Once Upon a Dickens Christmas (3 Novellas) by Michelle Griep

Title: Once Upon a Dickens Christmas (3 Novellas)

Author: Michelle Griep

Pages: 450

Year: 2019

Genre: Victorian Christmas Romances

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:

     Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

     Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

A Tale of Two Hearts

     Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?

The Old Lace Shop

     Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

My review:

     This book includes 3 Novellas. There were a few common things running from story to story. I enjoyed watching for them. The main one was the fact that in one way or another Charles Dickens is spoken of or actually appears in each one of them. That made for a fun point to keep my eye out for.

     Each of these Novellas is a wonderful Victorian Christmas romance!

12 Days at Bleakly Manor

     This book is filled with well developed and very strange characters. I love the two main ones, Clara and Ben. As we get to know them as well as the rest of the assorted house guests at Bleakly Manor a mystery starts to present itself. 

     Clara and Ben are the only two that know each other before arriving at the manor. It was interesting to see how their past affects their stay at the manor. Their interaction with each of the other house guests was very interesting. At times I wanted to tell some of them to just shut up. 

A Tale of Two Hearts

     I love both of the main characters. Their hearts are in the right place, but their plans to go about achieving the desired results are very twisted. They needed to learn to trust that God was in control and would take care of things without their schemes. They each dealt with a lot of angst over the deception that they were undertaking. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that they each had a friend who was speaking encouragement and guidance to them along the way.

     The quotes from different books by Charles Dickens at the start of each chapter were great. Most of the books quoted I have never read. I did find myself adding many of them to my to-be-read list.

     It was fun to learn about some of the traditions of 1800s Christmas time. I’m very glad that the author included some notes at the end of the book about them.

The Old Lace Shop

     I absolutely love 3 special characters in this wonderful story. Bella and Edmund are both trying to move past very painful marriages. They are using different methods to do so but the fact that they aren’t just wallowing in the pain is incredible. I think that my favorite character is Flora though. She is sweet and joyful.

     The plot of this story is wonderful. I loved seeing how Bella struggled to try and find a place for herself in the man’s world of business. She had a lot of attitudes in others to try and work her way past. She kept trying to figure it out though.

     I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection of Novellas. I’m giving it a rating of 5 stars. I definitely 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.*

Storm Rising (The Book of the Wars #1) by Ronie Kendig

 

Title: Storm Rising (The Book of the Wars #1)

Author: Ronie Kendig

Pages: 382

Year: 2019

Genre: Action/Adventure & Military Thriller

Publisher: Bethany House

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:

     Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets-and dangers-never before seen on earth.

     Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as “Viorica” snatches this volume right out from under them.

     Iskra “Viorica” Todorova îs determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most-freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives—entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in two-thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction.

My review:

     This is an incredible adrenaline rush inducing book!

     I think that there are equal parts Action/Adventure and Military Thriller packed into this wonderful story. I was completely sucked into it from the very beginning. The cast of characters are great. The author did an awesome job of developing them and making these hard core people vulnerable and easy to connect with.

     The plot of the story had my heart pounding multiple times. I was terrified that some of my favorite characters wouldn’t survive the dangerous situations that they sent into. The level of details that were given as to how they proceeded and reacted were fantastic. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Our heroes aren’t out of danger yet.

     I HAVE to give this book a rating of 5 stars! If I don’t I will be robbing the author of the credit she deserves. I highly recommend it. Based on the ending it is the start of a true series that needs to be read in order.

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 Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd

Title: The Weaver’s Daughter

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Pages: 368

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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:

     Kate’s loyalties bind her to the past. Henry’s loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

     Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder — including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father’s pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

     Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather’s goals to modernize his family’s wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family livelihood and legacy.

     Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry’s side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village’s future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls — even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

My review:

     This is an amazing historical romance novel!

     I absolutely love the main characters in this book. They are incredibly well developed. The interest between Kate and Henry develops slowly which is wonderful to see. Most of the book my heart ached for Kate and the position that she was placed in simply by having a soft heart and caring about people.

