Whispers in the Reading Room Review

 

About the Book

 

Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised with this book and story line. It kept my interest as it is a bit of a mystery on the back streets of Chicago. The romance part I didn't really enjoy, but the historical side and intrigue make me give this book four stars. Of course I loved the fact that Lydia is a librarian and that is what made me want to read this book in the first place. I love to read about the behind the scenes in a library and Lydia is a fun character to read. 

Four stars.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review." 

Ray of Light Book Review



Picture Credit

Ray of Light by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in the Days of Redemption Series.
 
About the Book

When two hearts connect on a beach in Florida, is it a brief romance . . . or the start of a lasting love?

After family secrets come to light, causing an uproar, Roman Keim is taking a much-needed vacation to Pinecraft, the Amish snowbird community in Florida. The warm weather is a welcome break from the bleak Ohio winter, as is a week off from all his family's drama. But Roman's own drama begins when he meets his next-door neighbors: Amanda Yoder, a beautiful young widow, and her adorable daughter, Regina.

In the two years since her husband died, Amanda has never looked at another man. She certainly doesn't intend to get married again. But she can't deny that there's something special between her and Roman. As his week in Pinecraft comes to a close, Amanda knows that, in spite of her attempt to remain distant, she's given Roman a piece of her heart. And her daughter seems to have fallen in love, too.

Is there hope for a second chance at love for Amanda? Or will duty call Roman home first, far from the two women who have captured his heart?(Goodreads)

My Review

I have not read the first book to this series and perhaps I should have before I read this book. I was really disappointed with the story line. I could not get into readng the story, it just seems like the other Amish books I have read. I am always hoping for something different, this book is set in Florida, which is a nice change from the typical Amish setting. The rest of the story was just nothing new to me. I know a lot of people will love it because of the author and setting, but this was just not the book for me.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."







Bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings inspirational romance to life in this sweet tale of love in the Amish community, Ray of Light, the second installment of her Days of Redemption series.
Roman Keim just wants a break from the family drama at his snowy Ohio home when he heads to an Amish snowbird community in Florida. There he meets Amanda Yoder and her daughter Regina who soon are warming his heart. But will Roman return to Ohio or will he stay and help the young widow embrace a second chance at love?
The author of the series Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers an honest, tender love story in Ray of Light, featuring the challenges of faith, family, and romance.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Shelley’s website.