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

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

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

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

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

Book Review of Vying for the Viscount 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My rating:   5 stars / 5

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

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Book Details

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

About The Author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Rating: 4 stars / 5. 

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

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

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

About The Author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

My thoughts about The Gentleman and the Thief 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

My rating: 5 stars / 5

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

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

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

About The Author

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

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

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

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

Book Review of Friends & Foes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 5 stars / 5

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

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

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

About The Author

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

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

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

Summary: Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo

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

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

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

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

About the Book

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

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

You’ll love this book if you enjoy…

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

Book Review: Catching a Witch by Heidi Eljarbo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My rating: 3 stars / 5

Main reasons: Good character development and research, Vivid writing

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

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

About The Author

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

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

If you would like to know more, please visit:
https://www.heidieljarbo.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheidieljarbo/
https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/
https://www.instagram.com/heidieljarbo/
Twitter: @HeidiEljarbo

#Crime Fiction Book Review #Devises and Desires by #P.D. James

Summary: Devises and Desires (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries #8) by P.D. James

When Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh takes a well-deserved break, in his newly inherited cottage on the Norfolk Coast, relaxation is the last thing he can expect.

He becomes involved in the hunt for a serial killer, known as the Whistler, who is terrorizing the small community of Larksoken. In the course of 15 months the killer has claimed four victims and created a climate of mounting fear, with each murder seeming that much closer to home.

When Dalgliesh discovers the body of a woman by the sea, it looks like the Whistler has claimed yet another life. But how could this be, when the killer's own body was found earlier that night along with a suicide note?

In the shadow of the massive nuclear power station which dominates the bleak landscape, passions and hatreds are surfacing under the strain of fear. And if the Whistler isn't responsible for the latest killing, there must be other enemies lurking within the community (copied from Amazon)

 

Book Review of Devises and Desires 

Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard goes to Larksoken, Norfolk to sort out the cottage he has inherited from his late aunt. On a walk, he finds the body of Hillary Robarth, Acting Administrative Officer of the local nuclear power plant. A serial killer known as “The Whistler” has committed several murders in the area and this one has the same m.o. Dalgliesh helps local police with the investigation. 

I listened to the audio edition of Devises and Desires, published by BBC Worldwide Ltd. It  is number 8 in the (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries) series by P.D. James. We follow Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard as he goes to Larksoken in Norfolk to clear out his late aunt’s cottage he has recently inherited. Acting Administrative Officer of the local nuclear power plant Hillary Robarth is found strangled on the beach close to Dalgliesh’s cottage. This is made to look like one of “The Whistler”’s works, but it’s a copycat. “The Whistler” was already dead at the time of the murder.

Devises and Desires was first published in 1989, 3 years after the Tsjernobyl nuclear disaster. The exciting and relevant plot includes nuclear and environmental issues which was very real and present in people’s minds at the time and is engagingly dealt with in the plot. 

Main character is Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh is the analytical character who manages to help tie up all lose ends in this story. As a hero he comes across as slightly quiet, but seems very dependable and stable. One I could put my trust in. He is my favorite of the story.

Secondary character Dr Alex Mare is Director at the nuclear plant. He had an affair with the victim 3-4 months ago, which seems to have not quite ended. He strung the victim along ever since, while having a new affair with the wife of a local environmental activist. I find him really unsympathetic and my least favorite in this story.

My favorite part of this story was the entertaining and enjoyable way the dialogue was acted out by British actors. It felt reminiscent of a radio play where I could make out the visuals myself. 

P.D. James managed to include a mix of issues like environmental extremism, blackmail, adultery, gay-lesbian and suicide among others. There were quite a few twists along the way so my suspicions went in a different direction. The ending was a complete surprise to me.

The audio edition of Devises and Desires, is the exciting #8 installment in the (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries) series by P.D. James. The plot has a nuclear and environmental theme highly relevant today and the audio edition was expertly acted out by British actors. I enjoy P.D. James’ work so much; I am on a quest to pick up on the remaining ones I have not yet read.

Fans of P.D. James will enjoy this work, as will readers of crime fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Elizabeth George or Colin Dexter.

Thank you to Kristiansand Folkebibliotek for lending me the audio edition which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

 

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: Relevant plot, Interesting characters, Great dialogue

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Book Details: (from Amazon)

Series: Inspector Adam Dalgliesh (Book 8)
Hardcover: 433 pages
Publisher: Alred A. Knopf; 1st edition (January 14, 1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0394580702
ISBN-13: 978-0394580708

About The Author

P. D. James is the author of twenty previous books, most of which have been filmed and broadcast on television in the United States and other countries. She spent thirty years in various departments of the British Civil Service, including the Police and Criminal Law Departments of Great Britain's Home Office. She has served as a magistrate and as a governor of the BBC. In 2000 she celebrated her eightieth birthday and published her autobiography, Time to Be in Earnest. The recipient of many prizes and honors, she was created Baroness James of Holland Park in 1991 and was inducted into the International Crime Writing Hall of Fame in 2008. She lives in London and Oxford.(copied from Amazon)

#Historical Romance Book Review #A Bride of Convenience by #Jody Hedlund

Summary: A Bride of Convenience (The Bride Ships #3) by Jody Hedlund

Upon discovering an abandoned baby, Pastor Abe Merivale joins efforts with Zoe Hart, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for the infant. With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Abe offers his hand as Zoe's groom. But after a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all ( copied from Goodreads).

Book Review: A Bride of Convenience (The Bride Ships #3) by Jody Hedlund

When unemployed cotton mill worker Zoe Hart arrives from Manchester, she suddenly finds herself in the care of an infant girl. Without means of support, she enters into a marriage of convenience to local minister Abraham, Pastor Abe, Merivale, who offers them protection. They are determined to live by the convenience arrangement but are surprised how dissatisfied they both are with that part of their relationship. 

