Ladies of Intrigue ~ Review

Ladies of Intrigue
By Michelle Griep

Ladies of Intrigue is a collection of three delightful tales staring women who refuse to bow to the dictates of society when they see a wrong that needs to be remedied.

In The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady Helen Fletcher's return to her failing father's side is delayed when her ship is waylaid by those who are intent upon relieving the ship of its cargo. But when the very smuggler who caused her much consternation turns out to be her benefactor she's left with a quandary. Who is this Isaac Seaton? Is he truly a criminal as she first thought or is he righting a wrong as he claims?    

In The Doctor's Woman, Emmy Nelson is about to leave the life she knows and loves behind following her father's death. But when nearby Fort Snelling is in desperate need of a doctor she is the only hope for a wounded soldier. But before Emmy can use the skills that she learned from her father the new doctor arrives. But Dr. James Clark's methods are in conflict with much that Emmy knows but he needs her assistance to care for not only the soldiers but the Indians who have come under the protection of the army. Can the skills of a citified doctor and the methods that rely on old medicine of land ever work together or will they forever clash?

In A House of Secrets, Amanda Carston is determined to make an impact on St. Paul an in the process earn the approval of her father that she has always sought. There is just one problem - her proposed project has a short time constraint in place. When her fiance Joseph Blake doesn't help her as she expected she takes matters into her own hands, Little does she realize the danger she has just brought on others by her desire to help those in need.

If you like quick engaging reads this is a good option as there are 3 stories in this less than 300-page book. These would, in my opinion, fall into the gentle reads category. If you like historical with a dash of mystery and romance fiction that ends on an up note and you are looking for a cozy corner read snatch this one up and prepare your favorite tea for an enjoyable afternoon or two.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

Can truth and love prevail

when no one is as they appear?

The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815

When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father-not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton's unusual secret?

The Doctor's Woman
Dakota Territory, 1862

Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side-by-side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.

A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890

Ladies' Aide Chairwoman Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul's ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a "haunted" house that's secretly owned by her beau-a home that's his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city's most infamous madam.

The Secrets of Paper and Ink ~ Review

The Secrets of Paper and Ink
By Lindsay Harrel

Sophia Barrett is trying to heal from the pain of the past - a past that ended with the death of her fiance. Her escape from the pain and stress is indulging in the works of her favorite author Robert Appleton. The healing she was sure had come was shattered when she has a session with a patient whose current situation reawakens her own hurt. At the suggestion of her boss and best friend, Sophia takes more time away to complete heal and deal with everything. A summer away in Cornwall, England the setting of her favorite books seems the ideal way to distance herself from all the reminders of what was.

Ginny Rose has spent the last five years in Cornwall as a wife and bookshop owner but with her husband's need for time alone she has had to shoulder the burden of running a shop that was her husband's dream. With the economic downturn and the lack of tourists, the shop is teetering on the edge. Determined to save her husband's dream and to be successful despite her naysaying parents Ginny does whatever she can to make money - even taking in a short-term renter.

As Ginny and Sophia each work through their losses they form a friendship that is about to lead to much more. With Sophia pitching in at the bookshop Ginny finally sees hope that she may be able to not only survive but make the shop successful. Helping Ginny organize the multitude of books hidden away in the back Sophia discovers a notebook that tells the story of Emily Fairfax, a young woman who must rebuild her life following the death of her father.

Emily's story touches Sophia and sends her on a journey of discovery. But her search has her accepting the assistance of Ginny's brother-in-law who just happens to share Sophia's love of books. But how do you find someone who may have lived more that one hundred and fifty years ago with just a name and general idea of time and place? Sophia is embarking on a search that may very well offer her the answers she needs so that she can move beyond the was of her life to the could be that lays before her.

First off this is a wonderful blend of 3 distinct lives that on their own could have been a story that the reader could connect with but when told together become something more. I really felt Emily's portion was what gave the book the extra touch that makes it something special. Her strength of character and perseverance gives hope to those who later discovered her story.

I will admit I now want to read the Robert Appleton books that so comforted Sophia, alas I fear that is not to be. This book is perfect for those who can't decide between historical or contemporary fiction as it offers both. Emily's portion takes place in the 1850s and 1860s while Sophia and Ginny's story takes place in the present day. Each chapter is clearly identified as to whose story thread is being followed so there is no need to worry about getting lost during the reading.  Fans of Rachel Hauck and Kristy Cambron's writing style will enjoy The Secrets of Paper and Ink.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook bloggers with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Brought together by a charming bookstore in England, three women fight to defy expectations, dream new dreams, and welcome love into their lives.

