#Historical Regency Romance Book Review: #Gentleman Jim by #Mimi Matthews

Summary: Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews

She couldn’t forget…

Wealthy squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it’s bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father’s estate, Nicholas is the rumored son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nicholas escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nicholas never returns. A decade later, he’s long been presumed dead.

He wouldn’t forgive…

After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he’s on a mission to restore his family’s honor. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn’t reckoned for Maggie Honeywell. She’s bold and beautiful—and entirely convinced he’s someone else.

As danger closes in, St. Clare is torn between love and vengeance. Will he sacrifice one to gain the other? Or with a little luck—and a lot of daring—will he find a way to have them both? (from Goodreads).

My thoughts about this historical regency romance

When squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell’s father dies, her abusive neighbor and prospective husband Fredrick Burton-Smythe gets total control of her. He has challenged a stranger to a duel and Margret finds he looks the spitting image of her childhood friend. Events spiral into a race of jealousy and revenge, where Margaret is stuck in the middle.

Getleman Jim is the standalone regency romance by Mimi Matthews set in Somerset 1817 about squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell who has been left in control of her abusive guardian and neighbor Frederick Burton-Smythe. Through his will, her father forces her to marry Fred and have the estates joined or she will lose all her assets. But Margaret has her heart set on illegitimate son and estate groom Nicholas Seaton, who went in search for his father years ago and never returned.

When Margaret tries to prevent Fred from dueling, she is shocked to meet John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, who looks just like Nicholas but denies having met him. Fred picks up on a connection between the two and becomes even more bullying and controlling towards Margaret. She finds herself stuck between the two men trying to prevent them from hurting each other.

Main character John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, has a secret history having grown up in Europe. I feel for him as the plot progresses and he is not able to tell Margaret the truth. 

Secondary character squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell was verbally assertive but suffered health challenges following her father’s death. Descriptions of her health I felt made her character come alive and be relatable. She is my favorite character of this story.

I felt this plot included some unique elements. The terrible lack of judgment and next level cynicism in the will added excellent dramatic effect. I particularly felt surprised and relieved by how Margaret’s closest friend Jane acted reminiscent to her lawyer in the early parts of the story. She certainly needed one as the plot progressed. The writing was captivating with thoroughly engaging dialogue and great character building. All this made me fly through the pages and wish for more. 

The best part of this story was when Margaret tried to stop Fred’s duel by visiting his opponent. This serious surprise became the center of the plot. The effects of the will were by far the worst part.

The heart wrenching feelings between St. Clare and Margaret I felt were particularly well written. St. Clare offered Margaret 3 forfeits which I felt gave the story an element of fairy tale I’m sure would appeal to younger readers.

This unique story with several fresh elements would captivate readers of regency romance and fans of Mimi Matthews. Similar authors might be Michelle Griep or Erica Vetsch.

Thank you to publisher Perfectly Proper Press and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

Conclusion: this unique regency romance includes captivating drama, legal issues, mystery and romance as St. Clare and Margaret tackle difficulties of secrecy, jealousy and revenge. I look forward to reading whatever Mimi Matthews releases next because of the enjoyable plots she comes up with.

My rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: unique plot, entertaining writing, great characters and dialogue.

Book Details

Publication Date : November 10, 2020
Publisher : Perfectly Proper Press (November 10, 2020)
ASIN : B0842YLCNF

Here is where to buy

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Barnes & Noble e-book

About The Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. To learn more, please visit www.MimiMatthews.com

#Historical Cosy Mystery Review: #Murder Comes to Call by #Jessica Ellicott

Summary: Murder Comes to Call (A Beryl and Edwina Mystery book 4) by Jessica Ellicott

The lean years following World War I can lead to desperate acts—even in the quiet English village of Walmsley Parva. When a series of burglaries seems to culminate in murder, brash American Beryl Helliwell and proper Brit Edwina Davenport are eager to solve the case . . .
 
World-renowned adventuress Beryl Helliwell cited for “reckless” motoring? Why, the very idea! Constable Gibbs just has it in for her. The solution? Charm the magistrate, of course. But days after Beryl's appearance before the bench, she and Edwina pay a visit to the magistrate only to find his home ransacked and the man himself lying dead at the bottom of a grand staircase.
 
