Tag: historical fiction

BONUS REVIEW: A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

BONUS REVIEW: A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Violet Hughes, Lady Greycliff, is finally free. Free from her controlling, disapproving husband and her disappointing marriage, and free to pursue her experiments. Free to operate her women’s club, Athena’s Retreat, a secret society for scientifically minded women, posing as a simple social club.

But Violet’s work, helping her step-son and the authorities with an antidote to a chemical bomb used by terrorists, has put a target on her back. So Lord Greycliff brings in Arthur Kneland, a bodyguard.

The attraction between Violet and Arthur is undeniable. But it is something neither can afford to give in to. Violet’s reputation is too shaky for a fling – or more – with a man below her station. And Arthur is running from his past, eager to retire into obscurity. Life would be simpler for both of them if he could just find the culprit causing all of Violet’s trouble. But the culprit continues to up the ante. And in the case of Violet’s work and Arthur’s assignment, distraction could be deadly.

Review

This was great! I enjoyed the romance as well as the mystery. And I was inspired by the idea of a place in the 18th century where female scientists could gather. The community of people connected to Athena’s Retreat desperately needed a haven from the world – abusive fathers, scandals, disapproval over sexuality and gender identity, etc.

I enjoyed the relationship between Violet and Arthur. Violet had been broken in many ways by her husband’s treatment of her. Arthur understood her and helped her find herself again. I especially liked watching Violet discover what she wanted for her own life and what she would and would not do to get it.

The mystery was secondary to the rest of the story, but still twisty and engaging. I can see where the author might be headed with future books in the series. And I’ll be eager to check them out! (Language, sex, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

BONUS REVIEW: To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

BONUS REVIEW: To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]

Summary

Gabriella Goodhue grew up a thief on the streets. She used to work with a partner – Nicholas Quinn – but when she was caught at age 12, her street “family” abandoned her. She spent her teen years in an orphanage.

Gabriella is pulling her thieving skills out as an adult to help a friend. Miss Jennette Moore has been accused of stealing her fiancé’s family fortune in jewels. But Gabriella knows that’s not Jennette’s character at all. She’s obviously been framed. When Gabriella’s prime suspect hosts a party, Gabriella uses the opportunity to sneak in and check the woman’s safe.

Instead of finding jewels, though, Gabriella finds Nicholas breaking into the same room. Gabriella is angry and bitter that Nicholas never came after her when she was caught as a child. But Nicholas has his own version of what happened.

The ladies at Gabriella’s boarding house, calling themselves the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, are determined to use every skill, secret, and connection they possess to clear Jennette’s name. While Nicholas says he is working toward the same end, he has changed so much, Gabriella is not sure she should trust him ever again.

Review

Another excellent book from Jen Turano. I thoroughly enjoyed this “found family” story that kicks off a new Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. Hopefully, each one of the Bleeker Street ladies gets a book. I am here for every single one of them!

There’s a TON going on here, and I was captivated by all of it. Jennette’s case launches the Inquiry Agency, and also pulls Gabriella and Nicholas back into one another’s orbits. From there the author adds in several other cases for the ladies and their growing ensemble of helpers. The story also includes more information on what happened in the years since Gabriella and Nicholas have seen each other – as well as some secrets neither knew before. It felt like easily three books’ worth of story, in only the best ways. The pacing never dragged, and I never felt like the author didn’t have her various story threads firmly in hand. The faith pieces of the book are subtle and felt natural, something I am a stickler for when I read Christian fiction.

I was invested in every single part of this book. The ending was fantastic and supremely satisfying. I truly can’t wait to read book 2, To Write a Wrong, which is scheduled to release late in the summer of 2021.

Fans of the author should not miss this one. I love finding a terrific series right from the first book. And while you wait for book 2, you can check out the author’s extensive backlist.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

BONUS REVIEW: The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

BONUS REVIEW: The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Dutton in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

1913
The Lyons live in the Fifth Avenue branch of the New York Public Library. Jack is the superintendent for the library, and he and Laura live in an apartment in the building with their two kids. After work each night, Jack works on his novel, and Laura manages the kids and their routines. But Laura longs for more. She’s been accepted into a journalism program at Columbia University – one that accepts women. Laura wants to write, too. If she could get a reporting job, she could help with the family’s finances so Jack would have more time to finish his book.

