Thank you Zbig Nienacki and Tom Pinch for bringing this Polish national treasure to America. Mr. Wheels and the Templar Treasure is a fast-paced, enteThank you Zbig Nienacki and Tom Pinch for bringing this Polish national treasure to America. Mr. Wheels and the Templar Treasure is a fast-paced, entertaining adventure wherein the intrepid art detective sets off with a group of boy scouts to find the lost treasure of the Knights Templar, which is, quite possibly, hidden in Poland. There are so many wonderful twists and turns in the story, it feels like a ride on a roller coaster. Mr. Wheels is so much fun, you wish he was your neighbor. The villains are more along the lines of Arsene Lupin, gentleman (and lady) thieves. While there’s plenty of action, no one gets killed, and there’s no graphic violence.
This series of books is hugely popular in Eastern Europe, and I can see why. It’s a rollicking good time with impeccably researched history. There are photos and maps to make the story more interesting. I just can’t say enough good things about this book! Read it. You’ll laugh. You’ll learn. You’ll never want it to end.
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Maggie has spent almost her entire life in the foundling hospital where she was raised. When a doctor hires her to take care of his patient, whom he cMaggie has spent almost her entire life in the foundling hospital where she was raised. When a doctor hires her to take care of his patient, whom he considers an irredeemable lunatic, she’s thrust into a completely different world. When she finds out that the “lunatic” is actually a sweet, gentle young man she is surprised but touched by his plight. As time goes on and she witnesses the doctor’s cruelty to Edward and the toll it takes on him, she realizes she becomes his protector.
Edward has been locked for years in a cottage with the bare necessities for life and treated more like an animal than a man. He’s never known friendship or love and is convinced that he deserves the treatment he receives. Then he meets Maggie. Her kindness and gentleness help him gain confidence and come out of his shell. The two develop a sweet friendship.
Then their world gets turned upside down. Edward’s father and brother die, and he’s dragged back to his “home” to become the new Duke of Buckingham. His mother decides he needs to marry and provide an heir before the end of the season to ensure the ducal line. She doesn’t care what happens to him afterwards. Edward refuses to do what she wants unless Maggie is with him.
The two friends go through the season together with various obstacles trying to pull them apart. Their story is a lovely example of the healing power of love. It’s a clean romance with a sweet story. The characters are realistic and likeable. I’ve never been so happy at the end of a book as I was at this one. Ms. Addey’s research is impeccable and really draws you into the story. Her depiction of the treatment of mental illness in the Regency period is heartbreaking and hard to read, but it adds to the understanding of Edward’s character and makes you want his happiness even more.
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Suzanne Rudd Hamilton can write anything—romance, family sagas, women’s’ stories and mysteries. Her Beck’s Rules mystery series is a dual timeline serSuzanne Rudd Hamilton can write anything—romance, family sagas, women’s’ stories and mysteries. Her Beck’s Rules mystery series is a dual timeline series with City Editor Buc Edwards trying to solve the 50-year-old disappearance of his mentor May Beck. The other part of the timeline involves May’s investigative journalism and mystery solving.
When Walls Talk is the second book in the series, but the story takes place before the one in Beck’s Rules. We get to meet May and follow her as she relentlessly pursues a story about counterfeiting, murder and the plight of a young woman unjustly thrown into a mental institution.
Like in all of Ms. Hamilton’s books, the characters are so well written and realistic that you can’t help getting emotionally invested in them. Her historical research is impeccable. You really feel like you’re walking the streets of Chicago with May and Buc. This is a fantastic book in a fantastic series, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
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Befriending Burgess is a sweet, clean Regency romance that will keep you captivated till the very end. Rose Nottingham and Frederick St. John wouldn'tBefriending Burgess is a sweet, clean Regency romance that will keep you captivated till the very end. Rose Nottingham and Frederick St. John wouldn't seem to have anything in common other than the recent loss of their fathers. Her loss has left her in genteel poverty, while his has left him Duke of Burgess, a title that he doesn't feel ready for or want. Oh, and he has to find a wife. Now.
After he helps Rose deal with a nasty shopkeeper, the two form an unlikely friendship. Rose agrees to help him find a wife, but of course things don't go according to plan.
