I enjoyed reading this Christian historical fiction romance/crime novel. It did seem to get a bit gruesome in places, which sort of set me on edge until I read the author's note at the end. That came as a surprise. It made me appreciate all the author had done to write this story. ( )

From the very beginning, I have followed the True Colors series of historical works of facts meshed together with fiction. The Scarlet Pen provides another interesting look into real-life events mixed with fiction. This story focuses on a young woman, Emma Draycott, who believes the man, Stephen Dee Richards, who wants to marry her deserves her love and trust. However, Secret Service agent Clay Timmons appears on the scene and unravels the life of crime and destruction Stephen Dee Richards embarked on in cold-blood.

The author impresses me with the attention to detail, including the description of the pen and the inkwell. The characters and the emotions from this book drew me into the story. I have to say; I was uncertain how the story would end up. But I always appreciate how the authors of the books in this series provide information at the end to show what parts of the story are factual and what parts the authors fictionalized. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Each one of these book in this series has given me insight into crimes committed from different time periods, Some of them I knew about but the majority of them were not known to me. I have enjoyed each one and am sad to know that this is the last book in the series.

This story is set in 1876 and focuses on a man that is ruthless, calculating, uncaring and a heart that is cold as ice. I have tried to figure out why this man is so creepy but some people are just wired differently. Even though Stephen does some unthinkable crimes I was intrigued with him. How could he show a caring side then in a split second he was an evil man who thrived on killing? His temper seemed to rise if he was threatened by words. Those triggering hurtful words like liar, cheater and criminal brought him to seek revenge on those who dared utter anything that attacked his character.

Poor sweet innocent Emma. You know the saying, “Love is blind” well that describes Emma. She refused to believe that her intended is a criminal. Why he is so sweet and caring around her yet can murder someone and actually enjoy it? Her father describes Emma as fierce and strong, yet when it came to Stephen her blinders were up. I did want to shake her several times and tell her to open her eyes. She prays and seeks God’s wisdom but for some reason she is ignoring any signs that God is showing her. I did wonder why she and Stephen were in such a rush to marry. Good thing her parents slowed that down and told her she needs to wait.

Now I liked Clay and appreciated how dedicated he was to prove Stephen guilty but I was annoyed at the attraction both he and Emma felt for each other so quickly. I think temptation snuck in and both are trying to fight that off. I did cheer for Clay has he dug his heels in and followed every lead that led to where Stephen might be. I loved how the author let us go along as Clay pursued Stephen. As the story continues I began to understand why Clay felt an attraction toward Emma. The author slowly begins to set the stage for these two to share their feelings and Clay was a perfect gentleman throughout the story. Kudos for redeeming yourself Clay. I was a bit troubled with you but it all makes sense at the end of the story.

There are moments in the story that may be sensitive to some readers. The author does describe the murders but I think she did it in a way that is not very detailed and spares readers from more intense facts that would be hard to read. The author includes scripture throughout the story which I found helpful in showing how the characters drew near to their faith in the troubling situations they faced.

The ending is bittersweet and I was surprised at some of it. I liked how the question of God forgiving Stephen for his sins was handled. As the story closes we are faced with a question? Should God forgive even someone like Stephen and welcome him home to heaven?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

A killer so vicious that he was labeled the Nebraska Butcher or Nebraska Fiend. A young woman who was fooled by his lies, and a Secret Service agent who feverishly tried to stop him. These are the three main characters in The Scarlet Pen, and oh, what a story it has turned out to be! Author Jennifer Jennifer Uhlarik has used the true facts of a killing spree that occurred in the late 1870s, and added fictional detail to create an intriguing and chilling historical fiction tale. Stephen Dee Richards was the true historical figure who was both charming and very disturbed, and Emma Draycott and Clay Timmons make up their romantic triangle. The Scarlet Pen refers to the special pen that Emma gave Stephen when he left Mt. Pleasant, Ohio for Nebraska, and the letters written with it are certainly an intriguing element.

This is the twelfth book in the True Colors Crime series and it is a stunning installment. Some of the murder scenes have graphic detail but they are balanced by the many moments that illustrate deep faith, and total trust, in God. Uhlarik sprinkles Bible scripture throughout The Scarlet Pen, and she uses a conversation between Emma and Clay to emphasize that Richard's actions, as evil as they were, still couldn't deny him a place in Heaven...all because of God's forgiveness and grace!

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review. ( )

The books in the True Colors series are each stand alone novels and are all fantastic stories. They take a true story of a murderer from the past and tell a story with a romance. I loved Emma and Clay. There were times when I could not believe that Emma did not know that Stephen was not always a nice young man. It is not right that some murderers can be so charming sometimes. I really enjoyed how Clay came to be friends with Emma’s family and then with Emma. I also loved how the author portrayed Stephen. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )