I cannot even say how many times I've read or listened to this book, but it never feels stale to me. In this case, I chose the Dreamscape audiobook edI cannot even say how many times I've read or listened to this book, but it never feels stale to me. In this case, I chose the Dreamscape audiobook edition with Rosalyn Landor narrating. Pride and Prejudice came alive for me once again and I was enchanted from the moment those famous opening words began to the summation of what comes after the happily ever after.
The Bennets of Longbourn are a frolicking family of five daughters, a bookish father and a fluttery mother. A young man of fortune moves to the neighborhood and all the matchmaking mamas are on point with Mrs. Bennet leading the way especially when he is joined by a friend of even more wealth and status. Too bad, the imminently handsome and wealthy Mr. Darcy makes a terrible first impression and his struggles to deny his attraction for second Bennet daughter Lizzy are dismal and he slips in love with a woman who is unlike any he has ever before encountered. Of course, there are other iconic characters and they invariably do their best to throw a spanner in the works for Darcy and Lizzy. But, a few fortunate twists of fate and the generosity of Lizzy's Gardiner relations give them another chance if youngest Bennet daughter Lydia's escapades don't scotch it all for good.
Rosalyn Landor's storytelling was engaging. Her Darcy did sound a tad raspy when she went deep for his voice, but I got used to it. I liked her rendition and would definitely listen to more of her work.
All in all, another delightful outing with a favorite classic....more
Quitting her job at the library, inheriting a small fortune from a friend, dating a nice minister, and now considering working at her mom’s real estatQuitting her job at the library, inheriting a small fortune from a friend, dating a nice minister, and now considering working at her mom’s real estate office, Roe Teagarden, is in a funk. From the outside, her life is enviable, but she wants what all her marrying or married friends have and she has no idea what she wants for a job or if she wants a job. Then a series of incidents occur to make it clear what she doesn’t want- working as a real estate agent when murdered agents can be discovered displayed at the sale houses, an awkward feeling she and Aubrey are merely treading water, or be invited to be one more person’s bridesmaid.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart TBA....more
Settling in as newlyweds in a home with a dark, mysterious past is the not the only unsettling matter Aurora Teagarden faces. Charlaine Harris’ AuroraSettling in as newlyweds in a home with a dark, mysterious past is the not the only unsettling matter Aurora Teagarden faces. Charlaine Harris’ Aurora Teagarden series continues to pull me in to the drama as much as the mystery in Roe’s life.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 4.19.26....more
After the dramatic and dark finish to Real Murders, a few months later life in Lawrenceton, Georgia seems to be settling down. Then Aurora gets a surpAfter the dramatic and dark finish to Real Murders, a few months later life in Lawrenceton, Georgia seems to be settling down. Then Aurora gets a surprising inheritance complete with the mystery of a creepy skull and the new neighbors across the street are her ex and his new- very pregnant- wife. A murder mystery finds Aurora once again.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 2.1.26...more
A few years back, I was delighted to enter the world of The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and enjoy the sparkling Regency romantic comedy of a serious-minded A few years back, I was delighted to enter the world of The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and enjoy the sparkling Regency romantic comedy of a serious-minded naturalist and the whimsical woman who was enthralled by the subject and the man. I always meant to return to the series and read more about the eccentric Hapgoods and their romping road to romance.
A Very Plain Young Man picks up during the closing evens of The Naturalist, but is told from Elfrida Hapgood and Frederick Tierney’s (elder siblings to the Naturalist’s romance pair) alternating point of view.
Beautiful, dutiful, and myopic Elfie has seen plenty of examples of what she doesn’t want in a marriage and she’s certain not even deep love will entice her. The flirtatious and handsome Frederick Tierney’s wiles and smiles are bestowed in vain. She knows rakish men like him and her uncles can’t be steady or trusted.
Frederick has set London society ablaze with his idle pursuits and his latest light of love’s drama has made him end it. His brother’s wedding in Somerset into a poor, but good family introduce him to a woman of beauty whose calm, forthright behavior shows him how hollow his past flirtations have been. He’s determined to win her and, in the process, he starts changing his ways. But, is the lady’s short-sightedness able to see it before she chooses a good, steady fellow instead.
A Very Plain Young Man had a light and amusing tone with a few laugh out loud moments among the Hapgood sisters while tackling a good girl- (reforming) bad boy romance trope. I enjoyed this for a light and entertaining romp. Elfrida is a nearly perfect lady- she’s had to be responsible early since neither parent or siblings and even her uncles show much common sense. I was glad to see Frederick had the ability to discompose her because she needed someone livelier to challenge her and appreciate her for more than her looks. Now, Frederick, on the other hand, was a little more problematic for me. I liked him and rooted him on getting his life straightened out and taking his responsibilities more seriously. However, this story goes from thought of reform to the point where he meets Elfrida once and is ready to settle down and marry- even half-way into love. I would have loved to have gotten a few more transformation moments between to buy completely into the romance. I was glad she gives him a run for his money and forces him to work for what he wants especially since he has a very worthy rival.
The focus was on the characters, but the historical background, dialogue, and activities that surrounded the characters and plot were well-written giving readers a strong picture of a Regency country neighborhood and families. The style of the story harks back to Heyer and Austen for me.
All in all, A Very Plain Young Man hit the spot, didn’t try to do too much, and engaged as well as entertained just as a dazzling Regency Romp out to. I’ll be eagerly pressing forward with the series and recommend it to those who enjoy sweet historical romance and comedy.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 11.19.25....more
After forty years of no new releases from the incomparable Mary Stewart, it was thrilling when The Wind Off the Small Isles and The Lost Ones were pulAfter forty years of no new releases from the incomparable Mary Stewart, it was thrilling when The Wind Off the Small Isles and The Lost Ones were pulled from the vault and released. Both share the same heroine, Perdita West. I loved the intro from Mary Stewart's niece explaining the inspiration for the story and a little about her gifted auntie.
The Wind Off the Small Isles leads with a prologue of set on the isle of Lanzarote about a hundred and fifty years in the past when the night of great volcanic activity a young woman elopes with her lover.
In the present, Perdita's quirky employer, a writer of fiction for teenagers is determined to spend some time in the Canary Islands researching her latest plot. Perdita, her intrepid assistant makes the arrangements and off they go. Cora Gresham shuns the more lush, 'touristy' islands for the barren and wild Lanzarote and has her eyes fixed on an isolated property for her writer's paradise. Too bad its already occupied and that is when the real adventure begins.
Susie Riddell was a first time narrator for me and I enjoyed her playful work as both Mrs. Gresham and Perdita as well as the men's voices. Her all around storytelling was great and drew me into the story nicely.
All and all a lovely novella I was glad to finally listen to.
Years ago, I thought I'd read all the Mary Stewart releases and was sad that there were no more new stories to anticipate, but lo, and behold, long afYears ago, I thought I'd read all the Mary Stewart releases and was sad that there were no more new stories to anticipate, but lo, and behold, long after, The Wind Off the Small Isles and The Lost One released, sometimes a duo and sometimes separate. The heroine, Perdita West, is the same for both.
In The Lost One, originally published in 1960- and republished in 2019- seems to be a 'contemporary' story set on a road trip up in the rural areas in northern England as mother and daughter are going on holiday to the Lake District.
With her mother navigating and Perdita behind the wheel, they are having the usual road trip fun of getting lost and finding their way back until the car conks out on a country road. They spot a light on a nearby farm so figure they can borrow the phone and make a call to a garage.
But, things take a sinister turn and they end up in a suspenseful adventure.
This was a novella and it was a quickly listened to piece, but like Mary Stewart's novels, it was fleshed out with setting and characters even as the plot moved forward right into the heart-pounding climax.
Antonia Whillans was a new to me narrator, but I loved her rendering of Perdita and the other characters.
All and all, a lost gem that I'm glad it was released for our pleasure. Now, off to Perdita's other adventure....more
The Seasons series set in 12th century England were exciting, captivating romances loaded with historical detail and background. With the last of the The Seasons series set in 12th century England were exciting, captivating romances loaded with historical detail and background. With the last of the Graistan family finding their romance, Denise Domning has turned her attention to the children who are all grown up and ready for their own turn at happily ever after.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 12.7.25 #SeriesOnSunday...more
Twelfth century Shrewsbury and an abbey-town setting are the backdrop for the Brother Cadfael Chronicles and this latest mystery, The Sanctuary SparroTwelfth century Shrewsbury and an abbey-town setting are the backdrop for the Brother Cadfael Chronicles and this latest mystery, The Sanctuary Sparrow, brings the life of a poor traveling entertainer into the forefront.
The Sanctuary Sparrow is the seventh of the series. It could standalone or be read out of order though I've found there is a subtle series arc going in the background for Cadfael's friendly and detecting relationship with Under-sheriff Hugh Berenger and his life among the brothers at the abbey.
The Sanctuary Sparrow opens with a scruffy, battered man rushing into the church and grabbing the altar cloth in a dramatic request for sanctuary. Several young hotheads of the town have chased him in declaring he's a murderer and a thief who was hired to play and entertain at the wedding the town goldsmith hosted for his son.
Cadfael is the current physician for the goldsmith's widowed mother so he has an in with the family and is able to investigate from this angle even as Hugh and his men take on the overt investigation. Liliwin, as the stranger, and having been recently tossed out without his pay because of an accident with a broken wine jar, appears to be the obvious suspect, but Cadfael spots little things that don't quite add up and as he gets to know young Liliwin, he doesn't have the right character for the situation.
The story follows the perspective of Liliwin and the household maid and not just Cadfael's. The story of the wedding night and of the family slowly, but surely comes into focus. Then, further deaths come and the situation gets more volatile by the minute. Cadfael must work faster.
There was a slow build to this one because it has the dual purpose of delivering Liliwin's story as well as the mystery at the goldsmith's household. It comes to a dramatic and suspenseful head like all the Cadfael stories. There is a bittersweet quality like others, as well, because Ellis Peters shows a world of dark, light, and the shades of gray in between.
Vanessa Benjamin continues to be a stellar narrator for series getting all those voices and personalities as well as the tone of the book down pat.
A historical mystery series that remains solid and strong. Looking forward to continuing with the audio editions for the series....more
Continuing through the Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries as revisits on audio, I arrive at one that was a favorite the first time through. I wavered,Continuing through the Brother Cadfael medieval mysteries as revisits on audio, I arrive at one that was a favorite the first time through. I wavered, hoping it would pass the test of time. Sure enough! I was no sooner listening in than I was captivated once more.
This fifth of the Chronicle of Brother Cadfael series of standalone historical mysteries opens with the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul preparing to welcome an aristocratic wedding party while at the other end of the social spectrum, the leper hospital of St. Giles just up the road are the first to set eyes on the arriving lords and ladies from the groom and bride's sides.
Not long upon arrival, Cadfael becomes well aware that not everyone is happy with the upcoming nuptials- namely the bride herself who is being forced to marry a wealthy, powerful lord to connect her conniving uncle and aunt who hold her wardship to further power and wealth. One of Lord Huon's squires is just as miserable because Jocelyn de Lucy and the lady bride are in love.
Cadfael is helpless to assist them and then things get more dire when Jos is accused of thieving from his lord and dismissed, then not long after a murder takes place and Jos is blamed for this, too. Cadfael has his doubts. Meanwhile, Brother Mark at the leper hospital has his own mysteries to solve that might have a bearing on the troubling events associated with the abbey guests.
Johanna Ward continues to narrate an engaging tale with a good grasp of the overall story and talented way of voicing all the characters.
The mystery had a few surprise twists and some great suspense leading to the reveal. Ellis Peter's brings the medieval world around the Shrewsbury abbey and local environs to life with well-researched detail....more
When one wants interesting historical details and settings, nuanced characters, and a mystery plot that doesn’t give up the answers easily, look no fuWhen one wants interesting historical details and settings, nuanced characters, and a mystery plot that doesn’t give up the answers easily, look no further than the talented pen of Anna Lee Huber.
A Tarnished Canvas extends the Lady Darby mysteries to the thirteenth installment and remains fresh and engaging for long-time fans or for those just discovering the early Victorian era series about a female artist who once lived a macabre life with her first husband, but now shares a loving partnership with her husband Gage, a professional inquiry agent.
After recent escapades among Gage’s relations in Cornwall, Kiera, Gage, and their retinue return to their home in Scotland for a time of peaceful doings. Gage is between cases, but Kiera occupies herself with preparing her work for a show, finishing some commissions, and her family. Then, an unlooked-for invitation to an art auction leads to a horrific accident when the floor gives way and the pair are injured, but at least alive. However, it wasn’t an accident and now they, along with their investigating assistants, including crime lord Bonnie Brock must get to the truth of the matter because there are strong hints that Kiera might have been the target.
A Tarnished Canvas was centered around a real-life event of a floor collapsing and kudos to Anna Lee Huber for working this event and so many period details and descriptions into her story. At times, the historical element is firmly at the forefront as are the relationship developments particularly between her maid and Gage’s manservant slowing the story down a bit- not that I minded much. Bonnie Brock is the spice of life whenever he appears and unsettles matters. The last third of the book kicked it up a notch and left me wide-eyed from the conclusion- which yes, as usual hints at a new mystery hovering on the horizon for the next book.
Heather Wild has been a long familiar and enjoyed voice of the series. She draws listeners in quickly to the story and deepens the connection to the well-loved characters with her distinctions for each one.
There are enough details for historical mystery lovers to dive into A Tarnished Canvas and try out Anna Lee Huber’s work, but I strongly recommend getting the series from the beginning so that all their character and relationship growth- along with those stellar mysteries are not missed.
I rec'd an audio from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 8.21.25....more
Just as the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul is gearing up for the Christmas season, a messenger arrives for Abbot Hereford requesting his presence at Just as the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul is gearing up for the Christmas season, a messenger arrives for Abbot Hereford requesting his presence at a meeting in London that will determine his future as abbot and also a man retires from his estate lands planning to give them over to the abbey in exchange for an abbey property in the town with further provisions.
The news stirs everyone and Prior Robert, temporarily in charge, believes this is his grand moment when the Bishops will recognize his worth and make him abbot. Cadfael is interested, but his own personal focus is recipes for the aches and pains and illnesses among the abbey and town residents due to the cold winter season. Old Brother Rhys needs his Monk's Hood ointment for his joints, but it warms his heart to see the old Welsh monk get a visit from a young relation who is apprenticed to Shrewsbury's carpenter.
But, it isn't long before Cadfael gets word that the abbey's new tenant falls victim to poisoning of his meal sent over from the abbey and his step-son who tore out of the house in anger at his decision to leave the estate to the abbey is the prime suspect. Cadfael is appalled that his concoction was used as the murder weapon, but gets a second stunner when the victim's widow turns out to be Cadfael's first love, Richildes. Now, she begs him to save her son from the murder charge even as the sheriff's sergeant is hunting him to arrest him. If he didn't do it, then who and why?
Cadfael has his work cut out for him with the sergeant not willing to hear him out, Prior Robert confining him to the abbey, and the evidence thin on the ground, but a mischievous pair of boys, Brother Mark, and a little ingenuity on Cadfael's part are enough to get it done.
Patrick Tull did a satisfying job narrating Monk's Hood and I enjoyed this holiday seasonal mystery set in Brother Cadfael's 12th century world....more
A Benedictine monk, who once fought in the Crusades on both land and sea, now the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul of Shrewsbury's herbalist has added A Benedictine monk, who once fought in the Crusades on both land and sea, now the Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul of Shrewsbury's herbalist has added medieval era forensic sleuthing to his skill set. Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series is already a well-beloved as I read it many years ago and have watched the TV adaption of the series more than once. But, I hadn't experienced it on audio and its been years, so I happily settled in for a listen to the Recorded Books edition narrated by new to me narrator, Patrick Tull.
A Morbid Taste for Bones is the first full-length novel in the series (though for those who appreciate getting stories chronologically, there are three novellas that precede this and are gathered together under the title, A Rare Benedictine).
While Brother Cadfael oversees two of the brothers working in the abbey gardens, Prior Robert has been busily hunting far and wide for a stray saint the abbey could acquire to heighten his (ahem), that is the abbey's reputation as a source of religious wonder and power. Then, to everyone's astonishment, first Brother Jerome has a dream about St. Winifred of a Welsh extraction. But what cements the deal for Prior Robert is when another brother monk has a vision of her calling and saying she wishes her bones to come to Shrewsbury.
So, Abbot Hereford sends Prior Robert off with a retinue of five monks including Brother Cadfael (because he can translate Welsh/English) to bring St. Winifred back in a beautiful reliquary. Wales is unlike Norman England and Prior Robert hits a snag when the locals of Gwytherin like their local saint right where she is, thank you very much. Then, one of the local Welsh gentry is murdered and an 'outlander' not of the Benedictine party is thought to be the culprit though the visiting Benedictines have a huge motive, too.
Brother Cadfael along with the daughter of the murdered man think they need to look further afield for the culprit based on evidence that Cadfael turns up and her knowledge of the people involved.
I forgot how much I loved these stories and the characters led by the wry-humored, worldly-wise, and observant Cadfael. The mystery was good and I enjoyed the turns it took, but the interactions between the cast of characters was as entertaining as the mystery.
Patrick Tull took some adjusting for me (not on him- I'm the one who hears Sir Derek Jacobi's voice when I read the series, previously), but I ended up enjoying his voicing of the characters. He didn't try to falsetto the females or assume a Welsh accent though he did great at portraying personality quirks and status levels and he caught the tone and rhythm of the story so well. I will definitely look forward to more of his work.
All in all, a wonderful revisit and I look forward to more. Definitely recommend to those who like authentic historic details in their medieval-era historical mysteries....more
When her old aunt passes away, a woman comes back to her small town to claim her inheritance. Family secrets and a new promise of love and new start oWhen her old aunt passes away, a woman comes back to her small town to claim her inheritance. Family secrets and a new promise of love and new start on life are there waiting if she’s willing to take a chance on change. Carolyn Brown is an autobuy author for me particularly when it comes to the cozy, country charm of her small town women’s fiction with a smattering of romance and humor.
I revisited The Party Line in the audio version and, as usual, Brittany Pressley does a fab job voicing Carolyn Brown's story. She caught the right tone and pacing and voiced the small cast of characters in that small Texas community so well.
The Party Line is set in a town that isn’t on most maps where everyone knows each other and all the secrets, but one. Aunt Gracie had a secret that has the town stirred up again when they think Lila will discover it after she moves into Gracie’s house. Lila has been an accountant in the big city, content with her job and acquaintances, but she feels the difference between contentment and deep-seated happiness when she sorts through Gracie’s past, reacquaints herself with the neighbors, spends time with her mother and Gracie’s friends. The strawberry fields behind the house and the new young foreman have her attention and tempt her to try something new.
Gently paced and full of all sorts of heartwarming moments, The Party Line is a book that the reader can sit back, relax, and feel- feel the summer heat and taste the sweet strawberries, appreciate family, friends, and romance, and then dig a little deeper into bittersweet truths the past generations had to face. Not a book for high entertainment or drama, but well satisfying all the same. The Party Line is for those who like the crossover of women’s fic and romance in a country town setting. ...more
Ten years ago, a boy shattered a girl’s heart and she left town determined to move on. Now, a class reunion, maturity and mileage down life’s road, soTen years ago, a boy shattered a girl’s heart and she left town determined to move on. Now, a class reunion, maturity and mileage down life’s road, some interfering friends, and some hearts in the sand, bring second chances. Carolyn Brown has been a go-to author for quite some time so I trusted her to write a story that allowed me to get past what the guy said in his young and dumb years.
I’ve been slowly making my way through Carolyn Brown’s backlist and came upon Secrets in the Sand tucked away on one my Kindle shelves. It’s gotten some very mixed reviews so I was leery and hesitated over it. Coincidentally, a day later, it popped up in a library recommendations feed so I took the hint and borrowed the audio. Savannah Peachwood’s voice and Carolyn Brown’s words pulled me right into Angel’s bittersweet story and carried me right to the finish.
Secrets in the Sand hit on some profoundly deep topics from teen pregnancy, grief, class differences, and more. For some, Clancy’s actions were and are unforgiveable and that will determine how this story hits them. And, depending on how the story went after the ten years passed, I might have fallen in that camp. But, I didn’t. In this story, the awful events happened in a way that I could allow compassion and forgiveness in. Upfront, here’s a teenager, eighteen years old, who has been sneaking around with a girl because he’s immature enough to care about his social status as much as a relationship and he thinks because his dad is a stickler for social status, that he’d disappoint his parents for being with the girl. He knows he can’t keep up sneaking around with her especially when he heads off to college so his mindset is to break it off. Then, right when he’s worked himself up to do so, she hits him with the news that she’s pregnant and she knows they’ll be a happy family. Panic! Then, his mouth spews so much stupid my heart broke for her. He wasn’t being deliberately cruel, but rather he was thoughtless and selfish with not a care to her at all. This is not an excuse, just an explanation. Then, the story moves forward ten years. They meet. Angel is hurt and angry still and rightfully so. He says and does what he should in regret and apology. She shows him one more burden that situation laid on her and, because he wasn’t a genuine brute- just stupid and immature- his heart is broken right along with hers after she shares what went down after she left. Most of the story is Clancy working hard to show he’s not that boy and his life in the military, a marriage and divorce from a cheating spouse, and following years spent teaching and living quietly has made him a whole different person. There was also the discussion that even if he had done the right thing back then, there was a good chance they wouldn’t have made it with both being young and untried toward life’s struggles. The years have matured them, made them stronger, and they both get to know the new versions of themselves. I felt her gradual road to forgiveness and trust was shown (though much faster than real life since it is a fiction romance) and he had to work to earn that. Now, the love was never the issue. Angel tried to deny it, but her heart was Clancy’s all along and he figured out the same thing after life banged him around a bit, too.
So, Secrets in the Sand was one I enjoyed like I do most of Carolyn Brown’s books and I liked the new to me narrator, too, but I’ll just say that this will not be for everyone because of how Clancy handled that early breakup.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 8.11.25....more
Continuing with a new tale for the Fitzhenry family, the next brother to get his tale is Temric who carries around bitterness toward his natural fatheContinuing with a new tale for the Fitzhenry family, the next brother to get his tale is Temric who carries around bitterness toward his natural father and of a battered woman whose very life depends on a lie. Denise Domning continues to dazzle with her flair for the medieval world and the colorful, engaging people and plots within that world.
Summer’s Storm is the second of The Season Series (sometimes called The Graiston Chronicles). This one continues from when the first one left off shifting to a new pair of main characters in Temric and Phillipa so the series must be read in order for much that is happening to make sense.
Temric, the natural son of Lord Henry of Graistan, is a conundrum to most people. He acts like a Lord’s son, but bears no title or lands so should be treated like a commoner. Temric bitterly believes that if his father had wished to acknowledge him then he would have been named in the will. He stands by his brother’s side and now is sent to bring the sister of his brother’s wife to lay her testimony before the bishop in the lawsuit for Benfield property. Lady Philippa is nothing like he imagined and the truths she can tell will blow the lawsuit wide open. Her very life is in jeopardy, but he can’t help the temptation this lovely, sweet woman- as natural born as himself- even though she is married. He will do anything to save Philippa even if the laws of the church forbid it.
Philippa of Lindhurst was married while very young and innocent to a man of comely appearance, but in fact is a sadistic, jealous abuser supported by his equally evil mother. For years, she has endured the grubbing life at Lindhurst with her spirit intact, but hidden away behind a wall of dullness. She is caught between wanting to do right by her sister in refuting the lie, but knowing her death will come hard and soon if she tells the truth and deprives her grasping husband and his mother of the property and wealth it brings. Worse still, she wants what she cannot have when in Temric arms astride his horse and in the stolen kiss they share.
Temric and Philippa’s story takes a different tone and plot direction from Rowena and Rannulf’s romance in Winter’s Heat. It actually leaves the Graistan area for a thriving market town where Temric’s widowed mother and his younger half-brothers from his mother’s marriage to a nice wool merchant reside. Temric and Pippa share the consequence of illegitimate status that the others couldn’t understand so are drawn together in understanding. For another, theirs is a forbidden romance of that time. In our day and age, two people whose half-siblings are married isn’t frowned upon as marriage partners nor is illegitimacy a frowned upon reason to be denied status and inheritance, either, but in the twelfth century, it was.
And, what a fun surprise, there is a magical realism element that both Temric and Philippa experience- ghostly hauntings and dreams, maybe?
