It’s the SIXTH month of the Unlocking the Past 2021 Reading Challenge. We’re halfway there! Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment on what YOU read to be entered for your chance to win a copy. *Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form.*
The White City by Grace Hitchcock
This month focused on the Gilded Age of America, and what better display of the Gilded Age than the World’s Fair in Chicago? Add in a bit of mystery, danger, and love, and I couldn’t resist the chance to read this book. I’ll fully admit this is a reread for me. I loved it so much the first round that when I saw I had the chance to share it with others and give copies away, I had to do it. I think in my original review of the book, I gave it six stars as it was one of the first books I’d read that was so wonderfully historically romantic suspense. Now that these types of books are coming out in droves, it is still an amazing book but not as unique as it once had been.
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense, World’s Fair, Chicago, 1893 Plot Overview: While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as an exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as a secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for a bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim? What I loved: The danger, suspense, romance, AND history are combined in an utterly wonderful story. There’s even a serial killer on the loose and a woman determined to find the truth. It’s my favorite kind of story to read. Favorite Character and Why: It’s a tie between Winnifred and Jude. I love her spunk, determination, and bravery. Jude is absolutely swoon-worthy. A family man, caring, and protective. Who would like this? Absolutely anyone who loves romantic suspense, especially those who love historical romance but have been craving a little more danger and suspense in the writing. If you have any fascination with true crime stories, this is a GREAT story with one of my favorite true crimes in history. Rating and Why: The writing was great, the spiritual touch light but impactful, the historical details AMAZING, and the storyline something I crave. PURCHASE LINKS Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Reading Challenge Giveaway
Comment with what you read for this month’s challenge to be entered to win a print copy of The White City by Grace Hitchcock. This giveaway is open to U.S. and International Residents who are legally able to enter. If an international winner is picked, they will get a $10 Amazon Gift Card. I’m sorry. Book Depository does not carry this book. Comment or use Rafflecopter for extra entries by 11:59 pm (EST) on July 7th to be eligible to win. Happy reading! a Rafflecopter giveaway
I read “A Mosaic of Wings” by Kimberly Duffy. This was my first book by this author and I am sold! I will definitely read more by Duffy! I will add your review book to my growing TBR list!
I have A Tapestry of Light on my TBR pile. I’m so glad you enjoyed her book!
Your entries are added. 🙂
I read Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green.
Oh! I’ve read the first one. I hope you enjoyed the second.
Your entries are added. 🙂
I read This Healing Journey by Misty Beller
I haven’t read Misty yet, but I adore her as a person. I’m looking forward reading one soon.
I really like Misty’s books. It is hard to wait for the next book in each of her series.
I saw she has another series coming out with Bethany House and I’m looking forward to reading the first one in that series. Maybe by that time, I’ll have gotten semi-caught up with my TBR pile.
I have your entries added. 🙂
I read Flight of Fancy by Jen Taurano this month. It was a light, funny romance-just what I needed with so much going on this month!
I love Jen Turano, but I haven’t read that one yet. I have been working on buying all her backlist though. 🙂 I’ve got your entries added.
I read Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
That was a wonderful book. She really made the fire come to life in ways I never could have imagined. I’ve added your entries in.
I read Devyns Dilemma by Susan Mathis. About the Thousand Islands off of New York.
Oh! Fun. I haven’t heard of that one. I will have to add it to my TBR pile. I’ve got your entries added.
I know the giveaway is over and that’s okay but I think I forgot to tell you what I read for June! I read In a Grove of Maples by Jenny Knipfer. 🙂
Crystal:
I sent you a comment several days ago and never received a response. Perhaps you were offended because I found a couple of errors in the first paragraph of the first chapter.
I read The Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love
Yay! I’ve added your entries!
I read A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden. I didn’t have it quite finished by the end of June, so if it doesn’t count, that’s okay!
It counts! And I definitely enjoyed that series. Your entries are added!