A great yarn.  And a smart woman
583157
What a treat. Finally a smart heroine and a mystery story plot that lasts longer than cotton candy. You turn the last page and guess what.  You remember the story.
1494249
Interesting characters, well developed. Strong plot, well written. Historically accurate within reason, and the minor departures are logical and enumerated after the endingwhich was very well done and fitting. A fine yarns. Time well spent here.
1714741
Abby Rose is a sympathetic sleuth, resourceful and smart, with a talent for down-home witticisms & a delightful cop lover named Jeff, who has the sense to let her do her own thing.  Most other reviewers have described this plot at length, so I won't do that.  Suffice it to say that although one is pretty sure who the bride's birth mother might be from rather early in the book, the way the entire plot unravels is far from self-evident.  And Sweeney's humorous portrayals of character, dicey situations (dogs! holding you captive!), and islands like Jamaica ring true.  There are great minor characters along the way - Sister Nell, the sketch artist, the cabbie in Jamaica.  It's fun to see the unsympathetic characters (Quinn, the police chief version of "Cruella-de-Vil") melt and turn human under pressure.  Abby reminds me just a bit of Sue Grafton's Kelsey (although she's not as tough) and her twin sister Kate (therapist obsessed with health food and homeopathy) makes a nice foil for her.  The Southern gift for poetic hyperbole is a bit over the top but always well done & sometimes surprising ("How do you handle another bucket of possums?" "I needed this woman in my life like an armadillo needs an interstate.").  Maybe this IS how they talk in Texas!  In short, a great relaxing read!  It's not necessary to have read the first book - I haven't, and I followed this just fine.  Looking forward to more!
1754338
I liked this book and am becoming a fan of Jill Barnett.  I like that she writes about different time periods and developes her characters.  She uses wit and humor also.  You can believe the character is thinking like someone in that period would think.
3837880
A really great novel from one of my favorite historic novelists (now, sadly, passed). Great stuff. Love the author's spunky female protagonists. Get it. You'll love it. Also try her novel, The Oracle Glass. Fab.
1885794
A new writer for me, with a style that is intellectual and compelling, and a plot that leaves you guessing.
4823839
A smart, fun read about a serious subject. The characters are wonderful and droll at times, and the dialogue is sharp and engaging.
3777738
Gina definitely is an inspiration to smart women.  She takes herself seriously.  I loved the development of this character and enjoyed the romance between her and Scott.
2168014
Forget the dishes -- let 'em soak in the sink.  Stuff the dirty laundry in a pillowcase and stash it in the laundry room.  Set the vacuum cleaner in the middle of the living room, if you feel guilty about slacking off on housework.  Then slip off to a well lit hideaway with "Kate."

In this recent tale, Jerrie Hurd weaves her rich knowledge of Western pioneer life and history into a downright good yarn.  Her women characters are strong and vivid.  Jerrie tells this story against a backdrop of gritty, realistic history.  At many places in "Kate," I saw through the glib, sanitized history of the West that I'd heard all my life.  As I read "Kate," I felt I was coming to know someone who could've been my own great-great-grandmother.

 (NB:  Guys will also like "Kate.")
2783352
Rhe is a smart, intuitive (not to mention brave!) character and I liked that she is respected within the circle of those with whom she works...hospital and police departments.  This story moved quickly and I found it difficult to put aside.  Looking forward to more adventures.
2977409
Wonderful yarn with logical twists that keep one enthralled.

Don't be mislead by a somewhat slow start. By mid-book the pace picks up and the book becomes hard to put down. Many surprises in store for the reader, but they are logical and not contrivances. Thank you Noel- am off to download another of your good reads.
3352463
The authors weaves a tale of a woman who knows her mind, and is proud of it. I highly recommend the first two installments of this series. Let's see if the last piece will be as enthralling as the first two.
362644
A great little yarn with a delightful message for young and old. Thoroughly recommended.
1765973
A great story.  Lots in insider stuff.  She's an amazing woman and a splendid writer.
3548496
I just came upon this author and the writing is smart, witty, and with thought out characters we are able to follow and believe the storyline.
A young women who never had a chance at a season and her younger brother and sisters are evicted from their home by the new heir the day their father is buried.  They are taken in by their aunt who is married to a British diplomat and off to Vienna they go for the Viennese Convention.  Her heroine is smart, funny, and unpretentious.  Her hero is kind, strong , mysterious and...able to apologize.  It's a great combination for two people falling in love.
1643180
This is a gem of a book.  Funny, smart, and an engaging mystery set in Laos.  A mini-travel guide to Laos in the 1970's.  A pleasure to read a book in which the main character is mature and wise.  Great sly humor re: communism.  Laughed outloud throughout.  I am hooked and looking forward to following Dr. Siri on more adventures.
375915
I thought the book was well written with only a few inconsistencies. Her intelligent and inquisitive mind make for an exciting and interesting read. I would recommend it to another who likes adventure with characters that show true grit in nonfiction.