The Book of Hours

Coin/Hours Cycle #2

by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

For artist Gabriela Martinez, psychopaths do hit twice. What did she ever do to deserve this?
An unscrupulous arts dealer covets Gabriela’s work to the point of madness, Richard Harrison is willing to do anything to get her back in his life, and if Richard and Gabriela don't stop this new threat, their chances for a future together will go up in flames.

A LOVE IN JEOPARDY
In 1993, artist Gabriela Martinez almost lost her life to a sociopath’s twisted vision. If not for Richard Harrison, the operative sent to protect her, she would have ended up dead. The dramatic showdown pushed them together, but there were too many obstacles temporarily pulling them apart.

A NEW THREAT
After catching a glimpse of Gabriela’s new work, The Book of Hours, Arnold Wickeham has been like a man possessed. Now, he will do anything—anything—in order to claim it, and nothing, especially not Gabriela, will stand in his way.

THE PAST IS CATCHING UP
Richard Harrison has never given up his true love, Gabriela. Now someone new is threatening her life, and he will risk everything to protect her. But the stakes are now higher, and there is much more to lose. And, if he doesn’t stay one step ahead of the danger, her life, but especially, their future, may very well go up in flames.
Set in California and London, The Book of Hours, the follow-up to The Coin, is a story about greed, obsession, family duty, and, especially, deserved second chances.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is the second book of a series. I didn’t read the first one and I thought that might spoil it for me, but it didn’t. Ms. Alonso-Sierra has provided plenty of background information that brought me up to speed on the characters, allowing me to concentrate my mind on the story at hand. The characters are extremely well-written and you are given every opportunity to get to know them and to follow them from continent to continent. The plot itself was clearly well-thought out and was full of action and plenty of suspense, which is what glued me to the story, giving me an innate desire to find out what was going to happen. This is a real mix of romance, crime, and suspense, full of mystery, everything a great story needs. Fantastic story, really well-written and gripping.

Genres: Thriller, Romance

316 pages, ebook

First published February 11, 2015

About the author

I'm María Elena Alonso-Sierra, and I write award-winning stories shaped by place, secrets, and the quiet moments when everything changes. My novels are born from a life lived across borders—an international upbringing, years spent traveling and living abroad, and a deep love for the cities, streets, and hidden corners where stories like to linger.
My international suspense novels, The Coin and The Book of Hours, explore paths I know well, being far from home, adding a sense of danger, intrigue, discovery, and unease that finds its way onto every page.
My short literary fiction collection, The Fish Tank: And Other Short Stories, explore a wide range of voices and genres, including deeply personal tales inspired by my experience of exile and the resilience of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s.
With Hanging Softly in the Night, I introduced Detective Nick Larson and his team, stepping fully into the world of investigative suspense and gritty detective work, set in an unforgiving city: New York.
I hold a Master's degree in English literature, but what truly shapes my work is curiosity—about people, about places, and about the secrets that live just beneath the surface. When I'm not writing, I'm usually exploring somewhere new, collecting details, atmosphere, and ideas that eventually become stories.
If you're drawn to smart intrigue, meaningful characters, and plots that keep your pulse racing, you're in the right place. I write stories that will leave you breathless until the last page...and I'm so glad you're here.

Reviews

[Irma Alonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting to read this Book since I finished The Coin and I have to say that the wait was worthwhile! Once again Mrs. Sierra keeps you in nail biting suspense while at the same time engaging you with the intense and passionate relationship of Richard and Gabriela. There are chapters in which I felt like I was watching an episode of Criminal Minds, and others where it was like watching a beautiful love story! I just could not put it down, I even arrived very late at a dinner invitation because I couldn't stop reading! Highly recommend it!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing book. Gabriela is hoping she can have a good life but danger is there instead. Once you start, you can’t put the book down.

[Read All About It · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriela. His only love. His Achilles heel.

Richard and Gabriela are back together again. This second book is much more intense than the first in my opinion. A fascinating mystery that keeps you reverted to the pages.

“Gabriela is giving herself a chance, trusting you will be there in the wings if she ever needs you. Don’t fail her by not being there as you promised.”

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sequel to “The Coin”, Alonso-Sierra's novel, “The Book of Hours” picks up with Gabriella's story four years later, but in much the same situation - danger.

Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Hours wasn’t bad. However I feel like I short changed myself by not reading book 1 first. There’s a lot of buildup that would’ve made more sense if I read that first, but I digress. In saying that you could still navigate this book without it. Now my goal is to go back and read it, then reread this one. I was drawn to this book just by the name of the antagonist of the story. No book I ever read has anything good come from that name, no matter the spelling, Wickeham. The name drew me right into Gabriela and Richard’s story. Their triumphs. their love, their fierce protection of one another and those they love.
Gabriela and Richard have a past that developed and came together in book 1. But it ended in their separation. This book throws them back into each other’s lives to navigate the threats against her and her family. Also forces them to address the elephant in the room, their love for one another.
The author didn’t short change the drama and suspense. Keeping one turning the page wondering what’s around the next corner.
In saying all that, could you read this as a standalone novel, sure I did. However I think it would’ve been so much better if I read it as a set.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriela is a well-known artist and she is auctioning off some of her most prized pieces to benefit a local children's charity. A psychopathic curator named Wickham is obsessesed with Gabriela's work and is bound and determined to get his hands on a certain piece prior to the auction. Gabby isn't willing to allow this crazy lunatic to have his way and she'll do whatever she can to prevent this sale from happening, even if it means risking her life.

Richard lost the love of his life four years ago. There are secrets that have been revealed to him and he needs to find his way back to Gabriela. Lucky for him, someone is in need of his services so he finds himself at Gabby's side. How long will that last though? Will she even have room for him in her heart?

This was a slow starting book for me, mainly because I was missing some context from the previous book in this series. I will be going back and reading it soon though as I need to fill in some holes. However, I don't feel like I missed so much that I couldn't enjoy this book. There was plenty of action, a small amount (but just enough) romance, and some twists and turns that weren't really expected.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Hours is the second installment of the Cycle Series. I suggest reading The Coin first to get the full backstory.
Four years later after the incident with Albert a lot has changed for Gabriela. Another child, her career has taken off, her husband's accident and threats.
When Richard was contacted about Gabriela's threats he rushed to her side hoping there was still a chance. He lived in limbo for four long years wishing she would have contacted him. Upon seeing her his heart flipped. He wanted to kiss her. Touch her...
Until a little mimicry shriek caught his attention. He couldn't take his eyes away.
While learning about the threats Richard was determined to protect her and her family once again. But where was her husband Roberto?
Gabriela was determined not to sell her Book of Hours to the nasty individual who was making threats and causing havoc in her life.
Evil is lurking in the shadows waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike to get what he feels like he deserves The Book of Hour.
A romantic thriller that will keep you intrigued from beginning to end.

[Susan Ratchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Hours
Coin/Hours Duology 2
By: Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars


Absolutely adored this book! I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Alonso-Sierra’s work.Her writing style and the way she writes all her characters just drew me in! My fiancé is an artist so I really liked the inclusion art! I loved Gabriela and Richard's story! It had me reading as fast as I could to find out what would happen next! I couldn’t put it down! I felt every moment of fear and panic like it was my own! I might have even checked behind my back a few times! I really wish there could be a third book in this heart pounding series! If you are a lover of thrillers and a fast paced plot you have to check out The Book of Hours and the first book in the Coin/Hours Duology! You will not be disappointed!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HELL! I think I LOVED The Book of Hours even more than The Coin if possible. It's been some time since Richard & Gabriela's last crazy journey filled with danger. Of course, Gabiela is now in danger again because she won't sell something to a person who shouldn't be allowed out anywhere on his own since that person is like a spoiled child who wants to bully their way into getting what they want so let the games begin. Once again, I was drawn in completely from the jump as this story hijacked all my attention until every last page was devoured. The twists were coming in hot, and my head was spinning trying to figure out how it would all pan out, not to mention poor Richard, and his unrequited love for his charge. I've fallen completely in love with this brilliant author so I'll just be over here impatiently waiting on the next book as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gripped from page one by this romantic suspense novel which kept me captivated throughout. Artist Gabriela Martinez’s new work, The Book of Hours has put her in danger when an unscrupulous art dealer, Arnold Wickham wants to claim it. When Richard Harrison discovers the woman he loves, Gabriela is in danger he believes he’s been gifted with a second chance to protect her. However, Richard needs to stay focused as both their lives are in danger. Both the California and London settings were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. The characters are well defined, and I enjoyed the relationship development between the main characters. The storyline and plot twists kept me happily turning the pages, and I would recommend this enjoyable and engaging read.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the series. It can be read as a standalone although I do think reading the first book would be beneficial. This is quite a slow build book, starting off slow and increasing the pace of the book as it goes on. The book is full of romance and suspense and the author has combined them both so well.
This is a new author to me and I was taken in by her writing style. I will definitely be going back to read the first book but this was enjoyable in its own right. I became engaged with the story and wanted to see how things would turn out. This is a great story and I am looking forward to discovering more from the author

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriela Martinez is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Gabriela is still waiting for the love of her life Richard Harrison to honor the words of love he promised her four years ago. Now she is under threat by a man named Arnold Wickham who is determined to get his hands on her manuscript and not allow anyone else to get a chance to see it. He is ruthless with his tactics, but little does Gabriela know this will set in motion to bring Richard back into her life sooner then he planned.

Richard felt he needed to make himself the man who deserved Gabriela. Now he is back and has no plans to go anywhere. Can he keep Gabriela protected while earning her trust again, can they find their second chance?

I listened to this on audible. I thought the story was great, it was full of twists and turns. You are pulled into a complicated relationship and suspenseful story. The audiobook though I was not a fan of the narrator, she is soft spoken and has no real inflection in her voice which conflicts with the overall tone of this edge of your seat story. Overall I would check out more by this author and go back to read the first book.

[Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense thriller
3.5 stars
This is the second book in the Coin/Hours Duology but the first I have read from this author. I didn’t feel like I had missed too much as the author cleverly interwove important details throughout the story. There’s a lot within the pages and I especially liked the mystery. This will appeal to a wide audience. Recommend.

[Betsy Melano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by the author that I’ve read. I did not read The Coin which is the first book of the series. I was able to follow the story fairly quickly as the author does a wonderful job of world building which helps combine the characters who are located in different countries. Right from where the Prologue starts, I could almost feel the adrenaline rush as Gabriela is doing her best to drive while realizing her breaks are either broken or have been tampered with.
The action, suspense, romance, and everything about this book moved the story along and I enjoyed reading it. I think it would be nice to read The Coin.

[Francis]

The Book of Hours is the second book in The Coin Duology, but can be enjoyed as a standalone if you don’t mind some spoilers for The Coin. It is full of action and suspense, as Gabriela is pursued by an art dealer desperate to buy a work for far less than she knows it is worth. Richard, who was tasked with protecting her in The Coin, is back to try and convince her of the level of danger she’s in and keep her safe.

There’s a fun cast of characters in this book! I’m particularly fond of Jeremy, who works as a bodyguard and chauffeur for Richard. He brings some comic relief, but is also observant and loyal to those he cares about.

This is an exciting book for fans of romance and crime, particularly if you’re interested in art-related crime. It’s a real page-turner, moving between perspectives to leave you on a cliffhanger so you have to keep reading to get back to the same character. It gets five stars from me!

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, clear visuals. Well fleshed out characters, both lovable and easy to hate. Easy to follow, but I think I may have enjoyed it a bit more if I read the first book beforehand. The storyline was clear and well described, I just enjoy the prose and feel I'd have felt even more connected had I read that, first.

Gabriela is an artist, well known and with enough works that she is working to sell some to raise money for a local kids charity. Wickham is a crazy curator who is obsessed with Gabriela, and will stop at nothing to obtain a piece from her prior to the auction. Gabriela refuses the sale, regardless of where the possibilities may lead her. Enter Richard, a man with a passionate history with Gabriela who is willing to do what it takes to protect her.

Intrigue, passion, obsession, beauty, psychosis, attraction and suspense abound in this book.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Mesmerizing tale from beginning to the end. Love the energy and smooth flow. Villains abound while pure love stands strong

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely suspenseful romance that is 100% worth the read! I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. The beginning is a little bit slow, but the overall flow of the story is still magnificent. Don’t let the slow start fool you as it will have you turning pages as quickly as you can shortly after. The love story of Gabriela and Richard is intense, passionate, and full of surprises! I don’t want to give an inkling of anything away (you’ll thank me later) therefore I will just give a strong recommendation to give this book a chance so you can fall in love with it too!

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

See full review of Beyond the Covers Blog here on Goodreads and check us out on Facebook.
http://beyondthecoversblog.blogspot.com

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

An artist has created a masterpiece and is auctioning it off for a charity, but a wealthy and unscrupulous collector has asked her to sell it to him at his named price. She has refused many times and every time he asks the pressure to sell gets worse and the threats begin. She has an acquaintance from an episode that brought them together in past years and when he learns that she is now being threatened and actually the target of "accidents" he comes to her aid. She is also trying to keep her husband's company afloat while he in bed ridden an comatose. Plenty of action and dangerous situations has she continues to fight off the escalating threats by the collector. Another readable author added to my list.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of hours is book 2 in the series, not really series, but a duo-logy. I however mistakenly read this book first! What was amazing was that the author wrote book 2 in a way that I immediately understood the story and the characters without having read her first book yet, which is impressive to say the least! I did read the coin immediately following this book and loved that I was able to get more of Gabriela's story and it definitely played as backstory for this book.

The book of hours, begins with Gabriela fighting off what she considered mundane threats from a man determined to get her amazing Manuscript at rock bottom prizes. What she doesn't know is the man has no limit to the threats he will send her way, and that he intends to carry them all out as well. This is when Richard walks back into her life and the story truly begins. Gabriela and Richard seem to have a lot to talk about and work out, but because of all the chaos and danger there is simply no time to do that. This leaves them at times at odds with each other, and that seems to happen at all the wrong times.

I loved this book, and I loved the Duo-logy! They both read so well, while the mystery at times was complex I was always able to follow the story without a single problem. The characters were very well developed and you simply learn more about the main ones between the two books. If you are looking for a great mystery read, these books will not disappoint!

[Theresa Needham fehse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com

Gabriela Martinez and Richard Harrison first meet in Ms. Alonso-Sierra’s “The Coin.” I urge the
reader to go there before beginning this page turner. The love relationship between Gabriela
and Richard starts in the first book 4 years before the “Book of Hours.” The reader doesn’t have
to know the details of the first book to understand the 2nd, but it helps.
The original Book of Hours is a Christian devotional book popular in the Middle Ages. It is an
illuminated manuscript, meaning that is filled with intricate and ornate lettering and figures. In
that respect, this Book of Hours is similar. Gabriela Martinez has made a copy of the original, for
which collectors are more than willing to pay huge sums at auction. One collector is willing to kill
for it. Therein is the reason that Gabriella and Richard are re-united.
This novel is a cocktail thriller mixed with love and madness. There are moments when you may
feel you’ve drunk too much with all the novel’s twists and turns but it’s a pleasant hangover.
More importantly, you will be wishing to read more of Gabriela and Richard at story’s end.

