PAGE~TURNERS: April 2021

Thursday, April 29, 2021

AMERICA’S DAUGHTER

MY THOUGHTS:

I am a huge fan of Celeste De Blasis. I’ve read many novels by this author and I must say that she never disappoints. Celeste De Blasis never wastes time pulling you into her stories, and this book is no different.

Addie believes in the Patriot’s cause and she and her twin brother witness the Boston Tea Party. Addie keeps her beliefs to herself because not everyone in her family believes as she does. Addie’s father, Marcus Valencourt is a loyalist, and has raised his five children to be independent thinkers. When the British seize Boston, Addie decides it’s time for her to speak up and stand her ground about her beliefs. So Addie admits to her father that she and her brothers believe in the Patriot’s cause. Of course that causes tension in the family. But, when Addie’s brothers and Silas, the man she loves, go off to fight in the war, Addie finds herself torn between her family and the men fighting for America, the country she loves. I’m so glad this is the first book in the series as I can’t wait to continue this great story.

The characters and historical aspects of the story were well written and made the book very interesting and enjoyable to read. I really liked this book and I recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

AMERICA’S DAUGHTER

Author: Celeste De Blasis
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: April 27, 2021
Pages: 230
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple

With Washington’s army, she joined America’s fight for independence…
1773. The night that Addie Valencourt sneaks out to witness the Boston Tea Party, she knows that her world is about to change forever. Soon, the love and security of her tight-knit family is torn apart by the fight for American independence.
When the British lay siege to Boston, Addie’s English-born father welcomes them into his home, while her childhood sweetheart Silas leaves to join General Washington. Addie is determined to follow him when she meets Scottish Highlander John Traverne. The frowning, dark-haired soldier is unlike anyone she has ever known, and he interests her more than he should. But any future with a man on the opposite side of this fight is impossible…
As the bitter war continues, Addie’s life becomes increasingly bound with the fate of America. When Silas is captured by the British, she risks all to search for him, but venturing into enemy territory brings her face to face with her Highlander again. Now Addie must make an impossible choice between what her heart is telling her, and protecting the secrets—and even the very lives—of the Patriots on the dangerous front line…
The first part of an epic, emotional and heartbreaking trilogy about a woman caught in the struggle for a new America. Readers who love My Dear Hamilton and Flight of the Sparrow will be swept away by America’s Daughter.

ABOUT CELESTE DE BLASIS

Millions of readers have fallen under the spell of the lush, enthralling and bestselling novels by Celeste De Blasis. Tales of adventure and romance set against the sweep of history—all are storytelling at its finest. After graduating from Pomona College, Celeste devoted her life to impeccable research and spellbinding writing. A native Californian, Celeste grew up on the historic Kemper Campbell Ranch in the Mojave Desert, where she lived until her death in 2001.

Facebook | Goodreads | Bookhype | Amazon | Book Bub

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

A DEATH AT SEASCAPE HOUSE

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first book I’ve read by Emma Jameson and I absolutely loved it. Her writing style is very captivating, and I found the characters to be intriguing.

This story is about a librarian Jemima Jago in the emerald hills of Cornwall who is sent to catalog antique shipwreck records. It’s her dream job but the only problem, it is located in the house she grew up in. But when the town busybody, Edith Reddy is found dead, Jem is cought at the scene of the crime. Jem is then the police’s number one suspect. She must clear her name and the only way to do that is to find the real killer and prove it to the police. So many people in the town had different reasons for wanting Edith dead. These characters are so entertaining and eccentric, I found myself completely addicted to each one, I couldn’t wait to read more. The twists and turns of the plot had me on the edge of my seat, a true roller coaster of a ride.

This story has all the feels. It was so exhilarating, and will keep your attention from beginning to end. I am so glad this is the start of a series. Oh my goodness, I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you Emma Jameson for this wonderful, exciting and enjoyable page turner. I loved it! It is a must read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

A DEATH AT SEASCAPE HOUSE

Author: Emma Jameson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: April 27, 2021
Pages: 295
Buy on Amazon

With its sweeping sandy beaches and rolling emerald hills, the island of St. Morwenna is an idyllic escape. But behind the perfectly pruned primroses and neighborly smiles a killer lies in wait…
When librarian Jemima Jago is offered the opportunity to catalogue Cornwall’s largest collection of antique shipwreck records it is a dream come true. The only problem? The collection is housed on the island of St. Morwenna, the childhood home she left years ago and vowed never to return to.
Shortly after Jem arrives back in town, island busybody and notorious grump Edith Reddy is found dead, with duct tape clamped over her mouth and nose. Jem, caught seemingly red-handed at the scene of the crime, mistakenly becomes the police’s number one suspect. The handsome Sergeant Hackman in particular can’t seem to leave Jem alone…
Jem must take matters into her own hands if she wants to clear her name. Snooping around Edith’s once-grand home, she is struck by the mess before her. The bedroom is completely ransacked and in the living room all the photographs have been removed from their frames. Was Edith’s death simply a break-in gone wrong, or is there more to the mystery that the police are missing?
Jem has a sharp eye for a clue and she soon realizes that many of the island’s eccentric residents had reason for wanting Edith out of the way. Could Declan, the curious café owner, or Bart, the fishy ferryman have killed Edith? Jem won’t rest until she uncovers the truth, but doing so will put her right in the killer’s line of sight…

