This story is pretty interesting. On one hand we have an old murder mystery to solve, while a romance may be brewing. I enjoyed the vintage aspects of the book. The clothing, language and architecture seemed spot on. The author did a great job with their research. Despite the constant flashbacks, the story is very easy to read and follow along. It kept me busy entertained from page one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2022-02-22 07:52:302022-02-22 07:52:30Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Amber Poole
Divine Vintage is the debut novel by Sandra L. Young. This is an interesting mystery, with a bit of a paranormal edge that gave the story an extra element of intrigue. Add in some history, a long past murder, investigation, romance, and a few dramatic developments- and we get a story that proves Ms. Young is an author to watch out for in the future. When vintage clothing store owner, Tina, comes across a vintage outfit, it comes with a built in mystery. Visions of a past crime begs to be solved and leads our MC’s on quite an intriguing investigation, as they work to solve the crime and restore a family’s reputation. Happy reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-02-22 07:52:132022-02-22 07:52:13Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Angela Hayes
This was a thrilling quick read of murder, love, and hope. Tess having just opened her dream store in Michigan City, Indiana gets the opportunity to model a early 1900s gown which ultimately leads to her helping to solve a 100 year old murder mystery. Trey, who was simply helping his dear relative Esther, finds himself also entranced when he begins seeing the same visions as Tess. This book flawlessly moves from modern times to the past. I found myself spellbound as the story of Phoebe and Edward is told through the eyes of Tess and Trey. You will find yourself on the edge of your seat each time a vision arises. I thought the last chapter was an after thought but it did not take away from the solved mystery and left me feeling happy This is a beautiful love story blended with mystery, hope for the future, and so much more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Glaspiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Glaspie2022-02-22 07:51:572022-02-22 07:51:57Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Amanda Glaspie
Tessa Burton has moved to a new town to pursue her dream and open up a boutique. Divine Vintage is the name of her store and she hopes to make it a great success. While modeling a dress from the descendents that own Carver House her mind has been opened to what has been deemed a murder suicide. What really happened? The story is that the newly weds had an argument on the eve of their honeymoon, but the visions that Tessa has tell a different story. Trey Dunmore isn’t much of a believer in the paranormal, but helping to clear his great-grandfathers name intrigues him. Or is it Tessa that has truly captured his interest? How much of the feelings and emotions from the past are influencing their current feelings and emotions? Will Trey and Tessa be able to differentiate the two and build a lasting relationship? Will they be able to find out the truth of what happened in Carver House?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2022-02-22 07:48:062022-02-22 07:48:06Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
You can definitely tell the author has an affinity for vintage fashion in her debut novel! For a new author, she seamlessly is able to go back and forth from past to present, all while keeping the reader on their toes as they wonder what is to be revealed next. She has amazing attention to details and any mystery fanatic will love the writing style she has.
The story of Tess and Trey has me hooked from the beginning. The tension between the two characters made it that much more enjoyable to read, and I was happy with how their romance flourished throughout the book. I definitely look forward to reading more of this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2022-02-21 20:14:112022-02-21 20:14:11Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Kayla Kearney
Well this author definitely has a new fan in this reader. This was such a wonderful mix of genres, which I would say included paranormal, historical, romance and mystery, that you are always involved and captivated by the story and its characters from the first word to the very last. The descriptive writing talent of this author is just beyond my powers of description. If I could give more than 5 stars I absolutely would!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2022-02-21 20:13:452022-02-21 20:13:45Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jules Herbert
Wow, I highly recommend this book, it was truly enjoyable. If you like a mystery wrapped up with some romance and paranormal feels, definitely check this book out. I loved how I am engaged from present day of Tess and Trey but also get wrapped in a century old murder-suicide mystery. When both Tess and Trey model vintage clothing from the couple that were involved from a century old crime, Tess sees visions. These visions really open the story up…..and I just really could not put this book down!! So well done…..
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2022-02-21 20:12:022022-02-21 20:12:02Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This book was such a wonderful and engaging read! I loved how it really grabbed me from that first chapter and kept reeling me in until that last chapter so much so that I found myself reading well past my bedtime to find out how this book would come to a conclusion. While this book might be a sweet romance it plays out with the intrigue of an old mystery murder crime and set against the backdrop of beautiful vintage clothing. The worldbuilding and scene setting is exquisite and I felt as if I could slip into the clothing myself. I absolutely loved every moment that I spent with Tess and Trey, and the cast of supporting characters that flow in and out of the story really come to life just as much as they do. I look forward to seeing what will come next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2022-02-21 20:11:082022-02-21 20:11:08Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Liz Vrchota
This book was such a wonderful and engaging read! I loved how it really grabbed me from that first chapter and kept reeling me in until that last chapter so much so that I found myself reading well past my bedtime to find out how this book would come to a conclusion. While this book might be a sweet romance it plays out with the intrigue of an old mystery murder crime and set against the backdrop of beautiful vintage clothing. The worldbuilding and scene setting is exquisite and I felt as if I could slip into the clothing myself. I absolutely loved every moment that I spent with Tess and Trey, and the cast of supporting characters that flow in and out of the story really come to life just as much as they do. I look forward to seeing what will come next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2022-02-21 20:10:512022-02-21 20:10:51Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Liz Vrchota
Tess owns a vintage clothing shop. Opening day, her first customers are Esther and Trey. Trey is Esther’s cousin’s son. There is an instant connection between Tess and Trey. Esther invites her to model some vintage clothing at her historic family home. While wearing the dress of a previous owner, Phoebe, Tess has a powerful vision and wakes up saying, “My husband didn’t murder me!”
I truly enjoyed following along as Tess and Trey try to solve the murder suicide of Phoebe and Edward. With each clue, I suspected someone different. I also liked the attraction between Tess and Trey. I would love to see another book with these two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2022-02-21 20:09:592022-02-21 20:09:59Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jamie Truex
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance mystery with a paranormal twist. This debut novel had me hooked from page one with its fascinating and unique storyline. Tess Burton owns Divine Vintage, a clothing boutique, but Tess has the ability to see visions when she touches the vintage clothing. Whilst modelling an Edwardian era gown, Tess suddenly sees through the eyes of a murdered bride. What she sees of this century old murder disputes the local claim that it was her bridegroom that committed the crime. Trey Dunmore is unsure about these visions that Tess claims to have, but he is keen to clear his family’s tainted legacy, and so agrees to help her explore the past. By using the dead woman’s clothing and her diary, Tess and Trey are able to discover that in 1913 there are a list of murder suspects, not just the bridegroom. With a murder mystery to solve the couple try to deny their chemistry but soon wonder if past emotions are influencing them, or is their blossoming relationship real. This wonderfully written dual timeline novel kept me gripped until the last page. The characters are likeable and relatable and I felt particularly engaged with Tess. The setting and era came vividly to life through the authors descriptive narrative and the historical details, making me feel immersed in the story. A great read which I highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2022-02-21 20:09:242022-02-21 20:09:24Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Divine Vintage By Sandra L. Young Review by Susan Ratchford 5 Stars
After opening up the vintage shop of her dreams Tess Burton is asked to model a dress for a prominent family with a stain in their history. Wearing the beautiful dress from 1913 brings about flashes from a murder suicide from a hundred years past. She sees visions through the eyes of the murdered bride that may clear the rumor that the groom was the killer. Trey Dunmore, a great great great grandson of the suspect, will do anything to clear his family’s legacy, even explore the past through these non conventional means. As the list of suspects grows so do their feelings toward each other, and the deeper they delve into the past. Will they solve the mystery that’s been waiting a century? This mystery had me guessing until the last page!!!! I loved being able to look back on the fashion and the intrigue of the early 1900’s. It was really cool to see what life could have been like back then. This book had me on edge the whole time and was paced beautifully to build up tension!! Speaking of tension, I loved the amount of tension between Trey and Tess!!!! Very sexy! There were also so many OMG moments that had me audibly gasping!!! Such vivid and great detail to make such a satisfying and fun read!!! You should make Divine Vintage a staple in your closet!! I definitely would recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2022-02-21 20:09:072022-02-21 20:09:07Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review By Susan Ratchford
