Ivy Malone, the New-York Historical Society’s librarian, is dedicated to preserving Manhattan’s rich history, but when society grand dame Adeline King anonymously reveals her shocking life story, Ivy finds herself holding a highly coveted secret. Burdened with the responsibility of keeping Adeline’s identity hidden, Ivy finds the matter increasingly complicated when two men claim ties to the elderly woman–one of them accusing Adeline of involvement in a crime.
Another dilemma brews when Ivy’s cousin, Gina, is detained at Ellis Island for lack of proper documentation. Hoping an immigration service can resolve the misunderstanding, Ivy employs their help but is instead thrust into a dangerous world. With time running out, she must unravel the tangle of secrets that bind Adeline’s past, Gina’s freedom, and her own safety. Who can she trust, and how far is she willing to go to protect those she loves?
From award-winning author Jocelyn Green comes a riveting blend of historical intrigue and the quest for justice against the backdrop of Manhattan’s dark secrets.
My Review:
I chose my next book by reading the first sentence of all the books on my TBR, well maybe not all of them, that would have been equal to reading a novella, but I digress. Anyway, this one from ‘The Manhattan Confessions’ grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go because…secrets!
“Just because Ivy didn’t love keeping secrets didn’t mean she couldn’t do it.”
I was immediately intrigued, imaging all sort of complicated scenarios that could go awry in any number of ways….and I was right!
Of course, having a librarian heroine is a huge boon to any novel as far as I’m concerned. Ivy works at the New York Historical Society Library which is fascinating on its own but a special project she’s involved in, collecting the personal ‘origin’ stories of New Yorkers, is beyond intriguing. Especially as one particular story complicates Ivy’s life in unexpected ways. And, of course, there’s romance, delightfully tender and absolutely swoonworthy.
So many luscious layers in Green’s storytelling, all artfully drawn together to create an emotional story that touched my heart in so many different ways. How she keeps track of all those layers is beyond me! Compelling historical details add an extra edge to the mystery, the danger, the prejudice and desperation facing immigrants who reached Ellis Island with so much hope but found a much harsher reality. “No one tells you when you come here that not all opportunities are golden.”
The kind of immersive read where the characters stick with you long after you’ve closed the book.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – paperback or ebook copy – winner’s choice
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International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Manhattan Confessions, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 18 2026
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