Books You Can Feel Good About: London

Showing posts with label London. Show all posts

Monday, April 1, 2024

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Take a run down the streets and back streets of Victorian London, even a circus. Detectives Kit, Jackson, Graybone and Charles have all lived lives fighting criminals and protecting the innocents, in such different ways that complement and make a great team. Throw in a new baby, mystery, murder and romance and you've got quite a story. A great one. Ice in their veins, deep love in their hearts. Good faith lessons throughout.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSleuthofBlackfriarsLane #NetGalley #MichelleGriep #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction

Synopsis:

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

About the Author

Michelle Griep's been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper's Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood's Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you'd like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

My reviews

Friday, March 15, 2024

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

A new all time favorite for me. I want to stay here and continue to see their inventions, travels and marvels. I was captivated. Thoroughly. London, England, 1860. All seems teetering on the edge for Clara and her family, with threats of the family's eccentricities being exposed unless she marries a ruthless suitor so he can have access to their funds. Theodore wandered into her Grandfather's clockwork shop and all things flew into motion. This story would be fabulous on the screen with the automatons and with the lessons of Christian faith. Beyond fabulous read. I think I'll always picture the miniature bee and butterfly automatons in her Grandfather's hair.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ALadysGuidetoMarvelsandMisadventure #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #AngelaBell

Description

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860

When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

Angela Bell is a twenty-first-century lady with nineteenth-century sensibilities. She resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. One might categorize her books as historical romance, but Angela likes to describe them as “a cuppa Victorian whimsy” because it sounds so much more poetical.

Whenever you need a respite from the modern-day hustle, you’re welcome to visit her parlor at AuthorAngelaBell.com, where she can be found waiting with a pot of tea and a great book.

My reviews

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

WW2 Christian Historical romance. Expertly written. I became attached right away to Aleida as she's trying to take her son and secretly run away from her husband and also from Netherlands because of the German invasion. Her plans are derailed, and she finds herself in an awful situation as she loses her son to strangers. When she gets to England and her wealthy family she continues to search for her son. Her son has a deformity that her husband hated. Hugh works for the BBC as a broadcaster reporter and is hiding that he has asthma. There are murders of people whom they care for and a mystery to solve as they search for her son. Smoothly written, small bits of information expertly woven into their story so that you can almost figure out who the murderer is. Tense and heartbreaking all the way through as they deal with the war as well as their personal problems. Excellent read.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#EmbersInTheLondonSky #NetGalley #SarahSundin #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #Revell #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks @SarahSundinAuthor @sarahsundin

My reviews

Thursday, January 4, 2024

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

Bethnal Green, London beginning of WW2. Their library was hit near the beginning of the Blitz. People were forced to take shelter in the underground rail system. This book brings to life people from all different backgrounds who need help, friendship and support to get through this horrible experience. They became a tighter community through hardship, tragedy and just trying to live. The war brought different social views on things, mostly out of necessity - things were forgiven, overlooked and lived with. People supported one another and brought together people who never would have been otherwise. Horrible what people went through, had to endure, many losing family one way or another. Excellent read. Based on true events.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheUndergroundLibrary #NetGalley #JenniferRyan #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #RandomHousePublishingGroup #Ballantine #BallantineBooks #HistoricalFiction

Description

When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library in this novel based on true events from the author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.

When the new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn’t the bustling hub she is expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running the library, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she is only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.

Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a slew of bombs destroys the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city’s residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?

About the author

My website: www.JenniferRyanAuthor.com

Twitter: @JenniferiRyan

Hello, I'm the author of National Bestseller The Chilbury Ladies' Choir, The Spies of Shilling Lane, and The Kitchen Front. Before I began writing, I was a nonfiction book editor with a passion for the Second World War. My warm and cheerful grandmother would tell stories about that era, both funny and fascinating, and the books are based on these.

If you have read any of my books, do get in touch and tell me what you think. And please visit my website for free monthly giveaways.

www.JenniferRyanAuthor.com

My reviews

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Holding the Line by Jennifer Delamere

1880s London

Third of an excellent series but works as stand alone. Rose is the last of the group. She is a widow from a terrible marriage and is determined to stay single. In unusual circumstances for the time, she has worked her way up to being manager at a post office. All was going well until she observed young Sophie being charmed by a debonair cad who was the son of an Earl. Her concern connected her to the girl's uncle and guardian. Rose has excellent qualities - honest, intelligent, proud, independent to name a few. Working people who are successful, touching on the social life of the Ton and all that life entails. And the social moralities. The story unfolds with people who you have to admire and feel invested in. I found it very hard to put down and hated to see it end.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#HoldingtheLine #NetGalley #JenniferDelamere #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction

My Reviews

Saturday, October 31, 2020

The Woman In The Green Dress

London 1918 and Sydney, New South Wales 1853

It's the end of the war. Fleur had married Hugh, but he hadn't returned from the fighting yet. She has a mysterious request from a solicitor to go to Australia as she has inherited her husband's estate, but she hasn't received a telegram and doesn't believe he's dead. She goes to Australia against her judgement and tries to learn more about what is involved. The solicitor there is away, and their records are in chaos after a move, so the mystery continues to unfold in slow layers as you get to know Fleur and the supporting characters. The story goes back and forth in time, revealing small bits at a time. It's told expertly to hold your interest and get the feel for the people. Great story, right to the end.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheWomanintheGreenDress #NetGalley

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Thursday, August 27, 2020

A Lady's Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson

Very interesting story set in London 1831. Depicts the struggle after Peterloo of the people who were trying to get the vote for poor people and also include women. Fully developed characters let you see into the lives of the Ton and their servants. These main characters are of the best, show how each individual's contributions are important to the whole, and the courage it takes to continue when what you see doesn't look like you're doing any good yet you press on. It shines a light on the things that go on through evil but are out of sight. And that love can grow through adversity.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #ALadysMaid

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Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

"Everyone at the table seemed to hold their breath as the snail continued its flight right before it smacked some poor gentleman in the back of the head. Splatters of snail flew from the shell, gasps rang out from numerous guests, and then utter silence descended."

Marvelous mayhem. As I always say, cheer up, read a Jen Turano book! Certainly one of the best authors ever.

1885. Perfectly capable Poppy leaves her parents horse farm to spend a Season with her socially fashionable Grandmother of the Four Hundred. A Grandmother determined that Poppy will be considered a Diamond of the first water. Her Propensity for mishaps will of course keep you in stitches, rolling on the floor laughing, then in awww for the sweetness and heart of these characters.
Reginald is there from England to help his cousin find a suitable bride. He is conscripted by Poppy's Grandmother to teach Poppy how to behave properly in society, something very necessary for her to be considered as a bride in England's Social circles. Sweet people struggling to make their way, and never a dull moment with Poppy around. She can ride, run and shoot em up with the best. Not valuable traits to those in Society. But maybe its time for Society's rules to change. Poppy has her own kind of influence. As always, an excellent read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
#DiamondInTheRough #NetGalley #JenTurano #BooksYouCanFeeGoodAbout #5Stars #ChristianHistorical

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Saturday, May 4, 2019

The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-artful-match-jennifer-delamere/1128873074?ean=9780764219221#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-artful-match-3/jennifer-delamere/9780764219221/pd/219221?event=ESRCG

https://www.powells.com/book/-9780764219221

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40392209-the-artful-match?from_search=true

"Julia, with her supposedly clear-eyed view of the world, had learned that sometimes the "sensible" path wasn't the right one after all."

Victorian Christian Romance set in England 1881. Third in the series, this is about the third sister Cara. An accident while she was working as a governess makes her decide to go to London and rejoin her sisters, who she then learns happen to both be away.

"She'd seen many times at the orphanage that answers to prayers could come out of nowhere, and hardly ever in the expected way."

Instead she meets Lanford, second son of a Lord, who is a painter. Cara has painting talent, and joins him and his friends. The Earl himself comes into the picture when he pulls Lanford away, and Cara finds that she can positively influence their Ward, a 7 year old girl. Even though she's made a vow to never be a governess again. Which she isn't now - she is a guest. Sort of. Artfully intertwined story with interesting character situations that pull on your heartstrings. Great Christian messages.

"Why hadn't anyone told her, when forcing her to plod through dry tomes for school, that some books could actually be fun?"

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
#TheArtfulMatch #JenniferDelamere #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAboout

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Tuesday, September 4, 2018

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White

https://www.christianbook.com/an-hour-unspent-ebook/roseanna-white/9781493412440/pd/96824EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=96824EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.powells.com/book/-9780764219283

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/home/search/?keywords=An%20Hour%20Unspent#internal=1

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36590922-an-hour-unspent?ac=1&from_search=true

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-hour-unspent-roseanna-m-white/1127953127?ean=9780764219283#/

Tension and danger build. Twelve orphans who adopted each other as brothers and sisters, destitute and making a way on the streets of London any way they could. It's great to be with them all again, discovering their individual talents, seeing what God blessed them with, and the new relationships they find. This time a clockmaker and his daughter for Barclay. He's employed by a man who puts his "gifts" to work for good, but a thief isn't what Evelina expected, especially in proper society. But then his family is a lot closer to one another, and her fiancé has pointed out that she doesn't feel, that she's an automaton. Her father's invention will give their country an advantage but Germany wants it too. She has to go behind enemy lines to rescue her father, and is glad Barclay has connections. He and his family are there to help them out all along the way, bringing her family into better focus along the way. God uses us all, and doesn't expect any social status. Great story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany - Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
#AnHourUnspent #NetGalley

Description from the Publisher:
Once London's top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker's daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence, but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can't help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge--and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina's father soon finds his whole family in danger--and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.

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