When Winter Came to Dunn Cottage

About the Book

 A stranger is wearing her missing father's coat.

And he isn't saying why…

The last place Rosalyn Snow expects to find her father's coat is beneath Exeter's old Exe Bridge.

Especially not on the back of a man fleeing the police.

Convinced the stranger holds the truth she’s spent years searching for, Rosalyn brings him home for Christmas. But Simon avoids giving answers, and what little he reveals only deepens the mystery.

As Dunn House fills with glittering guests, whispered ambitions, and holiday celebration, Simon moves through society as though he belongs there... yet he’s just as at home among the vagrants on the docks. And when Simon’s carefully guarded past reaches Dunn House during the Twelfth Night celebration, the fragile peace of the estate begins to unravel.

What has become of her father?

And who is the man wearing his coat?

Bringing Simon Balfour home might unravel Christmas.

Discovering who he is will make it unforgettable.

The House on the Edge of the Cliff series tells interconnected stories across generations, where one house on the Cornish coast holds secrets that echo through time. (Amazon)

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My Thoughts

Get swept away to the Cornish coast in this delightful short story. I tend to avoid novellas simply because I always want more or I don't feel like the plot can be well developed in a novella. BUT there are few authors that I make the exception for because they are really talented and can wrap up an exquisite plot in only a few chapters. Joanna Davidson Politano is one of those authors and I really enjoyed this book! I felt like I was right there at Dunn cottage or there on the coast in winter wrapped in a warm coat. The romance is so sweet and felt genuine even with only having a few pages. I loved the mystery that weaves through until the end and I was surprised with how everything was tied up. This is truly a cozy quick read and I highly recommend! But also-I do want more of this place and these people please!  

While this book is tied to a previous novel by this author, it can be read entirely on its own. 

Four stars. 

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

The Life She Forgot

About the Book

 He promised to help her reclaim her forgotten past—no matter what they uncovered.

Until she began remembering another man.

As the memories return, her past life threatens to destroy her new marriage, the sweetest love she's ever found, and the life she thought she could have.

Cornwall, 1913

Merryn has lived three years without a single memory of the life she lost. With no past to guide her, she fears she may never know who she truly is. When AJ Winthrop—a kind, whimsical stranger—offers her a daring escape, she takes a chance, hoping to uncover the life that was stolen from her.

As they follow the windswept Cornish coast, memories begin to surface:

Another man.

Another wedding.

A life that may already belong to her.

Then a hidden portrait reveals her face, and the truth threatens the rare, authentic bond she’s begun to form with AJ.

Cornwall, 1947

Haunted by war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford plans to save her family home by selling the mysterious portrait hidden in his cottage. But the woman captured on the canvas—Merryn Dunn—holds secrets that could unravel everything he thought he knew… or offer the redemption he never dared hope for.

Step onto the windswept Cornish coast and uncover the secrets a single house can hold.

A sweeping dual-timeline tale of identity, memory, and the love that endures—perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Susanna Kearsley, and Kate Morton. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I have to read anything and everything that Joanna Davidson Politano writes. I went into this story totally trusting the author because I am not a fan of the amnesia trope. I could NOT put this book down! It was an adventure like I had never taken and by the end I was baffled and amazed with the complexities of this story. To be honest, part way through the book I was a little frustrated. The characters were irritating me and making choices that I didn't understand and the plot twists were coming as fast as I turned the pages. But then the second half of the book showed me how truly beautiful this story is in both timelines. It is dual-time line and I was more invested in the 1913 plot but both tie together wonderfully. This has a little bit of a gothic feel to it which I think the cover portrays perfectly. The amnesia in the plot worked for me even with the frustrations mid-story. Also, this is not so much a romance as it is a journey with redemption and love for the ages. This is not one to be missed and I highly recommend! 

Five Stars.

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

Authors I Am Thankful For

Today is a Thanksgiving freebie for TTT and it made me think about what authors I am thankful for. I am grateful that they have written stories and continue to do so. Many of these title are older but these authors are still writing and I love them all! 

What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson

The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz

This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate

Sunrise by Susan May Warren

You Belong With Me by Tari Faris

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson

Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

 There are so many books that I wish that I could read again for the first time. There is nothing like reading a book for the first time and the unexpected just waiting to be discovered. Here are some books that I came up with and there are many more that could have been added. 

Do you like to re-read books? Or is the first time reading the only time the book will get read? 

