​Jewel Lightfoot is a Texas Ranger who can't let a good mystery pass him by.  In the fall of 1908, Jewel receives a case from the commissioner of insurance that he can't let go.  The whole Peterson family has been gruesomely murdered on their farm except for their five year old daughter, Lyssa, who tells a story more like a fairy tale.  Jewel is now tracking a group of Mayans who are potentially carrying a strange piece of cargo across the Texas desert in hopes of returning to Mexico and restoring their people to power.  Jewel enlists the help of an old silver miner, Ernesto and his grandson, Antonia who tell Jewel of an ancient Mayan god who was laid to rest in the hills nearby.  However, this god isn't going to restore the Mayans to power as the team of bandits hope, it is the Mayan god of darkness whose sole purpose is destruction and death.  Jewel must figure out how to kill a god while thwarting a group of Germans who want to stir up trouble between Mexico and the States.  Jewel has always said he was hard to kill, but the god of darkness may have other plans for him.

In the Land of Dead Horses is a fast-paced Western paranormal historical  murder mystery.  Right from the start, the expedition to unearth the Mayan god pulled me in. Jewel's character was a perfect blend of hardened Texas Ranger and wizened old soul making him a complex person that I cared about.  The combination of a Western mixed with Mayan mythology and the effects of colonialism in Mexico created a unique story with action at every twist and turn.  I actually do wish a little more of the story could have been told from the Mayan gods point of view as he woke up and I could have learned more of his history and importance to the Mayans. The addition of the meddling Germans along with an old foe of Jewel's determined to kill him added to the suspense.  Filled with gore, mystery, ancient gods and a surprising amount of heart, In The Land of Dead Horses is a wonderful read.

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

Before the United States entered World War II, tensions were already building around the presence of the immigrants from the Axis countries. In Walla Walla, Washington a community of winemakers is shaken up when a set of tragic murders happen to two of the prominent families.  Bambi and Joseph Müller watch as their parents are slaughtered by U.S. Military Police Officer Jensen and vow revenge.  In their quest, Bambi and Joseph travel and meet  people being affected in different ways. 


It Was Called A Home is an extensive story with a lot to take in.  I was pulled in by the opening scene and felt very connected to Bambi and Joseph after witnessing the tragedy in their home.  However, the story quickly turns to other points of view.  There are many different characters and storylines that weave in and out.  Many of these stories seem loosely connected and read almost like a series of short stories themed around the American experience as the country entered World War II.  It seemed like it took a significant amount of time to come back around to Bambi and Joseph.  I'm glad I stuck with it, but the writing was not quite my style with a lot of run-on sentences and excessive information that didn't seem to add to the plot. 


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

Mica Mihailescu grew up under the harsh communist rule of Ceaușescu in Transylvania.  Her parents are active in covert activities, making them a prime target for the Secret Police.  When Mica is seventeen, Mica's father tells her of a way to get out of the country and a hidden treasure of diamonds that will help start a new life.  When her father's plan goes awry, Mica makes an amazing escape with the diamonds that her father warned her might be cursed.  After escaping, Mica now must figure out who to trust with the diamonds and how to help the country and people she abandoned.

When I think of Transylvania, Dracula is the first thing that comes to mind.  However, later in history there was a man who is even more terrifying and whose awful deeds are well documented.  A Gift of Diamonds is an engrossing and hopeful story of resistance and survival.  Mica's character grows up under these harsh conditions.  I have never really thought much about Romania and Transylvania history past Dracula.  Through Mica, I was able to see the terror and that Ceaușescu was able to impose through creating hysteria and then implementing order.  Mica's character showed immense willpower and bravery as well as a good moral compass.  I was very interested in the history of the diamonds and how they found their way from Auschwitz to Mica's father. the diamond's story was so tragic, Mica felt a responsibility to use them for good.  I was impressed by her willingness to use them to create a better situation for her country.  

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

Anca Rodescu escaped Ceausescu's dictatorship of Romania in 1970 at the behest of her husband.  Pregnant and alone in America, Anca waits for Petre to join her.  Petre; however, wants to lead the revolution to bring Ceausescu out of power.  Nineteen years later, Anca and Petre have divorced and Petre has almost completed his goal.  Anca has become a successful pediatrician in New York City and their daughter, Sandi is studying at University.  Sandi and Petre meet from time to time in Europe when Petre is allowed to leave for medical research.  Petre has become Ceausescu's personal doctor and is closer than ever to reaching his goal when Anca begins to receive threats in America and a strange phone call from an old friend that leads Anca to believe that Petre is in trouble.  


Love Odyssey combines romance, danger and adventure in this historical fiction novel.   Love Odyssey is the second book in the Transylvanian Trilogy that follows Anca's story.  Anca's story focuses mostly on her time after she escaped Romania and her lingering feelings for Petre.  I was captivated by Anca's escape and how she was able to build her life up after that.  More so, I was amazed to learn more about Ceausescu and the evils he perpetuated for so long.   At times Petre's story eclipsed Anca's with the work he was doing for the revolution.  I was intrigued by his work with American Intelligence and how he was able to work next to Ceausescu and even save his life on occasion.  I did appreciate the overarching theme of the Odyssey compared to Anca and Petre's journey and realizing their love for one another.  I particularly loved Anca's strength at the end as she risks everything for Petre.  I can't wait to see what story book three brings to life. 


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

​1935, Mauna Loa begins to erupt again as Daniel Abe is returning to his home in Hilo, Hawaii.  Daniel has been away since he attended medical school and began working in Chicago.  Daniel returns to the home that his mother, Mariko lived and died in.  He seeks out his Uncle Koji who has worked the sugar cane plantations his whole life for information about his father who disappeared when he was a young boy.  Unexpectedly, Daniel's high school girlfriend also returns to Hilo for reasons of her own.  Amidst the erupting volcano Daniel finds his place among his hometown once again and reconciles with the past that he left behind.

The Color of Air is a beautifully written, powerful story of family, Hawaiian history and the beauty of nature.  Daniel's story in 1935 is interwoven with the stories of Mariko and Koji twenty years prior.  These perspectives rounded out the view and helped to fill in some missing pieces.  Daniel was an interesting character.  His family were immigrants to Hawaii from Japan brought to the island to work the cane fields.  I was intrigued by this part of the island's history and the blending of the cultures that created strong bonds between the people there.  Daniel was also among the first Asian American doctors to study in the United States at the time.  The weight of this fact weighed heavily on Daniel.  In addition to Daniel discovering and coming to terms with his past, the writing highlights the transformative power of the Hawaiian Islands and the resilience of the people inhabiting them. 

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

​Mark Lane is about to put in place a decision that will change the life of his family, a corporation and possibly history.  Mark has invented the Time Box in conjunction with the Janus corporation headed up by billionaire Robert Devereaux.   When Mark learns that Robert will only use the Time Box for evil, he makes a difficult decision to sabotage the company, steal the working Time Boxes and disappear into the past with his family. Mark, his wife Mary and children Jordan, Laura, Jeremy and Ashley travel in haste to 1865 Virginia.  The family tries to fit in and rebuild a life as best they can.  However, Robert Devereaux will not let Lane's betrayal slide.  Devereaux's team rebuilds a Time box and sends a hit man into the past  to enact revenge.


The Lane Betrayal is a high-stakes, action packed time travel adventure.  From the very first page the suspense is heightened as Mark destroys his friend's company and is chased into the past.  There are a lot of characters in this book, but they are all very well developed and distinctive.  The Lane's are very family oriented and serve one another well. None of the family members are perfect, but they are all trying their best to do what is right during a very weird situation.   The assassin added another layer of danger with a cold-hearted and focused attitude.  The setting of the tail end of the Civil War was an interested choice.  There is a lot of danger in the time period, especially for the men, but it was a time that they knew about well.  I enjoyed reading about Laura's time as a nurse in the field hospital.  Though her time there was difficult, it was authentic and realistic to the time period.  It was also interesting to read about the family's interactions with Lincoln himself and his advisors.  I was intrigued at the family's outlook at potentially changing history and the influence that their presence has had.  With a cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to jump into the next book and next time period with the Lane family.

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

​Soon after a hasty escape from the year 1865 with an assassin on their tails, the Lane family decide on trying to settle in 1893 Chicago at the time of the World's Columbian Exhibition.  They hope to outwit their hunter at least for now and possibly find a time period that they can settle in for a while.  Parents, Mark and Mary set out to explore the fair and see what opportunities arise.  While siblings Jeremy, Laura and Ashley look to the fair for fun and friendship.  Meanwhile, oldest sibling, Jordan decides to head West to clear his head from the sudden death of Rebecca Main by the hitman sent to destroy the Lane family, Silas Bain.  Jordan finds himself in Virginia City, Nevada on the advice of a kind librarian.  In Virginia City, Jordan finds peace of mind with the library assistant Jessie Cole.  However, his relationship leaves a clue for Silas Bain to track down the time that the Lane Family is in.


The Fair is the second book in the Time Box series and I would highly recommend reading Book 1, The Lane Betrayal, first in order to get to know the characters, their circumstances and how what happened to them in 1865 is affecting their decisions in 1893.  As with other books by John A. Heldt, The Fair is a fast-paced, time travel adventure with romance, action, fun settings and well-developed characters.  I did enjoy the choice of setting of the Chicago World's Columbian Exhibition.  It gave the Lane family a wonderful place to hide, entertainment and a chance to experience a cool historical event. I liked seeing all of the different exhibitions through the character's eyes; especially as Laura and Ashley explored the Women's Building and Jeremy and new beau, Ivy explored the Palace of Fine Arts and the Midway.  This story focused on the budding romance between Jordan and Jessie in Virginia City.  Their romance was sweet and progressed naturally.  I do wonder about the effects of their relationship on the future.  Silas Bain's presence added an element of suspense and a very surprising ending.  I can't wait to see what happens with the Lane's next.

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

​Henry VIII is infamous for his good looks, charm, religious reform, tyranny and the six wives that were best known for being "divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived."  History has been told from the male point of view for quite some time; however, the women in Henry VIII's life have their own contributions and their own stories to tell of their lives with Henry.  Beginning with Henry's mother and moving through each of his six wives, Don't Lose Your Head allows the women to have their say.


I am a huge fan of all things Tudor, especially the Tudor women; so, Don't Lose Your Head is right up my alley. Written with the women all speaking after their deaths took place, I loved that the women had a modern tone and were able to be completely honest with no consequences.  Each woman was able to tell her story in her own words with witty banter and with their own unique voice. Well timed interjections by the other wives in one another's stories add an extra level of humor.    Through the women's stories, they share their accomplishments and what they would like to be known for other than being a wife of King Henry VIII.  I learned that Catherine of Aragon served as an ambassador to Spain between being wed to Arthur and being wed to Henry.  She was also Henry's regent during a military campaign and rode to address the troops in full armor while pregnant.  Anne Boleyn heavily guided Henry in religious reformation. Jane Seymour, often painted as sweet and innocent, knew how to play her cards well and manipulated the situation to her advantage.  Anna of Cleves sidestepped disaster and found happiness for herself away from her stifling family and was able to outlive all of Henry's wives.  Catherine Howard was able to find the small joys in her short, tumultuous life.  Catherine Parr was able to publish books under her own name as well as bridge the gap between his daughters.  A fun, fast-paced read for young adults interested in history or for any Tudor-loving history buffs.

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

Cassie Lyman is sifting through the archives looking for a topic for her doctoral dissertation when she comes across the Kate Easton collection.  Kate Easton is a relative of hers and Cassie finds intriguing artwork centered around women's suffrage that Kate illustrated.  Before Cassie can dig much deeper, she is pulled to her sister, Penny's shotgun wedding at her Grandmother's cottage.  Cassie is quickly put to work by her mother who has organized every last detail.  In her precious spare time, Cassie begins to ask her relatives about her Aunt Kate and reads the diary entries that she copied.  Cassie learns that her Aunt was an important force within the women's suffrage movement and that their experiences in life may not be that different. 

Lemons in the Garden of Love explores the real life relative of the author, Blanche Ames Ames through the fictionalized Kate Easton.  Kate, like many others, was an unsung hero in the women's suffrage movement.  Kate used her talent to draw political cartoons that called attention to the women's need to vote as well as how women were being treated in the early 1900's.  Though Kate and Cassie lived 70 years apart, their issues closely mirrored one another.  I enjoyed reading through Kate's diary entries while Cassie began to see the parallels in her marriage and how her family wanted her to behave; however, Cassie had more options as well as safer options to consider.  One of the most entertaining parts of the story were the many characters in Cassie's family, her grandmother, mother sister, Aunt Charlotte and her husband were all unique as well as products of their time.  Their opinions and actions clearly showcased the conditions of how they were raised with certain privileges and biases that they held. One of my only complaints was that the speech seemed unnatural at times, however, this is a shorter story, so it wasn't anything I couldn't get over. 

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

​As a young girl Marjory Stoneman loved her mother fiercely.  Her creativity, imagination and love of life inspired Marjory.  However, her mother's passion soon revealed a mental illness that forced Marjory's father to leave and Marjory and her mother to return to her mother's home in Taunton, Massachusetts.  At her grandparent's house, Marjory does not receive much affection, but she does receive an education at Wellesley where she learns the joys of writing and becomes involved in women's suffrage.  After school, Marjorie becomes entangled with Kenneth Douglas, a swindler who eventually tries to get money out of Marjorie's estranged father.  This works out well for Marjorie as she is reunited with her father, works for him at his newspaper in Miami and becomes enthralled with the wild environment of the Everglades.

Written in beautiful,  flowing, prose that captures the spirit of Marjorie Stoneman Douglass and her writing, Among the Beautiful Beasts artfully tells the story of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas' life.  Beginning with Marjory's early life, we are able to see where her passion stems from as well as how her early life set her up for a life of independence and activism.  I loved the descriptions of the Everglades and the wild that existed in Florida before it was developed.  Seeing the Everglades through Marjory's eyes helped to see how she became captivated with the wilderness.  I enjoyed learning about Marjory's life and how she constantly fought for her independence and what she believed was right. Overall, an amazing story about a captivating and determined woman.


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

​Not much is known about the first humans on the Earth.  What we do know is what we can extract from burial sites, artwork, dwellings, and artifacts that have been left behind. These artefacts combined with geologic and climatic knowledge begin to paint a picture of what life was like for the people of the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras.  Mixed Harvest is a collection of short stories of the people from these eras. Moving forward through time from the Paleolithic to the formation of cities, the author combines knowledge of what we have found from our past and storytelling to bring these people to life.  Each fictionalized story is prefaced and followed up by archeological evidence that led to the story. 

The stories in Mixed Harvest tell of love, conflict, religion, growing up, birth and death;  all things that we are familiar with.  The people in the stories were dealing with all of this in a rapidly changing world, not too different from the one we are living in today.  There is knowledge to be gained from their past mistakes and past triumphs.  The writing evokes a familiarity without breaking what we know of human communication at the time.  Feelings are conveyed without speech, using broad concepts to show emotion without words.  Mixed Harvest is an insightful and unique style of storytelling that helps connect us to our past. 

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