Out of Egypt

Kiya, a beautiful young Egyptian woman has everything— riches, a handsome fiancé, social status. Through a sudden twist of fate she finds herself enslaved and scorned. Her only friend is a fellow slave, Shira, who is Hebrew.  When plagues ravage Egypt, Kiya is told of a plan to gain her freedom. She must leave with Shira and her family and follow their leader, Moses, into the desert away from Egypt. Kiya, her mother and brother join the exodus. She must leave behind all her beliefs and her way of life. She has chosen a path, but is it the right one? Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette is a unique Biblical fiction. She gives the reader a glimpse of ancient life through the eyes of a reluctant wanderer. DB

If the Earl Only Knew

If the Earl Only Knew has a delightful start to what looks to be an incredible series. There are so many wonderful characters in this book, it's hard to decide who to like. The story itself has a different feel to it than a typical historical romance. But there is plenty of action, suspense, romance, and family relationships.

The main character, Lady Katherine was definitely a kind of lady that's not afraid to express her opinions. As children, Kate and her brother are orphaned and taken to debtor's prison for their father's debts. When they're released, they find ways to take care of themselves.

John, is another character who proved that beneath the polished charm is a man of honor, strength, and action. He was somewhat arrogant before taking the title of Earl of Wynbrook, but his responsibilities slowly changed him to be more likable. *JK*

Moving Forward

What happens when you have lost everything? That’s what happens to Diane, a shopkeeper in Paris. She runs a literary café with her loving, but flighty friend Felix. Life is wonderful when a sudden accident claims the lives of Diane’s husband and her young daughter. She is completely lost. After a year of grieving she decides to go to Ireland. Maybe a change will do her some good.  Happy People Read and Drink Coffee by Agnes Martin-Lugand is a story about coming back to life. The characters are sensitive and familiar. The good news is that a sequel is coming out next year. DB

Cold Case in Cornwall

When Sadie Sparrow, a young English police detective takes leave from her job, she visits her grandfather in Cornwall. He suggests she take the dogs out for a run through the woods. Sadie sees an old abandoned estate that she soon discovers is shrouded in mystery. Loeanneth—The Lake House, belonged to the Edevane family. One summer, during a huge lavish party,  young Theo Edevane disappeared. Sadie is intrigued by the seventy year-old cold case. She finds Alice Edevane, now a famous crime writer, still alive and living in London. Sadie writes to Alice, hoping to get permission to search the grounds for hidden clues to the crime. The Lake House by Kate Morton is a complex mystery with several story lines. It is the story of a family over three generations, full of secrets, promises, and mistaken beliefs. Fascinating! DB  

A Summer to Remember

A Summer to Remember is a feel-good romance that will touch your heart and stir your sense of hope that hurt doesn't have to last forever. This is a romance story that will make you laugh, cry and believe in hope. Author Marilyn Pappano puts her characters in true life situations giving them realistic hardships many of us face daily. The story has a touch of humor, lots of love and friendship and a good measure of hope for a well-rounded story you don't want to miss.

The characters are also well developed, likable and so realistic they could be your neighbors down the street. Pappano doesn't seem to sugar coat the fears, anxieties and loss military families face daily, along with their everyday problems. She adds in a good mix of strength and determination with a respectable support group. *JK*