
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
Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice
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
I pre ordered this one with a gifcard that I won ( from you) so I already have this. Can’t wait to get into it. So don’t enter me.
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Yay for the thrill of preordering! Happy Reading, Paula!
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I adore Jocelyn’s novels!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Good luck, Caryl!
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Jocelyn’s books are amazing and I haven’t been able to read this series yet! Thanks Kav!
sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom
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I think the books can be read out of order. I read the first one, missed the second and then jumped into this one. Good luck, Sarah!
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I already have this one for my keeper shelf too. This is a really great series!
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I have to backtrack and read the second book still. Jocelyn Green is so good at the historical details. Good luck, Sandy!
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That first sentence grabbed my attention, too! 😄Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome, Bridget. Good luck!
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Thanks for the review and chance to win, Kav! I’ve read the other books in this series and enjoyed them. This one sounds intriguing!
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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You definitely need to complete the series, Winnie. Good luck!
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I love a good first sentence!!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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It’s such a fun way to figure out what to read next! Good luck, Kimmy!
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I have this on my want to read ❤️. Sounds intriguing and maybe she’d give me a night pass to the library. I’d dive in so deep and quiet they’d have a time finding me. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com
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🙂 Gotta love a librarian heroine, right? Good luck, Kathleen!
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I’ve thought this series sounded good.
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Good luck, Elly!
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Great author. I have not read this series though. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Time to start! Good luck, Lucy!
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I have this one on my TBR. I hope to get to it soon. I always enjoy Jocelyn’s books.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
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You’ll enjoy it when it makes it’s way to the top of your TBR pile! I’m assuming, by your comment that you already have a copy so don’t need to be entered in the giveaway? If I’m wrong about that, let me know. Happy Reading, Pam!
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I love Jocelyn’s books and this one sounds excellent!! Thank you!
dmandres5 at gmail dot com
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Good luck, Melissa!
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Kav, glad to hear you enjoyed this one! I preordered it and am actually reading it now so no need to enter me in the giveaway. I thought that was a great opening sentence too!
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Excited for your reading journey in Manhattan, Cheryl! Enjoy!
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I love her books! No one does historical fiction any better than Jocelyn Green, and having a heroine who’s a librarian…fantastic!
Connie
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
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Yes, Jocelyn Green can be trusted for her exacting research. Good luck, Connie!
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