Given the state of the house, his death appears to be connected to a rash of robberies in the village. Declan O’Shea, the handsome helper Beryl hired to assist their aged gardener Simpkins, falls under suspicion after having had his own run-in with the magistrate—but mostly, Beryl believes, because he’s Irish.
 
While unofficially looking into the magistrate's murder, the ladies are hired in their official capacity as private inquiry agents to find census reports that have gone missing. Is someone trying to hide something from the census takers—and could that theft have anything to do with the magistrate’s death? Beryl and Edwina are once again in fine form as they engage in a little reckless sleuthing to bring these assorted mysteries to a speedy conclusion. . . .(from Amazon).

My thoughts about the book

When former celebrity adventuress Beryl Helliwell and local budding novelist Edwina Davenport are hired to investigate a series of burglaries, one with implications of national importance, they find local magistrate’s home burgled and the man himself dead at the bottom of the grand staircase.

Murder Comes to Call is installment 4 out of 4 in A Beryl and Edwina Mystery series by Jessica Ellicott. The story is set in post WW1 English village Walmsley Parva where inquiry agents Beryl and Edwina are hired to investigate the theft of village census reports when they find the local magistrate dead in his home. Under cover of working on the census case, Beryl and Edwina take it upon themselves to investigate all cases of criminal activity in the village. They suspect all are somehow connected and do not shy away from using slightly unorthodox sleuthing methods to find the culprits.

Main character former celebrity adventuress Beryl Helliwell tends to make somewhat rash decisions. She is a people person and relies on her glamorous and charming appearance to get her out of trouble whenever she colors a bit outside the lines. I find her an amusing character who is my favorite of the story.

Second main character is solicitor’s daughter Edwina Davenport who tries to keep secret that she writes a book in-between investigating cases. She is very concerned with her reputation, but I like her reserved and very proper personality. She seems a very good sleuth which makes me wish she would have better self-confidence. 

I read it as a standalone and a first by this author, but I found the main characters so well crafted and relatable, I could have wished them to be my friends in real life. I was drawn in by the amusing parts describing Beryl and Edwina’s thought process as they were investigating. It highlighted their unique strengths and friendship which altogether seems to make them such a strong team. These elements I find make this story memorable.

The writing and dialogue conveyed a slightly old- fashioned vibe. The opulent English countryside setting felt reminiscent of Agatha Christie with a bit of Downton Abbey environments thrown in. The best part of this story was the amusing description of when Beryl and Edwina visited the village gossip lady to get information without revealing anything themselves.

Anyone who enjoys a well written historical cozy mystery set in post WW1 rural England would enjoy this story. As will fans of Jessica Ellicott. I am curious what comes next from this author, and will be on the look-out for any other releases from Jessica Ellicott. Similar authors to explore might be Alyssa Maxwell or Andrea Penrose.

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

Conclusion: Murder Comes to Call is the captivating, charming and amusing cozy mystery about Beryl and Edwina as they solve murder and theft in post WW1 English countryside.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: charming plot, great writing, captivating character building

Book Details

Hardcover : 288 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496724844
ISBN-13 : 978-1496724847
Product Dimensions : 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 inches
Publisher : Kensington (October 27, 2020)

Where to get your copy

Amazon Hardcover

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble Hardcover

About The Author

Jessica Ellicott loves fountain pens, Mini Coopers and throwing parties. She lives in northern New England where she obsessively knits wool socks and enthusiastically speaks Portuguese with a shocking disregard for the rules of grammar.

As Jessie Crockett she’s the author of the nationally bestselling Sugar Grove Mysteries, and the Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Live Free or Die. She also is the author of the books in the Change of Fortune mysteries as Jessica Estevao (from author's websitehttps://www.jessicaellicott.com/).

#Historical Cozy Mystery Book Review: #Murder at Queens Landing by #Andrea Penrose

 

Summary: Murder at Queens Landing (Wrexford & Sloane Mystery book 4) by Andrea Penrose

The murder of a shipping clerk . . . the strange disappearance of trusted friends . . . rumors of corruption within the powerful East India Company . . . all add up to a dark mystery entangling Lady Charlotte Sloane and the Earl of Wrexford in a dangerous web of secrets and lies that will call into question how much they really know about the people they hold dear—and about each other . . .
 
