Sophia Rose's Place

For interesting tidbits, thoughts, and book reviews

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #85

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

WHAT DID I READ LAST WEEK?

A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong

#2 Rockton

Romantic Suspense, Thriller

Another north country survival thriller full of atmosphere and a twisting mystery.  Casey and Dalton were sizzling.

The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber

#1 Lady Darby

Historical Mystery

Debut book, fab atmospheric setting and grisly murder, and a heroine that captured my approval from page one.

Restorative Yoga for Beginners by Julia Clarke

Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Health

Simple to learn, helpful guide, and just what I needed in a yoga regime. 

Risk It All by Katie Ruggle

#2 Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters

Romantic Suspense

Strong entry in the series with a new sister taking the lead roll and showing that she felt such love and loyalty to step out of her comfort zone and right into danger with an exciting possible murderer at her side.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

Defying the Relic Hunter by Gail Koger

#11 Coletti Warlords

Sci-Fi Romance

WHAT AM I READING NEXT?

The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz

#1 Fogg Lake

Romantic Suspense

[sophiarose1816]

Books From the Backlog #82

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book:

On a Highland Shore by Kathleen Givens

#1 Highland

Historical Fiction

Blurb:

From acclaimed historical novelist Kathleen Givens comes a magnificently conceived, intricately detailed novel that brings to vivid life the tumult, adventure, and passion of thirteenth-century Scotland, when Norse invaders laid claim to the land and its people—and an explosive clash of cultures, politics, and personal pride changed the world forever. On Scotland's western shore, the village of Somerstrath prepares for the joyous wedding celebration of Margaret MacDonald, the laird's daughter. But a dark storm of bloodshed and betrayal is closing in, as a merciless band of Vikings threatens the Highlands. Margaret is determined to hold the MacDonald clan together and to locate her abducted younger brother. But can she trust the noblemen from King Alexander's court, who insist that only by adhering to a betrothal conceived for political gain will she find safety? Or should she put her trust in an imposing half-Irish, half-Norse warrior? Gannon MacMagnus alone offers her hope of reuniting her family and vanquishing the barbarous Norsemen who would continue to rob her people of their God-given right to determine their own destinies. In whom should Margaret entrust the fate of the rugged, magnificent land she calls home?   

WHY DID I PICK THIS ONE?

I’ve been meaning to read this author’s books since I was going through an Outlander drought a few years back and spotted this one.  Maybe I’ll get in a Highlander mode and race through all of these in the New Year.  :)

[sophiarose1816]

COYER Update #1 and It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading Now? #84

I’m combining my COYER Challenge Update with my weekly meme What Are You Reading because they cover the same books.

For COYER (clean off your e-reader) we are in the middle of a challenge readathon, FFS- FOMO.  This means read books that you meant to read in 2019 and didn’t get to them yet.

And, I read some regular COYER qualifying books that were ARCs, freebies, or cheapies that I got before December 1st.

But, let’s follow the What Are You Reading format:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

So, my post is a little late this week.  My apologies!  Holiday festivities are keeping me hopping!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

Wild Country by Anne Bishop, Narrated by Alexandra Harris

#2 World of the Others #7 The Others

Urban Fantasy

Well, I’m still angry about this one between an obnoxious character and the way this one ended up with the Others letting the humans get away with too much and good people getting hurt... yeah, I want to pretend this book doesn’t exist.  Loved a few new characters and the narrator, though!

A Purely Private Matter by Darcie Wilde

#2 Rosalind Thorne Mystery

Historical Mystery

Regency era amateur detective gentlewoman, a case of a woman accused of infidelity by her husband just before murder, and a twisting dark tale that was a delicious read.

Find Wonder in All Things: Persuasion Revisited by Karen M Cox

Contemporary Romance, Modern Retelling

Gently-paced and artistically drawn second chance romance that was heartwarming and delightful set in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong

#2 Rockton

Romantic Suspense

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber

#1 Lady Darby

Historical Mystery

So, it was a good week of reading.  I’m well ahead on my COYER totals: 16/60 and have read two of my four RAT goal books.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas!

