#Historical Cozy Mystery Book Review: #Hidden Masterpiece by #Heidi Eljarbo

5 stars / 5

Summary: Hidden Masterpiece (Soli Hansen Mysteries Book 3) by Heidi Eljarbo

In this riveting third book in the Soli Hansen Mysteries series, a woman’s courage to follow her conviction during a horrible war leads her to the portrait of a young Jewish heiress painted three centuries earlier.

Norway 1944. Art historian Soli Hansen has gone undercover to rescue masterpieces and keep them from falling into the hands of Nazi thieves. Working with a small resistance group led by her best friend Heddy, Soli will stop at nothing to thwart the efforts of the invaders of their scenic country. Trust and loyalty mean everything when working against a merciless enemy.

Riddles and clues lead the way to a mysterious work of art. It’s a race against time, but Soli and her network refuse to give up. However, when news arrives that her sweetheart Nikolai is missing in action, she strives to concentrate on the demanding quest.

From the streets of Oslo to the snow-covered mountains and medieval churches of Nume Valley, Soli takes risks larger than her courage, trying to preserve and hide precious art. But she must decide if it’s all worth losing the man she loves.

Antwerp 1639. Fabiola Ruber’s daughter, Annarosa, wants to honor her mother’s last wish and have her portrait done by a master artist who specializes in the art of chiaroscuro. Her uncle writes to an accomplished painter in Amsterdam and commissions him to paint his beloved niece.

Struggling with religious and social persecution, the Jewish Ruber family uproots once again and travels northward. On the way, they will sojourn in Amsterdam for Annarosa’s sitting in the master painter’s studio. But will they make it there? None of them can foresee the danger of such a journey.

Suspenseful action, riddles and mystery, enduring friendship, undying loyalty, and a tender love story come together in this dual timeline novel by bestselling author Heidi Eljarbo. Perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kate Morton, Rhys Bowen, and Kate Quinn (from Amazon)

Review:

Hidden Masterpiece is book 3 in the exciting Soli Hansen Mystery series by Heidi Eljarbo. The dual-time story is set in Oslo 1944 and Antwerp and Amsterdam 1639. In Oslo art historian Soli works tirelessly with local resistance to prevent valuable art from being stolen by the Nazis. She follows clues laid out by the Jewish owner to find the art pieces in his abandoned house.

In Antwerp we get to follow Jewish heiress Fabiola Ruber as she honors her mother’s last wish to have a portrait done by a master painter. The travel to Amsterdam proves to be dangerous, but Fabiola gets to use of her secretly aquired skill.

Main character is Solveig, Soli, Hansen is an art historian. She seems to find it hard to trust people but seems to become more confident when she is acknowledged by resistance as their art expert. I like her a lot and find her character has a complete set of vulnerabilities. She is my favorite. 

Supporting character is Hedvig, Heddy, Vengen, local resistance leader is a courageous woman who seems to let nothing get in her way. She seems to have no problem taking on extremely risky operations but seems a bit lonely. She misses and worries about her boyfriend in Sweden, which makes her softer and more likeable.

What made this story stand out for me and my favorite part were the vivid descriptions of wartime Oslo. I could almost feel people’s fear and the lack of trust in friends and neighbors. The writing was excellent and I got a sense of how people interacted back then. How everyday lives changed in countless ways during the German occupation as people tried to adapt.

The mystery element of how Soli found the extremely well hidden art pieces while avoiding the constant threat of being arrested by the Nazis, I felt was an excellent dramatic element. I loved the thorough research that must have gone into describing the meticulous planning of the resistance work.

The romance element was a surprising, enjoyable gem which made me curious what happens with Soli and Nicolai’s relationship in book 4. I look forward to learning what priceless painting Soli will rescue next.  

This story works perfectly as a standalone, but you would of course get a more complete picture by reading the whole series from the beginning, as I have.

Readers who enjoy the works of Kate Quinn and Lucinda Riley or fans of Heidi Eljarbo’s previous works will enjoy this. Thank you to the author #Heidi Eljarbo for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: Hidden Masterpiece is the exciting third installment in the Soli Hansen dual-time mysteries series where we follow art historian Soli as she works passionately to prevent Nazis stealing priceless art from deported Jews.

In Antwerp Jewish heiress Annarosa honors her mother’s last whish to have a master painter do a portrait of her. The whole family makes a dangerous travel to Amsterdam and Annarosa gets to use her secretly acquired skill.

Where to get your copy

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Book Details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B096S9ZH74
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 28, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English

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.
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#Historical Romance Book Review: #The Merchant and The Rogue by #Sarah M. Eden

 

5 stars / 5

Summary: The Merchant and The Rogue (The Dread Penny Society book 3) by Sarah M. Eden

London, 1865 Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her the freedom and income to employ and protect the poverty-stricken Londoners she’s come to care about, and it gives her father something to do other than long for their hometown of St. Petersburg. She is grateful for the stability in their lives, but she often feels lonely.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a Penny Dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. His membership in the secretive Dread Penny Society allows him to feel he isn’t entirely wasting his life, yet he feels dissatisfied. With no one to share his life with but his sister, he fears London will never truly feel like home.

Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at her print shop is aboveboard. When the growing criminal enterprise run by the elusive and violent Mastiff begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries (from Goodreads).

My thoughts about this historical romance

The Merchant and the Rogue is book 3 in The Dread Penny Society series by Sarah M. Eden, published by Shadow Mountain Publishers. This story is set in London 1865 and is about Dread Penny Society member Brogan Donnelly. By working there, he is assigned to secretly investigate a Soho print shop for possible criminal connection to the Russian ambassador’s office. Brogan has to be careful not to tip off shop manager Vera Sorokina about why he is there. Local merchants seem to be at risk if they don’t pay for “protection” against sabotage of their livelihoods, so Brogan and Vera work to stop the crime spree while their feelings for each other grow.

Main character is philanthropist Brogan Donnelly who has grown up as an orphan on the streets of Dublin and is passionate about making the lives of poor children easier. I keep wishing he would value himself more, but I like him a lot and he is my favorite of this story.

Supporting character is print shop manager Vera Sorokina, who seems a compassionate and confident business woman with a heart for the street children. I find her very obedient with her father and wish she would have found courage to rebel.

I have read both previous books in the series and would probably recommend reading them in order to get the complete picture, but the story reads perfectly as a standalone too. The plot centers on the secret Dread Penny Society whose purpose is to make the lives of London’s street children better. Brogan Donnelly is an active participant in this. I felt I learned even more from this book about the difficult living conditions for poor, orphaned children in the 1800s.

As it takes place in a poor area where businesses struggle to survive and criminals find a way to exploit it felt unique as I have not read anything similar.

The dramatic mystery element of figuring out who pressures shopkeepers to pay to prevent destruction of their businesses was one of my favorite parts.

The description of when Brogan and Vera met for the first time was my absolute favorite part of the story and I loved the bantering between them. Having followed the series so far, I eagerly await what the next book will be about.

Readers who enjoy historical romance stories will enjoy this. I have read quite a number of Sarah M. Eden’s books and loved them all, so I’m sure other of her fans will too. Similar authors to explore might be Abigail Wilson or Arlem Hawks.

Thank you to #Shadow Mountain, #Sarah M. Eden and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: In The Merchant and the Rogue, grown-up Irish street urchin Brogan Donnelly works in a print shop to secretly investigate criminal activity when he meets kindhearted Vera Sorokina who is equally passionate about poor children. Brogan and Vera’s feelings for each other grow while they work to stop the crime spree threatening local merchants.

Where to get your copy

Barnes & Noble

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781629728513
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Publication date:08/17/2021
Series: Proper Romance Victorian series
Pages:368

Autor Bio

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. To connect with the author

website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads 

#Cozy Mystery Book Review: #A Fianceé's Guide to First Wives and Murder by # Dianne Freeman

 

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Summary: A Fianceé's Guide to First Wives and Murder (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery book 4) by Dianne Freeman

In Dianne Freeman's lighthearted mystery series set in Victorian England, the American-born Countess of Harleigh uncovers more deadly intrigue among the uppercrust...

