Katherine by Anya Seton

Title: Katherine

Author:  Anya Seton

Narrated by:  Lorna Bennett

Publisher: HarperAudio

Length: Approximately 29 hours and 50 minutes

Source: Purchased from Audible.

  Do you still have any fall color in your area?  I still have a couple of trees in my yard that are slowly turning color, while most other trees are bare at this time.

 Katherine by Anya Seton is a historical fiction classic.  It tells the story of Katherine Swynford, and her love affair with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, son of the King.  This story is set during the 14^th century and the ripples of their love would affect the royal family for centuries to come.

 My thoughts on this novel:

·       I read this book as part of the Back to the Classics Book Club at the Kewaunee Public Library for our October read.  I had previously read this book around twenty years ago for my classics book club in Milwaukee.

·       Anya Seton is one of my favorite authors, but it has been a while since I’ve read one of her novels.  She writes unique historical stories that capture my imagination.

·       In Katherine, Seton paints a vivid picture of life in 14^th century England.  I felt like I was there.

·       The black death was brutal.  Katherine comes across a castle where the inhabitants are infected.  Instead of running away, she goes into danger to help.  Besides the black death, there is also the peasants’ revolt later in the novel.  She lived through very tumultuous times.

·       Katherine is a virtuous woman who does not give into the Duke’s affections until the death of her husband.  They IMMEDIATELY get together at his death, which seemed rushed to me.

·       The first half of the novel is Katherine’s early life, her marriage, having her first children, and it ends with her husband’s death and her getting together with the Duke.  The novel then skips forward a few years at this point and the second half of the novel covered a longer time period.

·       I kept pondering, what choice does Katherine have in any of this?  I realized at one point that Katherine really has little say if John of Gaunt wants her as his mistress.  She realized this in the book right after I did.  She tries to leave and go back to her own land, but she is roped back into being with the Duke.

·       Religion and faith play a big role in Katherine’s life even though she is most famously known as a mistress.

·       The fact that John of Gaunt eventually married Katherine and legitimized their children really showed to me that there was true love in their relationship.

·       I listened to this very long audiobook while traveling for work last month.  I found it very engaging, and it made my drives seem very short.

Favorite Quote: “Why does the whole world smell of blood and fire?  Why?”

Overall, Katherine by Anya Seton is a masterpiece of historical fiction and paints a vivid picture of the medieval life of an extraordinary woman.

 

A Truth Revealed by Tracie Peterson (Austenprose PR Book Tour)

 

What is your favorite fall food?  I really love butternut squash.

Laura Evans has grown up attending schools after her mother’s tragic death.  Now a young woman, she reunites with her father, Granite Evans, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  She hopes that she will be able to develop a relationship with her father.  Laura meets and is drawn to Wilson (Will) Porter.  Will has traveled west to be a pastor to the Shoshone tribe, but after a tragedy, he is not sure about his faith and whether he should continue his ministry.  What caused the tragedy?  What secrets does Granite Evans keep?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The plot of this novel was intriguing and kept me reading too far into the night.  There were a few mysteries and storylines that I really wanted to see resolved.

·       I really enjoyed the western setting, and that Granite Evans owned a store.  I loved all the descriptions of the store.

·       A Truth Revealed is a very Christian novel, which I liked.  Laura is very faithful and attends church.  She is working on bringing her father, who no longer believes after the death of her mother, back to church.

·       Will’s mother and sister are murdered on their way to live with him by what appears to be an Indian attack.  This shakes Will’s faith.  Will he be able to regain his faith and move on with his life?

·       The secondary characters that attend church with Laura or work at her father’s home are also interesting and complete the Cheyenne community.

·       I enjoyed the sweet romance between Laura and Will.

·       This was a clean read.

·       This was the third novel in The Heart of Cheyenne series.  These novels all took place in Cheyenne.  I have not read the first two novels, but I had no problems with reading this novel as a standalone.  I do want to go back and read the first two novels.

·       The story takes place not too long after the Civil War.  Will Porter is a veteran.

Overall, A Truth Revealed by Tracie Peterson is an intriguing Christian historical romance set in the old West that deals with the themes of forgiveness and returning to your faith.  This was a great read.

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

 BOOK DESCRIPTION

In the midst of darkness, only faith and love can illuminate their path forward.

Laura Evans, a spirited young woman with a deep-rooted faith in God, returns home from college to her father--unaware of his dark secrets. Determined to live by her faith while respecting her father's contrasting views, Laura's world shifts when she crosses paths with a devoted preacher.

Wilson Porter is driven by a calling to work with the Shoshone people but faces constant delays from government officials. Then tragedy strikes, shaking his faith and causing him to question everything he once believed. As Will and Laura's tentative friendship grows into something more, they are ensnared in a web of dark secrets and injustices. Together, they're confronted with a daunting question: Will their shattered lives leave them with an uncertain path forward--or can love withstand it all?

AUTHOR BIO

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than six million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Learn more at TraciePeterson.com.

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

 

Do you like when books combine two holiday seasons?  I do, it gives me a Nightmare Before Christmas Vibe.

Bowen Penhallow prefers to live life alone on a mountain in Wales studying ancient magic.  He ventures out to meet Tamsyn Bligh.  Tamsyn is not a witch, but she does procure magical items for witches.  She becomes exclusive to helping Bowen procure items.  She does decide to do one last private job on her own where she will make a lot of cash.  While on this job, she meets Bowen at a wedding that they are both crashing for different reasons. Will they be able to help each other with their projects?  Will sparks fly?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This is the third novel in the Ex Hex series.  I have enjoyed this entire series.  It is a lighthearted and fun series that is great for the Halloween season.  I hope this series continues!

·       This novel was a steamy romance.

·       I really liked the time travel elements of the story.  Bowen meets his grandparents right before their wedding.

·       The story got a bit slow for me in the middle, but then it picked up again and held my attention to the end.

·       It was set a Christmas, so it was both a Christmas and a Halloween read.

·       I loved how Bown and Tamsyn had an opposites attract story.  Bowen is grumpy and Tamsyn is all sunshine.  They had good banter.

·       In the 1950’s storyline, the child Emerald is a hoot.  She is always catching the two of them at awkward times, and she knows that they are up to something.

·       I enjoyed that the author tried something different in this world to keep the story interesting.

Overall, The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling was an enjoyable, fun story with great romance, time travel, and fun banter.  It is perfect for both the Halloween and the Christmas seasons.

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

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter (Bibliolifestyle Book Tour)

Title: Before We Were Us

Author:  Denise Hunter

Narrated by:  Kim Churchill

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Length: Approximately 9 hours and 9 minutes

Source: Audiobook Purchased from Audible. Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @tnzfiction for the review copy of the paperback version of Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter.

Do you prefer rustic cabins, fancy villas, or high-end resorts? 

Lauren Wentworth is a new graduate with a hospitality degree.  She takes a temporary job at Pinehaven Lodges in New Hampshire to gain experience before she starts her dream job I the big city.  While there, she falls in love with Jonah, the owner’s son.  Jonah is ready to propose one night, but Lauren falls from a ladder and loses her memories of the last four months.  Is their love gone forever?

My thoughts on this book:

·       This novel was what if in an enemies to lovers storyline, one of the lovers loses their memories from the last few months and still thinks you are enemies?

·       It was heartbreaking to Jonah that the love of his life Lauren, no longer remembers him after the fall.  That would be terrible.

·       The story is told in two timelines – the present and the past (four months ago) as Lauren and Jonah fall in love.

·       Lauren and Jonah have interesting bonding between the two as Lauren was abandoned at age five by her mother and grew up being shuffled between foster families.  Jonah’s mother died when he as young, but his aunt and uncle raised him.  Neither had a biological father in their lives.

·       The romance was very sweet.  I love that Jonah loves Lauren enough to let her follow her dreams

·       I loved the setting at the rustic resort in New Hampshire.

·       This novel was a clean read.

·       It has a beautiful fall cover.

·       My attention was captured by this novel as it had such a happy first chapter, and then it all came crashing down.

·       Kim Churchill was a great audiobook narrator.  It was a charming storyline that kept me interested during long drives for work this week.

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter was engaging amnesia and enemies to lovers romance.  I enjoyed it!

 

The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo

 

Title: The Witches of El Paso

Author:  Luis Jaramillo

Narrated by:  Raquel Beattie

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Length: Approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes

Source: Review Copy from Simon & Schuster Audio.  Thank you!

Do you like to read books for the Halloween season?  If so, what are your favorites?

The Witches of El Paso is a brand-new book that was just published in October.  It features a family that can travel through time with their inherited magic.  Nena is a teenager in 1943 El Paso, Texas.  She takes care of her sisters’ children, but she longs for her own life and adventure.  She prays for help and the mysterious Sister Benedicta arrives in response.  She then travels back in time to 1792 where her gift of “La Vista” is calling her.  There she lives in a convent until the day that a mysterious illness kills many and she is sent to care for a sick family member of one of the nuns and her life is changed forever.    

In the present day, Marta is a civil rights attorney living in El Paso with her husband and children.  She helps her old aunt Nena on her quest to find her missing child.  Marta also finds her own “La Vista” along the way.

My thoughts on this novel:

·       This was a multigenerational family drama, and I greatly enjoyed it.

·       I loved the magical realism of the story.  There wasn’t too much magic, but I did enjoy how both Marta and Nena found themselves and their magic.

·       I enjoyed the glimpse into Hispanic culture and the history of El Paso.

·       I really enjoyed Nena’s time in the convent in the 1700’s.  The history and day to day life was fascinating to me. 

·       I also enjoyed Marta.  As a mother, wife, and attorney, she feels herself pulled in many directions. She also cares for Nena and through Nena, Marta is finally able to find her authentic self. 

·       It was also interesting comparing the life of a woman in the 1700s, 1940s, and current day.

·       Raquel Beattie was an excellent narrator and made the story very enjoyable.

Overall, The Witches of El Paso was an interesting magical realism, family drama, and time slip novel that was perfect fall reading.

 

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.