The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder

 

This story begins in 1818 in Cornwall England. Maggie lives with her uncle and helps him run the local apothecary shop. Her uncle is very protective of her so when Tom and Maggie fall in love, he refuses to allow them to spend time together. She sneaks out to meet with Tom, often at night, taking walks by the Cornwall coast. One night, upon returning home she interrupts a break-in at her uncles shop. She is badly injured and loses her memory. She is rescued and is given refuge in the household of Lord Cunnigham.

Fearing that her life might be in danger, Lord Cunningham keeps a very close eye on her offers her protection.

There are several mysteries that may be connected. Why does he take her in and let her stay there while she recovers? Why is someone trying to kill her? Who can she trust? Will she ever remember her past life and the love she had for Tom? And why, if her life is in danger, is she frequently venturing out on her own so much? That was confusing to me.

This is a clean, suspenseful mystery with an interesting plot. It is not a fast read and has very little faith element.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.”

The author does a great job taking the reader into Regency England. You can almost smell the spray blowing off the Cornwall coast. If you love mystery and suspense, this book has it. If you prefer more of an element of faith, this might not be your cup of tea, but you wont find anything offensive or inappropriate either.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham ~ a book review

This book is a witty, contemporary romance set in Scotland. It is not overly religious but faith does play an underlying role in the story. I particularly liked the Scottish touches included in the story. The author includes cultural, historical details and folklore as well as local dialect.

The story is told from both Katie’s and Graeme’s point of view. It switches back and forth and gets a bit confusing until you get used to it.

Katie is a third generation Scottish American and is tasked with writing a travel article involving a three week stay in a historic house, and participating in an “Edwardian Experience”. She must dress and behave as if she were living in the Edwardian age. Katie has the misfortune of finding herself in embarrassing situations which earns her the on line blog name of Miss Adventure. Almost immediately after arriving at the holiday house, she finds herself in one of those situations. She literally crashes into the owner of the home, Graeme.

Graeme and his mother own the estate and have rented it out to the Edwardian Experience. He is a bit of a grump and is not happy that finances necessitate having to rent it out. He lives in a small cottage and has custody of his young orphaned nephew.

Dispite the fact that they are both reluctant to develop a friendship, they find themselves drawn to each other. While they are alike in some ways, like their physically tall stature, they are different in that Graeme is content to stay settled in Scotland, while Katie loves to move around and find new adventures.

This is what the publisher’s website says:

“She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together? Some Like It Scot is "a charming, comedic romance ideal for armchair travelers" (Publishers Weekly) set in Scotland, perfect for fans of Sarah Adams and Emma St. Clair.

Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people's stories. She's built a career as "Miss Adventure," known for saying yes to anything new--country, food, or experience--and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures.

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman.

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn't venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme's comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister's death, he's even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan.

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what's familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life's story when "home" is in two very different places? But maybe home--and the future--isn't quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person.

Grab your wellies and step into Some Like It Scot--a heartfelt, hilarious, and clean grumpy/sunshine rom-com with a soft Scottish brogue, a mischievous macaw, Edwardian antics, and more than a few misadventures courtesy of one larger-than-life travel writer and one very guarded Highlander. This isn't just another "hot Scot" romance--though yes, Graeme MacKerrow does play the brooding hero perfectly--it's also a slow-building journey of healing, faith, and found family.”

You can go here to read an excerpt 

If you like entertaining, enjoyable, sometimes comical and witty stories that are not overly religious but have an underlying faith element, you will like this one. This author delivers cozy, sweet, clean romances that will have you chuckling from the first page to the last.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson
Fiction and Netgalley through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lady Graceless by Kate Archer ~ a book review

 

If you are looking for a humorous, historical story with eccentric characters this is the one for you. It is book number two of the ‘A series of Senseless Complications’ series.