ABOUT EMMA JAMESON

Emma Jameson writes mysteries that readers call witty, romantic, and full of surprises. An aspiring novelist since age seven, she took a long, twisty route to the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. After years of working at a major medical center, her first novel, cobbled together on nights and weekends, became a runaway e-book bestseller. Now she writes full-time and has sold over half a million books. A compulsive reader and information hoarder, Emma is always searching for that fascinating nugget or startling fact that will spark another novel. A lifelong Anglophile, she resides in the United States, where she enjoys swimming, yoga, and serving the needs of not one, not two, not three, but four cats.

Friday, April 23, 2021

BEYOND THIS BROKEN SKY

MY THOUGHTS:

This amazing story is a wonderful must read. I love time slip novels especially ones that revolve around World War II, and this one written by Siobhan Curham swept me away.

The stunning cover was the first thing that captured my attention to this book. But once I started the story I couldn’t put it down. It is definitely a book you can’t help but to devour it in one sitting. I absolutely loved the story of Ruby and her connection to Joseph. She would do anything to defend him, his character and his namesake. Joseph is seen by people as someone to be suspicious of, but Ruby works with Joseph and sees his bravery and compassion to help others. As the story continues it transports you from 1940 WWII to 2019 in London. Eli purchases a house and finds a mystery beneath a loose floorboard in the attic. Eli discovers the past of a woman that lived in the house in the 1940’s who’s name was Ruby. Eli realizes the secrets from the war lingering in her house and why her decision on what to do next is one of the biggest decisions she will ever make.

The twists and turns of this novel will have you up all night flying through the pages. I was so enthralled, that it has surely become one of my favorites. This needs to be a must read at the top of your to be read list. Thank you Siobhan Curham for this phenomenal story, I absolutely loved it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

BEYOND THIS BROKEN SKY

Author: Siobhan Curham
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: April 20, 2021
Pages: 362
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Kobo

1940, London: An unforgettable novel about the strength of the human spirit in the face of war and the remarkable women who put themselves in danger on the front lines during the Battle of Britain.
As a volunteer for the ambulance service, Ruby has the dangerous task of driving along pitch-dark roads during the blackout. With each survivor she pulls from the rubble, she is helping to fight back against the enemy bombers, who leave nothing but destruction in their wake.
She’s assigned to work with Joseph, who will stop at nothing to save innocent victims of war. Because he is not in uniform, people treat him with suspicion. But as Ruby watches him save a young child from a building that may collapse at any moment, she becomes determined to protect this brave, compassionate man. Even if it means making an unthinkable choice between saving her own life and risking everything for his…
2019: Recently divorced Edi feels lost and alone when she moves to London to start a new life. Until she makes a discovery, hidden beneath a loose floorboard in her attic, that that reveals the story of the woman who lived there in the 1940s. She gradually pieces together a life full of danger, love and betrayal and becomes inspired by Ruby’s heroism. But as Edi uncovers more about Ruby, she realises that the house holds the key to a devastating wartime secret and that the truth can be a dangerous thing…
A sweeping tale of bravery, self-sacrifice, and the legacy that can be left behind by a single act of courage.

ABOUT SIOBHAN CURHAM

Siobhan Curham is an award-winning author, ghost writer, editor and writing coach. She has also written for many newspapers, magazines and websites, including The Guardian, Breathe magazine, Cosmopolitan, Writers’ Forum, DatingAdvice.com, and Spirit & Destiny. Siobhan has been a guest on various radio and TV shows, including Woman’s Hour, BBC News, GMTV and BBC Breakfast. And she has spoken at businesses, schools, universities and literary festivals around the world, including the BBC, Hay Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Bath Festival, Ilkley Festival, London Book Fair and Sharjah Reading Festival.
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Bookhype | Amazon | Instagram

Thursday, April 22, 2021

WHERE GRACE APPEARS

MY THOUGHTS:

When I saw that Heidi Chiavaroli was writing a new series from her previous book The Orchard House, I couldn’t wait to read it. She absolutely did not disappoint, this is a fantastic must read. This is the first book of the new series The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series.

