Book Review of The Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread

Don't you just love to get lost in a thriller? I know I do. Scroll down and find out my thoughts on Rowena Kinread's fabulous novel!

 

 

The Alpine Fortress 
By Rowena Kinread

Publication Date: 12th September 2025

Publisher: Goldcrest Books

Page Length: 311

Genre: Thriller

In the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, a forgotten map leads to an unsolved mystery buried for decades. When Ivanna discovers the sketch among her late grandfather’s belongings, she stumbles upon a secret that connects her family’s harrowing past to the Nazi regime's stolen treasures.

What begins as a curious family discovery quickly escalates into a perilous adventure, drawing the attention of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and dangerous criminals.

The Alpine Fortress is a thrilling tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption. From the chilling depths of Nazi conspiracies to the breathtaking heights of the Alps, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the past and present collide in an unforgettable race against time.

Will Ivanna uncover the truth—or will the secrets of the fortress remain buried forever?

Get your climbing gear ready, you're in for an action-packed thriller of a read!

The Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread is exactly what you’d expect from a novel set among dramatic mountains: breathtaking scenery, formidable danger, not just from the antagonists but from the mountains as well. , and enough twists to make even the most seasoned hiker lose their footing—for all the right reasons.

Kinread takes us deep into the Bavarian Alps, where stolen Nazie treasure remains hidden,  waiting to be found. This book is filled with tension, the characters are full of grit, and the antagonists crash into the protagonists like runaway cable cars. The story unfolds with an irresistible sense of danger, and even when the stakes get really high, the story is written in such a way that I could not put this book down, at all! Kinread characters feel wonderfully human—brave but flawed, clever but occasionally chaotic, which is really the best kind of fictional company.

If you’re looking for a suspenseful read, filled with a cruel criminal underworld, brave protagonists, and packed with scenery so lush you’ll want to book a holiday in the Bavarian Alps immediately,  then The Alpine Fortress is your next escape.

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I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book which you can find on Amazon. And get this, if you have #kindleunlimited subscription then you can read for free. So what are you waiting for?

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Rowena Kinread

Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.

She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history, after researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on April 29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.

Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland, and is published by Pegasus Publishers.

The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.

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Audio Book Review of The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan

 

The Christmas Book Club 
By Sarah Morgan

A long-lasting friendship

Every year, Erica, Claudia, and Anna reunite for their book club holiday. They’re bonded by years of friendship and a deep love of books, but there is still so much they keep from each other …

A perfect Christmas escape

At the cosy Maple Sugar Inn, Hattie specialises in making her guests’ dreams come true, but this Christmas all she wants is to survive the festive season. Between running the inn and being a single mother, Hattie is close to breaking point.

The start of a brand-new story…?

Over the course of an eventful week, Hattie sees that the friends are each carrying around unspoken truths, but nothing prepares her for how deeply her story will become entwined in theirs. Will this Christmas be the end of the book club’s story or the start of a whole new chapter?

The audiobook of The Christmas Book Club is exactly the sort of festive listen that makes you feel like you should be wearing fluffy socks, holding a hot chocolate, and aggressively ignoring your to-do list. From the moment Erica, Claudia, and Anna arrive for their annual Christmas book club reunion, I was all in. These women have the kind of long-standing friendship where everything looks fine on the surface… while absolutely nothing is fine underneath. Add Christmas, nostalgia, and a cosy inn, and honestly, what could possibly go wrong?

Listening rather than reading was a stroke of genius here because the narration brings so much personality and warmth to the story. Each character has a distinct voice, and the emotional beats land perfectly — especially with Hattie, the long-suffering but endlessly kind owner of the Maple Sugar Inn. She’s juggling guests, motherhood, Christmas chaos, and about seventeen internal breakdowns, and I adored her. Hearing her story unfold made her exhaustion, humour, and quiet strength feel wonderfully real, and I found myself rooting for her almost immediately.

This is classic Sarah Morgan at her festive best: heartfelt without being heavy, emotional without being miserable, and cosy without ever feeling dull. There’s laughter, there are secrets, there are moments that made me smile like an idiot while walking around with my headphones on. It’s comfort listening with depth — the kind of audiobook that feels like a friendly nudge reminding you that new chapters can start at any time of year. Five stars, no hesitation, and very much an Oh look… another book I didn’t plan to love this much situation.

Get into the festive cheer and head over to Amazon!

Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan is a USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of romance and women's fiction. She has sold over 21 million copies of her books and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. 

Sarah lives near London, England and when she isn't writing or reading, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking or riding her mountain bike. 

Join Sarah's mailing list at www.sarahmorgan.com for all book news. For more insight into her writing life follow her on Facebook at www.facebook/AuthorSarahMorgan and on Instagram at @sarahmorganwrites Contact Sarah at sarah@sarahmorgan.com

Book Review of Paoletta: An Eye for an eye by J.R. Powell

Paoletta: An Eye for an eye

By J.R. Powell

Exiled to a Caribbean island, Paoletta Cadoville and her family cling to the hope of one day returning to their Parisian home. But in a single, devastating moment, that dream is shattered. Alone and horrifically scarred, Paoletta embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind her family’s tragic fate, only to become entangled in a web of political intrigue, secret societies, and dangerous alliances.

In a Paris overshadowed by the guillotine, Paoletta must decide how much of her humanity she’s willing to sacrifice in pursuit of vengeance. Will she achieve justice for her family or lose herself to the darkness that threatens to consume her?

Paoletta – An Eye for an Eye is a gripping historical thriller set during the French Revolution and a stark reminder that in times of upheaval, innocence is the first to fall, and revenge demands a price paid in blood.

Oh look, another book review, because apparently I’m determined to become a full time book reviewer - who needs a day job anyway? This time it’s Paoletta: An Eye for an Eye by J.R. Powell — a revenge tale that takes a hopeful young woman and drop-kicks her straight into the abyss.

We meet Paoletta as a bright, optimistic soul, the sort who dreams of love, pastries, and a peaceful life. Then a bomb explodes through her family’s window, shattering everything — including her face, her future and any chance she had of remaining a gentle, forgiving human being. One eye gone, her innocence with it. What rises from the wreckage isn’t a delicate heroine but a woman carved from grief, fury and sheer determination. She’s vulnerable at her core, yes — traumatised, painfully human — but she’s also on a mission, and it’s best not to stand in her way unless you fancy becoming a footnote.

Enter Dr Lyle Spice, who at first appears to be the comforting older family friend — all warmth, hospitality and soothing words. But peel back his pleasant exterior and you quickly find the rot. He’s controlling, sly and manipulative in that insidious way that makes you want to throw something at him. The sort of man who’d offer you shelter, then quietly lock the windows and pocket the key. His relationship with Paoletta becomes a battle of wills: her trauma against his twisted need for control.

And then there’s Angélique Legrand — the woman who really steals the stage, often quite literally. Charismatic, theatrical and ferociously persuasive, she gathers followers with alarming ease. People adore her; they’d march into fire for her. Which is unfortunate, because beneath all that charm is a ruthless, vengeful core. She wraps her cruelty in glamour, the way others might wrap a gift, and half the city seems too dazzled to notice. Her little troupe of devoted women follow her like an audience in a perpetual standing ovation, unaware they’re part of a performance that ends in blood.

What makes the whole thing brilliant — and slightly disturbing — is how these women mirror and distort one another. Paoletta clings to what scraps of compassion she has left; Angélique shed hers long ago. Both are shaped by pain, but one fights to stay human while the other revels in having left humanity behind. It’s a duel of trauma and transformation, played out in a world where loyalty shifts like fog and morality is something people used to talk about before the barricades went up.

The book thrives on character rather than clean-cut heroes or villains. Everyone’s a little broken, a little compromised, a little too believable. And that’s exactly why it works: it’s messy, emotional, darkly compelling and filled with the sort of tension that makes you mutter, “Oh no, she’s not going to— oh, she is. She absolutely is.”

A gripping, unsettling ride, and a must for your to-read shelf

 You can find your copy on the following bookstores! And I have to say it is well worth the read!

J.R. Powell

Originally from the UK, J.R. Powell lives in Germany, where he works as a translator and editor. His debut novel was published in 2024, marking the first instalment of a new historical thriller series.

