The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 20: New Books to Make Your Heart Race

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 20: New Books to Make Your Heart Race - I read this sampler on a dark and stormy night which was the perfect backdrop. This collection offers multiple subgenre flavors with touches of espionage, historical fiction, and romance. Despite telling myself "I'll just take a peek but I do not need more books right now" I did indeed end up grabbing full ARCs of I, Spy by L.M. Kemp and The Anniversary by Alex Finlay, two authors who are new to me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Beattie Cavendish and the Highland Hideaway by Mary-Jane Riley

Beattie Cavendish and the Highland Hideaway by Mary-Jane Riley - 4.5 stars This second book in the series charmed me even more than the first and I think as it continues I will become even more attached to the characters. This book featured a terrific sense of place in the chilly Scottish Highlands while expanding the character development of Beattie and Patrick. It also provided more of Beattie's backstory and featured her mysterious uncle. Definitely recommended for fans of historical mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson (NetGalley ARC, pub 2/10)

Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson (NetGalley ARC, pub 2/10) I appreciated the themes around the biracial babies of post-war Germany and the experiences of the three primary characters during the late 40s to late 60s. The story rotates between these three characters before they eventually intersect, but the split focus limits the character development. While some of the story is quite touching, many of the situations feel overly convenient and predictable so it felt somewhat simplistic at times. I think there could be a lot more depth with a tighter focus. It was fascinating to learn that this was largely based on a true story and I hope more of these stories will continue to be told. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.