The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley

 A decent vacation is exactly what Emily Braden needs.  We may consider living in England vacation enough, but anywhere away from the norm is a better description of a vacation.

Emily is encouraged by her cousin, Harry, to meet him in Chinon, France.  A beautiful and historic site where Queen Isabelle once spent her days.  

With a small amount of family prodding, Emily set out for the luxury accommodations near a crumbling castle.  True to nature, Harry didn't show up on time while Emily met a charming local who gave her a ride.  Carrying on with the "new-friend-making" day, she stepped into the attached pub and garden terrace.  A few young men her age immediately took up with her.

In addition to friend Simon, a classical musician, a vineyard owner, and a friendly staff kept Emily busy with sightseeing and exploring.  

During an excursion, a death happened at the hotel.  Possibly a murder.  

Several men in her new surroundings had an affection for Emily, yet can she trust any of them?  

The handsome man who'd given her a ride, owned the vineyard and offered her a tour and dinner.  The musician is quiet and reserved, although he makes time for her.  The college man repeatedly tours the castle and finds historical stories with her.  

The men are all charming, but there's been a murder, and it can be one of the men she spends time with.  In addition, where has her cousin been?  The romantic atmosphere of Chinon, France and the close contact with the inhabitants is quite the mystery of love and murder.

It's a perilous vacation unless Emily chooses the right path and the right man to hold hands with.

Happy reading,

Dawn

Update for February 2025

  

          Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

        Well, shame on me….looks like I missed posting! Not sure how that happened. Could it be that I’ve been a little busy? Well, the short answer is yes. 

        The day job is crazy busy (but really, when isn’t it?) and I’ve been writing. A lot. This is a good thing. I finished The Marshal and Mrs. Morgan (it’s going through critique as I write this) and I’m happy with it. Hope my editor is, too. I’ve started The Madam and Mr. MacLean, the third book in the Matchmaker Mischief series. I’m happy with that, too (so far! I will admit to ripping out the POV switch in the first chapter because it wasn’t quite working, but that’s okay…it’s already better).  

        I’ve never been a pantster. I’ve always had some kind of outline—plot points that I want to cover--but for both of these books, I’m just flying (no guardrails! Oh my!). It helps that I like my characters and they’ve been talking to me, so this is a good thing.

        Of course, it also helps to have a fantastic critique partner and we frequently talk about our stories. I take copious notes so I don’t forget because, you know, the brain isn’t what it used to be.

        Neither is the body. I think I’m getting too old to get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floors. I did that yesterday and I tell you, I’m one hurtin’ puppy today! Going up and down the step stool is no picnic either!

        Speaking of busy, I should get back to it!

        Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

 Highly musical, Hannah is far from reserved as a vocalist during her practice and presentations on campus.  She's in love with music.  Waitressing part-time helps with the bills, but she needs a lot more help with attracting a boyfriend.

Garrett's devotion to being a professional hockey player takes a lot of his time.  He takes his studies seriously also, but Ethics is a never-ending battle.  He needs the grade to stay on the team and advance.  

Hannah excels at philosophy and Garrett needs her for tutoring after an 'F' grade.  They've never hung out together, but Garrett has a plan.  It's a sneaky plan.  If Hannah helps him pass the class, he'll get her a date with her secret crush, Justin.

Sounds simple enough.  The story dives a lot deeper.

In the mix, Hannah and Garrett have a chance to get to know and respect one another.  Again, it's not as easy as it sounds when you add Hannah's insecurity with getting near any man physically and Garrett's overpowering father and their different lifestyles.

Love, friendship, trust, education, bribery, and great hearts collide in one semester.  I know which people and variables I'm rooting for, and I couldn't flip the pages fast enough to find out where the multi-layer drama finishes its maze.  Are hearts broken, mended, or made stronger?  

I vote for stronger hearts!

Happy reading,

Dawn