When Lady Cordelia, a brilliant mathematician, and her brother, Lord Woodbridge, disappear from London, rumors swirl concerning fraudulent bank loans and a secret consortium engaged in an illicit—and highly profitable—trading scheme that threatens the entire British economy. The incriminating evidence mounts, but for Charlotte and Wrexford, it’s a question of loyalty and friendship. And so they begin a new investigation to clear the siblings’ names, uncover their whereabouts, and unravel the truth behind the whispers.
 
As they delve into the murky world of banking and international arbitrage, Charlotte and Wrexford also struggle to navigate their increasingly complex feelings for each other. But the clock is ticking—a cunning mastermind has emerged . . . along with some unexpected allies—and Charlotte and Wrexford must race to prevent disasters both economic and personal as they are forced into a dangerous match of wits in an attempt to beat the enemy at his own game (from Amazon).

My thoughts about the book

Murder at Queens Landing is the 4th and final installment in the Wrexford and Sloan Mystery series by Andrea Penrose, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in the early nineteenth century London and we get to follow Alexander Wrexford and Charlotte Sloan as they investigate the murder of an East India Company clerk who has gotten too close to a secret web of financial crime within the company and gets murdered to cover it up. As Charlotte secretly makes satirical drawings exposing hypocrisy and injustice among the rich and powerful, her life is in danger if the culprits find out who she is.

Main character Earl Alexander Wrexford seems to have a volatile temper. I was pleased to follow his development from a self-sufficient brusque person not caring if he puts himself in danger, into a man with a heart for family and friends.

Supporting character earl’s daughter and satirical cartoonist Charlotte Sloan, is a widow who has chosen to distance herself from Society to make a living fighting against hypocrisy and injustice by publishing satirical drawings. I found her an impressive and interesting character of her time, working to carve out a new life, while still living by all the rules. She is my favorite of this story.

This is the first book I have read by Andrea Penrose. It included plenty of hints to events in other books in the series,which made me want to add them to my TBR, and I will definitely be on the lookout for Andrea Penrose's next release. I found this story read perfectly as a standalone mystery where nothing was as it seemed. I loved the Dickensian vibe I got from the parts about street urchins and flower girls working to survive on the streets of London.  I particularly enjoyed how Charlotte had a heart for street children and took care of two orphan brothers,

The plot included descriptions of mathematical and technical inventions I have not read about before; which fascinated me.

The writing felt light and easy with very entertaining dialogue. The parts where Charlotte and Alexander interacted were my particular favorites. Their relationship developed while they tried to be professional and became confused feelings had grown when they were not looking.

I felt a surprised and impressed by how Wrexford and Sloan found who was “at the top of the food chain” of this complicated scheme and managed to beat the criminals at their own game. 

If you enjoy a great historical murder mystery with conspiracy and a twist of technical inventions thrown in, this would be just the thing for you. Similar authors to explore might be Anna Lee Huber or Clara McKenna. 

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

Conclusion: This is the exiting and satisfying conclusion to the series where Wrexford and Sloan get to solve a murder meant to cover up financial crime within the East India Company where powerful and dangerous people are willing to do whatever it takes to build fortunes – including murder.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: engaging and entertaining plot, satisfying conclusion to series, enjoyable dialogue.

Where to get a copy:

Amazon Hardcover

Amazon Audio CD

Barnes & Noble Hardcover

Barnes & Noble e-book

Barnes & Noble Audio CD

Book Details:

Hardcover : 368 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496722841
ISBN-13 : 978-1496722843

About The Author:

Andrea Penrose is the bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era's swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks (from Amazon)  http://andreapenrose.com/bio/

#Historical Cozy Mystery Book Review: #A Pretty Deceit by #Anna Lee Huber

 

About A Pretty Deceit (A Verity Kent Mystery) by #Anna Lee Huber

In the aftermath of the Great War, the line between friend and foe may be hard to discern, even for indomitable former Secret Service agent Verity Kent, in award-winning author Anna Lee Huber’s thrilling mystery series.
 