This is a really enjoyable book. I thought the author did a great job of mixing the past and the present together. It flowed so easily and made it more engaging for the reader. The characters were easy to connect with as well. I believed in their journey right from the start. I think the author has created and interesting book that is effortless to read and is thoroughly enjoyable. I would definitely recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-02-21 15:53:262022-02-21 15:53:26Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Kerry Baker
Tess has risked everything she has to open her vintage clothing store called Divine Vintage. She has always had a love for fine clothing from past eras and chooses to put her love for vintage clothing into something that she can pursue full time as more than a hobby. With the opening of her boutique, she is introduced to Trey and his elderly aunt when they come into the store during Divine Vintage’s grand opening. Trey’s Aunt offers Tess the opportunity to attend a fashion show wearing a beautiful gown from the Edwardian era that had once belonged to one of her ancestors. During the fashion show Tess is overcome with visions of the young girl Phoebe who had last worn the gown. Tess is struck with visions of the young girl’s murder and is determined to solve the crime that occurred centuries ago. Seeing the murder through Phoebe’s eyes makes Tess realize that there was maybe more to the old stories about Phoebe’s husband who was accused of committing the murder.
Trey is a descendant of the young bride Phoebe who was murdered a century or so ago. The brutal murder of Phoebe by her new husband has tainted the family’s legacy. Trey does not necessarily believe in visions or the spirit world but with a little bit of coaching from his mother and his aunt, Trey reluctantly agrees to help young Tess. He too wants to clear up his family’s legacy. Tess and Trey start reading Phoebe’s diary in the hopes that they can find clues as to who her true murderer could possibly be. As they read through the diary, they find several people that could be suspects. With their growing time together Tess and Trey start to feel their own connection to one another but become confused by this connection. They do not know if it is because of their connection to the couple whose lives they’ve been able to see through visions, or if it’s their own feelings for each other.
I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this book. I read it from cover to cover and found it impossible to put down. I was immediately drawn in by Tess’s love of vintage clothing. I was even more drawn in by the diary entries and by Tess being able to see through the eyes of Phoebe as though she were there herself. I loved the feelings and the brief visions that Tess was able to pick up from the vintage clothing when she touched them. I was fascinated by how she was able to get a sense of who each person was that had previously worn the clothing. I love history and I’ve always loved old buildings and wondered what the story was of the people that live there. Naturally, I found the concept of Tess seeing past lives of those who had worn the clothing very intriguing. I would love to be able to do the same by touching an old building or an old piece of clothing. What a unique and special ability to have.
I’m really hoping that they author has plans to pursue the adventures of Tess and her bond to the vintage clothing. I would love to read more stories where Tess is presented with visions of the past owners of the clothing, and she is able to solve past mysteries. I think if Trey were to come along for the ride it wouldn’t be so bad either. Trey was a likable character and despite his wealth was a down-to-earth guy with a good heart and good values. Perhaps the two of them could team up and see what new adventures the spirit guides of the vintage clothing take them on. A must read for anyone who loves history, vintage clothing, and a good old-fashioned murder mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-02-21 15:09:392022-02-21 15:09:39Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I really enjoyed Divine Vintage. Tess has recently opened her dream vintage clothing boutique when she is asked to model a gown from the Edwardian period. At the event, Tess is overcome with visions of the murdered woman who had worn this gown on her wedding night. We are taken into an adventure of Tess and Trey, who ultimately begins experiencing his own visions from this night. Together, they begin piecing together the mystery of who kissed the bride. I love how all the characters intertwine with those past and present. You are swept into two different romances and the mystery is an added bonus. My only regret for this story is I wanted more of the past reflections that Tess and Trey experienced. Very good story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bethany Rollinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBethany Rollins2022-02-21 12:21:452022-02-21 12:21:45Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Bethany Rollins
Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Allyson Ware
As a mystery lover, this novel enticed me right away. A very quick read, but very detailed as well. The characters are easy to get to know; as if I had already met them from prior books in the series. We all know that cannot be true because this is the only book in the series. These characters just melt your heart right away and the author does a fabulous job of capturing your attention until the very end.
I am not much of a romance reader, but this book had just the right amount of mystery along with the romance tied in which kept me hooked. This novel also has a happy ending, which I can appreciate. The author has struck my intrigue and I definitely plan on reading more of their work!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2022-02-21 12:21:112022-02-21 12:21:11Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Allyson Ware
This book was a good mix of modern day romance, mystery, and metaphysics. The characters were relatable and likeable. I really liked how well the main characters related to their occupations and how knowledgeable they were in the subjects.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela2022-02-21 12:18:582022-02-21 12:18:58Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Angela Plate
This has got to be one of my top ten books I have read thus far. This book has history combined with murder, old flames, and possibly new love the author did a wonderful job weaving it all together into an unforgettable journey.
First we meet Tess who has just opened her own vintage clothing store despite the negative connotations from her ex. When in walks Trey with his grandmother that sets off a trail of events that neither could have predicted. Tess is invited to model an Edwardian gown from a Dunmore ancestor. This opens Tess up to having visions through the eyes of the bride of her murder that happened in 1913, whose dress Tess is wearing. Trey is not impressed with having visions of the past but with the possibility of clearing up tainted family history and getting closer to Tess he begrudgingly agrees to help. As more of the story unravels and a couple other characters become intertwined with the past, will Tess and Trey ever truly figure out who killed the bride? Are the visions and emotions from the past imprinted on Tess and Trey or are their feelings for each other truly real? This is a must read book that will keep you guessing on who the murderer was. Can you figure it out before the characters in the book? You’ll just have to read this to find out who dunnit and if Tess and Trey get their happily ever after!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-02-21 12:18:292022-02-21 12:18:29Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Vanessa Watts
This is a very unique murder mystery. I haven’t read a book like this before and I was completely captivated with the story. The characters are amazingly written and they completely come to life. What i love about this book is how it flips from modern day to historical and how the twists see the past meeting the present.
Tess love vintage clothes. Every time she touches something she is transported back to that time having visions about the person who owned that item. When she dresses up in clothes for a celebration party the vision she has is of the young woman and her murder. Now wanting to unravel the mystery and get the full story Tess sets out to find the truth. Was the young woman murdered by her husband? Did he then take his life because of that? Or was someone else involved in the murder? Can a crime committed over 100 years ago finally be solved and the ghosts of shame finally laid to rest.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-02-21 08:07:482022-02-21 08:07:48Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Kerry Carr
I love a good mystery, this one was different in a good way. I found there was so many connections, and wonders as I had read through. I could not get enough, I could not put this one down, and see what progressed and what was to happen actually. It was very well written!
Really loved the interactions between Tess and Trey. They both had a special gift, and could see things that could not be explained. To how and what to connect them, was the true matter of the question. I loved the courtship that was between them, and how they both were stubborn in their own ways, I loved the fine details as well with Tess’s clothing shop! I felt I was transported to the Victorian Era wand was enjoying looking at the fabrics she had for sale! Wonderful descriptions! All the characters Tess and Trey interacted with as well were just as intriguing and wonderful, and a pure joy to read about. enjoyed solving this mystery with the characters! Defiantly will be reading more by this author!
Wonderful experience of this mystery. I did not want this book to reach it’s ending. It was well loved by me. I loved the author’s use of writing as well. As said, will be for sure reading more by them! I enjoyed this very much. Highly recommend this mystery that is simply put, nothing short of amazing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-02-21 08:07:162022-02-21 08:07:16Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Lorrene Huisman
I enjoyed this historical mystery. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed her writing style and attention to details. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters. They are connectable and engaging. I enjoyed how they brought the story to life and made the story fun and entertaining to read. This is a well written story about Tess and Trey. They find themselves in the middle of trying to find a murderer. As their list of suspects grows, so does their relationship. I enjoyed their chemistry and growth throughout the story. This is a great suspenseful story that is fast paced and hard to put down. It is worth the pick up and I highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-02-21 07:57:472022-02-21 07:57:47Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Bobbi Wagner
What a powerful and timeless romance. Tess owns a vintage dress store and meets Esther, a sweet older lady, who asks her to come model a vintage bridal piece at a fundraiser. Trey is her handsome grandson. He will be wearing the groom’s tuxedo. Somehow, the house has a sad mystery and Tess channels the primary participant. Bam, we now have a romantic suspense. She wants to prove that the “killer” didn’t do it. She enlists Trey’s help in more ways than one. Terrific paranormal plotline. I love the characters. We have homeless fights in the town going on (do we get rid of them or let them stay). Issues from any town. Makes the story feel real. Esther and her friends are cute. The plot twists are great. I love how the memories are blended in and not choppy. I highly recommend for anyone. Click that buy button. You’ll be happy you did.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-02-21 07:57:242022-02-21 07:57:24Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Sarah Young
Tess Burton is always up for an adventure. She’s risked her inheritance to open Divine Vintage, a clothing boutique. While modeling an elegant gown from an Edwardian-era trousseau, her mind is opened to a century-old murder. Visions–seen through the eyes of the murdered bride–dispute local lore that claims the bridegroom committed the crime. Trey Dunmore doesn’t share Tess’ enthusiasm for mind-blowing visions, yet the appeal to clear his family’s tainted legacy compels him to join her in exploring the past. Aided by the dead woman’s clothing and diary, Tess and Trey discover that pursuing love in 1913 was just as thorny as modern-day. As the list of murder suspects grows, the couple fears past emotions are influencing, and may ultimately derail, their own blossoming intimacy.
Sandra L. Young’s love of vintage fashion inspired her to write her debut novel, Divine Vintage. She’s gathered an impressive collection spanning the late 1800s to 1980s, wearing pieces onstage through years of performing in community theater. She also sports it out on the town for special occasions. To round out her love of the arts, Sandra sings with a trio, a praise band, and at karaoke nights. She draws from these experiences in her writing, as well as her work focus in communications and nonprofit management.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DivineVintage_w15928_ib-1.jpg1200749itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-02-21 00:00:552022-05-07 11:45:31Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
In this volume of the Notebook Mysteries we follow Emma once again, who is an 18-year-old graduate of business school and an entrepreneur. Emma is persistent, self-sufficient, vivacious, and wants to make lasting change. The case she takes on is much more perilous than the other ones as she is battered and warned away.
Emma Evans is a real Sherlock Holmes, using wit, keen observation skills and a vast amount of cleverness to solve injustices. She carries around a notebook with her at all times in order to set down all her perceptions of the things she takes the time to notice. This helps her do what she desires the most … solving crimes.
I thought the recipes were a wonderful addition and I feel I will truly enjoy making some of them. However I will say this you need to read the first book 1st, because a more detailed character description and a deeper background will give you a better understanding of Emma and everything else going on.
The characters were intricately flesh out and very detailed. I particularly like the historical details during that era that show Emma’s endorsement for women’s rights. Including stepping out of the box society forced her into and fighting for equal pay and equal opportunity for women in the work place. This novel is also socially conscious in that Emma helps women who are abused a fair bit.
If you are looking for a delightful, fun, read with many dramatic escapades all packed into a novel, with historical details look no further. This tale has a very Nancy Drew essence and will entertain the older and younger generations.
I’ve read several of the novels in this series. Just like in previous ones I’ve read, Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5) is full of intrigue and mystery, both personal and political. This is a really fascinating period in Ancient Egyptian history, as the records were destroyed by later kings, so I loved being able to read a fictionalised version of what may have happened. The writing is so detailed and the historical aspects were so interesting. What really makes the novel interesting is Hani’s character development, as his ideals and his loyalty are tested. A cosy mystery read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Netania Limhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNetania Lim2021-07-23 08:52:492021-07-23 09:42:56Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Netania Lim
While I don’t typically read books of this genre, I’m thankful that I gave Lake of Flowers a chance. N.L. Holmes did an excellent job of bringing the book to life by providing realistic details of the characters, setting, and era in which this story line takes place. Lord Hani is a wonderful character. I was instantly engaged in the story due to the banter between Hani and his family. I enjoyed reading about his family, travels, and the mystery that he must uncover in this installment of the Lord Hani Mysteries.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Mandellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Mandell2021-07-17 11:11:212021-07-19 10:22:30Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Ashley Mandell
Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 5) by N.L. Holmes. I’ve come to really enjoy these books. This genre is way outside my comfort zone but I took a chance and I haven’t regretted it yet. This is why one should always look to expand your horizons. This author keeps me completely hooked from start to finish. The characters are complex and truly bring this book to life. There’s so much this book has to offer within its pages. The main character truly takes readers on a journey looking for clues about what’s going on. It’s a well written storyline paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. If you’re looking for something new I highly recommend this author and this series. If you think it’s not your kind of reading I highly recommend you just taking the leap and giving it a try. Four big stars and highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2021-07-15 21:11:482021-07-15 23:10:00Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Katie Kearney
Lake of Flowers is the fifth book in N.L. Holmes’ Lord Hani Mysteries series. By this point, the characters really feel like old friends and it’s so wonderful to catch up with them and hear how they’re coping in a turbulent world. I adore Holmes’ writing for how vividly she depicts ancient worlds. Her work is heavily influenced by archaeology and research so while it’s fiction the story follows the course of real historical events. What really makes it special for me, though, is the small details. What characters eat and wear, their physical characteristics, how they travel, that sort of thing. The multisensory depiction immerses the reader in the world, and familiar elements (beer, honey, even garlic which really surprised me and I had to look that one up to see if they really would have eaten it!) brought me closer to the past. Lake of Flowers begins with a tragic death that threatens to destabilise the kingdom’s political structure. Hani and his family and associates are all invested in the outcome of the inevitable unrest, and the mystery that deepens as the story progresses. Young Neferet plays a prominent role, with her position as a royal physician entangling her in the events of the book. She’s a fantastic character – funny, clever and independent. I would recommend reading this series from the beginning (Bird in a Snare) to get to know the characters and the setting. There are lots of names to remember but Holmes does a good job of reminding readers in text as well as including a character list to refer to. For me, this is a five-star read. I’d recommend it to fans of history and mystery! The series might also appeal to fans of high fantasy – although itself not fantasy, the setting and stories do at times remind me of fantasy books I’ve enjoyed with worlds based on history.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2021-07-14 12:45:252021-07-15 21:44:38Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
Lake of Flowers is the fifth book in The Lord Hani Mysteries by N.L. Holmes. I highly recommend reading the first four books to see what else Hani has been investigating. Being this is a historical mystery, I was excited to start reading that we were in Ancient Egypt. Egypt has an amazing history with the artifacts and the mystery surrounding it in present times. The details N.L. Holmes gives the reader paints a picture of what she wants the reader to see. The characters are fully developed and easily form a bond with them. I love Hani. He is very relatable and I enjoy our mysteries together. This time Hani finds himself in a tight corner. He is trapped between the government or revolutionaries. What will Hani uncover? Will he be able to restore some peace? You will have to read this book to find out about Hani and his story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2021-07-13 17:39:032021-07-15 21:20:13Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Erica Fish
Lord Hani is a Royal Investigator. He is asked by the king to find out why there have been thefts and then returns of items within the king’s household. Beginning this investigation leads to a web of interrelated mysteries that Hani must solve including one that involves the king’s son whose parentage is being questioned. The issue of a baby swap comes to light as witnesses of this occurrence are turning up dead. Someone is after his daughter Neferet and her friend who are physicians of the king’s ladies. Caught between the kingdom’s politics and his own desire for the kingdom to return to Amen-Ra, Hani must solve all the mysteries to restore some truths to his life and lessen his anxiety over his daughter’s welfare. Can he solve them all before it’s too late?
Although this book is a part of a series, I have not read any of the previous books. The story still intrigued me with its complicated mystery plot.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Doverhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Dover2021-07-12 20:54:562021-07-13 21:58:08Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Ashley Dover
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