Book Spotlight Friday! The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by My Head is Full of Books and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

Another great historical mystery written by Joanna Davidson Politano.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

About the book:

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.

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Book Beginnings

I hadn't decided if I'd tell the whole truth or not, when the men arrived.

Friday 56

Were Driscoll not between us, the man would have dropped me over the side of the boat, sure as I'm lying here.

My thoughts so far

This was an interesting mystery.

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Review: When the Day Comes

When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

4.5 stars

When The Day Comes was a time travel novel which was surprisingly different in a very good way.

From the start, I realized that this story is different to anything I have read before, and it quickly pulled me in and did not want to let me go.

I loved the 1774 setting. Libby’s 1774 mom was so loving and compassionate, the perfect person to guide her through her journey of experiencing the same day in two different time settings. I did not like Libby’s 1914 mother at all. Her scheming set Libby up in a difficult situation.

Reginald (Reggie) was a conflicting person with his harsh treatment in two specific situations, but then otherwise showing a tender side as well. Though he acted wrongly, I did find myself liking him and finding a soft spot in my heart for him. I loved the letter to Libby where he showed her and the readers his true heart.

Libby had a clear idea of which life she wanted to choose when she turned 21. But, like most of us, life took an unplanned turn. I loved how the internal struggles to wait on God and trust Him, even though Libby knew some events due to her time travel and were tempted to step in, was a strong message which came across.

There was a revelation at the end which I guessed – and I was glad to have guessed this twist correctly.

In summary, if you enjoy fantasy/time-travel stories, this series is one to add to your TBR. The time-travel as well as ethical and spiritual temptations to take control instead of letting go and trust was beautifully delivered.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other without any time passing. She has one conscious mind but two very different lives and bodies.

In colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an undesirable English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe further complicates matters and forces her to make sacrifices she never imagined.

On her twenty-first birthday, Libby must choose one path and forfeit the other forever--but how can she possibly choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

About the author:

Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Love on a Whim

 Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I am looking forward to continue this series with the third book which releases May 7th.

About the book: Love on a Whim

Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.

The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this sweet story of love, family, and the unpredictability of life.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Sandcastle Inn

Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

And mistakes aren’t an intentional infliction of injury, which is a different matter altogether. So why should we hold them against ourselves? In truth, expecting perfection may be a bit arrogant. Only God is perfect.

Sandcastle Inn took us back to the coast of Oregon, to Hope Harbor where characters go to recoup and take a break from their crazy life.

Both Matt and Vienna found themselves in Hope Harbor to get some well-deserved R&R after their lives did not work out as planned. Matt’s story was heart breaking.

Though Matt and Vienna both had ideas and plans for Hope Harbor to only be a temporary rest stop to get them back to their plans for their lives, through circumstances, meetings, a strong connection and wisdom from Charley and Bev, they discovered that God’s plans might include a longer stay.

This is the tenth book in the series, though each book can be read as a stand-alone.

“Too many people carry heavy burdens of guilt over mistakes, and that can snuff the joy from the glorious gift of life God has blessed us with. A life he wants us to live fully and without regret.”

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she'd left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course--because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn't in Matt Quinn's plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn't on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister's new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B--if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

About the author:

Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than

50 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

Top Ten Tuesday: Unread Books on My Shelves I Want to Read Soon (Bonus points if you tell us how long it’s been sitting on your shelf waiting for you.)

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

So much options for this one!  Here is those I have on my list to read in 2024:

1. Dangerous Mercy

On my list since December 2016

2. Paper Hearts

On my list since March 2015

3. Falcon

On my list since September 2021

4. Dark Ambitions

On my list since September 2020

5. Shadow in Serenity

On my list since October 2014

6. Crushing Depths

On my list since August 2021

7. At Your Request

On my list since January 2017

8. On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor

On my list since August 2021

9. Twisted lies

On my list since December 2020

10. Deadly proof

On my list since August 2018

Weekend Wrap-up: April 21st

 

It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

Finished

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading

Next up:

What are you reading this week?

Blog Posts Recap:

Here is my past week's Blog Posts.

Top Ten Tuesday

Can't Wait Wednesday

Book Spotlight Fridays!

Saturday Series Discovery

Adding to the Bookshelf:

Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? 

No ARCs this week.

Bought: Two

Book Spotlight Friday! Sandcastle Inn

  

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by My Head is Full of Books and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

Another visit to hope harbor where new characters can get their second change and we can catch up with other well loved chararcters.

Sandcastle Inn

About the book:

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she'd left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course--because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn't in Matt Quinn's plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn't on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister's new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B--if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

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Book Beginnings

Good grief.

Friday 56

Everything was good.

My thoughts so far

I really enjoyed this installment in the Hope Harbor series.

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