Gladwyn Grant Gets Her Footing

 

About the Book

Book: Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing

Author: Lisa R. Howeler

Genre: Clean Cozy Mystery

Release Date: July 11, 2023

A little bit of mystery, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart

After being laid off from her job as a librarian at a small college, Gladwynn Grant isn’t sure what her next step in life is. When a job as a small-town newspaper reporter opens up in the town her grandmother Lucinda Grant lives in, she decides to take it to get away from a lot of things – Bennett Steele for one.

Lucinda has been living alone since Gladwynn’s grandfather passed away six years ago and she isn’t a take-it-easy, rock-on-your-front-porch kind of grandma. She’s always on the go and lately, she’s been on the go with a man who Gladwynn doesn’t know.

Gladwynn thought Brookstone was a small, quiet town, but within a few days of being there, she has to rethink that notion. Someone has cut the bank loan officer’s brakes, threatening letters are being sent, and memories of a jewelry theft from the 1990s have everyone looking at the cold case again.

What, if anything, will Gladwynn uncover about her new hometown and her grandmother’s new male friend? And what will she do about her grandmother’s attempt to set her up with the handsome Pastor Luke Callahan?

Find out in this modern mystery with a vintage feel.

My Review: 

Are you looking for a cozy mystery that you can read and recommend to others? This is the start of the Gladwyn Grant mysteries that promises to be one that you will enjoy. Seeing the highly inquisitive newspaper reporter dig into stories of the small town makes you want to see what is going to happen.

Gladwyn lives with her grandmother, Lucinda, which I found quite endearing. They watch out for each other, and you can’t help but love Lu as she is youthful and is also somewhat of a matchmaker. Gladwyn is new to town, so Lu makes sure she meets all f her friends, both mature and younger.

I liked that there are a couple of mysteries to solve and clues to see if you can figure it out yourself. I did find it a bit slow in the middle of the book, but the end ties up all the loose ends of the mysteries with a satisfying conclusion. I am interested to see what mysteries Gladwyn will solve in the future.

I received a copy of the book from the author and Celebrate Lit. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Lisa Robinson-Howeler is a writer and photographer from Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband and two children, her dog Zooma and her two cats Pixel and Scout. She is a former small-town newspaper reporter. She is also a wife, blogger, and a homeschooling mother. She blogs about fiction, faith, photography, and life.

 

 

 

 

More from Lisa

I can’t say that Gladwynn Grant’s character is based completely on my grandmother, but, in some ways, I did. I named her Gladwynn after my paternal grandmother who I grew up living over the creek and through the woods from.

Gladwynn was her middle name but I’m not really sure how she spelled it because she never really used it. She usually just wrote G. as the middle initial. When we did a search on Ancestry, we saw that some spellings on her documents were Gladwin and some were Gladwyn. I guess her family wasn’t sure either, but if I remember right (I don’t have the document right in front of me) on her birth certificate it was spelled Gladwin.

I liked the spelling of Gladwynn with a “y” and two “n’s” though so that is how I spelled Gladwynn’s name for the books.

My grandmother was tough and to the point. She wasn’t mean but she didn’t pull punches. She was not super maternal or affectionate. Again, though, she was not mean.

She lived through the Great Depression and raised children during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Her youngest, my dad, was in the Air Force when Vietnam broke out. He was never sent overseas but he helped build bombs and work on airplanes during that time.

She knew about hardship, trials, and heartbreak. Her husband died of cancer when he was in his 60s and she spent the next 35 years without him. She began to lose her eyesight to macular degeneration in her 80s.

None of what life threw at her stopped her from living her best life.

She still traveled and kept her house and property up. At the age of 86 I caught her on a ladder cleaning out the gutters. Around the same age she marched down the dirt road in front of her house with a walking stick and told the township road workers to make sure the drainage pipe they were putting in didn’t run into her field and flood it.

If she was afraid of things, she didn’t show it very often.

My family lived with her while I was in college and I learned so much about how to preserve and live a happy and fulfilled life despite the tragedies or trials of my life.

When I started thinking about writing a cozy mystery series, I wanted the main character to be a lot like grandma, but also more affectionate and sentimental than my grandmother seemed at times.

I only remember my grandmother telling me she loved me once or twice in my life, but I know she did because she showed it in her actions toward me.

I wrote Gladwynn to be bold and tough, but also to be affectionate and open with her feelings – a lot like my grandmother, but also a little different.

I think my grandmother would love the idea that I am writing a series of books based on her name and partially on her personality.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13

Holly’s Book Corner, March 13

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Devoted To Hope, March 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 19 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, March 19

Book Looks by Lisa, March 20

An Author’s Take, March 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Blogging With Carol, March 23

Pause for Tales, March 23

Lily’s Corner, March 24

For Him and My Family, March 25

Mary Hake, March 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7a8/gladwynn-grant-gets-her-footing-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Noble Scheme

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

 

In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite—and most dangerous—families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

 

AUTHOR BIO:

 

Roseanna M. White (roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books. . .to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

My Review:

Ms. White is one of my favorite authors as she always has intriguing plots and complex characters, and this book met my every expectation. Gemma has some very deep pain and unforgiveness towards Graham that she could not, would not let go of. The journey to healing and forgiveness was beautiful and powerful for not only Gemma but for Graham as well.

The kidnapping of a boy is the reason that brings the Imposters investigative team together; who wouldn’t want a child to be safely reunited with his parents? The case was exciting as the Imposters try to locate Sidney and complications arise. The hidden passages and dilapidated factory were perfect settings and lent an air of suspense and foreboding, making me unable to put down the book. There was no question that sleep would be missed in order to finish it.

I heartily recommend reading this book for its mystery, inspirational message, the Imposters team, and the reconciliation of several relationships. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I wish I had. Not because of this story, which can certainly be read as a standalone, but I am extremely curious to learn the backstory of the members of the Imposters.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Austenprose and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Set in Stone

 

About the Book:

From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now, she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton--one that that could win her an acclaimed exhibit--she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.

Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all.

My Review: 

Wouldn’t it be awesome to be a part of an excavation that was uncovering dinosaur bones? Martha Jankowski has the unique opportunity to not only be on the dig, but to be the one who is responsible for its discovery and a female at that. The race against another crew to be the first to uncover an entire skeleton and win the distinction of having it displayed in a museum was an exciting part of the story. The historical details of such a race made me feel like I was there. 

I enjoyed the faith and uncompromising nature of Jacob Duncan. Martha was such a blessed young woman to fall in love with him. He was such a patient and understanding man. They are such a good match since he is a fellow paleontologist who shares her passion of dinosaur digs and will for years to come.

The mystery that was taking place concurrently lent an element of intrigue and suspicion as you are given clues as to the possible identity of past and present crimes. Things were left up in the air, so I am curious to see if the villain will make an appearance in the next story. I hope so!

I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Never Fall Again

About the Book: 

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven's guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.

Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family's business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can't bear to lose like that again.

Before construction on the house can begin, Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.

My Review: 

As Landry Hutton settles into her new life, all seems to finally be at peace in her life as she starts the building of her new home until— something happens to bring her past crashing in on her and her daughter. Builder Callum Shaw quickly becomes involved in the case and Landry and Eliza’s life as he sees they need protection.

Never Again has a blend of suspense, romance, and flawed characters to make this a good story. Landry was a wonderful mom, a creative artist, and willing to be vulnerable. Cal is generous, has a big heart, and I am glad to see he let go of his fears to see the possibility of a future with Landry. 

Here are some things to love about the book:

North Carolina forest
Small town
Suspense
Pottery
Landry’s daughter, Eliza
Maisey, the Golden Retriever
Cal’s family
Maniacal villain

This is the first book in the Gossamer Falls series, and I can’t wait to read more! I received a copy of the book through the Revell Reads program and NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

If the Boot Fits

 

About the Book

Book: If the Boot Fits

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: March 12, 2024

One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .

Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

 My Review: 

I have never read a fairy tale retelling of Cinderella set in the west , but let me tell you, with the clever way that Ms. Witemeyer writes, it works! I loved the princess of the Three Cedars ranch, Samantha Dearing, with her big heart as she stands up to bullies, and finds ways to serve the underprivileged. Asher Ellis is a hero that is fiercely loyal; extremely protective of those he loves; a man of honor, and courageous when he sees trouble.

With long held secrets, ruthless villains, a daring rescue, a realistic faith of the characters, humor, and a twist to the glass slipper, you are sure to love this story. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more books in the Texas Ever After series. This can be read as a standalone since the common thread is the setting and not the characters.

Favorite Lines:
“We all need a trusted friend we can count on to get us back on track when we veer off course.”

"So why was his heart picking up speed at the prospect of seeing her home?
Because I’ve got rocks for brains."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, NetGalley, and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas.

 

 

 

 

More from Karen

Character Names and Word Games

One of my favorite parts of writing any book is finding the perfect names for my characters. Names are so important. They carry meaning and expectation. They add historical flavor and help create a picture in the reader’s mind about who that character is. They can also add hidden joy to a story for me as the author that may or may not be realized by the reader.

If the Boot Fits was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I give it a fresh western twist and mixed up the plot a bit, but it was important to me to fill this tale with subtle nods to the version I loved as a child. One of the main ways I did this was through the naming of my characters.

I worked hard to create names that would harken back to the original while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have a hero named Asher Ellis—Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. For our heroine, I wanted something to play on the “charming” motif without being too on-the-nose. I ended up selecting Samantha Dearing—Dearing like endearing or charming. Samantha is the feminine version of Samuel which comes into play in the story since her father’s name is Eli. The three key older ladies of the story all of names inspired by royalty, as befits a fairy tale—Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s step brothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. We have a cattle king with a foreman named Duke as well. Whether readers catch all of these nods or not, they made me as the author smile while writing the story.

Here’s another way to have fun with names and other key story elements. I’ve created a word search for you to enjoy. Have fun!

Click here to play.

 

 

 

 

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, March 13

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 14

Batya’s Bits, March 14

By the Book, March 15

Madi’s Musings, March 15

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16

EmpowerMoms, March 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 17

She Lives To Read, March 18

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 18

Blogging With Carol, March 19

Life of Literature, March 19

Simple Harvest Reads, March 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

lakesidelivingsite, March 20

Alena Mentink, March 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 21

Splashes of Joy, March 21

Betti Mace, March 22

For Him and My Family, March 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 22

Cover Lover Book Review, March 23

Holly’s Book Corner, March 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 24 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 24

Lily’s Corner, March 25

Wishful Endings, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 26

Just Your Average reviews, March 26

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of If the Boot Fits!! (US only)

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7a9/if-the-boot-fits-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures

About the Book: 

When Clara Marie Stanton’s ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it’s all Clara can do to protect them from his desperate schemes and society’s prejudice. Her family may be eccentric, yes, but they certainly aren’t insane. Then Clara’s Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond skilled in repairing clocks, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara’s dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer’s trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

My Review: 

I absolutely loved everything about this book! You can't help be first drawn in by the whimsical and eye-catching cover. But, it doesn't stop there since you are introduced to the characters of Clara Stanton, Grand, Arthur, and Mrs. Stanton, all great characters in this tale. I was caught up in the unique scavenger hunt that had plenty of places and mechanical animals that provided clues along the way. 

I bookmarked so many quotes that were either 1. funny, or 2. challenged and/or encouraged me in my Christian faith. I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. This would make a great book club selection or a Buddy Read. I can’t wait to read more books from this author. 

You will love this book for the following things: 

A fiesty heroine

A wounded war veteran

Historical novels

Details that make places come alive

An animal menagerie

Eccentric, lovable family

Humor

Amazing mechanical inventions

A scavenger hunt 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and AustenProse. All opinions are my own. 

Finding Jane Fairfax

 Book Description: 

Jane Fairfax knows she is truly fortunate. Most orphans face lives of hardship, whereas she was adopted by doting surrogate parents who elevated her place in Society and love her as their own. Yet even they cannot shield her from the grim realities of life without a suitable marriage. In moments of despair, Jane comforts herself with a well-worn memory: that of a young man whose kind words when they were children once soothed her heartbreak. But now that boy has grown into a dashing gentleman—and their lives could not be more distant.

Frank Churchill is a prisoner of his station. His inheritance is held in the balance by his demanding aunt, and the weight of her expectations is suffocating him. But when a chance encounter brings the lovely Miss Fairfax back into his life, he discovers what it is to truly live. As the pair secretly become acquainted amid the confines of Society’s strict rules, their friendship blossoms into love. But in a world ruled by unyielding traditions, endeavoring to build a life together would mean inviting a scandal that would shake the very foundation of the ton.

My Review: 

Have you ever read a book and wondered what the story might be between other characters in the story? The author was able to create a believable story from Jane Austen’s Emma of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill and their relationship. 

The social responsibility that Frank had placed upon him by his demanding aunt made him act contrary to what he really was like. Jane was incredibly patient and always was able to put everyone’s needs before her own, including her feelings for Frank. He was certainly blessed to have Jane in his life to help him navigate difficult circumstances. You can see that she balances him and is the better half of the relationship. 

If you like fan fiction or historical romances, then you will be interested in reading this book. The author did a brilliant job of writing  in a similar style to Jane Austen. So, if you haven’t read Emma this will be a great prequel to the story. 

I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher and AustenProse. All thoughts and opinions are my own.