Rocky Mountain Journey ~ Review

Rocky Mountain Journey
Sisters of the Rockies #3
By Misty M. Beller
Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

Faith Collins is tired of her older sisters putting the search for Steps Right off until the time is right. But Faith can't keep putting off her father's dying request. She has to return the beaded necklace to the woman who saved her father's life all those years ago. Faith has a plan to search for Steps Right now rather than at some unknown future time.

Grant Allen has been searching for his younger brother, Will. Years ago, they were separated when their parents died, but he finally has a place to look. Even better, a group of trappers is willing to help him get where he needs to go in exchange for some work on the way. When Grant notices someone who seems familiar, he's not sure who it is or even where he saw the person before, not until they are well on their way. But when he does, he knows he needs to protect Faith.

As Grant and Faith join together in their searches to fulfill promises they made, they find danger following them. The question is who is following them and why. Are they both the target? Or just one of them?

This is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Rockies series, which follows the Collins sisters, who moved from Virginia to the Rockies in the hopes of fulfilling their promise to fulfill their father's dying wish. In my opinion, this book reads better if one has read the previous books in the series, not that you can't enjoy it without reading them. 

In addition to reading this book, I enjoyed it as an audiobook. Pilar Witherspoon's narration is well presented and brings the story out in an easy-to-follow reading. The story has good pacing, and the characters are distinguishable in her telling. No matter how you enjoy this book, it makes a great weekend read or weekday commute listen. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

I was provided a complimentary print copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

Be sure to enter the Instagram Giveaway for a chance to win 

one of three copies of the book (US only)

About the Book

Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father's life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith's identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.


Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother's location. Soon, Grant realizes there's a woman hiding among the men, and he's determined to find out who she is, what she's hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.

In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

AUTHOR BIO

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller  (MistyMBeller.com) writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven through with the truth of God's love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children. 

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh ~ Review

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery #3

By Claudia Gray 

Narrator by Billie Fulford-Brown 

This is the third book in the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mystery series, but this book can easily be read as a standalone series. This is set approximately 20 years following Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey. 

In this mystery, Lady Catherine de Bourgh finds herself the target of murder attempts (imagine that the lady has enemies) and calls on her grand-nephew, Jonathan Darcy, son of Lizzie and Fitzwilliam Darcy. And to Jonathan's delight, Lady Catherine invites his partner in crime-solving Miss Juliet Tilney, daughter of Catherine (Morland) and Henry Tilney, to assist in the case.

This is the first case these two young sleuths have pursued while the victim still lives. They just have to keep Lady Catherine alive long enough to determine potential suspects and possible motives. No pressure there!

Add in Lady Catherine and her less-than-charming personality, and there is an overabundance of reasons to do in the Lady. Most unsatisfactory, indeed. While Juliet and Henry work the case, they try to determine where they stand with one another; a year has passed without communication between them. Are they sleuths-in-arms, friends, or something more? If their fathers have their way, the case is the only thing keeping them together, and it will be swiftly resolved. Not happening or we would be left with a most unsatisfying story.

This was an enjoyable story that will appeal to those who love historical mysteries and works that expand the world that Jane Austen shared. I must admit it was fun entering the next generations' lives. I loved how the various stories that Austen introduced us to were intertwined for this series. 

I also decided to enjoy this book as an audiobook, which was well presented. The narrator did an excellent job portraying the various characters. The audiobook, as presented, is just under 11 hours, but I played it 1.2x, which matched my reading speed and reduced the playback time by a little more than an hour.

If you are looking for something new to read, try Claudia Gray's newest historical mystery, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

I was provided a complimentary copy (of the print book) with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Check out my interview with author Claudia Gray & enter the book giveaway.

About the Book:

The third book in the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery series, which finds the amateur sleuths facing their most daunting challenge yet: preventing the murder of the imperious Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Someone is trying to kill Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Esteemed aunt of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, generous patroness of Mr. William Collins, a woman of rank who rules over the estate of Rosings Park with an unimpeachable sense of propriety—who would dare? Lady Catherine summons her grand-nephew, Mr. Jonathan Darcy, and his investigative companion, Miss Juliet Tilney, to find out.

