Yearning by Gun Brooke

I love libraries and genealogy and that was the key that opened the door to my reading this book. I wasn't disappointed. I missed the sci-fi aspect of the story until I got into it and couldn't believe the story that was unravelling. It appeared at first to be a cozy mystery in a small town. Many people yearn to return to their hometowns after a certain age and it wasn't all that surprising to me. Then it appeared there was some kind of magnetic pull for people who were born of the original settlers, I was seriously thinking of grid lines or something buried underneath the town. Yes, something was buried there and the two main characters and their group of explorers find an unearthly secret. 

I kept reading, I enjoyed the beginnings of romance between a LA Detective and a small town librarian. I've never met a librarian as sexy as Samantha and I don't think the visiting detective Darian had either. Their explorations take the reader on a thrilling ride to unearth the secrets and find their true heritage. 

A cast of interesting characters, delightful descriptions of historical homes and an otherworldly find round out this well thought out book. I had a lot going on in my life after I ordered this book, lots of interruptions but I felt the yearning to return to the book as much as the former residents felt the yearning to return to Dennamore. 

**I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Once Upon a Witch by Valia Lind

This was a fun read, nothing too serious, just a little murder mixed with magic. There's romance in the air but our protagonists is spurning all efforts to heal their childhood rivalry. He's tall dark and handsome now but she can't forgive him for how he treated her in elementary school. 

She has lots of friends in town, more recognizing her than she them. She does find out why. She finds out a lot of things and they put her in danger. Luckily her spurned hunk isn't far behind and yes, he will rescue her. 

She's glad when she can stop seeing the ghost of the dead woman, she drives her as crazy as she did when she was alive. Just a fun little romp, no gory details or explicit sex, great read for a day at the beach.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer

I loved this book. Independent women always keep me hooked. What will they do next? She's feisty and fiery and all those good things. A bit unusual in the mid-late 19th century but probably the role I would play in those times. 

I love the setting, London countryside. The unbridled younger sister of Sherlock Holmes is spirited, inquisitive, principled and creative. 

The unfortunate side of this story is the truth of the conditions women lived under. If a woman was no longer desired by her husband, too outspoken or heaven forbid, thinking for herself, being locked up in a sanitarium is the best answer. This situation is intolerable for Enola.

Right underneath Sherlock's nose (he shouldn't have been napping) she swoops in and sets to discovering the truth and rescuing the discarded married lady. Lucky for her, a twin sister knows her sibling isn't dead, wasn't cremated and is being held against her will somewhere. Enola will find her!

If you like strong female leads, good mysteries and the English Countryside in the 1800's, read this. I couldn't put it down. This is the first I've read in the series. I'm happy to see more available. My wish list is filling up.

I received this promotional Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.