Jocelyn Green: The Hudson Collection

By Kelly Bridgewater

Step into the beguiling world of 1926 New York and discover the power of resilience, friendship, and love from award-winning author Jocelyn Green.

Elsa Reisner's lifelong dream of working as an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History is fading as the job begins to drain her passion. But fate takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to catalog the bequest of a recently deceased patron whose Gothic country mansion holds secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered.

As Elsa delves into her task, she forms an unlikely bond with the estate's delightful gardener and her daughter, as well as an architectural salvage dealer who still bears scars from the Great War. Together, they embark on a thrilling treasure hunt for a missing relic intended to safeguard the servants' futures before the estate is sold. At the same time, Elsa's body seems to betray her with new symptoms from a childhood disease that isn't through with her yet.

With the brooding veteran and her handsome colleague joining the search, Elsa must navigate the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives along with the changing state of her health. As her deadline looms ever closer, will she be able to secure a new life for her friends before the estate slips from their grasp?

 

My Thoughts:

The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green features a bird-watcher or an ornithologist for the American Museum of Natural History. I can’t imagine all the research that Green had to go through to have the names and the sounds of the correct birds to ring true in her novel. But then again, if they are wrong, is not like I would know the difference. I know nothing about birds except they fly, look different, and sing songs. The plot has a mystery element to it as the heroine Elsa tries to catalog all the birds in the mansion that she was assigned to bring back to the museum. Green crafted a character that had a flaw that she acquired when she had polio as a child that affected her today. But she is a strong character who knows her limitations, but there are moments when it does rear its ugly head, but she keeps moving. Similarly, there is a romance aspect between Elsa and a male character that has some surprising twist to it, but Green does a wonderful job at showing a relationship that can see past faults and learn to trust in God and grow together. Overall, The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green brought some lights to the world of birds and the work of the American Museum of Natural History, so fans of historical fiction with a hint of romance and mystery might love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:   out of 5 stars

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Series Finale That Got It Right

By Kelly Bridgewater

Every read a book that was so fabulous that you honestly could not wait to get your hand on the second, third, or even fourth book. BUT when you actually read the book, it did live up to the previous book in the series. Today, I am going to share some books that I loved the first or second book in the series, but the ending of the series did completely blew the story out of the water. These writers promised a good ride and body did they deliver. (All covers and synopsis come from Goodreads.)

No Matter the Cost by Susan May Warren

Checkmate by Steven James

Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

Soul Raging by Ronie Kendig

Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green

Know of any other books that did fabulous at handling the end of a series? Please let me know. I love books that deliver a final push that rocks the ending of the novel.

Jocelyn Green: The Metropolitan Affair

By Kelly Bridgewater

Bestselling author Jocelyn Green sweeps you away in a dazzling novel of secrets, betrayal, and romance within one of New York City's most esteemed museums.

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

 

My Thoughts:

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green is a unique trip through the world of a history museum. What is better than a fraud system with historical artifacts? The main heroine, Dr. Lauren Westlake, is a unique yet realistic heroine because she is hunting for the affections of her father. I love the connection to the ultimate connection of trying to find satisfaction in another person but knowing the true joy will come when anyone finds that joy in seeking and discovering God. The plot captured my attention with plenty of secrets and moments of intrigue that kept me moving through the story. While reading it, I wished I did not have to go to work because I had to put the story down. The setting is different, yet fascinating. I love museums, so this was a nice way to see the underscore world of a historical museum. Overall, The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green was a unique, yet engaging story. Definitely a book for my keeper shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green through Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Jocelyn Green: Drawn by the Current

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Lives depend on the truth she uncovers.
She can't give up her search.

A birthday excursion turns deadly when the SS Eastland capsizes with Olive Pierce and her best friend on board. Hundreds perish during the accident, and it's only when Olive herself barely escapes that she discovers her friend is among the victims.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Olive returns to her work at a Chicago insurance agency and is immersed in the countless investigations related to the accident. But with so many missing, there are few open-and-shut cases, and she tries to balance her grief with the hard work of finding the truth.

While someone sabotages her progress, Olive accepts the help of newspaper photographer Erik Magnussen. As they unravel secrets, the truths they discover impact those closest to Olive. How long will the disaster haunt her--and how can she help the others find the peace they deserve?

 

My Thoughts:

Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green brings to life the Eastland boat disaster in Chicago. I have never heard of this disaster, but the way that Green crafted the story to life, I felt like I was one of the passengers on the boat when it tipped over. I love the two other elements that surround the heroine, Olive. A mystery at Metlife and her best friend's life was in danger. All of these plot points made for a strong and enticing story that I had a hard time putting down. I finished the novel in one day. Even the romance felt just right for the story. I have a hard time with hero's. Usually they are crafted a little wimpy, but the heroine's fall for them for some odd reason, but Erick, the hero, in this novel, was actually a strong heroine that I actually liked. He complimented Olive, not sidelined her. I felt his strength and his love for her as the story progressed. Overall, Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green is an intriguing story that fully captured my attention and allowed my imagination to run wild. I can't wait to own a physical copy and add it to my forever shelves.

I received a complimentary copy of Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Most Anticipated: Spring Historical Romance 2022

 By Kelly Bridgewater

These books I can't wait to get my hands on and read. 

Today will reach the Historical Romance books that I can't wait to devour.

All images come from Goodreads.com

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

Twilight at Moorington Cross by Abigail Wilson

Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd

The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson

High-Wire Heartbreak by Anna Schmidt

How about You? Anymore that you would add?

Jocelyn Green: Shadows of the White City

 By Kelly Bridgewater

 The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.

Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.

From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

 My Thoughts:

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is an interesting story of the Chicago World’s Fair. The characters are my favorite part. They were realistic and haunting as they worked through their struggles and the hunt to find Rose. I liked that there was hints of romance between Sophie and the guy upstairs, but it did not become the main focus of the story. It was well-written and a little sweet as they slowly fell in love with each other. The plot with the hunt for Rose and working with the musicians for the Chicago World’s fair was nicely handled. I loved seeing parts of this historical elements. One downfall to the novel: I wish there was more parts of showing what the World’s Fair did to the economy and the surrounding people. We were stuck in the little bubble of the fair and Sophie’s home. Was it good because it provided jobs? What about the people hired? There was a little bit of this included with Lottie’s family. I, personally, just wanted more. It is still a delightful novel to spend time with. I believe fans of historical fiction will enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Jocelyn Green: Veiled in Smoke

By Kelly Bridgewater

Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store.

The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire--he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.

Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.  

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

What a sensory treat for the readers! From the opening chapter, Jocelyn Green took her readers into the smoke and flames and allowed them to emerge from the ashes by the end of the story. Green does a fabulous job at allowing readers to grasp the horror of the Great Chicago Fire on a personal level. I really enjoy the mystery aspect that intermingled with the rebuilding of each individual character's lives. From forgiveness and PTSD, Green sprinkles in elements that are even popular today to empathize with a number of different readers. Romance occurs between two sets of characters, but it really wasn't overwhelming. I didn't feel like it was the guiding force for the story Green needed to tell. Instead, it was the reconstruction of lives and hearts. I really enjoyed spending time with this story, and I can't wait to see what book number two in this sage entails. Fans of Elizabeth Camden or Green's other works should pick up this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Jocelyn Green: Between Two Shores

By Kelly Bridgewater

The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex-
fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has information that could help end the war.

Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel's life convince her he's in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She's risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Jocelyn Green's Between Two Shores captures the essence of the French and Indian War on the Canadian grounds. With a strong mixed breed heroine, she captured the strong-willed women of the age. The conflict between the characters and the nations sparked an overwhelming story filled with heart and hate. While the story moved along at a great rate, I did find myself nodding off a couple of times. It didn't capture my attention the whole time. It was a dry read for me personally. On the other hand, Green does a wonderful job at bringing the late eighteenth century to life for readers. The unpredictable ending to the romance threat was different, and I actually enjoyed this different viewpoint. Overall, Between Two Shores sweeps the reader into a fascinating world of conflict, but the enduring heroine of Catherine brings heart to the dilemma. Fans of Jocelyn Green's other stories or historical romance might enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

About the Author:

Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

The honors her books have received include the Christy Award in historical fiction, and gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels' time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, strawberry-rhubarb pie, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

Visit her at jocelyngreen.com. (Taken from Amazon.)