The Burning of Rosemont Abbey + Giveaway

Everyone in Wilbeth Green has something to hide, but she’s about to uncover their secrets.

1956
: In a quiet English village, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey have set the residents’ tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of the crime of arson. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his plucky twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection–she felt her twin’s death an hour before the abbey went up in flames.

Armed with nothing but her wit and her keen sense of intuition, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the dubious townspeople and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul’s closest friend, warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core.

My Review:

Squuuueeeaaalllll!! I experienced all kinds of gothic-y shivers of delight while reading this stunning mystery! Kind of reminds me of Mary Stewart novels from way back in the day. I can picture Louisa thrilling to ‘Madame, Will You Talk?’ (Stewart’s 1955 debut novel) in the rambling old house she lives in with her aunt and uncle. And, of course, she has just as much gumption as any fictional heroine…wait, she is a fictional heroine only it didn’t seem that way when I was reading. Am I making any sense? Maybe not but I blame ‘The Burning of Rosemont Abbey’ for my discombobulated state.

First – love the 1950s time period. Long enough after the war for life to be getting back to some sort of normal but not quite modern enough to shun all those hoity-toity societal expectations Louisa’s aunt and uncle foist upon her. She is, after all, the orphaned niece living on their charity.

Caught between family duty and her desire to find justice for her bother, Louisa’s set on discovering the truth, even if it shakes their sleepy little village to the core….and infuriates a certain police inspector who used to be a childhood friend. Brilliant pacing, absorbing mystery, characters it’s easy to forget aren’t living, breathing people…well, ‘The Burning of Rosemont Hall’ contains everything I’m looking for in a historical mystery…and then some!

The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton

In her search for a rare gem, will Everleigh end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart?

Personal care nurse Everleigh Wheaton knows it only takes a few well-placed lies to ruin a reputation. She’s experienced it time and time again. But there’s a silver lining to repeatedly proving she’s confident and self-reliant.

When she loses yet another job and an enigmatic stranger offers her a potential way out, she’s game. After all, she loves a good mystery, and an invitation to visit the legendary Halstead Manor is irresistible. But she’s not about to let her guard down–especially with the other women who received the same invitation.

A strange voice on the phone tells them he’s gathered the three of them to work together as treasure hunters. The first assignment requires Everleigh to be a traveling nurse for retired FBI agent Gertrude Levine, who has one cold case she just can’t let go the Florentine diamond that went missing when the Austrian Empire fell.

With Everleigh’s keen ability to solve puzzles, Natalie Daughtry’s vast knowledge of history, and Brooke Sumner’s connections to the antiques world, they’re bound to track down the diamond. Except that Gertie’s nephew, Niles Butler, doesn’t trust Everleigh’s innocent act . . . even if he finds himself falling for her. Worse, Everleigh’s walls of self-preservation may doom the entire team.

Hints of real-life historical events combined with contemporary characters make this first book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and strong female friendships. Readers of authors like Denise Hunter and Nicole Deese who enjoy unfolding relationships and the organic discovery of God’s love will relish this new series.

My Review:

An international treasure hunt with all kinds of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ vibes! And it includes a slow-burn, enemies to more romance with lots of sniping and banter. Add in the historical mystery element along with the not quite dual timeline (More time is spent in the present than the past) and well, this quickly became an unputdownable read for me.

This is my first Susan L. Tuttle book and I have fallen for her storytelling style. Love the way she developed the characters – especially Everleigh. I didn’t quite like her at the start, and she frustrated me no end with some of the decisions she made, but she has spunk and tenacity and a gnarly past that explains so much. And there are two more women on the team who obviously have just as intriguing backstories so I’m hoping future books in the series will feature them.

Now or Never + Giveaway

Will leaving positive legacies mean kissing their own happily-ever-after goodbye?

If Tim Bergeron got a lifetime achievement award for anything, it’d be managing the iconic rock band, Awestruck, but he’d trade his successful career for the opportunity to prevent his daughter from repeating his mistakes.

When a health scare proves time is short, he talks Isabella into a cross-country road trip. His attempts to talk her out of a hasty marriage drive a wedge between them, and it looks like the best he can hope for from the trip is scouting out promising new talent to represent. That is, until he meets Gabby.

Widow Gabrielle Voss has responsibilities to her daughter and patients, deep roots in the community, and a dream that scares her. Though she’d never utter it to the people she lives and works among, the truth slips out with Tim, who’s not in Many Oaks, Iowa, to stay.

As her fiftieth birthday party draws near and an attraction to Tim sparks to life, Gabby realizes she must pursue her dream now—or, more reasonably, never.

This prequel novella to the Many Oaks Romances stars a popular character from the Rhythms of Redemption Romances.

My Review:

The perfect place to begin a new series, with the prequel novella! I love the glimpse the author gave us of the town and some characters who I believe will be featured in future novels (angsty ones at that!)

But this story focuses on a ‘later in life’ romance between Tim and Gabby who are both in their early fifties. And, of course, it’s all kinds of complicated given each of their personal histories. And the fact that they don’t live in the same town or even state!

But it’s attraction at first sight at a time neither of them is looking for love. Conrad writes a beautiful romance with depth and grace…and a healthy dose of grit. I appreciated the maturity in the way they tackled all the issues they faced, both personally and together as they try to figure out what their future might hold. And I love that they are both anchored by their faith which makes for a strong foundation.

Realistic drama, family struggles and the way the author approached some tough topics added emotional layers to their story and made for a captivating read.

Serial Burn + Giveaway

She’s out for justice. But the arsonist she’s tracking is out for retribution.

Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn McCormick is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family when she was just seven years old. As the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a string of fires–including at Jesslyn’s church–brings up all those old feelings and offers new evidence.

Because church fires are considered a hate crime, FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. Nathan has his own past–one he’d prefer not to revisit. And focusing on helping Jesslyn track down the arsonist is a great distraction.

As both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up, memories will come flooding in from the past to bump up against hopes for the future. And when Jesslyn comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare, she’ll have to confront her fears and rely on Nathan and her community of friends in order to survive.

My Review:

Gobbled this one up in a day. Just could not leave these characters at any point in the story. An engrossing police procedural mixed with arson investigation and a s-l-o-w burn romance had my bookish heart singing!

This is the third ‘Lake City Heroes’ book and something that is done spectacularly well in this series is the ‘found family ‘aspect in the diverse friendships. The gang is back, ready to serve and protect and kid around at every opportunity. As well as have those pointed heart to hearts when necessary. It was such a blast to spend time with these characters again and I loved getting a glimpse at previous books’ power couples. Having said that, ‘Serial Arson’ can easily be read as a standalone novel too so don’t be afraid to hop in mid-series if you feel the urge.

Jesslyn and Nathan make a great team – both in the investigation and as friends…and maybe something more? This book is quite light on the romance and more about the deepening friendship (they’ve known each other through their friend group for a while.) They both have traumatic backstories and I appreciated the time the author gave them to work through issues and come to terms with how they can move forward together.

And there’s a powerful inspirational thread about forgiveness that really hit home. “Forgiveness is a decision.” Had to sit with that simple but profound statement for a bit. I love when something like this jumps out at me through my fiction and there’s a moving scene involving Nathan that really touched my heart.

Of course, the suspense is stellar (this is a Lynette Eason creation after all) with just the right mix of action and danger and good old boots to the ground legwork before the pieces of the puzzle finally come together in a resounding conclusion.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition of this book, narrated by Lauren Pedersen. She’s become a familiar voice in my audio book ‘reading’. I really love the way she captures the personalities of each character which helps me feel even more connected to the story.

With All Her Heart + Giveaway

Bonnie and Elijah each believe that marriage is not in their futures . . . but they hadn’t counted on God’s plans being bigger than their own imaginations.

Bonnie Yoder owns and operates a gift shop popular with tourists and local shoppers alike. She’s glad she’s found a way to be a productive member of her Plain community where all women aspire to marry and have children–something she’s sure she’ll never do because of her physical disability.

Elijah Miller has been acutely shy his entire life, which makes joining his brothers as auctioneers unthinkable. It also means he’s never courted a woman. Instead, he spends every spare moment creating wooden children’s toys and child-size furniture in a workshop he built behind his parents’ house, all the while dreaming of starting his own business.

It’s that dream that prompts Elijah to approach Bonnie about selling his wares in her store. He feels an immediate connection. So does Bonnie, but she’s afraid to believe he’ll ever see her as more than a shop owner kind enough to sell his toys. Elijah’s convinced that someone so sure of herself would never be interested in a man who’s too shy to put two sentences together around her.

What they can’t see, others can. Matchmaking mothers and caring friends conspire to bring the two together. After spending time with each other, Elijah and Bonnie learn that sometimes the most challenging obstacle is a lack of faith–in themselves and in God. Together, they will traverse a difficult road to find their way to the future they’ve never allowed themselves to dream of having.

My Review:

First off, as someone who lives with a disability, it was exciting to see that representation in this book. Just simple things like distinguishing between a walker and a rollator nearly made me giddy! And a romance featuring a heroine with mobility issues is such a gift, not only for people like me, but to help others understand that physical limitations don’t have to limit life choices.

That’s something Bonnie wrestles with. She has an almost false sense of pride, not wishing to be a burden to others which was so relatable. I cringed in places because I could see myself being as stubbornly independent in just as exasperating a way as she is. So, lessons learned here.

Definitely don’t skip the author’s note at the beginning of the book. It is heartfelt and to the point and should be read before diving into the story.

And what an incredible story it is! With a surprise second romance! There’s a real sense of Amish community – both comforting and frustrating (for this reader, anyway) and two strong women finding their way after life has knocked them around a bit.

An emotional and rewarding read…well, listen in my case. I thoroughly enjoyed narrator Lauren Berst’s performance. She doesn’t just narrate, she brings the characters alive with her emotional interpretation. An immensely satisfying listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

A Death in Diamonds

The royally brilliant fourth book in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates mystery series!

1957 – The young Queen is finding her way in a challenging world as the United Kingdom adjusts to being a country without an empire, without a place in post-war Europe, and without a reliable friendship with America. 

As she travels the world to try and build bridges, she is advised by the ‘men in moustaches’, as Philip calls them – her father’s old courtiers, who may or may not have her best interests at heart. One of them is trying to sabotage her: that much she is sure of. 

And then two bodies turn up, horribly murdered, in Chelsea, and the Queen finds herself unwillingly used as the alibi for somebody very close to her. 

She knows she can’t face these challenges alone. She needs the help of someone clever, discreet and loyal, someone she can trust. Then she meets ex-Bletchley Park code breaker, Joan McGraw …

My Review:

In a word: brilliant! This coming from a decidedly non-Royal watcher. But there’s just something about Queen Elizabeth and the way the author has captured her and life as a royal in general that is so engaging. And I love the clever way she has incorporated the amateur sleuthing while staying true to the reality of the Queen’s obvious logistical limitations.

The first three books in the series are contemporary novels but this fourth one takes us back to 1957 when a much younger Queen Elizabeth is juggling royal duties, family life and finding her way in a new post-war / Cold War world. Fascinating historical details and insights into what it must have been like for the young queen to gently break away from her trusted but oh so stuffy staff. Lots of pompous, moustached gentlemen who would prefer to remain in the past, keeping the Queen as a figurehead while they ‘wisely’ guide her path.

Only, there seems to be a saboteur in the palace and the astute Queen has her suspicions but lacks the freedom to find the evidence. And that’s where beleaguered typist (with an interesting war history) Joan comes in. She’s Watson to the Queen’s Sherlock.

Argh — there were times I wanted to scream over the insufferable chauvinism and backward 50s ideologies. But then I’d be chuckling over how the Queen deftly works around all those well-meaning men to solve not one, but two mysteries and all with them none the wiser. I dearly wished she could stand up and shout “Ta da! I figured it all out for you!” and take the credit instead of cleverly orchestrating the investigations behind the scenes.

A complicated mystery with lots of complex layers and multiple points of view kept me invested in the read right to the end. And left me hoping that we won’t have long to wait for the next ‘Her Majesty the Queen Investigates’ book to release.

Of note: Some mild language.

I listened to the audio edition, narrated by Samantha Bond who did a tremendous job with all these characters. From a young Queen to all the stuffy gentlemen and everyone in between. She made an already stellar story that much more engaging. Highly recommend the audio book if you are a listening kind of reader.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Wonderful Lonesome + Giveaway

“Without church for over a year, this is a wonderful lonesome place to be.”

In a struggling Amish settlement on the harsh Colorado plain in 1914, Abbie Weaver fights for the life of the church she cherishes. Hail, wind, drought and coyotes are daily enemies to the farming Amish, and some families are giving up and returning east. But the loss the community feels most deeply is the lack of a minister. Visiting bishops have stopped coming – a mystery that demands explanation.

Even Abbie’s closest friends aren’t much comfort. Ruthanne is pregnant and afraid her husband will die. Rudy is lonely and weary. Willem is fiercely determined to succeed at any cost. Their unfolding responses to daily challenges press Abbie to confront the convictions that form the backbone of her dreams for the settlement. Though Abbie loves Willem, his choices put a wedge between them. She turns her gaze to Rudy as a blessing that just might save the settlement.

When Abbie discovers the root of the unspoken spiritual divide that runs through the settlement, she finds herself questioning her own father’s faith. Will a collision of loves and values cost her Willem forever?

My Review:

published in 2014

A different kind of pioneer story. It is 1914 but Colorado is still a wild, relatively unsettled part of the country. Land is cheap but not without challenges as a small group of Amish settlers soon discover. This whole story fascinated me on so many levels. The historical facts for one — the author based the settlement on actual Amish endeavors in the area at the same time and she deals with a lot of ‘big’ questions. The conflict that stems from those concerns — both personal and as a group — compelled me to keep reading.

No worries if you are not an Amish fiction fan. This isn’t ‘that’ book. If you like pioneer stories with a good dose of grit, you’ll like this novel. It’s about living a dream — willing a dream actually and what you do when that dream starts crumbling right before your eyes. Do you let it go or hang on for all you are worth? And at what cost? Not just to you, but to those you love.

Told through multiple viewpoints ‘Wonderful Lonesome’ is a sombre tale that will haunt you long after you close the book.

K-9 Alaskan Defense + Giveaway

A K-9 stand guard while a killer closes in.

Discovering a dead body in the woods turns into a fight for survival when Lily Peterson is attacked by an unknown assailant. Rescued by her retired police K-9, Timber, Lily calls the one man she trusts for help—her late fiancé’s partner, former officer Travis Beckett. Only, the danger proves to be far from over when Lily’s house goes up in flames. Someone wants her dead, and all clues lead to a connection to her departed fiancé’s final case. Investigating the past is the only way to stay alive…but can they elude a killer neither expects?

My Review:

I so enjoy these Love Inspired Suspense K-9 series – such amazing variety in all these stories! ‘K-9 Alaskan Defense’ is an example of all that is good in this kind of romantic suspense.

First — the setting. I am so enamoured with stories set in Alaska particularly when it’s a romantic suspense. And the opening scene with Lily stumbling upon a dead body in the middle of nowhere. Phew! Cue the ominous organ music and buckle up for a rocky ride to her happily every after! Really loved the pacing — the way the author builds up the tension but includes enough breathing space for the relationship between Lily and Travis to grow.

So — second chance romance trope written with just the right amount of angst and redemption. Loved the way these two communicate, even when it comes to the hard to hear stuff. And the rich emotional layers in both their back stories add extra depth to an already riveting read.

Then there’s Timber – retired K-9 officer who hasn’t forgotten any of her training and is still all about serving and protecting. Love me a good fur-buddy bodyguard!

The suspense grabbed my attention from the very first scene and I found the mystery so compelling. I could feel my anxiety levels rise as I tried (along with Travis and Lily) to figure out why Lily seemed to be a target and then I got to an ‘aha’ moment waaaay before they did and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for them to catch up with me…or prove me wrong. Absolutely love how engaged I was with these characters and their story.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Dominique Dibbell. Her performance matched the tension and action of the story and enhanced my ‘reading’ pleasure that much more. Such a blessing to have so many of the Love Inspired books being made available in audio format now.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

But He’s My Roommate + Giveaway

I’m being forced to move in with my brother’s best friend.

After my life falls apart, the last person I want to face is my childhood crush. Much less live with him.

Unfortunately for me, my overprotective brother and his equally overprotective best friend show up on my doorstep and don’t take no for an answer.

I put up my best fight, but it’s no use. Soon enough, I’m boarding a plane with them and my newborn son.

All I want is to pick up the pieces of my life alone, but everywhere I turn it seems like Maverick Carter is there waiting to help.

He makes it difficult to keep my distance, but I know I have to. Because he deserves so much better than me.

But He’s My Roommate is a single mom, brother’s best friend romantic comedy for readers who like to feel all the emotions. It’s a closed-door romance, with all the sizzling chemistry you love, minus the explicit scenes. It’s the final book in the But He’s a Carter Brother series, a series based around four strong, protective brothers finding love.

My Review:

Well, now that I’ve read the first and last book in the ‘But He’s a Carter Brother’ series, I’m committed to reading books #2 and 3 asap. Because…these brothers!!!! Some of the best scenes in the book include their playful banter and brotherly concern. And the text messages! Bwahahaha! So. Much. Fun!

Each book works well as a standalone, so no worries if you are new to the series. Though all the brothers and their significant others take up some page time in this book, it’s still easy to follow along. There’s also a sweet epilogue for each couple at the end which was a neat way to finish off the series.

So…Maverick and Evie…swoon, thud, and swoon some more. You’ll definitely want to have your fainting couch handy for the duration of the read. This is a slow burn romance (brother’s best friend, friends to more tropes) that’s taut with emotional tension. Love the way their relationship evolves over time. A lovely mix of gentle heat and laugh out loud humour. And, oh my, when the kissing starts! Toe-curls all the way!

A lighthearted romantic comedy with characters who captured my heart

I listened to the audio edition of ‘But He’s My Roommate’ narrated by Kim Churchill and John William Maddux. Loved the dual narration and these performers teamed up to create a memorable listening experience. Highly recommend the audio book.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Defending the Child + Giveaway

Caught in a mountain blizzard…with a child to protect.

After Marielle Coleman’s foster son witnesses his mother’s murder, he becomes a killer’s next target. Escaping into a raging Montana snowstorm, Marielle and her little boy hide at a remote camp—and unexpectedly reunite with her ex-fiancé, Graham Flynn, an undercover DEA agent. Now Graham and Marielle must put aside their distrust to save the child from dangerous pursuers. But Graham’s still hiding secrets from Marielle…ones that could tie them all to a conspiracy that will end their lives.

My Review:

Brrrrrr…the perfect January read. Nothing like a stranded in a snowstorm scenario to amp up the suspense in a story! I crave this kind of read once the weather turns cold. There’s something so cozy about curling up with a ‘fighting against the elements’ page-turner while ignoring your own blizzard outside!

I was hooked right from the start. The action scenes are so vivid and intense and the plight of an innocent child adds to their desperation. Then there’s the second chance romance (eeeepp – one of my favourite tropes for a romantic suspense!) I really liked the way the author wove Marielle and Graham’s reconciliation into the intense drama of the suspense. Heightened emotions all around, including mine!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘Defending the Child’, expertly narrated by Jessica Taige. She conveyed all the emotional nuances perfectly which made the story that much more compelling. Turned this one into a compulsive listen I finished it in a day.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.