Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey

Author: Julie Klassen

Pages: 416

Release Date: December 7, 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 expresses are my own.

About the book

     In pursuit of an author who could help get her brother published, Rebecca Lane stays at Swainford Abbey, a grand hotel rumored to be haunted. It is there she encounters Sir Frederick-the man who broke her heart. When a mysterious death occurs, Rebecca is one of the suspects, and Frederick is torn between his feelings for her and his search for the truth.

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance!

     There is a definite mystery that comes into play in the plot. But the main story seems to be the interaction between Rebecca and Frederick. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two main characters. They are extremely well developed. I liked seeing the glimpses that are given into the years when they were growing up.

     The mystery captivated me. It was a lot of fun seeing how people in 1820 would have gone about solving a murder. I believe that the author had to have spent a good amount of time researching the jobs of magistrate and constable. She gave a lot of details along the way as to who would be responsible to questions witnesses and such.

     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.*

Brentwood's Ward (Bow Street Runners #1) by Michelle Griep

 

Title: Brentwood’s Ward (Bow Street Runners #1)

Author: Michelle Griep

Narrator: Pam Turlow

Pages: 322

Duration: 10 hours 25 minutes

Year: 2015

Genre: Historical Romance / Suspense / Mystery

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook / Audiobook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     Placee an unpolished lawman named Nicholas Brentwood as guardian over a spoiled, pompous beauty named Emily Payne and what do you get? More trouble than Brentwood bargains for. She is determined to find a husband this season. He just wants the large fee her father will pay him to help his ailing sister. After a series of dire mishaps, both their desires are thwarted, but each discovers that no matter what, God is in charge.

My review:

     This is an incredible historical romance!

     I have to admit this book is also an incredible romantic suspense and mystery. I love both Emily and Nicholas. There are a number of other wonderful characters also. Two of my other favorites are Jenny and Hope. I loved seeing how Emily matured from a spoiled brat to grown woman ready to deal with difficult situations. Nicholas learned to actually call on God for guidance.

     The plot of this story captured my attention. I started reading the eBook and before I finished 2 chapters I had switched to the audio book so I could read it faster. I had to find out what was going on and where the danger was coming from.

     The narrator is fantastic! She was able to make the story come alive for me. Her variety of voices and accents was wonderful! It was extremely easy to envision who the different characters were. I will definitely be looking for more books that she has narrated.

     I absolutely have to give this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars for both the story and the narration. I highly recommend it.

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.*

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.*

Camp Club Girls: Bailey by Linda Carlblom

Title: Camp Club Girls: Bailey

Author: Linda Carlblom

Pages: 384

Release Date: February 1, 2019

Genre: Pre-teen Mysteries

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 opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

GET A CLUE WITH THE CAMP CLUB GIRLS!

     Join Bailey and the Camp Club Girls as they embark on a series of clue-filled adventures and crack the case in this entertaining and action-packed 4-in-1 mystery collection.

     What’s the meaning of the mysterious messages beneath happy sheep coats at the Curly Q ranch? The Camp Club Girls are determined to uncover the close as they investigate a strange string of events. Will the girls discover the whereabouts of eccentric millionaire Marshall Gonzalez?

     Why are wild elk running amok in Estes Park? During a stay at the historic Stanley Hotel, Bailey and Kate encounter out-of-control stampedes that put the townsfolk and tourists in danger. Will the Camp Club Girls uncover the reason behind the unusual elk behavior before someone gets hurt?

     Are the rumors surrounding a valuable turquoise mine true? When Bailey and Elizabeth travel to a Native American village in New Mexico to help out a distant cousin and her children in their pottery shop during the busy tourist season, mysterious rumors begin to stir. The Camp Club Girls have their suspicions about rightful ownership of the mine, but will they be able to prove it?

     Who’s responsible for the peril at Mermaid Park? When Bailey and Sydney are invited to spend part of the summer with Bailey’s grandmother in Florida, both girls are fascinated by the local attraction—Mermaid Park. When curious and frightening events begin to take place, will the Camp Club Girls solve the mystery and save the park before time runs out?