For Frances Wynn, widow to the late Earl of Harleigh, life has a cosmopolitan flavor of late. No sooner has she sent her mother and daughter off on a shopping trip to Paris than she and her fiancé, George Hazleton, are socializing with visiting members of the Russian royal family. Yet amid this whirlwind, scandal also comes calling when Inspector Delaney turns up outside Frances's house with a young French woman with a shocking claim: she is Mrs. George Hazelton.

As the future Mrs. George Hazelton, Frances assumes the woman is either lying or demented. Mrs. Hazelton, aka Irena, makes other outrageous statements. Among them, she insists that she is the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty, that she has been abducted and held for ransom many times, and that someone is sending her threatening letters. When George arrives, he clarifies that he is certainly not married to Irena--though he can confirm her royal parentage. But even as he agrees to investigate whether Irena's life is in danger, her claim proves tragically true. Irena is found strangled in Frances' garden.

To uncover a killer--and clear their own names--Frances and George must determine which of Irena's outlandish stories were based in fact, and who stood to benefit from her death. And as the search reaches a shocking conclusion, they may find that villainy lurks all too close to home...(from Goodreads).

My review of this intriguing murder mystery

A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is book 4 in A Countess of Harleigh Mystery series by Dianne Freeman, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in London 1899 when a French woman turns up on Frances, Countess of Harleigh’s doorstep claiming to be her fiancée George Hazeldon’s wife. She is later found dead in Frances’ garden and these developments may have a detrimental effect on Frances’s and George’s reputations and future marriage. With her usual energy and force Frances meddles in police investigation with the help of her fiancée. Both use their social skills and contacts to avoid a massive scandal.

Main character is Frances, Countess of Harleigh who is like a dog with a bone when it comes to mysteries and who has no problems taking risks. She seems a person with a zest for life who deals effectively with whatever is thrown her way. I love that about her.

Supporting character is the Hon. George Hazelton. There seems to be plenty of mystery related to his background, which I’m sure will gradually be revealed in future books. He seems attentive to Frances and has the makings of a good Victorian husband.

What I enjoyed the most about this story is that it reads like a sitcom. It stands out with the particularly funny start when George’s alleged wife turns up. The plot and characters are catching and keep me fascinated all the way through to the totally surprising ending. I loved how the murder victim’s mysterious background and her connections to Russia included a lot of drama and surprise elements to the story. The drama of investigating the murder understandably took center stage, but we are still able to sense the connection between Frances and George. How they function as a couple in the stressful situation when his alleged first wife turns up. In short this is an unputdownable book I thoroughly enjoyed.

 The lighthearted dialogue and writing kept me entertained and I will recommend this book to anyone who likes a funny and easy read suitable all year round. It is part of a series, but no actual need to read it in order because each story stands perfectly on its own. I did, however, get curious about how Frances came to be a Countess. -Maybe you will too. But I also look forward to seeing what the next book in the series will be about.

Similar authors to explore might be Anna Lee Huber or Katharine Schellman. Thank you to #Kensington Books, #Dianne Freeman and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder is the unputdownable new mystery where Frances solves the murder of a woman with connections to Russia who claims to be George’s first wife.

Where to get your Copy

Amazon Hardcover | Amazon Paperback | Amazon Kindle | B&N Hardcover | B&N Paperback | B&N Nook Book 

Book Details

Publisher : Kensington (July 27, 2021)
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496731603
ISBN-13 : 978-1496731609

About The Author

Dianne Freeman is a life-long book lover who left the world of corporate finance to pursue her passion for writing. After co-authoring the non-fiction book, Haunted Highway, The Spirits of Route 66, she realized her true love was fiction, historical mystery in particular. She also realized she didn't like winter very much so now she and her husband pursue the endless summer by splitting their time between Michigan and Arizona. Her debut novel, A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder won an Agatha Award for Best Debut, a Lefty Award for Best First Novel, and was nominated for a Mary Higgins-Clark Award (from Amazon).

