Conclusion of Roman's Search for Her Family Secrets

Doctor Rowan Dupont is now in charge of the family undertaking business and ably assisted by her friend Charlotte. Life is calm at the moment. She and Police Chief Billy Brannigan have established what she hopes will be a permanent relationship, but fears that her family background will never let her have a normal life because the serial killer Julian Addington is still out there. Much as she wants it, she feels she can’t lead a normal life and plan for the future until his menace is removed.

This is the third book in the Undertaker’s Daughter Series, and it wraps up Roman's search for her family secrets in an exciting conclusion. I loved the tension between Rowan and Billy’s blossoming romance and the darkness of Roman's family background.

The action is fast paced. I found it hard to put the book down. Although the book alternates between the darkness of the serial killer and the normality of family life, I found the ending very dark and chilling. The suspense is non-stop with deaths of people close to Rowan, threats, and warnings.

The conclusion was very satisfying. It pulled together all the threads in story and was quite a surprise. I admit the solution to the mystery that haunted Roman's mother was rather darker than I expected, but I thought the author did a good job making all the secrets and murders make sense.

I received this book from Harlequin for this review.

Spy and Resistance Fighter: the Story of a Remarkable Woman During WWII

Nancy Wake had a life of many challenges. An ex-pat Australian in France before WWII, she talked her way into a job as a reporter for the Hearst Newspapers. Wanting to get a first hand look at what was happening in Germany, she and a photographer went to one of Hitler’s rallies. The story she wrote got printed in the paper, but without her by-line because she was a woman.

The romance in the novel centers around her marriage to Henri Fiocca, a wealthy business man. When Henri is pulled into the war, Nancy becomes a spy and smuggles documents and people from France across the border to Spain. When the Nazis identify her, she’s forced to flee the country and leave Henri behind.

In England, she’s recruited by the SOE, which leads to her being air dropped into France to work with the Resistance. As Madame Andrée, she becomes a famous leader of a group of Resistance fighters.

Nancy Wake was a truly remarkable woman. The story is underpinned with in-depth historical research, but as the author points out, it is a work of fiction. This can be seen in the amount of time devoted to the romance between Henri and Nancy, delicious, but not really historically significant except for the fact that it drove her to devote herself to becoming a spy and Resistance fighter.

The book is well written and quite exciting to read. My only quibble is that the author is constantly switching between one phase of Nancy’s life and another. I didn’t find the discontinuity too difficult to follow, but it does detract from the narrative timeline.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

A Corrupt Politician Ensnares Two Innocent People in His Schemes

Oliver Ward, a prominent member of the House of Commons, finds himself in Dartmoor Prison wrongly accused of stealing a ruby necklace from his political rival. He luckily escapes the prison while on a work detail, but is severely injured.

Maggie Lee, an opera singer, has exiled herself to a house on the moor because an admirer threatened to destroy her career and her father’s business when she refused his advances. She finds Oliver on the moor and very ill. After nursing him back to health, they discover that they have both been betrayed by the same man over the stolen ruby necklace.

This is a delightful Victorian romance. Maggie and Oliver are strong characters trying to follow God’s will. He is a champion of the poor. Maggie has chosen a profession that was looked down on at the time. Together they make a formidable pair trying to prove Oliver’s innocence.

The plot of the book is excellent, but at times in the beginning the action moves slowly. However, once Maggie and Oliver decide to prove his innocence the pace picks up. In addition, to Oliver and Maggie, the book is peopled with interesting characters. I particularly liked Barrow. He was a guard and very severe with Oliver, but his character grew during the story.

If you enjoy a romance with action rather than erotic fancies, this is a good one.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing for this review.

A Beautifully Illustrated Story of Major Incidents in Jesus’ Life Leading to Easter

Unlike many storybooks that have Easter as a major theme, this book includes incidents in Jesus’ life leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. The illustrations are wonderful and true to the characteristics of people who would have lived during Jesus’ lifetime.

The stories are a single page and clearly written. The older children, seven or eight, should be able to read the stories for themselves. However, the book is designed for families to read together, which is the best way to introduce children to the story of Jesus. Each story starts with the Bible quotation on which the story is based and finishes with questions for parents and children to discuss.

I recommend this book as a way to share Jesus and the story of his sacrifice with your children,

I received this book from Karen Campbell Media for this review.

A New Murder Revives Memories of Old Crimes

A man is bludgeoned to death in a wooded area near the village of Canfield. Before he’s killed he scrabbles in the ground to hid a ledger. In his pocket is found a beer mat from the Red Lion Pub. None of the clues target a suspect, but DS Karen Hart and he boss DI Scott Morgan have had suspicions about the Red Lion before.

When they arrive to question the proprietors, they discover several men living in the garage. The facilities are almost non-existent which leads the investigators to question whether the proprietors are running a human trafficking ring.

This is the third book in the series. While it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, exposure to the previous books will flesh out the motives in this novel. It is much easier to understand Karen’s motivations when you read that the last time she had a case involving the Red Lion her husband and daughter were killed in an automobile accident.

The narrative is written in the third person, but the major characters all have chapters for their points of view. This gives us a view into why DS Hart is so focused on finding the answers when the Red Lion becomes a focus of the investigation and why DI Morgan tries to keep to himself.

This is a well written police procedural. I liked the psychological aspects. The author gives you a window into understanding what drives the investigators as well as the finding the clues to the new crime.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

A Combat Veteran Struggles to Adjust and Finds Faith

Gary Beikirch, a Green Beret combat medic, was seriously wounded when the Viet Cong attacked the village of Dak Saeng. Gary treated the wounded until he succumbed to his own wounds. For his bravery, he was presented the Medal of Honor.

Gary was one of the lucky ones, although his wounds were serious, including an injury to his spine, he recovered and was able to walk again, but his mind was also wounded. He experienced bouts of anger, addiction and PTSD. Finally, in an effort to find himself, he retreated to a cave in the Appalachian Mountain Range. There he found God and gave himself up to his faith.

This excellent book celebrates the trials and successes of one of our brave soldiers. After the Vietnam War, many people who did not believe in the war were not supportive of the returning soldiers. Gary’s story is only one of many. It reminds us of how lucky we are as Americans to have soldiers who will defend us.

The scenes in the battle for Dak Saeng are vivid and frightening. Painting a picture of the horrific events that led up to Gary’s hospitalization and subsequent problems. The author did an excellent job of telling the story. The pace is fast. It’s hard to put the book down. I recommend this book. It will help you understand how much our soldiers give both in and out of uniform.

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review.

Three Generations of Women Must Face Their Mutual Dependence

Olivia is struggling with her life in Seattle. She thought it was what she wanted when she left Cape Sanctuary, but now her job is just work, and her relationship with her boyfriend is unsatisfactory. She’s also having panic attacks in public places because she witnessed a crazed customer attack a barista in the coffee shop she frequents.

When a call comes from her best friend that her mother, Julia, has had a bad fall from a ladder, Olivia knows that she must go home even though she and her mother have been estranged for years. Olivia’s father was killed in a fire and ever since her mother has been running a garden center by herself and bringing up her granddaughter, Caitlin.

Caitlin feels resentment that Olivia has been away for such a long time and worries that it will disrupt her relationship with Julia. Caitlin is illegitimate, the daughter of Olivia’s sister, Natalie, who died of a drug overdose, and an unknown father. Using a DNA test registry, Caitlin is trying to find her father.

The complex personal relationships make this an interesting book. However, the women have been hiding from each other for so long you want to shake them. The story is told from multiple perspectives so we get to know each of the main characters. I found the contrasting viewpoints helpful in understanding their relationships.

This is a slow moving romantic story. I thought the men, Vance Cooper Olivia’s old crush, and Henry, who lives next door to Julia, were one of the best features of the story. They were strong men, but caring. If you enjoy romance in a beautiful setting, you’ll like this story.

