Every once in a while, I want to read a good book.  A little romance, a little suspense, and maybe some espionage.   Chasing Mona Lisa fits all those criteria.

The newest book by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, Chasing Mona Lisa takes place in occupied France during WWII.   Paris is on the verge of being liberated from German occupation.  Under occupation, the Germans are plundering priceless artwork from France.   Many are plundered and transferred out of the country by the Reich.   Many other are purchased by a Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring.   And one, the Mona Lisa, is in his sights as a post-war bargaining chip.  Goyer and Yourkey masterfully weave a stories four main players:  a member of the French Resistance, the curator of the Louve, and two Swiss OSS agents who are all trying to stop Goring  (Gabi & Eric from The Swiss Courier).

I love the story line and like all good historical novels, it leaves me wanting to know more about the time period in which it occurred.  My world history is lacking and I want to find out more about the change of power in France when it almost became Communist.   The story moved along quickly and I was deep inside France and it’s art treasures everyime I opened it up.

I would recommend this story to anyone who likes historical fiction, especially that involving World War II, France, and masterpieces of art.   Goyer and Yorkey did a fabulous job with Chasing Mona Lisa.   This book did not disappoint — go check it out today!

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here. http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ChasingMonaLisa.  You can also find out what others on the blog tour thought!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received and as usual, all opinions are my own.

I am a frequent reader.  Obviously.   I find, though, that I tend to choose the same types of books every time.  I dislike wasting time — especially on bad books.   I’m delighted every time I pick up one of Mel Starr’s Hugh de Singleton novels!

Most recently, I was sent a copy of Unhallowed Ground, the fourth chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon.   This most recent installment was about a man named Thomas atte Bridge.  A man no one likes, Thomas is found hanging from a tree near Cowleys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh and Kate find evidence that this may not be so.

I love the Hugh de Singleton books for several reasons.  Generally, when I read fiction, it is historical fiction.   This is also historical fiction.   Most of the fiction I read could be classified as historical romance as well.   This COULD, but his wife Kate is more of a helper to him than a gushy against-all-odds romance.  So if you are looking for being swept off your feet, this isn’t it .

The thing that I think I like the most is the manner in which it is written.  It’s written first-person from a man’s point of view in hindsight which makes for fun foreshadowing.  The language gets you in the mood of the period and place (14th century England), but doesn’t muddy up the readability or understanding of the events.   There is a glossary of unfamiliar words in the front that may help, but context clues is enough for me — being Catholic may help since this book place before the reformation.   You can read an excerpt if you’d like to get a feel for the style.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in murder mysteries without gore, police drama type books, or historical fiction in England.   Mel Starr has done another fabulous job with Unhallowed Ground!

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.