1993
Sadie is working on a special collection at the New York Public Library. As part of the exhibit she’s preparing, her boss wants more examples of Laura Lyons’ work or personal effects. Her feminist essays have had a resurgence of popularity lately. Sadie hasn’t told him that Laura was her grandmother. She would have – she found some great examples of her early writing that would be fun additions to the exhibit. But she also found references to some missing books from the time Laura’s family lived in the library. Until Sadie can find out what happened then, she wants to keep her connection to the Lyons to herself. Books have started to go missing from the collection Sadie is curating, and the connection to the 80 year old mystery could make a difficult situation even worse.

Review

This was an interesting split timeline story connected by family relationships and the thefts at the NYPL. Beyond that, Sadie’s story is also about family, her work, and her identity following her divorce. Laura’s story is even more involved, focusing on the role of women in the early 1900s. She goes back to school to pursue a career in a field dominated by men. She longs for meaning and a challenge outside her home, but she also feels guilt for not being available to her children all the time. She connects with women in her community who are pushing for equality, suffrage, access to contraception and health care, etc. The myriad of issues in 1913 made that section of the story more intricate, but my personal preference was for the “contemporary” story with Sadie and her family and work.

The mystery of the book thefts is well done – in both timelines – and I loved the ways they were connected. I didn’t click with the characters very much in this book, but I was captivated by this mystery. The author does a great job putting together a mystery with an historic story that also explores the lives of grandmother and granddaughter. Readers who enjoy split timeline stories should check this one out. (Some Christian examples of this type of storytelling can be seen in Rachel Hauck’s work – The Writing Desk and The Love Letter are two examples.)

(Language, sex, LGBTQ+: Bisexual and F/F relationships. TW: Suicide)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

BONUS REVIEW: Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain

BONUS REVIEW: Mr. Malcolm’s List by Suzanne Allain

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Mr. Jeremy Malcolm is the hottest bachelor of the 1818 London season. He has no title, but he’s inherited funds and a country house. He’s feeling the pressure from debutantes – and their mothers – constantly. One dance or conversation – or a trip to the opera – can convince a young woman that he’s interested. But Mr. Malcolm knows what he’s looking for. When it comes to a woman he’ll spend the rest of his life with, he’s determined to be as careful about the choice as he would be about choosing a prize horse or a business investment. There are certain qualities that are non-negotiable. Mr. Malcolm has a list!

When one of those young women gets word of Mr. Malcolm’s list, she is incensed. She invites an old school friend to town under the auspices of helping her meet some eligible men at society events. But in truth, Julia only wants Selina to help her turn the tables on Mr. Malcolm. To string him along until he’s hooked and then dump him for not meeting her own list. Selina has numerous reservations, but she also has no where else to go if she wants to meet the right sort of men. Julia knows this and will not be dissuaded from her plot.

Review

With the exception of Selina, who is a delight, the other main characters in this book are infuriating. I despised the spoiled, bratty Julia from her first appearance. She is arrogant, smug, and manipulative, and I audibly grumbled about her for 2/3 of the book. Mr. Malcolm is no Prince Charming. He’s arrogant as well, and also entitled. Maybe the author was trying to show that the more plain-born Selina has better character than the wealthy, privileged people in the story. Julia’s cousin, who is supposed to be Mr. Malcolm’s friend, was just as awful. While I waited for everything in the story to inevitably fall apart, I grumbled about the lot of them.

The “Hallmark movie moment” – you know, the spot in 90% of these sorts of stories where all the secrets are spilled – was fairly predictable. But I was surprised that Jeremy thought so little of Selina that he immediately wrote her off. Sure, be angry. He was manipulated and lied to. But there was no grace offered and no opportunity for Selina to explain things.

I would have loved for this moment to happen sooner in the story so that when Selina gets riled by Jeremy’s dismissal of her, she could really make him feel the pain of his decisions. I wanted him to “suffer” his losses a little more. And sadly, Julia has no consequences whatsoever for her part in things. She becomes a somewhat better person, magically, because of love. This was not satisfying. These two pieces would have improved my mood considerably.

Despite all of that irritation and emotional upheaval, I could not put this down! I had to see if Selina would triumph over these yahoos around her. And to see if they could ever be worthy of her friendship and her love. I read this compulsively, from start to finish. And even with all of my grumbling, I enjoyed the overall story. Jeremy’s mom alone was worth sticking with the book through the aggravating parts; she’s a hoot!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman

REVIEW: A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Frances, the Countess of Harleigh, is enjoying some quiet days. No murders or investigations. Sure, she’s helping her sister plan her wedding, but otherwise she is just dealing with the day to day things and enjoying her secret engagement to George Hazelton.

Then she finds out her sister needs to move the wedding up. Immediately, if you catch my drift. Thankfully, George is heading to his family’s estate. It would be the perfect place for a small wedding. Lily and Leo could be married within a week and no one would have to know why the date changed. And of course, George is gracious and compassionate and welcomes the wedding party into his plans at the estate.

But from the moment their party gets on the train, there is no shortage of trouble. Leo’s younger sisters are constantly arguing and bickering. His best friend is making eyes at Lily, and she is not doing enough to dissuade him. Leo’s brother-in-law is bitter about feeling left out of the family business, and he isn’t quiet about it. And strange accidents keep happening. When several people are injured and one person ends up dead, Frances starts to think someone might want Leo dead.

Review

I fell in love with this series when I first read A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder. And it has never disappointed me. This is the third book in the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series, and it’s as strong as ever.

As much as I say I dislike historical fiction, the characters in this are what bring me back over and over. I have loved watching Frances’ growth over the last three books, finding both her confidence and true love.

The mystery in this particular book was especially twisty. I couldn’t settle on who I thought was the culprit. My choices all made sense. And were completely wrong! It was so fun to sit back and watch it all play out until the end.

Whether you love late 19th century London society stories, mysteries with a side of romance, or mysteries that leave you guessing until the end, be sure to pick up A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder. While you are at it, pick up the first two books in the series as well. I don’t think these have to be read in order, but if you like to see the evolution of the relationships in a series, you should start with book one.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

BONUS REVIEW: Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

BONUS REVIEW: Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Norman was on the train because he was returning home to Chicago after presenting on his scientific research in New York.

Beatrix was on the train because she was going to Chicago to live with her Aunt Gladys after being arrested – twice – in New York at marches for Women’s Suffrage. That, along with some other issues, led her mother to advise Beatrix to get away from the city for awhile.

The thieves were on the train because they were trying to get Norman’s research as well as whatever money and trinkets they could take from the passengers. When they tried to steal Beatrix’s purse, she stood up to them. She and Norman ended up fleeing on horseback – well, Beatrix was on horseback – and reporting the thieves when they got to the next train station.

That should have been the last Norman and Beatrix saw of each other. They had growled and bickered at each other for most of their flight from the robbers. But Norman could not stop thinking about Beatrix. He took runs through her aunt’s neighborhood hoping to see her. He tracked her down at her department store job. And while his social skills generally left something to be desired, he was starting to grow on Beatrix.

Then the thieves found Norman and Beatrix in Chicago. They were not out of danger yet.

Review

This was a delight from the very first page. I adored the entire cast of characters, from Beatrix and Norman to Norman’s family and friends to the women Aunt Gladys was housing and helping. I would happily spend several more hours with these characters!

This book was hilarious! I laughed, out loud, so many times. The bickering was fantastically funny. The writing here is so sharp – not only in the humor but also in the character development and the emotional descriptions.

I loved that both Beatrix and Norman got to tell their parts of the story. That let me in on their thinking and growth as Beatrix saw working conditions for women and as Norman saw himself and his relationships honestly and clearly for the first time. Norman has a Sheldon-esque quality at first (Sheldon, from The Big Bang Theory). He’s brilliant and awkward. My favorite part of the book, aside from the laughter, was Norman’s growth over time.

This is book three of the American Heiresses series, but it’s the first one I have read. I have wanted to read these since the first book released early in 2019. They are now at the top of my TBR list, along with everything else the author has written. I don’t feel like I missed anything in reading this story first. There are some references to the characters in the other books, but this story stands well on its own.

