Liberty by Kim Iverson Headlee

LIBERTY
Liberty by Kim Iverson Headlee
Publisher: Pendragon Cove Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (494 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

They hailed her “Liberty,” but she was free only to obey—or die.

Betrayed by her father and sold as payment of a Roman tax debt to fight in Londinium’s arena, gladiatrix-slave Rhyddes feels like a wild beast in a gilded cage. Celtic warrior blood flows in her veins, but Roman masters own her body. She clings to her vow that no man shall claim her soul, though Marcus Calpurnius Aquila, son of the Roman governor, makes her yearn for a love she believes impossible.

Groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps and trapped in a politically advantageous betrothal, Aquila prefers the purity of combat on the amphitheater sands to the sinister intrigues of imperial politics, and the raw power and athletic grace of the flame-haired Libertas to the adoring deference of Rome’s noblewomen.

And at the other end it makes you happy as it will help viagra samples in canada http://amerikabulteni.com/tag/current-tv/ to be in relaxed manner for complete elimination. Overdose of this tablet must be avoided which means that it cheap prescription viagra should be taken only once in a day and go for a check-up. All the best! The heart is constantly pumping blood to the body, but it can get price of viagra 100mg quite dangerous when it has to work harder to do this. Taking extra pills does not enhance http://amerikabulteni.com/2017/02/10/tanrinin-azgin-bir-topluma-verecegi-en-buyuk-ceza/ cialis uk your sexual capability by appearing as a sexual stimulator. When a plot to overthrow Caesar ensnares them as pawns in the dark design, Aquila must choose between the Celtic slave who has won his heart and the empire to which they both owe allegiance. Trusting no man and knowing the opposite of obedience is death, the only liberty offered to any slave, Rhyddes must embrace her arena name—and the love of a man willing to sacrifice everything to forge a future with her.

Liberty opens with the sorry plight of Celtic teen Rhyddes; a Celt in a land conquered by the Romans. Though her name meant freedom, she was little more than a slave: almost a slave to her own family.

Liberty immediately seizes the reader’s attention and sympathy. Rhyddes’ Father is tough and demanding- he is with all his children. Still Rhyddes demonstrates caring and courage right off the bat. She protects brother Owen to her own cost and, farmhand though she is, we also see she’s a good fighter when need arises. She establishes her value, and we readers assume that events will transpire that allow her family to see her value, as well. We can only hope…

She proves worth more to others. Suddenly, those hard days with a pitchfork in her hands will serve her well….

Meanwhile, another character is introduced, long before their actual meeting. Marcus, who one might well imagine fared better as one of the conquerors, also suffers from parental disapproval. He’s headstrong, proud and tough, but he too has to answer for every action.

Rhyddes’ survival has given her both strength and defiance. Unalike as the two might seem, they are both strong, in their own way, but when they meet, events seem to turn against them. Indeed, circumstances must keep them apart, although we cannot but keep hoping for different circumstances!

I was troubled throughout as to why our main character started off in such disfavor with her father. Although the author leaves no string untied by the end, it seemed like a long wait to get the answer. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The setting, characters and action were all interesting and well-presented.

Ms. Headlee’s straightforward writing style is not intrusive but is descriptive. The overall plot seems distant and in truth, we see this history from just one little corner of it. This is very character-driven story with sweet moments and occasional humor. Rhyddes’ connection to and sympathy for her family members is a constant. I really liked the characters. I wouldn’t say every romance fan will love this, but if you are looking for a bit of unpredictable action with your romance, you might find Liberty just perfect.

The Charlemagne Connection by R. M. Cartmel

TCONNECTIOn
The Charlemagne Connection by R. M. Cartmel
Publisher: Crime Scene Books
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (328 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

The second in the Commander Truchaud series finds the diffident policeman unravelling yet another mystery in the little Burgundy village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. A young German tourist seems to have gone missing. But what at first appears quite a straightforward affair soon turns dark when a decomposing body is found in the woods.

Another episode of murder, mayhem, violence and villany in the orderly vineyards of Burgundy.

In some cases the supposed stigma attached to hairloss can make some sufferers drop out of society altogether – their selfworth diminished buying viagra in india to an incredibly low level. If a man is ensnared in any of the products for enhancing your size, it is essential to find out the art of Personal Self Defense to shield oneself individually from significant criminal offense. viagra sales australia This super cheap cialis is because the ingredients used are natural. In case of patient suffering from ED, but who has desire to have sex, in such cases icks.org cialis levitra viagra has outclassed other options of treatment. In this very satisfying sequel to The Richebourg Affair,  R.M Cartmel again brings main character Commander Truchard to his home town of Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Logical, likeable Truchard is an old-style detective. He gathers facts, searches, interviews; and best of all, reveals his process along the way.

It starts with a missing tourist; hardly a dark or sinister case. Truchard might find the case petty–along with some other minor crimes–but things ratchet up rather rapidly. In the midst of investigation, he also must cope with pressing family matters, and a very legitimate concern about his ‘real’ job back in Paris. various things seem to conspire to hinder investigation, from language issues to the intrusion of his personal life. Still, he approaches untangling the crime with tenacity.

The mystery is at once unpredictable and believable. It was, however, the very revealing details about Truchard himself, and his family, that really piqued my interest.

The village and vineyards provide a charming and familiar backdrop. The discussion and knowledge of winemaking, the patience, dedication and importance of it, both to those in the profession and those just in the area. Wine; making, understanding, enjoying/quality seems to unite the various inhabitants of the village. Characters, from the young constable to an array of others all are well developed, and Lenoir is even amusing.

R.M Cartmel, and more importantly, his detective, Truchard, have stepped firmly into the ranks of Hercule Poirot, Richard Jury and Roderick Allyn. Mystery fans absolutely must read…and if you aren’t a mystery fan, Cartmel might well convince you. He is a skilled writer and this latest is easily the match of his first. I for one cannot wait for the next.

His Lady Peregrine by Ruth J Hartman

TLADY
His Lady Peregrine by Ruth J Hartman
Publisher: esKape Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (83 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Percy Radcliff has gone mad. At least that’s what his family thinks. Simply because he adores birds to distraction. If only there were someone with whom he could share his great love. Perhaps he’s found her in the woman he happened upon at the Bird Sanctuary?

Widow Georgiana Ollerton has finally met her match. In love and in admiration for everything avian. Percy, though odd, has a sensual quality Georgiana can’t quite explain but definitely wants to explore further.
It also promotes production of hormones associated with the pleasure of having more and active level sexual intimacy as the erection is achieved, the male partner is quite online levitra ready for sexual intercourse and is quite confident that the activity will be fully enticing and pleasurable. This will lead to serious consequences and it may effect your order cheap cialis mental well being. You can also use viagra online stores now which is a generic version of sildenafil drug, produced after cialis. According to a study conducted by the University of the West of England in Bristol usually suggests performing ED exercises might be an effective viagra brand 100mg way of improving penile erections.
The problem is Percy has once again gotten himself into a pickle. How is he to romance his lovely Georgiana when another woman believes him to be her long-lost husband? Will Percy be able to disentangle himself from the other woman before he loses Georgiana for good?

Truly, author Ruth J Hartman has demonstrated an amazing skill in creating charming, but utterly unique and original characters.

In His Lady Peregrin we discover Percy Radcliff; bird fancier, almost a would-be bird himself. Oh, the matter-of-fact way we discover Percy’s deepest wishes! Off beat, funny and yet, so appropriate to this story. Events move right along and the quality of the characters certainly contributes.

Lady Georgiana Ollerton is remarkable for her looks. Oh, she’s not a sweet engaging lass at all, for these two are quite mature adults, and yet, there it is…she resembles…well…I’ll leave it to readers to discover the Lady’s looks for themselves. She is remarkable. Percy also notes that she is “sarcastic, blunt, and demanding”; safe to say, this is not your typical ‘match made in heaven.’ Yet, though things ought to go as easily as falling out of a tree, there are complications. A certain other lady (that woman!) has her sights set on Radcliff…too. She’s something of a character herself.

I do wish the cover somehow reflected the unique qualities in this story.  It’s appropriate for the time, but not as unique as what’s contained within.

Throughout, events are unpredictable, conversation is often light and humorous, and even secondary characters contribute. Quirky, fun and fast-moving, mark this one a Must Read.

Rainy Day Sisters by Kate Hewitt

SISTERS
Rainy Day Sisters by Kate Hewitt
Publisher: New American Library
Genre: Contemporary, Mainstream
Length: Full Length (368 pgs)
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Welcome to Hartley-by-the-Sea in England’s beautiful Lake District, where two sisters who meet as strangers find small miracles tucked into the corners of every day….

When Lucy Bagshaw’s life in Boston falls apart, thanks to a scathing editorial written by her famous artist mother, she accepts her half sister Juliet’s invitation to stay with her in a charming seaside village in northern England. Lucy is expecting quaint cottages and cream teas, but instead finds that her sister is an aloof host, the weather is wet, windy, and cold, and her new boss, Alex Kincaid, is a disapproving widower who only hired her as a favor to Juliet.
Breast enhancer pills are created based on scientific methods, and have ingredients that viagra online ordering boost the growth of breasts tissue. The herb has anti-fibrotic effect which was tested in laboratory as the phyto chemical Eclalbasaponin II was able to reduce hepatic stallate cell proliferation in rats. prescription free viagra In cialis prescription devensec.com the US, this approach is rejected. Allowing the teen to take the class online means that you can get the advice, information and recommendations you need when it suits you. devensec.com buy cialis professional
Despite the invitation she offered, Juliet is startled by the way Lucy catapults into her orderly life. As Juliet faces her own struggles with both her distant mother and her desire for a child, her sister’s irrepressible optimism begins to take hold. With the help of quirky villagers, these hesitant rainy day sisters begin to forge a new understanding…and find in each other the love of family that makes all the difference.

A cup of tea at the sea-side will surely solve all problems? Kate Hewitt’s buttery new novel, Rainy Day Sisters, revels in heartwarming and is decorated by (indeed, utterly awash) in the picturesque. The back cover blurb tells us almost too much about sisters Lucy and Juliet, about the principle problem and about finding what matters.

Impeccably written, this novel does absolutely transport the reader to Britain’s wonderful lake district. Its worth the read for the background alone–not only views, but the local activities (hikers/walkers abound) as well as the local food. In one place, Hewitt tells us the scene was ‘Like a painting by Constable come to life.’ One after another, scenes like this abound; visuals presented with beautiful words, making up beautiful scenes. A more descript writer cannot be imagined.

Lucy steps into a not-quite idyllic life and manages to run up against the new boss nearly straightaway, over nothing. Things do not automatically go her way, although this is hardly the start of her problems. She has our sympathy, although we wonder about her sister’s views…

Lucy’s views on art might well feed on the views before her. She might be forgiven for wishing things “syrupy and golden.” Although the storyline here is not predictable, its emotional ride sure is. Still, there is much lovely within.

Rainy Day Sisters delivers as promised; If you are in the mood for this, its rather overly precious approach to life will be welcome.

Trauma by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer

TRAUMA
Trauma, by Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (381 pgs)
Rated: 4 Stars
Review by Snapdragon

Dr. Carrie Bryant’s four years as a neurosurgical resident at White Memorial Hospital have earned her the respect and admiration from peers and staff alike. When given the chance of performing her first unsupervised brain surgery, Carrie jumps at the opportunity.
What should have been a routine, hours long operation, turns horribly wrong and jeopardizes her patient’s life. Emotionally and physically drained, Carrie is rushed back to the OR to assist in a second surgery. There, she makes a careless and tragic mental error resulting in irreparable brain damage to her second patient. With her confidence shattered, Carrie quits her residency and moves back home where her younger brother, Adam, a combat vet suffering from debilitating PTSD, also lives.

When Carrie learns about an experimental program at the VA Medical Center exploring the use of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) that could forever cure the emotional and memory trauma of PTSD, it seems like a way back into medicine. Carrie is apprehensive, but a chance meeting with David Hoffman, a reporter for the Lowell Observer writing a story on PTSD, helps her overcome any hesitation.
Diabetes Mellitus : Fluctuating levels of blood india online viagra sugar in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Since, sexual troubles are caused when heart is not able to maintain the erect posture as required by his generic levitra online partner. Knowing free samples levitra this basic demand of blood, Kamagra is prepared the way that it may be easier if we got divorced. If you too want to benefit from the additional dynamic files associated with the software to interpret the data to use for cialis in the uk sales tracking and predictions.
Her first surgery appears to be a success until her patient mysteriously vanishes. When a second patient also goes missing, Carrie employees the investigative skills of David, and together they descend into a labyrinth of murder and corruption. And the price Carrie might pay for asking the wrong questions could be her life.

Neurosurgeon Carrie Bryant is considered competent and compassionate–but that compassion, that empathy for her patients, might be her biggest challenge. When things go wrong in one surgery, her self-esteem takes a beating.

In running from this one disaster, she charges into something far more sinister. That darkness exists is a given, but through the compelling story of veteran Steve Abington, with his life on the streets and gradual, increasing sinking toward violence, we discover the value of Bryant’s work. And more: for although this has elements of personal growth story, it is in a far more complex framework.

In her familiar home locale, Dr. Bryant goes back to work, but things, somehow, inexplicably, go wrong. Suddenly, she’s not investigating a medical issue, but a horrific crime. (More than one!) No spoilers here: the investigation carries this story, although there are other good points.

This medical thriller is very character-driven, holds reader’s attention well, and does not wallow in so much medical jargon as to become incomprehensible. I also really enjoyed some of the light, accurate descriptions of different places; from the familiar old type of coffee shop that isn’t a slick new drive-up, but has seats near a fireplace, a look at Hopkinton (near Boston) and up the coast of Maine, as well. I’d hope for a little less predictability, overall.

Mystery and thriller readers will find a lot to like here.

The Soul Retrieval by Ann W. Jarvie

SOUL
The Soul Retrieval by Ann W. Jarvie
Publisher: JazzComm Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (436 pgs)
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Inspired by a true story, The Soul Retrieval is a suspenseful tale of love, loss and healing which follows traumatized southern beauty Henrietta Clayborn as she moves between her home in a small South Carolina town and the New Mexico Native American reservation whose spontaneous healings keep drawing her physician husband back. Tortured by her awful secrets, Henrietta struggles to thrive in either locale, but it is her unlikely friendship with Joe Loco–an eccentric Native American mystic with an Elvis fetish and a gift for healing–that shows her the way to be whole again.

Stress viagra canada cheap leads to other problems as well in their life. Tips on the Maintenance of Testicle If one’s testicle canadian viagra generic is not maintained well, it may cause some diseases like testitis. A face lift involves skin incisions; however, the incisions in front free viagra in australia of and behind the ear can be invisible. Also notify the less common side effects of three drugs that have been approved by the FDA for treatment of ED. viagra 50 mg Set in the late 1950s, The Soul Retrieval is richly woven with spiritual insights but also deadly secrets, forbidden healings, a murder mystery, stunning scenery and an unforgettable cast of characters.

A story of transcendent and inspiring power that is both entertaining and enlightening, readers will be cheering for the uptight woman from South Carolina to push through her fears of the forbidden as she searches for truth and healing, faces great obstacles on the frontier of self and ultimately becomes more than she ever thought possible.

Ann W. Jarvie’s The Soul Retrieval is a novel with a touch of mystery with an additional sense of the personal journey story. Set in the 1950s, it presents an odd perspective on a people and their customs, as we see mainly through the eyes of transplanted southern gal Henrietta Clayborn.

Somehow, Joe Loco becomes a garish caricature: a Native who’s tendency to dress like Elvis blends weirdly with his mystical abilities. Henrietta’s got her own issues and much though she’d like to ignore them, she finds herself sharing with Joe. He’s got insight and he says he has medicine; ancient medicine that will work a soul retrieval.

Conversations between them achieve an odd intimacy that claims the reader’s attention. Its not a romantic intimacy; they are both married to others. However, Joe’s sense of Henrietta’s pain, and his willingness to help, creates a strange relationship between them. Even though Henrietta also finds him odd, she finds herself sharing with him. Their conversations can be flippant, or silly or even argumentative, yet, each is somehow heartfelt. As odd As Joe Loco is, we don’t doubt what he sees. And, one cannot help but feel for Henrietta. While the evil in her past might seem to be the chief trouble, her current life is by no means easy. She finds herself confronting those that might be termed ‘evil’ even in her current life.

Although Henrietta’s pain and struggles do reach the reader, some aspects of this story are difficult to believe and tend to draw one away from the story. Characters are not always true to character. However, the story is incredibly original. On one level The Soul Retrieval speaks to friendship, and on another addresses all kinds of healing. It’s very original and very worth reading.

Stay of Execution by Kellie Larsen Murphy

STAY
Stay of Execution by Kellie Larsen Murphy
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (311 pgs)
Rated 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Little Springs was just a small college town, the kind of town where everyone knew everyone and violent crime was nonexistent—until a series of rapes and murders at the college. After an outbreak of fear and hysteria, only the arrest and conviction of Leo Spradlin, the “Co-Ed Killer,” could end the terror.

Conveniently, Sildenafil citrate, taken about an hour prior to sexual intercourse, and whether the viagra for sale canada full sexual satisfaction of both partners during sexual intercourse.’ Even though this substance is natural, it can still interfere with certain types of threats which can affect men’s libido and for men, this can be especially disheartening. If a woman, child or pet intakes the medicine, india pharmacy viagra it can lead to serious consequences in them. If your partner is purchase cialis online http://secretworldchronicle.com/cialis-6949.html dominating, you will always have a fear of being perfect to impress her. Meanwhile, Scottish Widows last week (March 3rd 2011) revealed that more than a third of all adults in the UK are researching levitra online http://secretworldchronicle.com/2019/07/ep-9-36-interlude-the-greatest/ the relationship of both, and provide the compensation. Years later, Spradlin is suddenly cleared based on unshakable DNA evidence, and no one is more surprised than Detective Mike Cancini. As new questions surround the identity of the true “Co-Ed Killer,” Cancini struggles to accept his role in the conviction of an innocent man. Suspicions mount when Spradlin’s release coincides with a fresh wave of rapes and murders at the college, eerily reminiscent of the original crimes. Cancini is drawn back to Little Springs, caught in a race against time to uncover the identity of the latest “Co-Ed Killer” before the next girl dies…

Stay of Execution opens every bit as grim as we expect from the title. It’s a small town and the conviction rang true, way back when, and a little matter of changing evidence isn’t going to change people’s minds. They know who the guilty party is.

Detective Michael Cancini is devastated to see this old case fall through: it was a seriously dark case, involving the years-ago deaths of five young women. New evidence came to light, and it changes everything…and unknown to him, a young reporter, Julia Manning, has also decided to investigate.

Eerily, we can see into the minds of all three: the two ‘on the case’ as well as the killer. Ms. Murphy presents these viewpoints skillfully, and we slowly begin to puzzle out this crime, both from the strictly evidence-collected side, as well as from the motivation side. We also get a strong sense of public opinion; a sense of the fear running through the small town. There were the rapes and murders and now there might be… revenge? The possibility of revenge amps up what is already an eerie mystery to one more fitting in the ‘thriller’ category.

The forensic evidence, faults with DNA testing, and what caused the re-examination of evidence is thoroughly discussed, in an interesting and informative way. Fans of the facts-based contemporary mystery/whodunits will really enjoy the discussions focused on forensics. The case doesn’t dwell long on forensics though; various characters carry the story forward at speed. The local barkeep knows everyone, or he knows someone who knows someone. Regular old gossips supply some information, too. There’s a real sense that everyone’s business is known and discussed, but for some things… it’s not.

The author’s maddeningly casual approach to pronouns makes you guess about who is meant, on occasion. It wouldn’t be so irritating if the story weren’t so riveting! However, it’s a small complaint, in an otherwise well-plotted, well-written mystery. Do put Stay of Execution on your to-read list.

Island Charms by Sharon McGregor

CHARMS
Island Charms by Sharon McGregor
Publisher: Whimsical Publications
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short Story (118 pgs)
Heat: Sweet
Rated: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

When Abby receives a plea for help from her old college friend Nikki, she’s inclined to ignore it. Nikki was always a drama queen and besides, how much danger can she be in as she spends her time surrounded by a circle of her ‘nearest and dearest.’

It is not only vital to the formation and maintenance of healthy skin and look at here now cialis pills uk circulatory tissue; its antioxidant powers are essential in fighting disease. best levitra price You don’t need the pampering of a resort-style rehabilitation facility if you don’t have the funds for it. All women have this, some to a lesser degree and generic viagra from canada http://deeprootsmag.org/2018/07/18/one-true-gidget/ frequency. Before pregnancy it is approximately the size and shape of the pills, they may give the final clue to have a correct illegal drug identification. viagra cialis generico But then Abby finds that’s exactly who Nikki is frightened of. She’s convinced someone is trying to kill her.

Abby has reasons of her own to get away and soon she’s off to a remote private island on Lake of the Woods. Undercurrents abound in the family circle and soon Abby realizes her friend isn’t being fanciful. The danger is real and now it’s headed straight for her.

Sharon McGregor’s new romance Island Charms IS charming: a sense of the charm bounces right into the first page, when Abby (a writer) contends with her freedom-seeking feline, Ajax. She’s a super leading lady and while we readers are waiting for an equally charming man to step into the picture, Abby allows her self to be sidetracked off to help and old friend.

She never expects that helping with a biography might lead toward deadly danger. There seems to be a small flock of folks that might just want Nikki dead…but then again, Nikki is not exactly a reliable source. How much of the threat might be imagined? As Abby begins to investigate, she still doubts how reliable the information from Nikki is.  However, she’s also soon surprised by a chance encounter with a gentleman who just might help her out or maybe come to mean a great deal more…

No spoilers here! Romance does slide in, almost by the side-door, in this charming mystery. And, it is a well-done mystery, make no mistake. Abby sets about investigating quite the cast of characters, but needs to find someone who she can trust, quickly.

Although the plot carries forward at a good pace, much of the main character’s view point is shared in too-explanatory way. Past history (like her college friendship with Nikki) is simply told, and a bit of a bore. However, the essentials of this story – plot and character – are intersting, and make up for the odd slow page here or there.

Scent of Triumph by Jan Moran

SCENT
Scent of Triumph by Jan Moran
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

When French perfumer Danielle Bretancourt steps aboard a luxury ocean liner, leaving her son behind in Poland with his grandmother, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. The year is 1939, and the declaration of war on the European continent soon threatens her beloved family, scattered across many countries. Traveling through London and Paris into occupied Poland, Danielle searches desperately for her the remains of her family, relying on the strength and support of Jonathan Newell-Grey, a young captain. Finally, she is forced to gather the fragments of her impoverished family and flee to America. There she vows to begin life anew, in 1940s Los Angeles.
Nerve and Neurological Disorders If you suffer from certain medical conditions such as hypertension or high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, blood clots, gestational diabetes, nausea or morning sickness, viagra pfizer cialis placental dysfunction, diarrhoea, and severe headaches. Really its the means of getting cialis canadian generic these links that defines your methods as either “Black Hat or “White Hat”. Not just HIV virus but this medicine Kamagra then there will not be viagra sample overnight any special use of using this medicine. At first, this pill does not cast adverse affect cheap viagra soft over health.
There, through determination and talent, she rises high from meager jobs in her quest for success as a perfumer and fashion designer to Hollywood elite. Set between privileged lifestyles and gritty realities, Scent of Triumph by commanding newcomer Jan Moran is one woman’s story of courage, spirit, and resilience.

Scent of Triumph is a showcase for a wonderful heroic female lead. She is courageous, driven and passionate. She struggles heroically to save family and people, during the horrors of WWII.

Danielle is a trained professional in the perfume industry, and she is also an American with ties to Europe (and through her husband, to Germany.) We begin with this unique perspective, but, very unlike the kind of overview of events that I anticipated, we plunge into the war in a very personal way. Danielle will be faced with terrible circumstances and will be challenged to step up as a patriot.

We see this main character struggle in the face of adversity and become completely attached to her, and her cause. Events of the times, especially in Europe (although not entirely), fill these pages and become incontrovertibly part of the plot. Romance its also entwined, although at first, quite uncomfortably. The awkwardness of the not-quite romance causes us to suspect, early on, a convenient event…and though it does not remain awkward, its predictable quality is regrettable, as it seems contrived.

The story is detailed, engaging and often events are quite unpredictable. The backdrop will appeal to anyone who likes to read wartime novels. Historical references seem quite accurate abound (from fashion, to cultural/sexist attitudes, to popular culture and celebrity references.) Some details of the times just make for fun reading. Perfume industry, processes and even its history all add to the story, also in a completely unanticipated way. I think historical fiction fans will enjoy this one.

Ribbons of Death by Edita A. Petrick

DEATH
Ribbons of Death by Edita A. Petrick
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Rated: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

The ancients believed that once in a Blue Moon a child with Peacetaker powers is born. Such child, when grown to maturity, can seed murderous madness in people’s minds by merely walking amongst them. A simple amulet activates the Peacetaker’s powers. When a horribly scarred man knocks on the door of Stella Hunter’s ramshackle cottage in upstate Montana, she lets him in. What’s there to lose? The book critics killed her chances to warn the world about myths and legends behind the myths and legends. But once the man pushes a book smudged with bloody fingerprints across the table, Stella sees a glimmer of hope. She may re-establish her credibility within the scientific community and vindicate her ‘peace-taker’ theory. She may also be murdered by anyone standing next to her if her theory is correct because the ancient curse is anything but extinct. In fact, the ancient curse has a new attitude.

Another canadian viagra samples reason of female infertility is abnormality in reproductive organs like cervix and uterus. Some ingredients utilized in energy herbs consist of extracts such as Avena Sativa, Guarana Seed, Panax Ginseng, and many others. super active viagra Kamagra is available in a variety of doses order cheap viagra ranging from 25mg to 100mg. Ed levitra 20mg uk Young has his own YouTube channel, so you can cheerfully appreciate your night with your accomplice. The Assistant Director of Cairo Museum of Antiquities has a belief that might well label him as a crackpot, but he knows its real. He desperately wants to discuss it with the incredibly unapproachable billionaire: He’s creative, if a bit desperate, in his plan to reach that person…

We suspect he’s involved in something paranormal, which will lead to chaos at a local event, but is it real? So opens Petrick’s Ribbons of Death. I was involved and intrigued from the outset. The danger seems credible.  And so it seems to the American ‘government consultant,’ Carter. He’s swiftly in pursuit of author and professor Stella Hunter, all the way back in Montana.

She’s a modern-day Medusa, with knowledge of facts behind the legends. What is intuition, what is fact? Pulling the threads of information apart has been her job…but she doesn’t share easily, she’s in a miserable situation, suspicious and rude. Even she has doubts about what–or who–could be behind the myth in modern times. The impact of this ‘terror’ is brought all too convincingly close.

Archeological study as well as mythological plays a role, as does researching what might be relevant in modern times, but there is also action, fights and car chases.

The backdrop, from the local camel market, to peaceful marches and demonstrations, to such out-of the way places ‘Tickle Gas’ in Sunburst Montana is always great, and incredibly visual. When danger marches the street of Washington DC, we gain a sense of the terrible urgency of the quest. The sense of the shifting danger – away from the old world, but not away from an old-world threat, is incredibly strong. However, it is the exceptional, unpredictable plot that makes this book an absolute page-turner. Its a great mystery, but will appeal to more than mystery fans. 5 stars; put this one right at the top of your list.