Poison Town

Poison Town
Creston Mapes
David C. Cook
February 2014
Mystery, fiction, suspense 

There’s More Than One Kind of Poison in This Town People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that’s crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss. The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon’s long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal. The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable—he knows too much.

This book gripped me from the beginning and never let me go. It's rare to find a "Christian" mystery that will keep my attention. This did it. Mapes writes with true finesse and it's very refreshing. This is book 2 in the series and I did find myself a little confused with the characters so while it could be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading it in order. This has enough mystery and suspense to keep you reading far into the night and enough justice to make falling asleep a little easier. 

My thanks to my friends at David C. Cook for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Echoes of Mercy

Echoes of Mercy
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Waterbrook Press
January 21, 2014
Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical

When a suspicious accident occurs at the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, in 1904, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate. Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as “Ollie Moore,” he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father.

The book centers around Caroline Lang. She is an investigator for the Labor Commission. She is sent to work at the Dinsmore World-Famous Chocolate Factory. To find out what truly happened with an accident surrounding another investigators death and for the underage child workers. 30% of the workers are children ages 11-15. Caroline has a deep seated need to change those numbers and have things be different for kids. Much of that passion stems from her own painful childhood. 

Ollie is also undercover as the factory janitor. He's trying to learn the family business. When he meets Caroline he's instantly attracted to her. The stats she has differ greatly from the stats he knows to be true about the factory and the two can hardly seem to agree on anything. 

This is a sweet and easy to read book. I enjoyed the Chocolate factory perspective and I loved that Caroline was an undercover investigator. Woven throughout are moments of sweetness between Carrie and Ollie and Carrie's adopted parents. There is also a sibling group that steps into the story and they'll steal your heart away. Nothing too deep or earth shattering in this book but definitely an excellent read.

My thanks to Waterbrook Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Sadie's Secret

Sadie's Secret
Kathleen Y'Barbo
Harvest House Publishers
February 1, 2014
Mystery, Romance, Historical

From bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo comes Sadie's Secret, the third book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series. These historical novels capture the romance of the South mingled with adventure and laced with secret identities and hidden agendas.

Louisiana, 1890--Sarah Louise "Sadie" Callum is a master of disguise, mostly due to her training as a Pinkerton agent but also from evading overprotective brothers as she grew up. When she takes on a new assignment with international connections, she has no idea her new cover will lead her on the adventure of a lifetime.

Undercover agent William Jefferson Tucker is not looking for marriage--pretend or otherwise--but his past is a secret, his twin brother has stolen his present, and his future is in the hands of the lovely Sadie Callum. Without her connections to the world of upper-crust New Orleans, Jefferson might never find a way to clear his name and solve the art forgery case that has eluded him for years.

Only God can help these two secret agents find a way to solve their case and uncover the truth about what is going on in their hearts.

Y'Barbo grabbed my attention with this book. The premise is completely intriguing and indeed much of the book is fun to read. Sadie and Tucker are likable characters that pull you in easily. I will admit I found myself often confused regarding the twin brothers. Who is who? What is going on? I felt like I needed cliff notes to try and follow along.  

Sadie is cute and perhaps a bit too squelched by her whole family situation. Her family ended up being quite endearing and interesting. I found she lacked a bit of emotion, I wanted to know more about what she was thinking and feeling. There wasn't much to get inside her head with. 

Jefferson, while confusing, is handsome and believable. You'll enjoy reading about him saving the day, or not saving the day, or trying to guess who it was that just saved the day. 

My thanks to Harvest House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Full Disclosure

Full Disclosure
Dee Henderson
Bethany House Publishers
Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Cop Thriller
2012

As the Midwest Homicide Investigator Ann Silver is a cop's cop. She's called into scenes around the midwest where cops are in over their heads and need a different set of eyes. She finds clues where others may not notice and she's an expert at her job. Her job is also extremely elite and trusted. When she's not investigating grisly murder scenes she can be found at home with her dog and a good book. Anonymity and solitude has been her friend for years and she'd like to keep it that way.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the midwest. If the victim was in anyway connected on a federal level or had security clearances Paul and his team will most likely work the case. From a loving family Paul is content in his job while also wanting possibly more.