3 ½ Stars
William Snyder

[April (TwilightTINK) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored The Coin so I was highly anticipating The Book of Hours. And it didn't disappoint.

Ms. Sierra is a master story teller. The characters of Gabriela and Richard are wonderfully complex and full characters. Gabriela shows so much growth from the first book to this one (set four years later) but she still has the same spirit and humor. She was dealing with a lot and much had changed. What hadn't changed is that she is once again in danger.

Richard is still in love with Gabriela but wanted to give her space to try to make her marriage work. But he was at his ends and was intent on reaching out to her, despite it all. Then he gets a fateful call to help protect her, just the opening he needed.

These two set the pages on fire! They had the same magnetism and passion as the first book but with more maturity. The suspense was well written but not predictable and had many twists and turns. It was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. The story had me laughing and crying and anxious to keep reading. I can only hope that at some point we get to see more of these great characters!

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book never lets up. It takes the reader on a wild and rocky ride on both sides of the big pond with characters who are well drawn and compelling.
Gabriela is a famous artist who has recreated a beautiful Medieval manuscript. It is about to go to auction in London with the proceeds to fund a children's charity. She is approached by a despicable man who refuses to take no for an answer.
As his attempts to persuade her become more and more dangerous, her former lover, and the father of her child, Richard, is asked to intervene. Much has changed in the years they have been apart but not their love for each other. This love gets tested time and again by manipulative people for whom "no" is not an acceptable answer.
The love story of Richard and Gabriela is fraught with danger but the reader cannot help but be carried along through every twist and turn and exciting challenge.
There is a previous book with the same characters. The Book of Hours is so good, I am going to search out the prequel and read it too.
I give it a high recommendation.

[Angi Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The return of Richard and Gabriela, with a hugely different set of circumstances. Different country, different everything. Again full of intrigue etc as before, with the added question of how can the pair resolve things from their previous lives. I won't spoil it.

The character of Wickeham is horrible, but truly fascinating. From the beginning you really despise him, and can see where he is going. He is the classic bully, awful but underneath he isn't so clever as he tries to tell people he is. The difference in Gabriela is amazing and surprising as to how a character changes over time, but believably so.

Loved these two books, and cannot wait for more!!!

* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *

[Deborah Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 -- The Book of Hours -- by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra continues the story of Gabriela and Richard. This time she starts in America but takes you on a ride to England. Still true to her ability, her words paint a vivid image in your mind as you read her next thriller. Her characters are real, her plot is moving, and it a read you won't want to miss.

Put both of her books: The Coin & The book of Hours on your must read list. You will be glad you did. I can't wait for her next novel.

Ms. Alonso-Sierra...Maria, it was a pleasure meeting you at Writers' Police Academy Conference. What we authors do to make our books more real, and we get to meet one another as well. A double blessing.

[Cristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, Alonso-Sierra did it again!!!!! You must read both books!!!! (The Coin, then The Book of Hours) Gabriela & Richards relationship and passion is one to envy, and the supporting cast of characters and fascinating story line will not allow you to put the book down! I highly recommend this read to anyone who is not only interested in a romance novel, because this is not just a romance novel, it is a well thought out mystery as well. Can't wait to see what's next for the author!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting Drama, Action-packed!

The Book of Hours was a literary thrill ride! The characters were passionate and so well-written that you felt like you knew them personally. The story was fast-paced, full of action and interwoven with a great mystery, along with a horrifying bad guy. Who could ask for anything more?! Highly recommend!

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing story! Fate has shoved Richard and Gabriela together again! Some variations but the same restrictions where togetherness has to be put on the back burner. A jealous, spoiled, wealthy woman tries to separate them as well as someone is out to kill them both. You will love their second adventure as much as the first.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Suspenseful and intriguing. Kept me turning the pages and not wanting to stop. Well written with in depth characters. Won via Goodreads Giveaway.