Contact Details: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website

#Historical Romance #Book Review: #The Nature of a Lady by #Roseanna M. White

5 stars / 5 - It was amazing!

Summary: The Nature of a Lady (The Secrets of the Isles book 1) by Roseanna M. White

1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love (from Amazon).

My thoughts of this captivating historical romance

The Nature of a Lady is the first book in The Secrets of the Isles series by Roseanna M. White, published by Bethany House Publishers. The setting is the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall 1906. Escaping her family’s marriage schemes, main character Lady Elizabeth, Libby, Sinclair puts together a plan to spend the summer on the Islands of Scilly enjoying all the flora and fauna she loves so much. She meets hansom local vicar Oliver Tremayne who searches for his missing sister Elisabeth, Beth. Mysterious clues come to light and danger increases. As Libby and Oliver work together to find what’s going on with Beth, they become very close friends. Libby’s family want her to marry a titled gentleman, so if she wants to be with Oliver, she will have to give up her family’s financial and emotional support.

Main character is earl’s sister and passionate naturalist Lady Elizabeth, Libby, Sinclair. She seems close to her family and doesn’t seem to have much of a rebel in her. As the story progressed, I enjoyed that she became a little more assertive.

Supporting character is vicar Oliver Tremayne who does what locally is considered “elbow-magic” which inspires people to open up to him. This part adds a funny element to his character and the story, which I love, and he is my favorite.

This reads like a historical romance with a mystery element. The story stands out from others I have read set in Cornwall. The setting on the islands off the coast added an interesting new twist to the plot. I particularly loved the expertly written dramatic scenes. I felt a bit of a Poldark vibe with the seaside setting and the local way of life at the time. Libby’s brother’s character I felt started out as a bit of an ass, to be perfectly honest, but he was probably the character who developed the most. My favorite part of the story was descriptions of the rowing competition and party on the beach, which added a feeling of Cornish culture. I appreciate all the thorough research that must have gone into writing this.

Libby wants to believe in God, but struggles with what she has learned from her local vicar. I really enjoyed reading about how she arrives at a greater trust in God through her discussions with Oliver.

As this is the exiting first start to the Secrets of the Isles series, I eagerly await book 2. Anyone who enjoys a great historical romance with a mystery twist will love this one. As will fans of Roseanna M. White’s other works. Similar authors to explore might be #Kristi Ann Hunter or #Erica Vetsch.

Thank you to #Bethany House Publishers, #Roseanna M. White and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: The Nature of a Lady is the captivating story about gentlewoman Libby who escapes her family’s marriage schemes to spend the summer on the Isles of Scilly. She meets hansom local vicar Oliver who searches for his missing sister. They both get mixed up in her secret and dangerous activity.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

Book Details

Publisher : Bethany House Publishers
Publication date : May 4, 2021
Print length : 384 pages

ISBN-10 : 0764237187
ISBN-13 : 978-0764237188

Where to Get Your Copy

Amazon Hardcover | Amazon Paperback | Amazon Kindle | B&NHardcover |B&NPaperback | B&N NOOKBook | B&N Large Print

About The Author

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books...to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com (from Amazon).

Contact deatils for the author: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

#Historical Romance Blog Tour & #Review: #A Captain for Caroline Gray by #Julie Wright

 

My Rating: 5 stars / 5 It Was Amazing

Summary of A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright

Regency London

Caroline Gray's third season in London society ends as badly as her first two—no marriage proposal, no suitor, not even a glimmer of an interested prospect. She suspects it's because she is far too quick to speak her mind to men who are put off by her forthright opinions, her eager intellect backed by a formal education, and her unconventional ideas about the future. She is far more daring than demure to suit the taste of her class. Besides, Caroline thinks there will always be next season to find a husband.

However, her family's dwindling income leaves Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: a one-way ticket to sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend waits. If the match doesn't work, Caroline cannot return home.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the thrill of the open sea, and as commander of one of the ships of the Fishing Fleet, he ferries scores of young English girls to the shores of India to find husbands. The voyages pay well, but he struggles to understand why families would allow young women to be matched with total strangers so far away.

The trips have always been routine and uneventful—until this trip's first night's dinner with one Miss Caroline Gray. She engages in a lively political conversation, presenting opposing viewpoints to the conventionally opinionated gentlemen at her table. Captain Scott is secretly amused and delighted at her boldness, not to mention quite drawn to her beauty.

The rest of the passengers are shocked by her behavior and Caroline finds herself an outcast, suffering harsh judgments from the other passengers. However, she finds an unlikely ally in Captain Scott which quickly draws them closer.

Both know an arranged marriage awaits Caroline at the end of their voyage, yet the attraction between them is undeniable. Caroline will have to decide if she will honor her mother's wishes and marry a man in India whom she has never met, thus securing a future for her and her mother, or be brave enough to throw convention to the wind and commit to love a sea captain. He may be enchanted by her bold and unconventional ways, but will his love and admiration last?

My review of this entertaining historical romance

A Captain for Caroline Gray is the standalone novel by Julie Wright, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing and we get to follow Caroline Gray as she reluctantly boards the Perseverance bound for Mumbai, India. As a gentlewoman encouraged by her parents to be outspoken beyond what is acceptable to Society, she has not received any offers of marriage. Caroline’s childhood home is inherited by her cousin following her father’s death and she has nowhere to go. A deal is made for Caroline to travel to India to meet Captain Barritt, without a promise to marry him. Aboard the ship she loses her heart to a different Captain and is totally unprepared for what awaits her in Mumbai.   

Gentlewoman Caroline Gray is knowledgeable and outspoken. She pretty much resembles a woman of the 21st century, having a determined and strong willed attitude which puts men of her time off. I feel for her as she thinks there is something wrong with her. She cannot seem to find someone who likes her the way she is.  She seems very human, which makes her my favorite of this story. I find it easy to relate to her thoughts and feelings.

Captain Thomas Scott seems grumpy and disillusioned at the beginning of the story.  He transports women to India for business reasons and is convinced they will not meet their happy ever after there. He has no plans to marry, but I enjoyed how he starts to show more of his relatable and kind sides during the voyage to India.

The plot stood out as a fresh, new addition to historical romance stories set at sea. I have not read about women unable to find matches in England who travelled to India to marry. I was surprised this story even had a woman serving as cabin cleaner and chaperone to the female passengers even though crew thought that would bring bad luck. The writing had an amusing vibe and I particularly enjoyed the dialogues between Caroline and Captain Scott. Descriptions of the relationship slowly developing between Caroline and Captain Scott were my favorite part of the plot. My least favorite part was descriptions of the catty behavior of one particular female passenger. Her character seemed to have perfected every female trick of the Ton to fight for male attention and her run-ins with Caroline added excellent drama to the plot.

Readers who enjoy historical romance, particularly those set at sea, will enjoy this one. As will fans of Julie Wright. Similar authors to explore might be # Arlem Hawks or #Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen.

Thank you to #Shadow Mountain Publishing, #Julie Wright and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion:  A Captain for Caroline Gray is the fresh, new addition to historical romance stories set at sea. Outspoken and assertive Caroline reluctantly travels to India in hopes of someone to marry, because she puts off male members of Society. Captain Scott is busy building his business and has no plans to marry, but gets new perspectives in this entertaining story about their voyage to India.

Where to get your copy

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP

| DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

Book Details

Title: A Captain for Caroline Gray (Proper Romance Regency)
Author: Julie Wright
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (March 2, 2021)
Length: (336) pages
Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & audiobook
Tour Dates: March 1 – 28, 2021

 

Advance Praise

·         "A charming historical romance in which smarts and sass are vindicated."— Foreword Reviews

·         "…a delightful, not exactly traditional Regency romance. Teen readers will enjoy this adventurous journey with its proactive heroine and exotic settings."— Booklist, starred review

·         "An unconventional woman finds herself at home at sea in this stirring Regency from Julie Wright…This adventure is sure to entice fans of historical romance."— Publishers Weekly

 

Author's Bio

Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen and has written over twenty novels since then. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her books Cross My Heart and Lies Jane Austen Told Me, and she is a Crown Heart recipient for the novel The Fortune Café.