Ann and Paul's lives intersect when Ann passes off a case to Paul's team. A suspicious death in a car wreck leaves Ann asking questions and needing to have someone else take the case. She suspects that her case might be connected to The Lady Shooter. The FBI has been hunting The Lady Shooter for years and have continued to hit dead end after dead end. Paul has made it his personal mission to capture the killer.

Ann walks into Paul's work intending to simply pass the case off. However, life has a funny way of not going the way we would expect or want. A "chance" meeting turns into an instant connection between the two characters. To the surprise of both of them they find themselves attracted and drawn to each other. What follows is a slow and steady joining of two very different people into a couple.

Henderson's first book in 6 years this book has a sweetness and a gradualness to it that her other books have not had. She takes her time in developing the two characters and their story. At times you'll find yourself wondering if watching paint dry might go faster than the two of them finally getting together. Other times, you'll be delighted with the cuteness of the love the two share. Henderson writes with depth and experience. Perhaps one of the more real and raw relationship developments I've ever read. You won't find yourself swept up in a sweeping romance but you will find yourself falling in love with both Paul and Ann. The way they develop as people and as characters is so very real. I loved that. It was true to real life.

While the romance section might be true to real life the cop case side of the story left with something to be desired. I find myself having a hard time following the story. The book is quite lengthy and it included so much I felt it could have been a two or three novel series instead of trying to cram everything into one. It was a lot to digest. This is not a one night read kind of book. It seemed a bit dramatized and over the top in so may ways...which is something Henderson does well. I did feel like I was reading some sort of penny dreadful novel at some points and that, partnered with a sweet romance relationship made the book feel a bit choppy.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I welcome back this deeper and more developed Henderson and look forward to reading more from her in the future. Prepare yourself as you dive into this book, it will take you awhile and you may want to bring along a notepad to takes notes. You'll love so many aspects you most likely won't even notice the few choppy parts. Be prepared to be enthralled and truly transported.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my real and honest review. 

Til Grits Do Us Part

'Til Grits Do us Part
Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Barbour Publishing
2012
Fiction, Modern, Romance

Shiloh Jacobs is planning her wedding without family, without money, and without a clue—and trying to make a go of small-town Southern life. Until she stumbles on an unsolved case about a missing woman that makes her run in the opposite direction—right into the would-be killer’s web of plans. In the midst of sorting through her tragic past and strained relationships, Shiloh finds herself on the run from a madman—and hoping she can make it to her wedding alive. 

 This is the third and final book in the Southern Fried Sushi series. Spinola continues to write with vim and vigor. Shiloh is as spunky as ever as she attempts to plan her wedding. I appreciated the personal growth she had to go through as she faced her past. Spinola writes true to life situations that are relatable. I'll honestly say this was not my favorite book in the series. Something about the stalker seemed a little out of pace and unnecessary  At some point it crossed over the line of believable that somehow Spinola had managed to avoid until then. While not my favorite, it's still and excellent read and a must-read to top off a truly delightful series. Hats off to Jennifer! Nicely done! 

My Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Jennifer Spinola for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and real review. 

A Heartbeat Away

A Heartbeat Away
Harry Kraus
David C. Cook
Fiction, Medical, Romance

When a brilliant surgeon undergoes a heart transplant, her life transforms as she begins experiencing memories of a murder she never witnessed. The residents worship her. Nurses step out of her way. Her colleagues respect and sometimes even fear her. But surgeon Tori Taylor never expected to end up on this side of the operating table. Now she has a new heart. This life that was formerly controlled and predictable is now chaotic. Dr. Taylor had famously protected herself from love or commitment, but her walls are beginning to crumble. And strangest of all, memories surface that will take her on a journey out of the operating room and into a murder investigation. Where there once was a heart of stone, there is a heart of flesh. And there is no going back.

Kraus is an excellent writer. He creatively weaves medical and fiction and Jesus all into one delightful read. I was a little apprehensive about this book initially but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Tori's journey of healing both physically and spiritually is beautiful. Watching her heart soften and begin to heal is truly inspiring. The story overall will keep you engaged with just enough mystery, just enough romance, and just enough story to keep you reading for hours. Hats off to Kraus for writing yet another delightful and inspiring read. 