This is listed as historical Christian romance but for readers who are looking for in depth faith, this might not be the one for them. However, it is definitely clean and I found nothing objectionable or inappropriate. It just doesn’t delve into the faith and doctrine that some readers might want. That being said, this is a very enjoyable and whimsical story full of interesting characters, comical situations and plot twists and turns.

This story is set in England in 1802.

Grace is the daughter of the Duke of Pelham. A notorious liar but loving, good natured father whose main desire in life is to see his beautiful daughters married and “out of his care”.

Grace is known for her sweet nature and loves her family deeply but her clumsiness frequently ends with her in a heap on the floor at the oddest times.

She has two main suitors and at times the reader is left wondering who is the good guy and who is the villain.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all the dastardly deeds and quirky situations and was for the most part, lighthearted.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“He’s shipwrecked himself on a beach. She happens to be standing on that beach. A beginning that dreams are made of, had he not a cousin who wants his title.

The Duke of Pelham is once more poised to bring the Nicolets to London and assault society once more. He’s got seven daughters to get rid of, and now he’s on to number two. Lady Grace Nicolet will make her debut. Unfortunately, she has the unique ability to find herself on the floor at the most awkward moments. She lives in terror that people will notice her clumsiness and make a joke of her name.

As the Nicolets set off from the Yorkshire Dales, the duke has the idea to meander to the coast so his girls might get their first glimpse of the sea. On arrival, they get more of a view than they’d anticipated. Miles Delatore, Viscount Dashlend, eldest son of the Earl of Gravesend, has spent two days adrift in his sloop and has just washed up on the beach. A duke’s daughter on her way to Town to find her husband encounters the heir to an earldom? They find each other wildly attractive and exceedingly genial? There is every reason in the world that a match should proceed.

Of course, it would, if it were not for a certain Baron Montclave. That fellow will become the Earl of Gravesend’s heir—if Dashlend dies before producing an issue. Thus far, it has seemed a likely eventuality, as Dashlend has been busy putting his life in danger in every conceivable manner. Montclave’s hopes had leapt to the sky when his cousin was reported lost at sea. But then, Dashlend did not stay lost.

Is Montclave to sit back and simply watch his future fade away?

A determined lord, a dizzy lady, and a desperate climber take the ton on another unnecessarily fraught ride through London’s season.”

If you like clean, comical historical romance, then you won’t want to miss this one.

Go HERE to read an excerpt and to learn more about the author and  the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Secrets Between the Shelves, 4 Cozy Mysteries ~ a book review

 

Murder in the Mystery Section by Cynthia Hickey

The Secret Passage by Linda Baten Johnson

By Hook or by Book by Teresa Ives Lilly

The Missing Chapter by Marilyn Turk

This is a collection of four clean, contemporary mysteries in bookshop settings with varying degrees of elements of Christian faith.

In the first story, Murder in the Mystery Section, Amber, the owner of the local bookshop, has purchased some rare books. One of the local residents, Mrs. Peabody, claims that the books were stolen from her and that Amber has purchased stolen property. She demands that Amber return the books to her. Unfortunately, Mrs. Peabody is murdered in Amber’s bookshop and Amber is their main suspect. Mrs. Peabody’s nephew, Brandt, comes to town and wants to ascertain what was so special about the books that someone would kill his aunt for them. He and Amber find themselves working together to solve the mystery.  Are the books a treasure map? And if so, what is the treasure? Will Amber and Brandt’s blossoming relationship survive the revelation? This story is fast paced and easy to read with minimal faith elements.

The second selection, The Secret passage, Abbie bought a local building where she plans to open a bookshop and also works for a local rancher, Ben. He employs troubled youths in the hopes of helping them rehabilitating them.  One day when Abbie is working in the building, she is attacked. Once she recovers, she and her friend Zach begin working on the renovations. She enters the shop one day and discovers the dead body of a young girl. In the process of renovations, they discover a secret door that leads to a secret room, apparently used for runaways to take shelter in. How did runaways know about the secret room? Is someone helping them? Will Zach and Abbie develop more than a friendship while renovating the building and solving mysteries? This story is easy to read and involves a strong element of faith.

In By Hook or by Book, the third story in the collection, Lily Carter has moved back home and opens a pirate themed bookstore in honor of local folklore. Someone tries to break into Lily’s bookstore and Dwayne Forgione, a policeman who loves to tell jokes, is sent to investigate. As the story progresses, there are two murders. One in front of the local thrift store, owned by Lily’s mother’s best friend Katie and the other in Lily’s shop. The list of suspects is plentiful. What was the murdered person looking for? Will Lily and Dwayne solve the mystery? Will they forge a lasting relationship?  This story has a strong element of Christian faith and is an enjoyable who-dunit.

The final story of the collection is the longest of the four. Kelly moves to town and plans to open an art shop highlighting local artists. She meets Jeb, the owner of the local bookshop reading room, who has secrets. The locals suspect he had something to do with the disappearance of his wife. The rumor is that he killed her and set his large mansion on fire to cover up the crime.  There is no proof he was involved and no body was ever found. He prefers to keep the truth private.  When a local woman, Bunny, dies in his shop, the old rumors emerge. Kelly is determined to discover the truth and forms a friendship with Jeb. Was Bunny’s death a result of natural causes or was there foul play involved? Will Kelly and Jeb learn to trust each other and allow their friendship to grow? Will the mysteries of Jeb’s wife’s death and Bunny’s death be solved?

This was a fun story to read, not heavy or dark, very clean with an element of faith that was not pushy or preachy. 

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Mysteries Leap Off the Page
 
Murder and mayhem haunt four newly-opened bookstores.
 
The mysteries enjoyed in books come to life, threatening four businesses. Amber’s new bookshop and tearoom draws rare book collectors, but when one ends up dead in the mystery section, the shop’s future is questionable. Lilly’s pirate themed bookshop fits right into Harbor Inn, Maine, but she never expected to find a young pirate dead on her shop’s floor. Abby opens Secret Passages Bookshop in a Wyoming mountain town, not realizing her historic building held a real secret passage and a missing teenager. Lauren moves to Florida and frequents the Seaside Books and Reading Room, where she is strangely attracted to the owner—who is suspected of killing his wife. Can the store owners and their patrons solve the mysteries before their businesses go under?”

All four of these stories are easy to read with varying degrees of Christian faith involved.  All are clean with no objectionable language or inappropriate intimacy.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the Barbour publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed  are my own.

(A word about ARC books.   Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing. My reviews may include some things that vary from the final published book.)

 

The Christmas Tree Farm, A Christmas novella by Melody Carlson

Madison returns to the family Christmas tree farm after spending many years overseas teaching. The farm and surrounding areas , have suffered from a devastating wild fire. Madison’s sister, Addie remained on the farm to care for her father and grandparents.  The sisters disagree on what they should do with the farm. Addie has had enough and wants to sell it. Madison wants to bring the farm back to it’s former success. Madison’s former boyfriend, Gavin, has also returned and lives next door with his daughters.  He never really explained why he stop his relationship with Madison and married someone else so quickly.  Addie, having lived next to Gavin for the last few years has developed feelings for him.  Madison befriends Gavin’s youngest daughter, Lilly. She and Gavin help Madison replant, over Addie’s objections.  The sister’s relationship suffers and tensions are high. Addie behaves rather badly toward Madison, but Madison tries to treat Addie with kindness, understanding and patience.

This story is about self-sacrifice, forgivness and reconciliation.  This is a clean, enjoyable story that is not overly “Christmasy” and while Christian faith is present, it’s minimal.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Christmas is the perfect time for old memories, new beginnings, and second chances

When Madison McDowell returns from teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, Madison's former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break her heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will require a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a Christmas miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.”

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Go HERE to learn more about Melody Carlson and her books 

 

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”