Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

Mastering the Art of French Murder
by Colleen Cambridge

ISBN-13: 9781496739599
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Released: April 25th 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, who recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbour and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and Oncle Rafe.

Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is proving thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day, they return to Julia’s building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim as a woman she’d met only the night before, at a party given by Julia’s sister, Dort. The murder weapon found nearby is recognizable too—a knife from Julia’s kitchen.

Tabitha is eager to help the investigation but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha’s handwriting, was found in the dead woman’s pocket. Is this murder a case of international intrigue, or something far more personal?


My Review:
Mastering the Art of French Murder is a cozy mystery set in 1949 in Paris. While Tabitha had read many mysteries (from Nancy Drew to Sherlock Homes), her "inner sprite" seemed to be the main motivator of her actions. For example, she had the murdered woman's purse, which she was taking to the police detective. She decided to just ride her bicycle by the woman's apartment only to realize that wasn't enough. She used the keys to enter and snoop around the apartment, only later giving the detective the purse and the clues she found. She kept telling herself she wasn't investigating but couldn't stop asking questions and snooping around. She's nice enough and generally reasoned things out well. She seemed drawn to dangerous situations, but at least she's good at rescuing herself.

Some historical details about living in Paris at that time were woven into the story. The main characters were interesting. Julia was vivacious and gave Tabitha several (described) cooking lessons. Tabitha's grandpa was a part of the French resistance during WWII and currently lived with a younger man he worked with during the war. It's implied they're a romantic couple. They're charming with quirky pets and have interesting connections (from the war work) that they used to help Tabitha solve the murder. Whodunit was guessable, though Tabitha was shocked. She only solved it because she overheard a confession. Once she had that information, though, she was able to work out what was going on and the why behind the murder.

There was no sex. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Cinnamon Twisted by Ginger Bolton

Cinnamon Twisted
by Ginger Bolton

ISBN-13: 9781496740199
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Kensington Books
Released: April 25th 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
An ordinary late-spring afternoon for Deputy Donut Cafe owner Emily Westhill becomes one that will remain baked into her memory from the moment a customer gives Emily’s cat a toy donut and then flees Deputy Donut, dropping an earring in her panic. Concerned about the customer, Emily attempts to return the earring. Only this time, the customer doesn’t have a pulse. Things get more complicated when an ambitious police detective finds the earring and an unsealed envelope addressed to Emily at the murder scene. The envelope contains a cryptic letter and a fading photograph of a woman standing in front of Emily’s house.

Why did the customer grab her cinnamon twists and flee Deputy Donut? With the detective eying Emily as a prime suspect, Emily is determined to find out. But once a donut-shaped murder weapon is discovered in her own backyard, Emily has no time to lose as she pulls apart the connection between the victim and the strange history of her property.


My Review:
Cinnamon Twisted is a cozy mystery. You don't need to read the previous books in the series to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the previous mysteries. The characters were interesting and engaging. The mystery was clue-based. Emily witnessed some clues and asked questions to clarify what she's seen or where a suspect had been. She passed on information that she came across to her boyfriend detective and the state detective. Whodunit was guessable before the reveal, but Emily didn't fully sort out the clues needed to determine whodunit until nearly the end. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Murder on Bedford Street by Victoria Thompson

Murder on Bedford Street
by Victoria Thompson

ISBN-13: 9780593337103
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: April 25, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Hugh Breedlove is far from the most agreeable client private investigator Frank Malloy has ever had, but his case is impossible to refuse: his young niece, Julia, has been wrongfully committed to an insane asylum by her cruel and unfaithful husband, Chet Longly. Though Breedlove and his wife seem more interested in protecting the family reputation than their niece’s safety, Frank and Sarah agree to help for the sake of Julia and the young son she left behind.

Frank and Sarah’s investigation reveals a secret—a nanny at the Longly home died suspiciously under Chet’s watch, and maid was shoved down the staircase and promptly dismissed. The Malloys fear they are dealing with a man more dangerous than they had anticipated, one who will do anything to defame his wife. But all is not as it seems in the Longly family, and perhaps another monster is hiding in plain sight....


