Between the Lines

Book Magic Novels #5

by Melissa Bourbon

A story that celebrates the power of books, the strength of women, and the courage it takes to embrace one's true self.

Will Cassie Lane break free from her family's legacy, or will she find the answers she seeks written in the very pages she's been running from?

Discover a Family Gift Like No Other

The Lane women possess a rare and extraordinary ability: they are bibliomancers, able to divine the future through the pages of books. But for young Cassie Lane, this so-called gift feels more like a curse, chaining her to a fate she never asked for. Desperate for a normal life, Cassie attempts to flee from her inherited powers, only to discover that escaping destiny is far from simple.

A Journey of Discovery and Danger

Cassie's life takes a dark turn when her peaceful community is shattered by the mysterious disappearance of a local woman and the shocking death of a neighbor. Reluctantly, she is drawn back into the world she tried so hard to leave behind. With the town gripped by fear and suspicion, Cassie realizes that the key to unraveling the truth lies within the very books she has avoided her entire life.

A Tale of Intrigue and Inner Strength

As Cassie delves into her family's ancient tomes, she begins to unlock secrets not just about the crimes, but also about herself. Each page brings her closer to a chilling revelation, forcing her to confront her deepest fears and embrace her unique abilities. In a race against time, Cassie must harness the power she once despised to protect those she loves and uncover the hidden darkness threatening to consume them all.

An Unforgettable Adventure

‘Between the Lines’ is a spellbinding tale of mystery, magic, and self-discovery. Join Cassie Lane as she navigates a world where the past and future are intertwined in the most unexpected ways.

A prequel to the #1 Amazon bestselling book The Bibliomancer's Daughter.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Novella, Cozy, Audiobook

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

About the author

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Melissa Bourbon is the national bestselling author of more than forty novels and nonfiction writing resource books. All of her books feature strong female and family relationships, bits of history, and lots of fun.

Melissa used to teach middle school English/Language Arts, but now she teaches creative writing to adults. She founded WriterSpark Academy, an online school for aspiring and new writers seeking to hone their craft.

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Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets on Rum Runners Lane by Melissa Bourbon
Book .5 of the Book Magic Mystery series. Paranormal Cozy mystery Intro novella.
Cassie doesn’t want anything to do with her heritage and moves away. But it’s not as easy as she thinks when she starts feeling the pull of her Bibliomancer heritage.

As a reader enthusiast, I found the concept of Bibliomancer intriguing. It’s a paranormal skill I’ve only see in YA Library settings. Cassie’s reluctance become less as the mystery unfolds and she realizes she can’t actually walk away from someone that needs help. As an intro, we see part of the world building but I’m guessing there is a lot more to unfold in the series. I look forward to the expanded world of book magic.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery with lots of intrigue. It gets a little creepy when I realized what was happening. What a psychotic killer. It’s sad it was so hard to get the police to see and believe what was going on.

Sisters Cassie and Lacy are opposites, and Cassie is relieved when she’s able to run away from their bibliomancy heritage. Reaching Devil’s Cove; she rents a room from Hattie Pickle and gets a job she loves at Delilah Roses’s garden center. Perry Hubbard’s house across the street from Hattie’s mesmerizes Cassie as she notices odd things about Mrs. Hubbard’s activities. When Cassie feels the need to use her bibliomancer skills, revelations come to light. A good novella addition to the Book Magic series!

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to this new series and it had me hooked on the concept, the setting. and the characters.

This tells the story of Carrie and how she came to be in Devil's Cove. We learn about her sister and Aunt and their gift of bibliomancy which Cassie has shunned until she realizes maybe it is something she should embrace.

I loved Carrie's landlord, Hattie. She is quite a hoot and I can only imagine how she will be in future books.

I enjoyed the mystery and never suspected how it would turn out. The cast of characters isn't large and you might be able to figure it out, but I know I didn't know how it was going to end.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series and while you don't have to start with this prequel (since it came out after book 1), I think it gives some good insight into Cassie and her beliefs and how she was raised.

We give this 5 paws up.

[Moondance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel Point

This is a delightful prequel to the Book Magic series. We go back in time and learn more about Cassandra "Cassie" Lane. Cassie and her sister, Lacy were raised by their Aunt Rose in a lighthouse on Cape Misery in the Pacific Northwest. All the Lane women have the gift of bibliomancy although Cassie considers it a curse. Cassie moves away as far as she can go and ends up in Devil's Cove, North Carolina on the Outer Banks.

I loved getting more of a back story on Cassie. It was interesting to see how she fits into the small town. Hattie Pickle has to be one of my favorite new characters. What a character she is! I love her quirky, eclectic ways and can't wait to see more of her in future books.

Cassie feels that her ability to foresee the future through books is a curse. She is very confused by a passage that she reads and at first misinterprets it. She is such a kind hearted young woman and I love that she feels the need to reach out to a troubled woman from town. I really appreciate her curiosity about the house across the street from Hattie's that will eventually become a focal part of her life.

As usual, there is a sweet animal companion in the story. Hattie's cat named Cucumber made me smile.

I love the quotes before each chapter. ( I seem to be saying love quite a bit! Lol) Some of them I know and others I had to go look for to see how they fit in their books.

The mystery is well done and I enjoyed picking up the clues with Cassie. I'm so glad I have read the first book in the series and now have more information about Pippin and Grey's mom.

This is an excellent series that I highly recommend!

I was provided an advance copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gwen Romack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella to keep me sated until the next book in the series hits! I love these characters, the setting, and the stories woven into the story. I recommend for a lovely distraction.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Secret on Rum Runner's Lane by Melissa Bourbon is the first book in a mini-series connected to a full-length mystery, which I cannot wait to get my hands on.
Will Cassie Lane find a life where she won't be near any books?
Cassie Lane
Cassie Lane is a bibliomancer. A witch that uses divination in the form of books. It's a very complicated gift and one that Cassie doesn't see as one. She strongly dislikes this gift and the curse that comes with her family. Cassie is not living in Laurel Point, Oregon, any longer; now, she lives in Devil's Point, North Carolina. She is trying to live a different life. Will she ever realize that maybe running from her gift isn't the best answer? Guess she might have to find that out for herself. Along with if she can actually break the curse that is on her family's life?
The Mystery
Cassie Lane finds out that there is a mystery right next door to where she stays in Devil's Point. The little old lady next door has died, but what does that have to do with a missing woman just suddenly leaving before returning? Guess we will have to find out with Cassie in this eventful mini-mystery.
Five Stars
The Secret on Rum Runner's Lane by Melissa Bourbon is a fantastical book that I loved diving into. It was great from the first chapter to the ending. We got a great sense of who Cassie was and why she is the way she is. Especially considering her bibliomancy magic. I loved everything about the characters, the magic, the mystery, and the potential love interest. Ms. Bourbon has done an awesome job of writing this book. It's like a twist on Practical Magic in some parts of it. I am giving this five stars and recommending it to anyone that wants to read it.


Giveaway
Prize: (5) Copy - print or digital - Murder in Devil’s Cove, book one in the Book Magic Mystery Series.

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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Secret on Rum Runner's Lane by Melissa Bourbon. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.

Until the next time,



Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret on Rum Runner Lane Earns 5/5 Way Back Controls…Engaging Fun!

Take Mr. Peabody’s “Way-Back Machine” in this prequel to Melissa Bourbon’s Book Magic Mystery series. Some suggest or prefer reading prequels first, if you can, but I chose to read according to release dates starting with Book one, “Murder in Devil’s Cove.” For me, it was a better transition learning first about the premise of the whole series with its curse and family dynamic and getting an introduction to Pippin Hawthorne and her twin brother Grey and supporting characters…then going back to learn more about their parents Cassandra Lane and Leo Hawthorne, how the met, their dilemma, and a murder Cassie ultimately resolves. Sure, there are truths from book one that made me see one or two characters in the prequel in a different light, so for those who don’t want to be swayed, read the prequel first. But, I liked knowing something the characters in the prequel didn’t. The only alert is the three main books need to be read in order since they build on each other, including slowly developing issues and conflicts and a couple spoilers, but the prequel can be read at any time…you choose! But, whatever choice you make, the series is phenomenal, and this prequel is engaging, well-written, informative, and ultimately adds to the complete picture of the Lane family dilemma.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: 3.5

Rough start. I had to remind myself characters have to be developed. This is a prequel to a series.

Roughly 30% in I was hooked and stayed on the line through the end. I enjoyed the character. I liked the reference to a movie I saw in 1991 and have not forgotten. Bourbon wrote around the subject respectfully, no cringing.

I look forward to following on with the cozy series.

Thanks to BookTuber Tiffany at the Beachbumbookworm for the author interview.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Prequel to the Book Magic Mystery Series is a quick read. The story gives you a look into Carrie’s life and why she moved to Devil’s Cove. Even though there are not many suspects the mystery is full of twists and turns to keep you guess whodunnit. This is a great read for fans of the series and cozy mysteries.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read that gives a feel for the world and characters in the series. Bibliomancy is something Cassie has always viewed as a curse. She is determined to not use the gift and then has no choice but to turn to it to help a woman in need and solve a mystery. Cassie is smart and confident and I enjoyed her decisive nature as she tried to forge her own path in the world. Bibliomancy is pretty cool and I cannot wait to see it play a role in this series. I will read more for sure!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed Murder in Devil’s Cove earlier this year – after all, it combines two of my fave things to read about – books and magical realism. So when I learned about The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane, a prequel mini mystery, I jumped at the chance to read it.

This novella is a quick read, but it doesn’t sacrifice depth or quality in using fewer words. While not absolutely necessary to have read Murder in Devil’s Cove yet, you will definitely want to go back and read it later. That said, I do think that having read it first will make The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane all the more intriguing. Because in this prequel novella, readers become acquainted with Pippin’s mom and see both how Cassie Lane came to be in Devil’s Cove and how she fell in love. Characters we first met, several years older, in Murder in Devil’s Cove show up as their younger selves alongside Cassie – and some things that were hinted at in the first book come together in its prequel.

And of course, I can’t forget the magical realism in this story. Books that don’t just tell a story to the everyday reader but also give supernatural insight to this family of bibliomancers. It’s an intriguing concept, and I like how the author depicts the characters wrestling with this ability – is it a gift? is it a curse? If you ignore it, will it go away along with the omens it foretells? Not to mention the family dynamics it sets into motion as well.

Bottom Line: If you like magical realism (think Sarah Addison Allen or James Rubart or David Rawlings), you’ll really enjoy this Book Magic cozy mystery series too! Whether it’s the full-length novel or the mini mystery novella, readers will be quickly swept up into the Lane family’s intriguing and bittersweet lives. The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane is a layered story with a well-developed backstory for a character whose decisions in that time period set the path for generations to come. This quick read has me eager for the next full-length novel as well as looking forward to time spent getting to know the Pacific coast side of the Lane family tree too.

Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there is some infrequent and mild cursing scattered throughout this book.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first in a new series by three authors. I read the second book, Murder in Devil's Cove, first and now I have read the first, or prequel to the series.

The Secret on Rum Runner's Lane is the story of Cassie, mother to the adult children featured in A Murder in Devil's Cove. Cassie has struck out on her own by moving across the country and taking a job at the town's gardening center. A curious young woman, Cassie is naturally interested in the reclusive elderly woman across the street and by the rumor of a missing young mother. When she comes across a book in the street, her power of Bibliomancy sends her a message and she resolves to look into the missing mother and befriend the reclusive neighbor.

As with all of the books by Melissa Bourbon that I have read (all but two) this is a great story, with interesting and unique characters. She has a way of writing that makes the reader want to learn more about the subject or time. She is a storyteller.

There is so much more that can happen in this series, I can't wait for the next two books.

[Ashley Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane was a fun novella that kept my attention and provided a longer look at Cassie Lane, the mother of Pippin Lane Hawthorne from the longer mystery, “Murder in Devil’s Cove.” After reading Murder in Devil’s Cove, I was really curious to learn more about Pippin and Gray Hawthorne’s mother and jumped at the chance to read this novella when it was offered to me.

This was a fun book that detailed Cassie’s struggle with her bibliomancy “gift” and her decision to leave her home and family and venture to Devil’s Cove. It also shows the first meetings between Cassie and her future husband, so that was fun. The mystery was interesting and I was intrigued by trying to figure out what was going on. The question hangs in the air of is there a crime going on at all?

This is a treat of a novella and I’m very happy that I was able to get an early read of it. You should definitely pick up a copy of this book as soon as possible, especially if you enjoyed the first book in the series, Murder in Devil’s Cove. I look forward to reading more Devil’s Cove books in the future.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an introduction to the characters we meet in Melissa Bourbon's "Murder in Devil's Cove." We get the back story on Cassie and Lacy Lane, sisters who were orphaned at an early age and brought up by their aunt in Oregon. How it comes to be that Cassie ends up in Devil's Cove and a peak at Lacy's life in Oregon.

Great intriguing story that will keep you guessing.

Love the series and can't wait for the next story.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie sees her gift as a curse and decides to leave her family and make her own way in the world. However, her gift is needed when she decides to help solve the mystery of a dead woman. I found this story interesting, intriguing and fast paced. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery and this book definitely had some good twists and turns. The talents of Cassie and Lacy were unique and I enjoyed seeing them in action. I did not figure out whodunit and this story is why I don't visit small towns. I cannot wait to read the next book in series. Great job!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and the series- it is magical! I have always known that books are special, this book and series have reminded me of that :).

I highly recommend it :)!

Thank you Melissa, I can’t wait to read the next one :)!

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that could the start of a delightful series. It made me wonder if I would like the ability to be able to use books to tell me what was going to happen.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate is not something I believe in. The story IS well written, but there is too much weight on the shoulders of the main character. The family curse weighs heavily on her, and the fate of her sister. I do recommend this book, but be aware the story is not of sweetness and light.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! A great look at Cassie’s life

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bibliomancy isn’t something I’m familiar with so I enjoyed reading a mystery with an unusual paranormal element. I like Cassie and hope that there will be some more stories featuring her.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointment. Just nothing special here. I was bored very early in the audio book. I ended up not finishing this. The main character was a bit too dramatic and overwrought for my tastes.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery had a bit more danger than others I have read and I loved that aspect. I also loved the sisters gifts and thought the whole concept was interesting and unique. The mystery was great and I am definitely going to continue on in the series.

[Tiffany Ehrob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret on Rum Runner's lane is a story about Cassie and how she and her family are bibliomancers and they all believe it to be a gift but Cassie believe it to be a curse. Thought out the book Cassie was adamant about using her gift because she didn't believe it to help anything or anyone till one day she feel a need to help someone and that's what she did. I will be reading the next book in this series as I am excited so see what adventure and mystery they author takes me one next.

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SECRET ON RUM RUNNER'S LANE by Melissa Bourbon
A Book Magic Mini Mystery

Cassandra Lane was different. Different from the people of Laurel Point and even different from her sister. The Lanes were cursed. The men would be taken by the sea while the women died in childbirth. The women also had the gift of bibliomancy, the ability to use books as a form of divination, of seeing into the future. Cassie, however, saw this as a curse as well. While her sister Lacy embraced the gift, Cassie shunned books of all kinds. After a rift with her sister, Cassie took off to start fresh in North Carolina. But her new home has secrets and she can't escape bibliomancy. Will she be able to use it to help a woman in danger? Or will she be too late?

THE SECRET ON RUM RUNNER'S LANE acts as a prequel to MURDER IN DEVIL'S COVE, the first book in the Book Magic Mystery series. As a novella, we don't get the intricacies and richness found in a full length novel, but Cassie Lane's world is still vibrant, if troubled. We feel her frustration, being disjointed and set apart from others. If you've read the first book in the series you'll delight in seeing a much younger Hattie Juniper Pickle, be charmed at the meeting of Cassie and Leo, and your skin may crawl at the appearance of other characters and prickle at the future you know will come.

I enjoyed reading Cassie's story. Seeing her as a vibrant young woman determined to beat the family curse and witnessing her desire to help others along with the determination to pursue justice makes an uplifting tale. This mini mystery is a very quick read, but contains enough intricacy and ambiance to be satisfying.

THE SECRET ON RUM RUNNER'S LANE captures the uncertainty and underlying strength of women searching for their place in the world. It allows readers to get a glimpse of the past while seeing the glimmer of what's to come.

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising start to a new series.

Cassie leaves home due to feeling claustrophobic. Her sister believes Cassie is going to betray her (her book magic told her), and the town thinks Cassie and the women in her family are strange and talk behind her back. So, Cassie runs away across the country to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Fleeing all the bad feelings and frustration. to make a new life for herself.

Engaging characters, an intriguing plot, and book magic make for a captivating story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Robert Alvarez the Psychic Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I was very excited to learn about the "Book Magic Mystery Series," by Melissa Bourbon.

I AM familiar with Bibliomancy, the Art of Divination, using Books. In fact, I have engaged in Bibliomancy before, but have never done so professionally. I have no doubt that I could offer Bibliomancy Readings professionally, but not at this time.

I mention this because, as both a professional Psychic and a Witch, my number one favorite Cozy Mystery themes are the Witchy and the Psychic. Seeing a Cozy Mystery Series with a Bibliomancy theme was a truly wonderful surprise.

In the meantime, this book is listed as a "Mini Mystery," and is a prequel to book number one, "Murder in Devil's Cove." Yes, I look forward to reading that one next!!

The lead character is Cassie, short for Cassandra (yes, as in that Cassandra) and her younger sister, Lacy, and their Aunt Rose are part of the same family line, the Lane family.

The Lane women inherit the gift of book magic or Bibliomancy, Divining via Books. They also tend to inherit a curse, too, but since I concur with Dr. River Song from "Doctor Who," I shall abide by "NO SPOILERS!!"

Cassie feels the time has come to move from Laurel Point, Oregon to Devil's Point, North Carolina in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina.

She begins to make friends, she gets a job, and she discovers a murdered body.

I enjoyed the characters very much, I enjoyed the challenges that Cassie faces regarding her Bibliomantic ability, which is very different than the experience her younger sister, Lacy, as well as their Aunt Rose has with Book Magic.

I also enjoyed seeing which books were used by the Divine to help Cassie do what she needed to do to solve the murder, as well as help a family in distress.

It was a very enjoyable Cozy Mystery book, and Ms. Bourbon has a new fan in me. Especially as I AM also have the first two books, each, in her "Magical Dressmaking Mysteries," as well as her series about private investigator, Lola Cruz.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra and Lacy Lane grew up on Cape Misery which is on the outskirts of Laurel Point. They are bibliomancers living under a family curse. The men die at sea while the women die at childbirth. Their parents died many years ago and they’ve been raised by their Aunt Rose.

At only twenty years old, Cassie has had enough of Cape Misery and the curse. She wants to get as far away as she can so she moves to Devil’s Cove in North Carolina leaving her seventeen year old sister behind with their aunt. The sisters vow to never have children and never fall in love.

Cassie's knowledge of flowers gets her a job at Bloom’s, the local nursery. Cassie is very happy with her life until a local woman goes missing and her neighbor is murdered. Cassie has always turned her back on books, but she needs them now to solve this mystery.

This is a novella and a quick read. It’s the first book of a “book mini” series, but also a prequel to “A Book Magic” mystery series. I have only read this novella but I’m quite intrigued with the premise of turning to books for the answers.

Names such as “Devil’s Cove” and “Cape Misery” gave me a real feel for the atmosphere. The author brings the story to life with her character development and vivid setting. I could feel Cassie’s pain dealing with her family curse. I was totally transported into her world.

I will have to check out the other series and read that one too. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.






FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cynthia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret on Rum Runner's Lane: A Book Magic Mini Mystery #1 by Melissa Bourbon is the second book to be released in the Book Magic Mysteries series. This mini-book tells the back story of Cassie and how she came to Devil’s Cove.

Cassie has the gift of bibliomancy but avoids using her unique ability until a young mother, Faith, goes missing. How would any mother leave her infant behind? Then Cassie learns through the local grapevine that Faith has returned. She knows that something is very wrong and that she must turn to her gift if she wants to help Faith.

I liked that as a mini-book, Cassie’s history, relationship with her sister and aunt, and her struggle to accept her gift were introduced succinctly in the early pages. The mystery was solid and the sense of place well-drawn. Cassie’s love for her family and longing for connection were captured poignantly in these pages; yet the book remained upbeat and left me feeling happy and satisfied. I look forward with great anticipation to future installments in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[Tracy Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret on Rum Runner’s Lane
(Book Magic Mini Mystery Prequel)
Melissa Bourbon
Published: 11/10/20
Lake House Press
132 pp.

Welcome to the world of bibliomancy divinations! The gift of bibliomancy (seeing messages within the text of a book that others can’t see) also comes with a curse. The Lane family curse, specifically. This prequel introduces us to Cassie Lane and explains why she left her family and Oregon for Devil’s Cove, NC.
While I’m not overly huge on heavy paranormal elements, this particular concept captured my attention very quickly. I can’t wait to see what great heights Bourbon takes this series to. This is a fast-paced book that leaves you hungry for more. The next book in the series is Murder in Devil’s Cove it is the series’ first full-length book. It was suggested to me to read this series in order to avoid spoilers, as it is truly built from the foundation up.
5/5 stars for an incredibly gripping start!
TXH
10/10/22