Monday, September 12, 2016

Review of "A Lady Unrivaled" by Roseanna M. White

The third and presumably final novel in the Ladies of the Manor books, author Roseanna M. White provides an interesting and satisfying conclusion to this beautifully written Edwardian series. This installment focuses on Lady Ella Myerston, sister of the Duke and Duchess Nottingham (The Reluctant Duchess) and good friend of Duchess Brook Stafford (The Lost Heiress). Although her family and friends have long considered her to be unfailingly cheerful, she is certainly not shallow or unintelligent. Via her brother, she unwittingly takes the "Fire Eyes" with her on a trip to visit her friend Brook. While there she begins to spend time with Lord James Cayton, a former cad who has left a string of broken hearts, relationships, and trust behind him....but who has now had an enormous change of heart and longs to be honorable. Ballerina Kira Belova also joins the cast of characters - as a spy, posing as a ladies maid for Kitty.

To add to the suspense, brother and sister duo Kitty and Rush are back on the scene with (always) questionable motives. Who is the real villain here? Will the Fire Eyes cause even more death and destruction? Will they and their loved ones ever be truly safe?

If this is truly the last of the series, I'm sad. It is easy to recommend this book, as well as the entire series. Although A Lady Unrivaled can be read as a standalone novel, you will have a greater understanding and enjoyment if you read both The Lost Heiress and The Reluctant Duchess prior to this one.

With so many Edwardian novel choices out there, this author has found the perfect combination of this time period, romance, and mystery. One of the best - well done!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Review of "Catching Heat" by Janice Cantore

The third and final book in the Cold Case Justice trilogy, we pick back up with Detective Abby Hart and PI Luke Murphy just as their new task force is getting off the ground. They receive their first cold case and are simultaneously continuing to seek justice in the Triple Seven murders. And, Abby and Luke are both emotionally free to explore how they might work personally (finally!). The story is also interspersed with the point of view of recently convicted and disgraced police officer Kelsey Cox, who may not be done doing the bidding of the Governor and his wife.

A satisfying ending to this series, I enjoyed both the closure and the suspenseful storyline. We are finally able to understand some of the motivation of the criminals, and the story maintains a strong level of tension throughout. I recommend this entire series.

I was provided a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.