by admin | Jun 30, 2021 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Lady in Attendance was a story that held me enthralled from nearly its beginning. Featuring a young woman recently released after five years in a reformatory, the tale follows her experiences on her new job as a dental assistant and with the new friends she gains during that time.
Hazel is a young woman from a privileged background whose thoughtless actions resulted in false accusations and sent her to a reformatory. Once released, her family wanted nothing to do with her so Hazel was forced to support herself with employment as a lady in attendance to Dr. Gilbert Watts, a local dentist.
Although the plot begins a bit slowly it picks up its pace as Hazel, Gilbert, his brother Eddie, and two other friends work together to clear Hazel’s name. Plenty of mystery and unexpected twists provided an intriguing tale and a romance or two added even more interest.
All in all, A Lady in Attendance was a very satisfying read and I look forward to more books by this talented author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel’s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.
As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can’t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?
Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man and a hardened woman, as well the friends who stand by them, as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.
by admin | Jun 18, 2021 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In 1941 World War 1 is still fresh on the minds of many Americans and understandably many of them are not in favor of going to war again as Hitler’s troops march across Europe. Rallies often sprang up as one side or another gave their opinion on what the U.S. should do. Teddy Schafer, a photojournalist hopes to redeem her tarnished image by capturing a few amazing shots during a speech by Charles Lindbergh at Madison Square Garden. Things go terribly wrong when Teddy attempts to foil a gunman and ends up holding the gun herself after the shooter made a quick getaway in the crowd.
The author takes her readers on an exciting journey back in history through the experiences of Teddy and Ric Bogart, the private investigator who cannot decide whether he believes in Teddy’s innocence. Plenty of action ensues and readers will root for a romance to develop between the unlikely pair as they race against time to identify the true murderer.
Murder at Madison Square Garden was a fun read that hit just the right notes for my enjoyment. Characters were both likeable and somewhat unique and the plot moved along at the perfect pace. I definitely plan on reading more by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: Murder at Madison Square Garden
Author: Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Mystery
Release date: July 15, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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The dream of a lifetime becomes a nightmare.
Photojournalist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer’s career has hit the skids thanks to rumors of plagiarism. With any luck, a photo spread with Charles Lindbergh at the America First Rally will salvage her reputation. After an attempted assassination of Lindbergh leaves another man dead, Teddy is left holding the gun. Literally. Can she prove her innocence before the police lock her up for a murder she didn’t commit?
Private Investigator Ric Bogart wants nothing to do with women after his wife cleaned out their bank account and left him for another man, but he can’t ignore the feeling he’s supposed to help the scrappy, female reporter who is arrested for murder at the America First rally. Can he believe her claims of innocence and find the real killer without letting Teddy steal his heart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author of over twenty books, Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is currently working with the curator to create her first exhibit, Shaped by Conflict that will be on display from May 1 to June 15, 2021. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historical places all her life and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.
MORE FROM LINDA:
Dear readers:
I grew up in New Jersey and often went into New York City for school field trips and family visits. One of my favorite places to go was Madison Square Garden. I have lots of happy memories, so I wondered if I could possibly set a book there. I spent a lovely afternoon digging into the building’s past and learning about the important, historic events that took place there. When I discovered that aviator Charles Lindbergh spoke at the Garden about the controversial topic of U.S. isolationism prior to America’s entry into WWII, I knew I had the beginning of a story.
My protagonist came about during one of my shifts as a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII. While talking to one of our guests about our wartime print and broadcast journalism display, the conversation turned to the role that women played. Therese Bonney was a one of the photojournalists highlighted in the exhibit. As I studied her picture, I was struck by her determination in the set of her jaw and look in her eyes. My protagonist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer was born.
I enjoyed my trip down Memory Lane at the Garden during my research and had fun subjecting Teddy to uncomfortable situations as she tried to prove her innocence. But most of all, I hope her story honors the men and women who served in countless ways during this difficult time in history.
Enjoy Murder at Madison Square Garden.
Linda
BLOG STOPS:
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 15
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 16
The Avid Reader, June 16
Daysong Reflections, June 17
Texas Book-aholic, June 18
Vicky Sluiter, June 18
Inklings and notions, June 19
For Him and My Family, June 20
Blossoms and Blessings, June 20
Betti Mace, June 21
deb’s Book Review, June 22
Blogging With Carol, June 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23
Connie’s History Classroom, June 24
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 25 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 25
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 26
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28
by admin | Jun 13, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
The third book in Cornthwaite’s Wilkester Mysteries, Written Off is a satisfying conclusion to the series. Katrina is counting down the days to her happily-ever-after with Todd when a series of hate crimes occur in the area. In itself, that would be disturbing enough but each of the incidents has an eerie connection to the students in her writing class.
Written Off moves at a slower and more gentle pace than the previous two novels of the series, possibly because no murder actually takes place in it. Much of the focus centers on preparations for the wedding, working on their new home that may turn out to be a money pit, and investigating the growing number of what appear to be racist based crimes. Katrina’s connection to the incidents as well as Todd’s involvement in the case added an extra level of tension to what should have been a happy time in her life.
