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Cover reveals for Murder at Raven’s Edge and Murder at Ravenswood House. 

I am so excited to share a double cover reveal with you today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Murder at Raven’s Edge

(An English Village Mystery Book 1)

When Milla Graham returns to her childhood home of Raven’s Edge after eighteen long years away, she finds the perfect English village looks much the same – all rose-covered cottages, nosy neighbours, and quaint teashops full of scones and gossip.

But her nostalgic visit takes a dark turn when the body of a local woman is discovered in an abandoned manor house on the edge of the forest. The murder scene is chillingly close to that of Milla’s own mother, whose death was never solved. As she begins to investigate the connection, Milla realises this adorable village is guarding some dark secrets.

Handsome, grumpy local police detective Ben Taylor doesn’t believe in coincidences, and he doesn’t think mysterious newcomer Milla Graham is as blameless as she seems. Why is she really here in Raven’s Edge, and how come she keeps turning up at his crime scenes, causing trouble? Can he solve this murder case without losing himself – or his heart – to the rather distracting Ms Graham?

When another body is found, everyone becomes a suspect – from the barmaid at the local pub to Milla Graham herself. It seems that in Raven’s Edge, not everybody is as friendly, or as innocent, as they first seem.

This picture-perfect English village is full of rumour, romance… and murder! A gripping, funny, absolutely unputdownable murder mystery, which is perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Fiona Leitch and M.C. Beaton.

Pre-order Links

Publication Date: 7th May 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Murder at Ravenswood House

(An English Village Mystery Book 2)

A gruesome murder in charming Raven’s Edge sends Milla Graham sleuthing to catch a killer, win back her detective ex, and dig up a decades-old secret along the way…

When a shocking murder rocks the picture-perfect English village of Raven’s Edge, erstwhile amateur detective Milla Graham finds herself right at the centre of the mystery. Still reeling from her recent breakup with local police officer Ben Taylor, Milla sets her sights on solving the case, hoping to win Ben back.

But when the evidence begins to point to Milla’s old friend and former paramour Lorcan Black, she must choose between her loyalties to the past and the possibilities of the future. Meanwhile, Ben is on a different trail – he’s begun to suspect that the murderer could be someone from his own family’s dark history.

Further complicating matters are Milla’s meddling grandmother, Ben’s no-nonsense police partner Harriet, and David the surprisingly young and sexy new vicar. With shocking twists around every cobblestone corner, the truth refuses to stay buried for long in this quaint village, whose picture-postcard façade hides decades of buried grudges, plots, and betrayal.

Will Milla solve the mystery in time to rescue her relationship with Ben? Can Ben face the skeletons in his family’s closet before one of his own relatives meets the same bloody end?

Brimming with drama, intrigue, romance and quirky characters, this addictive tale will have cosy mystery fans racing through the pages long into the night. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Fiona Leitch will love this book!

Pre-order Links

Publication Date: 7th May 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Louise Marley writes murder mysteries and romantic comedies. She is lucky enough to live in a village where there is a famous library and TWO ruined castles. (Her husband still thinks they moved there by accident.)

Her first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s ‘Write a Bestseller’ competition. She has also written articles for the Irish press and short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Previously, Louise worked as a civilian administrative officer for the police.

Social Media Links –

Website: https://www.louisemarley.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarleyAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/louisemarley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarleywrites/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley.bsky.social

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@louisemarleywrites

Blog: https://louisemarleywrites.blogspot.com/

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A Is for Amish (Amish ABCs) By Shelley Shepard Gray

288 pages Kensington publisher June 25,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a heartwarming new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, four siblings take a genuine leap of faith when they move to their grandparents’ farm in rural Ohio and decide to become Amish.

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Charlotte Hubbard – and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

SIMULTANEOUS HARDCOVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK RELEASE!

Siblings Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny are as different as can be, but they have one thing in common. They’re all longing to reinvent their lives. Raised by their divorced lapsed-Amish father and English mother, they only knew real stability and a sense of family when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful small-town Millersburg, Ohio. Now the four want to try living with them and joining their faith—much to the Schrocks’ surprise . . .

Martin, the eldest, is reeling from a bad breakup, so he’s especially determined to make a fresh start. When he meets his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti Coblentz, he’s immediately drawn to her outgoing, helpful nature—but is so overwhelmed that he appears blunt and rude. Is there any way he can drop his defenses enough to admit she’s captured his heart?

Always self-conscious about the birthmark on her temple, Patti is resigned to never marrying and busying herself with the responsibilities of the large home and property she has inherited. Besides, Martin’s ill-mannered behavior and disconcerting directness make him the last man she’d ever want to wed—no matter how handsome he is.

Yet given time and patience—and adhering to their grandparents’ unexpectedly challenging rules—the whole family might just find what they’re looking for, even Martin and Patti.

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok: https://www.pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

Shelley Shepard Gray has so many series out, she just keeps turning them out. This is a good thing though. I haven’t read a book of hers I didn’t like or couldn’t relate to. She’s one of my favorite go to Amish writing authors. I’m not sure how many books will be in this series, but this is the start of the newest series publishing June 2024.


4 siblings are looking for their anchor in life. They have been raised by a former Amish father and Englisher mother. They have a close bond and the older have always looked out for the younger.
These siblings haven’t had the best of upbringings and feel peace of mind when they visit their Old-Order grandparents in Ohio.


Will they find the serene happiness they are seeking when they all decide to move to their grandparent’s house and want to embrace their lifestyle and become Amish? Will this give them what they have been missing out on in life? Life never seems to go as we plan though, and curveballs can be expected at the most unexpected times. All their circumstances are different but yet the same in many ways. I enjoyed all the characters but wasn’t sure about the decisions they would make.


I have read this author’s books for many years and always enjoy them. This one ended on a cliff-hanger so I’m sure it’ll take us right into the next in the series.

Pub Date 25 Jun 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy your day.

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Blog Tour For The Paris Spy’s Girl: An utterly breathtaking and heartbreaking World War II novel, inspired by true events by Amanda Lees

ABOUT THE BOOK

Paris, 1943. I stare at Charlie across the crowded room. Working deep undercover, we’re surrounded by Nazi high command. Slowly, he smiles at me and my breath catches. I have to trust him, or we’re both dead…

As war rages across France, English exile Christine has become the most deadly asset the British Secret Service has in occupied Paris. But when Suzanne, her best friend and the sole agent who knows the details of the top-secret D-Day landings, is betrayed to the Nazis by someone at the heart of their spy network, she is devastated. Going undercover with Charlie – a handsome but elusive American spy with an agenda of his own – is her only chance to catch the traitor in their midst.

Pretending to be not only Nazi collaborators but lovers too, they must save Suzanne from almost certain death and prevent the D-Day landing plans from ending up in the wrong hands. But as Christine and Charlie’s pretend desire turns to true love, her past – and the real reason she had to leave England forever – puts their whole mission in terrible danger.

With the Nazis closing in and Suzanne’s life on the line, Christine is forced into one last, desperate act: heading back into deepest, darkest enemy territory, knowing her disguise could have been exposed. With even her trust in Charlie shaken, will Christine have to choose between her love for him, her best friend’s life, and freedom for France? And who will pay the ultimate sacrifice…?

MY THOUGHTS

I catch my breath every time I read a historical fiction book by Amanda Lees. I love the fact that they are based on actual events and characters. The intense research the author has done has me appreciating her time. I was truly lost in the story vividly imaging the goings on while reading.


Set in wartime Paris, Christine, working as an agent for the British Secret Service knows how to hide in plain sight. She also knows who to associate with and who to avoid. Filled with wartime tension, I always hold my breath reading these types of books because the spies no matter how good they are at times their senses fail them and they are double crossed thinking they can trust someone, and they are on the other side.

I think Christine is my favorite character, she uses her beauty to seduce men to give up their secrets as they are convinced, she is part of the Nazi collaborators. She is strong, brave and doing what she feels is her part by staying one step ahead of the Nazis.

I think I fell a little in love with Charlie, Christine’s love interest. She is not sure if he can be trusted at first, he is an American spy, she is with the British Secret Service they must lay aside doubts and form a trust as they become Nazi collaborators and eventually lovers.