My thanks to David C. Cook Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Today's Shawdows

Today's Shadows
Becky Melby
Barbour Publishing 
Christian, Romance, Mystery
Publication Date: December 1, 2012

Grad student Heather Conrad’s house-sitting venture is about to veer off course. When last minute changes leave Heather in charge of watching her former boss’s lakeside Victorian mansion and six-year-old daughter, Izzy, the surprises have just begun. Soon startling discoveries convince Heather that something just isn’t right around the house. As suspicions mount, Heather calls on security systems installer Ryan Tobin for help. . .then stumbles on a hidden stairway that leads headlong into a forgotten past. But what will Heather discover there that changes everything?

This book immediately caught and held my attention. Heather is an intriguing character that I personally could relate to. Her exploration of local coffee shops was fun to read about. Izzy is a delight and an extremely well written 6 year old. Ryan is a bit cheesy but as his story develops he grows on you. There is a bit of mystery throughout the story that I found very interesting. Who is taking pictures of Heather and Izzy? Why all the secrets in the old mansion? And just who is Ryan? While not startlingly amazing you'll enjoy this one, I promise!

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Man in the Blue Moon

Man in the Blue Moon

Michael Morris

Fiction 

Tyndale House Publishing 

September 2012

"He's a gambler at best. A con artist at worst," her aunt had said of the handlebar-mustached man who snatched Ella Wallace away from her dreams of studying art in France. Eighteen years later, that man has disappeared, leaving Ella alone and struggling to support her three sons. While the world is embroiled in World War I, Ella fights her own personal battle to keep the mystical Florida land that has been in her family for generations from the hands of an unscrupulous banker. When a mysterious man arrives at Ella's door in an unconventional way, he convinces her he can help her avoid foreclosure, and a tenuous trust begins. But as the fight for Ella's land intensifies, it becomes evident that things are not as they appear. Hypocrisy and murder soon shake the coastal town of Apalachicola and jeopardize Ella's family

 

  

Ella's husband Harlan Wallace has run out on his family pursuing the lure of heroin leaving his wife alone to provide for herself and their 3 boys. Not only did he run out and leave his family but he left a substantial amount of debt. Ella is desperate to hold on to her property and her family while the town banker, Clive Gillespie, is doing his best to get his hands on her land. Clive, of course, has his own greedy nasty reason for trying to cast a single mother and her children out of their home. 

As Ella is reaching the end of her rope a mysterious package from Blue Moon clock company is waiting for her at the docks. All she has to do is pay the freight and what she thinks is a grandfather clock will be hers. Ella makes a plan to sell the clock to help pay off her husband debts to the bank. 

Ella and her sons are shocked to discover a man inside the crate! The man is no ordinary man. Claiming to be a relation to Ella's husband he has healing powers and a secret. 

As Ella and the mystery man and her boys fight to keep her land the battle rages a murder takes place that will forever change the town of Dead Lakes. 

I'll be completely honest, I had a very hard time getting into this book. I got about halfway and almost quit. Morris writes with a rawness that I found almost uncomfortable at times. Ella is an extremely unlikeable character and the stranger is just plain odd. However, there was just enough intrigue to keep me pressing on. The fact that this is losely based on actual events also kept me moving forward.

This book is not overtly Christian by any means. Ella never mentions God or brings him into her life in any applicable way. Thanks to that you will find non of the hokey forced salvation messages that are in so many Christian fiction books. However, I definitely found the God thread missing throughout. 

While I'm not sorry I hung on through the book I can't say that this will be finding a place on my shelves of favorite books. Morris writes with color and skill but it gets quite tedious at times. Although the story had everything everything from romance, to heartbreak, to murder, scandal, hope, trust, desperation, and survival it failed to completely win me over. 

My thanks to Tyndale Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Band of Sisters

Band of Sisters
by Cathy Gohlke
Tyndale Publishing
September 2012
Genre: fiction, historical

It's 1910 in Ireland and Maureen O-Reilly's mother has just passed away. Left to care for her 13 year old sister, Katy Rose, and with a very serious threat looming Maureen and Katy Rose flee to America. Trying to get through Ellis Island proves to be extremely daunting and Maureen has to leave her ill sister to find work and establish herself in the new land. She has a 30 year old letter from an American friend of her father promising an inheritance and a place to live. When Maureen goes to the now deceased Colonel Wakefield's house she is quickly dismissed by a son-in-law. What she doesn't know is that her visit will begin a remarkable journey in herself and also in Olivia Wakefield (daughter of the Colonel).

