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"Heaven and Nature Sing" by Carolyn Miller
The story is set in Wycombe, England, December 1813 and begins when gentleman’s daughter Edith Mansfield joins a Christmas gathering where she is shocked to meet estate owner George Bannerman. Edith rejected George’s proposal a year ago and neither of them has recovered. I enjoyed how the plot centers on the entertaining process when they try to get room to deal with their feelings while also take part in the Christmas cheer. My favorite part was the Christmas vibe I got from descriptions of activities reminiscent of modern day Christmas workshops and a walk in the estate woods to fetch greenery for decorations. The Christmas songs also naturally added to the Christmas cheer. Carolyn Miller writes beautifully and I loved the lighthearted and bantery dialogue between Edith and George. Edith frustrated me as I felt she lacked back bone, while George was the “nice guy” character who tried to win Edith back. The good natured, energetic and slightly meddling godmother, who hosted the gathering was my favorite character. A familiar character from The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace Book 1) was a welcome reminder, as I read the book some time ago.

"Far as the Curse Is Found" by Amanda Barratt
The story is set in London, 1816 when war veteran Dwight Inglewood, Earl of Amberly happens upon seriously ill barmaid Jenny Grey on her way to give her baby up. He decides to offer her work at his estate. The setting of the plot seems slightly less affluent and different from others I have read and I felt it had a Dickensian vibe in the beginning as Jenny was in desperate circumstances. Later it goes on to feel reminiscent of beauty and the beast. Dwight isolates himself and neglects the estate, while Jenny prays to God for guidance how to help him. I loved how Jenny and Dwight tried to be positive forces in each other’s lives without asking for anything in return and that their feelings for each other grew from a base of friendship. I particularly enjoyed the parts describing how Jenny introduced Dwight to reading the Bible, which had a positive effect on his mental health. His attitude towards life seemed to shift and he grew conscious of people around him, including Jenny and her baby.

"The Wonders of His Love" by Erica Vetsch
The story is set in Oxfordshire, 1814 when Lady Pricilla, Cilla, Haverly meets portrait painter Scottish artist Hamish Sincclair, who has come to paint Cilla’s brother and sister-in-law as a Christmas present. This plot feels unusual as it deals with a privileged female character who is set to become a duchess when her husband dies and she becomes more of a servant to the dowager duchess. I loved that she wants to change her life, feeling uncomfortable in her present role in the family. The characters of this story were very entertaining and felt likable and realistic, save for a couple of seriously unpleasant ones. I loved that Cilla seemed to have a loving and close relationship with her brother and sister-in-law made clear to all on Christmas. That a relationship could develop between Cilla and Hamish as they were of such different classes felt an enjoyable and slightly surprising element. The story mentioned familiar characters from the Serendipity & Secret series, interesting for new readers.

Recommendations: Anyone who enjoys light hearted historical Christmas read will love this. As will fans of Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt and Erica Vetsch. All opinions in this review are completely my own. Similar authors to explore might be Kristi Ann Hunter or Leah Garriott.

Conclusion: Three entertaining stories about Christmas activities and celebrations beginning of the 1800s. While settings differ in grandeur, all enjoy similar celebrations and singing of Christmas carols. The writing is beautiful and the characters relatable. It adds up to very nice entertainment in front of the fire with a cup of tea.

Rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: beautiful writing, entertaining characters

Hvis du kan tenke deg å lese en «Markens grøde»-aktig serie, kan jeg virkelig anbefale denne trilogien: A Horseman riding by. Den kretser hele tiden rundt respekten for jorden og naturen, som skjenker oss både skjønnhet og mat.

When Poirot is summoned to Kingfisher Hill to solve a murder, he has to promise to keep the assignment secret. While investigating, he realizes he is dealing with two complex murders and plenty of distractions.