The faith pieces in the book are light, but felt a little clunky and forced to me. The last one especially felt out of rhythm with the rest of the story. But I refuse to let anything distract me from the delightful experience of reading this novel. This is one I will immediately buy so that I have my own copy to re-read as often as I want. This was immensely enjoyable, and I highly recommend it!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Princess Plan by Julia London

REVIEW: The Princess Plan by Julia London

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and HQN in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The Crown Prince of Alucia has come to England for two reasons – to forge a trade agreement and to find a wife. And at the masquerade ball, he also finds a few… distractions. A redhead who distracts him for a few hours and another woman who flirts with him in a secret passageway.

Eliza is in the passageway to hide from the matron who wanted to fill up her dance card with what would probably be horrible dance partners. Spinsters like her were hardly the top prospects at these events. Eliza is happy to enjoy the rum punch  in peace while she tries to meet the Crown Prince.

While Sebastian and Eliza meet at the ball, they are thrown together more forcefully when Sebastian’s friend and personal secretary is murdered. Eliza was paying attention to the man at the ball because he’d been kind to her. Prince Sebastian is determined to have all the details she can provide. But Eliza isn’t like the simpering, acquiescing women he’s used to meeting. She won’t be cowed by his title or his attitude. And Sebastian finds he likes that about her.

Review

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a mystery. While there is a murder, and Sebastian and Eliza go looking for clues to the killer, that is secondary to the romance plot. I would have liked this to be both, frankly. It would have been great to see Eliza and Sebastian take down the killer together AND sort out their romantic woes. But while the killer is unmasked, it is revealed in a detached, distanced way, and the reader is clued in later on the details.

Romance fans who are less attached to the mystery likely will not care. Sebastian and Eliza have great friction early on. He’s arrogant and entitled, and she’s old enough and experienced enough not to kowtow to him. I loved how direct and sassy she was with him. The relationship is pretty typical for a romance between royalty and a commoner. Once they connect, how will they go on because of his obligations and her lack of status? The finagling of those issues made for a decent and happily ever after ending. (Sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Last Word by Samantha Hastings

REVIEW: The Last Word by Samantha Hastings

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

She Knew She Was Right was one of Lucinda Leavitt’s few joys in life. She lost her mother at a young age. Because of his grief, her father dismantled any reminders of her and tucked them away. Rather than relate to his teenage daughter,  who looked more like her mother every day, he sent Lucy to finishing school. Her days were spent on “proper” pursuits like calling on society families and embroidery. Despite her giftedness for numbers and finance, Lucy wasn’t even allowed to work at her father’s business even though she had helped there as a kid.

Wheathill’s Magazine carried the serialized She Knew She Was Right by Mrs. Smith. And Lucinda read it faithfully. In fact, she’s been eagerly anticipating the final pages so she can find out which suitor the protagonist chooses. But the last entry is unfinished. Mrs. Smith apparently died, and the publisher didn’t receive the full finale. Lucy won’t ever know who Miss Emerson chose. Well, that’s unacceptable!

Lucy is determined to track down this Mrs. Smith, find her family and final papers, and learn Miss Emerson’s fictional fate. And she knows just the gentleman to escort her – her childhood friend David Randall. He has to help her. After all, it’s all his fault she ended up at finishing school!

Review

This was a delightful, quick story of 1860s London and a young woman of some wealth but no title trying to make her way in the world. Lucy is a treat. She’s spunky and smart. She knows how to use her position and her wit to get what she wants a lot of the time. David is a great character, too. He gets to tell part of the story, which I enjoyed.

This is a story of Lucy’s quest for independence and the freedom to be herself in a man’s world. It’s also the story of Lucy and David which was lovely. But it was the quest for the end of Mrs. Smith’s story that tied it all together and kept me reading this straight through to the end.

I enjoyed the author’s note at the close of the book. She describes real life serials that weren’t finished due to the deaths of their authors. Other story events were anchored in real historic people and experiences, too. I loved those little details.