Alone, desperate, and scared Maureen lies about her references to connive a job at a prominent department store.  She quickly realizes that underneath the polish and glamor there is something very mysterious and dangerous going on. When girls begin disappearing from the store Maureen starts to ask questions. Little does she know the danger in her questions and the danger that lurks for every vulnerable woman in the city.

Olivia Wakefield knows very little about Maureen or her father but decides to read through her father's old journals to gather what information she can. As she reads she finds out about the influence of Mr. O-Reilly in her family's life. Determined to honor her father's wishes she begins to search for Maureen. She also is in the process of gathering her group of friends and having them ask the question, "what would Jesus do?" that will ultimately be the basis for how they live their lives. 

As more information regarding the missing women is discovered a band of sisters emerges that fights for injustice and for answers. Thrust into danger and evil Maureen must decide whom she will trust and if that God she keeps hearing about could truly love a person such as herself.

This book is rich with characters and story lines. I could keep typing for hours and still have more to say. Beyond the mystery and danger there is of course a theme of romance throughout. It is well handled and well developed.  Gohlke has written an extremely intricate and compelling story. Pulling stories from modern headlines and placing them in 1910 is very clever and works. I was hooked. Band of Sisters is a very well-written book. I was up late reading this one. Maureen is excellently developed and is a clear picture of a very wounded person in need of grace. There are times where her character seems overly filled with angst but that's easy to overlook. The story of grace and love throughout is really quite beautiful. The historical aspects regarding Ellis Island and the challenges of immigrants at that time is done well. This was my first read from Gohlke and I am already anxious to read more from her. She is well on her way to being an excellent story-teller.

Thanks to Tyndale Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Lady Anne's Quest

Lady Anne's Quest
Susan Page Davis
Barbour Publishing
April 2012
Romance, Fiction, Historical

Finding an imposter instead of her uncle means Anne’s quest must continue after The Lady’s Maid is wed, and Dan is determined to protect her from the swindlers now trailing her. But though he’s good at keeping her safe, he’s certain he’ll never be able to convince Anne to be his wife since her sights are set on finding her uncle and returning to England. As her quest becomes even more difficult—and dangerous—Anne finds her feelings for Dan changing. Will she soon be envisioning a new life in America?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I find the premise in general to be a little far-fetched (English lady traveling the Oregon trail in search of her uncle) the whole story line is just fun. Anne is endearing and watching her grow throughout the series has been a joy. Dan is a true joy and you'll love him immediately. I am delighted to announce that Anne does finally find her uncle in this book but there are still many unanswered questions that I'm sure the third book in the trilogy will clear up. An easy and enjoyable read. I recommend! 

Thanks to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review. 

After All

After All
Deborah Raney
Howard Books
Genre: fiction/Christian/romance
Publication Date: 2012

Susan Marlowe lost her husband and four other firefighters in a tragic fire 18 months ago. She is beginning to heal and move forward. Her homeless shelter has become a reality and is reaching the homeless in her community. Unfortunately due to the tragedy surrounding the fire at the last shelter the town of Hanover Falls is not as enthused about the shelter as she.

While Susan deeply mourns her husband David she also mourns the last couple of years of their marriage where they seemed to have drifted apart. When she learns that her husband had been having an emotional affair she is devastated. She feels guilty and angry and in the midst of trying to care for her almost adult sons she knows she must lead by example and forgive. But can she?

Fire chief Peter Brennan walks with a cloud around him. He is carrying the weight of his divorce, the fire tragedy, and his own self-doubt. When Susan walks back into his world he catches a glimpse of what could be. As he begins to notice her as more than just a friend healing begins to take place in his heart. He renews his connection with the "man upstairs" and begins to find purpose and meaning once again.

It all sounds rosy until you throw in a troubled fire inspector who is yearning for the love she lost and isn't allowed to mourn. She was the other half of David's affair. She's searching for the love she had with him that she was never allowed to fully explore. On the prowl for a man she puts continual snags in Pete and Susan's budding relationship When a mysterious fire starts in Susan's backyard and a disturbed individual starts following her the plot does indeed thicken.

This is the final installment in the Hanover Falls trilogy. I have not yet had the privilege of reading the first two books. I could tell right away I was coming into a series but Raney did a great job as an author of making sure I didn't get lost. This was a very easy and enjoyable read. With just enough depth to keep me thinking and enough intrigue to keep me turning pages into the night I very much enjoyed After All. Raney writes excellent character development and her characters are real relateable people. You'll find yourself understanding more of the troubled fire inspector as you learn about her past. You'll relate to grief Susan has she deals with a number of issues. You'll find Pete both likeable and human and you'll want to go find him and shake his hand. Do yourself a favor and dive into this series, you won't regret it!

Thank you to Howard Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and real review.

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

The Silent Governess
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Date: 2009

Olivia Keene takes off into the forest with only the small packet her mother pushed into her hands. Running wildly she is fleeing a secret that she must never reveal. Her flight takes her to Brightwell Court where she overhears a secret of great import belonging to Lord Bradley. Caught spying she is locked in a cell where she is injured by a fellow prisoner and rendered temporarily mute. Edward (Lord Bradley) fearing his secret may be revealed, takes her to Brightwell Court and employs her while keeping a very close eye on her. If his secret is found out he stands to lose his legacy, his inheritance, his reputation and if her secret is found out she fears she'll lose much more.

Initially hired to work with Edward's orphaned cousins as their under nurse Miss Keene is eventually promoted to Governess. Secrets surround Miss Keene. Her mother was supposed to be close behind her has not appeared and is assumed dead. Her father is a wanted man and is missing. Meanwhile threatening notes are being delivered to Lord Brightwell and Lord Bradley that threaten their secret. Edward can't help but feel drawn to Miss Keene and yet still find her mysterious.

The plot thickens as secrets begin to unravel. Could Lord Brightwell actually be Miss Keene's father? Why has the mysterious game keeper kept such a close eye on Edward all these years? And who is the masked woman who is searching for Miss Keene?

Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. I will actually go out of my way to pay full price for one of her books. She has the ability to paint such a vivid picture of her setting and characters that you are completely transported. I always walk away from finishing one of her books having gained knew historical knowledge which I so appreciate.

The Silent Governess is a captivating read. Fans of Downton Abbey will fall in love with this book. The reader gets to see life at Brightwell Court from both above stairs and below stairs. I particularly found Miss Keene's adjustment to being lonely as the governess particularly interesting. Not quite a servant and yet not family, she really doesn't fit in. 

There were a couple of aspects of this book that I question. Miss Keene's secret is created to be this monstrosity when in actuality it is not worthy of the hype. Perhaps I missed the cultural relevance of the secret or the author didn't explain it well enough but I kept rereading to make sure I hadn't missed something bigger. It seemed a little unbelievable. There were a couple of sloppy parts in the book in relation to Miss Keene's mother as well. I won't go into details but this too I called into question.

Other than a few minor things this is an excellent read. I seriously wanted to put on a "spot o tea" and read all day. You will truly find yourself transported and integrated into the book. Klassen remains one of my favorites and I applaud The Silent Governess.

Rated PG-13 for adult themes.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and my friends at Radiant Lit for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Shadow of Your Smile- Susan May Warren

Title: The Shadow of Your Smile
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale House
Date: 1-1-12
Genre: Modern Fiction

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After 25 years of marriage Eli and Noelle Hueston are contemplating divorce. Their only daughter was murdered three years before they can no longer seem to find a way to belong together. Their last son is about to graduate from high school and Eli is finding himself draw to the widow of one of his former deputies. On a cold dark night in northern Minnesota everything changes for them. While witnessing a hold-up Noelle hits her head and wakes up with no memory of the last 25 years of her life. Thinking she is 21 she's shocked to find she has a husband, two sons, and the life she thought she'd always have looked nothing like what she expected.

As Eli helps Noelle begin to heal physically he realizes it's time for himself to start healing emotionally. He's shocked to find secrets out about the wife he thought he knew so well. He's also ashamed to find he's draw to the pretty widow Lee. As Noelle and Eli begin to find a common ground and healing they start falling in love with each other all over again. However, when their problems and secrets come to life it seems as though they'll never truly be able to make their crippled marriage work...or will they?

Set in the familiar town of Deep Haven, MN Susan May Warren has once again written an engaging novel. Neither Eli or Noelle are likeable characters until they begin to give up control, surrender to God, and start trusting in his plans for them. The loss they experienced with their daughter is tragic indeed but joy and life are found in loving and appreciating the memory of all she was. Noelle will make you laugh as she looks in the mirror and finds herself 25 years older than she remembered with wrinkles and sags in all the wrong places. You'll quickly find yourself drawn into this book. With just enough mystery and just the right touch of romance Warren will delight you. And one of the reasons I like Warren so much is her ability to write healing through a fictional story. Her love of the Lord is evident and spills through each of her books. Find a fireplace, put on your mittens, and get ready for a heartwarming read.

