Review: The Transmigrant

Synopsis:

The year is AD 8. In the backwaters of Galilee, the twelve-year-old carpenter Yeshua nourishes an impossible dream—to become a rabbi.

When a Buddhist pilgrim tells him about a country called Sindh, where anyone can be a monk, Yeshua’s hope rekindles. He joins a camel caravan and sets off on a thousand mile journey across the Silk Road into the unknown. Guided by the words of the Buddha and Krishna, but crippled by a stubborn reluctance to obey rules, Yeshua stumbles from temple to temple in search for a place where he may finally teach.

THE TRANSMIGRANT is a remarkable tale of self-discovery that explores the lost years of Jesus. It is a reflection on the lengths a man will go to be admired, accepted and, ultimately, loved. 

THE TRANSMIGRANT is an alternative take on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Inspired both by ancient scriptures and relatively new findings, such as Russian traveler Nicolas Notovitch’s 1894 book “The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ”, THE TRANSMIGRANT explores Jesus’ life during the years not mentioned in the Bible.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Transmigrant by Kristi Saare Duarte is a unique historical tale. It takes readers back in time. A lot of research has gone into making this one of the best reads yet. I haven’t read anything quite this good. The Transmigrant is a journey of man. Searching constantly for what he needs. Easy to follow, relate to, and understand. The pages are full of deep meaning. Engaging, well-developed, and stunning. Kristi Saare Duarte showed me the depths of what humans are and will go to….it was amazing. Physically and emotionally. I highly recommend readers to open this book and explore the most famous of all men, Jesus. His life unravels here. 

Review: The Night Trilogy

Synopsis:

Night is one of the masterpieces of Holocaust literature. First published in 1958, it is the autobiographical account of an adolescent boy and his father in Auschwitz. Elie Wiesel writes of their battle for survival and of his battle with God for a way to understand the wanton cruelty he witnesses each day. In the short novel Dawn (1960), a young man who has survived World War II and settled in Palestine joins a Jewish underground movement and is commanded to execute a British officer who has been taken hostage. In Day (previously titled The Accident, 1961), Wiesel questions the limits of conscience: Can Holocaust survivors forge a new life despite their memories? Wiesel’s trilogy offers insights on mankind’s attraction to violence and on the temptation of self-destruction.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Night Trilogy by Elle Wiesel is a gruesome account of the suffering he and his family faced during World War II. A time of Death, loss, and torment. This was one of history’s nightmarish memories that will never be forgotten. The Nazis were cruel dictators killing innocent human beings without a hesitation. The page in this book showed it all. 
Young Elle Wiesel experienced what no other teenage boy should have faced. He and his family were just one of countless numbers herded onto cattle cars. Usuhered to their death. The showers of death, the endless starvation, beatings, and cruelty killed so many humans. Humans who didn’t know what lied ahead. 
As I read this book, it brought me back to something I wish I never knew about. Something that should never have happened. But it did. A memory that no being can wash away. The smoke from the screaming dying corpses in the “shower rooms” and the endless fears were terrorfying to revisit. It survivors like the writer who show the world what happened and may happen again. 
The Night Trilogy is memoir that will always be remembered. Survival, loss, death, and much more. Terrible days that never end. Even with so much time having passed. It is a gripping and well-written book. I recommend this Holocaust story to readers worldwide. 

Author Interview: Jean Sorrell

Interview Questions for “Shadow of Death”

What was it like studying English Literature?

Studying English Literature was like opening a gift box, a view of a world unknown to me before. The Brontes, Mary Shelley, Daphne du Mauier, Agatha Christie, Mary Stewart and so many other wonderful English women authors inspired me to want to be an author.

 

Should fiction authors consider getting a degree in Creative Writing like you did?

Everyone approaches the craft of writing in their own unique way. I should think writing comes more from “the doing” not just through academics. I’m glad I have my Ph.D. in Creative Writing, but I’ve learned so much more since then! I think it’s the process that’s most important.

 

You mentioned being a teacher and an art gallery owner. How have these career paths shaped your writing?

I love teaching. If I’ve imparted ideas that have encouraged others to write or just read great literature then I’ve been a successful teacher. I love Art. Maybe I should say I’m “in love” with Art, with every style from Classical to Post “Post” Modern, and every technique that artists have created.

 

How has living in Louisiana inspired your mysteries?

I search out and read mystery novels set in the British Isles, Ireland and other places in the world. Most of them offer atmosphere and images along with a plot that really appeals to me. When I decided to write mystery novels I wanted to create good stories, but also portray some of that wonderful eerie landscape I’ve enjoyed reading. Louisiana is that place and its sense of place and history inspires my stories.

 

Why is mystery your favorite genre?

Perhaps it’s because I like the puzzle of a whodunit. I also like entering a new place, seeing it for the first time, rooting for my protagonist to win the game, and ultimately her own personal stuggle.

 

When did you first begin to write?

I wrote my first story at the age of eight and I hope to still be writing at eighty-eight!

 

What advice would you give to writers struggling to find inspiration?

I tell my students all writing is personal. Search for inspiration everywhere but most often what you write about has a connection to your subjective self. Meditation helps.

 

I noticed your novel, Shadow of Death, is set during 1940 and in Louisiana. Why choose that particular time period?

I’ve been fascinated for years with the leper colony near Carville, Louisiana; the only hospital of its kind in America. In 1940 they were getting close to finding a cure for such a dreaded disease. That time frame, I decided, was important and would add texture to my story.

 

How would you describe your protagonist, Catherine Lyle?

She has just turned thirty and is a troubled woman. Her life has been filled with death and sorrow. She’s become a recluse in New Orleans, living in her own shadow world, buried beneath guilt and loneliness.

 

How many books have you written besides Shadow of Death?

One. “The Returning”
Will there be more mystery novels to come?

Yes. Catherine Lyle’s story isn’t finished.

 

How would you describe your writing using only three words?

Setting, Character, Plot.

 

Where can readers find you and your books online?

Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other e-book outlets.

 

 
 

 

Review: The Taming of Malcolm Grant

Synopsis:

AN ALLURING LASS
Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea-until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life to pieces. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.

A RECKLESS ROGUE
With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whisky, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he’s ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire-until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants . . . 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Taming of Malcolm Grant by Paula Quinn is a charming read. Paula Quinn has captured the language and culture of her characters perfectly. I was sucked into their stories. Surprises were found on the pages. Here, I was brought a sexy historical romance with a strong heroine. She happened to be blind. Her blindness didn’t stop her from living her life. That was something that struck me deeply. Many of us complain with not getting certain things. Here was woman who didn’t complain. She just was limited in a way. I saw bravery in her. Emma still noticed things that most with full sight never see. I immediately connected with her. Then, there was the specter strong and vibrant man, Malcolm. He drank and slept with beautiful women. But he never loved any of them. Until Emma. Emma alone took his heart and changed him completely. The Taming of Malcolm Grant was stunning to read. I loved it. Sweet, powerful, and engaging. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to all. 

Review: Destined to Last

Synopsis:

Lady Kate Cole was a young woman of exceptional beauty, extraordinary talent, and notable charm. She was also a woman so remarkably prone to accidents that it was generally considered wise to keep as much distance from her as possible.
Yet Andrew Hunter simply couldn’t stay away. No other woman would do for his wife. He would give her adventure, fidelity, and a fortune so vast she’d need several lifetimes to go through half of it. What woman could ask for more?
All Kate asked for was a true love match. And Mr. Hunter clearly had no room in his heart for such a silly emotion. But then how was it that no matter what adventure he dragged her on, no matter what mishap befell her, the look in his eyes told her they were…DESTINED TO LAST. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Destined to Last by Alissa Johnson is a sexy yet scandalous romance. A young woman turns downs suitors all for the search of true love. Yet one man bids his time. Trying to learn what she likes and wants from a suitor. Thinking he may have her yet, he makes a bold reach. It was entertaining to watch Andrew Hunter try to lure Lady Kate to him. Men think they understand women until the breaking moment comes. Hilarious, charming, and well-told. Destined to Last is indeed a fascinating adventure. Overall, I highly recommend this historical to all. 

Review: Shadow of Death

Synopsis:

1940 Louisiana. The body of Sister Mary Gretchen is discovered hanging from the balcony in a deserted mansion next to the leper colony on the banks of the Mississippi River.
In New Orleans, her sister, Catherine Lyle, doesn’t want to retrieve the nun’s body. It’s not because she doesn’t love her older sister, but because she’s afraid to go outside her house. For almost twenty years Catherine has lived with a terrible secret, carried deep inside her subconscious, suppressed behind the safety of her portraits and her restoration of damaged works of art. But while the journey terrifies her, Catherine knows she has no other choice but to go.
As Catherine tries to put her fears aside, she finds compelling reasons to reject her sister’s death was suicide. From the hemp noose around her sister’s neck to the brutal murder of a leper patient, strange, unrelated clues are compiled: clues of Nazi infiltration of the colony and death threats to others. As Catherine gets closer to discovering the murderer, she finds herself marked for death. In the midst of the lush, exotic setting of a lonely leper colony on the banks of the Mississippi River, readers will find themselves transported to a time and a place that is no more. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Shadow of Death by Jean Sorrell is an entertaining mystery. From the beginning, Jean Sorrell sucked me into her book. The main character, Catherine Lye, is interesting. Went from talking about her dolls associated to anger and loss to solving a murder case. Her sister died and it doesn’t look like suicide…Catherine is starting to piece the clues together. As she does so, she also marks herself as the next victim. Danger, risks, murder and even a bit of a romance can be found. It was exciting. Shadow of Death is a combination of a historical and a cozy mystery. The combination suits this novel well. Overall, I recommend this read to all. 

Review: In the Fullness of Time

Synopsis: 

In this sequel to Hattie’s Place, the year is 1913. Hattie Robinson is married to the widowed Charles Barton and has left her teaching position at Calhoun School to raise Charles’s sons and manage the Barton estate. Now she must reconcile her role as mother and wife with her work for woman’s suffrage, a cause that ignited her passion when attending the Woman’s Suffrage Procession in Washington, on the eve of Woodrow Wilson’s first inauguration. 
As a young bride, twenty-three years her husband’s junior, Hattie struggles for acceptance in the community and Barton family. And then, Will Kendrick, her first love, appears, causing old feelings to resurface. When Julia Martin, the widow of Charles’s best friend Percy, reaches out to Charles for legal advice in settling her husband’s estate, Hattie discovers clues casting doubt on Charles’s fidelity, and begins to question her marriage. 
As Hattie throws herself into her work to gain the vote for women, South Carolina’s reactionary politicians Ben Tillman and “Cotton Ed” Smith thwart suffrage efforts in the state at every turn. Even the progressive president Wilson drags his feet, invoking states rights as the only pathway to an amendment. Equally discouraging is the anti-suffragist sentiment among those of Hattie’s own gender. 
When Hattie’s sister-in-law Alice learns to drive and purchases a 1916 Saxon touring car, Hattie agrees to go on a road trip to join the peaceful protests in Washington on the eve of President Wilson’s second inauguration. Alice also invites Julia Martin to go along, and to Hattie’s chagrin, Julia is sitting in the passenger seat when the two arrive from Columbia to pick her up. The journey brings new insight and fresh perspective, enabling Hattie to resolve misunderstandings with Charles and convincing her to continue her work for suffrage, with her husband’s blessings. 
But the road Hattie has chosen becomes even more fraught with disappointing setbacks and delays. In 1917, the US declares war on Germany and the president mobilizes the country in the fight for freedom in Europe, ignoring the oppression of the rights of women at home. Public opinion shifts, casting the women’s movement as unpatriotic and subversive. 
Hattie does her part for the war and agonizes when Charles Jr. and the boys from Calhoun are drafted and sent to the front. She continues to support the suffrage cause, but must cancel a second road trip due to gas rationing. 
When the war ends, she travels with Alice and Julia and Charles Jr.’s fiancée Pauline, to Washington to join the peaceful protests at the White House, organized by Alice Paul and the Woman’s Party. The women become inspired to drive on to New York to join the demonstration against president Wilson, who is speaking at the New York Opera House on the eve of his return to the Paris peace negotiations. The peaceful demonstration turns violent when the police and soldiers, who have flooded the ports on their return from war, begin shoving the suffragists and breaking and burning their banners. 
Amidst the uproar, Pauline becomes convinced that she has spotted Charles Jr. in the crowd and is determined to go and look for him. Hattie persuades her that they must first go to police headquarters to find Alice and Julia, who have been arrested and detained there. 
The Susan B. Anthony Amendment finally passes the Senate in 1919. But Hattie and the South Carolina suffragists endure their greatest disappointment yet when the South Carolina legislature refuses to ratify the amendment by an overwhelming majority. They must now depend on the men of other states to ensure their enfranchisement. 
In August, the Tennessee legislature becomes the thirty-fourth state to ratify, ending the long struggle for suffrage, and making the 19th Amendment the law of the land, just in time for Hattie to cast her first vote in the 1920 presidential election.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review: 

In the Fullness of Time by Katherine P. Stillerman is a historical detailing the very life of one woman, Hattie Robinson. She lives during the time period of the women’s suffrage movement. A very important and trying time for women everywhere. Not every woman wanted to get involved due to the consequences men tossed their way. But others like the protagonist kept going. Luckily, she had a husband, who understood and gave her his blessings to continue work for the movement. An exciting adventure awaits readers. I was fascinated, hooked, and lured deep in the South. Women fighting to have the right to vote. I loved the female protagonist. Hattie is an incredible woman that all women can easily like and relate to…overall, I highly recommend this book to all. 