I loved seeing their relationship develop and see their feelings for each other grow from friendship to something more. The characters are relatable and realistic, and Ms. Lim's excellent research makes this a delightfully entertaining trip to Regency England. This is the fifth book in a series, and although you can read it by itself, I'd recommend reading the whole series. There isn’t a bad book in the bunch.
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Her instructions and explanations are thorough and easy to understand, making it easy for even the most novice baker to create delicious treats. I appHer instructions and explanations are thorough and easy to understand, making it easy for even the most novice baker to create delicious treats. I appreciate that she uses both cup measurements and weights for her ingredients. The photos are gorgeous! You can practically smell the heavenly chocolaty goodness.
She offers great tips and tricks too, like sifting the add ins (like chopped cookies and broken pretzels) for your chocolate bark to get rid of dust, making the finished product much prettier. I’m a cookie freak, and I was excited to try her Strawberry and Cream cookies and the Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate shortbread. Both of them were delicious! And don’t even get me started on the White Chocolate Chai Doodles! There’s even a section devoted to snacking cakes that are perfect for when a regular size cake is just too much.
Her use of unusual ingredients like goat cheese, miso and rye flour is exciting. But there are a lot of more traditional recipes too. There’s something for every chocoholic in this book. And Ms. Song’s clear and concise instructions will make you feel like a baking pro! I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Kat Lawson's father, a pilot from WWII, finds out that the remains of his plane have been found by a historian in Budapest. He sends Kat to find the pKat Lawson's father, a pilot from WWII, finds out that the remains of his plane have been found by a historian in Budapest. He sends Kat to find the plane and reconnect him with the boy and young woman who saved him and his friends during a failed bombing mission.
Kat goes to Hungary, convinced she’s on a wild goose chase and ends up caught in an international art theft ring. The story moves quickly, and I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last page. Nancy Cole Silverman has written a great mystery combining a plot that keeps you guessing with relatable characters and enough historical research to create a thoroughly entertaining book that's both a tantalizing mystery and a heartwarming story about friends and family.
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Doro Banyon is a professor of Library Sciences at Michaw College. She’s also a mystery writer and amateur sleuth. In this, the fourth book in the seriDoro Banyon is a professor of Library Sciences at Michaw College. She’s also a mystery writer and amateur sleuth. In this, the fourth book in the series, Doro, her best friend Aggie and Doro’s grandmother are returning home after spending the summer visiting Doro’s parents in Colorado.
During a storm, the part of the train they’re on gets separated and stuck in the middle of nowhere. If that wasn’t stressful enough, an incredibly obnoxious and horrible fellow professor is murdered while getting a midnight snack. There’s no shortage of suspects, and soon Doro and Aggie are up to their necks in clues, suspects and suspicious characters.
I had a couple of problems with the book. Doro’s “they wouldn’t treat me this way if I was a man” attitude got a little tiring after a while, and there was a really long buildup to the murder because page after page after page was spent telling us how awful Professor Mather was. Other than these two minor complaints, I really enjoyed the story. The characters are a lot of fun, as always, and Ms. Lang’s research is impeccable. You get a real feeling for the time period with her descriptions and characters.
All in all, it’s not the best of the series, but it’s a fun book and an entertaining light read.
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Artemis Thornton is a thief. She doesn’t steal big things or expensive items. She takes small insignificant trinkets. And she only steals them to puniArtemis Thornton is a thief. She doesn’t steal big things or expensive items. She takes small insignificant trinkets. And she only steals them to punish people who are mean to her identical sister Apollonia. When she gets caught in the act by Isaac Hartley, the newly minted Earl of Weston, she’s forced to put back the trinket she was stealing and is not pleased. She’s even less pleased when she meets him a few minutes later, and he acts like they’ve never met. She’s almost convinced he’s crazy until she sees his identical twin across the ballroom arguing with her identical twin.
Isaac Hartley has enough on his plate dealing with his new rank and status, a brother who’s as flighty as Isaac is serious, and a mother whose mental illness is getting worse and worse.
When their siblings fall in serious love at first sight, Isaac and Artemis reluctantly team up to break up the budding romance, each for their own reasons. What happens next is a mixture of mistaken identity, shenanigans, a possible elopement, and a thrilling ride to save a woman in danger.
This book is just wonderful! Sariah Drake’s characters are, as usual, beautifully written. They’re so perfectly imperfect, you can’t help fall in love with them. I think this is the best book in the series. Artemis and Isaac each have their own demons, but their hearts are good and kind. Apollonia and Stephen (Isaac’s) twin are charming and sweet. My only complaint about this book is that it’s the last one in the Ladies of Accomplishment series. Boo.
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This latest offering in J.L. Buck’s Viscount Ware Mysteries is the best one yet. Anne Ashburn is on a trip to the shore when she finds the body of a dThis latest offering in J.L. Buck’s Viscount Ware Mysteries is the best one yet. Anne Ashburn is on a trip to the shore when she finds the body of a dead young woman in a cave. When she takes the constable back to recover it, the body is gone. The constable and town magistrate think she’s a liar, and people are whispering behind her back about tourists who will do anything to get attention. Of course, she sends a letter to her friend, Lucien, Viscount Ware, who just happens to be a secret agent for the government.
Meanwhile, Lucien and his partner Andrew Sherbourne are trying to find a French spy who is involved with the Spanish embassy in London. The spy has kidnapped the daughter of an official in the house and is forcing him spy or he’ll kill the man’s daughter.
Could the young woman Anne found be the missing Spanish woman? Lucien heads to the shore to find out. What follows is a story that beautifully combines history, mystery, and a sweet story of the budding relationship between Anne and Lucien.
I love the characters in this book. They’re realistic and human and so imperfectly perfect. Ms. Buck’s use of period details is fantastic. You really feel like you’re there on the docks with the riff-raff, or in the ballroom with the ton, or walking the streets of a seaside town window shopping. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and I didn’t stop reading until I finished the last page.
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In Regency era England, Miss Felicity Blackburn meets an arrogant but dashing nobleman, who irritates her to no end with his arrogance and pride and iIn Regency era England, Miss Felicity Blackburn meets an arrogant but dashing nobleman, who irritates her to no end with his arrogance and pride and is wooed by an obnoxious clergyman, who just happens to be her cousin. If this story sounds familiar, it might just be because Felicity’s best friend is a young lady name Jane Austen.
While Jane helps Felicity navigate her way through the gigantic romantic quagmire she finds herself in, she might just be taking notes for the new novel she’s writing.
Angela Pearse has written a delightful and witty story filled with humor and warmth. It’s a fun read with entertaining characters and situations that will have you laughing and shaking your head at the same time.
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Carly Winter has written another great entry in the Heywood Hounds series. In this installment, someone has framed Gina for murdering the owner of a dCarly Winter has written another great entry in the Heywood Hounds series. In this installment, someone has framed Gina for murdering the owner of a dive bar. She knows the town sheriff isn’t going to look any further at suspects and would be happy to see her locked up for life. Therefore, she’s going to have to solve the crime on her own.
It’s a fun story, with an excellent cast of characters. I love the relationship between Gina and Trevor. Their romance is sweet, but realistic. I do have to say, though, that Daisy is a complete jerk in this book. She’s downright nasty to Gina in a way that made me want to call her “Bad dog” and send her to her room without treats.
If you like light mysteries with humor and heart, read this book. In fact, read the whole series.
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Such a sweet story! Leila and Jules are realistic and charming. Jules is definitely swoon-worthy. Which isn’t surprising because Ms. Golden’s heroes aSuch a sweet story! Leila and Jules are realistic and charming. Jules is definitely swoon-worthy. Which isn’t surprising because Ms. Golden’s heroes are always dashing and utter perfection. Leila is feisty and intelligent. The two of them together are just magical.
The story is delightful, as are the short stories that follow the main event. It’s a wonderful book that, although part of a series, is a great standalone read. But read the rest of the series too because the stories are just that good!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
What can I say about this book? It’s charming, sweet, and romantic. If you want a delightful feel-good romance, this is it! Iris Lim has written a beaWhat can I say about this book? It’s charming, sweet, and romantic. If you want a delightful feel-good romance, this is it! Iris Lim has written a beautiful story with characters who are so human and likeable. I loved the interaction between Mary and William. They’re so sweet together. Personally, I think he’s the perfect Regency hero. One of the biggest things I liked about this book is that it’s a “slice of life” kind of story. There’s no evil villain, no last-minute rescues, no overwrought drama, and the story doesn’t need any of these things. It’s just a beautiful story of two hearts looking for a home. I absolutely loved it. In fact, I can definitely see myself rereading it when I’m having a bad day and need a pick me up.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
This series just keeps getting better and better! In this entry, the LaFontaine is host to musicians from the Diamond Music awards. When a band’s leadThis series just keeps getting better and better! In this entry, the LaFontaine is host to musicians from the Diamond Music awards. When a band’s lead singer ends up dead, there’s no shortage of suspects. Unfortunately, Ivy’s not just trying to solve a murder. She’s dealing with personal attacks as well. In addition to the new maid pursuing her fella, someone is trying to ruin her reputation.
