Wednesday, December 4, 2024

AN HONORABLE DECEPTION by Roseanna M. White, Reviewed by Winnie and Rebecca

THE IMPOSTERS Series #3
(English Historical Romance Series with Mystery and 
Private Investigators Set in Edwardian England)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
I’ve been a fan of Roseanna M. White’s books for many years. She is a brilliant wordsmith with a special talent for creating compelling, engaging characters and imaginative scenarios. Her writing flows seamlessly and is enriched by colorful imagery and rich historical detail.

An Honorable Deception is the third book in her The Imposters series, which has been such a delightful, captivating series. I’ve been anxiously awaiting Yates’ story, and it definitely was worth the wait. I love his vibrant, fun-loving personality, his sense of humor, and his care and concern for his family and friends. The humorous banter between the characters was such a treat and gave a needed respite from the somewhat dark subject matter, which White handled beautifully.

“You know, most women wouldn’t appreciate being compared to a monkey.”

When Lord Yates Fairfax rescues the Imposters’ newest client, Lady Alethia Barremore, from attempted murderers, he finds himself involved in much more than a missing person’s case. As he involves the other Imposters, their friend, Lady Lavinia Hemming, stumbles upon the truth of their group and wants to be involved in the investigations. Unfortunately, Yates had spent years getting over his youthful love for Lavinia.

“Six years later, he’d learned to look at her without that punch to his gut.”


What a dilemma! Two beautiful ladies to protect, a missing nanny, and a mystery to solve. This tale is a fantastic conclusion to the series. It was such fun to see characters from some of the author’s previous series show up in this one.

With lots of humor, suspense, romance, and inspiration, this book has something for everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend this author and series to those who enjoy clean and wholesome historical romance fiction.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Six years later, he'd learned to look at her without that punch to his gut."

And it's a good thing that he had, because Lord Yates Fairfax is suddenly tasked with overseeing the care of another particularly lovely young woman . . . a client actually . . . who was shot three times after meeting with Yates in his role as the leader of an elite private investigative firm cleverly named the Imposters. Lady Alethia Barremore may think that she has hired the group to locate her missing nanny, but apparently has unintentionally involved herself in something far more sinister.

Lady Lavinia Hemming has been a shadow of her true self since recovering from heart damage following a fever; on top of that, discovering that her mother was a traitor . . . well, through it all, her best friends Marigold and brother Yates had been a constant . . . that is, when she didn't push them away. Could she discover purpose again?

When Lavinia offers to become a member of the "firm", she had no idea how rewarding it would feel to avail her skills or how difficult it would become to watch the one man she couldn't possibly fall in love with turning his eyes upon another, and rightfully so.

What's not to love about this beautifully written book? Swirling with danger and intrigue, the investigation forces the character dynamics into close proximity, as the circumstances grow darker and deeper within a despicable underworld of deceit. Emotions run high as Yates, Lavinia, and Alethia pull back layer after layer of hurt, fear and insecurity; eventually choosing hope over despair and courage over cowardice . . . but apparently it is going to take them awhile to figure it all out, gifting readers with chapter after chapter of an outstanding story!

"Is it wrong to pass one's time in fretting, instead of sleeping on the heart of Jesus?"
*I purchased a copy. I also received a copy from the publisher. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor. 

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:

 

 

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

WHAT I LEFT FOR YOU by Liz Tolsma, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease


(Echoes of the Past Book 3)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“No matter what, God.” 

“My peace comes from the assurance that God overseas all things.”

In this dual-time book, we see McKenna search for her roots and the missing parts of her ancestral story. It is steeped in the chaos of World War II in Poland, and a little known people group known as the Lemkos who got lumped in with another group and targeted for annihilation. What was fascinating was that the author drew on her own background and researched her own family origins. This was yet another story in the complex and gut-wrenching history of World War II. This tale showcased not only hardship, but also resiliency, remarkable courage and resolve in seemingly desperate situations. The writing style was eloquent, persuasive, and powerful depicting people of great faith.

What I Left For You brought the story of Helena to a new generation, when McKenna found the links to her great grandmother.

Ms. Tolsma is a distinctive voice in World War II fiction. I am always glad to read her perspective.
*A complementary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing on behalf of the author and through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
A Family’s Ties Were Broken in Poland of 1939

1939
Helena Kostyszak is an oddity—an educated female ethnic minority lecturing at a university in Krakow at the outbreak of WWII. When the Germans close the university and force Jews into the ghetto, she spirits out a friend’s infant daughter and flees to her small village in the southern hills. Helena does everything in her power to protect her family, but it may not be enough. It will take all of her strength and God’s intervention for both of them to survive the war and the ethnic cleansing to come.

2023
Recently unengaged social worker McKenna Muir is dealt an awful blow when a two-year-old she’s been working with is murdered. It’s all too much to take, so her friend suggests she dive into her family’s past like she’s always wanted. Putting distance between herself and her problems might help her heal, so she and her friend head on Sabbatical to Poland. But what McKenna discovers about her family shocks everyone, including one long-lost family member.

Also in the
Echoes of the Past Series:
What I Would Tell You
What I Promise You
 
Barbour Publishing, December, 2024

THE SEASIDE HOMECOMING by Julie Klassen, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

(On Devonshire Shores Book #3): 
(Regency Historical Romance Novel about Secrets, Second Chances, and Sisterhood)

PAULA'S REVIEW

Claire was ostracized by her family when she made a foolish choice. When the elderly aunt she has been caring for dies, she decides to return to the same town where her remaining family runs a guest house. She becomes a partner in a rival boarding house.
 
Full of family drama, mysterious happenings, forgiveness and reconciliation, this well written novel follows the Summers family in the aftermath of the death of their father.
 
Romance develops while Claire helps William run the boarding house where he lives with his daughter and her nanny.
This many layered story uses chapter heading quotes to hint at the content of the next scene. The book shows prejudices and attitudes of the times and how the characters handled difficult situations. Claire’s sisters and mother showed loyalty in different ways but their faith was always clearly depicted.
I am glad there will be yet another book about the sisters of Seaview.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House and via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread

REBECCA'S REVIEW:

"You have probably heard by now, but in case you have not; Aunt Mercer has died."

Then what had happened to their sister Claire? Claire Summers had been banished from her family by their father following a public indiscretion and sent to Scotland to serve as personal companion to his sister in perpetuity. Which once again begged the question . . . where was Claire? Unbeknownst to her mother and sisters, she had made a very bold move.

Coming back to Sidmouth was a gamble that Claire Summers wasn't sure would have a happy ending, but when she answered the advertisement for a "respectable female partner" in a boarding house venture, her longing for home overrode everything else. Once gainfully employed, she set about to do the best job that she could, live quietly within the walls of Broadbridge's Boarding House and pray that amends could eventually be made with her mother and sisters. However, another complication soon made his presence known, the intriguing Thomas Hammond and his lovely little daughter . . . the man who just happened to be her newly acquired business partner.

"I want the impossible, I suppose. I want to be forgiven, to no longer be a source of shame to my family."

Claire's story! What a treat for readers who have been following this series to finally spend some time with the Summers sister who had broken her family's heart. And what a heart it turns out that she has! Able to overcome her past with grace and humility, Claire pushes past obstacles both past and present to become the woman that God always intended for her to be.
*I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews.

BackCover Blurb:
A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a "respectable female partner" in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he's hiding and if he's any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity. 
 
Bethany House Publishing, December, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, (and audiobook soon)
 

Thursday, November 28, 2024

HOW SWEET IT IS, IT'S YOUR LOVE, THE WAY YOU LOVE ME (Deep Haven / FOX FAMILY Collection) Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA REVIEWS THREE ROMANCES in SUNRISE PUBLISHING'S FOX FAMILY COLLECTION (PART OF DEEP HAVEN COLLECTION)

#1 HOW SWEET IT IS by Andrea Christenson


"Paris was her dream. And she wasn't giving that up."

When gourmet baker Robin Fox's dream job in Paris turns into a nightmare of sorts, she decides to take a break and travel back home to Deep Haven. Her grandparents have asked her to keep their bread bakery in business while they take a much needed vacation in Florida. The only caveat? . . . "just don't change anything around here". Well . . .

Sammy Johnson loves his home town of Deep Haven, he just doesn't know how to re-acclimate after finally recovering from a horrific logging accident. Much to his surprise, he learns that his high school friend, Robin Fox, is back in town. When he happens upon Robin knee deep in water due to a busted pipe, Sammy steps in with his time and handyman talents; his only compensation???? . . . some of those delicious cupcakes she has started baking.

It soon becomes apparent that Robin's baking skills have the potential to whisk her far, far away from Deep Haven again, perhaps sooner rather than later. How exactly was that going to work since Sammy's heart had gotten all mixed in with the baker herself? A really sweet, and quite romantic story about discovering God's plan; "fitting in and belonging aren't the same thing".

Caution: Don't be at all surprised if you crave cake throughout the reading of this book! 3.5 stars

#2 IT'S YOUR LOVE by Rachel D. Russell

"We like to pretend we have a lot of control in this life, but the fact is, we have very little. But we have faith."

Grayson Fox's faith had been shoved to the back burner of his life . . . for a long time, if he was honest with himself. Returning to his home town of Deep Haven was supposed to put a plan into motion for realizing his dream of owning ranch property in Oregon, yet selling his family acreage has become much harder than he anticipated . . . perhaps that difficulty revolves around his new temporary summer job at the Trinity Horse Camp . . . or more accurately, it is the horse camp's interim assistant director who is giving his head a spin.

Could a face-to-face with Grayson Fox have been more embarrassing than having a heat-stroke inside a ridiculous book costume after being chased by a contingency of barking dogs? Ummm . . . the short answer is . . . no. Her teen-age crush . . . or "something" was back in town and looking like an honest-to-goodness cowboy, who was slated to be working at . . . "her" camp over the summer???

This sparks-are-flying reunion in a small town where everyone knows your name is so entertaining that it would be easy to concentrate on the fun factors and overlook the faith journey taking place . . . Beth and Grayson have deep-seated fears brewing inside their generous hearts and selfless motives . . . because when it comes down to it, he is leaving at the end of the summer and Beth is staying in Deep Haven forever  . . . and that is a problem that only God can work out! 3.5 stars

#3 THE WAY YOU LOVE ME by Michelle Sass Aleckson

"Love is never easy, Lena. Life together will be muddled and difficult at times. Relationships are risk."

Love was a risk that Lena Larson thought she would ever take again . . . except that when Oliver Fox arrived back in Deep Haven with an adorable little girl, her defenses began to crumble, one little giggle at a time. The man in question had shattered her heart those many years ago, and it seemed that even this newer version of Oliver Fox needed a big, bright caution sign hanging around his handsome neck.

Oliver Fox had made so many mistakes . . . but hopeful that he was on the right path forward. Coming back to his hometown with a list of amends could assure the custody of his five year old daughter . . . which meant providing Kiah with a stable home environment sourced from a steady income. Falling in love (again, if the truth were known) with his next door neighbor certainly hadn't been on his court order.

Do you love a story with deeply flawed characters whose understandings and misunderstandings collide at the best and worst of times, recovering with offers of love and forgiveness along with immeasurable measures of grace? Throw in family dynamics, a precious child, and animals who provide a multitude of comedic interruptions and there you have it . . . "The Way You Love Me" . . . a wonderful, romantic finish to this heartwarming series.

*I purchased all of these stories and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
 
SEE THE BACK COVER BLURBS and 
BUY THE FOX FAMILY BOOKS (PART OF THE DEEP HAVEN COLLECTION) AT AMAZON IN DIGITAL EBOOK, PAPERBACK, OR AUDIOBOOK

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest