The Flipped Page

   ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Highland Heist A Freddie and Grace Mystery #4 by Pepper Basham GoodReads Review

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...

The Seat Filler Sariah Wilson GoodReads     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ Romance, clean, contemporary; series but stand alone read; PG13 for detailed make out scene  Sweet romance with just the right amount of swoony romance. Juliet and Noah were great characters, both flawed, but genuine, and with honest hearts. SW knows how to draw you in with the subtle moments that make characters real, compelling, and wanting more from every turned page. She gets the moments that build attraction, romance, and relationships. Her characters are human, flawed, and real. The hurts, triumphs, and tender moments that make everyday life and make her readers cry, hope, cheer, and love her worlds.  Loved the Hollywood setting and the back stories with her friend Shelby, Allen, Juliet and Noah's parents, the neighbors, Juliet's job , and so many other details. Magnus was such a great foil for them both. Noah's care and concern for her, and anyone in Juliet's orbit. Perfect pacing, some fun sub...

  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 ...

  Bookshop by the Sea Denise Hunter GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, sweet, contemporary; Series but stand alone read Another excellent sweet Christian romance by DH. The characters in this were so honest, heartfelt, real, and just well-drawn. I loved the family dynamics for both of the MC, the insight they both gained into each other and their past hurts and misunderstandings that kept them apart. Sophie and Aiden were so well drawn, and the moments that brought them together so honest and real. The town, the bookshop, the set-backs for Sophie, the events for Aiden, it was so well done, and so naturally came together. Beautiful portrait of a small town, a family, and this wonderfully drawn couple and their second chance. The bits of faith naturally came into the novel, and lovely to read. I've read most of what D.H. has written, and I love how her writing style has evolved. This is definitely one of her better novels, and can't wait to read the next in this...

 Is It Any Wonder: A Nantucket Love Story Courtney Walsh GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, contemporary; Christian faith elements Louisa/Lou and Cody's story, entangled in their past, and their families past, was masterfully told. Themes of faith, and forgiveness weigh heavily in this novel. It is a Romance too though, as they have shared a young love in the past that was so much a part of their lives growing up, and the tragedy that separated them as young adults leaving home after graduating from high school. A mistake of Louisa's, and near tragedy brings them together, and as they are put together through various events and circumstances, their hearts open to each other again. C.W. knows how to write troubles without them becoming so overly dramatic to be unbelievable in this novel. This is the perfect addition to this series. The sweet tender hearts, the angst and worry with all the family issues and personal issues, and of course, their working th...

  A Captain for Caroline Gray Julie Wright GoodReads Review  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; adventure  Caroline Gray's journey to India muddles her emotions as she gets to know the captain of the ship she is traveling on, Captain Thomas Scott. Her emotions start to engage with him, instead of waiting to meet the Captain Barritt in India who she is traveling to meet. The society and drama onboard the ship, the society, expectations, and new culture in India along with the subterfuge, made for a wonderful read. She and Captain Scott engage each other's hearts as they get to know one another on the journey, and interact and see and get to know their characters and dispositions. The side characters only emphasize their character and integrity.  The sweet romance between them, not quite knowing exactly how it is, and not recognizing it until they are separated, was well written. Just the every day that lets you see someones character and disposition, and the simple moments ...

The Indebted Earl Serendipty and Secrets Book 3 Erica Vetsch GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ Romance, clean, Regency; mild Christian faith elements Lovely romance with Captain Charles Wyvern and Lady Sophia (Sophie) told so well. While the plot was easy to guess, the specifics with sailing, the naval scenes, the war wounds, the situation with relatives, the wards, and the whole scope of the novel, was just so well put together, I didn't mind the easy guess as to where the plot was heading. Strong depictions of many of the supporting characters, and of the depth of Charles' naval situation, and his love of the sea, make for a stunning, and deeply moving portrait of a naval officer in a transition point of his career. Sophie's situation with her 'mother-in-law', her devotion to her and Rich's memory, reminded me of the story of Ruth from the Bible.  The grieving of many people in the novel for Major Richardson was also so well described and detailed. It was ...

  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...

  Rough Stock Heather B. Moore Rebecca Connolly Sophia Summers GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐★ Romance, clean, contemporary; Series but stand alone read Westin and Silvia's story was a fun romance between two characters that both had issues.  Westin, wanting to match his father's past record and continue riding bulls, is injured early in the novel, and is hoping to continue to chase his dreams and aspirations. Silvia, at the Broken Hearts Ranch to recover from her many failed relationships and try to heal from stress, and focus and succeed in her life, is not sure she wants to be there, but after a few meetings with group and individual therapy, realizes she can succeed away from her overprotective famous baseball playing brother.  Westin and Silvia, have thes cute moments that help them see each other for who they 'are', and for the things they both want in their futures. Secrets, although not bad ones, threaten their fledgling relationship, and they both have to 'see' w...

 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 ...

 Lethal Intent Cara Putman GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, contemporary; Suspense, murder, intrigue; Christian faith elements Caroline and Brandon's developing relationship and friendship becomes complicated as Caroline's new job as legal counsel is in conflict of interest with Brandon's investment in the company. The compelling backstories of Brandon's work with children in foster care, and also Bethany's treatment  by the medical group that Caroline works for made for compelling twists and turns in the plot of the story. Scientific secrets and corporate vendettas, along with an unscrupulous individual with no fear of taking lives as he sees fit made for a compelling and page turning read. The romance between Brandon and Caroline sweetened the story as they figured out the how to make their relationship be the best it possibly could, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  Their sweet, tender, and compelling romance, along with their back sto...

Gentleman Jim Mimi Matthews GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; M.M. creates a vivid period novel of romance, and revenge.  Maggie is upper class, and Nicholas the bastard son of a loose woman, rumored to be the son of a notorious highwayman.  They have an innocent friendship, that grows into a romance. Maggie is however intended for the son of a neighboring landowner.  As they are pulled apart, Maggie has to try to remain true to her promise to keep her heart for Nicholas.  The neighboring son, tyrannically holds Maggie's home, and her ability to inherit and live there after her father's passing in order to force her hand. Maggie will have to choose between her heart and her home. St. Clare appears, and there are hints to the reader as to his real identity.   Lovely romance, sweet revenge, and Maggie staying true to her heart's promise to Nicholas.  St. Clare is a great character as well, and his backstory and relations made for an i...

  Snowed In For Christmas   A Fun Feel-Good Holiday Romance Novel by Kimberly Krey GoodReads Review  ⭐⭐⭐✯ Romance, clean, contemporary Cute, light, clean contemporary romance. This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader, still a very good rating for me. Strong story line, great characters, and fun setting. Cute premise for the story, and my favorite kind of characters, honest hearts, caring, and perfect HEA for them. Easton was a great character, loved his backstory, and his worries, concerns, and of course his strengths.  I loved how things that both he and Ivy did helped them come together. Those small moments that make their coming together magical and lovely.  The tree, the injury, the moments they had that made such a sweet, perfect, attraction and fall.  This is a perfect escape read, with some great, honest, characters with heartfelt emotions, a fun setting and back story.  I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest revie...

 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...