Enchanted Isle

by Melanie Dobson

In the spring of 1958, Jenny Winter embarks on a two-month adventure to one of the most enchanting places on earth, a quaint village in England’s magical Lake District. With a new camera and an eye for capturing the beauty others miss, she can’t wait to explore the heathery fells and mystical waters. Adrian Kemp, a handsome and enigmatic local, makes the sightseeing even more beguiling―and he’s about to invite Jenny into one of the area’s most enduring legends. When Adrian shows Jenny his late father’s abandoned dream, a deserted island amusement park, she glimpses a kindred spirit in this reckless, haunted young man. Yet as she opens her heart to Adrian, the two stumble into a labyrinth of mystery leading back a generation to an unforgettable romance and an unsolved murder that still casts a shadow over the lakes. As long-held secrets come to light, it’s left to Jenny and Adrian to put the past to rest and restore a lost dream.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, British Literature, Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense

316 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

Writing fiction is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.

Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.

More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Enchanted" describes this wonderful new book penned by Melanie Dobson. Jenny Winter has headed to the Lake District of England for a two month stay with a friend of her mother's. She is thrilled to be leaving her domineering grandfather and an arranged marriage by him to a man in which she has no interest. She is also happy to be leaving behind a troubled educational past where letters and numbers make no sense, failure has followed her year after year, and her vivid imagination has never been appreciated. I felt so sorry for Jenny because she had never been allowed to be herself and neither her family nor her teachers had tried to find the reasons for her learning difficulties or her imagination encouraged. Adrian Kemp has lived his life in the Lake District under the shadow of his father's past and his own wild youth. He's changed, but he can't seem to outlive the past. He becomes Jenny's tour guide during her stay and discovers her developing love for photography and her incredible eye for seeing what others miss.

Dobson's book is an absolutely delightful combination of romance, suspense, and whimsy. The slowly developing romance between Jenny and Adrian and the second chance romance between her mom and Gilbert amidst all the suspense and intrigue were very well done. The mystery element surrounding Enchanted Isle kept me reading to find out what had really happened to bring an end to the incredible delights of the amusement park Enchanted Isle and to clear the name of Adrian's father. Dobson's descriptions of both the Lake District and Enchanted Isle made me feel as if I was right there with Jenny. I loved the surprise ending and how Jenny's imagination brought Enchanted Isle back to life again. I would really love a sequel to see what happens next to Enchanted Isle. Definitely recommend to those who like a good combination of light romance, a touch of history, an element of fantasy, a thread of faith, and a pinch of mystery.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "I don't have the power to do it on my own, but when I forgive others, I experience God's forgiveness for my own past."

"Do you think there's a right person to marry?.....I don't know about only one person, but I definitely think it's a choice we need to make carefully and prayerfully."

"What we wish for sometimes takes over the reality of what is true."

**I received a complimentary copy of this book through the author and a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had a delightful vintage feel to it, since it's set after WW2 in England. At first it's just a girl and her explorations; then she begins to uncover hints of a darker past to the place, facts that keep shoving the past into the present and dark secrets that someone is ready to do what it takes to keep hidden. It's a bit more of a cozy mystery because that facet doesn't pop up until later in the novel and then leads to a serious showdown.

There's a dual romance to sweeten things up a bit, also!

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read with an intriguing mystery. I liked the premise and the story lived up to the book teaser. The characters were likable and made the story come alive. Another winner from Melanie.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be ready to get lost in the late ‘50s in England in a quaint village in the lakeside district, and remnants of a past time of fun adventure.
Through the eyes of the author we are able to glimpse a place where magic happens in an island amusement park. We are transported back to pre WWII, and then fast-forward to 1958 and a new generation get a look at the ruins.
When a young woman comes from Cleveland to visit her mothers old friend in England, a new and wonderful time is about to begin, and it circles around and back to her mother.
There is a bit of everything here, and we get to enjoy the fells and the beautiful countryside through the eyes of a first time visitor Jenny. There is also a lot of guilt carried by several of the people we get to know, and a lot of it you won’t see coming. The unfolding of long held secrets, and finding forgiveness and allowing the acceptance to forgive, yes there seems to be a lot of blame for oneself here.
Come and help solve an old crime, relive an old love affair, and welcome new love.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Waterfall Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Melanie Dobson! Set in the Lake District of England, this book has it all--mystery, a tender romance, and some action--in the 1950's. Interesting characters with an intriguing backstory, it is a lovely coming of age tale with an inspirational side to it.
Reading this while I was on vacation snapping hundreds of photos, helped me relate even more to Jenny, the main character who struggles to capture the beauty around her on film. She was a sincere, gentle person looking for a path in life, one where she could use her unique gifts.
Recommend to any reader looking for a well written clean romance with a mystery and some inspiration.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories where you can feel almost homesick for places you have never been, because the author describes the place so beautifully and dreamily. I felt that way with Enchanted Isle. I was hooked on this story involving an abandoned amusement park and an old mystery, and I liked seeing how characters were brought back together. An engaging read!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a LONG time since I've listened to an audiobook, so I was excited to listen to this one over the last couple weeks. There is definitely an enchantment to this story, and the setting was glorious and caught my fancy. The characters were detailed and realistic. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the Lake District.

I wouldn't say I loved the story itself, as Jenny's longings got a little annoying after awhile. So often we present happiness as our own making (which, in reality, comes from surrender to Christ), and I definitely felt that in this book. There also was a tendency of focusing on "forgiving her/his self"...almost more of a focus than Jesus' forgiveness! Also, some of the British accents done by the narrator laxed by the end of the book and for this reader, living in England, it got irritating :P

Still, I liked the story, and the author has a way with words. I'm sure I'll be reading her again in the future :)

[Morgan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story of forgiveness and belonging set in a quaint English lake community. I long to visit Enchanted Isle and meet the characters who I now consider friends. A lovely and engaging novel centered on a young woman trying to find her own way into the world and the belonging she has always craved as the past comes calling. It’s a delightful and magical tale wrapped in hope. Another amazing story by the incredibly talented Melanie Dobson!

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1958 and Jenny is glad to travel to the Lake District. In America her grandfather has chosen a fiancé for Jenny, but she doesn't want to marry this man. Jenny is looking forward to freedom and photography. She has a new camera and can't wait to capture the beauty of her new surroundings. She soon meets the handsome Adrian. He has a motorcycle, knows a lot about the area and is exactly the kind of company Jenny needs. He offers to show her around and that also means he'll take her to his family legacy, an old neglected amusement park filled with ancient history.

Adrian's family used to run a successful amusement park on an island, but after a terrible incident the park never opened again. Many years later it still isn't clear what happened. Nobody was ever able to discover the exact details of an awful death. Will Jenny and Adrian be able to find out more about what was going on at the island at that time and is it possible for them to right the wrongs of the past, so the future will look bright again?

Enchanted Isle is a beautiful story about love, friendship, feuds, secrets and mysteries. I like a good suspenseful story and love it even more when there's wonderful romance involved as well. Melanie Dobson has written a story that has both of these elements and I enjoyed it from the start. Jenny is a sweet girl. She's creative and observant and has dreams for the future that her grandfather is threatening to ruin. I kept hoping she'd find strength while having an ocean between them and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out if she'd be able to make her dreams come true. Adrian is a good guy, someone who suits her and is perfect for her. I flew through the story to see if they'd have a chance together.

Melanie Dobson's writing has a great easy flow. Enchanted Isle is gripping and has many different layers. There are plenty of surprising twists and turns and the story is fast-paced. I love it when I'm anxious to keep reading and Melanie Dobson kept me on the edge of my seat. I equally enjoyed the true love aspect and the mystery surrounding the island. There's a good balance and each part has been well developed. I absolutely loved Enchanted Isle, it's an amazing spellbinding story.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You have an extraordinary ability to see things that other people miss . . "

Jenny Winter has "flown the coop"; figuratively and literally. Before she marries someone she doesn't love and settles into a life that she doesn't want to live, her mother gifts her with a trip from Cleveland, Ohio to England's legendary Lake District, where the distant past holds exquisite possibilities for the future, if one has the eyes to see them. When she meets a handsome young local, she has no idea how enchanting one deserted island amusement park can become, even amidst the swirling dark secrets that time has protected.