     The plot is mainly about the conflict between the weavers and the miill owners and workers. So much emotional damage is caused by people being stubborn and unwilling to talk rationally with others. That is truly something that everyone of us should be on guard against in our own lives.

     This is the first book that I have ever read by this author. I be definitely looking for more of her stories. I’m giving this marvelous 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 Wish Book Christmas (If I Were You #2) by Lynn Austin

Title: The Wish Book Christmas (If I Were You #2)

Author: Lynn Austin

Pages: 304

Release Date: September 7, 2021

Genre: Christmas Story

Publisher: Tyndale House

Format: Hardcover (also available in eBook)

About the book:

     A holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve.

     Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday. They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor’s yellow Lab-since a dog topped the boys’ wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

My review:

     This is an absolutely delightful Christmas story!

     I love the entire cast of characters. I really felt a connection with Eve and Audrey and their desire to teach their sons that Christmas isn’t all about getting the gifts you want. It is a hard lesson to learn but a very important one for everyone to remember.

     The story was very sweet and heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how not only the two boys developed but also how their mothers learned their own lessons that helped them to mature.

     I didn’t realize that this was the second book in a series. I enjoyed it so much that I will be buying the first one and reading it as soon as I can. I’m giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Everywhere to Hide by Siri Mitchell

Title: Everywhere to Hide

Author: Siri Mitchell

Pages: 352

Year: 2020

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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:

     How does a woman protect herself from an enemy she can’t see?

     Law school graduate Whitney Garrison is a survivor. She admirable deals with her mother’s death, mounting student debt, dwindling job opportunities, an abusive boyfriend, and a rare neurological condition that prevents her from recognizing human faces.

     But witnessing a murder might be the crisis she can’t overcome.

     The killer has every advantage. Though Whitney saw him, she has no idea what he looks like. He knows where she lives and works. He anticipates her every move. Worst of all, he’s hiding in plain sight and believes she has information he needs. Information worth killing for. Again.

     As the hunter drives his prey into a net of terror and international intrigue, Whitney’s only ally, Detective Leo Baroni, is taken off the case. Stripped of all semblance of safety, Whitney must suspect everyone and trust no one—and fight to come out alive.

My review:

     This is an incredible romantic suspense novel!

     The idea that the witness to the murder couldn’t recognize faces terrified me. I can’t even imagine how frightening that was for her. The author did an amazing job of describing her fear. I really liked both Whitney and Leo. The fact that Whitney was able to trust Leo to help her and protect her was wonderful.

     The plot of the story was great. It kept me guessing right up to the end about who the murderer was. There were lots of people that were suspects at least for a short time. The fact that the witness couldn’t give the police a description made the whole process much more difficult.

     I was fascinated by the information that was included about face blindness and the problems that people with this condition deal with. A lot of the information included about cryptocurrency completely confused me. 

     I’m giving this marvelous 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 Dear Miss Dupre (American Royalty #1) by Grace Hitchcock

Title: My Dear Miss Dupre (American Royalty #1)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Pages: 364

Release Date: March 2, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

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:

     Willow Dupre never though she would have to marry, but with her father’s unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Deeper sugar refinery, plans changed. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan-find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the empire.

     Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society’s elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is expected to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry,, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn’t expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets Cullen Dempsey, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

My review:

     This is a a wonderful historical romance!

     I loved the premise of this story from the very beginning. I hadn’t read the back cover summary of it before starting the book. I picked up on the bachelorette theme immediately and was intrigued as to how it would turn out in the confines of 1883 New York high society. I was completely captivated by the whole process that Willow had to go through.

     The characters were wonderfully well developed. There were a lot of quirks among the different suitors that Willow had to weed through. I enjoyed what characteristics she picked up that helped her decide who to cut from the competition. There were a lot of scenes that were laugh-out-loud funny. Some of the antics from the different men seemed to be outrageous.

     I’m looking for forward to reading the next book in this series. I’m giving this book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely 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 Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

Title: The Shell Collector

Author: Nancy Naigle

Pages: 352

Release Date: May 11, 2021

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

About the book:

     From USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle, The Shell Collector is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

     Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

     Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community.

     Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

     Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways non of them could have hoped for or expected.

My review:

     This is an amazing Women’s Fiction book!

     I LOVE each of the main characters! That includes Amanda, Hailey, Jesse, Maeve, and Paul. They are each incredibly well developed. The personalities are wonderful. I loved seeing how they interacted with each other as well as all of the additional characters.

     This is a very emotional story. There are a number of very heart-warming scenes that brought me joy to read. There were also a number of times that I just wanted to cry for the deep heartache that the characters were experiencing. It was truly a story that ran the full range of emotions.

     This is the first book I have ever read by this author. I look forward to reading as many of her books as I can. I am absolutely giving this wonderful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it!

Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

Title: Colors of Christmas

Author: Olivia Newport

Pages: 320

Year: 2017

Genre: Christmas Stories

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:

     Celebrate the joyful hope of the Christmas season as characters find healing in the midst of heartbreak. New from Olivia Newport!

Christmas in Blue

     In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as must of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope.

Christmas in Gold

     After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time.

My review:

     These are two hope-filled Christmas stories!

     I love the main characters in each of these stories. I was able to connect deeply with both Astrid (Christmas in Gold) and Angela (Christmas in Blue). They are each faced with deeply painful and emotional Christmases to get through. Reading their stories really shown a light on the fact that the greatest hope can best be found in the most difficult and trying times.

     Both of these amazing women were able to make new friends that helped them get through their time of discouragement and depression. They were able to then move past it and help others along the way.

     I picked up this book without reading the summary for it. I was looking for a light-hearted Christmas story. This was definitely heavier than I thought it was going to be. But it was exactly what I needed. I’m giving this wonderful 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 Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey by Amanda Barratt

Title: My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele’s Journey

Author: Amanda Barratt

Pages: 256

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Barbour Books

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:

     Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where…

     She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.

     Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

     Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

     On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drey in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance.

     I love the main characters. Both Adele and Drew have extreme financial difficulties that are causing them to make hard decisions to earn money to handle them. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how they made their decisions. It really shone a light on the fact that money shortages can lead anyone to make questionable choices. It also points out that we can never truly understand another person’s choices.

     I really liked that they became friends to begin with. Then their relationship grew from there.

     I was fascinated by the way society looked at different people. The biggest divide was between old money and new money. But it didn’t end there.

     I’m giving this wonderful story 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 Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda E., Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Title: The Beloved Christmas Quilt

Author: Wanda E., Jean, and Richelle Brunstetter

Pages: 400

Year: 2017

Genre: Amish Romances

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:

     One quilt binds three generations of Amish women in these three stories of family, romance, and Amish faith by bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, Jean, and granddaughter, Richelle.

     For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for they name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3

     The scripture embroidered on the back of a  beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.

Luella’s Promise

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

     Luella Ebsersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. The Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.

Karen’s Gift

by Jean Brunstetter

     Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?

Roseanna’s Groom

by Richelle Lynn Brunstetter

     When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.

My review:

     This in an incredible set of three Amish romances!

     I love all of the main characters in this book. Each of the authors wrote one of the stories. All three of them did an amazing job of developing wonderful characters and great relationships between them.

     Each story is a separate romance. They are each very different in the difficulties that the couples face. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that they each center on God and trusting Him to carry them through the hard times.

     One of my favorite aspects of this collection of stories is that they all have a family heirloom as a common factor between them. 

     I thoroughly enjoyed each of the stories in this book. I’m giving it a rating of 5 stars. I definitely 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.*

Best in Snow (Andy Carpenter #24) by David Rosenfelt

Title: Best in Snow (Andy Carpenter #24)

Author: David Rosenfelt

Pages: 320

Duration: 6 hours, 52 minutes

Release Date: October 19, 2021

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Minotaur Books / Macmillan Audio

Format: Audiobook (also available in eBook and 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:

     In this Christmas mystery, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is the prime suspect.

     Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that dumps two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow - white Christmas and all that - but it can cause problems for the walks he takes his dogs on every day.