Thank you to Tyndale House for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Lonestar Angel

I am admittedly a big fan of Colleen Coble. I have reviewed quite a few of her books and have enjoyed all of them. When I started Lonestar Angel I kept turning back to check the copyright date. It read very much like a rookie's novel. No matter how often I checked it was still published in 2011. Perhaps if it had been a different author or a new one I wouldn't have been quite so confused.

Just as Eden is about to get engaged her ex-husband Clay shocks her with the news that not only are they not divorced but their child that had been kidnapped as a baby and considered dead was alive.In a whirlwind moment Eden and Clay set off for a camp in Texas for foster children where their now five year old child is one of the little girls on site. The story unfolds with intrigue and suspense as Clay and Eden try to figure out which child belongs to them someone is even more determined to stop them from being reunited. Insert Eden's Columbian drug-lord father and countless near death experiences and you've got a gripping tale. In the midst of it all Clay and Eden begin to fall in love all over again as God works in both of them.

This book just confused me and I couldn't seem to get past that! I'm still confused even writing a review about it. It is so different from Coble's usually well thought out plots and so far-fetched it is most definitely fiction.It will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens but for me personally I just couldn't get past the randomness of this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books (Thomas Nelson) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Sound Among the Trees

Arizona desert girl, Marielle, meets widower Carson online and they get married. Marielle suddenly finds herself step-mother to two children and living at Holly Oak, a plantation house in Virginia with Carson's grandmother-in-law. The house itself is rumored to be full of mystery, and if you believe the blue-haired ladies, it's full of ghosts. One of the ghosts is Susannah, a former resident of the house who is rumored to have been a civil war spy for the north.

History seeps through the very pores of the house down to the Civil War cannon ball lodging in the siding. Grandmother Adelaide holds all the history and stories close to herself. She's pretty sure the house is not haunted but is instead somehow stuck in sorrow and trying to make amends. Marielle isn't sure what to believe but she isn't entirely comfortable in a house filled with so many questions and stories from the past. 

Meissner is one of my absolute favorite authors and I was beyond thrilled to be able to review this book. What's unique about this author is her ability to blend the past and the present in an incredibly effective way. I'm rather bummed to say that this book did not live up to my expectations. Almost two-thirds of it was taken up with the modern day story that I felt was a bit heavy on the haunting and a bit lacking in clarity. Once we were transported to the past through a series of letters the book was fascinating and I stayed up late to finish it. Unfortunately the first two-thirds dragged and were not, in my opinion, Meissner's best work. However, she does an excellent job with the story of Susannah in the Civil War and you will find yourself captivated.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Lightkeeper's Ball

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

First of all I have to say that the cover of this book is absolutely amazing. I know you can't judge a book by it's cover but I couldn't help but find myself staring at the beautiful color and dress. I know, I know, that has nothing to do with the book.

Olivia Stewart is an heiress and from the famed Four Hundred (those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America). However, not all is well in paradise. Her father has died and her once engaged sister has been found dead as well. The family' security rests in Olivia marrying well. Olivia wants to find out what happen to her sister Eleanor. She travels to Mercy Falls, California to find out what really happened. Travel under an old family title she "sneaks" into Mercy Falls and begins her investigation of Eleanor's former fiance Harrison Bennett.

From the beginning Olivia's visit is met with peril. She's thrown overboard before even landing. Harrison rescues her...or did he push her overboard in the first place? Harrison and Olivia's paths continue to cross and Olivia begins to think he may not be the man she originally thought him to be. A plane crash, an attack, and more keep Olivia guessing throughout the whole book.


As always Coble does an excellent job of waving mystery and intrigue into beautiful period stories. I have always loved her depth of historical references and her characters are charming. I will admit I was a bit lost in this book. It's the third in a series but I've read the one previous to this and I was still lost. It's a bit confusing for the reader to have Olivia have a different name in Mercy Falls. I also felt the whole incognito thing to be extremely far fetched. If you can get beyond that, and try to follow the names, you'll find a good read.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review.