Crimson at Cape May by Randy Overbeck

August 10, 2020 By 1 Comment


Crimson at Cape May by Randy Overbeck
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (309 pgs)
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

No matter how far you run, you can never really escape a haunted past.

Darrell Henshaw—teacher, coach, and paranormal sensitive—learned this lesson the hard way. Now, with his job gone and few options, he heads for Cape May to coach a summer football camp. The resort town, with gorgeous beaches, rich history and famous Victorian mansions, might just be the getaway he needs. Only, no one told him Cape May is the most haunted seaport on the East Coast.

When a resident ghost, the Haunted Bride, stalks Darrell, begging for his help, he can’t refuse, and joins forces with Cassie, another sensitive. As Darrell and the street-wise teen investigate the bride’s death, they uncover something far more sinister than a murder. Can Darrell and Cassie expose those behind the crimes before they end up becoming the next victims?

Darrell Henshaw, the paranormal-sensitive first introduced in Overbeck’s Blood on the Chesapeake returns in another intriguing mystery, Crimson At Cape May.

Henshaw, caught in a difficult and unfair personal situation, is confronted with an old wrong, possibly a crime. We see him struggle to cope with both intrigue and ghosts as he sets about solving a missing-person case that might reveal a crime.

Henshaw’s character is immediately interesting, and his surroundings are so well described that the story is for me, completely believable. I fear that fans of mysteries might shy from picking up a book with that one word attached: paranormal. Yet, this mystery-lover was completely engaged by the intrigue and I suspect that fans of the paranormal will be entirely satisfied with this tale, as well.

Weirdly enough, it is some of the secondary characters, (especially those who seem to hate Henshaw) who help create a very ‘real’ environment. Oh, sure… the friends, Sara, Al, and Cassie are all important and it seems nothing speaks truer than hate, blame, and rage. And, of course, Henshaw hears how ruthless townfolk believe he is. And what the love of his life thinks of him… no giveaways here, but know: Emotions stomp their way out of this one!

Of course, there is something of a romance in this one, but the main story here is everything. Crimson at Cape May delivers an unpredictable mystery along with a powerful look at people, too.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Bells for Eli by Susan Beckham Zurenda

March 23, 2020 By 5 Comments


Bells for Eli by Susan Beckham Zurenda
Publisher: Mercer University Press
Genre: Historical (recent)
Length: Full Length (282 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

First cousins Ellison (Eli) Winfield and Adeline (Delia) Green are meant to grow up happily and innocently across the street from one another amid the supposed wholesome values of small-town Green Branch, South Carolina, in the 1960s and 70s. But Eli’s tragic accident changes the trajectory of their lives and of those connected to them. Shunned and even tortured by his peers for his disfigurement and frailty, Eli struggles for acceptance in childhood as Delia passionately devotes herself to defending him. Delia’s vivid and compassionate narrative voice presents Eli as a confident young man in adolescence–the visible damage to his body gone–but underneath hides indelible wounds harboring pain and insecurity, scars that rule his impulses. And while Eli cherishes Delia more than anyone and attempts to protect her from her own troubles, he cares not for protecting himself. It is Delia who has that responsibility, growing more challenging each year. BELLS FOR ELI is a lyrical and tender exploration of the relationship between cousins drawn together through tragedy in a love forbidden by social constraints and a family whose secrets must stay hidden. Susan Beckham Zurenda masterfully transports readers into a small Southern town where quiet, ordinary life becomes extraordinary. In this compelling coming of age story, culture, family, friends, bullies, and lovers propel two young people to unite to guard each other in a world where love, hope, and connectedness ultimately triumph.

For a sweet touching first novel that is so much more than advertised, readers would do well to pick up Bells for Eli. Indeed, I was thrilled to discover that there are still novels that offer such depth of story and strength of character, without any sense of being high-brow.

It all sets off in a graveyard, where a brief chance meeting reveals a great deal about central characters, as well as giving us a sense of the character of this small southern town. It is a deceivingly quiet start for the drama that immediately follows.

No spoilers here! This story needs to be read and savored, without giveaways about events. The two main characters, Delia and Eli, are super, but no less are the many secondary characters: the parents who care so enormously, the families who are related, distantly, but all have that sense of kinship. The mid-twentieth-century in Small-Town South Carolina seems the perfect backdrop.

The harsh details are there, pulling us in from moment-to-moment, yet the details fade beside the emotion, from fear to curiosity, sometimes in as many words. There are moments when we readers grasp the significance of a thing, well before Delia does. It might be described as a coming-of-age novel, although I would say it’s about gaining understanding, and perhaps insight. It is not an entirely comfortable process.

Bells for Eli is simply beautifully written. Somehow, the words slip into the background as the story plays out for us. The author goes far beyond creating reader sympathy; we somehow step into that first summer and share so many firsts in the tenderest of lifetimes. Love is there in so many actions…

The gentle power of this novel completely surprised me. It’s a solid 5 star book. Do read.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

This Terrible Beauty by Katrin Schumann

March 16, 2020 By Leave a Comment


This Terrible Beauty by Katrin Schumann
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (381 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

From the bestselling author of The Forgotten Hours comes an unforgettable story of one woman’s journey to reclaim what she lost in a country torn apart by the devastating legacy of WWII.

On the windswept shores of an East German island, Bettina Heilstrom struggles to build a life from the ashes. World War II has ended, and her country is torn apart. Longing for a family, she marries Werner, an older bureaucrat who adores her. But after joining the fledgling secret police, he is drawn deep into its dark mission and becomes a dangerous man.

When Bettina falls in love with an idealistic young renegade, Werner discovers her infidelity and forces her to make a terrible choice: spend her life in prison or leave her home forever. Either way she loses both her lover and child.

Ten years later, Bettina has reinvented herself as a celebrated photographer in Chicago, but she’s never stopped yearning for the baby she left behind. Surprised by an unexpected visitor from her past, she resolves to return to her ravaged homeland to reclaim her daughter and uncover her beloved’s fate, whatever the cost.

From the start of This Terribly Beauty we are effortlessly transported into Bettina’s life and her past. Ms. Schuman offers of the story of a life confronted by challenges; those large challenges involving World War II, as well as personal challenges, made by the main character. Bettina’s circumstances are often out of her control, but her early decision to follow her heart, her judgments and her eventual resolution are all understandable.

We, as readers, are drawn in and find ourselves sympathizing even with choices we might not have made ourselves. It is easy to share outrage, loss and conviction. She sees her world as if through the lens of a camera and more and more becomes clear. Love both captivates the main character and traps her.

The author writes her prose with immediacy; with an in-the-moment quality that is hard to describe. At the outset, I thought to find fault with it, but progressing, found myself drawn in, so the style disappeared and all that is left is story and the emotions.

Background details seem to emerge in almost poetic turns of phrase, for example: “…there’s an unruly rosebush twisting its way over the step…” and ” …memories live in each closet.”

The synopsis really does this book no service, leading me to expect a rather abrupt drama, rather than the thoughtful and heartfelt life’s journey This Terrible Beauty offers. Five solid stars and I highly recommend you add This Terrible Beauty to your “must read” list.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan

December 20, 2019 By 1 Comment


To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal (time travel)
Length: Full Length (266 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul. Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.

When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.

A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?

Readers who enjoy romance blended with a the combination of history and the mystical will be utterly enchanted by this clever ‘weaving’ of a tale. In To Weave a Highland Tapestry Mary Morgan offers us a wander through the past thanks to a bit of time-travel; which works in her quite contemporary main character surprisingly well.

Gwen, whose sense of history is apparent in her study and use of ancient weaving techniques, was attracted the the task of stitching the tapestry at the MacFhearguis’ castle. An act of kindness gives us a bit of insight into just who she is and, as the story goes forward, we cannot help but admire her curiosity, her strength and her determination. This one main character brings together many ‘threads’ of story, fom the curse knotted by the slighted Fae, so long ago, the struggles of clan MacFhearguis and, the one we are waiting for, Patrick. But how can a romance evolve from almost different worlds, at utterly different times?

From the outset, we readers wait for the moment that we do see coming; when Gwen must go back…but then, we are swept along into and unpredictable story that is more than romance. There was that ancient wrong–the Fae were indeed slighted–but can the two change what has been written into the lineage? Can they, together, weave a different future for what should be a magnificent castle, sitting now on utterly barren lands? Their challenges and their quest move this story right along.

More, the backdrop and sense of place is wonderful. Readers will feel as if they have traveled the highlands. This is however, very much a time travel paranormal story and I would only recommend it to readers who are already firmly fans of the genre.  Looking forward to the next by Mary Morgan. Do read!

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The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath

October 10, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Heat: Hot
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

For a duchess with practical desires, falling in love is an inconceivable part of her plan…

As owner of the Elysium Club which caters to women’s fantasies, Aiden Trewlove is accustomed to introducing adventurous ladies to sin and vice. But he is uncharacteristically intrigued by the mysterious beauty who visits his club one night, yearning to indulge in the forbidden—with him. Drawn to her indomitable spirit, he breaks his rule of never becoming personally involved with his clientele and is determined to fully awaken her desires.

A recent widow, Selena Sheffield, Duchess of Lushing, has never known passion, not until Aiden’s slow, sensual seduction leads her on a journey of discovery and incredible pleasure. But her reasons for visiting the notorious club are not all that they seem.

As Selena’s motives become complicated by love, she finds herself with a most unexpected choice: forge ahead with a secret plan that could secure her future—or follow her heart which could prove ruinous.

Wow. This books kicks off in the most ugly way imaginable…far from what one imagines from the jacket; yet, it sets the scene for us to understand the duchess’ motivation.

The Duchess in His Bed seems like it should be a cheery and titillating story. After all, we’re given to understand that the most risque ‘ladies’ club and physical passion are absolutely central. And, though expectations are met in that regard, the real surprise is the Duchess herself. In fact, the depth and quality of all the characters keep this story riveting.

We meet Adien, as he meets the beautiful and previously, shall we say “undervalued”, Duchess of Lashing. Selena is not what she seems and she has some pretty specific goals, as well. Aiden thinks he knows those goals. He is confident in his assessment of women and what might bring them to his services. His surety is undoing.

Lena has a very specific desire but, almost immediately she discovers a conflict. And though she was prepared to pursue her own desires single-mindedly, suddenly, she trips over something like respect. Or is it more? The developing emotions stir the plot quite thoroughly!

Ms. Heath’s historical romance brings together incredibly realistic characters in an unusual and very unpredictable situation. We hardly know what to hope for, never mind expect, as the story charges forward.

Very worth reading; fun and intriguing.

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Blood on the Chesapeake by Randy Overbeck

August 5, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Blood on the Chesapeake by Randy Overbeck
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (410 pages)
Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Wilshire, Maryland, a quaint shore town on the Chesapeake, promises Darrell Henshaw a new start in life and a second chance at love. That is, until he learns the town hides an ugly secret. A thirty-year-old murder in the high school. And a frightening ghost stalking his new office. Burned by an earlier encounter with the spirit world, Darrell doesn’t want to get involved, but when the desperate ghost hounds him, he concedes. Assisted by his new love, he follows a trail that leads to the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and even the Klu Klux Klan. Then, when two locals who try to help are murdered, Darrell is forced to decide if he’s willing to risk his life—and the life of the woman he loves—to expose the killers of a young man he never knew.

Mr. Overbeck’s Mystery Blood on the Chesapeake offers far more than an intriguing mystery. It’s an amazingly complex, detailed novel that offers well-developed characters, a stunning backdrop, and an unpredictable story line.

Darrell is a very human, flawed main character, who happens to have a sense of the spirit world. And a need to right a wrong. Part of him might regret involvement…as well as involving his girlfriend. He might want to focus on all that is right in the world, as well as the beauty of Maryland’s shoreline. Its easy for readers to find themselves savoring the details of sailing, and enjoying the picturesque setting.

Yet, there is a ghostly presence that so wants justice for a murder. And, this is no minor ‘wrong’- it’s from an important point in history. We find ourselves intrigued by the circumstances; and soon realize, though the initial crime was years ago, the danger is still very much present today. The building tension makes this into something of a thriller.

‘Haunting’ is the right word for this mystery, in more ways than one! 5 stars and truly a page turner.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle

March 22, 2019 By Leave a Comment


A Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (387 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

Millicent the cat, stuck up in a tree offers readers the first real glimpse of the characters in Carlyle’s wonderful historical romance. When you are ‘out on a limb’ one’s real character shines through.

Nick Lyon, actually Duke Tremayne, is willing to settle for being a villain if that is the price of freedom. He’s ruthless. Determined. And unexpectedly kind.

Thomasina ‘Mina’ Thorne is not the ‘Thomas’ estate manager he expected. She does, after all, often use just her first initial…it’s not a lie, she tells him. It might be that he has his first inkling right then, that his own determination might have met its match.

I simply loved A Duke Changes Everything. Ms. Carlyle’s writing style is quick and conversational, her characters believable; and better yet, interesting. Their situation is trying! Both our main characters have their own goals, and of course, these are in direct opposition; while their attraction is entirely mutual…

Mina, for all that she is well-schooled, is as wild at heart as Nick. And Nick, though ruthless, commands our sympathies. He has suffered and occasionally acts weirdly, giving us a bit of a puzzle at times.

A Duke Changes Everything includes everything that is the best of the Very Victorian romance: from locations and activities to expectations and society.

I loved specific mentions of the articles of daily life; little details like the traces in the horse harness as well as the greater demands of running an estate. Historic romance reader will love this. A Must Read.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

American Duchess by Karen Harper

February 26, 2019 By 2 Comments

American Duchess by Karen Harper
Published by William Morrow Publishing
Genre: Historical
Heat: Sweet
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Before there was Meghan Markle, there was Consuelo Vanderbilt, the original American Duchess. Perfect for readers of Jennifer Robson and lovers of Downton Abbey.

Karen Harper tells the tale of Consuelo Vanderbilt, her “The Wedding of the Century” to the Duke of Marlborough, and her quest to find meaning behind “the glitter and the gold.”

On a cold November day in 1895, a carriage approaches St Thomas Episcopal Church on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Massive crowds surge forward, awaiting their glimpse of heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt. Just 18, the beautiful bride has not only arrived late, but in tears, yet her marriage to the aloof Duke of Marlborough proceeds. Bullied into the wedding by her indomitable mother, Alva, Consuelo loves another. But a deal was made, trading some of the vast Vanderbilt wealth for a title and prestige, and Consuelo, bred to obey, realizes she must make the best of things.

At Blenheim Palace, Consuelo is confronted with an overwhelming list of duties, including producing an “heir and a spare,” but her relationship with the duke quickly disintegrates. Consuelo finds an inner strength, charming everyone from debutantes to diplomats including Winston Churchill, as she fights for women’s suffrage. And when she takes a scandalous leap, can she hope to attain love at last…?

From the dawning of the opulent Gilded Age, to the battles of the Second World War, American Duchess is a riveting tale of one woman’s quest to attain independence—at any price.

Billed as a novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt, American Duchess is more than a love story, it’s a story of duty, of searching, of destiny. This is a fictionalized account of the life of an actual person. Beginning in 1895, the story follows our main character to New York City to famed Blenheim Castle in Great Britain.

Consuelo agrees to an arranged marriage for the good of her family (or more correctly at the insistence of her mother). However, Consuelo will eventually consider her own good as well as the good (and rights) of women in general.

Parts of this story were wonderful – the emotional struggles of Consuelo at first, and then her struggle on behalf of others. Her goals are easy to understand and follow. Also, her links to some big names of the era add an additional, unexpected level of interest.

Some characters seemed a bit flat. The Duke (her husband) never manages to have a sympathetic moment in a span of years, for example. His life seems dedicated to social climbing. In other cases, Winston Churchill for example, are quite out of character here (Ms. Harper’s Churchill is not the man presented in his biography).

However, the backdrop always seemed completely perfect. This is largely a look at ‘high society’ and gives a wonderful look at the structure of lives, as well as the places the rich and famous live! I loved descriptions of balls, ballrooms, and the clothing and manners of the times. Plans for guests, decorations, the operations of a massive household, all find their way into this story. Ms. Harper gives us a wonderful and imaginative peek into the world of high society.

The pace is never fast, but it is always interesting.

Consuelo’s story is beautifully written and will really enthrall those who are interested in the time period, from turn-of-the century to a bit Into the second World War.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell

December 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment


For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

If adventure has a name…it must be Lady India Rochester. The intrepid archaeologist possesses a sharp blade and an even sharper knack for uncovering history’s forgotten women. Unfortunately, she has one annoying weakness: the dangerously handsome Duke of Ravenwood. Former best friend. Current enemy. And the man who dared to break her heart.

Daniel Bonds, the Duke of Ravenwood, is a thrill-seeking antiquities hunter who only plays by one rule: Never fall in love. He’s in it for the fortune and glory. At least that’s what he wants the world to think. He’s sworn to hide his tangled web of secrets, especially from the one woman he cares about and will protect at any cost.

But when a priceless relic is stolen from the British Museum, the rivals must align forces. Racing to recover the stolen antiquity and avert an international disaster? All in a day’s work. Avoiding their buried feelings? More and more impossible. For love is about to become the greatest treasure of all.

The grand adventure begins…now!

Fire and ice? In Lenora Bell’s For the Duke’s Eyes Only (part of Bell’s School for Dukes series) we find ourselves immediately wondering if two such different characters can possibly be meant-to-be.

Lady India and the Duke are quite well known to one another. In fact, they’ve known each other since childhood. They are about to share a quest, however, their goals are anything but the same. Their world is not just the ‘much loved’ realm of the London set, as in so many such romances, but the world of nineteenth century archeology. The lady is, unexpectedly, an archeologist. She is a scientist at heart and has lofty goals… but will she be undone by a certain measure of chemistry?

For Daniel, the very much titled ‘Duke of Ravenwood’ is a magnificent and engaging fellow and stalks the same world as she–but for gain. It seems anything personal between them would be utterly unwise, but each are drawn to the other. And, each believe they know better. Their interactions are a matter of slash and parry…and keeping a lid on their mutual attraction. The both have their own reasons, too.

The characters make this story; India is more than strong-minded (and progressive for her time) but also clever and insightful. There is more to Raven, the Duke, than one might guess, too. His goals might not be so self-serving…but no spoilers here!

The characters themselves will keep readers glued, but truly, the plot itself is riveting, the place perfect, and there is enough unexpected to keep readers guessing.

For the Duke’s Eyes Only is all its very compelling cover promises. I’ve put another by Lenora Bell right at the top of my reading list! Do read.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Kitty’s War by Barbara Whitaker

October 30, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Kitty’s War by Barbara Whitaker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (450 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Seeking adventure, shy Kitty Greenlee joins the Women’s Army Corps. In 1944 England, as secretarial support to the 8th Air Force, she encounters her dream man, a handsome lieutenant who only has eyes for her blonde friend. Uncomfortable around men, Kitty doesn’t think the handsome officer could want someone like her. Recovering from wounds, Ted Kruger wants to forget about losing his closest friends and have fun before returning to danger as a bomber navigator. When Ted recognizes Kitty as the girl who rescued him two years before, he must choose between dating the sexy blonde or pursuing quiet, serious-minded Kitty even though he knows he’s not nearly good enough for her. As the war gears up with the D-Day invasion, will Kitty and Ted risk their hearts as well as their lives?

Katherine’s story begins in 1942. Kitty is a young America woman, in wartime, visiting home to help her family and has set aside her own dreams and hopes. Yet, oddly, the war comes to her doorstep. She finds herself sailing east not long after.

It was a time when good and bad were black and white; and this is very apparent throughout. Kitty’s choices–like becoming a WAC–win reader’s approval immediately. So do her deliberate actions to fit in and contribute to the war effort. She’s determined to do her part.

Likewise, there’s a certain Allied fighter out there we get to know, who is so easily seen as a hero, and whose circumstances put us on the front-lines. We experience his courage as well as his nightmares. It is amazing to ‘see’ action through the eyes of a fighting man, but also to realize he is very human, also.

Family and friendships have a great impact on Kitty, as war has a dreadful and unpredictable impact.

Both characters win reader’s hearts and of course we have great hopes for them. However, nothing is a ‘given’ and no spoilers here!

This really is a wonderful glimpse at life in wartime. Characters and situations are entirely believable, and dialogue is wonderfully ‘conversation style.’ Whitaker has obviously done a huge amount of research into wartime, and what life was like in London during the war years. This is a wonderful romance that surely transcends the idea of a simple ‘war time’ romance.

Wonderfully descriptive words and phrases enhances the tone of every section, from the melancholy opener to the more dramatic scenes. Sensations and detailed settings always figure high; perhaps a trifle too high, on occasion, as description can slow the pace. However, those who love to read will relish some sections of this work.

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