     When Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, goes to play in the snow and instead discovers a body, Andy ends up on the phone with the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is Mayor Alex Oliva, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter - and prime suspect - is in need of a lawyer.

     Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The evidence is piling up faster than the snow.

My review:

     This is an in-depth mystery.

     I was fascinated by the main character. His methods of solving the case were a little  strange to me. The team he put together to help him gave me a few chuckles along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the way he handled the trial itself. The final reveal of how he figured out who the criminal was included a number of points that I hadn’t picked up on.

     The narrator did a good job portraying Andy himself. I did struggle some trying to follow who was speaking since there weren’t obvious differences in his voice for the other characters. This was so minor that I’m giving the narration itself 4 stars.

     The mystery captivated me so I’m giving the book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely 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.*

One for the Books (Library Lover's Mystery #11) by Jean McKinley

Title: One for the Books (Library Lover’s Mystery #11)

Author: Jenn McKinley

Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Pages: 300

Duration: 7 hours 27 minutes

Year: 2020

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Berkley Books (print); Dreamscapes (audiobook)

Format: Audiobook (also available in eBook and 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:

     Wedding bells are ringing in the latest page-turning Library Lover’s Mystery.

     Love is in the air in Briar Creek as library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike (Sully) Sullivan are finally tying the knot. The entire town is excited for the happy day, and Lindsey and Sully’s plan for a small wedding evaporates as more and more people insist upon attending the event of the year.

     When Lindsey and her crafternoon pals head out to Bell Island to see if it can accommodate the ever-expanding guest list, they are horrified to discover a body washed up on the rocky shore. Even worse, Lindsey recognizes the man as the justice of the peace who was supposed to officiate her wedding ceremony. When it becomes clear he was murdered, Lindsey can’t help but wonder if it had to do with the wedding. Now she has to book it to solve the mystery before it ends her happily ever after before it’s even begun….

My review:

     This is a wonderful cozy mystery.

     I love both of the main characters. They have a great relationship and really work together as they try to sort out the problems that have arisen in their personal lives. That’s true also as they piece together the clues to find the murderer.

     The plot has plenty of twists and a number of suspects. They really kept me on my toes as I tried to figure out the motive as well as the murderer.

     The narrator for this book does an incredible job. I love all the different voices that she uses for each character. It helped to make the story come alive for me.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely 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.*

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope (Wrapped Up in Christmas #3) by Janice Lynn

Title: Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope (Wrapped Up in Christmas #3)

Author: Janice Lynn

Narrated By: Madeleine Maby & Seth Podowitz

Pages: 336

Duration: 8 hours 11 minutes

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Genre: Christmas Romance

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing

Format: Audiobook (also available in eBook and 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:

     He’s willing to risk his life to save others. Is she willing to risk her heart on him? Morgan’s late husband was a daredevil. . .and now she’s a widowed single mom. All she wants now is to set up a stable life for herself and her son in the small town of Pine Hill, Kentucky. Andrew’s a firefighter who thrives on the rush of saving others. His secret dream is to become a smokejumper and fight raging wildfires across the country. But it’ll mean leaving his hometown and the people who rely on him. Morgan and Andrew are drawn together as they both volunteer to make quilts for veterans at the local quilt shop. Morgan’s son looks up to Andrew, and Morgan can’t help but notice how good Andrew is with him. Meanwhile, Andrew’s torn between his ambition and his growing attraction to Morgan. They both have choices to make about their future. . .and about each other.

My review:

     This is an absolutely delightful Christmas romance!

     I LOVE all three of the main characters! Andrew and Morgan have very different plans for their lives. They are presented in such detail that I was able to really feel a connection to both of them. I ached for the hurt that they were each experiencing as their friendship grew and they were trying to work through the differences that seemed determined to separate them.

     I found many scenes that gave me a lot to laugh about as they had to deal with a number of matchmakers along the way. The descriptions of the planned Christmas wedding for an elderly couple were incredible.

     I found both of the narrators to be excellent! I could hear the emotions in their voices throughout the book. I loved the variety of voices that they each used for the various characters. I will be looking for more audiobooks that they have each done.

     I’m giving this marvelous story 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.*