Author: ourbookconfessions

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance, Spymance

Series of Investments

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Do you like series’ or stand-alones? I love it when an author creates a world that I can invest in and stay awhile. I love getting to know side characters as main characters. I love immersing myself in a setting for a book or two or five. There are a lot of authors that are really good at this, these are just two of the worlds we’ve loved visiting lately.

The Ears Have It by Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly’s writing just makes me happy, plain and simple. She builds beautiful friendships that bloom into deep and meaningful relationships. I love the mutual respect she writes into her characters and the strength in both the heroine and her hero.

This story was so well written. The only thing that pulled me out of the story was my shocking lack of being able to use my 8th grade Spanish to translate. Having to google translate to get to the meat of the story pulled me out a time or two, but then I was right back with them, loving the insight the well-placed Spanish words added to the story.

I was reading way into the night, turning pages every chance I got and hanging on to every word. She can get a little sugary at times, but only the best ways. I will never tire of the way she pulls in little mysteries, her unique stories or her fascinating characters. –NC

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

The Innkeeper and the Fugitive by Martha Keyes

Martha Keyes writes such beautiful words. There was a time of two while reading that I thought, I’ve never heard it described like that. Or, I’ve never heard it phrased so beautifully. In short, Martha knows how to engage and delight a reader with her words.

This book was so sweet, I love when there are happy endings all around. The story line was compelling and yet not drama filled. I loved the characters. Though so many characters in this book were flawed, they didn’t become additional bad guys. We didn’t necessarily need any more people to match our loathing for Angus.

The resolution was really well done, especially between Ava and Andrew. Everything was handled so well and delivered was a shiny bow of satisfaction on top.

Glenna’s story was exactly what I was hoping for next, but not sure if I can wait a whole half a year for it! That’s how invested I am in the highlands. I’m loving this series! –MV

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance

I love the Seaside and a Giveaway

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We’re planning a trip to the seaside this coming fall and A Seaside Summer from The Timeless Regency Collection was perfect for getting me excited about it. This collection did not only that, but it made me smile, it warmed my heart and left me loving every single one of the characters.

It’s not often that I adore every story in the Timeless Collections, but this one I did. Each author brought depth and dimension to their characters. Each story had swoon worthy moments and heart warming scenes. All of the stories are worthy of being re-read over and over.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

The New Countess by Josi S. Kilpack


Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal.

Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. Until she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.


Mishaps and Memories by Martha Keyes

Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman.

Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to.

But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.


Moonlight Summer by Heather B. Moore


Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way.

Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

GIVEAWAY

Mirror Press is pleased to offer one digital copy of any of the 16 previous books in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection to one unique winner at EACH stop on the tour. That’s 27 chances to win!

To qualify, please leave a comment with this blog post before 11:59pm, September 26, 2021. Visit each stop on the tour and leave a comment to increase your chance to win a book.

This contest is open internationally. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announced on each blog on September 27, 2021. The winner must claim their prize before October 04, 2021. Good luck to all!

TOUR SCHEDULE
Aug 23 Austenprose (Review)
Aug 24 My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)
Aug 24 Getting Your Read On (Review)
Aug 25 The Bibliophile Files (Review)
Aug 26 Heidi Reads (Review)
Aug 27 Our Book Confessions (You’re HERE)
Aug 30 The Lit Bitch (Spotlight)
Aug 30 Wishful Endings (Review)
Sept 01 The Book Diva Reads (Spotlight) Sept 01 Rosanne E. Lortz (Review)
Sept 02 Laura’s Reviews (Review)
Sept 04 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Excerpt)
Sept 07 Probably at the Library (Review)
Sept 08 Gwendalyn’s Books (Review)
Sept 09 Books and Socks Rock (Spotlight)
Sept 10 Christian Chick’s Thoughts (Review)
Sept 11 Storeybook Reviews (Excerpt)
Sept 13 From Pemberley to Milton (Review)
Sept 13 My Bookish Bliss (Review)
Sept 14 Bookworm Lisa (Review)
Sept 15 Relz Reviewz (Spotlight)
Sept 15 Reading with Emily (Review)
Sept 16 Lu Reviews Books (Review)
Sept 17 Greenish Bookshelf (Spotlight)
Sept 17 Austenesque Reviews (Review)
Sept 17 Bringing Up Books (Review)
Sept 18 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)
Sept 19 Eli’s Novel Reviews (Review)

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Victorian

Connecting

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Song of Salzburg by Jen Geigle Johnson

“When talented violinist Freya Winter is chosen to take part in a musical celebration alongside some of the best instrumentalists in the world, she is thrilled. Performing in front of royalty is a breathtaking opportunity, but her true motivation for traveling to Salzburg is to fulfill an unlikely dream: to meet and train under the renowned Salzburg Maestro, a master musician shrouded in mystery. 


