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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I haven’t read the first book, Complicit, in the series I was drawn into this story from page one! The New Mexico setting is easily visualized in the story. Each chapter is from the viewpoint of characters Kate or Tilly. This gives more depth to the plot. When I put this book down, I kept wondering about the characters and what would happen next. I would love to have my own adobe hacienda like the one Kate has in the book! If you like psychological thriller novels, this one won’t disappoint! The writing and plot will keep you turning page after page. I definitely will go read book one, and can’t wait for book three!
Review by @bilberrysweet

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Brandy Vaughn, October 2022

 

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Paula R Sayers

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie is living a life that is divided. She shows one side to those involved in her work life and another to those who know her best. This life leads her into a situation involving blackmail and murder. This book kept me turning pages to find out what would happen next. Hoping we will see more of Lottie, Patrick, Frank and the others in a sequel.

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Divided Lives by K. R. Mullins- Review by Stephanie Driskill

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an astounding book by K. R. Mullins! Let me just say that if you love her other books from the Notebook Mystery series, then you will totally appreciate reading about the same family but with the main character being Lottie, Emma’s niece. This book is very well-written, and all the feels are in it. The author gives us a bit of background information about the trial of Officer Charles Becker conspiracy trial and sets the stage for a very dramatic story of blackmail, love, crime, family, and betrayal.
Lottie lives in Greenwich village which is known to not follow the mainstream traditions of a big city, but the problem is she is a lawyer for a justice in New York City. So, she must keep her personal life detached or divided from her professional life: so much in fact that while she commutes on her motorbike to work wearing pants but once she arrives at the office she changes into a skirt and adds a clip to her hair so that her short hair is covered and appears to be long hair which was appropriate for women in 1912. From the beginning we see her personal life and her professional life collide as she is blackmailed of pictures with her and her female lover in a compromising situation. Emotions run tense as we find out who is the culprit behind the blackmail and just how many others have been taken advantage of by this lowlife person. With the support of her family and a police officer named Frank, Lottie is saved and can then truly be the person she was meant to be without living a divided life. The characters are easy to love or hate depending on their role in Lottie’s life and the storyline is amazing. The historical information in the book is interesting and really helps set the stage for why a divided life was kept by Lottie and how not all people who wear robes are to be taken at face value. Corruption is in all areas of life and in all sections of the workplace. You must read this book!!!! I just cannot say enough about how wonderful this book really is!!

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Fallen Star (The Divine Devils Book 2) by R Weir – Review by Mercedes Jones

Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When someone has a problem, they go to The Devine Devils. That’s exactly what Megan Getz does, a Hollywood star who is being blackmailed. Megan wants to get her claws into Hunter, the private investigator who is trying to solve her issue. She is not used to being denied. Hunter just wants to solve this case and maybe get answers to some of his personal questions. This book was well written and the characters were all unique. Full of mystery, action, danger, and drama. I will be going back to read the first book in this series!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins is literally everything I love about a wonderfully written Historical Mystery Romance, its loaded with mystery , suspense ,love ,and even a little blackmail. It’s based on actual events that took place in 1912 Greenwich Village. This author continues to blow me away with each book she writes. I get lost in the pages and get so caught up with following what’s going on that I tend to tune everything around me out. Her style of writing flows and her attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for an amazing story. I loved reading about Lottie who is a court clerk by day and at night a completely different person. But what will happen when her two lives collide and she finds herself caught up in a blackmail situation? I highly recommend reading this book to find out. This one is by far my favorite yet and I’ve read several of her books. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Sheri Schrader

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divided Lives is a historical fiction tale set in early 20th New York. I have read books by this author before and was intrigued by the blurb about the story. I enjoy stories set in 19th-century Britain but this did not disappoint. Lottie works as a court clerk and wants to keep her professional, and personal life separated. As she becomes embroiled in a high-profile court case, this separation becomes more difficult.
I liked that the author’s information about a real court case during this time period made the story all the more interesting. I enjoyed learning about Lottie. She is intelligent and multi-faceted. I hope that there are more books to continue Lottie’s story. I can imagine that they would be quite interesting.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This turn-of-the-century historical fiction is a great mystery to cozy up with (don’t forget some piping hot tea and fuzzy blanket because you will want to read well past your bedtime!) Once I picked up this book, it was hard for me to put it down and engage in real life – that’s how I know it’s a good one. The setting and characters are set up and developed very well and make for an easy read. I appreciate the back story that the author weaves throughout this book to make Lottie come alive and jump off the page. I have read the Notebook series by this author – and love it – so I knew I would love this one. I was not disappointed. I love the way this author paints the scenes and develops the characters to make you become so invested in their stories that the pages turn without much effort. I highly recommend this author and this book.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great historical read. I enjoyed reading how New York society was back in the 1900’s, especially in Manhattan. The differences between Greenwhich Village and Manhattan was hugely different in the ways of life. We follow Lottie Flannigan as se tries to navigate between the two differences while holding down a job as a clerk for Justice Geoff. All of a sudden thrown into a blackmail scheme, Lottie is a little lost as to what she should do. But, she handles it like a champ and mages to find her way back again. She is very dedicated to this case involving Police Officer Charles Becker. She puts her whole heart and soul into this case, and you can tell that this is the kind of person she is. This book was wonderfully written, and I enjoyed the historical aspects of it. It certainly had me guessing and trying to figure things out from start to end!

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Inheritance to Die For is the 4th book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die for, but it is a stand alone book. I have not read all the books in the series, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Beck owns a book store, but recently obtained her private investigator license. Her college roommate hires her to investigate her father’s death. It has been deemed a suicide, but Jacqueline (the roommate and the victim’s daughter) doesn’t believe that to be the case. She thinks her father was murdered, likely by her stepmom, and hires Beck to prove it. I love the characters in this book, they are all well written with their likes and dislikes of each other. I was happy the mystery held out to the end, and I didn’t know if it would turn out to be a suicide or murder, and if murder, who the killer was. I was a little surprised at the end. I look forward to more books, as I want to see what happens between Beck and Devon.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Rachel Moss

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read! It’s very reminiscent of the authors Notebook Mysteries series, and there are even some references to the characters from that series. You don’t have to read that series to read this book, it’s more or less like an Easter egg. This was en enthralling and mysterious read (it is a mystery crime book) with some thrilling scenes sprinkled in which just what I’ve come to expect from this author. I loved the historical and even scandalous aspects of this book too. I felt a little like a rebel reading it! I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more in the future!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Alison Risher

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story about the historical police and judicial corruption in New York City during the early twentieth century. Per her usual, the author features a strong heroine who works in a typically male-dominated field. I found it thrilling to see the glimpses into the professional life of a pioneering female attorney. It was very interesting to see some of the hidden culture of that time period. The characters face issues in their lives that resonate with people today.

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Shannen Kern

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Inheritance To Die For hooked me from the first page and I dove into the rest with no hesitation. I love Judy Moore’s books and her writing is just marvelous every single time.

Beck owns a bookstore in Manatee Beach, Florida, but things are about to get more interesting than she could have imagined. Her old, spoiled college roommate calls her to ask for help because she suspects her father has been killed. Beck doesn’t exactly want to help and put up with incessant demands, but she feels solving mysteries is her purpose. Will Beck be able to bring solace to the victim’s daughter, or will she uncover that nothing suspicious happened at all?

This cozy mystery will have you curled up forgetting about everything you’re supposed to be doing. I highly recommend this 4th book in the Cozy Mysteries series, it’s totally worth it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Erin DeRoma

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A more grown up mystery by K.R Mullins (Kimberly Mullins) of the Notebook Mysteries (a YA series).
I had very high hopes for this one, and it lived up to all my expectations! Mullins doesn’t disappoint! This book could easily be read by lovers of a few genres, historical fiction, true crime, mystery. Mullins ties in all 3 genres beautifully. Her character tie-in from her notebook mystery series, is something that made me love this even more. (It is not at all necessary to read the separate series, but it is a great series). This was an easier read, could have easily been read in one sitting if my schedule allowed. A must read for sure!

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Bobbi Wagner

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this mystery story. This is the fourth book in this series which I enjoyed by this author. I have enjoyed this author’s writing skills from the first book I picked up from her. This is a well written story about a farther’s murder or was it suicide? This is a story that also has a touch of romance added to it. You don’t want to miss what happens in this book between Beck and Devon. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. I found the characters to be relatable and truly made the story for me. They have great growth throughout the story which makes it easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed what the characters added to the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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Review by @bjwagner

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie is living what could be deemed a double life. By day she is a law clerk working for Judge John Goff; by night she seeks the company of a certain female companion which is unheard of during the time period the book is written. When a case involving an officer comes across Judge Goff’s desk, Lottie is thrown into the middle of the case and her career is threatened. Someone who knows what happens with her outside of work is blackmailing her and she intends to find out who. Will she be able to keep her night life private by finding her tormentor? Or will she be outed and possibly ostracized?

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie, who is kin to Emma in the Notebook series of books by this same author, is serving as a clerk of the court. There is a high profile case that has come to the judge she is working for and the judge is pushing to get this case through quickly. So many things aren’t adding up to Lottie, and then some pictures arrive at her home. Lottie isn’t ashamed of her bohemian, free-spirited, bisexual lifestyle but these pictures come with a threat. Can she keep her private and personal live separated until this trial is over or is she going to have to disclose some very intimate and private details?

This book is based on actual historical events that have taken place. That’s one thing I really appreciate about this author! This book is definitely more geared for adults as there are some highly sensitive issues covered in it. I love the suspense of the story and how Emma and other characters from the Notebook series make small cameo visits!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Angela Hayes

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins (aka-Kimberly Mullins) is a more ‘grown-up’ story from this talented author. It is a bit of a spin-off from her YA series, Notebook Mysteries- as Lottie (our MC here) is the niece of Emma (our MC from Notebook Mysteries). I loved this connection, as it added more interesting layers to the whole story. And I loved the more ‘grown-up’ elements, topics, and storyline.
This is an intriguing historical mystery with plenty of dramatic developments, blackmail, conspiracy, secrets, suspense, crime & investigation, political ideals of the times, steam, romance, exploring sexuality, a progressive MC, wonderful world-building, and is all based on a true-life trial. The blending of fact and fiction was so cleverly achieved by Ms. Mullins, woven into a truly believable and engrossing story. I love Emma from Notebook Mysteries, but Lottie has given her some serious competition.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Mullins does next.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, K.R. Mullins!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Jenni Bishop

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you liked KR’s Notebook Mysteries then you will like Divided Lives which is more adult themed aimed at a slightly older audience. Set in 1912 this historical tale takes us to a time so different than it is today. Where social norms are different and sexuality was a taboo topic and being Bisexual was even more frowned upon and it is because of this we see Lottie caught up in a web of deceit, lies and blackmail. This cozy mystery unfolds with a series of flashbacks and some steamy scenes.

Lottie soon finds herself looking to find the one person who thinks it is ok to expose her private life but she finds so much more.

I look forward to what comes next.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Kylean Sprosty

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lottie gets caught up in blackmail that threatens to reveal her secret life. If it comes out she could lose her job as a lawyer, and she knows it’s somehow tied to an upcoming trial she is working on. But how does Rose fit in to all of this? A great spin-off from the Notebook Mystery series with Emma, Lottie follows in her aunt’s footsteps. Not letting society dictate what or who she should be, Lottie follows her own path. But will that lead to her eventual undoing?

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Shannen Kern

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How this is the first book I’ve read by this author I’m not sure, but it is far from the last! I fell in love with the flow of the story and was swept away quickly with the twists and turns throughout.

Lottie is our main character living in the early 1900’s and does accept the societal standards that are placed on women in her time. She feels relatable as she indulges in what she wants to do instead of what others think she should do. Although she likes her unique independence, she also holds a position as a legal clerk and works on a trial that will change her life. Will people succeed in blackmailing Lottie, bending her to their will, or will she stand her ground for what she believes is right no matter what?

I couldn’t put this down! I appreciate the information about the characters at the end of the book that helped me keep everything straight while I soaked it all in. I love mysteries and this has that and more. K.R. Mullins has quickly become an author I will look for in the future. You won’t regret picking this up, especially if you like historical events and true crime!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by La Toya Lewis

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth stand-alone book in the Cozy Mysteries to Die For series by Judy Moore. Beck O’ Rourke is investigating the death of her college roommate’s father. This was the first book that I have read in this series and I greatly enjoyed Beck’s feisty personality. There was good chemistry between Beck and Devon and both the main and side characters are well-written. The plot is entertaining and there are twists that keep you on your toes. This is a very solid read. I will be going back to read the other three books.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say I loved this spinoff from the Notebook Mysteries collection. This book was full of crime, blackmailing and risque relationships of the era in which it was written. Lottie does her Aunt Emma justice in being keen on details and quizitive as well as being a woman who doesn’t conform to the standards expected of her!

You see Lottie continuously getting frustrated with the Justice she works for. Knowing he’s in the wrong and doing some shady law work. It took guts for her to stand up to him, more guts to walk away and do the right thing. When she started linking things in the trial you get the sense that something big was on the horizon for her and for Chris. Though he was shady with his lifestyle, understandably so but I was slightly disappointed that he had not confided that in Lottie. Especially knowing she would have had his back. He knew her lifestyle.

The connection in this book with the past relationship and to her on/off again relationship, did not see that coming at the end!

Coming directly from reading the Notebook Mysteries and then this one. I could not love this author more and this progression of characters more. I was happy to see a happy ending for one of our beloved kids from that series and even more that the family has grown. Like the NM series this book did not disappoint at all and left me wanting another story, another crime, another case, more …. those are the best stories!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Darla Yocom

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m such a fan for a good historical fiction book this did not disappoint. Like a great movie, the cast is made up of a group of fantastic characters, especially Lottie, Rose, Chris, & Lisette.

The overall story harbors all levels of murder, mystery, drama and the court room shenanigans reminds me of a great true-crime drama.

The plot is entertaining and the fast paced story will keep you engaged.

Another great book by this gifted author!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Lucy Machard

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is set in the early 1900s, following the main character as she manages her “divided” lives. Since it is the early 20th century, of course queer relationships are extremely unheard of and are definitely kept under wraps if they exist. I do love the queer romance, and as a queer person, I felt it was written very well. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the book, I did, but it did seem to be moving a little bit slower. I think it took me about three days to fully finish, but then again, I have been in a reading slump. I’ll honestly probably have to go back and read it again, but I did like the writing style, and I will be on the lookout for more of this author’s books.

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An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Trish Ann

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a good story with a good plot. It was a true cozy mystery book! I’m not sure Beck and Devon work for me overall. I love coastal settings and this one reminded me a little of Murder She Wrote. I would read others in the series.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Tausha Treadway

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins. I LOVED this book and I stayed up way too late reading it. Its the story of Lottie the grown daughter of Dora from the Notebook Mystery Series. She is an attorney and its during one of the most infamous court cases in New York. Presiding over this case is Judge John Goff and Lottie is his Court Clerk. He is very demanding and sometimes crosses lines that are for his benefit. Lottie is a successful hard working woman which is rare in these times so she is blazing ways for women. She is also a bisexual which is unheard of during this time. Throw in some blackmail against Lottie and you have a great mystery. This book is just as good and in my opinion even better than the Notebook Mystery Series which is saying a lot because I loved them as well. I hope there will be similar books in the future of this author!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this historical crime with an added of the different views from our character, Lottie. By day, she is a job as a legal clerk and presents herself differently, at night…she likes to be in company with a female companion (especially at a time period when this is not acceptable in society). When a case involving a police office is present to Justice Goff, whom Lottie works for, she finds herself not only immersed in the case, but also in blackmail scheme, unknown where this is all stemming from. Lottie tries hard to keep her personal life a secret from her work life and she is trying to figure out this mystery 0f the fallout of her secret. Will Lottie find out whom is behind trying to blackmail her?

Mystery, danger and mystery all wrapped up in a very good story!

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me which I look forward to seeing what is next in the future for them. This is a well written story that has twists and turns that you don’t want to miss. They had me sitting on the edge of my seat and turning pages fast. A fast paced story where one girl’s determination means danger and could mean death. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. There is great growth with them as well as the plot. It made the story easy and entertaining to read. A hard to put down story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K R Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this suspenseful historical story. This is a story that has a little bit of everything in it, from romance to mystery. This is a well written story where the characters bring the story to life. They are realistic and connectable. I enjoyed how they pulled me into the story from the start. This is a fast paced, hard to put down read. It is easy to read and entertaining as well. There is great growth of the plot as well as the characters throughout. You don’t want to miss this suspenseful trial. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I highly recommend reading this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Kerry Baker

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book as I hadn’t realise that, although this story was fictional, it had a basis in true facts. I thought the author did a fantastic job of capturing the era and what it would be like for the heroine. I could easily imagine the scenes been depicted and found the story to be engaging.
The storyline was definitely intriguing. There was a lot going on which created a fast paced story. I loved the mix of characters in the book too. I really felt you experienced their lives and the way of life in 1912. This is a well written and interesting story that I would recommend.

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