The Killings at Kingfisher Hill is the New Hercule Poirot Mystery by Sophie Hannah, published by William Morrow. The story is set in fictional Kingfisher Hill country estate in Surrey 1922. We follow Hercule Poirot and new colleague Scotland Yard Inspector Edward Catchpool as they are summoned to Kingfisher Hill to solve the murder of Frank Devonport. They travel by luxury motor coach where a seemingly disturbed woman is adamant she will be killed if she sits in a certain seat. Poirot agrees to switch seats and takes her place next to another woman who confesses to a murder. Nothing happens to him and Poirot is both shocked and curious to see if these two occurrences on the coach are linked to the murder he is assigned to solve.

Main character Hercule Poirot seems his recognizable self. I enjoy how new details makes him even more interesting while the most important original traits are still in place; maybe with some new twists. I find it charming that he uses more French language.

Second main character and narrator is Scotland Yard Inspector Edward Catchpole. I love how he conducts independent questionings of some witnesses. Perhaps a slightly modern way of dealing with investigations,

I read this as a standalone in The New Hercule Poirot Mystery series, which worked perfectly just as all other stories I have read about Hercule Poirot. I love how the writing style is so excellently in keeping with the original Agatha Christie novels. An amusing vibe, in parts, does not get in the way of the seriousness of the murder investigation. In the centre of the story is the Devonport family who has an extreme capacity for denial. This might have been customary in the 1920s, so it adds an old fashioned feel to the story. Poirot allows Inspector Catchpool an independent, trusted position which might be a modern touch, but he still has to work with Poirot’s detailed lists. I feel this element adds information, clarifies and drives the plot forward in an amazing way.

My absolute favorite part of the story is Poirot’s interaction with amusing character Hester Semley. She is a feisty old lady who is insulted by Poirot’s tendency to interrupt her to dig out more details for the investigation.
I am not able to reveal my least favorite part of the story to avoid spoiler. Lets just say it relates to the second murder.

Fans of Agatha Christie will love this new mystery. As will readers of cozy mysteries.
Similar author to explore might be Agatha Christie.
Thank you to Kristiansand Public Library @krsbib for lending me this book. It gave me the opportunity to share my honest review and all opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: This is the exiting new story where Hercule Poirot solves two complex murders helped by his interesting colleague, Scotland Yard Inspector, Edward Catchpool. They have to deal with a family with extraordinary capacity for denial living in an enclosed country estate. This is the perfect addition to the library of Agatha Christie books for fans old and new. I will be eagerly awaiting Sophie Hannah’s next release.

Rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: interesting and complex plot, fabulous writing, great character building.

Måten hun får frem sammenhenger mellom fortid,nåtid og ikke minst fremtid på er veldig fascinerende og ikke minst meget godt utført. Jeg liker godt måten hun har flettet inn dagsaktuelle ting som skjer i verden og at hun har et sterkt fokus på klimaendringene i flere av disse langdiktene. Kanskje for å minne oss på at det i tillegg til pandemien skjer andre elendige ting i verden. Men noen sekvenser vitner også om det finnes et håp likevel, at vi har en fremtid tross alt.
Korona, hverdag, familie, andre kriser i verden og ikke minst et håp. Alt dette klarer Lillegraven på utmerket vis å flette sammen til en helhet i sin nyeste diktsamling.

Les gjerne hele omtalen her.

When Richard Brockwell arrives in Ivy Hill for a Christmas visit, he is unprepared to meet childhood friend Arabella Awdry . She is familiar with his reputation as a rake and a libertine and she avoids him like the plague, while he keeps staying away from all eligible ladies.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is the Christmas historical romance novella by Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in fictional village Ivy Hill 1822 and we follow younger son Richard Brockwell as he comes to spend Christmas with his family. His mother wants to cut him off financially if he doesn’t make an effort to find a suitable lady to marry. Richard tries to scare off every eligible lady and continue his care-free life in London. His childhood friend Arabella Awdry also has no plans to marry and wants to spend her time doing charity work in London. They come to have a nice and relaxing time together, but Arabella is convinced Richard cannot be trusted.

Main character is budding, yet unpublished author, Richard Brockwell who seems a seriously shallow and uncharitable man with a bad reputation in London. I loved to follow his journey as he stayed with family and friends in Ivy Hill.

