Tag Archives: Historical

Schemes and Scandals(Rip Through Time) by Kelley Armstrong-review

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Schemes and Scandals (A Rip Through Time 3.5) by Kelley Armstrong-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2024

It’s Mallory Atkinson’s first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn’t a thing in Victorian Scotland. It’s all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. There, they bump into Lady Inglis—the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed.

Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She’s being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.

Mallory isn’t sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray’s help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.

•••••••

REVIEW:SCHEMES AND SCANDALS is an adult holiday novella set in Kelley Armstrong’s SCHEMES AND SCANDALS time travel mystery series focusing on thirty year old, Vancouver, Canada Police Detective Mallory Atkinson, and undertaker/investigator Dr. Duncan Gray. SCHEMES AND SCANDALS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book one A RIP THROUGH TIME for back story and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2019 while visiting her ailing grandmother in Edinburgh Scotland, thirty year old, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada police detective Mallory Atkinson is attacked in an alley only to wake up as a nineteen year old housemaid in Scotland, in the year 1869, a housemaid who was also attacked and left for dead in the same alley where Mallory was found. Not only has our heroine time travelled back one-hundred and fifty years but she is no longer physically the same woman she was just minutes before. Working as a housemaid for Dr. Duncan Gray and his sister Isla, realizing life as she knew it was no longer under her control, Mallory must assume the position of nineteen year old Catriona Mitchell, a young woman whose history is questionable and dark. Working alongside Dr. Gray and Detective McCreadie, Mallory uses her abilities as a detective to help.

Told from first person perspective (Mallory) SCHEMES AND SCANDALS focuses on the days before the traditional Christmas holidays but Scotland did not celebrate Christmas in 1869 therefore the tradition of Hogmanay (the arrival of the New Year) was fast approaching, and Mallory and Duncan were about to find themselves involved in another investigation, the theft of some very private and scandalous letters written by a widow to her secret lover. As Mallory and Duncan begin to interview a number of possible suspects, our heroine will employ the use some of the 21st century simple technology in an effort to determined the person responsible.

We are introduced to Lady Patricia Ingles, Lord Charles Simpson, and his brother Arthur, and several local inhabitants of 1869, as well as the return of Dr. Duncan Gray, his sister Isla, housemaid ‘Jack’, housekeeper Mrs. Wallace, and Detective Hugh McCreadie.

SCHEMES AND SCANDALS is a quick read; a fascinating and intriguing tale of ‘whodunit?’. The premise is captivating; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Rip Through Time
The Poisoner’s Ring
2.5 Cocktails & Chloroform
Disturbing the Dead

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. All efforts to make her produce “normal” stories failed.

Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She’s the author of the NYT-bestselling “Women of the Otherworld” paranormal suspense series and “Darkest Powers” young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.

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The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis-dual review

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The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2025

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. But after an unbearable tragedy strikes, Charlotte knows her future will never be the same.

New York City, 1978: Eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.” Though Annie soon realizes she’ll have her work cut out for her, scrambling to meet Diana’s capricious demands and exacting standards.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. She’s consumed with her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

That is, until the night of the gala. When one of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening.

As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they’re to have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

••••••

SANDY’S REVIEW:THE STOLEN QUEEN by Fiona Davis is an adult, historical, women’s fiction story line loosely based in on the history surrounding the discovery and life of Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Charlotte and Annie) following two timelines (1936 and 1978) THE STOLEN QUEEN focuses on anthropology student turned assistant museum curator Charlotte Cross. In 1936, at the age of nineteen, while on an archeology dig in Egypt, anthropology student Charlotte Cross fell in love with archeologist Henry Smith; discovered an ancient Egyptian artifact, and in a matter of months her life spiralled out of control. Fast forward to 1978, now sixty-two year old Charlotte, working as the assistant museum curator at the Metropolitan Museum Department of Egyptian Art would have to face down her memories, when the theft of a familiar antiquity brings with it heartbreak from the past.

Meanwhile, nineteen year old Annie Jenkins, whose own life is changing in the face of rejection, has been hired as the personal assistant to Met Gala fashion coordinator Diana Vreeland, a position that puts her up close and personal with the theft of the Egyptian artifact. A journey to Egypt for both Charlotte and Annie comes full circle when Charlotte confronts the past, and Annie recognizes a possible connection to the Metropolitan theft.

THE STOLEN QUEEN is a story of mystery that blends fact with fiction; history with mythology; heartbreak and resolution. Fiona Davis pulls the reader into a mystery of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession. The premise is dramatic and entertaining but the conflict resolution is cursory and hurried. The characters are determined, desperate and charismatic.

 

BARB’S REVIEW:  The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis is a historical novel that switches between 1930’s in Egypt and the 1970’s in New York City.  The story revolves around two women; Charlotte (in her 60’s) currently leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art; and Annie (18 years old), who gets a job working for Vogue fashion editor, Diana Vreeland.

In Egypt, 1936, Charlotte was an anthropology student, working on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.  She loves her work, falls in love and will discover a burial chamber with a collar necklace. After a devasting tragedy, she eventually returns to New York, grieving her loss. 40 years later, Charlotte is a successful curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and becomes disturbed when a valuable Egyptian artifact is found missing.  

In New York City, 1978, Annie is excited when she gets a job working for Diana. On the night of the gala, chaos unfolds, when someone destroys things, and the Cerulean Queen is now missing.  At first, Annie is questioned, but Charlotte does come to her rescue.  Charlotte decides she needs to return to Egypt and discover who is behind the missing links, as well as trying to find the truths about the tragedy. Unknown to Charlotte, Annie will also go on the same plane heading for Egypt, in order for her to help Charlotte, as well as protect her.  Charlotte and Annie work together to uncover dangerous trials, deceit, finding the stolen artifacts, as well learning more of the secrets in the past.

I really loved the friendship that grew between Charlotte and Annie.  Charlotte began to realize that Annie had an uncanny sense of observing valuable insights. Annie was very sweet and was determined to help Charlotte, especially finding clues to help her.  They both were wonderful, as their stories intertwined. The storyline of Charlotte’s past comes back to haunt her, leading into a heartbreaking story.  It was a wonderful ending, with revelations slowly being revealed.

The Stolen Queen was a terrific story about the two unforgettable women, filled with history, mystery, tragedy, emotional, secrets of the past and an Egyptian curse.  The Stolen Queen was very well written by Fiona Davis.

 

 

 

 

 

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Remember When by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Remember When by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

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Description:
The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her.

Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close—dangerously so, considering his family’s modest fortune. As a young man, he never would have been a suitable match for the daughter of the wealthy Greenfields. Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.

Now everything is different—Clarissa has already lived the life expected of her by society. And Matthew is as attractive and intriguing as he was when they were young. As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change—essentially the same man and woman they remember being back then, but with renewed passion and the potential to take their lives in an entirely new direction.

 

 

Review:

Remember When by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her Ravenswood series, with this being Clarissa’s Story. Clarissa will soon turn 50, as she is now The Dowager Countess of Stratton; Devlin’s mother.  Clarissa returns to Ravenswood, after spending time in London, where she presented her youngest daughter, Stephanie.  Clarissa is happy to return to Ravenswood, giving herself quiet time alone, as well as peace.

Clarissa goes to see Matthew Taylor, and old childhood friend, as she commissions him make a crib for Ben and Jennifer.  Matthew is a fantastic carpenter, with people becoming fascinated by his work. It’s been many years (30) since they have met again, as they were best friends, but Clarissa decided to marry the Earl of Stratten, and Matthew later married another woman. 30 years later, their friendship deepens into a possible romance, as they begin to enjoy spending the summer going on long walks

Clarrisa enjoys her private time alone, but her children keep visiting her, as they worry about her.  Rumors start of her growing friendship with Matthew, with her family learning about these rumors. Clarissa dreams of having her own cottage on Ravenswood land, but closer to the river.  Both spend a lot of time together, and Matthew enjoys helping Clarissa on what the cottage would look like.  Matthew and Clarissa become closer with renewed passion and the chance to change their lives in a new direction.

 When Devlin visits his mother, he agrees with what she wants, as he will pay for it, but she will pay for what is inside the cottage; Clarissa is thrilled.  Matthew also learns some thoughts from his younger years, as his older brother (previously estranged), now becoming very close again, visiting his family.  I really loved seeing so many of the previous families, especially when they all get together for the epilogue, where Clarissa and Matthew marry.

Remember When was a sweet second chance romance, with them finding their renewed love.    Remember When was so very well written by Mary Balogh.  If you are a fan of this series, you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Highlander Burns for Vengeance by Julie Johnstone-review

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The Highlander Burns for Vengeance (Return of the Highlanders) by Julie Johnstone-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 30, 2024

Divided by treachery, bound by an edict, they must decide their to love or to hate.

