Monday, October 26, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Secret Beach Boyfriend

I really love the Independence Islands series! This is the 3rd? book of the series and I plan on reviewing most, if not all, of them. Secret Beach Boyfriend is about Annie who works at a ticket counter for the ferry that goes around the islands. She meets a young man whom she had met years ago when they were 5 and 7. Remarkably, the chance encounter when they were little served as an important event in both of their lives. Annie had an adverse view of romance and marriage based on what she experienced with her parents. However, Rafe asked her to let him change her mind by becoming her secret beach boyfriend. This story has several layers to it and I met several characters whose stories I want to read in the future. Overall, this was a great addition to the series. The only part I didn't like was (trying not to give a spoiler) that if I had learned what Annie had learned towards the end of the book, I would have been hopping mad, and she didn't seem to be that way. Maybe it's a difference in our personalities - or maybe she's a better Christian than I. I did like how both Annie and Rafe grew in the book. Rafe's parents have a significant role in the story: His mom suffers from minor OCD which causes many problems in her marriage. It was interesting to learn about this condition.

Here are some quotes from the book:

Regarding Annie's perspective:

"I don't want Rafe to ever feel like I do. Like I was never meant to be born because my parents shouldn't have ever married." (This was very sad to me!)

"The world comes into focus when you twist your lens you use to view it." (Kari Trumbo, this should be a meme if you haven't already made it into one!)

Rafe tells Annie:

"I know you're worried about this...about us. I know you think seeing each other like this is crazy. But I won't be the one to leave you. I won't. I won't be like your dad. I see your worth. And you're worth working for."

"His plan from the start had been to show her that love was real and that he wasn't going to leave her."

About the Book

Book: Secret Beach Boyfriend

Author: Kari Trumbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 29, 2020

She met Rafe on the beach when she was just five and it seemed like fate tied them together. When a chance encounter returns him to the islands twenty years later, Annie finds her beach friend has grown up and now needs her help.

Damaged and scarred from a past that still hasn’t healed, Annie needs help of her own. True to character, Rafe comes up with a perfect solution, but a temporary island romance does not fit into his agenda at all.

Will an offer to be her secret boyfriend give her heart a second chance? How can it turn into something more and prove there’s power in prayer and that love can triumph over a painful past?

He was Annie’s hero long ago, but can the man he has become save her now?

Secret Beach Boyfriend is the third “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kari Trumbo is a bestselling author of Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. Her books are known for characters who feel real, settings you could move to, and faith woven between the pages. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, and never enough time.

More from Kari

Have you ever hunted for seashells on the beach?

This sweet story actually starts twenty years before the moment you open the front cover. Years before, on a solitary beach, a little boy comforts a girl he finds crying by offering to help her find seashells. He doesn’t know why she’s crying, just that he can help. Even though he knows his mother will be angry with him.

You see, Rafe (that’s the little boy) has a mother who has minor OCD and doesn’t let him go on the beach. But when Annie (that’s the little girl) is obviously heartbroken, he can’t leave her sitting there and not do anything. At that moment, a hero is born.

It’s the little things that make a hero. That moment in time when he made a choice to put Annie above his own discomfort created a past for them both, an anchor they could both look back on. It was pivotal enough for them both that they remembered it years later. Rafe, because he hid the shells and cherished the one time he got to collect them. Annie, because she was going through something no child of five should have to. His kindness was a glimmer of hope.

Fast forward twenty years and these two meet again, but don’t realize right away they are the people they’ve been thinking about on-and-off for most of their lives. Interestingly enough, that part of my story is true. I had a friend I met at a local beach when I was too young to recall names or anything else of great significance other than the feeling that it was the best day ever. She made me her best buddy for the day, and that stuck with me.

When I think of this story beyond the printed page, where Annie and Rafe live on in my mind, I have to wonder if shells will continue to be a theme in their lives.

