To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano - A Book Review

   

Light-hearted fun with a good mystery and a touch of romance, that is To Disguise the Truth in a nutshell. I love following up a serious or intense read with a Jen Turano novel. They are refreshing and uplifting, and To Disguise the Truth is no exception. While one would likely enjoy it as a stand alone read, it will be more thoroughly enjoyed by reading the previous two books in the series and familiarizing oneself with the quirky characters.

Set in the Gilded Age of the late 1800s, it is unusual to find an inquiry (detective) agency owned and fully-staffed by women. These women take a unique approach to their cases, and this time maybe more so because the client is one of their own. Eunice Holbrook has hidden behind widow's weeds and veils for seven years, despite never having been widowed. Now it is time to emerge and discover the identity of her grandfather's murderer.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of To Disguise the Truth from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson - A Book Review

   

In the 18^th century Franz Mesmer developed a therapeutic system that revolved around his theory of an invisible natural force possessed by all living things. He referred to the system as mesmerism. Others referred to it as animal magnetism. It was at a mesmeric hospital that Amelia Pembroke found herself nearing her second year of therapy for her sleeping sickness. A situation that became more and more complicated after the announcement of her doctor's new will, quickly followed by his death.

Twilight at Moorington Cross is filled with as many twists and turns as the seen and hidden passages of the Cluett Mesmeric Hospital. Very little about this book is predictable, and that is a feature I greatly enjoy, a feature that one can count on from author Abigail Wilson. With a gothic flavor, this book of mystery, romance, and intrigue is the perfect read for a cold winter day. I highly recommend it.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Twilight at Moorington Cross from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

   

It is difficult to select a favorite characteristic of To Treasure an Heiress. It might be how the author gives voice to her characters and develops the plot by growing the characters, or it might be the lure of a story that includes a hunt for pirate treasure. The way White includes conflict, but eases the tension with light-hearted comedy is another endearing trait, as is the way she weaves into the story the theme of the importance of family, the one you are born into as well as the ones you are invited into. The traits that make this book great, were also true for the first book in White's The Secrets of the Isles series, The Nature of a Lady. Reading that first book prior to this second book in the series isn't necessary, but will increase the pleasure of reading To Treasure an Heiress.

I highly recommend this delightful story and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of To Treasure an Heiress from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Erin Bartels - A Book Review

   

Erin Bartels is an amazing wordsmith. This is evident in The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. It is an intense story of personal and interpersonal struggles. In spite of the wonderful language in this book, it is slow moving, and the characters unengaging. I stopped reading at thirty-five percent as my thoughts strayed more and more to my next read rather than on the current one.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of his book from Revell via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

   

Set in the Virginia Colony in the 1750s, A Heart Adrift tells the love story of Captain Henri Lennox and chocolatier Esmée Shaw. This is no simple love story as the novel delves into the themes of the value of human life, the worth of all no matter the station of life, and the importance of a life well-lived. Themes our culture would do well to consider.

As always Frantz's research is evident, placing readers securely in the time and place alongside memorable characters. Her writing evokes deep empathy and compassion. She has inspired me to want to once again visit Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown once this pandemic is under greater control. For now, I will sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Heart Adrift from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Maid by Nita Prose - A Book Review

  

The description of this novel sounded wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the first sixteen percent based on my Kindle's record of the amount of text read. I especially loved the author's description of Molly's behaviors that indicated she was highly functioning although was likely on the autism spectrum. I quit reading the book at the seventeen percent mark due to offensive language. I am grateful however for the publisher's providing me with a complimentary copy of The Maid without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

A Stranger's Game by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

    

I have been a big Colleen Coble fan for many years. I have read most, if not all, of her contemporary mystery and romantic suspense stories; my favorites being her Rock Harbor, Pelican Harbor, Hope Beach, and Aloha Reef series. A Stranger's Game is, for the most part, a riveting tale with multiple mysteries converging during Victoria Bergstrom's investigation of her best friend's death. I say for the most part because the final two chapters fall a little flat, as if the author felt rushed to wind up the story. I read an advanced galley copy, so maybe the last two chapters will be a bit more fleshed out in the final release.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Stranger's Game from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt - A Book Review

  

The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron made me long for a Sarasota, Florida vacation to tour the Ca d'Zan estate and museum. High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt reinforced that desire. This book focuses on a fictional trapeze artist, Lucinda Conroy, in the late 1930s, early 1940s and her ancestors in 2022. Both stories play out against the backdrop of John and Mable Ringling's elaborate Ca d'Zan estate. The themes of betrayal and long kept secrets which can only be healed by exposing them to the light is well developed through the story's plot.

While my favorite of the two books remains The Ringmaster's Wife, High-Wire Heartbreak is a very enjoyable read which I do recommend. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.