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Madison’s Mission
Set against the lush backdrop of the Thousand Islands during the Gilded Age, Madison’s Mission is a heartwarming historical romance that follows Madison Murray, a devoted lady’s maid to the ailing Mrs. Boldt, as she navigates grief, love, and personal purpose. The story unfolds around the construction of the grand Boldt Castle, a real-life monument to love, as Madison’s world entwines with that of Emmett O’Connor, the castle’s construction foreman. With faith and courage as her guide, Madison must confront painful memories and uncertain futures while discovering unexpected hope and the possibility of love.
I was pulled in right away by the vivid descriptions of the setting. Susan Mathis paints Heart Island and Boldt Castle with such affection that you can almost hear the river lapping at the shore and feel the spring sun cutting through the mist. The writing has a gentle rhythm to it that mirrors the emotional cadence of the story itself. I liked the slow build between Madison and Emmett; it wasn’t forced or too polished. There’s something really comforting about the way Mathis lets the characters take their time, especially in a world that feels so rich in tradition and expectation.
The heart of the story is Madison’s inner journey, and I found myself really rooting for her. She’s lost so much, and her devotion to Mrs. Boldt feels honest and deeply earned. I also appreciated that the romantic thread with Emmett didn’t take center stage in a cloying way. It’s balanced with themes of purpose, grief, and faith. That said, some of the villainy (especially with Bruce Clawson) felt a little too on-the-nose, like the classic “bad guy” mold. But it didn’t ruin the ride. The story still delivered enough real emotional moments to keep me invested.
I’d recommend Madison’s Mission to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a strong sense of place and a thread of faith running through it. If you like sweet stories about finding strength in unexpected places and believe that love can come quietly, patiently, and with a bit of divine timing, then this one’s for you. I closed the book feeling a little misty-eyed.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0F9QQ5N8V
Death in a Gilded Frame
Set against the opulent backdrop of late 19th century America, specifically in Newport, a summer haven for New York’s aristocracy, this historical mystery fiction intriguingly intertwines the lives of an elite couple, Roddy and Val, with a heinous crime. As they consider commissioning a portrait from a newly arrived artist, they become embroiled in the brutal murder of an art gallery manager, setting off a whirlwind of gossip and societal scorn among their peers. The narrative propels Val and her husband into a quest to unearth the true culprit, thereby extricating themselves from the web of public accusation and disdain.
As part of a series, this standalone installment presents some challenges in character development. Val, portrayed as a defiant woman from the West, grapples with her identity in high society and as a wife, exhibiting a perplexing blend of resistance and compliance. This is particularly evident in her acquiescence to sit for a portrait, despite her reservations about the artist and personal discomfort, ostensibly to appease her husband. Her character’s internal turmoil in response to public slander seems at odds with her otherwise resilient persona, driving the narrative with an undercurrent of seeking redemption.
The author skillfully immerses readers in the Gilded Age setting, a delight for enthusiasts of this historical era, with detailed depictions of luxurious lifestyles and intricate societal dynamics. While this richly woven backdrop may be particularly resonant for some, it provides a lush context for the story’s unfolding. The narrative, intriguingly dotted with hints of potential threats and regrets, invites readers to engage deeply, even though some aspects may seem less explored, contributing to a resolution that encourages reflection and imagination. The core mystery remains engaging, with the amateur sleuthing efforts of the couple culminating in a solution that leaves room for reader interpretation.
This historical mystery offers a vibrant journey into America’s Gilded Age, blending a suspenseful plot with a vivid portrayal of societal norms and extravagances. Death in a Gilded Frame by Cecelia Tichi stands as a compelling read for those drawn to historical settings and intricate plots, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the complexities of high society and the intrigue of an unsolved crime.
Pages: 244 | ASIN : B0CM1K2HY2
LITERARY TITAN 