The Line Between by Tosca Lee | Thriller Book Review

The Line Between

Tosca Lee

Thriller

In this frighteningly believable thriller from New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee, an extinct disease re-emerges from the melting Alaskan permafrost to cause madness in its victims. For recent apocalyptic cult escapee Wynter Roth, it’s the end she’d always been told was coming.

When Wynter Roth is turned out of New Earth, a self-contained doomsday cult on the American prairie, she emerges into a world poised on the brink of madness as a mysterious outbreak of rapid early onset dementia spreads across the nation.

As Wynter struggles to start over in a world she’s been taught to regard as evil, she finds herself face-to-face with the apocalypse she’s feared all her life—until the night her sister shows up at her doorstep with a set of medical samples. That night, Wynter learns there’s something far more sinister at play and that these samples are key to understanding the disease.

Now, as the power grid fails and the nation descends into chaos, Wynter must find a way to get the samples to a lab in Colorado. Uncertain who to trust, she takes up with former military man Chase Miller, who has his own reasons for wanting to get close to the samples in her possession, and to Wynter herself.

Filled with action, conspiracy, romance, and questions of whom—and what—to believe, The Line Between is a high-octane story of survival and love in a world on the brink of madness.

My Thoughts

The publicity on this novel calls it frighteningly believable and I am in agreement with that description. You hear about these crazy cults on the news and this story takes you inside the workings of one such sect. The story is about Wynter Roth and her survival in an apocalyptic cult. The story flashes back and forth between present day and the past. That perspective gives the story added suspense as details are revealed and things slide into place. 

It's been a while since I have read a novel that stressed me out this much. The cult leader is Magnus who is evil cloaked in kindness. When the story begins you don't realize how much danger Wynter is in. But the deeper you get into the story the stronger the sense of doom becomes. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like Tosca Lee's gritty writing style. But if you are sensitive to the more earthy side of things you may not like this book. There is mild profanity used so be forewarned. I think I enjoy Tosca's books because her characters reflect the real life people that I encounter every day.

I have no idea if this book with have a sequel but I sure hope it does. The story itself is complete but there is still that lingering question of what happens next. Just in case anyone cares what I think . . . my vote is for a book two. 

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Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Lady In Disguise (The Daughters of Hampshire #3) by Sandra Byrd | Gothic Romance Review

A Lady In Disguise

Daughters of Hampshire #3

Sandra Byrd

Gothic Romance

In this intriguing novel of romance, mystery, and clever disguise set in Victorian England, a young woman investigates the murder of her own father.

After the mysterious death of her father, Miss Gillian Young takes a new job as the principal costume designer at the renowned Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. But while she remembers her father as a kind, well-respected man of the Police Force, clues she uncovers indicate he’d been living a double life: a haunting photograph of a young woman; train stubs for secret trips just before his death; and a receipt for a large sum of money. Are these items evidence of her father’s guilty secrets? His longtime police partner thinks so.

Then Gillian meets the dashing Viscount Thomas Lockwood. Their attraction is instant and inescapable. As their romantic involvement grows, Gillian begins to suspect even Lockwood’s motives. Does Lord Lockwood truly love her? Or is his interest a front for the desire to own her newly inherited property? And what should she make of her friend’s suggestion that Lockwood or men like him were involved in the murder of her father?

Soon Gillian is convinced that her father has left evidence somewhere that can prove his innocence and reveal the guilty party. But someone wants to stop her from discovering it. The closer she comes to uncovering it, the more menacing her opposition grows. With her life on the line, Gillian takes on an ingenious disguise and takes on the role of a lifetime to reveal the true killer—before it’s too late both for her and for those that she loves.

My Thoughts
A Lady In Disguise is the third and final book in the Daughters of Hampshire series. Of the three books included in the series it is by far my favorite. If you've not read the first two books, never fear, each are stand alone titles so you can read them in any order. 
After reading the series I am convinced that Sandra Byrd will be a name synonymous with Gothic romance in the future. She has taken all of the elements from our beloved old school Gothics and brought them forward with a few updated twists. 
While most of the action takes place in London there is still a run down estate that lurks in the background. The heroine's parents are gone and her father's death has a mystery surrounding it. There are characters that should be trustworthy but they aren't. There are those that are trusted but shouldn't be. And there are certainly those that waffle back and forth between trustworthiness and sinister motives. The tension of figuring out the truth is delicious!
A Lady In Disguise is a wonderfully entertaining tale but it also has a great bit of depth. Mixed among the mystery and intrigue is the very real truth of the ill treatment of women and children. Sandra Byrd gives us a glimpse into the hidden-in-plain-sight world of the poor, child labor, and prostitution. 
My favorite overriding element of the book was the fact that while we as ordinary people can't help the masses we can reach out and make a difference in the life of an individual. Think of the impact if we would each reach out to just one other individual and lift their burden. The domino effect would be massive. 
I look forward to reading the next series of Gothics from Sandra Byrd. I would recommend this book and the entire series to those that enjoy mystery and intrigue mixed with a bit of historical romance. If you have a book club this would be a wonderful choice. Lots of different discussion possibilities are included in the stories.
Other Reviews For This Author
Mist of Midnight Bride of a Distant Isle Forever Friends series The One Year Be-Tween You & God Devotions For Girls To Die For The Secret Keeper Roses Have Thorns
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Bride of a Distant Isle (Daughters of Hampshire, #2) by Sandra Byrd {Gothic Romance Review}

Bride of a Distant Isle

Daughters of Hampshire, #2

Sandra Byrd

Gothic Romance

MISS ANNABEL ASHTON is a teacher at the Rogers Day School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she makes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall, at Milford on Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge.

Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial ruin. He insists that Annabel marry, promising her to a sinister, frightening man. But as the house is readied for sale, disquieting secrets are revealed. Jewelry, artifacts, and portraits mysteriously appear, suggesting that Annabel may be the true heir of Highcliffe.

She has only a few months to prove her legitimacy, perhaps with assistance from the handsome but troubled Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua. But does he have Annabel's best interests at heart?

Will Annabel regain her life and property--and trust her heart--before it's too late?

My Thoughts

If I had to pick only one fiction genre to read for the rest of the year it would have to be Gothic Romance. And if I had to narrow it down to only one author it would be Sandra Byrd. Her newest series, Daughters of Hampshire showcases her unbelievable talent. 

Mist of Midnight was the first book and it introduced us to the exotic land of India. Now the series continues with Bride of a Distant Isle and takes the reader to the mysterious isle of Malta. Our damsel in distress this time around is Annabel Ashton. When we meet her she is about to have a huge curve ball thrown at her but she doesn't have a clue. She thinks she's off for a nice little family visit and then she'll return to her quiet yet satisfying life.

But this is Gothic romance my friend so there's not a chance that things will go as planned. Annabel's slimy cousin Edward has plans for Annabel. He in essence is asking Annabel to take one for the team but the only team member that is going to benefit is Edward himself. 

While Annabel may seem to be trapped in a horrible situation, there's always hope. Enter the Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua. Mmmmm . . . let the swoons begin! But the more you get to know him the more you wonder if he can in fact be trusted. There's something about him that just seems a bit shady. 

When Annabel is put in an inescapable place it feels like all is lost. But Annabel isn't some shrinking violet, she's got spunk with brains to back it up. I refuse to give any spoilers, but let me just say THE COFFIN . . . yes the coffin. When you get to it you'll know what I'm talking about! Total and complete Gothic creepiness at it's finest.

I read this delicious book curled up in my bed with a storm going on outside and a small bedside lamp casting barely enough light to read by. My recommendation is that you do the same. The atmosphere is the perfect compliment to this dark romance. I must say I'm jealous of you the new reader. You are in for a wild ride. I'd love to go back and read the story again not knowing what was coming.

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Eve by William Paul Young {Book Review}

Eve

William Paul Young

Fiction

WHEN A SHIPPING CONTAINER washes ashore on an island between our world and the next, John the Collector finds a young woman inside--broken, frozen, and barely alive. With the aid of Healers and Scholars, John oversees her recovery and soon discovers that her genetic code connects her to every known race. No one would guess what her survival will mean . . .

No one but Eve, Mother of the Living, who calls her "daughter" and invites her to witness the truth about her story--indeed, the truth about us all.

Eve is a bold, unprecedented exploration of the Creation narrative, true to the original texts and centuries of scholarship--yet with breathtaking discoveries that challenge traditional beliefs about who we are and how we're made. As The Shack awakened readers to a personal, non-religious understanding of God, Eve will free us from faulty interpretations that have corrupted human relationships since the Garden of Eden.

Eve opens a refreshing conversation about the equality of men and women within the context of our beginnings, helping us see each other as our Creator does--complete, unique, and not constrained by cultural rules or limitations.

Thoroughly researched and exquisitely written, Eve is a masterpiece that will linspire readers for generations to come.

My Thoughts
This is a tough review for me. I'm torn with what to say because I don't want to disparage Mr. Young but I also don't want to be false in my assessment of the book. I went into the reading of this book with the knowledge that Mr. Young was a talented writer. I've read some of his previous endeavors and enjoyed his writing style. In Eve I once again enjoyed his mastery of words and story. But unfortunately I couldn't separate the fiction from the Biblical account.
If Eve truly were a work of fiction based solely upon the authors imagination I would rate it higher and say that it was a good story just not quite to my liking. However, the story crosses over into Biblical fiction and that takes it to another level of scrutiny for me. 
Even though Mr. Young proclaims extensive research into the original texts the story of Eve deviates from it over and over in quite extreme ways. Mr. Young also states that he wishes to take a look at gender equality in a new way but I perceived it as more of a shifting of blame onto Adam rather than Adam and Eve equally disobeying God. Many of the themes throughout the book lean to an ultra feminist agenda that just don't sit well with me and seem to be contrary to Scripture.
Eve is a book that I would personally recommend skipping. While the author is quite talented the subject matter in this book make it impossible for me to recommend it to anyone. It is my hope that Mr. Young will continue to use his talents but in areas that aren't as controversial. 
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Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt {Contemporary Romance Review}

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

A Destination Wedding Novel

Beth K. Vogt

Contemporary Romance

What if what you thought was your biggest

mistake was actually the right choice?

Vanessa Hollister is newly engaged and planning an elegant Florida destination wedding. Now if she can only dodge the memories of her first "What was I thinking?" marriage to Logan Hollister.

Logan and Vanessa met during their senior year of high school when she moved to Florida because her father was stationed at the local military base. Having the same last name threw Vanessa and Logan together, and Logan's friendship helped Vanessa get past being the new girl in school--again. Within months, the two eighteen-year-olds had eloped, a crazy, impulsive decision spurred on by Vanessa's heartbreak at the looming possibility of moving one more time. They truly believed they could make their teenage marriage work, but in less than two years, they divorced because of competing dreams and unresolved expectations.

Eight years later, Vanessa is stunned to meet Logan on their favorite stretch of beach in Destin, Florida. When a hurricane hits the Gulf Coast, she and Logan seek safety at the same hurricane shelter and end up battling unexpected renewed feelings for each other. Now they have to answer the question: Was their impetuous adolescent marriage a mistake? Or are they wrong to not seize a second chance at a life together?

Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel of a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple's journey down the aisle to "I do."

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

When I first picked up Crazy Little Thing Called Love I noticed it was from Beth Vogt's newest series on destination weddings. I completely expected it to be a nice little romance perfect for a summer afternoon. A few chapters in I knew it was much more than a little romance. It was a story that would reach deep inside me and take me back to a turbulent time where everyone thought I was making a stupid mistake. In fact there were even times when I thought I'd lost my mind and made the worst mistake of my life. But this story and my story prove that sometimes when all seems lost God steps in and turns a nightmare into a dream come true.

The story of Vanessa and Logan begins in high school. Vanessa is the new girl . . . again. Her family has moved to Florida because her military father has once more been transferred. It's her senior year and she's looking forward to getting it over with and going to college where she can be stable for four years in a row.

Logan notices Vanessa right off and begins a stealthy pursuit of her. Before long the two of them are a couple. When it looks as if Vanessa might have to move again the two of them make the impulsive decision to get married over spring break. Both of their families are shocked and disappointed and think they have made a terrible mistake. But Logan and Vanessa are in love and sure that they are better together than apart.

The fairy tale begins to unravel when Logan's dreams collide with Vanessa's need for stability. Logan's grandfather had a saying, "You either marry young and grow up together or you marry older and grow up together." Unfortunately they decided not to grow up together and eventually called it quits. Eight years later Providence steps in and they find themselves back where it all began. But it may be too late to right all the wrongs.

I completely enjoyed this beautiful story about this crazy, impulsive, unexplainable, out of left field thing we call love. Logan and Vanessa's story made me look back at my story and once again be grateful that we chose to impulsively marry young and grow up together. Just like the characters it was far from easy and many obstacles were put in the way. But thirty years later I know without a doubt I would say "I do" all over again.

In my opinion this is a can't miss book for 2015. It is a wonderful story about human frailty on many levels and the enduring power of love. Logan and Vanessa are the main relationship but there are others that speak just as loudly to what the symbolism of a godly marriage is all about.

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Sometimes when all seems lost God steps in and turns a nightmare into a dream come true. #CrazyLittleThingCalledLove @BethVogt

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The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury {Book Review}

The Friends of Jesus

Life-Changing Bible Story Series, Book 2

Karen Kingsbury

Biblical Fiction

THIS SECOND BOOK in Karen Kingsbury's Life-Changing Bible Story Series deals with the friends of Jesus. This cast of characters traveled with Jesus and assisted Him with His ministry on a daily basis. They were the people He taught most often and who saw lives changed most dramatically. Yet among them was one who would question Christ, one who would doubt Him . . . and one who would betray Him. In every case they each have a compelling story to tell. A story that will draw you closer to Christ . . . closer to the Scriptures . . . and closer to each other.

• Experience Simon the Leper's humble gratitude
• Believe again with Martha
• Remember what matters most with Jairus
• Understand Mary Magdalene's devotion
• Witness Peter's redemption
• And learn from John's humility

Often we struggle the most with our friends, those people who spend time with us and know us best. This Bible story will give you a deeper understanding of the friends of Jesus as you learn what the Bible has to say about these fascinating relationships.

My Thoughts
Karen Kingsbury follows up her initial foray into Biblical fiction with another dynamic hit. Last year I read the first book in her Life-Changing Bible Story series, The Family of Jesus, and loved it. I eagerly anticipated this second book, The Friends of Jesus. 
As I said in my review for The Family of Jesus, I am quite picky about Biblical fiction. I don't mind adding background characters and scenery but I do not like it when an author takes too much license with the known facts. Kingsbury has again done a masterful job at presenting well-known stories by fleshing them out and adding dialogue to the scriptural accounts.
I know the first book was a big hit and I anticipate that this one will be as well. The story of Simon the Leper left me heartbroken when he at first lost everything that he knew. He was a Pharisee and prided himself on living to the letter of the law. Then the unthinkable happens and he is struck with leprosy. Talk about the ultimate doom for a Pharisee. He not only lost his standing in the community he lost his home and his family. His family was instructed to think of him as dead. Can you even imagine?
The story moves along and continues to weave in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and then my favorite John. In her quintessential Kingsbury way Karen has taken these six seemingly separate stories and woven them together to give us a beautiful view of those that were the closest to Jesus.
Even though the stories were a fictionalized version it was easy to be drawn in to the ministry of Christ and revel in His miracles and teachings. I enjoyed this second book every bit as much as the first. 
At the end of the story there is a section of discussion questions that would work well with a book club or reading group. Another great resource to use as a follow up to the book is The Friends of Jesus Bible Study. It is a workbook and video teaching series by Karen Kingsbury.
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Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist ~ Historical Fiction Review

Tiffany Girl

Deeanne Gist

Historical Fiction

AS PREPARATIONS for the 1893 World's Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany--heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire--seizes the opportunity to unveil a state-of-the-art stained-glass mosaic chapel the likes of which the world has never seen.

But when Louis's dream is threatened by a glass-workers' strike months before the fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the New York School of Applied Design. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boardinghouses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the "Tiffany Girls."

Tiffany Girl is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jayne, a beautiful budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to be an independent New Woman at a time when most of the fair sex stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than she anticipated. From a Casanova male to an unconventional married couple and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world.

As challenges mount, her ambitions become threatened from an unexpected quarter: her own heart. What or who will claim victory? Her drams or the captivating boarder next door?

Take A Look Inside

My Thoughts
Deeanne Gist is taking us back to the World's Fair in Chicago! Louis Tiffany (yes those Tiffanys) has a giant ambition to show off his love for stained glass at the fair. His dream is to do a stained glass chapel that will be inspiring and beautiful. Unfortunately in the midst of creating this marvel there is a glass-workers strike and the men walk out. 
In a very forward-thinking move Mr. Tiffany seeks out some talented women to fill their shoes. Flossie Jayne is one of the women that he chooses to come and finish the windows. Flossie is a total delight to read about. She's fiesty and brave and daring, while at the same time caring and concerned about those around her. She's determined to be an independent New Woman in an era of change.
The story that unfolds about the Tiffany chapel and the women that create it is fascinating. But I have to admit my favorite part is the story that takes place between Flossie and her boarding house neighbor Reeve. As the tapestry that unfolds and becomes their story is revealed I found myself experiencing a myriad of emotions. I wanted the two of them to live happily ever after but wasn't sure it could be accomplished because of their diverse makeups. But we all know opposites attract!
Tiffany Girl is a delight on so many levels. The history and author's notes behind the story are fascinating. We modern women have a lot to be thankful for of those women who paved the way. Gist's stories are a real treat because they are long and detailed without being tedious. Even at 527 pages I still felt like I was galloping through the novel. I'm not sure exactly how she manages to pack so much in and keep the story racing along, but she is definitely a master at it. The pictures and illustrations add such a wonderful setting to the novel. This would be a great choice for your reading group or as a wonderful treat for yourself.
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The Tomb: A Novel of Martha by Stephanie Landsem ~ Biblical Fiction Review

The Tomb: A Novel of Martha

The Living Water Series, Book 3

Stephanie Landsem

Biblical Fiction

NO ONE KNOWS THE WORRIES that weigh on Martha, the burden she has carried for seven years. The townspeople call her the holiest woman in Bethany, but Martha's perfect reputation protects a secret that could destroy everyone she loves.

Only two men know the truth: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the strict Pharisee Martha is bound to marry. Lazarus's only wish is to follow his cousin Jesus, but Simon will stop at nothing to ensure that Jesus is exposed as a fraud and blasphemer. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha must decide if she will send for Jesus to heal her brother, or defy Simon, who threatens to expose her shame. Must she remain bound in her tomb of secrets and watch her brother die?

On the southern shores of Galilee, a tortured man roams, possessed by a legion of demons. When Jesus frees him, he finds that seven years have passed since he promised to return to the woman who gave him her heart. He sets out for Bethany, hoping he is not too late to reclaim Martha's love.

Full of doubt in the one her sister calls the Messiah, Martha risks all to send for Jesus. But will Jesus prove worthy of her trust, or will he--like the man she once loved--forsake her?

My Thoughts

Stephanie Landsem continues to captivate me with her Biblical fiction. If you have ever found the Bible to be a dull read check out one of her books. I can almost guarantee that you will want to dig deeper into Scripture to discover more about the people and places she has fictionalized in her stories.

The Tomb centers on the story of siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. While Landsem has chosen to take a bit of license with the timeline of events and added in some what ifs, the story itself allows these well known historical figures to blossom. She has added in supporting roles that may very well have been accurate but we don't know because Scripture doesn't say. For instance we know a bit about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus but virtually nothing about their relatives and neighbors. I found the addition of these characters to enhance the story without detracting from the truths that are contained in Scripture.

I particularly enjoyed exploring the facets of Martha. Why did she act the way she did? Who was she besides Mary and Lazarus's sister? Did she ever marry? Did she have children? I could also ask those same questions about Mary and Lazarus. Frankly we don't know. Landsem has done a masterful job of walking the tightrope of historical fiction. She stays fairly accurate on known facts but allows her pen to put down some intriguing what if scenarios. I enjoyed the story immensely and look forward to reading many more of her books.

If you are interested in reading about what I thought of The Thief  by Stephanie Landsem go here.

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Chasing Sunsets (Angels Walking, Book 2) by Karen Kingsbury {Contemporary Romance Review}

Chasing Sunsets

Angels Walking, Book 2

Karen Kingsbury

Contemporary Romance

The moment was ending--Mary Catherine could sense it. 

She took a half step back and looked at him one last time, memorizing his face. "If . . . " 

Tears filled her eyes and she had to blink to see him clearly. 

"If I was going to love someone . . . it would be you."

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes the second novel in a brand-new series about divine intervention and the trials and triumphs of life—the dramatic story of a woman desperate to find deeper meaning in her life.

Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart.

Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with coach Tyler Ames and LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine’s intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

Inspirational and moving, Chasing Sunsets is the story of one woman’s deep longings of the soul, and the sacrifices she’s willing to make in search of healing.




My Thoughts
If you liked Karen Kingsbury's book Divine then I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy this book as well. It is a bit grittier than her usual stories and I enjoyed that added element. It is still a romance, but it has side stories that deal with tragic but real situations. 
Chasing Sunsets picks up where Angels Walking left off but this time the main story shifts from Tyler and Sami to Mary Catherine and Marcus. We're also introduced to two new angels, Aspyn and Jag. This group is asked to be a part of a new program called Last Time In. The program pairs at risk teenage girls with mentors and takes them through a rigorous intervention meant to keep them out of prison.
Marcus and Mary Catherine are paired up with Lexy Jones, a sixteen year old gangbanger that is headed down a dead end road. Lexy's situation is bleak and seems impossible to escape from but Mary Catherine is determined to help her find a new path in life. I really liked how Mary Catherine had the ability to look past the circumstances and see the hurting girl underneath.
While Mary Catherine is helping Lexy uncover who she really is destined to be she's desperately trying to hide circumstances in her own life that make it impossible for her to pursue a lasting relationship with Marcus. How she resists such a wonderful man is beyond me!
As I said in my review of Angels Walking the added element of angels did not detract from the story but rather enhanced it. At the end of the book Karen Kingsbury opens up and shares about a beautiful encounter with what her family credits to an angel among them. 
The only downside to this novel . . . it has a cliff-hanger ending of sorts. The good news is that the third book in the Angels Walking series is scheduled to hit book stores this fall. I for one can't wait to see where this journey takes us next.
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Mist of Midnight (Daughters of Hampshire, Bk 1) by Sandra Byrd {Gothic Romance Review}

Mist of Midnight

Daughters of Hampshire, Bk 1

Sandra Byrd

Gothic Romance

REBECCA RAVENSHAW, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her . . . and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives--does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer the same fate as the first "Rebecca"?

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

My Thoughts

I like chocolate but I love dark chocolate. Just like that dark chocolate, a well written gothic romance is something to be savored. It has a nice blend of bitter and sweet that keeps you guessing as to what is coming next. Mist of Midnight is definitely a dark chocolate flavored book!

In Sandra Byrd's newest book, Mist of Midnight, we travel with Rebecca Ravenshaw from the dangerous land of India that has claimed the lives of her parents and brother to her family home in Hampshire, England. Much to Rebecca's dismay she finds upon her arrival that an imposter has already laid claim to her family home. What is even worse is that person is now dead and the family estate has reverted to the dashingly handsome yet mysterious Luke Whitfield. 

The journey to prove that she is indeed the real Rebecca Ravenshaw is littered with snares. Her family departed England when she was a very young child so no one really remembers her. All that would prove who she is in India has been destroyed. How can she get past the suspicion of those that are in charge of granting her title to her home? 

Fortunately Captain Whitfield chooses to believe her until it can be proved otherwise. But there is just something about the handsome Luke Whitfield that makes Rebecca a little nervous. Who is he and what are his motives? He may be willing to trust Rebecca, but can Rebecca trust him?

As Rebecca sets out to discover who her imposter was she stumbles even further into a dark mystery. Just when she thinks she might have figured out a portion of the puzzle, a missing piece hampers the continuing discovery. Who would be brazen enough to pretend to be her? And did she really die from self-murder or was something else afoot?

There are so many delicious layers to this story. There are characters that you like but find out you shouldn't. There are characters that you don't like from the very beginning but can't exactly put your finger on the reason why. There are even characters that you think you know everything about until the very end. 

If Mist of Midnight is any indication of the caliber of the Daughters of Hampshire series, then this is going to be a set of books destined for must read lists everywhere.

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