To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

 

Inspirational Christian historical romance where you'll laugh till you cry and get very attached to these people. Eunice owns the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency in New York City and is the woman hiding under widows' weeds in previous books. Now we get to learn her story. Their agency takes on cases that no one else will take on, mostly women. 

Arthur comes in knowing that this agency, celebrated for solving unusual and complicated cases, can find the woman he had been searching for since the day her grandfather was killed in Montana. Eunice knew she could solve the case immediately but refused to take it on. Each of the "agents" are capable of doing deep research and very persistent. There are mysteries to be solved and facts to be uncovered to find out who killed the girl's grandfather seven years before - and was probably out to murder her as well. When the girl learns that she's about to be declared dead to steal her inheritance, she has to come out of hiding. 

These girls are members of wealthy families yet devoted to helping those without and making their lives better. Eunice even goes undercover in an insane asylum, shining light on the horrible conditions there, as Nellie Bly also had done and later wrote about. Very interesting people, some hilarious situations and scenes that will tug on your heart strings. Great read for the romantic who wants strong women and a bit of slapstick in their stories. Jen Turano never disappoints! 

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. 

#ToDisguisetheTruth #NetGalley.

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A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

 

Captivating...right to the end. A nice long read to sink into. Set in the early days of the French and Indian war. Esmee is the daughter of an Admiral that had spent much time at sea. She has been estranged from her friend Henri for 10 years, parting as he went to sea as she didn't want to be married to someone, like her father, who was also married to the sea. She kept busy as a businesswoman, running the chocolate shop that her mother had started and also doing charity work at the local almshouse. When Henri came back, she slowly realized how much she cared for him, just as he was called to set sail again - working for the government against French ships. So well written, it's very real. Frustrating and heart wrenching at times, and a truly lovely love story. As satisfying as the best chocolate! Lessons of Christian faith are wound throughout.

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. 

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Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

Freedom is the theme throughout this story. People searching for their own freedom and taking a look at their own lives. Strong messages of Christian faith support the tale. Fanny fell overboard from a riverboat where she'd basically been held prisoner for 7 years of being indentured as a singer. She is able to look back and see God in her days there. She was put on a God's path that filled her life and touched others. Slavery of different kinds is explored, shining light on their depth. Rich, full characters make you want to see how their lives turn out. Excellent read, one you look forward to picking up again each time you have to put it down. 

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. 

#FreedomsSong #NetGalley.

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The Astronomer's Obsession by K. Lyn Smith

 

Sweet, clean romance set in the early 1800s. Interesting read. In the early days many astronomers were “gentleman” astronomers rather than professionals. Celeste's father is one of those wealthy gentlemen. She has grown up supporting her father's passion for astronomy. She has had a crush on Harry since they were kids, when he came home from school with their neighbor. Harry was not from gentry however. Celeste's father takes an interest in him when he shows a strong interest in astronomy, and paid for his schooling in secret. Intriguing story as her father builds a huge new telescope, and things begin to happen, in hearts - and dangerously with the telescope. Tension builds, and it keeps you intrigued to the end. Excellent read. Looking forward to the next one!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 
#TheAstronomersObsession #KLynSmith #SweetRomance #CleanRomance

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The Red Ribbon

 

1911 Apalachin mountains of Virginia. I just love mountain wisdom. Seems to cut right through to the most simple, basic truth.  This book starts each chapter with a piece of that wisdom.

Ava is a young girl who lost all of her family except her Grandmother. Jeremiah has been her friend and loved her all her life. This blossoming love story is set in the midst of a true happening, a great massacre in a courthouse. One that drew national attention. Excellent read.

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. 

#TheRedRibbon #NetGalley.

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The Mistletoe Countess

 

1913 Virginia then England

A lovely, long read to get wrapped up in. You get the chance to know the characters well. The story is deep enough and deeply wound enough to keep you fully interested as things unwind slowly. Grace steps in to be the bride in an arranged marriage after things her sister did are revealed. But it was no mistake as it seems God chose her for Frederick. He's quite a broken man for many reasons, but Grace helps him to heal as their love for one another grows. She had been the poor choice because of her dislike for social norms, but it's those very reasons that make her perfect for the position. She has self doubt issues herself, but Frederick's genuine caring for her makes her self confidant. Thoroughly, swooningly romantic throughout. Romance, murder, mystery. Excellent read. Christian historical. 

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.

#TheMistletoeCountess #NetGalley

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Shadows of Swanford Abbey

 

1820 England. Christian historical. A murder mystery skillfully woven through the romance. Rebecca is a lady's companion and is returning home after years because her brother John is distressed and not handling things well. He had worked for an author, writing his own story, who then stole it. It became a best seller. They wouldn't believe him though. He wrote another story and wanted to sell it. This time making a copy, for it to be presented to the same author to catch him this time. This author is staying at a nearby hotel, which used to be an Abbey, and was supposed to be haunted. John convinces Rebecca to stay at the hotel to get the author to look at his book. 

Sir Frederick, owner of the small home that John stays in, is also staying at the hotel, with his brother. He is an old friend from when their parents were alive. One who Rebecca had a crush on when younger. 

Getting the book to the author is difficult. He is more than unpleasant, sequestering himself in the room which was once the old Abess's, with a hired guard outside his room. Rebecca sees some strange things during her stay, woven throughout, clues Agatha Christie style. The tension between characters, who each have their own mystery to discern, builds. 

After the murder of the author, Sir Frederick, who is also the magistrate, must figure out what happened. Unraveling the backstory is quite interesting. He has a soft spot for Rebecca, which makes things more difficult for him as she seems more and more involved in the circumstances of the murder. While she is trying to solve it herself, worrying that her brother is involved. 

Warm relationships are wound throughout the story, pull at your heartstrings. Excellent read. Not an easy mystery to figure out who done it. Keeps you intrigued 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.

#ShadowsofSwanfordAbbey #NetGalley.

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