As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature.

Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance.

Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch.

Eager to know more of Emily’s story, Sophia goes on a quest—dragging Ginny and William with her—to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny’s need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own. Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries.

Never Let Go ~ Review

Never Let Go
Uncommon Justice #1
By Elizabeth Goddard

Willow Anderson isn't sure she'll ever be as good as her Grandfather, or as good as he thought she was, but she's determined to close out his last case. But the case he took just before his death is different than any they had ever before taken on. As a forensic genealogist, Willow is used to tracking down records and finding long-lost family connections but Anderson Consulting has never before taken on a cold case abduction.

Worse someone seems intent on stopping Willow before she can even get started. Is it mere coincidence or is someone truly targeting Willow?

Learning that her grandfather reached out to her ex-boyfriend Austin McKade for his assistance on this case is an unexpected complication. For the two years following their devastating breakup, they've managed to avoid seeing one another but they now find themselves working together. Secrets kept have a way of dividing and Austin's past was a topic of non-disclosure - the wounds of his childhood and his father's death went too deep.

Time is running out to solve a 21-year-old case in which a newborn was abducted mere hours after birth. Is Jamie still alive? And what clues can they find when the police and FBI could find no traces when the case was fresh?

This is a book that will take you on a rollercoaster as the case progresses and the danger continually builds to a climax that is sure to keep the pages turning. The book is marked as being the first in Uncommon Justice series so I'm interested to see how this plays out. Will it follow Austin and Willow? Or will Austin's brothers take central roles? Will Anderson Consulting be a common denominator?

The characters were engaging and well worth getting to know. And as to the perpetrator's identity that is a well-twisted excursion that will misdirect the reader a time or two until the conclusion! 


About the Book:

The Case May Be Cold

But Things Are About to Heat Up

As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather’s footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent–and Willow’s ex-flame–Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they’ll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he’s spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow’s tender heart at risk

Courage Between Love and Death ~ Review with Giveaway

Courage Between Love and Death
By Joseph Pillitteri

Elspeth Shaughnesshey is determined to make the most of her post as a nurse at the Pan American Exposition Hospital. In 1901 there aren't many nursing opportunities for those of Irish heritage and Elspeth needs this job and the potential job that could follow if she does her job well. Her duties have her spending most of her time at the Expo as she, and her fellow nurses, are to be available whenever a need arises day or night.

Elspeth is determined to get a husband, and the richer he is, the better for her family. Having been once hurt she refuses to let her heart again take the lead, now if she could only catch the attention of the doctor she has decided will be her husband.

September brings a special excitement to the Expo - President McKinley is coming and Buffalo is beside itself in anticipation with the honor about to be bestowed upon it. The President's visit makes more work as hospital staff is assigned to be with President and Mrs. McKinley at the various Expo functions and excursions.

But when the nation's unrest makes its presence known the entire nation faces a crisis as does the staff at the hospital at the Pan American Exposition. With the life of the President in crisis, Elspeth is having her crisis at home - one that she has no idea how to fix.

Courage Between Love and Death gives the reader a look into early twentieth-century America, specifically Buffalo, New York. It is interesting to see how much has changed and yet we are still facing the same issues today. Prejudices against certain nationalities, unrest due to class differences, and the struggle to survive from one day to the next. I enjoyed how the relationship between President and Mrs. McKinley is presented and how they care for and look out for the needs of each other.

If you love historical fiction and don't want to read about it through rose-colored glasses I highly recommend this book to you. Life isn't easy and survival isn't a guarantee no matter your class. Do you like to discuss your books in a group setting, well, this one is certainly open for much discussion.

Just a word of warning for those who tend to shy away from books that deal with controversial issues that have a moral element to them - this book does deal with several that could upset your sensitivities.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through TLC Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Elspeth has recently landed a nursing position at the 1901 Pan American Exposition Hospital in Buffalo, New York. This is a big boon for her, but things are not going as expected. She has to navigate mischievous patients, egotistical doctors, rival nurses, and prejudices. For an Irish girl with a temper, this is no easy feat. Now President McKinley is coming to visit the Expo and everyone is in an uproar. On the home front, her life is no less hectic as she struggles to put food on the table and look out for her younger siblings.

