The Mobster's Daughter

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RANDOM RETRO READ

MCDANIEL, RACHEL SCOTT

THE MOBSTER'S DAUGHTER

The one man who could help her, must never know her name.

If Kate Chamberlin can't reveal her true identity to the world, she must settle for sharing only her talent. Hired as a musician for KDKA radio, Kate plays everything from sponsor's jingles to complex sonatas. As long as the whispers around the broadcasting room refer to her as 'Killjoy Kate' and not 'Catarina the crime boss's daughter,' then her life is safe from danger.

Or so she thinks.

When anonymous, violent threats surface, Kate's wary of accepting protection from the handsome private investigator, Detective Jennings. His save-the-world attitude is as charming as his manners, but no one, especially him, can know the gruesome realities of her birth.

The 1924 Pittsburgh underworld is as complicated as it is elusive, and though the dealings of the Salvastanos have dwindled, Rhett Jennings is certain the man responsible for his father's death is still at large. But his personal hunt for justice must be set aside when his day job requires him to investigate threats directed at a young radio broadcaster with enamouring brown eyes and secretive behaviour.

When danger surrounds them, will the truth of Kate's past become the key to their survival?

My Review:

published in 2021

Whooooaaaaa...I was not expecting, well, any of this. Call me gobsmacked yet again over the cunning imagination and silver pen (keyboard?) of another author. This story blew me away! And I actually think it was enhanced all the more by the stunning narration of Erica Sullivan. (Yes, this was another winning audible listen for me.)

Gripping right from the start with Catarina, fresh off the boat from Italy, catapulted into a complicated web of secrets and intrigue as she tries to find the father she hasn't seen in over a decade. But what she uncovers is so unexpected it sends her into hiding, compelling her to change her identity. Singing sensation 'Kate Chamberlain' is born and then the fun really begins. :-)

Love the 1920s setting and the author has captured so many different aspects of the climate and culture beautifully. Her author's note at the end of the book is worth reading as well. And it provides the perfect backdrop for the suspense which is....gah, there is so much I want to say, but can't. Sigh. But when we got close to the end I was, "Whaaaaaaatttttt???????" I think I have a bruise on my chin from when it hit the floor. Did not see that coming. Or that. Or, well, even that.

The chemistry between Kate and Rhett has put permanent cramps in my toes from the curling workout they got during this read. And the gigantic issue that is a ginormous stumbling block between them -- oy, my heart still feels bruised. But the way the author sees them through to a hard won happily ever after is so inspiring. Sniffle. 

A gobsmacking stunner of a read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for paperback or ebook copy -- Winner's choice..

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Mobster's Daughter, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 15 2022 . Offer open to 

Above the Fold

 

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY

MCDANIEL, RACHEL SCOTT

ABOVE THE FOLD

After losing the love of her life to a big city journalism job, Elissa Tillman pours herself into the suffragette movement and her secretarial work helping keep her father's Pittsburgh newspaper afloat.

Cole Parker returns to the steel city with the phantom failure of his past nipping his heels. All he asks of the future is a second chance with the woman he once spurned.

The murder of a millionaire offers the pefect chance for Elissa to prove to her father and the world that she's a serious journalist. But there's a catch -- she has to compete for the story. Against none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.

My Review:

What a debut! I love McDaniel's writing style -- beautifully descriptive without bogging down the story. Her words set the scenes and my imagination did the rest as I 'watched' Elissa and Cole find their footing both professionally and romantically. Love when a writer brings setting and characters to life in such a vivid way.

And, woohoo -- I'm a goner for reunion romances and this one is a doozy! Think clashing of wills and intermittent swooning all the way through. :-) Honestly, Elissa was a bit frustrating at times -- that girl can hold a grudge! -- but the author reveals her insecurities which make her actions understandable...but there were times I just wanted her to get over herself already. lol

An intriguing plot -- both because of the fierce competition between hero and heroine and the fast pacing with great twists along the way. And the era -- roaring twenties, suffragette movement, and the technological advancement of radio squeezing out print journalism. Lots of riveting elements to bring depth to the story.

Then there's the wonderful way the author weaves faith into the lives of her characters. There's no doubt that this is a Christian Fiction read. One of my favourite scenes includes this:

"I feel like I have a deep gash in my soul"

"That's the best place for light to enter." (p 181)

Love the imagery of that light reaching all our cracked places.

A stunning debut. I'm looking forward to Rachel Scott McDaniel's next book -- The Red Canary which released November 2020. 

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy (well, actually, it 's a never been read copy but it got a couple of corner curls in transit.)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Above the Fold, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 16 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!