Every Hour Until Then is Fabulous

 

 Gabirelle Meyer is the queen of "I didn't see that coming" plot twists in Every Hour Until Then. Book five in her Timeless series is the most suspenseful storyline because of the Jack the Ripper storyline and the shortened period of time...only 50 years.  I had to force myself not to Google Jack the Ripper until I closed the book. 

Just when I think there's no way I can like the current book as much as the last in the series (Across the Ages), Ms. Meyer amps up the stakes and has further cemented my reasons as to why I love this page-turning, unique, stay-with-you-long-after-you-closed the book series! If you're just now reading or hearing about this fantastic series, I recommend starting with book one (When the Day Comes) and read in sequential order, so you don't miss any key plot points. 

Kathryn is a time crosser. The brief interaction with her in book four made me eager to read her story. In 1888 Victorian era London she's Kathryn Kelly living during the time of (you guessed it) Jack the Ripper. As Kathryn Voland in 1938 Washington, DC living with her parents Luc and Grace Voland (For a Lifetime), she's invited as a guest curator at the London Musuem for a new exhibit on Jack the Ripper. Through her research she discovers her sister in 1888 is one of the last known victims of the infamous serial killer. 

Ms. Meyer walks a fine line with her heroine Kathryn's battle to save her sister without changing history and her uncertainty of which time period she'll choose on her twenty-fifth birthday.

Throughout the book, Kathryn learns we can make plans, but ultimately God directs our steps. This is a theme we always need to be reminded of. 

If you love books with great plot twists and stories that keep you on the edge of your seat you need to pick up this 5-star read. You won't regret it. 

After reading Every Hour Until Then, my ranking of the Timeless books has changed. I'd say the order is now: Every Hour Until Then, When the Day Comes, Across the Ages, For a Lifetime, and In this Moment. 

Countdown till November of this year when Through Each Tomorrow (Book 6) releases.

The Lawyer and the Laundress is a Romantic Debut

I read The Lawyer and the Laundress in two days. Couldn't put it down!

I love supporting authors. The Lawyer and the Laundress marks author Christine Hill Suntz's debut. Before I even read the back cover two things stood out. One, the gorgeous cover and two, the intriguing title. When it hinted at a marriage of convenience trope I immediately clicked 'add to cart.'

Barrister and widower James Kinney is trying to raise his young daughter Evangeline "Evie." She needs more education and training as a lady than he can provide. Classes with the neighborhood children seems ideal until he discovers she's been spending time with the mysteriously educated laundress. 

Laundress Sara O'Connor's goal is to remain invisible and provide for her elderly Granny The second Sara stepped on the pages of this story I liked her. She was a hard worker, kind to all no matter their station. 

Even though I'm a quarter Canadian on my mom's side (My grandparents were born and raised in Canada, Winnipeg Manitoba.) I don't know much about Canadian history, but it was interesting to learn about in this story.

One aspect about The Lawyer and the Laundress I appreciated was the relationships and connections between all the major and minor characters to create a deep, well-rounded read.

The romance between James and Sara was filled with several swoon-worthy cheering them on romantic moments you'll want to re-read.

Ms. Suntz's book reminded of me of the style of author Laura Frantz. If you're a fan of this author, I highly recommend you check out The Lawyer and the Laundress. It's a page-turning story filled with faith, heart-melting romance, a wholesome marriage of convenience not to be missed. 

I'd rate The Lawyer and the Laundress 4 1/2 stars. I just wanted a smidge more romance between Sara and James. I also wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters and wanted a sequel even though the ending was satisfying. I look forward to reading more books by this author. 

To Love a Beast is Fantastic Beauty and the Beast Retelling

I've been so impatient to read To Love a Beast. This novella marks Karen's second self-published book and part of her new Once Upon a Time in Texas. Not to be confused with her Texas Ever After series (Fairest of Heart, If the Boot Fits, and Cloaked in Beauty).

Having read all the books in her previous fairytale series I was intrigued to see how Karen would put her stamp on such a beloved classic - Beauty and the Beast (I was picturing the Disney 90's animated film) 1800's Texas style. And let me just say: she nailed it.

Once known among New York's elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives in self-imposed exile in the wilds of Texas—his face and heart scarred by betrayal. Locals whisper of a beastly recluse in a crumbling manor, guarded by loyal servants and an oversized dog. But when determined bookbinder Callista Rosenfeld shows up to complete a job meant for her injured father, she pushes past Everett’s gruff exterior and begins to uncover the man beneath the legend.

There are so many aspects of this story that I adored and appreciated. The main theme was how Everett Griffin learns it's not your outside appearance that matters, but your character and heart. This is such a timely message in a world that values outward beauty over inward. Karen weaves this message with grace, never feeling preachy, but instead letting the growth of Everett unfold naturally through his interactions and choices.

The relationship between Everett and his staff was one of my favorite parts. It was a blend of respect, teasing and on occasion doling out the truth when needed. It was written to make you feel like you wanted to be a part of this place too. Each character had a voice that stood out, making the household feel both lived-in and lovable — the kind of setting you wish you could step into.

When Calista Rosenfield appeared on scene, she shook up their quiet household with her persistence at being given an opportunity to complete the work Everett hired her father's company for. She soon won the staff over with her kind nature and hard work binding books. Her determination was admirable, and the gentle development of her relationship with Everett felt genuine and believable.

For me, Karen is one of those authors who is an automatic pre-order for me, I binge her books the second I get them in my hands and then bemoan the fact that I must wait however many months till her next release. I assured you; Karen's books are always worth the wait! She brings a warmth and wit to her storytelling that leaves a lasting impression long after the last page.

To Love a Beast is a solid five stars. If I could give it more stars I would. I read this novella in one sitting and did not want it to end! This story is a slice of magic not to be missed. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with fairytales in the first place.

 ~~To Love a Beast was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~