Manchester, 1850

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father's coal mines with Alexander Osgood's prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is content to think of herself as Alexander's wife.

However, her marriage is not what she expected. Northern England is nothing like her home farther west in the lake country. Cold, dreary, and dark, the soot from the textile mills creates a gray hue that seems to cling to everything in the city of Manchester. Alexander is distant and aloof, preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.

Sensing his wife's unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of scenery doesn't bring them any closer. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Tragedy or destiny? The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle's opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could.

Advance praise 

·         "Anderson’s first foray into historical romance is an atypical, yet satisfying story set in Victorian Manchester’s upper middle class. Hand this to readers looking for a book that navigates the peaks and valleys of two strangers attempting to make a life together despite the hardships life throws at them."— Library Journal 

·         "Isabelle transitions from an unaware, leisure-class woman to a more enlightened spouse and supporter of the working class. Intimacy and romance develop between Isabelle and Alexander because of simple gestures, like a long look or a thoughtful gift, and their conversations. Their slow, stately courting is reader appropriate for any age or audience. Manchester also gets its due as a place of grit and incredible production. Descriptions of bustling mills reveal their impact on the couple’s family and its fortunes. Isabelle and Alexander is an intimate and touching romance novel that focuses on women’s lives in the business class of industrial England."— Foreword Reviews 

·         "Isabelle must use her quiet spunk, busy mind, and compassionate spirit to woo her husband in a wholly new way. Anderson's debut is a lovely northern England Victorian romance about confronting the seemingly impossible and the power of empathy. Anderson also addresses the time period’s treatment of physical and intellectual disabilities. Most of all, she beautifully depicts love in its many forms beyond romance, such as compassion, patience, and vulnerability; and her characters illustrate the ways that these expressions of love carry us through even the darkest hours. Isabelle’s loving and persevering fervor and devotion will resonate with any caregiver’s heart."— Booklist

Book Details of Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

Publisher : Shadow Mountain 

Publishing date: May 4, 2021
Language : English
Paperback : 368 pages
ISBN-10 : 1629728470
ISBN-13 : 978-1629728476

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository

Meet The Author

Rebecca Anderson is the nom de plume of contemporary romance novelist Becca Wilhite, author of Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts, Check Me Out, and My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions. Isabelle and Alexander is her debut historical romance novel.

High school English teacher by day, writer by night (or very early morning), she loves hiking, Broadway shows, food, books, and movies. She is happily married and a mom to four above-average kids.

Connect with author: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | website

#Historical Romance #Book Review: #No Jouney too far by #Carrie Turansky

 

4 stars / 5 - I really liked it 

Summary: No Journey too far (McAlister family book 2) by Carrie Turansky 

In 1909, Grace McAlister set sail for Canada as one of the thousands of British Home Children taken from their families and their homeland. Though she is fortunate enough to be adopted by wealthy parents, the secrets of her past are kept hidden for ten years until someone from her long-buried childhood arrives on her doorstep. With this new connection to her birth family, will she be brave enough to leave her sheltered life in Toronto and uncover the truth?
 
After enduring hardship as an indentured British Home Child, Garth McAlister left Canada to serve in World War I. His sweetheart, Emma Lafferty, promised to wait for his return, but after three long years apart, her letters suddenly stopped. When Garth arrives home from the war to unexpected news, he is determined to return to Canada once more on a daunting mission to find the two women he refuses to abandon—his long-lost sister and his mysteriously missing sweetheart (from Amason).

My review of this heartwarming historical romance

No Journey too far is book 2 in the McAlister Family series by Carrie Turansky, published by Multnomah. The story is set in Canada 1919 and is about Garth McAlister as he returns from the Great War. As children believed to be orphans he and his 2 sisters were shipped off to Canada to work on farms and after 10 years of search, his family has still not heard from his youngest sister, Grace. Garth decides to go back in search for her and also for his sweetheart, Emma Lafferty. Grace was adopted by a wealthy family in Toronto and is now about to be launched into Society to get married. She resents the pressure and reaches out to her family in England. Her address reaches Garth, and he visits her. Grace’s adoptive parents are convinced she is an orphan, so they brusquely throw him out, which makes Grace run away. Garth continues his mission to find sweetheart Emma. His skill and connections come in handy when helping her out of some really difficult circumstances.

Main character is ex-Corporal Garth McAlister who seems compassionate, well rounded and likable. As a British Home Child he was badly treated as a farm hand, but seems to have avoided too many emotional scars. 

Supporting character is Emma Lafferty seems quite level headed and assertive as she figures out who to contact for information about Garth. From time to time she gets doubts about Garth's commitment, but I was pleased to see regains her trust again. I found her easy to like and my favorite of this story.

I read No Journey too far as a standalone, which worked perfectly, but reading book one first would give the complete picture of the McAlister family. The parts about Garth’s life within his family were my absolute favorites of the story. I didn’t know much about British Home Children or about American farm life in the 1900s, so it felt like I learned a lot by reading this story. 

I enjoyed how the spiritual element was at the forefront of the story. Grace was adopted by a family who only went to church a few times a year. They didn’t pray or read the Bible, so Grace’s spiritual journey seemed to begin when she found the family Bible and started reading it in secret.  

This is the last in the 2 book series, and I wonder what Carrie Turansky’s next book will be about. Anyone who enjoys historical romance will enjoy this one. As will fans of Carrie Turansky’s other works. Similar authors to explore might be Laura Frantz or Jody Hedlund.

Thank you to Multnomah, Carrie Turansky and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion:  No Journey too far takes ex-corporal Garth McAlister to Canada in search of his sweetheart and his missing sister, Grace. He helps Grace escape her wealthy and powerful adoptive parents and he has to use all his skill and connections to help his sweetheart, Emma out of her difficulties for them to have a future together.

 

Book Details

Publisher : Multnomah

Publication date : June 8, 2021

 

You Can Get Your Copy Here

Amazon Paperback 

Amazon Kindle 

Barnes & Noble Paperback 

Barnes & Noble NOOK book (ebook) 

About The Author

CARRIE TURANSKY is the award-winning author of more than twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, Shine Like the Dawn, and The Highland Hall series. Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks.com and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Connect with Carrie on her website: http://carrieturansky.com/, and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest (from Amazon).   

#WWII Historical Book Review: #The Other Cipher (Soli Hansen Mysteries book 2) by #Heidi Eljarbo

Summary: The Other Cipher (Soli Hansen Mysteries book 2) by Heidi Eljarbo

In the captivating second book of the Soli Hansen Mysteries, two women—separated by more than three hundred years—are connected through their love of art.

1613: Fabiola Ruber has been wed to a man she does not know and must live in a country with a new language and different customs. The memories of a lost love in her hometown Malta haunt her, and she sets out to find an artist who can do her portrait and recapture the feelings she had when she once modeled for a renowned Italian master painter.

1944. Four years into World War II, art historian Soli Hansen works with the Norwegian resistance to locate significant artwork and safeguard the pieces from the Nazis. When she finds out the Germans are after a hidden baroque depiction of a seventeenth century woman, she must muster all her courage and skills to decipher encrypted codes and preserve the mysterious art before it’s too late.

Both women are determined to do what they can to bring healing and redemption to their otherwise ominous future. Through tangled, bewildering clues and an eye for detail, Soli’s bond to Fabiola grows closer by the day. She must find the missing painting before the enemy does.

Ranging from a privileged life in seventeenth century Antwerp to Oslo during the German occupation of the Second World War, this dual timeline is a historical mystery thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end (from Amazon).

My review of this exiting WWII historical mystery

In German occupied Oslo, art shop owner and art historian Soli Hansen and her resistance friends risk their lives on a mission to protect valuable paintings from being stolen by the Nazis.

The Other Cipher is book 2 in the Soli Hansen Mysteries series written and published by Heidi Eljarbo. The dual time plot is set in Oslo 1944 and Antwerp 1613. We follow art historian Soli Hansen and her resistance friends in their effort to keep Jewish owned art from being shipped to Gernany. Soli puts her life in danger to prevent the Nazis from stealing the valuable painting for Hitler’s planned museum in Austria. The underground deciphering group help decrypt secret messages which help her stay ahead of the Germans.

Main character, Soli, Hansen is the art shop owner and member of resistance. She is a shy, introvert who struggle to collect information the resistance needs. I feel she is a relatable and well put together character for a Norwegian woman of the 1940s.

Supporting character is Hedvig, Heddy, Vengen is the leader of the resistance group The Art Club. She seems idealistic, forceful and prepared to live a lonely life on the run from the Nazis for the duration of the war. She seems to struggle to find people to trust but really appreciates the good people around her, which is why she is my favorite of this story.

