Library Read... Carols and Chaos by Cindy Anstey

With all of the Christmas chaos nearing its peak, there's nothing more relaxing than sitting down in front of the fireplace, cuddling up in a fuzzy blanket, enjoying the lights on the Christmas tree, and diving into a warming read. I'm hoping this one carries a bit of humor and tension, and doesn't only stick to romance...okay, I want tons of humor and tension. But I'll take a few snowflakes and jingle bells, too. Best of all, this is one I picked up at the local library. So, it let me step back from the hectic of shopping for a while as well.

CAROLS AND CHAOS

Suitors and Sabotage #2

by Cindy Anstey

Swoon Reads

YA Historical Romance

329 pages

A lady's maid and a valet become entangled in a yuletide counterfeiting scheme in this romantic Christmas YA adventure.

1817. The happy chaos of the Yuletide season has descended upon the country estate of Shackleford Park in full force, but lady's maid Kate Darby barely has the time to notice. Between her household duties, caring for her ailing mother, and saving up money to someday own a dress shop, her hands are quite full. Matt Harlow is also rather busy. He's performing double-duty, acting as valet for both of the Steeple brothers, two of the estate's holiday guests.

Falling in love would be a disaster for either of them. But staving off their feelings for each other becomes the least of their problems when a devious counterfeiting scheme reaches the gates of Shackleford Park, and Kate and Matt are unwittingly swept up in the intrigue.

Find this one at your local library

(or you can order through your favorite sites, too)

MY TIDBITS

Life between elites as a maid during the 1817 comes to life with Christmas cheer, romance, and intrigue too.

Kate Darby's life is more than a-bustle as she does her best to care for her sick mother, while trying to save up enough to open her own dress shop by working as a maid. Of course, the Holidays add more than a little stress to the mix. As if that wasn't enough, a familiar face slides into the mix. Matt Harlow isn't only attractive but has his sights on Miss Darby...not that he doesn't have enough to do as a valet for two brothers at the same time. The last thing they need is to let their feelings get involved, but even romantic sparks are not nearly as dangerous as a new threat happens upon the estate. A counterfeiting scheme is something both want to steer very clear of, but somehow, they get wound up in it anyway.

I have not read the first book in the series, but that didn't prove to be a problem. This novel dives head-first into the past and lets 1817 come to life. Kate Darby immediately grabs sympathy with her determination, kind heart, and juggle to not step on anyone's toes in the process. The predicaments she finds herself in offer tension, while weaving in a bit of humor, too. She has a lot on her plate, and it makes her endearing. But then, Marr Harlow packs tons of personality and is hard not to like.

The attitudes, habits, ideals, and dreams of the time period come across nicely and understandably. The details and scenes hold historical richness, and it's hard not to get lost in the world. There is enough excitement to make it interesting and there are more than a few unexpected moments. There were times that it flowed a bit slower than I prefer, but that's more due to my short attention span. The characters carry depth, the intrigue is well presented, and there are more than a few moments to bring smiles and chuckles. Even the romance wins over without being cliche or too predicable. 

This is a fun read for historic romance fans, who enjoy well woven tales and depth.

Review: The Hummingbird Dagger by Cindy Anstey with Giveaway

The Hummingbird Dagger

by Cindy Anstey

Swoon Reads

April 16th 2019

YA Historical / Mystery

From the author of Suitors and Sabotage comes a suspenseful and enthralling new Regency novel, perfect for readers who like their Jane Austen classics with a side of mystery and murder.
1833. A near-fatal carriage accident has deposited an unconscious young woman on the doorstep of Hardwick Manor and into the care of young Lord James Ellerby. But when she finally awakens, it is with no memory of who she is or where she came from.
Beth, as she calls herself, has no identity; the only clue to her circumstances is a recurring nightmare of a hummingbird, blood dripping from its steel beak.
With the help of James and his sister, Caroline, Beth tries to solve the mystery of her own identity and the appalling events that brought her to their door. But nothing could prepare her for the escalating dangers that threaten her and the Ellerby clan. From the hazardous cliffs of Dorset to the hostile streets of London, Beth will fight to reclaim her past, hunted by a secretive foe with murderous intentions.
Fans of Cindy Anstey’s previous novels won’t want to miss The Hummingbird Dagger, a dark and twisty new offering that blends romance, danger and mystery.
Praise for Duels & Deception:

“Delightful … It is Jane Austen spiced with action, suspense, and humor.” —VOYA, starred review
“Jane Austen fans in need of a good new book, look no further.” —Entertainment Weekly

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

MY TIDBITS

Fans of Jane Austen, who enjoy a bit of a spooky mystery, will love diving into this one.

James' reckless younger brother takes a wild ride with his horse and buggy, causing an accident. Luckily, no one seems injured except for a young woman traveling without a chaperone on the carriage to London. As Lord of the nearby manor, the young James rushes to help her and allows her to stay at the manor while she receives medical attention. But she appears to have lost her memory as well. The only thing which repeatedly come to her are horrid nightmares with darkness, captivity, blood and a hummingbird dagger. As no one claims to know her or be searching for her, James and his siblings take it on themselves to help discover who she is. The truth, however, is not what they expected nor easy to find.

The author does a fantastic job at opening up a rich Victorian world with characters who are easy to root for and like. The dialogue, scenes and concerns fit the time period wonderfully and invite the reader to get lost in the historic setting. James, his siblings, and Beth are all kind, despite some quirks, and it's enjoyable to get to know them. When the plot thickens, it's impossible not to hope they make it through and defeat the 'bad' buy.

The first chapter grabs right away and bring along a slightly tense breeze in the background. The feeling that something isn't quite right seeps in gently and increases as the tale continues along. While the first chapters keep the tension high, it reels back as the book continues, taking on a more the more familiar pacing of a novel from that period as conversation outweighs action. It was a little slow for my taste at times, but then, I tend to enjoy more action and adventure in my reads. The twists and turns were also a bit confusing at times, but none of this made me stop reading. Especially the ending chapters pick up the pace again, and finish with a satisfying end. 

Romance is present and as sweet as James and Beth themselves. It's a slow burn, and that's fine with me, especially considering it's a young adult. This is one, however, that adults will also feel at home in and are sure to enjoy the mystery

And here she is...

Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.
She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.
Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester. 

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