Tag: England

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Cozy Mystery

A Treacherous Tale: The Cambridge Bookshop Series

282 pages St. Martin’s Paperbacks August 23, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lately, Molly has been feeling that she might have fallen into a fairy tale: she’s reinvigorated the family bookshop Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, made friends in her new home of Cambridge, England, and is even developing a bit of a romance with the handsome Kieran—a bike shop owner with a somewhat intimidating family pedigree.

Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children’s tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona’s tumbles off her roof to his death.

Then, when one of Iona’s daughters—an inspiration for the original Strawberry Girls—goes missing, Molly begins to worry this story might be more Brothers Grimm than happily-ever-after. Especially after Molly learns about the mysterious long-ago death of Iona’s husband and co-author of The Strawberry Girls…could past and present crimes be linked? Molly must put the clues together before someone turns this sweet tale sour.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Cambridge Bookshop series.
Ever since discovering cozy mysteries a few years ago I’ve been on a roll with them and like them more than just regular mysteries.


Set in an English bookshop and you can’t go wrong there.
Molly and her mother come over to England to help her aunt run the bookstore.
Molly enjoys life abroad with a new boyfriend, Kieran owner of a local bike shop.


Excited about running the bookshop Molly invites a local author to speak. While visiting the author’s house to finalize plans a body is discovered and a girl goes missing.


Enjoyed the plan Molly put together to help solve the mystery. Whimsical and nostalgic with an engaging plot.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own

MEET THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Penney is the author of the Apron Shop Series and the Cambridge Bookshop Series, both from St. Martin’s Press. She is also the author of women’s fiction and mysteries for Annie’s Fiction and Guideposts.

Now living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage everything, past/present mysteries, historic houses, and the arts. Oh, and usually a very cool cat.

Visit her website at http://www.elizabethpenneyauthor.com to learn more.

Categories
historical fiction

An Honorable Deception: (English Historical Romance Series with Mystery and Private Investigators Set in Edwardian England) (The Imposters) 

400 pages Bethany House Publishers November 19, 2024 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

n the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they’re willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they’re the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia’s own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life–her friendship with Yates–lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn’t dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn’t always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.

MY THOUGHTS

It seems like just yesterday I read the first book in the series and here we are finishing up the third and final book in the series. Though this and each book can be read as a standalone I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading them in consecutive order for the full magnificence of the full series.


I enjoyed seeing some of the characters in all three books and a few have their own special story now finally. A series tie in with characters from another series by the author was a great addition.
The continued return of the circus performers was not something I expected but did enjoy.


This is my favorite book in the series if I had to pick one though I did love them all. We are treated to a delightful package of mystery, intrigue, suspense, reckoning, forgiveness, a greater understanding and romance.
There were some tough subjects tackled in this book, but the author handles them well and in a respectful way.


Very in-depth plot and realistic characters kept me glued to this hard to put down book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Have a marvelous day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Uncategorized

Blog Tour for Winter Snowfall at Elder Fell Farm

ABOUT THE BOOK

Winter Snowfall at Elder Fell Farm

A simple Christmas just got complicated …

Amy’s in love. She’s looking forward to spending her first Christmas together, as a blended family, with Matt and their two sons, Harry and Oliver. What could be more perfect than a romantic escape to the remote and beautiful Lake District farm where Matt and Amy met?

However, an unexpected and difficult guest threatens to disrupt the festivities, and undermine her relationship with Matt. With Harry and Oliver around to create mayhem, and a snowstorm closing in, it seems that nothing is going to be romantic about Christmas at Elder Fell Farm.

Can their relationship weather the storm?

Purchase Links – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Snowfall-Elder-Fell-Farm-ebook/dp/B0DCKFMPHY

https://www.amazon.com/Winter-Snowfall-Elder-Fell-Farm-ebook/dp/B0DCKFMPHY

MY THOUGHTS

Elderfell Farm is so beautiful this time of year with its glistening snow and festive happenings. Amy has so many wonderful memories of the beautiful Lake District farm where she and Matt met. What could be better than to relive the memories than spending the holiday there with Matt and their sons as a blended family. This will give them a chance to really connect and start making their own family memories.


As the snow starts falling an unexpected guest arrives and a chance at those new happy memories seem slim as the boys are mischievous and the guest seems bent on being unpleasant.


The snowfall may be beautiful outside, but will this winter wonderland withstand the tension inside when secrets come to light.
I enjoyed meeting the boys, they provided a charming addition to the story.


