A Fantastic New Favorite Historical with Steampunk Vibes! —"A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile" by Angela Bell—Review

 

My Review:

“A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile" by Angela Bell is a fantastic new favorite historical fiction book with whimsical steampunk vibes! This was just incredible! The author says this book is like “Little Women” meets “Inspector Gadget.”  This is the first in the “Daughters of Genius Society” series and has some connections to the author’s previous book, “A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure.” “The Daughters of Genius Society" is a women’s club of books, tea, and blue stockings on the outside—concealing an elite team of lady inspectors. Our heroine, Margaret Kingsley, is an ambulatory wheelchair user who is also a gadget inventor for the D.O.G.S. I have never seen the experience of chronic pain/illness described so true to life. Living with chronic illness and pain myself, I almost seemed at times to be reading my own experience on the page and have never felt so seen in a book. I highlighted so many parts and was encouraged in my own pain and faith journey. I also loved that the FMC is older than is typical in this genre. There is also mental health representation, awesome family relationships, and adorable animal companions. I love how the author shows the beauty of God, and His comfort and sustaining grace. The faith content is awesome. The main character prays, leans on the Lord and gives thanks in hardships. The story and action are amazing, with an invention gone out of control and a daring chase that ensues. Our hero deals with panic attacks and loves music. I love how he worshipped God with his music. The romance was ever so sweet! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Do yourself a favor and read this inspiring, fun, and whimsical story! You will not be disappointed.

Content: I give this book a PG rating. See trigger warnings below for examples of the content.

TW: anxiety and panic attacks; past miscarriages.

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 Favorite Mystery! --"The Inklings Detective Agency" by John R. Kelly—Review

 My Review: “The Inklings Detective Agency" by John R. Kelly is a new favorite mystery of mine and worthy of the literary greats that inhabit its pages! I could tell just from the first few chapters that this book was a winner. The incredible writing pulled me in, along with the awesome characters (many beloved literary legends) and its premise. The author obviously knows his stuff and would make any die-hard Inklings fan proud with this book (I am a huge Tolkien nerd myself and loved the many literary quotes and Easter eggs). The story is rich with history and some great settings, from the Kilns to the Bodleian library, Oxford, London, and Scotland. I love that other literary figures also make cameos—Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy Sayers, and Agatha Christie. I think this book will be loved equally by men and women (I must hide it from my husband). The actual mystery is exciting and kept me on my toes. The author’s notes at the end were fascinating and a lot are based on historical people and events, including a detective club with Agatha Christie, Sayers, and Chesterton. The mystery itself does involve some darker aspects, including the occult (see content notes below), but it never got too dark for me, and it is all told from a Christian perspective. I love that Lewis prays with one of the people he interviews when the person gets emotional. There is a great theme of the light shining through the darkness. Now I feel like the Inklings are lovable friends. Please, please let there be many more mysteries for the Inklings to solve! I am so excited to read about their next case and to see if their “Moriarty” will show up again. All the stars!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: characters drink alcohol and mention of people being drunk; mention of smoking and gambling; prostitutes and a mistress; substance abuse; joke about a seance; pipe smoking; mention of a ghost; the words “bloody” and “bastard” are used; mention of divination; mention of the occult; mention of insanity and an asylum; mention of someone being bisexual.

TW: speculation of su*cide; past depression; talk of beating a child; past abuse; past addict.