I enjoyed reading details about Katrina’s classes, especially the writing assignments. The emphasis on faith and the importance of friendships was appreciated. Touches of humor kept the story from becoming too heavy and it was fun to observe interactions between Katrina and her friends as well as Todd’s family.
Written Off could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the entire series in order to gain the most enjoyment from it.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: Written Off
Author: Barbara Cornthwaite
Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery
Release date: May 2021
Click here to get your copy!
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“Break a leg?” They’ll be lucky if they don’t all break their necks!
After years of waiting, Katrina finally has her happily ever after. All is right with her world . . . until hate crimes begin happening in the charming college town of Wilkester. Even more disturbing is the fact that the perpetrator seems to be connected with the writing class Katrina teaches. How can she prevent her rosy visions of the future from turning into broken dreams?
Find out in this third book of the Wilkester Mysteries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.
MORE FROM BARBARA:
What Kind of Lessons Could a Mystery Possibly Teach Me?
It’s been a couple decades since I taught a college English class, and writing the Wilkester Mysteries with Professor Katrina Peters as the main character brought back happy memories of teaching. Not enough to want to go back to it—homeschooling my own kids is much more rewarding—but enough that I had to stop myself from writing much longer lectures into the stories! These are my first contemporary novels, and it was nice to write a story without the hours and hours of historical research I usually have to do. But whatever time period stories are set in, people feel the same emotions and have to learn the same spiritual lessons.
Katrina loves literature and can’t help seeing her own life as a story. The only problem is that she keeps thinking she knows what the Author is doing, and she has definite ideas about what the plot should be. She is not unlike myself: over and over I’ve thought I knew what God was doing in my life. And if He was short on ideas, I had quite a few that He was free to use! But He has rarely been doing what I thought He was, and for some reason He never seems to use my ideas about what could happen in my story. Both Katrina and I need to learn the lesson that God’s wisdom is beyond ours, His storytelling is much deeper and richer than ours, and His plots are never predictable!
BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 31
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1
April Hayman, Author, June 1
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 2
Losing the Busyness, June 2
Texas Book-aholic, June 3
CarpeDiem, June 3
Remembrancy, June 4
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 4
She Lives To Read, June 5
For Him and My Family, June 5
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 7
Inklings and notions, June 7
Labor Not in Vain, June 8
Genesis 5020, June 8
Aryn The Libraryan ?, June 9
Blogging With Carol, June 9
For the Love of Literature, June 10
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 11
Joanne Markey, June 11
Through the Fire blogs, June 12
Mary Hake, June 12
deb’s Book Review, June 13
Daysong Reflections, June 13
by admin | Jan 9, 2021 | 1920's, Books, Historical, Mystery, Prohibition, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Now that I have read both novels by Rachel Scott McDaniel, I plan to add her to my list of must read authors. Her books bring history to life as her characters practically leap off the page. I loved The Red Canary with its exciting blend of history, mystery, and romance.
I particularly enjoyed the late 1920s setting as it was the era my grandmother was coming of age. We have a beloved photograph of her in her flapper garments and hairstyle and I can easily imagine her fitting right into the life and times of Vera and Mick. I think she would have enjoyed getting to know Vera who was a sassy, independent young woman who didn’t need anyone’s help, thank you – until she did. As witness to the murder of her boss at the speakeasy where she sang, it became quite evident that she required protection and Mick was just the man to do it, even if he was not thrilled at the prospect. Vera’s thoroughly modern persona complete with her liberal use of the current slang was a marked contrast to Mick’s straight-laced, professional demeanor. As most can guess, the two of them were destined to develop a very unexpected relationship by the end of their story. And what fun it was.
The Red Canary was a thoroughly satisfying read with a strong spiritual theme interwoven through a intriguing plot compete with superb dialogue and multiple twists and surprises. I enthusiastically recommend it to all.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Music sparks her world, but can love ignite her heart?
In 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.
Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.
Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms.
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
by admin | Dec 11, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Snuffed Out is a fun romantic mystery that is primarily solved due to conversations between college professor Katrina and her police detective romantic interest Todd about things she had observed or heard on campus. A multitude of seemingly insignificant clues and a growing list of suspects work together to make the story all the more intriguing. The developing romance between Katrina and her detective are the icing on the cake.
From the moment Katrina and Todd literally stumbled over the murder victim until the surprising ending, Snuffed Out was a page-turner. I would consider it to be in the cozy mystery genre so instead of a lot of shoot-em-up action the case was solved by a series of deductions based on evidence. I particularly enjoyed the conversations between Todd and Katrina about the case. Although not pertinent to the case, I also loved Katrina’s interactions with her friends and how they supported each other and their natural discussions of faith in their daily conversations.
All in all, Snuffed Out was a very satisfying read that is perfect for a long, relaxing winter evening.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: Snuffed Out
Author: Barbara Cornthwaite
Genre: Christian cozy mystery
Release Date: July 24, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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Picnics can be murder… scenes.
What was supposed to be a romantic picnic at “their spot” turns criminal when Katrina and Todd stumble—almost literally—over a body.