I feel the plot is captivating and entertaining, written in a down-to earth manner anyone can follow. I love that the story is based on, which I have not come across in any other historical before. The story easily reads as a standalone including the intriguing and unique art element. Readers of book 1, Of Darkness and Light, will recognize characters as well as get to know new ones. Continuing is Soli’s charming friendship (or relationship) with Detective Nikolai Lange and her fear of ruthless German Lieutenant Colonel Heinz Walter. Walter’s presence in the story makes an excellent dramatic element and I got a knot in my stomach every time he appeared. I enjoyed the surprising element of the disappeared young cryptographer and what he had discovered. This made a vital contribution to the progress of the plot. The tid-bits of information about life in war-time Oslo and the vibe of looming danger and uncertainty while in the process of finding and hiding the art, made the story come alive for me. They were my favorites, as I felt these parts were particularly well written.

Readers of historical fiction in general and WWII plots in particular, will enjoy this one. As will readers of Heidi Eljarbo’s previous works. Similar authors to explore might be Andrea Penrose or Mimi Matthews. Thank you to @heidieljarbo for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: The Other Cipher is the captivating dual-time mystery about art historian Soli Hansen who collaborates with Norwegian resistance in a dangerous race to keep valuable art from being stolen by the Nazis. I am already looking forward to Soli’s next mystery in wartime Oslo.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

You can get your copy here

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Book Details

Publisher : Independently published (November 27, 2020)
Paperback : 247 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8572286533

About The Author

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near.
Heidi 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. 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 (from Amazon). Check out author's website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/                                                                                                      

 

 

 

#Historical Romance Book Review: #The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by #Abigail Wilson

Summary: The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson

Her friend is missing.

After five years abroad, Charity Halliwell finally returns to Loxby Manor, the home of dear friends—and her lost love. No longer a young girl, she is now haunted by a painful secret and the demise of her dreams. Instead of the healing and happiness she hopes to find, she encounters a darkness lurking in the shadows of the once-familiar house. When her friend, Seline, disappears the very night of her arrival, Charity is determined to uncover the truth. 

Her only hope is the man who broke her heart.

Branded a coward, Piers Cavanagh has lived the last five years as an outcast far from his family home. When his sister presumably elopes with a stable hand, Piers joins forces with an unlikely partner—the one woman he thought he’d never see again. Together they launch an investigation that leads to strange nightly meetings in the ruins of an old abbey and disturbing whispers of a secret organization. The more they learn, the more desperate the situation becomes. 

The house seems determined to keep its secrets.

As they struggle to piece together the clues, Charity and Piers also endeavor to rebuild their friendship. One cryptic letter changed everything between them. To find happiness they will have to overcome the grief and shame keeping them apart. But first they must discover why Seline vanished and confront the growing fear that she may never return. (from Amazon).

My thoughts about this mysterious historical romance

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is the standalone by Abigail Wilson, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Kent, England 1816, and is about gentlewoman Charity Halliwell who has returned from Ceylon to stay as the Cavanagh family’s guest. She finds them terribly distraught because their daughter has misbehaved and disappeared and keeps seeing lights from the nearby Abbey. Locals are scared and keep away from it while some mysterious activity seems to be going on. She gets help from her close friend and heir to the Manor, Piers Cavanagh, to investigate what has happened to his sister and if the disappearance is part of a lager mystery.

Main character is gentlewoman Charity Halliwell seems a vulnerable woman who has suffered a blow to her self-worth she tries to keep secret. She is relatable and I feel for her, but she also frustrates me as she keeps things hidden and gets in her own way. She seems a well developed character who is easy to like and is my favorite of this story.

Supporting character is heir to the Manor Piers Cavanagh who is a botanist. Having been ostracized from Society following rumors of cowardice, he seems a really good person. Circumstances have not been on his side and he has suffered the harsh, unfair judgment of The Ton.

Main dramatic element of this story is the mysterious disappearance which makes Charity and Piers investigate local matters left alone for years. Rigging of horse races is an interesting element I have not read about before.

The writing has a deliciously dark and mysterious vibe which I love to read this time of year. Charity lands in kind of an investigator role.  A“Miss Marple Light” if you will.

Charity and Piers have strong feelings from five years ago before Charity went to Ceylon. I enjoyed the process as complications in their relationship get a chance to be straightened out and feelings rekindled. This is my favorite part of the story.
The faith element is weaved into the last part of the plot as Charity and Piers have to trust God to help them with their struggles.

The ending to this story deserves a few sentences of its own as it was surprising beyond belief. I had my eye on several of the characters, but never the actual culprit. I really loved that.

