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.

 

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 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 Gripping and Heartfelt Story! --"Midnight on the Scottish Shore" by Sarah Sundin—Review

My Review:

“Midnight on the Scottish Shore” by Sarah Sundin is a gripping, heartfelt story that I will not soon forget! It is a novel about World War II featuring Scotland, lighthouses, the Double Agent program, and memorable characters. I was immediately drawn to the Scottish setting and the beautiful cover with the lighthouse. The setting did not disappoint, as I felt like I traveled to the windswept, rugged coast of the Orkney Islands and walked and bicycled with the characters across the lonely, haunting moors. I loved learning about the rich Scottish traditions. I now want to visit the Orkney Islands myself!

Our main male character, Lachlan Mackenzie, wears a kilt, has an accent, plays the bagpipes overlooking the sea, dances traditional Scottish dances, and recites poetry! What is not to love? Lachlan also is noble, honorable and wants to do the right thing. When faced with having to purposefully sabotage his own naval base to help the Double Cross program, what will he do?

Cilla van der Zee is a smart, lovable, whipper-snapper of a heroine who brings joy to Lachlan’s life. Through a series of events, she becomes a spy in the Double Cross program. I learned so much about MI5’s Double Cross program and loved reading about spies, double agents, and sabotage. The book was not too heavy or sad like some World War II books can be. The novel was obviously well researched and contained so much wonderful history as well as an emotionally moving story. There are wonderful lessons of duty versus mercy, forgiveness, family, finding freedom inside and outside of the trap and the truth that sets us free. Faith is also woven wonderfully into the story! This has been one of my favorite books of the year so far and I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a PG to low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: someone smells of alcohol; a character works in a bar; characters drink alcohol; a character drank (and got drunk) and stole things in his past; someone jokes that they’ll have a lover; someone is bullied; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written;  abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide in the author’s note.

TW: bullying; drowning in the past; abuse in the past, possibly se*ual; someone possibly tried to unalive themselves in the past; reference to su*cide; su*cide mission.

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

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable--become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Master of World War II fiction Sarah Sundin takes you to the wild Scottish seaside, where danger lurks under the surface of the water--and in the depths of the human heart--for a WWII tale you won't soon forget.

AUTHOR BIO

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, The Sound of Light, Embers in the London Sky, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award winner and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Sarah lives in Southern California. Visit SarahSundin.com for more information

 

A Beautiful Love Story! --"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz--Review

 My Review:

"The Indigo Heiress" by Laura Frantz is a lovely historical romance that takes place in 1774. It is set partly in Virginia and the second half of the book takes place in Scotland (which I love to read about). Ms. Frantz always pens novels that are full of fascinating history and expertly woven prose. This book is well researched, and I learned so many new things while being completely engrossed in the story. The love story is a slow burn that will leave readers swooning, especially over the gruff, Scottish lead character, Leith. Leith also has twins who are just adorable! There is a scene that takes place at the ruins of a Scottish castle and is so romantic! It is one I won’t easily forget. The main characters also read and recite poetry to one another! Many readers will love our heroine, Juliet Catesby. I appreciated that she struggled with chronic migraines, and I loved her relationship with her sister. She has a strong faith and prays often. Juliet and her sister help slaves escape and help those less fortunate, no matter what side of the ocean they find themselves on. The faith threads in this story were beautiful! The settings of Virigina and Scotland are so well done. I could especially feel myself in the rainy streets of Scotland and hear the Scottish accents. This book is a must read for fans of clean Scottish romance and historical fiction!

Content: I give this story a PG rating. Some examples of the content: part of the story takes place on a plantation and there are slaves; characters drink alcohol and someone is drunk; mention of gambling; characters smoke cigars; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written, mention of the mistreatment of slaves; a woman wanted to harm herself in the past; opium and laudanum used for medical purposes; a woman wonders if someone has a mistress; someone struggled with mental health in the past (possibly post-partum depression);  su*cide; mention of gambling; speculation of infidelity; very brief insinuation that a married couple slept together.

TW: brief mention of possible self-harm; mental health; su*cide 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.

I Loved This Next Installment to a Beloved Series! --"The Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen—Review

 

  My Review:

"The Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen is the third book in the “On Devonshire Shores” series. Julie Klassen has long been a favorite author of mine and I’ve devoured all her books.  This series is such a lovely series, and this newest installment did not disappoint. I loved finally getting to meet Claire, the fallen sister, and reading her beautiful story. Claire’s story is that of a prodigal daughter. She made a mistake and had to live in exile with her great-aunt in Scotland. Claire eventually makes her way home to Sidmouth. Will her family accept her back into the fold and break their oath to her dying father? Claire must learn to make her own way as a partner in a boarding house. The proprietor, Mr. Hammond, is a handsome and mysterious man (who has an adorable daughter). Will Claire be able to trust Mr. Hammond? I loved seeing the feelings develop between the two.  We also meet characters from other books in the series and see how they are doing. There is one character who still has a romance thread throughout the story that is not tied up at the end of this book. I am so glad there is going to be another installment, because I am dying to know how her love story plays out. “The Seaside Homecoming” is a tender story of family, love, forgiveness, second chances, reconciliation, and faith. I fell in love with new characters and loved how Ms. Klassen wove Indian culture into the story. The side characters are always superb in Ms. Klassen’s books. This whole series is very reminiscent of “Little Women,” and also gives a nod to “Pride and Prejudice.”  I would recommend you read the series in order, as each story is a continuation and builds on itself. I highly recommend this series!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content:  A woman is a “fallen” woman; someone swears, but the words are not actually written; possibility of abuse; mention that men swim naked at a certain beach; someone is pregnant out of wedlock; mention that someone committed suicide in the past; a man was drunk.

TW: mention of abuse; mention of suicide 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 Witty Austen Murder Mystery! --"Murder in Highbury" by Vanessa Kelly—Review

 My Review:

"Murder in Highbury" by Vanessa Kelly is a murder mystery that takes place in the world of Jane Austen’s “Emma.”  The events in this story take place soon after the events in “Emma.”  This story is perfect for fans of Jane Austen, witty stories, and murder mysteries!  You do not have to have read Austen’s novel to enjoy this charming book, although fans will be delighted with how true to Austen the author stays in “Murder in Highbury.”  Ms. Kelly gives readers a good explanation of events in the original “Emma” book, in case the reader is not familiar with it. As a huge fan of both Austen and “Emma” myself, I loved that reading “Murder in Highbury” felt like I was reading another one of Austen’s works. Ms. Kelly really knows her Austen and has a great grasp on the beloved characters. Everything they do and say in her novels feels so true to their character. “Murder in Highbury” is written with a wit and wry humor and Emma has some great one liners. The mystery is so well done, and I was fully invested throughout. I was able to guess who committed the crime, just before the reveal. Of course Emma would get involved in a murder mystery; and who better to write it than Ms. Kelly? I cannot wait to see what Emma gets up to next!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: the words “as*,” “hell,” “bloody,” “dam*ation,” “bastard,” and “devil” are used; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; sexual innuendo; characters drink alcohol, talk of people possibly being lovers; says someone isn’t a virgin.

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