Review: Duke with Benefits

Synopsis:

LADY + DUKE = TRUE LOVE?
Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library belonging to her benefactress houses the legendary Cameron Cipher—an encrypted message that, once solved, holds the key to great riches—Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on. . .and cannot resist.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, is curious as to why Daphne is spending so much time snooping around his aunt’s bookshelves. He’s even more intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner: She is unapologetic about her secret quest. . .and the fiery attraction that develops between them both. But how can they concentrate on solving a perplexing enigma once the prospect of true love enters the equation?

“Witty, sensual historical romance that will captivate readers.” —Romance Junkies
Duke with Benefits is the second in Manda Collins’ Studies in Scandal series set in Regency England.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Duke with Benefits by Manda Collins is a brilliant historical. Manda Collins has a lot to offer readers in this exciting tale. From a strong heroine with a stunning mathematical mind to a good looking Duke. Both travel together to solve a mystery that the Duke’s dead aunt left behind for them all. A cipher most wanted by all. If uncoded, can lead to a massive amount of gold that in the wrong hands can led to a war. But that’s not all. A spy once for the government is after the cipher. One person has died, another struggling to live, and two are kiddnapped. The action, intrigue, and suspense are worthy for all. I couldn’t stop reading this engaging romance. The heat level was enticing…I loved the Duke and his soon to be wife. But first he’ll have to convince her marriage to him is what she wants and needs. Overall, Duke with Benefits is addictive. I recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: How to Keep a Knight

Synopsis:

Laws were always meant to be broken… 

Want to know the truth about Lady Matilda St. Clair? 
Well, there are two things she is not: 

She is not a lady. 

She is not Matilda St. Clair. 
So, who is she? 
She is Eudora ‘Dorie’ Gore, the daughter of London’s most legendary criminal, Captain James Gore, and she’s on the run from herself. 

For the last few years, she’s lived under the guise of Lady St. Claire, but everything begins to unravel when she meets her match. 
…Hearts were made to be mended… Together 
Sir John Abrams is known by the public as Sir Blackheart, the notorious knight-turned-thief who stole right from under the king’s nose. 

He was sentenced to Australia because of a lie created by Captain Gore, but escaped to the Continent. 
Now…he’s back to clear his name. 

For himself and for a little niece he’d never known was counting on him. 
And he’ll need help. 
But when help comes in the form of a woman who’s as beautiful as she is mysterious, John finds himself adding something to his list. 
Find out who the real Lady St. Clair is…and steal her heart. 
Will their adventure end in triumph? 

Can John and Dorie find a way to leave their past behind to forge a new future together? 
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

How to Keep a Knight by Eleanor Meyers is another brilliant masterpiece. I cannot fathom how she does it, but each of her books is superb. The writing is well-done. The charcaters are believable and highly entertaining. Never a dull moment. These two characters are not exactly good nor evil. They have a past they seems to keep following them. I was immediately enticed by their passion, fierce personalities and their troubles. It was easy to love them. Sympathy towards them happened. I wanted to see where their lives were headed. Wondered if their situations got fixed or were made worse. Eleanor Meyers hooked me from the beginning to end. This new regency romance was delightful to read. Full of action, daring, a clean yet boldness that left me in awe. Overall, this is clearly one adventure I highly recommend to all. 

Review: How to Design a Duke

Synopsis:

He’s charming. She’s skeptical. 

He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and she sees straight through to his heart. 

It’ll never work. Or will it? 

Lady Laura Abbey has much adjusting to do. 

In a matter of one year she went from being a little seamstress … to a widow … to the heiress of the Season. 
She knows nothing about London and Society, but she’ll have to learn quickly if she plans to survive among the Ton’s casual cruelty. 

Ironically, the most charming rogue and scandalous gentleman of London lends her his aid. 
And like everything else in her life, it’ll come with a price. 
Albion Kay IV, the Duke of Oakley, has never been known to play the part of gentleman until he meets her- a lady he finds to be so different than other ladies. 
Lady Laura. 
Everyone knows him to be a rake, but in one night, everything changes. 

Fighting his past will be Oakley’s biggest obstacle. 

And Laura’s will come in the form of fighting her attraction for him. 
Can the duke change from his old ways? 

Will the lady find love or heartbreak? 
Page Count: around 330 pages 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

How to Design a Duke by Eleanor Meyers is a thrilling regency romance. This novel was addictive from the start. I couldn’t stop reading it. The brewing romance, the raw chemistry, and society’s pressure made for one brilliant tale. Plus, adding a man’s dark past just added to the tension that has me on edge. Explosive, well-told, and dramatic. These main charcaters have stolen my heart. Believable life scenarios and charming seductive characters made for an interesting read. I’ll never forget Lady Laura nor the Duke of Oakley. Overall, I recommend this talented writer’s latest masterpiece to all. 

Review: Never Trust A Pirate

Synopsis: 
The rules of engagement were never so scandalous. . .

A rumored pirate and the scurrilous black sheep of his well-to- do family, Cade Cavendish relishes his world of rebellion, deception, and seduction. Nothing and no one can hold him to be the duty-bound, honorable man he is expected to be. But when an unexpected run-in at his twin brother’s estate with a ravishing, raven-haired maid leads her to believe he’s actually a viscount, Cade’s renegade life is thrown wildly off-kilter. And even though a case of mistaken identity can be quickly set to rights, matters of the heart are quite different…

Miss Danielle LaCrosse is startled to learn that the handsome gentleman who radiates sin and has the devil in his eyes is not her employer the Viscount, but rather his infamous brother. A former heiress, orphaned and left penniless, Danielle has more than a few secrets of her own. Cade may be skilled at coaxing even the most hidden desires out of Danielle but can he earn her trust—and win her heart—as they embark on an adventure to confront a dangerous enemy from both of their pasts . . . and uncover the identity of the so-called Black Fox along the way?

Never Trust a Pirate is part of the Regency-set Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Never Trust A Pirate by Valerie Bowman is a scandalous read. An English rogue who has a twin brother that’s a spy. But little does the spy know his twin, Cade, also works for the government. Cade goes about life feeling like a black sheep due to his mother. However, his life gets shaken when a so called lady’s maid, Danielle, walks into his life. She’s not what she seems. A spy plus more. She’s sent to spy on Cade because he leaves the English government suspicious of his absences. No one knows what his plans are or how long he plans to stay home. Danielle’s life has never been easy. Her mother is thrown in jail, and now, her mother’s health isn’t good. Danielle works as a spy in order to take care of her mother.  But now, danger is rising…both physical and emotional. Love might just hit both Cade and the mysterious lady, Danielle. I loved the humor and the brewing romance. The scenes were engaging and hot. Danielle is taught never to trust a pirate but then again, Cade isn’t a pirate. The suspense and heat is powerfully displayed on every page. I found Never Trust A Pirate very entertaining and well worth reading. Overall, I highly recommend it to all. 

Review: The Bad Luck Bride

Synopsis:

All were shocked at the announcement of the “cursed” Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially since she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these fine gentlemen! Could her run of bad luck finally be at an end? It’s highly doubtful in this writer’s humble opinion. —Midnight Cryer
No one is left breathless at the imperious pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the dangerously outrageous man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in glorious flames, she isn’t in a position to refuse…especially once she realizes that Lord Pembrooke makes her want to believe she’s not a bad luck bride anymore…
Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It’s his good fortune that the “cursed” woman is desperate. However, what begins as a sham turns into something scandalously deeper. The beguiling lady has no business laying claim to his heart. But as a mission of revenge turns into fiery passion, Alexander wants nothing more than to break Claire’s curse…and lead them both to their hearts’ desire.
“The Bad Luck Bride is a stroke of good luck for readers—the intricate plot, arresting characters,and rich emotional resonance will leave you swooning.”—New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries

The Bad Luck Bride is the first in a new Regency romance series from Janna MacGregor!

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor is a fascinating historical. Immediately readers are drawn deep into the tale. It lured me further by pure curiosity. The suspense of one charcater’s plan…and what will actually come of it got me excited. The Bad Luck Bride is about one man getting back at another by using his enemy’s fiancé. But little will both the bride and husband to be know that real love will play into the equation. I found it hilarious, enticing, and ful, of drama. Th action was never disappointing. Janna MacGregor has a flare for writinga romance that beckons and captivates readers whole. My heart was with the charcaters as their troubles unfolded. Society has a way of drawing the characters out…and pulling them closer than they thought they would ever be. Revenge is not to be toyed with…emotions ran strong within the book. I was highly entertained. Both Alexander and Claire are characters that readers like myself will always remember. Overall, I highly recommend this well-written plot to all. 

Review: Grace and the Preacher

Synopsis:

At the age of twenty-three, postmistress Grace Cristler has all but given up hope of finding a husband among the narrowing group of eligible men in her town of Fairland, Kansas. But when her uncle decides to retire from the pulpit, Grace is responsible for corresponding with the new preacher set to take his place. She can’t deny the affection growing in her heart for Reverend Rufus Dille—a man she deeply admires but has only met through his letters.

 

Theophil Garrison is on the run from his past. Ten years ago his outlaw cousins convinced him to take part in a train robbery, but Theo fled the scene, leaving his cousins to face imprisonment. Now they’ve finished their sentences, but the plan for vengeance has just begun. Branded a coward and running for his life, Theo has aa chance encounter that could provide him with the escape he needs.  

 

But the young man’s desperate con might come at an enormous price for the tenderhearted Grace—and the entire town. Will Grace’s undeserved affection and God’s mercy make something beautiful from the ashes of Theo’s past?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Grace and the Preacher by Kim Sawyer is a wonderful story about forgiveness. I was hooked. The story told of a man running from his past life that soon caught up with him. An offer as a preacher for a new town gave him a chance to leave and start new. But soon, the past came tumbling down his present life. A young woman writes to the new preacher. She soon grew attached to the man in the letters. Once he comes to her town, secrets come out and betrayal will take over…it will be up to both characters to face their situations and decide the results. 

Kim Sawyer’s writing is superb. The emotional attachment happens quickly. Each character faces real life issues that helped me relate easily to them. I could understand what they went through and why. Clean, intriguing, and well-written. Grace and the Preacher is a satisfying Christian historical tale. Love, sacrifice, and redemption can be found inside…I loved it. This is definitely a book that I recommend to all. 

Review: Human Acts by Han Kang

Synopsis:

From the internationally bestselling author of The Vegetarian, a rare and astonishing (The Observer) portrait of political unrest and the universal struggle for justice.

In the midst of a violent student uprising in South Korea, a young boy named Dong-ho is shockingly killed.

