Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden. Elizabeth Camden never disappoints. I'm loving this story so much! I thought I'd go ahead and share a snippet from the prologue and chapter one.

About the Book

Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience between them may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.

In this entrancing Gilded Age romance, Inga and Benedict will be swept into a dangerous world on the brink of war, where two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty when stars light the sky.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Prologue

New York City 1898

America was supposed to be the land of opportunity, but it seemed more like a land of hunger and confusion to Inga.

 

Chapter One

Sixteen Years Later

June 1914

The Harbor of New York City

"Have you got any extra work for me?" Inga asked her supervisor at the end of her shift at the wireless office. There was usually extra work in the largest port in America. She earned a respectable salary as a wireless operator, communicating with ships coming and leaving the port, although she was always happy to earn a little more.

Friday 56

Benedict strode over to examine what had Larry so bewildered. It took only a fleeting look into the box to understand. Honestly, sometimes this woman was beyond belief.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

About the Book

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book was a ton of fun! I had a blast reading it! There were several times when I was literally laughing out loud. It wasn’t all fun and games, though. I appreciated that it touched on some serious topics too.

Clara was responsible, serious, and always trying to keep her family out of trouble and free from gossip. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders. I really liked Theodore. He was kind, selfless, and just an all-around good guy. Clara was kinda antagonistic towards Theodore, and while I could completely understand why, I wished that she had trusted him sooner.

I loved Clara’s eccentric family. They were hilarious, but they meant well. I loved how supportive and loving they were, and I especially loved her mother’s menagerie of rescued animals.

The scavenger hunt was a ton of fun and a great experience for Clara. I loved seeing the character growth she experienced on the journey.

This was a great story! My favorite part was the strong message of faith. So inspiring! If you're a fan of whimsical historical fiction, give it a try! I think you’ll love it! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Uneasy Street by Becky Wade

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Uneasy Street by Becky Wade releasing February 14.

About the Book

Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

Once upon a time Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were close friends and business partners. But when their business relationship imploded, so did the friendship.

Now, four years later, Max is a rich CEO. Sloane’s a not-so-rich etiquette expert who returns to Maine to serve as her niece’s temporary guardian and help the girl search for her birth father. Sloane and her niece move into a darling garage apartment but Sloane’s joy in their accommodations soon turns to horror when she realizes their apartment belongs to Max. Thanks to an unbreakable lease, she’s stuck living right next door to him.

Max pulled strings to bring Sloane into his orbit because he needs closure on what went wrong between them. Quickly, though, his scheming comes back to bite him. The world might view him as a cold-hearted rake, but this one woman has dangerous power over his emotions.

They’ll have no choice but to confront their history—and the undeniable spark between them—while living side by side on uneasy street.

Discover witty humor, rich emotion, banter, and charm within the pages of this sweet enemies-to-lovers romance!

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Echo Nova by Clint Hall

About the Book
Dash Keane is about to become the biggest star in history.

As a poor teenager living in the Dregs, Dash Keane can only escape his dismal reality by competing in illegal rooftop races and staying up late to watch the timenet with his younger brother.

When there is an opportunity to participate in a competition set thousands of years in the past, he uses his rooftop racer skills to catch the eye of Mr. Myrtrym, head of entertainment for the massive Dominus Corporation.

It is the chance of a lifetime when Dominus Corp. hires Dash to be a timestar—the focus of his own series in which he must survive some of the most dangerous periods in history, including the Cretaceous period, feudal Japan, the Wild West, and the Golden Age of Piracy.

But when empathy for the people of the past conflicts with the desires of his new employer, he must decide whether the price of fame is worth it, a decision that may cost him everything.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Enclave Publishing / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Time once lost, cannot be regained.

Y’all! This book was so good! There was never a dull moment in this action-packed thrill ride. I was racing through the pages as fast as I could. I was invested in every heart-pounding moment.

The worldbuilding was great. It was so cool! I felt like I was completely immersed in the story. Like I was right there in the middle of things alongside Dash. And I found myself losing track of time while I was reading.

