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Minstrel #3
Heart & Soul
She's heartbroken. He's heartless.
Gabriele Baumann-Smith is deliriously in love with her young husband Lennon.
Except, it turns out that Lennon Smith isn't his real name. In fact, he's full of secrets: a cottage on the southern British coast, an old girlfriend and... an identical twin brother.
Callum Jones—not his real name—can't believe his brother's widow came to England. He'd warned Mick—Lennon—that an inheritance could put the girl's life in danger, and he was right.
“Mrs. Smith” is the last thing Callum needs to worry about right now. She's beautiful, sure, takes his breath away at times. But when she looks at him, who does she see?
Gabriele's heart is battered and bruised. Can one brother fix what the other left behind? And will they live long enough to find out?
Gabriele Baumann-Smith is deliriously in love with her young husband Lennon.
Except, it turns out that Lennon Smith isn't his real name. In fact, he's full of secrets: a cottage on the southern British coast, an old girlfriend and... an identical twin brother.
Callum Jones—not his real name—can't believe his brother's widow came to England. He'd warned Mick—Lennon—that an inheritance could put the girl's life in danger, and he was right.
“Mrs. Smith” is the last thing Callum needs to worry about right now. She's beautiful, sure, takes his breath away at times. But when she looks at him, who does she see?
Gabriele's heart is battered and bruised. Can one brother fix what the other left behind? And will they live long enough to find out?
300 pages, ebook
Published June 30, 2014
80 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
130 books2,345 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 12, 2017
I didn't really care for this one. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but the plot didn't grab me, I wasn't fond of the characters, and there was bad language peppered loosely throughout the book. I didn't bother to finish it.
July 29, 2014
This book intrigued me from the start. We meet our heroine, Gabriele, who is mourning the loss of her husband. She goes to England to get some closure and to see the cottage he's left to her in his will, but ends up finding out how many secrets her husband was really keeping. The author has some chapters in flashback so we can really get a sense of her husband before his death. I didn't think I would like that at first, but it really added to the suspense and the layers of secrets that Gabriele is uncovering.
While at the cottage she meets her husband's twin brother, Callum. He's abrupt and cold, nothing like her husband, and he wants her to leave England. Now. He will do anything he can to get her out of the country. Of course, Gabriele doesn't want to leave until she has answers and their battle of wills begins.
I loved the suspense and I loved the romance. Both of them kept me turning pages until way past my bedtime just so I could see how it would end. There wasn't much I didn't like about this book, there were just two tiny things that stuck out like when a house gets a bunch of windows blown out, but when the owner stays there later, there's no mention of that, and then a safehouse door is opened without checking to see who it was first, and that was just unbelievable for the professionals that were supposed to be on guard. (See, I didn't give away hardly any spoilers! I'm proud of me.) But other than those two small items, this book was really well done. The setting was awesome, I could totally picture the tiny English town and the cottage, but the heroine and hero, both a bit bruised by life and the lot they've been dealt, are the ones who really make this story shine. Highly recommended. (I know this is part of a series, and I read the first book, but missed the second one and it didn't diminish my enjoyment at all. I think I will go back and read it now, though. I really enjoyed this author's style.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
While at the cottage she meets her husband's twin brother, Callum. He's abrupt and cold, nothing like her husband, and he wants her to leave England. Now. He will do anything he can to get her out of the country. Of course, Gabriele doesn't want to leave until she has answers and their battle of wills begins.
I loved the suspense and I loved the romance. Both of them kept me turning pages until way past my bedtime just so I could see how it would end. There wasn't much I didn't like about this book, there were just two tiny things that stuck out like when a house gets a bunch of windows blown out, but when the owner stays there later, there's no mention of that, and then a safehouse door is opened without checking to see who it was first, and that was just unbelievable for the professionals that were supposed to be on guard. (See, I didn't give away hardly any spoilers! I'm proud of me.) But other than those two small items, this book was really well done. The setting was awesome, I could totally picture the tiny English town and the cottage, but the heroine and hero, both a bit bruised by life and the lot they've been dealt, are the ones who really make this story shine. Highly recommended. (I know this is part of a series, and I read the first book, but missed the second one and it didn't diminish my enjoyment at all. I think I will go back and read it now, though. I really enjoyed this author's style.
Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
June 23, 2014
Strauss delivers another seamless story with characters you'll root for until the very end. Unlike the first 2 books in the series, though, this one feels less like a pure contemporary romance and more like spy-thriller and romance smashed together. Honestly, I think I prefer the contemporary romance genre, but that is a matter of personal taste and nothing against the quality of Strauss's writing.
In this story, you get reintroduced to Gabrielle, who played only a minor role in the second book in the series. We meet her a year following the death of her new husband, still completely undone by his murder. When she learns he'd left her a cottage in England, she leaves Germany in search of answers. Next door, and determined to scare Gabriele off, is the husband's twin brother, Callum (whom the husband never mentioned). Gabrielle is understandably shaken when she comes face to face with her dead husband's likeness. But this brother is nothing like his twin. And even though sparks sometimes fly between the two, Gabrielle is believably conflicted about her feelings.
The danger that killed Gabrielle's husband has followed her to the cottage, and Callum has the daunting task of protecting his brother's widow without falling for her -- or getting them both killed.
I don't want to give away what the danger is, but suffice it to say, it's a very real and plausible threat. Gabrielle is a good leading lady. She doesn't back down from anything or anyone in this book, but she's still vulnerable, making her well-rounded and likable. While this book was my least favorite of the series (again, a genre preference), I still very much enjoyed it and stayed up late reading. As long as you don't mind a healthy does of danger in your contemporary books, I'd recommend it.
** I was provided a review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. **
In this story, you get reintroduced to Gabrielle, who played only a minor role in the second book in the series. We meet her a year following the death of her new husband, still completely undone by his murder. When she learns he'd left her a cottage in England, she leaves Germany in search of answers. Next door, and determined to scare Gabriele off, is the husband's twin brother, Callum (whom the husband never mentioned). Gabrielle is understandably shaken when she comes face to face with her dead husband's likeness. But this brother is nothing like his twin. And even though sparks sometimes fly between the two, Gabrielle is believably conflicted about her feelings.
The danger that killed Gabrielle's husband has followed her to the cottage, and Callum has the daunting task of protecting his brother's widow without falling for her -- or getting them both killed.
I don't want to give away what the danger is, but suffice it to say, it's a very real and plausible threat. Gabrielle is a good leading lady. She doesn't back down from anything or anyone in this book, but she's still vulnerable, making her well-rounded and likable. While this book was my least favorite of the series (again, a genre preference), I still very much enjoyed it and stayed up late reading. As long as you don't mind a healthy does of danger in your contemporary books, I'd recommend it.
** I was provided a review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. **
August 7, 2014
We met Gabriele in the second book--she's Eva's "perfect" sister. She married Lennon Smith and we find out that he has recently died. He left her a cottage in England that she didn't know existed so she left her family in Germany to see what she could find out about it. She's surprised when she learns the secrets Lennon was keeping, the biggest one being that his name was actually Mick! She learned more about who he was before she met him and began to understand why he was adamant about not having his picture taken.
I loved the first two books in this series and loved this one as well! Again, it's so different from the other two. Along with secrets, there's danger and suspense and once I started reading, it was hard to put down!
We learned some background into how Gabriele and Lennon met and how quickly they fell in love. She met his brother soon after her arrival in England and was even more surprised to find out he was Lennon's twin! Lennon told his brother all about her and at first, Callum was anxious to get her back home as quickly as possible. She was stubborn, though, and once she started getting some answers, the action kicked into high gear and they were soon running for their lives.
I have enjoyed reading this series and am glad to know there will be a Christmas novella coming this fall! Each book reads as a stand alone. We're given glimpses of the couples in previous books but not enough that you feel like you're missing a lot of back story if you don't read them in order. I also love that they're clean!!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I loved the first two books in this series and loved this one as well! Again, it's so different from the other two. Along with secrets, there's danger and suspense and once I started reading, it was hard to put down!
We learned some background into how Gabriele and Lennon met and how quickly they fell in love. She met his brother soon after her arrival in England and was even more surprised to find out he was Lennon's twin! Lennon told his brother all about her and at first, Callum was anxious to get her back home as quickly as possible. She was stubborn, though, and once she started getting some answers, the action kicked into high gear and they were soon running for their lives.
I have enjoyed reading this series and am glad to know there will be a Christmas novella coming this fall! Each book reads as a stand alone. We're given glimpses of the couples in previous books but not enough that you feel like you're missing a lot of back story if you don't read them in order. I also love that they're clean!!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
March 25, 2015
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
2.5-3 stars So I wanted to love this book, it has 3 things I love: romance, mystery and suspense. While part of a series it is still a stand alone so that also appealed to me. However, while the characters Callum and Gabriele hadn’t told their story yet, any chemistry was lost on me and I never felt totally invested in or connected to the characters.
The plot itself was quite good, as I definitely could not figure out what the big secret was, and and I loved all the danger attached to it. While I liked the bones of it, sometimes the execution could have used just a teensy bit more smoothing out to make things flow better for me.
I actually liked both of the MCs. I could feel Gabriele’s despair, and then to have found out what she did was like rubbing salt in her wounds. She was stubborn and didn’t give up because she deserved closure. Callum was cold, yet trying to do the right thing. He seemed so opposite to his brother.
The romance just never got off the ground for me. Yes, it was a very clean one, but even the small touches or glances just never seem full of sparks to me. The romance I could feel was a scene in the beginning that flashed black to Gabriele’s time with Lennon…and that worked for me. Totally worked. I just never felt anything with Callum.
Would I rec this? Maybe if you read the whole series. I just checked and there are other reviewers that love this, so maybe it was just me, and my attempt to read this as a stand alone novel. If some of your friends love this series I’d say give it a try.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
2.5-3 stars So I wanted to love this book, it has 3 things I love: romance, mystery and suspense. While part of a series it is still a stand alone so that also appealed to me. However, while the characters Callum and Gabriele hadn’t told their story yet, any chemistry was lost on me and I never felt totally invested in or connected to the characters.
