The Gentleman's Confession by Anneka R. Walker

The Gentleman's Confession
by Anneka R. Walker

ISBN-13: 9781639933020
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Released: October 22, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Brookeside, England, 1822. Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.


My Review:
The Gentleman's Confession is a romance set in 1822 in England. Some aspects of the story were so absurd that it didn't feel realistic. I know it's supposed to be humorous, but one scene had several women cornering Miles in public, and one of those women repeatedly ran her hands through his hair while demanding a lock of his hair. His stepfather or some of his congregation surely would have taken them all to task for behaving so badly, but everyone just excused it as Miles is so perfect that the women couldn't help themselves. Hmm.

When Miles was young, he saved Jemma's cousin from dying. The cousin understandably was half in love with him afterward. Jemma started the rumor that Miles was going to marry her cousin, and now she and his friends all believe this even though Miles has refused to marry her. The cousin has even resigned herself that he isn't going to marry her. I just kept thinking "Gee, what friends--they don't really know him and care more about pressuring him to marry the cousin than about his happiness."

For the first half of the story, I also kept thinking that none of this would happen if he'd just get a backbone. He'd tell people "no" but was "too kind" to firmly convince people that he really meant it. But he did finally realize this and started to change, which redeemed him in my estimation. As Jemma was the cause of her own misery and refused to even consider changing her stance until her cousin took things in hand, I had a little more trouble feeling pity for her.

However, all of the characters were generally likable. Historical details served more as a backdrop than as necessary to the story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous 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.

Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly

Murder in Highbury
by Vanessa Kelly

ISBN-13: 9781496745972
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Released: Oct. 22, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, the former Miss Emma Woodhouse gracefully balances the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health. But then Emma and Harriet Martin discover a hideous shock at the local church: the corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, on the altar steps, an expensive necklace stripped from her neck.

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, and suspicions suddenly fall on Miss Bates. Armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections, Emma decides to investigate to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.


My Review:
Murder in Highbury is a mystery set in 1815 in England. The author took the characters from Jane Austen's "Emma" and changed them a bit. For example, Emma's very outspoken in criticizing men in authority to their faces rather than using the more subtle set-down of a well-bred lady. She poked through someone's desk looking for clues while asking Harriet to stand lookout. Austen's Emma was oblivious to subtle relational interplays happening around her and jumped to conclusions, but in this mystery, Emma noticed when things were subtly off. Also, Miss Bates didn't just ramble on but was a fainting, hysterical lady-in-distress when people asked her questions about the day of the murder. Mrs. Bates might be hard of hearing and slept a lot but she's very engaged with what's going on. While foundational aspects of the original characters were still present, they all felt modified to suit the story the author wanted to tell.

I guessed whodunit early on and was astounded that no one but Emma (at the very end) even considered a most obvious suspect (who had motive, access to the murder scene, and the ability to do the murder). While it's clear that the author did some research into the time period, the social relationships often felt too modern. The coroner and constable both wanted to investigate and arrest people at will, sometimes assuming Mr. Knightly role as magistrate behind his back even though they knew this would offend him. This just didn't seem realistic as the social hierarchy was still pretty rigid at that time. However, it did drag out the mystery because Mr. Knightly was busy trying to minimalize the damage done by two bumbling men bucking his authority rather than everyone working together in their assigned roles. I guess it was the excuse for why Emma had to investigate instead.

All that said, it was an enjoyable enough take on Emma as a sleuth. There were no sex scenes. There were only a few uses of 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.

Murder Takes the Stage by Colleen Cambridge

Murder Takes the Stage
by Colleen Cambridge

ISBN-13: 9781496742599
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Released: Oct. 22, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Housekeeper Phyllida Bright is quite in her element at Mallowan Hall, the charming English manor that she keeps in tip-top shape. By contrast, the bustling metropolis of London, where her famed employer Agatha Christie has temporarily relocated, leaves Phyllida a bit out of her depth. Not only must she grapple with a limited staff, but Phyllida also has to rein in a temperamental French cook who has the looks of Hercule Poirot, but none of the charm.

When a man named Archibald Allston is found dead in an armchair onstage at the Adelphia Theater, seemingly of natural causes. But the very next day, the unlucky actor playing Benvolio at the Belmont Theater is found with his head bashed in. And when a third victim turns up, this time with double-C initials, the fatal pattern is impossible to ignore. With panic erupting among theater folk—a superstitious bunch at the best of times—Phyllida steps up to help with the investigation. The murderer’s M.O. may be easy to read, but can Phyllida uncover the killer’s identity before the final curtain falls on another victim?


My Review:
Murder Takes the Stage is a mystery set in 1930 in England. This is the 4th book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novel to understand this one. The household is in London because Agatha's trying to get one of her stories made into a play. A director and friend of Agatha asks Phyllida to investigate murder and creates a cover story that she's a newspaper reporter. People were quite happy to talk with her, and she maneuvered the conversation to topics she was interested in. She was quick to spot clues and logically consider possibilities.

This was probably the best mystery in the series. I initially thought it was a certain person for reasons Phyllida gave at the end, but one of the final, critical clues made whodunit guessable to both reader and Phyllida, though Phyllida hid the name until her Big Reveal. Phyllida becoming more likable as the series progresses. Historical details were woven into the story, bringing the time and place alive in my imagination without slowing the pacing.

There was occasional use of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting 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.