My Review:
Murder on Bedford Street is a historical mystery set in New York City in 1900. But it's a "mystery" only because it's in a mystery series. It wasn't until a third of the way into the book that a murder was even uncovered, and even then it was pretty obvious whodunit. As Frank, Sarah, Gino, and Maeve investigated, people strongly hinted at and later outright accused whodunit of the murder. Near the end, there was another murder. By then, they knew whodunit but spent about one page trying to find any proof before giving up. So not much mystery.

At best, you could call this a suspense. The investigators stubbornly refused to change their initial assumptions in the face of ever-increasing clues, and you just knew whodunit was going to kill again. Only Maeve seemed open to the actual evidence, logic finally won Gino and Frank over, but Sarah didn't show well at all. I found the story frustrating. It could have been an interesting mystery as they worked the difficult task of actually proving whodunit (as knowing and proving are two different things). Instead, most of the book was watching supposedly smart characters be about the only ones who didn't understand whodunit.

This is the 26th book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this one didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous mysteries. There was no sex or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Texas Ranch Target by Virginia Vaughan

Texas Ranch Target
by Virginia Vaughan

ISBN-13: 9781335587718
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: April 25, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
After his client is murdered, security expert Brett Harmon plans to lie low at his family’s ranch—until he comes across an injured woman in the road. With only Brett’s business card in her pocket and no memory of her attack, Jaycee Richmond turns to her rescuer for answers. But when their search reveals a deadly connection, can Brett protect her from a killer she can’t remember?


My Review:
Texas Ranch Target is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the second in a series, but it works as a standalone. Brett felt guilty over losing a client, even though he did everything he could to protect her. They still don't know who shot her as the security systems were down. Jaycee was deceived into hacking into that system, thinking she was just testing a security system for weaknesses. Once she realized the results of her actions, she felt guilty and tracked down Brett to tell him what happened. Only, someone is trying to kill her, and she lost her memory during one attack.

Brett admired Jaycee's courage and skill and felt that knowing her without her memory actually demonstrated her core character in a way he could trust. He's determined not to lose another person in need of protection. He worked with Jacyee to uncover who hired her and who killed his client. An observant reader can figure out who's behind some of the attacks long before Brett and Jaycee do, though.

When Jaycee's memory came back, she remembered just how lonely she was. She wanted to get married to a man she hardly knew basically because she was tired of being lonely. I'd think Brett should have wanted to get to know her (especially with her memories intact) a bit before proposing rather than asking after only spending time with her for a few days. The suspense was created by repeated attacks on Jaycee. She came across as competent (especially with computers and when questioning people) until she left her gun behind when she knew she'd need it. She felt stupid about that, but why have her do it in the first place?

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Rancher's Sanctuary by Linda Goodnight

The Rancher's Sanctuary
by Linda Goodnight

ISBN-13: 9781335585684
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Released: April 25, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Physically and emotionally scarred, reclusive cowgirl Monroe Matheson prefers rescue dogs over handsome men. But when Nathan Garrison arrives in town, determined to fix up the guest ranch next door, he needs all the help he can get. Before long, Monroe knows there’s more to this stranger than meets the eye. Can working with a man carrying tragic memories be the key to overcoming Monroe’s wounds—both inside and out?


My Review:
The Rancher's Sanctuary is a Christian romance. Monroe was a beauty queen. Now she has burns scarring part of her face from fighting a fire to save her fiancé (who then dumped her, the jerk). Figuring everyone would feel either pity or disgust, Monroe stayed on her grandpa's ranch taking care of rescue dogs. She also enjoys the solitude found on the long-abandoned, neighboring ranch.

Nathan intends to renovate the ranch back into a guest resort and working ranch. He also wants to uncover the truth about his parent's murder. Monroe's rude, sarcastic way of interacting didn't bother him because he knew it's her pain and defensiveness talking. As they spent time together, each came to admire the other's character, became friends, and then more. Each helped support and build the other up. They made a great team when working together.