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

 

A Dazzling Regency! --"The Light of Stars" by Jenelle Hovde—Review

 My Review: 

"The Light of Stars" by Jenelle Hovde is a dazzling new Regency romance! I had high expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint! I love our main characters Kitty and Sebastian. There is great banter and intellectual sparring between the two. Kitty loves studying stars and astronomy. I love that Sebastian is supportive of Kitty’s bluestocking endeavors. Kitty wonders why God allows things to happen and must trust in God to chart her path, like she charts the stars. Kitty learns that God arranges our paths no matter how much others try to control them. The faith content is amazing in this book with lots of Scripture and you can tell the characters live out their faith. I love the India storyline (especially when they travel to India) and the astronomy aspect. There are so many great historical details and I appreciated the references to real life characters like William Wilberforce and William Carey. It was fun picking up on references to Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” There are some great scenes with Sebastian and fencing that will have the ladies swooning! Another scene I loved is when Kitty takes Sebastian to a bluestocking salon. Will Kitty and Sebastian fall in love as they question the British Empire’s rule and influence over India and the ideas of reform? Will they be able to see God’s handiwork in their lives and circumstances? I highly recommend this Regency romance to lovers of history and swoon-worthy romance!

Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of a past affair and drinking; mention of gambling and opium.

TW: child abduction; past hallucinations.

Spice: closed-door; vague references and implications to the “intimacies of marriage” between a married couple.

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

 

Witty Historical Romance--"A Deal with a Debutante" by Chelsea Bobulski—Review

 

My Review:

“A Deal with a Debutante" by Chelsea Bobulski is a witty and engaging historical romance set in Edwardian London. It is the first book in the “London’s Most Eligible” series. I love the humorous writing style in this story. The chemistry between our main couple is sizzling and the first kiss is perfection! It’s impossible not to love the characters. Calliope Hart, our FMC, is so funny! She is a lover of history and politics, a writer, stubborn and vivacious. She is an American heiress in London, on a mission to find a husband, but she really wants to stay in New York. Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, needs to marry someone wealthy to save his family and estate. The two form a deal of convenience, but sparks start to fly. Will it turn into a match of love? I love Edward and his yearning. The banter between the two is chef’s kiss. I especially loved the letters and newspaper clippings at the end of each chapter. I recommend this book to lovers of witty historical romance. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

Content: I give this book a high PG rating. Some examples of the content: characters drink alcohol and get a little drunk; mention of a prostitute; allusion to the “physical aspect” of marriage.

TW: loss; alcoholic side character.

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

Such a Sweet Story! --"The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins" by Melanie Dickerson—Review

 My Review:

"The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins" by Melanie Dickerson is such a sweet Regency romance! It is perfect for fans of no-spice romance and lovers of Christian fiction. I love that it has some nods to “Jane Eyre” and “Pride and Prejudice.”  Charlotte Robbins is a wonderfully written character who becomes a governess for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings. Soon, sparks start to fly between the Earl and the governess. They cannot be together because of their difference in class. But Charlotte’s mysterious fortune that she inherits could change that. The story is easy to read, gentle and sweet. I always love the faith content in Ms. Dickerson’s books, and I appreciated the great written descriptions. Miss Robbins is a wonderful protagonist—she is truthful, just, kind, good and courageous. While Ms. Dickerson’s fairytale retellings are still my favorite of her works, this was a wonderful story. I recommend it to lovers of sweet Regency romance!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of lovers; someone is drunk; mention of an affair and a mistress; the word “da*n” is used; mention of gambling; a woman propositions a man.

TW: past death from childbirth; orphan. 

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

 

 

Another Winner by Joanna Barker!--"A Love Most Daring" by Joanna Barker--Review

 Review:

"A Love Most Daring" by Joanna Barker is another winner! Ms. Barker continues to show me why she is one of my favorite authors. Her witty writing and humor shine throughout this sweet story. It is the third book in the “Bow Street” series but can be read as a standalone. It features a gruff Scot as the MMC which I love. Who doesn’t love a grumpy Scottish teddy bear?! You do get to see characters from previous books, which I absolutely loved! The mystery kept me turning the pages and the sweet romance won me over. I loved our main characters Beatrice and Alexander; they were so perfect for one another and their slow burn romance was swoony! The forced proximity during a murder investigation was done so well. This may be my favorite of Joanna’s books. I highly recommend this sweet Regency romance!

