The Flipped Page

Searching For Irene By Irene Bateman     My GoodReads review  ⭐⭐⭐✩ Romance, mystery, sweet, period; Anna arrives to help Lawrence with his book keeping and tax filings for his multifaceted estate.  She has a secret reason for coming.  The person prior to her left mysteriously and without any warning or speaking to anyone. Tyler and Lawrence's other son, aren't happy to have Anna around.  Some antagonistic staff, threats to her, and other mysterious things happen as she searches both physically for Irene, and also for other evidence that might lead to finding the person who killed her.  Secrets abound and Anna is unsure who she can trust. Her determination leads her to find Irene's remains, and helps her uncover the mystery surrounding her disappearance and death. Along the way, she finds love and hope for herself (won't say who to avoid a spoiler). Loved the setting, the house, the family. 3.5 stars for this for writing style. I feel like the story its...

Roads of Resistance  By A. L. Sowards ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, WW II, sweet, suspense; series, but stand alone read. Ingrid Lang and Gerrit Hendriks story wouldn't have happened but the war brought them together unexpectedly when Ingrid and Gerrit escape Nazi Germany during the war. Gerrit escapes to his Grandfather's and Ingrid is rescued by his grandfather after breaking her legs escaping and is trapped in the Netherlands when the Netherlands is invaded. at first they are at odds with one another, Gerrit not fully trusting Ingrid's story (she is covering her real identity to hide from the Nazi's), but gradually they both realize they need to trust. Full of the intensity of war, the courage of the Dutch to work and try to sabotage the German's war efforts, espionage, and subterfuge, along with the every day moments that make these stories come alive. The struggles for food, hiding allied soldiers who are recovering from injuries and hidden by the family, bombing, and just tr...

A Proper Scoundrel  Esther Hatch GoodReads review Synopsis As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years. Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantica...

  Danger on the Loch Paige Edwards GoodReads Review      ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, mystery, sweet, Contemporary; Series, but stand alone read Paige's story was so well done. I hadn't read the other novels in this series, and after reading this one, had to read them all! Perfect mystery/suspense read, and loved the setting and the backstory behind Paige's father, the DNA test, and her trip to Scotland to figure out her place in that part of her family, and find if her heart has a home and loved one in her father. Loved the castle and all the intrigue there, the past as it gets exposed and the intrigue. Her relationship with James was so fun to read, and his support during the intrigue and accidents was so well drawn. They were both great characters, and fun to read about another Pressley-Combs finding his one true heart-love. Loved reading the other novels and getting more of the back story (after I read this one). Lovely addition to this series and highly recommend ...

  In Harm's Way Traci Hunter Abramson EXCERPT: Senator Walter Royce didn’t pay attention to the posted menu outside the busy restaurant in Montmartre as he walked through the entrance. He had one purpose for being here, and it had nothing to do with the food. “Un,” he told the host, holding up one finger to make up for his complete lack of a French accent. On the surface, his trip to Paris was nothing more than a quick family getaway, but in reality, it was a much-needed excuse. The host said something in French, and Walter shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. Do you have an English menu?” The younger man nodded and showed him up a half flight of stairs to the dining area. Walter took his seat at a table in the center of the room, and the host handed him a menu. “Merci.” Once alone, he glanced around the establishment. Through the windows, he could see the tables filled with patrons lining the sidewalk and waiters breezing in and out of the kitchen. In co...

"My Fair Aussie: A Clean Romantic Comedy (Millionaire Makeover Romantic Comedies Book 1) Jennifer Griffith    #Throwback Thursday Cover Love ⭐⭐⭐★ Romance, clean, contemporary; Series but standalone read This was a cute retelling of My Fair Lady. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but one of the better things I have read recently. Loved how it the couple fell for each other, how Henry's secret was exposed (it was pretty heavily hinted at especially in the prologue), but cute to see how Eliza falls for Henry, and he obviously enjoys getting to know Eliza in return after all the disingenuous women he has been around. I think I loved the premise all around, and Henry, with his suave, but down to earth and likeable demeanor, and just his general Aussieness! (Awesome-ness for SURE!).  The blog that the author wrote about the cover model was the best! So fun how that came about! Fun cute read!  I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my ow...

 Love in Disguise Anneka R. Walker GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean; period romance Marion and William's story was a lovely read. I do feel the first 2/3 of the novel was much stronger for me as a reader. The ending felt just slightly rushed. I think I would have wanted a bit more of them after all the dancing around each other that they did.   Still, this was a lovely, sweet, novel. The romance and characters so very vividly portrayed.  Told from alternating points of view, it was truly fun to read their perceptions, moments, worries, thoughts, and sweet fall for each other from each of their perspectives.  The settings, characters and plot were well-drawn. I do have one peeve, I don't think they would have put Marion in the bridal room with the connecting door prior to them being married, but that is just me. It was lovely seeing them both learn to see each other for who they really were, William a little sooner with his subterfuge early in the novel, and them ...

