Today, I am featuring The Red Canary, by Rachel Scott McDaniel.
This is Rachel's second book, and I absolutely loved it, just like I did the first one. Here's the synopsis: Music sparks her world, but can love ignite her heart? I n 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian. Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing the culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe. Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City. Here is my review: Rachel Scott McDaniel has done it again! She has written another stunning historical romance! I loved being drawn into Prohibition-era Pittsburgh. Though life was harsh for many at the time, including our main character, Vera, to me it is such an interesting time period. McDaniel describes the setting and “feel” of the time well. Part of the story also takes place in the Allegheny National Forest; I truly felt immersed in the region. I also enjoyed seeing Mitch and Vera learn to trust one another, and God. Though at times Vera annoyed me with her reluctance, I realized her character was written realistically, based on what she had been through in her past. The mystery in this novel was also engrossing, and the ending was perfect! I was on the edge of my seat up until the very end, when justice was served. It is evident the author put her heart and passion into this novel. I highly recommend this one, and I am looking forward to what she will create next! Here are a few quotes that stood out to me: “He winced at his own revelation. If her flaws were covered by grace, weren’t his?” “ ‘You better thank your lucky stars you’re alive.’ Not her lucky stars, her wonderful God.” “You said you needed a song…” Friends you should definitely pick this one up!
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Today, I am featuring a book that was JUST released last week! It is titled His Disinclined Bride, by Jennie Goutet. Here is the synopsis: Theirs is not a love match. She’ll make sure of it. Kitty Stokes never imagined she’d be so weak as to sacrifice herself on the altar of family obligations, but when the only alternative to marriage with Lord Hayworth is to play nursemaid to her brother’s children, Kitty reluctantly agrees. On her wedding day, she’s certain she has made a grave error, but it’s too late to back out. Phineas Hayworth refrained from setting eyes on his new bride before their wedding day—the price he forced himself to pay for being so mercenary as to wed the sister of a wealthy merchant in a bid to save his estate from ruins. Her beauty, therefore, comes as a shock, as does her icy treatment, which he feels he deserves. He swears an oath he will not approach her for an heir unless the invitation comes from her. As Phineas sets out to put his estate in order and present his new wife to Society, he finds her more enchanting than he could have hoped for, even in a love match. Kitty continues to hold him at arm’s length, although he suspects her feelings for him run just as deep. As Phineas’s love and desire for his wife grows, the oath he swore her begins to suffocate. It soon becomes clear that while he’d once been prepared to settle for a loveless marriage, he will not abide an unrequited love. His Disinclined Bride is a sweet/clean regency romance stand-alone novel, book seven in the Seasons of Change series. ♥ Here is my review: I think this is the first historical fiction book I have read in which the two main characters are set up in an arranged marriage. I never really thought I would enjoy it that much, however I really did enjoy reading Kitty and Phineas’ journey. From the beginning of the book when they were strangers, to the end when they had gotten to know, respect, and love one another. I think the problems and struggles they faced were realistic, some even in current times, such as getting along with one’s in-laws and communicating effectively. I found Kitty’s struggle to settle in as mistress of an estate realistic and interesting, as well. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the setting, and most of the day-to-day activities. There were a few spots that seemed a little slow to me, but they did not by any means ruin the book. This is one I enjoyed and will recommend to friends! *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.* This book can be purchased on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3kwEUHN Here is some more information about the author: Jennie Goutet is an American-born Anglophile, who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her historical romances are set. Jennie is also author of the award-winning memoir, Stars Upside Down, and the modern romances, A Sweetheart in Paris and A Noble Affair. A Christian, a cook, and an inveterate klutz, Jennie writes about faith, food, and life--even the clumsy moments--on her blog, aladyinfrance.com. You can learn more about Jennie and her books on her author website, jenniegoutet.com You can find her on Instagram at @aladyinfrance. Let me know if you read this one, and what you think! I'm going to share with you this evening another book that I quite enjoyed. I read this one right after/as it was released, in early 2019. It's an excellent book, with somewhat of a different story than what I have found (though I could be wrong) to be typical in Regency Romance books. Here is my review: Kristi Ann Hunter has written another un-put-downable story! In A Return of Devotion, book two in the Haven Manor series, we learn about Daphne Blakemoor - her motivations, what makes her tick. We see how life changes for her once she meets the new owner of Haven Manor, and they are both forced to come to terms with their past. Daphne and William’s story is one of hope and forgiveness. It’s a story of a woman who learns to live life to the fullest after a life-changing setback, and a man who learns to open his heart. As always, Kristi’s writing made me think, and laugh out loud! Kristi’s depiction of the social climate of the Regency era is eye-opening and thought-provoking. She balances serious situations with humor seamlessly. Her characters are deep, and her descriptions are full of detail. This one also made me tear up a bit - it is so good, y’all! I highly recommend this novel, and I can’t wait to read Jess’s story in book three! I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher; all opinions in my review are my own. Have you read this one? Let me know what you thought with a comment! Happy reading! |
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