What’s the college chef doing under a bush up in the mountains? Other than being dead, that is.
Who killed him? Why?
All clues point to people who Katrina is certain didn’t do it. Especially the one who ends up dead himself.
Uh, oh.
Thanks to a slow-burning romantic relationship that can’t seem to get past chapter one, and a determination to save her friend from false arrest, Katrina joins Todd again as they riddle out bizarre clues, weed through unlikely suspects, and learn to communicate on a more personal level.
What do you get when you combine literary humor, sweet romance, and a practical helping of faith? A cozy mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Barbara Cornthwaite’s second Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.
Snag Snuffed Out today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.
TEASER FOR SNUFFED OUT:
Todd closed the folder with the Franklin case paperwork in it and laid it on top of the stack of folders waiting to be filed. He almost reached for the Delaney case notes again but resisted the impulse. There was no new information in there, and he’d gone over everything a dozen times in the last few days. He had promised Katrina he wouldn’t give up, but without any new leads to pursue, there wasn’t much he could do.
He shook his head, impatient with himself. He’d been doing so well at putting her out of his mind—hadn’t thought of her all day until this moment. Now he’d probably be struggling for the rest of the day.
John Ortega poked his head into Todd’s office.
“Hey, we just got a call from the librarian at Wilkester College about the theft of a manuscript. The chief said either one of us could go, but I thought you might like to take it.”
“Why?”
“Oh, come on,” said John. “You think I’m blind and deaf?”
“It’s no use. Nothing’s going to happen between Dr. Peters and me.”
John leaned up against the door frame and grinned at him. “’Dr. Peters,’ huh? She was ‘Katrina’ for weeks.”
“Well, that was before. Now that I know a relationship isn’t possible, I need to keep my distance.”
“She turned you down?”
“I didn’t ask, but trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”
“Hmm,” John said. “You don’t usually give up on things so easily. Well, do you mind handling this anyway? I’ve got that other robbery case to deal with, and I’m supposed to be interviewing that guy from Tacoma in a couple hours.” Todd hesitated and John added, “She’s an adjunct professor, right? She’s probably not even on campus now, and she certainly won’t be in the library.”
“Oh, okay.” Todd sighed. He pushed back his chair and stood up.
“’Attaboy. Thanks for taking the call.” John turned to go and then looked back. “It will get easier, you know.”
“I know.” As long as I don’t see her again.
BLOG STOPS:
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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28
Texas Book-aholic, November 29
Nancy E Wood, November 29
, November 30
Genesis 5020, November 30
For the Love of Literature, November 30
Sodbusterliving, December 1
Artistic Nobody, December 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2
deb’s Book Review, December 2
Remembrancy, December 3
Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 3
Splashes of Joy, December 3
Inklings and notions, December 4
21st Century Keeper at Home, December 4
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For Him and My Family, December 5
Blogging With Carol, December 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6
Emily Yager, December 6
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 7
Lis Loves Reading, December 7
Labor Not in Vain, December 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8
Mary Hake, December 8
She Lives to Read, December 9
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10
Godly Book Reviews, December 10
SusanLovesBooks, December 10
Daysong Reflections, December 11
Bizwings Blog, December 11
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/103f2/snuffed-out-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Sep 30, 2020 | Books, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Mystery, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
I had been looking forward to reading The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus with increasing anticipation as I saw more and more publicity and reviews of the book prior to publication. Was it everything I expected and did it live up to the hype? Perhaps not but I did thoroughly enjoy the story and was definitely not disappointed by it.
Jaime Jo Wright has a marvelous way with words as evidenced by the opening page of the novel. It immediately sets the tone for the entire story. I tend to love the Gothic type atmosphere of her novels. This split time tale alternates between 1928 and present time and features the historic mystery of a serial murderer known as the Watchman. Readers are allowed to experience with Pippa as the tale plays out in real time and nearly a century later as Chandler’s life is affected by it.
I loved this mysterious tale with its meandering trails that do not always lead where expected. In fact, more than one mystery is woven into a tangled thread that often makes it a bit difficult to discern exactly what is what. But that is part of what makes the story such fun to read. Just a touch of romance for both Pippa and Chandler adds another layer to the story but not enough to interfere with the main plot.
If I seem a bit vague about The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus it is because it is so difficult to avoid spoilers. If you are a lover of Gothic or split time mysteries, this book should probably be added too your To Be Read stack but be sure to place it at the very top.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Welcome to Bonaventure Circus,
where misfits go to hide.
In 1928, the Bonaventure Circus has become a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby and is no longer content to leave the reason for that rejection unquestioned. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the “Watchman,” she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa’s search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.
Decades later, an old circus train depot’s future hangs in the balance–it will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its fate rests on Realtor Chandler Faulk’s shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot’s history, she’s also balancing a newly diagnosed disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is the author of five novels, including Christy Award winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She’s also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her cat named Foo; her husband, Cap’n Hook; and their littles, Peter Pan and CoCo. To learn more, visit www.jaimewrightbooks.com.
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Visa Gift Card!!