The mystery served mostly as a reason for Monroe to spend time with Nathan and as a strong enough reason to motivate her back into society. The dogs had distinct personalities but weren't a major focus of the story. The Christian element was woven into the story, things like Nathan explained how Scripture helped him to focus on positive things rather than grow bitter. Monroe finally accepted that Nathan could really love her with her scars (like we don't love Jesus less because of his scars). There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Who Cries for the Lost by C. S. Harris

Who Cries for the Lost
by C. S. Harris

ISBN-13: 9780593102725
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: April 18, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
June 1815. The people of London wait, breathlessly, for news as Napoleon and the forces united against him hurtle toward their final reckoning at Waterloo. Among them is Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, frustrated to find himself sidelined while recovering from a dangerous wound he recently received in Paris. When the mutilated corpse of Major Miles Sedgewick surfaces from the murky waters of the Thames, Sebastian is drawn into the investigation of a murder that threatens one of his oldest and dearest friends, Irish surgeon Paul Gibson.

Gibson’s lover, Alexi Sauvage, was tricked into a bigamous marriage with the victim. But there are other women who may have wanted the cruel, faithless Major dead. His mistress, his neglected wife, and their young governess who he seduced all make for compelling suspects. Even more interesting to Sebastian is one of Sedgewick’s fellow officers, a man who shared Sedgewick’s macabre interest in both old English folklore and the occult. And then there’s a valuable list of Londoners who once spied for Napoleon that Sedgewick was said to be transporting to Charles, Lord Jarvis, the Regent’s powerful cousin who also happens to be Sebastian’s own father-in-law.

The deeper Sebastian delves into Sedgewick’s life, the more he learns about the Major’s many secrets and the list of people who could have wanted him dead grows even longer. Soon others connected to Sedgewick begin to die strange, brutal deaths and more evidence emerges that links Alexi to the crimes. Certain that Gibson will be implicated alongside his lover, Sebastian finds himself in a desperate race against time to stop the killings and save his friends from the terror of the gallows.


My Review:
Who Cries for the Lost is a mystery set in 1815 in London. This book is the 18th in a series. You can understand it without having read the previous novels, and it didn't spoil the whodunits of the previous mysteries.

The historical information was woven into the story without slowing the pacing. It created a distinct feeling of that specific time and place and helped bring the story alive in my imagination. The characters were interesting, complex, and acted in realistic ways. Both Hero and Sebastian were involved in the investigation, though Sebastian was the main investigator. He tracked down leads and asked good questions. There were plenty of suspects. While the clues progressively narrowed things down, whodunit was not easily guessable.

There were no graphic sex scenes. There was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting historical mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Unassuming Curator by Sian Ann Bessey

The Unassuming Curator
by Sian Ann Bessey

ISBN-13: 9781524423131
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: April 11, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Emily Norton loves nothing more than losing herself within the pages of a good book. But the solitary pastime is poor preparation for participating in the dreaded London Season. Her trepidation over formally entering Society is all-encompassing, until she stumbles upon an enigmatic gentleman digging up flowers in a hedgerow. Before she can learn his name or the reason for his unusual activity, however, she is whisked into a carriage bound for London.

Henry Buckland has a secret: he cannot discern the difference between certain colors. It’s a particularly difficult disability for the curator of natural history at the British Museum. At his parents’ dinner party, he discovers the intriguing young lady he met on the country lane. As Emily and Henry become formally acquainted, they discover a shared love of science and nature that makes them ideally suited. However, Henry is not alone in his admiration for the young woman. As the competition to woo Emily escalates, so, too, do tensions at the museum. When an unexpected danger threatens Henry’s livelihood―and life―it appears he may not have the chance to win Emily’s heart after all.


My Review:
The Unassuming Curator is a romance set in 1790 in England. Emily loves learning and reading. Henry doesn't really need an income but works as a natural history curator. With some nudges from a matchmaking relative, their shared interests (flowers and butterflies are discussed) bring them together. They became friends and more as they spent time together. They supported each other and built each other up. The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Historical details about the museum and time period were woven into the story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this very enjoyable romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder

When Tomorrow Came
by Hannah Linder

ISBN-13: 9781636094403
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Released: April 1, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?


My Review:
When Tomorrow Came is a Christian romance set starting in 1801 in England. We got scenes from different times in their lives to build the character's motives and show how things came together to create the chaos caused by the father's return. It wasn't the joyous reunion Nan and Heath had hoped for. Heath was basically raised by a rector who taught him to trust in God even when things didn't go the way he wanted. Nan was raised as part of a wealthy family. She's close friends with the eldest, a boy 6 years older than her. He knew what to say to cheer her up and support her. They're all better people for knowing each other.