Peacetime has brought little respite for Verity Kent. Intrigue still abounds, even within her own family. As a favor to her father, Verity agrees to visit his sister in Wiltshire. Her once prosperous aunt has fallen on difficult times and is considering selling their estate. But there are strange goings-on at the manor, including missing servants, possible heirloom forgeries, and suspicious rumors—all leading to the discovery of a dead body on the grounds.
 
While Verity and her husband, Sidney, investigate this new mystery, they are also on the trail of an old adversary—the shadowy and lethal Lord Ardmore. At every turn, the suspected traitor seems to be one step ahead of them. And even when their dear friend Max, the Earl of Ryde, stumbles upon a code hidden among his late father’s effects that may reveal the truth about Ardmore, Verity wonders if they are really the hunters—or the hunted . . .(from Amazon).

My thoughts about the book

When ex British intelligence agent Verity Kent is summoned by her aunt to figure out what’s going on at the family estate, she finds artwork forged and valuable heirlooms stolen among a number of strange happenings with links to a bigger, much more sinister, problem. As Verity gets closer to the truth, she finds herself in a life threatening situation.

A Pretty Deceit is the final installment in the 4 book historical cozy mystery series Verity Kent Mysteries by Anna Lee Huber, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in Wiltshire, England 1919. We follow ex British Secret Service agent Verity Kent as she is summoned by her aunt to figure out a number of strange happenings after the estate has been used by the RAF during the war. Investigating, Verity finds connections to a neighboring airfield as well as links to some very powerful and dangerous people trying to cover up their criminal acts, lead by dangerous Lord Ardmore. As Verity gets close to the truth, she barely survives an attempt on her life. 

Main character ex British Secret Service agent Verity Kent understandably seems a bit sensitive about her gender in the 1900s man’s world. I can really relate to her character as she compassionately reflects on hardships in her own life to understand struggles of others. This makes her my favorite character of this story. 

Supporting character ex Secret Service agent Sidney Kent is Verity’s husband who seems slightly jealous and over protective as I would envision a man of post WW1 England. I still find him a very sympathetic and kind man of his time who keeps Verity sane in all the danger she gets herself into. 

This is the first I have read by this author. The writing was excellent and I found it very enjoyable how the plot flowed slightly differently from others I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about British intelligence activity during and after WW1, and will certainly follow up with more of Anna Lee Huber’s books or similar reads in future.

The plot worked well as a standalone. Plenty of hints to previous books, but if possible I would probably suggest reading the series in order to pick up on any details.

 My favorite part of the story was descriptions of Verity’s birthday night of dinner and dancing at The Savoy with all its glitter and glamour. The worst was when Verity was attacked by an intruder who put strain on her neck and throat to get to crucial coded information Verity had just deciphered. 

Fans of Anna Lee Huber would love this story and readers of murder mysteries would enjoy it too.  Similar authors to explore might be Andrea Penrose or Dianne Freeman

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

Conclusion: If you enjoy a thrilling historical murder-mystery including post WW1 spies and traitors to The Crown, bodies turning up on a Downton Abbey inspired estate and an element of newlywed romance, this would be the one to read.

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Main reasons: plot was well crafted and surprising, relatable characters.

Where to get a copy:

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Audio CD

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Book Details:

Paperback : 304 pages

Publisher : Kensington (September 29, 2020)

ISBN-10 : 1496728475

ISBN-13 : 978-1496728470 

About The Author

Anna Lee Huber is the Daphne award-winning author of the national bestselling Lady Darby Mysteries, the Verity Kent Mysteries, and the Gothic Myths series, as well as the forthcoming anthology The Deadly Hours. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she majored in music and minored in psychology. She currently resides in Indiana with her family and is hard at work on her next novel. Visit her online at http://annaleehuber.com/

#Historical Cozy Mystery Book Review: #Deception by Gaslight by #Kate Belli.

About Deception by Gaslight (A Gilded Gotham Mystery book 1) by Kate Belli.

Glittering Gilded-Age New York holds its lavish charms--and a litany of deadly sins--as intrepid reporter Genevieve Stewart uncovers a trail of corruption and murder.

As a chill sets in on New York City in the winter of 1888, a jewel thief dubbed the "Robin Hood of the Lower East Side" has been stealing from the city's wealthiest and giving to the poor. Genevieve Stewart--a young woman whose family is part of Mrs. Astor's famed 400 but who has forged a life of her own as a reporter--decides to chase the story, but gets more than she bargained for: a murder victim sprawled in a dark alley in the dangerous Five Points neighborhood.

A handsome neighborhood tough comes to her rescue--but when she encounters the same man at a glamorous ball a few nights later, she realizes he's society scion Daniel McCaffrey. Could this be her Robin Hood? When two more murders rock the Knickerbocker world, it becomes apparent that something much more sinister is afoot than a few stolen diamond necklaces. Genevieve is determined to prove that Daniel is Robin Hood--but she's loath to believe he is a killer as well. From the glittering lights of Fifth Avenue to the sordid back alleys of Five Points, the truth is just one murder away (from Goodreads). 

My thoughts about Deception by Gaslight

On her quest to find out who is stealing jewelry from the richest in New York City, journalist Genevieve Stewart is saved from a dangerous situation by millionaire Daniel McCaffrey who she suspects is the jewelry thief Robin Hood. When murders start happening, Genevieve and Daniel have to use their unique talents and contacts to find who the criminal is. 

Deception by Gaslight is the exiting first installment in the new series A Gilded Gotham Mystery written by Kate Belli, published by Crooked Lane Books. The story is set in New York City 1888 where we follow journalist Genevieve Stewart. She works on getting information about famous jewel thief Robin Hood who is targeting the very richest. In her struggle to get information she sets her life in danger, and millionaire Daniel McCaffrey saves her. Genevieve is shocked to meet him again at an Astor 400 ball, and realizes he is not the street thug she thought but she suspects him of being Robin Hood. Jewelry keeps being stolen, and soon murders start happening too. Genevieve and Daniel use their unique contacts and talents to dig up information and as they come closer to the truth, danger to Genevieve’s life increases.

Main character Journalist Genevieve Stewart has suffered a great loss in her life, but is determined to work for a living. She seems a caring woman who treats people well and is a person who anyone would be proud to have as a friend. She is my absolute favorite of this story.

Supporting character millionaire and philanthropist Daniel McCaffrey comes from a humble background. He has learned to live between two worlds and makes this work in his philanthropic work. I found him an interesting character who sometimes struggles with his identity.

The characters felt like they could have been my friends in real life as they felt so well crafted and relatable. 

This story was beautifully written and reminded me of Sarah M. Eden’s writing. The plot felt different as it contained an enjoyable and exiting collection of elements starting off with the mystery of Robin Hood’s identity. It had me turning pages into the wee hours of the night to get answers, and I was thoroughly surprised who Robin Hood turned out to be.

My favorite part of the story was the amusing way the relationship between Genevieve and Daniel developed. Starting with mutual distrust, they came to trust each other explicitly and rely on each other’s help as the story progressed. Least favorite part was when Genevieve found herself in a dangerous part of Town not able to escape threatening men. 

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

Conclusion: Deception by Gaslight is the exiting start of the very promising new series which will captivate readers of historical cozy mysteries. It contains a collection of well crafted mystery elements and relatable characters that will stay in your memory for a long time.

I eagerly await the next installment in the series or any other release from this author. Similar authors to explore might be Dianne Freeman or Andrea Penrose.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reason: interesting and entertaining plot, relatable characters, beautiful writing

Here's where to by your copy:

Amazon Hardcover

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Audio CD

Barnes & Noble Hardcover 

Book Details

Print Length: 327 pages

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (October 6, 2020)

Publication Date: October 6, 2020

Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC

About The Author

Kate Belli writes historical mystery, historical romance, suspense and women’s fiction. Fascinated by history from an early age, she earned a PhD in American art and has variously worked as an antiques appraiser, a museum curator and a college professor. Kate has lived all over, from Florence, Italy, to Brooklyn, New York, to the Deep South, to a cottage next to Monet’s gardens in Northern France. Today she lives and works in a small, Civil War-era college town in Pennsylvania with her husband and son.

When not writing, Kate satisfies her wanderlust by traveling with her family as often as possible, touring museums and sampling local food. She is also an avid runner, having completed several marathons, and a yoga teacher. Kate loves hiking, camping, and cooking, and firmly believes red wine and strong coffee qualify as their own food groups. Author's website: http://katebelli.com/

Book #Review: #The Melody of the Mulberries by #Tonya Jewel Blessing

Summary: The Melody of the Mulberries (Big Creek Series #2) by Tonya Jewel Blessing

This sequel to The Whispering of the Willows is set in the late 1920s' Appalachia, where granny witches and spiritualism often show the path for wanderers to take, especially in matters of the heart.