The story of this tragic episode unfolds in a sequence of interconnected chapters as the victims and the bereaved encounter suppression, denial, and the echoing agony of the massacre. From Dong-ho’s best friend who meets his own fateful end; to an editor struggling against censorship; to a prisoner and a factory worker, each suffering from traumatic memories; and to Dong-ho’s own grief-stricken mother; and through their collective heartbreak and acts of hope is the tale of a brutalized people in search of a voice.
An award-winning, controversial bestseller, Human Acts is a timeless, pointillist portrait of an historic event with reverberations still being felt today, by turns tracing the harsh reality of oppression and the resounding, extraordinary poetry of humanity. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Human Acts by Han Kang is dark, haunting, and powerfully told. I haven’t read Han Kane’s previous work, but will definitely do so now. Her writing captured my attention immediately. The power of authoritarian rule and the suppression of its people…is not something anyone will ever forget. Especially the dead…

Bodies are building up…the numbers of dead are rising. Sadness broken out everywhere. Human Acts has caught a realistic event in South Korea. An uprising, a massacre, an a tragic situation overall. Violence hangs over the people like a heavy stone. Suffocating them little by little. Anger, censorship, and death. Families losing loved ones…the whole book was like a nightmare unfolding before my eyes. The pain, suffering, and emotions were terrifying. Like revisiting the Holocaust era all over again but more horrifying. 

Overall, Human Acts is well-told. The journey inside will never be forgotten. Han Kang’s characters have left their imprint…the terror was gruesome but entertaining to read. Definitely a page turner. I recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: The Fifth Petal

Synopsis:

Salem’s chief of police, John Rafferty, now married to gifted lace reader Towner Whitney, investigates a 25-year-old triple homicide dubbed “The Goddess Murders,” in which three young women, all descended from accused Salem witches, were slashed one Halloween night. Aided by Callie Cahill, the daughter of one of the victims who has returned to town, Rafferty begins to uncover a dark chapter in Salem’s past. Callie, who has always been gifted with premonitions, begins to struggle with visions she doesn’t quite understand and an attraction to a man who has unknown connections to her mother’s murder. Neither believes that the main suspect, Rose Whelan, respected local historian and sometime-aunt to Callie, is guilty of murder or witchcraft. But exonerating Rose might mean crossing paths with a dangerous force. Were the women victims of an all-too-human vengeance, or was the devil raised in Salem that night? And if they cannot discover what truly happened, will evil rise again?

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Barry is an enchanting read. Immediately, I was drawn ino the fictional world surrounding Salem’s dark past. The characters are quite interesting. One has visions. A local sheriff, John Rafferty, wants to find out if the murders are related to black arts or just vengeance. That’s where the new person, Callie Cahill, comes in handy. Her visions help. At first she struggles with the content of them, but soon manages. Then, there’s the lace reader who helps her husband, John Rafferty. An elderly lady being accused of the crimes is not sitting well with any of them. They need proof and they need to find the real killer before it’s too late. But digging into the past and present will be more dangerous than they think.  Brunonia Barry has created a spellbinding read. I was hooked. The plot itself was enough to drag me further into the tale. The characters kept me guessing as to what lies ahead. Action, adventure, and history coming alive on every page. I loved how the writer took a dark moment in history and wove it into a stunning piece. Overall, I highly recommend The Fifth Petal to readers worldwide.

Review: The Lucky Hat Mine

Synopsis:

A recipe for true love or murder? Ingredients: one Southern belle, one Colorado gold miner, a wife wanted classified, and a fainting goat. Let simmer.

What’s a Southern belle to do in 1863? Wife-wanted ads are always risky business, but Millie Virginia never imagined she’d survive the perilous trip across the Great Plains to find her intended husband in a pine box. Was he killed in an accident? Or murdered for his gold mine? Stuck in the mining town of Idaho Springs, Colorado territory, without friends or means, Millie is beleaguered by undesirable suitors and threatened by an unknown assailant. Her troubles escalate when the brother of her dead fiancé, Dominic Drouillard, unexpectedly turns up.

Dom is an ill-mannered mountain man who invades Millie’s log cabin, insists that his brother was murdered, and refuses to leave until he finds the killer. Compelled to join forces with her erstwhile brother-in-law, Millie discovers the search for Colorado gold is perilous, especially with a murderer on their trail.

The Lucky Hat Mine interlaces the tale of a feisty heroine with frontier legend and lore making for an engaging historical mystery.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Lucky Hat Mine by J. V. L. Bell was brilliant! The story tells of one strong woman taking the chance on a new life for herself. Her friend brings to her attention of a mail bride order. This would give Millie, aka Red, the chance of a lifetime. Only does she realize that the journey would be anything but fun. Men taking advantage, men after her money, and then the death of her fiancé. Millie has it rough. She has very little. Men are proposing and offering to buy her out…then, she meets the insufferable man. Dom, so happens to be the brother of her dead fiancé. Once Millie informs him about his brother’s death both work together to find out who the killer is. Dom is sure his brother was murdered because the fats weren’t adding up…the last and expected thing neither of them wanted was to fall in love. A murderer is out there threatening them as they get closer.

The Lucky Hat Mine is intriguing, bold, and hilarious. J. V. L. Bell is a talented writer. I was impressed with the flow of the story. Before I knew it, I was finished reading it. Most engaging pioneer tale that I have ever read. Danger, romance, and murder. All wrapped into one masterpiece. I laughed, cried, and fell in love with both the story and the characters. Overall, I highly recommend this historical fiction to all. 

Review: Bess

Synopsis:

Bess Parker is only 21 years old when she sets out by herself in 1908, leaving the safety of her childhood home for southwestern North Dakota to establish a homestead. And it takes all the strength she can muster to succeed—facing the perils of the vast prairie, making her homestead productive, conquering the dangers of the frontier, flirting with romance, struggling with the emotional needs of her heart and body, and meeting the challenges of life on the prairie. But this unique young woman has a steely determination, and her story is the epitome of courage and grit in a difficult and sometimes cruel time in the history of the west.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Bess by Charles Cranston Jett is an enriching tale about a pioneer woman’s journey of courage, grit and love. Bess Parker has to be one of the bravest female characters I know. She goes out to a middle of nowhere to make her own home and life. Traveling alone is a dangerous for a man and even more so for a woman. She had spunk and real courage. Adventure of a lifetime is definitely eating on these pages. I enjoyed following Bess as she fell in love, married, gave birth to kids and started her own homestead. She isn’t weak. Her  personality is strong, fun, and charming. Full of life. Hardships came and went. A failed marriage and the loss of a child. The future is ahead of her. Charles Cranston Jett has created a wonderful masterpiece. Capturing the lifestyle and time period of pioneers with every detail. Bess breaks the mold for most women especially during this time period. I found it amausing and highly engaging. Overall, I recommend Bess to readers everywhere. 

Review: The Night of the Eleventh Sun

Synopsis:

The fossil record is unclear. Did Neanderthal speak? Did he laugh, have music, feel love? Did he interact with Homo sapiens or get killed by him in mortal combat or get pushed to extinction on less marginal lands? This book answers some of those questions in a strongly researched fictional setting.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Night of the Eleventh Sun by Steven Burgauer is a fascinating tale. Takes readers deep into the prehistoric ages. The cavemen. Reading these pages, I got a glimpse into the lives of these cavemen and their cultures. The reality of life and hardships was realistic. I felt like I was watching versus reading the words. Steven Burgauer has a way of breathing life onto his pages. His characters are three-dimensional. Clans and their order of living, eating, as well as relationships were stunning. I felt every emotion. Stress, frustration, loss, grief, and love. Plus, lust. Death and life go hand-in-hand inside this book. Overall, I enjoyed following along. The Night of the Eleventh Sun is a must read for all. 

Review: A Gentleman’s Game

Synopsis:

Miss Edith Elliott wants Mr. Nelson James.

Mr. Nelson James wants Miss Edith Elliott.

But the rule of attraction have little say in London Society.

Edith learns quickly that as the daughter of one of London’s wealthiest bankers, she has to live by a certain set of rules.

Yes… rules – something she hates but needs to live with.

She is not allowed to eat to her heart’s content.
She is not allowed to shy away from conversation.

But most importantly, Edith is only allowed to marry a man with a title.

So, denying her heart, she’s turned her back on herself and looked toward destiny.

… Too bad the man who happens to catch her eye does not play by the rules.

Nelson James is mathematician, wealthy landed gentry, and the inventor of a new creation that is bound to change the course of the world forever.
But… what Nelson doesn’t have is a title.

Still, to have Edith in his arms, he’s willing to give away everything he owns for simply one week in her presence.

And it’s one week that neither will they ever forget.

But at week’s end, will destiny and rules win the day or will Nelson and Edith find a way to gain their happily-ever-after?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Gentleman’s Game by Eleanor Meyers is another perfect masterpiece. The tale is addictive from beginning to end. Readers will be swept off their feet. The romance builds with every page. Clean, sweet, and fast-paced. This plot is the best well-crafted story that I have read by Eleanor Meyers. Instantly, I want to know more about her characters. Edith and Nelson pulled at my heart and had me falling deeply in love. Their story is captivating. Rules, society, and where the hearts lead…are three powerful forces that are being carded inside this Victorian romance novel. A Gentleman’s Game brings about the most fascinating personalities and roles. A mathematician and a lady…love comes knocking their world apart leaving them wondering where it will lead them next. However, as the rules have it, neither one can be together. Is having a title over rated or will love fail…? Overall, I highly recommend this talented writer’s book. She never disappoints. 

Review: For the Record

Synopsis:

Jennings Offers Another Delightful Blend of History and Romance

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle’s newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don’t seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies’ pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She’d be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.
 Deputy Joel Puckett didn’t want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

For the Record by Regina Jennings is a engaging historical read. I love the chase inside this tale. A young woman dreams of being a big writer. However, to get there she will need something much more interesting to publish. That is where Deputy Joel Puckett comes in hand. He’s the star of her writing career. However, her writing may just come with a price that may affect the deputy. The more time she spends chasing him the more Betsy Huckabee likes him. Funny, sweet, and beautifully told. Regina Jennings has captured my attention. Her characters have a way of pulling me deeper into their story. Believable, entertaining, and suspenseful. This romance will keep readers turning the pages until they finish it. After reading this novel, I fell in love with the writer’s work. Her writing style is fun, clever, and masterfully woven. I can’t wait to read more by Regina Jennings. Overall, I highly recommend For the Record to readers everywhere. 

Review: Secret Life of Thomas Commons

Synopsis: 

The Secret Life of Thomas Commons is about the emotional struggles of Mr. Thomas Franklin Commons and Mr. Wesley Tobias Ashfield as they battle their tragically structured upbringing and predetermined lives. Mr. Thomas Franklin Commons is a wealthy, but bitter twenty-two year old man living in London, England when he meets Mr. Wesley Tobias Ashfield, a cheerful and charming young man whom he is soon to enter into business with. However, Thomas is soon caught off guard when Wesley’s friendly nature gradually begins to warm his frigid temperament, and their friendship becomes more than either of them expected.

As their relationship evolves from friendship to love, they find themselves caught up in a romance that transcends infatuation and gives way to dangerous consequences. The feelings of both men are tested when they’re arrested for sodomy and imprisoned for their alleged crimes against the nature of human sexuality. Thomas and Wesley’s affect on each other becomes so strong that their feelings give way to a slow epiphany that neither of them may come out alive. Both men are thrown into the reality of their situation when they must make decisions based on what is realistic or where their happiness for themselves and one another, truly lies.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Secret Life of Thomas Commons by Brittany Weekley is a captivating read. For fans of M/M romance then this, is definitely for you. Putting that aside, the plot is magnificent. It captures the elements of the time period perfectly. Brittany  Weekley has also managed to show a realistic yet believable encounter of both characters’ dilemma. Same sex relationships back then and still even now, struggle to live their love life. (While I don’t encourage it, I don’t shun those people out. Taught to love and accept accept others.) The novel has strong emotional pulls that lure readers deep into the fate of each man. Both Mr. Thomas and Mr. Wesley have ways of capturing the audience’s hearts. Sympathy for them is felt full blast. Society has strictly punished them for simply being in love. Denying one’s heart is impossible and forced when in this situation. Strong men dealing with their time period the best they can. Survival isn’t easy. But it has both men rethinking on how to move forward so that each can be free. I wanted to cry. I felt their frustrations. It was so real…that readers would feel that they are merely glancing into the past versus reading the magical worlds coming to life. Every page was intense. Thomas Commons is the one telling the story. He ends up being my new favorite gay character. The troubles that came the character’s ways were heart felt. I see the talent of Brittany a Weekley shinning forth on every single page. Three-dimensional characters, interesting historical tale, and a romance that readers won’t forget. I highly recommend The Secret Life of Thomas Commons to all. 

Review: Kitty Hawk & The Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost

 

Synopsis:

Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost is the exciting second installment in a new series of adventure mystery stories that are one part travel, one part history and five parts adventure. This second book in the series continues the adventures of Kitty Hawk, an intrepid teenage pilot who has decided to follow in the footsteps of her hero Amelia Earhart and make an epic flight around the entire world. After flying across North America Kitty’s journey takes her down south to Florida where she plans to get a bit of rest and relaxation before continuing on with the rest of her long and grueling flight.

As Kitty explores the strange and magical water world of the Florida Keys her knack for getting herself into precarious situations sweeps her headlong into the adventure of a lifetime involving mysterious lights, ancient shipwrecks, razor-toothed barracudas and even a sighting of the great Ernest Hemingway himself. This exhilarating story will have armchair explorers and amateur detectives alike anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept across the landscape and history of the Florida Keys all the way from Key West to the strange and remarkable world of Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas.

Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost is a perfect book to fire the imaginations of readers of all ages. Filled with fascinating and highly Google-able locations and history this book will inspire anyone to learn about and experience as much of our amazing world as they can – just like Kitty Hawk herself.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

 Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost by Iain Reading is superb. Once more, I have been dragged into the adventures and mysteries that Kitty Hawk takes me through…she is truly a phenomenal character. Kitty is a teenage pilot who goes about traveling the world and solving mysteries. Sort of like Nancy Drew but much more interesting. Iain Reading has created a world of fiction that both entertains and educates readers. I love that about this series. Florida Keys is where this story takes place. Once there, Kitty finds mysterious situations that will only peak readers’ curiosity even more. Intriguing, spontaneous, and dangerous. Kitty Hawk had me holding my breath. Her bold ways of finding the truth is  crazy fun. Iain Reading kept me guessing with every page. The characters were perfectly suited for this book. I can see this novel as a cross-over read. All ages can find something to love about Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway’s Ghost. Travel from home and engage in fun activities. Fast-paced and brilliantly woven…I highly recommend this to readers everywhere. 

Review: The Skills of A Scoundrel

Synopsis:

A Man on the Run from Love… 

Lord Mark Dawnton is a genius. Everyone says so.

Not only can he think circles around most of his peers, but he has also a skill for maneuvering through his father, the Duke of Wardington’s, marriage schemes.

Mark’s plan: Dodge women of good breeding. Dodge marriage.

The plan had done the Duke of Wardington’s youngest son well for years… that is until the day Mark was presented with a new challenge.

He must instruct a lady in the ways of science and present her to His Majesty by the end of the season as a great mind.

It’s a challenge that he can’t refuse… but when he meets his lovely student, Mark finds he’s up for another challenge entirely.

A Woman on the Run from Herself…

Lady June Haywood is ready to take on any challenge that will get her in Society’s good graces once again.

Scandals from her past have made life hard for her, so she’s willing to do whatever it takes redeem her reputation.

Anything but marriage.

With June’s secret past, the last thing she needs in her life is another man, but Mark is like no man she’s ever encountered and very quickly, lessons in chemistry and psychology turn toward anatomy.

Namely, hers.

He doesn’t wish to marry and neither does she, but what will happen when their actions give flame to new scandal?

Page Count: around 330 pages

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Eleanor Meyers has created a stunning historical romance. Her novel explores the theme of women and them getting an education. Most men think it’s a joke. But there are some men like, Lord Mark Dawnton, who find educating those who seek it as something praise worthy. At first, he thinks the woman sent to him was due to his father’s marriage schemes…but it turned out to be a real request to learn. Plus, he can’t stop thinking about the woman. She doesn’t hit on him or is impressed with his scandalous ways. But he has impressed her with his speeches on various scientific stuff. She remembers everything he said. Now, that has caught his attention. He dismisses her…but soon finds himself wanting her in more ways than one. 

The Skills of A Scoundrel by Eleanor Meyers is perfect. It sizzles with heat, action, and intrigue. Every page was as captivating as the first. Two unlikely characters set together yet both defy the other…but as fate has it, both will be attracted before they realize it. Love, danger, and learning. A strong female heroine and a matching male figure are bound to lure readers deep into this story. Their personalities are like fire. They set ablaze reader’s appetite to know more. Once again, I found myself pulled into Eleanor Meyers fascinating world of fiction. I love her writing. I can never get bored of reading her novels. As each character has his and her own struggles. Dilemmas that readers can easily understand and relate to…overall, I highly recommend The Skills of A Scoundrel to all. 

Review: A Viscount’s Blazing Love

Synopsis:

Jane Watson cannot forget those long summer days with her best friend, John Christopherson.

But… everything changed on the day John left to make something of himself.

She never forget John’s promise . . . that he will make something of himself and return for her.

When suddenly, two years later, at a ball, he appears…
Can she hold him to his promise? Most of all, does he still love her?

While Jane wrestles with her feelings, it is clear that John’s status is on the rise.

He is no longer a farmer’s son but a viscount.

Yet his rough upbringing means he may never be good enough for Jane, no matter how much he loves her, no matter what position he holds.

When John’s father reveals a terrible secret of the most horrible nature, John must decide what to do.

If he shares this secret, it will affect not only John, but Jane.

It will also affect Jane’s family… FAMILY, the one thing that matters to her most.

There is no way her family would ever approve of his marrying Jane now.

Not after what his father did.

Will John be able to tell them all the truth?

If he does, is true forgiveness really possible?

Redemption is a powerful thing, but will John and Jane love and trust enough to experience it?

Rating: 5-stars

Review: 

Charlotte Stone has once more created a beautifully written romance. Her story has captured my attention from the beginning and swept me off my feet. The Viscount’s Blazing Love is another regency romance that has the break it or make it moment. So intense and intriguing…readers won’t want to stop reading it. Addictive, entertaining, and romantic. The characters come to life. Their ways and personalities make this story more than just words on a page. They made me believe, hope, and fall in love. 

The Viscount’s Blazing Love is exactly as the title suggests. Sweet, enticing, and fiery. Secrets come unfolding and choices have to be made. Two lovers separated long enough to cause doubt and confusion. This only stirs the plot more. Family and redemption are other major themes. The scenes were visually fascinating. Charlotte Stone has a way of magically bringing her words into realistic beings and places. The emotional tugs from the novel will keep readers hooked. I absolutely loved reading this new book. Charlotte Stone is still one of my favorite historical writers. After reading her novels, readers will easily understand why. Overall, I highly recommend The Viscount’s Blazing Love to readers worldwide. 

Review: The Lions’ Den

Synopsis:

In the waning years of the seventh century BC, one of history’s most notable and terrifying warriors succeeded to the throne of Babylon, a fledgling kingdom barely twenty-one years old. This is the story of Nebuchadnezzar growing into manhood and racing to claim the crown of his dead forgather from the hands of his manipulative younger brother. It is a story of wars as consumed by hatred he sought to kill a boyhood friend that had become his lifelong nemesis. An invincible warrior…a shrewd politician…and an artist. Babylon was his masterpiece featuring the massive artificial mountain he built for his wife-the hanging gardens, fifty-four gold gilt temples, and three-hundred-foot high pyramid piercing the sky to be seen for miles in the distance. 

This is also the story of Daniel, a Jewish captive removed from Judah and placed in the royal palace of Babylon. Imbued with an intense faith in God, Daniel was a man of extraordinary abilities in governance and leadership. Two men as different as could possibly be. A man of boiling passions and volatile temperament, Nebuchadnezzar would never have survived without his most trusted aide, Daniel. Daniel’s closeness to almighty Jehovah was so compelling that even the arrogant and menacing Nebuchadnezzar was forced to come face to face with this creator. No matter who reigns or what is, God is in control.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Lions’ Den by Wes Brustad is an incredible tale. One that drags readers back in time to the Egypt. Phonecians and even the important figure, Daniel are alive. I was immediately fascinated. This historical book, brought to life amazing characters. Battles, wars, and a friendship unlike any other. Wes Brustad’s writing is superb. I felt like I was taken from my seat and brought straight into the book. The scenes were animated, engaging, and remarkably realistic. Traveling through the story was another highlight. I got to travel, live, and feel the cultures and peoples around me. The ending was great. A man left in turnmoil wondering if Daniel’s God is indeed the God of all Gods. Then, it ended with him wanting to build a temple for an unlikely friend. The friendship is strange but not impossible. Daniel is a man that is good. It is no wonder that the other main character accepts him. Despite different beliefs these two made it through. I liked how that was portrayed. The writer gained my interest and respect. Showing how to sides can fight and also become friends. Truly a phenomenal read. Overall, I recommend this novel, to readers everywhere. 

Review: Tea Planter’s Wife

Synopsis:

#1 International bestselling novel set in 1920s Ceylon, about a young English woman who marries a charming tea plantation owner and widower, only to discover he’s keeping terrible secrets about his past, including what happened to his first wife, that lead to devastating consequences.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies is a captivating read. A historical that sucks readers straight into its world. I was mesmerized by the tale. From the beginning, I liked the main character. A young woman who marries a man and leaves everything behind her. The story weaves an emotional journey that dragged me deeply into it. Frustrating, sad, and mysterious. Dinah Jefferies has woven a book that will hook readers into the life of her novel. A time in history when things were so much simplier yet harder. Marriage life is portrayed as something that is like a rough sea. Both terrifying and rocky. Giving birth to a baby, usually makes a marriage more cemented. Yet, this marriage felt like it was spiraling deeper and further apart. Every page kept me lured. I was so intrigued and wondered what would happen next. A mystery surrounding Lawerence’s first wife creates a hostile and intense environment throughout the tale. Gwen is a female character that all could sympathize with and love. She brings a softness to the tale’s rough edges. Darkness creeps around the couple and holds fast onto the, squeezing out the happiness and only leaving painful memories behind. The Tea Planter’s Wife is bold, engaging, and rich. I loved reading it. This was a historical novel, I won’t be forgetting…the memory of it shall linger in my mind forever. Overall, I recommend this stunning well-written story to all. 

Review: The Silent Songbird

Synopsis: 

Evangeline is gifted with a heavenly voice, but she is trapped in a sinister betrothal until she embarks on a daring escape and meets brave Westley le Wyse. Can he help her discover the freedom to sing again?

Desperate to flee a political marriage to her cousin King Richard II’s closest advisor, Lord Shiveley—a man twice her age with shadowy motives—Evangeline runs away and joins a small band of servants journeying back to Glynval, their home village.
Pretending to be mute, she gets to know Westley le Wyse, their handsome young leader, who is intrigued by the beautiful servant girl. But when the truth comes out, it may shatter any hope that love could grow between them.
More than Evangeline’s future is at stake as she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue that threatens England’s monarchy. Should she give herself up to protect the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?

Rating: 5-stars

Review: 

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson is a brilliant tale full of danger, mystery, and romance. For adults who love a fairy tale this is indeed one that I would recommend to all. Melanie Dickerson’s writing is superb. Keeps readers guessing with every page. The intrigue is great. Evangeline is a unique character. Her strength lured me closer into her story. Adventure, upheaval, and and death lingering in the air. So many lives at stake…the choices made carry heavy consequences. The enemies are so life like that it’s stunning. When opening this novel, I fell deep into the fast plot and never returned. The medieval life was fascinating to watch as the scenes flew by me. The Silent Songbird is a historical yet religious story that will keep readers coming back. Never a boring moment. Suspenful, romantic, and highly entertaining…I loved reading it. The journey was an unforgettable one. The characters were bold, clever, and charming. Melanie Dickerson out did herself when writing this book. 

Review: More for a Duke

Synopsis:

He has just inherited his father’s estate upon returning from a long stint in the Army. Will he inherit smoothly.

Now, he faces a more terrifying prospect—he must marry right away or lose his inheritance.

Shawn William, Duke of Worthington, cousin to the Prince Regent and ruler of Fairbanks, has seen many things during his time in the Army. Death and dismemberment, pain and suffering, but nothing has prepared him for his return to life as a civilian. Haunted by the ghosts of his past and battling the inner demons that keep him from restful sleep, he must still find time to choose a Lady as his bride, as commanded by the Prince Regent.
Although there are dozens of eligible maidens in beautiful Fairbanks, he only has eyes for one—the ravishing Lady Elizabeth Dowling. Another man wants to pay court to her, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes, even a fight to the death, if it means that she will be his bride…

Will Duke Shawn finally meet his match in the form of the waspish older gentleman who has already asked for Lady Elizabeth’s hand and been denied?

Can Lady Elizabeth discover the true reason for her reluctance toward the handsome Duke of Fairfield before he chooses another bride—perhaps even her own sister?

This is a clean historical regency romance novel.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

More for a Duke by Jessie Bennett is a dashing bold read. A Duke returns home to find all is not well with the family finances. A younger brother not knowing how to deal with the finances right, led to some some disorder and interruption into the elderly brother’s life. He returns back home, from war, and finds he must marry or else. This soon leads him to meeting a woman of his age who also, doesn’t like going to balls. But something transpires between them. Lady Elizabeth is fascinated with the Duke; however, her sister doesn’t want them together…and a particular man is also wanting the two new love birds separate. 

A man who can forget a woman he’s just met, a woman who is undecided about a man, and another man who can’t take a hint…plus, jealousy comes into play. Jessie Bennett has entertained me again with her latest novel, More for a Duke. The title goes in hand with the tale perfectly. Both Duke and Lady are indeed a perfect match…

More for a Duke is sweet, innocent, and swoon worthy. Readers will blush, laugh, and fall in love with this great new read. Jessie Bennett’s writing clear, precise, and flawless. I highly recommend it. 

Review: Skills of a Scoundrel

Synopsis:

A Man on the Run from Love… 

Lord Mark Dawnton is a genius. Everyone says so.
Not only can he think circles around most of his peers, but he has also a skill for maneuvering through his father, the Duke of Wardington’s, marriage schemes.

Mark’s plan: Dodge women of good breeding. Dodge marriage.
The plan had done the Duke of Wardington’s youngest son well for years… that is until the day Mark was presented with a new challenge.

He must instruct a lady in the ways of science and present her to His Majesty by the end of the season as a great mind.
It’s a challenge that he can’t refuse… but when he meets his lovely student, Mark finds he’s up for another challenge entirely.

A Woman on the Run from Herself…
Lady June Haywood is ready to take on any challenge that will get her in Society’s good graces once again.
Scandals from her past have made life hard for her, so she’s willing to do whatever it takes redeem her reputation.

Anything but marriage.
With June’s secret past, the last thing she needs in her life is another man, but Mark is like no man she’s ever encountered and very quickly, lessons in chemistry and psychology turn toward anatomy.
Namely, hers.
He doesn’t wish to marry and neither does she, but what will happen when their actions give flame to new scandal?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Skills of a Scoundrel by Eleanor Meyers is a fascinating read. This historical romance intrigues readers from page one. I was hooked in immediately. The characters set the pacing in a fast but entertaining way. Never was there a moment for dullness. I felt the emotions coming forth from the characters as if they were my own. The heat and intimidating circumstances felt right. Women struggling to reach out into the world of academics…and here we meet one fine lady brave enough to step into it. Scandal following the blue-eyed beauty everywhere she goes. Not because she did something wrong but due to a friend under her watch. Imagine how cruel society is back then compared to now…gossip could ruin a soul and their family’s name forever. Consequences come into play, and it was exciting to watch the lead female character turn down a prominent man not once once, not twice but three times in one night. Oh, a man’s ego…has set him even more determined to win lady June Harwood’s hand. She’s all he thinks about no matter what he’s doing. A woman who loves learning as much as a man is one to behold…and to never let go. However, danger is ahead and the past may just keep all well-thought plans away…

Skills of a Scoundrel is highly engaging to read. The book was easy to follow along and the characters were enchanting. Eleanor Meyers has once more brought a new favorite to my hands. The emotional attachment is great. The suspense was perfect. I was constantly on my toes waiting the final outcome. Eleanor Meyers’ writing is superb. She creates fresh fiction that captivates and engages readers to follow along. Never knowing where they will be led. Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant piece of literature to all.

Review: The Duke’s Ever Burning Passion

Synopsis:

Are second chances truly possible?

The Duke of Sermont, Shep, has spent every summer since childhood at Pritchford Place… with his best friend’s sister. Lady Julia Frederickson.

As they grew, their relationship grew into something else…

Love.

Writing letters back and forth to one another and making plans has been a part of them…
That is … until Shep did something that broke her heart – he married someone else.

Since then…

She has spent her life wearing a mask.

She vows to never let anyone know how much Shep meant to her.

When Shep is widowed and comes to stay at Pritchford Place, just like old times, they antagonize one another as usual.
Is it because they hate one another? Or… because they cannot stay away from one another?
Who cares if he thinks she is the Ice Queen- cold, cruel and unfeeling?
Julia knows who she is really is, even if Shep continually misunderstands her.

“A man who loves me? A man whom I love? A family? It is all I have ever really wanted,” she said.
“I never knew that about you,” he whispered as he turned to look out the window.

“I am beginning to think you did not know me at all.”

But is it too late for Shep to realize he made a terrible mistake all those years ago?
Can Julia forgive Shep for breaking her heart?

What about another suitor who will get in his way?

Rating: 5 stars
Review:

The Duke’s Ever Burning Passion by Charlotte Stone is another beautifully woven masterpiece. I can’t believe how fast and well this writer puts books out…but I am truly thankful for her talent. I love historical novels that lure me into their worlds. Getting lost within the book, is a sure sign that the writer achieved success. I couldn’t stop reading it. The tale within was about two former friends. Friends who attraction turned into a bit more…then suddenly lost everything. No longer friends nor lovers. Both went separate int heir ways. Now, fate has a funny way of reuniting them. One is now, a widower who comes knocking in like it’s old times again. The other friend holds a smile, but deep within she’s angry, hurt, and disappointed. A friend who betrayed her love. Went off to another woman…her heart is aching like the wound has become fresh again. Seeing him does crazy things to her heart. She intends to push him away, letting him think the worst of her. But will that simply be the last of them together? Charlotte Stone writes captivating pieces that intrigues, bates, and holds readers hostage until the very ending. The characters are realistic. Their actions and attitudes become three-dimensional as the plot unfolds. And with it comes one of the most intense plot lines ever. Clean, well-written, and romantic. The Duke’s Ever Burning Passion has lured me in forever. I loved this new tale. Charlotte Stone has once again won my heart with her latest novel. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. 

Review: Child of the River

Synopsis:

A compelling coming of age story with an unlikely and utterly memorable heroine, Child of the River is a timeless tale of heartbreak and triumph set in South Africa at the dawn of apartheid.

Persomi is young, white, and poor, born the middle child of illiterate sharecroppers on the prosperous Fourie farm in the South African Bushveld. Persomi’s world is extraordinarily small. She has never been to the local village and spends her days absorbed in the rhythms of the natural world around her, escaping the brutality and squalor of her family home through the newspapers and books passed down to her from the main house and through her walks in the nearby mountains.

Persomi’s close relationship with her older brother Gerbrand and her fragile friendship with Boelie Fourie—heir to the Fourie farm and fortune—are her lifeline and her only connection to the outside world. When Gerbrand leaves the farm to fight on the side of the Anglos in WWII and Boelie joins an underground network of Boer nationalists, Persomi’s isolated world is blown wide open. But as her very small world falls apart, bigger dreams become open to her—dreams of an education, a profession, a native country that values justice and equality, and of love. As Persomi navigates the changing world around her—the tragedies of war and the devastating racial strife of her homeland—she finally discovers who she truly is, where she belongs, and why her life—and every life—matters.

The English language publication of Child of the River solidifies Irma Joubert as a unique and powerful voice in historical fiction.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Child of the River by Irma Joubert was a remarkable read. The talent of the writer was phenomenal. I couldn’t stop reading the novel. The tale inside was so captivating…that I kept on turning the pages. I had to know what happened and how and the why. A young girl grows up in South Africa. Her family is beyond poor. In fact, they live off another’s farm for work. The house is tiny only two rooms. A stealness over bears the senses. The roof barley holing up, and then there’s the dark stuff that happens inside the home. A step-father who bullies his wife and kids. As long as Persomi’s older brother Geraband was there. She was safe from her step-father. Her life gets more interesting. She is soon told by Geraband that their father isn’t their real father. Both share the same mother but different dads. Just as Persomi comes to this idea. She is then set on finding out who her father is. 

But then fate takes an interesting twist. Persomi is soon a lead witness against her step-father and Geraband goes to war as a solider thus providing food and money for Persomi and their mother. With these new events happening, Persomi’s life changes forever. She, a dirt poor girl, is soon excelling as fast or faster than the kids who can afford to go to school. Persomi wins scholarships to pay for her high school education. At first the kids don’t like her, because she’s poor, and because of her step-father. But then Persomi ends up winning awards for the best girl in sports. Her grades are good and she makes a new friend Beth. Beth is a girl raised by a reverend and his wife, after her mother died. Both Beth and Persomi have no idea who their fathers are. Persomi is still working on that revelation. However, Irma Joubert keeps readers in suspense. The revelation comes in when readers least expect it. I was surprised at first, but it made sense. I liked how Persomi succeeded despite being humiliated due to a stigma and how she continued to prove to others how wrong they were of her. Persomi’s dream of being a lawyer may work out…love, friendships, betrayal, death, loss, and hope are all tied beautifully inside this read. I loved it. Child of the River is a must read for all. A new historical tale that should be a new classic. Lessons learned and highly entertaining. I was deeply engaged from the beginning to end. Irma Joubert’s novel is the best I have read in quite awhile. OveralL, I highly recommend it to all. 

Review: My Lord Ghost

Synopsis:

She only wanted to save his soul. He needed to save her life.

Laia Grace wasn’t raised in society and besides meeting men was so much fun! But when the naive Regency miss introduces herself to the wrong person, her father decides that it’s time she grew up. If only he knew that the house he was sending her to had a ghost in residence. 

Marcus is haunting his own home, living in the secret passages and priest holes while he tries to deal with the horrific events that led to his brother’s death. But when an angel shows up and coaxes him into telling her his story, he discovers a reason to live. 

Will he be willing to risk both his own life and his heart to save her?

Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

My Lord Ghosts by Meredith Bond is a historical romance with a twist. I loved reading it. Meredith captured the time period perfectly. The characters were charming especially, Marcus. A ghost living in his own home. It’s not until a certain lady arrives that stirs everything out of balance. Marcus’s was attracted to her beauty upon first sight. His plan to get rid of her was in action, yet little did he know that she would be the toughest one to scare away…

Laia Grace is a flirt for a lady of her time. Childish almost in that manner. Yet somehow she grows up into a decent woman as the story unfolds. I was intrigued from the beginning. A young woman sent off by her father to a haunted place. But what occurs next kept me turning the pages. She turns into a completely different person and her curiosity gets the better of my attention. She seeks out the ghost unafraid. Wants to help. Maturity already rising gradually. Then the ghost’s way of haunting is hilarious. Marcus makes a mess of scaring people on purpose but despite that he’s a good ghost…

My Lord of Ghosts is well-written and highly engaging. I had to find out every detail and what happened next. My guessing built up from the suspense. The intrigue was great. Page turner. The personalities of both main characters melted together in a beautiful way. Each was destined for the other. A ghost so happens to help the young beautiful woman and she help him as well. Not planned but done. I couldn’t get enough of these characters. Realistic, believable, and enchanting. The ending was  perfect. Meredith Bond is another talented writer who books will be added to my reading pile in the future. I truly enjoyed reading this novel. Overall, I recommend to all. Sweet, romantic, and entertaining. 

Review: Willowkeep

 

Synopsis:

Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Hull. But when a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward. Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s s prison. And Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of wealth. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.
Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those who want her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte must face some heartrending decisions. For no matter the size of the fortune, life and love are never smooth sailing.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Willowkeep by Julie Daines is a romance novel set during the regency time period. This historical setting was perfect. The setting and mood were set just right. Readers won’t be able to put this book down…I was hooked. Instantly Julie Daines takes readers on a journey. One of an older sister taking care of a younger sibling. Both are higher up in society than the servant that serves them so well. It was different to see a servant actually want to take care of his superiors in the way Henry does here. He knows he’s not for Charlotte but can’t help feeling attracted to her. His actions are good. I really liked him as much as I did the sisters. The younger sibling has a learning disability that readers do not hear about much in these kind of novels. I was happy that Julie Daines portrayed this into her stunning tale. It was charming, realistic, and sweet. This was the first novel, I have read by this talented writer. I hope to read more by her in the future. Overall, Willowkeep is a must read for all who love romance and historical tales.

