I think this may be author Aimee Brown’s best yet! (And you know much I loved her debut THE LUCKY DRESS.) Hooked from the start. Delicious tension. WhI think this may be author Aimee Brown’s best yet! (And you know much I loved her debut THE LUCKY DRESS.) Hooked from the start. Delicious tension. What a love story. This author might owe me a manicure because her characters made me chew my nails down to the quick. Hard won happily-ever-after that had me turning pages till the wee hours of the morning. Easy to recommend....more
I am a great fan of Aimee Brown’s writing. Her characters always have heart, excellent dialog, and believable scenarios. Terrific world building of liI am a great fan of Aimee Brown’s writing. Her characters always have heart, excellent dialog, and believable scenarios. Terrific world building of life in Portland Oregon too. I loved the tension between Jade and River. River is written so well, especially. Makes the heart pitter patter. I loved his wise, honest lines like: “All I know is that there are three things you can never get back; people after death, words spoken, and time wasted.”
If you need a heartfelt, swoonworthy romance, download STUCK WITH YOU now....more
Author Stephanie Barron has written her “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series for more than two decades, the first published in 1996. “Jane and the FinAuthor Stephanie Barron has written her “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series for more than two decades, the first published in 1996. “Jane and the Final Mystery” begins in the spring of 1817, and Jane Austen died in July of that year at age forty-one. As a known Janeite and enthusiast of this series that parallels Austen's adult life—and knowing the sad truth of what is to come—I have been in bittersweet anticipation for this last novel.
Barron’s gift to write in a very Austenesque manner, her astute understanding of the mores of the times, and her exacting research of locales and the Regency mirrors Austen’s voice in this fictional work. Yes, fictional. I must remind myself that this series is more proof of Barron’s genius. Her expertise in the genre leads readers to wonder, Is this true? Did that really happen? She is The Incomparable when it comes to Regency mysteries—often imitated but never duplicated. Given that disclaimer of my bona fides as a Stephanie Barron fan and holding the series in much esteem, I feel quite at liberty to share my impressions herein.
Over the course of fourteen previous novels in the critically acclaimed "Being a Jane Austen Mystery" series, Stephanie Barron has won the hearts of thousands of fans—crime fiction aficionados and Janeites alike—with her tricky plotting and breathtaking evocation of Austen’s voice. Now, she brings Jane’s final season—and final murder investigation—to brilliant, poignant life in this unforgettable conclusion.
March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen’s health is in slow decline, and threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth. Arthur Prendergast, a senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school, has been found dead in a culvert near the schoolgrounds—and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s dear friend Elizabeth. Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of passage, cruel hazing, and dangerous pranks. Can Jane clear William’s name before her illness gets the better of her?
Thus begins “Jane and the Final Mystery” as Jane exposes whodunit in this fifteenth and final of Stephanie Barron’s mystery series. Though Jane is dangerously ill and continues to tire quickly, she comes to support her dear friend, Elizabeth Bigg-Wither Heathcote, formerly of Manydown, and endeavors to unravel the minacious web against William Heathcote.
“She glanced at me sidelong. ‘Thank Heaven, you do not abuse me as an hysterick. For nearly three years, Will has been subject to relentless attacks on his spirit, his mind, and his sanity in the world.’ ‘You suggest something more profound and malevolent than the abuse he endures, on account of his regrettable speech defect?’”—p.68.
Likening to Austen’s quality prose, Barron excels in credible dialog. Miss Austen’s voice, told from this fictional Jane Austen’s point-of-view, nearly echoes off the page.
“‘I see now why you figured as a great general of Gabell’s,’ I said admiringly. ‘Like Wellington, you are a keen strategist…’ ‘As to that—were it not for the danger Will finds himself in, I should regard this as a fine lark, and plunge in with vigour! I might even turn to the study of Law. The work of a solicitor should offer more scope for imagination and variety than that of a clergyman.’ ‘Are those your only alternatives?’ I asked gently. ‘You cannot dedicate yourself to writing?’ Edward laughed brusquely. ‘I doubt I have the necessary talent to make a success of that.’ ‘Why?’ I demanded. ‘Do you regard me as a frivolous flatterer? I do not offer praise lightly, my dear. When I tell you I enjoy and admire your sketches—so different to my own little bit of ivory, on which I work with so fine a brush—I am sincere, you know. I do not seek to puff you up with nonsense.’” —p. 136.
With lives, fortunes, and reputations in the balance, Barron casts a few red herrings that I confess kept me confounded until the last. Even at the inquiry, I almost, almost but not quite, suspected young Heathcote.
“‘You left the school?’ ‘I d-d-did.’ Elizabeth drew an audible breath. “At what hour?’ ‘I qu-qu-qitted Gabell’s House a qu-qu-quarter before the hour of f-f-four o’clock.’ ‘And where did you go?’ ‘I c-c-cannot say, sir.’ ‘William,’ Elizabeth murmured in agony beside me. ‘Come, come, Master Heathcote. You are required to answer my questions truthfully and fully.’ Will compressed his lips, his countenance appallingly white. ‘You refuse to answer?’ Again, not a word passed William’s lips.” —pp..107-108.
Excellent world building, engaging characters, and thought-provoking prose, I found this fifteenth book more page-turning intrigue than the maudlin literature I half-expected. But I recommend having a handkerchief nearby to dab at your eyes—just in case. You need not read the previous novels to be excessively diverted by “Jane and the Final Mystery.” Still, from one who has read this epic series in order, you’re shortchanging yourself if you don’t read them all. Oh! And why “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” isn’t a Netflix series already is beyond me.
I'll put this out into the universe one more time. As I have said before, I want Stephanie Barron to write a dual-era series next, titled “The Gentleman Rogue.” A contemporary woman discovers a trunk of Lord Harold’s papers and… Who’s with me?...more
Meredith Schorr’s new release, SOMEONE JUST LIKE YOU, is a zingy romcom with all the feels. Schorr hits all the right notes in this enemies to lovers Meredith Schorr’s new release, SOMEONE JUST LIKE YOU, is a zingy romcom with all the feels. Schorr hits all the right notes in this enemies to lovers romance about family dynamics and a young woman still finding her way. The gags between the lifelong enemies made me wince and really wonder how they could ever get together. But then that’s their uphill battle, the honesty of Jude and Molly’s relationship. I especially loved how they finally overcame their lifelong misunderstanding and the thin line between hate and passion is pushed aside. Easily 4.5 stars....more
At last! Author Aimee Brown’s “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” has just released. I had the opportunity to read this as a beta reader and I loved it theAt last! Author Aimee Brown’s “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” has just released. I had the opportunity to read this as a beta reader and I loved it then but I love it more now in its published form.
Dax is a florist who has loved Hollyn since he was a teenager. When Hollyn’s long term boyfriend college professor (manther…old guys who date much younger women. Man plus panther) breaks her heart, she returns to her hometown broke, homeless, and without a job. Her brother River offers her a room in his apartment—but that also means she’ll be sharing the apartment with River’s best friend Dax.
“He’s no longer the skinny, dorky kid who used to help River terrorize everything did. This guy is cool, tattooed, bearded, smells nice, looks nicer, and he brought me flowers. I’d say his dorky days are behind him. Well done, puberty. I applaud you.”
Dax hires Hollyn as his floral assistant and when they end up competing in reality floral competition, the stakes increase—that prize money would allow him to buy the floral shop that once belong to his deceased father.
“I think he feels like his life purpose is on the line. He wants to use this money to buy back his late father’s florist shop. He was just a kid when his dad passed and I watched his whole world collapse that day.”
Brown is a great storyteller. She knows how to make the heart pitter-patter:
“Dax,” she says, stepping closer, her voice hardly more than a whisper as she closes her eyes. “Do it now. Kiss me now.”
And these characters? Swoon. I love the “Flower Boy.” Easy to recommend “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.” Stories like this are why I love reading romance. This would translate well to film. Hear me Netflix gods?...more
The latest offering in “A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery" series, “Death on a Winter Stroll” is a multi-layered intrigue. Bestselling author Francine The latest offering in “A Merry Folger Nantucket Mystery" series, “Death on a Winter Stroll” is a multi-layered intrigue. Bestselling author Francine Mathews ramps up the tension from page one, introducing a large and diverse cast of Hollywood elite, Washington DC power players, and some seemingly lost souls. One murder on posh, historic, and curious Nantucket is unexpected, but two on the isolated island seems as unprecedented as the COVID-19 pandemic the world has only emerged from.
The clues seemed perplexing red herrings, and as Sheriff Merry Folger and new detective Howie Seitz uncover the evidence, I tried to decipher the mystery alongside them.
“She picked up her phone and called a number she memorized years ago, to the summer house of a long-lost friend, who had lived with her grandmother on Hulbert Avenue each July and August. A woman who would never take her calls if they popped up on her secure cellphone—but who might just pick up a landline. Because only people she trusted knew how to call it.”
While some whodunnits often are told through one limited viewpoint, “Death on a Winter Stroll” is seen through many lenses. Of course, I had my favorite characters, ever hopeful they weren’t “the” bad actors, so to speak.
“‘Here I was resenting your spa day,’ she exulted, ‘and all the time you were thinking of me.’
‘I have loved none but you. For you alone I think and plan,’ he proclaimed. ‘Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” Wentworth’s letter. Like you, Poppet, a classic.’” —movie star Marni LeGuin and her dresser, Theo Patel
Yet the more I discovered the intricacies of each character, the less I knew who to trust. Even when the surprising killer was exposed, the inspired and authentic character arcs endured to the satisfying ending.
“His parents wanted him to get a degree; he wanted to paint. The pandemic had made it easy to avoid going back to college, all that remote learning. He realized he’d been acting like Mary Alice: hiding in plain sight, concentrating on what he could see. She used a lens to hyperfocus; he used a brush. Both of them missed what went on outside their careful frames. That felt safe to Ansel. But it wasn’t a life.”
The bold and sophisticated plot of “Death on a Winter Stroll” is skillfully executed—a perfect mystery to settle in with a warm cuppa during the holiday season or the coming winter. As a longtime fan of all Francine Mathews' aka Stephanie Barron's world-building research and deft writing, I expected nothing less....more
A heartbreaking, yet uplifting dual-era novel of love and survival set in both 2014 and WWI, a forgotten English cottage connects American Audrey CollA heartbreaking, yet uplifting dual-era novel of love and survival set in both 2014 and WWI, a forgotten English cottage connects American Audrey Collins to her grandmother’s clandestine past.
After her nursing license is suspended when she was found drunk on the job, Audrey battles alcoholism. When her beloved grandmother dies and leaves her a Yorkshire cottage—that no one knew she owned—Audrey heads to the UK to sell the property and perhaps learn why her grandmother concealed this part of her past. And if it was a secret, why keep the property and then will it to her?
Yet Audrey finds more than she ever expected—a welcoming village, a kindred soul in a handsome contractor, and hidden Edwardian-era letters that reveal an impossible love story between her great-great grandmother Lady Emilie Dawes and an unsuitable writer-turned-soldier. A slow simmer as Audrey and Emilie learn to balance love and self, both narratives weave together seamlessly to find a satisfying happily-ever-after.
If you love “Downton Abbey,” you don’t want to miss this. I love this kind of read. Well done. Easy to recommend “The Forgotten Cottage” by Courtney Ellis....more
THE SIREN OF SUSSEX, Book 1 of “The Belles of London” series, opens with Evelyn Maltravers, fresh on the London marriage mart, entering a modest tailoTHE SIREN OF SUSSEX, Book 1 of “The Belles of London” series, opens with Evelyn Maltravers, fresh on the London marriage mart, entering a modest tailor shop. An accomplished horsewoman, Evelyn is intent on making a successful match and has a mind to do so by making a dazzling debut upon her horse on Rotten Row. Thus, her plan begins with commissioning a tailor to create an incomparable riding habit because “Everyone with the slightest claim to fashionable dress knows that tailors make the very best ladies’ riding habit.” —Chapter 1. But before she is turned away after being perceived a bluestocking, she meets a talented assistant tailor, Ahmad Malik—who she eventually (secretly) persuades to create an unforgettable wardrobe for her come out season while helping him build a stellar reputation to start his own shop. Unsupervised stretches of quiet exchanges during measurements and fittings lead Evelyn and Ahmad to an intimacy neither anticipated but had me breathless from almost the first.
“Evelyn stood still as a statue as Mr. Malik applied his cloth measuring tape to her waist, hips, and bust. Any embarrassment she felt at the intimacy was overshadowed by the memory of his words; phrases that still circled merrily in her dumbfounded brain. ‘A singular beauty,’ he’d called her. ‘A diamond of the first water.’” —Chapter 4.
As a half-Indian in London, Malik knows his work must be unparalleled; Evelyn has money for but one season to make a good match. Unspoken wants are tried and measured in tender moments, but as both their goals are within their grasp, dare they reveal their true hearts and risk the future?
“Have you truly thought about this? About what it might mean for your future? Pinning all of your hopes on my making a success of things?” —Chapter 13.
As in her “Parish Orphans of Devon” series, Matthews creates a story as rich and imaginative as the tailor’s workroom, all the while skillfully, almost effortlessly, drawing attention to the ethnic and gender prejudices in Victorian London. In Siren of Sussex, USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s cast of fascinating young women sets us up for another vibrant, stimulating series. I’m all anticipation!...more
“Jane & The Year Without a Summer” is Book 14 in Stephanie Barron’s “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series. Having read the entire series and knowing Ba“Jane & The Year Without a Summer” is Book 14 in Stephanie Barron’s “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series. Having read the entire series and knowing Barron writes her mysteries parallel to Austen’s real life timeline, I had assumed this novel was about Austen’s death in July 1817. Blessedly, I was incorrect.
The year is 1816. Jane Austen is forty and beginning to suffer the sickness that will end her life in the coming year. She has been advised by her doctor to take the waters in Cheltenham and away she and her sister, Cassandra, go.
They stay at a guesthouse full of diverting characters providing much for the sisters to ponder as their mysteries unfurl (and maybe Jane observes, too, for future characters in coming novels.)
Barron’s gift of Austenesque prose sets the scene after an historical environmental event, a volcanic eruption a world away, that did result in an unusually cool and non-existent summer.
“My brother Frank had exclaimed over the disaster, I vaguely recalled, when he learned of it from a fellow officer; a horrific explosion and lava flow near Java, in the Dutch East Indies.” pp. 44.
Barron’s research, as always, is perfection, leading one to wonder what is fact or fiction. A murder mystery after a ball and the reappearance of Jane’s handsome artist friend, Mr Rafael West from “Jane & the Waterloo Map” (Book 13), increased the pacing and it did not stop until the mystery was solved, murderer revealed.
“‘I grasped West’s hand in my own and stepped down to the paving. He bowed low, brushing his lips over the back of my glove. ‘We should drive out more often, Jane,’ he said. ‘The wind has whipped color into your cheeks. Indeed—I should like to paint them.’” pp. 175.
I confess to have shed a tear or two over this cozy mystery. The romantic elements always pull at my sentimental heartstrings but especially knowing what is Jane’s future... Le sigh. “Jane and the Year Without a Summer” is a terrific read! “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” is an ambitious, imaginative series, and, even at Book 14, still remains entertaining and full of eye opening, heart-pounding moments. Why isn’t this a NetFlix series!?
*Also, though it’s a series, each book can stand on its own. Though you’re cheating yourself if you don’t read them all....more
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