Cozy and festive. The wintery descriptions will keep you reading to see how things turn out in this charming holiday read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Liz has always surrounded herself with books.

As a child, she was always to be found with her head in one and she treasures a bookcase full of her childhood favourites to this day. She went on to work in a library, cataloguing early printed books – but as most of the books turned out to be volumes of sermons, she wasn’t tempted to read them all. She now works as an administrator for her local parish church and is a little more attentive when it comes to sermons.

Her childhood dream of being an author came true with her first published novel The Little Church by the Sea (there are several others in a shoebox under the bed.) It’s the story of a lonely vicar whose vicarage falls off a cliff. Liz hastens to point out that this was written before she was employed by the church! Winter Snowfall at Elder Fell Farm is the second of a trilogy of novels set in the Lake District. After that, she’s thinking it might be time to write another book about a vicar – featuring a hard-working and incredibly efficient parish administrator, of course.

In what remains of her free time Liz is an avid reader, a keen theatre goer, and is also half of the team behind 376 miles, a slightly quirky blog about travelling Britain and watching football. You’ll find it at https://376miles.substack.com and it’s free.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/TaylorsonLiz (Facebook)

http://www.liztaylorson.com (Website)

My Threads name is @taylorsonl 

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Uncategorized

A Beautiful Disguise: (English Historical Romance Series with Mystery and Private Investigators Set in Edwardian England) (The Imposters) by Roseanna White

368 pages publish date August 22,2023 Bethany House Publishers

About The Book

In Edwardian London, not all that glitters is gold as a lady and an intelligence officer’s secret mission take them from the city’s dazzling ballrooms to its covert intelligence offices.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the field, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch, he’s intent on showing his worth. He suspects an aristocrat of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but he needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm for the elite to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society who want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend’s father as a potential traitor.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can’t possibly be as noble as he seems.

My Thoughts

I was entertained by this book the whole way through. Combining intriguing danger, mystery, history and romance. I really enjoyed Lady Marigold’s character, I’d have to say it’s my favorite, she is a unique woman.

With her brother Yates, they are The Imposters.
The siblings are thinking of anyway to come up with the funds for survival, the estate they’ve been left by their father is about to go bankrupt. Spying on the elite brings some unexpected overheard conversations and circumstances. Unexpected twists and turns in the book including an interest in circus activities such as high wire aerialist and petting lions, Marigold will surprise us at every turn.


I loved reading about the different costumes and accents and could imagine it perfectly. Espionage, romance, and an ending full of surprises will keep you turning the pages right til the end on this one.
I enjoyed the pacing and beautiful descriptions in this book.

Pub Date 22 Aug 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Roseanna’s books are always full of adventures. Do you have a favorite?

Have a splendid day and thanks for stopping in.

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Uncategorized

The Rose and the Thistle, Scottish Jacobite rising, book by Laura Frantz

414 pages Revell publisher Jan 03,2023 publish date

About The Book

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley’s father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems–a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies–and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

I’ll have to admit I have read every book by this author, except one. And I need to remedy that.
I call this author the Queen of historical fiction and it shows in how well researched her books are.
As soon as I see she has a book coming out I have to read it.
The beautiful description of Scotland makes me want to visit it from its moors to its historical depth. The plot is set during the 1700’s and the Jacobite rebellion. It was wonderful being transported back in time to the eighteenth century and discovering Lady Blythe and Everard’s characters and seeing their interactions. I did not expect some of the turn of events that happened in the story. Starting off slow the book does pick up. This is a slow burn clean romance with intrigue, great historical descriptions, wonderful characters and a fascinating plot.
I also found it interesting that the author is related to a character in the book and as she delves into her family history, she brings us with her and shares this history with us.
Do not miss this wonderful historical romance.

Pub Date: 03 Jan 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Have you read or plan on reading this book? Thank you for stopping in today. Stay safe and warm.

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Uncategorized

Stay With Me, intriguing Medieval-time travel by Jody Hedlund (Waters of Time #3) series-Review

About The Book

Sacrificing and dying to oneself is costly.
But doing so brings new purpose and joy.

As a private investigator, Sybil Huxham has seen her fair share of strange occurrences. But nothing in her career has been more perplexing than the miracles she’s witnessed as a result of people drinking ancient holy water. When she discovers more of the rare holy water, she experiences strange overlaps with a nobleman in the Middle Ages who is languishing in a dungeon, accused of treason and condemned to die. To save his life, she finally crosses to the past completely.

Nicholas Worth has never met a woman quite like Sybil, and as the two run for their lives into the Weald, they find refuge among a community of outlaws. With both their reputations on the line, they have little choice but to marry. As they get to know each other, an undeniable attraction develops. But danger and disease chase after them, drawing ever closer. Will they be able to escape the threats? And will Sybil choose to stay with Nicholas in the past, or will she be ripped apart from him forever?

Waters of Time
Book 1: Come Back to Me
Book 2: Never Leave Me
Book 3: Stay With Me

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

The Medieval time period is not a time period I thought I would enjoy reading. After all, how could I enjoy reading about a time period so different than mine that I know almost nothing about.
I have read just about every single historical fiction the author has put out and loved them so I figured oh what the heck, I am going to try her “Waters of Time” series and I am sold on it. Now I can tell you this, I won’t read any other author’s medieval time books but this series, it’s amazing.
I am so excited to see Sybil and Nicholas have their own story. such a strong, passionate and positive couple. The story is so well researched that I was absolutely captivated as I read it, way too late into the night. Canterberry is the setting of this time travel blending fact and fiction in a book you won’t be able to put down. It was so intriguing to learn about the black plague, the importance of archery, the troublesome spies for the English and the French and how easily they would jail you. The one sure fire thing linking this series together is the holy water. I didn’t realize it’s importance during this time period. I fully recommend this series and eagerly look forward to reading book four upon its release.

Pub Dec 6,22.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

KNIGHTS OF BRETHREN SERIES:

Enamored

Entwined

Ensnared

Enriched

Enflamed

Entrusted

FAIREST MAIDENS SERIES:

Beholden

Beguiled

Besotted

LOST PRINCESSES SERIES:

Always: Prequel Novella

Evermore

Foremost

Hereafter

NOBLE KNIGHTS SERIES:

The Vow: Prequel Novella

An Uncertain Choice

A Daring Sacrifice

For Love & Honor

A Loyal Heart

A Worthy Rebel

WATERS OF TIME SERIES:

Come Back to Me

Never Leave Me

Stay With Me (December, 2022)

Wait For Me (May, 2023)

COLORADO COWBOYS SERIES:

A Cowboy for Keeps

The Heart of a Cowboy

To Tame a Cowboy

Falling for the Cowgirl

The Last Chance Cowboy (February, 2023)

BRIDE SHIP SERIES:

A Reluctant Bride

The Runaway Bride

A Bride of Convenience

Almost a Bride

ORPHAN TRAIN SERIES:

An Awakened Heart: A Novella

With You Always

Together Forever

Searching for You

BEACONS OF HOPE SERIES:

Out of the Storm: A Novella

Love Unexpected

Hearts Made Whole

Undaunted Hope

Forever Safe

Never Forget

HEARTS OF FAITH COLLECTION:

The Preacher’s Bride

The Doctor’s Lady

Rebellious Heart

MICHIGAN BRIDES COLLECTION:

Unending Devotion

A Noble Groom

Captured by Love

BIO FICTION:

Luther and Katharina

Newton & Polly

Have you read any of this series yet? Let me know your thoughts please.

Stay warm and have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping by.

Categories
Uncategorized

First Line Friday-The Journey After The Crown

Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday hosted by Reading Is My SuperPower It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today, I’m featuring the first line of The Journey After The Crown by Andrew Mackie because right now seems like a good time to read this one.

And The First Line is………

After more than two weeks at sea to simmer the tension between them,Violet and Daisie Chettle couldn’t stand each other, let alone stand next to each other. Not even to meet the Queen.

About The Book

A young Queen. Two sisters. A voyage that will change their fates forever.

Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids on newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II’s royal ship.

It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey London and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the tragic loss of their parents.

But the 1954 royal tour to Australia, is a far cry from the glitz and glamour they had imagined. Life below deck is hard-work, and whilst Violet is prepared to keep her head down and be seen and not heard, Daisie has her sights on doing everything she can to hang up her apron and mingle above deck – even if it means leaving Violet behind.

But as Daisie begins to win royal favour, she receives a letter from London. The sisters can’t outrun their past any longer… Violet has committed an unspeakable act of betrayal that will change their relationship forever.

With their positions on the tour hanging in the balance, have the sisters ventured too far from home to ever find their way back?

Set against the stunning backdrop of Queen Elizabeth’s first royal tour with Prince Phillip prepare to be swept away with this upstairs-downstairs drama, perfect for fans of The Crown and Downton Abbey.

Grab A Copy Here

What is the first line of the book you are reading, let me know in the comments below.

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