A READER'S OPINION THOUGH THIS BE MADNESS by Penny Richards, the second book in her Lilly Long Mysteries, offers up a cozy mystery sprinkled with romance and humor. Lilly receives an assignment to go undercover in New Orleans with Cade McShane to save a young widow who, it is believed, was unjustly committed to an insane asylum by her second husband. Lilly and Cade are reluctant to work together, especially playing husband and wife, but they are professionals who plan to get the job done. A lot of secondary characters enter the mix, often adding to the many twists in the case. I wish I had read book one before diving into this one, but after finding my bearings, I caught up with Lilly Long. THOUGH THIS BE MADNESS gives us a fascinating look into life and culture in the South during the 1880s. This story is an enjoyable escape for those who like a bit of romance and humor mixed in with their mystery. Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Shakespearean actress turned Pinkerton detective Lilly Long and her reluctant partner, Cade McShane, travel to New Orleans to save a young widow from a fate worse than death… 1881, Chicago. Assigned to her second case as a Pinkerton, Lilly still needs to prove herself—both as a novice detective and as a woman in a man's world. Ordered to once again work with Lilly, Cade needs to redeem himself for conduct unbecoming to a Pinkerton—a grief-driven drunken brawl. As if their forced partnership wasn't bad enough, the agents must pose as husband and wife servants in the troubled household of a wealthy New Orleans family. An acting challenge if ever there was one… The elderly matriarch of the Fortenot family is convinced her grandson's former widow has been unjustly committed to an insane asylum by her second husband. She believes the man is attempting to wrest the family fortune away from his new wife. Soon, behind the beautiful façade of the Fortenot mansion, the detectives uncover secrets, betrayal, voodoo curses—and murder. Even as Lilly and Cade chafe against their roles, they must work together to expose the true villain of this tragedy before the hapless widow faces her final curtain call. Genre: Historical Mystery | April 25, 2017 | 260pp | Publisher: Kensington Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalMystery

A READER'S OPINION Breathtaking and so captivating! Who doesn't love a good Highland romance? Tarah Scott has done it again with TO TAME A HIGHLAND EARL! I was pulled into her story filled with passion, intrigue, and adventure. The author hasn’t disappointed me with this one! Just beware, when you'll start reading this book, you won’t be able to put it down because it’s fast-paced and so much fun to read. I loved her two main characters, Lord Errol Rushton and Eve Crenshaw, with their breathtaking intensity! The story starts as Eve discovers a handsome man with a charming smile next to her in her bed. As soon as she realizes who he is—Lord Errol Rushton—she points a pistol to his chest, and the fun begins. Then the family bursts into her room and finds them in a compromising position. Her father has only one solution for the consequences of their acts—to marry. But Erroll doesn’t want to marry and neither does Eve, though she feels a strong attraction for him. What will happen to them? Will their hearts listen to reason or love? To make it worse, Eve’s younger sister Grace wants Erroll for herself! Will she plot against Eve? From beginning to end, I enjoyed following Erroll and Eve’s thrilling adventure. Ms. Scott is a talented storyteller that gets you hooked the moment you start reading! TO TAME A HIGHLAND EARL is very well written! She skillfully blended her characters Erroll and Eve into a beautiful romance worth reading! Without reservation, I heartily recommend this book! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A man torn between two worlds. Both need him . . . neither wants him. Groomed for a life amongst the English aristocracy, Lord Erroll Rushton is unexpectedly thrust back into his father’s Scottish world when the Englishwoman he compromises refuses to marry him. No gentleman breaks into a lady’s bedchamber...but then, no lady sleeps with a pistol under her pillow. Miss Eve Crenshaw will marry for love or won’t marry at all. When London’s most notorious rakehell breaks into Eve’s bedroom in the dead of night and compromises her beyond repair, she plans a daring elopement that shocks even the earl. Historical Romance | March 5, 2017 | 389pp | Publisher: Drakon Press Series: MacLean Highlander Novel Book 1 | Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #HistoricalRomance #HighlandRomance #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION I want to preface this review by saying, I don't normally read middle-grade books. In fact, I recall reading only one or two in my adult life, but I was so drawn in by the book cover, the setting, and the description, that I decided to give this one a try. I honestly didn't imagine I could be drawn into a younger-audience story as much as the author managed with SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK. The Biltmore Estate, the mystery of the Smoky Mountains, a young girl caught in a mysterious disappearance, and her desire to learn more about herself, are all richly combined into one remarkable story. SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK is a thrilling ride of suspense, self-worth, bravery, and relationships. I cannot tell you more without risk of giving something away. Bravo to Robert Beatty for a wonderful story that has you experiencing Serafina’s adventures right alongside her. I immediately ordered SERAFINA AND THE TWISTED STAFF because I couldn't wait to continue my adventures with this vivacious and fascinating character. Adults, don't shy away from this book—it's one for all ages! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 0 Hearts | Reviewed by : MK McClintock BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS "Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul." Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt's vast and opulent home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways. But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A mysterious man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one. Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy, but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity. Historical Mystery/Middle-Grade | June 14, 2016 | 320pp | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Format Read: Hardcover | Source: From the reviewer's personal library. #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #ReviewersTopPick #EditorRecommended

A READER'S OPINION ROLF'S QUEST by Aubrey Wynne is a sweet tale of magic. This fun story is based on Merlin the Magician! It has elements of romance, magic, curses, wizards, just enough to keep the readers' interest. It tells the story of Rolf, a cursed magician, who is determined to break the curse that haunts his family. He often dreams of a beautiful lady named Melissa, who might be able to help him break this curse. Unfortunately, she has been betrothed to Lord Roker ever since she was a child. Rolf, a descendant of Merlin, who is trapped and awaiting his release, must find true love without using his magic. Both Rolf and Melissa's journey will be filled with twists and turns. If you want to know what happens next you’ll need to read the story—it was fun! If you love tales with magic and charming characters, then ROLF'S QUEST is perfect for you! Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A wizard, a curse, a fated love… When Rolf finally discovers the woman who can end the curse that has plagued his family for centuries, she is already betrothed. Time is running out for the royal wizard of King Henry II. If he cannot find true love without the use of sorcery, the magic will die for future generations. Melissa is intrigued by the mystical, handsome man that haunts her by night and tempts her by day. His bizarre tale of Merlin, enchantments, and finding genuine love has her questioning his sanity and her heart. From the moment Melissa stepped from his dreams and into his arms, Rolf knew she was his destiny. Now, he will battle against time, a powerful duke, and call on the gods to save her. Historical Romance with Fantasy Elements | February 1, 2017 | 234pp Publisher: Plato Publishing | Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalRomance #FantasyRomance

A READER'S OPINION An intriguing blend of action, mystery, and suspense, EXODUS '95 follows the story of Claire, a graphic designer who learns a secret that is more dangerous than she realizes. When it's discovered how Claire's neighbor impressed upon her mind his knowledge, the truth seem dubious, but sound. Her quest collides with Israeli engineer Dan Ze’evi who entered the fray without all the details, but little choice if he wants to save his company. From Italy to Tel Aviv to Cairo, the author traverses the globe at a blistering pace while keeping the reader on the edge. We are given little clues along the way but crave more as the story unfolds. Claire and Dan, both excellent characters with depth, are in a race of discovery for Moses' Biblical staff. Will they survive against the extremists who will stop at nothing to possess or destroy the staff? EXODUS '95 is well-written, detailed, and entertaining. The author kept up the action-packed pace from the start to finish. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Claire, a young graphic designer, learns a secret that her dying New York neighbor has kept for twenty years: the whereabouts of Moses' Biblical staff. Claire needs the help of an Israeli engineer and the money of a Russian oligarch to recover the staff before her body betrays her. But first she needs to stay alive in a race with fanatics, who will do anything to keep the staff from coming to light. Then the LORD said to Moses: Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. Mystery/Thriller | May 1, 2017 | 225pp | Publisher: Pine Ten Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #412Stars #MysteryThriller #ReviewersTopPick

Congratulations to J.R. Lindermuth, author of SHARES THE DARKNESS, winner of the March 2017 Readers' Choice Cover Contest! #CoverContestWinner

A READER'S OPINION Emotionally charged! Rhonda Frankhouser really surprised me with her book RETURN TO RUBY'S RANCH! Rhonda Frankhouser is a new-to-me author and I truly didn't know what to expect! I chose to read it because of the cover; it felt so romantic. I'm totally surprised by the intensity of this suspense—it kept me sitting on the edge of my seat, had me turning pages after pages, and kept me reading late last night. Once you start reading it, you'll need to know more! Beware, this story is emotionally charged and but beautifully written! RETURN TO RUBY'S RANCH tells the story of families torn apart by lies and secrets! The heroine, Ruby Lattrell, inherited from her grandmother, Ruby's Ranch, where she wishes to make a new start. To do that, she needs answers to her mother’s, Katherine’s, disappearance. Welcoming her back to the ranch is her old friend Billy who secretly always loved her. Suddenly, in her grandmother’s room, Ruby discovers letters that reveals shocking secrets. Could it be true? At that moment I could not put it down! Can hope, trust, and forgiveness give a chance to these people so they can move on with their lives and forget their past mistakes? If you love stories about family relationship then you will be very pleased with RETURN TO RUBY'S RANCH! The author slowly built the suspense and blended her charming characters into a realistic family drama. I’m not disappointed! Eagerly awaiting her next book! Excellent blend of suspense and a dash of romance! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Ruby Lattrell inherited Ruby's Ranch after the death of her grandmother. Before she can begin to live her own life, she has to answer the questions that have haunted her for the two decades since her father dragged her away from the only true home she had ever known. What really happened to her beloved mother? And what drove her poor Granny Rube insane? When Ruby returns to the ranch, her chance at true happiness comes in the form of a handsome cowboy named Billy McCallister—who has loved her since they were kids. Will the truth about her mother come between them? In the end, Ruby finds all of her answers with the shocking death of someone dear, and a surreal family reunion that will give the reader unrelenting hope for happy endings. Genre: Contemporary Romance/Suspense | November 16, 201 |202pp Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing LLC | Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #ContemporaryRomance #ContemporaryRomanticSuspense #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION THE LOST BOOK OF WONDERS by Chad Brecher is a historical thriller about the quest for the Garden of Eden that Marco Polo supposedly sought and perhaps found but kept the secret safe for centuries. Safe, until a canal is dredged in Venice and a box is found with some of Polo’s artefacts inside. These come into possession of Dr. Ellie Griffiths an archaeologist, and Alex Stone an earnest undergraduate student. These items soon lead Ellie and Alex on an adventurous and life-threatening quest, as there exist others who are interested in finding the Garden for their own ends, one for the betterment of humanity, the other for his own selfish purposes. Both will do anything they can to find Eden! This is an ambitious 474-page debut novel from Chad Brecher and one that fans of Allan Quatermain and Indiana Jones will especially like. It has Biblical elements, historic people and places, and even the promise of finding Eden’s Tree of Life, the leaves of which have amazing curative properties. History buffs will appreciate the lengthy historical sidebars that Ellie and Alex get into, but which can be skimmed over if you find them too protracted, without interfering in the storyline. Overall, a good, action-filled historical adventure thriller that will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can read them at times. While some plot turns are telegraphed by the author (or experienced readers may see coming a mile away e.g., Alex & Ellie = Adam & Eve), other twists come as much of a surprise to the reader as they do to the characters themselves. Definitely a worthwhile read, and proof that a good story can be told without profanity or sexual elements. Rating : 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 0 Hearts | Reviewed by : James M. Fisher BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Venice is sinking. As engineers struggle to save the city from its watery fate, a metal chest is discovered beneath the surface of a murky canal. Tossed into the waters in 1355, it contains the long-lost possessions of none other than the famed explorer Marco Polo. When the chest is brought to light, its discovery stirs an ancient society from the shadows of history. Convinced that Polo died without revealing all he found during his voyage to the East, the society will stop at nothing to collect the pieces of the puzzle Polo left behind. A continent away, another clue has emerged. While on a mission to recover looted artifacts in war-torn Iraq, Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Griffin, an expert in pre-Biblical and Biblical archeology, happens upon an unusual wooden box. When her expedition goes horribly wrong, Ellie is left broken, but with the box. Determined to uncover the significance of this mysterious find, Ellie teams up with Alex Stone, a precocious graduate student, and soon, the two embark on a journey that takes them across the world in pursuit of the greatest treasure imaginable, a prize searched for and dreamed about since the beginning of time. Historical Mystery/Thriller | April 6, 2017 | 474pp | Publisher: Deeds Publishing Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalMystery #MysteryThriller

"Vicki Batman has done it again! Her quirky and endearing character Hattie Cooks has once again taken us on a wild ride full of romance, humor, and mystery." — Amazon Reviewer FEATURED BOOK No man. Bad job. And Murder. Hattie Cooks is still searching for her dream job and one might be available...in the Big Apple, far from friends, family, and Allan Wellborn, the man who still makes her heart race. In the meantime, she finds temporary employment at an accounting firm where two auditor friends turn up dead. Detective Allan Wellborn dropped Hattie for Blonde Bimbo who, coincidentally, is employed at NLB where fishy things are taking place. When Allan interviews Hattie, he must determine why all signs point to her as a suspect. Can Hattie discover why Allan dumped her and who is murdering auditors before death strikes again? AMAZON | PAPERBACK | WILD ROSE PRESS Add to Goodreads Series: A Hattie Cooks Mystery, Book 2 | Genre: Romance - Contemporary Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Content Rating: PG-13 Q&A with Vicki Batman In a few words, what can you tell us about your newest release? Temporarily Insane is a romantic comedy mystery, and the second in the Hattie Cooks mystery series. Can Hattie discover why Allan dumped her and who is murdering auditors before death strikes again? Do you remember the moment when you first considered yourself a writer? Yes! I began my writing career by writing a book, but was sidetracked into writing short stories. Not very many publishers were taking them then; so I submitted to the True magazines. Was I thrilled when they liked my work. I kept submitting and they published thirteen. This really taught me how to hone my craft and even today, I write and sell short stories. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? Early in my writing career, I submitted to contests as I didn’t have a critique partner to help me out. I received judges’ scores back and on one was written, “Why are you writing?” I told several fellow writers and they were appalled. Some said to turn the judge in, but I couldn’t do that. I was too shy. After two days, I pulled myself together and thought, “No one is going to determine my destiny but me.” I doubt the judge intended that response. And now, I can be grateful she wrote that. One of the best compliments came for Temporarily Insane : Vicki Batman is a master at creating quirky characters. Hattie is a delight. Mix all of her quirkiness with an assortment of equally unusual characters and a hot hunk of a hero and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a good book. Add in a murder mystery and the story elevates to great. What is your favorite scene in Temporarily Insane ? Hattie reluctantly agrees to take her co-worker, Stuart, to a party. In this scene, she sets the rules: “We need to cover the ground rules.” “Ground rules?” His brow vee-ed. “Is this normal?” “Absolutely.” I nodded. “The ground rules are: No kissing. No hugging. No whispering lovey-dovey stuff in my ear. No nothing. Understand?” “I understand, but I thought people in love do this.” “Let’s set the record straight right now—we are not in love. And here’s another rule: don’t speak to anyone.” “Don’t talk to anyone—why not?” Noticing the bizarre look on his face, I relented. “Okay, you can talk. Just say one sentence.” “Is this a weird family thing?” “Nope. It’s a Hattie-who-is-being-nice thing.” What appeals to you most about your chosen genre? I’ve read mysteries since I was a kid. When I was fourteen, my mom introduced me to romance. Every now and then, I’d pick up a book and really enjoy laughing. I craved more. When I began writing, the humor flowed into my work naturally. To tell the truth, I didn’t know I was funny until a girlfriend told me so. “Temporarily Insane,” Vicki Batman’s follow up to “Temporarily Employed,” is an unpredictable combination of humor, romance, and mystery. Hattie Cooks is smart and sharp-witted. The author takes the reader right into Hattie’s head from the very first page and readers are with her every step of the way." — Amazon Reviewer THE AUTHOR Award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, Vicki Batman , has sold many romantic comedy works to the True magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two romantic comedy mysteries to The Wild Rose Press. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and several writing groups. An avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Cat fancier. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??" Visit the author at www.vickibatman.blogspot.com . #AuthorInterview #ContemporaryRomance

A READER'S OPINION Charm, humor, and sizzling romance are blended into this well-written historical romance. IF THE DUKE DEMANDS is the first book I've read by Anna Harrington, and I thought it was delightful. I enjoyed the author's writing style and how well she blended the romance, drama, angst, and humor. Normally I find one overpowers the other, but not the case here. Miranda and Sebastian are fascinating characters, even if they do make a few decisions that had me wanting to beat their heads in . . . until the author pulled them back and made me fall in love with them again. The building chemistry between these two is fantastic! Miranda has to wonder if her former love is the man of her dreams while Sebastian isn't sure how to handle the growing, and unexpected, feelings he has for Miranda. Fans of historical romance are bound to enjoy Anna Harrington's storytelling style. Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A LESSON IN SEDUCTION . . . Miranda Hodgkins has only ever wanted one thing: to marry Robert Carlisle. And she simply can't wait a moment longer. During the Carlisle family masquerade ball, Miranda boldly sneaks into his bedchamber with seduction on her mind. Soon she's swept into rock-hard arms for the most breathtaking kiss of her life. But when the masks come off, she's horrified to find herself face-to-face with Sebastian, the Duke of Trent-Robert's formidable older brother. Shocked to find Miranda in his bed, Sebastian quickly offers her a deal to avoid scandal: He'll help her win his brother's heart if she'll find him the perfect wife. But what begins as a simple negotiation soon spirals out of control. For the longer this reformed rake tries to make a match for Miranda, the more he wants to keep her all to himself. Historical Romance/Regency | February 28, 2017 | 368pp | Publisher: Forever Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalRomance

A READER'S OPINION An absolutely fantastic Scottish tale! Anna Markland did an amazing job researching history for her novella, HIGHLAND BETRAYAL. Written with words that flew off the pages, this action-packed Scottish tale really pleased me, and grabbed my attention from the first page until the very end. This author never disappoints me! If you love a story filled with adventure, danger, and historical facts, you'll find all of these elements with a touch of romance in HIGHLAND BETRAYAL. This is an intriguing tale that will surely captivate your heart! HIGHLAND BETRAYAL is based on the true story of the rescue of Scotland’s Crown Jewels from Oliver Cromwell’s clutches, and according to historical details, it appears that a woman had a key role in this theft. The plot is well paced to keep readers interested with all the twists and turns during the heroine and hero’s perilous journey. The heroine, Hannah Kincaid, a brave and smart woman, is a Royalist spy who is tasked with a mission to steal the King’s crown, sword, and sceptre. The hero, Morgan Pendray, is a Welsh soldier whose mission is to invade Scotland. During a brief moment, he spots her and becomes fascinated by this brave woman. Who is she? Will destiny have their paths crossed? Will a single kiss do it’s magic? Who is the traitor? There is no denying that there is a beautiful chemistry between Hannah and Morgan! Lovers of Scotland’s history will love HIGHLAND BETRAYAL! Anna Markland’s Scottish adventures are always fun to read! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Morgan Pendray is a career soldier, a Welshman serving in the English Parliamentary army sent to invade Scotland. Hannah Kincaid is a Royalist spy who spirits away Scotland's crown jewels from under Cromwell's nose. Can history bridge the gap between them? Genre: Historical Highland Romance | Pub Date: April 17, 2017 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #HighlandRomance #ReviewersTopPick

Every once in a while we like to spotlight books reviewed at Books & Benches. These all received 4 stars or higher from one of our dedicated, book-loving reviewers. We hope you enjoy discovering great new reads! THE BOOKS (In no particular order.) HOUSE OF SHADOWS by Nicola Cornick THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN by Charlie Donlea COURTING CARRIE IN WONDERLAND by Carla Kelly DEFENDED BY A HIGHLAND RENEGADE by Vonda Sinclair THE WITCHFINDER'S SISTER by Beth Underdown FOR THE LOVE OF A WIDOW by Christina McKnight SCORCHED by Paula Quinn REMNANTS by Carolyn Arnold A FEVER OF THE BLOOD by Oscar de Muriel BROTHERLY LOVE by Lorna Peel #10BooksList