The Metropolitan Affair (On Central Park, #1) by Jocelyn Green

 
For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

In this rich 1920s tale, bestselling author Jocelyn Green invites you into one of New York City's most esteemed museums, where a young woman discovers secrets, betrayal, and roma

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

In this rich 1920s tale, bestselling author Jocelyn Green invites you into one of New York City's most esteemed museums, where a young woman discovers secrets, betrayal, and romance.

My thoughts:

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions are my own. The cover caught my eye and of course the author is a favorite of mine so I was excited to get this book in my hands.  I loved this historical romance, suspenseful novel set in 1920’s New York, the plot was thoroughly engaging and I learned so much about Egyptian artifacts.

The storyline moved a great pace, with a lot of twists and turns that held my attention. I had never read book about an Egyptologist before, during any time period, so that added to my overall enjoyment and the well-crafted characters are simply amazing

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Mistaken Mountain Abduction by Shannon Redmon

Tracking a kidnapper

leads to a deadly pursuit

After her twin is abducted and mistaken for her, former army helicopter pilot Aggie Newton must move fast. She has to find her sister and figure out why’s she’s become a target—even if it means working with her ex. But Detective Bronson Young knows these criminals will do anything to stop their investigation. Can they dodge deadly attacks long enough to save Aggie’s sister and expose the kidnappers?

My thoughts:

Another exciting, page turner by Shannon Redmon, who has quickly become a must-read author to me.  Mistaken Mountain Abduction is chock full of action and suspense that kept me fully engaged throughout.  A second chance romance is a bonus that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

 

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson

Who doesn't love a second chance?

When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town's business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.

With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home decor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she's living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.

She's tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there's more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?

My thoughts:

I became so caught up in this book that I read it one day. I had to know how empty nester Mallory Farrell would turn her grandmother’s rundown tourist shop in a small seaside town into the upscale shop of her dreams when most everyone town was doubtful, she could make it successful.  

Mallory has a lot to contend with and of course there’s another unexpected fly in the ointment when she discovers her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews wants to buy the property for his outdoor mall, which isn’t a good fit for the towns aesthetic.  I admired how hard she worked to make her dreams come true while  trying to make the best of her ramshackle apartment, her greedy relatives and the knowledge that being featured on a home improvement show would include showing the disrepair and shame of living in the apartment.   Grayson and his crew will be needed to come to her rescue to save her and their town from embarrassment.

Overall, I thought this was one of the best contemporary fiction novels that I have read.  A wonderful plot, well developed characters and fantastic writing of Ms. Carlson made for a delightful read.

My thanks to the publisher for the Netgalley copy of this book.  Opinions are my own.

 

In Her Sights (Pink Pistol Sisterhood #1) by Karen Witemeyer

He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

My thoughts:

Delightful characters, a refreshing storyline and the wonderful writing made this novella a joy to read.  This is unlike anything I have read before, Annie Oakley, pink pearl handled pistols, and a young woman who is determined to get the attention of the man she has set her sights on.

There is humor generously sprinkled throughout as Tessa proves to Jackson that they are in fact well suited for each other.  I absolutely adored this clean, sweet novella by Ms. Witemeyer and love that it’s suitable for the young reader to the young at heart reader. I look forward to the next book in the Pink Pistol Sisterhood series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.  All opinions are my own.

 

Targeted in the Desert (Desert Justice #6) by Dana Mentink

 

Danger from the past…

and a little girl in peril



Family secrets have Felicia Tennison, and the sister she never knew existed, on the run. Someone is after them, and Felicia will have to turn to someone she never wanted to see again for help—her ex. Sheriff Jude Duke vows to protect them as they race to uncover why the little girl is a target. But the search to find the answers could cost them their futures.

My thoughts:

Extreme heat, rugged terrain, an ex-boyfriend, and a plot to kidnap a sister she never knew existed had  me turning the pages of this action-packed book to find out what would happen in the life of Felicia Tennison.

It didn’t hurt to see the return of Sheriff Jude Duke and his family, although I was much happier to reconnect with Jude than Felicia, because he’s the ex she definitely did not want to deal with.  I’m glad he has a stubborn streak and refused her attempts to keep her safe  as she and her little sister find themselves in danger.

I am so sad to see this series end, but what a satisfying ending it is.  If you like novels with fast paced action, suspense  warm caring families, and yes, sweet romance you will not want to miss this one.  I recommend reading the entire series in order to meet the amazing, unforgettable characters.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions are my own.

 

Shielding the Baby (Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit #1) by Regina Scott

 

A K-9 Unit has a child to protect ...and a murderer to catch.

A double murder and an attempted kidnapping of a baby in a national park have Officer Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner on high alert. She'll have to protect Luke Stark and his six-month-old son while tracking the person who murdered his sister. Danica and Luke face a battle for their lives to keep from becoming the next victims.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My thoughts

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Across the Shores: Four Women, Bound by Generations, Find Love Where They Least Expect Angela K. Couch , Kelly J. Goshorn , Carolyn Miller , Cara C. Putman

 

Sometimes love finds you where you are, and other times it meets you across distant shores
as four women discover in these four historical stories linked by a shared gold pendant.
 
