Review of THE PARIS WIDOW by Kimberly Belle

On June 12, 2024June 12, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE PARIS WIDOW

Author: Kimberly Belle

Publication Date: June 11, 2024

ISBN: 9780778307976

Format: Trade Paperback

Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing / Park Row Books

Book Summary:

From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Belle comes a deliciously twisty new thriller following a married couple vacationing in Paris whose trip takes a dark turn when the husband goes missing, dredging up secrets from both of their pasts, perfect for fans of THE PARIS APARTMENT.

When Stella met Adam, she felt like she finally landed a nice, normal guy – a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter lifestyle with him. She loves knowing she can always depend on Adam, which is why when he goes missing during a random explosion in Paris, she panics. Right after what is assumed to be a terrorist attack, she’s interviewed live on TV by reporters, begging anyone who knows anything about her husband’s whereabouts to come forward and is quickly dubbed “The Paris Widow.”

As the French police investigate, it’s revealed that Adam was on their radar as a dealer in the black market for priceless antiquities, making deals with very high-profile and dangerous clients. Reeling from this news and growing suspicions about her husband, Stella can’t shake the feeling that she’s being followed. And with Adam assumed dead, she realizes that whoever was responsible for the bombing will come after her next. Everything – and everyone — that Stella has tried to keep in her duplicitous past might be her only means of survival and finding out what really happened to Adam.

An irresistible and fast-paced read set in some of Europe’s most inviting locales, THE PARIS WIDOW explores how sinister secrets of the past stay with us – no matter how far we travel.

My Thoughts

This book gave me whiplash as I sped through the pages trying to find out quickly what would happen next in this twisted tale of love and secrets. Adam and Stella are on a dream vacation when an explosion occurs at a little cafe and Adam is gone. Stella is left on her own to discover what was really happening in Adam’s life that endangered him so much and at the same time, she makes revelations about the secrets she is guarding from her own past. There are a lot of shady characters in this book that deals with the underworld of stolen antiquities, so there’s a big question throughout the novel of who can be trusted and who should be avoided. Just for the record, I kept guessing incorrectly, but I kept guessing because that is part of the entertainment value of this mesmerizing book. The pace is fast, the characters are not all relatable but they are all realistic and dynamically portrayed. This book is a spy thriller, a psych thriller, a mystery and a romance all rolled up into a neat package and in several settings throughout Europe. It was obvious that the author knew the areas well as the details she offered about the various places were fascinating, adding to the atmospheric drama of the story. This is a book that is masterfully crafted to capture the reader and it succeeded with me, becoming one of my favorite thrillers of the decade.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

General Fiction, Rated PG due to content including an explosion with multiple deaths

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Belle worked in marketing and nonprofit fundraising before turning to writing fiction. A graduate of Agnes Scott College, Kimberly lived for over a decade in the Netherlands and currently divides her time between Atlanta and Amsterdam. She is the bestselling author of The Marriage Lie, Three Days Missing, Dear Wife, as well as The Last Breath, The Ones We Trust, Stranger in the Lake, My Darling Husband, and The Personal Assistant.

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.kimberlybellebooks.com/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/kimberlybelle

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimberlySBelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlysbelle/

PURCHASE LINKS:

Review of FIND ME IN CALIFORNIA by Kerry Lonsdale

On June 11, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLVQYLPG
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (June 11, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 11, 2024
Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages

An achingly romantic novel about chance meetings, buried secrets, and the multiple facets of love and family bonds by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale.

Raised by her fiercely passionate and free-spirited grandmother, Julia Hope has never gone without love. But as she tends to her only living relative during her final days, Julia struggles to overcome her fear of being alone.

A thousand miles away, Matt Gatlin has managed to avoid the coldhearted grandmother with whom he once lived. But after twelve years of her being blessedly out of sight, she needs him. His resentments still raw, Matt packs up his car and reluctantly heads to California to confront a bitter past he thought was long gone.

Over the next six days, Julia’s and Matt’s fates intersect. An old diary exposes the tragedy of a long-lost love. A history of secrets in two families comes to light. And on a lonely back road, Matt picks up an unusual yet captivating hitchhiker with a secret of her own.

For Julia and Matt, something heartbreaking and heartwarming, mysterious and beautiful, will touch their lives—with neither of them realizing that maybe they’re destined for each other.

