Sunday, March 2, 2025

About the Book

Book: Tides of Healing

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 11, 2025

A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love?

Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home.

First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

More from Sandra

As I typed away on this final book in my Spies of the Civil War Series, it felt as if I’d written the entire series to tell this story.

Previously, I had felt a similar importance of an as yet unpublished two-book contemporary series, but the sense that the whole series climaxed with the final book was as surprising as it was welcome.

Because it seemed as if everything that happened in all the earlier books culminated in Book 6 for me as an author. Its significance reverberated in my soul while still researching the events…and weeks before I sat to pen the first page, the first paragraph, the first sentence.

That sense of importance made this book difficult to begin. The early chapters took far longer to write than normal.

I believe that those who only read Tides of Healing will have a satisfying, complete story. Those who read the entire series in order—or at least Books 4-6 set in Vicksburg—will experience a deeper impact as the characters’ stories build on one another.

There is a song in Tides of Healing. As an author, the impact of the lyrics within the story preceded it, meaning that I knew a certain song would play a significant role while still in the research phase.

Let me explain.

When I’m researching a story, I read a variety of nonfiction resources including diaries, journals, and newspaper accounts. My research for Vicksburg during the Civil War led me to song lyrics written by the enslaved.

African American Spirituals, also called Negro Spirituals, were sung before and after the Civil War. These Christian songs served a variety of purposes beyond bolstering hope and faith during dark days. They told stories about Biblical characters like Moses. Some comforted the sorrowful and some rejoiced with the joyful. They were sung in churches, in camp meetings, and in the fields.

They often contained secret messages. “Home” in a song can refer to Heaven, but the secret meaning was a free country. Author Frederick Douglas had been a former slave. He wrote that the lyrics to “O Canaan, Sweet Canaan” signified more than a hope of Heaven. Repeated singing of the lyrics “I am bound for the land of Canaan” announced an intention to go North, their Canaan.

The Underground Railroad is a theme in Tides of Healing. In 1828, Reverend John Rankin built his home on a hill overlooking the Ohio River in Ripley, Ohio. As a station on the Underground Railroad, this home was easily seen from the opposite side of the river in the slave state of Kentucky. Runaways waited for a boat to take them across the river.

It surprised me to learn that the lyrics of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” are about this station. “I looked over Jordan and what did I see?” refers to the Ohio River. The band of angels are people who rowed them across the wide river to the free state of Ohio.

Neither of these songs is referenced in Tides of Healing. The tune that is in my story was a popular spiritual leading up to the war. I listened to it many times. The message took root in my heart long before it affected my characters.

My research trip to Vicksburg’s battlefield and museums inspired the writing of Streams of Courage, Book 4, River of Peril, Book 5, and Tides of Healing, Book 6.

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family. The heroines in Books 1 – 3 are two sisters and their cousins. Another set of characters begin with Book 4, and three friends are the heroines in Books 4 -6.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole Spies of the Civil War Series!

MY REVIEW

This book is about a war that divided families and neighbors while fighting to restore chaos in the states. People who had been slaves were now free. That brought celebration to the streets. But not everyone was happy with the outcome.

Savannh is a feisty character who holds bitterness towards those who she didn’t support. She is very unhappy that her town is in shambles and can’t believe that her enemy dares march down the street. I loved how she decided to help the effort and do something dangerous. It’s not everyday that a woman will agree to be a spy. Can you imagine the danger Savannah puts herself in?

Travis is a union Lieutenant who is ready to rebuild and put the past behind him. When he encounters Savannah he knows that she is not happy with him being anywhere near her. He feels her animosity right away. He lets the slaves know they are free which upsets Savannah. Will he be able to find anything in common with her?

I loved the part about Savannah slowly seeing things differently and how her heart began to soften. There is a slow build of attraction between her and Travis. I wondered how they would ever be able to agree on anything. The author does a good job of showing how the war affected both sides. Get ready for action, secrets and reconciliation in this wonderful book about a war that changed history.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Bizwings Book Blog, February 26

Holly’s Book Corner, February 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 1

Pause for Tales, March 2

Texas Book-aholic, March 2

Devoted To Hope, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Betti Mace, March 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 6

Cover Lover Book Review, March 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

For HIm and My Family, March 10

Stories By Gina, March 11 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54163

Saturday, March 1, 2025

About the Book

Book: Sabotage at Cedar Creek (The Little Red Truck Mysteries Book Two)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release date: February, 2025

Who Would Sabotage the New B&B?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book two of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s summertime in Mabank, Texas, and the Hadley family’s new antique business is open and running well with Tilly, the red antique truck, as its mascot. Raelynn Hadley enjoys driving Grandpa’s truck around as she seeks out antiques for her family’s store.

Raelynn is excited that her best friend, Tasha, will soon open a new vacation rental to accommodate the area’s growing tourism, but an unexpected act of sabotage threatens to spoil all that Tasha has worked for.

Raelynn immediately gets to work sleuthing out who could be behind the crime. Could it be the bitter neighbor, intent on spoiling Tasha’s plans? Perhaps it’s a nearby resort owner, worried about the potential loss of revenue. Maybe it’s the former owner’s daughter who was left out of the will and believes the home should be hers. Or maybe it’s the squatter who had taken up residence in the home before renovations. Raelynn is determined to solve the mystery for her friend in time for opening day.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

More from Janice

Travel with me to East Texas to celebrate the 4th of July. Let’s meet at Cedar Creek Lake, a vast expanse of water tucked in and around some of the sweetest little Texas towns you’ve ever seen: Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Payne Springs, Eustace, and Seven Points, just to name a few.

Along the edge of the lake you’ll find 320 miles of idyllic shoreline, dotted with homes, campsites, and cabins for rent. And right there, on the prettiest patch of land imaginable, you’ll discover a newly renovated vacation home, recently purchased by a local gal named Tasha. Her quaint fixer-upper is just about ready for its first guests and she’s giddy with excitement.

Also thrilled is Tasha’s BFF, RaeLyn Hadley! RaeLyn has grown up near the lake and loves this place. She can hardly wait to see her bestie’s dream come true.

Of course, not everyone in the Cedar Creek area is happy to see Tasha’s new vacation rental open for business. Behind the scenes, evil lurks. Nefarious plans are already in motion, though RaeLyn and Tasha can’t yet see them.

Days before the house is listed, the beautiful home is vandalized! Clearly, someone wants to stop Tasha in her tracks. But, who would sabotage the inn. . .and why? RaeLyn won’t quit until she’s got answers, but she needs your help.

What role will you play in this tale? Visit the inn. Get to know the gals. Help them figure out the whodunit. Spend time in town with the locals, celebrating the 4th of July. I promise, you’ll have a blast. There are quilt shows, cupcake walks, and more Texas BBQ than you can eat in one visit.

Your belly will never be empty as you set out to help RaeLyn and Tasha solve this crime. Just don’t let all of those handsome Texas fellas distract you from the task at hand. They have a tendency to do that.

Hang on for the ride, folks, because an East Texas tale is one that’s always filled with twists and turns! So, what are you waiting for? Jump into that little red truck and let’s hit the road, headed to Cedar Creek Lake!

MY REVIEW

Oh I’m so happy to see that the author has written another book. If you are not familiar with her writing let me help you help. Her stories are funny with a touch of southern hospitality. Faith is weaved throughout each book and the characters are a hoot. In this story we travel to east Texas. Quaint little towns with shops that include antique stores, clothing, bakeries and grocery store. Bluebell ice cream is the best ice cream around and let’s not forget the sweet tea.

Raelynn helps out at the family’s antique store where treasures are discovered everyday. She is also helping her dear friend Tasha as she gets ready to open her vacation rental. Not everyone is happy about this as unexplained vandalism occurs. Shadows lurking around at night, graffiti sprayed outside and threatening letters make this story exciting and full of surprises.

Raelynn and Tasha team up to find out who is behind the threats. I like that Tilly is featured in the story as well. It is an iconic red truck that Raelynn drives but it sure has a story of its own to share. Join in the fun as this mystery adds twists that keep readers guessing. I love how the author’s sweet personality shines in this adventure. Filled with southern dishes, a dash of romance and a mystery this story has everything you need including mouth watering recipes at the end of the book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

BLOG Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 28

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Pause for Tales, March 3

She Lives To Read, March 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 5

Blogging With Carol, March 6

Labor Not in Vain, March 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 7

Stories By Gina, March 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 9

Lily’s Corner, March 10

Holly’s Book Corner, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 12

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54164

Thursday, February 27, 2025

About the Book

Book: Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 28, 2025

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Miles is the youngest of six brothers, and he’s spent most of his life helping guard the family’s secret: a sapphire mine hidden deep within the Montana mountains. With threats from a past enemy looming, a survey team’s arrival stirs suspicion—until he meets Clara Pendleton, whose presence captivates him.

Clara Pendleton joins her uncle on a survey team tasked with mapping the coming railroad’s path, only to find herself entangled with the enigmatic Coulter family. When her uncle’s accident leads them to find refuge in the Coulter home, Clara is irresistibly drawn to Miles Coulter and his quiet strength. This feels like the haven she craves…until a series of mysterious attacks endanger everyone on the ranch.

As Christmas approaches, a sleigh ride through a snowy wonderland fans the growing spark between Clara and Miles into a flame, but a broken runner leads Clara to discover the family’s secret. Now she’s faced with an impossible choice: betray the man she’s coming to love or risk the lives of his entire family—and her own uncle.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure, forced proximity, a Christmas surprise, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books old. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Surveying the Wild West: How Surveyors Mapped the Frontier in the 1870s

One of the things I love about writing historical romance is the detail I get to research for each book. So much of my research doesn’t make it into the story, but I still love to learn it!

In Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret, our heroine and her uncle are working with a group of surveyors to map out potential routes for the coming railroad.

Surveying back then was no walk in the park. These brave folks had to trek through some seriously rough terrain, lugging around heavy equipment like compasses, levels, and surveyor’s chains. The chains were a whopping 66 feet long, with 100 links! Surveyors would stretch them out to measure distances, and let me tell you, it was no easy feat.

One of the surveyor’s secret weapons was triangulation. By measuring angles between distant points and doing some fancy math, they could figure out exactly where landmarks were and create a grid of reference points across the land. This technique was a game-changer, allowing for more accurate maps that covered bigger areas.

In my story, the surveying was done for the railroad. But history tells us that later in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey stepped onto the scene with a larger mission: to create detailed maps of the entire country, including the wild, wild West. Surveyors working for this agency had their work cut out for them. They battled through dense forests, climbed steep mountains, and crossed dangerous rivers, all to gather the data needed for these maps.

So the next time you look at a map of the American West, give a nod to those early surveyors. These hardworking folks played a huge role in shaping the frontier, giving settlers the information they needed to build new lives and communities. Without their dedication and skill, the West might have remained a mystery forever!

I pray you enjoy Miles and Clara’s story in Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret!

Blessings!

Misty

MY REVIEW

The author delivers a great look at a time period that was rich in secrets and danger. I love how the story comes to life with characters that stand out. I am always in awe of how the author can make any scene come to life.

Traveling by trains are becoming very popular during this time period. With new transportation taking over, land is much needed. Clara travels with her uncle and others as they survey potential land for the railroad. Not everyone is happy about this turn of events. How would you feel if the railroad was trying to take over your land?

Miles is not happy to see strangers on his land. He was so distracted by testing out his new tool he almost didn’t notice people trespassing. He does confront them but notices a pretty young woman with them. Miles needs to be more observant to keep his family secret. Mining sapphires could be dangerous if others found out. His family is not happy that Miles allowed them to camp on their land for a few days.

I liked how Clara and her Uncle Hiram became guests at the Coulter ranch. Her uncle’s unfortunate accident has forced them to be at the cabin so he can be treated. I smiled every time the mention of a lady doctor was said. Times are changing and lady doctors are starting to become more popular in the area. Clara knows that staying at this unfamiliar place will help her uncle recover better. Clara does wonder if maybe they should seek out a more experienced doctor when Hiram develops a fever, He tells her, “Have a little faith, child. The Lord brought us to the Coulters for a reason.” Do you ever question God when something happens? He always has a plan and we need to learn to trust Him in everything.

I loved the suspense in the story as unexplained things start happening at the Coulters place. Some of the Coulter brothers start to suspect the surveyors. This doesn’t sit well with Clara. Tensions start to rise as trust is shattered. When Clara is asked by the surveyors to take a certain item from the cabin, she begins to grow concerned.

I couldn’t wait to see how this turn of events would change the security Clara once felt being with the surveyors. Will she do what was asked of her? Is there a budding romance developing between Miles and Clara? With a threat given by the surveyors who will Clara choose to be loyal to?

Miles starts to suspect something isn’t right as a man is seen sneaking around the ranch. Was he too hasty in trusting Clara? He does have a soft spot when it comes to her though. I like how Miles doesn’t accuse Clara of anything but gives her grace and wants to keep her safe. He asks God, “ What now, God. What am I not seeing?” Show me.

Get ready for an adventure in deceit, greed, trust and faith in this exciting story. The ending is very good and opens the door to the next book in this series. Be sure and grab a copy today. Don’t miss the other books in this series about the Coulter family.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 23

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 24

Madi’s Musings, February 25

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 26

For Him and My Family, February 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Betti Mace, February 27

Texas Book-aholic, February 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Mary Hake, March 3

Devoted To Hope, March 4

An Author’s Take, March 5

Holly’s Book Corner, March 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 6

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6

lakesidelivingsite, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54159

About the Book

Book: Hidden Secrets: A Thriller (Mirror Estate Series Book Four)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Mystery, Thriller

Release date: September 24, 2024

Abducted. Trapped. Hunted. Grace Benson must find a way out… or die trying.

After her harrowing escape from a kill order, Grace thought she’d return to a normal life, only to be abducted from her home.

Meanwhile, FBI investigations into the murders of a congressman and his staff uncover a shocking link to Grace’s

abduction, threatening international stability.

Desperate to survive, Grace allies with an unlikely partner—a child who knows the bunker’s secrets—but as they navigate the treacherous tunnel system, a misplaced step echoes through the corridors, alerting a deranged captor who now closes in, gun in hand.

If you like Alex Cross, Gabriel Allon, you will like this unpredictable, fast-paced suspense thriller.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner writes fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers. Book 1 of her Mirror Estateseries, Living Secrets, was selected as one of the Top Picks in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. Her love for writing comes second only to her love of reading. When she’s not busy writing about complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents, she spends her time binge-watching crime TV shows, such as NCIS, or playing with her cats. If you enjoy James Patterson’s style— specifically short chapters—you’ll love her Mirror Estate series.

More from S.F.

I’m so excited to share Hidden Secrets, the fourth book in my Mirror Estate Psychological Thriller series. For those who’ve been following Grace Benson’s story, this is the next chapter in her journey—a deeply personal one with plenty of the twists, danger, and suspense you’ve come to expect from my writing.

If you’ve read Tangled Secrets, you know that Grace finally uncovered the truth about her birth mother. That revelation opened doors to even more questions, and in Hidden Secrets, she takes the next step: discovering the identity of her birth father. Of course, in Grace’s world, nothing is ever simple. This isn’t just a straightforward search for a man from her past—it’s a journey wrapped in danger, deception, and murder.

Writing this book was such an adventure for me. Grace is a character I’ve grown to love, and putting her through these intense, high-stakes situations is always a mix of excitement and challenge. This time, she’s dealing with abduction, espionage, and a web of lies that keeps tightening around her. Every step she takes toward the truth comes with a cost, and watching her face these challenges while staying true to herself was as rewarding to write as I hope it is for you to read.

But I’ll admit, Hidden Secrets didn’t come together without a few struggles. I rewrote several scenes to make sure the story flowed the way it needed to. The pacing, the tension, and the timing of the twists had to be just right. I love keeping readers on the edge of their seats, but it takes some effort to make sure every piece falls into place.

One of the things I think makes this book stand out is how personal it is for Grace. Yes, there’s plenty of action, danger, and intrigue, but at its core, this story is about family and identity. Grace’s search for her father forces her to confront parts of herself she didn’t even know were missing. I wanted readers to feel that emotional depth while still delivering the suspense and surprises that make a Mirror Estate thriller what it is.

The reviews so far have been incredible. Hearing that readers are loving Grace’s latest journey means the world to me. Some have mentioned how much they appreciated the balance between the emotional moments and the fast-paced action, which makes me feel like all those rewrites were worth it!

If you’re already a fan of the series, I think you’re going to love where this installment takes Grace. And if you’re new to Mirror Estate, don’t worry—Hidden Secrets stands on its own. You’ll get plenty of context to enjoy the story, but starting at the beginning will definitely give you a richer experience.

MY REVIEW

With non stop action and mystery this book delivers just the right touch to keep readers glued to their seats. Danger surrounds Grace as she is mysterious taken by an unknown person. The author lays out a story where secrets can destroy the security of many people. Revenge seems to be active in this story as well.

Grace is a good character who finds herself locked in a place where darkness overtakes her calmness she once had. When she sees a child locked in with her, she begins to feel anxious. The author brings a lot of unexpected surprises that made me wonder who could be trusted.

There were so many pieces of the puzzle that made it hard to keep up with at times. Like a movie you may watch, many people are involved in an attempt to cause harm. When a congressman is found dead, the authorities must act quickly to keep things under control.

I liked the book and found it be very intriguing. The author does a good job of keeping readers interested as subtle hints are dropped throughout the book. I would highly recommend reading the others books in this series first so you will become familiar with the characters and how they fit into the story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 20

Inspired by Fiction, February 21

The Lofty Pages, February 22

Vicky Sluiter, February 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24

Book Looks by Lisa, February 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 26

Stories By Gina, February 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

For the Love of Literature, February 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 1

For Him and My Family, March 2

Artistic Nobody, March 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54158

Sunday, February 23, 2025

About the Book

Book: Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island (Heiresses of Adventure Book One)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance True Crime

Release date: July 31, 2024

Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?

On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.

With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Blaire does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.

At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, Best Laid Plans, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.

More from Grace

I am thrilled to share with you my FIRST novel in the HEIRESSES OF ADVENTURE series, MISS BLAIRE IN BLACKWELL’S ISLAND, which is set in New York City in 1887. I loved writing about Edyth Blaire, our cat-rescuing, spunky heroine who spends her days painting, fencing with her dreamy instructor, and avoiding society at all costs, which as you can imagine, comes back to haunt her before the end. I’ve never written about a character who despised reading, so that was a new one for me. Edyth just doesn’t like to sit still long enough to finish a book, but you’ll find out why later.

While writing this book, I am pretty certain the librarians at my local branch were wondering what in the world my hobbies are, judging from the stacks of fencing books for beginners, histories of New York crime in the 19th century, and Nellie Bly’s Ten Days in a Mad-House, and more.

The inspiration for this book came from Nellie Bly’s scandalous exposé for Joseph Pulitzer’s newspaper, The World. In reading Nellie’s articles, I was shocked at the grounds by which the asylum would commit women and that’s when I discovered a tiny mention about an heiress with family members who had her tucked away so they could have her fortune. . . and Edyth Blaire was born.

I hope you will enjoy reading about our eccentric leading lady and her fencing master hero, Raoul “Bane” Banebridge in this friends-to-lovers romance. If you are interested in seeing pictures of the asylum and to see what I pictured the characters looking like, check out my Pinterest board here.

Are you part of a book club? I have discussion questions here!

MY REVIEW

Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. Edyth is a wonderful character. She is independent, goes against the grain of society, loved painting and fencing. Oh yes she is thought of as odd because of the way she dresses and her mode of transportation. She is wealthy but does not flaunt it at all. I loved her sense of fashion and how it fits her personality.

Let’s talk about Bane for a minute . He has been friends with Edyth for awhile. He liked spending time with teaching her the art of fencing. I thought it was funny that he didn’t have a clue that Ethyl is in love with him. When he finally realizes that she is the one for him it may already be too late. Let’s don’t forget her evil Aunt. She is the one who set this all in motion. With little regard for anyone she has Edyth disposed of in a place where hopelessness awaits. I so didn’t like her haughty attitude and lack of guilt.

When you look up the word greed in the dictionary , Uncle Boris’s face should be there. Oh how the “love of money” destroys so many. I couldn’t believe the links he goes to to send Edyth away in order to steal her inheritance. He certainly has no loyalty to family. Will his scheme work? Can Bane rescue Edyth before it is too late?

The asylum is an unimaginable place where the women are treated like animals. The conditions are horrendous and there seems little hope of escaping. Edyth cries out to God asking why He won’t save her. The story is based on historical facts which shakes me to the core. The author does an excellent job of illustrating how greed can make people do sinister things. But God! Oh he shows up big time in this story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.