Freedom's Ring By: Heidi Chiavaroli

Back of the Book

Boston, 2015
Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and defeated—plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the present?

Boston, 1770
As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she works.

Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home, taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander.

Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found in surrender.

My Thoughts

Freedom's Ring is a uniquely written novel from start to finish.  The beginning felt choppy and more like 2 separate novels as we learn the back stories of both Annie (Boston 2015) and Liberty (Boston 1770). Once the novel finally started to take shape and the past and the present slowly came together I was hooked.  Annie and Brad are a perfect blend, and as they dig into the past you can tell the amount of research Chiavaroli had to do to write this novel.  Liberty's life was told bluntly to a point it felt uncomfortable, which made her story harder to enjoy.

Freedom's Ring was an interesting, well researched novel but not an easy read and definitely not for younger audiences.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Chasing Secrets By: Lynette Eason

Back of the Book

Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan may be in South Carolina, but when a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, her life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she's made a career out of taking care of others. But after an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her--and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he's not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.

In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories--and the depths of the heart--Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley's past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won't quit.

My Thoughts

After reading Moving Target I wasn't sure how Eason would be able to match not only the intensity but the thrill.  Yet just pages into Chasing Secrets I was hooked!  The plot of this novel was intense, thrilling, and gripping.  Every chapter added to the suspense yet Eason always finds a way to weave in a love story to soften the novel.  Steven was by far the best love interest I have read in a while, he is a compassionate and a true kind hearted person.  Haley has a history that pulls at your heart strings and makes you want to learn more.  I thoroughly enjoyed Chasing Secrets and have loved the Elite Guardians series.  Lynette Eason has such an amazing writing style I can't wait to read what she writes next.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

A Name Unknown By: Roseanna M. White

Back of the book

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered. 

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

My Thoughts

The plot is fantastic!  Great details highlight the amount of research White has done on the time period, A Name Unknown is a must for any historical fiction fan.  Rosemary is exquisite, her personality is bold yet kind, and the details written about her facial expressions are amazing.  Peter is a complex blend of an outgoing introvert, yet as the story progresses his character becomes even more complex.  A Name Unknown took me by complete surprise and I loved it.  You will not find another novel as well written and as entertaining as this.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.