I thought the whole concept of the timestream, timenet, and timestars was really interesting. And the science behind time travel was fascinating. I’ve never heard it explained that way before, but it made perfect sense. And it was really cool seeing all the different time periods that Dash visited.

While Dash was impulsive and a bit stubborn at times, he was an endearing and likeable hero. I loved his tenacity and admired his bravery. I loved the supportive relationship between him and his brother Knox, and I liked seeing the strong bond of friendship between him and Garon.

There were some bumps along the way, which is putting it mildly, but I really enjoyed watching Dash's growth throughout the book. He faced so many tests and trials, but it was captivating following his journey.

I didn’t want this book to end! It was perfectly paced and an absolute blast to read. It wasn’t all fun and games, though, as it delved into some timely topics, which I really appreciated. Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it! Fans of high-stakes science fiction are sure to devour it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Jack (The Minnesota Kingstons #1) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Tropes:

• Second Chance at Love
• Unrequited Love
• Return to hometown
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Secrets
• Boy/Girl Next door
• Kissing only

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Susan May Warren never disappoints! This was a fast-paced, exciting, and romantic start to this new series. I loved it and couldn’t read fast enough!

This was such a great second chance romance! Jack and Harper have history. Something that happened ten years ago derailed a potential romance between the two. They’re thrown back together at his sister Boo’s wedding, who is also her best friend. They end up teaming up to find a member of the wedding party who has disappeared. They had amazing chemistry, and I was rooting so hard for them to be able to work past their issues. They were so good together!

There was a lot of suspense and rising tension. There were several times when I wondered how they would get out of a dangerous situation.

Nobody does epic family stories like Susan May Warren! I love the big family dynamic of the Kingstons. I loved how they were there for one another, no matter what.

I loved seeing some familiar faces from some of Warren’s previous books! It was great catching up with them.

If you’re looking for an inspirational romance full of suspense and intrigue, grab a copy of this book. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next one!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell. This is such a fun story! 

About the Book

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

February 1860
London, England

For Miss Clara Marie Stanton, the task of preventing her family from being committed to an asylum had become as commonplace as it was exhausting.

Friday 56

Dreaming beneath the roof of the Canopy of Stars Hotel was a notion Clara could fathom, but total dependence on another - even the Maker of the heavens - was a thought her mind struggled to comprehend.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Crime of Our Lives by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Take a ride with three of your favorite detectives in this Squeaky Clean, Worst Detective Ever, Lantern Beach crossover novel!

A forensic specialist with a knack for solving puzzles.
A police chief with a witness who just vanished.
And a Hollywood actress who can't seem to stay out of trouble.

Forensic specialist Gabby St. Claire Thomas travels to North Carolina’s Outer Banks to investigate a string of mysterious drownings. But what starts as a simple consultation with local law enforcement quickly spirals into chaos when they run into world-famous actress Joey Darling and her legion of fans.

The distraction allows a witness Lantern Beach Chief Cassidy Chambers is transporting to disappear—along with her car and phone. Now these three very different women team up to find him. As they do, it becomes clear that something sinister is brewing in this beach town.

With their unique combination of forensic expertise, law enforcement experience, and Hollywood connections, this trio might just be the perfect team to crack this case . . . if they can stay alive long enough to solve it.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book is a dream come true for fans of Christy Barritt. Heroines from three of her most popular series team up together in an action-packed, laugh-out-loud mystery.

The chapters alternate between being told by Gabby, Cassidy, and Joey. I loved how distinctive each character's voice was. There was no mistaking which one of them was narrating the chapter.

The mystery was really good. There was a lot going on and multiple suspects, which meant there was never a dull moment. The excitement, intrigue, and danger kept building until the nail-biting conclusion.

I think this book can stand alone just fine, although you might enjoy it more if you’re already familiar with the characters. There was a fun nostalgia to it for me, seeing some of my favorite crime-fighting characters team up and use their unique skills to help solve the crime and catch the bad guys.

I would love to see more books with this team! This was a ton of fun!

FIVE STARS