Plum Tea Crazy (Tea Shop Mystery #19) by Laura Childs

Title: Plum Tea Crazy (Tea Shop Mystery #19)

Author: Laura Childs

Pages: 318

Year: 2018

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Berkley 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:

     Theodosia Browning investigates a Charleston steeped in tradition and treachery in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.

     While viewing the harbor’s Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow’s walk of Timothy Neville’s Charleston mansion, local banker Carson Lanier seemingly tumbles over a narrow railing, then plunges three stories to his death. But a tragic accident becomes something much more sinister when it’s discovered that the victim was first shot with a bolt from a crossbow.

     At the request of the mansion owner, Theodosia investigates the tragedy and is soon neck deep in suspects. An almost ex-wife, a coworker, a real estate partner-all had motives for killing the luckless banker, but one resorted to murder to settle accounts.

My review:

     This is a great cozy mystery.

     I love each of the main characters. Theodosia, Drayton, and Detective Pete Riley come to my mind as the main ones. I really liked seeing how Theodosia is quick to  get involved in dangerous situations. Her mind is sharp and she has a wonderful ability in getting people to open up and talk to her.

     The plot of this mystery is incredible. There is a huge list of suspects that have to be kept track of. It was a lot of fun going on the journey with Theodosia as she tried to figure out who the culprit was.

     I have decided to give this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. It’s a great cozy mystery and 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.*

My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California: Abby's Prospects by Janice Thompson

Title: My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California: Abby’s Prospects

Author: Janice Thompson

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 San Francisco, California, of 1853 where an English socialite finds more treasure than expected on her trip to the American West.

     When Abby Effingham becomes stranded in the middle of the California gold rush, her money depletes quickly even while her prospects for marriage increase daily. But Abby is on a mission to find her mother—not romance. Will a ridiculous scandal keep her from traveling on, or will it wake up an aloof innkeeper to the treasure right under his roof?

     Samuel Harris runs a moderately priced hotel where Abby and her family’s elderly butler find shelter. He is looking forward to when she—and her parade of suitors—move on, though he concedes to let her work in his restaurant. When the sassy socialite is in trouble, will Samuel come to her rescue or find himself alone?

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance!

     I love the whole cast of main characters. They are an incredibly diverse group of people. I liked finding out the stories of how each of them came to be in San Francisco. I didn’t expect to find so many of them but I can’t even start to leave any out. There are Abigail, Neville, Sam, Cookie, and a few others. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how much scripture is quoted and how the Lord is relied on.

     The plot kept my attention as I saw Abigail’s journey into being a truly mature young woman. It amazes me to think about the fact that most of us consider ourselves adults long before we are truly ready to make mature decisions for our lives.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I definitely recommend it. It had an extra measure of interest for me since I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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.*

An Uncommon Courtship (Hawthorne House #3) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Title: An Uncommon Courtship (Hawthorne House #3)

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 352

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format:  eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister’s shadow—which worked until her sister got married. Even with the pressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

     Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn’t be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He’s free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn’t know, his dream of a marriage like his parents’ seems lost forever.

     Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent’s relationship survive the pressures of London society?

My review:

     This is a delightful historical romance novel!

     I fell in love with both Trent and Adelaide. They are incredibly well developed characters. They both had terrible lapses in their education about how men and women were to develop a relationship with each other. That left them fumbling along trying to figure things out. It made them very easy to connect with. I loved how Trent’s family was willing and able to support them throughout the story.

     I really loved the way that the bible was turned to to help Trent understand how to love his wife. It should be the place we all turn to for wisdom and guidance when we are confused and have questions. So many times though we think that we can come up with our own answers.

     I’m giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I do believe that it will be enjoyed more if the series is read in order since the main characters from the three previous stories play a very important role in this one.