Tag Archives: Historical

A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn – a Review

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A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn – a Review

 

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Description:
Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why?

Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors?

 

 

Review:

A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn is the 9th book in her Veronica Speedwell Mystery series. We get to see Veronica and Stoker at the start, as they both worked for Lord Rosemorran’s helping restore his many collections for future display.  It was nice to see both Veronica and Stoker settling into their affectionate relationship, as they are both clever, witty and always challenging each other.  Veronica Speedwell is a lepidopterist, a woman who is ahead of her time, and Stoker is a scientist and adventurer. They make a terrific team.

Lord Rosemorran lets them know that he has acquired a new purchase, which would be a birthday present for his young daughter; it was a wax figure of Sleeping Beauty, similar to Madame Tussaud’s. He wanted Stoker to add a mechanism to make the figure look alive.  When Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open, to his shock he discovers it was not wax, but a preserved young lady.  Unable to let this go unpunished, both Veronica and Stoker set out to solve this crime. They try to learn how long this body was deceased, and they call their friends, JJ (journalist) and Mornaday (detective) to help search the newspaper and police archives for missing young ladies.

Veronica and Stoker follow a trail that led them first to a circus, to get some answers, but JJ was able to find a girl who drowned 15 years ago, which will lead them to Plumfield’s mortuary to track down who the girl was.  The new Plumfield owner was able to find some papers, and he will be one of the new characters that help Victoria and Stoker; as well as Spyridon, who helped Stoker hide the body.  They were all very good characters, and fun.

What follows is wild adventure that will eventually lead them to a dangerous killer. The mystery was very compelling, as well as a number of twists as we reach the climax.  Veronica and Stoker, as well as JJ and Mornaday will plan a trap to catch the true killer, putting some of them in danger. I really enjoyed both Veronica and Stoker, as they were lots of fun, and romantic. A Grave Robbery was very well written by Deanna Raybourn. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Lady Jennifer Arden and Ben Ellis know that a match between them is out of the question. Yet their hearts yearn for the impossible.

Left unable to walk by a childhood illness, Lady Jennifer, sister of the Duke of Wilby, has grown up to make a happy place for herself in society. Outgoing and cheerful, she has many friends and enjoys the pleasures of high society—even if she cannot dance at balls or stroll in Hyde Park. She is blessed with a large, loving, and protective family. But she secretly dreams of marriage and children, and of walking—and dancing.

When Ben Ellis comes across Lady Jennifer as she struggles to walk with the aid of primitive crutches, he instantly understands her yearning. He is a fixer. It is often said of him that he never saw a practical problem he did not have to solve. He wants to help her discover independence and motion—driving a carriage, swimming, even walking a different way. But he must be careful. He is the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Though he was raised with the earl’s family, he knows he does not really belong in the world of the ton.

Jennifer is shocked—and intrigued—by Ben’s ideas, and both families are alarmed by the growing friendship and perhaps more that they sense developing between the two. A duke’s sister certainly cannot marry the bastard son of an earl. Except sometimes, love can find a way.

 

 

Review:

Always Remember by Mary Balogh is the 3rd book in her wonderful Ravenswood series.  I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Always Remember focuses on Lady Jennifer Arden (sister of Lucas, Duke of Wilby from Remember Me) and Ben Ellis (half-brother to the Ware family, with Devlin, now the Earl of Stratton from Remember Love).  

Ben, having become part of the Ware family at the age of three, when his mother died, and his father (the Earl of Stratton) brings him to Ravenswood, where he grew up with his wonderful half brothers and sister. Clarissa, his father’s wife, opened her arms and accepted him from the start, and his family all loved him.   Now in the present time, Ben has a young daughter, as his wife died due to an illness, and he took care of Joy; he decides to go the Ravenswood, where his brother and best friend, Devlin and his wife are throwing a summer party; with all the Ware family, as well as the Wilby family.

Lady Jennifer, has been disabled since being affected with a childhood illness, always needing a wheelchair to get around.  She is blessed with a wonderful and loving protective family: always cheerful and outgoing, with everyone loving her, with her having a happy place in high society. One day, Ben notices that Jenny was trying to practice walking in private, and the next day Ben created a special cushion for Jenny to help her get around easier, as well as coming up with other ideas (special shoes, crutch and different wheelchair). In a short time, they both become friends, not to mention his daughter Joy adoring Jenny. I really enjoyed watching Ben teaching her how to drive a carriage, and many other things. The relationship between Ben and Jenny is a slow burn, since Ben knows the families are alarmed by their growing friendship, as a match between them is not considered acceptable. 

What follows is Jenny finds herself becoming enamored by Ben, with his wonderful ideas, as well as becoming very close to Joy, who calls her Mama.  Jenny knows that Ben is considering finding a woman to marry to help with Joy, and perhaps have more children; as she knew he was an amazing father.  Ben was always charming, funny, kindhearted and would be the perfect husband for her.  But will both families allow Ben to marry Jenny?

Always Remember was another great addition to this series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Jennifer and Ben, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together; and adored Joy.  I loved the all the wonderful Ware family, especially Devlin, Gwyn. Lucas, Stephanie, Pippa, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many other members of the both the Ware/Wilby family. I will say that throughout a lot of the story, there were so many secondary characters, which was a bit overboard. Always Remember was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of ALWAYS REMEMBER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

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Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

 

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Description:
When Cook Kat Holloway is blamed when a dinner guest mysteriously takes ill after eating one of her meals, she sets out to prove she had nothing to do with the gentleman’s sickness. She discovers a whole host of people who might wish to do away with the man, and she and her friends—Daniel McAdam, Lady Cynthia, Mr. Thanos, and various members of the household staff—begin to hunt for the would-be killer.

Simultaneously tasked with crafting the perfect Christmas feast, including the pièce de résistance, the Christmas plum pudding, Kat frantically works to finish all, fearing she’ll have to choose between stopping a murderer and cherishing her few precious Christmas moments with her daughter.

 

Review:

Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding by Jennifer Ashley is a wonderful Christmas novella in her fantastic Kat Holloway Mysteries series. Refresher: This series takes place in Victorian, England, centered around our heroine Kat Holloway, who is a cook extraordinaire, as well as a great detective.  Kat is smart, savvy, independent, loyal and is very protective of her below the stairs staff. This was a very enjoyable and quick Christmas treat for us to read.

The story starts off when a guest becomes ill after eating one of Kat Holloway’s dinners, and the mistress of the house blames her. Kat is determined to prove that her meal had nothing to do with the man taking ill, with her friends defending her.  As always, Kat begins to investigate a number of people who may have poisoned the man, with help from Daniel, Cynthia, Thanos, Tess, James.  The hunt is on, as each of them finds ways to get information from those in his household, as well as his family. 

What follows is a wonderful suspenseful mystery, with Kat having to discover who was the poisoner, and her going to the victim’s house to reveal the real person behind the attempt to kill him.  Surprisingly, I never guessed who the culprit was.  The twisty plot was well done, with a number of suspects.

Once again, Jennifer Ashley gives us a fun short Christmas story revolving around our heroine, Kat Holloway.  Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding was very well written by Ashley. If you enjoy Victorian stories, with a mystery theme, a Downton Abbey background, two very good leading characters and great secondary characters, you should be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy owned

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An Inconvenient Earl by Julia London – a Review

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An Inconvenient Earl by Julia London – a Review

 

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Description:
Bold. Beautiful. Beguiling.

It’s been over a year since Emma Clark’s no-good husband left on an expedition. The Countess of Dearborn has played the abandoned wife, but people are beginning to presume the earl is dead, which doesn’t suit Emma at all. Emma likes being head of household in Albert’s absence and does her best to keep his family believing he is alive and well. She’s thirty years old and finally having some fun. If the earl is in fact dead, his family is waiting in the wings to swoop in and throw Emma out, leaving her destitute.