After years of captivity, Graeme Stewart has returned home with a burning desire for vengeance, and it’s all directed at the Campbell clan. They attacked his home, killed his parents, and imprisoned him for eighteen long years. So when the king demands Graeme handfast with his enemy’s sister to end the warring of their clans, he intends to use her to get the revenge he yearns for. But Maisie’s courage and character surprise him at every turn, conjuring admiration and stirring desire. Now, with revenge within his grasp, he must make a choice before it’s too either cling to the malice that kept him alive or release it for the chance at love.

The vengeful and unreasonable Highlander intends to destroy her family, and Maisie Campbell is bound to him for a year and a day. She hates everything about Graeme, except the way he kisses, which is a force that nearly brings her to her knees. But lust does not a marriage make, and the man is hell-bent on proving her brother a traitor and herself treacherous, so she sets out to prove otherwise. Yet, as questions of her brother’s character arise in her own mind and Graeme displays an honorable, fiercely protective nature, Maisie faces a seek a truth that will doom the brother she adores or remain blindly loyal to those she’s always held dear and lose the man she has come to love with all her heart.

••••

REVIEW: Revenge/passion/deceit and loyalty all in one book? sign me up.

Graeme Stewart returns home after being held captive for many years! He’s seeking revenge against the ones who held him! But fate has a different plan…..

Being commanded by the King to marry (handfast) his bitter enemies sister to retain peace between his clan and the Campbell’s has Graeme firstly refusing, then realising he can access the clan through his bride, he can use to her get his revenge. Bitterly he agrees…..

Maisie has no option but to tie herself to the bully Graeme Stewart, thank goodness it’s not forever. It’s going to be a hellish year, but Maisie is a Scot of her word. But if he’s expecting a meek and mild woman, he’s surely mistaken.

Both are extremely hostile towards one another, distrust is easier to maintain than trust. Both are seeking the truth, but what happens when Graeme’s truth muddies Maisie’s? She’s sure her brother is a just and good man, he’s the leader of their clan. But doubts begin to creep in…..

I love this series. I’ve read the previous two books (but not necessary to enjoy this book.) The characters are brought to life with this author, as is her descriptions of the scenery and feelings these two have towards one another. I really like how fact and fiction are woven together to create something so compelling, that I didn’t stop reading until the last page was done.

This book’s full of intrigue and mystery, and a few twists. We see Graeme’s love for his nursemaid/nanny (she was captured with him) we learn of his distrust and immense dislike for the Campbell clan. And we begin to put pieces together of what really happened on the day Graeme was taken prisoner….

Maisie is a great character, she’s no wallflower, she knows her own mind and speaks it. But she’s only a woman, and they were used to broker deals, and form alliances.

Graeme is part of a clan that as children were separated to keep them safe. Their parents were murdered and the children were scattered to keep them safe. So technically Graeme doesn’t know his clan, it’s only what his beloved Eppie has told him through the years. But he’s loyal and he will have his revenge!

Other characters we see are added to the story, and there are a few you need to keep your eyes on 🤐

As time passes distrust turns to trust, and the characters begin to like one another, love isn’t far away, but how can they put aside their differences and doubts to be with one another? Can Graeme really trust a Campbell? And if Maisie finds out her clan had something to do with her husband’s imprisonment, can she turn her back on them?

Another fantastic story from this author. I’m not going to spoil the rest of the book.

But I think you’re going to love this book if you’re a fan of historical romance. If you like your book full of action and suspense then this one I highly recommend.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Secrets of a Highlander’s Heart
Tangled Up with the Highlander

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

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Her Wicked Highwayman by Lauren Smith -a Review

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Her Wicked Highwayman by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
Rafe Lennox:

Notorious highwayman…

Infamous rake…

Adopter of orphans…

If there’s one thing about Rafe Lennox that the women of London know…it’s that his heart cannot be tamed, except perhaps by the little Scottish orphan he has claimed as a daughter. That doesn’t stop every eligible woman in London from trying to convince the outrageous flirt to put a ring on their finger after they tumble into his bed.

But Rafe has never been tempted by love to marry, until he robs a coach one night and he steals a necklace from a brave and beautiful woman. Rafe wants nothing more than to seduce the young lady into his bed, but another highwayman is encroaching on his territory, robbing the rich before he can get to them, and until he can stop this his competitor he has no time to woo. When he discovers the other thief is a woman…the infamous rogue’s heart is stolen forever. 

Has the black sheep of the Lennox family finally met his match and perhaps his end?

 

 

Review 

Her Wicked Highwayman by Lauren Smith is the 19th book in her wonderful The League of Rogues series.