She has one husband, three kids, one dog, and a varying amount of fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise.

 WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Here's the Blog Tour Schedule for you to follow

March 01        My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

March 01        Austenprose — A Jane Austen Blog (Review)

March 02        Storeybook Reviews (Review)

March 02        Lu Reviews Books    (Review)

March 02        Bookworm Lisa (Review)

March 03        Probably at the Library (Excerpt)

March 03        Our Book Confessions (Review)

March 03        Lady with a Quill (Review)

March 04        The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)

March 04        Fire & Ice (Review)

March 05        Literary Time Out (Review)

March 05        Among the Reads (Review)

March 06        Books and Socks Rock (Review)

March 07        Encouraging Words (Excerpt)

March 08        So Little Time… (Review)

March 09        For Where Your Treasure Is (Review)

March 10        Laura's Reviews (Review)

March 10        My Bookish Bliss (Review)

March 11        Heidi Reads (Review)

March 12        Reading with Emily (Review)

March 13        The Christian Fiction Girl (Review)

March 14        Silver Petticoat Reviews (Excerpt)

March 15        Austenesque Reviews (Review)

March 16        The Lit Bitch (Excerpt)

March 16        Greenish Bookself (Review)

March 17        Inkwell Inspirations (Review)

March 18        A Darn Good Read (Review)

March 19        Relz Reviewz (Review)

March 20        Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

March 20        Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

March 21        Jorie Loves a Story (Review)

March 22        From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

March 23        Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

March 23        Historical Fiction with Spirit (Review)

March 24        Captivated Reading (Review)

March 24        Books, Teacups, & Reviews (Excerpt)

March 25        Roseanne E. Lortz (Review)

March 26        Cup of Tea with that Book, Please (Review)

March 26        Randi Loves 2 Read (Review)

March 27        Library of Clean Reads (Review)

March 28        The Bibliophile Files (Review)

#Historical Romance Book Review: #Winning the Gentleman #Kristi Ann Hunter

My Rating: 5 stars / 5 It Was Amazing

Summary: Winning the Gentleman (Hearts on the Heath book 2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.

As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds? (from Goodreads)

My review of this captivating historical romance

Winning the Gentleman is book 2 in the Hearts on the Heath series by Kristi Ann Hunter, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, England 1817 and is about stable manager Aaron Whitworth as he tries to find a jockey to enter a horse race. He is shocked when Sophia Fitzroy turns up as she is a trainer and circus artist with superb skills on horseback. Aaron has dedicated his life to maintaining a low-key position on the outskirts of Society, but Sophia’s presence makes him rethink his attitude towards that life. Sophia has a dream of starting her own riding school. They both make every effort to stay away from each other.  But feelings change while they are not looking. 

Stable manager Aaron Whitworth is sensitive about his background as a Lord’s illegitimate son, but he is well educated and has loyal friends. His view of women’s inferiority seems typical for his time but he seems kind and emphatic.  

Circus artist and jockey Sophia Fitzroy was orphaned at 17 and has lived a hard life on the move with her twin brother. She is a super skilled equestrian, but is full of self doubt. I find her a human, relatable and well rounded character very easy to like. She is my favorite of this story. Descriptions of Sophia’s struggle to be a female jockey in a male equestrian world added descriptions of some heart wrenching consequences she had to endure which made an excellent dramatic element to the story. 

The signature lighthearted and beautifully skilled writing has made Kristi Ann Hunter one of my go-to authors for years. This plot stands out as it is set in English Society’s horse racing community, which I have not read as a specific plot before. Descriptions of the competitive horse racing feels expertly done; like I was in the horse race myself. Fans of the author may be happy to recognize characters from her other books and while I’m pretty sure you would want to read other of her books, this plot easily reads as a standalone. I eagerly await the release of Hearts on the Heath book 3. 

My favorite part of the story was the surprising and utterly touching twist towards the end. I can’t tell you much about it, only that it made the story stand out as captivatingly entertaining and memorable. 

