I love the world and characters that Susan L. Tuttle has created in her Treasures of Halstead Manor series and was excitedly awaiting the release of The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner. Books one (The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton) and two (The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry) were 5 star reads. I had an inkling her third book in this series would be another 5-star read.
Her blend of contemporary and historical appeals to readers of both genres. The way Susan pens each book it's as if you can't have one without the others. This series is written in such a way you need to read the books in order.
The second I had this book in my hands; I HAD to read it and would have finished it soon if life hadn't gotten in the way.
Brooke Sumner has intrigued me from book one of this series. She comes across as cool, sophisticated and mysterious. Her reserved character can be aloof and a little stand offish at times, but this trait made me want to get to know her to understand how she came to be this way. What in her life made her this way. The author explores Brooke's longing to be a part of a family and belong.
The author does an exceptional job of whetting your appetite when she introduces readers to Storm Whitlock at the latter end of The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry and setting up the friends-to-more trope in The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner.
The sharp wit and chemistry between Brooke and Storm are so palatable it practically leaps off the page. It was my favorite part of the story. I was swooning, laughing, and melting at many of their moments together. Storm Whitlock was one of my favorite heroes. I loved how he was always protective of Brooke.
I resonated with the theme that your identity is found in God and He will never leave you or forsake you. This is something that Brooke has to learn, and I think is a timely message we all need to be reminded of.
Something else I liked about the book was the jaw-dropping "I didn't see that coming plot twists." It's masterclass level of genius writing. It showcases Susan's talent for storytelling that kept me completely engaged in the story.
It's rare for me to rate every book in a series as 5 stars. Normally, one book stands out as being a favorite. However, in Susan's Halstead Manor series, I had a hard time choosing. If I had to rate them, it would be The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry, The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner, followed by The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton.
If you've read this series, would you rate them differently?
Author Susan Tuttle could go on writing about Brooke, Everleigh, and Natalies adventures forever and I'd happily keep reading.
If you enjoy stories with adventure, mystery, and a little bit of romance thrown in you need to add the stellar Treasures of Halstead Manor series to the top of your TBR pile.
