WONDERFUL CHARACTERS FRAME THIS FUN & MYSTERIOUS STORY

My cat Max >^..^<

 November 1866, New York City

OPENING LINE "It was becoming evident that she, Miss Gabriella Goodhue, might very well be arrested in the not-too-distant future, and all because she'd convinced herself that sneaking into a high-society costume ball would be a relatively easy feat, given her past life as a street thief."

Tea Quote: "Perhaps we'll spread it about that Mrs. Kaffenburgh is taking tea at Rutherford & Company. I've heard the tearoom there is quite lovely, and it's a place many ladies seek out after a day of shopping."

This story is full of laugh-out-loud humor. "I'd decided to take off my spectacles after remembering that they hardly suit my Cleopatra costume. I'm afraid to say I landed in the gentlemen's retiring room instead of the ladies'."

"As they ate, Nicholas found he couldn't remember a meal he'd enjoyed more.  Conversations ran rampant around the table, but the topics weren't confined to matters of fashion or the weather. Talk revolved around the latest articles in the newspapers, and then politics, but not for long since no one could agree on that topic, and then little tidbits that had happened to everyone throughout the day."

"Do you believe that God might not have abandoned me after all?"

Very well-written story and highly recommended. I enjoyed the many characters who each seem to have a story of their own to share.  Book 1 really lends itself to future stories and a plethora of interesting people (and animals) to write about.

I was gifted a book, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

Bethany House Publishing, 368 Pages, (c) 2020, The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency Book 1

((5 Stars))

((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

Connect with Jen Turano Here

Sacred Honor - Saberton Legacy book 3 by Lori Bates Wright

 

A NICE POST-CIVIL WAR ERA ROMANCE

As the civil war has recently ended, there is much damage left behind, and much repair to be done. Further, somebody needs to be held responsible. Zach Saberton, youngest of the 3 brothers has been declared dead in an effort to avoid having blame pinned on him as a major contributor to the South’s war efforts. Aurora, his young betrothed, while grieving, has not lost all hope. Eventually, it is proven Zach is alive, but to gain his freedom he must help the new government gain lost gold that has found its way to England.
Aurora won’t be left behind to worry and grieve any longer, and follows Zach headlong into danger. Zach is continually thinking on his feet, worrying about his countrymen, and especially Aurora as well as their future.

FAITH QUOTE: God used music to fill her senses and soothe her soul in ways words never could.

TEA QUOTE: Minutes later, the two of them sat before a cozy fire upstairs in Aurora’s sitting room. Cups in hand, they exchanged pleasantries as if they were old friends. Noticeably more relaxed than Aurora had ever seen her, Lily had a slow smile and quick wit that had made Aurora and Emme snicker more than once.

The story gains speed about halfway through and the Pinkerton addition was especially intriguing.

I appreciated the historical notes at the end and the sweet tuck-ins included in the package.

I purchased this book direct from the author’s website which included lovely packaging, autographed book, bookmark, recipe card and magnet. All opinions are mine alone. Gorgeous cover by Roseanne White Designs.

3 Stars = "Good" 

This is book 3 in the Saberton Legacy Series

Catch up with Lori
Bates Wright Here

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

 

Pre-order before Dec. 1 and save 40% 

Publisher's Synopsis: Laura Callaway lives in Cornwall with distant relatives after the deaths of her parents. One night, during a shipwreck, a man is washed ashore. As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence mounting against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents’ fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

My Review: ***VERY EXCITING, EDGE OF THE SEAT READ***

Floatsam: any goods floating on the sea where a ship has sunk or been cast away

Jetsam: Anything purposely cast out of a ship when in danger, in hopes of saving it, or at least lightening the load.

1813, N. Cornwall, England - "Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here in Cornwall, so far from my childhood home. I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents, and left wanting answers.  Is there a plan in all this?  Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance, the mysterious ebb and flow of chance?" Laura spends her days rescuing things from the sea, and trying to return them where they belong.  Only now, she's rescuing a man. 

Alexander is trying to get home to his father and brother before it's too late.  But there is a war on and he has a past they may yet catch up to him, interfering with his goal. "He did believe the Almighty heard his prayers, although God had not promised he would not suffer. I enjoyed learning about the hurdy-gurdy.  If you look it up on Wikipedia you can actually hear a sample.  I also loved how Jago called her Our Laura, just like in the BBC series, Lark Rise to Candleford.

Tea Moment: Laura rose and put the kettle on.  A few minutes later, refreshed by tea and shared cake, Laura urged, "One more?" Mary smiled. "What shall it be this time? Smuggler? Pirates? Shipwrecks?" Laura nodded. "Yes please. All three." Outside the wind continued to rise, and Mary began another story.

I was gifted a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine alone without compensation or expectation.  I am happy to recommend this novel for those who enjoy clean, historic English romance with a bit of danger & a gorgeous, shimmery cover!

5 Stars (excellent)

Catch up with Julie
Klassen here