Notorious Highway man, rake and womaniser, Rafe Lennox is all that and more, but what most people don’t know is that he adopted a young girl and calls her “daughter”.  He’s sworn never to love or marry…..

But all that changes when he holds a coach up and meets Diana, young, brave and beautiful. He’s instantly smitten and has plans to woo this young creature. But there is a fly in the ointment! Another highwayman is also robbing stage coaches! Does he ignore this fact, or does he plan to uncover this new rival and set him up to take the fall in both his and this new highwayman’s misdeeds? 

What happens when he uncovers the mystery man’s identity and finds out it’s a woman?! (Sort of guessed that one almost immediately 😉) 

Diana is now mistress of the manor, but it’s failing fast! She needs an income before the creditors come and take it away from her. Marriage is an option, but Diana wants to marry for love and that doesn’t look like it, so another avenue needs to be found and fast! 

This one has been my favourite in the series so far. We’ve met Rafe throughout the series, and I was thrilled to finally read his story. And for a few questions to be finally answered. Their first meeting might have been by chance, but Rafe wants to know more, and will do anything to make that happen….

The main characters are really likeable. And i absolutely loved how they found one another. Both have sad pasts, and that is yet another connection between the characters. Additional characters (especially Rafe’s daughter Isla, who was absolutely adorable) are never added for filler sake. And catching up with his brother and sister was a nice surprise (Ashton “Wicked Rivals” book 4 in the series, and Joanna’s book “Never Kiss a Scot” is book 10) 

And the villain of our story? Well, you’ll need to read the book in order to find out. 

Heartwarming and sad at the same time, angst filled and with loads of adventure, (all the things I’ve come to expect and love about this author). You’ll be rooting for the highwayman and booing at the “supposedly” good guy 😉 

I’m hoping Rafe’s friends will get books soon 🤞

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommended this book and the whole series (which you can dip in and out of, no need to really read in order.) 

🦋 Julie 

 

 

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LORD APPLEBY’S GORGEOUS IMPOSTER by Cerise Deland-review

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LORD APPLEBY’S GORGEOUS IMPOSTER (Scarlett Affairs 3) by Cerise Deland-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27,2024

He’s the last man Viv wants to see.
Vivienne de Massé goes to Paris impersonating her oldest sister, the infamous Drury Lane actress, Charmaine Massey. Viv has a reason…and a plan to avenge the capture and death of their other sister during the Terror. Only one man can stop her.

Tate Cantrell is the only man who sees right through her.
Tate Cantrell bursts into her dressing room one night in Paris and calls Viv’s bluff. He reminds Viv she plays a role—and a dangerous game she cannot win alone.

He declares she needs him. She always has. Indeed, he’s spent the last decade helping the émigré Massé family—and falling in love with charming Viv. Now the Earl of Appleby, Tate works as a spy for Scarlett Hawthorne’s network on the Continent. He alone has the means and the connections to help her….if she’ll let him.

Haunted by their past, they’re desperate to save their future together… If they can survive those who would destroy them.

•••••

REVIEW:Book three in this series. I’ve read and loved the previous books. There is a connection (the men this the last two books are known by Tate.) But it doesn’t mean you have to read them in order.

This book takes place at the end of the French Revolution, but at the beginning of Napoleon’s renewed war on Britain! It’s dangerous time being in France, families lose lives and loved ones in this period.

The prologue was gripping, this was set just a little earlier (in the French Revolution period!)

Tate has known this family for a long time, he helped Vivienne’s family escape, and took them to his home in England. With Vivienne he definitely wore his heart on his sleeve, and was absolutely terrified and scared that something would happen to her, so he takes it upon himself to find and bring her back!

Vivienne was born in France, but fled to England to escape the terror. Now she’s back to get her revenge! Vivienne, I felt was really tenacious in her search for the truth of that horrible night. And I admired her spirit and courage when she decides to return to France and find her sister.

This book was well written and really well researched, it has a few discrepancies (but that’s the authors take on it and has to write a few things differently.)

Both Tate and Vivienne have feelings for one another, but circumstances have kept them apart. But now he’s got her in his sights, there is nothing stopping him from claiming her, well, except for her! She is consumed with finding justice for her sister.