More Than Gold (New South Wales, 1851) by Carolyn Miller
Josephine Wilkins is headstrong and heartbroken—why else would she have left all she knew to follow her brother’s dreams of finding gold across the seas? Daniel Jardine is simply seeking adventure, in a land far away from family responsibilities and duty, two burdens he’s happy to disregard in his quest to be known for himself. When these two finally meet sparks are set to fly, as they discover that digging deeper than first impressions reveals the true value of one’s character, and real love and faith is worth far more than gold.
 
The Veil (Baltimore, 1877) by Kelly Goshorn
After Caroline Wilkins is burned during a suitor’s attack, she retreats behind a lace veil and vows only to remove it for a man who will profess his love without seeing what lies beneath. Franz Kohler is a mountain of a man with a gentle heart and a hidden dream of carving intricate Bavarian clocks. When a mutual attraction grows between them, neither is willing to reveal their secrets, jeopardizing any hope of a future together unless two hearts can find the courage to trust again.
 
Running from Love (Canada, 1905) by Angela K. Couch
Anna Kohler has left her home, and even her country, for the sake of her wayward brother. But when the local Mounted Police takes an interest in them, her hopes for the future collide. Constable Benjamin Cole has a duty to perform, no matter what his heart desires.
 
Lauren’s Song (Outer Banks, NC, 1942) by Cara Putman
Lauren Randolph’s world has fractured with the death of her father five years earlier in a boating accident. John Weary defied his father’s wishes when he followed his grandfather’s footsteps and joined the Coast Guard. When Lauren's brother goes missing at sea, John is determined to do what he can for Lauren, while continuing his work scouring the shoreline for U-Boats. Lauren focuses on her duties with the Civil Defense as they seek to uncover the real reason her brother disappeared. To do so, they have to unravel the truth about the woman who claims to carry John's child and whether fishermen are really seeing U-boats or something else entirely.

My thoughts:

The continuity of this novella collection was interesting to me, yes, they were different time periods with various characters but the gold pendant is important to each story.  I think the authors wrote engaging stories that are filled with wonderful characters who I genuinely cared for.  

I am not normally a fan of novellas because they usually seem to be rushed, that was not the case with this collection.  Filled with hardships, faith and love this book is a must read for fans of historical fiction and is one you can share with readers of all ages.

My thanks to the publisher for the copy I received through Netgalley. Opinions are my own,

Breaking New Ground (An Amish Legacy #3) by Amy Clipston

Korey Bontrager and Savannah Zook are just pretending to date—but could their feelings turn into something more?

Korey Bontrager knows he’s been an immature dummkopp. When his widowed dad remarried, Korey was unwelcoming to his kindhearted stepmother. Then he became estranged from his older brother. But after fourteen months in Ohio, God called Korey back to Pennsylvania.

Easier said than done. Back home, Korey feels left behind by his family and friends, who want to see him happily married. Instead of looking for a new relationship, he finds himself spending time with Savannah Zook: the most outspoken maedel he’s ever met. She’s also confident and brave, having raised her younger brother from a young age. And she’s a natural beauty. But, hard as her friends try to convince her otherwise, she has no interest in dating. Her priority is looking out for her bullied brother.

So when Savannah suggests they pretend to date as a way to get her friends—and his family—off their backs, Korey readily agrees. Soon, he can’t imagine life without her. But could Savannah ever truly be part of his future?

Set in the faithful Amish community of Lancaster County, Breaking New Ground gives the most stubborn Bontrager a chance to redeem his story.

My thoughts:

I have enjoyed this series, although I have wanted to knock some sense into Korey Bontrager from the very beginning.   The Bontrager family has had their share of heartache, so it made me happy when they started to find joy once again. 

In all honesty, I’m not a fan of fake dating, however it worked perfectly in this novel because I think it helped Korey finally mature and that’s what I have been waiting for.  I was glad when he returned home to reunite with his family and community.  He was so unkind to his stepmother before he left Pennsylvania for Ohio, his behavior towards his older brother was pretty awful, too, so I was glad when he left.  Of course there was a part of me that wondered about him and waited for his return. The author managed to make me care about a character that I doubted would ever have any redeeming qualities, but the transformation of Korey made him likable and he had the sweet, caring nature that had been hidden for far too long. What  a wonderful ending to this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.  Opinions are my own.

 

 

The Escape Game (Heroines of World II) by Marilyn Turk

A Board Game Holds Keys to Prisoners’ Escape
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of England, Beryl Clarke puts her college on hold to return to Leeds, care for her mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he is shot down, injured, and captured, James meets American POW Kenneth Anderson, and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how will the men discover the game’s secret?

My thoughts:

A truly intriguing novel of WW2 that held my attention from beginning to end.  The title got my attention as soon as saw it and the description sealed the deal for my interest in wanting to read it and I am so glad I did.

The Escape Game is unlike any other book that I have read in recent memory, from the home front to the POW camps, to the incredible characters it had me eagerly reading to find out what would happen next.   Every time a box would arrive from the Red Cross to the POWs I was filled with anticipation to find out if there would be THE monopoly board game that held the keys to the prisoners escape.  If not for the lovely Beryl, who had an interest in two of the prisoners the clues may have gone unnoticed by the recipients of the game.

Ms. Turk has written a truly amazing and well researched novel, I look forward to reading more of her work.  Fans of historical fiction will surely want to read this.

I received a copy through Netgalley.  All opinions are my own.