Book Review ~ A Kiss in the Moonlight - A Gambler's Daughter's Novel by Cathy Maxwell

Book Review

Wow, Amazing 5 Stars for A Kiss in the Moonlight by Cathy Maxwell! Maxwell is a dynamite storyteller and this tale kept me turning the pages. Dara wants a better life for her sisters and she comes up with a plan for them to go to London and marry Dukes'. After her sister Gwendolyn wins the funds the sisters, Dara, Gwendolyn, and Elise along with their great-aunt travel to London. At first, the women are not invited to any events, but soon they are invited to one of the biggest parties of the season and they soon learn who invited them. The gentleman who aided Gwendolyn at the gaming hall in Ireland. His friend Michael Brogan is also in on his plan but it has nothing to actually do with the sisters, but they are a convenient aid. Michael is searching for the crooks who are stealing funds from the military. He calls upon the sisters and flirts with the young Elise and everyone thinks he's after Elise but Dara does not want him to be with Elise, firstly she herself is falling for him and second, he's not a duke. But soon Dara begins to fall deeply for Michael and he begins to fall for her. But her sister Elise is deeply in love with him and she wants nothing but to protect her sister's heart. Soon Dara finds herself in scandal and also with Michael, on the hunt for a killer. This is their only chance, they have one season, can they all find love and marry a duke?

This tale just takes many turns and has romance, scandal, murder, and mystery all thrown into one amazing story. You will not be able to put it down! I truly love these sisters and I can't wait to read each of their stories and see where the next book in the series takes us! I most highly recommend A Kiss in the Moonlight!

 

Book Review ~ The Girls in the Snow - A completely unputdownable crime thriller (Nikki Hunt Book 1) by Stacy Green

 

Amazing thriller! If you love great characters with deep problems of their own, a strong sleuth, or a female cop/FBI agent then you are going to love Agent Nikki Hunt. Agent Hunt comes home to Stillwater Minnesota to handle a double homicide. Two girls are found frozen in the woods and one girl, Madison is the daughter of Hunt's former boyfriend, John. While Nikki and her team investigate the girl's murders and try to find the killer, Nikki is also bombarded with a case from years ago.

 

When she was 16 years old her parents were murdered, and it was Mark Todd was convicted of the crime. However, now the case has been opened and new DNA evidence shows that Todd may not be the murderer after all. So, Nikki is bombarded by the protesters, Mark's brother Rory (who is seeking justice), and begins to doubt if she was misled all those years ago by the police.

 

As the story unfolds, Hunt is taken on quite the journey and different suspects come up but, in the end, she learns who truly killed her parents and who killed those girls, and it is not whom we suspect. In fact, her parents and the girls were killed by different people, and we don't see it coming.

 

Stacy Green does a phenomenal job of keeping her readers guessing and wondering who the murderer/murderers are and, in the end, we are totally surprised! She also creates deep characterization with the main characters, giving them true human qualities and showing their flaws fully. Truly a great crafter of thrillers. I would recommend The Girls in the Snow and I can't wait to read many more from this series!

Review ~ 5 Stars for A Blizzard of Polar Bears - A Novel of Suspense by Alice Henderson

This book was absolutely amazing! Dr. Alex Carter is asked by a friend to take over her polar bear study in the Canadian arctic and she jumps on it. At first, all seems well and she's off and running with her collection of samples from the bears but one evening coming to the lab to work on her samples she finds a dark figure inside the lab and they have taken her samples, her computer zip drive among other notes of hers; however, leaving the other researchers' work alone. While at the local cafe she orders her favorite vegan dish and sitting next to her is an older man who is very shakey and oddly chooses a children's book to read and asks her for a napkin to write on. Then soon three individuals come in and chase him out. Later she'll find a piece of paper in her coat that she hangs in the lab that has a code that leads to coordinates out in the ocean. Then she learns that her helicopter pilot has quit and fortunately a new one signs on, his name is Casey. 