This book is gripping and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. Unputdownable, you’ll feel the tension rising off the pages. Don’t read this at bedtime if you want to get any sleep. This book brought me to tears more than once. Heartbreaking and realistic we see that light shining at the end of the tunnel.

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

A totally compelling, page-turning historical novel of love, bravery and sacrifice in the darkest of times. Set in wartime Paris, this is an utterly gripping and tear-jerking read perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Rhys Bowen and Mandy Robotham.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CLKV2LPVsocial

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda Lees is an author, broadcaster and an actress. She has written for, or contributed to, the Evening Standard, The Times, US Cosmopolitan and Company Magazine, as well as numerous online publications. Amanda appears regularly on BBC radio and LBC and was a contracted writer to the hit series Weekending on Radio 4.

As well as her new World War Two romantic thriller series, she has published two bestselling satirical fiction novels, a YA thriller trilogy and a number of non-fiction titles including The Dictionary of Crime.

Author social media:

Website

amandalees.com

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/AmandaLeesAuthor

Twitter URL

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Amanda Lees Email Sign Up

Thank you for visiting today. Have a wonderful day.

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Murder Checks Out (A Blue Ridge Library Mystery) 

262 pages Crooked Lane Book November 13,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s not all snowflakes and sugarplums when murder crashes Taylorsford’s first Winterfest in the eighth installment of the Blue Ridge Library series, perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams.

Returning to her role as an amateur detective is the last thing library director Amy Muir wants. She’s already buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, including sharing the directorship of the local public library, parenting her holiday-obsessed five-year-old twins, and helping her choreographer husband, Richard, present The Nutcracker as part of the town’s festivities. With her frosty mother-in-law, Fiona, visiting for the holidays, Amy definitely has enough on her Christmas cookie plate.

But when the chair of the festival committee is found as dead as Dickens’s proverbial doornail at the town’s ice rink, Amy is determined to uncover the real perpetrator to protect her brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, who was placed at the scene. The clock is ticking down as Sheriff Brad Tucker is equally sure that Ethan is guilty.

Photo by Polina Kovaleva: https://www.pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

I thought I had read more books by this author than I had but this is only my second read by the author. Despite that I fully enjoyed the book and don’t feel as though I wasn’t able to keep up with what is going on.


Amy Muir is the library director at the Blue Ridge Library in charming and beautiful North Carolina, mother of 5-year-old boy and girl twins, wife of a dance choreographer and her not so friendly mother-in-law is coming to stay for the holidays, and she’s tasked for entertaining her.

With the sugar cookie plate overflowing she now needs to return to her role as amateur detective when her brother-in-law is found to have been at the scene of a murder. She must avoid sliding down the slippery slope of exhaustion as she deals with the holidays, her extra responsibilities and helping to find the real perpetrator who did away with the chair of the festival committee which her twins are practicing for the festival. I enjoyed the twins characters a lot.

Children usually are always a bonus in books like this and they are here. The plot was entertaining and kept me guessing right til the end. The ballet aspect of the story was fun and entertaining and of course books about books, libraries and librarians are go to reads for me.

Pub Date 14 Nov 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian.

Her mysteries — the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, the Book Lover’s B&B series, and the Hunter and Clewe Mysteries — are published by Crooked Lane Books. They are available in hardback, eBook, and audio book, with some also available in paperback. Victoria has also written speculative fiction.

Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching TV and films, listening to music, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina.

Find out more at her website: victoriagilbertmysteries.com.

Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

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Sycamore Circle (The Rumors in Ross County Series Book 2) Shelley Shepard Gray

284 pages 07 Feb 2023 publish date Blackstone Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

There’s a lot going on in Joy Howard’s life. She’s got an ex-husband who starts acting like he doesn’t want to be an ex anymore, a sixteen-year-old daughter in need of a guiding hand and a lot of rides to dance practice, more orders for paintings than she has time to paint, and a roster of tutoring clients who sometimes need far more than she can give.

What she doesn’t have is time for a new relationship.

