Book Review: The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner by Susan L. Tuttle

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

A novel that I have been anticipating for months is finally here and I am beyond excited that I get to share my thoughts with you today! This series has been one of my recent loves by one of my favorite authors so how can I not be excited!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Romantic Mystery & Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner 

Series: Treasures of Halstead Manor #3 

Author: Susan L. Tuttle 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 24, 2026 

Genre: Mystery & Suspense / Romance 

Will the key unlock more than a vault filled with treasure? 

Brooke Sumner has been carefully avoiding Storm Whitlock ever since he betrayed her trust. When he joins Caspar's mysterious treasure-hunting group, she steps away to focus on her antique shop and keep herself busy.

Then Caspar invites her back for one final assignment, and Brooke is torn. Returning to Halstead Manor to help the team find the second half of a key is intriguing. It also means she'd be working with Storm. But she doesn't trust his motives, so she reluctantly rejoins to keep him in check. As they dive into their expedition, Brooke finds her heart softening toward those she'd once held at arm's length. And is it possible she misunderstood Storm's betrayal of their friendship? 

"In this friends-to-more romance, we get to see the beauty of being known, being loved, and finding the people who want to walk alongside us." —Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author

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Book Review of 'Eyewitness Sketch' by Danielle Grandinetti

Hello Bookworms!

I hope you all are doing well today. Pollen is high right now and my allergies are insane so I'm going to keep this intro short and sweet so you can get to the good stuff. ;)

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Eyewitness Sketch by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Eyewitness Sketch 
Series: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #1 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: March 10, 2026 
Genre: 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery

Finding love at Death’s Door might destroy them both. 

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind. 

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby’s rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers. 

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love. 

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

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Book Review of 'Whispers in the Snow' by Heidi Eljarbo

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I am so incredibly excited you're here with me today as I get to shine a spotlight on a novel by one of my favorite authors! Heidi Eljarbo knows how to paint quite the picture with her words and I am always here for her storytelling!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Cozy Historical Mystery Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Whispers in the Snow 
Series: Heartwarming Christmas 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: ‎ January 27, 2026 
Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery Romance

Of course, a young woman in Norway during the late nineteenth century can be a successful amateur sleuth, and goodness knows, Cornelia’s days are always more exciting when she can devote her time to resolving a local mystery. 

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief. 

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband. 

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality. 

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.  

Set in a fictitious town in Norway in 1891, this cozy historical mystery is perfect for those who enjoy curious and determined women sleuths, clean and wholesome romance, and the discovery of buried secrets in an abandoned house.  

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Book Review of 'A Cry in the Dark' by Jessica R. Patch

Happy Thursday Bookworms!

Jessica R. Patch's FBI: Strange Crimes Unit series was recently put on Kindle Unlimited and I couldn't download them fast enough! Having read The Garden Girls in 2024 and not having a chance to read the first two books in the series yet, I immediately downloaded and got lost in another twisted case. I reviewed the first book in the series earlier this week and I am back today to share my thoughts on the second book in the series. Enjoy!

About the Book

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Series: FBI: Strange Crimes Unit #2
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: February 28, 2023 
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

"Jessica R. Patch is my newest automatic buy author. If you like romantic suspense, you need to read this book.” –Lynette Eason, award-winning, best-selling author of the Extreme Measures series

Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.
But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.
And they’re not talking…

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…

“With twisted psychology and relatable characters, readers will feel like they discovered the Criminal Minds version of a fiction book. I definitely recommend reading this book after dark for the full effect, and be sure to lock your doors before you go to sleep.” –Jaime Jo Wright, author of The Souls of Lost Lake

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Book Review of 'A Bridesmaid's Guide to The Things People Hide' by Abigail Scott

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

My Cozy Mystery reads continue this week with the second book of the Emelia Walsh Cozy Mystery series! I reviewed the first book in the series earlier this week and I am back with the second book in the series today! I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this second installment and be on the lookout for my review of the third book in the series coming soon.

About the Book

Title: A Bridesmaid's Guide to The Things People Hide
Series: Emelia Walsh Cozy Mystery #2
Author: Abigail Scott 
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: September 26, 2025 
Genre: Cozy Mystery

The Hartwell family has everything: billions in the bank, a stunning New Hampshire estate, and a tragic legacy that's claimed every family member before age fifty. While Emmy is no stranger to wedding-day chaos, the Hartwell Estate is on another level, with a guest list that includes—

    · senators, governors, and helicopter arrivals,

    · people who offer diamonds to apologize for messing up your hair,

    · the world’s most competitive wedding party,

    · and a bride who’s one second away from fleeing.

Her cover? Author. Her real job? Quietly using her skills as a professional bridesmaid to make sure the bride gets her happy ending. Emmy thinks she’s got things under control…until a string of alarming incidents turn the weekend upside down.

Emmy finds herself working alongside John Sutton again—now a Detective Sergeant but just as infuriating and magnetic as ever—when he reappears in the most unexpected way possible. This time, her butterflies have become caffeinated bees.

And through it all, she needs to figure out why this man, nicknamed “The Fairytale” by her friends, despises weddings so much.

