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Julia Twethewey finds herself in a dangerous armed robbery where handsome mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. Strange things start to happen at Lanwyn Manor where she visits. Valuable items go missing and there is rumors the manor is cursed. Julia and Isaac have to cooperate to find what is going on with the mining community and the thefts from the manor.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels by Sarah E. Ladd, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Cornwall, England 1818 and focuses on Julia Twethewey as she goes to visit her cousin in Cornwall. On arrival she finds herself in the center of an armed robbery, where mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. When Isaac’s twin brother, mine owner Matthew Blake, starts flirting with Julia, she is pretty sure he just wants to get his hands on her uncle’s mine. Silver and jewels go missing from Lanwyn Manor and something seems a miss. Julia and Isaac are forced to cooperate as strange things keep happening at the manor.

Main character Julia Twethewey is mine owner Lambourne niece. She seems quite a determined, assertive and kind but sensitive young woman who looks past wealth and status to focus more on personal character traits, like we would today. She is my favorite character of this story.

Uncle William Lambourne is the mine owner who has a collection of negative traits. I find him seriously disagreeable and unsympathetic man who seems to not have much of a heart. He is by far my least favorite character of this story, although there were a couple of other strong contenders.

I found the dramatic robbery at the start of the story was particularly well written. I could feel the danger, hairs rising on my back. I enjoyed the vivid and descriptive writing of impressive interiors of the manor and local environments, which made the story come alive.

My favorite part of the plot was the mystery about the thievery from Lanwyn Manor. It included several surprising twists and an exciting ending to the story. My least favorite part was descriptions of Matthew Blake’s personal traits and attitude. He seemed condescending and prejudiced. I felt my skin crawl.

The mining theme of the plot and the setting in Cornwall reminds me of the Poldark series, but it includes a mystery part about the manor and the sleuthing of the theft, which sets it apart from Poldark.

Julia and Isaac were drawn to each other from when he rescues her in the robbery. They meet «accidentally» in the mornings to talk and as they get to know each other better, new closeness emerges.

Fans of Sarah E. Ladd would love this story. Readers of historical romance fiction would enjoy it as well. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Michelle Griep. All opinions in this review are completely my own.

Conclusion: This plot is exciting with a surprising end. It reminds me of the Poldark series and reads like a mystery plot with romance included. I found the character building great and the fabulous writing drew me in from the very start. I excitedly await last installment in the series.
My rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: exiting plot with surprise ending, great character building, fabulous writing

Synes boka er vanskelig å forstå, især i begynnelsen. Handlingen blir mer forståelig videre uti boka, er interessant og til dels spennende og bygger på historiske hendelser. Dette er likevel ikke en bok som jeg liker.

When offered the opportunity to escape hunger and poverty in London, care giver Mercy Wilkins agrees to join the first bride ship to British Columbia. On board she learns to assist wealthy and titled ships surgeon, Joseph Colville, in treatment of patients. They have to fight against their own feelings and society’s prejudice.

A Reluctant Bride is the first book in The Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund, and I listened to an audio edition published by arrangement with Baker Publishing Group.
The plot is set in the poorest part of London 1862. We follow Mercy Wilkins as she tries to take care of her small siblings. Life seems a constant fight for survival, so when Mercy gets the opportunity to join the bride ship voyage to Vancouver Island, she accepts. On board she meets Baron of Wiltshire and ships surgeon Joseph Colville. Mercy learns to assist him in treatment of patients. They both fight against the mutual attraction they feel and know they come from different worlds, which makes a relationship between them unacceptable in the eyes of society.

Main character is child caregiver and nursing assistant Mercy Wilkins who thinks she is going to British Columbia to find employment. That she has to marry upon arrival has escaped her notice. I find her a very kind and impressive character who manages to care for others when she has so little herself. She is my favorite character of this story.

Supporting character Reverent William Richard Scott acts as chaperone for the brides on the trip. He is patronizing and demeaning, taking his position way too seriously. He was my least favorite of the story. His character will probably haunt me for a long time. I found the character development of this story fabulous.

The vivid description of evergreen trees, sandy beaches and wildlife on Vancouver Island, I found were fantastic in all 3 books. I thoroughly loved the entertaining writing style, dialogue and vibe which make this series one of my absolute favorites. I can’t wait for the release of installment #4.
My favorite part was the romance between Mercy and Joseph. During the voyage they live through hardship and become friends. The closeness increases.

The plot has a distinct spiritual element and Mercy and Joseph pray for help with processing their grief. Mercy has not felt God’s nearness in her struggle to survive in London’s slums. She tries to pray, but feels she is not quite able to. Joseph is running from God and his grief. Nothing seems to have meaning and he prays to God to show him the next step.
Fans of Jody Hedlund are sure to love A Reluctant Bride. Readers of historical romance fiction will enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Elizabeth Camden. All opinions in this review are my own.
Conclusion: This is the first book in the captivating series about young English women going to British Columbia to help populate the colony. I thoroughly loved the entertaining writing style, dialogue and vibe which make this series one of my absolute favorites. I can’t wait for release of installment #4.
Rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: exiting plot, vivid writing, fabulous characters

At the traditional autumn fate, old books’ salesman Gavin Hall is found dead on the Westershall estate woodlands pierced with his newly purchased sword. Antique shop owner Juno Browne finds the body and soon uncovers the victim’s secret and gets too close to some very dangerous people and activity.

Dead on Dartmoor is the second book in The Devon Mysteries series by Stephanie Austin, published by Allison & Busby. The story is set in present day tourist town Ashburton close to Dartmoor. We get to follow Juno Brown as she takes part in the traditional autumn fate on Westershall estate when old books’ salesman Gavin is found dead. There seems to be a cover-up going on at the estate and also ties to environmental interests trying to protect an endangered species of bats living in the caves of the estate.

Main character Juno Browne is the owner of local dog walking -and domestic help business. She seems reminds me of a Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple as she seems a magnet for dead bodies. I find her courageous and impressive. When she gets close to danger, she does not back down.

Supporting characters Ricky and Morris are the kind and generous, slightly eccentric gay couple running the costume design business Sauce and Slander. They have an amusing interaction among themselves and with others and seem the kind of friends one could wish for. They were my favorite characters of this story.

Dead on Dartmoor is a quick and entertaining read about country living with entertaining dialogue which reminds me of the Chick Lit genre, only this plot has a creepy vibe. I found the characters of this story very entertaining. I particularly enjoyed the suspicious ones, and the dialogue during the less intense parts of the story was light hearted and amusing.

My favorite part of this story was the great descriptions of local nature and scenery around Ashburton. I really enjoyed the parts describing English village life where neighbors and friends enjoyed each other’s company in their day to day living and were helping and supporting each other through tough times.

The least favorite part I found was the heart breaking descriptions of Oliver Knollys’ life. He had managed to stay under the radar of social services for a year. I felt so sorry for really talented and intelligent Olly who was living on his own for a year following his great-grandmother death. For fear of being found out he was totally isolating himself.

Conclusion: I read Dead on Dartmoor as a standalone which worked perfectly. It is the quick and entertaining read about village life, an exciting murder investigation and mysterious cover-up on old local estate mining caves. This is the first I have read by this author and I wonder what the next installment in the series will be about. Similar authors to explore might be Lucy Foley or Rebecca Tope.

Thank you to my local library, Kristiansand Folkebibliotek, for providing me with this hardcover edition which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: interesting plot, enjoyable atmosphere, great writing

When a dinner party is held at Kingscote cottage, the butler is found run into by the family motorcar, and dies from the injury. Plenty of secrets come to light as investigative journalist and amateur sleuth Emma Cross assists local police with detecting who murdered the butler. She digs up surprising information about betting, gambling, blackmail and more.

Murder at Kingscote is book 8 of 8 in A Gilded Newport Mystery series by Allyssa Maxwell, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in July 1899 Newport, Rhode Island, where the richest Four Hundred come to spend their summer. We follow Emmeline, Emma, Cross in her sleuthing adventure. The seriously unpopular butler of Kingscote is found close to death between the family motorcar and a tree in the cottage garden. Philip King, eldest son, has just used the car and is suspected of the murder. Everything is not as it seems and with Emma’s contacts, friends and intimate knowledge of the community, she uncovers links to betting, gambling, and more.