It’s a fast paced adventure, with lots of intrigue and suspense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi
Lord Ramsay’s Redheaded Ruin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

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LADY EVA’S FALLEN ROGUE (The Riddle Sisters 1) by Jennifer Monroe

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RoeLADY EVA’S FALLEN ROGUE (The Riddle Sisters 1) by Jennifer Monroe-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2024

As the eldest daughter of one of England’s most influential families, Lady Eva Riddle has no time for love. Since the tragic accident that claimed her parents and fiancé, she has devoted herself entirely to raising her younger sisters. But when a cryptic letter surfaces regarding her parents’ past, it directs her to seek out a former Bow Street Runner, Garrett Dryden—a strikingly handsome rogue with a wicked smile and the only man who can help her uncover the truth.

Garrett Dryden, once accustomed to a life of privilege, now sells his skills to the highest bidder. Romance is the last thing on his mind; that is, until a captivating new client arrives at his door. Lady Eva is poised, breathtakingly beautiful, and a symbol of everything he despises about high society. Though he knows the mystery she seeks to unravel will lead them both into peril, Garrett reluctantly agrees to help.

As their partnership deepens, so does the undeniable attraction between them. But trust is hard-won for a disillusioned rogue, and Eva’s lingering doubts about Garrett’s shadowy past could leave her reputation—and her heart—in jeopardy. In a world where scandal can destroy even the most enduring love, will they risk everything for a chance at happiness?

The first in The Riddle Sisters series, Lady Eva’s Fallen Rogue is a Regency romance filled with endearing characters, secrets, and a love that defies all odds.

••••••••

REVIEW: A new series by an author I’ve not read before.

Lady Eva Riddle’s parents and fiancé are killed in a tragic carriage accident, and for over a year now, she’s looked after her younger siblings. One day she received a package and a letter, it advises her to talk to no one about the contents, but to seek out an ex Bow Street Runner.

Garrett Dryden is now a book binder, well that’s his cover, he’s actually private investigator (or thief catcher) down on his luck, he was once a man of wealth and title. He’s quick to judge the wealthy as they usually come across and rude and arrogant. But secretly longs to restore his good name.

He’s approached by a young woman who asks for his help in solving a case. At first he’s not really interested. But something about the case intrigues him….

Together they set off to uncover the mystery of the package and the “supposedly” accidental death of her parents and fiancée.

Both have trust issues, and it does take a little time for that trust to be earned. And even it does, then Garrett is convinced she is the last for him! But can he keep her safe from the danger that soon befalls them?

A clean/sweet romance is what I usually read when I’ve overloaded on dark/mafia and heavy topics. And this one hit the spot.

Both Garrett and Eva are really great characters, technically from the same background, until Garrett falls on hard times (do we find out why? 🤐) both are hard workers, both want answers to the puzzle that surrounds them.

A few plot twists (a few I saw coming, but one or two did surprise me.)

How will Eva take the news that her parents and fiancée were not all they seemed? And will she be able to serve justice on their behalf?

It’s the first book in a new series, and I can’t wait to see where the next one takes us. This one ends well, but leaves it open for the next book. So I’d probably advise reading in order.

If you like your romance with no smut, but with plenty of mystery, then I think you’ll like this one.

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

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Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb-review

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🎄Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb-review🎄

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2024

December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father’s Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.

As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—are unexpectedly reunited by the occasion. Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn’t go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously.

Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, Jack has abandoned his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition.

As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything.

Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver…

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is a historical, fictionalized story co-authored by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb focusing on American chef Jack Devereux, and journalist Olive Carter.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jack, Olive, Queen Elizabeth II) covering approximately twelve years, CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN follows the friendship and building relationship between American chef Jack Devereux, and journalist Olive Carter. At the end of the second World War British born Olive Carter would meet American Navy man Jack Devereux, and having spent one night together, would never see one another again for close to seven years. In 1952, Jack Devereux will be invited to Sandringham Palace for the Christmas holidays where he will work in the royal kitchens for the new Queen and her family, while Olive Carter, now working as a part time reporter for the BBC, finds herself on assignment covering the royal family holiday preparations, wherein she will become Queen Elizabeth confident for her annual Christmas speech. For the next five years, Jack and Olive will come in and out of one another’s lives, always reconnecting at Sandringham with the royal family for the holidays but life has changed for both Olive and Jack, love, loss, grief and moving forward find our couple circling one another, never quite connecting two broken hearts.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is an historical, fictionalized story interspersed with a little bit of reality history including the ascension of the young queen. A thought-provoking romantic story of love and loss, CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is a heart warming yet somewhat tragic saga with animated and impassioned characters. Jack Devereux, a Cajun chef from Louisiana is struggling with a painful loss; Olive Carter has a secret that only a few people know.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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