The plot itself was quite good, as I definitely could not figure out what the big secret was, and and I loved all the danger attached to it. While I liked the bones of it, sometimes the execution could have used just a teensy bit more smoothing out to make things flow better for me.
I actually liked both of the MCs. I could feel Gabriele’s despair, and then to have found out what she did was like rubbing salt in her wounds. She was stubborn and didn’t give up because she deserved closure. Callum was cold, yet trying to do the right thing. He seemed so opposite to his brother.
The romance just never got off the ground for me. Yes, it was a very clean one, but even the small touches or glances just never seem full of sparks to me. The romance I could feel was a scene in the beginning that flashed black to Gabriele’s time with Lennon…and that worked for me. Totally worked. I just never felt anything with Callum.
Would I rec this? Maybe if you read the whole series. I just checked and there are other reviewers that love this, so maybe it was just me, and my attempt to read this as a stand alone novel. If some of your friends love this series I’d say give it a try.
March 25, 2015
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
2.5-3 stars So I wanted to love this book, it has 3 things I love: romance, mystery and suspense. While part of a series it is still a stand alone so that also appealed to me. However, while the characters Callum and Gabriele hadn’t told their story yet, any chemistry was lost on me and I never felt totally invested in or connected to the characters.
The plot itself was quite good, as I definitely could not figure out what the big secret was, and and I loved all the danger attached to it. While I liked the bones of it, sometimes the execution could have used just a teensy bit more smoothing out to make things flow better for me.
I actually liked both of the MCs. I could feel Gabriele’s despair, and then to have found out what she did was like rubbing salt in her wounds. She was stubborn and didn’t give up because she deserved closure. Callum was cold, yet trying to do the right thing. He seemed so opposite to his brother.
The romance just never got off the ground for me. Yes, it was a very clean one, but even the small touches or glances just never seem full of sparks to me. The romance I could feel was a scene in the beginning that flashed black to Gabriele’s time with Lennon…and that worked for me. Totally worked. I just never felt anything with Callum.
Would I rec this? Maybe if you read the whole series. I just checked and there are other reviewers that love this, so maybe it was just me, and my attempt to read this as a stand alone novel. If some of your friends love this series I’d say give it a try.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
2.5-3 stars So I wanted to love this book, it has 3 things I love: romance, mystery and suspense. While part of a series it is still a stand alone so that also appealed to me. However, while the characters Callum and Gabriele hadn’t told their story yet, any chemistry was lost on me and I never felt totally invested in or connected to the characters.
The plot itself was quite good, as I definitely could not figure out what the big secret was, and and I loved all the danger attached to it. While I liked the bones of it, sometimes the execution could have used just a teensy bit more smoothing out to make things flow better for me.
I actually liked both of the MCs. I could feel Gabriele’s despair, and then to have found out what she did was like rubbing salt in her wounds. She was stubborn and didn’t give up because she deserved closure. Callum was cold, yet trying to do the right thing. He seemed so opposite to his brother.
The romance just never got off the ground for me. Yes, it was a very clean one, but even the small touches or glances just never seem full of sparks to me. The romance I could feel was a scene in the beginning that flashed black to Gabriele’s time with Lennon…and that worked for me. Totally worked. I just never felt anything with Callum.
Would I rec this? Maybe if you read the whole series. I just checked and there are other reviewers that love this, so maybe it was just me, and my attempt to read this as a stand alone novel. If some of your friends love this series I’d say give it a try.
July 8, 2014
Gabriele Straumann is living the fairy tale life when we first meet her as Eva’s sister in Book 2… In Book 3 her fairy tale has turned into a nightmare that she can’t wake up from.
She married the love of her life, Lennon Smith, only to have him killed one month after their wedding. When she finds out he has left her a cottage in his home town on the British coast, she leaves her family and Germany to go to England to find some closure.
What she finds are a lot of secrets… and some danger! Like Lennon Smith wasn’t really his name. And he has a twin brother named Callum, who feels a lot like a stalker and wants to get her back to Germany ASAP! He also happens to live next door to her cottage so he’s really hard to get rid of.
Gabriele is too stubborn to return to Germany without answers so she digs in to learn more. But as she learns more, her life is in danger and she will never be able to return to her innocent life in Germany. While Callum has the same face as Lennon, they are different and Gabriela is finding herself drawn more and more to Callum. Lennon was a runner; Callum is a fighter and Gabriele discovers that she is a fighter, too. And that when they team up together, they are a pretty formidable team!
There was a lot more mystery in this book than in the previous books in this series, but I loved it and couldn’t put it down! I have loved this whole series, and was glad to learn that the series isn’t quite over… there will be a Christmas novella (Peace & Goodwill) released in the fall.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Content: Clean, some mild language
She married the love of her life, Lennon Smith, only to have him killed one month after their wedding. When she finds out he has left her a cottage in his home town on the British coast, she leaves her family and Germany to go to England to find some closure.
What she finds are a lot of secrets… and some danger! Like Lennon Smith wasn’t really his name. And he has a twin brother named Callum, who feels a lot like a stalker and wants to get her back to Germany ASAP! He also happens to live next door to her cottage so he’s really hard to get rid of.
Gabriele is too stubborn to return to Germany without answers so she digs in to learn more. But as she learns more, her life is in danger and she will never be able to return to her innocent life in Germany. While Callum has the same face as Lennon, they are different and Gabriela is finding herself drawn more and more to Callum. Lennon was a runner; Callum is a fighter and Gabriele discovers that she is a fighter, too. And that when they team up together, they are a pretty formidable team!
There was a lot more mystery in this book than in the previous books in this series, but I loved it and couldn’t put it down! I have loved this whole series, and was glad to learn that the series isn’t quite over… there will be a Christmas novella (Peace & Goodwill) released in the fall.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Content: Clean, some mild language
March 7, 2015
This book started off as a brilliant five star read. I was captivated—and creeped out. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Then it all went south.
I understand the need to make the heroine a badass who can hold her own in any circumstance— but to the detriment of the hero who also happens to be the love interest?
I stopped counting how many times Callum (the military trained/M15 operative) got his butt kicked while Gabi, (the once-did-a-self-defence-course, museum worker) beat up the bad guys. That was a pity because the premise is great and the beginning totally amazing. I would still read it though, just for the opening few chapters.
Then it all went south.
I understand the need to make the heroine a badass who can hold her own in any circumstance— but to the detriment of the hero who also happens to be the love interest?
I stopped counting how many times Callum (the military trained/M15 operative) got his butt kicked while Gabi, (the once-did-a-self-defence-course, museum worker) beat up the bad guys. That was a pity because the premise is great and the beginning totally amazing. I would still read it though, just for the opening few chapters.
June 18, 2014
I was received a ARC for a honest review. Heart & Soul book 3 in The Minstrel Seies.
Another great book by Lee! This one had action, whit and a forbidden love! Love the characters and their interaction with each other! Can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! You won't wanna miss out on this book! Add it to your TBR List! Happy Reading Friends!!!!
Another great book by Lee! This one had action, whit and a forbidden love! Love the characters and their interaction with each other! Can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! You won't wanna miss out on this book! Add it to your TBR List! Happy Reading Friends!!!!
October 17, 2017
Heart &Soul: book # 3
I've not read the first 2 but if they are anything like #3 I need to read them. Really good read with lots of plot twists and mystery. Not to mention, great central character . Loved it!
I've not read the first 2 but if they are anything like #3 I need to read them. Really good read with lots of plot twists and mystery. Not to mention, great central character . Loved it!
November 11, 2018
Gabi and Lennon were young, in love, and ready to spend the rest of their lives together. But just one year after their wedding, it all came crashing down when Lennon was killed. Needing some time away from everyone, maybe some closure, and more understanding about who her husband was, she finds herself staying in the beach cottage she never knew he owned. But the man she married wasn't the man she thought he was, and as his secret past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself running from danger with her late husband's twin brother and learning there was more to his death than she ever could have imagined.
The Verdict: It's rare for me to pick up a book partway into a series I haven't read, but the premise of this one was interesting enough that I couldn't help it. Even so, I expected to feel like I was missing something from the previous books, but that wasn't the case at all. If characters from before showed up, I never realized it, so it was easy to feel like I was getting the whole story.
Gabi's grief is practically tangible, and with the regular switch between past and present, it was easy to understand all she'd lost. Of course, losing one's spouse is devastating no matter when it happens, but it was especially tragic that their life together came to an abrupt end so quickly after it had started. Finding out that Lennon had hidden big parts of his life from her just made it that much worse, and while I half-expected her to be angry about it, it made more sense that she handled it the way she did. After all, grief is such a consuming emotion that there's little energy left for anything more, and her despair coupled perfectly with her confusion and curiosity.
Unfortunately, I never really felt like I connected with Gabi, despite all the heavy emotion being doled out. I'm not sure if it's because I knew what was coming before she did or because of some other reason. The writing was good, the plot was exciting, and the new romance with her late husband's twin brother should have added another degree of heat to things. However, even as I grew to like Callum more and more — once he got past his initial scare tactics with Gabi — I just couldn't get into their relationship as much as I wanted to. I can't pick out anything about the story that was really lacking except my participation in it, so I suspect that in this case, the problem was me.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, though. It kept me interested, turning pages as quickly as I could to see what would happen next. I think perhaps I should give it another try later, maybe even grabbing the first two books in the series to start completely fresh, and see if it speaks to me more on the second go round.
***FicCentral received this book from AToMR Tours for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2015
Received in exchange for a honest review.
The coming together of Callum and gabrielle was a interesting journey. I felt for Mick/Lennon. He tried so hard to do what was right and in the end it was something as mundane as a picture that hurt him. I didn’t like that Gabriele didn’t respect his desire not to be photographed and that she put his picture up without his knowledge. To her that is no big deal but she should have thought about him and his feelings as well as her own.
After Gabriele is in England you see her stubborn side come out in spades. Callum’s too to some extent. Callum although comes off as callous is really trying to fulfill a promise to his brother while keeping Gabriele safe. As he does this he begins to see a side to Gabriele he likes. Even begins to love but this is hard for him because she was his brother’s first. Gabriele doesn’t take the idea she is in danger seriously and that is disturbing for like with lennon she only thinks of her own desires and needs. Other than that aspect of Gabriele I found her to be a fun character and a perfect ying to Callum’s yang.
They are both stubborn, independent and strong willed. both kind and open to love and pain. And both would die to protect those they love. Callum though has a secret about who he is and that didn’t help with the danger aspect. It does bring them closer although Callum does a stupid thing and pushes her away thinking it is protecting her. good thing he comes to his senses.
this is a fun book and although there are serious topics in here it shouldn’t be treated as seriously as the topics are. The reason it is a work of fiction. The stereotyping at first bothered me but when it was explained and the wrong of it seen I thought that was good and helped us realize more of who we are and what we think and how to dispel that type of thoughts. The focus should be on Gabriele and Callum and how they come to be. this is their journey. For Gabriele it is one of finding a way to move on, love again and a future. for Callum finding someone to love and trust. They find this with each other after they are in danger and work together to help each other survive. The characters will have you smile and I hope we see a story on Riley soon. The love story is adventurous and just as stubbornly admitted to in the end as the journey to finding the love was in the first place. A fun love story with danger and adventure thrown in the mix.
The coming together of Callum and gabrielle was a interesting journey. I felt for Mick/Lennon. He tried so hard to do what was right and in the end it was something as mundane as a picture that hurt him. I didn’t like that Gabriele didn’t respect his desire not to be photographed and that she put his picture up without his knowledge. To her that is no big deal but she should have thought about him and his feelings as well as her own.
After Gabriele is in England you see her stubborn side come out in spades. Callum’s too to some extent. Callum although comes off as callous is really trying to fulfill a promise to his brother while keeping Gabriele safe. As he does this he begins to see a side to Gabriele he likes. Even begins to love but this is hard for him because she was his brother’s first. Gabriele doesn’t take the idea she is in danger seriously and that is disturbing for like with lennon she only thinks of her own desires and needs. Other than that aspect of Gabriele I found her to be a fun character and a perfect ying to Callum’s yang.
They are both stubborn, independent and strong willed. both kind and open to love and pain. And both would die to protect those they love. Callum though has a secret about who he is and that didn’t help with the danger aspect. It does bring them closer although Callum does a stupid thing and pushes her away thinking it is protecting her. good thing he comes to his senses.
this is a fun book and although there are serious topics in here it shouldn’t be treated as seriously as the topics are. The reason it is a work of fiction. The stereotyping at first bothered me but when it was explained and the wrong of it seen I thought that was good and helped us realize more of who we are and what we think and how to dispel that type of thoughts. The focus should be on Gabriele and Callum and how they come to be. this is their journey. For Gabriele it is one of finding a way to move on, love again and a future. for Callum finding someone to love and trust. They find this with each other after they are in danger and work together to help each other survive. The characters will have you smile and I hope we see a story on Riley soon. The love story is adventurous and just as stubbornly admitted to in the end as the journey to finding the love was in the first place. A fun love story with danger and adventure thrown in the mix.
November 24, 2014
Lee Strauss’s most recent series, The Minstrel Series, is a clean romance series that focuses on the lives of aspiring singer-songwriters. There are currently three novels in the Minstrel Series. The first two, Sun & Moon and Flesh & Bone, take place in Dresden, Germany and follow the lives of German twenty-somethings whose paths intertwine.
Flesh & Bone has been my favorite installment so far in this series. I had a hard time putting it down! I loved the characters and the story line was very moving. I loved the way it dealt with forgiveness and redemption, and I also really enjoyed how the main characters grew and changed during the novel.
The third Minstrel novel, Heart & Soul was released yesterday, and I volunteered to receive a free copy in exchange for a review. Heart & Soul is a spin-off of Flesh & Bone and it follows the life of the main character’s sister, Gabriele. That being said, I felt that this novel could stand-alone (but definitely read Flesh & Bone, either before or after!).
This novel was much more suspenseful than the previous two, which I enjoyed because it changed things up a bit. Heart & Soul, like its predecessors, has lots of descriptive imagery. The first two novels take place in Germany, and you can easily imagine the European architecture and city-life. Heart & Soul is set in England, in a small seaside village where everyone knows everyone else. The minstrel/singer-songwriter motif isn’t so much in the spotlight, but there are still a few songs included. Now normally I don’t enjoy reading through song lyrics in a novel, but this series has been different for me; I really like the lyrics and I even take my time reading through them :)
The hardest part about this novel for me was the fact that I couldn't reconcile this version of Gabriele to the one we meet in Flesh & Bone. They don't seem like the same person, BUT, this new Gabriele is more likeable and she has a stronger, more determined personality.
I also wish there were more flashbacks. There were several during the first half of the novel, which helped fill in some missing pieces. They were fun to read because they were like a bridge that connected this new, broken hearted Gabriele with the lively and charismatic Gabriele from before.
Click here for full review: http://magsteronni.wordpress.com/2014...
Flesh & Bone has been my favorite installment so far in this series. I had a hard time putting it down! I loved the characters and the story line was very moving. I loved the way it dealt with forgiveness and redemption, and I also really enjoyed how the main characters grew and changed during the novel.
The third Minstrel novel, Heart & Soul was released yesterday, and I volunteered to receive a free copy in exchange for a review. Heart & Soul is a spin-off of Flesh & Bone and it follows the life of the main character’s sister, Gabriele. That being said, I felt that this novel could stand-alone (but definitely read Flesh & Bone, either before or after!).
This novel was much more suspenseful than the previous two, which I enjoyed because it changed things up a bit. Heart & Soul, like its predecessors, has lots of descriptive imagery. The first two novels take place in Germany, and you can easily imagine the European architecture and city-life. Heart & Soul is set in England, in a small seaside village where everyone knows everyone else. The minstrel/singer-songwriter motif isn’t so much in the spotlight, but there are still a few songs included. Now normally I don’t enjoy reading through song lyrics in a novel, but this series has been different for me; I really like the lyrics and I even take my time reading through them :)
The hardest part about this novel for me was the fact that I couldn't reconcile this version of Gabriele to the one we meet in Flesh & Bone. They don't seem like the same person, BUT, this new Gabriele is more likeable and she has a stronger, more determined personality.
I also wish there were more flashbacks. There were several during the first half of the novel, which helped fill in some missing pieces. They were fun to read because they were like a bridge that connected this new, broken hearted Gabriele with the lively and charismatic Gabriele from before.
Click here for full review: http://magsteronni.wordpress.com/2014...
May 20, 2015
**I received an ebook ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I just want to preface this by saying that although this is the third book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read the first two books in The Minstrel Series and I was able to read this one with no troubles.
Gabrielle is a widow and her deceased husband had a vast array of secrets he kept from her, including a cottage on the shores of England. Callum lives next door to the cottage (which now belongs to Gabrielle), and happens to have a whole bunch of his own secrets—the biggest being that he’s Gabrielle’s widow’s identical twin brother. His mission is to drive Gabrielle out of town, but she puts up a good fight, and the more time they spend together, the more sparks start to fly.
This was a relatively quick read for me. In fact, I think I finished it in about a day total. I found myself completely immersed in the story of Gabrielle and Lennon. I loved the way Strauss gave us small glimpses into the past they had together, before the tragic night that Lennon lost his life. I also loved how there was so much mystery shrouding the characters in the book. It took a while for Gabrielle to figure out the truth behind Lennon’s past, and for Callum to reveal himself to her, both physically and emotionally. But, Strauss wrote the story in such a way that I never felt like it took too much time for the secrets to come out. The plot flowed at a perfect pace and the storylines came together nicely, with no incongruencies or missing details.
I liked Gabrielle’s character a lot in this story. I liked how she was strong, despite all that she’d been through, and how she wasn’t afraid to stand her ground. I also liked the secondary characters a lot, especially Ciara and Riley. And I really enjoyed the setting that Strauss created for this story. I felt like I was literally in this small town, walking alongside the characters as I was reading. I enjoy authors who can paint that vivid of a picture with their words, and Strauss nailed it.
Callum grew on me. I was leery of him at first, especially when his real identity was revealed, but after the backstory came out, I understood why he was doing the things he was. And I respected him more. Plus he’s this brooding, sexy Brit and really, who can resist that?
5 stars to this book!
I just want to preface this by saying that although this is the third book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read the first two books in The Minstrel Series and I was able to read this one with no troubles.
Gabrielle is a widow and her deceased husband had a vast array of secrets he kept from her, including a cottage on the shores of England. Callum lives next door to the cottage (which now belongs to Gabrielle), and happens to have a whole bunch of his own secrets—the biggest being that he’s Gabrielle’s widow’s identical twin brother. His mission is to drive Gabrielle out of town, but she puts up a good fight, and the more time they spend together, the more sparks start to fly.
This was a relatively quick read for me. In fact, I think I finished it in about a day total. I found myself completely immersed in the story of Gabrielle and Lennon. I loved the way Strauss gave us small glimpses into the past they had together, before the tragic night that Lennon lost his life. I also loved how there was so much mystery shrouding the characters in the book. It took a while for Gabrielle to figure out the truth behind Lennon’s past, and for Callum to reveal himself to her, both physically and emotionally. But, Strauss wrote the story in such a way that I never felt like it took too much time for the secrets to come out. The plot flowed at a perfect pace and the storylines came together nicely, with no incongruencies or missing details.
I liked Gabrielle’s character a lot in this story. I liked how she was strong, despite all that she’d been through, and how she wasn’t afraid to stand her ground. I also liked the secondary characters a lot, especially Ciara and Riley. And I really enjoyed the setting that Strauss created for this story. I felt like I was literally in this small town, walking alongside the characters as I was reading. I enjoy authors who can paint that vivid of a picture with their words, and Strauss nailed it.
Callum grew on me. I was leery of him at first, especially when his real identity was revealed, but after the backstory came out, I understood why he was doing the things he was. And I respected him more. Plus he’s this brooding, sexy Brit and really, who can resist that?
5 stars to this book!
April 1, 2015
Quick confession...I haven't read the other books in this series yet. That said, even though it's recommended to read the series in order for better enjoyment, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
While the first quarter or so of this story starts a little slow for me, things do pick up and in the last third, you'll be glued to the pages with all of the suspense and action happening. Part of the slow start I think is due to the unfolding of the background of the story as the author switches back and forth between past and present, telling us of the time before and after Lennon dies. But once the majority of that has been told, the story goes quicker and you really get drawn in.
Great characters-Gabriele is a strong female lead and doesn't let Callum push her around. Callum is a strong character as well, an alpha male with protective instincts. Even though they clash at first, as the story progresses their characters start to mold themselves together to the point that you don't want to see them apart.
There's plenty of secrets to create suspense, and a nice dose of action once those secrets come to light. The story is not really heavy on the romance side, and is actually pretty clean, but I think the intensity between Gabriele and Callum still shows. It was a great read for me, keeping me captivated most of the way through, and my rating is 4.5 stars. I'd definitely recommend this to all contemporary romance and romantic suspense fans.
While the first quarter or so of this story starts a little slow for me, things do pick up and in the last third, you'll be glued to the pages with all of the suspense and action happening. Part of the slow start I think is due to the unfolding of the background of the story as the author switches back and forth between past and present, telling us of the time before and after Lennon dies. But once the majority of that has been told, the story goes quicker and you really get drawn in.
Great characters-Gabriele is a strong female lead and doesn't let Callum push her around. Callum is a strong character as well, an alpha male with protective instincts. Even though they clash at first, as the story progresses their characters start to mold themselves together to the point that you don't want to see them apart.
There's plenty of secrets to create suspense, and a nice dose of action once those secrets come to light. The story is not really heavy on the romance side, and is actually pretty clean, but I think the intensity between Gabriele and Callum still shows. It was a great read for me, keeping me captivated most of the way through, and my rating is 4.5 stars. I'd definitely recommend this to all contemporary romance and romantic suspense fans.
July 24, 2014
I eagerly devoured this book under 5 hrs time. From the moment I started I couldn't put it down. I had to know what Lennon's secrets were and who the heck this Callum Jones guy is. As the story progressed I was even more taken in. So much happens. I absolutely loved the mystery and suspense that surrounds the entire storyline. I think that is what had me loving this one the most out of the series.
I wasn't a huge fan of Gabriele in the last book and wasn’t terribly fond of her in the beginning of this one. But I will say she grew on me as a character. She went from this self-centered girl to a strong, independent woman as I read. I was touched by all that Gabi went through with losing Lennon and reliving the flashbacks. Her story is not an easy one, but she sure makes the most of it as she starts piecing together the secrets Lennon left behind.
There is romance peppered throughout but it doesn't saturate the entire book. And for once I liked that about a book. I think it was the suspense that had me the most this time around. But hey, I still enjoyed those moments of romance that spurred up every now and then. And I really started liking Callum more and more. He ended up being a better guy than he let on in the beginning.
Another great story for a fabulous series....I highly recommend it. Cannot wait to see whose story is next! 5 Suspenseful Stars!
I wasn't a huge fan of Gabriele in the last book and wasn’t terribly fond of her in the beginning of this one. But I will say she grew on me as a character. She went from this self-centered girl to a strong, independent woman as I read. I was touched by all that Gabi went through with losing Lennon and reliving the flashbacks. Her story is not an easy one, but she sure makes the most of it as she starts piecing together the secrets Lennon left behind.
There is romance peppered throughout but it doesn't saturate the entire book. And for once I liked that about a book. I think it was the suspense that had me the most this time around. But hey, I still enjoyed those moments of romance that spurred up every now and then. And I really started liking Callum more and more. He ended up being a better guy than he let on in the beginning.
Another great story for a fabulous series....I highly recommend it. Cannot wait to see whose story is next! 5 Suspenseful Stars!
June 29, 2014
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lee did an outstanding job on this novel. The story surrounds around Gabriele, who is reeling over the loss of your husband (Lennon) and wants to find closure by getting some answers. She travels from Germany to England to look over a seaside cabin that Lennon leaves her. To her surprise she meets Lennon’s twin brother, Callum. Callum (not his real name), has secrets of his own and wants to protect Gabriele by sending her back to Germany.
Lee combines romance with suspense/spy action, along with the musical element in this novel. She takes you on a journey with Gabriele and Callum through their adventure on learning how to love again.
The novel is set in modern day time and full of twists and turns as they face the danger together. Will they overcome the danger and face the future together or will the danger be too much for them both?
I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a dash of mystery.
Lee did an outstanding job on this novel. The story surrounds around Gabriele, who is reeling over the loss of your husband (Lennon) and wants to find closure by getting some answers. She travels from Germany to England to look over a seaside cabin that Lennon leaves her. To her surprise she meets Lennon’s twin brother, Callum. Callum (not his real name), has secrets of his own and wants to protect Gabriele by sending her back to Germany.
Lee combines romance with suspense/spy action, along with the musical element in this novel. She takes you on a journey with Gabriele and Callum through their adventure on learning how to love again.
The novel is set in modern day time and full of twists and turns as they face the danger together. Will they overcome the danger and face the future together or will the danger be too much for them both?
I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a dash of mystery.
July 17, 2014
Strauss has outdone herself again! This novel has suspense, anticipation, action and lead characters with sizzling sparks of chemistry. Gabriele & Callum are easy to like and emotionally connect with, all the while sensational to care about. I would NOT recommend that you read this as a stand-alone book, however am impressed at the storyline flow so readers aren’t wondering what they might have missed by not reading previous books.
Suspense and Romance are two of my favorite combinations in books and Strauss definitely did not disappoint! The context is refreshing with lots of conflict and intrigue which hooks readers early on, keeping us turning pages late into the night. Strauss is unbelievably talented in developing her characters with distinct personalities who keep the overall plot fast paced. Looking forward to many more from Strauss.
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
Suspense and Romance are two of my favorite combinations in books and Strauss definitely did not disappoint! The context is refreshing with lots of conflict and intrigue which hooks readers early on, keeping us turning pages late into the night. Strauss is unbelievably talented in developing her characters with distinct personalities who keep the overall plot fast paced. Looking forward to many more from Strauss.
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
April 9, 2015
I received this book by obsessed by books for an honest review.
I have not read anything by this author but after reading this that will now change.
I have no read the first 2 books which I will now. Gabriele was married and he recently died. There was a cottage in England that was left for her. So she picks up and goes. She tries to figure some things her husband didn't tell her. His name was not his name. As she is there she learns more and more about his secret life. I like how there was flashbacks of how they met.
At the cottage she meets her husbands twin brother. He's nothing like her husband. He's cold and wants her out of England. She of course doesn't leave until she has the answers she went to find. It's a twisted book with romance and suspense. I pictured England in my head as I read which was great! I enjoyed this authors writing
I have not read anything by this author but after reading this that will now change.
I have no read the first 2 books which I will now. Gabriele was married and he recently died. There was a cottage in England that was left for her. So she picks up and goes. She tries to figure some things her husband didn't tell her. His name was not his name. As she is there she learns more and more about his secret life. I like how there was flashbacks of how they met.
At the cottage she meets her husbands twin brother. He's nothing like her husband. He's cold and wants her out of England. She of course doesn't leave until she has the answers she went to find. It's a twisted book with romance and suspense. I pictured England in my head as I read which was great! I enjoyed this authors writing
March 1, 2015
Gabriele Baumann-Smith had it all, a loving husband and a wonderful life until he died. With his death Gabriele found there were secrets and Gabriele needs answers, if for nothing else closure.
Callum Jones promised his twin he would protect Gabriele. And after Gabriele arrives at Lennon's cottage he tries his best to send her home. However, Gabriele is not a willing participant and Callum did not expect to fall for his brother's widow.
This was an intriguing story. Like a good puzzle you are instantly swept away into finding out what secrets were left untold and how it will effect Gabriele. New to me author, not sure if I needed to read the two previous books but I didn't have any problem following along. Great read.
Callum Jones promised his twin he would protect Gabriele. And after Gabriele arrives at Lennon's cottage he tries his best to send her home. However, Gabriele is not a willing participant and Callum did not expect to fall for his brother's widow.
This was an intriguing story. Like a good puzzle you are instantly swept away into finding out what secrets were left untold and how it will effect Gabriele. New to me author, not sure if I needed to read the two previous books but I didn't have any problem following along. Great read.
August 21, 2014
I am really enjoying this Minstrel series! All stories are set in Germany and England with musicians of some sort or another. The books connect characters but not in a way that makes them dependant on each other. Each book can be read as a stand alone and each one is promised to deliver a happily ever after ending. That's my kind of book. This book was really good. It was fast paced, heart pounding and romantic. I devoured it.
June 30, 2014
I've really enjoyed The Minstrel Series by Lee Strauss, and this was a great companion novel to go with the others. Interestingly, this took a turn for the spy/thriller genre, which surprised me, but still carried the strong romantic flavor and wonderful accompanying music, like the first two books. I think this is a great series and would recommend it to contemporary romance fans.
December 17, 2015
This one was quite different than the first two books, but not in a bad way. Firstly, it follows a newlywed couple instead of two characters who are only just falling in love. Secondly, there's a lot more mystery & romance than there is drama & romance. A lot more suspense in this one, and a romance just as amazing!
January 13, 2015
Lee Strauss definitely kept the best for last! This was my favourite of the three Minstrel Series novels. I like romance, but add in some mystery, intrigue and action and I love it even more! Nothing keeps me turning pages like hidden secrets and unanswered questions. If that's your cup of tea, go on and get a copy of this book!
August 5, 2016
Favorite quote
"Gabriele stared at his burning dark eyes. She was an alcoholic hanging onto a bottle of vodka, mesmerized and paralyzed. She should run as far and fast as she could away from the temptation, but God, she wanted a drink."
"Gabriele stared at his burning dark eyes. She was an alcoholic hanging onto a bottle of vodka, mesmerized and paralyzed. She should run as far and fast as she could away from the temptation, but God, she wanted a drink."
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