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House Review

About the Book

 It is 1901 when clockmaker and brilliant tinker Sydney Forrester inherits Blakely House, the eclectic estate of an estranged uncle she's never met. The well-known but mysterious industrialist has left behind a stunning array of peculiar inventions--and a couple of nephews intent on removing this interloper from the estate. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This book and these characters swept me away with vivid imagination from page one. I wasn't sure what to expect and it ended up being so much more than I could imagine! Sydney's character is so unique and I absolutely love her! There is such a great mystery and many layers that will surprise you while reading. This story is completely unexpected and unputdownable. The romance is incredibly sweet and sincere while not being over the top. The setting is atmospheric and really makes this book stand out with not only Blakely House but the inventions it holds. There is a lot of character growth and a bit of a grumpy sunshine vibe. I enjoyed every minute even though I wish it was a tad longer. The ending plays out nicely but with so many details to wrap up it seemed like another chapter or two would have helped. All that to say, the pages of this novel will take you on adventure that you aren't expecting!  

Five Stars! 

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

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

 

 

 About the Book

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This story takes you on an adventure that you really don't see coming. The plot is wildly unique and different not only from this author's other novels but this genre in Christian fiction. I have mixed feelings after finishing the last page and I sat with my thoughts for awhile. There are so many layers to the characters and the overall plot that it could be worth reading twice to fully grasp it all. Both Lily and Peter go through a lot of character growth and the author did a great job in developing their personalities. Lily is one heck of a unique heroine that keeps the reader on their toes. The overall plot was okay. It got a little slow for me in the middle but the last few chapters really brought everything together. There is mystery and stories upon stories within a story. There is romance and redemption. My favorite part of this plot is the faith story line. I think it really showed how even when we think we can handle it all and when we think we are in control we will soon discover that simply is not the case. God has a plan much more extraordinary than we can imagine. 

 

Four Stars.

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

Favorite Books of 2022

Top Ten Tuesday

 Oh my goodness but 2022 just flew by in a rush. It was a fantastic reading year and there were so many wonderful books is difficult to narrow it down to ten! I have come up with ten that I really loved and they are in no particular order. I typically choose books that have stuck with me well past reading the last page.

 

My Thoughts on The Love Note

 

 

 

 

About the Book

 Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1859 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.

Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

 

The cover of this book is stunning and after reading Joanna Politano's previous novels I knew I needed to read this one. I completely fell in love with this story and the characters. This is Politano's best yet and I couldn't set it down. I love the mystery and setting and probably my favorite character is Aunt Maisie as she added a lot to the story. The romance is very well written and I also appreciate the strong willed women who believe they are capable of bigger things. The ending takes you on an extra adventure you won't expect and while slightly rushed (I didn't really want it to end) it wrapped things up nicely. 

If you are searching for a new adventure look no further. Five stars! 

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

Finding Lady Enderly Review

 

 About the Book

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I so enjoyed this book! It took me awhile to like Raina's character. She is very unique and at first she comes across to me as a bit annoying to be honest. But as the pages turned I became more engrossed in the mystery and the secondary characters. It was a fun idea and perspective that I think was well written for the most part. There were some slower spots but with the underlying mystery it made it a book that was difficult to put down. I think Joanna's writing has only gotten better and I am eager to read her next novel. She creates fresh characters and has some great story lines that you wouldn't expect. 

"Thanks to Revell for offering me a free copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Rumored Fortune Review

About the Book

Tressa Harlowe's father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano welcomes readers to Trevelyan Castle, home of the poorest heiress in Victorian England, for a treasure hunt they'll not soon forget. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

 I completely loved this book! I wasn't sure how in the world this story would go with a treasure hunt, a vineyard, and Victorian England. For the first part of the book I was pretty confused as to where the author was going with the story but I loved that part. The characters were very well developed and Tressa in particular really grows throughout the pages. I will say right when you think you know something, curve ball! The romance was perfect, and the vineyard setting was well written. The ending had a bit of mystery and I truly enjoyed every moment of this story. 

I look forward to more stories from Politano! 

Five Stars!! 

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

Lady Jayne Disappears Review

 About the Book

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.

When Aurelie decides to complete her father's unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother's disappearance--and perhaps even her father's death.

Author Joanna Davidson Politano's stunning debut set in Victorian England will delight readers with its highly original plot, lush setting, vibrant characters, and reluctant romance. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

I am completely unsure on how to review this book. There were things I really liked and there were times when I couldn't get into the story. I like the mystery part of things and trying to figure out Lady Jayne. I wasn't shocked by the ending or the grand finale but I was okay with that. Aurelie is such a unique character, I never knew what she would say next. At times it was difficult to follow her thought process. For a debut novel this book really was quite good. I give it four stars because at times it was a bit slow. I do look forward to more books by the author!

Four stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own."