A Bride of Convenience is book number 3 in Jody Hedlund’s 4 book series The Bride Ships, published by Bethany House Publishers. The setting is Vancouver Island and Yale 1863, and we get to follow unemployed cotton mill worker Zoe Hart when she just off the boat meets local minister Abraham, Pastor Abe, Merivale. She suddenly finds herself in the care of an infant and in a marriage of convenience to Abe, who promises to keep Zoe and the baby safe from looming danger.

Main character Zoe Hart is a warm hearted and assertive young woman who is escaping, family drug addiction and bullying to start a new life in the colonies. She struggles with self doubt but has a full set of admirable qualities I wish she would see as clearly as Abe does.

Secondary character Abraham Merivale is on a 5 year, unpaid, mission in British Columbia to build churches. He aspires to become bishop, but is more and more in conflict with the decisions to stay on his career track. I feel for him as his life seems so confined within the rules of English society.

A Bride of Convenience includes several dramatic elements so expertly written my neck hairs rose, including well crafted and dangerous villain character Dexter Dawson out to get Zoe. The thorough research shines through in the vivid descriptions of people’s lifestyles, interactions and clothing as well as the characters themselves.

The romance between Zoe and Abe took some time to develop as they both tried to live by the convenience deal. But close moments seemed to appear between them more and more helped by walks in the northern lights and the visit to a local hot spring. This was my favorite parts of the story I felt were particularly well written. A spiritual element was running through the book as the characters continuously prayed for support while trying to deal with tough times.

A Bride of Convenience included all my favorites: Exiting plot including romance and drama set in spectacular, exotic environments. I couldn’t ask for more. A Bride of Convenience is the second work I have read by Jody Hedlund. While I would have preferred to read The Bride Ship Series in order, reading A Bride of Convenience as a standalone worked perfectly. Just enough hints from the previous installment were given to help me pick up the essentials.

Fans of Jody Hedlund will absolutely love this work, as will readers of historical romance fiction. Similar author to explore might be Laura Frantz and Karen Witemeyer.

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

My review: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: Exiting plot, excellent writing, great romance.

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Book Details

Print Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 30, 2020)
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0821PQM6T

About The Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she's learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she's not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate. (Copied from Amazon).

Read more about the author on her website https://jodyhedlund.com/

#Crime Fiction Book Review #A Suitable Vengance by #Elizabeth George

Summary: A Suitable Vengance (Inspector Lynley #4) by Elizabeth George

Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton, has brought to Howenstow, his ancestral home, the woman he wishes to marry. But the savage murder of a local journalist soon becomes the catalyst for a lethal series of events which shatters the calm of the picturesque Cornish community (copied from Goodreads).

Book Review: A Suitable Vengance 

When journalist Mick Cambrey is found dead, castrated, local opinion is that he got what was coming to him. Inspector Lynley of Scotland Yard investigates the murder in his hometown Howenstow where he knows everybody from his childhood. As the investigation proceeds another murder occurs.

A Suitable Vengance is the fourth book by Elizabeth George about Inspector Lynley and I listened to an audio edition of it published by Bantam Audio Publishing of 1991. I jumped right into A Suitable Vengance and I felt it worked well as a standalone. I am curious what happened to Lynley in the 3 previous installments. In this early release Havers only makes a brief “guest appearance” working with the local investigator. She has not met Lynley at this point.

The story is set in and around idyllic Cornish village of Howenstow. He takes on the investigation assisted by Simon St James. As they are outside their jurisdiction, they are not working in any real professional capacity; more or less as private citizens when investigating the murder of Mick Cambrey.

The plot of A Suitable Vengance has a number of fascinating elements. We get to read about cocaine trafficking, experiments with cancer drugs, cross dressing, posh lifestyle and complicated, bad relationships.

Main character is Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8^th Lord Asherton who is heir to the Howenstow estate, has a seriously complicated relationship with his estranged mother following her infidelity. Fortunately as the story progressed, they both to become a little more mature about the incident. 

Secondary character Peter Lynley is Inspector Lynley’s younger brother who is a drop out of Oxford. He is addicted to cocaine and lives from one fix to the next. I felt very sorry for him as he felt abandoned by his older brother when very young and kind of gave up on his own life.

To choose a favorite character in this story feels hard. Thomas seemed to be the hero and Peter more of tragic character. My least favorite I think was the first victim’s father Harry Cambrey, who was creating and trying to keep up a lie about his son to shield the family from prejudice.

My favorite part of the plot was descriptions of the posh lifestyle of the Lynleys. Reminiscent of environments from Downton Abbey set in a crime fiction story. It included everything from dinner parties and big social events to descriptions of the manor house itself.

 A Suitable Vengance (Inspector Lynley #4) by Elizabeth George is a story with a mix of very fascinating elements ranging from cocaine trafficking to drug experiments. Including twists and turns a very surprising ending. As I am curious about the main character’s relationships, I will definitely go back and pick up on that storyline.

Fans of Elizabeth George would love A Suitable Vengance, as would readers of crime fiction. 

Similar authors to explore might be Louise Penny or P.D. James.

Thank you to Kristiansand Public Libraray for providing me with this audio CD edition of A Suitable Vengance, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

My rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: exiting plot, great character development, surprise ending

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About The Author

Elizabeth George is the New York Times bestselling author of fourteen novels of psychological suspense, one book of nonfiction, and two short-story collections. Her work has been honored with the Anthony and Agatha awards, the Grand Prix de LittÉrature PoliciÈre, and the MIMI, Germany's prestigious prize for suspense fiction. She lives in Washington State. Check out author's website: http://www.elizabethgeorgeonline.com/