Review: The Cottage

Synopsis:

Michael Phillips continues His Sweeping Shetland Islands Saga.

When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that “the Cottage” is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.

The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman–and an American. Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times. Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye. And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place–and the character of its most prominent citizen–that soon gets under her skin.
Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whale’s Reef. David’s cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni’s hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island. But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni’s very life in danger.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review:

The Cottage by Michael Phillips is a highly engaging tale. One that brings out the beauty of landscapes, homes, and maybe a bit of romance. A woman is found completely out of her element when she goes to the new place she recently inherited. The Cottage. There’s more to the place than she thought possible. Something about it pulls her attraction. But that isn’t all that draws her attention. One of the locals, David Tulloch, is a mystery. Just when Loni thinks all is well, threats soon come tumbling in and then the danger begins. Her life as she knows it, may just be in jeopardy over the newly inheritance. Greed, love, trust, and danger are all found inside this interesting read. I was captivated by the suspense and lure of the Shetland Islands. The writer’s talent is evident on every page. The characters create a hook that keeps readers intrigued. What will play out is something to be discovered…and before one knows it, the book will be finished. I loved reading this historical novel. The settings were believable. However, I had wished for a bit more romance between the characters. But still, it was clean and enchanting. Overall, I recommend this new tale to readers everywhere.

Review: Deborah Rising

 

Synopsis:

Set in ancient Israel, Deborah Rising (HarperCollins, 2016) portrays the dramatic (and unlikely) rise of the first woman to lead a nation in recorded human history. In the tradition of The Red Tent, The Fifth Mountain, and The Mists of Avalon, this absorbing novel delivers an inspiring story of suspense and adventure in pursuit of freedom and self-determination, starring a courageous 14-year-old girl who would become the most powerful woman in biblical lore.
Before he was murdered, Deborah’s father had dreamt that his daughter would one day become the leader of the Israelites. But the social and religious mores of her time dictated that a girl must marry–even against her will–and obey her husband in all matters. When Deborah is forced to marry the violent son of the local judge, she rebels, determined to forge a path of her own.

Captivated by the notion of escaping the arranged marriage and fulfilling her late father’s dream, Deborah embarks upon an epic journey to find a mysterious elixirist, one rumored to be blessed with the ability to turn women into men. It is a journey that proves increasingly perilous–filled with wild beasts, lustful men, unscrupulous priests, and warring tribesmen. Yet Deborah manages to attract unlikely allies, including lepers, slaves, Moabite traders, and even a dead tiger, while she persists in the face of seemingly insurmountable setbacks and continues to pursue her daring quest.
Part historical novel, part adventure story, part visionary fiction, Deborah Rising is a captivating tale about a girl on the cusp of womanhood, whose unrelenting struggle to overcome discrimination, sexism, and paternalism spoke to the lives of girls and women today.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Deborah Rising by Avraham Azrieli is a stunning historical fantasy. One that has an epic journey that no reader could guess. It’s nothing like anything I have read. This novel brings about some historical people and their customs as well as what kind of lives they lived back then. I was constantly intrigued by the story. Each page sent me on another journey. the main journey was one that a father passed down to his youngest. After losing her parents and her older sister, the young girl sets off to fulfill her destiny. However, trouble comes her way each time. The men from her land are worshiping idols and killing innocents due to lies and greed. The lives of women are similar to those of the Indian customs. Many women are controlled by men. A paternal ruling that still survives, today. I was frightened by what the women went through constantly. Even if they followed rules by their society there was always a man or men who abused them. Sadly, many are stuck in this threatening lifestyle. Like Deborah’s older sister. One false accusation and she like many other women were stoned to death over a lie. Women were not permitted to speak on their defense. I almost wished Deborah’s sister retaliated. Imagine letting your own people stone for no reason at all. Why should the innocent be slaughtered so easily? Realistically told and captured the time period perfectly. Avraham Azrieli is indeed a talented new author. His work can be read by teens and adults. The issues presented in this novel were strong yet the material was done in a clean manner. After reading this book, I felt like I traveled back in history. The young woman’s journey was quite fascinating to follow. An adventure that is both intriguing and entertaining. Deborah Rising is a YA religious tale, that I highly recommend to readers worldwide. I believe that the issues shown in this title are ones that need to be read by all.

Review: The Tidewater Sisters

 

Synopsis:

Tandi Reese and her sister, Gina, have always been bound by complicated ties. Amid the rubble of a difficult childhood lie memories of huddling beneath beds and behind sofas while parental wars raged. Sisterhood was safety . . . once. But now? Faced with legal papers for a fraud she didn’t commit, Tandi suspects that her sister has done something unthinkable. With Tandi’s wedding just around the corner, a trip to the North Carolina Tidewater for a reckoning with Gina was not part of the plan. But unraveling lies from truth will require confronting strained sibling bonds and uncovering a dark family secret that could free Tandi from her past or stain her future forever.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Tidewater Sisters by Lisa Wingate is an extraordinary novel. A perfect read for all. The tale inside is full of loss, heartbreak, secrets, and distrust. A mystery surrounding the lawsuit in Tandi Reese’s hands lands her back to her childhood home. There she finds things she never thought she had. Anger, frustration, and sadness crept, over readers, as they follow Tandi’s final journey. Imagine two sisters, not on good terms at all and then a horrible surprise leading back to the past. One past, that the main character thought she left behind for good. Her current life has moved forward. A marriage on the horizon with a decent man and now, this.

The Tidewater Sisters is the final book in the series. The writer’s style is beautifully played throughout the story. I felt the emotions as if they were my own. The struggles were believable and the suspense of what was to come…kept me hooked. A fast-paced read that will stun all. I would love to see Lisa Wingate’s novella turned into a movie or TV series. It’s definitely that entertaining as well as intriguing. Overall, I recommend this read to all.

 

Review: To Love a Viscount

 

Synopsis:

Her childhood friend is available, but a handsome stranger makes her doubt her choice.

One of the society’s most beautiful eligible women, Miss Emma Roberts knows that her father is dying and she must choose a husband. She has always known Viscount Francis Turner, and he seems the solid choice in her desperate situation. However, another opportunity has arisen. He may be the better choice for pretty Emma.

Handsome Viscount Francis Turner loves his childhood best friend, but he’s also in a desperate situation and must marry quickly in order to save his inheritance. Then the dashing Captain Jonathan Green captures her attention, and he doubts whether she is the right choice for him. He must make a choice to pursue her heart or watch her be claimed by another man, but he must also choose a bride for himself before time runs out.

Emma and Francis must find a balance between romance and friendship—and decide whether a solid friendship is a right foundation, for a lasting marriage. Theirs could be a marriage for love, but Emma must choose between security and the desire of her heart.

Can she overcome her reservations and discover which man is her true love?

Will Francis find a way to save his family home and win the heart of the woman he has loved since childhood?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

To Love a Viscount by Jessie Bennett is an enchanting historical read. This romance is clean. The soul and heart of this story will captivate readers everywhere. Two best friends find themselves in a desperate situation. One’s father is ill the other is getting weaker. One friend is penniless and the other needs a husband. When both friends meet, their attraction towards each other is visible. However, Francis has to work for his money now, sacrificing his own pride to save his and his father’s home. Emma needs to find a husband before her father dies. He seems to be getting worse each time…and he wants to see his girls married before his last breathe. Fate is funny sometimes. Francis soon becomes a hero in rescuing his best friend Emma for a bad suitor and her father from an evil relative. Francis can’t ignore his blossoming love for Emma; however, he feels unworthy of her love. Emma has feelings for her best friend Francis but then there’s a new man trying for her undivided attention. Who she chooses will affect the rest of her life in many ways.  Jessie Bennett is a talented writer. Her work never ceases to amaze me. I love the charming yet realistic characters. Their drama and troubles make for an interesting read. I enjoyed following both Francis and Emma as their lives changed them and led them into new beginnings. To Love a Viscount is definitely a must read for all. I highly recommend Jessie Bennett’s novel.

 

Review: One Step Behind

 

 

Synopsis:

London, 1812. When the unconventional Gemma Lancaster embarked on a mission to infiltrate high society and avenge her beloved cousin’s murder she never, would have guessed she’d end up in the arms of a thief. At least, that’s what she assumes when she discovers Lucas Stone breaking into a private safe.

Lucas Stone, the Earl of Winchester, has a reputation for arrogance and a soft-spot for his sister, which is how he ends up in the predicament of hiding behind a curtain at midnight with the dreadfully dull Miss Gemma Lancaster. But he soon discovers appearances can be deceiving when the country mouse turns into a spitfire in front of his eyes and she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with him.

Though one is chasing a blackmailer and the other a murderer, they quickly realize they are on the hunt for the same villain. Now they must work together, which would be fine, if they could decide if they’d rather fall in love or kill one another.

Review:

 

One Step Behind is an enticing read. It lures readers back in time to the regency period. Brianna Labuskes’ historical romance is intense, sexy, and highly entertaining. The quarrel between a red-headed woman and a man highly regarded by the ton, is fun to watch. Their sparring keeps readers on their toes…constantly.  A female heroine strong and not to be distracted until a handsome man captures her attention. Especially, on a night of her clandestine mission. But then he too is on a mission. It’s not until that moment that both find out they share the same need. Plus, a more physical one that develops between them both. Causing both to think of nothing else. It’s quite dangerous to let an attraction disturb one from gaining the truth. There’s a murderer walking around free and both main characters are set to catch him. One Step Behind is an amazing novel. It has everything that baited, lured, and hooked me right into its plot. Fast-paced and bold, Brianna Labuskes’ writing is phenomenal. Overall, I highly recommend this romance to all.

Review: The Striver’s Row Spy

 

Synopsis: 

Stunning, suspenseful, and unforgettably evocative, Jason Overstreet’s debut novel glitters with the vibrant dreams and a dangerous promise of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, as one man crosses the perilous lines between the law, loyalty, and deadly lies…

For college graduate Sidney Temple, the Roaring Twenties bring opportunities even members of his accomplished black bourgeois family couldn’t have imagined. His impulsive marriage to independent artist Loretta is a happiness he never thought he’d find. And when he’s tapped by J. Edgar Hoover to be the FBI’s first African-American agent, he sees a once-in-a-lifetime chance to secure real justice.

Instead of providing evidence against Marcus Garvey, prominent head of the “dangerously radical” back-to-Africa movement, Sidney uses his unexpected knack for deception and undercover work to thwart the Bureau’s biased investigation. And by giving renowned leader W. E. B. Du Bois insider information, Sidney gambles on change, that could mean a fair destiny for all Americans…

But the higher Sidney and Loretta climb in Harlem’s most influential and glamorous circles, the more dangerous the stakes. An unexpected friendship and a wrenching personal tragedy threaten to shatter Loretta’s innocent trust in her husband—and turn his double life into a fast-closing trap. For Sidney, ultimately squeezed between the Bureau and one too many ruthless factions, the price of escape could be heartbreak and betrayal no amount of skill can help him survive.

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

The Striver’s  Row Spy by Jason Overstreet is a great read for all. It combines a lot of elements and sets off an intriguing tale. The story takes readers back to the historical time period of the 1920’s. A lot goes on during that time. It offers a new opportunity to the main character that seems highly unusual yet it happens. The suspense, danger, and mystery, sets readers guessing. My mind was spinning with what ifs. An African American man being offered a high yet dangerous job hooked me. The story lured me in deep. A job that proves more, risky than originally planned…leaves Sidney stuck in one crisis after crisis. Circles of going, undercover, has ways of biting one back…Harlem and the aristocratic lifestyle is an interesting read. I loved how it came to life inside this novel. Jason Overstreet brings the impossible things into a highly entertaining piece of fiction. However, I can’t picture one man turning over another of his own kind no matter what the pay or job offer is. Other than that the story was interesting. I recommend it to all who love the civil rights movement and a good mystery.