Philippa suffered great abuse at the hands of husband and mother-in-law and, if I was reading it right, a squicky bit of incest between mom and son going on off to the side. The mom and son were also a whole lotta crazy, too. I was so glad she got away with Temric and was protected in her sister’s care, but figuratively biting my nails over what came next when she encountered her husband again.
In the end, Summer’s Storm was a deeply-felt medieval romance, rich in historical detail, complex characters, and relationships was another amazing read. I am eager to press forward in the Graistan world for the next romantic adventure.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 8.10.25.
I’ve noted it in the past, but I’ll risk repeating myself, Louis L’Amour is one of the top Western Historical Fiction writers out there, but that’s onI’ve noted it in the past, but I’ll risk repeating myself, Louis L’Amour is one of the top Western Historical Fiction writers out there, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg of what he can write. In the case of Flint, the reader comes for the western, but gets a romance and a mystery bonus.
Flint begins when a mysterious man slips off a train when its slowing for a steep grade and he makes his way across country. He’s prepared the world for his disappearance. He was a wealthy and powerful businessman, but now he wants to get away into the western vastness to die in peace.
The man came a long way from a bedraggled, abandoned child shivering and hungry on a western town street. A hired gunfighter took him up and got him a home and a school, then taught him much about the ways of the west, people, and guns before the man, Flint, was killed in an unfair gunfight. Years later, as a man, the ‘kid at the crossing’ started small and ruthlessly ended up on top of the heap. He thought to have love and a family, but his beautiful wife married him for greed and then she was part of a plot to kill him.
Now, that he’s dying of cancer, he comes back west, takes up his old mentor’s name, and hopes to be left alone. Instead, this younger James Flint meets a poised and strong western woman in trouble when her ranch is part of a powerful man’s secret plans to gain more wealth and power. Flint can’t walk away even if this is to be his last stand. Suddenly, he doesn’t want to die and wishes he’d met Nancy Kerrigan long ago.
Flint is probably one of my all-time favorite Louis L’Amour stories. I loved seeing Flint in action, spend time with him when’s he’s alone out in the wild country, his time taming the wild horse herd and dreaming of Nancy, and of course, when he faced off against a large group of ruthless conniving villains including his wife.
MacLeod Andrews was a great match for this story and I loved how he voiced the cast of characters including both women. His talent made a good story even richer for the hearing.
All in all, this was a fabulous adventure in the old American West that I can recommend.
My full review posted at The Reading Frenzy 9.9.25....more
This was a revisit to the series and first time with the audio format. I had vague recollections so this was almost like a first-time listen for me. IThis was a revisit to the series and first time with the audio format. I had vague recollections so this was almost like a first-time listen for me. I've enjoyed Susan Bennett's narration work before so I was glad to give a listen in to her telling of this third and final of the Midnight, TX series.
Original Review: I have been captivated by this series since I picked up Midnight Crossing, the first book. Imagine a dying small town in the middle of nowhere where each resident has something to hide yet they are so few that they can’t help learning something about each other. And though this town is a mere crossroads for two highways, it attracts mysterious and dangerous events. The atmosphere is ominous and tense, waiting. The people are wary, yet protective of their town and each other. They look after their own.
This third book in the Midnight, Texas series felt like the finale. I don’t know for sure if it is, but it wrapped up all dangling threads and finished pulling out all the hinted at secrets and more from the earlier books. The big conflict was a growing and powerful evil in the town compelling people from other places to come to the crossroads and commit suicide. Not only must everyone work to stop the killings and keep the spotlight of the outside world away, but now they must figure out how to stop what is causing it. Meanwhile, Fiji is challenged to accept who and what she is, Manfred gets answers to his past, Olivia’s past catches up to her, and more.
The pace and feel was cozy mystery with a paranormal flavor. There is a good solid mystery, but I also felt that this was a long good-bye as it pulled out all the stops tying things up and getting it all out in the open. The atmospheric quality and tension suffered as a result. That said, I have no complaints about seeing relationships gel and get my answers from previous books while getting a few surprise twists in this latest one. I loved the characters and the world of Midnight so I am sad to see it go though I understand it is being adapted for TV.