[sophiarose1816]

Books From the Backlog #81

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book:

All I Want for Christmas by Ros Clarke

Contemporary Romance

Novella

Blurb:

He's been naughty and she's been nice…until now. Anna Gardner allows herself exactly one night per year to let her hair down—the annual office Christmas party. But for the second year in a row, she's made out with Hugh Munro, super-sexy advertising exec and playboy extraordinaire. Now that the party is over, Anna has to return to her real life—a life too full of responsibilities and worry to include temptations like Hugh. Hugh has other ideas. He hasn't forgotten last year's scorching-hot kiss, and last night only strengthened his resolve to make Anna his. Except, Hugh doesn't do serious relationships. When he learns the truth about Anna's life, he realizes that "casual" is the last thing she needs. And if all he wants for Christmas is Anna, he'll have to prove it...to both of them.

WHY DID I PICK THIS ONE?

I won a copy of this back in 2013, but it arrived long after the holidays so I thought I’d get to it the next Christmas.  Pffft, yeah, I didn’t.  It was a .pdf file and it was one that had landed in my recipe files that I discovered earlier this year.  I read a couple of the others and now I have this one.  Think I can slip in a 50-pager novella before Old St. Nick comes down the chimney next week?

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #83

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

So, my post is a little late this week.  My apologies!  Holiday festivities are keeping me hopping!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

Longbourn: Dragon Entail by Maria Grace, Narrated by Benjamin Fife

#2 Jane Austen’s Dragons

Historical Fantasy, Historical Romance, Austenesque

Builds on the events of book one and grows more suspenseful as it goes along with building on the world of the series, too.

Blitzed by Alexa Martin

#3 Playbook

Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance

It was okay though a tad under-developed. 

The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala

#9 Blessings, Georgia

Contemporary Romance

Another delightful entry in the small town series involving a man looking for his birth mother, a woman recovered from her grief, and a new chance for them both.

Dirty Tactics by Peyton Banks, Narrated by Wen Ross and Trei Taylor

#1 Special Weapons and Tactics

Romantic Suspense

SWAT team leader and ER nurse were sizzling!  Wanted a little more development of the non-sex side of the relationship.

Will Fain, US Marshal by R.O. Lane, Narrated by A.T. Chandler

#2 Will Fain US Marshal, West Texas

Western, Historical Fiction

Treasure on the marshal’s land, a newly sworn deputy, family, stage hold up, and his renown grows.  Loving this series.

Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen

YA Historical Romance, Austenesque

A Regency romp with a good dose of suspense.  A precocious heroine who grows into her own by the end.

Caught Red-Handed by Denise Domning

#5 Servant of the Crown

Historical Mystery

Medieval zombies leave Sir Faucon a little baffled, but then he catches the trail to the truth.

The One For You by Roni Loren

#4 The Ones Who Got Away

Contemporary Romance

Tough-fought, emotional friends to lovers among the school shooting survivors.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

Wild Country by Anne Bishop, Narrated by Alexandra Harris

#7 The Others, #2 World of the Others

Urban Fantasy

WHAT AM I READING NEXT?

A Purely Private Matter by Darcie Wilde

#2 Rosalind Thorne Mystery

Historical Mystery

[sophiarose1816]

Books From the Backlog #80

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book:

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

#4.5 Wallflowers

Historical Romance

Blurb:

It’s Christmas time in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady-in-waiting, and if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallfowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts. A Wallflower Christmas takes a trip to Victorian London, under the mistletoe, and on a journey of the heart.  

WHY DID I PICK THIS ONE?

About five years ago, I was considering the participation in a reading challenge that would focus on author Lisa Kleypas’ books.  I had a few that I’d picked up at garage sales and other places.  I had two of the Wallflowers series so figured I’d read the whole series for the challenge so I picked up the rest including this one. 