 

 

Review: Bealtaine;Tales of the Fae

 

Synopsis:

Shea Brogan the Earl of Glenn Haven has finally found a countess to share his life with. Though Maura, his widowed sister-in-law is of common blood, she and her young son Torin, his nephew has stolen his heart and his devotion. As their wedding rapidly approaches on the heels of the Sumer Solstice so does trouble. Glenn Haven comes alive in late spring with the thinning of the veil and now fairy folk and all matter of woodland creatures are causing both mischief and delight. Meanwhile, little Torin is harboring a secret. He’s discovered the gift of magic that ran through his father’s veins and yet rages through his Uncle Shea. These new abilities and sights come with the need of caution that the lad fights to tackle on his own; while his lovely mother still struggles to see the beauty of the unseen world. Maura has always wrestled with belief but her blind eye could drive a wedge between her and her beloved Earl before the upcoming nuptials. Especially when one particular being took a very special liking, to her. Is their love strong enough to overcome the challenge?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Nicole Strycharz has once again swept readers, like myself, into her latest novel.  This writer definitely knows how to bait, hook, and lure her readers. Instantly was intrigued following the main characters that I love from a previous book as their journey progressed. I was deeply satisfied with the plot. Especially, with the ending. Nicole Strycharz currently has me hooked onto her brilliant writing style. There’s plenty of sass, sweetness, and a seduction that sends readers into a frenzy. Once, readers open this book, they better prepare with the wanting of more reads by Nicole Strycharz in the future. I have been lucky as this writer has kept publishing more dazzling reads to keep me lured. Entertaining Bealtaine; Tales of the Fae brings a world of fantasy and one of love together. It will leave readers questioning whether magic is truly real or just a figment of our imagination. Excellent characterization as expected. After reading this book, I would love to have met each character in real life. Their troubles are so similar to our own it’s hard to believe they’re just fictional pieces created by a mastermind. The novel also brought the theme of family, hope, forgiveness, and a future full of promises. But danger and challenges are ahead for the characters…can love, conquer all? Overall, I highly recommend this Christmas and romance tale to all.

Review: Cowboy Christmas Homecoming

 

Synopsis:

They’ve weathered a lot worse than winter. For widow June Harper, another cold front is about to hit. Most call him Hugh. She’d call him Scrooge, except as the man ensures her needs are met, June can’t help but wonder how to meet the needs of his heart.

Netty Lewis can take care of herself, has for a while now. Some hired help over the holidays doesn’t change that. And even if Roy does take care of her, that doesn’t mean he cares for her or that he’ll stay past Christmas.

Pastor Colton McCabe is having the opposite problem. He’s not sure he’ll make it through the holidays with his new housekeeper. Grace can’t seem to do anything right but love. Perhaps being a home keeper will earn her a permanent residence in his heart.

And no one longs for a home more than Connie Lancaster. She’s determined to return to St. Louis, and no cowboy can change her mind. But if Isaac can change her heart, maybe Connie will see the homecoming she’s been waiting for isn’t to a place but a person.

Review:

Cowboy Christmas Homecoming is a heart melting read. A collection of four novellas tied in with a common theme. Cowboys. Christmas is the time to heal, forgive, and to love. I can’t think of a better way to spend the holidays than to read this book. Beautifully written stories that readers will enjoy. Realistic settings and believable characters. The charm oozes over and fills readers with warmth, hope, and cheer. Four talented writers have come together, creating the best Christmas collection. I felt in love with the characters immediately. Their troubles were raw and saddening. Yet there was determination and hope, filled on every page. I was inspired by the characters even though they were just fictional pieces brought to life. Love has been given life and new meaning after reading these tales. Family, friends, and a new future. Cowboy Christmas Homecoming is clean, sweet, and addictive. I couldn’t stop reading it. Readers worldwide will enjoy these fictional words so brilliantly woven for entertainment. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.

Review: The Regards of a Rogue

Synopsis:

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SERVANT BECOMES ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL MEN IN EUROPE?

Levi Smith just received the news of a lifetime…He’s the newest Duke of Hensman. When the murder of his father brings Levi to his destiny, fingers are pointed at him while everyone tries to find out who killed the former duke. Lady Priscilla Garrett has always lived in a world of fantasy, but that world is rocked with the news of murder. She’s also shocked when she finds out who the suspect is. Levi.The once manservant she flirted with is now a duke! And Priscilla is willing to do whatever she can to prove his innocence. Can their new found love stand up to the ton? And what about treason?

WHAT IS STRONG ENOUGH TO BREAK THE CHAINS OF DARKNESS?

Hugh Garrett has a secret…It runs through the veins of the young Viscount causing blackouts until he kisses the innocent lips of the young Olive Heath. For a moment, his future seems clear, and all he wants to do is to start his life anew. A new life. A life with Lady Olive Heath. Lady Olive Heath didn’t mean to kiss the very handsome Lord Hugh…But the kiss has given her ideas for her future. After suffering under the hand of her father, she thinks a marriage to Hugh could be her freedom. But first, Olive must free him from himself. Free him from his long years of darkness. Will love be enough? Will Hugh succeed in the one area of life that he’s best at? Disappointment.
KNIGHTED BY THE KING… A NIGHT THAT WILL CHANGED EVERYTHING …

Maximilian St. Cloud has been called many things in his life. A murderer, an assassin for the king, a knight…And though all those titles were well deserved, none scared him more than his current title. Caregiver. Left to raise the little girl of his ex-wife’s lover, Max is in over his head. For the first time, Max is lost. This problem will need a woman’s touch… and only one woman will do. Amanda Elliot. More than anything, Amanda wishes to be a peer, and Max has no title. But when Max convinces her to help with his daughter, Amanda is tempted by both the challenge and the man. Can she give up her desire for the status amongst the peerage to be with Max?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Regards of a Rogue by Eleanor Meyers is brilliantly captivating. Three sets of characters that will lure readers in like honey is for bees. The romance is hot, addictive, and intriguing. There is always someone trying to protect the other person and it is then, that fate creates an up breakable spell upon them all. Each set of characters are easy to relate to…their lives mimicking reality of today. I fell in love immediately. Steamy, suspenseful, and clean. 

The first set of characters provides a strong female heroine. A man making his way up in society and danger that can put all at risk. Murder has been done and the leading suspect is the good guy. A woman is determined to prove his innocence. Going about it will put their hearts and lives at risk…

Then, the second pair are just as interesting. This second set is highly entertaining just like the ones before them. However, their lives and personalities are much more different. Or shall I say, more difficult. A man facing his own struggles and a promise of a good life. But it all depends if he can succeed. Then, the lady is one wanting to escape her lifestyle. After meeting a particular man, she believes her life will be great. But there is something she doesn’t know. Will fate bring them together or leave them to suffer alone?

Last but not least, the third set of characters will truly melt the hearts of readers everywhere. Imagine a tough as hell man who is suddenly given a new role in life. His new role is to care for a little girl. Completely, out of his element, he asks for help. In the form a beautiful woman, who wants nothing more to move up within society, Amanda has choices to make. Help a man take care of a little girl or go after a life titles. Fate brings two unlikely individuals together for a fabulous read. A family may just be in the future for these two adults…

Eleanor Meyers is a talented writer. Her writing style has a way of bringing me back to her novels time and time again. Fast-paced plots with exciting characters. Believable and beautifully written. The Regards of Rogue is a definite must read for all. I highly recommend this read to readers everywhere. Anyone who loves historical romances, will love this book. 

Review: To Love a Lord of London

 

Synopsis:

HER FIRST SEASON AND HER FIRST KISS …

Amy Ott is about to encounter her first season.
Knowing nothing about the workings of corsets and country dances,she’s looking for any help she can find… even when it comes from the most unlikely source…

.

London’s infamous rogue–an older Duke. The Duke of Wardington.

This catches the attention from the most rakish Lord in all of London.
Lord Nathaniel Dawnton knows what he wants.

Amy Ott.

When Nathaniel’s pursuits meet the walls of Amy’s strength, the young lord is ready to jump those walls blindly… even at the expense of reaching something he has been avoiding– his innermost fear. True love.

But once Amy’s dark secrets are out, will the fall have been worth it?

CAN LOVE FORGIVE ALL THINGS?

Miss Catherine Croftman is done with the Marquess of Clariant!
After the publically broken engagement of the century, she has her sights set on finding someone new…

Herself.

Andrew Dawnton is the Marquess of Clariant, the future Duke of Wardington, and he is madly in love with Catherine…
He made her a promise of marriage in their youth, but Catherine’s betrayal prevents the marquess from wanting anything to do with her afterward.

He’s haunted by a past that includes death and outrage, and trusting Catherine again would be a fool’s move.

Is Catherine truly ready to move on?
Will Andrew learn to forgive and keep his word?

CAN ONE EVER TRULY LOVE HER ENEMY?

The night that William, The Earl of Cartridge,was struck over the head changed him forever…
He’s been knocked out by a beautiful thief and plans to seek justice for this crime.

Jane Croftman’s family is wealthy beyond reason,but the land gentry’s daughter is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves… even if that means stealing from members of high society or knocking out an Earl.

Anything for peace.

When William’s revenge turns into hot kisses and help, Jane tries to refuse them both.

Will William find the key to Jane’s freedom before it’s too late?

Will Jane learn to trust William with her life and possibly even her heart?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

To Love a Lord of London is a very entertaining read. A historical regency romance that has three romances combined into one amazing book. I am in love. Eleanor Meyers has once again, delivered a brilliant set of characters that will charm readers into the plot. Each set of characters, carry their own personalities so different from the others that it’s hard to resist such temptations. Each man presented before readers will have their hands full. They will surely be tempted as they women they fall for come into their hearts. Creating a fiery passion and an irresistible read. The emotional journey is engaging. I love following each character over coming their own obstacles. Trust, danger, and revenge can definitely have the opposite effects when carried out…fate can make life much more complicated and risky than originally planned. Never a dull moment in this clean romance. Eleanor Meyers is a new favorite writer of mine. Her words carry the right assortment of pleasures, adventures, and intrigue. Overall, I highly recommend To Love a Lord of London to readers everywhere.

Review: A Perfect Plan

 

Synopsis:

Samantha Hastings lived a quiet, peaceful life on her family’s country estate. With no man to order her around and no stifling society rules to follow, she considered herself blessed. However, when her brother’s ship sinks during a short trip to France, Samantha receives a request from her sister-in-law to return to town and manage the late Earl’s finances. Suddenly thrust into society, Samantha faces an unfamiliar world and a pair of very familiar green eyes.

Lord Benjamin Westwood never intended on following through with his rash promise to his best friend. Now, with Edward’s death, Benjamin becomes the unwilling guardian to Edward’s bratty little sister, who has grown up considerably since the last time they met. His intention to marry her off to the first available suitor is thwarted when he finds himself falling for Samantha’s unique demeanor. He lights upon the perfect plan; a marriage of convenience, giving him the opportunity to romance Samantha without distraction.

However, when they discover Edward’s disappearance was due to foul play, Benjamin’s perfect plan begins to quickly unravel. Now, Samantha is in more danger than either of them realized and Benjamin is running out of time.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Perfect Plan by Alyssa Drake is an intoxicating read. The words fill one’s mind and send the heart racing. The raw desires brings out a chemistry so strong I could hardly believe I was simply reading about them. But intimacy isn’t the only exciting part of this novel. Alyssa Drake has also, masterfully woven a suspenseful yet deadly mystery into her historical romance. I have never felt so pumped about reading a historical tale than I have when reading this book. The pages come to life. Showing readers as they follow along. The chemistry builds with every page. Creating an intense atmosphere. The danger ahead is oe that will keep readers on the edge of their seats in wait.

Alyssa Drake creates a story of a young woman who only had her brother. When info comes in saying his boat has sunk she is soon called back into society to play a part. Samantha was just getting used to not having a man around to boss her around nor have to be anything society asked until recently. The plot thickens when news that her father had been murdered. Benjamin a friend of Samantha’s brother made a promise to take care of Sammantha if anything foul happened. So, when fate calls him to fulfill the promise made he at first hates his new duty but after meeting Sammantha he soon falls fast. But the danger isn’t over yet. Sammantha might also be in danger as well…and Benjamin’s plans for seducing her will have to wait. Overall, I loved reading this brilliant novel. I loved the characters and their troubles. Well-written and entertaining. I highly recommend A Perfect Plan to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Nollaig Shona Duit (A Christmas Tale)

Synopsis:

Shea Brogan the Earl of Glenn Haven has just returned from war, after being injured while serving in the Irish Brigade under France. His desire for private living and the rumors surrounding his family’s roots as Druids has turned him into a recluse. His solitude is to be disrupted when his estranged brother’s wife appears at his door; their young son in tow. Shea’s mysterious mystical talents soon win over his nephew but will they do the same for his mother who’s long lost her belief in love, magic and the spirit of Christmas?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Nicole Strycharz is indeed a talented writer. I can’t see her not writing a book that readers will fall over in love with or beg for more. The writing style is superb. Easy to read and follow along. There’s always an emotional journey that Nicole Strycharz creates in every one of her brilliant novels. I fall in love every single time. I can’t help myself. The emotions tugging at my heart over the characters’ frustrations, struggles, and undeniable love. Anyone you reads this stunning lady’s work and not feel any kind of emotion or connection is lacking life’s good gifts. Laughter, tears, and kisses. Yes, all that and more can be found in this particular read. 