My Thoughts

I don’t know where to start to describe the genre of this book since it is steeped in romance, mystery and a little fantasy along the way, too. Matt Gatlin and Julia Hope are two sympathetic and relatable protagonists, both facing a difficult future after traumatic childhoods. Both were cast off by parents and raised by a grandmother. Julia’s grandmother, Mama Rose, was nurturing and kind, but there are secrets that Julia is discovering now that Mama Rose is dying and it would have been better for Julia if Mama Rose had been totally honest. Matt was raised by his grandmother, too, a Hollywood legend named Liza who was distant and cold to him, even leaving the room when he was present. His childhood was marked by rejection, first by his mother and then by his grandmother, so it is no wonder that he has a few problems with the present situation in which his grandmother is dying and requesting to see him. The way these two come together, via a nursing home where both grandmothers reside, is an original take on a meet-cute situation. Matt’s trip to get to his grandmother’s bedside is fraught with his own personality as he uses drugs along the way, hallucinates a relationship (maybe…not sure about what this really was but it was interesting) and finally arrives at the nursing home to actually meet Julia in person. The two have so much in common that it seems inevitable that they must become a couple, but that cannot happen until both of them deal with their pasts. I enjoyed the intricacies of this story, all of the background information about Liza, Mama Rose, Matt and Julia that were woven into the main story of a loss that was certain to come soon. This is a multi-layered, well-crafted story of relationships, secrets, forgiveness and finding hope in the most unlikely places. It is also a story of acceptance and love even in the middle of a messy life. The characters are deeply touching, unique and realistically flawed representatives of life. The complications in the plot are thought-provoking and I encourage readers to go through the discussion questions at the end of the book because they are a great way to reflect on the truths encountered within its pages. Insightful, captivating and magical, this book is a brilliant look at overcoming one’s past and facing a new future.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Rated PG for content including language and drug use

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Lonsdale is the award-winning Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and #1 Kindle bestselling author of the Everything series (Everything We Keep, Everything We Left Behind, and Everything We Give), No More trilogy (No More Words, No More Lies, and No More Secrets), and multiple standalone novels that include All the Breaking Waves, Last Summer, Side Trip, and Find Me in California. Her books have been Amazon Editors’ Picks, translated into twenty-seven languages, and have been covered by PopSugar, Buzzfeed, Parade, Redbook, Coastal Living, Travel & Leisure, Medium, Refinery29, and multiple other media outlets. She’s a founder of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and lives in Northern California with her husband and three rescue cats. For more information about Kerry and her books, visit her website at Kerry Lonsdale

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon Digital Copy

Amazon Paperback

Audible

Review of FARMHOUSE DEVOTIONS by Cheryl Shuermann

On June 10, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D4N2LZ86
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bold Vision Books (May 19, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 19, 2024
Print length ‏ : ‎ 205 pages

From picture rails and antique church doors to prairie flowers and sticktights, Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary invites you on a journey to enjoy God’s truth and wisdom in everyday experiences.

Combining sound biblical truth with the timeless appeal of anything farmhouse, this sixty-day devotional will encourage and inspire and satisfy.

Original artwork and family-friendly recipes are included in the book as sweet treats.

Grab your coffee, get comfortable, and discover God’s glory in Farmhouse Devotions.

Welcome to The Farm!

My Thoughts

This devotional offers practical and immediately applicable messages to encourage one’s heart and to guide one along the right path to a firm and steady relationship with the Lord. Each chapter begins with a scripture verse and ends with a prayer. The titles of the chapters are inviting, giving a small clue as to what treasures will be found within those pages. Reading the book in just a few days was thought-provoking, but now I must admit that I want to go back and savor the wisdom found there. The stories of grandchildren playing on the farm, of rocking on the porch, of seeing birds enjoying a sprinkler are all vivid reminders that life is good and is to be cherished, with a legacy to pass along to those who follow in our footsteps. This book presents a loving look at life lived and shared with others, with all of its challenges and its triumphs. This is a devotional to read again and again and get new truths from it each time as the words are appealing and fresh just like God’s Word.
I own a copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheryl Schuermann attended Oklahoma State University where she received a B.S. in Curriculum and Instruction and a master’s degree in Education with emphasis in Literacy. She devoted her professional career to literacy education and working with at-risk students. After many years in the classroom, Cheryl contracted as a literacy consultant and curriculum trainer in schools across the United States. She wrote and conducted dozens of workshops and presented at numerous literacy conferences.

