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.
​
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!

I’ve held a particular movie in my DVD collection for far too long, so I finally watched it. I’m delighted to report that THE 39 STEPS is my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie—ever!

This fast-paced move offers intrigue, surprise, humor, and all the best this master film director has achieved during his life’s work—in my humble opinion! I admit that I don’t enjoy all old movies. Some drag on, and others lack zing, but the characters in THE 39 STEPS and the thrilling plot they move about in has lured me to return several times in a short period of time. I may watch it again today. 😊

Robert Donat does a wonderful job of portraying his intelligent and clever character, Richard Hanny, and Madeline Carroll is excellent as the witty and determined heroine, Pamela.
​
John Buchan’s 1915 novel ’THE 39 STEPS” can still be found, and I, for one, would love to read it. Do you also enjoy comparing novels to the movies inspired by those stories?
Well, there you have it. This is my latest movie obsession, and if you are looking for a fun quality movie, I offer my suggestion to take a look! 

THE MISTLETOE COUNTESS is winsome and moving, adventuresome, and definitely Christmassy! Main character, Gracelynn Ferguson won my heart. Red hair and all. Siblings can be so opposite of one another, and Gracelynn is such an uplifting and clever young woman, while her sister seems to fit into society and know all the rules.  But with a surprising circumstance, she takes her sister’s place as a Christmas bride. And are you not curious as to how that takes place? 😊 What a fresh and invigorating character she displays.

Frederick Percy settled for a financial match to save his historic home, his estate. But his bride-to-be does not work out, and her younger sister somehow becomes his unlikely bride.

They will face danger, rumors, and a murder mystery with intelligence, and imagination and I’m thrilled that I went along for the ride! I invite you to check out this fun and page-turning tale. One you will not soon forget!

Pepper Basham’s talent as an author who swings wide and successfully delivers on every novel that I’ve read that she has written. What a delight!

GOOD NEWS! Book 2 comes out in February 2023  THE CAIRO CURSE!! One I'm sure to read! 

You may find Pepper here:​
https://pepperdbasham.com/

No wonder DiAnn Mills tag line is “expect an adventure,” for she surely delivers suspense and characters so relatable that they could be my next-door neighbors!

Avery Elliott and Agent Marc Wilkins represent everyday people who are intelligent, talented, brave, and about to become braver. Lives are on the line, and the mysterious killer is on their heels all along. Yet, usually, that villain seems just ahead of their searches. Avery and Elliott are in danger, and those they love are also threatened! What a page-turner! 

DiAnn shared strong characters who do not give up in the face of adversity. All the twists and turns increased excitement and guessing on my part as I read through to the end. (Quickly!) details were covered and those made difficult for the reader to discover!

When all you believe in is suddenly ripped away—a person must choose the right path and the will to overcome challenges. This is a clean Christian Suspense with the FBI involvement!

I wish some company or wealthy person(s) would put DiAnn’s novels into films! I was given CONCRETE EVIDENCE to write an honest review, so I just did! This is a great read, and I am proud to tell others about this book or have them purchase it as a gift! Enjoy!!!

You may find more information about DiAnn and this novel at:
https://diannmills.com/books/concrete-evidence/