The five Carson siblings have been in turmoil since the disappearance of their parents several months earlier.  When oldest sibling, Adam receives a packet from his parent's lawyer, the pieces begin to come together.  However, the packet reveals a secret website set up by their parents telling of their discovery of time travel portals and the subsequent adventures in different time periods.  After Adam reviews the evidence and reads through how the portals work, he gets his siblings together and they unanimously vote to travel through time in order to reach their parents.  They plan to go through a portal near their hometown in Arizona, taking them back to the 1880's; however when they step through the portal they end up near Johnstown, Pennsylvania in December 1888.  The siblings quickly try to acclimate themselves into the time and begin the search for their parents. For twin siblings, Cody and Caitlin, this means enrolling in school. For middle brother, Greg, an adventure into the truly wild west to track a lead in Arizona territory and California.  For Natalie, using her journalism skills to follow leads while Adam manages information and holds down the fort from the temporary home at the Colbert Boarding House.  Even though the sibling's main objective is to find their parents and return home, the extended stay in Johnstown has led to romantic entanglements for four of the five siblings and their parents keep slipping through their fingers.  On May 31st, 1889, the Johnstown flood devastates the town and the inhabitants leaving the Carson siblings in disarray.

River Rising is an epic time travel adventure.  This is a story you will want to take your time with and sink into.  From the moment the five siblings walk through the time portal and into 1880's Pennsylvania, ​I knew I was in for an exciting ride.  Amazingly, all five siblings: Adam, Greg, Natalie, Cody and Caitlin are very well developed and individual characters.  They each take turns at telling their part of the story through their point of view while continuing a cohesive story line. Pennsylvania 1888-89 was a wonderful year to travel back to; much like the Carson siblings I was amazed at the time period where Benjamin Harrison had just been elected President, Mark Twain was in his prime, the West was still wild and Punxsutawney Phil has made his first appearance.  Through the sibling's eyes, I was able to see many of these events first hand.  Unlike the characters in Heldt's other time travel series, the Carson siblings did not travel through time thinking about the possibility of altered timelines.  I am very interested in how their very involved actions in 1888 may have altered things in the present.  I am also very interested in how the time portals work; it is know that they appear on solstices and seem to appear in areas that are known to be sacred or have paranormal activity.  I would love to figure out more about them and where else they seem to pop up.  Near the end of the Carson sibling's grand adventure, the game of cat and mouse that they have been playing with their parents seems to be no closer to the end and the intensity increases when tragedy strikes with Johnstown flood; I had a hard time putting the book down. Ending, with a huge cliffhanger, I can not wait to see what happens with the Carson family next. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Theresa Marshall is a woman of a certain age who appears to live a comfortable life in her Fifth Avenue home during the Jazz Age.  However, she is in a loveless marriage with her much older husband and has not gotten over the death of one of her sons during the Great War.  Things change for Theresa when she meets Octavian, a young pilot and hero during the war.  Theresa and Octavian begin a love affair and Octavian becomes intensely involved with Theresa.  When Theresa's brother Jay becomes engaged to a young Sophie Fortesque, he needs a cavalier to deliver the engagement ring according to family tradition.  Theresa offers up Octavian for the job.  Octavian and Sophie meet and they know there is something more there.  When Octavian is asked by Theresa to look into the new money of the Fortesque family, he finds a secret that not even Sophie knows about.  Decisions will be made by Theresa, Octavian, Sophie and Jay that require courage , conviction and love.


Another fabulous look into the lives of those who lived in New York's Jazz Age.  If you have read other Beatriz Williams books, you will reconnect with some characters and haunts around the city.  A Certain Age, however, focuses on the love triangle of Theresa, Octavian and Sophie.  This is not a typical love triangle though, I truly cared about all of these characters and their well being.  There also was no obvious answer to their conundrum, and yet, everyone somehow made the best and most difficult decisions in the end. I felt connected to Theresa and the twists and turns that her life made.  She was one of the products of the age, married young into a loveless marriage, Theresa enjoys her upper class lifestyle, but would happily give it up to be with Octavian.  Octavian is a different product of the age, a war hero who returned to life and felt lost.  Sophie is yet another product of the Jazz age, a young woman who has lived under her father's rules and yearns to be independent and make her own decisions.  These well developed characters combined with the mystery of the Fortesque family created and exciting and intriguing look into the lives of those during New York's Jazz Age.

​Lady Elizabeth Beckett has been trained as a code-breaker and spy for the English Crown from an early age.  Elizabeth watched in envy as her brother Jonathon took on dangerous missions and soon forced her way into accompanying him.  Being adept at the longbow and a dagger, Elizabeth excelled in the field and earned the code name Shadow.  When young ladies begin to disappear around London, Eliza makes it her personal mission to stop the man responsible for selling the women off.  However, to complete the mission, Eliza must partner with the agent, Benedict, who believes his step-brother is responsible for the missing girls.  When Eliza and Benedict meet, sparks fly, but the mission must come first. 

Saving Shadow is a fun, intriguing, historical spy-thriller with just the right touch of romance. I absolutely loved Eliza's character, for a story set in Regency London Eliza is a good blend of a lady of high society and a woman who gets to use her intellect while not being pigeonholed into the image of a proper woman.  I enjoyed that her intelligence and unique talents of memory and coding were utilized and promoted instead of stifled.  I do wish we could have seen some of the examples of the encryptions that she decoded.  My favorite scenes were those where Eliza was in action, it is truly her element.  The theme of being in control was prevalent throughout the story.  Eliza wanted to continue having control over her life after being banished from the control of her mother's household.  All of the men in Eliza's life attempted to establish control, however quickly learned that it would not work with Eliza.  The man responsible for the kidnappings of the young women also wanted to feel powerful and in control.  The pacing of the story was just right, I savored the scheme leading up to Eliza and Benedict finding the stolen women and bringing down the man responsible.  Not to mention the super-sweet romance with a wonderful amount of witty banter that added some spice. I'll look forward to reading more about the Beckett's in A Peculiar Courtship.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Emma's grandmother, Amelia is the rock of her family.  That is, until the day Amelia suffers a stroke.  At this point, Emma's life is forced to come into focus.  Amelia suddenly wants Emma to find her old diary, one she wrote during the Holocaust, and a man named Charlie. Oh, and Amelia has also conned her cardiologist, Jackson into taking Emma on a date.  When Emma finds her grandmother's diary, she is launched into a world of secrets from Amelia's life and horrors that she could not believe.  In addition, Emma also reads about love found within the concentration camp.  Amelia and Nazi Soldier, Charlie Crane find one another during the worst of times.  Charlie, though a Nazi, has simply been forced to serve since a youth.  In reading Amelia's story of survival and love, Emma comes to realize what she has been missing and dives into her new relationship with Jackson.  However, she is now in a race against time to find the  Charlie from her grandmother's past as Amelia's health worsens. 

I have always loved historical fiction and I'm so glad Shari took on such a heavy topic.  Inspired by her own grandmother, Shari has weaved together a story of past and present, survival and loss and heartbreak and love.  I was pulled into Amelia's story with her strength and tenacity throughout the pain, hardship, loss and desperation of being separated from her family and watching those around her continuously die while she lived with help and hope from Charlie.  With alternating viewpoints of Amelia's diary and Emma's blossoming love life, I was given a reprieve from the Holocaust and given a taste of Shari's specialty with Emma and Jackson, a sweet and sultry romance.  Through reading Amelia's diary together, Emma and Jackson are brought together quickly, realizing that  love is something that you should hold on to.  With just enough hints of spice, their relationship heats up quickly.  I was also engrossed by the mystery of Charlie; was he alive, had he moved on, would Emma find him on time? I was  glad for Amelia's happily ever after, although it came seventy-four years late.  Most of all this story this story is about remembering those who fought to survive and the power of love when we have lost all else.  This is also a way to remember those who have survived this hateful time in history and to make sure we have all of their last words recorded so that we will never forget. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ​

Josie Flint, affectionately know as Jaybird to her family, is nearing her 50th birthday when tragedy strikes.  The family matriarch and her namesake, Annie Jo has died.  This change in family structure causes Josie to look back at her childhood and stir up some memories, some which are better forgotten.  With the absence of her grandmother, Josie looks back on coming-of-age, the death of her father, friendships and desegregation in 1960's Atlanta.  

Jaybird's Song is an ode to southern women, their strength and their place within the family.  Josie is an amazing woman to follow as the writing ping-pong's back and forth between her memories from growing up in the 1960's with her amazing grandmother, Annie Jo, to present day where Annie Jo is gone and Josie finally comes to deal with some of her issues.  I was surprised when what seemed to be a series of memories from Josie's childhood turned into something much more, not only does Josie unleash the truth of her father's death, but a memory of a bathrobe and an African-American student who joined Josie's high school class combined with a package found at Annie Jo's house turns into a murder mystery.  Overall, a passionate story that takes place throughout turbulent years in America's south that examines the tenacity of women. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.  

Migizi is an Indigenous Canadian who is pulled away from his family and sent to a residential school with other Indians as the government attempt to strip away everything 'Indian' about him.  Migizi is now called David, he is not allowed to speak his own language, practice any customs or traditions or talk about his old life.  All of the children must work and if they fall ill, they are sequestered away until they die.  No doctors are called.  The children that survive are often abused by the Brothers and Sisters that run the school.  After school, Migizi is still required to get a permit whenever he would like to leave the reservation.  Migizi works for a living but soon falls into a cycle of alcohol abuse and spousal abuse.  Trying to set himself right, Migizi joins the army and returns a war hero.  Even with this status, in Canada, he is still considered an Indian and has limited rights.

This was a very eye-opening read.  I had no idea that indigenous Canadians were put through injustices for so long.  Through following Migizi from third grade through adulthood I had a good picture of the abuse of the Indigenous Canadians throughout time and how the government practices perpetuated the cycles of addiction and abuse.  I was appalled at the school that Migizi was sent to; how the Brothers and Sisters felt they could beat the Indian culture out of the students and that they received no medical care.  I was even more upset at the fact that this practice continued to happen as Migizi's grandchildren went through the schools.  Migizi's time in the Service seemed to be the only time that he was treated as an equal.  I was impressed with Migizi's skill and dedication to the army and how his missions helped to win WWII.  However, the racism that prevailed when he returned as a war hero quickly erased all of his accomplishments. Overall, this is an overwhelming story that increased my understanding of the struggles and injustices that the Native Canadians have faced and continue to face today.





This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

​Anne of Brittany has known tremendous loss in her young life; orphaned at eleven and left to rule her country, Anne strategically married Charles VIII of France ensuring peace for her country and keeping her role as its ruler.  Her marriage to Charles produced six children, none who lived past the age of three.  However, Anne persisted.  Her ladies that surround her are a source of comfort, Nicole St. Sylvain is one of those ladies; brought to court at 15, Nicole grows to idolize Queen Anne. Nicole is also fond of working with animals and using the knowledge of herbs that her mother passed to her. When a young horse trainer, Philippe de Boise is in need of a helping hand with the Queen's new horse, Nicole provides a healing touch. Meanwhile, Nicole and Philippe discover new love.  Nevertheless, Nicole and Philippe are pulled apart due to duty and birth stature.  Years later, Nicole and Philippe may have another chance when fate brings them together one more time in order to save the life of the Queen's young daughter.

Sense of Touch is a 15th century historical romance that took me back in time to the court of Anne of Brittany.  Though the story focuses on the romance of Nicole and Philippe, I was able to get a taste of the courageous, strong and graceful woman that Anne of Brittany was and how she ruled.  Through Nicole's eyes, the young sovereign was shown at her best.  I could not imagine the strength of character Anne possessed to get through multiple pregnancies that ended in stillbirths or deaths at a young age.  More than anything, Nicole had respect for Queen Anne and took her lessons to heart.  Nicole may be fictional, but she does portray many of the real girls that Queen Anne brought into her life as part of a type of finishing school. Most historical romances feature cunning lovers who go against their ruler's wishes.  Nicole and Philippe were different than most lovers, they fulfilled their duties to family and country first.  Fate took a large role in eventually bringing them back together.  Overall, a historical romance set in 15th century France that features not only forbidden romance, but a true friendship and appreciation for Anne of Brittany. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review

​Susannah North Martin stands accused of witchcraft in 1629.   At 71 years old, Susannah has led a full life raising her many kids and grandkids and spending time with her loving husband, George.  However, Susannah was also known for speaking her mind and not caring what others thought of her which led to tension with some of her neighbors.  Years later, Susannah finds herself imprisoned along with five other women in the Salem jail who have been accused of Witchcraft.

I am an avid reader of historical fiction and nonfiction concerning the Salem Witch Trials. Some stories are deeply rooted in fiction with magic and good witches; though my favorite books are those rooted in history and carefully reconstructed by the ancestors of the accused women themselves.  Heather B. Moore does just this, an ancestor of Susannah North Martin herself, Heather has lovingly created the best and worst parts of Susannah's life so we can see how she lived and how she died.  I loved how the book went back and forth between Susannah's life at 25 years old as she was meeting George Martin and establishing a family and 1629 while she was imprisoned in a jail cell.  Most books written about the trials focus on just that, the trials.  I enjoyed learning about Susannah's life and the political and personal reasons that she may have led to the accusations of Witchcraft.  It was very interesting to see Susannah enjoying and living her life as a normal person and not just an accused witch.  The time spent in the jail cell was also very interesting.  I liked the focus on the camaraderie between the six women and their feelings about being accused and found guilty.  In many books about the Salem witches, there is a touch of magic thrown in, in Susannah's case her touch of magic was just right and just enough.  Overall, a heartfelt and fact-based recreation of the life and death of Susannah North Martin.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.  

Kitty Ives has fallen on hard times; from a respectable family to a whore in London’s Convent Garden in 1769.  Due to Kitty’s breeding and education, she is well sought out and has climbed the ranks within her house.  One particular night, her company is sought by a man who has given the name of Sir William Westman.  In the morning, Kitty wakes up to her client dead beside her.  With no suspect but herself, Kitty begins a detective mission to clear her name and keep her place in the house that will take her from London’s underbelly to its aristocracy to see how it is all connected to the poor man who was unfortunate enough to be murdered in her bed.
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This is a historical murder mystery set in 18th century London with an educated prostitute for a sleuth.  At the beginning I was taken in by the mystery of who could have killed the man in Kitty’s bed while she was there sleeping.  Kitty’s detective skills began in earnest as she tried to keep her place in the house.  The setting was also done well and I enjoyed being taken to different places within Convent Garden and seeing how things worked at the time.  The book is written as Kitty’s memoir in telling the strange tale and its outcome.  However, the writing seemed to be a little too detailed, I think that Kitty’s inner monologue got in the way at points and muddled some of the clues and plot points to the point that I forgot what was really going on. Also, while I was truly interested in the mystery at first, it seemed to devolve for me with a few too many twists and turns and Kitty believing one minute that William Westman himself is the murderer and then having sex with him the next.  Of course, being a book with a prostitute as the main character, there are several sex scenes, which is fine with me, but might bother some.  The conclusion of the whole mess brought a little more excitement back and re-sparked my interest a bit.  Overall, for me this one was just ok.
 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

During World War I, an English Bishop, Anthony Shacklock is buried near the field hospital in France where he helped to comfort soldiers.  The beloved Bishop is soon exhumed to be brought back home to England.  However, when the Bishop is dug up another body is found with him.  The bones of a young woman remain a mystery through present day.  Professor Waller has made finding out the identity of the young women his life’s work; however, he gives most of the actual research work to archivist Jess Morris who must toil away in dark libraries and go chasing leads all over England on weekends.  Doing all of Waller’s work has placed a strain on Jess’ husband and children.  Just when Jess seems to find a significant and exciting lead on her mystery woman, she begins to make some risky decisions with her personal life.
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This was a very intriguing historical mystery.  I was thrown into the story from the very beginning when the unexpected bones were found.  First of all, I love dual-time stories and this story went back and forth between the present and 1899-1918.  I also like giving a story to those who were forgotten and nameless, even though this story is completely fictional it gives a small taste of the work that researchers do in order to solve mysteries of the past.  This story did have a bit of a slow start for me, while I do find research interesting; there was perhaps a bit too much in the beginning.  However, as the clues began to come forward and we got a look back into Shacklock’s time period, the story became better paced.  There was definitely a lot going on with Bishop Shacklock and the story of his time in Greece and in the French Hospital were very involved and intriguing. The conditions of the field hospital were particularly well done and I could imagine it very well. Jess’ story slightly mirrored what the Bishop was going through, however some of her issues paled in comparison to the Bishop and the mystery woman. When the identity of the mystery woman is revealed, I felt relief of her identity and sadness over her story.   Overall, an absorbing historical mystery and a wonderful look into historical research.
 
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.