The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House Review

About the Book

 It is 1901 when clockmaker and brilliant tinker Sydney Forrester inherits Blakely House, the eclectic estate of an estranged uncle she's never met. The well-known but mysterious industrialist has left behind a stunning array of peculiar inventions--and a couple of nephews intent on removing this interloper from the estate. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This book and these characters swept me away with vivid imagination from page one. I wasn't sure what to expect and it ended up being so much more than I could imagine! Sydney's character is so unique and I absolutely love her! There is such a great mystery and many layers that will surprise you while reading. This story is completely unexpected and unputdownable. The romance is incredibly sweet and sincere while not being over the top. The setting is atmospheric and really makes this book stand out with not only Blakely House but the inventions it holds. There is a lot of character growth and a bit of a grumpy sunshine vibe. I enjoyed every minute even though I wish it was a tad longer. The ending plays out nicely but with so many details to wrap up it seemed like another chapter or two would have helped. All that to say, the pages of this novel will take you on adventure that you aren't expecting!  

Five Stars! 

"I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Light On Horn Island Review

About the Book

 When Edie Gardner's life in New York comes crumbling down, her grandmother Adele "Punk" Cheramie urges her to return to Bayou du Chêne, a tiny hamlet in coastal Mississippi where Edie spent many happy summers growing up. Punk and her three closest friends introduce Edie to the Trove, a fascinating gallery and antique shop that seems to have appeared out of nowhere.

The Trove's proprietor, Jason Toussaint, has a gift for reading his customers' needs. He gives Edie a Victorian parlor game called Confessions, which asks players a series of ever-more-personal questions. It seems like harmless fun at first. But the game has a way of uncovering secrets--including a heartbreaking disappearance that has haunted one of the players for decades.

Banding together, these women are determined to mend each other's hurts, encourage each other's dreams, and find the answers that will bring healing. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This is such an enjoyable Southern read! As the chapters went on, I was completely immersed as if I was eating gumbo and hanging out with Edie in southern Mississippi. The food in this book will make you hungry and the wit of grandmother "Punk" and her friends is an absolute delight. There are SO many things going on in this story and quite a few that I didn't see coming. The secondary characters are great and I laughed out loud many times. There is so much heart and humor and love and candor that fill the pages. Edie's character growth is enjoyable to read all while dealing with some tough topics. 

At times I thought perhaps the author was cramming in too many things and stories into one book so the ending seemed a bit rushed. But I still really enjoyed this novel and I highly recommend if you are in need of a southern escape!

Four stars. 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Books On My Spring Reading List

There are so many books coming out this year that I am excited about! This Top Ten Tuesday is about Books on my spring to read list! 

Here are some that I am hoping to read this spring. 

Everything she writes is gold!

This is going to be a fun new series!

I love time travel. 

I pre-order every single book she writes. They are the BEST. 

Her books are hilarious and I laugh every single time. 

Her books are wonderful and this one is sitting in my kindle just waiting to be read!!

This series is non stop action and I love it!

Book one was terrific! I can't wait to read this one!

I have been hearing good things on this one. 

This has been a fun series. 

Rogue Secreto Review

About the Book

From the author of Mortal Queens and Oathbound comes a fast-paced standalone in a roman empire world, filled with danger, catacombs, secret identities, and a forbidden romance.

Marsella has the unique ability to steal secrets with one glance. She keeps her identity hidden, while going under the name Rogue Secreto. The emperor hires her to read secrets of his enemies, all without realizing this masked figure who can bring empires to heel is his beloved daughter.

He lures enemies to his doorstep by promising Marsella’s hand in marriage, while the Rogue Secreto uncovers their secrets.

But Marsella has another secret. A boy she’s found, trapped behind a wall of water deep within forgotten ruins. As she seeks respite from the demands of her father, she’s drawn to the ruins and to the boy. He becomes her escape, her most treasured secret, and she shares everything she hears with him. When Marsella gleans a secret about someone trapped behind water, she thinks she’s found how to set him free. But he’s been waiting a hundred years to be released, and thanks to the secrets Marsella has been feeding him, he has the chance.

Too late, Marsella learns why he was trapped in the first place.

“I can hold them,” he said softly. “Tell me your darkest secrets, and I’ll carry them for you.”

ROGUE SECRETO is perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter or One Dark Window. It sits at the upper end of the YA genre. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I really enjoy McCombs writing so I am always eager to read her next story! This one is very different from her others. They actually are all very unique and I love that! This one is so interesting because Marsella is living two different lives. One that is behind a mask and one as the emperor's daughter. It has a few One Dark Window vibes for certain but it has it's own unique twists. It held my attention the entire time and I was so curious about the boy trapped in the wall of water. This book really gets your imagination going! I do wish there was a little bit more on character development with the main characters and the ending seemed a little bit rushed. But I still really enjoyed this story! There is a little romance but not much and there are some darker themes but I still consider this to be a pretty clean read. 

I recommend! 

Four Stars. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Written in Secret Review With JustRead Tours

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Written in Secret 

Series: The Art of Love and Danger #1 

Author: Crystal Caudill 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 11, 2025 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. 

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. 

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available

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About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My Thoughts

 This book has such an interesting premise that I was beyond excited to start reading it! The setting is fun and Lydia is such a well written character. There is a mystery that flows through the entire book and I thought it was well thought out. There is some humor that I wasn't expecting and it added a lot. So all that to say this book grabbed me at the start and then I really struggled staying captivated the rest of the story. I I really wanted to love this book but it just got a bit slow for me. I did enjoy the fact that Lydia writes crime fiction and also romance. This was such a fun aspect and fun to read those bits and pieces. Also, the history is interesting on how the public viewed these novels at the time. It could be quite scandalous and because of that it made for some great moments in this story. I think many will love this book, it was just a bit slow for me. If you enjoy historical fiction with a splash of mystery and romance you might enjoy! 

Three Stars. 

"I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views express are only my honest opinion."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Set in Another Time

 Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about books set in another time, which is mostly all I read. These are some of my recent reads set in another time. I have been re-reading a lot of my books and these are some of my favorites! 

An Overdue Match Review

An Overdue Match

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Series: Checking Out Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book–or each other–by the cover.

optional hashtags: #ContemporaryRomance #giveaway #bookbee #ireadbooks #readgoodbooks #totalbooknerd #booknerdigans #greatreads #bookrecommendations #goodreads #booksarelove #bookphoto #booksofinstagram #bookclub #idratherbereading #booknerd #iread #reading #booksaremagic #readabook #readingtime #fortheloveofreading #booksofinsta #bookstagram #currentreads 

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My Thoughts

I was really excited to read this book because the author tends to write fun lighthearted novels. This story is simply delightful! I love the characters and all of their many quirks. I so appreciate the focus on alopecia and creating characters that aren't "cookie cutter" perfect-whatever that seems to mean. Tai is my favorite in this story because he doesn't give up on Evangeline or himself for that matter. He has a lot of people look down on him and he carries on despite what others think. The library setting is superb and I enjoy every small detail that makes this book full of heart. It is a sweet romance but the bigger overall picture of Evangeline and dealing with her image is what makes this book worth reading. It is a pretty quick read and I am eager to read what Monzon comes up with next! 

Four stars. 

"I received a complementary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Never Reviewed

 Top Ten Tuesday! 

These are books I read that I didn't review on my blog. I get books from ALL of the sources: Kindle Unlimited, the library, online booksellers, real life book stores etc. ALL the places. So often I won't review them unless I really feel the need to share my thoughts. 

So here are some that I will give a quick review on. These were all read within the last few months. 

I have read a few books by this author now and they typically keep me up late into the night because they are suspense murder mystery reads. This one I was pretty well captivated and there were so many puzzling factors in the mystery. It is mostly clean if I remember correctly. I think some language and of course murder and all that goes along with that. I am not sure that I would recommend but I will continue to read this author. 

Klassen always writes books that just make me want to cuddle with a blanket a read. This book is in a series and it is a slower but sweet light historical romance. It isn't my favorite of hers but I do enjoy the family with all of the sisters. There are some very annoying characters that really irritated me in this one but the author did that for good reason. Four stars. 

I love most everything Matthews writes. This book I really enjoyed because both main characters have very strong personalities. It is heavy on the romance side of things but closed door and clean. This one I really couldn't put down and is one my favorites from this series. 

I really enjoyed this one! This is a book out of my typical genre of reading and it was really good! The characters were captivating and the whole premise had my full attention. It seemed a tad slow in the middle but by the end I was ready for book two-can you say cliffhanger?! Four stars. 

This is one of the best by Jaime Jo Wright! All of her books are EXCELLENT and some of my all time favorite novels. This one had a mental health element to it that was really well written. Light romance and of course suspense. I really loved this one. Five Stars. 

I recently discovered Victoria McCombs so I started reading ALL of her books. This is the first in a trilogy set on the high seas. I love books set on ships. It is YA Fantasy fiction that is clean! There is a lot of adventure and mermaids and pirates and curses etc. It is a really fun read and I have enjoyed many of this author's books now. Four stars. 