Join Jenny and Adrian's carousel of second chances; soaring to new heights in order to gain a better understanding of God's immutable capacity to make all things new. What a creative story!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, I liked the time period 5 to 10 years after world war II and the setting, the lake district in England. The story just fell a little flat for me. Some of the "mystery" felt a little far-fetched and easy to figure out. I've enjoyed others by her more.

[Tima · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for some good fiction, but his was a little lighter than I am used to. The writing style was easy enough, the setting was realistic and interesting, but the language that would be attributed to residents of a small western English town would be markedly different than the author presented. Especially post-WW II. The idea that the paternalistic and overbearing grandfather would allow his single granddaughter to travel unaccompanied to stay with a stranger in England was also unrealistic. I also was unprepared for the random references to Christrian scripture and God. I was not looking for that type of story and felt hoodwinked. I prefer my fiction a little more dark.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story with a great setting, populated by likeable characters. Secrets kept for decades seem to intrude on the lives of those living in the Lake District in England. Mysteries, an abandoned amusement park, old wounds all serve to make this a great read.

*I received a preview copy of this book by the publisher via Net Galley. My review is my own honest opinion.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really intriguing and entertaining historical with a mix of mystery and romance. The audiobook was very entertaining and I've found myself flying through it, wanting to see what happened to Curtis and what mysteries and secrets was hidden.

Jenny's journey to break free of predetermined paths other people set for her was a great journey to be part off and the challenges Adrian had to face off being judged by sins of others made him a real and vulnerable hero.

I loved the sweet second chance romance as well.

*I listened to this on scribd.*

[English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Usual problems with British characters using some Americanisms and modern phrases, but otherwise very good.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enchantment and Mystery

The book begins with a Prologue set in 1935 in Lakeland, England, and in the Prologue, the reader becomes privy to the murder that takes place then, and was never solved. In Chapter 1, the story jumps forward to 1958, and American, Jenny Winter has come to the Lake District for a two-month holiday. Upon arrival at Windermere railway station, she meets a young man, Adrian, who helps her with her suitcases. She meets him again when he rescues her after her bicycle develops a puncture. Her mother’s friend, Mrs Cora Banks, with whom Jenny is staying, warns Jenny to stay away from Adrian, saying he has a bad reputation, but Jenny likes Adrian.
Jenny sees everything in colour, and has a wonderful imagination that can turn a very wonky snowman into a whole village of snow people, or a lake peopled with mermen and graceful mermaids, fairies flitting about in beautiful translucent colours She sees beauty in places and things that others don’t, and as she is an amateur photographer, the reader is treated to expressive scenic descriptions.

Jenny and Adrian begin spending time together and they enjoy each other’s company. Their characters are becoming fleshed out, and we meet others whose characters slowly evolve with every meeting. We meet Emma, Adrian’s older sister, who runs an inn with her husband, Frank, and their two children. Emma is a delightful young woman who always wants to do things for others, to look after them. We meet Gilbert, uncle of Adrian and Emma, a farmer and qualified engineer. We meet kindly Mrs Moore, mother of Adrian’s best friend, who treats Adrian as if he were her adopted son. One night, Jenny cajoles Adrian into taking her out to see the now derelict Enchanted Isle. It is a foggy night and visibility is very poor but Jenny manages to see some of the sights before they both get a terrifying fright, as there seems to be someone else on the island. What is going on, who else is visiting the island during the night hours, and why?

This is a story about murder, mistakes and misunderstandings, secrets, greed, manipulation, and love; familial love, old love, shattered love, new love. There are some enchanted moments and some wonderfully insightful prose that makes one stop to think, and wonder.

There are a couple of inconsistencies in the story, but I can’t say what they are without giving away the plot. I like this author’s books, enjoyed this one, and can recommend it as an easy read with some depth. For those who like to know, there is a Christian thread running through this story, although it is no way intrusive.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Melanie Dobson when I read her book, “Catching the Wind” (Review here). This was my first book from here and I fell in love not only with the story, but with the way that Melanie wrote.

Then I was invited to read this story, Enchanted Isle. My first inclination is that the cover art didn’t draw me in. For such an accomplished writer, the cover art tended to sprinkle with a first time author trying to make her way into the self-publishing realm. I enjoyed the colorful frame, that bespoke of a carnival atmosphere, but the image of the, actually I’m not sure what it is, perhaps an island, is where my brain went into a tizzy. That said, if I saw this on a book store shelf I would walk right past it, unless I knew who the author was at the time

That said, I did enjoy the book. It didn’t seem to have nearly the same magic the first book I read contained, but it was still a fun and delightful read.

Essentially the book is about a young girl, Jenny Winter, who gets the opportunity to visit a small village in England for two-months before she must return home to marry the man her grandfather has chosen for her. As it is, she doesn’t have very much confidence with herself and we are able to pick that up within the first chapters of the book. So she arrives at the home of her mother’s friend’s with a camera in hand and ready to capture the beauty of the place.

But then she meets Adrian Kemp, the son of the man who has created an island amusement park. But due to tragedy, was no longer in business and darkness hung over him and anything connected to the park.

I loved the premise of the story, the ending of the story. What I wasn’t quite certain about was the first few chapters where it was spent focusing on the nitpicking of Jenny’s difficulty in riding a bike, the color and type of shoes she was wearing. I nearly put the book down at this time, wondering what happened to the magic of my newly found author. But I stuck with it and ended up enjoying the book.

There were many things I liked about the book, such as the characters and the tension that built. But there were equally areas where I wish there had been more explanation as to why she was the way she was (such as not being able to read). It seems like there were certain pods of interest that were tossed in here and there, but yet had no way to tie together and really be a part of the story.

All in all I did enjoy the book, but could have loved it more.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Enchanted Isle by Melanie Dobson, it’s 1958 and Jenny Winter doesn’t know what to do with herself. She dropped out of college because she wasn’t doing well in any subject. Her grandfather has someone from his company lined up for her to marry, but Jenny’s not sure that’s what she wants.

Her mother encourages Jenny to go to the Lake District in England for a couple of months. Jenny’s mom, Liz, had visited the area some twenty years earlier and had a friend who would be willing to let Jenny stay with her.

So Jenny flew to Lakeland. Though she wasn’t academic, she saw life through pictures and had a vivid imagination, Her mom had purchased a camera for Jenny’s upcoming 21st birthday, and Jenny is eager to try it out on the beautiful lakes and fells.

One place Jenny especially wants to visit is a theme park called the Enchanted Isle. Liz thinks it’s probably closed now, but Jenny wants to try to get in, just to see it and take pictures.

She finds that the park was indeed closed down, but not due to its age. An unsolved murder occurred there twenty years earlier. And the nice young man she just met, Adrian, has had a shadow hanging over his family because of it. His father had built the park with his business partner. But the business partner disappeared, and everyone thinks Adrian’s father killed him.

Jenny’s mother’s friend warns Jenny to stay away from Adrian, not only for his family’s history but for his own mistakes. But as Jenny gets to know him, she thinks he has been misjudged.

As Jenny uncovers the theme park’s history, she and Adrian discover that not everyone wants the park’s secrets revealed. And Jenny finds that even her mother didn’t tell her everything about her visit to Lakeland.

Another book I read recently mention the Lake District, so it was fun to find out more about the area.

The faith element of the story was natural and not preachy.

This was a sweet story, despite the murder mystery part of it. That part was handled well and with suspense. But I liked even better the themes of finding your own place in the world despite others’ expectations and not judging others, but getting to know their story.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanted Isle by Melanie Dobson is the story of one family’s dream turned into a nightmare when one man is accused of murder. A mystery hovers over the family and the village as the decades pass. The story opens in Lakeland, England, 1935 as Gilbert Kemp high on his recent marriage proposal to his love, Liz. He heads to the island amusement park that his brother created and runs. He comes across a scene which shocks him. His brother, Simon, is standing over the dead body of his partner, Curtis Sloan. Fast forward, 1958, a young girl named Jenny Winter is staying with a family friend in the village. She is almost twenty one and having her last hurrah before heading home to marry the man her grandfather has chosen for her. She soon becomes fascinated with the Enchanted Isle, the amusement park which now lay in ruins and no one is allowed in. She soon befriends Adrian Kemp and his sister, Emma as she learns more and more about the mystery that the town tries hard to ignore. Can she discover the truth behind the murder of Curtis Sloan? Will the Enchanted Isle ever reveal its secrets?
Enchanted Isle is a wonderful story of a mystery whose truth can redeem a family’s past or continue to haunt their lives. This is the second book I’ve read of Ms. Dobson and she is an amazing storyteller who weaves an intriguing tale with self-discovery and the power in become who you are truly meant to be. I love Jenny’s story as she’s trying to discover her place in the world and find the strength to stand up to her grandfather’s life plan for her. I enjoyed Adrian and felt for him as he’s trying to overcome of the shadow and rumors of what his family’s past. I highly recommend Enchanted Isle for its mystery, its uplifting self-discovery story and a cast of great characters.

Enchanted Isle
is available in paperback, eBook, and audio CD

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dobson invites readers into the magical world of old-fashioned amusement parks in Enchanted Isle! Before succumbing to pressure from her wealthy grandfather to marry a man she doesn’t love, Jenny Winter takes off on one last adventure to explore England’s lake district. With memories shared by her mother of her own adventure to the lake district decades earlier, Jenny hopes to capture some of the beauty of the area with her new camera. Upon her arrival, she meets local resident, Adrian Kemp, and soon finds not only a new friend in him, but a budding romance. As the two explore the island together, they discover the truth behind the demise of the beloved theme park, wade through the darkness shrouding Adrian’s father’s past, and discover that love springing from a previous generation may have a chance yet at being fulfilled.

Every reader that has had a chance to experience the glorious wonder of a seaside amusement park (for me it was The Pavilion in Myrtle Beach, SC) will appreciate the nostalgia and sentimentality lacing every page of Enchanted Isle! The childlike awe inspired by the setting contrasts nicely with the dark reasons behind the demise of the now defunct park. The reader will be surprised by how the park’s mysterious past links with Adrian’s family, local legend, and other characters integral to the plot. Of special interest to me was Adrian’s validation of who Jenny was as an individual. His admiration and encouragement for her to embrace the person she was created to be was appreciated and served as a good reminder that God has created each of us as special individuals with unique personalities, talents, and aspirations.

This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the Lake-District of England in the late 1950's, "Enchanted Isle" is an involving inspirational romance with an added touch of magic and mystery from author Melanie Dobson. Jenny Winters escape to the lake country of England brings much more than a reprieve from troubling issues. An imaginative young woman with an eye for capturing beautiful photographs, Jenny is drawn into the area's culture and atmosphere. Adrian Kemp, a local man, becomes her companion and guide. Handsome and enigmatic, Adrian reveals to Jenny the abandoned amusement park that was his late father's life's dream. As the two grow closer, secrets begin to unfold, and an unsolved murder from long ago once again rears its head. Truths can bring to the forefront many dark issues before the light breaks through. Will Jenny and Adrian find that love and faith can carry them forward to a future bright with hope and happiness? "Enchanted Isle" will take readers to a different place and time--one where magic, mystery, romance, and faith all blend for a captivating story.

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries and romance abound in the English countryside...

I quickly became a fan of Melanie Dobson's after reading a couple of her wonderful time-split novels. Enchanted Isle was a delight to read, filled with Melanie Dobson's trademark attention to historical detail, multi-faceted characters, and rich descriptions of English life. The Lake District did indeed come to life and the amusement park was nearly a character in and of itself. Not to mention the touch of Gothic romance was perfectly delightful.

I'm not usually as quick of a reader when using my Kindle, finding it easier to be distracted by other things, but this time I had a hard time putting it down. Enchanted Isle is definitely an enchanted story and if you enjoy this author's stories as much as I do this is one book to put on your Must Read list!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about Melanie Dobson’s latest historical suspense novel is “Enchanted.” I first read parts of this story in stages, and was always left wanting to know more about what happened next. Then, when I was able to read the whole story, it did not lose any of the suspense. In fact, I enjoyed it more, reading the development of the characters. We immediately like Adrian and Jenny. Gilbert and Mrs. Moore intrigued me, as they each had their own secrets. And what’s not to like about a historical mystery that has an amusement park (complete with roller coaster) as a major figure in the story?! Even the setting of the Lakes District was “enchanted.” The ending was also delightful and unpredictable.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was, at turns, romantic, scary, whimsical, sad, dreamy, but, above all, a great mystery. I spent several delightful hours reading the book, but many more hours delightfully daydreaming. I hope that this book will become a series, as I can imagine many stories springing from this book. Each character was richly developed and interesting, if not lovable, in their own way. And of course, the setting of the Lakes District in England is incomparable with its history and beauty.
Melanie Dobson, thank you. Keep writing and dreaming your dreams into books.
And thank you for the book, as I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Maile · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really happy to see the description of this book because it sounded interesting that it was set in the lake country in England. The story was interesting until about 3/4 through when I realized that the story has serious religious leanings. I finally gave up near the end and I stopped reading.
It isn't fair to the reader to not let them know that the book has intentional religious leanings. I am so sick of these books; not because I'm not a religious person ( it doesn't matter) but because I don't want to feel like I've been duped into reading something that I couldn't finish just because I was so mad. Readers need to be warned up front.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enchanted Isle by Melanie Dobson was a very enjoyable book. Mystery, suspense and discovering love. Jenny has come to the lake district in England to have some freedom from her demanding grandfather before she returns home to marry a man of his choosing. She meets Adrian whom is said to be reckless and not someone she should be around. He guides her around the area and they discover an attraction between them. There is more to discover about the past and an unsolved murder and a mystical deserted amusement park on an island. A great read!

I received this ebook from Goodreads and was not required to give a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet romantic suspense. It takes place in the 1950s. The heroine is unique in that she possibly has some kind of learning disability. She didn't do well at university, and her grandfather has plans to control her future. Thankfully, her understanding mother sends her on a trip abroad to give her some independence. I enjoyed the touching romance, the suspenseful plot, and the setting, but I didn't like it quite as much as The Chateau of Secrets. I think anyone who liked Colleen Coble's Mercy Falls series would enjoy this book as well.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming compelling mystery romance. The characters were nicely developed, realistic enough to call friend or enemy, with all the faults we all have. The settings, especially the amusement park, were so good I could visualize myself right there in the middle of it all. The story line grabbed and kept your attention to the end with a few plot twists and turns too.

I received this free from the author in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I will be following this author. WELL DONE! Recommend.

[Joan Arning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A magical theme park in England's Lake District is the setting for this intriguing story. Jenny Winter who has tried to always follow her wealthy grandfather's wishes until she makes a trip to England is an excellent protagonist. Adrian Kemp is a strong character who is held back by the villagers' beliefs about his family. Adrian helps Jenny use her artistic talent through photography. Suspense and danger are present as Adrian and Jenny attempt to discover the truth about his father. I enjoyed this book from the 1960s and recommend it to others. I won Enchanted Isle in a giveaway.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery in 1935 leads to consequences that have far-reaching tentacles. That situation still haunts the characters of the main story set in 1958. As each tie is found or part of the mystery is unraveled you breathe an AhHa sigh! Melanie Dobson’s novels are always a great ride and this one happens to be at an old amusement park. A delightful setting in the Lake District of England. Well developed characters with words that painted pictures. It seems that family history sometimes repeats itself, but do we learn from the past so we can change it? Enjoy! It indeed is an enchanted tale!