It was a captivating story. The author did an impressive job of keeping it light and fun while developing the plot.

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian (✬✬✬)

This was an interesting read and a subject that needs to be explored. The characters were well developed and gave a glimpse of the atrocities that took place in that era. However, I thought the ending was unbelievable and too melodramatic.

The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki (✬✬✬✬)

This book is well researched, so if you enjoy historical fiction, you will probably find this an enjoyable read. It is written from the perspective of Peggy Arnold’s servant, Clara. It develops a fresh perspective on Benedict Arnold and why he became a traitor in the American Revolution, largely because of the demands and manipulation of his wife. 

Snobs by Julian Fellowes (✬✬✬)

Entertaining and somewhat thought provoking, however not a real page turner. It was very slow to start and got more interesting towards the middle and end.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (✬✬✬)

“Red Queen” is a pleasant to read, with an intriguing premise and a fast-paced, eventful storyline, not to mention a killer cliffhanger that leaves me wanting more. It’s a shame that the characters weren’t as well-developed or likable.

The Scroll of Seduction by Gioconda Belli (✬✬)

This book would have been better if the story line stuck to Philippe The Handsome and Juana The Mad’s love story. The secondary lust story between a naïve, convent-bred, swoon teenager and an older man in mid-life crisis is unnecessary and boring.

Push Not the River  by James Conroyd Martin (✬✬✬✬)

This book is a very good historical novel that captures the imagination while keeping true to the era in which it is set. All the aspects that make an exciting read and with the heroic female in the lead role. A story of family tragedies, love, jealousy, war and a spirit that rises to the occasion.

Death Of An Aristocrat by Anya Wylde (✬✬✬✬)

I enjoyed the first book in this series, “Murder at Rudhall Manor.” I was hoping for an equally enjoyable experience with this sequel, and it didn’t disappoint. It was an easy and light read that made me laugh out loud a few times. There were several twists and turns in the story, and I didn’t figure out the ending in advance, which is very satisfactory. There was just the appropriate amount of humor to make it an entertaining read. I was glad to be back with Lucy and Lord Adair and I hope there are many more mysteries for them to solve together. Those who love comedy mingled with history and cozy mystery should read this.