My review:

     This is a collection of four wonderful pre-teen mysteries.

     I loved reading all of these mysteries with Bailey Chang as the central, connecting element in them. In each one she is joined by one of her friends from camp. Once they come across a mystery they bring the rest of the group in by phone to help solve it.

     I thoroughly enjoy the fact that each girl has a special interest and ability that they use to help the group out.

     The four mysteries are very different from each other and they all held my attention. One of my favorite things about these stories is the fact that the girls pray, asking God for guidance and protection.

     This delightful book is getting a rating of 5 stars from me. I am definitely recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've 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.*

Camp Club Girls: Elizabeth by Renae Brumbaugh Green

Title: Camp Club Girls: Elizabeth

Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

Pages: 384

Release Date: January 1, 2019

Genre: Pre-Teen Mysteries

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

What happens when six girls end up not only in the same cabin at summer camp, but are quickly embroiled in intrigue?

     They form a super sleuth ring and call themselves the Camp Club Girls. Each girl uses her special skills--analyzing, spiritual insight, gadgetry, physical skills, research--to help the whole team stump adversaries and master the mysteries they encounter. Join the Camp Club Girls on a series of clue-filled adventures and cheer them on as they crack the case in this entertaining 4-in-1 story collection.

What's REALLY going on at Camp Discovery Lake? 
     When Alexis, Bailey, Elizabeth, Sydney, McKenzie, and Kate end up as roommates at summer camp, they soon suspect there's more going on than crafts and Bible quizzes. Will they put the puzzling pieces together before time runs out?

What's so important about a missing bag of marbles? 
     Elizabeth and McKenzie are roped into a mystery as big as Texas, when a strange man shows up in town, asking about a special tip left to a waitress thirty years ago. Will their skills be a match for this mixed-up mystery?

Is foul play to blame for the strange string of unfortunate events that threaten the River City Cruise Boat business? 
     While helping out with ministry activities at the Fiesta Noche Del Rio on the Riverwalk, Kate and Elizabeth investigate! Will the girls reveal the source of the trouble before the River City Cruise Boat business goes bust?

Who's the thief responsible for stealing a valuable Gibson guitar?
     Elizabeth and Bailey investigate the case in Music City. With only a handful of clues, will the girls be successful in turning up the missing music maker and returning the guitar to its rightful owner?

My review:

     I loved these pre-teen mysteries!

     These stories are reminiscent of the Trixie Belden books that I read multiple times growing up.

     In the first story we meet six girls ranging in age from 9 to 14 years old. As they all arrive on the first day of camp they meet each other. They immediately become friends as they settle into their cabin. They are very well developed. They each have different interests, strengths, and weaknesses.

     They are very observant and once one of them identifies a mystery they all jump in using their own skill to help solve it. Each of the mysteries is different but they are all undertaken to help someone else out.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that they encourage each other with scripture. They also go to God in prayer asking for guidance and protection.

     I have decided to give this book a 5 star rating. I am definitely recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've 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.*

Dead Sea Rising (Dead Sea Chronicles #1) by Jerry B. Jenkins

Title: Dead Sea Rising (Dead Sea Chronicles #1)

Author: Jerry B. Jenkins

Pages: 320

Release Date: November 13, 2018

Genre: Time-Slip, Biblical / Present

Publisher: Worthy Publishing

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

FROM #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JERRY B. JENKINS COMES A HEART-STOPPING ADVENTURE OF HISTORICAL PROPORTIONS

Nicole Berman is an archaeologist on the brink of a world-changing discovery. During her first dig in Jordan, she believes she has found concrete evidence of a biblical patriarch that could change history books forever. But someone doesn’t want the truth revealed. While urgently trying to connect pieces of an ancient puzzle, a dangerous enemy is out to stop her.

My review:

This is an incredible time-slip novel.

The two time periods are early biblical and present. They are presented in two seemingly separate storylines. The chapters for the two periods are alternating. Part way through the book a third time period is introduced as memories of one of the present day characters.