On a side note, for those not in the know, a few crossover characters and references to events in her other series notably the Sookie Stackhouse series take place. My favorite crossover is Quinn the Weretiger.
All in all, those who enjoy small town mystery blended with paranormal and romantic suspense would probably enjoy this trilogy which I recommend getting in order....more
Quite the opening with a young former policeman riding a train to London and hearing the old lady across from him share a tale of a murderer who has kQuite the opening with a young former policeman riding a train to London and hearing the old lady across from him share a tale of a murderer who has killed at least three people in her village and made them all look like accidents. Said old lady names the next victim because an expression the murderer wore and then she died before she could report her suspicions to Scotland Yard.
Luke Fitzwilliam wants to take the old lady's words as fanciful, but when the obituaries and deaths in the London paper show she was spot on and she herself was killed, he can't let it go. Luke uses his buddy Jimmy's connection with a cousin living in the village to go down and do some investigating.
His stay in Wychwood has him mingling among the locals and very taken with Jimmy's cousin who is engaged to the 'lord of the manor'. Meanwhile, a murderer doesn't stop and murder is easy as old Mrs. Pinkerton tried to tell him. Will he figure it out before the murderer figures him as a threat?
Murder is Easy is sometimes listed as the fourth Superintendent Battle series book and Battle does appear to close the case, but this isn't connected to other books and really Luke Fitzwilliam is the detective point of view and the one who works the mystery.
I liked the small quaint village set up, the various cast of characters, but I liked Luke Fitzwilliam most of all and the crackling romantic tension shared between him and Bridget.
My Harper Audiobook copy was read by Gemma Whelan and this was my first experience with her narration work. I thought she did a fab job with male/female, upper/lower class, old/young, and accents. I would definitely pick up more of her work.
All in all a satisfying mystery I was glad to revisit on audio....more
A gunslinging woman mercenary in a post-apocalyptic alternate history magical adventure with an Old West-vibe sounds like high adventure and good timeA gunslinging woman mercenary in a post-apocalyptic alternate history magical adventure with an Old West-vibe sounds like high adventure and good times. Charlaine Harris has crossed into new genres before to great success so I had no doubt picking up this curious blend of genres woven together for a new series.
An Easy Death is the opener in a new series and did a fab job introducing the post-apocalyptic world, the tough gal main character- Lizbeth Rose- and the cast of characters around her. At the same time, An Easy Death presented an exciting, gritty, riveting story without losing suspense or pace because of the intros.
Lizbeth is a hard, common-sense gunfighter living in the former territory of Oklahoma-Texas and her work takes her across the border into the expanded Mexico and other regional “countries” that were once the former US. The US, after Roosevelt’s death, was bitten off by Canada, Britain, Mexico, and Russia. With the Russians who took California, has come magic-wielders. Lizbeth has grown up tough and has a gift with firearms and tactics plus hard-knocks experience that matured her early and filed down all her soft edges. She loves her small town, her little house, and her mom and step-dad, but she’s independent and goes her own way, including her merc work and reputation among fellow “gunnies”.
And, due to her beginnings, Lizbeth can’t abide these Russian wizards, but due to the need to earn a living, she has to take a job protecting a pair of them on their mysterious mission south into Mexico. A great deal of lethal attacks on their party convinces Lizbeth that someone doesn’t want the pair to succeed in whatever it is they’re up to.
Everything about this story worked for me. I was fully engaged with the world, plot, and most of all, Lizbeth from the opening of the story and this only solidified as the story progressed. Though barely a whiff of romance comes late in the story, I liked how Lizbeth and Eli showed some low-level sparks. This was gritty and rough like a good western, but with those curious added features of the occasional modernism that survived from the 1940s and the magic and culture the Russians brought with them.
The full cast of familiar Graphic Audio voice artists was stellar as were the sound effects that all worked to immerse me deeply in An Easy Death’s story.
All in all, An Easy Death was the promise of all the good things as I eagerly push forward into the rest of the series. Because of the crossing of the genres this will appeal to a wider group from Western-lovers to Urban Fantasy, to Alt History, and Dystopian fans.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 7.28.25....more
![An Easy Death [Dramatized Adaptation] (Gunnie Rose #1)](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677881942l/69815962._SX50_.jpg)
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