Bethany Swafford's Blog, page 28

Untraceable (The Nature of Grace #1)

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Untraceable

by S.R. Johannes

Edition: 2011, ebook

Synopsis: 16-year-old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

Grace fights to find her father when everyone else in her life says he’s gone. She stumbles across more than she expects.

This kid is a spunky, determined girl. While I don’t want to encourage teenagers to run off and do whatever they want, I like that Grace stood up for what she believed in. Her father trained her to know how to handle herself in the wild and she has a love for wildlife.

The one thing I didn’t care for is the present tense writing. This is also not a book I would recommend for younger readers because the tale gets a little dark.

But for readers who enjoy a strong female protagonist, this is definitely a series to check out!

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How to Manage Your Siblings While Falling in Love, From A Chaotic Courtship

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Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being a guest blogger on a site called The Silver Petticoat Review. This is what I talked about, which was fun. It’s a bit of a peek into my last book, A Chaotic Courtship.

In A Chaotic Courtship, Diana Forester finds herself with the unenviable task of keeping her siblings from ruining her courtship. Of course they mean well, but everyone knows the proverb about where good intentions can lead a person.

Step One: I went upstairs and collected the gifts I had brought with me. —A Chaotic Courtship, Chapter Three

Perhaps bribery is not the most moral route to go, but it can never be wrong to stay on your siblings good sides with gifts from London. Not just any gifts, but ones chosen specifically with their interests in mind. For her sister, Diana brings new music and for her brother, a book on steam engines, items which will surely keep them occupied.

Step Two: “It was almost like you were—flirting.”…..Perhaps if I informed her of the whole situation, she wouldn’t be angry?—A Chaotic Courtship, Chapter Four

What could be more awkward than for one of your siblings catch you enjoying time with your suitor, especially when you haven’t acknowledged your own feelings? The best course of action is to be up front about everything. As Diana learns when she confesses to her sister, there may be hurt feelings, but honesty really is the best policy.

Step Three: “Sarah, I’ve never heard you talk so,” I said.—A Chaotic Courtship, Chapter Five

This, of course, goes along with step two. Acknowledging the feelings of one’s sibling can only promote a closeness between you. If your sibling chooses not to accept your attempt at peace, wait a bit. A late night heart to heart discussion when your parents are not there to overhear might be in order, as Diana discovers with Sarah.

Step Four: The warning and real question in his voice was clear, even to me: Don’t mess with my sister and Is this man bothering you?“I am perfectly fine, Will.” —A Chaotic Courtship, Chapter Six

There will be times when your sibling may be a little overprotective. While this is endearing and sweet, it can put a damper on romance. Assure your sibling immediately that all is well. With any luck, something will distract your sibling and you may continue a pleasant conversation with your suitor. Diana’s younger brother, Will, keeps his eye on the situation, much to Diana’s chagrin.

Step Five: “I will not allow you to blacken Mr. Richfield’s reputation for no reason!”—A Chaotic Courtship, Chapter Seven

If your sibling pronounces a wild accusation along with the threat to find proof, it is best to take a firm stand and put your foot down. Who knows what could happen if anyone outside of the family heard? For Diana, this involves discovering ways to separate Sarah from her supporters, such as Will and Sarah’s close friend.

Step Six: “I want you to help me prove Mr. Richfield isn’t the highwayman.”—A Chaotic Courtship, Chapter Sixteen

When all else fails, take it upon yourself to get to the bottom of matters. Diana takes charge by enlisting her siblings to accomplish this task.

Yes, it is not an easy task to keep your siblings at bay while you pursue a courtship, but a young lady with enough determination just might manage it!

The Hidden Thread

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The Hidden Thread

by Liz Trenow

Edition: ARC, ebook

Synopsis: The Hidden Thread is a breathtaking novel about the intricate craft of silk and the heartbreak of forbidden love.

