An Honorable Deception

 

In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.

My thoughts: I have read almost all of Roseanna M. White's books, and loved every one of them. I think that the Imposters are my favorite, since I love the way they took a common problem (among the nobility) of being stuck with a title and land but not having the funds to run the estate. In the third book, Yates gets his chance to shine. I love that the story keeps us guessing whom will win his heart, the childhood crush or the damsel in distress? I also thought that they mystery of who is trying to harm Lady Alethia was well done. Roseanna M. White does a wonderful job of writing about difficult subjects, bringing them to light, but also having a message of hope. I also love the cameo that some of her previous characters (from other series!) put in during the course of this story. I can't recommend this book enough! I would suggest that the books are read in order. 

I received this book from the publisher through Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

The Sisters of Corinth

 

When the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus, father to Mariana and Prima, is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity to propel himself to greater power and fortune by uniting his and the governor's households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor's firstborn son.

Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis's own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis's urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires--even if it means betraying Mariana to do so.

My thoughts: I love the attention to detail that Angela Hunt provides with her historical fiction, especially those set in Biblical times. I loved getting to know Mariana and Prima and the turbulent time they live in. This story brings to life what it might have been like to live in the New Testament days. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey

 

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.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this wonderful, vintage style mystery story! My heart broke a bit for Louisa, as she seeks to find out what happened to her brother when everyone else thinks that they should be looking for him as the arsonist. I thought that the twin connection was a clever plot twist. This story had quite a few twists and turns that kept me guessing as to who was behind the crimes. I highly recommend picking this story up! 

I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Lethal Kings

 

You’ve been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . . The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.

Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.

 My thoughts: This series is so good! I went into it thinking that I didn't really care for books about the Fae and their realm, but this series won me over! I loved the twists and the turns of the series.
Althea had big plans to escape the fae realm and never look back when they go to get the next queen. But, that was before Eliza was chosen to be the next queen, a friend who has been dear to her family. Even though Althea has burned many of the allegiances she has made over the past year,  she returns with the hope that she and Eliza can unravel the mystery of the mortal queens. I loved getting to know the characters and how nothing is as it seems. The author did a wonderful job of surprising me on multiple plot twists. This is a wonderful series to pick up and enjoy! It simply must be read in order.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller Series, The Royal Rose Chronicles, and The Fae Dynasty duology, with hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising four wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Victoria

This book came differently to me than my other ones.

It was less plot and structure, and more—what kind of book do I want to write?

I wanted riddles for them to solve, which created the Gamemaster character. I wanted a healthy family aspect, which began the process of repairing the relationships I’d burned in book one. And I wanted a character who knew exactly what she wanted and never waivered from that. Other scenes came from these wishes, like the chess game where the players are the chess pieces, and the War of Hearts played in the labyrinth.

Together, I think it blended nicely, and I can’t wait for readers to get ahold of it!

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, November 16

The Lofty Pages, November 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

Texas Book-aholic, November 18

Inklingsandnotions , November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21

Book Looks by Lisa, November 21

Wishful Endings, November 22

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 23

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, November 24

Blogging With Carol, November 25

Simple Harvest Reads, November 26 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 27

Fiction Book Lover, November 28 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a hardback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5499

First Christmas Storybook

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the First Christmas Personalized Story Book by StoryBug, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: First Christmas Personalized Story Book
Publisher: Storybug
Release Date: August 1, 2024
Genre: Children's Christmas Gift Book

Immerse your little one in the joy of their first Christmas with the 'First Christmas Personalized Story Book,' where the magic of the holiday season comes alive through a story tailored just for them. Though they may not yet read, the sound of a loved one narrating a tale that features them will fill their world with wonder and make this personalized storybook a memorable part of their early Christmases. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: StoryBug

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About the Publisher

Story Bug is inspiring kids to read more through the use of fully personalized children's storybooks.

Visit storybug.com to follow them on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(5) winners will each receive a hardcover book from StoryBug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 13, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 20, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

When the Mountains Wept

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: When the Mountains Wept
Series: West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm #1
Author: Kendy Pearson
Publisher: Pear Blossom Books
Release Date: April 8, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

CAPTIVATING CIVIL WAR FICTION INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL EVENTS 

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear. 

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital. 

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past. 

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost. 

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known, even as he must face the horrors of war and the evil it breeds. 

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option. 

And it is unthinkable.  

My thoughts: I have read and enjoyed countless stories set during the Civil War and always enjoy reading a new one that can add to what I know about the time period. I loved that the focus of this one was on West Virginia and showed how things changed for old friends when the time came to choose a side, dividing families and friendships. 

The author does a wonderful job of bringing not only the time period to life, but also the characters. I enjoyed getting to know them. Both James and Augusta have their secrets, and it was interesting when everything came out. I look forward to reading the next book in this series! 

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Books2Read | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a veteran high school teacher and an accomplished musician. She is also a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. When she discovers a pocket of American history omitted from the schoolbooks, she enjoys digging in and turning that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through real historical events and settings; engaging with period personalities—and she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God's undeniable grace. Kendy is an eight-time award-winning author and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. She also relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

Connect with Kendy by visiting kendypearson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed copies of When the Mountains Wept and When Heaven Thunders, a character named after you in book 3, In Tempest Winds, and a signed copy of that book once it releases!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Paris Portrait

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Paris Portrait by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Paris Portrait
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Genre: Historical Mystery, Dual Timeline, Fiction

Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?  

Paris, France, 1973. 
After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family. 

On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.  

Versailles, France, 1789.
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time. 

But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before. 

Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.  

My thoughts: Heidi Eljarbo has done it again! I have really enjoyed this series and learning more about the art world, as well as the different paintings that are mentioned. When I read about Fabiola's work, it has me looking up the paintings and discovering new favorites.
I loved the historical aspect of this story, since I have found the French Revolution and the time leading up to it interesting to study. I love how we have the chance to get to know not only Marie Antoinette, but also her portraitist, Elizabeth Le Brun. Woven together with the story of Fabiola, which is set in the early 1970's, this is a wonderful story with a mystery. I loved getting to know the characters better, as well as trying to discover what was going on with the mystery. This is a wonderful book to pick up! I highly recommend reading the books in order, to fully appreciate the characters. 

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books in This Series

 

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About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

 Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon giftcard + a paperback of one Fabiola Bennett Mystery of your choice!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!