A Hopeful Christmas A Regency Romance Collection Various Authors GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Novella collection   Beautiful Christmas novella collection. This grouping was very well done. The authors were so varied in their perspectives, themes, and story lines. I loved Carla K.'s novella in particular, as it truly was so different from the others, with a family situation that was very different, and so compelling. However that being said, all the novellas were very strong. Oftentimes in a collection, I find with the shorter length, one or two of the novellas feels incomplete, or choppy. This collection really was very beautifully done by all of the authors. This is one I know I will re-read in Holiday seasons to come. Plus, beautiful cover!   I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.

 The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Series but stand alone read  This was definitely a beautifully detailed book, with strong characters. George, the Duke of Aylesham was a wonderful character.  Strong, loyal, and determined. Susan, older and well-past a debutante, speaking her mind, not afraid to stand her ground, and I loved her gumption and courage.   This is a bit of a 'My Fair Lady' tale in a way, although not to the extreme of Eliza's poverty, and Susan wasn't taken on by the Duke like Eliza with the Professor, but with Susan getting gowned and coifed after living in the country, getting lessons in Royal protocol, and Aylesham giving her some lessons in courage and determination, after being at odds with her, it reminded me a bit of that story line. Susan is such a strong character, sticking to her ground, trying to make a way for herself as she is thrown into this maelstrom that is Prinny and th...

 A Revolution of Hearts Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Romance, clean, period Dacia de Prideaux and Mr. Richard Harris' story is one of intrigue and every day life. As Dacia seeks to hide after being framed for the murder of her brother she is put in the care of Richard Harris, wealthy English landowner and member of Sir Percy’s league of gentleman heroes, who has been assigned to protect Dacia. Hiding her in plain sight and masquerading her as a housemaid at his estate. The opening scenes are harrowing and intense, and then it moves to the every day as Dacia pretends to be a housemaid after living a well-to-do life.  Their moments as Dacia steps into her new role, unexpected, and honest and genuine were a stark contrast to the beginning of the novel. This central portion of the novel is much more tame and everyday mundane, but leading to genuine attraction, affection, and deeper feelings for them both. Dacia's growth and insights into...

WIN a copy of A Revolution of Hearts by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen Read my review HERE   a Rafflecopter giveaway ;     Excerpt: Paris April 20, 1789   S oon I will meet with the love of my life, Dacia de Prideaux thought as their driver stopped the carriage in front of Paris’s celebrated theater, la Comédie-Française. Marcel, Dacia de Prideaux’s brother, cracked open the carriage door. Cold wind gusted inside against the carriage’s back wall even as rain plastered it from the outside. Dacia hunched her shoulders, shielding herself from the cold, and touched her hairline at the base of her neck. So far, her pouf hairstyle—including the glass star-shaped jewels her lady’s maid had added to represent what she had called un beau ciel blond, a lovely blond sky—had withstood the weather. “I fear even the umbrella will do us little good in this weather,” Marcel said. “We must rush for the entrance.” Dacia hugged Sunna, her pet bichon, against her ch...

  On the Run Guardians Book 4 Traci Hunter Abramson GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐✯ Romance, clean, suspense; series but stand alone read Elle Jameson's suspicion of a crime as she works undercover at an Air Force base abroad. Her subsequent rescue by The Guardians has her running and trying to escape danger with Ghost/Nolan to try to keep her secrets safe and undercover who is involved and behind the murder of her sister and what is going to be done with the secrets she has uncovered. Perfect blend of intense action, moments of digging to uncover the secrets and connections to the criminals, and of course, the attraction between Elle and Nolan. Loved seeing glimpses of other characters from past novels to support the story line in this one. Perfectly paced and detailed, and loved all subterfuge, action, and ov course the romance. Great characters, side characters, and perfect setting abroad after the previous novel set in the US. T.H.A. knows how to right fun, fast paced, acti...

It Started in Budapest Julie Daines GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Molly's story, her devotion to her brother, her hopes to aid in his healing, health, and perhaps a miraculous cure, her determination, and desperation to find the thing she is hoping for leads her to find something totally unexpected. A novel with a bit of adventure and recklessness, bits of despair, bits of danger, but also the unexpected alliances, acquaintances, and also attraction and devotion that comes as she encounters people outside of her family circle on their rail travels and her own foray into Romania. The rail journey, the food, the situations, loved this adventure for this young woman, and the resolution of several important threads at the end of the novel. Truly an adventure of a ride, and also the bit of romance that came about unexpectedly for her in Percy, her American acquaintance who became so much more. Percy was a great character as well. Definitely not ...

  A Foreign Crown Jen Geigle Johnson GoodReads review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; series, book one Gorgeous period court setting, with all the intrigue that that period was known for. Loved the innocence of Lady Aribella Bardsley, and her courage to leave her father and fulfill her courtly duties. Navigating that setting while staying true to her inner goodness was beautifully told. Prince Layton Wilhelm's family, the political machinations and worries re the French war and attacks on their countries ships was a perfect back story for this young prince.  This richly detailed court romance, with the underlying other court dilemmas and Lady Aribella's potential to be married off to another monarch family member made for a perfect mix of intrigue, political machinations and maneuverings, and romance. Aribella and Wilhelm's sweet romance was lovely, and a great introduction into this series. Beautifully written and crafted, more of a 4.5 for me as a re...