Samuel “Bo” Beauman is a lot of things. He’s a counselor for transitioning ex-cons, a good friend to many, a construction worker, a brother and son, and even a part-time model for a high-end sportswear catalog. He’s also a man searching for redemption.

One thing he isn’t is a man in need of a girlfriend.

But none of that seems to matter when Bo hears Joy’s kind voice in a crowded coffee shop. He instantly knows she’s someone he wants to know better. The two of them hit it off—much to the dismay of practically everyone they know—but Bo doesn’t care what other people think. He feels at peace whenever he’s with Joy, and he won’t let her go without a fight.

When Joy starts getting mysterious texts and phone calls from unknown numbers, she tries to ignore it. But instead of going away, the messages escalate and Joy realizes she can’t handle it alone. But she is juggling a jealous ex-husband, a handful of students with little to lose, and a brand-new boyfriend who spent several years behind bars. Who can she trust?

MY THOUGHTS

Sycamore Circle is the second book in the Rumors in Ross County series. Shelley Shepard Gary is an author who is talented in writing multiple genres.


I enjoyed reading Bo and Joy’s story. They both do community service.
She’s helping people better themselves as she’s serving as a literacy teacher. Bo is a counselor for transitioning ex-cons. He’s big, brawny has tattoos and is an ex-con she’s soft, sweet and kind to everyone.

You wouldn’t think there would be that connection there but there is. Both are learning to trust again and recovering from things in their past. Joy has an ex-husband, a daughter and a secret she’s been keeping from Bo.

Someone is stalking her and sending harassing messages to her. The story moves at a steady pace and escalates as we approach the end. This is not one of the author’s Amish books but there are Amish characters and the culture added to the book which I enjoyed.

A light faith message, we see no one can do it all but through him all things are possible. Positive and uplifting. I look forward to many more books by this author.

Pub Date 07 Feb 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Do you have a favorite genre this author writes? Mine are her Amish books.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in.

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My favorite reads for January 2024

I was able to do a lot of reading in January 2024 because of being less mobile due to my ankle injury. Here are my favorites. Have you read any of these?

FAVORITE COZY MYSTERY

FAVORITE MYSTERY

FAVORITE NONFICTION

FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY

FAVORITE WOMEN’S FICTION

FAVORITE ROMANCE

FAVORITE HOLIDAY READ

FAVORITE ROM COM

FAVORITE HISTORICAL FICTION

I don’t believe I’ve read any other genre this month. Have any of these been added to your to be read list?

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Moving Forward (A Woodland Park Firefighters Romance Book 2)

302 pages Berkley publisher August 22, 2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Romance blossoms in the Colorado foothills in this sweet romance by New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray

Former Army captain Greg Tebo loves his new life in Woodland Park. In the two years since he joined the WPFD, he’s gained a reputation as a fearless firefighter, and after being stationed all around the country and overseas, he can’t wait to settle down with a wife and kids.

When a call comes in about a possible heart attack at the scene of a fire at the Garden Center, Greg assumes they’re going to be helping an elderly customer—not the beautiful, feisty proprietor in her late twenties. Kristen Werner has been determined to pretend everything is fine. She refuses to leave the company she’s carefully nurtured and move home to her loving but meddling family in Houston. Since her devastating diagnosis caused her fiancé to dump her, she’s given up on love and thrown herself into cultivating her blooming business instead—even if the hard work further weakens her heart.
 
Greg is drawn to Kristen’s vibrant, independent spirit and hopes romance will flower. But she’s had enough trouble with her heart to last a lifetime, and can’t trust Greg not to break it—especially if he finds out she can never give him the houseful of children he longs for….

MY THOUGHTS

No matter what genre Shelley Shepard Gray writes in she does it well.
This is the second book in the Woodland Park Firefighters series taking place in the scenic foothills of Colorado.


Former Army captain Greg Tebo has retired and settled into life in Woodland Park, Colorado as a firefighter. Though not dating right now he’s very interested in having a wife and children someday.


Just another day in the office when a call comes in from a garden shop about someone having a possible heart attack, figuring he’d get the elderly person to the hospital quickly, he’s very surprised to see young Kristen Werner. She’s in her twenties and doesn’t want to be a burden to her family and move back home after her medical diagnosis.

Owning and running a garden shop has been a dream of hers and this is where she feels comfortable after being dumped by her fiancée hours before her wedding because he wasn’t able to deal with the knowledge, she had a medical condition. If he couldn’t deal with it, she’s better off without the jerk.


Finding himself drawn to Kristen he feels she would be a great match for him. She’s going the friend’s route though, not trusting him or any man to start a relationship. As love seems to be blooming will she let love into her heart and trust into her soul? Can this relationship possibly progress when they are hiding pretty big secrets from each other that if found out they believe the other won’t want to be with them?

I really enjoy this author’s books and have read quite a few of them including Amish, contemporary and suspense. I’m not sure if this series will continue but would enjoy if it does. You can’t have trust without truthfulness in any relationship.

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

THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Photo by Gül Işık: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shelves-and-container-with-magazines-and-books-near-building-entrance-7345377/

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING?

t’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! Hosted at The Book Date.

Thursday of last week I went for my first physical therapy appointment. It was an hour long, as each subsequent visit will be. I have 2 more appointments this week and 2 next week. I was walking better after the appointment Thursday but then sore the rest of the day and evening. I’ve also been doing the exercises they’ve given me daily. I am able to see an improvement in my ankle and they are pleased.

WHAT I READ LAST WEEK

Not being as mobile as I usually am I got a lot of books read this past week.

THIS WEEK I PLAN ON READING

Have you read any of these books or plan to? Hope you have a great week.

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Two historical fiction book reviews by Marion Kummerow, finishing the series: The Girl in the Shadows and Daughter of the Dawn (Margarete’s Journey series)

282 pages March 23, 2022 publication date Bookouture publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

1943, Germany: Two years ago, fate gave a beautiful young Jewish woman named Margarete Rosenbaum the chance to survive the Nazis, by pretending to be one of them, hiding in plain sight. Now she must make a terrifying decision…

Margarete lives as Annegret Huber would have, in a beautiful rural mansion by a forest in northern Germany. She is the heiress to the entire Huber fortune—one which she has devastatingly discovered includes a factory and Nazi prison camp. Margarete has done everything she can to help improve conditions there, and to reduce suffering for the prisoners who remind her so much of her own lost family and friends.

However, as the war rages on and the Nazi party becomes more brutal in its treatment of Jews, she realizes she must do more. She has to help the prisoners escape to real safety, because they will never be safe in Hitler’s Germany.

She’s heard of a route to freedom through Sweden. Although that means secretly reaching out to the resistance. With the risk of betrayal at every turn, her enquiries lead her to a man named Stefan, who she instantly feels a powerful connection to. But she fears he will never trust her… unless she reveals the secret that keeps her safe.

At the same time, a Nazi officer begins to show romantic interest in her, making it harder to keep her identity a secret. His loyalty to the party is beyond question, so if he finds her out, not only will her plan be at risk, but also her life and those of everyone she cares for.

But can she let that fear stop her from saving others? Because she knows she herself could so easily be one of the faces on the other side of the fence. And that, in the darkest times, sometimes the only person who can rise up is the girl in the shadows…

The powerful third novel in Marion Kummerow’s bestselling Margarete’s Journey series is an unforgettable and devastating story, perfect for fans of The Nightingale, The Lilac Girls, and All the Light We Cannot See.

MY THOUGHTS

In this, the third book in the Margarete’s Journey series once again Margarete aka Annegret , a former Jewish maid stole the identification papers of the dead daughter of an important SS leader after the family’s death. This was her way of survival assuming the identity of this woman.

As this woman she has inherited a mansion and factory employing Jews. These are her people, and she is trying to do everything in her power to get working conditions better for them, but people are starting to become suspicious, and rumors are flying when she hasn’t been entertaining with parties for the Nazi’s like her mother used to do.

When an upper ranking Nazi official falls in love with her and wants to marry her, she is sickened but when he becomes suspicious of who she is it becomes even worse. Will she be able to carry on, hiding in plain sight while helping her own or is there a traitor amongst them?


Full of hold your breath moments, I have to know how this ends and will start the last book in this series now.
Recommended series and fast reads.

Pub Date 23 Mar 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

262 pages October 13, 2022 publication date Bookouture publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

944, Germany: The war is still raging, as a young woman named Margarete hides from the Nazis in plain sight. With each day that passes, she takes more risks. But will one of those risks ultimately take her to the most evil place on earth?

After a bombing led to her identity being mistaken, Margarete Rosenbaum has been living disguised as one of the Nazis themselves, for almost the entire war.

But secretly—aided by Stefan, a resistance fighter she’s becoming impossibly drawn to—she is trying to liberate the Jewish workers sent to work on the land she’s inherited, and to sabotage the work of the factory she’s meant to be in charge of.

She knows that every day she is risking her life. But she also knows what she has to do. Because it could be her on the other side of the barbed wire fence. And for every person she saves from the Nazis, it’s worth it.

Until she is discovered. And to protect the people she had been helping, she knows she must accept her fate. Even when they send her to the very place, she’s hoped to save her prisoners from: Auschwitz… Where no one comes out alive. As the war moves towards its brutal end, will she survive to see Stefan again?

MY THOUGHTS

Daughter of the Dawn is the final book in the Margarete’s Journey series.
Margarete has come a long way from her humble beginnings as a Jewish maid who took over the identity of Annegret Huber, the rich German daughter of an important SS man after their death. Having inherited a mansion, factory and riding stables she’s been hiding in plain sight for years but is her luck about to run out?

She is betrayed by an important Nazi man who had a love interest in her, but he then finds out she is Jewish and not the German woman she betrays herself to be. We spend a lot of time with Margarete’s uncle as well as there is a lot of brutal behavior towards many of the characters including him.

It’s heartbreaking thinking of how these people were treated. Margarete and her boyfriend Stefan, a resistance fighter go on the run but become separated believing they will never see each other again.

It was wonderful reading this four-part series and I’m glad I have. I learned a lot and the author has done a lot of research on this. Full of heartache but we see light at the of the tunnel with strong and courageous characters. I will be reading more by this author in the future.

Pub Date 13 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Marion Kummerow writes historical fiction that explores the dark side of human history. A USA Today Bestselling author, she has received rave reviews from readers and critics for her novels about the German resistance during World War II. Her books feature characters who face moral dilemmas, make difficult decisions, and fight for what is right. She also infuses her stories with humor and undying love, because she believes that love is what makes the world go round.

Born and raised in Germany, Marion has lived in various countries before returning to Munich with her family. After writing several non-fiction books, she felt drawn to the past and the subject of resistance to the Nazi regime. It took her years of courage and hard work to turn the true story of her grandparents Ingeborg and Hansheinrich Kummerow into a trilogy: “Love and Resistance in the Second World War”. UNRELENTING is the first book in this series.

Bringing history to life through her books is Marion’s passion. She visits museums, travels to memorials and the locations in her books, reads original source material, and consults experts to meticulously research the historical facts and details in her novels.

Her stories are authentic and immersive, transporting readers to another time and place. She writes with the conviction that we must never forget the past, so it won’t repeat itself.

When she’s not writing or researching, Marion likes to travel, do yoga, and spend time with her family. She also enjoys reading books by other historical fiction authors.

If you want to get a taste of her writing, you can download a free short story about a downed British airman here: https://kummerow.info/

Or visit her website for a complete list of her published books and interesting background information: https://kummerow.info/recommended-reading-order/

Thank you for stopping in today and enjoy your day.

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Just for you, two festive holiday book reviews: A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery and Bright Lights, Big Christmas

341 pages Aria publisher October 12, 2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Newlyweds Ivy and Adam Taylor have put their heart and soul into building their own businesses, but when circumstances conspire against them, it all comes crashing down. Could a Christmas miracle be just around the corner when best friend Jess suggests Ivy open the bakery she has always dreamed of at her Cornish Farmhouse.

Ivy is not so sure she has the heart to start over and winter is hardly the best time to launch a new business near the seaside… but it’s not long before the couple realise that although they are starting from scratch in a new place, they are far from alone.

