An Honorable Deception ~ Review

An Honorable Deception

The Imposters #3

By Roseanna M. White

This was such a good read. I loved finally getting Yates's story, and as an added bonus, we got more of Lavinia. But in between and all around it, we have a bigger story. A story that has serious implications throughout the nobility. 

The Imposters receive a plea for help. Lady Alethia Barremore's former Indian nanny has disappeared. Worse, an acquaintance who had information has gone missing. Then, someone attacks Alethia just following her meeting with Yates, leaving her to die.

Yes, the Imposters have a case before them—a case that has potentially far-reaching consequences and paints some of the nobility in a less-than-stellar light. When Lavinia stumbles upon her dear friends' long-kept secret, though, she offers to help as Marigold and Gemma's participation is limited. 

This is the final book in The Imposters series and, in my opinion, the best. It was interesting how the past had to be confronted in this book. For several of the characters it was distorting their perceptions of themselves and keeping them from the futures they were being offered. I think my favorite part was when some of my favorite characters from the author's previous series made an appearance. This was overall a good book that touched on some serious concerns. I think this book reads better when read in series order, though you could read and enjoy it as a standalone title.

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:

As the leader of elite private investigative firm the Imposters, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon dangerous secrets.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects there's more to her oldest friends than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. Happy as she is for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing to bring laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the bad side of her best friend, his sister.

Tormented by a past that she doesn't dare to voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the darkest of society's secrets, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia soon learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . and truth isn't always honorable.

The Paris Portrait ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Paris Portrait by Heidi Eljarbo, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Paris Portrait
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3
By Heidi Eljarbo

Fabiola Bennett and her good friends Pippa and Cary travel by car to her brother's home just outside Paris. There Fabiola's brother, Eivind shows her an old cookbook he recently bought at an auction. Fabiola, being who she is, is intrigued and stays up late into the night studying the book and makes a discovery. The cookbook is much more than a cookbook and it is a clue to a potential find of historical significance if it can be proven.

The Paris Portrait is a split-time story told in from two different perspectives. Fabiola's portion of the story is set in 1973. Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun's portion is set in 1789 and in the midst of the beginnings of the French Revolution.

Élisabeth is a court portraitist and as such she has become close to France's queen, Marie Antoinette. We are taken into the luxurious and extravagant life of the Versailles court. A court unconnected to the poor people who are growing frustrated with the excesses that are in stark contrast to their daily struggles. Élisabeth's talent finds her caught in the middle. She can see the truth of life outside of court and must walk a careful line in-between if she hopes to survive what she sees coming. Her life and that of her daughter depend on it.

This is the third book the Fabiola Bennett Mystery series, a book which can be read and enjoyed without first reading the previous books. I love how both portions are historical and that the "current day" mystery is played out in the distant past. I also love seeing the "mystery" being solved by Fabiola and her friends without the use of the technology we are so used to today - no cellphones, no computers, no GPS. No this is a day of maps, travel for research, and footwork. This is an excellent read and highly recommended as an escape from the familiar.

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: The Paris Portrait
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Genre: Historical Mystery, Dual Timeline, Fiction

Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?  

Paris, France, 1973. 
After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family. 

On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.  

Versailles, France, 1789.
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time. 

But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before. 

Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books in This Series

 

---

About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

 Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon giftcard + a paperback of one Fabiola Bennett Mystery of your choice!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

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

Terminal Danger ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Terminal Danger 

Terminal Danger

Guardians Unleashed #5

By Jerusha Agen

Phoenix Gray has spent most of her life on this cold case. She is going to be sure justice is served on the serial killer she has long sought. She has set the perfect trap for him, and she's the bait. 

What Phoenix didn't anticipate was Callum Ross, an FBI agent called in to help with tracking down the killer's latest target. He somehow gets how Phoenix thinks; because he understands her, he could be a distraction and a danger to her plans.

In Terminal Danger, we finally get Phoenix's story—a story that no one knows. It is not pretty and has shaped her into the unreadable woman she is today—disconnected from her emotions. She has turned her back on God. He wasn't there when she needed Him, so why should she believe? Callum should understand where she's coming from, but what he's seen and experienced hasn't turned him from God. 

