Come, Gentle Night by Stephanie Black #BlogTour #Giveaway #Suspense

1.  

Come, Gentle Night by Stephanie Black
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review

Genre: Murder Mystery/Suspense

Book Description:  After her entanglement in several homicide investigations, psychologist Natalie Marsh is determined to avoid further trouble. But when her intern needs help monitoring and calming family drama for the duration of a party, Natalie steps up. After all, acting as a peacemaker at a fundraising gala seems relatively risk-free in comparison to her past escapades—what could happen at a dance? When an argument between feuding guests becomes assault, Natalie realizes the situation is more complicated than she anticipated, with one man at the center of it all: Rowan Montrose. 

 

Four years ago, Rowan’s brother was convicted of murdering his wife. But Rowan believes there’s more to the story, suspecting that the real murderer is walking free. His romantic interest in the younger sister of a police detective renders him more determined than ever to clear the family name. Familiar with Natalie’s reputation, he seeks out her assistance. Natalie tries to decline—she’s no private detective—but as frightening incidents unfold, it’s clear she’s in the middle of this whether she wants to be or not, and breaking through the layers of deception that hide the truth may have lethal consequences.

My Thoughts:  Thank you Stephanie Black for crafting another novel that baffled me and glued me to the pages! Natalie Marsh is a psychiatrist that is so good at her job that mystery and suspense come looking for her. She tries very hard to stay out of those situations, but somehow she finds herself in the middle of the puzzle with her life in danger.

Come, Gentle Night begins at a charity ball. The intensity starts full throttle when there is a conflict between the police and a young man who believes his brother was wrongfully convicted of murder. From the opening pages, Stephanie Black doesn't engage the brakes and takes the reader on a journey at full speed. At one point I firmly believe it is a bad cop who is the villain, then later, it was the crazy mom. There are so many twists and turns that left me guessing. I was amazed at how the author was able to bring all of the theories and characters into play and have all the strings neatly tied at the end.

If you love a mystery that keeps you guessing, pick up this book. You do not need to read all of the previous books to follow this story. Each book is a story of its own.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

About the Author: Stephanie Black has loved books since she was old enough to grab the pages, and has enjoyed creating make-believe adventures since she and her sisters were inventing long Barbie games filled with intrigue and danger or running around pretending to be detectives. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner for Best Mystery/Suspense novel.

Stephanie lives in California, in the Bay Area. She plays the violin in a community symphony (but never practices enough), enjoys homemade chocolate-chip cookies, and takes pictures of birds. Her favorite activity is spending time with her family, currently consisting of her husband, five kids, three kids-in-law, a cat, and three grandpets.

Enter the Tour Giveaway!

(The prize and winner notification will be provided by Covenant Communications.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder #BookTour #Austenprose #GothicRomance

 

Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source:  Received to Review

Genre: Gothic Romance/Mystery

Book Description:  Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

 
A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author
 
Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.
 
Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.
 
Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

My thoughts: Beneath His Silence had a gothic and Jane Eyre feel. The reader is introduced into a manor that hides secrets and lies. A young lady comes to find the truth about her sister Lucy's murder and ends up as the governess. Lord Sedgewick hides secrets and contempt for society. His one and only concern is the care of his son.

The plot is a storm that is fueled by hatred. There are many times that the characters judge others unjustly. Emma is the perfect example. She comes with the notion that she knows what life was like in the home and that Lord Sedgewick murdered her sister. Lord Sedgewick has developed a persona that is aloof and uncaring. Something that he has spent years creating. The storm subsides as the characters get to know each other, but there are still secrets residing in the manor.

I was intrigued by the story and grew to love the characters, imperfections, and all. The story was an example of forgiveness, of oneself and others. Emma scoffs at religion, but as she grows to trust Lord Sedgewick, she begins to heal and believe. I enjoyed their interaction and the sweet romance that grew between them.

Underneath all of this, there is still the issue of Lucy's death and the mystery of someone "imprisoned" in a room in the manor. If you enjoy mystery and the power of secrets, you might want to read this book.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Online Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

ADVANCE PRAISE

• "Fast-paced danger and suspense from an exciting newcomer to Regency fiction."— Julie Klassen, award-winning author of A Castaway in Cornwall

• "A strong story of loss and forgiveness, resentment surrendered to faith, and the mercy of God. Readers will enjoy this turbulent mystery with a smile-worthy ending."— Kristen Heitzmann, Christy Award-winning author of Secrets and The Breath of Dawn

• "This book has everything I love...a dark and broody hero, a spunky heroine on a mission, and a deeply delicious creepy manor home. Beneath His Silence is a rather gothic tale set in Regency England, filled with plenty of intrigue, danger, and romance to make for a very satisfying read."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Lost in Darkness

About the Author:

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments--piano, guitar, and ukulele--songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey #BlogTour #Giveaway

 

The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Source: Received to review and I own the book.

Genre:  Romance and Suspense

Book Description: When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.

As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm that he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly links Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle to the crime. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.

My thoughts: I have looked forward to reading this book for quite a while. In my excitement, I pre-ordered two copies. I guess I needed to make sure I owned this book.

Lars, Merit, Cole, and Isabelle are the main characters in this story. I met them in the first book Heirs of Falcon Point. This story takes place several months after the first. You don't have to read the first book to start this one, but it is nice to know the back story.

The book starts with a bang when Cole is liberating a hostage in Budapest. He works with fantastic operatives who you get to know in another series by Traci Hunter Abramson. They confiscate a bag of diamonds worth over a million dollars.

Eventually, the characters are in Vienna and are subject to a bank heist where the confiscated jewels and some of Cole and Lars family jewels are stolen. The book is basically non-stop excitement from the beginning to the end.

I loved getting to know the characters better. Cole and Lars are cousins who recently found each other. Their connection and banter are fantastic. They definitely kept me amused. Cole wants a relationship with Isabelle, but he basically messed up his first chance. He hopes for second chances and forgiveness. Lars and Merit have been in the friend zone for a long time. Both wish for that relationship to progress to something more. There were sparks when they finally took their relationship to another level. They encourage Cole and Isabelle to head in the same direction.

The book has a lot of mystery. The group looks for clues to determine who stole the jewels and how they relate to the people in Budapest. There is also the possibility of inside information being passed to the bad guys. I found myself glued to the book to find out how the puzzle pieces fit together.

This is a wonderful book full of romance and suspense. There is non-graphic violence.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. I also have two copies of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

About the Authors:

The author's not only co-written this book, but they are also great friends.  If you want a great laugh every Tuesday, follow them on social media where they post #Texting#Tuesday!

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a seven-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than thirty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S., where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Enter the Tour Giveaway

(The Prize and winner notification will be provided by Covenant Communications.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Godmersham Park : A Novel of the Austen Family by Gill Hornby

 

Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Genre: Historical Fiction

Source:  Received to Review

Book Description: A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp,

a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family by the #1

International bestselling-author of Miss Austen.


On 21 January 1804, Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At 31 years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. Her mother has died, and she has nowhere else to go. Anne is left with no choice. For her new charge - twelve-year-old Fanny Austen - Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement.

The governess role is a uniquely awkward one. Anne is neither one of the servants, nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in instant dismissal. Anne knows that she must never let down her guard.

When Mr Edward Austen's family comes to stay, Anne forms an immediate attachment to Jane. They write plays together, and enjoy long discussions. However, in the process, Anne reveals herself as not merely pretty, charming and competent; she is clever too. Even her sleepy, complacent mistress can hardly fail to notice.

Meanwhile Jane's brother, Henry, begins to take an unusually strong interest in the lovely young governess . . .

And from now on, Anne's days at Godmersham Park are numbered.

My thoughts: Godmersham Park is a work of fiction based on historical facts. It is a tale of Anne Sharpe, a young woman of quality who is forced to accept a position in service as a governess. Her mother has passed and her father has disappeared, leaving her vulnerable to poverty.

Anne Sharpe was not a character that I was familiar with.  It was fascinating to read a novel based on the life of a friend of Jane Austen.  The book gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Austin family at leisure when they are guests in their elder brother's home.

Anne is on the "outside looking in".  She is not part of the family, but she does not fit in with the other servants either.  Her room is in the attic and that is where she spends most of her time when not teaching her young charge, Fanny.  Fanny is the eldest child with several younger siblings.  The home is pious and they are not for the advancement of women, a cause that is close to Anne's heart.  

I noticed the writing style, which reminds me of Jane Austen.  Gill Hornby is meticulous in her attention to detail.  This was not a book that I could breeze through.  I had to pay attention to the words and the feel of the descriptions and dialogue.  I could almost imagine that I was reading one of Jane's works.

Anne Sharp came across as a strong woman, but there was a feeling of sadness in her character.  I can imagine that it would be difficult to go from being a mistress to a servant.  She does find joy in the Austen family, the nursery, and with Fanny.  The story reminds me that women of the 1800s helped bring about the change that we enjoy today.

If you are looking for a book that has a Jane Austen appeal, this may be the book for you.

ADVANCE PRAISE

• "This is a deeply imagined and deeply moving novel. Reading it made me happy and weepy in equally copious amounts…I read it straight through without looking up.”— Karen Joy Fowler, author of The Jane Austen Bookclub 

• Hornby’s skillful mix of fact and fiction captures the complexities of the Austens and their era, and her crisp, nimble prose sparkles throughout. Best of all, Hornby genuinely channels the sentiment of 19th-century English literature. Janeites aren’t the only readers who will relish this smart, tender tale."— Publishers Weekly, starred review 

• “…a well-written and delightfully observant novel…an excellent read.”— The Historical Novel Society

Online PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

About the Author

Gill Hornby is the author of the novels Miss Austen, The Hive, and All Together Now, as well as The Story of Jane Austen, a biography of Austen for young readers. She lives in Kintbury, England, with her husband and their four children.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews ~ Blog Tour with Giveaway

 The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Genre: Victorian Romance

Source:  Received to Review

Book Description:  A BookBub Best Romance of 2022

A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.
 
For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.
 
In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

My thoughts: It's been a while since I devoured a book in a couple of days. The Belle of Belgrave Square captured my interest from the first page. Mimi Matthews created two unforgettable characters that I felt a kinship with. Julia is a bookworm who suffers from social anxiety. (She and I could have been best friends.) Jasper is a misunderstood war hero. He has a fearsome reputation, but he is not what he appears to be.

Jasper needs an heiress to restore his crumbling estate and a mother for his illegitimate children, and Julia needs an escape from her hypochondriac parents. I am not sure her parents understand the meaning of love. Their interests center upon themselves and their comforts meet at the expense of their daughter. The pair strike a bargain and a marriage of convenience is formed.

The story has a degree of complexity. Mimi Matthews drops hints about Jasper's secrets. He is very private about his past and is not willing to share many aspects. Julia has a vivid imagination and tries to fill in the blanks. All of the elements lead to a satisfying love story with a hint of mystery.

The marital relations between the two contain a lot of innuendoes. There are "fade to black" love scenes that keep the story on the clean"er" side.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Online Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP

ADVANCE PRAISE

• “A grand cross-class romance, a twisty mystery, and emotional internal struggles combine to excellent effect…fans and new readers alike will root for this well-earned love story.”— Publishers Weekly (starred review) 

• “[C]ombines deception, risk, and a resourceful heroine to create an intoxicating, suspenseful romance. Highly recommended.”— Library Journal (starred review)

• “If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast, this regency romance will rapidly become a new favorite of yours. Wallflower meets an infamous war hero in this fascinating and intriguing love story.”— BuzzFeed

• “Mimi Matthews never disappoints, with richly drawn characters and couples whose individual shortcomings become strengths, when paired together. In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, we get to root for two underdogs who get to rewrite their own stories.”— Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here 

• “The Belle of Belgrave Square is such tremendous, good fun: a heroine with a big horse, an even bigger novel-reading habit, and a hidden anxiety; a hero with a crumbling estate, a trio of wary children, and a literary secret—what's not to love? Mimi Matthews paints Victorian England with vivid humor, and her Belles of London is set to go on for at least a few more much-anticipated installments. Julian Fellowes fans will rejoice!”— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

VICTORIAN READING ROOM

Join Mimi at her Victorian Reading Room Facebook Group for exclusive access as she shares her love of writing, historical romance, Victorian fashion, brooding heroes, independent heroines, and of course, her beloved pets!

Enter the Tour Giveaway!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Holly and the Ivy ~ A Regency Christmas Collection #giveaway #blogtour #Christmas

 

The Holly and the Ivy by Sarah M. Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, Anneka R. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Source:  Received to Review

Genre: Regency romance novellas

Book Description:  Spend the holidays with four of your favorite historical romance authors, whose stories of Yuletide romance will brighten the season with humor, hope, and the promise of true love.

 

“The Holly and the Ivy” by Sarah M. Eden

As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on nurse Robbie’s heart.

 

“A Season to Love” by Anneka Walker

Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.

 

“A Twist of Christmas” by Dana LeCheminant

A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences.

 

“Hiding Christmas” by Esther Hatch

Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine's English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg the help of the one man she cannot abide.

 

My thoughts: I loved the stories in "The Holly and the Ivy". 

The stories center around Christmas celebrations. One is celebrated in the Spring, for a little boy who did not get a Christmas holiday.  Each story is unique and invites the spirit of the Christmas season into your heart. The stories had some of my favorite elements: romance, awkwardness, and scenes that made me laugh.

I was able to snuggle in my blanket and enjoy the collection.  



Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

 

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

 Written by four talented authors: 

Sarah M. Eden

Esther Hatch

Dana LeCheminant

Anneka R. Walker

Enter the Tour Giveaway!

(The prize and winner notification will be provided by Covenant Communications.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway