The Bloody Key: A Bluebeard Retelling By L.J. Thomas, A Book Review

 L.J. Thomas writes the whole story as each main character records their thoughts and antics in their diaries. I really enjoyed that. It gave you each character’s perspective of what happened, but also what the other characters saw and felt about the others in their entries.

The story is well written, compelling you to turn the next page as the events unfold, to find out what happens next. Since this is a retelling, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the telling. If you like the fantasy/fairytales/folklore stories, you will definitely enjoy this one. The story is well done and done well in the historical time frame.

The Headmistress Of Rosemere (Whispers On The Moors, #2) By Sarah E. Ladd, A Book Review

I love reading romances, especially those that are subtle and yet stirring. This book is set in the early 1800’s with factual support of true life at that time. The story is fun. An entertaining read.

The characters are kept in the personalities Sara Ladd created, which are realistic and nonapologetic. They are who they are, and each portrays their flaws as well as their gifts. That builds a bridge of emotional connection to each of them.

The story is simple because living in that era is unbelievable compared to today's technological state, so it keeps you wondering how they survived the cold or isolation, with no electricity and little communication, and many other things we take for granted now. Reading a book like this is an escape back to a calmer, slower time in those days, and it is fun, interesting, and peaceful.

I really enjoyed this story, and now I want to read Sarah’s other books. If you like romances, you will find this a fun read.

 

The Silver Shadow By Liz Tolsma, A Book Review

 Despite the murder aspect, this was quite a pleasant story to read. The characters are enjoyable, their personalities open and inviting or open and intriguing. The plot created a guess-who-did-it chase, and it was fun.

Based on a true crime story, it was an interesting and shocking read, realizing the crime actually happened. Real people suffered the acts and felt the dire emotional impact.

The writing was well executed, maintaining a consistent pace, intrigue, and emotional connection that were enjoyable. I am quite certain anyone reading this book will enjoy it and any other book Liz writes.