The White City by Grace Hitchcock

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 exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

This book started out slow.  I was almost to the point of deciding whether I should finish it.  Then about a fourth of the way in it, started to get interesting.  I liked Winnie's character.  She was full of life and wanted adventure.  Today she would have made a top rate detective.  In the late 1800's it wasn't even considered.  Jude Thorpe was also a likable character.  His love for his family is what drives him.  He quickly falls in love with Winnie.  But her father will not allow it as he is a policeman.  Which I thought was strange as he was Jude's boss on the police force.  Then there was Percival Valentine.  He was also likable.  He is the man that Winnie's father and aunt have chosen for her to marry.  The only problem with that?  She doesn't love him, she loves Jude.  As far as the mystery aspect of the book, it was okay.  The book did make me look up Mr. Holmes to read more about him.

If the book hadn't started out so slow, I would probably give it four stars.  So therefore, I will be giving it three stars.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it's time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek's midwife, she has no intention of remarrying and trying for another child. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn't sure her heart can take it.

Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn't concerned only with the baby's welfare. He's been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated--and he'll need Thea's help if he's ever to find the justice he seeks.

All Thea wants is a fresh start in life.  With the help of Aimee, her is looking for her birth mother, they head to Ciimarron Creek.  Jackson wants to find the outlaws who killed his brother.  When he eliminates Thea as a suspect they work together to find the Gang.   

What a great conclusion to the Cimarron Creek Series.  I recommend the entire series for all who like mystery and romance.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Coffee Club Mysteries

The coffee shop on the corner of First and Main in Oak Grove, Kansas, seems to attract a series of mysterious events. Or perhaps it is the six women who frequent the shop for book club who are magnets for trouble. . . .

Morgan Butler, owner of the Coffee Perk, finds a project worker hanged at her shop.

Penny Parson finds a gun in one of her beehives.

Evelyn Kliff discovers a dead church meal organizer.

Jo Anderson shares hazelnut coffee creamer, sending a woman into anaphylactic shock.

Harper Daggett is being stalked for an antique jade owl she bought.

Baker Jeanine Gransbury’s charity event money goes missing.
 
These short stories were a delight to read.  I would class them as a good cozy read. You can either set at the beach or in front of the fireplace.  These were not edge of your seat thrillers but good mysteries done the less.  Each main character was at a different stage in life. There wasn't even a romance in a couple of them.  I recommend this book to all those who enjoy a light read with likable characters.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.