As usual, Ivy and the gang are at their crime-solving best. The characters are fun. They’re the group of best friends anyone would love to hang out with. Max is swoon-worthy. They mystery is full of enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. It’s just a great book!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow! What a great book! This time Kat is undercover in Germany dealing with art thieves. Ms. Silverman lived in Germany for a time, and it shows in heWow! What a great book! This time Kat is undercover in Germany dealing with art thieves. Ms. Silverman lived in Germany for a time, and it shows in her storytelling. Her descriptions of characters and places make you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. The plot centers around stolen artwork from WWII, and it is fascinating!! The mystery is entertaining and well-plotted. Kat is intelligent and believable. The supporting cast is equally well done. All in all, it's an excellent mystery. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
An excellent entry into the Kat Lawson Mystery series. It's a thoroughly entertaining mystery with a great cast of characters and a plot that is well-An excellent entry into the Kat Lawson Mystery series. It's a thoroughly entertaining mystery with a great cast of characters and a plot that is well-written and full of enough twists and turns to keep you reading through the night up to the last page.
Nancy Cole Silverman is an excellent author. Her descriptions of characters and locations put you right there in the center of the action. It's a great mystery and an intelligent story. I absolutely loved it!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
Oliver Fernley is the youngest brother in the family and a musical prodigy who is wasting his life teaching music to kids who would rather be doing anOliver Fernley is the youngest brother in the family and a musical prodigy who is wasting his life teaching music to kids who would rather be doing anything else. One night during a drunken bender he brags that he could win the heart of any woman in the land. His friend(?) bets Oliver that he cannot win the heart of Hannah Anderson, the diamond of the season before he does. Oliver takes the bet on the condition that the young lady’s reputation will not be compromised, and they only have 10 days, until the Fernley ball to end the bet.
Meanwhile, Hannah is trying to prove a point to her identical twin sister who is headed for a life of spinsterhood. Clara has a scar on her face, which added to her lack of confidence has men running in the opposite direction. To convince her that it’s not about her, Hannah agrees to find a man and lose him by the time of the big Fernley ball.
While trying to fool each other, Oliver and Hannah find themselves starting to care more and more about each other. But will their hearts be broken when they find out their relationship was based on lies?
This is the seventh book in the Fernley series and is just a heartwarming delight. I love the characters. Hannah and Oliver realistic and believable. Their journey through the pain of their pasts is so moving and heartfelt. I admit I did shed a few tears though the story. It’s a lovely book, and I can’t recommend it enough.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
For years our view of the Golden Age of Egyptology has been filled with visions of Indiana Jones-like men gathering the relics of an ancient civilizatFor years our view of the Golden Age of Egyptology has been filled with visions of Indiana Jones-like men gathering the relics of an ancient civilization and bringing them to the world. Kathleen Shepherd turns this idea on its head with Women in the Valley of the Kings. In this book she highlights the pioneering women whose contributions to the field have been overlooked for decades, even though they were crucial to the development of the field.
The book is fascinating history that reads like a novel. I couldn’t put it down until I reached the last page. Her descriptions of the landscape and time period are so precise, I feel like I’m baking in the Egyptian sun with these incredible women. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s amazing!
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
This prequel to the Ladies of Accomplishment series is a delight! Georgiana and her fiancé are on their way to Gretna Green to elope when they are besThis prequel to the Ladies of Accomplishment series is a delight! Georgiana and her fiancé are on their way to Gretna Green to elope when they are beset by highwaymen who kidnap him. Charles, the duke on whose land they are rescues her and lets her stay at his manor, as she’s broken her ankle and can’t go anywhere.
This book is a little different than the other ones in the series because it’s more of a mystery/romance. Ms. Drake does a great job balancing the two genres. The characters are relatable and realistic, and their romance is sweet. The plot moves along at a good pace, keeping you involved all the way. I read this book in one sitting and was sad when it was over because I wanted more!
I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
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