This Big Creek sequel follows the lives and loves of two siblings. Coral determines to visit the family's nemesis, Charlie, now in prison for the rape of her sister, Emerald, and the murder of her inlaw. When Mercy re-enters brother Ernest's life, he has already found a new attraction in his elder brother's widow.

Coral sat in contemplation under a mulberry tree. It was spring, and the fragrant female blossoms promised the mid-summer arrival of first white, then pink, then crimson, and finally deep purple berries. The white berries were hard and tart and enjoyed by the quail, wild turkeys, mocking birds, and blue jays. The blackish purple berries were soft and sweet - perfect for pies and jams.

When the berries turned white, Coral would thank the good Lord for providing food for the birds. When the berries ripened she would thank the good Lord for the sweetness savored in her mouth and curse the birds for wanting more than their share.

Where Emerald Ashby's story leaves us in the last pages of The Whispering of the Willows, sixteen-year-old Coral Ashby's story begins. Like the changing mulberries, Appalachian siblings Coral and Ernest Ashby, navigate life through the late 1920s. Coral is determined to visit the family nemesis, Charlie, who now stews in prison.

When Ernest's previous love interest, Mercy, returns to the holler of Big Creek, she discovers that his heart is now singing a melody for Charlotte, the older Ashby brother's widow. But Mercy has brought along her own spiritual tools and a special friend who guides her way.

Accompanied by friends and foes, matters of the heart complicate life for Coral and Ernest. Relationships must be journeyed carefully (from Amazon).

 

#Book Review: The Melody of the Mulberries (Big Creek Series book 2) by #Tonya Jewel Blessing

Deeply religious Coral Ashby is determined to visit family nemesis, Charlie, in jail where he serves a long sentence for having hurt her family. Coral is adamant God wants her to help Charlie repent. It’s the first time she travels outside Big Creek, and the trip changes her life forever.

The Melody of the Mulberries is the second installment in the Big Creek Series written by Tonya Jewel Blessing. It is set in Appalachian Mountains 1920s and focuses on Coral Ashby as she travels to Charleston to visit murderer and rapist Charlie in jail. She has prayed a lot and is adamant God wants her to help Charlie repent. She navigates her new life while praying for guidance, but has limited experience with judging the characters of someone she meets and finds herself in a dangerous situation.

Main character Carol Ashby seems a sweet but stubborn sixteen years old girl who knows little about the world outside Big Creek. I admire the way she puts her faith in God to guide her on the difficult mission.

Supporting character Ernest Ashby is Coral’s brother and the teacher for children of the negro hill people near Big Creek. He seems to juggle his relationship issues by relying on his faith. As I feel he is a well developed and relatable character, he is my favorite of this story.

The Melody of the Mulberries consists of two distinct entertaining story-lines which follow Carol and brother Ernest’s lives as they struggle with their unique hardships. This story stood out as it was set in the relatively poor mountain area of 1920s Vest Virginia. The vibe reminded me a bit of Little House on the Prairie, with descriptions of how people lived a deeply religious, frugal life close to nature. I particularly enjoyed the part describing Charlotte Ashby’s bow and arrow skills during reenactment of Bible stories. The dialogue was well written in a charming, yet easy to read, local dialect. I loved that the quotations of Appalachian Folk Beliefs at the beginning of each chapter were so surprisingly similar to Norwegian Folk Beliefs I heard when I was a kid. I read the story as a standalone which worked perfectly.

My favorite and most amusing part of the story was when the children found a talking parrot in the woods. It had very foul language reminiscent of a bar-keep or a sailor and made very precise voice imitations. The least favorite part was descriptions of evil spirits. There seemed to be short distance from religious beliefs to mountain mysticism, and I was pleased to see the teachers were conscious that education was the best remedy against it.

Anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction of Christian lifestyle in the 1920s would enjoy this story of two siblings who stay close to God while trying to find a way through their struggles. 

Similar authors to explore might be Laura Ingalls Wilder or Misty M. Beller.