This is a really fun and sweet regency romance. Sweet and clean and hilarious. I loved the characters and the way everything plays out at this house party setting is great. Five stars. 

I love time travel. So this book takes you back to the Middle Ages and there is non stop action and excitement. A tad bit of a romantic thread but mostly it is an adventure that you can't put down. The first in a series. Five Stars. 

Everything Frantz writes is my favorite. From Virginia to Scotland and with some of the best written characters this story held my attention. Frantz once again has written a novel that has left such a profound impression. The history, the romance, the mystery, and the incredible weaving of God's grace through it all. Excellent story and a must read for historical fiction fans. Five Stars. 

I have really enjoyed this suspense series but this is one of the best books in it in my opinion. It can be a tad gruesome on the murder scene side of things. There is some language. I couldn't put it down. Five stars. 

If All Else Sails Review

About the Book

 In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie agrees to help her brother's best friend, hockey player Wyatt, recover from his knee injury . . . oh, and sail down the intercoastal waterway. What could go wrong?

When elementary school nurse Josie arrives to meet her brother for their not-quite-annual summer trip, instead of finding Jacob, she discovers she has been duped. Jacob can't take off work for a trip and instead is calling in a huge favor from Josie: helping his best friend recover from surgery. Wyatt is the perpetual grump, a famous hockey player Josie has never particularly liked, and a terrible patient. His foot is in bad shape, but nowhere near as bad as his surly attitude.

Begrudgingly, Josie agrees to stay for a week that becomes two. But when she finds out that Wyatt's injury ruined his plans to sail down the east coast on the Intracoastal Waterway, Josie surprises them both by agreeing to be his second set of hands.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Wyatt is one cranky captain. With one disaster after another slowing their progress, Josie questions if they'll even be able to make it home without killing--or kissing?--each other. And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt's layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him and perhaps herself as well. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This book is an absolute delight! I haven't laughed so much while reading in such a long time. The author has a way with setting up a scene and dialogue that just makes me so happy. The characters are great and I enjoyed getting to know them better. Wyatt has so many layers and it is a typical grumpy-sunshine trope but it works! The romance is superb! It is sweet and clean and honest and fun. The setting is also perfect for a summer read with a cottage by the water to sailing on a boat. Josie is hilarious and I also really liked the secondary characters of her brother, his friends and Wyatt's mother. 

If you are looking for a fun rom-com this is for you! I couldn't put it down and enjoyed every bit of it! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." 

Some Like It Scot Review

About the Book

An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home? (Goodreads)

Releases April 8th!!

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My Thoughts

 Get ready for a book you won't want to put down! I have read many of Basham's books but this one is her best yet! Scotland. Travel. Books. Romance. Humor. Puns. Local lore and legend. SO much heart. Oh my goodness I loved this book! A story is really special if it can make me laugh and cry and feel everything in between. The characters are terrific all the way around. Katie is hilarious and so real to life. Her struggles many will be able to sympathize with and it is so well written. Graeme has so many layers and it was a joy to read his perspective throughout the book. The secondary characters warmed my heart in many ways and I felt like I was in Mull having a cup of tea with them. I laughed so many times! I was worried that Katie would be over the top and the silliness would take me out of the book but nope it just added to the delight. The ending is so much better than I had even hoped!  It was realistic and I truly didn't want this to end. We need more books in this quaint village in Scotland. Perhaps Graeme's brothers stories?! In any case. This is one of the best books I have read this year. Very fun and yet keeps you pondering life long after you finish reading the last page. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

When The Stars Light the Sky Review

About the Book

 Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience between them may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.

In this entrancing Gilded Age romance, Inga and Benedict will be swept into a dangerous world on the brink of war, where two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty when stars light the sky. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I am always eager to read the new Camden book and was intrigued by the premise of this story. I know very little of WWI and I haven't read too many books set amid that war. I absolutely love the historical aspect of this book. This author does a tremendous job at explaining history without it being confusing or boring. There are so many details about the American Embassy and the setting of Berlin and I loved reading every bit of it! The secondary characters are delightful and so well written. The reader experiences many years between the pages and is able to really get to know the characters. Inga and Benedict are unique and very much a grumpy sunshine trope. The last few chapters disappointed me a little bit on the romance side of things. Relationships require a lot of selfless love and I have mixed feelings on how all of that plays out in the end. Regardless, I could not put down this book and having read all of Camden's novels I would say this one is one of the most intriguing! 

Four and a half stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."