I received this book from Harlequin for this review.

Victim 2117 Sets Off a Chain of Terror

Joan Aiguader, a down on his luck reporter, thinks he has a story about the migration to Europe when victim 2117 washes up on the coast of Cyprus. He knows he’s on to something bigger when the woman is turned over and instead of drowning, she was killed by a stab wound in her back.

Alexander, an isolated teenager, stays in his room playing video games and building anger toward the world. Victim 2117 is his sign to take action.

Department Q, headed by Detective Carl Mørck becomes involved through Assad. The victim is someone from his past. He knows the murder spells possible acts of international terrorism. Finally, he breaks his silence on his background as he and his co-workers are drawn into a very dangerous plot.

This is an outstanding Department Q Novel. The plot is complex involving not only the characters from Department Q, Carl, Rose, Gordon, and Assad, but a troubled teen, an international terrorist, and a news reporter. The action pulses with tension as events unfold.

The characters in Department Q are shown to advantage as they work together against two fronts, a teenager who wants to take out his hostility on his family and the world, and Ghallib, an international terrorist who has ties to Assad’s past. I think this is one of the best Department Q novels from the standpoint of plot and getting to know more about the characters. I highly recommend it.

I received this book from Penguin Random House for this review.

A Russian Mobster and a Reporter Find True Love

Cassie McClintock is a reporter at the local television station in New Orleans. She made her mark by following the story of one of New Orleans mobsters. Kir Vasilek, second in command to Sergei, the most powerful man in organized crime in New Orleans, gave her the lead. She and Kir had a magical moment described in the previous book, His to Defend, but when she discovered he was a mobster, she dropped the connection. Now she wishes she hadn’t.

She’s worried about hanging on to her job and is looking for a new story. Perhaps it would be a good time to reconnect with Kir. Their feelings are still strong and when a death in Kir’s family makes him pull Cassie close, she can’t resist, because she knows he needs her help.

Kir is the kind of handsome hero, polite, polished and besotted with Cassie,you can’t help but love. Cassie starts the story conflicted about her relationship with Kir, but that quickly passes when the two come together and Cassie gets to know the people Kir has chosen for his family. She’s never known a close family and is immediately attracted to Kir’s.

There is some action particularly toward the end of the book, but the focus of the story is on Cassie and Kir and how they come to love and depend on each other. This is a well written, engaging love story with minor characters like Aunt Freda that you will fall in love with.

I received this book from Harlequin for this review.

The Royal Children of Anniera Flee for Their Lives

The Igiby family, Janner, Tink and Leeli, are on the move again, pursued by creatures intent on their destruction. They are staying in the tree house of Peet, the Sock Man. Podo, their grandfather, is trying to protect the brood from Toothy Cows by running drills to get them quickly into the tree house. This opening scene in addition to introducing some of the fantastical creatures pursuing the children, highlights the tensions between them.

Tink, the second oldest, is King while Janner, the oldest, is the Throne Warden tasked with protecting the King. As any parent knows having the oldest protect his younger siblings is good training, but it does lead to clashes when the oldest doesn’t understand why the work always falls on him. This conflict runs through the book and leads to a satisfying ending.

This is an excellent fantasy series that will appeal to both parents and children. The characters are well developed and the tensions in the family are realistic. Although the plot of the book is a chase scene where great dangers come close to tragedy, but valiant rescues regularly occur, the interesting characters and clever descriptions of the fantastical enemies makes for easy reading that pulls you along. The book is hard to put down.

This is well written fantasy of the model of Lord of the Rings. I recommend this book for the whole family.

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review.

An Old Manor House Holds the Secret to Murder

Twenty years ago, two young people disappeared during a house party at Oxford Manor. The bodies were never found, and it was assumed they ran off together until Puck, a waif-like young woman who lives on the estate, discovers the remains of one of the missing couple. She tells no one until Sara, Kate, and Jack arrive.

Sara arranged the outing at Oxford Manor run by her friend, Bella. Kate and Jack are scheduled to go on to Scotland, a trip Jack is eager to take, but when Puck tells him about the body, the three decide to stay.

Sara has another surprise planned for the trip. She has invited the group of friends who were at the manor the night of the disappearance. She thinks they may be able to help solve the old murder. From the time the guests arrive, things get complicated and dangerous.

This is an enjoyable cozy mystery. Sara, Kate and Jack make a great team. Sara is eager to solve the mystery and Kate is equally eager to help her. Jack, having experienced their last foray in mystery solving, is not so enthusiastic, but he wants to protect Sara and Kate. This is the third book in the series. I have not read the other two, but this one was fine as a standalone.

The setting is fabulous, an old manor house that has been beautifully restored with a mysterious wilderness on the grounds. The description of the manor’s interior is nothing short of fabulous. It makes you wonder where all the money came from. Apparently it came from Sara, who is a famous novelist,

which adds an interesting twist to a plot that is full of them.

I received this book from Harlequin for this review.

Family Secrets Set the Stage for Romance

Joe Arneson is in a mental hospital because of violent recurring dreams that frightened his father, step-mother, and little sister, Linda. Joe thinks he’s basically all right. He doesn’t want his family terrified, but equally he doesn’t want to try his doctor’s latest idea of electroshock therapy. When Pearl, shows up with her lawyer, telling him she’s his grandmother, he’s ready to escape. The problem is that his father told him his grandmother had been dead for years.

This story is told in two time periods, 1916 and 1983. In 1916, Pearl’s father was newly widowed and trying to raise seven daughters. Alice, the elders, had taken on the maternal role at which she was excellent. Pearl, the second oldest, had no interest in domestic chores. She wanted to be an actress and leave the small Wisconsin town. Then tragedy struck and Pearl has still not recovered.

In 1983, Joe and Kathleen work together to clean out the family house and in the process discover the family secrets. As they work together, they become attached to each other. Joe hopes to have a life with her and wants to expose the secrets to bring his family back together.

The book is enjoyable to read. I often find stories told in two time periods are difficult to follow. However, this one is well coordinated. Joe and Kathleen are characters you can enjoy. The have good values and want to help Pearl resolve her problems before she dies. I liked Pearl a great deal. She’s a feisty old lady in spite of her demons.

If you enjoy a romance with family secrets, this is a good one.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Veronica and Stoker Again Caught up in a Royal Scandal

As the ripper stalks London, Veronica and Speedwell are hard at work on their projects. This changes abruptly when Lady Wellie asks for their help. Prince Albert Victor had become entangled with a woman, Madame Aurore, who runs a scandalous private club. He plans to gift her with a jeweled star, her favorite jewel. Because he plans to use his mother, Princess Alexandra’s, jeweler, the star could be traced to the royal family and would cause a scandal. Even worse, there are rumors that the prince could be the ripper.

Confronted with Princess Alexandra, her step-mother, Veronica refuses to help. She’s been snubbed by the royal family and sees no reason to help them. Stoker tells her that it’s her duty to the country. Finally, she agrees and they set off to Madame Aurore’s club to steal the jewel, but is anything ever that simple when Veronica and Stoker set out to solve a problem?

This is the fifth book in the Veronica Speedwell series. As usual, Veronica is a witty, sarcastic, and her own woman. She may love Stoker, but in many ways she’s in charge. I love Stoker. He takes care of Veronica without making her feel inferior. I thought at the end of the last book that we would see more of a sexual relationship, but they’re still teetering on the edge of commitment.

I was a little disappointed in the plot. There were gorgeous scenes at Madame Aurore’s, and it was nice to see Veronica getting to know her little brother, but much of the plot moved slowly with great swathes of dialog. It’s not my favorite in the series, but it’s a good read. It you’re a fan, don’t miss it.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

A Motivating and Inspiration Guide to Leadership

Mark Divine, an ex-Navy Seal Commander, shares his approach to leadership and building elite teams. I enjoyed his descriptions of his failures in team-building as well as his successes. It underlines the point that team-building requires learning both about yourself and the skills to inspire others.

In the introduction and first chapter, Divine discusses the personality characteristic required to be an effective leader and includes an exercise at the end of chapter one for you to assess yourself. I thought this was exactly the right place to start. Staring down the wolf is a phrase that says that you have to first conquer your fears before you can inspire others. It’s an apt title for this book.

In the remaining book, Divine devotes a chapter complete with exercises to each of the concepts he feels are most important for leadership and team-building: courage, trust, respect, growth, excellence, resiliency, and alignment. The chapters are interesting and easy to read partly because the author includes examples of his personal experience.

I’ve read many leadership books. I can’t say this one brings any earth-shattering new concepts to the field, however, it does discuss the concepts in an interesting an informative way. I particularly liked his action steps and exercises. They give you a way to plan for team-building and evaluate yourself.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

The Salt Marshes of Atlantic City are the Resting Place of Women Murder Victims

Unlike it’s hay-day when Atlantic City rivaled Las Vegas, it has come down in the world. Buildings are closed, drug dealers abound and anonymous women struggle to survive. Some of them weren’t so lucky. A serial killer is preying on these unfortunates and leaving their bodies in the salt marsh behind a hotel outside the city.

The story focuses on two young women. Lily has returned home from what she thought would be a glittering career in the New York art world. She was making a name as a critic with the possibility of one day becoming a gallery owner. Betrayed by her artist boyfriend, she now works as a receptionist in one of the struggling spas. The other woman, Clara, is little more than a girl. She dropped out of high school to help make money. She has some psychic abilities and offers readings in a rundown shop. She lives with her aunt who is more exploiting than helpful and is leading her into a life she doesn’t want, selling herself to men for entertainment.

Other characters in the novel are a deaf-mute janitor who works at the spa and knows things about the area other people don’t. The serial killer also appears. Told from different points of view and different voices, these characters give the novel a rich texture.

This is a mystery novel, but it is also a novel with a message about the exploitation of women and some who have the grit to survive and prosper. It’s not an easy book to read. It starts slowly and the pace gradually increases as Clara and Lily try to make sense of Clara’s visions that appear to be of women in dangerous situations.

It you enjoy a sophisticated mystery novel that presents a realistic picture of women struggling to survive in an exploitative atmosphere, I highly recommend this novel.

I received this book from Simon & Schuster for this review.

An Amish Teacher Faces a Test of Her Independence

Eva Coglentz is thirty. Since fifteen when her parents died, she’s lived with her older brother and taken care of her grandparents. Now she wants to have her own life. She’s taken a job in Maine as a teacher in a new Amish school well away from her brother in Ohio. She has no experience teaching, but she loves books and children and hopes she’ll succeed.

Almost immediately, she meets Willie, the village blacksmith. He has taken on the responsibility for his three step-siblings now that their parents are dead. Eva immediately loves the children, particularly Maddie and her imaginary friend Bubbles. She also begins to have tender feelings for Willie. Willie reciprocates her feelings, but has an embarrassing secret that keeps him from believing he’s worthy of her.

Then Eva’s older brother sends for her to come home and care for his wife’s mother. She desperately wants to stay in Maine and live her own life, but the pull of family is strong.

This is a lovely story. Eva is clearly meant to be a teacher. She understands children and wants to do the best for them. I was rooting for her to stand up to her brother and continue to make her own life. Willie is equally, a sympathetic character. He wants to do the best for his siblings, but it isn’t easy for a man alone.

The background is well done and there is a good deal of information about dyslexia, a problem that interferes with a child’s ability to read. If you enjoy a love story with wonderful, caring people, this is a good choice.

I received this book from Harlequin for this review.