Then along comes Luka Olivien, the Weslorian Earl of Marlaine. He’s traveled all the way from Egypt, duty bound to return to the countess her deceased husband’s precious pocket watch—only to discover she doesn’t know he’s dead… Or does she? It’s hard to tell. Luka catches glimpses of the desperate vulnerability beneath the party girl exterior and can’t help being drawn into the beguiling countess’s ruse.

 

 

 

Review:

An Inconvenient Earl by Julia London is the 4th book in her A Royal Match series. We meet our heroine, Emma Clark (Lady Dearborn), who has not seen her husband for over a year, with him on an expedition in Egypt.  Emma is content since he was nasty and abusive, and she is not missing him at all; as she manages the estate. Her sister-in-law, Adele who is also nasty, lives with her young son in the Guest House.   

One day, someone arrives from Egypt, to tell Emma that her husband is dead due to yellow fever.; but before he could explain, the man drops dead on the floor. Emma is beside herself, knowing Adele will throw her out of her home, as her young son is the heir apparent. Emma decides to pretend that the dead man was only here to give updates on her husband and plans to keep the secret of his death to herself.  Emma continually pretends to Adele that Albert is enjoying his adventures, always getting out of any possible situations.  She is also very good at keeping the estate in good condition, but she also loves throwing parties.

Luka Olivien, the Earl of Wesloria, arrives from Egypt to present Emma a watch from her husband, ready to reveal his death.  Emma quickly changes the subject, which she is very good at, and tells Luka to stay at the estate, until she can throw a party for Albert’s friend.  Luka is shocked, and he tries to tell Emma many times about her deceased husband, but she manages to avoid it.  In a short time, both Emma and Luka find themselves attracted to each other; with Luka slowly falling hard for her, and keeping the secret for a while, as he gets to know her better.

It was a slow burn romance between Emma and Luka, as they did make a great couple, with Luka coming for her closer to the end. I wasn’t crazy about Emma early on, but mid-way I began to like her, especially her relationship with Luka.  She is a bit flighty with having so many parties, and telling so many different stories, to hide the truth about her deceased husband; but she still managed to keep the estate profitable.  Emma will get help from the series regular matchmaker, to reveal the truths, and find a place to move on; until Luka arrives. An Inconvenient Earl was intriguing, witty, entertaining romantic story, with a very good epilogue at the end. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Wonder of It All by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

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The Wonder of It All by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

 

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Description:
James Falconer–a tycoon and a self-made man, seems to have the world in the palm of his hand. But The Great War looms, and James decides to fight for king and country. The fighting is bloody and brutal, and James returns a changed man, with wounds both physical and mental. His beloved wife is dead, but a new woman returns to help nurse him back to health.

Georgiana Ward once held James in her thrall, but years have passed and bitterness has set in. Still, the old attraction is there and James is determined to make amends to both Georgiana and his child Leonie–now a grown woman and someone he hasn’t seen in decades. Leonie is having none of it, and is embarking on a dangerous journey with a man who might very well destroy her. As James fights to return to the man he once was, he needs to find a way to heal his body, soul, and family.

Told with Barbara Taylor Bradford’s inimitable style and flair for period detail , The Wonder of It All concludes House of Falconer trilogy that has followed the story of this remarkable family from Victorian times to the 20th-century.

 

 

Review:

The Wonder of it All by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the 3rd and final book in her House of Falconer series. The story continues with James Falconer, a self-made business tycoon, who runs Malvern; with the help of his brother and sister. James still grieves the loss of his wife, Alexis, and pushes himself to participate in the WW1 war, Major James Falconer goes to fight for his country, until he is hurt badly with multiple injuries and sent home to a hospital in England; once he is released, he still needs care, and Georgiana Ward returns after many years, to help nurse him back to health.

James has a daughter, Leonie, by Georgiana in the early years, and made sure they lived well. He would see her occasionally, but slowly when his daughter became a teen ager, he was buried with his business and she hardly saw him, eventually cutting her father out of her life. In the present, James wants to get to know his daughter, but Georgiana tells him that Leoni wants nothing to do with him. Once he is well, both Georgianna and James also terminate their relationship.  James did keep an eye on Leonie’s marriage, as he did not like the man she married.

With the war taking its toll on his business, James concentrates on rebuilding his empire, and eliminating some of the smaller stories, with help from Eddie, Rossi, and other partners.   James will be introduced to Annabel, an art connoisseur, and slowly they both become very attracted to each other.  James has feelings for Annabel, but the age gap difference (he is 13 years older than her), pushes him to break it off, and leaves London to work hard in rebuilding his business ventures.  

What follows is both and exciting and sweet final ¼ of the book, with James finally being able to meet his daughter, after her husband abused her, and Leonie realizing that her father was a wonderful man, and would always be there for her. James also realizes that Annabel, even with the age gap, was the woman he loved.  I loved Rossi and Eddie, who were always there for James, and together they brought the business back to the top.

The Wonder of it All was very well written by Barbara Taylor Bradford.  This is the 3rd and final book in this series, and if you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book in the House of Falconer series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel – a Review

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The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Description:
It’s the summer of 1959 and the Palace of Versailles is hosting an event that will make history. It is an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in which a select group of American and French debutantes will be presented to international society and royalty. Four young women, all with something to prove, receive what some see as the invitation of a lifetime.

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school, hesitates to participate in what she sees as an archaic and privileged tradition. But her indomitable widowed mother, Jane, who’s struggled financially and sacrificed for a career, encourages her to attend. Jane would do anything for Amelia to have the chance at a happily ever after.

Felicity Smith is equally uncertain about the ball. Although her family is prominent in the Dallas social scene, Felicity prefers to keep to herself, avoiding the older sister who torments her. But to get out of her sister’s shadow, Felicity decides to accept. If it’s a success, the tables will have turned at last.

For Caroline Taylor, the beautiful ingénue and daughter of Hollywood legends, the ball is an irresistible opportunity. But an unexpected heartbreak just before she leaves for France gets things off to a bad start.

Then there’s Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father. Her excitement about the invitation is overshadowed by the emotional and physical effects of a past tragedy that still haunts her. 

 

 

Review:

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel is another one of her captivating and enchanting stand-alone novel. The story begins in the summer of 1959, where the Palace of Versailles will host a historic first dusk-to-dawn debutante ball, for international and royalty.  Invitations were sent to a select group of French and American debutantes to attend the ball. The story revolves around four young American women, who are offered a lifetime opportunity, with some anxious to attend, and some being pushed by family; but the trip will open the door that will change their lives forever, as well as a wonderful friendship.  We will meet Amelia, Felicity, Caroline and Samantha, as well as their family.

Amelia Alexander is planning on going to law school, and sees this invitation as something she feels is not her style.  But Amelia is very close to her mother, Jane, who is widowed, recently lost her job as an executive publisher; but Jane is determined for Amelia to have a chance to go to Paris and attend the Ball.  Amelia at first hesitates, but decides to accept the invitation to the Ball a Versailles.

Felicity Smith, who comes from a wealthy Dallas family, is uncertain about attending the ball.  Her older sister constantly torments her, especially since she is a bit overweight.  Her mother and father are thrilled about the invitation, and Felicity decides to accept, in order to get out of her sister’s shadow.  She is also hoping to find someone, who will like her as she is.

Caroline Taylor is the daughter of two Hollywood legends, and immediately accepts the opportunity to attend the Ball. A short time before she needs to leave, her boyfriend (an actor) dumps her for a younger girl, breaking her heart and putting a cloud on the event.  She keeps this a secret from her parents, and together they attend the Ball.  Unfortunately, Caroline gets sick, and has a hard time preparing for the ball, which turns out she may be pregnant.

Samantha Walker, lives with her overprotective father, having lost her mother and young brother years ago.  She convinces her father that they should go to Paris, a chance to visit Europe, and enjoy the Ball. Sam wants to make her father proud of her; and together they look forward to the trip.

What follows is the 4 girls will meet each other and over time become friends.  Three of the ladies will find someone meant to be for each, having met them as escorts at the ball. I really like the girls, who’s life will change, mostly for the better.  I also enjoyed Jane (Amelia’s mother) and Robert (Sam’s father), who found love along the way.  The boys who entered the lives of three ladies, Quentin, Willie, Rapheal were also very likeable to their designated women.  Caroline, who suffered a bit at the ball, became close friends with the others, and eventually will find the love she deserved.

The Ball at Versailles was a captivating, engaging historical romance story line, with each girl finding love after it was over.  I did like how Steel gives us wonderful descriptions, fantastic gowns and decorations.  The Ball at Versailles once again is written so very well by Danielle Steel. This was an enjoyable and fun read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Promise Me Christmas by Gini Rifkin-review

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Promise Me Christmas (Blackthornes of Darkenwald-review

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The nights are growing longer, and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle.

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety.

••••••

REVIEW:PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS by Gini Rifkin is a medieval, historical romance novella focusing Lord Guy Blackthorne and his Lady Vespa.

Told from omniscient third person perspectives (Guy and Vespa) PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS follows in the wake of the siege of the Darkenwald Castle. In December 1264, with the approach of Christmas, the Darkenwald Castle is surrounded by an unknown enemy, an enemy that is threatening the lives of those who live within. With supplies and food running low, fearing for the lives of his wife Vespa, and their children, Lord Guy Blackthorne must consider his path going forward but at every move, the enemy is always one-step ahead. Preparing for the possibility of no celebration of Christmas, Vespa and the women forage for supplies, while the men face down an enemy threatening their lives.

PROMISE ME CHRISTMAS is a quick read; a fast paced, simple yet sweet storyline of love and determination, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is entertaining and captivating -an easy read with limited medieval language and text; the relationship between Vespa and Guy is subtle yet passionate-the $ex scenes are mostly implied; the characters are determined and dynamic

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Creole Duchess (The Duchess Series #3) by Rue Allyn-a review

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The Creole Duchess (The Duchess Series 3)by Rue Allyn-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2023

A duke in disguise, a creole miss determined to get her own way, a curse, and two nations at war, is love even possible?

New Orleans Creole, Miss Celestine St. Cyr-Duval refuses to live under the thumb of some man chosen by her parents. Celie will do everything to keep freedom of choice for herself and others. But fate interferes in the form of a duke disguised as British businessman, Caleb Elmond. A relationship with Caleb would find approval with her mother, but both Celie and Caleb have secrets that put them on opposite sides of a great conflict and could destroy them both.

With the Battle of New Orleans looming, can these two strangers from warring countries compromise and protect each other, or will fear and betrayal end both their lives?

•••••

REVIEW:A new author and a new series (this is book three) it stands on its own and doesn’t need you to read books one and two.

Celestine “Celie” has never known anything but her life, it’s not stopped her from wanting more and trying to get a better life. Celie is 1/4 black (today that is nothing, but in the 1800’s that wasn’t either colour, and so women who were of a mixed race were “kept” by white men as mistresses!)

Caleb “Cal”, is a man on a mission! He’s also pretending to be something he’s not! A British man in New Orleans in this period is definitely not welcome, so he needs to keep his cool and his head down….

It’s almost love at first sight for Cal, meeting Celie has him in a trance, his friend warns him to be careful, but Cal must have this magical creature.

They tiptoe around each other and their feelings, both hiding who they really are. Can Cal convince Celie that he wants more than her being his mistress. And will Celie forgive Cal when she finds out that he’s not really who he says he is?

A period drama/action/romance is always a firm favourite with me. And this author is a new one. This book is the third one in the “Duchess Series”, I’ve not read the other two, but if they are as good as this one then at some point I’ll go back and read (but I’ve added them to my TBR list ?)

I also liked that there is a second story (and the reason why Cal is in New Orleans) in the book. There is drama, action, voodoo and of course the romance.

I love the history part of this book, it added something to the story. I like it when history is wrapped up in the romance.

So if you’re looking for a romance with a historical touch, then grab The Creole Duchess now.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

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