Turned out that I didn’t participate in the challenge.  LOL

So, I have six books (because I snagged prequel and four others before this one) on the shelf that remained settled there until this day.  I’ve decided that I really want to make a push next year to read this series even if its a self-challenge though I do have two challenges (Because Reading’s Reading Assignment or their Can You Read a Series in a Month) in mind that might get me motivated.

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #82

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen by Ada Bright and Cass Grafton

#2 Austen Adventures

Time Travel Romance

It has been a while for me since reading the first book, but I was glad to finally see what happened after that tantalizing teaser at the very end and that new romance that got started.

Born to Be a Cowboy by RC Ryan

#3 Montana Strong

Contemporary Romance, Western

A heartwarming and sizzling blend of family, romance, and suspense.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin

#1 Little Paris Shops

Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance

A bookshop swap and boyfriend troubles show a woman her own strength.  Engaging and fun visiting Paris with her.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

Longbourn: Dragon Entail by Maria Grace, narrated by Benjamin Fife

#2 Jane Austen’s Dragons

Historical Fantasy, Austenesque

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

The Way Back to You by Sharon Sala

#9 Blessings, Georgia

Contemporary Romance

[sophiarose1816]

Sophia Rose's Place turned 7 today!  Has it really been that long?  Time flies when you’re chatting books, I guess.  Thanks to all who have viewed, loved, reposted and followed over the years.  :)

[sophiarose1816]

Books From the Backlog #79

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book:

Shakespeare’s Christmas by Charlaine Harris

#3 Lily Bard

Mystery

Blurb:

Lily Bard heads home for the holidays. Even in a sleepy Arkansas town, the holidays can be murder. — Lily Bard is going home for the holidays. More comfortable in baggy sweats than bridesmaid's frills, Lily isn't thrilled about attending her estranged sister's wedding. She has moved to Shakespeare, Arkansas, to start a new life, cleaning houses for a living, trying to forget the violence that once nearly destroyed her. Now she's heading back to home and hearth--just in time for murder. The town's doctor and nurse have been bludgeoned to death at the office. And Lily's detective boyfriend suddenly shows up at her parents' door. Jack Leeds is investigating an eight-year-old kidnapping and the trail leads straight to Lily's hometown. It just might have something to do with the murders...and her sister's widowed fiance. With only three days before the wedding, Lily must work fast to clean up the messy case before her sister commits...marriage!   

WHY DID I PICK THIS ONE?

I first discovered Charlaine Harris’ books through her Sookie Stackhouse series which I enjoyed.  But, my default is always mysteries so I soon discovered that her backlist was loaded with mysteries and I stocked up.  I’ve been meaning to start this series forever.  Hope to get going on it in the new year.

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #81

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

Historical Romance, Inspirational, Romantic Suspense

This book had everything that was good.  I enjoyed the character growth, the mystery, and the settings.

Christmas in Silver Springs by Brenda Novak

#6 Silver Springs

Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance

Two people who had to sort out their pasts even while falling in love.  He is an ex-con and she’s a soon to be ex-wife.  Talk about complicated.

Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra

Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Modern Retelling

Loved Little Women so this was a must.  Great job modernizing the story of the sisters with original feel while holding to the classic.

Nefarious by Nicole Clarkston, Narrated by Harry Frost

Historical Romance, Variation

If Jane Austen wrote her novels heavily dosed with the gothic, this would be one.  Loved Broody Darcy!

The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

#1 Dukes of War

Historical Romance, Holiday Romance

She’s bossy; he is disciplined.  She’s never taken the time out for life’s fun and he schedules it in regularly.  She needs his annual Christmas ball to find a husband and he thinks she doesn’t need a ball to find that.  Short, breezy, and funny.

Simply Perfect by Mary Balogh

#4 Simply Quartet

Historical Romance

Prim and proper... and an absolute snob about men or the aristocracy.  Claudia left a bad taste, but I adored her romantic counter-part, Joseph.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen by Ada Bright and Cass Grafton

Time Travel Romance, Austenesque

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

Born to Be a Cowboy by RC Ryan

#3 Montana Strong

Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #80

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

Romantic Comedy

A series of romantic comedy meet-cutes executed by a bumbling woman trying to get a screenwriter through writer’s block has her reassessing what she really wants in life and love.  It was funny, but could also get tedious because she was so oblivious at times.

Forgotten Sea by Virginia Kantra

#5 Children of the Sea

Paranormal Romance

It was a great standalone story, but for a series finale, I wanted more closure to the series.

Expeditions, Estimation, and Other Dangerous Pastimes by Lyn Gala, Narrated by John Solo

#4 Claimings

M/M Sci-Fi Romance

The finale to Ondre and Liam’s story arc was all that it should be.  They conquered linguistics and trade and now cemented their relationship.  I am glad there is more in this story world.

Newly Wed and Slightly Dead by Danielle Garrett

#1 A Touch of Magic

Cozy Mystery, Paranormal

Set in the author’s Beechwood Harbor world, loved meeting Anastasia the wedding planner and her cast of characters who help solve a mystery.

A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh

Thriller, Romantic Suspense

Amazing job crafting a small village thriller that dazzled and left me flipping pages madly.

Wedding Bells and Deadly Spells by Danielle Garrett, Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

#3 A Touch of Magic

Cozy Mystery, Paranormal

Loved seeing Anastasia come into her own and settle things with her sister and boyfriend.  Felt like a final book and, if it was, I still loved it.

Siren’s Song by Karen Chance, Narrated by Joyce Bean

#4.6 Dorina Basarab, a John Pritkin story

Urban Fantasy

Crazy, zany and off the hook!  Loved it.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

Christmas in Silver Springs by Brenda Novak

#6 Silver Springs

Contemporary Romance

[sophiarose1816]

Books From the Backlog #78

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book:

A Cheyenne Thanksgiving by Caroline Lee

#3 The Sweet Cheyenne Quartet

Historical Romance

Blurb:

When Cam MacLeod is attacked by a half-starved exotic beauty defending her son on the high Wyoming plains, he's understandably intrigued. And the more he learns about Tess, the more he begins to hope that he's found his chance at a ready-made family. He even manages to talk her into marrying him. As the weeks turn to months, and he realizes how well they fit together, he knows that he’s secured his Happily Ever After… Except for one small detail: Tess refuses to give him her love. If he can convince her that they were made for each other before the end of November, he'll have a reason to be truly thankful.   

WHY I PICKED THIS ONE:

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite understated holidays so I wanted to post a book with that theme.  But, finding a book on the shelf that was set during Thanksgiving was tough.  LOL  I did come across this one and it was a timely reminder that I’ve had the whole series since 2015, I think, and need to get busy and read these season-themed romances set in Wyoming.

[delightedreader]

I Dare You: Unconventional Romance Advice to the Non-Athlete Heroine

What Reading Sports Romance Taught Me DISCLAIMER: I won’t pretend to be an expert. I’m just calling these like I see them. Not looking to snag an athlete boyfriend? Well avoid these careers/jobs…

Are you a sports widow or a sports fan? http://delightedreader.com/i-dare-you-unconventional-romance-advice-to-the-non-athlete-heroine/

[delightedreader]

I Dare You Fall Sports Spotlight on Blitzed by Alexa Martin #Giveaway

Many are in the know about Alexa Martin’s phenom Playbook series. Our event would be incomplete if we didn’t included the latest new release in the series, Blitzed, to spotlight for our event. My …

Ready to tackle Blitzed or the earlier books in the Playbook series? https://delightedreader.com/i-dare-you-fall-sports-spotlight-on-blitzed-by-alexa-martin-giveaway/

[delightedreader]

I Dare You Throw Down- Fall Sports Romance

Howdy, Delighted Readers! Thank you for joining us on our third mini blog event, the I Dare You Throw Down, which will go from November 18th- 24th. We are jazzed to take up this challenge that wil…

This is a great dare for me because as much as I enjoy sports, I haven’t read that many sports romances. https://delightedreader.com/i-dare-you-throw-down-fall-sports-romance/

[sophiarose1816]

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading? #79

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

What Did I Read This Last Week?

A Cowboy Like You by Donna Grant

#4 Heart of Texas

Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, Holiday Romance

Sheriff Danny gets his second chance at love when his high school crush has come home needing asylum from her abusive relationship.  Tender and sweet.  Nice lead in to Christmas.

The Knight Before Christmas by Marilyn Brant

Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Austenesque

Emma is not impressed with her first view of the newly returned Austin Knightley and that was before she has to ask this big city success story for help with her Christmas project for the community kids.  This was sweet and cute.

Prima Facie by Ruth Downie, Narrated by Simon Vance

#8.5 Medicus Investigations

Historical Mystery

Engaging murder mystery set during the Roman Empire.  Modern words will leap out frequently, but also diligent historical background stuff so it turned out well.

Longing for a Cowboy Christmas by Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas

Historical Romance, Western Romance, Holiday Romance

Six powerhouse novellas that I adored from all familiar authors.  Great variety and well developed with some spice and sugar and feels.

WHAT AM I READING NOW?

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

WHAT WILL I READ NEXT?

A Madness of Sunshine by Nalini Singh

Romantic Suspense

[sophiarose1816]

Books From the Backlog #77

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. If you would like to join in, please feel free to enter your link and link back to this post, then spend some time visiting some of the other posts.  

This week’s neglected book:

The Sheen on the Silk by Anne Perry

Historical Fiction

Blurb:

New York Times bestselling novelist Anne Perry, the undisputed Queen of Victorian mysteries and the author of an acclaimed series set during World War I, now broadens her canvas with her first major stand-alone book—an epic historical novel set in thirteenth-century Constantinople, where a woman must live a lie in her quest to uncover the truth. Arriving in the ancient Byzantine city in the year 1273, Anna Zarides has only one mission: to prove the innocence of her twin brother, Justinian, who has been exiled to the desert for conspiring to kill Bessarion, a nobleman. Disguising herself as a eunuch named Anastasius, Anna moves freely about in society, using her skills as a physician to manoeuver close to the key players involved in her brother’s fate. With her medical practice thriving, Anna crosses paths with Zoe Chrysaphes, a devious noblewoman with her own hidden agenda, and Giuiliano Dandolo, a ship’s captain conflicted not only by his mixed Venetian-Byzantine heritage but by his growing feelings for Anastasius. Trying to clear her brother’s name, Anna learns more about Justinian’s life and reputation—including his peculiar ties to Bessarion’s beautiful widow and his possible role in a plot to overthrow the emperor. This leaves Anna with more questions than answer, and time is running out. For an even greater threat lies on the horizon: Another Crusade to capture the Holy Land is brewing, and leaders in Rome and Venice have set their sights on Constantinople for what is sure to be a brutal invasion. Anna’s discoveries draw her inextricably closer to the dangers of the emperor’s treacherous court—where it seems that no one is exactly who he or she appears to be. Richly detailed and finely wrought, The Sheen on the Silk is a bold and brilliant work that affirms Anne Perry’s talent as a master storyteller. 

WHY DID I PICK THIS ONE?

I’ve read pretty much everything this author has written when it comes to historical mysteries.  So, when I saw this standalone historical fiction set in Constantinople during the time of the Crusades, I had to scoop it up.  It has sat since 2012 on my shelf.  It always sounds good, but I just need that extra oomph to finally grab it up and read it.