Published: May 7, 2024
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The Missing Songbird
To Love A Falcon
A 1940s Fairytale-Inspired Mystery
When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her to Siberia.
Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.
A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance...igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?
Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?
To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.
Published: November 7, 2023
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Reviews:L Watson on Amazon wrote:
Patricia Roe on Amazon wrote:I very much enjoyed reading "To Love a Falcon"! Captivating story, with lots of knowledge of mechanical and technical components part of this story. It was such fun to read this book! Looking forward to more books by Nancy.
Highly recommended! Enjoy!
In "To Love a Falcon," Nancy Williams has written a captivating novel. From its dramatic beginning to its conclusion, the reader will be engrossed with the story and its characters. Nancy has obviously done extensive research to ensure the accuracy of the factual part of the story including information based on her father-in-law's experiences during World War II. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, a Christian romance, and history, as well as an excellent writing style.
Robbing the Races
A 1940s Fairytale-Inspired Mystery
The Legend of Locksley might just get Robin and Marian killed.
Robin Locke’s career as a jockey is far more successful than he ever expected. When a groom is found dead in the stables, Robin sets out to right the wrongs of Locksley. Unfortunately, Robin’s rival is dead set on proving him guilty!
Marian Silvers sets out to find a once in a lifetime story that will ensure her career as a reporter withstands the masochistic attitudes of the paper where she works. As she and Robin dig into the groom’s murder, she finds another side to the legend of Locksley…a side he would prefer stay hidden forever.
While the murderer wreaks havoc in their small town, Marian and Robin find that all is not as it seems. And then they become the next targets. They just need to evade the killer long enough to bring him to justice… and perhaps find love along the way.
This 1940s Robin Hood retelling features swapped character roles and a race against the clock
Published: July 4, 2023
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Reviews:naomicraig on Amazon wrote:
Fairytale retelling +mystery +1940’s =another great book by Tabitha Bouldin!
You’ll experience all the sights and sounds of the racetrack, the 1940’s dance halls, and living in constant worry— will he be drafted? Will they be able to provide for their families when their men ARE drafted?
A delightful story with a healthy dose of nods to the original fairy tale, Robbing the Races is one you don’t want to miss!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This in no way affects my opinion. This five star review is my own thoughts
A Vanishing Act
A 1940s Fairytale-Inspired Mystery
On screen they’re a darling duo, but it’s a whole different story backstage.
Hollywood legend Kent Selwood isn’t happy sharing the limelight with rising star Stella Sanders. Tired of Stella’s drama, Kent makes it clear—he wants Stella gone.
Seamstress Bonnie Roseland is practically invisible to everyone at the studio, except for slick actor, Jerry Jackson. He’s the one man she wishes would leave her alone. Her deep-rooted faith helps her see beyond the glitz and glamor to the broken realities and dysfunctional atmosphere at the studio. She sometimes wonder if God has a purpose for her there or if she should just move on.
When the studio receives blackmail letters, Kent’s attitude makes him the prime suspect, and he’s swiftly banished from the lot, despite insisting that he’s been framed. Only Bonnie believes him, and she’s confident she knows who the real culprit is.
But when a ransom note arrives after Stella goes missing and evidence is discovered that clearly implicates Kent, will Bonnie help him uncover the truth in time to save his career… and Stella’s life?
Published: May 2, 2023
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Reviews:Betsy on Amazon wrote:
I was drawn to this book because I have enjoyed everything this author has written and sure enough, I was not disappointed! The action grabbed my interest from the first page as I met the main and supporting characters surrounding a 1940s Hollywood film production studio. I didn’t like the hero, Kent Selwood, in the beginning as he came across as arrogant and selfish but was delighted to see the positive change in him as he received help from an unlikely supporter, seamstress Bonnie Roseland. Her quiet and unassuming personality and the way she lived out her faith were so inspiring to read and I couldn’t help but root for her and Kent not only in solving the mystery, but as a couple. The solving of the studio crimes was most interesting and not what I had been expecting and made for a great ending!