In addition to writing, Cheryl facilitates a caregiver support group for her community. With a passion for children and families, she and her husband Stan have mentored and taught parents in their local church for over twenty-five years. Cheryl spends as much time as possible with her family: Stan (married 52 years), four sons, four daughters-in-law, and thirteen grandchildren. They are her inspiration and source of her many stories. The Farm is her favorite place to write, be with family, and host ministry groups. For more information about Cheryl and her books, visit her website at Cheryl Schuermann

Purchase Your Copy:

Amazon

Review of HIDDEN IN THE NIGHT by Elizabeth Goddard

On June 7, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800742065

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:06/04/2024

Series:Missing in Alaska , #3

Pages:336

At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone—taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she’s getting herself into.

Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions—and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

My Thoughts

This book gets an absolute must-read five plus stars from me because it has everything I enjoy in romantic suspense and then some! The plot includes a missing young woman, a missing Jack London manuscript and a murder, plus romance that is just starting to simmer. The plot is deeply immersive and I was quickly engaged in cheering for Nolan and Ivy, hoping that they could find the missing Danna unharmed. The research made the story authentically fascinating, especially the information about the glaciers and the mystery surrounding the manuscript. The entire story gave me a sense of being there, experiencing the building tension and the necessity to hurry before disaster struck. The multi-layered plot teasingly revealed the details methodically and with so much dramatic action that the book was unputdownable. Infused with spiritual truth and a sparkle of a beginning romance, the last book in the Missing in Alaska series blew me away with its realism and the sharp writing that made it a compelling and edgy read for me. I enjoyed the characters and was stunned by the surprising revelation of the identity of the villain. I really enjoyed finding out facts about this scenic and mysterious state of Alaska; the author paints a vivid picture that makes it easy to imagine the setting and place myself into the story. There are plenty of clues and red herrings and so much happening to favorite characters that I was intrigued by the fact that I had no idea what to expect next. This book has intense suspense that is brilliantly written and cleverly paced. I am sorry to see the series end here, but I have no doubt that the author will create a new series that is equally well-crafted and totally mesmerizing.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Todaybestselling and award-winning author of 60 novels and novellas, including Cold Light of Day and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier and HOLT Medallion Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.

Purchase Links:

Don’t miss any of these exciting Alaskan adventure books, filled with romance, suspense and danger!

I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful program that gives me the opportunity to read and review new releases! Thank you, Revell!

Review of UNFORGIVEN by Shelley Shepard Gray

On May 28, 2024May 27, 2024 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800745790

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:05/21/2024

Pages:304

My Thoughts

The two main characters, Seth Zimmerman and Tabitha Yoder, have an unfortunate part of their lives in common. Both live in semi-isolation from the Amish community where they live. Because of their past choices beyond their control, they have not been shunned but neither are they welcomed by the Amish around them. Seth shows up at Tabitha’s house frequently, chopping wood for her, leaving gifts of groceries and helping out around the house as much as he can. Tabitha is a recluse, rarely leaving the confines of her house since her divorce from the abusive Leon, a choice that has led to her isolation from family and friends. Seth is an ex-con who accidentally killed a man who was attacking another woman, so he is not accepted in the Amish society either. The plot is mesmerizing and totally engaging, with the friendship that the two establish gradually developing into mutual respect and finally love. The title of the book is intriguing, especially since I spent a lot of the time I was reading it thinking that the two were “Unforgiven” by the Amish. There is a deeper reason for the title and I won’t spoil it for you by revealing the hidden meaning. The characters are so realistic and relatable, characters who are caught in the challenges of life and end up victims of their circumstances in more ways than one. I enjoyed getting to know Seth’s heart, what led him to be so kind and compassionate to others. I also liked getting to know the quiet and talented Tabitha who weaves baskets so that she can earn money to live on. The story seems realistic and believable with a pace that is perfect for the story being told. There is a lot of spiritual truth built into the story but it doesn’t overwhelm the tale with preachiness. An entire community is affected when these two find themselves combining efforts to keep Tabitha safe from Leon, newly released from prison and determined to possess what is his. I loved the story, the life lessons and the character development. The entire book is brilliantly written, action packed and addictive. A rich story infused with spiritual truth, “Unforgiven” immersed me in the drama of the story with its intricate plot threads and satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as well as a hard copy from Baker Book House. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction, rated PG due to content about abuse

