Don't Upstage the Body Review

 

About the Book

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family of professional mourners have perfected the theatrical art of grief. When the reclusive Lord Basil Monfort engages her family's services for his own funeral, she vows it will be her last performance as she's tired of the disguise. Then she discovers the undertaker's body in the library and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an undercover investigation. 

 

Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be. 

 

Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta's life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls. 

 

With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I started this book with some anticipation but unsure if it would nail the landing with the plot. I am happy to say that I LOVED this book. It takes a couple of chapters to get into it but then it takes off and I was totally invested. The characters made this story shine. Hippolyta is quirky and hilarious and it is a joy to try and sort out the murder mystery with her. Crispin made me smile basically the entire time. The secondary characters are so well written and made the pages just fly by! There is some fun unexpected romance but overall this is just a great mystery read. This might be one of my favorite books I have read this year AND made for a great escape read. I highly recommend!

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Beyond the Clouds

About the Book

 They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.

As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together--until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.

Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. Little does he know that this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir--until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them--or the possibility of falling in love again? (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I was not quite sure what to expect with this book or where it would take the reader. All of the books that are in this series are very unique. Delia is a spunky heroine that I needed to warm up to a bit before really appreciating her character. Finn is a loyal and caring person who will do most anything to protect innocent people. I really loved reading his war back story and I thought it added a lot to the plot. The first part of the book is more lighthearted. The war seems far away and Delia and Finn do NOT see eye to eye, yet there is some banter. Delia is a pacifist and Finn is clearly not since he is war hero. It was intriguing to read from the view of a pacifist and I was glad to read that perspective. About half way through the book I was a little perplexed at how certain things suddenly were resolved. It felt very sudden and it took me out of the story a little bit. I can't go into detail without spoilers. But then the second part of the book read much differently with added drama and Finn wanting to be the hero. It has a satisfying ending and it was a little bittersweet to say farewell to these characters. So overall I did enjoy this story but I have to give it four stars because it was a little choppy in the middle and I struggled with that. I am eager to read Camden's next book and I do recommend this series. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own." 

When The Road Comes Around Review

 

About the Book

In the small town of Grady, Montana, twenty-four-year-old Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble. When he lands a job at Come Around Ranch, however, his life seems to take a positive turn. As he develops a soft spot for Sam, the ranch owner's disabled son, and a special bond with TJ, a rescue horse with a poor reputation of his own, Tad becomes determined not to mess up this time.

Forty-eight-year-old Anita Wilson is too young to feel so old, but rheumatoid arthritis limits her ability to work on the guest ranch she owns with her husband. It was a risk to hire Tad for the summer, but Anita is convinced he just needs a bit of grace and encouragement to find his footing. What she doesn't anticipate is that Tad's presence at the ranch will change everything, including her relationship with her son. And when Tad finds himself in more trouble than ever, he and Anita must learn when to hold on, when to let go, and how to embrace grace.

Set near the towering mountains of rural Montana, Katie Powner explores themes of redemption, second chances, and the true meaning of grace in this evocative contemporary novel. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

Oh, how I loved the setting of this novel! I felt like I was right there in Montana, sitting in Anita's kitchen, and it was like I was home. This story isn't what I was expecting and that is the great thing about Powner's writing. You never know what you are going to get, but it is always thought provoking. The lives of Tad, Sam, and Anita flow through with their different perspectives as the plot moves along. I really love Anita's character and found her to be so well written. There are some really difficult issues dealt with and I appreciate how Tad's story is told. Grace is the main theme and it is shown over and over. It was encouraging to me and a good reminder that I need to give people more grace. We don't typically know the full story and sometimes things aren't always as they seem. 

I enjoyed this one, though it was a little bit slower read for me. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

Every Hour Until Then

 About the Book

Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling Her own sister is destined to become the Ripper's final victim decades earlier.

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history's most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she'll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister.

Bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer presents yet another thrilling time-travel tale of intrigue, loyalty, and romance--threaded with suspense and decisions that could change history. (Goodreads) 

My Thoughts

Meyer has written another stunning novel. The history, romance, and mystery blend together in a way you least expect. The best part? The characters realizing that God is always in control even when Jack the Ripper looms in the shadows and war is on the brink of starting. Oh my goodness what a story!

Five Stars. 

A Wager With the Matchmaker

About the Book

 After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer together, but a future with him seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to bring the unlikely couple together.

Be swept away in a tale of love, danger, and destiny in this captivating historical romance from bestselling author Jody Hedlund. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

You don't have to read the previous books in this series to enjoy this one but it always adds if you do! I really love the matchmaker, Bellamy, whose presence is in all of the books. He adds so much and makes me smile every time! 

