If you love a great contemporary cozy murder mystery, you will love MURDER AT THE COURTHOUSE. Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane sticks his neck out for those in need, and he is like a junkyard dog when tracking a murderer. So, look out, murderer, here he comes! What did I love about this novel? Hmm, well, the characters’ interactions and inner struggles, the difficulty of solving the mystery, and how the details came together at the end. 

During this investigation, Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane’s courage and heart said a lot about him. His struggles make him relatable—good job, Ann. I’m eager to read book 2, MURDER COMES BY MAIL! (I anticipated yet another good read and purchased all three in this series.) 

This hometown story entertained me and had me cheering on the deputy! I’m thrilled to tell you about this novel and hope you will take a chance on A. H. Gabhart!   

You may find A. H. Gabhart at:  https://www.annhgabhart.com/
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​FRONTIER CINDERELLA is a delightful story. It's not all sugar and lace, and it feels different than Regina Scott's other fictional offerings. Still, it fits in with the previous Frontier Bachelors series and warmed my heart. I love it when a new series has characters that link with an older one. Don't you? FRONTIER CINDERELLA caused me to reminisce about the stories leading up to this one, and when this story ended, I felt euphoric! 

Katie Jo McAllister has that quiet fire about her. I liked her immediately and celebrated her strength and growth as the story's difficulties progressed. Regina placed the right mix of unique character and beauty—in more ways than one—to make this story shine. Harry Yeager—I recognized him from former stories, and Regina gave him such a workout! Well done, Harry, and well done, Regina! 😊 

The Wallin support characters had me smiling. Regina, how do you keep all our fictional friends straight in your head because they were well-rounded and simply amazing! Zeke was inspiring, and Cole McAllister was quite challenging!

I loved the challenges and obstacles faced by Katie Jo and Harry. (Both internal and other.) I'm sure that some real-life people from the past experienced what these characters lived. So reader, if you want a clean historical romance with a story of substance, I'm sure you will enjoy FRONTIER CINDERELLA! Though I was given this novel for a review, I am giving you my honest evaluation and reactions to Regina's story. This one is well worth your reading time.

Questions for Regina:

This is not the most original question but what or who inspired you to write Katie Jo’s character?

Katie Jo just appeared one day as I was writing the previous book in the series, Her Frontier Sweethearts. I suppose I’ve always had a soft spot for Doris Day’s portrayal of Calamity Jane. Katie Jo’s that sort of gal—she may not wear frilly dresses, but she’d be the first one in line to offer help if you needed it.
 
Did you roleplay any of your scenes to create a different direction or choice for any of your characters?

Not for this book, though I have had my sons act out portions of my books in the past. They always loved the sword fight scenes in my Regencies. 
 
What is your favorite recipe made with anise?

I can’t give you one, because I actually hate the flavoring! But it was a common one in the Victorian age and on the frontier, so my characters tend to use it.
 
I would love to know what you would like for your reader to take away from your story since you don’t write fluff and always offer interesting historical information and relationships with resolution or wisdom.  
 
Thank you! I hope readers finish the story knowing they are loved, just as they are. We don’t need fancy clothes or a prestigious job to be welcomed at the table of our heavenly Father. He made us to love and be loved, and He loves us wherever we are.
 
What novel do you have lined up next and what do you want to tell us about it? 

Next up, in July, is Never Admire an Adventurer, the second book in my Fortune’s Brides: Guarding Her Heart series, about four elite soldiers trying to make their home in England during the Regency. Kristof Tanner’s assignment to guard an heiress is hardly the adventure he craves, until Julia Hewett concocts a pretend engagement to keep her father from matchmaking. But when danger arises, they must work together to uncover the culprit. Will they discover the greatest adventure of all is falling in love?

You can find out more about Regina Scott at her website:
https://reginascott.com/  

THE LOVE LETTER is a story that grips two time periods, merging them into a fascinating and relatable tale. One that I’m thrilled to promote to others. Let me tell you why.  
Rachel dives deeply into each of her main characters, bringing rich layers of personality imprinted with hurts that motivate other characters in a moving way. If asked which timeline I loved better, I would have difficulty choosing. I fell quite happily into both the historical and more contemporary times.

The beautiful gold thread that weaves these two stories together to make one beautiful experience is love. But not always in the way this reader would expect.

Esther Kingsley delightful personality made me eager to visit the pages that revealed her true nature. I found myself cheering her on. Her precious faith and loyalty touched my heart. Hamilton Lightfoot’s struggles and opposition caused me to ponder just where their story would lead. And then, for the contemporary novel, Chloe Daschel’s journey, drive, and talent were a beauty to behold. Last but not least, Jesse Gates, the writer who was seeking more, would have to face inward struggles that a lesser man would run from.

This story is moving, interesting and inspiring. I highly recommend this novel and this author. She gave a lovely interview, and I invite you to come to know Rachel Hauck as she shares her answers.


QUESTIONS FOR RACHEL
Rachel, you write historical and contemporary fiction equally well. What inspired you to choose the 1780s timeline for this story?
 
 
RH: It's been a minute since I wrote this book but if I recall, the premise was, "What if the unrequited love of our ancestors somehow fell on us."  If great, great grandpa and grandma couldn't be together, could their love for each find their descendants. Could they fall in love? I wanted some distance between the contemporary and historical story so no obvious family details could be known. I wanted Esther and Hamilton to be lost to Chloe and Jesse. Also, I love our Revolutionary history and the Battle of Cowpens was critical to Colonial victory. Also, it was a time when love letters were an important part of courtship. Since we had no official postal system in 1781, letters were difficult to send. 
 
I refuse to write spoilers for this or any other story, but still, I’m curious, who is your favorite character in this novel that links the past and present? Why?
 
RH: I love all of the characters and their connections are pretty intertwined. I think it's Hamilton's love for Esther that links the past and the present. I love how heroic he is throughout the story.  
 
 
I read online that you wanted people to know about this story. What message do you want to convey to your readers with these situations and characters?
 
RH: There was a sense while writing the book that love never really dies. I don't have any proof of that, or Bible, but I know God's love for us never dies. I try to weave in metaphorical ways to show God's love and care of humanity throughout the story. I also believe stories that glimpse at our history are great reminders of our blessings. 
 
So for a fun question, where is the craziest place you ever wrote down a scene or plot point that you used in a published story?
 
RH: Great question! I can't think of a crazy-crazy place but I've written on airplanes, in bathrooms, while walking, even jotted notes in the middle of church worship. (Though not when I'm leading.) I do have special moments with the Lord in prayer that leads me to a story point. Usually something that reflects who He is.
 
 
What is your next novel to be published, and what do you want to tell us about that gem in the making?
 
RH: My next book is The Best Summer of Our Lives coming June 27th. I'm really excited about this one. I mused over it for a couple of years before putting together a proposal. It's about four best friends who have the power of their love and friendship tested one summer. It's set in the summer of 1977 and 1997 so I hope readers will enjoy the flashback to the past, whether they were alive or not. :) Go to my website for more information and how you can sign up for the Release Day Zoom Party! It's going to be fun. 
 
You may find Rachel on her website 
www.rachelhauck.com

 
Exquisite covers are not a stranger to this amazing author, Laura Frantz. This was a special story for her to write. Some of the characters and plot were birthed out of the rich soil of her Hume ancestors during Jacobite history. You may read more in her Author’s Notes within the ROSE and the THISTLE.

Moving on to my opinion and experience while reading this novel—at the risk of being labeled cliché—this is a riveting page-turning tale that kept my interest and desire to find out during a demandingly busy time for myself and our family. These characters could be peeled off the page and set in a chair beside me—I feel I knew them. The main characters would be welcomely seated while others would be shown the door! Well done, Laura. Reading the ROSE and the THISTLE made me feel I knew the characters even better than I would in real life. 😊 While Laura is always the storyteller extraordinaire, my sister and I feel this is her most compelling novel yet. Of course, we both felt that way last year when she published A HEART ADRIFT. As well as the year before, etc., I will add my link for A HEART ADRIFT book review below.

If you wish to experience early 1700s England and Scotland, with a little France, this is the book you have been waiting for. Rich in description, but not so much that you lose these characters’ struggles and real-life challenges akin to war and relationships. So much is touched on in this novel, such as: loss, friendships, betrayal, and unmatched loyalties. I do not wish to give away surprises or excellent plot twists that Laura weaves into her tale—so I won’t. I highly recommend this read because of the depth of character personalities and motivations, the ambiance of location and situations, and the happenings of the early 1700s.

The rose and the THISTLE is memorable, touches deep into one’s heart, and is brilliantly written. I always set aside time to read Laura’s latest book and to write a review on this author’s latest skillfully written tale—‘tis a pleasure and joy for me!
As far as I’m concerned, our Laura will always, from now on, be Lady Laura of Wedderburn Castle! Although I may shrink that down to Lady Laura Frantz!   

A HEART ADRIFT Review:
http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/a-heart-adrift-by-christy-award-winning-author-laura-frantz

You may find Laura and her novels at: www.laurafrantz.net.

1825 London, England & Rose Hill in Chertsey, England

Miss Abigail Winchester and her bodyguard, Fin Huber, won my heart in the first novel of the GUARDING HER HEART series. Regina masterfully guides the reader into the difficulties of an actual historical tragedy, bringing a fresh look at an 1800s scam through their fictional tale.

I love stories that include cats or dogs, and Fortune, the cat, adds her particular spice to the story. She and Lady Belfort, the hero heroine, and other characters, are familiar to me because of Regina’s WEDDING VOW series. If you scroll down this page, you can discover my reviews and some interviews for this other series. This is a well-written page-turner that kept my attention all the way through the read. I look forward to knowing the characters and am eager to see how they deal with their circumstances. These are characters and situations that are worth my time to read.

How disappointing to find that the Poyais scheme mentioned in NEVER BEGUILE A BODYGUARD was true. Colonel MacGregor lured people into this scam to their detriment. I appreciated Regina’s perspective on this and the humor and insight she weaves into her characters.

I was given an online copy of this novel to provide an honest review of this story, and I have done so. This is an excellent novel, and I’m happy to encourage others to read this wonderful story. 


You can find Regina at:
https://www.reginascott.com/

Julie Klassen’s novel SHADOWS OF SWANFORD ABBEY came to me at the perfect time. I was under the weather and looking for a historical novel steeped in mystery and incredible characters that moved the plot in a way that held my interest.

Well, Julie’s Miss Rebecca Lane and hero Sir Frederick delivered big time. A murder is committed in the newly renovated grand hotel, which used to be an Abby, of course. Secrets, hidden spaces, and a past that will not stay quiet distracted me in the most delicious way! I highly recommend SHADOWS OF SWANFORD ABBY.

I’m never disappointed with a Julie Klassen novel and am always on the look-out for her next offering! Swanford Abbey was inspired by Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, England and I love that Julie includes information after the story for anyone interested. 

You may find Julie Klassen and her novels at: 
​https://julieklassen.com/ 

Liz provides one chapter for each proverb listed. What I love about 31 PROVERBS TO LIGHT YOUR PATH is that hundreds of women picked their beloved proverbs, and Liz shared 31 of their top choices. Within each chapter, she shares her experience and awakening to the wisdom of each of these favorites. References to her research add to the delightful, whimsical way she divides each verse so that the reader doesn’t miss those nuggets of God’s faithfulness and love for His daughters and sons.

In addition, at the end of each chapter is a lovely prayer that relates to the study of the chapter verse. Liz included One Minute, One Step for the reader to find a fun and meaningful way to apply each verse to their lives. At the end of the book is a guided study for those who want more insight and depth.

What a lovely book in every way. It’s short enough for busy readers, beautiful enough for a gift, endearing and memorable, and 31 PROVERBS TO LIGHT YOUR PATH has become a favorite look into the Proverbs for me!
 
You may find Liz Curtis Higgs at: https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/

Orcas Island, Washington, Present Day

Imagine a wedding about to take place beside Old Cape Lighthouse on scenic Orcas Island. This Pacific Northwest location, adorned with gorgeous sun-kissed flowers, rested near the water’s edge. James Stratford, a wealthy and handsome groom, and Brooke Edgars, a lovely bride-to-be, were full of expectations and the promise of a long life together. Picture Perfect. Unfortunately, death can interrupt the grandest of plans and break hearts without a thought or care. 

Kaylee Bleu, owner of The Flower Patch and the official wedding florist, was the first person to find the body. Her handsome bow-tied dachshund, Bear, arrived beside the body first, but he suddenly showed terrible symptoms. Kaylee’s past as a plant taxonomist and forensic botanist at Seattle’s University of Washington has been helpful during investigations. This time her skills were needed to help her beloved Bear. And then to discover what the murderer didn’t want anyone to learn.

This story is well written, with plenty of twists and turns. I loved trying to discover who the killer might be! The characters have depth and personality. They feel like friendly neighbors who fit in nicely with their small town, Turtle Cove. And who can win your heart, if not a dachshund named Bear? I highly recommend this series and this story which can be a stand-alone, yet why miss the fun of the rest of the adventures? Secrets, surprises, and a very satisfying ending.

Each of these stories is approximately 200 pages, so they are quick reads that deliver a full cozy murder mystery experience—lacking nothing. I love details, and depth and I’m quite satisfied with Kaylee Bleu and her Petal Pushers garden club members and the other regulars of Turtle Cove.

This is Book 2 from the VICTORIAN MANSION FLOWER SHOP MYSTERIES series published by Annie’s. I have the hardback cover version with a ribbon bookmark sewn into the binding. What a lovely gift these books can make. There is also an E-book version available. You may discover more about the publisher and their other series at AnniesFiction.com.

QUESTIONS FOR JOHNNIE:

I love to let my readers discover who the author is behind the wonderful story presented
in the review. When did you first fall in love with writing?

Though I dreamed of writing stories, and certainly made up quite a few, from the time I was a tyke, it wasn’t until I approached one of those milestone birthdays that I told myself, “It’s now or never!” Fear often nibbled at my heart, and a few more years passed before I received a contract for WHERE TREASURE HIDES, my debut novel. God’s promise, given to me during a private devotional time at a writers conference, to “set my feet in a spacious place” helped me to persevere during that time and during other low points in my journey. I trust Him with my writing path.

Do you have a favorite occupation that you secretly dream of doing, represented by one
of your characters in this story? The Flower Patch florist, the handyman, baker, police
officer . . .

I absolutely love this question because I told my sister only a few weeks ago that creating characters allows me to explore hobbies that I want to know about but not necessarily do! LOL! For example, I recently created a heroine who is a glass-blower and another who is a wildlife photographer who also judges documentaries for film festivals. Doesn’t that sound fun?! One of my favorite characters is Chaney Rose, a con artist with a conscience, who uses her grifting skills to save a racehorse from death in THE MISCHIEF THIEF (currently the first and only novel in the Rose & Thorne Series). I’m loathe to admit it (because, after all, I do believe in following the Ten Commandments), but I’d love to be on the Leverage team. (For those who may not know, Leverage is an older TV show featuring a mastermind, hacker, hitter, grifter, and thief who ran cons on the rich and powerful to get justice for those in need.)

Since Orcas Island is a real place (https://www.visitsanjuans.com/orcas-island) have you
ever had the pleasure of visiting there?

That is definitely a dream, though not one that has yet come true. I’m still on the tourist mailing list, though, so maybe someday! Since I can’t travel to all the settings that show up in my stories, I research trees, plants, sunrises and sunsets, and often add the town (if it’s not fictional) on my weather app.

What is your favorite drink while writing?

I have a Pepsi in my favorite insulated cup, decorated with many of my favorite verbs, words, and phrases on my desk right now. Here’s a sampling: wonder, try, hope, flip flops, cherish, play, running barefoot in the grass, dream, laugh, dance, staying up late, cherish, pray.

What is the title of your next book in this series, and approximately when will it be
published?

All twenty-four books in the Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries series, published by Annie’s Fiction, have been written. I wrote #2, BLOOMED TO DIE and #8, PINE AND PUNISHMENT. The entire series can be found here: https://bit.ly/VMFSMSeries I’m currently writing a historical novella set in Crooksville, Ohio for Guideposts’ new Love’s a Mystery series. Each book contains a historical and a contemporary novella (written by two different authors). After that, I’ll be writing a few more novels for Annie’s Fiction while planning more Rose & Thorne stories.

You can find the author, Johnnie Alexander at https://johnnie-alexander.com/

England 1825
 
Surprise for Petunia Bateman, Tuny to her loved ones, was waiting for her at Chelsea Palace. Prince Otto Leopold made a stunning announcement that took Tuny’s breath away, triggered tongues to wag in the ton, and set her off on an undesirable path!

I’ve read previous books in this delightful and entertaining series. I know that Sir Matthew Bateman and Lady Bateman, Tuny’s brother and sister-in-law, will take care of this spirited, intelligent lady that has just been given a duty essential to the future of Batavaria! But will her family’s love and devotion be enough? Not in the view of the Batavarian royalty. Arrangements have been made, and still, danger is afoot.

Lord Ashforde is the last person Petunia wants to see because of a past disappointment. But she is important for Lord Ashforde, or as his friends call him, Ash, to see, for he has had an apology in the making. Should you treat yourself to this book, I would love for you to comment below about how Ash’s servants’ reactions to him impressed you? And what about Fortune, the—gray cat of import—residing with Meredith Mayes, Lady Belfort, and her husband, Julian. How can one gray cat be so clever? I know because I had such a wise and observant kitty in our household for 18 wonderful years.
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And as newspapers go, The Times wasn’t exactly helpful for Tuny’s relationship to the ton! So, if you are looking for adventure, a clean story that is more than fluff, and characters you will love forever, I suggest you read NEVER LOVE A LORD, Wedding Vow Series, Book 4. Yes, I was given this novel for review, and I have given you my honest feelings and observations! I love this series by Regina Scott! I hope that you will also!

You may find Regina Scott's news blogs and books on:
 https://reginascott.com/

The cat is our girl, Zoey. She has passed on but she lives on in our hearts!