Both Aaron and Sophia were on spiritual journeys. Sophia constantly prayed for a better life while she struggled in the most difficult of conditions. Aaron started reading the Bible as he became increasingly confused about his future and felt unsure about what changes to make. 

Thank you to #Bethany House Publishers, #Kristi Ann Hunter and #NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own. 

Conclusion: Winning the Gentleman is the captivating and thoroughly entertaining story about how illegitimate son Aaron desperately tries to fit into Society while super skilled female equestrian Sophie turns his world upside down and makes him question his life decisions.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

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Book Details

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Publishing date: April 20th 2021
ISBN: 0764235265 (ISBN13: 9780764235269)

Author Bio

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.

#Historical Murder Mystery Book Review: #Death with a double Edge by #Anne Perry

 

Summary: Death with a double Edge (A Daniel Pitt Novel ) by Anne Perry

Daniel Pitt’s investigation into his colleague’s murder leads him through London’s teeming underbelly to the suspicious dealings of one of England’s most influential shipbuilding magnates in a thrilling novel from New York Times bestselling author Anne Perry.

When junior barrister Daniel Pitt is summoned to the scene of a murder in the London district known as Mile End, he knows only that the victim is a senior barrister from the same firm. To Daniel’s relief, it is not his close friend Toby Kitteridge, but the question remains: What was this respected colleague doing in such a rough part of the city? The firm’s head, Marcus fford Croft, may know more than he admits, but fford Croft’s memory is not what it used to be, and his daughter, Miriam—Daniel’s friend and sometime sidekick—isn’t in the country to offer her usual help. And so Daniel and Kitteridge must investigate on their own, lest the police uncover something that may cast a suspicious light on the firm.

Their inquiries in Mile End lead them to a local brothel and to an opium den, but also—unexpectedly—to a wealthy shipbuilder crucial to Britain’s effort to build up its fleet, which may soon face the fearsome naval might of Germany. Daniel finds his path blocked by officials at every turn, his investigation so unwelcome that even his father, Special Branch head Thomas Pitt, receives a chilling warning from a powerful source. Suddenly, not just Daniel but his whole family—including his beloved mother, Charlotte—is in danger. Will Daniel’s devotion to justice be the undoing of his entire life, and endanger Britain’s defense at sea? As ever, the fates of family and history are inextricably intertwined in this spellbinder from Anne Perry (from Goodreads). 

My review of this historical murder mystery

Death with a double Edge is book 4 in the historical murder mystery series by Anne Perry, published by Ballantine Books.  If features junior barrister Daniel Pitt who is assigned to secretly investigate the mysterious murder of  top financial barrister Jonah Drake to keep the law firm above suspicion in case his last activity was not exactly above board. Danile’s father, Head of Special Branch Thomas Pitt, offers valuable advice while his trusted friend and colleague Toby Kitteridge works on the legal issues. Together they reveal ties to the murder of a woman with connections to a number of wealthy men and find links to politics and dangerous illegal activity. As the case moves forward, more people are found dead in the same area of London. –Even to Daniel’s own family get too close to danger.

Main character, junior barrister Daniel Pitt is well connected with a middleclass upbringing. He seems quite empathic and broad minded for a man of his time, particularly his view of women is quite impressive. It’s easy to name him my favorite of this story.

Supporting character is colleague and friend Toby Kitteridge who has worked in the law firm for 8 years. He seems a methodical, trustworthy and kind man who seems to devote all his time to the job.

The setting of this story is late spring/early summer of 1911in London. Other books I have read of Anne Perry has been set in autumn/winter with plenty of  darkness, rain and foggy cold weather where the characters are in need of huddling in front of fireplaces with cups of tea to warm themselves and dry up.  This one stands out with its spring vibe and descriptions of light, sun and flowers. I also loved the historical context of London 1911. Technical inventions like motor driven vehicles have replaced hansom cabs and horse drawn carriages. The writing is beautiful and I particularly loved the description of feelings and closeness between Daniel and his parents which are my favorite part s of the story. When Daniel uses his parents as sounding boards, it clarifies the drama and adds an enjoyable sense of danger and gloom to the story. The dialogue is super clear and helps readers follow every step of the way as the plot is meticulously ironed out.