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

More information about Shelley Shepard Gray and her books can be found at her website at shelleyshepardgray,com

Purchase Links:

Review of JUSTICE DELAYED by Sarah Hamaker

On May 15, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

Publisher:Sarah Hamaker

Publication date:05/15/2024

Series:The Seeking Justice Series

My Thoughts

Melender Harman has had a rough life, with her grandmother who was taking care of her dying and then having to move to live with her Aunt Ruby and Uncle Quentin. She knew from the beginning that she wasn’t welcome in their home, but she had no other options so tried to make the best of a bad situation. When her baby cousin Jesse disappears, Melender is accused of kidnapping and killing him and her nightmarish life gets worse. Melender spends seventeen years in prison for the crime and now she has returned to town and is determined to discover what actually happened to baby Jesse because she knows that she did not harm him. Enlisting the support of reporter Brogan Gilmore, a man who is more than a little leery about her claims of innocence, Melender sets out to methodically discover the truth. This book is a fast-paced quest for truth and justice, with a lot of suspects along the way who threaten both Brogan and Melender. In addition to being a great suspense novel, it is also one with a heartfelt foundation of faith as Melender depends on the faith she learned from her grandmother Sudie to get her through her stint in prison and now through all the suspicion that she is facing in the town that she has returned to. The characters are dynamic and if they are not all lovable, they are all totally believable. My favorite character was Brogan, a man not afraid to champion the underdog. I did not like Melender’s cousins Jared at all, a smarmy druggie who not only doesn’t tell the truth, he doesn’t see any reason to do so. This book made it easy to pick favorite characters and those who were immediate suspects although I had to wait for the intricate threads to reveal what really happened and why. Masterfully crafted and totally mesmerizing, this is a story that would lend itself to a good book for a group discussion and it is definitely a thought-provoking novel with a theme of forgiveness and a forward look to the future.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is Christian fiction and includes intense suspense. Rated PG.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hamaker has been spinning stories since she was a child. While she’s had two traditionally published nonfiction books (Hired@Home and Ending Sibling Rivalry), her heart is writing romantic suspense. You can find a list of her books, listen to her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” and connect with Sarah at sarahhamakerfiction.com.

Purchase Links:

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Delayed-Seeking-Book-ebook/dp/B0D2VPS8YF/

• Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/justice-delayed-sarah-hamaker/1145518920?ean=2940179840572

• Apple books: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/justice-delayed/id6499559247

• Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/justice-delayed-8

Really Believe

On May 12, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review, Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/540/day/4

If we really believe, then there is only one place to run when life seems to be assaulting us from all sides. We run to the Lord, the One who has always been there over and over again and who will always be there for us. We have to remember to call on Him first. The red phone that connects us to the Lord is always right there, always available and He is ready and waiting for our call. Psalm 27 and Psalm 91 are two of my favorite Psalms, one I have frequently read and quoted during challenging circumstances. What Scripture comforts you in your troubles? I encourage you to write it down, put it where you can see it daily and memorize the lines that speak to your heart and comfort you. There is no greater comfort than to have God’s Word right there in your heart and soul when you need it.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms and the stand-in moms! It may be a tough day for you because your mom is no longer there to call or visit. Or maybe your mom was not a good and nurturing mother. Call on the Lord to comfort and be close to you today…He will.

Review of LOVE ON A WHIM by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On May 8, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review4 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781493445530

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:05/07/2024

Series:Cape Cod Creamery

Pages: 304

Brynn Haywood’s impulsive marriage to a man she’d known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie’s good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln’s preoccupation with his daughter’s lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.

The arrival of Lincoln’s estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father’s extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes–and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.

My Thoughts

This book had me captivated by the story and the characters. Brynn Haywood’s unconventional marriage to a man she just met in Vegas and her escape to the cape to ponder what she had done absolutely mesmerized me. I wanted to know who this mystery man was and how it came about that level-headed engineer Brynn would even consider such a thing. Once she gets to the cape with her friend Dawn and Dawn’s mom Marnie Dixon, Brynn can reflect on what she did and Dawn assures her that she will help her dissolve the marriage. But Brynn gets too busy helping Linc Hayes prepare for the wedding for his daughter to think too much about her hasty choice. In fact, Brynn loves baking so much that she begins to consider leaving behind her degree in engineering. There are twists and turns in this complicated tale of choices, consequences, honesty and forgiveness. I really loved all of the characters, but I was especially drawn to Bear Hayes, Linc’s son who is in town for the wedding. Bear doesn’t approve of anyone in town except his mom and his sister and seems determined to make his dad’s life hard. I didn’t love him for his actions which were at times reprehensible. I loved him for his heart that seemed to be wounded and unready to accept anything new. In contrast, Brynn is embracing new things in her life, perhaps a bit too quickly. The story is compelling, filled with wit and wisdom. With each chapter starting with a saying about ice cream that gave me a clue about what would happen in the chapter and also a thought to ponder, this book is memorable and one to share and discuss with others. The subplots about Dawn and Marnie dovetail perfectly with the story about Brynn and all are concluded in a very satisfactory way, with a few surprises, too. This is contemporary Christian fiction at its best and deserves to be savored just like ice cream!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Partr 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction, rated G, according to the reading level of the reader

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**Bestselling author** Suzanne Woods Fisher wrote her first novel in sixth grade, about Pompeii, a dog, and the erupting volcano (terrible ending!) and, from that point on, she was hooked on the writing life. Curiously, she doesn’t remember anyone, ever, telling her she was a talented writer. She just loved to write. (And she worked hard at the craft. She still does.)
College happened, work, then marriage, children, a sprinkling of corporate transfers, and Suzanne kept plugging away at freelancing for several magazines. (Four kids = lots of great material.)
As her children headed off to college, Suzanne had the time to get serious about writing. She wrote a little World War II love story, *Copper Star*, which was published by Vinspire, a small royalty press. The novel won some awards, and it also caught the eye of a wonderful agent. And that’s when things started to happen.
Joyce Hart of the Hartline Literary Agency knew of an editor at Revell Books who was looking for an author who had a genuine connection to the Plain People. Knowing that Suzanne’s grandfather was raised Plain, Joyce connected her to that editor. The result was *Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World,* a finalist for the ECPA Book of the Year.
Thirty-some books later (in a variety of genres—historical fiction, contemporary women’s, and Amish fiction), Suzanne is still writing for that same editor at Revell Books. And she still loves to write. For more information and a list of the author’s books visit her website at suzannewoodsfisher.com

Purchase Links for LOVE ON A WHIM:

bit.ly/3QydyCV (Baker Book House)

bit.ly/4b0teXV (Christian Book)

amzn.to/4dtxSiE (Amazon)

bit.ly/3wqvmJq (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/3JPbLWj (Audiobooks)

bit.ly/4dtduhK (Target)

bit.ly/4a9dHUf (Google Play)

bit.ly/3JRxjSk (Kobo)

bit.ly/44yhcCt (Books-a-Million)

Other Books in the Series

I am blessed to be a part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program where I have the opportunity to read many excellent and entertaining books.

Review: THE LADY WITH DARK HAIR by Erin Bartels

On April 18, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800741662. Publisher:Baker Publishing Group. Publication date:03/26/2024. Pages:352

Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella’s greatest work—a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.

In 1879, Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists’ pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella’s sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.

This dual-timeline story from award-winning author Erin Bartels takes readers from the sleepy Midwest to the sultry Mediterranean on a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one’s dreams.