Freya travels aboard the Orient Express to practice with the newly formed orchestra in Salzburg, and nothing can distract her–not her mother’s illness, nor her father’s domineering ways; however, when a handsome passenger becomes a regular fixture on her journeys, Freya feels her focus blurring. Conversation with Erich is easy, and their shared love of music draws them undeniably closer. But even as they open their hearts to each other, the harsh realities of her family life intrude on the future she’s envisioned, and Freya feels her dreams slipping through her fingers, threatening to rob her of everything she cherishes most.“

At it’s very heart this story is about connections. Knowing Jen Geigle Johnson in the small way that I do, it comes as no surprise to me that a woman who excels at cultivating meaningful connections with readers and writers alike would be able to cultivate such a beautiful story about connecting.

Freya is determined and unique. It is a common trope to have a strong female character try and grapple with her place in historical fiction when women were not often lauded for their independence and intellect.

As a woman I love to read about women who found their way in that world and made their voice heard. However commonly it is done. Freya is a delightful surprise and incredibly well written. She is vulnerable and unsure in social situations, she is not outspoken or confident. Yet, she is determined to be heard, in her own way. She yearns to connect with others, but is more comfortable expressing that connection through her music. She was an incredibly complex, wonderfully written character that Jen made it easy to connect with.

Erich on the other hand was a gratifying mystery. Jen gave us just enough crumbs to guess where she was leading us while still keeping the intrigue of his character. Erich’s apparent passion to connect is not dampened by his mystery, but heightened by it. Jen writes their relationship in such a stunning way that each additional layer makes you both smile with content and anxious to turn the page for what happens next.

It wasn’t just Erich and Freya’s connection that made this novel beautiful, but the many other people she met on her way that said I see you, you have value. And those that Freya was able to do that for in return made this more than just a victorian romance. Those moments big and small so well written by Jen made for an extraordinary story of seeing the value in each other and rejoicing in it. Something Jen is an expert at herself.

Jen is constantly teaching me through her historical details and the moments she gives her characters to grow, I adore her stories. I have to admit the only thing I was disappointed in was not getting Nicholas’ backstory. Please tell me we get to learn more about this mystical matchmaker!

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Head on over to our Instagram account to be apart of the Instagram Tour for this fabulous book and enter the Giveaway associated with it!

Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance, Regency Romance

A Review/Giveaway of Sorts

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An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker

Much to her mother’s dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father’s approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms. 

Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would ever choose—that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne’s plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.

This is a debut novel for Alene. She give a realistic view of someone firmly in the middle, but not content to be there.

Her characters were a little more fluid and less defined, but she had very clever dialogue.

Though there were a few character inconsistencies, I thought Alene did an incredible job of showing the difference between naivety and cleverness. I loved that Alene showed Anne’s unique cleverness, while still possessing the naivety of one who had not spent time in society, it was really well done.

I loved the overall relationship between Thomas and Anne. Their banter and pining was a fun part of the story. The story line left me intrigued and reading, but not quite enchanted. Alene has incredible potential and I’m really looking forward to what comes next from her, especially if we get a story about the colonel.

**** Low Language, Moderate Romance (trigger warning: the book does have a scene of sexual assualt, it doesn’t progress towards rape, but the moment is something Anne grapples with throughout the book), Low Violence, Low Religion

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Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Mystery, Victorian

Heroes Come in Many Forms

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I always think I can’t love Sarah Eden‘s books any more than I already do. The Merchant and the Rogue released yesterday, and I just have to say, I’m blown away by this book.

Vera Sorokina loves reading the penny dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a penny dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister.

When Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at Vera’s print shop is aboveboard. When a growing criminal enterprise begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.

This story deserves all the praise! A lot of books are easily categorized. This book does all the things, romance, family, mystery, suspense, history. And does every one of them well.

I loved Vera and Brogan brilliant banter. Sarah’s wit is often more subtle. Which is harder to pull off, but more rewarding on the reader. I loved that their characters both complimented and pushed each other. Her character’s vulnerabilities and growth is always an impressive emotional journey for them and us.

Moirin and Brogan’s relationship was no less fulfilling. Their sibling love and teasing was genuine and deep. Sarah’s characters resonate and stick with you. I’ve heard more than one person hope that Moirin gets her own story. We can’t let these characters go because Sarah writes them in such a way that they become real to the reader.

Sarah is predominantly a romance writer, and she does it well. I’m coming to see that she’s also an accomplished mystery/suspense writer. I was decidedly creeped out on more than one occasion. The Dead Zoo people! I was captivated that she could not only write three stories in a story, but those stories could also reflect the story line in such a way that all three stories pull you through the plot and set the stage for what is to come. It’s a way of writing that creates something unbelievably delightful.

I loved the little historic details she inserted, tidbits that deepened not only the story line, but my appreciation for what the characters were experiencing and the world they inhabit. Add to that her fascinating descriptions and this series is no less than genius. The independent voices, the push and pull of tension. It really is an extraordinary read.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Low Religion

There is a special offer of a fabulous swag bag for readers who purchase a copy of The Merchant and the Rogue during the first week of publication! You must purchase your copy the week of publication. No preorders will qualify.

Everyone who submits a copy of their receipt and fills out the form during the week of August 15-22 will receive The Merchant and the Rogue – Swag Bundle. Supplies are limited. Visit the Swag Bundle webpage for details.

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Religion

Choosing to Love

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An arranged marriage was never what Callum Darrington, future Duke of Edinbane, imagined for himself. But with the well-being of his uncle’s family hanging in the balance, Callum strikes a bargain with his father and reluctantly agrees to tie himself to a stranger. The reality of the lovely Lady Katherine is more than he could have hoped for, and their wedding heralds a bright new future for the couple—until Callum discovers his father deliberately deceived him. Callum lashes out, setting in motion heartbreak not even he could have foreseen.

Four years later, Callum is ready to piece together the marriage he so carelessly destroyed. But their years apart have hardened Kate: she is not the naive and trusting young woman she once was, and she has no intention of allowing Callum a foothold in her life or her heart. Despite her coldness, Callum works to regain her trust and rebuild their marriage, not realizing Kate harbors a secret that could change everything—and this time, there is much more at stake than just her heart.

I love reading. I love it for it’s escapism, for the thrills in a well derived plot and for the emotions evolved from a expertly crafted character.

You know what I love most of all though. An author that uses their story to say, I see you, and my story validates who you are what you’ve experienced.

Heidi Kimball excels at that. Heart in the Highlands is an emotionally driven story that touches the soul.

Beyond the technical expertise, which is impressive. For instance, her shifts in point of view is not stated outright, or obvious, and yet the transition is both believable and apparent.

The emotion seeps from the pages. Heidi handled the blame, the guilt and the shifting of responsibilities in such a human genuine way, you felt both character’s pain.

The character development was absolutely incredible. Heidi was able to take two people so vulnerable and hopeful, then truly break them. She beautifully made you ache for and understand, Callum and Kate.

Then she built them back up in a way that was both real and touching. Callum’s teasing was aptly placed for the ebb and flow of tension. Their exchanging journal pages and artistry helped bridge the time and space while deepening both their characters and their connection.

It was an absolutely stunning portrayal of learning to forgive and choosing to love, while validating every person who has ever feared to do either. This was a phenomenal read that I would recommend again and again.

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (Kate and Callum do get married at the beginning of the book, and it’s no secret that the marriage is consummated, but it’s handled in a beautiful and delicate way and I wouldn’t have any problems recommending the book to anyone.) Low Violence, Low Religion

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Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence

Tales from the Highlands

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Do you want to know who is consistantly a Five Star Read for us? Martha Keyes. These two books make the second and third Martha Keyes books we’ve read this year, and all three of them have been five star reads. Martha’s writing is not only clever and witty, but also intelligent. And yes, those are all different things.

Her most recent series entitled, Tales from the Highlands is fantastic.

The Widow and the Highlander.

She needs to be protected. He’ll take on the job…for a price.

Christina MacKinnon is secretly relieved to be a widow. She is equally desperate to distance herself from the clan of her dead husband, but as the heir to his estate—one she needs in order to support her siblings—she must first stave off both the advances and threats of the man next in line to inherit. It seems the only person she can turn to is a nearby stranger who seems inclined to help her. But he has a request….

