Miranda Atchley's Blog

Hey readers and friends. I’m popping in with a quick postto alert you to another sale. This week (Nov. 6 – Nov. 13) Deadly Pearls willbe 99 cents to download on Kindle. Scroll on to learn more about the book.

She knew coming to Americawould be an adventure. But she didn’t know it would involve murder.

Intelligent and inquisitive Irishimmigrant Fiona Clery has always longed for a life of excitement away from herfamily’s farm. Yet living in New York City isn’t as glamorous as she’d alwaysdreamed. When her neighbor is murdered, she wonders how wise her decision tocome to the United States is. While the police turn a blind eye to GabrielMorelli’s murder, Fiona knows she must do all that she can to find the killer.Under the tutelage of her favorite fictional sleuths Sherlock Holmes andHercule Poirot, she just might crack the case–if a certain man will ever stopinfringing on her investigation.

Max Gillespie is good at puttingon an act. A Great War veteran, he struggles with regret from his past, thoughrefuses to let it show. Perfectly content to spend his days working as anaccountant and evenings tucked in his apartment away from the excitement of thecity, he shuns anything that could lead to unwanted surprises. Yet when hiscousin Rose’s beau is murdered, he finds himself pulled into the investigationalongside a smart and pretty amateur sleuth who doesn’t seem to want his help.Exposed to the underbelly of the city he loves, Max wonders if he was mistakento involve himself in a murder investigation. Yet when Rose’s invaluable pearlnecklace is stolen and in its place is left a threatening note, he vows to doall that he can to keep those he loves safe.

In Jazz Age New York, Fiona andMax will have to navigate this roaring new decade while learning the truthabout those around them–as well as themselves.

If you read Deadly Pearls,please consider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. It helps so muchand I would be ever so grateful. And thank you to everyone who downloaded Theftof the Magi during the free promotion!

 

Hello there, readers and friends. I hope your autumn isfilled with crisp breezes, pretty leaves, and pumpkin spice everything.Sometimes Arkansas will grace us with a nice cool breeze, and the leaves arechanging into things of beauty. But that isn’t the point of this post. I wantedto pop in quickly to let you all know that my novella, Theft of the Magi, willbe free to download in the Kindle store, 10/27-10/31. This Christmas story andhomage to the beloved O. Henry short story, The Gift of the Magi, is a companionto the Fiona Clery Mysteries. It’s filled with yuletide cheer, mystery andintrigue, a mischievous stray cat, and a gift-giving mishap or two. Read furtherfor the full synopsis.

 

This holiday season, the halls are decked with thievery.

 

It’s Christmas, 1922, and FionaClery has visions of festive celebrations filled with family and friendsdancing through her head. Yet when a string of thefts occurs within herapartment building, the chill of winter puts a damper on her yuletide plans. Oneby one, various items go missing from her neighbors’ flats. With the help ofher friend Max Gillespie and her roommate Rose Ellington, Fiona investigates thethefts. Soon she believes she has the mystery figured out, yet when things takea turn, all her ideas are called into question.

 

And as Christmas day approaches, Fiona and Max struggleto find gifts for one another. Money is tight and both wish they could findjust the right present. Under Rose’s guidance, each believes they’ve found theperfect gift, though it will come at a price.

 

If you download and read Theft of the Magi, pleaseconsider leaving a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. This helps readers get asense of what the book is like and make an informed decision. Thank you somuch!

 

It’s been forever since I’ve participated in Top TenTuesdays. Really, I’ve fallen out of blogging overall, but I’m hoping to fixthat.

 

I have a lot of unread books. And I do mean a lot.On my actual bookshelves, on my kindle, on my Goodreads TBR. It’s a littleridiculous. So when I saw that this week’s theme for Top Ten Tuesdays was UnreadBooks on my Shelf that I Want to Read Soon, I knew I had plenty to pick from. Idecided to go with physical books I have on my actual bookshelves, becausethose are the ones calling to me loudest these days.

 

10: Love and the Little White Lie

I like a good contemporary romance when I need somethinga little lighter, so I was delighted to pick this one up during a big sale atChristianbook.com last year. It looks like a great spring/summer read!

 

9: Jane in Love

I am a sucker for anything Jane Austen, so when I foundthis one on sale at Books-A-Million last year, I was immediately drawn to it.The plot sounds interesting, so I’m hoping to read it in the near future.

 

8: Lilac Girls

I know this one was wildly popular a while back and I amlate to the party. I found it at Dollar General a couple months ago and pickedit up. Can’t wait to read it!

 

7: In This Moment

I loved book #1 in the Timeless Series, so I treatedmyself to book #2 when it released last summer. I can’t wait to read this timetravel novel!

 

6: Paws For Love

I picked this up during a sale and can you blame me? Thecover is absolutely adorable, and I love stories that include animals. I readone of the other books in the series and I really liked it, so I’m lookingforward to reading this one.

 

5: Body and Soul Food

A good cozy mystery is always on the menu, and how couldanyone resist that eye-catching cover? The plot sounds intriguing, and I thinkit will be just the ticket for summer reading.

 

4: The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb

This one has been on my shelf for an embarrassingly longtime. If I remember correctly, I was 16 or 17 when I found this one at thelibrary book sale. I love reading about vintage circuses and sideshows, and Iknow this book is going to be my jam.

 

3: The Morning Gift

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and I wasso excited when it was gifted to me last Christmas. I’m a little embarrassed Ihaven’t read it yet, but soon!

 

2: The Foxhole Victory Tour

This book hasn’t been on my shelf for too long. Itreleased in January, and I pre-ordered it, so it’s only been sitting on myshelf for a few months. I love the books I’ve read by Amy Lynn Green and so I’mreally looking forward to reading this one.

 

1: The Book Charmer

This book sounds like it’s right up my alley. I lovemagical realism, as well as any book that celebrates the love of story. Thisone is high on my TBR.

 

What books are your shelves are you excited to read soon?Let me know in the comments.

 

 

 Dear reader, I cannot believe that it has been over a year since I posted anything on this blog. It is inexcusable, that's what. Okay, it's not that bad. Just a little sad.

Last year started out rather difficult with some of my health issues deterring me from doing much writing. I've spent a lot of time working on myself and had some major life changes. And so I did not finish any of the writing projects I have started and I did not review many books last year. I really think I needed a break to get other things in my life settled. I'm feeling so much better than I did last year. I'm at a job that I love, I have my car now, and I'm working toward other goals, taking things a step at a time.

And I'm back to writing! Yay! I don't get as many words in per day as I used to, but I make progress when I can, and the project I am working is something very close to my heart that I am so excited about.

I'd also like to maybe revive this blog a bit, though I will make no promises. Do people still read blogs? But it would be nice to get some book reviews back up here.

I hope you're all doing well, readers. Until next time...

-Miranda Atchley

 

Della and Darby

by Susannah B. Lewis

 

About the Book

 

 

In this small Mississippi town, everyone has long memories and loud opinions.

Twins Della and Darby Redd may be identical in appearance, but they couldn’t be more different. Della is outspoken, obsessed with purple, and desperate to be accepted by her peers. Darby is introverted, creative, and sees no need to speak to anyone besides her sister and grandmother, Birdie. Due to a tragedy from their past, all three women’s lives have been blanketed in judgment, scandal, and rumor, preventing them from experiencing true peace and contentment in their small town of Clay Station, Mississippi.

When the sisters enter the final year of their twenties, Birdie and Della begin planning an elaborate thirtieth birthday bash. Della believes the party will finally win her acceptance with the in-crowd and dreams of bringing her boss, Dr. Brian Faulkner, as her date. But when Darby begins to form an unexpected friendship with her goofy coworker, Cliff, she learns through him about a scandalous secret involving Dr. Faulkner that is sure to end in disaster. Telling her sister the truth will force them both to face the reality of who they have become—and whether they still have a place in each other’s future.

In her latest novel, beloved Southern author Susannah B. Lewis explores the burden and blessing of family legacies and the moments along the way for which to give thanks and celebrate.

 

My Thoughts

 

I love this book. I cannot stress that enough. It has most assuredly earned a spot on my all-time favorites shelf. And it’s so surprising, because I am not a huge fan of contemporary fiction. It has to be something really special for me to get excited about contemporary fiction. Della and Darby is so far beyond “something special.”

Susannah B. Lewis just has a gift. Her way with words is something magical. I just lose myself in her books and come out feeling so full when I’ve turned the last page. I loved her last novel, Bless Your Heart, Rae Sutton, but Della and Darby is on a whole other level, in my opinion.

I think one of the reasons this book resonated with me so much is the complexities of the two sisters and their relationship. They are twins and have been through everything together, yet they have been affected by their circumstances in such different ways. Della’s pain manifests itself as a need for perfection, to prove herself to those around her. Darby withdraws into herself, preferring to spend her quiet life working at the local factory and evenings with her grandmother. Della and Darby are like most other sisters; they argue and hurl hurtful words at one another. They misunderstand one another at times, yet at others know exactly what the other needs. And underneath it all, there is a deep love that no circumstance can diminish.

 

Another thing that I adore about this book is that it does not glamorize the South, as so much Southern fiction is wont to do. Yes, people “bless” each other’s hearts, and there is sweet tea and fried green tomatoes aplenty, but it paints a true picture of what life in the South is like. The class divides, the struggles, the hypocrisy, the community, and the simplicity of a quiet life in a small town. I also like how “regular” lives were portrayed. Della works as a receptionist at a doctor’s office, and Darby works at a factory. It was nice to see “blue collar” workers positively portrayed in fiction for once.

I can’t say enough good things about Della and Darby. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

In Spotlight and Shadow

by Rachel Scott McDaniel

About the Book

A Gem of a Mystery Takes Center Stage

​Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she’d be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she’d take over the family’s auction company. But mostly she’s disappointed herself. What’s the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop. Her instincts tell her there’s more to the paste necklace than meets the eye. Whether a good idea or not, she accepts help from a childhood friend, who happens to be country music megastar—Pierson Brooks. Pierson and Elise share a history; one she doesn’t care to repeat. The more involved they become in the mystery, the more things get tangled, including her heart.
 
A century earlier…
Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe.

My Thoughts

Once again, Rachel Scott McDaniel dazzles with her talent at penning sweet and snappy romance, this time with dual timelines.

Scott’s passion for Jazz Age-era Pittsburg shines in all of her books, and In Spotlight and Shadow is no exception. The William Penn Hotel comes to life in both its historic roots, as well as its contemporary state, and both are painted charmingly in Scott’s loving prose. Yet the characters are what made the book for me. In both timelines we are offered heroines who have deep wounds, yet strong spirits with loads of spunk and sparkling personalities. They are matched with complex and utterly charming heroes who are at once protective of the women they love, yet also leaving them room to be themselves.

The banter-filled dialogue is spot on. It fits in seamlessly with both the 1920s timeline, as well as the contemporary one. The fast pace of the stories will keep you turning pages, and the mystery will keep you guessing until the very end.

In Spotlight and Shadow is a charming new novel that fans of inspirational historical romance will not want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Yesterday’s Tides

by Roseanna M. White

About the Book

In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations.

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same –until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the great war rock Evie and Sterling’s lives in World War II, it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

My Thoughts

Beloved author Roseanna M. White returns with a heart-rending story of war, love, and loss spanning decades.

When one considers the close proximity in which the two world wars took place, it is only logical that lives would have been deeply impacted by both conflicts. This idea is played out blatantly throughout Yesterday’s Tides. In this work of historical fiction, we are offered dual timelines on the becoming island of Ocracoke in the outer banks of North Carolina. We see not only the effects both wars had on the lives of those living on the island, but the effects of the different ideas held by society in each era. Themes of racial inequality as well as the oppression of women are portrayed through Louisa in the WWI timeline. Her romance with Rem is a sweeping whirlwind, though it comes with seemingly insurmountable challenges. It is heart-rending to read of her separation from Rem, the two divided by ignorance. Yet Louisa proves a strong heroine that is as charming and intelligent as she is beautiful, making her a delight to read about. And in the WWII timeline, Evie carries on her mother’s legacy as she runs the inn. A woman of strong faith with a big heart, she is so caring of everyone that she comes into contact with. Her habit of collecting sea glass as a reminder of prayer is endearing. And while it takes a backseat to the unraveling of family secrets, Evie’s romance with Sterling is enchanting, as well.

Long-time readers of White will relish all the threads of her past stories woven into this book. Myriad characters from her prior series make appearances in Yesterday’s Tides, providing a plethora of fun little Easter eggs for readers to look for as the story unravels. We’re also introduced to a new cast of varied and complex characters in the pages of this book. Generations of Louisa and Evie’s family make appearances throughout, adding depth to this richly layered story.

Ocracoke Island is a character itself in the book. The enchanting setting with its mysterious nooks and crannies creates the perfect backdrop for a story of war and romance and family secrets.

Fans of historical fiction won’t want to miss this mysterious, endearing, and tenderly told family saga. Highly recommended!

All opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to Roseanna M. White and Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book.

MY REVIEW OF SHADOWED LOYALTY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com

FOLLOW ROSEANNA

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 Secret of the Sonnets

by Samantha Hastings

About the Book

Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and at the advanced age of twenty-six, she is undoubtedly a spinster. Her single-minded ambition leads her not to seek a husband but to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. So when she discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, she pens a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic triumph.

Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and must turn things around or risk losing his ancestral home. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has little time to bother with a letter from an M. Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers―until he realizes there may be some financial merit in granting the request. To his great surprise, M. Hatch turns out to be none other than the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon embarks on the trail of a centuries-old mystery, drawn together not only by their shared goal but by their growing attraction. However, someone else is seeking the priceless papers, and they will not hesitate to remove anyone in the way of glory. 

My Thoughts

The premise of this book drew me to it. I love the Regency era and will look for any excuse to immerse myself in that period. And the idea of two people searching Shakespeare’s sonnets for secrets was intriguing. Miranda was a lovely heroine. She was smart and curious and just the sort of heroine I love to read about. There were times when I felt that the book lagged a bit, but the plot was so endearing, and the surprises made it fun.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

The Rose and the Thistle

by Laura Frantz

About the Book

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies--and those who pretend friendship may be enemies. 

My Thoughts

I love Laura Frantz’s books. Her heartfelt romances set in the 18th century are always a treat coupled with her engaging prose. I have to admit, though, this was a somewhat slow read for me. The plot was interesting. Themes of war and religious persecution add tension to the novel. And the setting…perfection. I loved the sweeping descriptions of the Scotland moors. I liked the characters, Blythe and Everard in particular. I just wish the pace would have been a little bit swifter to keep the pages turning.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

2022 has been a banner year for books. So many great reads have released this year, making it hard to narrow the list down to ten. Yet I have endeavored to do just that. So here we have it; ten books I adored in 2022!

The Bride of Blackfriar’s Lane

by Michelle Griep

Michelle Griep’s books are always a delight, and I love her Kit and Jackson books. Griep’s immense talent at bringing the world of Victorian England to life combine with high adventure to create something truly magical. Reading about Kit and Jackson’s zany trip to the altar was a total blast.

A Heart Adrift

by Laura Frantz

The Colonial Era is painted beautifully in this lovely book by beloved author Laura Frantz. This tender love story is achingly told and just as sweet as the chocolates the heroine is known for.

All That Fills Us

by Autumn Lytle

Autumn Lytle’s debut is a raw, beautifully written story of a woman’s journey to overcome anorexia as she hikes across America. It was such an engrossing read that truly resonated with me. I can’t wait to see what Autumn Lytle writes next!

The Key to Deceit

by Ashley Weaver

Ashley Weaver is the master at vintage mystery. I adore her Electra McDonnell mysteries set in WWII London. Ellie is such a fun and spunky heroine. This latest installment was completely satisfying with a total surprise ending. I can’t wait for more!

Holding the Line

by Jennifer Delamere

A heartwarming and cozy romance, I enjoyed every moment of this Victorian novel. Rose and John were my favorite types of characters–smart, thoughtful, and completely bookish, and I loved reading as their story unfolded.

The Lost Melody

by Joanna Davidson Politano

Joanna Davidson Politano has swiftly become a favorite author of mine and I am always eager to get my hands on her books. The Lost Melody has been my favorite book by her so far. The deliciously atmospheric Victorian tale with its Gothic flair hooked me from the beginning. The sensitive issue of life in 19th Century asylums is handled with respect and leaves the reader with a sense of hope.

Where the Last Rose Blooms

by Ashley Clark

Ashley Clark’s Heirloom Secrets series has been so marvelous. There is a sentimentality to these books that I simply love. I have loved every book in the series, and Where the Last Rose Blooms was a stunning conclusion to the series. The writing is lyrical and the plot is spot on.

When the Day Comes

by Gabrielle Meyer

This book was one of those stories that was so hard for me to put down. I loved Libby and reading about her life as a time-traveler between the Colonial era and the Gilded Age was completely engrossing. I was kept guessing throughout the entire book, and this story has lingered with me long after I turned the last page.

Shadowed Loyalty

by Roseanna M. White

If you have spent any time at all around me or my blog, then you probably already know how much I love the 1920s; it’s my favorite era. You also probably know what a fan I am of Roseanna M. White. So when I learned she was releasing a story set in the Roaring Twenties, I was all kinds of excited. And Shadowed Loyalty did not disappoint. Roseanna’s talent with the written word and her keen eye for historical detail make this a book I absolutely loved.

The Blackout Book Club

by Amy Lynn Green

There was nothing about this book that I did not love. The setting, the plot, it was all wonderful, yet the characters are what made it for me. Each woman is so different, yet they form friendships over a shared love of books, as well as a common goal in supporting their loved ones and their community in a time of war.

Have you read any of the books on this list? What did you think? What were some of your favorite books this year? I’d love to hear about them! 

–Miranda Atchley