The Bird of Bedford Manor by Michelle Griep ~ a book review 5 stars !

 

This story is set in England in 1820. Juliet Finch was once the daughter of a wealthy family but after her father suffers financial losses, she is now penniless and living with her disabled aunt in a run down, ramshackle cottage. Their only means of support is the meager sales of her aunts salves and tinctures and whatever Juliet can poach of the land of the neighboring landowner.

Her aunt begs her to stop fearing she will get caught. Poaching could be a death sentence. Unfortunately, she does get caught. Henry Russell, the landowner, gives her a job in exchange for her freedom. His sister, Charity, is being stalked and he hires Juliet to track the culprit.

This is an engaging and compelling story. Faith and Christian values are evident throughout.

Will Juliet be able to determine who is threatening his sister? Will Henry ever really trust Juliet?

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.“

This is a Story full of faith, love and mystery told by a master story teller.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

There are very informative historical notes at the back of the book which are very interesting and helpful.

I don’t very often give a 5 star rating, but this one gets 5 !

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.”

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano ~ a book review

  

Set in Victorian England and based on a real place, this book is an interesting mix of mystery, suspense and adventure.  In 1901, Sydney Forrester is working in her aunt’s curiosity shop. Her specialty is repairing clocks and watches. She has an uncanny ability to know what needs to be tweeked or twisted in order to get them running smoothly. Unfortunately, because of the social restraints on Victorian women, she has to hide the fact that she is the workman.  One day, she has a mysterious visitor to the shop, who leaves her with a strange clock and a riddle and a promise of an inheritance.  In order to claim this inheritance, she must go to Blakely House.

At first, Blakely House seems a bit creepy with its newfangled electricity and lights that mysteriously come on by themselves.  As Sydney discovers more about the house, she is fascinated by all the gadgets and automation.

This is an intriguing story of mystery, suspense, humor, riddles, conspiracy, love and faith.  There is a long list of unusual and quirky characters that add a uniqueness to the story. When Sydney first arrives at the house, she discovers that there are more heirs that are trying to prove their right to the fortune. It seems that, in order to inherit, they must participate in a mysterious contest. Her skills enable her to accomplish the tests.  The other “cousins” are threatened by her.  She is often in dangerous situations but her spunkiness pulls her through. You are constantly guessing about who is doing what and why is it happening.  Who can Sydney trust to keep her safe?  And who is mysteriously helping her?

This is from the publisher’s website: 

“A clever young woman, a contested will, and an estate that does not easily give up its secrets.

It is 1901 when clockmaker and tinker Sydney Forrester receives a most unusual inheritance. Blakely House, the island estate of an estranged uncle she's never met, seems almost alive, revealing and hiding its secrets at will. It is filled with remarkable inventions, including an intriguing unfinished automaton Sydney is itching to get her skilled hands on.

The estate is also home to a number of peculiar people--including two men intent on removing this interloper from the island. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will.”

 The reader is kept guessing, through all the plot twist and turns and puzzles, to the very end.

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

There is a definite Christian salvation message but it is not overwhelming.

I really enjoyed this ‘steam-punk meets faith’ story.

 

I received a complimentary ARC 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.”

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.”

Love and Order by Jennifer Uhlarik ~ a book review

This is a very entertaining story set in the Colorado Territory in 1873. I will preface this review by saying I was reading an advanced reader copy that may not be the same as the final revised published version. That being said, this was a story that drew me in and kept my attention to the end.

The story has a long list of characters and the publisher has included a list at the beginning of the book which is very helpful.

Calliope (Callie) is a female Pinkerton agent, who is under cover as Miss Jarrett and on the trail of a serial killer. She is accompanied by a fellow agent, Joe Trenamen, posing as Mr. Nesbitt. While they are conducting their investigation, Callie is also on a search for her brother and sister. They had all been on an orphan train and adopted by different families. Along the way, Callie and Joe realize they are attracted to each other but resist their feelings.

While Callie is undercover, she finds her brother but can’t tell him who she is for fear of exposing her mission. As it turns out , her brother, Rion, becomes the main suspect in the murders and Callie determines to clear his name. Someone is obviously framing him, but who and why?

This story does not shy away from the importance of faith and prayer. However, it does not come across as too preachy.

The only complaint I had with this ARC, is one that I hope was resolved in the final publication. While Callie is undercover, the only person who knows her true identity is Joe. But, at one point, Hattie,the daughter of the woman who runs the boarding house, gives her a telegram addressed to Calliope Wilson from her sister, Andie. Unless I missed something, Hattie only knew her as Miss Jarrett. As I said, this may have been corrected in the final revision.

This story is packed with adventure, suspense, mystery and love. It is obvious that the author had done a lot or research on life in the old west and especially in the court system.

This is from the publisher’s website:

"Wanted: Family, Love, and Justice

Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.

Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie’s childhood, she must choose between two men she loves.
 
Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side?
 
In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead.
 
Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion’s lives?”

This is a clean, Christian faith based, exciting historical romance. Readers of Christian romance will not be disappointed.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley through their ARC 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.”

 

The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham ~ a book review

 

Humor, suspense, mayhem, mystery, betrayal, love, faith and devotion all rolled into one delightful historical novel.

This is the fourth book in Pepper Basham’s the Freddie and Grace Mystery series. While it is very much a stand alone story, the reader may benefit from reading the previous books.

The story begins with Freddie and Grace returning from their honeymoon with a newly adopted daughter form Cairo, Zahra. Her presence in the story brings humor with her matter-of-fact personality.

Freddie surprises Grace with a trip to her father’s home.  When they arrive they discover he has sold the family home and has moved. They visit her sister, Lillias, who previously had tried to trick Freddie into marrying her. Instead, she ends up marrying someone else and is not happy.  Grace discovers that her deseased mother has left them an estate in Scotland but in order to claim it, they must go together within a specific time frame.  Unfortunately, the mysterious death of Lillias’s husband puts a damper on their plans. Freddie and Grace must solve the murder before they can leave for Scotland. A series of mishaps, danger and threats slow their progress.  While Freddie and Grace’s marriage started under strained circumstances, their love, support and devotion to each other, and their faith in God, carries them through the stressful circumstances.

Who are the villains?  Who can be trusted? 

The author weaves humor into the suspense which makes it a joy to read!

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister
 
Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.
 
The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.
 
With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.”

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

Pepper Basham’s stories are always delightfully entertaining and spiritually uplifting. 

Go HERE to learn more about Pepper Basham and her books 

 

 

I received a complimentary **ARC of this book from the publisher 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.