If you are looking for a quick, engaging and inspiring mystery, I highly recommend this book, as well as this author!I received an advanced reader copy from Celebrate Lit Publishing via BookFunnel. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
A Ransomed Grete
A 1930's Fairytale
October 1939—What happens when you run from danger… and into a trap?
After the Anschluss, Austria becomes a place its citizens don’t recognize—especially its Jewish citizens. Whispers ripple through Jewish communities—whispers about a chalet where a woman protects Jewish children from discovery. She’ll keep them safe, fed, and far away from Nazis.
Parents are forced to make horrific decisions. Send their children away to safety, possibly never seeing them again, or keep their families together and risk their children’s lives?
Hans Hartmann arrives at the chalet with a chip on his shoulder and a little girl in tow. He found Grete waiting at the train station. Alone. But life at Chalet Versteck feels more ominous than the streets of Vienna. Children sometimes vanish, and before Hans can figure out what’s happening, a high-ranking officer appears—and is killed.
It’s a race to find out who killed the man and get himself (and probably that pesky Grete) out!
A Ransomed Grete is the bridge book between the 1920s and 1940s Ever After Mysteries, combining fairy tales with mysteries.
Published: November 28, 2022
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Reviews:LuC on Amazon wrote:
Once again, Chautona Havig turns an impossibly difficult topic-Jewish parents in 1939 Austria, sending their children away in an attempt to keep them safe from Nazis- into a story of hope and redemption. A Ransomed Grete centers on two children, Hans and Grete, who are sent to Chalet Versteck by their mothers, who heard about a woman who would keep them safe. If the whispers from locals are to be believed, however, Hans and Grete’s adventure will be a perilous one.
On a personal note, this was a difficult book to review. Jewish families, frantic to keep their children safe from Nazis. Citizens forced into situations on threat of death. Deception and murder. Not easy to read, let alone write a review about! But here I am, trying, and knowing I’m not doing justice to Chautona Havig’s excellent work. Why? Because through the darkness, there’s a flicker of hope. Little acts of kindness where you’d not expect them. Bravery from some perceived as weak. And lessons taught by mothers that come back to their children in times of need. It’s that flicker of hope that runs through this book that’ll keep you reading, too. I absolutely recommend this book.
Slashed Canvas
Ever After Mysteries
Held prisoner by all she’s lost, Katarina’s about to lose all she has.
Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova barely escaped the Russian revolution, arriving in Paris just before the birth of her twin daughters. With her heart still captive in her homeland, she haunts the Louvre each day, spending hours gazing at one painting, lost in her pain.
Not the man he once was, Timothy Smythe never returned home to England after the Great War. Instead, he hides himself away doing maintenance in the Louvre and watching the beautiful woman whose pain seems riveted on one painting.
When Katarina returns home to find her daughters and their nanny missing, the loss opens her eyes to all she has to lose now.
Frantic to find her girls, her distress causes Timothy to offer his assistance. Together they put together clues to a puzzle they must complete before the kidnapper ensures Katarina and her daughters are never reunited.
Slashed Canvas offers a retelling of The Lost Princess that mingles self-centered grief, spoiled little girls, and proof that nothing will stop a mother from saving her children.
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Reviews:JenniferKbooks on Amazon wrote:
I always look for Liz Tolsma’s books because she is a wonderful storyteller. In this short space of 150 pages, Tolsma has created historical fiction with intrigue, suspense and romance. I appreciated the historical research regarding both the French and Russian cultures and histories. Her characters were interesting, complex and stretched by their circumstances. The part that impressed me the most was the lessons regarding love, grief, and restoration. This tale is the perfect length if you have only a short time to read but beware it is hard to put down!
The Nutcracker’s Suite
Ever After Mysteries
“Time to dance, sugarplum.”
When mob king, Mario Topo’s, enforcer goes missing after a body is found in his hotel suite, the race is on. Police and mobsters alike are after Nicolo Natale, and he who finds Nicolo first might determine the enforcer’s fate.
A painter at the Meyer’s Toys factory, Clara Stahl, knows something is strange about the way so many men come and go through Mr. Myer’s office. Curiosity overcomes prudence, and just as she discovers the reason, Nicolo discovers her, and one of Topo’s men discovers them both.
A race through the city, a new friend… or more… a new life in the offing. Nicolo and Clara must find who killed Topo’s man and why before the police arrest him for murder or Topo’s men bump him and Clara off, too.
This next book in the Ever After Mysteries combines “The Nutcracker Suite” with a murder mystery set in the heart of 1920s Rockland.
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Reviews:DGL on Amazon wrote:
Havig has a real gift with words, yet I’m still amazed at how much she can pull me right into a story, and how beautiful a picture she can paint with her words. This book makes you feel like you’re right there in the 1920’s, during prohibition, and dealing with mobsters. Highly recommended.
Silencing the Siren
Ever After Mysteries
Andrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.
The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?
Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!
Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.
Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.
When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”
Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.
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Reviews:Kindle Customer on Amazon wrote:
Denise L. Barela did a beautiful job creating her debut novel. The cast of characters are memorable, the tension within the story built to a dynamic crescendo, and ahhh, the love story, it will sweep you away. Also, The Little Mermaid theme is enchanting.
I look forward to more novels by this talented author. Overall, a great read!
When the Pilot Falls
Ever After Mysteries
In 1923, there aren’t many pilots, but Willie Labeau didn’t let that stop… her.
A bear of a man, Hugh Taylor, needs a stunt plane pilot, and despite their rocky introduction, Willie sets off for golden California and a new life as his pilot. There’s just one little thing she has to do in addition to flying.
Leave his past alone. Period.
When the flame of her own curiosity becomes fanned by encouragement from Willie’s sister, the feisty pilot can’t help but do just a little investigating.
And Hugh vanishes.
Friends rally around her, and with all the information she can find in hand, Willie sets off to rescue Hugh and battle the evil family holding him hostage.
A fierce air race, a sincere act of humility—are they enough to free Hugh and give Willie a chance to be with him… forever?
Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. When the Pilot Falls offers a retelling of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch hearts soar and daring dos.
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Reviews:DGL on Amazon wrote:
I’m enjoying this series much more than I expected, which is saying something because I am anxiously awaiting each new release! This one may be my favorite of the first three. I loved the setting, history, flying, and characters! Read it and see if you agree.
The Last Gasp
Ever After Mysteries
At the pinnacle of his Hollywood career, Garrison Prince’s reign ends tonight.
As plain old Gary Prinz, he can pursue his Bible education, buy a bungalow in Pasadena, acquire a few chickens, and marry the girl of his dreams. He just never imagined trading the silver screen for a pulpit would wreak such havoc.
A cigarillo girl, Lucinda Ashton spends her days with her boyfriend, Gary, and her evenings selling candy and “gaspers” to the Hollywood elite at the Taj Mahal Theater.
However, when gunshots ring out just as intermission begins, Lucinda finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a brouhaha that leaves three dead, and no one has a clue why.
All the police know is that the evidence points to Lucinda as the killer and Gary as the intended target.
Four new friends, one young orphan, and a potluck of clues that don’t seem to fit anywhere leave the police baffled, Lucinda in fear for her freedom, and Gary ready to trade in his acting shoes for gumshoes if it’ll save his “Cinda.”
The first book in the Ever After Mysteries combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries, The Last Gasp. This Cinderella retelling blends a murder with enough crime and story clues to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Reviews:CarpeDiem on Amazon wrote:
A very clever take on a Cinderella story. Great historical detail of the Hollywood film industry and the southern California area of the Hollywood Golden Era. Nice juxtaposition of good and evil, power and weakness, greed and generosity. A story with plenty of tension, unique characters, fabulous descriptions and an overarching message of faith in the true reason for hope. Very nicely done indeed!