There is nothing the community at Renweneth Farm does better than Christmas, and as the nights draw in and the snow falls, nothing is impossible…

MY THOUGHTS

Book 2 of The Escape to Cornwall series.
When I’m ready for a great relaxation read with snow and wind blowing outside, I turn to books like this. Set in Cornwall this one was hard to put down.


I enjoyed reading Adam and Ivy’s story. He is so sweet and supportive of her and all her endeavors going forward. Making the hard decision to relocate because of personal and business decisions we follow along with the couple as they experience ups and downs. Hard work pays off though in the end. Warm, feel-good read with holiday festivity.

Pub Date 12 Oct 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Linn B. Halton is a #1 bestselling author of contemporary romantic fiction. In 2013 she won the UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction Award. Originally from Bristol, she now lives in the Welsh Valleys with her husband and Bengal cat, Ziggy.

For Linn, life is all about family, friends and writing. She is a self-confessed hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist. When Linn is not writing, she spends time in the garden weeding or practising Tai Chi. And she is often found with a paintbrush in her hand indulging her passion for upcycling furniture.

Her novels have been translated into Italian, Czech and Croatian. She also writes as Lucy Coleman.

Linn is represented by Sara Keane from the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

Visit Linn & Lucy’s websites at:

Home

https://lucycolemanromance.com

285 pages St. Martins Press publisher September 26,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.

In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family,

And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?

Filled with family ties, both rekindled and new, and sparkling with Christmas magic, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS delivers everything Mary Kay Andrews fans adore, all tied up in a hilarious, romantic gem of a novel.

MY THOUGHTS

The Tolliver’s are Christmas tree farmers living in North Carolina. Every year they cart their trees to New York and make a nice profit. This year their dad is sick and can’t go, siblings Kerry and Murphy are tasked to do it this year.

Traveling in “Spammy”, an old vintage camper they set up the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. While there they meet the neighborhood, quite the eclectic group of people. The neighbors are charming and enjoy the fast-paced Manhattan lifestyle.

I enjoyed meeting single dad, Patrick, and his son, Austin. A slow burn romance starts but will anything come of it in the short time they are at the tree lot?


Heartwarming, MKA does it again, writing a hard to put down book tugging at your heartstrings. Old man Heinz was my favorite character and I enjoyed seeing the character development. He is hiding a secret but it’s wonderful seeing how he opens up to Kerry as he comes to trust her and lets her care for him. A little bit of Christmas magic comes alive in this book.

Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

MARY KAY ANDREWS is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 novels (including Hello, Summer; Sunset Beach; The High Tide Club; The Weekenders; Beach Town; Save the Date; Christmas Bliss; Ladies’ Night; Spring Fever; and Summer Rental, all from St. Martin’s Press, as well as Savannah Breeze; Blue Christmas; Hissy Fit; Little Bitty Lies; and Savannah Blues, all Harper Collins), and one cookbook, The Beach House Cookbook.

A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, she earned a B.A. in journalism from The University of Georgia (go Dawgs!). After a 14-year career working as a reporter at newspapers including The Savannah Morning News, The Marietta Journal, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she spent the final ten years of her career, she left journalism in 1991 to write fiction.

Her first novel, Every Crooked Nanny, was published in 1992 by HarperCollins. She went on to write ten critically acclaimed mysteries, including the Callahan Garrity mystery series, under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. In 2002, she assumed the pen name Mary Kay Andrews with the publication of Savannah Blues. In 2006, Hissy Fit became her first New York Times bestseller, followed by twelve more New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers. To date, her novels have been published in German, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, Hungarian, Dutch, Czech and Japanese.

She and her family divide their time between Atlanta and Tybee Island, GA, where they cook up new recipes in two restored beach homes, The Breeze Inn and Ebbtide—both named after fictional places in Mary Kay’s novels, and both available to rent through Tybee Vacation Rentals. In between cooking, spoiling her grandkids, and plotting her next novel, Mary Kay is an intrepid treasure hunter whose favorite pastime is junking and fixing up old houses.

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