Over all, this was a delight! If you enjoy historical fiction or dual perspective storytelling, along with light romance and a little bit of mystery, don’t miss this terrific story!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder by Dianne Freeman

REVIEW: A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder by Dianne Freeman

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Following her sister Lily’s advice, Frances has invited one of Lily’s friends from America to come to London for the end of the Season to meet some of the eligible young men. She’s also tried her matchmaking skills on her cousin-by-marriage. After all, she did help Lily find her intended.

In fact, Lily’s match almost went too well. Lilly and Leo are eager to have an engagement party and start planning their wedding. Frances would love to see them wait. She remembers only too well how her own haste bound her in an unhappy marriage. But she knows Lily and Leo are much better suited than she was with her late husband.

Cousin Charles’ match didn’t go so well. Mrs. Mary Archer, a widow, seemed like such a good choice, but Charles said they “didn’t suit.” Frances appreciates Charles’ efforts to be discrete for Mary’s sake, but when she’s found dead, Frances will need all the details she can dig up to keep Charles from being arrested for murder.

Review

I have adored the Countess of Harleigh mystery series! I don’t generally like historic fiction, but this one is perfect for me. The characters are outstanding. Frances is a treat, living within the boundaries of her culture while maintaining her independence. And she has terrific friends and family who support her. I loved the entire cast! I missed Fiona in this book as she was out of town for much of the novel, but the new additions to the group were great.

Terrific mystery in this one, too. While the sheer volume of paperwork that had to be dealt with to solve the mystery got old sometimes, there was a real puzzle to figure out, which I enjoyed. Lots of layers to dig through to get to the truth.

This is a must-read series for me. I recently re-read A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder which solidified that fact. It holds up well to re-reading. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and/or historical mysteries, do not miss this series!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet

REVIEW: The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet

Posted on by Jaymie

[I mentioned this book in my post a couple weeks ago about the 2018 Cybils Awards. Here is my full review of The Orphan Band of Springdale.]

Summary

In 1941, Gusta is put on a bus to Springdale, Maine to live with her maternal grandmother for awhile while her parents sort out their life in New York. Grandma Hoopes runs a boarding house for orphans and “state kids.” And Gusta finds a second home in the hustle and bustle of a house full of kids.

Aside from her clothes, Gusta arrives only with a head full of her mother’s stories about her grandfather’s days as a sea captain in Maine and her father’s French horn. While Gusta’s mom said the horn could be sold for room and board expenses, Gusta can’t imagine parting with it.

Gusta’s resolve to keep the horn strengthens when she has the chance to play with the high school orchestra even though she is only eleven. And she forms a little band with her cousin and the “First Girl” at the boarding house. But realities of life start crowding in for Gusta. Her uncle Charlie was hurt at the Mill and lost his job. There’s no money for the surgery he needs, and he’s sinking into depression. She tries to take what she knows about labor laws and unions to help but ends up making things worse. Maybe selling her horn and using the money for her family is worth the heartache she would feel over the horn. Or maybe that will be the final piece that causes everything Gusta loves to fall apart completely.

Review

I have mentioned before that I don’t generally read historic fiction. It’s not a genre I seek out. In fact, I often actively avoid it. But I had to read this for an award committee. I planned to endure it. I pushed it off to last.

And I loved it!

I was captivated by Gusta right from the start. I loved her voice and her observations and thoughts and questions. And then the other characters started pulling me in even more.

This stirred up a lot of emotions for me, too. There’s terrific heart in the story, and there were many moments I loved. There were others, though, that left me sad, surprised and even ranting-and-raving-mad. A good story can crawl up inside you and pull all those different strings. And this one does.

I learned a lot from reading this, too, especially about 1941 America – the swell of patriotism and the moments it twisted into paranoia. I also learned about the beginning of the labor movement, which is something we take for granted today. It was fascinating. And it was all woven seamlessly into the story so I never felt like someone was trying to make a point. It was just a facet of this intricate story.

In some ways, I was hoping for a more satisfying ending, especially with regard to a few of the infuriating parts of the story. But the ending for this is satisfying and pretty realistic. I can’t wait to tell kids about this one. I’m afraid it could be a hard sell because this is a long book. It’s so hard to summarize all the things that go on here – I didn’t even include them all in my summary.

But Gusta….

For me if you just come to this book to meet Gusta, you’ll enjoy all the stories that follow her.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