The House at the End of the Moor

After seeing this book posted in various Facebook reading groups, I knew I would have to get the most recent Michelle Griep book. I fell in love with my first book from her - "Brentwood's Ward" - and the rest in that series; but this new book, "The House at the End of the Moor" may now be my new favorite! She takes you on a journey through Maggie's perspective, but we also get to understand Oliver and even Barrow, one of the antagonists, views as well.



This is very much like a "rags to riches" kind of tale, but don't be fooled, there are twists and turns that you may not expect. I'd love to tell you more, but that would be spoiling this amazing mystery. I will say, Griep had me hating the character Barrow at the beginning, questioning my feelings for him in the middle...and well, you will have to read it for yourself to see how he turned out. It is truly a great redemptive story for all three characters. Even though each had his/her own past sin, they had to learn how to give it over to God and reconcile their faith into His hands. It's a great reminder that we can all be saved and redeemed, from any sin, if only we ask. Psalm 103:2-5

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

This beautiful novel first captured my attention when I saw its cover in a Facebook group about three weeks ago. I had not yet heard of the author, Abigail Wilson, nor any of her books. But it was this cover that so captured my attention that shortly after I purchased it. (Maybe it was the real, as I am a sucker for that color). Nevertheless, as soon as I cracked open the cover I quickly realized it was not just the cover that captivates, is the story.

Wilson does a wonderful job writing from the first-person narrative (something I had to get adjusted with but did so), and relays Elizabeth’s feelings and thoughts out so concise, yet also profoundly. It has been a while since I have read a true mystery, but I found myself trying to guess “who done it?” throughout every page. No spoilers, I assure you! But you’ll be guessing, just as I was, all the way through till the last chapter!

Also, the marriage of convenience has always been an interesting idea for me. While I find it fascinating in books, in real life would I? Probably not. But reading about how two people have to learn about each other and get along while also figuring out the “marriage” side of the relationship is just so intriguing. Wilson does a great job of creating that strange tug and pull between the characters and their emotions for each other.

I could not recommend this book enough! I read it in 4 days and stayed up way late last evening finishing it because it is just. That. Good! Go now, get Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey and begin your mystery hunt!

Until the Dawn

Usually I don’t finish a book in under a week. But due to an unplanned trip to the ER last evening (no worries everything is okay),  I read for four or five hours while waiting on test results to return. The tile of the book was most apropos, “Until the Dawn”, because it felt like we would never get out of there...until the dawn broke!

The book, however had so much conflict! I love reading books from Elizabeth Camden because she includes so much detail. It feels like more than just one story. Her characters are detailed and take on personalities that make them real. None of them are perfect, and I like that. I feel like I can relate to them and maybe actually see them in other people as well.

What I also loved about this book is that they talk about the history of Dierenpark, the name of the building within the story. I just love when a building/home/place has been given a name. My family calls our home “the ranch” or “the farm”. We are not farmers, but we have acreage and loan it out. Anyway, I love older names because they have significance, a deeper meaning. This one meant paradise in the native Algonquin Indian language.

That’s reason two why I enjoyed this book. It includes different Indian tribes that were around this are in the 1660s. And those just happened to be some of the same tribes I teach about in my classroom. I always loved with things like that crossover and connect.

Overall, if you enjoy a good romance, sprinkled with a little history and a dash of mystery then “Until the Dawn” is your next must-read!