This time, Phoenix may need the women she has employed with Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency more than she ever expected. The time for secrets has ended, or this case could destroy her. More than anything else, Phoenix needs to find her way to God. And learn that forgiveness is more for the person wronged than anything else.

This book can be read as a standalone title, but since it concludes the series, it is best read and enjoyed in order. If you enjoy suspense and books that examine the human spirit, you will want to delve into this book and series. 

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: Terminal Danger

Series: Guardians Unleashed #5
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted.  

Exactly as she planned. 

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured. 

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve. 

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

     

---

About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories, follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Terminal Danger, a Terminal Danger mug, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Terminal Danger magnet, plus more swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2024. Winners 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

---

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

Murder in Highbury ~ Review

Murder in Highbury

A Emma Knightly Mystery#1

By Vanessa Kelly

Emma Woodhouse is no more, rather she is Emma Knightley, newly married, and enjoying life in Highbury. But in an instant everything is disrupted when she and Harriet (Smith) Martin find a body in the church. If finding a body wasn't shocking enough the identity is even more so, Mrs. Elton is dead! And Emma is convinced she was murdered even before anyone else has been summoned or the inquest is held. Highbury's idealic charm is shattered with fears that a murderer is now in their midst.  

Fearing that justice won't find the true killer, Emma flaunts expectations and takes it upon herself to find the killer. With the skills she formerly employed as a matchmaker she turns to sluething. 

Murder in Highbury is the next chapter in the life of Emma Woodhouse and all the characters who called Highbury home. This was a fun read mostly, excepting for Mrs, Elton. There is a familiarity with the characters. The writing makes this feel like this the next logical step in the lives of the people one got to know while enjoying Jame Austen's original work Emma. An enjoyable read for fans of Jane Ausen or Regency who-dunits. This easily a potential reread, in my opinion. I look forward to the second book in this series.

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:

First in a captivating new series, Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley entertains a different role in Highbury—going from clever matchmaker to Regency England’s shrewdest sleuth.

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .  

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

ADVANCE PRAISE

• “Brimming with all the wit and charm one can expect from a visit to Jane Austen’s world, Murder in Highbury presents Austen’s beloved and interfering character Emma with a murder. When Emma puts her clever wits to use to discover the murderer who hides among them, danger and humor mingle to provide us with mystery, delight, and a clever new sleuth. Author Vanessa Kelly writes with an experienced touch and clear fondness for her well-beloved characters, giving us the sequel we formerly could merely long for and imagine.”— Christina Dodd, New York Times bestselling author.

About the Author:

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph. D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

70 North ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 

70 North by Kimberley Woodhouse 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

70 North 

Alaskan Cyber Hunters #3 

By Kimberley Woodhouse

 

They thought he was dead. But they were wrong. He has been biding his time, preparing for his final attack when he would get rid of the corrupt leadership. He sees the truth of everything in a way no one else is capable of. And he won't let David MacPherson stop him. No, he'll taunt the man determined to bring him down. Destroying those around him merely for the thrill of it.

 

Mac will never stop his search for the man who killed his wife and daughter during a cyberattack on Fairbanks. With the help of his friends at Cyber Solutions, "Griz" will lose. But they will have to help Tracie Hunter restore her reputation. A reputation destroyed because she saved Mac's life after he was shot. 

 

But how do you stop a delusional, highly intelligent psychopath? That's a question they will have to answer before Griz unleashes his "final judgment."

This was an intriguing series conclusion. I felt that the first few chapters dragged. But once the story got into, it picked up and became the page turner I was expecting. I will admit the very possibility of this even being a thing is more than a little scary, which I think added to the suspense of the read. This series must be read in order to fully experience it. Skipping a book is not an option, as each builds on the one before.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and thrillers. This is not a book to be read late at night unless you plan to avoid sleeping because you won't want to put it down once you start.

 

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

About the Book

Title: 70 North 

Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters #3 

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: October 15, 2024 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

The Cyber Solutions team has managed to stay one step ahead of the madman who has killed so many. From the original 26 Below cyberattack in Fairbanks to the 8 DOWN serial murders in Anchorage and beyond, they matched wits with the killer and stopped him from reaching his ultimate goals.

But final judgment is coming. And this time, there may be no defeating him. 

