Murder At Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly

Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly is book two in the Emma Knightley Mystery series, and can be read as a standalone novel.  Emma Knightly is taken aback when her father announces that he will be marrying Miss Hetty Bates.  Emma’s world is changing and she cannot believe her father’s choice and that she will be leaving Highbury.  Emma gives an engagement party for her father and Miss Bates and when Prudence Parr, Emma’s lady’s maid, is found dead on the stone terrace Emma’s world turns upside down.  Was it really an accident? 

Murder At Dowell Abbey is a wonderful cozy mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end.   I was so drawn into the story and captivated by the engaging characters, wonderful mystery, and lovely Regency setting.  I was guessing right up until the end who was responsible for the murder. 

The big highlight for me was that I felt like I had stepped back into the world of Jane Austen’s Emma.   The author did an incredible job continuing the story of Emma as a cozy mystery.  I loved getting to know everyone in the village of Highbury a little bit better. 

Murder at Dowell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly is an incredible cozy mystery that takes place in the world of Jane Austen’s Emma.  It will delight you with the engaging characters, the Regency setting, and have you wondering who murdered Prudence Parr right up until the end.  I highly recommend Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly which will be a 2025 favorite for me.  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.  

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Literary Agent: Adam Chromy, Movable Type Management at achromy@movabletm.com

For publicity, events, and additional information please contact Larissa Ackerman, Kensington Publishing at lackerman@kensingtonbooks.com

 

The Marriage Method by Mimi Mathews

The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews is book number two in the delightful Crinoline Academy series. Penelope Trewlove comes to London to deal with Miles Quincy who is the reporter who is asking too many questions about The Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies where she is the head teacher. Nell and Miles have a situation arise that ends in both of them agreeing to a marriage that will save their reputations.

There is nothing quite like getting lost in a Mimi Matthew book! I was so drawn into Nell and Miles’ love story. The chemistry, banter, friendship, and romance were exquisite and they were both such engaging and likeable characters. I loved the Victorian England setting and the mystery that wove through the story. I could not put the book down!

I savored The Marriage Method and was so sad for it to end. I fell in love with the characters, enjoyed the mystery, and adored the beautiful romance. I was absolutely enchanted with the story. I highly recommend The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews which will be a 2025 highlight for me.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Mimi Matthews is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. Her critically acclaimed works include Rules for Ruin, a Kirkus, BookPage, and New York Public Library Best Book of 2025; The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee.

Mimi’s novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, BookPage, and Shelf Awareness, and have been named Editors’ Choice selections by the Historical Novel Society. She has been mentioned in The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, NPR, Oprah Daily, Parade, Elle, and Marie Claire. Her books have been translated into ten languages. 

When not writing historical romance, Mimi authors nonfiction books and articles on all aspects of nineteenth century history—from animals, art, and etiquette to fashion, beauty, feminism, and law. Her work has been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, the Costume Society UK, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.

Book and Ladder by Savannah Scott

 Book and Ladder by Savannah Scott is book number two in The Firemen of Waterford, TN series and can be read as a stand-alone novel. Patrick O’Connell is a local firefighter who has a secret podcast Burning Through The Pages. Daisy Clark owns a bookshop that is next to the spot where a superstore is about to be built by Patrick’s parents. Patrick and Daisy have been enemies since Patrick did not show up for her many years ago. Daisy loves the podcast and reaches out one day not knowing Patrick is the host.

Oh, how I loved this sweet enemies to lovers dual POV romcom! You’ve Got Mail is one of my favorite movies and Book and Ladder has all the You’ve Got Mail vibes. Patrick and Daisy have the best banter, chemistry and their emails to each other are perfection! I loved watching their growth as characters and how they began to realize what is truly important to them. It was interesting to learn more about firefighting, bookshops, and attend a fall festival. I am loving the small town of Waterford, TN and am soon planning my next trip there to visit all my new friends.

The themes of realizing what matters, forgiveness and moving forward resonated with me. I really enjoyed Book and Ladder by Savannah Scott and highly recommend! This will be a 2025 highlight.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.      

I’ve been married to my surfer husband for over 25 years. He has a heart of gold. In our relationship, I’m like the kite, and he’s the steady hand holding the string.

I’ve spent many years as the “den mom” in my own private Boy Scout troop … mom to two boys, one no longer living at home, and a whole slew of boys in our neighborhood too.

We also have a labradoodle puppy named Bella … she likes to eat shoes, tug the dishtowel off the stove, and chase squeaky balls. Sometimes she chills out and then we call her Bella-Snugarella because she flops against you like a living teddy bear. That’s my favorite. 

Encouraging other moms is my jam. I’ve written several non-fiction books for women (under Patty H Scott), and I have a website dedicated to pouring out into mama hearts at slowdownmama.com. 

When I’m not writing, I’m either reading, dancing zumba, or going on a walk or out to coffee with friends. I love road trips, especially when there’s adventure in the mix. 

    

The Girl on the Bathroom Floor by Amber Emily Smith

Losing a child is devastating. Watching my son Jonathan battle cancer and die inch by inch was the hardest thing I have walked through. But, on top of losing your child you have aftershocks. How do you go on and parent your other children, keep your marriage strong, and relate to friends whose lives are so different from yours now? The Girl on the Bathroom Floor is the book that I wish I would have had five years ago when my son passed to work through these questions.

The author writes with such raw honesty about what it is like to lose a child. She does not gloss over the hard questions like where was God, this is not fair, and how do I get up tomorrow? The author shares her journey, points you to scripture and gives you hope for the future.

I very highly recommend The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart Hardcover by Amber Emily Smith. I consider this one of the best books on grief, hardships, and understanding child loss that I have read. (I have read many)

PS I think this is great book to read if you have a friend who has lost a child. The author shares her story in such a relatable way as she opens up her heart on the pages. It will help you be a better friend.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

A Secret Infatuation by Jennie Goutet

 A Secret Infatuation by Jennie Goutet is a sweet Regency romance that is book number two in the Earl’s Sisters series, and it can be stand-alone novel.  Lady Sophia Rowlandson is very shy and works very hard to keep her composure.  Once at an event she was unable to speak up when confronted and is saved by Felix Harwood after her neighbor is unkind.  Sophia remembers his kindness and when she sees him years later cannot help but think what might be.

This is a charming dual POV story.  I rooted for Sophia and Felix to get together from page one.  Felix is strong, honorable, and kind which and pairs well with Sophia’s sweet, thoughtful and giving personality.  I loved watching their delightful relationship unfold throughout the story.  It brings me joy when kind-hearted people find each other in books and in real life.  The Regency setting of London is always a favorite especially when there is a masquerade ball, a picnic, and presentations at court.  The themes of finding your voice, family, and caring for others resonated with me. 

A Secret Infatuation is a wonderful story with engaging and thoughtful characters, a wonderful setting, and sweet romance.   It is always wonderful to be transported into such an enchanting story.  I highly recommend A Secret Infatuation by Jennie Goutet.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required a positive review.  

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson is a delightful Christmas novella filled with Christmas charm. Carol Langstrom hates Christmas which is a problem since she shares her birthday with the holiday.  To avoid Christmas, she is on a flight to the Bahamas until she is redirected to the Grand Rapids, Michigan airport.  Luckily, she remembers she has an aunt nearby who happens to be all about Christmas and is up for a visit. 

I was enchanted by this sweet story that was filled with sweet romance, faith themes, and a lovely Christmas setting.  The characters were very engaging and I loved meeting Carol.  It was inspiring to watch her as she navigated a challenging life and was able to grow, change, and become a healthier person.  I enjoyed entering the world of small-town Miller’s Creek, Michigan to celebrate Christmas with Carol, her family, and friends. 

This is a delightful novella that will remind you of the beauty of the Christmas season, the joy of serving others, and that we can change.   Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson is a joy to read and is a great way to celebrate the Christmas season. I very much recommend reading any time of the year you need to remember what is important. 

I was gifted a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

Murder in Matrimony by Mary Winters

 

Murder in Matrimony is a wonderful Regency romance and mystery by Mary Winters and  is the fourth book in  A Lady of Letters Mystery series.   You could read this book alone, but it is truly better to read the series. 

Countess Amelia Amesbury is trying to keep everything in balance.  She is trying to plan her sister’s wedding, she is the advice columnists, Lady Agony, and someone is trying to blackmail her.  She is trying to solve a murder. When her close friend the local vicar, Mr. Cross, is murdered her world is turned upside down as she tries to find the murderer from some clues Mr. Cross left her.  Simon Bainbridge her close friend is trying to keep her safe, assist with her with her family, and help solve the murder.  Will they finally find true love?

I was so thrilled to be swept up the world of Amelia Amesbury again.  It was fascinating to walk with Amelia as she tried to solve the murder of Mr. Cross and interpret the clues he left behind.   I enjoyed how each chapter starts with a letter to Lady Agony and hearing Amelia’s interesting response to the letter.  Amelia’s double life as Lady Agony brings intrigue to the story.

It was great to connect with Amelia’s London friends and meeting Amelia’s family brought depth and humor to the story.  Simon Bainbridge is always a gentleman and I have enjoyed watching his love for Amelia grow through the series.    

Murder in Matrimony  by Mary Winters is a great read that you do not want to miss.  I enjoyed the sweet romance, the intriguing mystery, and the engaging characters.  This will be a 2025 favorite for me.  I highly recommend. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

Although I have degrees in Literature and Creative Writing, my love affair with Victorian fiction didn’t start in the classroom but with a monthly book club. I was a young eighteen years old, working a job I didn’t particularly enjoy, when I made the fortuitous decision to join a subscription service. From the moment I received my first chunky paperbacks and pink wine glass, I was hooked. I loved coming home and delving into my historical romances. They were the gateway to other historical fiction, including mysteries, like the Amelia Peabody series.

When I enrolled in college, I had already written my first novel, not surprisingly a historical romance. I saw the heroines as nonconformists, constantly challenging the conventions of the time. Their fortitude inspired my own writing a great deal.

By the time I entered graduate school, I put away my romance novel and wrote a literary novel for my thesis. Then, when I graduated, I put away my literary novel and started a mystery series with an amateur sleuth professor (see my cozy series at MaryAngelaBooks.com).

But always my love for Victorian literature remained, and in 2019, when my family and I took a trip to England, it was reignited. Seeing Regent’s Park, Piccadilly, Grosvenor Square—all those places I had first read about so many years ago—I knew I wanted to write another book, a mystery, set in the time period. That book became Murder in Postscript. I’m thrilled to see this first dream come true.