The Prospector’s Only Prospect by Dani Collins

On By TracyIn American Historical, Historical Western Romance, Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Western Historical RomanceLeave a comment

The Prospector's Only ProspectThe Prospector’s Only Prospect by Dani Collins

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: March 28, 2023

Marigold Davis needs a fresh start after being divorced from her cheating husband and losing her home, so she takes her sister’s place as a mail-order bride to a prospector in Denver City. Her journey to the Kansas Territory was rough and she is definitely worse for the wear – but she is sure she can convince her sister’s intended that she is a better choice for his family than her sister Pearl would have been. But she doesn’t really want to remarry, she was hurt and deeply shamed by he ex-husband and is wary of opening herself up to hurt again. But she isn’t prepared for Virgil Gardner or his three children and a camp full of miners. And as she sets out to make his ramshackle house into a home, she wonders if she has finally found a place that she can truly call home and a man she can trust with her fragile heart.

Virgil Gardner has also been hurt before and finds it almost impossible to trust Marigold, despite being attracted to her. He can’t deny that she fits in perfectly and his kids love her, but that doesn’t make trusting her any easier. But when Pearl shows up ready to marry, will he realize that he wants Marigold or will he let the hurts from his past let the love of his life walk away?

This was a new to me author and I was not sure what to expect, but WOW! What a great book! I loved the writing, the story, the setting – just everything! Set in the pre-civil war mid-west, this story is filled with amazing characters, witty banter, adorable children, historical facts, steamyish love scenes, gold nuggets, bears, a bit of angst, a few tears, lots of emotion, second chances and a well-deserved HEA. My only complaint would be that Virgil held on to his mistrust for too long and it got to be monotonous, but other than that, it was a great book and I would happily recommend this title and will be looking forward to more books by this author.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Murder in PostScript by Mary Winters

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Murder in PostScript

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #1
Publication Date: 3/28/23
Period: Victorian London (1860)
Number of Pages: 320

This is the first book I’ve read by Mary Winters and it definitely won’t be the last. The mystery was excellently done and the protagonists were likable and relatable. The story was also blessed with a number of excellent supporting characters that I hope we’ll get to spend time with in future books. The premise of the series is unique, interesting, and well thought out. Who better to learn the secrets of the people of London than someone who is anonymous and gives free advice?

Lady Amelia Amesbury guards her secret ferociously. As a widowed countess and guardian of Winifred, a lovely ten-year-old girl, she cannot afford for others to become aware that she is Lady Agony. She doesn’t care about her own reputation, but she has to think of Winifred’s future, and the ton would punish Winifred to get back at Amelia.

Amelia receives a letter telling Lady Agony that the writer has witnessed her employer being murdered and asking Lady Agony to meet in the park. Amelia decides to meet the person because if the claim is true, they need help. Except, when Amelia arrives, the letter writer is dead – murdered. Amelia knows she must uncover the murderer because she couldn’t be the one to report it to the police as they would quickly uncover her Lady Agony identity.

Simon Bainbridge, a marquess and heir to a duke, quickly becomes ensnared in the investigation – and perhaps becomes ensnared by Amelia as well. Simon is tall, handsome, and intelligent, and quickly comes to believe and trust Amelia.

Simon and Amelia know they must be getting close to identifying the murderer when Amelia begins getting threatening letters. Can they keep Amelia safe and still find the murderer? Should she just give up the investigation?

There are many suspects and many red herrings dropped along the path to the murderer’s identity. You will probably suspect who the murderer is (I did), but you won’t be sure until the very end when all is revealed.

I recommend this book because it is well-written, has an excellent mystery, and has the potential for an excellent romantic sleuthing team. I did find myself puzzled by a number of things, but I’m not as familiar with the Victorian period norms as I am with Regency. One thing that puzzled me is what happened to Amelia’s husband’s title. There is no mention of the title dying with her husband – and there is no mention of the new title holder. Maybe it will be cleared up in future books. Should you choose to read this book, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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