The Cloverton Charade (The Houses of Yorkshire #3) by Sarah E. Ladd | Regency Romance Review

 

The Cloverton Charade

The Houses of Yorkshire #3

Sarah E. Ladd

Regency Romance / Historical Romance

A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England.

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.

My Thoughts

Sarah Ladd is at the top of the Regency Romance set and she's done it again with The Cloverton Charade. This is book three in this series but it can be read as a stand-alone. I know this because that is what I wound up doing! (Of course I think it would be better if you read all three . . . I just didn't do that.)

The Avery and Brannon families used to be in business together but now they are bitter rivals. Imagine the shock when Lucas Avery and Olivia Brannon wind up at the same country estate to evaluate antiques under the pretense of being an invited guests. The two mutually agree to keep their real vocations a secret from the other guests but in Regency England secrets only stay secret for so long.

As a reader it was a delight to experience the opulence of the estates, parties, dresses, dining and other activities. The story was made even better when a mystery started to unfold. It was even better when it took turns and involved unsuspecting events and characters.

Olivia and Lucas are intriguing and complex due to their background baggage yet they are very likeable. The pacing of their story moves along just right. I didn't feel like it bogged down in the middle and the ending was not only interesting but it felt complete.

I will probably take a look at the first two books in this series and give them a read if I haven't spoiled things by reading out of order. Either way I heartily recommend this book to all the Regency fans out there.

Disclosure

I was provided a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

The Juliet Code (Freddie and Grace Mysteries #3) by Pepper Basham | Romantic Suspense Review

 

The Juliet Code

Freddie and Grace Mysteries #3

Pepper Basham

Romantic Suspense

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving

Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late?

My Thouhgts

What a fabulous series this has been. It began with The Mistletoe Countess and then continued with The Cairo Curse. Now we find ourselves at the conclusion of the series with The Juliet Code. I hate that we're at the end but what a fantastic adventure it has been.

This volume opens up as Freddie and Grace finally settle in to enjoying their honeymoon. They have traveled to Venice, Italy and are looking forward to a lovely time. Well that lasts for about half a day and then they are once again unwittingly drawn into solving a mystery. 

The fun part is that we finally get to meet the infamous detective, Jack Miracle. He's every bit as interesting as Grace has led us to believe. Just by chance *wink wink* Jack is in Italy to help solve the mystery of some missing paintings. Of course he happens to run into Freddie and Grace and the adventure begins.

I really can't recommend this book and whole series enough. Pepper Basham has a wonderful way of creating characters that you become attached to and she places them in situations that are an adventure for the reader. If her name is on the cover, I want to read the book.

Connect With The Author

www.PepperDBasham.com

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Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

How To Plot A Payback by Melissa Ferguson | Contemporary Romance Review

How To Plot A Payback

Melissa Ferguson

Contemporary Romance

He crossed an ocean, and it still wasn’t enough to escape his lifelong nemesis. Now he has to work with her.

Successful screenwriter Finn Masters just landed his dream job writing for Neighbors, one of Hollywood’s highest-rated, longest-running sitcoms. The only downside? It will put him back in proximity of the show’s universally adored, optimistic, altruistic star, Lavender Rhodes, who has been inadvertently ruining his life since they were school chums in England. But she doesn’t even know she destroyed his acting career and wrecked his relationship with the love of his life.

He’s not about to let this woman yank yet another dream out from under his feet. In fact, he realizes he’s been given the ideal opportunity to plot his payback: spinning her character in shocking new directions. What could go wrong? Only everything. As Finn’s not-so-brilliant plot backfires one scene after the next, catching him in the blasts, he’s forced to think about this impossible, infuriating…and maybe even lovable woman in an entirely new light.

My Thoughts

This is quite possibly the perfect summer read. Finn and Lavender have history that only Finn recalls and his recollections are what make this novel hilarious. Lavender's blissful unawareness just adds to the hilarity.

Finn is holding a huge grudge against all things Lavender. But Lavender doesn't have a clue and is determined to win him over. The problem for Finn is that the real life Lavender is hard to resist. 

I absolutely adored this story and I'm hoping that Melissa Ferguson supplies us with more just like it (including these characters would be a bonus). In fact I think this would make a delightful movie. 

I recommend getting a copy of this book (or audiobook) and pop it in your bag for your next trip, whether it be to the pool or the beach. You're not going to regret getting this one!

Disclaimer

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review. 

 

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller | Historical Fiction Review

 

The American Queen

Vanessa Miller

Historical Fiction

Over the twenty-four years she was enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one thing: hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there's no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry.

But when William finally listens to Louella's pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people off the plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles.

Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. And though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness--and fight for the freedom and dignity of all.

The American Queen weaves together themes of love, hate, hope, trust, and resilience in the face of great turmoil. With every turn of the page, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.

My Thoughts

The American Queen is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. It's not a story that's easy to read. In fact the first section is brutal and hard to read. But in my opinion it's something we as a people need to face so that it doesn't happen again. 

Before you start this story I would urge you to read the forward by the author. It will give you insight into what her motives were in writing the story as she did. It will keep you from being offended and let you enjoy the story as it unfolds.

Now let me tell you what I enjoyed about this story. First it's based on an historical time and place that I knew nothing about. The main character is Louella and her tenacity and fortitude are truly inspiring. Through overwhelming adversity she continues to make her face like flint and presses forward.

One of the things that's most admirable about Louella is that she doesn't just seek better for herself but also her people. Mind you, this was done at a great personal cost but she just continued to press on. By the time they reached their ultimate destination I was cheering so hard for them. The difficulties weren't over by a long shot but you could see that there was a better day coming.

I truly can't recommend this book enough. Again, it's not an easy read but by the time you turn the last page I think you will be just as moved as I was. 

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review.

Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt by Zondervan and Richard Cowdrey | Juvenile Fiction Review

Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt

Zondervan

illustrataed by Richard Cowdrey

Join your favorite hippo, Fiona, the beloved internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she plans an Easter egg hunt for her animal friends at the zoo! Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt is another addition to the New York Times bestselling Fiona the Hippo series.

Spring has sprung, and new adorable babies are being born all over the zoo! Fiona and her friend Rico the porcupine decide to have an Easter egg hunt for the animals. But when one of Mrs. Swan’s eggs gets accidentally mixed in with the Easter eggs in Fiona’s basket, will Fiona and her friends find the egg before it hatches?

My Thoughts

These Fiona books are such a hit at our house. Of course the illustrations by Richard Cowdrey are a visual treat. But I have to say that the storylines are also rather engaging. They are clever and at the same time help children to understand life lessons.

This time around we are celebrating Spring and the Easter season with Fiona and her friends. She and her dear friend Rico decide to put on an Easter Egg Hunt. It's so much fun for all the little creatures at the Cincinnati Zoo. But then tragedy strikes. Mrs. Swan is missing an egg and it's ready to hatch! Fiona and her friends band together to help find it.

This is an adorable story about friendship and helping others. I think you and your littles will enjoy reading this one over and over. It goes without saying that this would be the perfect addition to this year's Easter baskets.

Check out the other picture books in the Fiona the Hippo series:

Fiona, Love at the Zoo
You’ve Got This, Fiona
Fiona Helps a Friend
Fiona, It’s Bedtime
Fiona the Hippo
A Very Fiona Christmas
Happy Birthday, Fiona

Fiona Goes to School

Fiona's Train Ride

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review.