The Black Midnight by Kathleen Y'Barbo - A Book Review

    

This book is a great example of truth being stranger than fiction. I loved the story, but thought parts of it weren't very realistic only to learn from the author's notes at the end of the book that those were the true parts of the story! The story explored a serial killer who operated in Austin, Texas in the mid-1880s and a serial killer in London a few years later. While the police investigated, two Pinkerton agents are also on the perpetrators' trails. The question is, are the two killers one and the same?

I have enjoyed Y'Barbo's books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and am thrilled for her to have joined Barbour's True Colors series. She is a wonderful author and a thorough researcher. I recommend this book, series, and author. I am grateful to have received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo - A Book Review

     

As I read I saw the percentage quickly rise in the bottom corner of my Kindle screen and knew this book would end much too quickly. The Chisholm Trail Bride is the story of Eliza Gentry, daughter of the wealthy rancher, William Gentry, and Wyatt Creed, son of an alcoholic Texas Ranger. An unexpected and deadly event during a spring trail ride on the Chisholm Trail left their friendship fractured and filled with deceit. Nine years later they continued to live with the ramifications.

I really enjoyed this story although I will admit I wish it had ended on July 27, 1889. I won't spoil the story by telling you why. I do highly recommend this book and series. Each contributing author to the series is a stellar storyteller and accomplished writer. I am very grateful to have received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo - A Book Review

The Alamo Bride is the seventh book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series, and the second penned by Kathleen Y'Barbo. It is the story of Ellis Valmont, great granddaughter of Maribel Cordoba from The Pirate Bride. Ellis is the adult daughter, the only girl with three living brothers, of Boyd and Sophia Valmont. She is learning the healing skills of the time from her mother, skills that possibly save her own life as well as the lives of others, including Claiborne “Clay” Gentry. Clay is on a secret mission for President Andrew Jackson, one that might have great influence on the Texas war for independence from Mexico. The circumstances that bring these two together may make their cooperation essential.

As always Y'Barbo's notes enlighten the readers as to the realities of the time period she is writing about. Being a self-described “history nerd” helps to breath life into her characters. This is a wonderful series and Y'Barbo's contributions to it are exceptional. I am grateful to have received a copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo - A Book Review

    

     The Pirate Bride is the second book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book in this series, which tells the story of Mary Chapman, William Lytton and some that number among their descendants, is written by a different author. This story recounts the adventures of Maribel Cardoba, Mary and William Lytton’s great granddaughter. Maribel’s mother left the Colonies and her family to marry Spaniard, Antonio Cordoba. She soon realized that Cordoba was not a man of integrity, but fortunately his father was because she needed his support once Antonio kidnapped their daughter only to lose her at sea. Maribel, always one to romanticize adventure was thrilled to end up as an unlikely crew member about a privateer’s ship until she was once again lost at sea.

     Those of us who are avid readers will feel a kinship with Maribel whose favorite pastime is to get lost in a book in out of the way places. This book is one that will make one want to do just that. Maribel’s forthright nature makes her all the more endearing as does her ability to cheerfully adapt to her circumstances. Her refreshing honesty and spirit are not lost on the crew of the privateer’s ship or on its captain, resulting in relationships that stand the test of time and of hard times.

      Y’Barbo did a wonderful job of developing her characters, and of whisking her readers into the various settings within this story. My only concern was that the ending felt a bit rushed, as if Y’Barbo had spent a great deal of time developing her plot and all of a sudden realized she was running out of pages. That said, I would still recommend this well-researched book to friends and family who love historical fiction and quirky characters.  I thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Pirate Bride in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation.