The Cedar Key

 

From the opening paragraph to the last sentence, I found this book difficult to put down. I sped through the telling of the story of Casey Adams's search for missing pieces of her life that had led to self-rejection and regret. I thought it was a powerful way for Casey to reconcile her past by finding clues that her grandmother left for her. 

The humor of late night intruders, the mystery of Casey's past, and the newly developed friendships made for a fabulous story. I also loved that Casey had a difficult choice to make on her journey to wholeness and she chose the path that would help her. 

Thank you to the publisher/author for giving me a copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own. 

Against the Tide

 

Have you ever read a book that stays with you long after you have read it? This well-written story has done just that to me. The plot, the characters, the social issues of past and present have made me think of how love can triumph over evil. This was the first book of Elizabeth Camden's that I actually listened to as an audiobook instead of reading it. 

The opening of the story gives you background information about Lydia Pallas and the tragic events that happened to her as a child. I immediately connected with her and was curious to see what the future would hold for her. How could good come from such terrible circumstances?

I found myself rooting for Lydia, the sweet-natured young lady who struggles to overcome an addiction that was rampant during this period in history. Ms. Camden's weaving of a love story and a horrible villain (who you can't wait to see meet a terrible end) made me drive all around town listening to the audiobook in my car. I actually had go to our city park where the neighbors couldn't see me and wonder why I was spending copious amounts of time in my parked car! 

Being a former junior high history teacher, I appreciate the amount of research that Ms. Camden did for this book. Because of how well it was written, I have since read several more of her books because she masterfully weaves her stories around real people and events. 

One thing I have learned after listening to this audiobook is that either I read her books, or wait for longer car trips!

The Nidderdale Murders

The Nidderdale Murders has a whole slew of who-did-it characters with a terrific conclusion. It is up to DCI Jim Oldroyd to look past the obvious to find the murderer.

As I was reading the book I was having difficulty with the number of people who might have wanted to see Sandy Fraser meet his demise. But, as the list of suspects dwindled, I was able to concentrate upon a few suspects that might have killed him and another villager. 

The solution to the murders was interesting, satisfying, and a bit unusual. If you pay attention to details throughout the story, you may be able to solve the case along with DCI Jim Oldroyd. 

Thank you to the author/ publisher for giving me a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and comments are my own.