This is the second book I have read by Abigail Wilson and I have loved them both. She is firmly on my radar now and I am eagerly awaiting what she comes up with next. Readers of Historical romance and Historical mystery I’m sure will enjoy The Vanishing at Loxby Manor. Fans of Abigail Wilson will definitely love it. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah E. Ladd or Michelle Griep.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Conclusion: The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is the intriguingly mysterious historical which includes disappearance, murder and the rekindling of lost love. All tied together in an enjoyably unexpected ending.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Where to get your copy

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Audio CD

Bannes & Noble Paperback

Barnes & Noble e-book (NOOK book)

Barnes & Noble Audio mp3 on CD

Audio CD

Book Details

Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 0785232958
Publisher : Thomas Nelson (January 26, 2021)
ISBN-13 : 978-0785232957

About The Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter's gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA's Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW's First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.(from Amazon). Read more on authors website http://www.acwilsonbooks.com/about-2/

#Historical Romance Book Review: #A Castaway in Cornwall by #Julie Klassen

Summary: A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.

While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.

As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks? (from Amazon).

My review

On a stormy night Physician’s daughter Laura Callaway is alerted that there’s a shipwreck on the local shore with only one survivor. Alexander Lucas hides his secrets well, but danger seems to follow him to Cornwall.

A Castaway in Cornwall is written by @Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in North Cornwall 1813 and we follow Laura Callaway as she works on her admirable project to salvage trinkets from wrecks and inform next of kin of their loved ones lost at sea. When another ship wrecks, a man is washed ashore and ends up in Laura’s care to be nursed back to life. He presents himself as Alexander Lucas, has a foreign accent and reveals very little about who he is and where he is from.

While this is the second book I have read recently with similar setting, this plot stands out in the way it describes people’s struggles to survive in rather modest circumstances. With a backdrop of the Napoleonic War, the story deals with the need to belong to a family and a community. As an orphan, Laura struggles with both.

Main character physician’s daughter Laura Callaway lost her parents and lives with non-blood relatives. For a woman who struggles so much, I quite admire how she is able to make such a difference in other people’s lives and that’s why she is my favorite of this story.

Supporting character naval sea Captain Alexander Lucas struggles with consequences of war, and goes through a process of learning how to trust again. I felt he seemed human and likable as we got to follow his thoughts and perspectives. Danger seemed to follow him ashore in Cornwall.

I loved the vivid descriptions of daily life and occasional celebrations at the Cornish coast. I could easily see how story could easily be adapted to a movie reminiscent of Poldark. I found the characters relatable and many of them sympathetic. A few really unlikable ones wired me up and added great drama. The mystery element was my favorite part, which related to Alexander Lucas previous life and family background gradually told via his perspective of the story.   

The romance part of the story seemed to be on the backburner until the last part of the plot. As danger was at the forefront, that made perfect sense to me. I enjoyed the dramatic parts of the story and the slightly surprising elements at the end.  I felt it was all expertly tied up into a satisfying conclusion to this standalone novel.

Anyone who enjoys a historical romance set in Cornwall will love this story. As will fans of Julie Klassen. Similar authors to explore while eagerly awaiting next release from Julie Klassen might be Kristi Ann Hunter or Jody Hedlund. 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.

Conclusion: A Castaway in Cornwall is the entertaining and enjoyable story about a woman who struggles to belong and a man marked by war who both long for a place to call home.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Where to by your copy

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Harcover

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Barnes & Noble e-book

Barnes & Noble Hardcover

Barnes & Noble Paperback Largeprint edition

Book Details

Paperback : 400 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-0764234224
Publisher : Bethany House Publishers (December 1, 2020)

About The Author

A little about me…

I love all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, I worked in publishing for sixteen years and now write full time. Three of my books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park won the Minnesota Book Award, and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards. I have also been honored with the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. I enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota. For more, visit author's website https://julieklassen.com/

#Historical Romance Book Review: #Joy to the World by #Carolyn Miller, #Amanda Barratt and #Erica Vetsch

 

Summary: Joy to the World by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt and Erica Vetsch

In Joy to the World, three popular romance authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness.

"Heaven and Nature Sing" by Carolyn Miller
Two music lovers, deeply devoted to each other, were on the brink of engagement when family circumstances drove them apart. How can they ever overcome both their obligations and their fears to find their way back into each other's arms?

"Far as the Curse Is Found" by Amanda Barratt
One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?

"The Wonders of His Love" by Erica Vetsch
A Scots portrait painter finds work at a noble manor house over the holidays. He never imagined he'd fall in love with the emotionally frozen widow there. Now he wants nothing more than to thaw her heart (from Amazon).

My thoughts of Joy to the World

"Heaven and Nature Sing" by Carolyn Miller

The story is set in Wycombe, England, December 1813 and begins when gentleman’s daughter Edith Mansfield joins a Christmas gathering where she is shocked to meet estate owner George Bannerman. Edith rejected George’s proposal a year ago and neither of them has recovered. I enjoyed how the plot centers on the entertaining process when they try to get room to deal with their feelings while also take part in the Christmas cheer. My favorite part was the Christmas vibe I got from descriptions of activities reminiscent of modern day Christmas workshops and a walk in the estate woods to fetch greenery for decorations. The Christmas songs also naturally added to the Christmas cheer. Carolyn Miller writes beautifully and I loved the lighthearted and bantery dialogue between Edith and George. Edith frustrated me as I felt she lacked back bone, while George was the “nice guy” character who tried to win Edith back. The good natured, energetic and slightly meddling godmother, who hosted the gathering was my favorite character. A familiar character from The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace Book 1) was a welcome reminder, as I read the book some time ago. 

"Far as the Curse Is Found" by Amanda Barratt

The story is set in London, 1816 when war veteran Dwight Inglewood, Earl of Amberly happens upon seriously ill barmaid Jenny Grey on her way to give her baby up. He decides to offer her work at his estate.  The setting of the plot seems slightly less affluent and different from others I have read and I felt it had a Dickensian vibe in the beginning as Jenny was in desperate circumstances. Later it goes on to feel reminiscent of beauty and the beast. Dwight isolates himself and neglects the estate, while Jenny prays to God for guidance how to help him. I loved how Jenny and Dwight tried to be positive forces in each other’s lives without asking for anything in return and that their feelings for each other grew from a base of friendship. I particularly enjoyed the parts describing how Jenny introduced Dwight to reading the Bible, which had a positive effect on his mental health. His attitude towards life seemed to shift and he grew conscious of people around him, including Jenny and her baby.

"The Wonders of His Love" by Erica Vetsch

The story is set in Oxfordshire, 1814 when Lady Pricilla, Cilla, Haverly meets portrait painter Scottish artist Hamish Sincclair, who has come to paint Cilla’s brother and sister-in-law as a Christmas present. This plot feels unusual as it deals with a privileged female character who is set to become a duchess when her husband dies and she becomes more of a servant to the dowager duchess. I loved that she wants to change her life, feeling uncomfortable in her present role in the family. The characters of this story were very entertaining and felt likable and realistic, save for a couple of seriously unpleasant ones. I loved that Cilla seemed to have a loving and close relationship with her brother and sister-in-law made clear to all on Christmas. That a relationship could develop between Cilla and Hamish as they were of such different classes felt an enjoyable and slightly surprising element. The story mentioned familiar characters from the Serendipity & Secret series, interesting for new readers.

Recommendations: Anyone who enjoys light hearted historical Christmas read will love this. As will fans of Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt and Erica Vetsch. All opinions in this review are completely my own. Similar authors to explore might be Kristi Ann Hunter or Leah Garriott.

Conclusion: Three entertaining stories about Christmas activities and celebrations beginning of the 1800s. While settings differ in grandeur, all enjoy similar celebrations and singing of Christmas carols. The writing is beautiful and the characters relatable. It adds up to very nice entertainment in front of the fire with a cup of tea.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: beautiful writing, entertaining plots and characters 

Where to buy your copy

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Book Details

Print Length : 336 pages
Publication Date : October 13, 2020
ASIN : B08KTHHD7F
Publisher : Kregel Publications (October 13, 2020)

About The Authors

Carolyn Miller

I'm an Inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with my husband and four children. Together with my husband I pastored a church for ten years, and I've worked as a high school English and Learning and Support teacher. I love reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, gardens, art, travel and food. I really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love. I am represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube agency. Author's website: https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/

Amanda Barratt

ECPA best-selling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story--a spin-off of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes romantic, historical fiction, penning stories of beauty and brokenness set against the backdrop of bygone eras not so very different from our own. She's the author of over a dozen novels and novellas including The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler and My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Lost Love.
Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.
Connect with her on Facebook and visit her online at https://amandabarratt.net/

Erica Vetsch

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She's a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she married her total opposite and soul mate! When she's not writing fiction, she's planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!