Thank you to author Tonya Jewel Blessing for this pdf, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own. 

Conclusion: This is the charming and entertaining story about two siblings who navigate through hardships while making sure to stay close to God. 

Rating: 4 stars / 5

Reasons: charming unique plot and dialogue,  relatable characters 

Order your copy using any of these links:

Amazon Hardcover

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble Hardcover

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Details of the book:

Series: Big Creek (Book 2)
Paperback: 248 pages
Publisher: Tonya Blessing (July 24, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1951084004
ISBN-13: 978-1951084004

Author's Bio 

Current Books: Soothing Rain (devotionals with corresponding questions/conversation starters), Big Creek Series: The Whispering of the Willows (award winning), The Melody of the Mulberries (new release).
Growing up Tonya Jewel Blessing spent numerous vacations and holidays in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. Most of her adult life has been spent in full-time ministry with a focus on helping women. She has traveled nationally and internationally as a conference speaker. For a number of years, Tonya and her husband operated a retreat facility in Colorado for pastors and missionaries.
She and her husband currently live in South Africa. They are the founders and directors of Strong Cross Ministries, a non-profit organization that assists local churches in providing humanitarian relief and spiritual reconciliation. She is currently pursuing a degree in pastoral ministries (from Amazon).

#Historical Romance Book Review: #The Light at Wyndcliff by #Sarah E. Ladd

About The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd

In the third book of this sweet Regency Cornwall series, one young man must search for truth among the debris of multiple shipwrecks on his newly inherited property.

When Liam Twethewey inherits the ancient Wyndcliff Hall in Pevlyn, Cornwall, he sets a goal of fulfilling his late great-uncle’s dream of opening a china clay pit on the estate’s moorland. When he arrives, however, a mysterious shipwreck on his property—along with even more mysterious survivors—puts his plans on hold.

Evelyn Bray has lived in Pevlyn her entire life. After her grandfather’s fall from fortune, he humbled himself and accepted the position of steward at Wyndcliff Hall. Evelyn’s mother, embarrassed by the reduction of wealth and status, left Pevlyn in search of a better life for them both, but in spite of her promise, never returns. Evelyn is left to navigate an uncertain path with an even more uncertain future.

When the mysteries surrounding the shipwreck survivors intensify, Liam and Evelyn are thrown together as they attempt to untangle a web of deceit and secrets. But as they separate the truths from the lies, they quickly learn that their surroundings—and the people in it—are not as they seem. Liam and Evelyn are each tested, and as a romance buds between them, they must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome their growing differences (from Goodreads).

My thoughts

When new owner of Wyndcliff Hall William, Liam, Twethewey arrives to take ownership, he finds sinister activity on the property. He unexpectantly bonds with steward’s granddaughter Evelyn Bray while working to prevent danger to lives and stopping criminal activity..

This story is the third installment in The Cornwall Novels series by Sarah E. Ladd, published by Thomas Nelson in the Historical Romance/Regency/Christian genre . The story is set in Cornwall 1820 and we get to follow new owner of Wyndcliff Hall William, Liam, Twethewey as he arrives to take over the estate. His main goal is to start a china clay business, but strange happenings on the shoreline of his property need his immediate attention. The steward seems to be at the helm of a secret operation Liam knows nothing about. He gets opportunity to bond with steward’s granddaughter Evelyn Bray while working to take care of survivors from a shipwreck and figure out what the strange activity at night is all about.

Main character, Wyndcliff estate owner William, Liam, Twethewey seems very intent on taking care of the needs of tenants and local people to make the area prosper. I feel that describes a man with good character who is my favorite of this story.

 Supporting character steward’s granddaughter Evelyn Bray seems a bit clueless in the beginning of the story, but I feel she is a great help when the going gets tough. I was happy to see she developed more of a backbone as the story progressed.

The writing of the story was, as always, vivid with great research to back it up.

I found the character building very interesting; particularly the innkeeper who managed to pose as a stand-up guy for a long time, but showed his true colors in the end. The mystery element kept me rapidly turning pages, as I was eager to know what was really going on around Wyndcliff estate and where the shipwreck survivors came from.

The story reads like a standalone with hints to the other books in series, and I am eager to see what Sarah E. Ladd comes up with next.