Then the longed-for father returned, determined to get what he wanted by manipulating his children. He pressured Nan to marry a smitten high-born to make her dead mama and him happy, but she wanted to marry for love. Can she come to love a young man who simply annoys her? Her raised-her family's eldest son suddenly saw Nan as a grown woman, which changed how he felt about her. Heath loved seeing his sister again and her maid, a talkative woman that attracts him. And jealousies, old and new, threaten everyone's happiness.

The characters acted in realistic ways, and I cared about what happened to them. The historical details were woven into the story, creating a sense of the time and place. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this historical novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Blind Trust by Natalie Walters

Blind Trust
by Natalie Walters

ISBN-13: 9780800739805
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: April 11, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison. She can't stop investigating why a threatening letter was delivered after he was no longer able to carry it out. She's going to need the help of the person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else. Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolas Garcia loves Lyla, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as dangerous--to both the mission and his heart.


My Review:
Blind Trust is a Christian romantic suspense. This is the third book in a series, but it works as a stand alone. The characters reacted realistically to events and came across as real people with genuine struggles. Lyla's passionate about protecting the innocent, so she often ran into danger without thought to the danger to herself. Since she's skilled, she's able to handle the danger. However, Nic's more cautious and a planner. He'd rather that she assess the risks and realize how harm to her would affect those that care for her.

Nic loved Lyla but couldn't handle the danger she was often in, so he was considering leaving SNAP. Nic and Lyla cared about each other, knew each other well, and even apologized and tried to compromise, but compromise wasn't solving the underlying fears and hurt. Both had epiphany moments that shifted their perspectives, allowing for a healthy relationship to bloom. The suspense came from attacks (mostly with Lyla in danger). There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Green for Danger by Christianna Brand

Green for Danger
by Christianna Brand

ISBN-13: 9781728267661
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Released: April 4th 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
It is 1942, and at the new Kent military hospital Heron's Park, postman Joseph Higgins delivers seven letters of acceptance for infirmary roles. He has no idea that one of the recipients will later cause his demise.

When Higgins returns to Heron's Park with injuries from a bombing raid in 1943, his inexplicable death in the operating theatre casts four nurses and three doctors under suspicion, and a second, sudden death brings Inspector Cockrill to the hospital. As an air raid detains the inspector for the night, the stage is set for a tense and claustrophobic investigation with a close-knit cast of suspects in this golden age masterclass of red herrings and tricky twists.


My Review:
Green for Danger is a mystery set in 1943 in England. The author worked in details about what it was like working in a hospital during WWII during bombing raids, which was interesting. The characters were varied enough to be interesting, but they weren't really developed into complex people. Their backgrounds contained potential clues, so this information was only handed out bit by bit. The mystery was clue-based, though it seemed like the clues initially pointed only to the 7 suspects and the author could take it in any direction. Then one suspect died, so we're down to six. Near the end, the suspects discussed among themselves who could have done it, and these scenarios help further narrow down suspects. The author did a good job of giving the more obvious suspect, the one you feel clever at suspecting, and enough hints that you should at least somewhat suspect whodunit.

There was some bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting historical mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters

Murder in Postscript
by Mary Winters

ISBN-13: 9780593548769
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley Books
Released: March 28, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Amelia Amesbury--widow, mother, and countess--has a secret. Amelia writes for a London penny paper, doling out advice on fashion, relationships, and manners under the pen name Lady Agony. But when a lady's maid writes Amelia to ask for advice when she believes her mistress has been murdered--and then ends up a victim herself--Amelia is determined to solve the case.

With the help of her best friend and a handsome marquis, Amelia begins to piece together the puzzle, but as each new thread of inquiry ends with a different suspect, the investigation grows ever more daunting. From London's docks and ballrooms to grand country houses, Amelia tracks a killer, putting her reputation--and her life--on the line.


My Review:
Murder in Postscript is a mystery set in 1860 in England. The main characters were likable and had distinct personalities. Amelia was supportive and caring toward her ward--her husband's niece. Amelia was a commoner before her marriage, so she wasn't always compliant with high society's expectations in behavior. Plus she could get away with things as a widow that a young miss couldn't. One little rebellion was writing the advice column, though she hid that she's Lady Agony. I still don't understand why the maid wanted to meet with Lady Agony rather than go to the police with what she knew. Amelia felt like she had an obligation to investigate the maid's murder (and therefore the mistress's murder) when she found the maid dead at the meeting spot.

Amelia asked questions to discover who might have a motive and who was present when the original murder happened. This was a clue-based mystery, but I had dismissed whodunit as a suspect because two clues pointed away from whodunit (only one of which was explained away). The mystery was solved by whodunit finally following up on the repeated threat to kill Amelia, resulting in a confession revealing all. I figured out whodunit and why right before the reveal whereas Amelia blithely walked into the trap.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I enjoyed the fun characters enough to recommend this story.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Across the Shores by Angela K Couch; Kelly J. Goshorn; Carolyn Miller; Cara Putman

Across the Shores
by Angela K Couch; Kelly J. Goshorn; Carolyn Miller; Cara Putman

ISBN-13: 9781636095196
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Released: April 1, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
More Than Gold (New South Wales, 1851) by Carolyn Miller
Josephine Wilkins left all she knew to follow her brother’s dreams of finding gold across the seas. Daniel Jardine is simply seeking adventure, in a land far away from family responsibilities and duty, two burdens he’s happy to disregard in his quest to be known for himself. When these two meet, they discover that digging deeper than first impressions reveals the true value of one’s character, and real love and faith is worth far more than gold.

The Veil (Baltimore, 1877) by Kelly Goshorn
After Caroline Wilkins is burned during a suitor’s attack, she retreats behind a lace veil and vows only to remove it for a man who will profess his love without seeing what lies beneath. Franz Kohler is a mountain of a man with a gentle heart and a hidden dream of carving intricate Bavarian clocks. When a mutual attraction grows between them, neither is willing to reveal their secrets, jeopardizing any hope of a future together unless two hearts can find the courage to trust again.

Running from Love (Canada, 1905) by Angela K. Couch
Anna Kohler has left her home, and even her country, for the sake of her wayward brother. But when the local Mounted Police takes an interest in them, her hopes for the future collide. Constable Benjamin Cole has a duty to perform, no matter what his heart desires.

Lauren’s Song (Outer Banks, NC, 1942) by Cara Putman
Lauren Randolph’s world has fractured with the death of her parents five years earlier in a boating accident, and now her brother's joined the Navy. John Weary joined the Coast Guard for excitement, not paper-pushing. John promised his friend to do what he can for Lauren while U-Boats hunt along their coastline.


My Review:
Across the Shores is a collection of four short historical romances. Each was set in an interesting situation or location. All three had a Christian message, usually around the heirloom cross with Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" inscribed on it. There was no sex or bad language. I enjoyed the writing styles the most on the last two stories, but all four were enjoyable.

More Than Gold - 1851, set in the gold fields in Australia. Daniel fell in lust with Josephine at first sight but came to appreciate her caring nature, enduring strength, and abilities. Daniel's highborn, though, and can't marry a penniless American. Or so we're told until, suddenly, he didn't think that'd really matter. The setting was very interesting, but people died of grief or a sickness that no one else had simply because the author wanted them gone.

The Veil - 1877 during the Baltimore railroad strikes. Caroline was assaulted by her intended fiancée and is on the run. She's nearly crushed when she's forced to leave her train during a railroad strike. She met Franz's eyes across the crowd, and he's attracted even though she's wearing a partial veil. He saved her, brought her home, and worked to earn her trust. They both generally acted realistically, and I loved his grandfather.

Running from Love - 1905 in Canada. Anna felt compelled to look after her younger brother, even though he's on the run for theft. He's promised to reform, after all. But he's often away at work, leaving her to transform a decrepit hut into a home. A neighbor, who's also a Mountie, kept lending her a hand with the repairs. Ben and Anna fell in love as they spent time together and came to admire each other. The main characters (even Anna's brother) were delightful and came across as real people, with funny situations coming up naturally.

Lauren's Song - 1942 on the east coast barrier islands where U-boats hunted Allied ships. Lauren's lost a lot of loved ones, and now her brother joined the Navy. She had to take on boarders to make ends meet. John joined the Coast Guard to do something worthwhile--risk his life to save others, not fill out endless paperwork. He worked as a liaison with the military personal coming to the island. He did what he could to help Lauren, but she wanted to be seen as a strong woman worthy of his love. Their friendship deepening as they spent time together.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.