The Surprising Legacy of a Serial Killer | Review of The Progeny

About the Book

New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee brings a modern twist to an ancient mystery surrounding the most notorious female serial killer of all time. A fast-paced thriller for fans of Ted Dekker’s The Books of Mortals, Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, and BBC America’s hit series Orphan Black.

Emily Jacobs is the descendant of a serial killer. Now, she’s become the hunted.

She’s on a quest that will take her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders—one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save.

Filled with adrenaline, romance, and reversals, The Progeny is the present-day saga of a 400-year-old war between the uncanny descendants of “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her descendants. A story about the search for self filled with centuries-old intrigues against the backdrop of atrocity and hope.

Releases May 24, 2016!

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My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Um, wow!! The Progeny is an engrossing read with a touch of history and a whole lotta twists and turns.

This book prompted me to do a quick search of Elizabeth Bathory online, and talk about super creepy and tragic stories surrounding her life and legacy. The Progeny tosses around the idea of whether or not the accusations are completely true, but if they are...the implications are incredibly disturbing.

Fast forward to the fictional world of Emily Jacobs, a girl who chose to have her memory erased—and now she doesn't know why. If only the past she purposely forgot didn't catch up to her in the form of two men with questionable motives.

And now she's on the run from a threat she can't remember.

Thus begins an interesting, fast-paced, often surprising ride. I loved how a character would seem one way and then turn out to be another...and then turn out to be something else entirely. It's a lot of fun to read a story that keeps you guessing all the way through.

Unfortunately, as this is the first in a series, there are still plenty of unanswered questions and a lot left unresolved. Warning: This is definitely not a stand-alone. And I'm left with uncertainty as to how I feel about all the revelations and the dilemmas yet to be solved.

But there are some great lines and questions raised, and fans of dark, suspenseful (but not over-the-top disturbing), YA-style fiction should find this a fascinating start to the Descendants of the House of Bathory series.

*With thanks to NetGalley and Howard Books for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

About the Book (from the author's website)

Years ago, the body of Oliver Croft, heir of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor, was found drowned in the River Coln. Authorities searched for answers, but no one was ever held responsible for Oliver's death…

Libby Doyle, a free spirit who spends much of her time dancing with the butterflies in Ladenbrooke’s gardens, has captivated Oliver Croft’s heart. But after Oliver drowns, Libby also vanishes, and her parents, Walter and Maggie Doyle, are left to wonder what really happened between their daughter and the boy who lived next door.

Forty-five years later, after her father Walter’s death, Heather Toulson returns to her family’s cottage in the English countryside, in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, to sort through her parent’s things. What she uncovers is a string of shocking secrets that lead her to wonder if anything Walter and Maggie told her about her childhood was true.

As Heather sorts through the belongings left behind in the cottage, trying to separate truth from deceit, she has an uncomfortable reunion with her first love. Together, they unravel a mystery that will change everything she thought she knew about herself and her family.

Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery to reveal how the Doyle and Croft families are entwined. 

Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush English gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic historical mystery brings light to the secrets and heartaches that have divided two families for generations.

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Check out my review of Dobson's Chateau of Secrets!

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

The shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor are long-reaching, hiding mysteries and family secrets that span three generations. They cover the awful truth of a tragic death and embrace the girl who wants nothing more than to spend her days with the butterflies in the manor's gardens.

Once again, Melanie Dobson has choreographed an intricate dance between the past and present. And once again, as with Chateau of Secrets, I found myself intrigued by both the historical narratives and the contemporary story line. With my first attempt to start reading the book, I found it fairly easy to set it aside for a time...but when I brought the book for an afternoon at the lake with a friend (a fellow reader with a different book to enjoy!), I found myself completely absorbed by the steady unraveling of decades of heartache and oft-misguided but unfailing love. Dobson's descriptions are lovely and poignant.

While some elements felt a tad bit contrived, the various plots do come together to show how the past can have far-reaching consequences, especially if we allow it to hold sway over how we perceive each new circumstance. And yet the story also shows that beauty can rise from the shadows if we are willing to look up and beyond what has come before.

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a complex story of one woman's second chance to fight for herself and her family, one woman's chance to discover the truth of the past and forge a new future, and another woman's chance to survive and, perhaps, embrace the unique person she was always meant to be. It's also the story of the people who love these three women through their difficult journeys.

This is a book to approach gently, studying the colors of each character and then watching them take flight. It's an emotionally delicate but ultimately beautiful dance to behold.

*With thanks to the author and Howard Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Extras from the Author's Website

Autism Info | Butterfly Gallery (reader art)

My Review of The Tomb

About the Book

A family divided in faith. A woman imprisoned by shame. A miracle that changes everything.

In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.

Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister’s marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.

Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha’s secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother—risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her—or deny Jesus’ healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies. 

Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha’s love. 

When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he—like Isa—come too late?

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My Rating

Spring

My Review

Like its predecessor in the series (The Thief, one of my favorite books of 2014), The Tomb is well-written, descriptive, and well-researched. It's a fine example of biblical fiction! I do confess, though, that it didn't hold my attention the same way that The Thief did, nor did I find it quite as compelling...

When pondering what it was that kept me from loving this book, several things came to mind: the connections between different accounts and people in the Gospels felt a little forced to me; the romance was much less prominent, with a prolonged time apart, making the relationship less impactful; and the "retelling" aspect was a little strong, making me feel less invested in what would happen next and a little unsure about the portrayals of beloved characters.

Oddly enough, in looking back on my review of The Thief, I realized that the one thing I had noted I wanted more of was Jesus's presence in the story. We get more of that in The Tomb, which should have made me happy. I do like that this particular story revolves more clearly around him, but for some reason, I just didn't deeply connect with the characters and their situations/emotions. That might be because of when I read it or how I read it...or just because I as a reader can be a fickle creature. I'll admit it!

This story does have some great things going for it: wonderful sibling relationships (Lazarus's character is one of my favorites in the story) and a thoughtful message about faith sometimes requiring something different of us than we expect.

If you like biblical fiction that takes a fresh look at familiar stories, this book is bound to please! I'm afraid I just wasn't the ideal reader for this particular title. But I loved The Thief, and Landsem is certainly an author to watch and follow.

*With thanks to NetGalley and Howard Books for providing me with a temporary e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of Chateau of Secrets

Here's a description of the book from Howard Books:

"A courageous young noblewoman risks her life to hide French resistance fighters; seventy years later, her granddaughter visits the family’s abandoned chateau and uncovers shocking secrets from the past.

Gisèle Duchant guards a secret that could cost her life. Tunnels snake through the hill under her family’s medieval chateau in Normandy. Now, with Hitler’s army bearing down, her brother and several friends are hiding in the tunnels, resisting the German occupation of France.

 But when German soldiers take over the family’s château, Gisèle is forced to host them as well—while harboring the resistance fighters right below their feet. Taking in a Jewish friend’s baby, she convinces the Nazis that it is her child, ultimately risking everything for the future of the child. When the German officers begin to suspect her deception, an unlikely hero rescues both her and the child.

A present day story weaves through the past one as Chloe Sauver, Gisèle’s granddaughter, arrives in Normandy. After calling off her engagement with a political candidate, Chloe pays a visit to the chateau to escape publicity and work with a documentary filmmaker, Riley, who has uncovered a fascinating story about Jews serving in Hitler’s army. Riley wants to research Chloe’s family history and the lives that were saved in the tunnels under their house in Normandy. Chloe is floored—her family isn’t Jewish, for one thing, and she doesn’t know anything about tunnels or the history of the house. But as she begins to explore the dark and winding passageways beneath the chateau, nothing can prepare her for the shock of what she and Riley discover…

With emotion and intrigue, Melanie Dobson brings World War II France to life in this beautiful novel about war, family, sacrifice, and the secrets of the past."

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

With my preference for a good dose of sweet romance in a book, it's a sign of wonderful writing when a story can engage me despite the fact that the romance doesn't really kick in for a while. Not to worry - it's certainly there in Melanie Dobson's latest, fellow romance fans! In fact, it comes in a double dose, but perhaps isn't as prevalent due to all the intriguing and devastating history and situations that rightly consume the characters' (and reader's) attention.

The first chapters introduce us to relatable heroines while setting them up for difficult times, and I was caught up in all of the uncertainty and dilemmas and danger. In the end, it's hard to say which story line interested me more: the historical (WWII) or the contemporary. Both had me curious for their own reasons.

While I'm a big fan of historical fiction, I really liked reading the contemporary plot. I think the first-person POV, as well as Chloe's internal battles regarding her future and the fact that it's in my own time, made me feel more invested in her story. I just wished for more...not necessarily in terms of word count, but just more depth to the latter portion of her scenes and relationships. I wouldn't have minded a bit more emphasis on the developing romance in this section. But the focal point seemed to be the past and how it reached into the present, and overall, I really was pleased with how things turned out.

As for the historical line, the third-person POV - in contrast to the first-person for the contemporary - created a bit more of a disconnect. That's not necessarily such a bad thing, though, as the different tenses help in making the voices of the alternating settings and scenes clear. I really appreciated the honesty in the characters' struggles as they tried to live out their faith in a time where its application seemed hazy and they didn't always know the best thing to do.

Chateau of Secrets harbors mystery, a tangle of secrets both past and present, and characters seeking light in painful and all-too-real situations. Dobson writes with skill, understanding, and heart, and I'm quite impressed by this bold offering.

*With thanks to the author and Howard Books for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of It Happened at the Fair

Here's a description of the book from Howard Books:

"A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?"

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

The setting steals the show in this engaging story about two talented people who meet at the World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago World's Fair, 1893). I really enjoyed the tour of the fair - from the exciting rides to the informative exhibits and eating establishments. And the pictures from the World's Fair in the edition I was provided for review really added a great nostalgic atmosphere to the reading experience. (According to the author's blog, the pictures are only included in the print version - vs. the e-version - and that might only be for the first edition.)

While I absolutely loved the historical setting, the hero and heroine make the story more than just an informational glimpse into the past. Cullen and Della are great characters with intriguing quirks. Cullen is a farmer with allergies who prefers inventing and fixing things, but a past tragedy, devotion to family, and former failures keep him from initially embracing the opportunity he's given to be a part of the fair. Della is a teacher with a heart for the deaf and a fear (planted by her father) of the deceptiveness of men. A girl back home, a debate about how to best help the deaf, and various insecurities make the romance as interesting to follow as the characters' nightly outings at the fair.

The story isn't all fun and games, as there are hardships and catastrophes to face, as well as deeper issues to consider. But all in all, this book is really a treat as sweet as the hot chocolate Della loves so much. I would have liked a bit more of a thrilling ending and a bit less of a superficial look at matters of faith (especially with the emphasis on patriotism), but for a creatively told story, I recommend finding out what happened at the fair.

*With thanks to Howard Books for providing me with an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Note ~ This book will be released on April 30, 2013.

My Review of The Secret Keeper

Here's a description of the book from Simon & Schuster:

"What she sees in secret, she may not tell.

Mistress Juliana St. John is the lovely, forthright daughter of a prosperous knight’s family. Though all expect her to marry the son of her late father’s business partner, time and chance interrupt, sending her to the sumptuous but deceptive court of Henry VIII. Sir Thomas Seymour, brother of the late Queen Jane, returns to Wiltshire to conclude his affairs with Juliana’s father’s estate and chances upon her reading as lector in the local church. He sees instantly that she would fit into the household of the woman he loves and wants most to please, Kateryn Parr. Juliana’s mother agrees to have her placed with Parr for a season and Juliana goes, though reluctantly. For she keeps a secret.

As Juliana accompanies Kateryn Parr to court, Henry’s devout sixth queen raises the stakes for all reformers. Support of firebrand Anne Askew puts the queen and her ladies in life-threatening jeopardy, as does the queen’s desire to influence her husband’s—and the realm’s—direction and beliefs. Later, without Henry’s strong arm, the court devolves to competition, duplicity, and betrayal. The risks could not be higher as Juliana must choose between love and honor, personal fulfillment and sacrifice. Ultimately, her course is driven by a final kept secret, one that undoes everything she thought she knew."

My Rating

Spring

My Review

The Secret Keeper is the story of Juliana St. John - a woman who holds her own and keeps the faith during the days of Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI. Through this fictional perspective the reader is treated to a grand tour through history that is rich in texture and personal in nature. From the relative safety of a wealthy home to the colorful but dangerous world of the court, Juliana's story is an interesting one.

Sandra Byrd is a talented author. The Secret Keeper is well-written, although it involves a lot of shuffling. With lots of travel and lots of time passing, the characters keep moving from one scene to the next, or from one year to the next, without a completely satisfying fluidity. There's a lot of ground covered - from the history being conveyed to the emotional journeys of the characters.

I would have liked to see some more scenes involving both the hero and the heroine - some more romance - but that's a personal preference. This is a book where history takes precedence and romance, while a part of things, is in more of a secondary position. The ending takes an intriguing turn and is a gratifying, albeit slightly sudden, conclusion. If you're looking for historical fiction that borders on historical romance, and if you enjoy a story that brings the past to life without shying away from the more unseemly and painful  aspects, then The Secret Keeper has a lot to offer!

*With thanks to author Sandra Byrd and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour: Wish You Were Here

Here's a description of the book:

"Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom. Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a 'Runaway Bride' complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems. Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything. Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead."

My Rating

Summer

My Review

What does it mean to truly love someone? What does it mean to be in love? And what happens when the dreams you once held dear come crashing down around your feet? Wish You Were Here explores these questions with touching emotion and endearing humor - a contemporary romance with a wonderful depth of heart!

I loved this book - from the romantic tension to the heart-to-heart chats between friends and the life lessons learned from llamas! The references to favorite movies and Christian romance authors was an extra "real" treat in a story that is a perfect blend of well-paced plot, great characters, and relevant and meaningful thoughts to ponder. Add in the postcard messages beginning most of the chapters, and you've got a marvelous layout from lovely cover to lovely cover.

Allison and the Rayner brothers have some tough journeys to make and some difficult lessons to learn in this book. But what an adventure! So many great twists and turns...and so many important reminders to hold onto throughout the seasons of life. Wish You Were Here has it all, and it's told in such an engaging and enjoyable way. Absolutely charming!!

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, to be shared during the Litfuse Publicity Blog tour.*

About the Author

"Beth K. Vogt provides her readers with a happily ever after woven through with humor, reality, and God's lavish grace. She's a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Beth has discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked 'Never.' She writes contemporary romance because she believes there's more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University and met her husband Rob when he knocked her down at a karate studio. They've been married for 31 years. They have four children, ranging in ages from 28, 25, 23 and - thanks to a funny thing happening on their way to the empty nest-a 10-year-old. The Vogt Team, which now includes a 'daughter-in-love' and 'son-in-love,' enjoys hiking and camping in Colorado. Read more about Beth at her website: http://bethvogt.com."

To Buy the Book: click HERE

Blog Tour Schedule: Check out all of the other reviews scheduled by clicking HERE.

Contest 

Win an iPad2 from @BethVogt! Celebrate with Beth by entering her Wish You Were Here Giveaway!

One "happy" winner will receive:

• A brand new iPad with Wi-Fi (The must-have, do-everything gadget!)
• Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon worthy.)
• $15 iTunes Gift Card (Music, books, apps, & more.)

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 6/4/12. The winner will be announced 6/6/12 on Beth's website!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Beth's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

My Review of An Uncommon Grace

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war. Levi Troyer finds his pacifist beliefs challenged when he discovers his stepfather has been killed and his mother wounded by an unknown intruder. Levi and Grace are thrown together when she comes to his family's rescue and saves his mother's life. A deep attraction develops-even though a relationship between them is strictly forbidden.

Levi belongs to the most conservative and isolated of all Amish sects-the Swartzentruber Amish. Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of their teachings. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother- who need him to survive. He is torn between his love for Grace and his responsibility to his family.

Grace considers leaving her beloved farm and reenlisting rather than continuing to live near the man she loves but cannot have. Levi must confront the Bann if he pursues Grace. And a murderer must be caught. When lifelong allegiances are tested, can love and justice prevail?

Click for a sample! Order now from Amazon or Barnes and Noble."

My Rating

Spring

My Review

An Uncommon Grace starts out with a "bang" (literally and tragically), and then settles into a slow simmer that eventually builds up to an intriguing romance. Miller's writing style is easy and enjoyable - and she knows how to tell a great character-driven story! While the slow pace of events after the opening of the book didn't wholly capture my attention, the latter portion of the book did, and overall the story is a thought-provoking and well-told one.

Grace and Levi's developing romance is interesting and unique. Grace is such a strong and honorable and likeable character. Levi has his own strengths, as well, but he has a lot more to settle and decide within himself. His growth and his interactions with Grace make for some great reading!

The suspense is well-incorporated into the story, but it's the relationships that make this book meaningful. An Uncommon Grace is told with "an uncommon grace," indeed!

*With thanks to Howard Books for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. My apologies to the publisher for the delay in posting my review.*

P.S. I have to agree with my blogging friend Kav over at Best Reads - the cover doesn't really fit with the story at all! I think if they wanted someone Amish on the front, they should have definitely gone with Levi's character. Either that or just kept the Amish backdrop and put Grace's real character on the front!