My favorite part of the story was how Liam and Evelyn were thrown together by the drama following a shipwreck and sinister circumstances on the property. I enjoyed how they found time for private conversations and hand holding.

Least favorite part was descriptions of how local folk seemed to behave like vultures ripping ships apart for anything of value instead of trying to save people’s lives when a ship was wrecked. I enjoyed it as a great dramatic element. 

Fans of Sarah E. Ladd will love this story. As will readers of historical romance fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Elizabeth Camden or Abigail Wilson.

Thank you to publisher Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion:  this is the exciting and unique clean romance story of a Cornwall estate owner discovering his land is used for extensive smuggling operations. He works to stop criminal activity while unexpectedly bonding with his steward’s granddaughter.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: Unique plot, beautiful writing, extensive research

Where to get hold of a copy:

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Audio CD

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Barnes & Noble e-book

Barnes & Noble Audio CD

Book Details:

Series: The Cornwall Novels (Book 3)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 13, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0785223274
ISBN-13: 978-0785223276

Learn more about the Author

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever. Author's web site: https://sarahladd.com/about/

#Historical Romance Book Review: #A Proper Charade by #Esther Hatch

 

Summary: A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch

Does love have a chance if she doesn’t play by the rules?

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience’s elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister’s antics—but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother’s former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth—and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn’t helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated than she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong—even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control (from Goodreads)

Book Review: A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch

To show her brother and herself she is able to work and think of others, duke’s sister Lady Patience Kendrick takes employment as a maid knowing she has no domestic skills. When her employer Anthony Woodsworth asks her help in a charade to secure him a bride, Patience knows there will be and enormous risk to her reputation.

A Proper Charade is book 2 in the Proper Scandals series by Esther Hatch published by Covenant Communications. The story is about Lady Patience Kendrick who tries to prove she can be useful and responsible. When Patience screws up the most basic maid’s duties, general’s son Anthony Woodsworth shows her the ropes. He asks her help in a scheme to hurry his courtship along. Patience enters social functions in disguise to avoid getting recognized as the duke’s sister, while Anthony is seriously puzzled by how well she blends in.

Main character Patience Kendrick is the headstrong and free-spirited lady who temporarily reinvents herself as a maid. I feel she is a well rounded and realistic character who has lived a very sheltered life, so I find it refreshing she wants to work for the first time in her life.

Supporting character Anthony Woodsworth is the very structured but kind and caring general’s son who gets totally flustered when Patience enters his life as a maid. Instead of firing her for being incompetent, he takes her into his confidence. He is my favorite as he has a flexible mindset not too limited by strict society demands of the time.

The plot stands out as different the way it describes Patience’s need for change. Grief seems an underlying theme as her family is in mourning. I felt the dialogue was very lighthearted, enjoyable and amusing, particularly when Patience tries to learn how to do maid’s duties. This is one of the most entertaining stories I have read in a long time. It came alive for me by the beautiful writing describing mistakes and misunderstandings in a vivid way. I read A Proper Charade as a standalone. A well rounded story which worked perfectly on its own.

My favorite part was the amusing situation when Anthony tries to propose marriage to Patience while she hides behind a curtain, thinking she is the woman he has unsuccessfully courted for two years. Least favorite part was descriptions of Patience’s gloomy home life. Her stressed out brother keeps telling her she is naive and useless until she can’t take it anymore.

The romance part I felt was sweet and entertaining. Patience and Anthony got off to a rocky start but their «project» gave the opportunity to bond. The ending included some surprising twists which tied it all together into a satisfying ending. 

Anyone who enjoys historical romance fiction and fans of Esther Hatch will love this lighthearted and entertaining story. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah M. Eden or Kristi Ann Hunter.

Conclusion:  This is the lighthearted and entertaining story about the duke’s sister who temporarily reinvents herself as a maid to prove she can be useful when working in the household of a general’s son.  Only she didn’t expect to care for her employer quite like she ends up doing.

Rating: 5 stars / 5

Main reasons: plot stands out, vivid writing and dialogue.

Get your copy here:

Amazon Paperback

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Audio CD

Barnes & Noble e-book

Book Details:

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (May 1, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1524412317
ISBN-13: 978-1524412319

About The Author

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. https://estherhatch.com/