The characters are incredibly well developed. Many of them I connected with emotionally. Most of them I wanted to just hug and help them get through the problems they were faced with. One of them I really wanted to either slap silly or shake as hard as I could to get some sense into his head.

The present day storyline was an intricate mystery. I was truly confused by all of the information that came to us in tiny bits and pieces. I was enthralled and needed to find out the culprit and the motivation for the crime.

I did find the shortness of the chapters a bit frustrating. This feeling was increased by the fact that we switched back and forth between the time periods so often that I couldn’t get really sucked into either one completely. This is the reason that I have decided to give this book only 4 stars. 

I am highly recommending this book for the depth of both storylines.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've 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.*

Designing Love (Sunriver Dreams #3) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Title: Designing Love (Sunriver Dreams #3)

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Pages: 186

Release Date: April 1, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Mystery

Publisher: Mountain Brook Inc.

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author. I have chosen to write this review to share my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Someone is framing Sierra. Can Spencer Preston discover the true criminal before he loses her?

     Sierra Robbins, single mother and interior design assistant, wants to provide a stable home for he teenage son and become a successful interior designer. She’s well on her way to both goals when she agrees to house sit a home in Sunriver, Oregon. It couldn’t be more perfect. She’ll be close to her job at Belafonte Designs while living rent-free. But things don’t as expected beginning on day one when a police officer responds to the alarm they set off at the house. Was that alarm a sign of trouble to come?

     Spencer Preston, lives for his job as a police officer in Sunriver, but when he responds to a house alarm and finds Sierra and her son there everything changes. Suddenly he finds himself torn between the upholding the law and protecting the woman he believes is innocent.

My review:

     A great contemporary romance with a mystery thrown in!

     This is a stand-alone story. A number of the secondary characters were also in the previous books in the series.

     I love the main characters in this book. Sierra, her son, Trey, and Spencer are easy to understand and relate to. Sierra has a lot of emotional baggage that she needs to work through that really affects her interaction with people now. She is really trying to work on it with God’s help.

     The mystery is mild but woven throughout the story. I really like the fact that it isn’t the whole focus, but it also isn’t pushed aside and ignored.

     I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. This is a great wrap-up to the series and I’m giving 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/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've 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.*

Another Day, Another Dali (Serena Jones Mystery #2) by Sandra Orchard

Title: Another Day, Another Dali (Serena Jones Mystery #2)

Author: Sandra Orchard

Pages: 352

Year: 2016

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Revell

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     The world of art theft can be a deadly game – one that Serena Jones understands all too well.

     When FBI Special Agent Serena Jones takes on the case of a forged Dali painting as a favor to her grandmother, she assumes it will be a typical investigation. Hopefully collaring the thief will also mean finally measuring up in her grandmother’s eyes. But the deeper she delves into the forgery and the suspects surrounding it, the less typical it becomes.

     The Dali isn’t the only painting that’s fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the possibility of a sophisticated theft ring—one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena’s grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena’s investigation—no matter the cost.

     Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena—and readers—a new high-stakes case to crack. You won’t want to miss a single brushstroke!

My review:

     This is another fantastic mystery!

     This book is part of a “true” series. The plotline of Serena’s murdered grandfather continues in this book.

     I love the cast of characters in this book. Many of them are the same as in book one. There are a lot of different quirks and personalities among them. It is fascinating to see how Serena interacts with each of them and tries to keep a balance between her profession and dealing with family.

     I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how Aunt Martha “helps” Serena throughout the book. She is so enthralled with mysteries and trying to solve them herself that she is a riot. Yet at times she does have some good ideas.

     The plot for the separate mystery in this book is wonderful. I was hooked and knew that I had to finish the story to find out how it turned out from early on. There are enough different suspects to confuse things nicely.

     There is a second ongoing story from book one that is very amusing. I can’t wait to see if either Tanner or Nate will end up being a romantic interest for Serena. She keeps insisting that they are both “just” friends.

     I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book. I am highly recommending this wonderful mystery. It gets a 5 star rating from me.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*