One Last Stand by Susan May Warren

One Last Stand
by Susan May Warren

ISBN-13: 9780800745509
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: October 8, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As a member of the Air One Rescue team, pilot London Brooks has built a new life--one far away from her clandestine past as an operative tasked to take down a branch of Russian terrorists. She has no desire to reenter that world. But the past won't stay past. Someone has sent assasination after her, she has no choice but to plunge back into the treacherous world she left behind. Even if she must surrender everything--and everyone--she loves in her new life.

Shep Watson will never forget the day he saved London Brooks from the avalanche that nearly killed her. He knows there is more to her story, but he'll let her keep her secrets. Just when it seems she's finally ready to let him into her heart, her dead, mutilated body is found in a lake. When he learns she's still alive but in danger, he can't bear to lose her again. Which means, somehow, he'll have to enter her world, keep up with her, and figure out a way to bring her home.


My Review:
One Last Stand is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the 4th in the series. It does help to have read at least some of the previous books as some of the London/Shep action has occurred already and the characters from the previous books are highly involved in this story. However, the author provided enough background that you can understand what's going on without reading the previous books.

The main characters were engaging and came across as real people. I cared about what happened to them. Shep and London realized that they only had a superficial knowledge about each other and got to know each other better as they worked together. They had to decide what they really wanted out of life while they tried to free London from the dangers brought on by her past. There was plenty of suspense from the physical dangers of doing spy stuff as well as the search and rescue. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.


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.

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander

Hunted for the Holidays
by Deena Alexander

ISBN-13: 9781335980236
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: October 22, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When Shae Evans spots a familiar face at a Christmas pageant, she knows her witness-protection cover has been blown. Six years ago, her testimony put a crime boss away for life, and now his is looking for her. Fleeing with her daughter, Shae accepts protection from former FBI agent Mason Payne—her child’s father. Now they’re only seconds ahead of the ruthless crime family who want Shae silenced forever. With threats everywhere, will they live to see the New Year?


My Review:
Hunted for the Holidays is a Christian romantic suspense. Shae risked her life to get evidence against a crime boss and get him sent to prison. Now he's dying, and he'll decide who will inherit his organization based on who can find and kill Shae. Mason has been working undercover but gets wind of the danger, so he races to protect Shae. During the lead-up to the trial, they spent a year getting to know each other and falling in love. Shae still trusts him, but they're not sure who keeps leaking their location.

The main characters were likable, courageous, and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to them. Shae and Mason worked well together, trusted each other, and were willing to die to protect their five-year-old daughter. The high suspense came from the bad weather, wild animals, and several people trying to capture or kill Shae. Both Shae and Mason were Christians, and they prayed to God for help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.


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.

A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay

A Merry Little Murder Plot
by Jenn McKinlay

ISBN-13: 9780593639368
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: October 8, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. When an altercation happens between Helen and another patron, library director Lindsey Norris begins to suspect the author has been keeping to herself for a reason.

Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie, as she suspects that Helen is unaware her “number one” fan is in town.

When Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. Helen’s frosty demeanor melts when Lindsey offers her help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before "The End" becomes Helen's final sentence.


My Review:
A Merry Little Murder Plot is a cozy mystery. It's the 15th in a series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the whodunits of the previous mysteries.

The main characters were likable and interesting. Lindsey and her helpers asked good questions and noticed clues. This clue-based mystery could be guessed before the end. I guessed "whodunit" correctly, though I wasn't completely certain until the end since there were several possibilities that weren't explored until later on. There were no sex scenes. There were only a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable 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.

All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee

All We Thought We Knew
by Michelle Shocklee

ISBN-13: 9781496484178
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Released: Oct. 1, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
1969. When Mattie Taylor’s twin brother was killed in Vietnam, she lost her best friend and the only person who really understood her. Now, news that her mother is dying sends Mattie back home, despite blaming her father for Mark’s death. Mama’s last wish is that Mattie would read some old letters stored in a trunk, from people Mattie doesn’t even know. Mama insists they hold secrets that Mattie should know.

1942. Ava Delaney is picking up the pieces of her life following her husband’s death at Pearl Harbor. Living with her mother-in-law on a secluded farm in Tennessee is far different than the life Ava imagined when she married only a few short months ago. Desperate to get out of the house, Ava seeks work at a nearby military base, where she soon discovers the American government is housing Germans who they have classified as enemy aliens. As Ava works as a secretary to the man running the hospital, she crosses paths with Gunther Schneider, a German who is helping care for wounded soldiers. Ava questions why a man as gentle and kind as Gunther should be forced to live in the internment camp, and as they become friends, her sense of the injustice grows...as do her feelings for him.


My Review:
All We Thought We Knew is a Christian romance set in 1969 and in 1942 in Tennessee. Vivid historical details were woven into the story giving it a distinct sense of the time and place. Mattie was exasperating at first because she was so self-centered and voiced her opinions even when she knew it'd hurt others. She understood the reasons given by her twin and by her mother for the decisions they made, but she wanted her way instead. A returned, wounded veteran helped her to move beyond her pain to actually care about others. She also has to work through her anger at God for letting her twin die during the war and her mother die a year later.

Ava is Mattie's dying mother, but we also get her backstory. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Ava and Gunther played out, but they spent very little time together 'on screen' so we're just supposed to accept how much Mattie loved Gunther. (I can see why he loved her as she shows him kindness when he's feeling pretty low.) I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. The critical decision made by Gunther didn't really make sense in terms of why Mattie's father felt so strongly about keeping it a secret even 20+ years later. Gunther had a strong faith in God throughout the story, even talking with a Jewish friend about Jesus.

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