The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley

 A decent vacation is exactly what Emily Braden needs.  We may consider living in England vacation enough, but anywhere away from the norm is a better description of a vacation.

Emily is encouraged by her cousin, Harry, to meet him in Chinon, France.  A beautiful and historic site where Queen Isabelle once spent her days.  

With a small amount of family prodding, Emily set out for the luxury accommodations near a crumbling castle.  True to nature, Harry didn't show up on time while Emily met a charming local who gave her a ride.  Carrying on with the "new-friend-making" day, she stepped into the attached pub and garden terrace.  A few young men her age immediately took up with her.

In addition to friend Simon, a classical musician, a vineyard owner, and a friendly staff kept Emily busy with sightseeing and exploring.  

During an excursion, a death happened at the hotel.  Possibly a murder.  

Several men in her new surroundings had an affection for Emily, yet can she trust any of them?  

The handsome man who'd given her a ride, owned the vineyard and offered her a tour and dinner.  The musician is quiet and reserved, although he makes time for her.  The college man repeatedly tours the castle and finds historical stories with her.  

The men are all charming, but there's been a murder, and it can be one of the men she spends time with.  In addition, where has her cousin been?  The romantic atmosphere of Chinon, France and the close contact with the inhabitants is quite the mystery of love and murder.

It's a perilous vacation unless Emily chooses the right path and the right man to hold hands with.

Happy reading,

Dawn

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

 Author Carrie McClelland finds a humble cottage to rent in Scotland where she plans to write an historical fiction novel of the nearby Slains Castle.  

The owner of the cottage has two sons, one kind and helpful, the other both kind and helpful and a university history professor.  Not to mention, the second, Graham, the mutual attraction building through walks around the castle and horse rides.

In the 1700's, Carrie's focus for her novel, the French and Scottish attempted to reclaim the exiled James Stewart crown.  She created in her mind the setting of the castle and the people involved.  Yet, it became apparent that her memory matched the history and she may be dealing with ancestral memory.  

As Graham shows up at her cottage frequently, her connection to her character begins to cause problems in the current day.  She knows what really happened between the invasion and mysteries surrounding Slains Castle and the relation to her character and Graham's family.

The atmosphere of The Winter Sea is richly produced giving the reader a feeling of being in the present and the past along with Carrie.  The intensity between Carrie and Graham is spine tingling while you read to find out if the past will remain a problem with the present. 

Happy reading,

Dawn Kunda