Blog Stops

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Stories By Gina, October 23

Captive Dreams Window, October 23

Inklings and notions, October 24

CarpeDiem, October 24

For Him and My Family, October 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 25

Older & Smarter?, October 26

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 26

Library Lady's Kid Lit, October 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

deb's Book Review, October 27

Connect in Fiction, October 28

lakesidelivingsite, October 28

Artistic Nobody, October 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Godly Book Reviews, October 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 30

Livin’ Lit, October 30

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, October 31

Life, love, writing, October 31

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 1

Batya's Bits, November 1

Daysong Reflections, November 2

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 2

Blossoms and Blessings, November 3

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 3

Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Splashes of Joy, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/102a8/secret-beach-boyfriend-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Book Review: The Refrain Within

It's been a while since I've read any historical fiction about the Second Great War. I chose this book, which Celebrate Lit gave to me for free, and I am so glad that I did! From the first chapter, I was immersed in 1944's Hungary during the German occupation and persecution of the Jews. Liz Tolsma's writing grabbed me almost from the beginning, and I almost felt like I was a bystander in the story. The characters were real, the setting was vivid, and the story was engaging and suspenseful! I won't give away any spoilers, but the ending was both disappointing and yet felt true. I did feel like it ended too soon, too abruptly, and not just because I wanted to read more. The faith element of the book runs throughout and would not be the same without it. The characters have to do deal with the ethical dilemma of lying in order to stay alive.

This next passage is one that I love, not only because it's true, but because it reminds me of a quote that my pastor made years ago (before he became my pastor):

God, when will this all end? Patrik clapped Erno on the shoulder. "Stand firm."

"How can I? My very foundation is shaken."

"God doesn't move." He clung to that. Held with all his might, though his fingers slipped.

Solid 5 stars!

About the Book

Book: The Refrain Within

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: WWII Fiction

Release Date: September 29, 2020

To save a life, would you betray everyone you love?

Hungary in 1944 is a dark place. The Nazis have invaded and turned the country upside down, their evil making its way into every life.

Clarinetist Eva Bognar is engaged to conductor and composer Patrik Kedves, happily planning her wedding. At first she doesn’t think the war will affect her directly; everyone around her can be trusted to do the right thing. Then her Jewish best friend and sister-in-law Zofia goes missing–and instead of the Gestapo being to blame, a friend says it was Patrik who led Zofia away. Has he betrayed Eva and everything the family stands for?

When the rest of the family’s lives are directly threatened, Patrik’s secrets must come to light. The Bognars flee for the border in hopes of getting out of the country to the safety of Palestine. Eva must put her life and the lives of everyone she loves in the hands of the very man who betrayed her–and they may not all make it out of the war alive . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Passionate might best describe Liz Tolsma. She loves writing, research, and editing. Her passion shone through in her first novel which was a double award finalist. On any given day, you might find her pulling weeds in her perennial garden, walking her hyperactive dog, or curled up with a good book. Nothing means more to her than her family. She’s married her high-school sweetheart twenty-eight years ago. Get her talking about international adoption, and you might never get her to stop. She and her husband adopted three children, including a son who is a U.S. Marine, and two daughters.

More from Liz

This is the third book in a series all set around music. The first heroine, Anna in The Melody of the Soul, was a violinist. The second heroine, Natia in When the Heart Sings, sang beautifully. So what did I choose for this heroine?

When I was in fifth grade, the band teacher from the middle school came to our class and encouraged us to join. She brought instruments with her for us to try. I really wanted to play the flute. I thought it was very feminine. But all the girls wanted to play that, and I would have to be really good to get a good chair. So I decided on the clarinet. I played all through middle school and high school, making first chair a couple of times. I participated in marching band and in solo and ensemble contests, earning a couple of first places in state competitions. Even after my “career” ended, I continued to play from time to time. I still play in church. I love the rich, full sound of the instrument. When played well, the clarinet is beautiful. It can be playful and happy or dark and sad. It can skip and it can cry. I’m very glad now that I chose the clarinet instead of the flute.

That’s why the heroine of The Refrain Within plays the clarinet. In fact, she comes from a family of clarinet makers, and her family stamp on the barrel of a clarinet means a great deal to her. As God would have it, my editor, Janyre Tromp, is also a clarinet player. Between the two of us, we worked hard bring out the unique aspects of playing clarinet, like the callous that forms on the inside of your bottom lip.