Content: I give this book a low PG rating. Some examples of the content: characters drink alcohol; characters want to get their fortunes told; a character stumbles upon a couple in a romantic embrace, possibly having s*x; rumors of drunkenness and illegitimate children: mention of an asylum.

TW: bullying.

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

 

A Wonderful Gilded Age Retelling! --"To Love a Lady" by Gabrielle Meyer—Review

 

My Review:

"To Love a Lady" by Gabrielle Meyer is a wonderful Gilded Age retelling of “My Fair Lady.”  It is the first book in the “Dollar Princess” series. I am such a fan of this author and was so excited to hear about this new series based on different musicals and based in the Gilded Age. I loved all the nods to “My Fair Lady”—from different scenes, to the outfits the characters in the story wear—yet “To Love a Lady” also has its own unique twist. Clara, our heroine, thought God made a mistake when she was born and that no one wanted her. Alexander Paxton-Hill is the perfect hero and perfect for Clara (but not everyone thinks so). As Clara is taken out of the slums and whisked into high society and trained to be a lady, she may just fall in love with the wrong person. Clara learns that God does not make mistakes and God created her with intention and purpose. I loved the great faith content, especially about prayer and a relationship with God. It was so neat to briefly see some familiar characters from “Through Each Tomorrow” (from Gabrielle’s “Timeless” series). I cannot wait to read more of this series! Fans of historical fiction, stories with faith and heart, and fans of “The Gilded Age” television series will adore this book!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of smoking; prostitutes, gambling, and brothels; child born out of wedlock; mention of alcohol and cigars; vague reference to the intimate details of a marriage; rumors of a haunted castle; someone was born out of wedlock; mention of an affair.

TW: adoption and orphan; mention of madness.

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

Cozy Mystery, Austen Style! --"Murder at Donwell Abbey" by Vanessa Kelly—Review

My Review:

"Murder at Donwell Abbey" by Vanessa Kelly is book two in the “Emma Knightley Mysteries” series but can also be read as a standalone. I loved the first book, and this one was so fun as well! I love seeing Emma from Jane Austen’s “Emma” solve mysteries in this witty book that is a tribute to Jane Austen herself. The way Ms. Kelly writes and the grasp she has on the characters in the world of “Emma” makes one feel that they are reading a continuation of Austen’s work where the heroine is solving mysteries. And who better to solve mysteries than the sometimes-nosey Emma Knightley?!  I love the witty dialogue and humor (there’s a great reference to excellent boiled potatoes!). Although it is a murder mystery, it is also mostly fun and cozy. The writing, historical detail, and mystery are all well done. I especially loved seeing Emma partner with her soon to be stepmother, Miss Bates, to solve the mystery. I could not fully figure out the mystery before the end, which is always the sign of a good mystery. I hope there are many books in this universe! Well done Ms. Kelly!

Content: I give this book a higher PG rating. Some examples of the content:  someone is possibly drunk; the words “bloody,” “bastard,” and “da*n” are used; mention of ghosts; characters drink alcohol; mention of a bloody article of clothing that is found; vague se*ual innuendo; the Lord’s name is taken in vain.

TW: speculation of su*cide; racism; possible insanity.

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

 

Such A Sweet Story! --"Love in a Mist" by Sarah M. Eden—Review

 My Review:

"Love in a Mist" by Sarah M. Eden is book six in “The Gents” series but can also be read as a standalone. It is such a sweet story! It was so good to be back with all the familiar characters from this beloved series. Ms. Eden has a subtle humor in her writing that I love returning to. "Love in a Mist" takes place partly in France in 1789, amongst danger, uprisings, and riots in Paris, as the French Revolution is starting. Our main characters, Céleste and Aldric, must face danger in the uncertain times with the volatile political climate and danger from a mysterious source that they must escape. Will the danger and uncertainty bring them together and spark the flames of love? There is even a bit of a mystery and lots of adventure. The main characters learn to give themselves permission to not know what they are doing. There are complicated family dynamics and themes of family and found family. The plot was a little slow for me at times, but overall, it was a sweet and satisfying story! I recommend this story to fans of historical romance and lovers of this series!

