Spring Skies over Bluebell Castle by Sarah Bennett

4*

On the biggest night of art appraiser Lucie Kennington’s life, the unveiling of the masterpiece she discovered spells disaster instead. After leaving the gallery under a cloud of suspicion compounded by her late father’s fraudulent schemes, her mother convinces her to apply for a temporary position in Derbyshire helping a baronet appraise the family’s art and artifacts in the hopes of finding a treasure. Instead of the elderly man she expects, she is greeted by the young, handsome Sir Arthur Ludworth who has inherited a crumbling castle without the funds to repair it. Rounding out the family are his fellow triplets Tristan and Igraine, Uncle Lancelot, and Great-Aunt Morgana. (Yes, the Arthurian obsession is real).

The first book of Bennett’s new Bluebell Castle trilogy is a light-hearted, fun novel set in Britain, perfect for summer reading. There is romance, a compelling art mystery, loads of dogs, and acres of bluebells. Best of all, there are two more books on the way that will give readers the opportunity to share Tristan and Iggy’s love stories. A winner!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from HQ Digital through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale

4*

In this sweet coming-of-age romance, Babe is on the cusp of adulthood, facing a possible future without her lifelong friends, still suffering from a broken relationship with her closeted ex-girlfriend, and wondering if she should break her own rule and fall for “summer boy” and artist-in-residence Levi. As high school ends and Babe looks forward to a last summer on their small island in Maine, something happens that rocks her world and forces her to evaluate what it means to be a true friend. Although Vale uses the predictable trope of the main character losing (in some way) everyone she’s ever loved, she carefully handles the slow-building, but precious relationship between Levi and Babe who fears that he is “just another memory waiting to happen.” The fact that he doesn’t react to the news that she’s bisexual is a relief, but her lies of omission threaten to destroy everything. The scenery as seen through an artist’s eyes is central to the story, and Vale does an outstanding job of drawing readers in and making them root for a happy ending. Highly recommended for libraries serving teens, especially those interested in art.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Swoon Reads through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.