Last Stop in Brooklyn by Lawrence H. Levy

My latest blog for Blogging For Books is here, and this month's special is Last Stop in Brooklyn, A Mary Handley Mystery.

  While I mostly enjoyed this book, I wouldn't say it's been my favorite of he Mary Handley series. It lacked a bit of the charm and was a bit on the boring side, but that's mostly me because I've never found police corruption stories too intriguing,

  The parts I enjoyed were Mary's interactions with Teddy Roosevelt, the small history facts and stories that are mixed into the telling of the story, and the relationship between Mary and the book store owner - she shows a gentler side when she is with him that I would like to see more of.

  The parts I didn't enjoy: The mystery itself was a little confusing with too many characters, I just wasn't into it. I also wish Mary would show her friendly, fun loving side more often because at times she seems a little bitter and crude. And then there was her relationship with Harper which didn't get the build up it deserved. An independent woman like Mary should have had more books to develop her relationship before immediately sending her down the aisle.
  Overall, the book was fair. I certainly haven't given up on the series and I hope there is more to come.

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White

Here is my latest blog for Bethany House Publishers.

   The first words I thought of when I finished A Song Unheard  were smart, lavish, and beautiful. Unlike some other romances, it is layered with intrigue and historical context. It doesn't skimp on storyline and draws out characters that are both strong and likeable.
  The story centers around Willa and Lukas. Willa is an orphan from London who grew up with a ragtag family of pickpocketers. She meets with a mysterious Mr V who assigns her to find a key from famous violinist Lukas de Wilde. Lukas is staying with two sisters who have organized an orchestra in Wales when Willa shows up to stay with her "old high school friends".
  Lukas has his own story. After escaping from Belgium and the invading German soldiers, he stays with the sisters in Wales until he can earn enough money to help his sister and mother also escape Belgium.
 The story also shows Lukas's family back in Brussels as they hideout during the German invasion. One of the German soldiers, Gottlieb, becomes friendly with the mother and daughter and plays a crucial role in the end of the story.
 Villains, heroes, spies, espionage, and a daring escape...there is a lot to this story. 403 pages long but it didn't feel long. Very enjoyable!

Lone Wolf Lawman by Delores Fossen

 Lone Wolf Lawman has a boom!boom!boom! style of action, where every chapter seems to end with a new twist to the plot. A serial killer father, shoot outs, several stalkers, a twin (!) 
  Does it get a little too convoluted? Yeah, a little. But at least it didn't put me to sleep.

The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber

 It looks like I picked up this book way back in October of 2014. Yes, my to-be-read piles are that deep!

  The Manning Sisters was written in 1990 and you can feel it, romance novels of that decade were at their peak of hokum. (Think: Woman Falls in a mud pit, Cowboy slings her over his shoulder, and eloping after 2 weeks and maybe, three dates)
  The Manning Sisters is a two-parter featuring Taylor, the transplanted school teacher who falls in love with a Montana male chauvinist, and her sister Christy, who visits after the inevitable baby is born. Christy meets the local cop during her stay, and it's love at first sight. Next thing you know, she's also thinking about marriage after a two week courtship! Those Seattle sisters move fast!
  Is it cheesey? Yes. But in an Eating-Potato-Chips-During-A-Soap-Opera-Watching-Marathon sort of way. It's good, empty calorie entertainment, and Debbie Macomber never fails to give a fun read.