Content: I give this book a higher PG rating due to the trigger warnings (see below). Some examples of the content: medical neglect.

TW: past physical abuse; control and manipulation; attempted abductions.

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 Reimagining of "Robin Hood" with Time-Travel! --"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey--Review

 My Review:

"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey is the second book in “A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance” series. I really loved the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed this one as well! This time-travel romance series is so fun, and I especially love that this new book focuses on the Robin Hood legend, which is one of my favorite subjects to read about. As a huge Robin Hood fan, I appreciated the nods to the popular film versions of Robin Hood in today’s pop culture. It was great to see the familiar characters of Robin’s Merry Men in this story. It is clever how the author puts her own unique spin on the story and makes the “Maid Marian” character, Mariah Clinton, be a strong female heroine. It was so neat to see Mariah be so good at archery and even at one point help save Robin Hood and go toe-to-toe with him in an archery contest! It was also cool that Mariah could take her skills in archery and cooking from the present and use them in the past (it was interesting to see how she adapted to the medieval period). The historical details were well researched, and I felt like I was in the time period. The romance is what really shines in this book. The chemistry between Maraih and Robin is sizzling. I especially loved the ending and a certain surprise that Robin Hood aficionados will cheer for and recognize. This was such a fun story that fans of historical romance and Robin Hood will love!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: a person thinks they are hallucinating; physical abuse; PTSD.

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

 

A Sweet and Festive Holiday Retelling! --"A Carol for Mrs. Dickens" by Rebecca Connolly—Review

My Review:
 

"A Carol for Mrs. Dickens" by Rebecca Connolly is a sweet and festive holiday retelling of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I loved this beautiful, short, and poignant story of what Christmas may have been like for Charles Dickens’ wife after the success of his book “A Christmas Carol.”  It conveys how Catherine might have felt extra pressure to enjoy Christmas and make it special. It was neat to see things from her point of view, and she was very relatable. The book has themes of family, faith, love, and service. I enjoyed following Catherine on three journeys through her memories (which mirror those taken by Scrooge and the three ghosts in “A Christmas Carol”). The message of Christmas and its true meaning was so beautifully shared. Catherine also learns to take the good with the bad, to not take things for granted, and to share the beautiful light of Christmas with the world. I loved the message of finding joy where it already exists and to keep Christ at the center. The book itself is beautiful, with illustrations throughout, and includes “A Christmastide Calendar” and “Victorian Christmas Traditions and History” in the back. This sweet and easy read will be sure to bring joy to your heart!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: loss of a child; mention of ghosts from “A Christmas Carol.”

TW: loss of a child.

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

A Festive Romance Anthology! --"A Christmas Serenade" by Jennifer Moore, Kasey Stockton, Katie Stewart Stone, and Anneka R. Walker—Review

 My Review:

“A Christmas Serenade" by Jennifer Moore, Kasey Stockton, Katie Stewart Stone, and Anneka R. Walker is a festive, historical romance anthology! These feel-good novellas will get you in the mood for the holiday season. I loved each sweet story. There are plenty of Christmas balls, romances, and house parties to make a person swoon and be swept back to another era. The stories have humor, wit, banter, nods to Dickens and plenty of sparks flying. Several stories have characters from the authors’ other series, that fans will be delighted to see again and see their stories resolved. Each novella can also be read as a standalone. “A Caroling Christmas” by Jennifer Moore has a house party, nods to Dickens and a scatterbrained naturalist meeting an organized party planner. “A Carol So Bright” by Kasey Stockton has a clumsy heroine and a musical hero who were childhood friends. “Christmas at Bellingham” by Katie Stewart Stone has music, a Christmas ball, complicated family relationships, childhood friends, fencing and first kisses. And finally, “Christmas at Amorwich” by Anneka R. Walker is full of a second chance romance, unrequited love, Christmas miracles and legends, dealing with grief, humor and wit, midnight dances, sewing mishaps, and cooking together (with sparks flying). Can the characters find healing and hope and choose to love and forgive? I highly recommend this delightful historical novella collection to lovers of sweet romance that puts you in the Christmas spirit!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. “A Caroling Christmas”: mention of a fortune teller and ghosts; spiders. “A Carol So Bright”: emotional infidelity; mention of alcohol. “Christmas at Bellingham”: rumors of gambling and illegitimate children; terminal illness; someone was drunk in the past. TW: estrangement; a kiss without consent. “Christmas at Amorwich”: loss and grief. TW: A side character has depression.