Freshly returned from the war, Lachlan Kincaid has one aim: to see justice served to the MacKinnons for betraying his family years ago and depriving him of his inheritance. While biding his time at a nearby inn, he discovers the death of the MacKinnon laird—whose widow has inherited everything. The way to accomplish his goal is becoming more evident, but the path is murkier than he could have foreseen.

As Christina’s and Lachlan’s lives intersect, it becomes clear that their separate aims may well only be achievable if they join forces. But to do so is to court more danger, and it requires a sacrifice Christina isn’t sure she’s prepared to make.

One of our favorite things about this story, was it’s unique plot. The story line was different than anything we’ve read before and we loved it. The tension was well done with an incredibly sweet ending. –MV

***** Low Language, Low Romance (there is a moment of attempted rape, but it’s not descriptive and it is stopped before it starts), Low Violence, Low Religion

The Enemy and Miss Innes

All that stands between him and freedom? Turning her hatred to love.

Elizabeth Innes has a tongue too sharp for her own good, and she is never more ready to employ it than when faced with the MacKinnons. With just one piece of evidence connecting their clan to a near-deadly attack, she is determined to prove the laird guilty and see him brought to justice. So, when chance throws her in the company of one of the MacKinnon men, she resolves to take advantage of the opportunity to glean more information.

Malcolm MacKinnon has long lived under the thumb of his cousin and laird, Angus, who keeps a secret with the power to ruin him. With his mother and siblings entirely dependent upon Angus’s capricious generosity, he cannot afford to offend his cousin. When Angus proposes a way for him to finally be free of his shackles, Malcolm is more than ready to oblige. All he must do is help Angus seek revenge upon the rival, neighboring clan. The way to do it? Gain the trust—and love—of one of their young women.

As Malcolm and Elizabeth pursue their goals, they find their tasks much more difficult than anticipated, with challenges to their loyalties at every turn. Both must decide how far they are willing to go for revenge—and love.

This was by far one of my favorite enemies to lovers stories. A little of a Romeo and Juliet feel, without the dying, and so well balanced. Martha did an amazing job adding humor throughout. I smiled through the whole book and I loved every second of it. It may seem cliché, but it really was so cute. -MV

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence (there is a bit of violence, but it’s not descriptive and not enough to bump it up), Low Religion.

Fairy Tale Re-tellings, Low Language, Moderate Romance, Moderate Violence, Three Stars, Young Adult

Now I’m the Bad Guy

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I’m not sure that I have a favorite genre, I mean romance…obviously. But that’s more of an umbrella that encompasses so many other genres. One of my favorites however, is fairytales. I love that they take me to an entirely different reality. I love the magic and the happily ever afters.

I love watching how authors take classic fairy tales and make them their own. When I was sent an copy of Laura Burton and Jessie Cal’s Red Arrows, knowing it was a reimagined fairy tale, I was all onboard. When I found out it was book 2, I of course, started at the beginning.

Queen of Snow by Laura Burton and Jessi Cal

I was instantly excited from book one when I realized there was some dimension traveling, a person out of their town time always adds a fun dimension (pun intended). The book was written with incredible suspense and great character development.

Though this story was obviously about the Snow Queen (and can I tell you how much I loved the different portions and variations of the fairy tale they drew upon), it wasn’t just her story. The authors intertwine side characters of various other fairy tales in an unpredictable fashion. I loved the surprises thrown at the reader.

The authors had a really interesting pull between our fate being inescapable and something we create ourselves. This underlying theme added an interesting depth to the classic stories that I really enjoyed. And then I read the ending. The ending was one more surprise that while I think could have been amazing, I wasn’t sold on.

Only because of the previous build up of fate and choices. I had felt like the story was building to strong characters breaking a mold and building their own stories, then the surprise ending seemed to pull that away. I had no problems with the plot twist, the motivation however, didn’t seem well developed. I was intrigued enough however, to immediately pick up book 2.

*** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence (fairytale/fantasy fighting)

Red Arrows

I was impressed again with the authors use of different variations of the fairy tales and how they blended them together. The story was all together fresh with just the right amount of nods to the originals. I also really love their use of the unexpected. The story was in no way predictable, regardless of going in knowing the fairy tales. That’s really hard to do with re-tellings.

This story walked a different line than the first. The first book felt very much like K.M. Shea or Melanie Cellier’s fairy tales in their target audience and their romance levels. This one however, was a little steamier. The content never made me uncomfortable, but it is more adult than the first book.

The authors did a fantastic job in their world building, and of developing Red’s motivation. While I I didn’t think the motivation had been built right in the ending of the first book, it has added a fun over arching story line that I am now wholly invested it. Am I going to read the rest of the series, you bet! Will I recommend it to my young adult nieces, probably not.

*** Low Language, Moderate Romance (They are interrupted in the process of what was getting dangerously close to having sex, there’s nothing visually explicit, but the thoughts are there.), Moderate Violence

The Third Book Beastly Secrets was just release last week and they’re all available through KU.

Four Stars, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance

For Love of Country

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It recently being Independence Day here in the United States, my mind has been full of gratitude for the freedoms I enjoy. There is a lot wrong with the government, but there’s a lot wrong with every government. As crazy as things have been through out the world for the last eighteen months, I am proud to be an American. However, I think I would feel just the same if I was English or French or Italian. There is a degree of love for our country in all of us.

Sally’s latest regency romance had a little more political leanings in it, owing to the fact that one of the main characters is an ambassador.

Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?

Emma’s role as companion for Lady Josephine I felt was left ambiguous through a lot of the story. There was a time or two where questions about her exact position pulled me out of the story just a bit. After finishing the novel, and understanding the complexities of Emma’s position and why it had become such it all makes sense in context of the character and the story. While in the middle of the story however it did add confusion a time or two that I felt was maybe unnecessary.

Regardless of her unclear background, Emma was a fabulous character. Sally wrote her and Luca’s relationship so well. I was incredibly impressed with how Sally balanced Emma’s feelings of loyalty to the duke’s family and Luca’s loyalty to his country with their budding friendship. There feelings were portrayed in a real and genuine way that felt natural for the time and the characters.

I loved the pieces of both, Italian heritage and history, and the conflict between the English and the French that Sally brought into the novel. I felt like her understanding of the events and situations of the time enhanced the novel and enriched the relationships. That pasta scene guys, so good!

I must admit that Lady Josephine drove me just a bit batty. However, the reason she did, was because she was so wonderfully written. She had such a distinct voice and personality. I know that Sally is going to make me fall in love with her in the next novel, and am already rooting for her and Andrew.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

Four Stars, Giveaway, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Religion, Moderate Violence, Time Travel

’bout Time

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Times Dagger by Margot Hovley

After a rough stint at work in the ER, Dillon Kelly is more than a little ready for a vacation when he packs his bags and sets off on a camping trip in the wilds of Ireland. But when a mysterious dagger covered in druidic markings appears in his backpack, Dillon finds himself hurtled into the fourteenth century.

Ailish has always dreamed of being a bard, but there’s just one problem: women aren’t allowed. Determined to follow her heart, Ailish has fooled everyone into thinking she’s a boy—everyone, that is, except for Dillon. He’s agreed to keep her secret in exchange for her help in finding his way home to his own time. Despite the impossible barriers between them, feelings beyond friendship soon blossom. But more than just their budding romance is in danger. Ailish isn’t the only one who recognizes the dagger’s druidic significance, and there are those who would stop at nothing to harness its time-bending powers.

Margot wrote the time travel really well. The different dialects (ancient and modern) were distinct and the reactions believable.

Her timing in her writing was written just as well. Her wit was spot on and helped the blend of suspense and humor. I also loved that she started the attraction early, but had the romance slowly build. It gave a good balance between the building suspense of the plot and the sweetness of the romance.

I loved how Margot wrote all her characters with the potential for both good and bad. It gave the characters depth and kept you guessing at intentions. Her foreshadowing dropped you just enough clues to keep you guessing, but not enough to give away true intentions.

The druidic parts of the story made this a unique historical fiction. It was almost like word-building with so many aspects of this history unfamiliar. Margot did a good job of pulling the reader in to this foreign time through Dillon’s eyes.

The end of the novel left me just a little curious. I would have expected their experiences together to have made them stronger and more confident in themselves and each other. However, the last few paragraphs left me wondering if Ailish would survive in modern times and if Dillion really trusted her with his heart. The ending felt more of like a question mark than a statement.

Hopefully that means we’ll get to see more from these characters as I really did enjoy Margot’s writing and the overall story as a whole.

**** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence

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