Thoughts of a Reader

This is the first book I have read by this author. It is categorized as historical romance. However, it seems that the romance is secondary to the mystery that is going on in the story which does not bother me. It also does not affect whether or not I enjoy the book. I love that this book has horses in it and it is nice that the chapters are not super long. The author does a good job with having her characters not be one dimensional. And the mystery I mentioned earlier has definitely kept my interest. I found myself throughout the book wondering who the culprit of the lie was as well as who was helping cover it up. There were several people in the book that made for good antagonists. They made the story that much more interesting to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

I have read several of this author’s books and I have enjoyed each one. This book has a haunting sadness to it. There is also an element of mystery to the plot that grabs you into the story. The novel mainly takes place at Hurstwell Asylum which unfortunately does not have the most sympathetic of staff with one exception. Dr. Mitchell Turner is so kind and has a heart to want to help the patients. He represented hope and light in an otherwise dark place. This book is a historical novel which is set in a time when mental illness was not treated kindly by most. The author definitely shows that side of society. It is also categorized as a romance but it’s definitely not your typical romance novel. I recommend this book to those who want an out of the box romance with an excellent human element to it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

I have read several books by this author and so far I have loved them. And this novel was no exception. I also really enjoyed this book. It has a lot going on. Both the main characters, Janie and Drew, have baggage from the past that is holding them back from really living in the present. It is also keeping them from attempting a relationship with anyone else. However, someone that they both knew growing up has brought the two together in the most unlikely of ways. Mrs. Applegate’s will has made it so that they have to work together in order for Janie to be able to provide a home for her daughter. There are really good lessons throughout the novel on forgiveness of self, second chances, love, and not letting your past dictate your future. I would recommend this book to any romance enthusiast out there.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

I am a big fan of books by this author. I am also a big fan of books set at Christmas. There is a lot going on in this book but it does not leave you confused or overwhelmed. This novel is like one big puzzling mystery that you are trying the whole time to put the pieces together. A lot of twists and turns are thrown in to make it that much harder to determine the bad guy. I personally did not figure it out. If you love suspense books with not too much romance, then you will enjoy this book. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

This is the second book I have read by this author. One of the reasons I am drawn to her books is because they are based on true stories. Her books also have beautiful covers. I was surprised at the short length of the chapters in this book but also very happy because it made the book feel like it read faster. Even though this book is historical fiction, it reads more like a diary or autobiography. This is definitely a coming of age story. Mollie Sheehan went through a lot over the years but she always seemed to keep her faith. I am amazed at how she pushed through some of the difficult things that happened in her life. I would recommend this novel to those who like historical fiction or novels based on true stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.