Victorian England and an Heiress with her own mind
This was a fun read and very different from your usual cozy. First, it takes place in Victorian EnglVictorian England and an Heiress with her own mind
This was a fun read and very different from your usual cozy. First, it takes place in Victorian England and the sleuth is a 23-year-old “spinster” heiress who vows to never marry. That is, until the Earl she hires to help her solve several murders comes into her life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story - it has romance, intrigue, Victorian mores and more.
Thoughts: This story takes place during WWII in Brittany. The author does an amazing job with world building, placing us in the small fishing village Thoughts: This story takes place during WWII in Brittany. The author does an amazing job with world building, placing us in the small fishing village during German occupation. Pregnant Norah moved in with her cousin and her family in Brittany right before the Germans took over. She lost the baby but is still stuck there with short rations that are getting sparser. Norah wants to find some way to help the family so she draws pictures of different people and areas around town—including August, the German commandant in the village. Romance ensues between the two, even in the face of opposition. August doesn’t like Hitler’s policies, but has to walk a very narrow path so he doesn’t get into trouble himself. Meanwhile, the underground is doing their thing and undermining the Germans any way they can.
This is a sad romance full of drama and love between “enemies”. It’s excellently done and the characters are amazing. As well as the situations. The emotions are real. The only thing I wish had been done differently was the end. I refuse to give it away, but… it’s good, but kind of left me wanting more. Still, that is the only negative thing I have to say about this otherwise excellently written story.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” ...more
After breaking her engagement, Emily Martin heads to Wylder, Wyoming to visit her brother David, who owns the local newspaper. But David isn’t there wAfter breaking her engagement, Emily Martin heads to Wylder, Wyoming to visit her brother David, who owns the local newspaper. But David isn’t there when she arrives and the business is in shambles. Emily refuses to back down and is determined to get the paper back up and running for her brother until he returns. But she is a city girl and not used to the rough way of life in Wylder. She can’t even make her own tea!
Morgan Dodd’s new job and his new boss make him uneasy, but he is honor bound to do what he was hired to do. But he’ll do it his way. Especially when he meets the pretty newspaper woman, Emily. He and Emily end up ensnared in a nasty cattle rustling/land grabbing conflict that puts them both in danger.
This is a great addition to the Wylder series of stories. The secondary characters are almost as good as the main ones and the story reads well. This is a great historical with lots of interesting notes about frontier towns, voting rights, newspapers, and more and told in such as way as to not be boring. A really good Western romance.
Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”...more
This was a light read with a sweet, somewhat religious, time-travel romance that takes us from 2016 to 1890 and back again. The way the author linked This was a light read with a sweet, somewhat religious, time-travel romance that takes us from 2016 to 1890 and back again. The way the author linked the past and present in the story was done well and I enjoyed the tie-in to the FBI agent who is investigating her disappearance. It reminded me vaguely of an old movie “The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan” or “The Love Letter” with characters of today interacting with ones from the past. In this one, Sarah is taken back due to an arrow-head necklace she finds in an antique shop and through the intervention of a Native American legend. In the past, she finds love and a family that she is willing to fight for. The characters were well-done and believable (especially Granny – loved her!) and the story is sweet. The only thing I didn’t like were the multiple POV (point of view) shifts. They were disconcerting to me and occasionally took me out of the story. Other than that, this was a good read.
Recommendation: If you don’t mind POV shifts, I would definitely pick this one up for a sweet time-travel romantic read that gives you a satisfying HEA ending. ...more
Review: This is not your typical historical romance. It’s epic in proportion and research, but that doesn’t mean it’s dry or boring. The author weavesReview: This is not your typical historical romance. It’s epic in proportion and research, but that doesn’t mean it’s dry or boring. The author weaves the historical aspects in so lifelike that you feel as if you are there. Her characters are engaging and realistic and the love story between the Tory and the Patriot is as compelling as the the battle scenes. In this story, aristocratic widow Alexandra Pennington, is sought after by two men. Rich Royalist, Charles Villard and poor patriot, Dalton Jameson. Smooth talking Charles is not all he seems, but then, neither is Dalton. Her choice is not only between the two men, but two countries—the comfort of England, or the unknown new United States.
What I liked: the characters are richly developed and well-drawn. Their conflicts, both internal and external play well in the backdrop of the revolution. The realism of the war and the intensity of both sides is very well-done. It is obvious the author did her research and knows her subject. The little tidbits thrown in with language of that time (clothing, bandages, other little daily things that have changed over the years). Alexandra is intelligent, courageous when necessary, kind, but with a bit of a stubborn streak and a touch of recklessness that makes her an engaging character. The villain is a nasty sort (but with reason) but also likable on the surface. Dalton is down-to-earth, semi-illiterate (not unusual for that time period), and a true romantic hero. The secondary characters, especially Clue, are also skillfully done.
What I didn’t like: very little, though I will note that there were some very minor editorial glitches that made me stop a couple times (Note here: I’ve been an editor for 20 years. Most people wouldn’t notice these things, but I do). It’s also an epic story so be prepared for the length. But it’s worth it!
Recommendation: Like history? Like light romance? Then get this book. You will not be sorry. It’s got everything—romance, intrigue, action, battles, rogue characters, good imagery, and more.
Thanks to the author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
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