When Anna Butterfield’s mother dies, she’s sent to live with her uncle, a silk merchant in London, to make a good match and provide for her father and sister. There, she meets Henri, a French immigrant and apprentice hoping to become a master weaver. But Henri, born into a lower class, becomes embroiled in the silk riots that break out as weavers protest for a fair wage.

New York Times bestselling author Liz Trenow weaves a luminous tale of class struggle and star-crossed love.

After the death of her mother, Anna is sent to her aunt in London to make a match and secure the future of her father and sister. Her heart, however, leads her in a direction much different from the one her aunt encourages.

The plot of this novel moves along at a good pace. Anna is a lovely character, and I liked watching her grow and adjust throughout the story. Henri, also, was enjoyable, and I really felt his struggles between being a friend and not allowing his friend lead him into trouble. The details into the silk trade of that time was intriguing.

If there was anything that didn’t sit well with me, it was the narrative. There seemed to many instances where the main character began at one time period and began thinking back to what happened during the day or the day before. It was difficult to keep track of.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction.

The Petticoat Spy

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Petticoat Spy

by Carol Warburton

Edition: ebook, 2017

Synopsis: Colonial Massachusetts, 1775

Abigail Stowell is a rarity for her time. The comely young woman is educated, outspoken, and attuned to the charged political climate around her. She is a staunch Patriot. In short, she is a rebel. So when Gideon Whitlock, an avowed Tory, rides into her village, Abby is not only put off by his politics and arrogance but is also annoyed by her undeniable attraction to him.

When she observes a clandestine meeting between her Patriot father and Gideon, Abby soon realizes that in a world divided by loyalties, not everything is as it seems. Soon she is drawn deeper into political intrigue than she ever dreamed possible. And just as feelings begin to heat up between Abby and Gideon, the shot heard round the world ignites the beginning of war between the colonists and the British redcoats. There is no time for hesitation, and Abby finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue, treachery, and terror. Lives hang in the balance, and Abby will stop at nothing to support the Patriot movement—but will her allegiance to the cause mean losing the man she loves?

As conflict escalates between Patriots and Tories, a young woman must chose how she can help her country. When she takes on a risky mission, she must rely on her wits to get her safely through.

Abigail is an interesting character. Educated above what most girls of the time were, thanks to her father recognizing her intelligence, she keeps herself up to date on the changes that occur around her. She is a bit vain, recognizing ‘admiring expressions’ in the gazes of most men she encounter. She uses her wits to help however she can, even when it might not have been advisable.

The plot moves along at a nice pace, although I would have liked to see more spying from this ‘Petticoat Spy’. I also would have liked more descriptions about the places she visited or the houses she lived in. There is also a character who proclaims she knew things by ‘dreams’ and I could have done without her.

All in all, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a YA historical fiction story.

The Swiss Courier

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The Swiss Courier

By Tricia Goyer

Edition: paperback, 2009

Synopsis: It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. When Joseph Engel, a German physicist working on the atomic bomb, finds that he is actually a Jew, adopted by Christian parents, he must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland.

Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. When she is asked to risk her life to safely “courier” Engel out of Germany, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way?

This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating–and deadly–time in history.

As the Gestapo brings terror throughout Europe, Gabi does everything she can to help the Americans in Switzerland. She risks everything when called upon.

I especially liked all of the different viewpoints this story gave: Gabi, those she worked for, the Gestapo, those hiding from the authorities. It really made the big picture come alive. I also liked the detailed nature of the narrative. I was like I was in the story.

There are scenes discussing religion but its not ‘in your face’. For anyone who enjoys a glimpse into World 2, this is a great read.

Sweet Surrender by Wendy May Andrews

It isn’t often that I feature a book I haven’t read, but this is one I think fits in with the other books here.  I’ve read several by this author and I cannot wait to get to this one!

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Sweet Surrender

by Wendy May Andrews

 

Blurb:

When Lady Julianna ended her engagement to Lord Ackerley, Viscount Beaumont, during her first Season, she left London vowing never to return.

Seven years later she returns as chaperone to her niece and unfortunately Lord Ackerley is also in Town for the Season. Moving around the small circle of the ton stirs up feelings she has kept hidden. Embarrassed and ashamed that she made a mistake in ending their previous relationship, she tries to avoid further contact. Ackerley, stunned by her second rejection, pursues her to discover the truth.

Is it ever too late for a second chance at love?

Short Excerpt:

Julianna made a graceful curtsy and finally managed to raise her eyelashes and survey the room. It was not playacting that caused her sudden intake of breath as she saw her old beau again. In fact, it took all the force of will she possessed to keep her reaction within bounds. At that first brief encounter, she had been too surprised to take in his splendour. No one had told her the viscount had grown even more handsome in the ensuing years, the strength of his jawline more pronounced, and just the very slightest of grey at the temples in his nearly ebony hair. Forcing her jaw not to drop open in shock, Julianna felt her stomach flutter with nerves as she gripped tightly to her friend’s hand and tried not to cause an ill-bred scene in Catherine’s parlor.

About the Author:

Wendy May Andrews has been in love with the written word since she learned to read at the age of five. She has been writing for almost as long but hasn’t been sharing those stories with anyone but her mother until recently. This is Wendy’s fifth book with Clean Reads.

Wendy can be found with her nose in a book in a cozy corner of downtown Toronto. She is happily married to her own real-life hero, who is also her best friend and favorite travel companion. Being a firm believer that every life experience contributes to the writing process, Wendy is off planning her next trip.

She loves to hear from her readers and can be found at her website, on twitter or Facebook.

Website:  www.wendymayandrews.com

Social media: 

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/WendyMayAndrews

Twitter:  @WendyMayAndrews

Instagram:  WendyMayAndrews

Buy links:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2l139il

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-surrender-wendy-may-andrews/1125795147?ean=2940157441562

 

Hannah’s War

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Hannah’s War

by Fenella J. Miller

Edition: ebook, 2012

Synopsis: WW2 romantic historical fiction.

World War II brings divided loyalties and tough decisions in this page turning drama from Fenella Miller.

Hannah Austen-Bagshaw’s privileged background can’t stop her falling in love with working-class pilot, Jack, but Hannah has a secret. Torn between her duty and her humanity, she is sheltering a young German pilot knowing she risks being arrested as a traitor. Hannah’s worst fears are realised when Jack finds out what she has done and their love begins to unravel.

Will her betrayal be too much for Jack to forgive?

Working as a land girl, Hannah doesn’t expect to find love when she visits the local pub for the first time. She also doesn’t expect to hide a German pilot when he is downed, but when her conscience pushes her to save the man from death, she does it.

I liked Hannah, and how this story was written. Her backstory is learned through small hints that are dropped throughout the story until the end when it is all confirmed. The secondary characters are fun and memorable, my favorite of them all being the cat.

For me, this one toed the line of being clean. Technically, it is but the unmarried sex that does occur lessened my enjoyment. There were also a few typos and area where the wrong punctuation was used. Also, the quickness of Hannah’s relationship with jack seemed unlikely.

For readers who enjoy novels about the second world war, this just might be up your alley.

An Author’s Random Musing: Current Project

So, my current project (which is one that I began during NaNo) is one that is different from my other novels. Instead of writing a Regency with Romance and a hint of mystery, I’ve been writing a YA Historical piece of fiction that is set after the Civil War in America.

There are a couple different sources of inspiration for this one. I grew up watching shows like Bonanza, which I adore. Although I know the stories told in that show show a romanticized version of the old west, I love it. I’ve written several works of fanfiction (the horror!) for the show and there just doesn’t seem to be enough novels for younger readers set in this time period.

I also have been drawing on the deaf culture. When I looked into the history of deaf people in America, I learned a great deal that I never knew. With a main character that is deaf, I’ve needed as much help as I could with this aspect, since I myself am not deaf.

My Hands Hold My Story (working title) is a story that I feel like actually has a message hidden within the narrative, about treating those with differences as equals.

Or, maybe I have just been interrupted too many times.

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Good Morning, Irene

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Good Morning, Irene

by Carole Nelson Douglas

Edition: paperback, 1990

Synopsis: Diva/detective Irene Adler and her bridegroom, handsome barrister Godfrey Norton, are honeymooning in Paris when they become embroiled in an investigation: a drowned sailor’s body has been recovered from the Seine, and on his chest is a tattoo. A tattoo like one Irene once saw in London– on another sailor’s chest, while the corpse lay upon Bram Stoker’s dining room table. This clue will lead Irene to the first beautiful blond American princess of Monaco, political and matrimonial treachery, and a sword duel as she and her new friend Sarah Bernhardt unravel the mystery– with, of course, the help of Godfrey, Irene’s faithful chronicler Miss Penelope Huxleigh, and Sherlock Holmes himself.

I make no secret that I adore this book series. Irene Adler is portrayed as a clever woman ahead of her time, and we see it all through her closest friend Penelope, who is the chronicler of Adler’s adventures. This book is a fun adventure, although it’s probably my least favorite in the series.

Picking up right where the first book left off, Irene Adler dons clever disguises, takes up with sailors, advises the Crown Prince, and takes a most amusing tea with Sarah Bernhardt, all the while laughing about how the world believes she is dead. Holmes himself makes a few brief appearances.

I would definitely recommend this entire series to fans of Sherlock Holmes. This is the portrayal of Irene Adler that I trust as keeping closest to the source material.

The Adventures of Sherlock Bones: Case File #1 Doggone

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The Adventures of Sherlock Bones: Case File #1 Doggone

by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Edition: ebook, 2017

Synopsis: The Adventures of Sherlock Bones turns snooping on its floppy ear when one day, Dr. Jane Catson, a surgeon injured in the Cat Wars has an afternoon nap interrupted by a most unusual occurrence.

On the front lawn of her home, rather loud footsteps disturb her peace as Sherlock Bones, a Great Dane in a deerstalker claiming to be the greatest detective in the world arrives.

After a quick critical examination of the intrusive dog whose enormous body blocks the entire sun from view, Catson has her doubts. But that’s not all. The monstrously-sized creature makes an even more astonishing claim. He has come to live with her!

Before Catson can collect her thoughts into an intelligent rebuttal, Sherlock Bones has made himself quite at home, inventing things like a jetpack for her Castilian housekeeper-cook, a turtle named Mr. Javier and placing his gigantic food and water dishes next to hers.

But there’s no time for protest. The great detective and Dr. Catson have caught themselves their first case: A suspiciously dead human in a nearby abandoned building. Can Sherlock Bones and Dr. Catson crack the case before the killer strikes again? Or will their differences get in the way of solving Case File No. 1? One thing’s for sure, that would be a doggone shame.

In a world where animals and humans converse, Dr. Jane Catson is expecting to nap her way through life after the Cat Wars. The unexpected arrival of a Great Dane by the name of Sherlock Bones shakes up her world with a murder mystery.

This new release reached me just in time for my Holmes Month. Like most of the books for this month, it is more for younger readers.

It is a rather clever retelling of the Holmes story that kicked off Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet. The mystery was recognizable, and the characters rather fun. With the two main characters as animals, they were amusing with their cat/dog interactions.

There were a few points that didn’t make much sense to me. Sherlock Bones’ determination that the why of the murder wasn’t important at the end, and the impetuous nature of a dog seemed unlike the spirit of Holmes. Personally, I think Holmes as a cat would have been more appropriate, though the pun of ‘Watson with ‘Catson’ wouldn’t have worked. And why was Catson a girl?

Not a bad read for younger readers and I look forward to the second book.