Positive Grace by Deb Haggerty

Deb’s Dozen: 12-Word Summaries – Beautiful forensic archeologist, handsome investigative journalist, seductive Greek fisherman, smuggling, deception, faith.

Davis Bunn has written another award-winning book. Patmos Deception by this master spinner of tales held me spellbound from the beginning. He has the ability to tell a captivating story while imparting reams of fascinating information about the subject and the locale of his novel.

Carey Mathers, newly-minted forensic archaeologist, arrives on the Island of Patmos to take up a research position at the prestigious Athens Institute of Antiquities only to find the institute closed and herself stranded. Dragged into the taverna across the street by a Greek woman who used to work at the Institute, Carey finds herself adopted into Eleni’s large and welcoming family.

Nick Hennessey, an investigative journalist in Paris, who just happens to be an old friend of Carey’s from Texas, receives an undercover assignment to locate missing Greek antiquities and find the mastermind behind the burglaries. Hearing from the family grapevine of Carey’s mishap, Nick calls her and hires her to be his research expert. Having no other options, Carey agrees.

During their investigation, their paths cross that of Dmitri Rubinos, fisherman turned tourist boat captain who is struggling to hold onto the family boat and business, who knows the islands intimately, and who loves those islands as his life.

Even though their investigation may prove dangerous, Nick and Carey start tracing the stolen items. Greece is in chaos from the financial breakdown of the government. Corrupt businessmen and politicians impede their progress. Nick, whom Carey has had feelings for for years, starts to feel an attraction but knows any attachment would hinder his career. Dmitri is desperate enough to do almost anything to save his boat and family.

Missing artifacts, smuggling, a large cache of counterfeit money, kidnapping, the Greek navy, intrigue, suspense, love, and faith all interweave to make this tale one of the best Bunn has ever woven. 5-stars, sure to be an award-winner, can’t put it down, breath-taking, nail-biting, outstanding read! Run, don’t walk to your fave bookstore; or click over to your fave e-tailer, but get Patmos Deception!

I was given a copy of Patmos Deception by Bethany House for my candid review.

Deb’s Dozen: 12-Word Summaries – Beautiful debutante, obnoxious aunt, loving family, confusion about choices, scandal, true love.

Set in the early 1900s, Carrie Turansky’s The Daughter of Highland Hall continues the saga begun in The Governess of Highland Hall (The Edwardian Bride series).

William Ramsey, his fiancee, and his children, along with his niece, Kate, and her sister, Penny, are happily ensconced in the Ramsey’s London house preparing for Kate’s coming-out. Her aunt, the obnoxious Lady Gatewood, is also in residence making Kate’s life miserable as she endeavors to whip Kate into shape for her season.

Kate knows that her job is to find a wealthy husband, but is wearied with all the contrivances that seem to go along with being a debutante.

Then calamity strikes, and scandal, and shunning, and a rescue, and a new passion.

You’ll love Kate and her family. You’ll also enjoy the presentation of London in the 1900s—from the courts of the king to the slums of the East End—from the courtliness to the cowardice.

I loved this book—and will be buying the first in the series to catch up on the back story. And I’m anticipating A Refuge at Highland Hall coming in October 2015. This is a 5-star read in my book.

I was given a copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall by Multinomah Books in exchange for my candid review.