To Write a Wrong (The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency #2) by Jen Turano

 Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she's determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman's trust and save both their lives. 

My thoughts:

Just when I think Jen Turano can’t possibly make me giggle throughout another one of her novels, she proves me wrong.  Her writing never fails to bring me hours of entertainment, her adorable, loveable characters are guaranteed to keep me turning pages as fast as I can.  In this book, Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night and she is my new favorite character crafted by Ms. Turano.  That is subject to change as soon as the next book in the series is released, it’s not that I’m fickle, it’s just that I know this author keeps getting better all the time.

The secondary characters are all fun to get to know, too.  Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book, and read the first one in the series if you have a chance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner

 

In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When Mindy, one of those children, announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adoptive family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival into their lives.

Though her father supports Mindy's desire to meet her family of origin, he struggles privately with an unsettling fear that he'll lose the daughter he's poured his heart into. Mindy's mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy's sister helps her sort through relics that whisper of the effect the trauma of war has had on their family--but also speak of the beauty of overcoming.

Told through three strong voices in three compelling timelines, The Nature of Small Birds is a hopeful story that explores the meaning of family far beyond genetic code.

My thoughts:

As soon as I see a book written by Susie Finkbeiner, I automatically know it will be a must read for me.  She never disappoints, her characters come to life before your eyes, they become people you want to get better acquainted with and they will live on in your hearts and minds long after you finish the novel.

The Nature of Small Birds is the story of a family who adopts a young Vietnamese girl and is told through different family member and different timelines.  It’s a beautifully written story and one you will not want to end. This is one that you will definitely want to read.

I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.