My Thoughts

This book is a brilliantly written dual-timeline novel with captivating characters and fascinating research intertwined seamlessly into the story. The present day protagonist is Esther, an art history major who is the head of the family’s museum that promotes a family ancestor, artist Francisco Vella. She is also the caretaker of her mentally ill mother Lorena, quite a quirky and demanding woman. The other part of the story is told in the late 1800’s and is about Viviana, a woman in hiding from justice in Spain while pursuing her interest in art with Vella, a man who is a merchant of art supplies. I was captured by the unselfishness of Esther caring tirelessly for her mother, even though she would like to have her own life. Equally compelling was the story of Viviana as she travels with Vella and finds out that it is not always easy or advisable to travel using an alias. The novel includes a cleverly written mystery about a painting and its origins as well as its artist. “The Lady with the Dark Hair” is a story within a story, cleverly written to reveal details methodically and keeping me glued to the page as I sought answers to the identity of the artist and the outcome of Esther’s life of selflessness. I really enjoyed the pace of the plot because it was perfect to keep me interested. The characters were dynamic and also believable and relatable. The story was complex, but the author’s way of revealing the layers like peeling an onion was exceptionally unique and delightful. I loved the story, learned from the research and identified with the characters. This novel is thought-provoking, intriguing and remarkably written to entertain as well as educate.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Historical Fiction and Mystery, Rated PG

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**ERIN BARTELS** writes character-driven fiction for curious people. Her readers know to expect that each of her novels will tell a unique story about fallible characters so tangible that it’s hard to believe they are not real people. Whether urban, rural, or somewhere in between, her settings come alive with carefully crafted details that engage all the senses and transport the reader to a singular time and place. And her themes of reckoning with the past, improving the present, and looking with hope to the future leave her readers with a sense of peace and possibility.
Erin is the award-winning author of *We Hope for Better Things*, *The Words between Us*, *All That We Carried*, *The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water*, *Everything Is Just Beginning*, and *The Lady with the Dark Hair*. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two WFWA Star Awards and two Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Michigan’s capital city, she now lives with her family in a charming small town surrounded by farm fields and pasturelands.
You can find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.

Purchase Links

Just Read Publicity Tours: The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch

On April 16, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review9 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Garden Girls
Series: Strange Crimes Unit: South Division
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Psychological Thriller

On a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past.

FBI agent Tiberius Granger has seen his share of darkness. But a new case sets him on edge. It’s not just the macabre way both victims—found posed in front of lighthouses—are tattooed with flowers that match their names. There’s also the unsettling connection to the woman Ty once loved and to the shadowy cult they both risked everything to escape.

Bexley Hemmingway’s sister has gone missing, and she’ll do anything to find her—including teaming up with Ty. That may prove a mistake, and not just because Ty doesn’t know he’s the father of her teenaged son. It seems the killer is taunting Ty, drawing everyone close to him into deeper danger.

As the slashing winds and rain of a deadly hurricane approach the coast of North Carolina, the search leads Ty and Bex to an island that hides a grisly secret. But in his quest for the truth, Ty has ignored the fact that this time, he’s not just the hunter. Every move has been orchestrated by a killer into a perfect storm of terror, and they will need all their skills to survive…

My Thoughts

I don’t recall the last time that a psychological thriller made me cry, but this one did. The characters are so real and relatable that they became like friends and I hated the thought that evil was all around them, waiting to destroy them. The SCU team travels to the Outer Banks, a setting I am familiar with, so I enjoyed the setting. They are there to find a serial kidnapper who is taking women and tattooing them with flowers, then discarding them at a local lighthouse. I loved having the team all together working on solving the crime. My favorite SCU members are always Owen, because of his sense of humor and joking attitude, and Violet because she is so intuitive that it’s just weird. These are the characters that I would like to invite to dinner and have them entertain me with their wit and intelligence. The pace of the book is at a breakneck speed, racing from one twist and red herring to another and ultimately arriving at the surprising conclusion. Fans of psych thrillers who enjoy the films and books of the late Alfred Hitchcock will be enthralled with the SCU, their crime solving abilities and the way the author portrays each of the members as real people with a life outside of solving crimes. Crying at some parts and gasping at others, I made it to the end and then I just wanted another SCU book to read already. Faith plays a foundational part in the story, but it does not overwhelm or take over the story. It is an important part of some of the character’s lives and that added to the depth of the story. The addiction is real…the quest for justice is real. And these books are amazing! This book is part of a series but it can be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**Jessica R. Patch** is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.
Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living devotionals through her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website.
She resides in the Memphis area with her husband and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog since becoming empty nesters. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Connect with Jessica by visiting jessicarpatch.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed paperback copy of Her Darkest Secret and A Cry in the Dark and a $25 Amazon card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 15, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 22, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. Ebooks available if winner is Canadian. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

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