When the unthinkable happens, it is a turning point, not only for the medical industry and our country’s security but for Elspeth personally. With her career and reputation on the line, will she have the courage to overcome the challenges she faces to clear her name and continue to be there for the ones she loves?

“Joseph Pillitteri does a great job of bringing the Exposition and an engaging cast of characters to life in Courage Between Love and Death. Pillitteri spins a fast-paced, entertaining tale, and his medical background is well-utilized in the medical inquest after the bungled abdominal surgery which proved fatal to McKinley. If you love a strong-willed woman who can defend herself against personal and professional prejudice, and for a brief moment win a president’s heart, read Courage Between Love and Death.” -Historical Novel Society

..”.Joseph Pillitteri’s writing is flawless and delightful. The tension builds up very fast and doesn’t slow down until the satisfying conclusion. Courage Between Love and Death is focused, deft, and balanced, and the reader will follow the protagonist through her emotional and psychological turmoil until the very last page. A gripping story with great historical references, it’s an edge of the seat read. Courage Between Love and Death by Joseph Pillitteri is a historical novel that is well-researched and written to great satisfaction.” –Christian Sia, Readers’ Favorite

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

While working at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, NY, Pillitteri became intrigued by the role Dr. Park played in the surgery of President McKinley at the 1901 Pan American Exposition. He shaped facts and fiction together to tell the story.

~ Book Giveaway ~

Be sure to enter for a chance to win a copy of this book.

Open to those with a US mailing address only

Must be 18 years of age to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Joseph Pillitteri’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, January 28th: Jessicamap Reviews and @jessicamap

Wednesday, January 30th: A Holland Reads

Thursday, January 31st: Patricia’s Wisdom

Monday, February 4th: Bookchickdi

Wednesday, February 6th: Amy’s Book-et List

Friday, February 8th: Rockin’ Book Reviews

Monday, February 11th: Broken Teepee

Wednesday, February 13th: Laura’s Reviews

Monday, February 19th: Blooming With Books

Wednesday, February 21st: Thoughts on This ‘n That

Thursday, February 22nd: Lori’s Reading Corner – guest post from Adele Pillitteri

A Return of Devotion ~ Review

A Return of Devotion
Haven Manor #2
By Kristi Ann Hunter

For more than thirteen years Daphne Blakemoor has been out of the notice of society following the biggest misstep of her life - one that ruined not only her but her best friend as well. Kit has reclaimed the life that she gave up with her recent marriage but Daphne still calls Haven Manor home though everything is about to change. With most of the children that they've housed and cared for over the years placed in homes, Daphne and Jess have less to do but they are about to take on new rolls so that can stay on. Daphne has assumed the role of housekeeper while Jess the role of cook and the three remaining older children various roles in the estate staff.

William, the new Marquis of Chemford has decided to make the estate his temporary residence and his arrival has created a most unexpected situation, one that has Daphne's long-held secret teetering on the edge of discovery. She's sure she can come up with a plan to keep Lord Chemford from ever seeing Benjamin, the son she has never claimed as her own. She just needs a little time. Of course, her actions just might have Lord Chemford looking for a new housekeeper.

William needs to escape from the pressures that have come to him following his father's death. He's determined to be as different from his father as he can be and his first decision has him seeking the peace and solitude of the country estate his father never set foot on. But peace is the last thing he is about to find when his seemingly wacky housekeeper all but thwarts his every step with her demands.

Daphne has allowed herself one too many times to be caught up in her imaginings and Lord Chemford's coming has just added a new element to her dreams. But that is all they will ever be, even had she not ruined her future she would never have been within his social circle as she was on the outer edges. But what harm could come from dreaming?

This is the second book of the Haven Manor series. The first book A Defense of Honor introduced readers to the world of societies castoffs - children who could never be accepted by the society that brought them forth as they were the result of a lady's ruination and poor judgment. Daphne was one of these lady's but she refused to give up her son though none of the children that she, Kit, and Jess knew of her ties to Benjamin. The long-abandoned estate in which they had been living is now no longer an option for providing a safe haven for castoff children. Caring for the children has been Daphne's life and in a sense her identity with everything that has taken place she finds herself without a purpose. William comes to Haven Manor with his own deep wounds that are tied to his parents failed marriage and his father's lack of involvement. Can these two wounded souls find healing in letting go of their secrets?

