Kathleen Y'Barbo's My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas, piqued my interest for several reasons. The gorgeous blue garment was the first thing I noticed even before reading the title—such a cool, calming color. The second reason was Texas, mentioned in the title. Texas is a state that I have high regard for and miss. I wasn't born in Texas, but I spent most of my childhood there, and I still miss it.

Y’barbo’s book is chock-full of suspense, mystery and secrecy, creating a spellbinding, page-turning journey. There’s a Pinkerton agent forced to allow an investigative reporter, the companion to his client, to go with him. Before being able to unravel the mystery for the client, Mrs. Smith, the agent, Jonah Cahill, and the reporter, Madeline LaTour, face multiple challenges.

Bible verses intersperse the story as this intrepid group trusts God for encouragement and protection as they search for the truth.

I’m always enthralled by history, especially that of Texas. There were numerous fascinating elements of the history of Galveston, along with interesting facts Y’Barbo included at the end of the book.

A word of caution, however: some portions of the book’s subject matter could be triggering for victims of crime.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own. ( )

Historical fiction and romance meets the reader in "My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search" by Kathleen Y'Barbo. Madeline Latour has been hired by Madame Smith to write her memoirs and help Pinkerton agent, Jonah Cahill, find Smith's missing granddaughter. As the investigation plods along the danger that surrounds the pair seems to increase. Nothing is adding up or is all a ruse? Is their mutual attraction a ruse or is it genuine? A light mystery for a summer read. I found the plot to be of interest but the dialogue and characters were lacking depth at times. Madame Smith is a pivotal character but the reader is not presented with much substance. Still enjoyable! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. ( )

I love a plucky and capable heroine, and Madeline Latour is both. An investigative report from a family known for their ability to keep secrets, Madeline is tenacious when she scents a story. When she’s partnered with a Pinkerton Agent she’s well acquainted with, arguments ensue, trust must be won, and sparks fly.

Kathleen Y’Barbo entrenches readers into the tight-knit island of Galveston, giving insight into its beginnings (and how fun that you can look at a map of Galveston today and see some of the streets mentioned in this book), some of the residents, the beauty of the Texas Island, and a bit of treasure hunting.

With a search for a person, a couple of shady characters, and some history between Jonah and Madeline (as well as some fun conversations and situations), My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas is a light and fun read.

While I had an inkling of what the outcome of the book was going to be, getting there was delightful.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

Madeline was hired some months ago to be the biographer for Madame Smith, the Matriarch of the Smith family. Madeline is also a reporter for a local newspaper, she is always chasing down her next story. She doesn't care if she hurts anyone in the process of getting her news story.

Jonah Cahill is a Pinkerton agent, who was also hired by Madame Smith, to find her lost granddaughter, Tre'sor. The baby was named for the wonderful treasure that her father found her to be, especially since his darling wife did not survive the birthing of their baby girl.

Madame Smith has hired these two young people to work for her, they have a past together, Jonah and Madeline were once engaged, but Madeline broke the engagement when she had to break her story. Madame gives a hint of the story of her lost granddaughter, but will not give the full story, so that Madeline and Jonah can find her. They desperately want to find the young woman.

I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to leave a review. ( )

We are embarking on a mystery with a bit of romance in 1880’s Texas, and we are with a reporter Madeline Latour, and a Pinkerton Agent Jonah Cahill.
Wow, what a ride from our beginnings in New Orleans, traveling around in the Gulf of Mexico, but mainly our story takes place in Galveston, Texas.
I was surprised when the bombshells started to drop, and never saw a lot of them coming. In fact, some I am still wondering about.
In hindsight, I can see what Mrs. Smith was doing, and what she was trying to achieve, while she had people searching for her Granddaughter, she kept some facts close at hand.
From pirate treasure, to lost babies, we are looking for seems to be a needle in a haystack, and some of these people are not the person that are presenting to the public.
You need to read all the way for the answers, but wow an enjoyable story!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour Books, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )