The House by the Cemetery by Lisa Childs

 

What do you think about cemeteries?  Peaceful or scary?  I think they are peaceful, but I know that they scare a lot of people.

River Gold has returned to her hometown of Gold Creek Michigan at the death of her father, Gregory Gold.  Gregory Gold was an entrepreneur funeral home owner.  His original funeral home was in Gold Creek, but he has started a chain of funeral homes across the country that has brought him great wealth.  Gregory was also extremely vain and a womanizer. River’s mother, Fiona, is his last and current wife.  His first two wives still live in the family compound. When River was a pregnant teen, she escaped from Gold Creek and carved a life out for herself in California with her daughter Sarah, and Grandma, Mabel.  She has always wondered what happened to her high school love and Sarah’s father, Michael.  Why didn’t he meet her when she was going to leave town?  Michael’s brother, Luke, is now the Sheriff and is investing Gregory’s death as a murder.  Who murdered Gregory and why? 

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a perfect read for this time of year.  It had just the right amount of suspense, spookiness, and romance.

·       This was the type of novel where there were many in the family who wanted to kill Gregory for good reason.  I did not guess the killer in this one. 

·       I loved the cover and use of purple.

·       I especially liked that there was a family tree at the beginning of the novel.  I made use of it often as I got to know the characters.

·       There was one mystery I kept wondering about throughout the novel that got a semi-conclusion in the epilogue.  I hope there is a book two to flesh out this story more.

·       This was a quick read, which I loved in this busy time of year.

·       The story was told through multiple narrators including the killer at times.  I could have done without the killer’s thoughts.

·       I enjoyed the family drama and especially liked River, Luke, and Sarah.

Overall, this was an enjoyable light spooky mystery suspense novel that was perfect for the Halloween season.

Book Source:  Review copy from Kensington Books. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

 

Title:  Apples Never Fall

Author:  Liane Moriarty

Narrated by:  Caroline Lee

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Length: Approximately 18 hours and 3 minutes

Source: Checked out with Libby through the Kewaunee Public Library.  Thank-you!

What is your favorite type of apple?

Joy Delaney has gone missing.  Her four children ponder on whether they should contact the police.  Their father, Stan, fought with Joy the last time he saw her.  Is that why she disappeared?  Does her disappearance have anything to do with Savannah, a young stranger, who appeared mysteriously and stayed with Stan and Joy one year ago?  Where is Joy and will she be found alive?

My thoughts:

·       This was the October pick for the Kewaunee Page-turners Book Club.  I read it back in September, but I sadly missed the meeting due to a work conflict.

·       Apples Never Fall was an expertly crafted story.  I was fully engaged and enjoyed all the twists and turns as I’ve grown to expect from author Liane Moriarty.

·       I love how the reader gets to know the entire family and all the characters.

·       Poor Joy so wants to be a grandmother.  She has four adult children who can’t seem to keep a serious relationship.

·       The audiobook had an excellent narrator who gave personality all the characters and their voices.  I also liked her Australian accent.

·       Tennis was definitely a large part of this story, but it didn’t overwhelm someone like me who doesn’t know much about tennis.

·       It was a great look a sibling rivalry and parent/child relationships.

·       The end of the novel details life during COVID.

·       What ultimately happened to Joy ended up being a bit of a let down at the end of the novel, but I liked the overall twist at the end.

·       The novel had moments of humor that I enjoyed.

Overall, Apples Never Fall was an engaging family drama and suspense story.

Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

What is your favorite type of jewelry?  Or do you prefer to not wear any jewelry?  I lovw my pearl necklace that my husband bought for me a gift years ago.  A missing pearl necklace is featured in Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly.

Emma Knightley is newly married and enjoying life.  Life takes a turn in Highbury when together when her friend Harriet, they discover the murdered body of Mrs. Elton.  Who murdered Mrs. Elton and why?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       I greatly enjoyed this cozy mystery.

·       Vanessa Kelly has perfect captured Jane Austen’s characters from Emma. This was a great continuation from the classic novel.  It starts about one year after the conclusion of Emma.

·       I liked getting to see the married couples of Emma and George Knightley, Harriet and Robert Martin, Jane and Frank Churchill.

·       I felt like there were hints that perhaps Mr. Woodhouse could have feelings for Miss Bates.  I would like to see this storyline develop in further novels.

·       This is labeled “An Emma Knightley Mystery.”  In the press release, it states that this will be a series featuring Emma as the detective and in the future, there may be crossovers from other Austen novels.  I would love to read more in this series.

·       There were many red herrings in this mystery, and I enjoyed the journey.  I guess the murderer early on, but I didn’t fully believe they were the killer until the very end.  The mystery had a satisfying conclusion.

·       I loved that Emma retains her wit from the original novel and had many funny and witty conversations.

·       I liked that George Knightley is the magistrate.  This makes sense and really gives him an intricate role into the investigation.

Favorite Quote: “I cannot believe Mrs. Elton would approve of so frugal a state of affairs.  She is no doubt looking down – or up  from wherever she is, mortified at such cheeseparing ways.”

Overall, Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly is an engaging cozy historical mystery full of witty banter and it is a great continuation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma. 

Book Source:  Review copy from Kensington Books as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

First in a captivating new series, Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley entertains a different role in Highbury—going from clever matchmaker to Regency England’s shrewdest sleuth.

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .  

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Brimming with all the wit and charm one can expect from a visit to Jane Austen’s world, Murder in Highbury presents Austen’s beloved and interfering character Emma with a murder. When Emma puts her clever wits to use to discover the murderer who hides among them, danger and humor mingle to provide us with mystery, delight, and a clever new sleuth. Author Vanessa Kelly writes with an experienced touch and clear fondness for her well-beloved characters, giving us the sequel we formerly could merely long for and imagine.”— Christina Dodd, New York Times bestselling author

AUTHOR BIO

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph. D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

What is your favorite Christmas treat?  I have always heard of sugar plums, but this novel made me want to try one for myself.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves Christmas at her home of Plumford Manor.  She wonders though how life will play out in the future as the estate is entailed to a distant relation of her stepfather, Cyril Lightbourne.  Cyril was once her childhood friend, but as they got older, they grew apart. This Christmas, both Cyril and her brother’s friend Lord Soren Gyldenkrone will be visiting.  Both men have just had an unsuccessful time wooing another lady, and now they are both competing for Mariah’s affection.  Will Mariah find her happily ever after? 

My thoughts on this novel:

·       I love historical Christmas romance and enjoyed this sweet romantic tale.

·       Mariah was a great character who was sweet, bubbly, and very expressive.  She wears her heart on her sleeve, which is not what is always proper in a lady.

·       I always enjoy love triangles in romance, although I was a little thrown in this one as they had just been competing for the affections of another woman.  I felt like Mariah was the second choice and not getting the love she deserved at first, but luckily, I feel that she did get the happy ending that she deserved.

·       I thought the novella took a great look at redemption. Both the male leads realize that they have errored in their ways and they both ask for forgiveness and make amends.

·       I enjoyed that the book was set in winter and that winter and Christmas traditions were explored.

·       I appreciated that the novel had a great relationship between Mariah and her stepfather.  I haven’t seen that too much in novels.  The stepparent is too often cast as the evil villain.

·       This novella is a clean read.

·       I love reading novellas during the holiday season.  Life is busy at the holidays and it’s a perfect length to enjoy during a busy time.

·       I enjoyed the author’s note that contained interesting details about sugar plums.  There is also a recipe for a Plum Kringle.  Kringles are a specialty here in Wisconsin, but I have never had a plum Kringle.  The recipe looked tasty.

·       There is a great sneak peak of Roseanna M. White’s next novel, An Honorable Deception, which is the final novel in The Imposters series.  I enjoyed the first two novels in this series.

Overall, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White is a sweet historical romance that has all many Christmas traditions to get you in the holiday spirit.

Book Source:  Review copy from Bethany House as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

ADVANCE PRAISE

"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions...It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."— Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas

"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

AUTHOR BIO

Roseanna M. White (RoseannaMWhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright (AustenProse PR Book Tour)

 

Do you believe in ghosts?  I just went on a haunted trolly tour of Door County with one of my book clubs and it was a lot of fun.  I always enjoy a good ghost story.

Marian Anderson has lost her parents and her home in Milwaukee in 1921 after prohibition has caused the shut down of her family brewery.  She retains her family’s country estate, Mullerian, in rural Wisconsin near Milwaukee.  As she settles in, death seems to surround the estate and Marian has limited time to discover who the killer is before her own time is up.  In present day, Remy has moved to Mullerian Manor to help an author write a book about Marian Anderson and the Butterfly Butcher serial killer.  Will Remy be able to solve the mystery of both Marian and her own past?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The gothic atmosphere of this novel made this a perfect read for October.  I loved the ghosts and haunted house aspects.  I especially love a house with passages that lead to no where and secret entrances and exits.

·       The cover of this novel is beautiful, and I love how it features the glass butterfly house which is an important part of the story in both timelines.

·       As a resident of Wisconsin, I really loved the Wisconsin setting.  I also enjoyed the historical aspect as I always wonder how different breweries made it through prohibition and all the bars.  I know the major breweries started producing soda pop, but not everyone made the switch.

·       There were side characters in each timeline that were interesting.  I particularly enjoyed Marian’s childhood friend Felix, a WWI veteran who has returned with demons of his own.

·       I thought it was very interesting that the book looked into mental health in a sensitive and thoughtful way.

·       The storyline was intriguing, and it kept me engaged throughout.  Especially towards the end I could not put this book down.  I did not guess the ending to the mysteries.

·       Both storylines were equally engaging.  Sometimes I like on storyline in a dual storyline book more than the other.  It was not the case in this novel!

·       There are great discussion questions for a book club at the end and a sneak peek into Jaime Jo Wright’s next book which is set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  I can’t wait to read it when it comes out next spring.

Favorite Quotes:

“Death had always been fashionable.  Women celebrated it by donning black silks and feathers and shawls and lace.  Men acknowledged it with a band on their hat or a mourning ring on their finger.  Of course, that was more to announce their eligibility than anything else.  For what man could continue to flourish in life without a wife to manage his household and rear his children?”  Great 1^st paragraph of the novel!

“There were no bodies.  Nothing but broken wings and the memory of someone who smiled when death came to call.”

“People have this measuring stick they use and hold one another up to.  If you’re running a tad short, then something’s wrong with you.”

Overall, Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright was an engaging Gothic historical mystery romance set in Wisconsin that was perfect for the spooky season.

Book Source:  Review copy from Bethany House as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

An ominous butterfly house. A sinister legacy. An untraceable killer.

In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron's empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family's Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian's sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer's ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past.

In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer's quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold's mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian's great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?

ADVANCE PRAISE

"Readers will be eager to take this twisty, suspense-filled ride."— Publishers Weekly

AUTHOR BIO

Jaime Jo Wright is the author of twelve novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She's also a four-time Christy Award finalist, as well as the ECPA bestselling author of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater, and two Publishers Weekly bestselling novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her family and fabulous felines. Learn more at JaimeWrightBooks.com.

The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock (Bibliolifestyle Book Tour)

 

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harpermusebooks for the review copy of The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock.

What type of setting would you like to see more of?  I love books set in the South and would love to see and read more of them.

In 1932 on Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia, Cleo Woodbine has come to work as a companion to a visitor of the Carnagie family who still maintain an estate on the island.  She also wants to explore the island that inspired her grandfather who wrote a classic book of fables as the resident artist of the Carnegies.  What dramatic events will occur that will change the lives of so many?

In 1959, Cleo Woodbine is a famous artist and recluse who lives alone on Kingdom Come, a tiny strip of land where the servants from Cumberland Island once lived.  Frances Flood has come to visit and find out the truth of what happened to her mother in 1932.  Will she uncover secrets from the past?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This story is told in a very interesting way.  There are three points of view in 1959 – Cleo, Frances, and Aubrey, a young widow that runs a local inn.  The viewpoint told in 1932 is that of “Fable.”  It was a great story, but I always wondered how much of it was true, and how much it was a “fable” told through Cleo’s eyes.  1932 was also the story of what happened when Cleo told a “fable” that impacted many lives.

·       I enjoyed both the 1932 and 1959 stories equally.

·       I loved the main characters and the stories of Cleo, Frances, and Aubrey.  The secondary characters were also full-bodied and interesting as well.

·       I liked how the mountain lion eludes hunters in both timelines and has lived for thirty years.

·       The mystery of 1939 and what exactly happened intrigued me, but the richness of the rest of the story and characters also made me savor the story.

·       I loved the setting.  I am ready to visit Cumberland Island now.  I looked up pictures of the island and both the natural setting and historic buildings are beautiful. 

·       A great author’s note at the end describes the author’s research into Cumberland Island and its history.

·       I enjoyed how a circus train was brought into the story.

·       It was interesting how the book goes through societal changes that are occurring and how they impact this community.

Favorite Quotes:

“She let herself recall the days when it had seemed their whole lives waiting beyond the horizon.  But their story had turned out to be a fable, a cautionary tale.”

“I thought about Korea.  Troops were integrated there.  I saw what they could be like and what it should be.  I figured it was maybe a place to start.  But there’s some that just can’t stop fighting an old battle.”

“What did she know about any of this?  Only that fear and blame ended up making monsters out of shadows, and fools out of even the most well-meaning men.”

Overall, The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock was a compelling well written story, with fascinating characters and a great historical mystery.

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman

 

Title: The Dark Days Club

Author:  Alison Goodman

Narrated by:  Fiona Hardingham

Publisher: Brillance Audio

Length: Approximately 14 hours and 59 minutes

Source: Purchased from Audible.

What’s the last series you started?  I just read The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman last month for the JASNA Northwoods Book Club.  I sadly missed the meeting due to being ill, but I enjoyed reading this first book in the Lady Helen Trilogy.  I am ready to read the next book in the series!

It’s 1812 and Lady Helen Wrexhall is preparing for her presentation to Queen Charlotte.  Her mother, Lady Catherine, mysteriously died when Helen was a child, and she has been labeled as a traitor to England.  Lady Helen’s uncle and aunt hope that all can be forgotten and that she will make an excellent match.  At her presentation, she meets the mysterious and scandalous Lord Carlston.  As she searches for her family’s missing housemaid, she must enlist his help.  Along the way she also finds out secrets within her family.  Will she be ale to embrace who she really is?  What does she want to do with her life?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a historical fantasy novel with paranormal elements.  It’s a perfect book for fall reading.

·       This novel was a world building novel.  I look forward to the other books in this series that build on this novel.

·       There was a love triangle in the story, but it was obvious who would end together.  The focus of the story was on the world building and not on the romance.

·       The fantasy elements are that there are creators (Deceivers) living among the humans in Regency England that use energy tentacles to suck the life force out of unsuspecting humans.  Reclaimers use magical items and can see the Deceivers and use their powers to battle them.

·       I loved Lady Helen and her intelligence and independence.

·       This novel has great secondary characters and friends.  I especially liked her maid, Darby, and their relationship.

·       There was a great author’s note at the end of the novel.  Author Alison Goodman did a lot of research on the Regency period, and it shows in the historical detail in this novel.

·       I still want to know what exactly happened to Lady Helen’s parents and Lord Carlston’s wife.  Hopefully this will be explored in future novels.

·       I did feel that this novel could have been trimmed down to focus more on the action.

·       Fiona Hardingham was a great narrator on the audiobook.  She had unique voices for all the characters.

Overall, The Dark Days Club was an entertaining and interesting historical fiction novel and the great start to a new series.

The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman (Bibliolifestyle Book Tour)

 

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for a review copy of The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman.

What types of books do you like to read in the fall?  I love reading mysteries, thrillers, and anything with a Halloween vibe.  The Shadow Key was a Gothic historical mystery and fit right in with what I want to be reading in the fall.

In 18^th century Wales, Dr. Henry Talbot took a job at the Plas Helyg estate after losing his prestigious job in London after a medical mishap.  He discovers the lady of the estate has mental troubles and is mostly bedridden.  Her daughter Linette is unconventional and likes to wear pants while working on the estate.  As Henry and Linette grow closer, Henry starts to realize that something is very wrong at the estate.  Will he figure out why and be able to help those at the estate?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The Shadow Key had a dark and foreboding feeling as soon as the book began, which gave me great fall vibes.

·       The people of Wales are distrustful of a newcomer from London even though he was sent to help.

·       Copper mining has taken over the land and is performed in unsafe conditions.  I am always intrigued with books that include mining.

·       I loved the historical Gothic suspense and the atmosphere of the entire novel.  It reminded me of Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt novels that I have enjoyed in the past.

·       Merlin the dog was a favorite of mine in the novel.  He was a heroic dog and his story pulled at my heartstrings.

·       This novel does feature an insta love story line, which is not my favorite trope.  It is a closed-door romance.

·       The historical mystery was enjoyable.  There were some great plot twists at the end that surprised me.  I read this book slowly, but surely until the end when I really wanted to figure out what had happened.

·       I don’t want to go into details on the plot, as it is fun to experience the plot twists without knowing what will happen.

·       I have not read Pandora by this author, but I want to after finishing this book.

Overall, The Shadow Key is an engrossing historical mystery with great Gothic vibes and plot twists.

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

 

What is your book club reading lately?  I’m in several different book clubs and we read a lot of different genres.  Blackmore by Julianne Donaldson was one of my book club reads for September.

Kate Worthington has decided that she will never marry, and she really wants to journey to India with her aunt.  Her mother agrees to her trip to India if she can get and reject three marriage proposals.  Kate travels to a house party at Blackmore in hopes of fulfilling her part of the bargain.  Will she be able to and what secrets will she uncover?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was one of the September picks for the JASNA Northwoods Book Club.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling well and missed this book club this month.

·       This novel is told from the first-person point of view.

·       It is told through the present and flashbacks to tell the story of why Kate no longer wants to marry.

·       This novel is set in 1820 and is a sweet Regency romance.

·       Kate has problems with her family.  Her mother is overbearing and throws herself at every man she sees.  It’s deeply implied that she cheats on Kate’s father all the time.  She wants Kate to get married, but also seems to want to be attractive to any potential suitors.  This was very awkward.

·       Her entire life, Kate has wanted to see the estate of Blackmoore.  It is her childhood best friend, Henry Delafield’s grandfather’s estate and will be Henry’s upon his death.

·       Henry’s mother has invited the lovely Miss St. Claire in hopes that Henry will propose to her during the house party.  Henry’s mother does not like Kate due to Kate’s family.

·       The mystery involved in this book really drew me into the story.  Why does Kate not want to marry anyone?  What exactly happened that cut off her family from Henry’s family? 

·       I liked the characters of Kate and Henry and getting to know them.  The other characters were one-dimensional and were not very likeable.

·       This book had a darker Gothic vibe which seemed more like Jane Eyre mixed with Pride and Prejudice.

·       This novel was a clean read.

Overall, Blackmoore was an entertaining Regency romance.

Book Source:  Checked out from the Kewaunee Public Library. Thank-you!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.