With her sharp eye for detail and a knack for unlocking secrets (literally—she can pick any lock), Emmy must read the room the way she always does—watching what people reach for, what they hide, and what they’re willing to lose—to uncover a culprit in a world where everything looks perfect from the driveway.

✨ Why Readers Love It:
    💎 A glamorous, high-stakes setting—where wealth hides the darkest secrets.
    🔍 Emmy’s return—witty, warm, and utterly human as she unravels another mystery.
    ❤️ A detective that doesn't just give butterflies, he gives caffeinated bees.
    🕵️♀️ Perfect for lovers of Agatha Raisin, Hannah Swensen, and cozy tales with a touch of romance.

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Book Review of 'Her Darkest Secret' by Jessica R. Patch

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know what a massive fan I am of Jessica R. Patch. So, imagine my excitement when I saw on Instagram that her FBI: Strange Crimes Unit series was recently put on Kindle Unlimited! Having read The Garden Girls in 2024 and not having a chance to read the first two books in the series yet, I immediately downloaded and got lost in another twisted case.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Crime Thriller and be on the lookout in the coming weeks for another review from this series.

About the Book

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Series: FBI: Strange Crimes Unit #1
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: June 28, 2022 
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

"A taut, psychological thriller with deeply relatable characters. Patch’s brilliantly created plot will keep readers turning pages until they reach the shocking conclusion. I highly recommend it!” —Nancy Mehl, author of the Quantico Files series

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that's fueled Fiona's career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

“Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch grabbed me in the first scene of this edge-of-your-seat suspense and didn't let go until the end!” —Patricia Bradley, author of the Memphis Cold Case novels

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Book Review of 'A Bridesmaid's Guide to Murder' by Abigail Scott

Hello Bookworms!

2025 was the first year I really dove into new genres one of those being cozy mysteries. While it was an adjustment at first it quickly became one of my favorite genres of the year and today I am featuring a novel that I read over the holiday break that charmed me in the best way.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Cozy Mystery and let me know in the comments if you're a cozy mystery fan and any recommendations for me. I am currently reading the rest of this series so be on the lookout for more reviews coming soon!♥️

About the Book

Title: A Bridesmaid's Guide to Murder
Series: Emelia Walsh Cozy Mystery #1
Author: Abigail Scott 
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 17, 2025 
Genre: Cozy Mystery

She's paid to be your best friend on your big day... but she never expected murder to be part of the deal.

Emelia Walsh has one of the most unusual jobs on the planet—she's a Professional Bridesmaid. Armed with an emergency kit that would impress MacGyver, Emmy steps into strangers' weddings and becomes whatever the bride needs: a confidante, an emotional buffer, or a human fire extinguisher.

When Emmy arrives at the picturesque Evergreen Summit Resort for Monica Turner's winter wedding weekend, she's prepared for the usual challenges: wardrobe malfunctions, family tensions, and maintaining her cover as the bride's "old college friend." What she's not prepared for is the web of secrets, rivalries, and suspicious circumstances swirling beneath the perfect snow-globe setting.

When a shocking murder disrupts the wedding plans, Emmy’s role shifts from emotional buffer to amateur sleuth—all while dodging questions from handsome but infuriating Detective John Sutton, who seems both suspicious of her—and strangely interested.

In this charming first installment of the Bridesmaid's Guide to Murder series, Emmy discovers that when you make a career out of stepping into other people's stories, sometimes those stories include murder.

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Book Review of 'A Scheming in Parliament' by Erica Vetsch

Happy Thursday Bookworms!

I am so excited you are here with me today as I am shouting from the rooftops about the novel I am featuring today. It mixes three of my favorite genres: mystery, Regency, and clean romance. I love it!!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Regency Mystery Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book 

Title: A Scheming in Parliament 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #2 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: August 26, 2025 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance 

Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he's quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club. 

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing? 

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

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Book Review of 'Girl Lost' by Kate Angelo

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I am a bridesmaid in a wedding this fall, and we are doing all of the decorating ourselves. I have been recruited to do several DIYs and while it hasn't all been smooth sailing, I will say that I am enjoying the process more than I thought I would. What is it about making something with your own hands that is so satisfying? While taking breaks from all the craftiness as well as the usual busyness of the season, I have been able to sneak in some reading and have been enjoying some amazing reads.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Christian Mystery & Suspense and let me know in the comments how your August is going so far.♥︎

About the Book

Title: Girl Lost

Series: The King Legacy #1
Author: Kate Angelo
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Luna Rosati found acceptance and a family during childhood, but when she became pregnant at seventeen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has left--the teenage daughter she's never met. Her mentor, Stryker, promises to reveal her daughter's identity, but first Luna must meet him in the old neighborhood, the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured.  
  
Special Agent Corbin King changed his surname to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together toward a greater mission. But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake.

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Book Review of 'Into the Spotlight' by Leslea Wahl

Hello Bookworms!

This summer has been a whirlwind that only seems to be amping up in speed along with the rising heat. As a child, I looked forward to summer so much, but the older I get, the more I appreciate each season for what it offers. With summer, I love all the sunshine, the easy breezy vibes, but what I love the most is all the books I am able to consume. 

The novel I am featuring today is from a series that I’ve already dipped into before, but true to form, I started midway through, but I was finally able to go back to the beginning and see how it all began. I hope you enjoy my thoughts and let me know in the comments if you’ve read any books from this series or if you have any fun plans this weekend.

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for Into the Spotlight by Leslea Wahl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Into the Spotlight
Series: Finding Faith #1
Author: Leslea Wahl 
Publisher: Perpetual Light Publishing
Release Date: October 25, 2022
Genre: YA Christian Fiction

After a humiliating event and overwhelming peer pressure, sixteen-year-old Josie flees her home to spend the summer with her aunt on a South Carolina Island. Her fresh start turns into the summer of her dreams as friendships grow, romance blossoms, and a series of thefts surround her with excitement.
However, when tragedy strikes someone close to her, Josie realizes there are more important things than her reputation. As she sets out to solve the mystery she has become entangled in, she not only realizes the importance of relying on her faith but along the way also discovers who God wants her to be.

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Spotlight on 'Fire Mountain' by Dana Mentink

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

As the temperature heats up outside, I find myself diving deeper and deeper into the literary world, and more often than not, I am reaching for a suspenseful novel like the one I am featuring today.

I hope you enjoy the amazing excerpt from this Mystery & Romantic Suspense and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book 

Title: Fire Mountain 

Series: Elements of Danger #1 

Author: Dana Mentink 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: July 1, 2025 

Genre: Mystery & Romantic Suspense

Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help. 

 As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not. 

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

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Book Review of 'The Final Word' by Laura Thomas

Happy Thursday Bookworms!

I am devouring novel after novel right now and loving every moment. It's one of those luxuries that I can't get enough of during the summer months when I'd much rather be inside than to brave the triple-digit heat that is bearing down on the south. I hope you're doing something you enjoy this summer as well and I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Christian Romantic Suspense. Also, don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Final Word by Laura Thomas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Final Word 
Series: Bite of Betrayal #2 
Author: Laura Thomas 
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink 
Release Date: June 5, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night. 

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold. 

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives. 

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Book Review of 'A Thieving at Carlton House' by Erica Vetsch

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Welcome to another fall week!  I had an amazing weekend with my family and now my heart is full, and it has me getting more and more excited for the upcoming holidays.  I hope everything is going well in your neck of the woods.

Today I am excited to share a Regency Mystery Romance from an author that I was just recently introduced to.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this series introduction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Thieving at Carlton House 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #1 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: September 17, 2024 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance

Unlikely alliances form when a killer is on the loose... but who can be trusted?

The Home Office has asked Sir Bertrand Thorndike to head an investigation into stolen royal jewels. And as with everything concerning the Prince Regent, discretion is paramount. 

It's the perfect chance for Bertie to step out of his brother's long shadow. Unfortunately, his superior, The Duke of Haverly, has a plan that makes him balk: in order to sell his cover, Bertie must play the part of a man looking for love, ready to reform his rakish ways. The duke is willing to let Bertie name his own investigative team, but his recommendation that the team include 

Philippa Cashel has Bertie on his guard. Does the duke--known for his behind-the-scenes machinations--have an ulterior motive? Philippa Cashel escaped her life as one of society's best-known courtesans, devoting her life to helping other women in dire straits. So when Sir Bertrand Thorndike approaches her about joining his team as an agent of the Crown, she is skeptical. Why her? She's focused on getting her school for underprivileged women up and running, not in cloak-and-dagger skullduggery. Her hope is that if she labors hard enough at her charity work, she might begin to feel worthy of God's forgiveness of her past. 

When one of Philippa's rescued girls is arrested for stealing the royal jewels and another is murdered, Philippa will risk partnering with Bertie to find the loot and stop the killer. 

Two brilliant minds--with two wary hearts--and one cunning deceiver are on a collision course in Regency England. 

Beloved Regency author Erica Vetsch begins this new series with all the elements that keep her readers coming back. From historical accuracy to rousing mystery to deep character faith journeys, A Thieving at Carlton House will please Regency lovers--and anyone else who loves a great story.

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Book Review: For the Love of Funyuns and Second Chances

Series: Strawberry Lake Estates Mystery

Release Date: November 12, 2019

Genre: Cozy Mystery

It’s been five years since Cecilee Monroe walked away from the love of her life, but she still hasn’t met anyone who makes her heart sizzle and pop like Troy did.  She has, however, convinced herself she’s moved on.  After all, she hasn’t thought about him in at least a minute.  That is until one of her clients is murdered, leaving behind a trail of clues that throws Troy back into her life.

Troy Allen hasn’t heard from Cecilee since she left without an explanation or a goodbye.  So, when he finds out his name is mixed with hers in a multi-million-dollar murder mystery, his pride takes a backseat to his curiosity.  In this conclusion to the Strawberry Lake Estates series, Troy and Cecilee must work together.  They join the quirky residents of Walden, Montana to wade through a mixture of new threats and old feelings, finding that, even with their lives in jeopardy, love may turn out to be better the second time around.

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