This story is primarily about Josie who leaves school in New York and returns to Camden, Maine after a failed relationship with her psychology professor. She decides not to return to college to finish her degree, but will stay in Camden to help her mother to achieve her dream. With the support of her family to open a Bed and Breakfast, has Josie finally found her niche in life? The characters are well developed and the descriptive setting is sure to take you back in time. I loved the plot of the story of forgiveness, old and new friendships and the importance of family. This story hits all the emotions and you are sure find yourself laughing out loud.

I really enjoyed the cameo appearances of a few of the characters from the book The Orchard House in this story. I’m glad that this is a series because I can’t wait to read what happens next. Thank you Heidi Chiavaroli for such a wonderful book…I loved it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

WHERE GRACE APPEARS

Author: Heidi Chiavaroli
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers
Publication Date: April 22, 2021
Pages: 308
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Kobo

Ashamed of being duped by her handsome psychology professor, Josie Martin returns to Maine too proud to admit her foolishness to those closest to her. As the one-year anniversary of her father’s death approaches, she seeks solace in an old friend, Tripp Colton, and a new business venture that will prove to herself and her loved ones that she is still capable of success despite her overwhelming failure.
When Josie announces she will not return to school to finish her graduate degree but wishes to remain in Camden to help her mother achieve a lifelong dream, the entire family gets behind her idea to open and run a bed and breakfast inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. Even Tripp gets excited about restoring Josie’s great-aunt's Victorian home for the purpose, but when Josie’s unexpected news is revealed, their friendship and the new feelings blooming between them are threatened.
As summer gives way to fall, Josie struggles with decisions regarding her family’s future, dealing with past mistakes she cannot run from, and her feelings for Tripp. When the opportunity for grace comes along, will she take it? Or will she continue to allow her failures to define her worth?
This is Book 1 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series. A contemporary twist on the well-loved classic, Little Women, readers will fall in love with the Martin family—Maggie, Josie, Lizzie, Bronson, Amie, and their mother Hannah—each trying to find their own way in the world and each discovering that love, home, and hope are closer than they appear.

ABOUT HEIDI CHIAVAROLI

Heidi Chiavaroli (pronounced shev-uh-roli…sort of like Chevrolet and ravioli mushed together!) wrote her first story in third grade, titled I’d Cross the Desert for Milk. It wasn’t until years later that she revisited writing, using her two small boys’ nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn’t stopped writing since!

Heidi writes women’s fiction, combining her love of history and literature to write split time stories. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi loves exploring places that whisper of historical secrets, especially with her family. She loves running, hiking, baking, and dates with her high-school sweetheart and husband of seventeen years. Her latest dual timeline novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott’s life. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

Heidi is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

THE MOONLIT MURDERS

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it was absolutely amazing. This is the third book in the series, A Fen Churche Mystery but can be read as a standalone novel. I devoured this book, it kept my attention from the first page to the last.

It’s 1945 and WWII has ended and Fen Churche boards a steam ship and sails from France to America. Fen is looking forward to meeting new people and dancing in the grand ballroom on the ship. But, nothing seems to go as planned. Not only is a diamond tiara is missing, that belongs to a young actress who is headed for Broadway, but a murder takes place and another body is discovered hidden in a lifeboat. But don’t fret because Fen Churche is on the case, and being the super sleuth that she is, she will solve the case. I was so engrossed in this story, I couldn’t wait to find out if I was right about who did it, and than wham the ending totally blindsides you. Wow, I absolutely did not see that coming. I loved this whodunnit all the way to the last page. Oh my goodness, don’t pass up this edge or seat book….fantastic.

Fliss Chester is a new favorite author for me. I love her writing style and her characters are well developed and I will definitely be reading more of her books. I highly recommend this author. Thank you Fliss Chester for this amazing read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE MOONLIT MURDERS

Author: Fliss Chester
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: April 21, 2021
Pages: 287
Buy on Amazon

When a journey to New York is interrupted by missing diamonds and a body in the lifeboat, there is only one woman who can help: Fen Churche!
1945. Fen Churche follows her dreams and sails for New York. She books passage on a steam ship from France to America, excited to dance the night away in the glamorous ballroom and play games on deck. Nothing will stand in the way of her trip, not even when an eccentric heiress’s diamond tiara goes missing…
Looking forward to relaxing with her favourite crossword puzzles, Fen’s quiet passage is horribly disrupted by another crime – this time a murder. Fen finds Genie, a young actress bound for Broadway, strangled in her own cabin. With no police on board and a frantic captain, Fen decides to do a little snooping of her own.
When another body turns up, hidden in a lifeboat, whilst the ship is in the middle of the Atlantic, Fen feels sure these dreadful crimes are linked. Through her sleuthing she meets light-hearted lieutenants returning from the war, charming cabin boys and snooty first-class passengers who look down their nose at her. But it isn’t until Fen realises that one person is missing from the passenger list that she is finally on the murderer’s trail.
With only rolling waves and sea mists for company, can Fen solve the case before they dock in New York and the killer escapes for good?

