The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
thebookscript's review
This is a Victorian Era Who Dun It story with a sweet romance.
Hana has been sold at a young age because of her beauty to maybe one of the oddest and most eccentric women of this time period. Although she lives in constant comfort her every action and decision is control by the Comtesse. Aaron Shipley has just learned his grandfather has been murdered. When the Comtesse is called into question, it is up to Aaron and Hana to work together to solve the mystery before one of them becomes victim themselves.
I really thought this was a cute cozy mystery. I didn't guess the ending which is a great feeling because I love to be surprised. I did like the budding romance between Hana and Aaron and while the book is short I feel like Hastings as an author does a good job of not making it feel like instant love.
The one thing that was off-putting was the Comtesse. She really is one of the most odd women I have ever read about and some of her theories were really strange which I think was the entire point. It just wasn't content I would normally choose to read.
Overall this was a fun mystery for sweet romance readers. This is available on KU and is easy to read in a single day!
Hana has been sold at a young age because of her beauty to maybe one of the oddest and most eccentric women of this time period. Although she lives in constant comfort her every action and decision is control by the Comtesse. Aaron Shipley has just learned his grandfather has been murdered. When the Comtesse is called into question, it is up to Aaron and Hana to work together to solve the mystery before one of them becomes victim themselves.
I really thought this was a cute cozy mystery. I didn't guess the ending which is a great feeling because I love to be surprised. I did like the budding romance between Hana and Aaron and while the book is short I feel like Hastings as an author does a good job of not making it feel like instant love.
The one thing that was off-putting was the Comtesse. She really is one of the most odd women I have ever read about and some of her theories were really strange which I think was the entire point. It just wasn't content I would normally choose to read.
Overall this was a fun mystery for sweet romance readers. This is available on KU and is easy to read in a single day!
popthebutterfly's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Girl with the Golden Eyes
Author: Samantha Hastings
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, romance, murder mystery, thriller
Publication Date: September 27, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
Age Relevance: 16+ (death, murder, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: The book revolves around a murder, so death and gore are involved in the book. There is also some slight violence and there is some romance as well.
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 236
Synopsis: Hana's life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege.
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse's innocence or she'll lose everything.
She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald's grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.
Review: For the most part this was a great read. The book reads like a cozy mystery and the writing is so smooth and easy to follow. The characters are well developed and the world building is so atmospheric. The romance is also so sweet and cute! It’s a nice relaxing read for the summer or for a thunderstormy day.
The only issue I had with the book is that some of the pacing is a bit too slow for me, but most of the time it was great!
Verdict: A great murder mystery read!
Book: The Girl with the Golden Eyes
Author: Samantha Hastings
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, romance, murder mystery, thriller
Publication Date: September 27, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
Age Relevance: 16+ (death, murder, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: The book revolves around a murder, so death and gore are involved in the book. There is also some slight violence and there is some romance as well.
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 236
Synopsis: Hana's life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege.
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse's innocence or she'll lose everything.
She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald's grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.
Review: For the most part this was a great read. The book reads like a cozy mystery and the writing is so smooth and easy to follow. The characters are well developed and the world building is so atmospheric. The romance is also so sweet and cute! It’s a nice relaxing read for the summer or for a thunderstormy day.
The only issue I had with the book is that some of the pacing is a bit too slow for me, but most of the time it was great!
Verdict: A great murder mystery read!
cathy_acasefullofbooks's review
3.0
I wish there had been a bit more development, especially in the romance. But overall an intriguing plot. And the fact that Hana's "adoption" was based on a real life story was fascinating. Who sees a girl in a painting and then hunts them down and buys them?! Crazy old Comtesses, that's who.
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