Eva is a special character to me because we share this passion for the clarinet. There have been many times throughout my life that my clarinet has skipped with me and plenty of times when it has cried with me. Music is God’s beautiful gift to us, and I thank Him for the opportunity to share some of that with you in The Refrain Within.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 23

Among the Reads, October 23

Maureen's Musings, October 23

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 24

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, October 25

deb's Book Review, October 25

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 25

By The Book, October 26

lakesidelivingsite, October 26

A Baker's Perspective, October 26

Inklings and notions, October 27

CarpeDiem, October 27

Mary Hake, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 28

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 28

Emily Yager, October 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 29

Older & Smarter?, October 29

Genesis 5020, October 29

Betti Mace, October 30

Christian Bookaholic, October 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 30

Artistic Nobody, October 31 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, October 31 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Rebecca Tews, November 1

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

Connie's History Classroom, November 2

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 2

Splashes of Joy, November 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 3

As He Leads is Joy, November 3

Bigreadersite, November 3

Pause for Tales, November 4

Hallie Reads, November 4

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 4

Amanda Tero, author, November 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/102a9/the-refrain-within-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Book Review: Certain Threat

Certain Threat is a mystery/suspense story and the third book in a series about a man's protection company. Frank left his law enforcement career to start this company along with his partner and someone else. This was the first book I've read in the series and the first one by the author.

The story was good, and I didn't guess who-dun-it. Although I have never read the first two books of the series, I don't feel I missed a whole lot in book 3 -- in other words, it reads more like a stand-alone book than other serial books I've read. I liked all of the characters. None of them seemed caricaturish and most were distinct from each other. I did feel like Frank acted out of character at one point, but it didn't detract from the story. I also liked the subplot of Frank's partners (it would be a spoiler to say more). Probably my biggest wish for this book is that it could have been less rushed and more filled out (which probably would have fixed the out-of-character moment). It was definitely a quick read. I started on it one night after finishing another book and then finished it the next night. Had it been the only book I read, I could've easily read it in one night. It's a good enough story that I want to read other books in the series as well.

Keep reading more about the book and author and scroll down to enter the giveaway!

Celebrate Lit offered me the chance to receive and review this book for free.

About the Book

Book: Certain Threat

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her.

Not long after Katrina overhears two people talking about robbing the bank where she works, her attached garage explodes. With the help of her neighbor, Frank Davis, she escapes the burning home after a storage shelf falls over, trapping her beneath it.

The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for, the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.

When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.

Join the team of Protection Inc. this Christmas where love is in the air even in the midst of danger.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

More from Kimberly

Certain Threat was one of my favorite books to write. There are three point of view characters. Two have been in the series from book one and the third is a new addition in this book.

I adore Frank, the hero of this book. The man is tough, honest, and always does his best to do the right thing. He’s a good example for his younger business partners who like to do things their own way, especially Carissa.

For me the most fun part about writing this book was getting inside Frank’s head. He comes across as tough and sometime gruff, but he is a marshmallow on the inside when it comes to Katrina, his neighbor. Katrina brings out a side in Frank we haven’t yet witnessed and it was a blast to write—no pun intended. LOL you’ll understand when you read the book.

I look forward to writing future books in this series and going deeper with the rest of the Protection Inc. team and their friends.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 19

Worthy2Read, October 20

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Inklings and notions, October 22

deb's Book Review, October 22

Betti Mace, October 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 23

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, October 24

Mary Hake, October 24

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 25

April Hayman, Author, October 25

Splashes of Joy, October 26

Artistic Nobody, October 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, October 27

mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 27

Aryn the Libraryan, October 28

CarpeDiem, October 28

For Him and My Family, October 29

Daysong Reflections, October 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30

Bigreadersite, October 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 31

Blossoms and Blessings, October 31

Simple Harvest Reads, November 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Bizwings Blog, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10266/certain-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Light in the Mountain Sky

I love history, especially the 19th century. I love reading about the resiliency and necessary ingenuity of the pioneers. When this book came up for review (which I received for free from Celebrate Lit), I was intrigued by reading about a unique story set during my favorite time period.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I liked reading about the setting and the characters. Meksem is a strong lady (". . . a warrior never looked back. Always forward until the journey ended.", yet has invulnerability due to the death of her father when she was a young child. She gives up a precious heirloom from him in order to give a special gift to Adam -- which is amazing considering I'm not sure if she had realized before how much he meant to her.

At first, I wasn't sure how much I would like the book because the first chapter felt like an info dump which was necessary because the book is a sequel to book 2 in the series. It was easy to get confused about the characters because I was introduced to them so quickly. The subsequent chapters were better, and I did like the story. It probably would be better to read the previous book in the series, but it's not totally necessary. (From what I've read, the first book doesn't sound like it has the same characters, but I could be wrong.)

I really like how the author showed the emergence of faith in God in Meksem ("If only she could have such a God for herself.") and the renewal and growing of faith in Adam ("God made us to serve Him, but gave us our own will to choose whether we take a good path or the trail which does not please Him."). The developing romance between them was just on the outside of my personal preference in description (nothing immoral), but probably most readers would enjoy it.

Here is another quote I liked from the book:

"Hope slipped into her chest. She'd heard of the white man's Bible but hadn't realized the book contained directions straight from God Himself. This way she could learn about the One she'd committed her life to. And learning alongside this man who held her heart would be an adventure all its own."

Keep reading more about the book and the author and scroll down for the opportunity to win a $50 gift card!

About the Book

Book: Light in the Mountain Sky
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: September 29, 2020
This epic journey may seal her fate forever.
Determined to prove her worth, Meksem fiercely fought to earn her place among the warriors in her Nez Perce camp. When her half-sister is captured by an enemy tribe, she refuses to trust the rescue to anyone else. But her new friends insist on joining her mission, and she battles between relief and frustration at their presence. Especially the white man who peers at her as if he can see through the face of the warrior she struggles so hard to maintain.
Spaniard Adam Vargas thrives on adventure wherever his travels take him. He’s fallen in love with this Rocky Mountain wilderness, as well as the spotted horses the Nez Perce tribe raise. His fascination with this Indian maiden-turned-warrior catches him off guard though, including the way she seems to be fighting for more than her sister’s safe return.
The journey proves more perilous than any of the group expects, and the secret Meksem hides becomes impossible to conceal. If they live through this mission, the life they knew will never be the same again.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and intense adventure.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

More from Misty
Early Nez Perce Business Women
As I’ve been researching for my current Call of the Rockies series, I’ve had the pleasure of diving deep into the culture of the Nez Perce tribe. I found it interesting that one of the primary food sources of The People (as they called themselves) was camas roots.
But what really drew my notice was how the women would cultivate entire fields of camas root, store what they needed for their family through the winter, then use the extras for bartering. Some savvy women would become quite wealthy from their business dealings!
The bulbs of the camas plant are full of calories and nutrients, and each fall, Nez Perce families would travel to their particular camas meadow (a section of land whose camas rights had probably been passed down from generation to generation within their family). Many of these meadows were located near present-day Weippe, Moscow or Grangeville, where the onion-shaped bulbs grew thickly.
Women used pointed wooden tools to harvest the bulbs, and could often gather over 50 pounds a day, satisfying their full winter’s supply within just a few days.
Native American peoples who ate camas include the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu), Cree, Coast Salish, Kalapuya, and Blackfoot, and Yakama, among many others. Not all of these people groups harvested camas themselves. Instead, many relied on trade in order to procure it. Trade networks were established all the way from the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean, and a shrewd businesswoman who tended her camas meadows well could provide everything her family needed and more!
Blog Stops
Through the Fire Blogs, October 13
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, October 13
Splashes of Joy, October 13
A Baker's Perspective, October 14
deb's Book Review, October 14
Blessed & Bookish, October 15
Connect in Fiction, October 15
lakesidelivingsite, October 15
For the Love of Literature, October 16
Betti Mace, October 16
Texas Book-aholic, October 17
21st Century Keeper at Home, October 17
Inklings and notions, October 18
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 18
jeanette's Thoughts, October 18
Older & Smarter?, October 19
Library Lady's Kid Lit, October 19
For Him and My Family, October 20
Mary Hake, October 20
She Lives To Read, October 21
Writing from the Heart Land, October 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22
Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Artistic Nobody, October 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Blossoms and Blessings, October 23
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 24
reviewingbooksplusmore, October 24
Bizwings Blog, October 24
Connie's History Classroom, October 25
Book Love, October 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 26

Bigreadersite, October 26
Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/101f7/light-in-the-mountain-sky-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, October 10, 2020

A Novel Pursuit (of Life and Learning) = A fresh look and focus for the blog!

New Blog!

I have decided to retire my 21st Century Keeper at Home blog at the end of 2020. I am starting a new blog at A Novel Pursuit (...of Life and Learning)! It will primarily focus on Book Reviews and Homeschooling.

I played around with book- and school-related titles for weeks before deciding on A Novel Pursuit. I chose the word "Novel" because, well, BOOKS, and also because our journey in homeschooling is unique to our family (as homeschooling *should* be -- fit for your family, not to some imaginary standard that you think others follow -- as long as it adheres to God's standards, of course). I chose the word "Pursuit" because the pursuit of learning is a God-given freedom and privilege that I enjoy and hope to instill in my daughter.

Between now and the end of the year, I will periodically repost articles I've written on homeschooling as well as my early book reviews, just to throw content over there that is relevant to my focus. If you could pop over there every once in a while, I'd appreciate it.

My book reviews for Celebrate Lit will only be posted on A Novel Pursuit beginning in January.

Book Review & Giveaway: Brought to Book

Is it weird that I sometimes wish I knew book characters in real life? Katrina Peters is a 40-ish college adjunct professor in a small town somewhere up north (Washington State, I believe). She's smart and funny and loves books. She loves them so much that she began volunteering at a local bookstore, helping to rearrange shelves from the useless alphabetical-by-title to separated by genre and alphabetical by the author (a bit OCD in a good way). In the meantime, she sort of becomes friends with the rather curmudgeon owner Frank....who winds up getting killed!

So begins the story, and it culminates in finding out who was behind the murder and why. I wasn't terribly surprised by the perpetrator, but I wasn't disappointed, either. In the book, we meet a detective who becomes friends with Katrina as well as several of her other friends. As a subplot which creates a little bit of conflict within the book, she feels like she has reached a crossroads in her life and doesn't know what God wants her to do next. I really enjoyed the mystery and the setting of the book. I also loved that I learned a new vocabulary word and I learned a little bit about forgeries of manuscripts.

This quote made me laugh:

"I just don't want to start anything if it isn't going to work out."

"Sorry. There aren't any money-back guarantees. Just take the next step."

What a great description of living by faith! Just take the next step!

This next quote (the original author was not stated) sums up how I feel about the whole corona thing:

"Mortal dangers around me fly, 'till He bids, I cannot die.'

Google says it's a hymn by John Ryland. If I have time tonight I would like to do a rabbit trail search for more info.

To sum it up, good, clean, Christian mystery, worth getting. My only criticism is that sometimes it's a little wordy, but given the protagonist is an English literature professor, that fits with the story. I will be reviewing the second book in the series soon.

About the Book

Book: Brought to Book

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian cozy mystery

Release Date: June 24, 2020

There’s nothing in Emily Post about dealing with murder.

Katrina just wanted to spend time among the books at Frank’s Bookstore. Yes, that’s an unimaginative name for a store, but Frank’s an unimaginative guy–or he was.

Now he and his murder are the reason Katrina is spending her spare time with Wilkester detective, Todd Mason. Or, that’s what she tells herself.

Why would anyone want to kill Frank Delaney? Who would do it? And is Katrina herself even safe?

Mixing faith, literary humor, sweet romance, and a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing, Barbara Cornthwaite’s first Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Begin your investigation of Brought to Book today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

More from Barbara

Meeting of the Minds

A Wilkester Mysteries Introduction

Detective Todd Mason knew Katrina was the one the first time he met her. The woman had witnessed a murder—if not with her eyes, at least with her ears. She’d seen the man dying and called for help, afraid all the while that the killer would return for her. So much he’d been told before he went into the interrogation room.

“How’s she handling it?” he asked the officer who had arrived first at the scene and escorted her to the police station.

“Not too badly,” said Gary. “She’s in shock, of course, but she’s trying to hold it together. Katrina Peters. She’s in Room 2.”

He’d gone in then and gotten his first look at her. Late thirties or early forties. Brown hair that fell to her shoulders in loose waves. Brown eyes that were red-rimmed from crying. Hands clutching a tissue. She managed a faint smile when he walked in.

“Hello, Ms. Peters. I’m Detective Todd Mason. I need to ask you some questions, if that’s all right.”

“Miss,” she said, almost as a reflex.

“I beg your pardon?” Todd wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.

“It’s Miss Peters.” She said it firmly, repudiating the term Ms. even at such a stressful moment. Something made her blush then, and he saw her glance at his left hand. “Never mind,” she murmured.

She’s afraid I’ll think she’s trying to advertize her availability. It amused Todd to see the blush—if only she knew how refreshing it was to see a woman who would even be conscious of such a thing. Old fashioned, he thought. In a good way.

She answered his questions as calmly as she could, and even apologized for the tears that insisted on coming out now and then. When she alluded to Daniel in the lion’s den, he knew she really was out of the ordinary, and it took all his self-control not to offer to drive her home himself.

To join the investigation, read your copy of Brought to Book today.