About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Thursday, September 4, 2025

A Scheming in Parliament (Of Cloaks & Daggers #2) by Erica Vetsch

A Scheming in Parliament (Of Cloaks & Daggers #2)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Evil is masquerading in the halls of Parliament, and Sir Bertrand Thorndike is tasked with investigating from the inside. With his new position as a member of the House of Commons, he has access to the power brokers of English government. His tactic is to listen and learn, careful not to reveal his true motives, and he’s quickly inducted into the mysterious Theban Club.

Miss Philippa Cashel's mission, the Princess Charlotte Eleos School for Women in Need, is thriving with donations, and the students are learning skills to help them earn their livings in honorable ways. But when a dear friend's past is revealed by blackmail, Philippa must wrestle with the question, Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?

Bertie's and Philippa's missions collide when Bertie uncovers a dangerous plot involving vulnerable women. He and Philippa join forces against the corruption threatening to topple England's government, all while navigating their outward reputations and inward feelings for each other.

AMAZON     


MY THOUGHTS.....

"Is it ever right to do the wrong thing?" This is a question we've all pondered, and it's a major theme explored in Erica Vetsch's new book, A Scheming in Parliament. Set in London, in 1816, this story revolves around corruption in the English Parliament and the newly appointed member of the House of Commons who is determined to correct it.

This page-turner is filled with adventure, mystery, and inspiration. I loved the spiritual themes that are woven throughout the story: praying for answers, understanding that we may have to wait for His answers, and recognizing that God will forgive anyone!

Talk about endearing characters! Aunt Dolly, Marcus, Charlotte, and of course, Philippa and Bertie! Philippa Cashel believes that her relationship with Sir Bertrand Thorndike is only a working partnership, but it doesn't take long to recognize that there's so much more! Romance? Oh, it's there and it's sweet! Bertie & Philippa experience the best kind...a slow burn that could easily burst into flame! Will we see it happen?

I loved the reunion with characters we've met before in this second book of the Of Cloaks & Daggers series. My only complaint? Wondering how long I have to wait for another visit to the Haverly Universe!

I highly recommend 'A Scheming in Parliament' to all who enjoy inspirational Regency romance!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via Net Galley, but I also purchased a print copy. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

  


OF CLOAKS & DAGGERS

A Thieving at Carlton House
A Scheming in Parliament


















Thursday, August 28, 2025

The Pretender: The Big Valley Disappearance (Mifflin County Mystery #3) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

The Pretender: The Big Valley Disappearance #3 Volume 3 (A Mifflin County Mystery)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A Woman Missing for Two Years Suddenly Returns Home

In book three of A Mifflin County Mystery series, Rosa Petersheim’s sudden reappearance creates more hurt and confusion in the Big Valley.
Two years since Rosa Petersheim mysteriously disappeared from her Amish home, there has been no word from her. Her family and friends have suffered in the silence, though they have tried to move on with life.
 
Then one day Rosa just as suddenly reappears at her parent’s home. . .with a husband in tow.
 
Rosa is ashamed of the choices she made that caused her to leave home. And now that she is back, her father is not welcoming and her siblings and friends want explanations that she can’t give.
 
Will Rosa’s family accept her and Anthony? Can the Big Valley ever be home again?


AMAZON     BARBOUR BOOKS     


MY THOUGHTS.....

Finally! Finally, we learn what happened to the young Amish girl who disappeared from her home in the Big Valley two years ago. Rosa Petersheim returns to Belleville, Pennsylvania, but her homecoming isn't as happy as you would expect. Rosa has a secret, so she reluctantly introduces Anthony Reeves as her pretend husband, but this soon illustrates what we all know: one lie can lead to many!

It's easy to assume that Amish people are exempt from lies, deceit, and sibling jealousy but Wanda E. Brunstetter's thought-provoking story reminds us that these feelings are common in all cultures. How do we repair the damage? Faith, forgiveness, and understanding are the keys!

I recommend The Pretender to all who enjoy well-developed characters, cozy mysteries, and faith-filled stories.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.


To learn more about Wanda, visit her  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest


A Mifflin County Mystery