After a year apart, Jonathan and Juliet are thrilled to be reunited, even if the circumstances—finding whoever has thus far sabotaged Lady Catherine's carriage, shot at her, and nearly pushed her down the stairs—are less than ideal. Also less than ideal: their respective fathers, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Henry Tilney, have accompanied the young detectives to Rosings, and the two men do not interact with the same felicity enjoyed by their children.

With attempts against Lady Catherine escalating and no one among the list of prime suspects seemingly capable of committing all of the attacks, the pressure on Jonathan and Juliet mounts—even as more gentle feelings between the two of them begin to bloom. The race is now on to provoke two confessions: one from the attempted murderer before it is too late—and one, perhaps, of love.

About the Author:

Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of Amy Vincent. She is the author of the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mysteries, which began with The Murder of Mr. Wickham. She is also the writer of multiple young adult novels, including the Evernight series, the Firebird trilogy, and the Constellation trilogy; in addition, she’s written several Star Wars novels, such as Lost Stars and Bloodline, and is one of the story architects of the High Republic series. She makes her home in New Orleans with her husband Paul and assorted small dogs.

Exclusive Interview with Author Claudia Gray

 Today, I pleased to be sharing with you a recent interview I did with author Claudia Gray. We will be discussing her writing and her newest book The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

After you enjoy getting some unique insights into Claudia and her writing check out my Instagram post for a chance to win one of three copies of this book. (US readers only)

If the above link doesn't work copy and paste https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ThzghOzTz/

Trouble in Assisi ~ Review

Trouble in Assisi
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #2
by Heidi Eljarbo

He says it's a miracle, but Fabiola Bennett isn't so sure. But how did the painting suddenly appear in the locked basilica's bell tower? And who is the painter of this masterpiece? Fabiola is going to find the answers she seeks. But learning the truth may come with a price. Is she willing to pay it? (Que maniacal laughter. No, not really. But it adds drama, right?) 

 

The mystery revolves around the painting - who painted it, where did it come from, what happened to it, and who is the subject of the painting? 

Now I haven't read this author's work before, so I went into this book without any expectations and have to admit with the first page I knew I was in for a reading treat. And that was before the duel-time portion was even revealed. I love a back-and-forth between timelines as slowly questions are presented and then the answers are revealed. I'll admit I wanted to see the painting that Fabiola was shown in the bell tower. The bits of description were just that bits, like cookie crumbs, you know there's something more and you (the royal you meaning me) want the whole thing. 

 

This was a enjoyable read. I liked that the mystery surrounding the painting wasn't easily solved and even better that it wasn't obvious who had taken it. This was a clean mystery, in other words no graphic violence, foul language, etc. I now need to read the first book in the series, though it isn't necessary to fully enjoy this book. 

 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Assisi, 1973

On art historian Fabiola Bennett’s first day in Assisi, a local gentleman takes her aside to ask for advice about a painting that has wondrously appeared in the basilica’s bell tower.

So much for enjoying relaxing days filled with dining on pasta and gelato.

Soon, Fabiola and her besties, Pippa and Cary, are thrown into a shrouded mystery and caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue, theft, lies, and attempted murder, all of which overshadows the postcard-like charm of the small, historic town.

Rome, 1511

Life is going well for Teodoro Nicoletti. Since he was a young man in Florence, he has worked and learned alongside the most-favored artist Raphael.

When Pope Julius II commissions Raphael to paint several frescos in the reception rooms of the Vatican Palace, Teodoro follows his master to Rome and discovers firsthand the admiration and rivalry between Raphael and two other reigning artists: Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

But the prickliest thorn in Teodoro’s side is his beloved Elisabetta’s father. The old man is determined to keep his youngest daughter from becoming Teodoro’s wife.

The Hudson Collection ~ Review

The Hudson Collection

On Central Park #2

By Jocelyn Green

 

Elsa Reisner works at the American Museum of Natural History in the ornithology department. But her passion for birds is getting lost in the work of preparing specimens for the displays. When she is assigned the task of cataloging a vast collection left to the museum she finds much more than she could have imagined.

The estate is scheduled for demolition, Elsa is working on a limited timeline, as are the architectural salvage workers who are removing the library. Add in a missing treasure, a sinister secret, and a tragedy and one gets a moving historical story that blends factual events with fictional aspects into a captivating read.