ABOUT FLISS CHESTER

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

WINING THE GENTLEMAN

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the second installment in the Hearts on the Heath series and this book was ever bit as good as the first book. This series is so uplifting and amazing, a must read. Aaron Whitworth was introduced to us in the first book of this series and so I couldn’t wait to read his story in this book.

The story takes place in Newmarket, England in 1817. Stable manager Aaron Whitworth must find a jockey so he can enter the next horse race. But then Sophia Fitzroy a well-known horseback rider and trainer arrives and gives Aaron a run for his money. Aaron is not your typical hero and he struggles with the relationships in his life, and Sophia seems to push him out of his comfort zone, and at the same time she supports him, which is a huge self-esteem builder for Aaron. As the story unfolds you will be flying through the pages. This story has all the feels and you will find yourself cheering for Aaron to find his path and for Sophia making the most of her life.

The twists at the end of the story was my absolute favorite part. Readers of regency romance will absolutely love this story, this is a phenomenal story. Thank you Kristi Ann Hunter for this fantastic series, I loved it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

WINING THE GENTLEMAN

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Publication Date: April 20, 2021
Pages: 351
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Christian Book
Buy on Kobo

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.
Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge.
As secrets come to light and past vulnerabilities are confronted, will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds?

ABOUT KRISTI ANN HUNTER

Kristi Ann Hunter is the RITA® award winning author of Regency romance novels from a Christian worldview. Her books include the award winning Hawthorne House series as well as the newly published first stories of the Haven Manor series. Beyond writing, she is also speaker, teaching classes in writing as well as Biblical and spiritual topics. She has spoken to writers’ groups, schools, and young women’s groups at churches.

When she is not writing or interacting with her readers, Kristi spends time with her family and her church. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a computer science degree, she can also be found fiddling with her computer in her free time. A born lover of stories she is also an avid reader. From very young she dreamed of sharing her own stories with others and praises God daily that she gets to live that dream today.

Monday, April 12, 2021

MYSTERY AT THE ABBEY HOTEL

MY THOUGHTS:

Who doesn’t love a great cozy mystery, a who dunnit, and a few twists and turns along the way? That’s exactly what you get from this fantastic read.

Eve Mallow is an obituary writer and wins a stay at a luxury hotel. She is in much need of a weekend away and there’s no better place to unwind and people watch, then at the very private Abbey Hotel. But Eve’s relaxing weekend is quickly interrupted when Diane’s body, the owner of the hotel, is found in the hotel gardens. A murder has taken place and Eve finds herself among the suspects. Eve is tasked with writing Diane’s obituary and at the same time she has to prove that she is innocent. Eve is a super sleuth and she is in her element of interviewing the other guests and trying to figure out whodunnit. The guests are such an interesting and eclectic group of people, and their interactions with each other are very entertaining. I really enjoyed the introduction of Gus, he and Eve make quite the pair.

This is book five of a six book series and it is every bit as good as the rest of them. You can read it as part of the series or as a stand alone. I look forward to reading the final book in this series but will be sad when this wonderful series comes to an end. I highly recommend this book, series and author. Thank you Clare Chase for such a wonderful story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

MYSTERY AT THE ABBEY HOTEL

Author: Clare Chase
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: April 12, 2021
Pages: 320
Buy on Amazon

Eve Mallow’s stay at the luxurious Abbey Hotel takes a turn for the suspicious when the owner is murdered – leaving Eve surrounded by suspects!
Saxford St Peter is Eve Mallow’s beloved home, but she can’t resist the chance to spend a weekend in the nearby Abbey Hotel, famed for its glamorous owner Debra Moran and an array of celebrity guests. For a confirmed people-watcher like Eve, it’s perfect: she can observe the rich and famous while sipping tea in the gardens, her faithful dachshund Gus by her side.
But her relaxing break takes a shocking turn when Debra is found lying dead in the shadowy woods around the hotel. One of Eve’s fellow guests didn’t come to the Abbey for fine food and delightful décor – but to kill.
When the investigation gets underway, Eve finds herself trapped with a wide range of suspects. Could it be Debra’s new friend Harper, who inherits everything? Her ex-husband Chester, still seething over their messy divorce? Or her estranged sister Amelia, who came hoping for reconciliation, only for Debra to shut the door in her face?
As Eve roams the hotel, searching for clues and hunting down alibis, she uncovers a whole host of secrets. But can she find the truth before the killer brings her holiday to a deadly end?

ABOUT CLARE CHASE

Clare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.

Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.

As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books.

If you would like to get in touch, Clare would love to hear from you. You can follow her on Twitter, find her on Facebook, and through her website.