Off they go to the ice to search for more polar bears, she, Casey, and her grad student. Soon danger ensues, and 2 men and a woman on snowmobiles come firing shots at them. Then their helicopter crashes and they are left out on the ice to survive with what little bit they gathered from the helicopter. They settle in for their first night but soon the snowmobilers are back and firing at them. They are looking for something but Alex can't figure out what they want because they left her bear samples alone. Yet someone was trying to sabotage her study. Her grad student is shot and they learn that he was the one hired to sabotage her study and soon he dies. Then it's just she and Casey are out on the ice and more dangers await them. But Casey is not who he seems either. So, how is it trying to sabotage her study, and what other mysteries unfold? Read on to find out!

This book kept me engaged from page one until the very end. I loved it so much that I had to go and download the first book in the series! I can't wait for the next book in the series due this November. Truly an adventure awaits on every page and you will just love Alex plus what we learn about these amazing endangered species and global warming is eye-opening! 

Book Review ~ A Daring Pursuit - The Ruthless Rivals by Kate Bateman

 

Wow, this is one of the best romance books I've read this year! The historical tidbits are so very detailed and accurate. I loved Carys and so could relate to her wanting to remain single and be her own individual but yet also drawn into a very deep love and the course she takes to finally awaken to love. I also really loved Tristan and I loved that this tale is about just everyday folks, not always dukes' or earls'. Such a joy-filled read and I'd most highly recommend this! Kate Bateman can weave one of the most magnificent tales, a truly masterful storyteller!

Book Review ~ Polar Night by Clive McAlpin

 Polar Night

by

Clive McAlpin

I rarely give below 3 Teacups, but there are times when a book can't get anything higher. I'm always honest in my reviews and I need to make my fellow readers aware of what to expect in the story, so they can make a decision whether they want to invest in this book or not. So, that being said, here is my review. 

This story was great in regards to the plot, the action, and the characters; however, the editing is in great need of revising. There are glaring errors that are so simple to correct, the use of wrong words, misspelled words, and punctuation out of place. I really loved the story and felt connected to the characters but this seriously needs to be re-edited, the author should either take the time to correct these mistakes or pay someone to do so. Great story but horribly edited!

About the Story:

Stranded on the ice, the cold will be the least of their worries…

A stand-alone novel of survival on the Antarctic sea ice

Britt is an eco-warrior fleeing public disgrace on social media. Jun is a damaged former navigator seeking a new world of solitude. Abbie is a teenager sent to the ends of the earth by her parents. When their tourist ship is unexpectedly frozen into the Antarctic sea ice as the month-long polar night begins, it seems all they must do is settle in and wait for rescue.

But when events force them onto the ice, they must journey across shifting floes and evade the terrifying unknown enemies who stalk them: enemies who seem invulnerable to cold, exhaustion and fear.
Will they survive long enough to uncover the truth?

Book Review ~ The Dark by Emma Haughton

Absolutely amazing! We meet Kate who is on her way to Antarctica to take a physician's position. She's thrust into the cold bitter unknown and expecting escape she finds she grapples with her demons even more intensely. There is something more cold and bitter than the outside climate, a man has been killed, and soon more follow. Kate finds her own life in danger but she must work to find out who the killer is, but it's one of the overwinterers and she soon begins to trust no one, but a few. Will she find out who the killer is before it's too late and all are killed? or will her demons get the best of her?

This story kept me reading for hours, long into the night. Kate's character is amazing and as she struggles with her own demons she never stops searching for the killer and trying to save her colleagues. This story just leaves you guessing at every turn and in the end, you are in for a big surprise, one you never saw coming! I just loved this story and hope the author writes many more in this cold climate. Speaking of the climate, there is a lot of history that has gone into this book. We learn a lot about life in Antarctica and what it's like for those brave scientists who put their lives on the line to save this planet every day.  Just an amazing story, can't recommend this enough! 

 

 

Review ~ 5 Teacups for Gentleman Seeks Bride - A Hazards of Dukes Novel by Megan Frampton

Gentleman Seeks Bride by Megan Framptom is one steamy historical romance that you will not want to miss out on! Wow, did I love this book! Thomas is in dire straights and he needs to take care of his sister, so he's off to London in search of a wealthy heir to wed. He at first seeks the help of Lady Jane who wants to know all about the sensual side of love, so they strike up a deal. He'll show her all about passion and sensuality and she'll help him find a wealthy lady to marry. However, he soon finds himself very drawn to the beautiful and sensual Lady Jane, but could or would she return his burning desire and allow her heart to open and trust again? 

Frampton is I feel the queen of steamy romance, she gives nibbles of sensuality along the way but then lets the readers' imagination take over! Truly a masterful storyteller! I most highly recommend this book! So well deserving of 5 Teacups!

Blog Tour + Review ~ Buried Beneath - Bishop Security Series by Debbie Baldwin

 Buried Beneath (Bishop Security Series Book 3)

Debbie Baldwin 

264 Pages

Gatekeeper Press

August 24, 2021

Book Links:

Amazon https://geni.us/buried-beneath

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56779657-buried-beneath

This is book 3 of 3 in the Bishop Security Series, see our blog tour for Illicit Intent, book 2 here. 
It is important to note that each book can be read as a standalone. They have overlapping characters and are set in the same world but can easily be read separately.

Camilo Canto has unfinished business.

As the newest member of the Bishop Security team, Cam has left the dark world of undercover work with the CIA and is starting a new life in South Carolina. Unfortunately, there is a haunting figure from his past with an agenda. The Conductor is a criminal mastermind who wants Cam eliminated along with the evidence Cam compiled while working undercover. A devious plot is in place to do just that. Cam is abducted and awakes on the island paradise of Mallorca, where crime, danger, and obsession are buried beneath the picture-perfect surface. In order to stop The Conductor, Cam must sift through layers of diversion, including an infatuated supermodel, a corrupt mine owner, and an obsessed treasure hunter. As he fits the puzzle together, Cam crosses paths with a beautiful archaeologist searching for answers to another mystery hidden in the caves beneath the island.

Evangeline Cole is a Ph.D. candidate in Mallorca with an archaeological team. When Evan stumbles upon a strange marker, she is compelled to follow the clues to solve a centuries-old mystery buried in the caves. When Evan's treasure hunt crosses paths with Cam's investigation, passion and danger ignite. Cam is forced to confront both the real and psychological demons from his years undercover to find the true treasure buried beneath.

Fans of Lori Foster, Sandra Brown, and Toni Anderson will love Buried Beneath.

Be advised: this story contains scenes of violence equivalent to an R-rated movie and explicit sexual situations.

This was an amazing book, it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was happening next. Great plot twists and you will not guess who or what is behind all of the terror until the end. Such great characterization, very deep and fully developed characters with hardships and pasts that make them even more memorable. I would highly recommend this great book! 

Author Bio: 

Debbie Baldwin

is a successful print media and television writer. She is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Debbie and her husband live in Saint Louis, Missouri with their puggle, Pebbles. They have three children in college.

Author Links 

https://www.facebook.com/DebbieBaldwinBooks

https://www.instagram.com/debbiebaldwinbooks/

http://twitter.com/dbaldwinbooks

http://Tiktok.com/debbiebaldwin_books

http://www.debbiebaldwinbooks.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20274777.Debbie_Baldwin

Giveaway:

https://woorise.com/thebookreviewcrew/buried-beneath-debbie-baldwin

Review ~ The Exorcist - A Novel by William Peter Blatty

 

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty is not only a great classic but possibly one of the best books written in the 20th century. First written in 1971 we meet Chris an actress and her daughter Regan or Rags as she's called. Also living in the house are the housekeeper and bookkeeper a married couple from Poland.  At first, everything seems normal, Regan is a healthy twelve-year-old girl enjoying life and spending days painting or playing with the ouija board. It is through this ouija board that things take a drastic and dangerous turn. All of a sudden Rags becomes combative, swearing, cursing, hearing noises, and complains that her bed is shaking at night. At first, Chris thinks it's just her wanting extra attention but it soon becomes apparent that something is truly wrong. So, off to the doctor they go, they try different meds and think it's something physical but nothing seems to help. They soon seek a psychiatrist who tries to figure out what's going on with Rags as she only continues to deteriorate and is soon bed-bound, spitting and vomiting, defecating and urinating, and the horrible cursing. 

Soon things get horribly deadly. There is a man whom Chris knew that was killed and an investigator comes around questioning Chris and the servants; however, he is not made aware of Rags true condition only that she's sick but she was the only one in the home when the man was killed. But it wasn't her who killed him but the demon who lives inside. After getting no help from doctors and psychologists, Chris goes to the local priest who is also a psychologist. He finally agrees to see Rags. Soon he learns that he's dealing with something far more sinister than he could have ever imagined and at first he too doesn't want to believe that she's possessed but he eventually seeks the help of his superiors and an exorcist is called in and he is to assist. We soon meet not one but many demons in the little girl's body but can the exorcists get rid of what ails Rags before it's too late? Or will the demons take over? You will have to read to find out! 

This book is just amazing on so many levels, and it is scary on so many levels. Many do not believe in possession but it does occur and this book is based on an actual case a 14-year-old boy in 1949 from St. Louis, Missouri was possessed from playing with an ouija board, the same as Rags. Eventually, that boy was freed of his demons. Yes, demon possession can and does happen. This book goes into great detail and historical fact, as well as fiction, is thrown in. I would highly recommend this book! 

Book Review ~ The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

 

We start off with seeing the children of the town gathering up rocks and putting them in a pile in the town square then other characters come out of their homes talking about the day's plans ahead and just going about like any other day. We see the grocer come out of his store and another man pulls up in his pickup truck. Soon many gathers in the square and the mothers round up the children and gather them to themselves. Then we meet the town mayor carrying a big black box and set it up in the center of the town square. They discuss starting soon and he calls out to some of the folks asking if someone is there to draw for them. Papers were placed in the box and soon they begin. It's the men of the household's names who are called unless they are not there then the oldest boy or the woman herself.  Soon everyone has been called and holds a folded piece of paper in their hands. The Mayer permits them to open their papers. Then at last we hear a woman called Tessie cry that it's not fair, that her husband wasn't given enough time to draw his paper. She continues crying as her husband and children are called forward and she too joins them, still outcrying. 

Three pieces of paper are then placed in the box and the one the husband is holding is refolded and placed in the box. They first call on the little boy, he pulls a paper out and stands next to the officer and then Nancy the daughter is called next and she chooses her paper, then the father, and finally, and reluctantly Tessie pulls her paper. They are then asked to open their papers. The little boy and Nancy open theirs and see they are blank. Then the father, his too is blank which leaves Tessie who again cries that it's not fair and her husband helps her to open her paper which reveals a large black dot. Then we see the townspeople gathering stones and Tessie begins to cower from them and soon someone throws a stone at her head and everyone soon throws their stones until she breathes no more. 

This story is so well crafted, you are left wondering what they could be gathering for and you have some foreshadowing but are never told until the very end. To the reader, it seems an ordinary day and perhaps they are gathering for a town picnic but no it is something far more sinister. We soon learn that one child, youth, or adult has been marked for death and all the townsfolk take part in the lottery. Some towns did away with their lotteries but not this little town it holds strong to its tradition. There are many themes throughout this tale and one that stands out is everything seems fine until it happens to you or your family. How many times have we as children or adults gossiped or made fun of someone and joined in while others made fun of another and saw nothing wrong with it, that is until we were the one being made fun of? So, to Tessie at first, this is just a normal part of her life, it's OK until she is the one chosen. Then it is all of a sudden unfair. Also, another theme that arises is it's OK to go along with it because this will never happen to me, it's that mentality that it won't happen to me. But when it does then again, it all of a sudden becomes dreadfully unfair. 

A chilling and thought-provoking tale on so many levels! 

 

Book Review ~ The Summer People by Shirley Jackson

 

The Summer People by Shirley Jackson is a short mystery story. The Allison's, Mr. and Mrs. are staying in a summer cottage up in Vermont and it is nearing Labor Day weekend and every year they have always returned to New York to find the weather still hot and have always wanted to stay on at the cottage. This year they decide to do just that. They are gathering their supplies and informing the grocer and others in town that they will be staying on for another month after Labor Day and all are shocked as nobody has ever done that. But the Allison's decide to stay on at the cottage. So, they've gathered their supplies and noticed they are running low on petroleum to heat their home. The delivery man stops by but informs them that he can't get any more gas and what he has left must last him the winter. He only offers them ice. So, they decide that they will go into town to get their gas from the grocer. They also find the mail is lacking and after some days they did finally get a letter from their son, but something seems peculiar about it. The next day when Mr. Allison gets ready to leave for town to get the petroleum gas he finds the car won't start. They then try to call the gas station in town but find nobody there and then soon their phone cuts out and soon they are left listening to their radio which is fast fading as its batteries are dying. What has happened to the Allison's cottage, did someone tamper with their car, and has their phone been purposely cut? 

Such a great little story and the setting is so beautiful, it makes you want to stay at one of these summer cottages into the fall as well. Jackson has such an amazing way of telling a story that just captures you right to the end and she leaves the ending in the mind of each reader which I love! Truly a great little short read, take an evening this spooky Halloween season and read The Summer People by Shirley Jackson, you won't be displeased! 

Book Review ~ We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Amazing story, very sad in many ways for the sisters. We meet two sisters and their uncle living in their old manor house. The sisters are Constance (Connie) and Mary Catherine (Merricat) Blackwood and Uncle Julian. In the beginning, it is Marricat's day to go into the village to get food and supplies. She heads off through their woods and into the village, she hates going into the village for everyone hates her. When she gets to the grocers she's treated with disdain but is waited upon, she orders her supplies and goes to head out the door when she hears the whisperings, laughing, and jeers start. She then stops at a small cafe where she's treated a little better by the owner until one of the men comes in and starts accusing her of the rumor going around that she, her sister, and their uncle Julian are moving. But it isn't true. She finally escapes and then runs into some boys who begin taunting her and she finally makes it safely home, where she's greeted by her cat.

After seeing her sister Connie, they put the supplies away and soon are met with some visitors. I lady who has been very kind to them and she brings an older woman with her, although this makes Marricat very upset for she worries about Connie. However, Connie does well in meeting with the ladies, and uncle Julian comes out when he hears the woman talking about folks being afraid to visit. He states nobody would be afraid to visit for Connie was acquitted of a crime. We soon learn that their parents, brother, and aunt were killed by arsenic poisoning and Connie was the prime suspect but was acquitted. However, most in the village still believed her to be a murderer and that is why they were so mistreated. Soon after the ladies leave another visitor comes that evening, a cousin Charles and Marricat really does not trust him. He seems to try to get on Connie's good side and gain her trust. Really all he's after is their money. After some time of him being there, a fire breaks out in their home and the fire department does come but so do the villagers who after the fire is out start throwing rocks at the house and damaging the property inside the home, which wasn't already damaged by the fire.

So, do the girls escape? What of their uncle Julian? Is he safe? What happens to their home? and Do who really did kill their family? Read on to find out!

This story was so well written and kept my interest the whole way through. I love the old style of writing where it was more lyrical than today's books but still with dynamic dialogue. An even balance of dialogue and scenery. Truly a story that will keep you guessing the whole way through and keep you so invested in their girls' lives and in the end root for them.

Book Review ~ 5 Teacups for Dawn Girl by Leslie Wolfe

 Book Review

Started Reading: August 2

Finished Reading: August 7

OMG, this book is riveting! It kept me on my seat the whole way through, I didn't want to stop reading, and I didn't! The main protagonist special agent Tess Winnett with the FBI has had a rough go with a trauma that occurred to her in the past which she has not revealed and the death of her partner and this has all taken a toll and begun to affect her work. So, she's sent on assignment to work with the local police department on a case coined Dawn Girl. She's soon drawn into a sadistic serial killer's world and finds out what he does to his victims and that there have been more in the past. She's soon on the hunt and won't stop searching for this killer and his latest victim before she too is killed, even if that means breaking FBI protocol!

As we go on a roller coaster ride with Tess as she tries to find and stop the madman we also learn a lot about her and finally what occurred to her. In the end, you will be surprised to learn who the killer is but I won't spoil that for you, you must read this book!

It is so incredibly riveting and just like Tess working long nights on her case, you too will be up reading long nights to find out what happens next! Amazing book and I can't wait to read the next in the series! Most highly recommend!

 

Teatime and Books Review ~ How the Scot was Won - Desperately Seeking Duke Series by Caroline Linden

 Teatime and Books Review

How the Scot Was Won 

Desperately Seeking Duke Series

by

Caroline Linden

Just captivating all the way through, I really loved this amazing tale. I'm so used to reading about Duke's and Marquesses that it's nice to read about an average individual. I just loved the down-to-earth feel Felix and Agnes brought to this tale. Their love is so epic and deeply emotional, I really connected with these two. Linden's style of writing is so vivid, she just draws you into the everyday lives of her characters and makes you feel as if you are truly there! I just can't say enough about this story. I give it a huge high 5 stars and highly recommend this to every lover of historical romance! 

Review Tour ~ Zinger in the Woods - Retold by M. T. Becker & Illustrated by Peter Fasolino

 

WOW! Women on Writing Presents

A Special Event for:

Zinger In The Woods

 

Blog Tour Starts May 10^th and

Ends June 13^th

 

About the Book

 

Olive is searching for her missing dog Ginger, but the dog has fallen into a hole and is trapped. Along comes Zen, a homeless dog who helps free Ginger. Together, they make their way back to Olive.

 

This book is perfect for teaching young readers how to trust, make new friends, get out in nature, explore and investigate the world around them and learn about the best doctors, sunshine, diet, fresh air, fresh water, a goodnight's rest, and exercise.

Teatime and Books Blog: Topic Education

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” Albert Einstein

 

To us Albert Einstein quote is the essence of true education. Human beings have to be able to think for themselves and be able to solve real life problems if we expect them to become productive members of society. And for this to happen, we need an education system that benefits each individual person not one that benefits educational book publishing companies.

The question is, how can we change the education system from being politically centered to human being centered? One way is to start teaching our children to be intellect human beings instead of good students. Most children are so caught up in being “good” they never learn how to express themselves.

We, also, need to start teaching our children about their ancestors instead of famous explorers. Think about this, the majority of students know more about Christoper Columbus than they know about their great grandparents. That’s crazy! And, it causes a lack of curriculum connection. Students who suffer from a lack of curriculum connection lose their self identity.  Moreover, a lack of self identity leads to mass conformity. This is why social media platforms use the word “followers” because human beings have been educated to blindly follow the status quo. Therefore, our education system needs to be reinvented not reformed, and until it is, we will continue to live in a society where students are taught not to think for themselves or care about the people who do! 

A Delightful story that children for many generations are going to love! Highly entertaining and educational and includes scientific names that children interested in veterinary science or zoology will greatly enjoy learning. In the tale, we follow Olive and Ginger the hound dog as they head out on a walk then all of the sudden Ginger bounds off after a deer and there begins her mission and you then follow her on quite the adventure as she encounters many different animals and gains a new friend. Children will love helping Ginger through her adventure and finding her way home!

The pictures are just beautiful throughout this text and this is definitely a well-written book and very educational as well as entertaining and will engage the child from beginning to end. The only thing I would add is to mention earlier on in this story that Ginger is a dog because in the first paragraph were are merely introduced to Olive and Ginger but are these two girls? or as in this case a girl and her dog? Otherwise, this is an amazing book and will entertain children for many years to come!

About the Authors

Zinger In The Woods was retold by, husband and wife authors, Mark and Tiesha Becker. The former elementary school teachers decided to write a book after fostering three malnourished puppies. Zinger In the Woods reflects the lessons they learned from being parents, doggie parents, and teachers for over thirty years.

You can discover more about M.T. Becker on their website: www.live-grow-sustain.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56928518-zinger-in-the-woods

https://mtbecker.podbean.com/ and all the typical  podcasting sites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zinger_el

Instagram:@zenandginger

Instagram:@m.t.becker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zinger.woods

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851KXJVP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=zinger+in+the+woods&qid=1582734281&sr=8-1

iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m-t-becker-podcast/id1449185558

Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/Zinger-In-The-Woods-Podcast/B08K6MBX41?ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=2756bc30-e1e4-4174-bb22-bce00b971761&pf_rd_r=XSGWHAABZBSD9TZT0QG1

 

Book Review ~ 5 Stars for Winning the Schoolmarm by USA Today Bestselling Author Lacy Williams

 

I wish I could give this book 100 stars for that's what it deserves! Winning the Schoolmarm is my first book by Lacy Williams and I have to say it is one of the best books I've read thus far this year! I absolutely loved the character Cecilia, she is a strong, amazing woman who doesn't give up on her students or the love of her life! I definitely highly recommend this tale to any historical romance lover! I can't wait to read more from this amazing author!