Review: “Above the Bay of Angels” by Rhys Bowen

Just about any book written by Rhys Bowen will be a winner. Ms. Bowen’s voice and style of writing transcend the periods that she sets her novels.

Her latest novel, Above the Bay of Angels, is no different in that regard. From the beginning, you feel you are in Victorian England. The sights and smells are vivid. And the protagonist’s trials are at once believable, for they could happen in today’s time with only a slight difference. Being a single woman and making your way in the world has never been easy.

While reading, you find yourself rooting for the heroine. And wondering how will she proceed. Though that is normal in any book you read with ‘Above the Bay of Angels’, it is a bit different. Being a bit different is one of the points in this novel. Once you read it, you will see as I do not want to say more for fear of saying too much and spoiling the book.

For all that I enjoyed the book, I found it a tad slow to develop the storyline. At times, I wasn’t sure where the heroine was going. And one of the main villains was not well used in my opinion. So I was not as impressed as I usually am with this book of Ms. Bowen’s.

Read for the scenery, the environment, the historical details. You will find yourself there, enjoying the landscape in every way.

Recommended: 4 stars

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Book Review: The Blue Bonnet Betrayal by Marty Wingate

The Bluebonnet Betrayal is the second book I have read by Ms. Wingate. I can tell you she only gets better in my opinion.

Pru is delightful as ever and she is a trooper. She and Christopher have a deep relationship and one I think many people would envy.

The Bluebonnet Betrayal puts a little bit of Texas in England and with surprising results that just seems work well. The intrigue of the plot plus the whole mystery of the renown flower show itself makes the book worth a read. Yet having Pru be herself and take us on London journey.

I will certainly be reading more books by Ms. Wingate.

Book Review: “Brighton Belle” by Sara Sheridan

This book captivated me. There is just no other way to say it. I was and am quite taken by the Belle. By about 20% of the book I had become immersed in the story. Then I was always reading, and I could not set the book down.
Belle is not your average woman from the post-World War II era. She is surprising on many levels. There were twists and turns that I do not even think Belle knew coming.
Read this book and you will thank me later. I will most assuredly be reading more books by Ms. Sheridan and I know you will too after you read about Brighton Belle.

Book Review: “The Skeleton Garden: A Potting Shed Mystery” by Marty Wingate

“The Skeleton Garden” captivated me. It seemed as if every character spoke to me. I could feel their happiness and their pain whether it was recent or over fifty years ago. Ms. Wingate made each character real in their right.

Pru moved to England and felt like a fish out of her depths in the large home. What kept her from being completely overwhelmed was the gardens and the work she did in them. Therein is where the story takes you on a ride through time.

Being kind and persistent allows Pru to move through every obstacle where many people would have stopped. That is only one reason Pru made her way into my heart. Another reason is, she kept true to herself. But I will say no more, read for yourself.

I will certainly recommend “the Skeleton Garden” to my Cozy Mystery book group. They will love it, I am sure. I will also read the previous three books in the series as this book is the fourth.