Readers who enjoy historical murder mystery would enjoy this one and might wish to follow the new series. Fans of Anne Perry would love this addition to her extensive work. Thank you to Ballantine Books, author Anne Perry and my local library for the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion:  Death with a double Edge is the fascinating story where junior barrister Daniel Pitt investigates the murder of his senior colleague who has gotten too close to a case with ties to politics and a luxury prostitute with connections to a number of wealthy men. Daniel’s own family ends up in danger. 

Rating: 5 stars / 5

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Book Details

Publisher : Ballantine Books (April 13, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593159330
ISBN-13 : 978-0593159330

About The Author

Anne Perry is the bestselling author of two acclaimed series set in Victorian England: the William Monk novels, including Dark Assassin and The Shifting Tide, and the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, including The Cater Street Hangman, Calandar Square, Buckingham Palace Gardens and Long Spoon Lane. She is also the author of the World War I novels No Graves As Yet, Shoulder the Sky, Angels in the Gloom, At Some Disputed Barricade, and We Shall Not Sleep, as well as six holiday novels, most recently A Christmas Grace. Anne Perry lives in Scotland (from Amazon) For more information, visit author's website https://anneperry.us/about-me/ 

#Beauty among Ruins by #J'nell Ciesielski

Summary: Beauty among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love? (from Goodreads).

My thoughts about this captivating historical

Beauty among Ruins is the standalone novel by J'nell Ciesielski, published by Thomas Nelson. The year is 1915 and we follow socialite Lily Durham when she is sent to England as punishment for having played too many tricks on her parents. They hope she will find an eligible husband, but Lily takes position as nurse’s aid at Kinclavoch Castle convalescent home for WWI soldiers in Scotland. The matron thinks her an air-head unable to do any kind of real work and challenges her with the worst assignments. But Lily is adamant to help and proves to have excellent bedside manner and a knack for keeping the patient’s spirits up.

The Laird, Alec MacGregor is weighed down by financial problems, but Lily’s zest for life manages to get him out of his dark place and improve his courage.Someone seems to be working to ruin the estate. What seems like accidents happen and a patient goes missing. Lily and Alec grow closer as they work to figure out who is responsible.

Main character is socialite Lily Durham who outward has a zest for life but inward suffers raging insecurities. I feel for her as she has heard all her life that her only purpose in life is to make a good marriage. In this story her character goes through an impressive development and she starts to see a new purpose.

Supporting character is Alec MacGregor, Lord Strathem of Kinclavoch whose character starts out as a brooding recluse. He worries about his estate and his constant leg pain. His character goes through a personal development as he has a shift in his emotions and view of life.

I felt this plot stood out with its interesting setting in Scotland and the placing of the entitled main character in an environment where she has to overcome more challenges than merely finding a husband. Taking place in a castle gave it a vibe reminiscent to Downton Abby; only more run down due to financial troubles. The brooding recluse of a Laird also made me think of the initial part of Beauty and The Beast. The combination of the interesting mystery part and the slow burn romance, including vivid descriptions of the scenery around the Castle, transferred me to the Scottish Highlands, where I hope to go some day. Very hard to decide if my favorite part was the mystery or the slow burn romance. Both were captivating and excellently written .  I loved the funny dialogue between Lily and Alec and found it fascinating to follow the development of their relationship as they ruffled each other’s feathers and challenged each other’s vulnerabilities. I think they both were favorite characters. The surprising and amusing part where Lily’s parents showed up I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Anyone who enjoys WWI historical romances with a bit of a unique twist will enjoy this one. Similar authors to explore might be Abigail Wilson or Michelle Griep. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: Beauty among Ruins is the captivating, unique historical romance set in a Scottish castle converted to WWI soldier’s convalescent home where an American socialite finds romance while mysterious things happen.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

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Book Details

Paperback, 416 pages
Published January 12th 2021 by Thomas Nelson (first published January 2021)
ISBN 0785233563 (ISBN13: 9780785233565)

About The Author

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J'nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.