Book Review: Trouble in Store by Carol Cox

Back Cover: Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he's not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he's worked for. In hope of turning her interest elsewhere, he determines to get Melanie married off, and luckily, there are many single men in town quite willing to take her off his hands.

The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn't want her to marry any of them. He's drawn to her more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store offer unexpectedly positive results.

But someone doesn't want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger. Will Melanie and Caleb's business--and budding romance--survive the trouble that's about to come their way?

My Review: I really like the duel meaning to the title of this novel. Trouble in Store is an enjoyable read with a mystery to solve. I must admit that I didn't figure out the answer to the mystery until just before it was revealed. My only complaint about the book would be about a certain scene (which I can't go into too much detail without spoiling for readers). In this scene, the characters are in grave danger, but I felt that the scene resolved too quickly and easily to be satisfying. If it were not for that one issue, I would have given the book 5 stars. I very much enjoyed the dynamics between Melanie and Caleb.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of historical Christian fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

Excerpt: Ellie rolled the pencil between her fingers, trying to decide how to word the message that would mean the end of her short-live career. Was there a way she could phrase it that would make the Pinkertons more likely to keep her on? After all, they still needed to send someone to take up the investigation in Arizona, and she had already been briefed on the situation.

As she pondered the possibilities, a daring idea entered her mind. What if she went ahead as Lavinia Stewart? Gates and Fleming had given her the basic details of the case. How hard could it be for a well-to-do widow to pose a few questions here and there without raising suspicion? Maybe Jessie wasn't as necessary as they thought.

Before she could change her mind, she gripped the pencil and scribbled a brief message to the code name and address Gates and Fleming had given her: Love in Disguise, pg 52-53.

Back Cover: Can she solve the crime before they uncover her true identity?

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow... or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor, and mystery for a can't-put-down read.

My Review: Love in Disguise was the first of Carol Cox's novels that I have ever read, and I completely enjoyed it. I love the situation that Cox put her character in. I really enjoyed the way that the scenes played out. The idea of a woman detective, who has no idea what she is doing, was very intriguing. I know I couldn't have pulled off two roles like that, and that knowledge helped me appreciate the character and enjoy the book more. This is a hard book to put down, especially as the stakes are raised, and the main characters are in danger. This was a very fun book to read.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.