 

Elsa is a polio survivor who is experiencing the fallout from her illness - prejudice and even scorn. But she is not alone as she befriends two WWI survivors who dealing with their scars as Eugenics still holds sway in the minds of those seeking to have a superhuman race.  

 

Yes, there are some harsh topics presented. History not to be proud of but important yo be aware of. I highly recommend this book, but I have never been disappointed in the author's work. It was well researched and well written making for an unputdownable read.

I was provided complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Step into the beguiling world of 1926 New York and discover the power of resilience,
friendship, and love from award-winning author Jocelyn Green.

Elsa Reisner's lifelong dream of working as an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History is fading as the job begins to drain her passion. But fate takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to catalog the bequest of a recently deceased patron whose Gothic country mansion holds secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered.

As Elsa delves into her task, she forms an unlikely bond with the estate's delightful gardener and her daughter, as well as an architectural salvage dealer who still bears scars from the Great War. Together, they embark on a thrilling treasure hunt for a missing relic intended to safeguard the servants' futures before the estate is sold. At the same time, Elsa's body seems to betray her with new symptoms from a childhood disease that isn't through with her yet.

With the brooding veteran and her handsome colleague joining the search, Elsa must navigate the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives along with the changing state of her health. As her deadline looms ever closer, will she be able to secure a new life for her friends before the estate slips from their grasp?

 

AUTHOR BIO

Jocelyn Green (JocelynGreen.com) inspires faith and courage as the bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including the Christy Award-winning The Mark of the King and Drawn by the Current and her On Central Park series.

 

 

 

  

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall ~ Review

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall

By Rebecca Anderson

Hyacinth Bell has come to Ashthorne Hall to care for the estate's orchids. But soon she is caught up in the mystery surrounding the estate - rumors of hauntings are soon not just rumors. But more is going on at Ashthorne than is readily apparent. 

When Hyacinth meets Lucas Harding, the manor’s caretaker, she feels a connection with him. But she can tell that he is hiding something. Something that may be vital to understanding what is going on at Ashthorne. 

And unless Hyacinth can discover the truth, those who call the estate home and even her beloved orchids will be in danger. Because someone haunts the halls and she very much fears that it isn't a ghost that threatens them all.

There is definitely a Gothic thread running throughout and it adds a deliciously tantalizing undercurrent throughout. There is a serious side to this book, one that delves into the plight of the worker and how those in power and authority misuse them. This is a powerful yet entertaining story, which I highly recommend.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A ghostly estate. 

A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. 

And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell who is set on solving the mystery of both.

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall—that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls—but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate’s extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love—like an orchid—must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn’t expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor’s caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth’s worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate.

A Noble Scheme ~ Review

A Noble Scheme

The Imposters #2

By Roseanna M. White

It's been a nearly a year since Graham Wharton broke her heart, and Gemma Parks will never forgive him. His arrogance cost her dearly and she avoids him whenever and however possible. Which isn't the easiest thing to do as they are two members of the Imposters. 

But a case involving a missing boy and a cold-hearted uncle bring them together at the worst possible time. And as they are working the case undercover Gemma can't exactly snub Graham as she'd normally do, as she has been doing for the last year.

Graham's life was shattered Gemma walked away leaving him grieving and isolated. And combined with her unforgiveness he has given up on God. Because God could have prevented everything. And when a father comes to the Imposters seeking assistance in saving his son from kidnappers, Graham can't say no, even if the father can't pay for their services. 

Can two angry hurting people find a way back to the friendship and love they once had? Or will they allow the anger and grief to destroy and consume everything they once had? And when the case they are working on takes another turn the stakes and cost become even deadlier. To solve this case they will need to understand the people involved and the motivations. Because it is obvious that those with wealth and power have no qualms about threatening a young boy's life to gain what they want. And no one and nothing will stop them. But they haven't taken on the Imposters before.

But the more Gemma, Graham, and the rest of the Imposters discover the more questions they are left with. What is the motivation behind the kidnapping? And can they find Sidney before time runs out and something worse happens?