David "Mac" McPherson has a personal stake in making sure this predator stays down for good. His family died in the cyberattack. Mac knows that God says "vengeance is mine"—but surely an exception can be made. 

Surgeon Tracie Hunter is determined to stay sober and keep saving lives in Fairbanks, Alaska—even if it means being a little obsessive. After all, that same kind of determination is how she kept Mac alive after the murderer targeted him. And she won't let Mac run himself into the grave looking for payback; he's come to mean too much to her. 

Then someone hacks into the system at Tracie's previous job as a medical examiner and frames her in a murder cover-up. There's no one else skilled enough to create a digital trail this incriminating—the killer is back in action, exploiting cybersecurity weaknesses to destroy lives. Can Mac stay focused and stop the next attack when his own vulnerability is exposed? Or will his need to make someone pay for his pain allow the maniac to pull ahead and win at last?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books from this Series: 

---

About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "Craziest Mom" for "Nana the Great."

Connect with Kimberley by visiting kimberleywoodhouse.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

 

 

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of 70 North and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 16, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 2024. 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

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

A Lady Most Intrigued ~ Now Available

A Lady Most Intrigued

A Grimm Regency Tale

By Jenni Ward 

This was as intriguing a read as the title indicates. Hannah Sheppard doesn't fit the mold her mother tries to force her into. It is this very non-conformity that brings about her meeting with John Ingham. Falling into a pond while in a ball gown is not best way to meet a man but it is what it is. And she did drop the forbidden golden ball in the water. John agreed to come back and find it for her. John has always longed for more than the life of a cotton mill worker. But he needs the pay to support his mother. Then, the workers organize a strike, demanding better pay and better work conditions. The potential hardships of a strike allow John and Hannah the opportunity for more interactions. Hannah uses this unexpected opportunity to seek answers. Answers she could never expect to get from her mother. I really enjoyed this book, which is based on The Frog Prince and has elements involving the cotton mill industry, which brought to mind Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. The weaving together of these vastly different pieces was expertly done to create a unique and enjoyable story with romance, mystery, and a proper villain. I highly recommend this newest Grimm Regency tale, which was most delightful. I was provided an advance copy of this title with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion.All thoughts expressed are my own.

A Forbidden Love.

A Hidden Inheritance.

A Truth That Could Cost Them Everything.

Hannah Sheppard yearns for more than the stifling expectations of Regency society. Duty, and her mother, demand she marry a man of wealth and status. Then, she meets John.

John Ingham dreams of a life beyond the harsh realities of working in a mill. When he rescues a lady from the lake at Frogmere Manor, he never expects their paths to cross again.

But fate has other plans, entwining their lives through a mysterious family heirloom that unlocks a long-buried secret. But a ruthless enemy lurks in the shadows, willing to silence them forever to keep the past buried.

Can their bond withstand the weight of a legacy built on lies, or will the cost of unravelling the truth be too high to pay?

A captivating sweet Regency romance set amongst the cotton mills of Lancashire and filled with heart-stopping twists, memorable characters, and a love that dares to defy the rules.


This series reimagines classic Grimm Brother tales as Regency romances. Sit back, grab a hot chocolate, and enjoy these stories of sweet romance and loveable characters.

The Sign of the Calico Quartz ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

The Sign of the Calico Quartz audiobook by Jan Drexler, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Sign of the Calico Quartz

The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries #1

By Jan Drexler

Narrated by Gillian Wiggin

After working all over the world, the Sweetbrier Inn in the Black Hills seems like the perfect change of pace to Emma Blackwood. The chance to get to know her Aunt Rose is a bonus. Everything seems perfect, even with the grumpy chef, that is until she finds a body in her room.

Emma is sure she can help Deputy Sheriff Cal find the killer. Cal is less sure, and everyone is a suspect, even Emma, until she's not. 

Solving a murder isn't as easy as Emma thought it would be. Especially when more murders occur. And there are several suspects in Emma's opinion. But who is most likely the murderer? Emma just needs to dig deeper with her new friend, Becky. She's sure together they can figure it out.

This is definitely a cozy mystery. There is a warm feeling throughout even though there are bodies to contend with. I love the interactions between Cal and Emma. And I absolutely adore Thatcher, everything is better when there are dogs involved.  

The narration by Gillian Wiggin is great. There are shifts in the reading when the dialogue switches between characters, making it easy to follow. The story is well paced and engaging. At just over seven and a quarter hours it is the perfect length of a commute or an all day listen. 

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

About the Book

Title: The Sign of the Calico Quartz
Series: The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries
Author: Jan Drexler
Narrator: Gillian Wiggin
Publisher: Swift Wings Press
Audiobook Release Date: July 24, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Solving a murder is easy, right? All you need to do is follow the clues, and they will lead you to the culprit. 

 At least that’s what Emma Blackwood thought before she and her cat, Tim, came to the Black Hills to work in Aunt Rose’s Sweetbrier Inn. Before she found a dead body in her living room. Before the hunky Deputy Sheriff accused her of murdering the poor guy. And before the real killer put her name on their list of victims. 

For this fan of Agatha Christie and a plethora of television crime dramas, it’s an intriguing situation that demands her skills. Investigating might not be as simple as it looks in fictional mysteries, but Emma’s organized mind and OCD tendencies start making sense of the clues…until she finds a second body with no apparent connection to the first. 

Sifting through evidence is easier with the help of her new friend, Becky, who provides baked goods for the inn, and Aunt Rose is always willing to take time from writing her mysterious memoirs to give support and advice. Wil, the inn’s chef, moves things along with a barbed comment or two, and Tim the cat and Rose’s corgi, Thatcher, make themselves available for fuzz therapy and to point the way to another clue. 

The list of suspects grows as Emma learns more about the inn’s guests and their reasons for visiting the Black Hills. From the honeymoon couple to Mysterious Montgomery, to the famous reality show ghost hunter, to the gold seekers, no one is the person they appear to be. Even Rose’s good friend Clara is hiding secrets in her pink chenille bathrobe. 

But as Emma pursues the investigation, things start to get personal. Can she identify the murderer before disaster strikes?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon (Audiobook)| Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books In This Series

---

About the Author

Jan Drexler lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband, where she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family. She spins stories of History, Mystery, and Sweet Romance. Her works include several historical romance novels, including the award-winning Mattie’s Pledge, and The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries cozy mystery series.

Connect with Jan by visiting jandrexler.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Those who sign up for her newsletter will receive a free e-book copy of The Sign of the Calico Quartz!

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) One winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight October 8, 2024, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 15, 2024. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and 

given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

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

Spirits and Pacts ~ Review

Spirits and Pacts:

A Retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and 

          The Phantom of the Opera - Part 2
The Roumaterra Chronicles #3

By Erin Halbmaier

Before you read any further IF you have not read part one Songs and Spun Gold  don't read any further. Part one is a must read.

Five years ago Katy and Axel married after a rather difficult trial. Katy was forced to spin gold after her not so reliable father popped off at the mouth and criticized the king. Yeah not too smart. But it resulted in Katy and Axel marrying one another. 

But Katy made a deal that has her first born child's future out of her hands. The stranger who aided her in spinning all that gold has a claim on her child. But this child will also be heir to the kingdom's throne. Will Axel or the king ever forgive her if she has to give up her child? Of course she must first have a child and after five years the nobles are getting restless about this lack of an heir.

Axel's always been drawn to singing, to his father's displeasure. Five years ago the theater was destroyed by fire and his father refused to allow it to be rebuilt. Even worse Axel lost his mentor. After five years Lottie must be dead, but still Axel hopes to find her.

But something is happening within the kingdom. And that something is a danger to the throne. Until Katy and Axel along with those closest to them can figure out what is going on no one is safe.

I love how the author has carried the Rumpelstiltskin and The Phantom of the Opera theme into this third book in The Roumaterra Chronicles series. The reader is drawn into the story as Katy struggles with her childless state and what it means for her. This book allows Katy and Axel to further grow, but this time as a couple as they must face the choices that they have made. 

There are a few surprises along the way that add another layer to this book and provide a potential avenue for additional books in the series. The book is a clean read that retells two different stories that one would not think of working so well together, yet the author does so in a beautiful work that will engage your imagination.

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:

She married the man she loves. But at what cost?

Five years after the fire at the theater and Katy and Axel’s wedding, pressure is building because of their childless state. Katy’s feelings are mixed: the kingdom needs an heir, but the gold-spinning stranger can’t take a child she doesn’t have.

While Axel longs for the stage, he can’t ignore the fact that his kingdom needs him, little as he feels qualified. He tries to shield Katy from the trouble brewing in the council, but more accidents at the theater, a curse no one remembers until it breaks, and physical danger mix with the secret she is hiding.

Can Katy find a way to save their child? Or will the troubles in the kingdom pull her and her husband down with them?

Spirits and Pacts is part two of a clean, no-spice retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and The Phantom of the Opera. It is the third book in The Roumaterra Chronicles, a series of interconnected, standalone fairy tale retellings perfect for readers of Brittany Fichter, Celeste Baxendell, and Annette K. Larsen.

The Cloverton Charade ~ Review

The Cloverton Charade

The Houses of Yorkshire #3

By Sarah E. Ladd

Olivia Brannon lives in the world of antiques. Her father stoked her interest in rare and unique pieces and promised her the chance to see the world. But since his death the family business has been in her uncle's less than capable hands.

When Olivia and the son of her father's former business partner are invited to the same house party a family/business feud is revived. Both are appraising parts of the Cloverton Estates vast holdings. But when some concerns arise Olivia and Lucas Avery must work together to determine what is going on. 

The Cloverton Charade is a delightful read. Deception and intrigue abound at this Regency House Party. Oh what a web has entrapped those who now call the Cloverton Hall home. There are twists that will keep you wondering just what is going on behind the elegant facade of genteel civility. 

Sarah Ladd can weave a story that will capture and hold your attention from cover to cover. Her stories never disappoint. This book is part of The Houses of Yorkshire series but it can easily be read as a standalone title. The book is a clean read in the romance department, a must in my opinion.

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 long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England.

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.

• Sweet Regency romance set in the same time period as Bridgerton
• Part of the Houses of Yorkshire series but can be read as a stand-alone novel
• Book length: 83,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

About the Book:

Sarah E. Ladd is an award-winning, bestselling author who has always loved the Regency period—the clothes, the music, the literature, and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period, and she began seriously writing in 2010. Since then, she has released several novels set during the Regency era. Sarah is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her family. 

Visit Sarah online at SarahLadd.com

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES & HASHTAGS

X: #saraheladd @ThomasNelson @austenprose

Instagram: @sarahladdauthor @thomasnelson @austenprose

Hashtags: #theclovertoncharade #saraheladd #historicalfiction #historicalromance #regencyromance #inspirationalfiction #newbooks #bookreview #bookx #bookstagram #booktour #bookrec #austenprosepr 

So True A Love ~ Now Available

 Joanna Barker's So True A Love is now available!

Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

A Token of Love ~ Review and IG Giveaway

A Token of Love

By Carrie Turansky

A Token of Love is a standalone title and a perfect introduction for anyone who has never read Carrie Turansky's work. It is a split-time story centered around London's Foundling Hospital. The two stories are over a hundred years apart, set in 1885 and 2023.

In 1885, Lillian Freemont has been championing the cause of women and their need for education and respectable, well-paying employment. When she learns that her niece was placed in the Foundling Hospital, she attempts to reclaim her. But lies and secrecy have hidden the truth of Alice's whereabouts. And what Lillian learns is more than a little alarming and she needs help. And the help she gets is from investigative reporter Matthew McGiven who just happens to be investigating missing young women.

In 2023, Janelle Spencer is acting director of the Foundling Museum having to work with a filmmaker hired to create a documentary of the museum's history. Jonas Conrad is determined to make the best film he can, his future depends on its success. But when his research leads to some unsettling history it could derail the entire project and hurt the museum. 

Jenelle and Jonas then conduct more extensive research into the history of the Foundling Hospital and here is where our two stories come together. Alice's story is at the heart of everything, and it is an interesting story. And with everything there are two sides to every story that drive it forward and the author does a wonderful job bringing it to life in both time periods. This is a search for truth and justice. 

This book will appeal to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, Victorian-Era Fiction, Split-time Fiction, or a mystery.

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.

Be sure to enter the giveaway on Instagram! 

Enter at https://www.instagram.com/p/C_cWGDkCVXK/

About the Book:

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

About the Author:

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal. 

Learn more at carrieturansky.com.