Marlene Bateman

Title: Searching for Irene
Author: Marlene Bateman
Pages: 268
Year: 2017
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
My rating is 4 stars.
I always like to read a good mystery and this was a good one! I was unfamiliar with this author, but when the chance came to review it, I jumped! The story is set in the 1920s in Virginia. Anna Coughlin is in her mid-20s and has something not many women have…a college degree. She works as a financial advisor of sorts, preparing tax documents, payroll records and estate planning. Her younger sister, Irene, works for the same firm. A few months ago, Irene accepted a live-in position to get all the paperwork in order for taxes at a wealthy estate in Virginia. She writes to her sister frequently, but the letters stop coming and Anna begins to worry. She finds out that her sister has disappeared. A search was undertaken at the time of her disappearance, but all that was found missing from her room was a suitcase. Most of her possessions were left behind, giving the impression she was planning to return.
Anna has always protected Irene as she had to raise her when their mother was always at work. Irene is headstrong, impetuous, beautiful, full of life and not afraid to push the envelope of propriety. Anna has always lived in her shadow, but loves her sister deeply and will do whatever is necessary to find her. She decides to investigate on her own as the police don’t seem to be doing much. She takes a job as Irene’s replacement at the mansion in Virginia, but she tells no one of her relationship to Irene. She begins asking questions and stirs the pot as strange things begin to occur. Anna is also at odds with the young heir-to-be, Tyler Richardson. He is attractive, but gruff, distant and sometimes downright rude. He is against Anna being hired, but his father overrules him. Tyler and Anna butt heads initially, but Tyler soon learns that Anna is quite efficient and knows her job well, plus his father likes her. As Anna keeps her identity secret and continues her quest, the stakes are increased and her heart ignores her brain when she falls in love. What happened to Irene? Did she leave to meet a man and run off to get married? Did she steal some things from the mansion and take off for the big city?
The had a Gothic feel in certain creepy parts that I liked as it raised goosebumps on my arms! The ending was a surprise reveal, which I found well done. I didn’t really like the character of Tyler much as he seemed too hot and cold, going from rude and mean to smoldering gazes for Anna. Anna had a determined mindset that she didn’t waver from even facing danger to herself. The mystery was a little slow in some portions, but overall flowed well. I liked the crusty character of the father, Lawrence Richardson the best. I would like to read more from this author and would recommend this book for any mystery buff.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (plus d'informations)

I changed this from one star to three stars, but I did not finish this book. The author's writing style and grammar is more than fine, I just couldn't get into the story. Some spoilers below.

I couldn't figure out why the heroine just didn't tell her family she wanted to buy the house in the first place. Four chapters in, and she still hadn't said anything. Her brother had no idea, and sold it to another person. He would've sold it to her outright if he'd known she wanted it. So I thought the premise was slightly weak.

That was mostly the reason I just stopped reading. But like I said, it's not my cup of tea, but as long as you're okay with a slower book, it's all good. :-)
… (plus d'informations)

For Sale By Owner is a lighthearted holiday romance about life choices, new beginnings, and second chances.

Author Marlene Bateman weaves a sweet holiday romance tale set in Lake Forest, Illinois, that follows McKenzie Forsberg's bittersweet return to her hometown to rebuild her life after the stress of divorce and losing her job. McKenzie wants to buy her childhood home for her daughter Sarah, but her plans are turned upside down when the house is already under contract by handsome widower Jared Rawlins, who wants to create a home of his own for his son Corey. Kenzie is determined to do anything to stop the sale of her childhood home to Jared, even though there are sparks of attraction between them, and animosity rules as they try to sabotage and outmaneuver each other's attempt of getting their dream home.

For Sale By Owner is a delightful holiday romance story that easily draws the reader into following Kenzie and Jared's journey of rebuilding their lives and getting a second chance at finding love. You can't help but become captivated by this engaging story filled with the challenges of overcoming family drama, life struggles, misunderstandings, comical mishaps, small sacrifices, and forming bonds of friendship, mixed in with witty banter and holiday cheer.

In For Sale By Owner, broken hearts and past mistakes in life choices can be forgiven with a second chance at love through the spirit and magic of the Christmas season in this heartwarming holiday romance story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by author Marlene Bateman.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2016/11/for-sale-by-owner-by-marlene-b...… (plus d'informations)

This is a terrific story at pre-Christmastime!
Enjoy this sentimental, but delightful, tale of a woman's marriage gone bad, the feeling of betrayal by loved ones, the precious memories from childhood, a search for something familiar and secure...of starting over.
Kenseie and her daughter were going "home" for Christmas. It had been two painful years she had stayed away after her divorce and the painful remarks her father had said. She was returning to surprise her brother and sister-in-law by purchasing their home they were trying to sale...her childhood home. She desperately needed that familiarity and good memories with the resulting good memories her daughter would also enjoy. Christmas was two weeks away. She doubted she could wait that long to give them her surprise!
Who would ever thought she would find another job within the area she grew up in?
Once she arrived at her brothers house greeted his family, they all headed to her parents house...little did she know it would be her who got the surprise!
The story presents a lot of good values on not pre-judging, jumping to conclusions, speaking without thinking first, "Christmas Magic", faith, and service.
*This book was gifted me but in no way obligates me to offer a positive review.… (plus d'informations)