Alannah is a strong willed gal and I liked reading her character grow and develop throughout the story. She loves to read and is determined to read her books when she can and I love that about her. The wagers with the matchmaker are entertaining and made for a fun twist. There is a "forbidden" love situation that I didn't especially enjoy but the author did surprise me in the end with how she handled the family members and conflict. I really struggled to like Kiernan and even at the end he just didn't work for me. His attitude and personality grated on my nerves. So because of this I wasn't totally invested in the love story. But there are lots of "swoony" moments that I am sure Hedlund fans will love. 

There is a good amount of action and a few intense moments that had me eager to flip to the next page. Overall this is a captivating read with excellent secondary characters that I am hoping will pop up in another book! 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

An Overdue Match Review

An Overdue Match

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Series: Checking Out Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book–or each other–by the cover.

optional hashtags: #ContemporaryRomance #giveaway #bookbee #ireadbooks #readgoodbooks #totalbooknerd #booknerdigans #greatreads #bookrecommendations #goodreads #booksarelove #bookphoto #booksofinstagram #bookclub #idratherbereading #booknerd #iread #reading #booksaremagic #readabook #readingtime #fortheloveofreading #booksofinsta #bookstagram #currentreads 

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My Thoughts

I was really excited to read this book because the author tends to write fun lighthearted novels. This story is simply delightful! I love the characters and all of their many quirks. I so appreciate the focus on alopecia and creating characters that aren't "cookie cutter" perfect-whatever that seems to mean. Tai is my favorite in this story because he doesn't give up on Evangeline or himself for that matter. He has a lot of people look down on him and he carries on despite what others think. The library setting is superb and I enjoy every small detail that makes this book full of heart. It is a sweet romance but the bigger overall picture of Evangeline and dealing with her image is what makes this book worth reading. It is a pretty quick read and I am eager to read what Monzon comes up with next! 

Four stars. 

"I received a complementary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

When The Stars Light the Sky Review

About the Book

 Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience between them may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.

In this entrancing Gilded Age romance, Inga and Benedict will be swept into a dangerous world on the brink of war, where two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty when stars light the sky. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I am always eager to read the new Camden book and was intrigued by the premise of this story. I know very little of WWI and I haven't read too many books set amid that war. I absolutely love the historical aspect of this book. This author does a tremendous job at explaining history without it being confusing or boring. There are so many details about the American Embassy and the setting of Berlin and I loved reading every bit of it! The secondary characters are delightful and so well written. The reader experiences many years between the pages and is able to really get to know the characters. Inga and Benedict are unique and very much a grumpy sunshine trope. The last few chapters disappointed me a little bit on the romance side of things. Relationships require a lot of selfless love and I have mixed feelings on how all of that plays out in the end. Regardless, I could not put down this book and having read all of Camden's novels I would say this one is one of the most intriguing! 

Four and a half stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

About the Book

 1956: In the quiet village of Wilbeth Green, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of being the arsonist. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames. Knowing no one will believe her, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the skepticism of her neighbors and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, is torn between his duty and a lingering loyalty to Paul and warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core. Award-winning author Naomi Stephens presents a gripping whodunnit--reminiscent of the beloved Agatha Christie tales--of love and redemption set in a quaint British village. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this story! I had pretty high expectations going into reading this and I think they were exceeded. The characters are an absolute delight all the way around. The setting is fantastic and the author added so many things for the reader to understand what decade this book is set. It is really fun to read a novel in this time period! The mystery had me questioning until the end and I really enjoyed the small romance plot line that isn't the main focus but truly just fun. It does give you Agatha Christie feels but is set apart with its own unique style. This is such a refreshing read for the Christian fiction market and I can't wait for more by this author. I highly recommend!! 

Five Stars!

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Token of Love Review

About the Book

Book: A Token of Love

Author: Carrie Turansky

Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal.

 

 

 

 

More from Carrie

Come with me to London!

My latest novel, A Token of Love, is a dual-time story set in London during the late Victorian Era and present day. That prompted my husband and I to take a trip to London earlier this year. We were especially delighted to visit the Foundling Museum which tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s charity home in England. The Foundling Hospital and Foundling Museum tie the historical and contemporary plots together in A Token of Love.

Thousands of children were taken in by the Foundling Hospital when their mothers could no longer care for them. Some of the mothers left small items such as coins, thimbles, and pieces of jewelry with their infants as identifiers in the hope that if their situation changed, they might be able to return and reclaim their child. Those items were called tokens, and we saw several of them on display at the Foundling Museum.

Each token is unique and represents a mother’s love and desire to be reunited with her child. It was very moving to view them on display and think of all the heartache and hope behind each token.

More than two years ago, I saw an image of the tokens on Pinterest. That sparked my curiosity, and I followed the research trail to learn more about them. That led to the Foundling Museum’s website, which offers a treasure trove of information and personal stories about the mothers and children connected by those tokens. What I discovered helped me develop the characters and plot for A Token of Love. The story highlights one mother who gave her daughter into their care, then eight years later tries to reclaim her. But her daughter is missing, and that sets off a series of events that stirs all of London. Family drama, romance, inspiration, and a touch of mystery will make the story meaningful for readers.

If you like stories based on true events in history that will touch your heart and lift your spirit, then I think you will enjoy reading A Token of Love!

If you’d like to see more photos from my research trip to London and the Foundling Museum, I hope you’ll visit my website photo page!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Maureen’s Musings, October 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

Connie’s History Classroom, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Devoted To Hope, October 10

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Live.Love.Read., October 11

Stories By Gina, October 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 13

lakesidelivingsite, October 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 14

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Blossoms and Blessings, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 17

Inspired by Fiction, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 18

Labor Not in Vain, October 19

To Everything There is A Season, October 20

Romances of the Cross, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of A Token of Love!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY

My Thoughts

I didn't know much about the Foundling Hospital prior to reading this book and I have found its history fascinating after doing more research! The first part of this story really got me hooked because it is a bit of mystery in the search for a missing person. I recommend reading the author's note in the back of the book FIRST. It covers more of the actual historic details and to be honest I was a little disappointed to find that the main premise of this story didn't actually happen as portrayed. Now that is not to say that the selling of innocent girls did not happen, of course it did unfortunately, just not necessarily in the way portrayed in the book. So once I realized this it made me think about the rest of the book a tad differently but not in a bad way. The story is dual-time line and I enjoyed the historical story more but both were written in a way that melded together nicely. There is a human trafficking plot in each past and present day stories and it is astounding to see how people haven't changed. Overall this is a good book that brings to light the things that many want to keep hidden in darkness. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Born of Gilded Mountains

About the Book

 When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood--an abandoned estate with a haunting history--and begins to restore it to its former glory.

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This author has such a way with words and creating a world where there is beauty and grand imagination. The cover of this book is also stunning and captures the setting beautifully. I will be honest in saying this story moved incredibly slow for me and I struggled at times to be fully engaged in what was happening. But I love the friendship that is written on the pages and it truly is what makes this book worth reading. Both Mercy and Rusty are very unique characters that are not at all what you might expect. There is also a mystery that flows through the chapters and takes the reader on a bit of a treasure hunt. This is not my favorite book by this author but it is still a worthwhile read. Be prepared for a much slower read but with a beautiful setting and characters that just might surprise you. 

Three and a half stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

These Tangled Threads Review

  

 

 About the Book

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I really love the history of Appalachia and especially the surrounding area of Asheville, NC. I was intrigued by this novel because of the history and also the ties to Biltmore. Now this book doesn't spend a lot of time at Biltmore but it really ties in the culture and history of Biltmore Industries and the local people. There is a bit of back and forth on the story line that at times required extra attention so that I didn't get lost while reading. There are some really strong characters in the book but I can't say that I loved Lorna's character. I think I was drawn more to the people on the side and that is really what made this book worth reading to the end. For me it was a pretty slow read but the last few chapters were good and wrapped things up nicely. While this is a slower read it is still enjoyable, it just isn't my favorite by this author. If you enjoy historical fiction you might want to pick this one up! 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure Review

About the Book

 When Clara Marie Stanton's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all Clara can do to protect them from his desperate schemes and society's prejudice. Her family may be eccentric, yes, but they certainly aren't insane. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond skilled in repairing clocks, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost. (Goodreads)

PRE-ORDER HERE

My Thoughts

This book has such a fun cover and as a debut novel I wasn't sure what to expect. I imagined this story to be fun and light and a tad silly. It did prove to be a light and silly read with needed life lessons throughout. The silliness at times was a bit over the top for me. There are some fun family dynamics that I enjoyed and this truly has a cast of colorful and unique characters. I struggled to fully be engrossed in this book. I love the idea and the travel adventures is great but at times it felt a bit slow. I did appreciate how this story shows a different side to personalities. Often with books set in this time period the people tend to be very much the same with perhaps one quirk about them. In this book it veers greatly and shows how people all have different personalities. This has always been true, it just isn't often written into the books we read. So I commend the author for taking a leap and writing something different. I am eager to read what comes next! 

Three Stars. 

" I received this book for free from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."