I have to say I was shocked at just what was the wedge between Gemma and Graham. I know that there were hints of trouble between them in the first book A Beautiful Deception but I hadn't expected this. And to say more would be to reveal way too much. I now feel the need to reread the first book to see if I blinked and missed a vital clue that would have prepared me for the incident that changed everything for them.

This book delves into broken hearts and the powerful influence grief can play in and on a person's life. How we deal with grief is indeed unique to an individual. Everyone deals with it differently as we see played out in this excellent addition to The Imposters series. There was a particular line that stood out to me as I read this book, "Faithless is faithless," and when it was used, it was interesting as it pertained to two different instances and was true to both. 

Though this is the second book in the series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone title. There are references to incidents in the previous book, but nothing that would detract from the enjoyment of this book. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of well-written, fully-developed characters, second chances, and historical fiction.        

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.  

About the Book:

 

In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite—and most dangerous—families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Roseanna M. White (roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books. . .to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

While the City Sleeps ~ Review

While the City Sleeps
The Women of Midtown #1
By Elizabeth Camden

Katherine Schneider is a woman dentist working the late-night shift in New York City. When a patient begins rambling while under the effects of nitrous oxide, she thinks little of it. But when something the patient said is linked to the mafia, Katherine finds herself caught up in unexpected danger. 

Lieutenant Jonathan Birch is determined to keep the mafia where it belongs - out of his beat. For the last couple of years, he's escorted Katherine home when her shift ends and, on occasion, offering her baked goods that can't be found in any bakery. This friendship causes Katherine to seek him out when she fears her late-night patient may have been involved in something sinister.   

While the City Sleeps is the first book in the Women of Midtown series. This book is set during the Gilded Age, 1913 New York City. I like the idea behind the title of this book - While the City Sleeps describes the people who work during the night, the people who keep the city running through their work during the night. People that most aren't even aware exist. 

This book is a Historical Romance, but there is also a mystery that runs through it. There is more than one mystery. The one is the threat to the city. The other involves Lieutenant Birch; who is he?  Jonathan is very protective of his past, offering little when questioned. And yet, we get glimpses of his thoughts and concerns about his secrets and deception. 

This book is attention-grabbing with the way the story unfolds. The author makes it come alive with a seamless blend of setting, characters, and historical facts. I, for one, didn't know that the American Dental Association was well-established in 1913. I love it when I can learn facts like this while being entertained. And a mansard roof was mentioned, so guess who did a search for pictures to see examples?  But if all you want is an enjoyable read that includes historical fiction and a touch of romance, you will enjoy this new series debut.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

QUICK FACTS                                                                                                  

 Title: While the City Sleeps
 Series: The Women of Midtown (Book 1)
 Author: Elizabeth Camden
 Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Gilded Age Fiction
 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 13, 2024)
 Length: (352) pages
 Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 
 ISBN: ‎978-0764241710
 Tour Dates: February 12 – 26, 2024

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient
reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is
plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a
police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on
them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety
on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal
conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all
costs.

Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of
dangerous secrets and wounded hearts, fighting to overcome the darkness while the
rest of the city sleeps.

PRAISE FOR WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS

 "History, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of New York City at night--a must-read!"— Gabrielle Meyer, bestselling author of When the Day Comes and In This Moment

 "Elizabeth Camden brings the bustling metropolis to living color like no one else... A novel that will keep readers up late into the night."— Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

 “I loved the historical details that make the story feel authentic.”— Kim Prudhoe, All the Lovely Pages

PURCHASE LINKS: 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Children of the Shadows ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Children of the Shadows
Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries #3
By Erica Vetsch

Detective Daniel Swann has to fight for his inheritance, which should have been his all along. But he must be silent so as to not upset the aristocracy, this includes not making public his intentions to ask for Juliette Thorndike's hand in marriage. 

With her parents again called away on a mission, Juliette is told to consider her future. Does she truly want to be an agent for the Crown? Or has she succumbed to the excitement and thrill of doing something daring? With orders from her parents her immediate future is looking rather boring. Until rumors of missing street urchins are heard. Could Juliette do something to get to the answers of these whispered concerns? And could this provide her with an excuse to spend time with Daniel?

As with the previous two books in the series, there is an abundance of mystery. The issues involving Daniel's past and his claims to his rightful inheritance add  new complications to the lives of those closest to Juliette. As Daniel's past, present, and future all come to a point, he finds himself being pulled in different directions, even as he faced the possibility of breaking not only his heart but Juliette's. My only complaint with this book is that it is the conclusion to the series. I highly recommend this book and the series. If you love a good Regency era whodunit look no furthet.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the Book

Title: Children of the Shadows
Series: Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries #3
Author: Erica Vetsch
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 23, 2023
Genre: Christian Regency Mystery

Detective Daniel Swann and debutante Juliette Thorndike once again team up to solve a dangerous mystery--while trying to keep their growing romance secret. 

Someone is preying upon the street children of Regency London. They seem to think no one will notice when urchins go missing--and even if they are noticed, who will care? 

Daniel needs to do something about the missing children. But with recent revelations about his past and an unexpected, somewhat unwelcome inheritance to deal with, this is a terrible time to dive back into the seedy underbelly of the crime world. Nevertheless, he's still a Bow Street runner, and his partner Lady Juliette is sensitive to the plight of these wayward youngsters. They're on the case, searching shadowed alleys and coal-drenched streets to find the missing. 

But the tangle of expectation and the dynamics of power cannot be easily ignored, even if there are children in danger. When Daniel's past threatens to overwhelm his future, he will need a miracle and the help of his friends to both apprehend the villain and unravel his tangled family web. And it may be that his new responsibilities demand that he leave the children of the shadows to their terrible fate--or lose everything. 

Erica Vetsch's popular Regency mystery series concludes with a bang, sure to satisfy readers who have hung on every page since book one.

PURCHASE LINKS: 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

 

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a complete paperback set of the Thorndike and Swann series, and a $10 amazon gift card

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 23, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Haunting at Linley ~ Review

A Haunting at Linley

A Henrietta and Inspector Howard Mystery #7

By Michelle Cox

So first off this is the first book in the series that I have read. I will say that reading the previous books would have been a good first step as there are backstories that would have more fully explained the current situations of the various characters. That being said this book can still be enjoyed on its own if one doesn't mind a bit of a mystery about the backstory, which is kind of like meeting new people. I know I don't quiz people to tedium just to learn their whole life story upon meeting them, so I was good reading this book as a standalone title.

Clive and Henrietta Howard are drawn to mysteries and there is a bit of a mystery at the home of Clive's cousin. Wallace has invited Clive to Linley Castle, which is facing an inheritance tax (two as it was left to his mother). Yes, Linley Castle doesn't have the financial resources to sustain itself for much longer. 

But when they arrive Henrietta feels as though something is off about the home. Could Lady Linley, Aunt Margaret be right, could a ghost be haunting the castle. Being who she is Henrietta can't leave things as they are and soon she and Clive are caught up in another mystery.

Now there are other parallel stories taking place (this is where I regretted  not reading the previous books). Though intriguing I found myself more drawn to Henrietta and Clive's portion of the story. I liked the mystery and the various characters and their reactions to the events around them just added to the draw, in my opinion. Are there nefarious deeds taking place at Linley? Or does a ghost (or two) indeed walk the grounds?

 

And the cover alone should be a draw when deciding to at least give this book a perusal. I mean look at it - a mysterious woman dressed so she can't be totally identified. Is she dressed as a bride with her wedding veil? Is it her ghostly disguise? There is only one way to know. Read the book and discover the answers you seek.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

This would be a PG-13+ read in my opinion.

About the Book:

In this seventh book of the series, Clive and Henrietta return to England to find Castle Linley in financial ruin. When Clive’s cousin, Wallace, invites an estate agent in to assess the home’s value, the agent is later found poisoned, throwing all of the Castle’s guests into suspicion. Clive and Henrietta are soon drawn into an investigation, which is slowed by an incompetent local inspector and several unexplained phenomena—the cause of which many, especially the frail Lady Linley, believe to be the workings of the ghost of a hanged maid.

Meanwhile, Gunther and Elsie have begun  life on a farm in Omaha. Circumstances are difficult, but they are content—until Oldrich Exely appears, proposing an option Elsie finds difficult to ignore.  Melody Merriweather, still masquerading as a nun to aid Elsie’s escape, likewise finds it difficult to ignore a letter with tragic news from home, while Julia, on the other hand, receives a very different sort of letter from Glenn Forbes.

Back in England, Clive is called away to London on suspicious business, leaving Henrietta to carry on with the investigation alone.  When she is mysteriously locked in the study one night, however, things take on a more deadly, supernatural feel, leaving her to fear that  Lady Linley's “ghost” might just be real after all…

Jane and the Final Mystery ~ Review

Jane and the Final Mystery

Being a Jane Austen Mystery #15

By Stephanie Barron

First, I must admit this is my first Being a Jane Austen Mystery book, and unfortunately, it is also the final book in the series. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was quick and easy to get into without any previous knowledge of the series. 

The book is written in the language and style of Jane Austen herself, which gives it an authentic feel. I'm always surprised how language and spelling evolve over time and yet one can easily slip into what was with little to no effort. 

This book is set during the final months of Jane's life as her health fails, but when the son of a dear friend asks for help, Jane obliges, as is her nature. To see a young man destroyed when another is found dead raises her to the occasion. But the very environment and culture of Winchester College has lent itself to hazing and abuse of younger students. And when one of the most volatile of the bullies is found dead, his latest victim is accused of, if not doing the deed, of driving his tormentor to the taking of his own life. Yeah, right, blame the poor smaller kid who has no money to his name, sounds perfectly reasonable. Jane is of the same thought, though with better wording, and is determined to seek out the truth. With Jane and her nephew Edward on the case, the truth will surely come out, though it may prove a touch dangerous.

This was an enjoyable read, and seeing Jane Austen as a detective was fun. This book was most definitely able to be read as a standalone title. But since I just discovered this series at the very end, I have a new series and author to add to my TBR list. A very long list, I might add.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

QUICK FACTS
 Title: Jane and the Final Mystery
 Series: Being a Jane Austen Mystery (Book 15)
 Author: Stephanie Barron
 Genre: Historical Mystery, Austenesque Fiction
 Publisher: Soho Crime (October 24, 2023)
 Length: (312) pages
 Format: Hardcover, eBook, and audiobook 
 ISBN: 978-1641295055
 Tour Dates: October 16 – 31, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION
The final volume of the critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Jane Austen
as amateur sleuth

March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen’s health is in slow decline, and
threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward
brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her
debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth. Arthur Prendergast, a
senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school, has been found dead in a
culvert near the school grounds—and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an
incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s dear friend
Elizabeth. Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of
passage, cruel hazing, and dangerous pranks. Can Jane clear William’s name before
her illness gets the better of her?
 
Over the course of fourteen previous novels in the critically acclaimed Being a Jane
Austen Mystery series, Stephanie Barron has won the hearts of thousands of
fans—crime fiction aficionados and Janeites alike—with her tricky plotting and
breathtaking evocation of Austen’s voice. Now, she brings Jane’s final season—and
final murder investigation—to brilliant, poignant life in this unforgettable conclusion.

PRAISE FOR JANE AND THE FINAL MYSTERY
 “Poignant . . . Elicits deep emotion out of Jane’s struggles against her own
mortality. This is a fitting send-off for a beautifully realized series.”— Publishers
Weekly, Starred Review
 “Barron developed Jane’s narrative voice by reading Austen’s collected and
published letters, and it is neither spoiler nor surprise to say that series readers
will be sorry to say goodbye to Jane Austen, amateur sleuth.”— Booklist
 "[Barron] has brilliantly combined authentic historical and biographical details with
skillful plotting and a credible evocation of Austen’s wry, distinctive voice. She
brings the English author’s final investigation to a poignant, unforgettable close.
Fans of this historical series will not be disappointed.”— First Clue

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher | BookShop | Goodreads

About the Author:

Stephanie Barron is a graduate of Princeton and Stanford, where she received her Masters in History as an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow in the Humanities. Her novel, THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN (Ballantine, January 22, 2019) traces the turbulent career of Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's captivating American mother. Barron is perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed Jane Austen Mystery Series, in which the intrepid and witty author of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE details her secret detective career in Regency England. 

A former intelligence analyst for the CIA, Stephanie—who also writes under the name Francine Mathews—drew on her experience in the field of espionage for such novels as JACK 1939, which The New Yorker described as "the most deliciously high-concept thriller imaginable." She lives and works in Denver, CO.

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