Fans of Kristi Ann Hunter's work will enjoy her return to Regency-era England. This book could be read on its own but readers will be left with questions much like William is if they don't read the first book before starting this one. I highly recommend this book it is the perfect way to spend a long snowy weekend (the last two weeks have brought several feet - so a cozy corner with a warm cup of tea and a pile of books is my weekend plan).

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts are my own.


About the Book:
Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes to a new marquis with an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down. 

Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?

When I Pray for You ~ Review

When I Pray for You
By Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrated by Kimberly Barnes

When I Pray for You is a story that shares the love of a parent for their child each and every time they pray for them. Each day brings growth and new prayers and wonders. From the moment of first knowing one's child and through the years of change one prays for growth and a purpose that brings caring, love and light to the world.

This picture book is less than 40 pages with approximately 20 to 40 words per page. The book has a lyrical flow that is well suited to the illustrations (or I should perhaps say the illustrations are well suited to the textual flow). The illustrations are well developed, colored throughout with a blend of brights, pastels, and primaries. The friends of the main child that are portrayed are a well-balanced variance of skin tones which is, in my opinion, a definite plus.

This is a lovely story that you'll love sharing with all the little ones in your life and it may become a favorite bedtime go-to choice. Know someone expecting a little one? This would be the perfect gift.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book launch program.

About the Book:

From the moment I saw you,

I started to pray. Big prayers and

small ones I have sent God's way.

With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender feelings connected with watching a beloved child grow and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book in which children and parents see their own stories come to life. When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, while sharing with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them. This is a book you will read to your child again and again.

I prayed you felt safe, full of joy and content.

That when I whispered "I love you,"

you knew what I meant.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair ~ Review

The Curse of Misty Wayfair
By Jaime Jo Wright

If you love a book that has two different threads of time that are woven together by a common factor you will love The Curse of Misty Wayfair. The early 1900s and present-day Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, have one thing in common Misty Wayfair. Who or what is Misty Wayfair you ask? It is from her murder in 1851 that the legends that have haunted Pleasant Valley ever since have come from.

When Thea (Dorothea) Reed photographer of memento mori, also known as a mourning portrait, comes to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908 she is looking for clues to her past. A past that she has been lead to believe has roots there. Her only clues - scant memories of her mother and a letter detailing what little was known of her past. But Pleasant Valley seems anything but pleasant with secrets and rumors of a haunting by a woman whose appearance seems to foretell death. And the deaths all seem to be focused upon the Coyle family whom suspicion and rumor swirl in connection to the tale of Misty Wayfair. Thea wants to find the truth of who she is but most seem determined to discourage her attempts and she is warned away from the remaining Coyles, Rose and Simeon. But Thea is drawn to them in their grief and her curiosity keeps her from heeding the well-intentioned advice of the local residents or that of her late employer.

In present-day Pleasant Valley, Heidi Lane is making a visit to the family she has avoided for the last several years. Feeling that she never quite fit in and that she was never good enough for them she went away to college and has been running from her demons ever since. But a letter from her mentally failing mother has her returning to a home she never knew. A happy reunion is not about to happen anytime soon and when Heidi starts experiencing events that have her questioning just what is going on. And worse it seems as if someone is determined to push her mentally over the edge. And the old photograph that she discovered marked Misty Wayfair is seemingly linked to whatever is occurring and Heidi wants answers. But getting answers from her family may be a tad difficult and she's managed to annoy some of the local residents almost immediately, whoops.

The Curse of Misty Wayfair is Contemporary Gothic Fiction at its best. I really liked how the rumors about Misty Wayfair are engaged with by the various characters. Do you believe the souls of the deceased are trapped here forced to wander or did you believe that there is something beyond this that we know and see an afterlife that is not a wandering torment just beyond our physical life? Thea's upbringing was one that believed in spiritual hauntings. Heidi's upbringing was one as the youngest surprise child of a pastor and she chafed at the rules and don't that she felt stifled her. These two women with more than a century dividing them are linked by a place that is about to define what their futures will be but only if they can determine the truth of who they are.

Get ready for some suspense that will keep you reading, as you promise yourself just one more chapter until you reach the conclusion which for both story-threads has some unexpected results. Jaime Jo Wright has again worked wonders with her wordcraft and the winner in this is the reader who picks up this newest work. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to turn-of-the-century Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. When the clues she finds lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a postmortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death. 

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman haunting the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.
As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, they must overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined.