A Fast-Paced Adventure! --"Quarter Labyrinth" by Victoria McCombs—Review

 My Review:

"Quarter Labyrinth" by Victoria McCombs is a fun, fast-paced fantasy perfect for fans of “The Hunger Games.”  McCombs excels at creating an elaborate world and descriptions where people enter the labyrinth at their own risk to win a prize and the stakes are high (sometimes life and death). I love the aesthetic and world in this book. It is so creative and imaginative, especially all the descriptions of the labyrinth. I enjoyed the island and sea community setting. The labyrinth includes castle ruins, green hedge walls, magical properties, and a person can begin in spring and end in winter. Of course, we cannot forget the stone gods (which all have their own backstory and lore, which is told throughout the book with impressive illustrations of each god). The gods are not always safe. I got some “Inheritance Games” and “Hunger Games” vibes while reading the book. Ren, our heroine, wants to find her father and win her legacy by winning the labyrinth. Her loyal friend (and possible love interest), Clark, reminded me a bit of Samwise Gamgee. The story asks the question of whether fate is sealed, and Ren learns that she must guard her heart (or does she learn that lesson?). There is a bit of a love triangle, and I would have liked to see more of the one love interest and see that relationship be more fleshed out. It felt a little bit like insta-love. I am excited to see more of that relationship and how that plays out in the sequel. Overall, this was an enjoyable book, and I am excited to see what happens in the sequel!

Content: I give this book a high PG to low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol; there is a fortune teller; blood, death; the words “bastard” and “hell” are used; mention of people being lovers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Fun Murder Mystery! --"A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder" by Dianne Freeman—Review

 

My Review:

"A Daughter's Guide to Mothers and Murder" by Dianne Freeman is such a fun murder mystery! It is book eight in the “Countess of Harleigh Mystery” series. This book is a cozy mystery set during the Victorian era and takes place in Paris. Ms. Freeman gives a good recap of what the reader needs to know from previous books. You need not have read the previous books, but there are some continuing storylines. This book transports readers to Paris where both the Olympics and the Exposition are occurring. It was interesting reading about and learning more about those events. As the spouses-turned-sleuths team up to solve yet another murder, the reader is taken along with them as they investigate on the Seine, at the theater, at the opera, at a picnic, and even while golfing! Frances, her husband, and even her mother team up to try and help another mother and daughter. I love that there are a lot of family relationships and dynamics, especially mother-daughter relationships. During the course of the book, Frances is also helping her sister as she’s navigating new motherhood, helping a friend investigate a man her daughter is interested in, and working other cases as well, all while trying to solve two murders. Ms. Freeman writes such great mysteries, and I was not able to figure it out until everything was revealed at the end. This is such a fun series and cozy mystery lovers will want to get their hands on this newest installment!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol, gambling and smoking; lots of mentions of people having affairs and “kept” women although it is never condoned; a man was drunk; the word “da*n” is used; children are born out of wedlock; a man slapped a servant; talk of losing a baby.

TW: domestic physical abuse.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

An Impressive Austen-Inspired Mystery! --"The Rushworth Family Plot" by Claudia Gray—Review

 My Review:

"The Rushworth Family Plot" by Claudia Gray is an impressive Austen-inspired mystery! It is the fourth book in the “Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney” series but can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Gray, the author, gives a good recap of what the reader needs to know from previous books, which is helpful because there are some continuing storylines. This book has become one of my favorite cozy mysteries! This book and series are so fun because the son of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy (“Pride and Prejudice”) and the daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney (“Northanger Abbey”) team up to solve mysteries! I loved seeing all of Jane Austen’s characters from her different novels interact in this book. Ms. Gray writes the characters so they act true to the way Jane Austen portrays them in her novels. Of course the daughter of imaginative Catherine (Morland) Tilney would help investigate murders! I love that our male main character, Jonathan Darcy, is neurodiverse. He is excellent at discovering clues (he may also get that from his smart mother, Elizabeth (Bennet) Darcy). Jonathan is written very realistically, and I appreciated the scene where he got overstimulated (as someone who is also neurodiverse). The story and the mystery are so well done, and I love the slow-burn romance between Jonathan and Juliet. Ms. Gray had me wondering who the murderer was until the very end when the secrets were revealed. I cannot wait to go back and read the rest of this series while I eagerly anticipate the next release! Jane Austen fans and cozy mystery lovers will absolutely love this book with its clever, witty writing and engaging story!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: a married woman had an affair in the past; the word “hell” is used; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; a child is born out of wedlock; characters curse, but the words aren’t actually written; mention of alcohol; mention of bestiality in a work of art; mention of prostitution. 

TW: a character struggles with infertility; miscarriage; a character was su*cidal in the past; depression; panic attack.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A New Western Historical Romance--"A Steadfast Heart" by Lacy Williams and Martha Hutchens--Book Feature

Book Blurb:

When his family legacy is on the line, rancher Drew McGraw becomes desperate for someone to tame and tutor his three children. Desperate enough to seek a mail-order bride. But when the wrong woman arrives on his doorstep, Drew balks.

Heiress Kaitlyn Montgomery runs straight from the scandal chasing her toward a fresh start on a secluded ranch. She strikes a bargain with Drew—a marriage convenient for both of them. One with an end date.

But the more Kaitlyn adapts to ranch life and forms a bond with Drew’s children and their enigmatic father, she realizes that this ranch is where she is meant to be. And then her past catches up with her…

This sweet historical romance is perfect for fans of the following tropes:

• marriage of convenience

• ready-made family

• nanny/tutor

• single dad

• fish out of water

About the Authors:

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip.

Martha Hutchens writes Historical Inspirational Romance filled with hope, heart, and a touch of small-town charm. A winner of RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award, she draws on her experiences as a retired homeschool mom, lifelong knitter, and former chemist to craft stories rich in faith, perseverance, and historical detail.

A self-proclaimed history nerd, Martha enjoys exploring historical sites and imagining the lives of those who walked there before her. She lives with her husband in the beautiful Ozarks, where she takes long walks with her bossy miniature poodle and dreams up new adventures.

Whether writing about 19th-century frontier life or the challenges of World War II, Martha’s stories are filled with history, heart, and a deep love of storytelling. She’s always happy to connect with readers who share her passion for faith-filled fiction and the resilience of the human spirit.

A Fast-Paced Roman Standalone! --"Rogue Secreto" by Victoria McCombs—Review

 My Review:

“Rogue Secreto” by Victoria McCombs is a fast-paced, young adult fantasy standalone with ancient Roman vibes. It is easy to read and hard to put down. I especially loved the illustrations. Our morally gray heroine, Marsella, can see others’ secrets with one glance. She also wants to find someone who loves her when they know who she truly is. Marsella disguises herself as the Rogue Secreto and is hired by the emperor to steal people’s secrets (the emperor also happens to be her father). But where will she draw the line? Accompanying the intrigue, there is a great romance that I was rooting for. I love that the author kept me guessing on a certain character and whether they were good or bad.

This is a multi-layered story with subtle Christian themes. It has themes of power and secrets, and makes the reader question how much power one person should hold. It deals with how we judge and perceive people. Marsella learns that we need to factor in mercy and grace. She can steal their secrets, but can she see their morals or their intentions? Through Marsella’s (the Rogue Secreto’s) story, we see that evil is a slippery slope. There are also beautiful depictions of sacrifice and love. I highly recommend this story to fans of young adult fantasy!

I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: the word “da*n” is used; a girl is called a witch and a devil; another religion uses blood sacrifice and seers; mention of hell and demons; mention of alcohol; someone had an affair and a mention of se*ual immorality; an animal is killed; bastard children born out of wedlock; underage drinking; mention of gambling.

TW: brief mention of madness and abuse.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Fast-Paced Political Thriller--"Flames of Anarchy" by Jerry Borrowman—Review

 

My Review:

"Flames of Anarchy" by award-winning author Jerry Borrowman is a fast-paced political thriller. It takes place in 1908 and follows several people and plotlines. I love that many characters in the book are actual historical figures and there is a helpful list of characters in the front of the book which show which characters are fictional and which are historical. I also loved the chapter notes at the back, which include historical photographs. Mr. Borrowman writes in a way that makes history accessible and easy to read, with short chapters. I also appreciate that there is a bit of a faith element with characters praying. The story is well-researched and contains great historical details. The plot drew me in and made me want to know what would happen next. I especially liked the portrayal of President Theodore Roosevelt and learning more about what his personality was like. It was neat to see the Pinkerton agents and talk about the early ideas of the FBI. It was fascinating to have sections of the book devoted to the point of view of the American Bolshevik (the bad guy of the story) and see how the mind of a terrorist would work. While I must admit that this is not my normal genre (so I was a little confused at some parts with the talk of stocks and other parts of the political plot), I still very much enjoyed this page-turning drama! I think fans of political thrillers and historical fiction will enjoy this book!

I give this a PG rating for content. Some examples of the content: mention of smoking, cigarettes, alcohol and laudanum; the words “da*n,” “a*s” and “hell” are used; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; mention of a man being a “groper” and peering down the dresses of women.

TW: mention of su*cide; possible alcoholic; mention of SA in the past; mental illness.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Thrilling New Gothic Romance! --"Rules for Ruin" by Mimi Matthews—Review

 My Review:

"Rules for Ruin" by Mimi Matthews is the thrilling first installment in “The Crinoline Academy” series. Ms. Matthews pens a Victorian Gothic romance that will leave readers wanting more! It is touted as “Great Expectations” meets “Peaky Blinders” meets “Kaz Brekker.”  It has the darkness of Alex Archer from “Parish Orphans of Devon” and “Gentleman Jim.”  I loved the nods to “Great Expectations,” especially with the headmistress of the school being like Miss Havisham, as she wants to mold her pupils to be agents of change in society. Miss Corvus, the proprietress, takes orphans and raises them to combat patriarchy and forward the rights of women, giving a feminist slant to the story. I love that there’s a girl’s boarding school/orphanage where the girls learn normal subjects, but also things like picking locks, espionage, and how to defend themselves.

Ms. Matthews’ writing is delicious! The banter and chemistry between the characters sizzles off the page and that first kiss was perfection. The atmosphere drew me in and had me glued to the page. Euphemia Flite, our heroine who is also a bluestocking, is trying to earn her freedom by striking a deal with Miss Corvus. She needs to use her training to bring down a certain viscount. What she does not barter for is to meet Gabriel Royce and possibly lose her heart in the process. I love the cat and mouse trope that goes on between these two. There is a daring hot air balloon chase and several dashing rescues that the characters find themselves involved in. Amid the romance and danger, there are also themes of family loyalty and sisterhood. I am so excited to see what the next installment of this amazing series brings!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: the words “da*n,” “bloody,” “devil,” “hell” and “a*se” are used; mention of prostitutes, a mistress, whores, gambling, alcohol, drugs and morphine; mention of bastards and illicit love affairs; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; violence and blood.

TW: orphans, abandonment, and past child abuse.

Spice level: closed door; brief vague reference in epilogue of what it is like when they are “intimate together,” brief fade to black scene.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.