Lost in Darkness

 

Back Cover

Even if there be monsters, 

there is none so fierce as that 

which resides in man's own heart.

England, 1815

Amelia Balfour has one dream...to tour Egypt as a travel writer. But when her wish is finally within reach, her father dies, and her malformed brother, Colin, depends upon her to arrange for a revolutionary surgery.

Former Navy surgeon Graham Lambert is sick - of travelling, loneliness, and especially the injustice of the world. Leaving behind the military, he partners with a renowned surgeon, the man who promises new life to Amelia's brother.

But just as the operation begins, Graham suspects the surgeon is a fraud. After a botched procedure, Colin goes mad and escapes, terrorizing their neighbour, author Mary Goodwin - planting the seed for her greatest creation, Frankenstein.

Can Amelia and Graham stop Colin before he destroys everyone in his path and find the tender soul still trapped inside...or will they be too late?

Review

Lost in Darkness is a spectacular addition to the Gothic novels genre. While it will particularly appeal to readers of Jaime Jo Wright's works, even those new to the genre will find lots to love with this hauntingly suspenseful tale. Michelle Griep has penned complex characters, an engrossing tale, and a rich setting that's a character all on its own. I loved this book and can't wait to read more by this author!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing, and the author for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

In the Shadow of the River

Back Cover

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother, and Jacci gets a first taste for the life she will come to lead.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard that same showboat and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci's mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life - and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past - is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it's clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows...and the answers she craves will not come easily.

Review

I've been a huge fan of this author for a very long time. Ann H. Gabhart is a talented author and delivers unique and heartfelt stories. I've always enjoyed her detailed historical dramas and realistic characters. In the Shadow of the River is an interesting tale full of secrets and drama in a fascinating historical setting. I so enjoyed the colourful cast of characters and the budding romance between innocent Jacci and the gallant Gabe. 

The only hiccup I came across was the rather long prelude into Jacci's earlier life. The attempted kidnapping and moving onto the showboat, while only a very brief moment in time, lasted 100 pages and was the source of a lot of information dumping. It slowed down the pace of the story, and I couldn't help but wonder if a more brief prologue or simple chapter would have been sufficient for the purposes of the story. I understand wanting to set the scene and lay some historical groundwork, but I found myself getting impatient to move ahead to the main time period in the story. 

Overall, this was still an intriguing historical read. I loved the glimpses into the showboat lifestyle as it was a world I'd never actually heard of before. It reminded me a bit of a circus, full of talented, eccentric performers. In the Shadow of the River delivers a very satisfying conclusion, and I enjoyed my stop at this point in history.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Pixels and Paint

 

Description

For Emma Trinket, life is a delicate balancing act between loving her family and pursuing interests they don't understand. When the opportunity arises to finally impress them with her job as a computer programmer, she jumps at it even if it means immersing herself in a world she's despised since childhood.

Unfortunately, the one man who could crush her prospects is also the best person to help her navigate the lessons she needs to be a success.

Artistic expression is both Carter Anderson's safe space and his livelihood, but his fading inspiration has him worried about his place in life. His encounters with Emma spark a passion to create that he hasn't felt in years and he isn't ready to let go of his new muse even if she's threatening the sanctity of his art world with her digital technologies.

As each tries to gain an advantage from the other, Emma and Carter discover they actually might be more compatible than they thought. Will that be enough to unify their opposing missions or will the real differences between pixels and paint tear them apart?

Review

I loved this book from the opening pages. The colourful characters, witty dialogue, and the humorous trope of opposites attracting...perfect! 

I've been a huge fan of Kristi Ann Hunter's Regency romance novels, and was so excited to see her next book was a contemporary romance. Pixels and Paint is a delightful rom-com that I devoured in two days. I couldn't stop reading it, staying up long into the night, eagerly wanting to know what happens next, while also dreading finishing the book as it's so fun to read. Kristi Ann Hunter has proven she can write knock-out Regency stories AND rom-coms!  I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book to review! All opinions are my own.

The Swindler's Daughter

 

Back Cover

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. 

A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away - in jail - Lillian is startled to find that he has left a business and all his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she arrives at her father's house in the backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by a woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had, but a family business that is more than meets the eye - and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers - and Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

Review

This was another sweet, historical read peppered with a lot of mystery. It was the interesting premise and eye-catching cover that compelled me to pick up this book, and I'm glad I did. The questions surrounding Lillian's Dad and his life and business dealings not only moved the story along at a steady pace, but also kept me intrigued. 

My only hiccup was that the timeline of the romantic relationship between Lillian and Jonah felt rushed, and wasn't allowed to grow more organically, especially considering as it was along the lines of an "enemies/strangers to lovers" trope. 

Otherwise, I heartily enjoyed the cast of characters (Jonah's mom is a real hoot) and the theme of being able to trust God with the outcome of every situation.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

The Heart's Choice

 

Back Cover

After witnessing a wrongful conviction as a young girl, Rebecca Whitman - the first female court reporter in Montana - is now determined to defend the innocent. During a murder trial, something doesn't sit well with her about the case, but no one except the handsome new Carnegie librarian will listen to her.

Librarian Mark Andrew's father sent him to college hoping he would take over the business side of the family ranch, but Mark would rather wrangle books than cows. When a patron seeks help with research in hopes of proving a man's innocent, Mark is immediately drawn to her and her cause.

In a race against time, will Rebecca and Mark find the evidence they need - and open their hearts to love - before it's too late?

Review

When you pick up a novel by Tracie Peterson and/or Kimberley Woodhouse, you know you're guaranteed a sweet, western romance. The Heart's Choice threw in an intriguing mystery element that spiced up the story. I loved the premise of following a female court reporter trailblazing in her own right in a western town. Rebecca is a determined, likeable female lead character and my favourite part was how the authors dove deep into her faith journey. It was a very encouraging part of the story and added a layer of depth to Rebecca's character.

The Heart's Choice is guaranteed to become a favourite of readers who love western romances with its rich characters, strong theme of faith, sweet romance, and a dash of suspense. A perfect summer read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.