The Black Midnight (True Colors Series) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Title: The Black Midnight (True Colors Series)

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Pages: 256

Release Date: August 1, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance / Mystery

Publisher: Barbour Book

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Two series of murders seem mysteriously connected.

     Step into True Colors — a series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime.

     Could a series of murders in London in 1889 be related to unsolved murders in Austin, Texas, 1884? Queen Victoria wants to know and asks her granddaughter—who left the queen’s good graces by going off to America to become a Pinkerton agent—to quietly look for any connection. The catch is the queen doesn’t want her to do it alone. Alice Anne must find her former Pinkerton agent partner—now an attorney in Austin—and enlist him in the hunt. As the pair get closer to finding their suspect, their lives become endangered, but they refuse to be intimidated. Can this case be solved?

My review:

     This is an incredible novel based on a true crime mystery!

     I love both of the main characters. Alice Anne / Annie and Isaiah are wonderful. It was a lot of fun to see how Alice Anne keeps so much of her true personality while she is in Austin, living as Annie. The way they interact with each other while both in Texas and then in England is great.

     The plot of the mystery is fantastic. I loved going along with the investigators as they searched for clues about the murderer. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the note by the author at the end of the book explaining the actual history behind her story. I love the way she expresses what facts she bent to make them fit.

     This wonderful book is getting a 5 star rating from me. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

When I Meet You (Tree of Life #3) by Olivia Newport

Title: When I Meet You (Tree of Life #3)

Author: Olivia Newport

Pages: 256

Release Date: May 1, 2020

Genre: Duel-Time Novel

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     A father-daughter genealogy team link present to past on family trees.

     A trunk abandoned at Denver’s Union Station more than a century ago leads Jillian and Nolan to untangle the mystery of its contents—including correspondence with the head of Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency Denver office. While Nolan digs into the legalities of the findings, Jillian searches for the descendants of a stolen identity who might not be who they think they are on Colorado ranch land. When Drew seems anxious to hear what Jillian has to say but his Great Aunt Min slams the subject closed—twice—Jillian is all the more determined to find out what happened to the woman who never claimed her luggage, why Min doesn’t want to talk about it, and what will happen for Drew if he gets the answers he seeks.

     When I Meet You is the third book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

My review:

     WOW! This is an incredible duel-time novel!

     I absolutely love the main characters in both time periods. They are all very well developed and have very different personalities.

     Both of the plot lines are fantastic. I was completely sucked into the entire story. I knew from the beginning that they would connect with each other some way. I enjoyed seeing the early tidbits that were hints as to the connection. The author did a marvelous job of holding out on the reader until the final reveal though.

     I have to get this great book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Crow's Call (Amish Greenhouse Mystery #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Title: The Crow’s Call (Amish Greenhouse Mystery #1)

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Pages: 320

Release Date: March 1, 2020

Genre: Amish Fiction / Mystery / Romance

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Mysterious events plague a greenhouse in Pennsylvania’s Amish country.

     When Vernon King, his son, and son-in-law are involved in a terrible accident, three women are left to cope with their deaths, as they become the sole providers of the family they have left. The women’s only income must come from the family greenhouse, but someone seems to be trying to force them out of business.

     Amy King has just lost her father and brother, and her mother needs her to help run the family’s greenhouse. It doesn’t seem fair to ask her to leave a job she loves, when there is still a sister and brother o help. But Sylvia is also grieving for her husband while left to raise two children, and Henry, just out of school, is saddled with all the jobs his father and older brother used to do. As Amy assumes her new role, she also asks Jared Riehl to put their courtship on hold. When things become even more stressful at the greenhouse, will Amy crumble under the pressure?

My review:

     This is a wonderful Amish novel!

     My emotions were completely caught up in this story before the end of the first chapter. I connected with all of the King family as soon as I met them. Anyone who has had a loved one die will relate with the deep grief they are dealing with. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how the author had the various family members deal with it.

     I liked seeing how the mystery developed. It wasn’t resolved by the end of this book so I guess this is going to be an ongoing storyline through the series.

     There were a number of community characters that came into the story in a way that I believe this series is set in the same location as The Prayer Jars series, by the same author. I will definitely be reading those books as soon as possible.

     I loved this book so much that I have to give it a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

In the Cradle Lies (Tree of Life #2) by Olivia Newport

Title: In the Cradle Lies (Tree of Life #2)

Author: Olivia Newport

Pages: 256

Year: 2019

Genre: Duel-Time Novel

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees.

     On a solo ski vacation in Canyon Mines, Colorado, Tucker has a love-hate relationship with his wealth, spending indiscriminately while skiing fearlessly and preparing to conquer the overgrown slope of Hidden Run, a dangerous run not attempted in decades. As genealogist Jillian tries to uncover enough of Tucker’s family tree to understand his charming nature but reckless resolve, Jillian’s equally charming father, Nolan, cajoles Tucker into giving him ski lessons to get him talking about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s life in St. Louis in the 1930s.

     On the surface, Tucker’s family’s history seems too perfect. The secret may lie in the sealed envelope Tucker carries with him at all times—even on the ski slope. When no one can find Tucker to tell him the fiancee he never mentioned turned up in Canyon Mines, they realize he must be off attempting to ski Hidden Run alone in a snowstorm. And they may be too late.

     In the Cradle Lies is the second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

My review:

     This is a fantastic duel-time novel!

     I absolutely love the way the stories in this series are told. The premise is of a genealogist researching a difficult family tree. This plot is interspersed with a decades old storyline. It is very compelling.

     All of the primary characters are extremely well developed. That made it very easy to either love them, or hate them.

     I thoroughly enjoy reading a book that is filled with an incredible plot that I’m captivated by and emotionally invested in. This is definitely one of those stories.

     One of the keys that I picked up on in this story is the need to face up to our past choices that hurt our family. Then to move on and reconcile with them.

     I just have to give this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I must recommend it. I certainly hope that there will be many more books in this fabulous series.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

A Reckless Love (Daughtry House #3) by Beth White

Title: A Reckless Love (Daughtry House #3)

Author: Beth White

Pages: 368

Release Date: June 2, 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Revell

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

     This is the conclusion of an actual series. For the story to make the most sense all 3 books should be read in order.

About the book:

     In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister’s engagement. She also rejoices in her part in transforming the family’s dilapidated plantation manor into a luxurious and lucrative resort hotel. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.

     But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He’s tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge’s murder.

     Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world—and God in particular—is out to get him. But just as she’s on the verge of cracking Zane’s defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

     Award-wining author Beth White closes out her Daughtry House series with this exciting and emotional tale of two strong-willed people who may have met their match.

My review:

     A fantastic conclusion to a historical romance series!

     I absolutely love both Aurora and Zane! They are incredibly well developed and easy to relate to. It was wonderful seeing how their personalities were presented slowly and their backgrounds came out throughout the book. This is especially true of Zane. It was fun to catch up with Selah, Levi, Joelle, and Schuyler too. I enjoyed seeing how their relationships had progressed since their respective books.

     The plot of the story is great. It captured my interest and kept me focused and reading. I was fascinated to read the information given in the note at the end of the book as to how much of this book was based on historical fact.

     I was so caught up in the lives of these people that when I turned the page and saw the words, “A Note to the Reader” my first thought was that it couldn’t be over yet. I would love to see the author write another series continuing the lives of all of these wonderful characters.

     I am definitely giving this incredible book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar

Title: My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma

Author: Andrea Boeshaar

Pages: 256

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBooks (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Journey into the Shenandoah Valley of 1816 where… with nothing left, Lily may be forced into a loveless marriage.

     Captain McAlister, “Mac” Albright has purchased land in the Shenandoah Valley. However, the land belongs to Lillyanna Laughlin—or so she erroneously things. Mac sets her straight about current laws, and despite a poor start, the two are becoming friends.

     Then, while Mac is away on business, Lily is faced with the impossible decision of marrying a man twice her age or she and her brothers becoming homeless, as her late father gambled away their home and acreage. But with debts being called in, will Lily be forced to choose a loveless marriage just when she is discovering what true love could be? What can she possibly do? Will Mac return in time to spare Lily a lifetime of unhappiness?

My review:

     This is a delightful historical romance.

     I love the main characters. Lily’s family are definitely easy to picture and connect with. Mac arrives with one friend who is faithful and easy to smile at his phrases and attitudes.

     The storyline is easy to follow. I had no problem picking up on who was the danger to Lily and Mac’s relationship. Yet at the same time it was fun to see how the story developed and how individuals and relationships grew.

     I am giving this book a rating of 5 stars. I do recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*