Book Review - Resurrection Men by T.K. Welsh

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 In the 1830s, twelve-year-old Victor is an orphan in a cold and dangerous world. Death by disease and accidents are common. However, to Mr. Tipple and Mr. Biggs, a death of a child is a commodity that can fetch a high price. While a fresh specimen can fetch an even higher price. Victor must uncover who is behind the body snatching before it is too late. Will Victor be able to figure out who the murderer is?

I originally picked up this book based on the glossy black and red cover. I thought the novel was going to have a stronger focus on "Resurrection Men" but, the novel seems to be more about Victor's life. I thought it was interesting that the author based a book on a historical occurrence that isn't well known (at least to me). I would have enjoyed if they novel had included background information on the historical topic. Overall, a decent book but, it left me wanting more.

Book Review - Pretty Jane and the Viper of Kidbrooke Lane by Paul Thomas Murphy

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A haunting tale of a woman who was found brutalized beyond recognition and the journey of finding her killer.  The woman was found on the verge of death, crying out "let me die" before slipping into a coma and perishing five days later. However, her identity is unknown along with the motive and her murderer.  After top lead detective, John Mulvany was on the case, they were able to establish her identity. Jane Maria Clouson was a maid for the prestigious Pook family and she was also two months pregnant by the younger son, Edmund. The tantalizing tale takes readers into the vivid investigation of the violent murder of one girl of London's working class.

The novel uses many primary sources to piece together vivid portrayal of the murder investigation. While the tale was elegantly woven, I personally lost interest after a few chapters. The book became tedious and boring to read. Perhaps, I missed subtle references but the author bought up a couple of unrelated stories that seemed to have no correlation to the Pretty Jane trial. The author also at the end sum up the evidence made present during the trial on why they believe the suspect was killer. For all I cared, it could have been Santa Claus but it wouldn't have made this book more interesting.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected eBook for my honest opinion* 

Book Review - The Confessions of X by Suzanne M. Wolfe

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** May Contain Spoilers **

The poor daughter of a  mosaic layer, she was destined for a live of poverty. When her father passed, she moves in with her aunt and uncle who hopes for a better life for her. She comes across Augustine a brilliant scholar, who she falls in love with. While Augustine was born in a higher social class it seems their love was doom from the beginning. Will their love be strong enough to keep them together?

The beautifully crafted novel shows how two people who are in madly in love with each other try to fight the odds for their love for each other. Her story may have been forgotten in time but her love for her husband and child would stand through test of time. A bittersweet tale of putting your love for someone above yourself and watching everything you have become lost. (P.S. Read with a box of tissues nearby because you will find yourself crying and ask "How can one person bear so much?")

-Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book for my honest opinion-

Book Review - Harvest of Rubies (Harvest of Rubies, #1) by Tessa Afshar

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A woman who speaks, reads and write multiple languages, manages complex accounts along with solving mysteries -- that's completely unheard of! Thanks to the counsel of her cousin Nehemiah, Sarah was able to work as a senior scribe for the Queen. Sarah has a knack for picking up every nuances and elegances of the written word. However, how great Sarah is with the written word -- she still struggles with the spoken word.  Known for her inability to filter the truth; Sarah can't help always getting herself in trouble especially in a male dominated world.

In exchange for helping the Queen, Sarah is engaged to an admired and wealthy noble that is used to having his way. With two different worlds clashing, will the couple be able to survive the differences? Sarah who has lost her faith in God and constantly feels unloved, insufficient, and alone while Darius has his own demons. The story entwines a love story with believing in God and faith. The book moves very quickly in the beginning but I feel like the ending was a bit drawn out.  I believe, this was because to lead into the next book. A good and touching story for everyone who ever felt alone to know that there is someone always out there who does care for you.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion**

Book Review - Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

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The historical romance novel is set in Britain around WWI. The story's two main characters, the beautiful and enchanting Grace Mabry and heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, Jack Benningham, meet when the war efforts are spreading across the country. Grace, the inspiring suffragette is willing all able body men to join the cause while Jack publicly has shown no interesting in fighting and rather spend his time doing questionable things.

The pair meet at a ball when Grace hands Jack a white feather to shame him into joining the the battle. Shortly, after her stunt Grace has two options -- she is either sent to work or sent to her aunt where she will be married off to her father's protege. Not one to marry without love, Grace enters the women workforce where she meets a mysterious man with a metal mask. Intrigue and curiosity with her innate desire to be a writer fuels Grace to learn more.  Little does she know if their two paths cross, it could mean life or death.

The story at first was very slow but gradually picks up. Towards the midpoint of the book, I found it hard to put the book down. The way Jack and Grace's faith and life are intertwined was truly mesmerizing especially the part for forgiveness. Can you forgive an enemy if means being with the one you love?


*Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book for my honest opinion*