Main character and narrator, Emmaline, Emma, Cross is editor-in-chief of Newport Messenger. I am impressed with her. There’s something relentless about her questioning of suspects. She’s like a dog with a bone, reminding me of Miss Marple; always close by when a murder happens. She is my favorite character of this story.

Supporting character Derrick Andrews is owner of several newspapers. He seems under his mother’s thumb about his presence in Society and choosing the right woman to marry. He seems to have little mind of his own around Emma, which annoys me.

I felt the characters of this story interesting and multilayered. It’s like I could have known them I real life. The descriptions of New England luxury cottages of the gilded age were detailed and well researched, particularly the grand gothic Newport cottage Kingscote.
I found descriptions of a New England charity event to be my favorite part of this story. The lifestyle and interactions between people reminded me of Downton Abbey with all the grandeur and luxury.

My least favorite part of this story was descriptions of how mental Health treatment was conducted at the time. To put close relatives into institutions seem to have been pretty easy to do.

Murder at Kingscote is the first book I have read by Allyssa Maxwell. As there were plenty of hints to previous stories, reading it as a standalone worked perfectly. Plenty of exiting and surprising twists and turns along the way made me end up with quite a few suspects, none of which was the right one. The ending was a complete surprise unlike any other I have read.

Murder at Kingscote is the captivating series conclusion about a murder in rich people’s summer haven Newport, where an investigative journalist digs up information to help police solve the case.

Fans of Allyssa Maxwell will enjoy this book. As will readers of murder mystery. Similar authors to explore might be Clara McKenna or Dianne Freeman.

Thank you to publisher Kensington Books and NetGally for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: captivating series finale, vivid writing, well researched, surprise ending

Following an attempt to get away from a title pursuing lady, Lord Cavratt makes the unfortunate mistake of kissing a woman in the garden of an inn and her uncle forces them to marry against both of their wishes. While awaiting annulment, Crispin enters what turns out to be a traumatized lady into Society, which leads to a number of surprises. While the couple grows closer, the confusing and complicated situation escalates into a life-threatening confrontation.

The Kiss of a Stranger is the prequel to The Jonquil Brothers Series by Sarah M. Eden, published by Covenant Communication Inc. The story is set in London 1814 and focuses on Crispin Handle, Lord Cavratt who makes the unfortunate mistake of kissing a maid in the garden of an inn, only the maid turns out to be Miss Catherine Thorndale, whose abusive uncle pushes for an immediate marriage so he can throw her out. An annulment would leave both Catherines’s and Crispin’s reputations in shatters. The whole thing seems a confusing mess with the looming threat of her abusive uncle.

Main character Crispin Handle, Lord Cavratt seems a kind person, if somewhat inexperienced with women. I felt he continuously dropped the ball in his relationship with Catherine. Fortunately he stepped up as the plot progressed.

I felt heart wrenchingly sorry for secondary character Catherine Adelaide Thorndale. She has musical talent and hidden personal resources. When life becomes quieter I am very pleased to see she thrives. She is my favorite character of this story.

I find it jaw dropping how Sarah M. Eden manages to keep the light hearted writing I enjoy so much in place. The signature funny and bantering dialogue I love is included.

The least favorite part of this story I felt were everything to do with uncle Thorndale.
As much as I hated his character I must admit he added a great dramatic effect to the story. I was surprised by the extreme anger and violence which made me suspect he was suffering from some kind of mental disorder.

My favorite part of the story was the romance between Catherine and Cirpin. I felt it quite amusing how he spent such a long time in complete denial of his feelings for her. I enjoyed the verbal fencing conducted in private, which made them get to know each other better and become closer.

Conclusion: The Kiss of a Stranger is the heart wrenching story of a sudden and mistaken kiss, an unwanted marriage and an unexpected closeness and love developing in the midst of violence and threat.
I would recommend The Kiss of a Stranger to anyone, particularly fans of Sarah M. Eden or readers of historical fiction. Similar authors to explore might be Julianne Donaldson or Esther Hatch. All opinions in this review are my own.

Rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: interesting plot, great villainous character, fabulous writing,

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter is the first book in her new series Hearts on the Heath, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in Newmarket, Suffolk 1817 and is about Hudson, Viscount Stildon, who has just arrived from India where he was born and raised. Having listened to local gossip he finds himself in an extensive group of bachelors hoping to court one of the country’s most eligible single women who has a prize winning stallion as her unofficial dowry.
He meets volunteer horse trainer and neighbor Bianca Snowley who shows up every morning to exercise one of his horses. Hudson hires Miss Snowley to help him learn how to move about in society without making a fool of himself.

Main character Hudson, Viscount Stildon, is knowledgeable about horses but confused about the ins and outs of English society and customs. He seems a likeable character who is able to look past social prejudices to view each person’s individual merits. Much like we would today.

Secondary character Bianca Snowley has a difficult relationship to her stepmother reminiscent of Cinderella. I felt sorry for her, but I was pleased to see she stood up to her stepmother more as the story progressed. Bianca was my favorite character of this story.

I found the plot rather unique, as I have not read a story which centers on horses like this one. Main ideas of the plot is what people are willing to do to gain better positions by wealth or inheritance and deals with class distinction and social prejudices relating to children born out of wedlock.

I love the light hearted and funny writing style with a friendly bantering dialogue and great atmosphere. I felt each character was very well thought out, beautifully described and perfectly placed into the plot. I loved that the story included characters from Kristi Ann Hunter's Uncommon Courtship, book 3 in Hawthorne House Series.

My favorite part of this story was Holden’s adjustment to English society and the romance development between him and Bianca. It started with easygoing, bantering friendship. Romance was developing slowly between them when they were looking the other way.

My least favorite part of the story was how Bianca was treated by her stepmother. A terrible, conniving character that would make Cinderella’s stepmother seem almost kind hearted.

Back in India, Hudson felt God was distant from his life and he didn’t attend church. He starts attending church sermons and reading the Bible and reflects on his faith more and he gradually comes to trust God’s plan.

Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) is the unique story set in horse racing environment with great character building and light hearted and bantery writing style. I would recommend it to anyone, and I eagerly await next installment. Readers of historical romance fiction would enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Sarah M. Eden or Julie Klassen.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
My rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: innovative plot, great character building, fabulous writing and dialogue

When real estate developer Jack Ford is found dead on grandmother’s B & B property, tea shop owner Lily Roberts tries to help, but running Tea by the Sea tea shop in tourist season on Cape Cod while keeping her grandmother out of trouble is big job. The police are determined grandmother Rose has committed the crime, so Lily carves out time for some private investigating.

Tea & Treachery is first installment in Vicki Delany’s Tea by the Sea Mysteries series published by Kensington Books. The contemporary plot is set in fictional town North Augusta, in Cape Cod. We follow Tea by the Sea tea shop owner Lily Roberts when a murder happens on her grandmother’s B & B property, Victoria by the Sea. The victim is property developer Jack Ford who has made a lot of enemies in the area because of his dodgy business practices. He has tried to force Grandmother Rose Campbell to sell her B & B but Rose has resisted by some intense verbal altercations, so police suspect she has motive for murder. Granddaughter Lily has her hands full, but carves out time to help her grandmother by doing her own private investigation. Soon secrets come to light which changes the case entirely.

Main character Lily Roberts is pastry chef and owner of local tearoom. She has grown up in New York, but has recently moved to The Cape to help her grandmother and have a better lifestyle. I liked her a lot, and found her a suitable character to calm her grandmother down.

Supporting character Rose Campbell is the temperamental, opinionated and demanding English grandmother who insults the police and not is helping her case at all. She refuses to sell her property because she is passionate about environmental issues. I loved her feisty and eccentric character. She kind of “makes” this story and is my absolute favorite.

For me the best part of this story was the vivid nature descriptions of the Cape Cod area which drew me in and made me feel I was actually there. The descriptions of the baking involved in the running of the teashop and the recepies at the back was very enjoyable. I felt the dialogue was light and humorous. A perfect summer read.

I felt the worst part was when property developers and council members turned up to force Rose into selling her grand stately home promising her progress, money and jobs. -Whatever would get them the property. I felt bad for Rose, but she certainly didn’t cave. I appreciated the dramatic element.

Tea & Treachery was an entertaining plot set in The Cape with focus on environmental vs property development issues. Well developed characters and good descriptive writing and dialogue made for a perfect summer read. The ending was a total surprise to me. I suspected plenty of people along the way, but the actual culprit evaded my attention.

Fans of Vicki Delany would love this new series. As will readers who enjoy cozy mysteries. Similar authors to explore might be Victoria Gilbert or Kirsten Weiss. Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: entertaining plot, good descriptive writing, surprise ending

I den tredje boken i serien om Tracy Crosswhite er det en 40 år gammel cold case som utgjør bokens krimgåte. En ung indianerjente ble funnet død og det ble raskt konstatert at det var selvmord. Ikke alle var enig med det og den nyansatte visesheriffen etterforsker saken uten å bli hørt og etter hans død blir det opp til Tracy Crosswhite å finne ut hva som skjedde.

Lettlest og spennende krim som passer perfekt for lesing i sommervarmen.

Les gjerne hele omtaler min her.

Denne boka ga jeg opp, selv om den har få god omtale. Kommer muligens tilbake ved annen anledning

Aktuell bok også i dag. Handler om utbrudd av pandemi og bl.a. styresmaktenes behandling. Boka er interessant, men jeg synes innledningen var lang med mange personer «å holde rede på».

Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lambton goes to his friend’s estate for Christmas while at the same time working for the Foreign Office to catch one of Napoleon’s most dangerous spies. On the way there he meets Sorrel Kendrick, the infuriatingly stubborn and opinionated lady who challenges him. They agree to be enemies, only it seems exhausting to keep up the animosity.

Friends & Foes is the first book in The Jonquil Brothers series by Sarah M. Eden published by Covenant Communications. The setting is 1814 when England fears French invasion by Napoleon. We follow Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lambton, as he works for the Foreign Office. Under cover of spending Christmas at his friend’s estate in Suffolk, he is really on a hunt for the dangerous Napoleonic spy Le Fountaine. While on the spy’s trail, he meets stubborn and opinionated Sorrel Kendrick. She dislikes him from the very beginning, while he has his secret reasons for pretending to be the dandy she dislikes so much. They get off to a spectacularly bad start, but unexpectedly she manages to help him with his spy catching operation.

Main character Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lambton does his best to help his younger brothers and I think it speaks volumes of what kind of person he is. He is impressive and my absolute favorite.

Secondary character Sorrel Kendrick has been trampled by a horse and lives in constant pain from the injuries. She tries to hide her vulnerabilities and tries to build armor around herself. I felt so sorry for her, but was pleased to see she managed to respond differently and open up more.

Sarah M. Eden has a signature light hearted, bantering and humorous writing. I love that by following her great writing I learn new expressions in the English language I have not heard in a long time, -or ever. The dialogue feels like the perfect mix between funny, bantering and serious conversations.

I cannot remember having read anything similar to the plot of Friends & Foes as it is dealing with consequences of being trampled by a horse. It felt very hard to read.

My favorite part of the story was the romance developing between Sorrel and Philip. There was mutual animosity from the start. As they got to know each other better, trust and closeness increased and the romance got room to develop. I thoroughly enjoy the way Sarah M. Eden writes these scenes and I don’t know of any other author who creates romance quite like this.

Research of the devastating consequences of being trampled by a horse I found both impressive and very, very sad. Great research of how spies operated in England during the Napoleonic wars shone through.

Friends & Foes was superb entertainment owing to the combination of an interesting plot, great character building, great dialogue, and vivid writing. Drops of Gold (The Jonquil Brothers #2) is already on my Kindle and I so much look forward to starting it.

Fans of Sarah M. Eden will love Friends & Foes; as will readers of historical romance fiction.
If you want to explore similar books, you might like to check out the works of Julianne Donaldson or Josi S. Kilpack.

All opinions in this review are completely my own.
My rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: interesting plot, great character building, super dialogue, and vivid writing