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

Princess Victoria Solves Mysteries! --"The Heir" by Darcie Wilde—Review

 My Review:

"The Heir" by Darcie Wilde is an engaging and promising first installment in the “Young Queen Victoria Mystery” series. I love anything related to Queen Victoria, so I was really excited about the premise of this book, and it did not disappoint. It was the perfect blend of history and mystery. Some books in this genre can fall flat, where there is not much of a story besides the mystery or as much character development as I would like, but that’s not the case here. I really came to love (and hate) the characters in this story, especially young Victoria. It was so neat to see what Victoria’s life was like as a girl and to learn more about the “Kensington system” and how restricted Victoria was by her mother and Sir John Conroy. I love how Victoria does not let that stop her! The book has superb writing and impeccable historical research and detail. I was engaged throughout, and I was dying to know how the mystery would play out. I loved getting to know the characters surrounding Victora and seeing the story play out from a few different points of view. And the ending is leaving me dying for the next book! This is one of my favorite mysteries of the year and I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a high PG-13 rating due to the language. Examples of the content: mention of alcohol, mistresses, cheating, gambling and being pregnant out of wedlock; the words “sh*t,” “bloody hell,” three instances of “f*ck,” “da*n,” and “ar*e” are used; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; mention of ghosts.

TW: someone is said to be insane; physical and emotional abuse; speculation of madness.

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

A Beautiful Time-Travel Romance! --"Echoes of the Sea" by Sarah Eden—Review

 

My Review:

"Echoes of the Sea" by Sarah Eden is the second book in the “Storm Tide” series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Eden pens a beautiful time-travel romance! "Echoes of the Sea" is easy to read and I was immediately drawn into this gentle story. I adored the subtle humor that is sprinkled throughout. Kip, who is a modern-day actor from London, gets swept away to another time, when he meets Amelia. Amelia is from 1803, and I love that she has a disability, but does not let that stop her. The main characters, Kip and Amelia, are so endearing and their love story is so precious. Kip understands and really sees Amelia. I loved seeing them work together to save Amelia’s inheritance. Along the way, they make friends with the people of Guilford Island where the story is set, and I love that the characters become like family to them. Kip must reckon with whether he wants to try to stay in 1803 and he is also trying to not change the future with any of his actions. While Amelia did not like Guilford Island and the sea, I absolutely adored the setting of the book! Ms. Eden writes an austere, stormy, and picturesque setting of a coastal island that is vulnerable to being cut off from the mainland by rough seas for weeks at a time. There are lighthouses, storm swept seas and wind tossed waves that made my sea loving heart happy! I recommend this sweet story to readers of clean historical romance and time-travel!

Content: I give this book a low PG rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of hauntings and spirits; orphan; PTSD; survivor’s guilt; grief and loss.

TW: orphan; PTSD; survivor’s guilt; grief and loss. 

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

"An Atmospheric, Historical Romance!"--"Whispers of Shadowbrook House" by Rebecca Anderson—Review

 

My Review:

"Whispers of Shadowbrook House" by Rebecca Anderson is an atmospheric, historical romance! The book gives some spooky and Gothic vibes, with a house that is a character all its own. Shadowbrook House possibly has ghosts and there is eerie violin music playing throughout its winding passageways. There is a mystery to the house and many unexplained things that are happening inside and to the people who live within. Ms. Anderson excels in her descriptive writing, and I could very much picture the house and feel myself inside the crumbling mansion. The setting is Victorian England and the heir, Oliver Waverly, plans to sell the house when he inherits. His mysterious and reclusive uncle refuses to sell, and I appreciated seeing the nuances to their relationship. Oliver returns to the house to convince his uncle to sell and meets the governess, Pearl. I loved Pearl’s character and how she is not intimidated by the spookiness of Shadowbrook and her love for her young charge, Maxwell. The romance was so sweet! Several of the characters must learn to open their hearts to love and decide which voices to listen to and which to ignore (literally and figuratively). I wanted to give a heads up to sensitive readers that that a medium comes to the house (and there are seances), but Pearl doesn’t seem to believe in spiritualism and it’s mostly seen as a hoax and a way to give comfort to the grieving.  Overall, this is a wonderful story, and I will not soon forget my sojourn to the mysterious Shadowbrook House!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content:  mention of ghosts; someone talks about having “the sight,” a character is a medium and there are seances (the main characters do not believe in it); a child is born out of wedlock; past death due to childbirth.

TW: hallucinations.

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

Such A Fun "Peter Pan" Retelling! --"Wendy's Ever After" by Julie Wright—Review

  My Review: 

"Wendy's Ever After" by Julie Wright is such a fun "Peter Pan" Retelling! It is more like a sequel because it takes place several years after “Peter Pan” ends. In this sweet coming of age story, Wendy Darling meets Mr. Blackwell, a mysterious and intriguing stranger who says and does things that remind her of Neverland. Wendy follows him after a ball to find out why he has such an effect on her and gets swept up in a great adventure back to Neverland, meeting old and new friends. I love the chemistry between Wendy and the enigmatic Mr. Blackwell. Ms. Wright makes Neverland come to life with lush descriptions and she writes with humor and wit. I love that we see Neverland through an older Wendy’s eyes. She must figure out who the real villain is and what is ailing the realm of Neverland (something nefarious is afoot!).

It was fun to try to guess whether the pirates were bad (like Wendy originally thought when she was a girl) or to ponder whether Peter Pan was the problematic one. Or are things not as black and white as they once seemed? I love the fact that there are pirates, and I think anyone who loves the character “Hook” from the television show “Once Upon a Time” will enjoy this story. The romance was wonderful, and I love the theme of loss and hope. Fans of retellings will love this story!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a man is about to strike a child; mention of ghosts and a place being haunted.

TW: possible child abduction and loss of a child; hallucinations; abandonment by a parent. 

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

 

 

A Wonderful Regency Romance with Gothic Vibes--"No Stone Unturned" by Jenelle Hovde—Review

 My Review:

"No Stone Unturned" by Jenelle Hovde is a wonderful Regency romance with Gothic vibes and great faith content! I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and beautifully written story. Fans of Mimi Matthews, Julie Klassen, and “Jane Eyre” will especially love this book. I loved the descriptions of the untamed, isolated Abbey, the ancestral home of our hero, Captain Rafe Hawthorn. Miss Bridget Littleton, our loveable heroine, is delightful and I love that she is a bluestocking interested in artifacts. The romance was wonderful, and the book was well researched and rich with historical detail. I appreciated the faith content and the message that God is in control, even when we doubt and it is only by His strength that we can do anything. There are also themes of forgiveness, friendship, and loyalty. I think lovers of Regency romance with Gothic vibes will love this book! I cannot wait to see what this author writes next!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content: mention of gambling, a gaming hell, alcohol and laudanum; mention of a demon and a ghost; brief mention of past animal abuse and animal harm; mention of affairs, a mistress, and a couple sleeps together out of wedlock; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; a person born out of wedlock is called a “bastard” and someone is pregnant out of wedlock.

TW: Domestic violence in the past; mention of possible madness, PTSD; mental illness; alcoholic in the past.

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 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.