A Bookish Life In AK

“Written in Secret” by Crystal Caudill review and a life update

Wow, it’s March already? When did that happen? I meant to post more often but life has been busy here on my little island. I fell into a bit of a reading slump but I’m back up and reading again. I went and found a favorite that I have read before and reread it to spark that joy. What do you do when you just don’t know what to read?

I have also quit my job with the college here so I can have more time to write this blog, work on a few other writing projects and possibly start a podcast for this blog as well. More to come on that later. 🙂

Written In Secret Review

I have a few book reviews to post but today’s post is for “Written in Secret.”

I have interviewed Crystal Caudill before on here before about her book, “Counterfeit Faith” back when I started this blog. Well, now I got to be an ARC, advance reader copy, reviewer for her newest book, “Written in Secret.” I could not put it down! I blame my new found love of the gilded age on Crystal and her Counterfeit series. Similar to the Counterfeit series, “Written in Secret” takes place in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1880. Lydia Pelton is a dime novel romance author and the actual writer of the E.A. Dupin detective novels. Her and her friend Theresa Plane get arrested for trying to kidnap and three-legged goat from an unsavory circus manager. Detective Abraham Darcy is the officer that takes them in to custody and works to get the girls’ charges dropped due to Lydia’s father’s standing with the mayor.

When murders start happening in Cincinnati that Lydia wrote about as E.A. Dupin the city goes on a manhunt for him, not realizing that E.A. Dupin is her pseudonym and she has nothing to do with the murders. Detective Darcy is put on the case and Lydia helps him find out who is behind the murders. While working together they come to find out that they are a pretty good team.

There’s romance, murder, mystery and Christian elements throughout the entire story. Detective Darcy is brave and protective and Lydia is smart and courageous and I absolutely love them. This is the first in a new series called “The Art of Love & Danger” and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. A definite 5 star read!

February Reads

I started February off with 2 of my all-time favorite Sweet authors, Anne Kemp and Kristine W. Joy and their two newest books, “Faking the Face Off” and “The Valentine’s Bet.”

Thanks to last year’s Hockey Series, “Love on Thin Ice” I am a sucker for hockey romances now. And I will always read Anne Kemp’s books, she is such a great writer and writes the best characters. Her newest book does not disappoint. Friends to more, fake dating, and a cinnamon roll hero. Ollie needs a girlfriend to boost his image and who better ask than Anna, his best friend. Anna needs to help her dad. Sparks fly but does Anna feel the same way about Ollie? IT was such a sweet and lovely book. 4 stars

“The Valentine Bet” by Kristine W. Joy is a spin off of her “Cinnamon Rolls & Pumpkin Spice” series book “The Friendly Fall.” Eliza’s best friend Amy has just moved New York City right after Christmas and is questioning her decision. Eliza challenges her to go to a New YEar’s Eve Speed Dating party just to do something and get out of her apartment. Parker does not believe in love and has no idea why he’s at the same party.Amy bets Parker that she can find a boyfriend by Valentine’s day. Parker ends up rescuing her and showing Amy his caring side and causing her to swoon whenever he’s around. Kristine’s main male characters are such great guys and her female characters are so wonderful, I love reading her books. 4 stars

A new to me author, Alana Highbury, came out with “Austen Inspired” this winter. If you like Jane Austen adaptations you will like this one. Vivian loves Pride and Prejudice and is looking for her Mr. Darcy. While working from home for a publishing company she decides to write her own Pride & Prejudice retake. At a party she meets Gregory, an arrogant publishing exec who acts just like Vivian thinks her Mr. Darcy would, or does he? Meanwhile, her best friend Jack is there for her the entire time. I really liked Vivian’s and Jack’s relationship throughout the book. Overall a very sweet read, a few red flags but when isn’t there when you’re blind to your crush. I’m definitely going to be reading more of her books. 4 stars

Next post will be Gabrielle Landi’s Beauty and the Beast adaptation, “Once Upon a Rose.” A Cursed prince, a reluctant librarian and a baby dragon? I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Love and Prayers, Becky