Supporting character is bluestocking philanthropist, Arabella Awdry. She is a strong and independent lady who is seriously unimpressed by Richard’s behavior around women; but has a secret wish for love and happiness. I liked her multilayered character a lot and she is my favorite of this story.

This sweet story was such a pleasure to read. It gave me all the Christmassy feels with the decorating, carol singing and church going. Even the rare occasion of snow. I loved how the beautiful book cover also set the tone of what to expect.

As always I loved Julie Klassen’s signature writing and the light and amusing dialogue. I particularly enjoyed the mystery element to do with a secret from Richard’ past.
My favorite part of the story was descriptions of church on Christmas Day. The part I found less enjoyable was descriptions of how a printer’s apprentice was treated. But I felt it made an excellent dramatic element.

When Richard scared Arabella off and she made her lack of interest in him blathantly clear, they both relaxed more which made room for feelings to grow. Richard seemed to go through a substantial change from his self serving life and become more aware of people around him.

This story is recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romance fiction and for fans of Julie Klassen. Similar authors to explore might be Kristi Ann Hunter or Erica Vetsch.

Thank you to publisher House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Conclusion: This is the entertaining Christmas novella about confirmed bachelor Richard Brockwell who pretends to be a rake and Arabella Awdry who pretends to be a spinster. A satisfying Christmas add-on to the Tales from Ivy Hill series and the perfect read on a quiet afternoon in front of the fire or while on a break from Christmas preparations.

Rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: entertaining Christmassy plot, great characters old and new, signature writing, enjoyable mystery element

When French aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux escapes Paris and her brother’s murderer by the skin of her teeth, she has to hide as a maid in wealthy British landowner Mr. Richard Harris’ household. Dacia feels safe for a while, but Richard’s privileged lifestyle soon puts her life in danger and she has to flee again.

Revolution of Hearts is the standalone by Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen, set in Paris 1789 at the start of the French Revolution. Aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux’s brother is murdered by a corrupt police officer. As Dacia was present when the murder happened, influential friends protect her from being the next victim by getting her boat passage to England. Aware she has fled Paris; wealthy landowner Mr. Richard Harris hires her as a maid in his household. He is impressed by her attitude and work ethics while she is trying to maneuver her new life below stairs. Richard goes about the ordinary lifestyle of the privileged not knowing it puts Dacia’s life in danger. Soon she is on the run again.

Main character is French aristocrat Dacia de Prideaux, aka Louise Bertrand, seems amazingly adaptable. I thoroughly enjoyed following her impressive personal development through the story as she has to learn a completely new mindset, speech and ways to tackle her new life as a maid. She is my absolute favorite of this story.

Supporting character is wealthy landowner Mr. Richard Harris who seems caring and kind to people high and low having been influenced by his late mother. I found him a likable character with his very own secrets.

My favorite part of the story was the descriptions of life in Mr Harris’ household which reminded me of Downton Abbey with an added twist of drama and danger towards the end. My least favorite part was description of Dacia’s brother’s murder and corrupt police blaming her for the murder and chasing her through Paris.

Both Dacia and Richard guard their secrets like life depends on it. Feelings start to sneak up on them as Richard asks Dacia to help him with an “in-house project”. I found this a thoroughly amusing and entertaining part of the book which made it feel real that a romantic relationship would develop between them.

Readers who enjoy stories with historical settings mixed with intense drama and romance would find A Revolution of Hearts a captivating tale. I would have loved to see a movie based on this story. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah M. Eden or Sarah E. Ladd.

Thank you to publisher Covenant Communications and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Conclusion: This thrilling story is about the French aristocrat who has to flee Paris following her brother’s murder and hide as a maid in a wealthy English gentleman’s household. It offers a thoroughly captivating vibe fit for a movie, and a surprising twist towards the end. I am totally impressed by this new to me author and will definitely be on the look-out for Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen’s next release.

Rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: great entertaining plot, engaging characters.