Playing the Part by Jen Turano

I should preface this review by saying that I am not a girl who enjoys mystery books, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wouldn't necessarily qualify it as a mystery book because the history and the humor definitely was the main focus. However, there was some mystery but only enough to make the story so incredibly hard to put down. I found myself looking for excuses to be alone so that I could just read!

I have read some books by Jen Turano so I fully expected this book to be just as good (if not better) than her previous ones. I absolutely love her writing style because they are a good mixture of humor and serious. She is engaging and draws the reader in to her story from the very first pages. I also appreciate that she continued to bringing other characters from her previous books. I hate not knowing what previous characters are up to in a series! I'm endeared to an author when they tie the whole series together with some familiar things from book 1.

Although this book is the third book in the A Class of Their Own series, it definitely can stand alone. The reader wouldn't have the same level of excitement over seeing some familiar names pop up from the previous books, but they would definitely not be lost and could enjoy the book. I'm pretty certain, though, it would make them go out and by the first two books in the series! I am always impressed when authors write a book in a series that can stand alone and doesn't leave the reader confused and frustrated and trying to figure out who is who.

Now I'm left waiting to see what Jen Turano writes next.

To read more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/books/playing-the-part.

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JEN TURANO

Jen Turano, author of the Ladies of Distinction series and the A Class of Their Own series, is a graduate of the University of Akron. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Playing the Part (Bethany House, March 2016)

Can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucetta’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

I'm not a huge fan of mystery/suspense books, but I really enjoy Shelley Gray. Since I have come to like Gray, I knew that I had to at least give this series a chance or I would always wonder if I would like it or not. I have only ever read her Amish fiction, so to break out into genre of mystery felt like a huge leap for me. After finishing this book, I now want to read the rest in this series, A Chicago World's Fair Mystery.

I'm sure if someone loves mystery with lots of suspense and twists and turns, then this book may not be one of the top suspenseful books you've ever read. However, for me, it was the perfect amount of suspense and mystery. Lydia and Sebastian both have a lot of mystery surrounding them. Sebastian hides a lot and very slowly more of who he is really is exposed throughout the story. The relationship between Sebastian and Lydia's ex-fiancé also holds a bit of mystery for a while. Even Lydia doesn't quite know all of who he is.

The mystery book seems perfectly fitting to take place in a library. It was the perfect setting for this story. Gray did a wonderful job in crafting a story that leaves the reader turning page after page, anxious to understand who Sebastian is and what decisions in the past have lead to who he is now. I also found Lydia's mom fascinating because she has just faded away ever since her husband's death. She has different idea of what Lydia's life should be like because she so desperately wants Lydia to marry for wealth and society.

Not only is there the mystery surrounding who Sebastian Marks is, there is also a mystery surrounding a death.

All throughout the book, I wrestled with which characters were being honest, which ones were hiding things, and tried to narrow down those who could be trustworthy and those who could be lying or manipulative.

I am quite impressed with Gray's ability to write Amish fiction and then to turn around and write this series. I really think that is quite an accomplishment to cross such wide genres.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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Whispers in the Reading Room (Zondervan, November 2015)
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), "The Protector," recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

If you would have asked me a few years ago if I was a fan of Irene Hannon's books, I would have said "no." In fact, I remember reading a few and then realizing they weren't in my preferred genre. It wasn't that they weren't great stories, but I didn't like the mystery. I'll admit it. I'm easily scared so I have to guard my mind more so than others. With that said, I decided to give her previous series a try after reading the synopsis of the book. I loved that series and realized that I do enjoy Irene Hannon! I'm so glad I gave her a second chance. This book does have some mystery, but I think the romance and the main message of the book spoke louder to me than the mystery. I really enjoyed this book and how she has once again told a beautiful story of  forgiveness.


Michael and Tracy have experienced what it feels like to have their heart ripped out of their chest... something that many people can relate to. They have both lost their spouse and have to figure out how to move on. They both deal with their grief in different ways.

I appreciated how Hannon was able to weave the characters into the story so effortlessly. All of the characters were strong with characteristics that made it easy to relate to. They took on real-life issues and it was neat to watch their story played out on the pages. There were several times where they story took a turn that I wasn't necessarily expecting, but it made me keep turning the pages.

I am looking forward to more by Irene Hannon now!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.

Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!

Since then, she has written more than 45 romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels. She is a seven-time finalist and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and a member of Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, three HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice award, a Retailers Choice award, two Booksellers’ Best awards and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. One of her novels was also named by Booklist as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.

Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full. She is happy to say she has no regrets!

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.

When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom--and hearts heal.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hope Harbor, go HERE.
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I received this book free from Revell Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

I've looked forward to this book ever since I read the first on in this series.  I like the mysterious covers and the great story inside.  Mark of Distinction picks up where the first one left off.  I'm glad that she sticks with Julia instead of introducing another main character.  I really like it when authors let us really connect with a few characters that continue throughout a series.

Julie now knows who her father is, but danger is still all around her.  She's not being treated as the valued woman that she is.  Instead, she's being used to form the wishes of other powerful people.  She wants to be free of all of this, but it's not that easy.

The mysterious covers of this trilogy is not by accident.  There are so many secrets and so many people who are threatening to tell the real truth if they don't get their way.  The secrets are the action and it leaves you turning pages far longer than the time set aside to read "just a few pages."

I am looking forward to book 3 in the series. I hope it's not to long to wait!

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I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Scraps of Evidence by Barbara Cameron

I have only seen the Amish side of Barbara Cameron, so I was definitely looking forward to seeing a different side of her writing.  Having read many books in the Quilts of Love series, I couldn't pass this one up.  It was a book that had me drawn in from the first pages of the book. Barbara Cameron writes in such a way that easily can go from genre to genre.

I personally think I liked the book so much because I love vacationing in the city where the book takes place.  It was easy to remember the area in this book and took me back to a relaxing summer vacation and our upcoming one!  St. Augustine is so rich of history and beauty and one just can't help but enjoy it!

Since I'm not much into mystery novels, this was perfect for me.  It wasn't too scary and it didn't keep me up at night from bad dreams!  I liked the romance and how it depicted real-life relationships.  You never forget that a serial killer is involved, but it's not a terrifying book.  Some may be disappointed in that, but I was grateful!

Now I'm switching over to read her new Amish fiction book that is coming out!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.

 

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I received this book free from CFBA and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell

I really like how all of the quilts in these series tells a story.  They are all so different and unique, just like the quilts.  Tempest's Course has an air of mystery surrounding the quilt, though.  The quilt doesn't really belong to Kelly, but she has won the bid to restore the quilt.  Not only is she wanting to find the story behind the quilt, she is also writing her own story.

She has known her fair share of disappointments and is, in fact, just coming off from a downhill slide in her own personal life.  Looking to rebuild and make her life have meaning again, she pours herself into this quilt.  She has to move in to the house where the quilt is held because the owner doesn't want it to leave the house. 

Tom is fighting his own fight against his demons.  He's seen a lot in his life and has problems with his father.  He never seems to be enough for his dad or do enough for him. 

As they both find companionship and friendship in each other, they are left exploring a story of a quilt that just might bring the healing that both of them are searching for.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Sowell is an award-winning novelist. Her most recent novel, Tempest’s Course, is part of the Quilts of Love line from Abingdon Press. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but makes her home in Coppress Cove, Texas, with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. And as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns the secrets of the quilt and Mary's own sad tale of regret. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family's past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tempest's Course, go HERE.

 

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I received this book free from CFBA and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Quilt for Jenna by Patrick E. Craig

I really enjoyed reading this book.  Since I really enjoy Amish fiction, I knew I had to read this one, too.  I think the cover on this book is beautiful, from the slick feel of the book to the glossy look of a picture of an Amish woman who is full of sadness and grief and a beautiful quilt.  

This is the first book in Patrick E. Craig's new series, Apple Creek Dream series.  I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.  A Quilt for Jenna had something for every reader, romance, suspense, and mystery.

My most favorite part of this book, which really surprised me, was the air of mystery that went from the beginning of the book to the end.  I normally don't like the mystery to be sustained and like to peek in the back of the book to see what happened (yes....I'm a bad reader!!!) so I can prepare myself.  However, I didn't look forward at all in this book and actually found that I enjoyed the mystery that surrounded Jenna's death and the story of the little girl and Reuben.  I liked how the story would tell the back story and history and then tell what was happening in the present and the urgency of the present.

I have never read anything by Patrick E. Craig.  I am very excited to read the rest of the series.

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I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell

This book had so many twists and turns in it that I found myself staying up quite late just to finish it!  Just when I thought I knew something would happen to one of the characters, I was wrong.  I kept thinking that their masks would be revealed earlier than when they were because they kept finding themselves in predicaments.  I liked how she kept certain main details out of the beginning of the book.  It lead to the suspense and intrigue.

 

I had a hard time figuring out the cook and lady's maid.  I knew they were somehow involved with Lady Celine Wexham's side, but wasn't really for sure how or to what extent.  I liked that their relationship with her wasn't immediately clear and that there was an air of mystery around her relationship with her late husband.

 

I think if I had to sum up the style of this book, it would be mystery, romance, denial, and setting aside hierarchy.  If you like Downton Abbey, then you would most definitely like this book.  It is set in 1813, but has the whole idea of the estates and Countesses and butlers. 

 

This book is a Regency Romance novel and is set to have her next novel out in the Spring of 2014.  I am anxiously awaiting her book.  She has a wonderful style of writing that makes you feel like you're caught in the middle of two people who are socially forbidden from each other because of circumstances.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Vanished by Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is responsible for getting me to like suspenseful books.  When I first began writing reviews, I couldn't do suspense.  However, after reading the last series by Hannon, I am now an avid fan or hers and of others in the suspense genre.

 

Although in most of her books you typically know who is the bad guy/killer, it has certainly never taken away from the suspense of the book.  I still find myself flipping the pages and get that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach.  This book was fast-paced and captured me from the very first sentences.

 

This is the first book in her new series, Private Justice.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.  I know I won't be disappointed in this series!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Discovery by Dan Walsh

Are there any Nicholas Sparks lovers reading this blog?  If so, then you need to pick up this book by Dan Walsh and see for yourself how much his writing compares to Nicholas Sparks.  I absolutely LOVED this book.  It kept me turning page after page because I couldn't wait to discover the mystery of Gerard Warner.
Dan did a wonderful job putting a story within a story.  I was hooked on this book from the first page and had difficulty putting it down to go to sleep.  The "book" by Gerard had so many interesting twists and turns that I was amazed and had difficulty predicting what would happen next.  I absolutely loved the ending to this book.  Dan tied it up nicely and left you with the feeling that you just journeyed through history with an amazing man, Gerard.  I actually felt like he was a real character and I had discovered his story for myself! 

I can't wait to get his other books and read those.  I think that after you read this book, you'll decide that you want to do the same.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.