Nollaig Shona Duit; A Christmas Tale by Nicole Strycharz is everything readers will want plus, so much more. I can’t find a single thing wrong with this incredible story. Two irresistible characters, check. A fast moving plot, check. An engaging tale that captures readers hearts and souls, double check. A sexy and sweet romance, absolutely. A novella about finding love, happiness, and new beginnings, definitely inside this book. The main character, Shea is a man to love passionately and to never let go. I want him. That there proves Nicole’s talent. I need to read more about her famous characters. I want to hear and see more. She delivers a promising read that satisfies every readers’ desire. A feel good romance perfect for any day especially, during the holidays. Perfect, sizzling, clean, an well-written. The characters were well-developed. The struggles were believable and kept me turning the pages. I truly love this writer’s work. Overall, I highly recommend this latest novella to all. (P.s. This along with all her other works need to be turned into big screen movies! Just saying…)

Review: The Earl’s Unforgettable Flame

 

Synopsis:

Benjamin Frederickson, the future Earl of Wembley, can’t forget that night… The night that changed him…
More importantly, he can’t forget that brave little girl who was scarred from the horrible fire.

Catherine Watson 
.
The night young Benjamin Frederickson met the victim of a house fire, he has remembered it all of his life… Her spirit has lingered in his memory for years.
Even through his days of rebelling against his father, The Earl of Wembley, as he drinks, gambles, and womanizes.

But when he meets the beautiful Catherine Watson again, still scarred from that fire so many years later, he is enchanted.
But can a woman so remarkable remember a boy she met briefly years ago? 
.
Catherine, however, is less than impressed!
Considering herself disfigured and resigned to the idea that she will never marry, she sees his advances as a cruel joke at her expense.

How can any man view her with anything but disgust, especially the dashing future Earl of Wembley?
 
“I cannot believe that you genuinely want to spend time in the presence of this.” She pointed to her own scarred neck and her covered arm.
“Then your belief in me is sorely lacking,” he sulked angrily. “As is your opinion of your ownself.”

It won’t be easy for Lord Benjamin to convince Catherine of his love.
Is he up to the task?

“I wish it were different. I wish you could court, me as if I were normal.” 
.
Will Catherine let the past dictate her future?
Will Benjamin give up and let her go?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Earl’s Unforgettable Flame by Charlotte Stone is an exciting read. Adventure, danger, an unforgotten past, and a deep emotional journey. A young boy now, as an Earl, can’t forget the good deed a young girl did. She risked her life. Now, as a woman, Catherine has the scars that make her feel like an outcast. She feels like she is not worthy of any suitor’s attention nor love. But then fate sends Benjamin into her life. He wants her. Catherine doesn’t think he could and the lack of self-esteem she has causes Benjamin to try. He wants her to know he can and does want her. But will her attitude keep them both from finding their true happiness?

Charlotte Stone’s writing is superb. She sucked me right into the plot. Tempting, bold, and thrilling. The Earl’s Unforgettable Flame is indeed a perfect title for this read. The main characters lure me deep into their backgrounds and their present moments. I loved following them both. Each with fighting for a good cause. If I were in the main female character’s shoes I too would be hesitant if an Earl like Benjamin took interest in me. Catherine considers herself a damaged good. Living with ugly scars can take a lot from an individual. The banter between both characters is enticing. I kept turning the pages in a haste to read it all.  Benjamin is a good gentleman with good intentions; however, a man can only try so hard. The game of love is unpredictable but worth every struggle. Overall, I highly recommend The Earl’s Unforgettable Flame to all.

Review: A Lady Unrivaled

 

Synopsis:

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile–even if it’s just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won’t wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he’s determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won’t budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her–and his daughter–from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White is an intriguing tale. One that involves a rather handsome Lord that he believes incapable of falling in love. He claims he’s not a good man yet he proves the exact opposite. His actions speak louder than his words. Then fate has to bring in a beautiful smiling always positive woman into his life. For the life of she can’t stop thinking about the handsome yet charming Lord. Despite his efforts to keep her at bay. But there’s something more dangerous at play that will entangle them deeper into each others’ life. A dangerous man among their midst. Dead bodies found and yet anohter death is at play. Can they both the dashing Lady and the Lord stop the evil at hand or risk losing everything? A Lady Unrivaled is exactly that. I loved the suspense, intrigue and banter between Lord Clayton and Lady Ella. Both are amusing characters. Roseanna M. White knew exactly how to charm her readers into falling for both of her characters. The ending was surprising. Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant historical romance to all.

 

Review: The Secret Book of Kings

 

Synopsis:

In the tradition of The Red Tent from internationally bestselling author Yochi Brandes comes the stories of the struggles of King David and King Saul in the early days of the Kingdom of Israel, seen through the eyes of Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s abandoned queen.

Stories are deadlier than swords. Swords kill only those who stand before them, stories decide who will live and die in generations to come.

Shelomoam, a young man from the tribe of Ephraim, has grown up in the shadow of dark secrets. He wonders why his father is deathly afraid of the King’s soldiers and why his mother has lied about the identities of those closest to him. Shelomoam is determined to unearth his mysterious past, never imagining where his quest will ultimately lead him.

The Secret Book of Kings upends conventions of biblical novels, engaging with the canonized stories of the founding of the Kingdom of Israel and turning them on their heads. Presented for the first time are the heretofore unknown stories of the House of Saul and of the northern Kingdom of Israel, stories that were artfully concealed by the House of David and the scribes of the southern Kingdom of Judah.

Yochi Brandes, one of Israel’s all-time bestselling novelists, enlists her unique background in both academic Jewish scholarship and traditional religious commentaries to read the Bible in an utterly new way. In this book, a major publishing phenomenon in Israel and one of the bestselling novels in the history of the country, she uncovers vibrant characters, especially women, buried deep within the scriptures, and asks the loaded question: to what extent can we really know our past when history is written by the victors?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Secret Book of Kings by Yochi Brandes is truly an entertaining read about Jews and their Biblical background. The tale captures the stories of the Jewish tribes and turns it into a fascinating world of fiction for all to enjoy. I also felt like it was an educational journey as well as to entertain me. Inside, readers will meet a family who is Jewish yet fear the soldiers. An explanation of war and bloodshed soon follows. A young boy wants to talk more about his tribe(s) yet his father seems far away and angered.  Secrets have been kept and it only makes the boy even more curious. The tale of a princess and the king is an interesting journey to behold. Not only does it peak the interest of the young boy but also of mine. I was intrigued from the beginning. The pages soon flew by so fast. The story leads readers into a series of deep thoughts. I truly enjoyed following the boy’s adventures as he seeks out the answers to all of his questions.  The Secret Book of Kings is a stunning piece of fiction that all will come to love. Overall, I highly recommend to readers everywhere.

Review: The Invitation

 

Synopsis:

An evocative love story set along the Italian Riviera about a group of charismatic stars who all have secrets and pasts they try desperately–and dangerously–to hide.

Rome, 1953: Hal, an itinerant journalist flailing in the post-war darkness, has come to the Eternal City to lose himself and to seek absolution for the thing that haunts him. One evening he finds himself on the steps of a palazzo, walking into a world of privilege and light. Here, on a rooftop above the city, he meets the mysterious Stella. Hal and Stella are from different worlds, but their connection is magnetic. Together, they escape the crowded party and imagine a different life, even if it’s just for a night. Yet Stella vanishes all too quickly, and Hal is certain their paths won’t cross again.

But a year later they are unexpectedly thrown together after Hal receives an invitation he cannot resist. An Italian Contessa asks him to assist on a trip of a lifetime–acting as a reporter on a tremendous yacht, skimming its way along the Italian coast toward Cannes film festival, the most famous artists and movie stars of the day gathered to promote a new film.

Of all the luminaries aboard–an Italian ingenue, an American star, a reclusive director–only one holds Hal in thrall: Stella. And while each has a past, that belies the gilded surface, Stella has the most to hide. As Hal’s obsession with Stella grows, he becomes determined to bring back the girl she once was, the girl who’s been confined to history.

An irresistibly entertaining and atmospheric novel set in some of the world’s most glamorous locales, THE INVITATION is a sultry love story about the ways in which the secrets of the past stay with us–no matter how much we try to escape them.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Invitation by Lucy Foley is a historical romance story set in the 1950’s. Its tale takes readers deep into the darkness that surrounds the characters. Regret, sorrow, and loss. But even with that, there was also, the luxury of lives lived in glamorous ways. Rich, fascinating, and enticing. Lucy Foley magnificently creates, a world in which readers want to dive into time and time again. The emotional journey is one that baits and hooks readers deeper into the plot. Moving back and forth dipping into each character’s life so as to give readers a clearer picture of who they are. The mystery behind the characters and their dilemmas is fascinating to watch. This book is like a moving picture. The Invitation brings a realistic yet romantic story that nails me to its pages. A search for redemption and love is so great that I simply couldn’t put the book down…to stop reading. I highly recommend this to fans of historicals, romances, and family sagas. Lucy Foley is indeed a talented writer.

Review: Lazlo’s Revenge

 

Synopsis:

It is the story above all, and Lazlo’s Revenge is an excellent story, inspired by true events in places devastated by war, and those who suffered greatly. Readers develop a personal relationship with the characters, Lazlo, Gertrude, Captain Koz, and others, leaving them wanting more. Max Fischer (Maxine Schoellkopf Fischer, fictional narrator of Lazlo’s Revenge), a writer and Swiss war correspondent whose parents lived the tragedies of the Great World Wars, set out to see the very places, and events her parents survived on their odyssey to escape danger and death.

Lazlo’s Revenge is the story Max unearthed in her travels back through time. She is the fictional daughter of Hank and Roberta Fischer, the main characters in a previous book, Honor and Innocence: Against the Tides of War. Hank and Roberta are an unlikely couple to fall in love (Hank is an American soldier stationed in Germany after the war, and the German girl, Roberta, is the daughter of a Nazi SS Officer being sought by American and British security forces for war crimes). Max is their daughter, born at the end of the previous novel, and now returning to write their story of love and war.

Fascinated by the characters who influenced the lives of her parents, in Lazlo’s Revenge, Max pursues her quest for understanding. She follows the life-story of Lazlo Floznik, the man who saved her parents’ lives, and helped them escape catastrophe in Europe, seeking safe refuge beyond the reach of security forces that sought to imprison them. The years leading up to World War I, the time between the wars, and the experiences of World War II release their secrets as she explores her family roots, a deeply emotional story bound by the intense love stories of Lazlo, and his father, Miklos, before him.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Lazlo’s Revenge by Glen Thomas Hierlmeier is a fantastic historical read. This novel, brings readers real world historical events combined with fictional characters who lie through the times in the most believable ways. Word War I and World War II are brought to life in every scene. The threat of war… and then the dangers of what Hitler will bring…creates an entertaining yet educational experience unlike many others. I found myself emerged deeply into this world of fiction.

Glen Thomas Hierlmeier made his novel as real as possible. The struggles of the characters were absorbed as quickly as they came. Then there’s plenty of action, intrigue, mystery, and romance for all to enjoy. I love delving deep into the past. Especially, when it relates to history. I was amazed by the talent in this book. The writing is clear, concise, and engaging.

Lazlo’s Revenge is about one woman’s journey to uncover the lives of her parents during the war times. Max goes to the places where they lived and survived. The journey unravels a lot of secrets, family roots, and the danger her parents went through back then. I can definitely see this historical war novel turned into a big screen picture. I was not only lured by the history aspect of this fictional read but by the lure of a woman trying to learn more about her parents during the wars. Adventure, romance, history, and war all wrapped up into one superb read. Overall, I highly recommend this to all readers.