Paoletta – an Eye for an Eye follows Paoletta Cadoville, a young woman driven by vengeance after the murder of her family during the French Revolution. Drawing inspiration from his time living in Paris, Powell immersed himself in the city’s rich and brutal history to craft a story that brings a lesser-explored period to life with the momentum and intensity of a gritty, modern thriller.

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The Diva’s Daughter by Heather Walrath

The Diva’s Daughter

By Heather Walrath

Munich & Vienna, 1932.

Aspiring opera singer Angelika Eder thought she had it all — a cultured life in Vienna, along with the guidance of her glamorous mother, a world-famous soprano. But when tragedy strikes and her mother dies amidst a swirling family scandal, eighteen-year-old Angelika finds herself uprooted to Munich, where civil unrest is rife and leaders of the increasingly powerful Nazi Party seek to use her voice as propaganda.

When a figure from her mother’s past offers Angelika the chance to study and sing at an elite Viennese university, she decides to fight for her dream while evading the vile Nazis she despises. But the Nazis aren’t relenting in their demand that Angelika support their party and sing for Hitler himself.

Can Angelika find her voice and stand against evil, even if it means risking not only her dreams of fame, but also the safety of herself and everyone she loves?

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link

Heather Walrath

Heather Walrath is an author crafting new stories while celebrating the release of her debut historical novel, The Diva’s Daughter.

Whether they are standing against evil in fractious 1930s Europe or solving a sticky bootlegging mystery in Prohibition-era America, Heather’s relatable heroines make the past accessible and engaging for modern readers.

She holds a master’s degree in publishing and a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Author Links:

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Murder at Millar's Hotel by Kelly Mason

 

It’s 1924. Lady Ellen of Ashcombe Hall is on a relaxing hotel break to recuperate. Her nemesis is found dead in the restaurant, face down in his pea and ham soup. Can she confront her past to solve the mystery?

Lady Ellen seeks respite in the charming seaside town of Branden Bay, whilst her home, which was used as a convalescent home for war veterans, is being refurbished to its former glory. Her peaceful break takes a dark turn when she unexpectedly crosses paths with her arch-nemesis, the enigmatic Major Albert Coltrane. Major Coltrane is found lifeless, his face submerged in his own soup after a heated and public confrontation with Ellen who finds herself accused of murder.

Determined to clear her name, she forms an unlikely alliance with Lottie Penny a hotel chamber maid and Captain Ernest Hamilton, a former patient at her convalescent home.

With her faithful Irish setter, Prince, by her side, Lady Ellen embarks on a riveting journey through hidden alley bars and the opulent music hall of Branden Bay. They strive to unravel the threads of the mystery, in race against time to expose the real killer before Lady Ellen becomes the next victim.

If you love the glitz and glamour of the era and a twisty plot, then step back in time to the roaring 1920s, where jazz-filled evenings and clandestine secrets collide. Murder at Millar’s Hotel is the first book in the Lady Ellen Investigates series.

Review

The audiobook of A Murder at Millar’s Hotel is an absolute treat — the kind of cosy mystery that feels like slipping into a warm bath with a fancy 1920s hat on. Frances Butt’s narration brings the era to life with a playful charm, giving each character just enough personality to make you grin. Lady Ellen sounds perfectly elegant as she somehow manages to stumble into trouble with style, while her maid Lottie adds a dash of sass that keeps things lively.

The mystery itself never gets too dark, even when someone ends up face-down in their soup. Instead, it has a gentle, cheeky energy, like the story is winking at you the whole time. Millar’s Hotel is full of quirky guests, suspicious glances, and just enough drama to keep you guessing without ever feeling tense.

Overall, the audiobook is fun, breezy, and wonderfully uplifting — the kind of murder mystery you can enjoy with a cup of tea, a biscuit, and zero worry about losing sleep. It’s charming, witty, and light as a feather, making it perfect for listeners who want a mystery that delights rather than frightens.

Amazon

The Spring Ball Promise by Maddie Smith (a very short story for you to enjoy)!

Lady Eleanor Harcourt had never intended to cause a stir at the Mayfair Spring Ball, yet the moment she glided through the gilded doors, fans snapped open like butterfly wings and whispers fluttered from corner to corner. Draped in periwinkle silk and wearing the serene expression expected of a proper young lady, she appeared the very model of obedience. But beneath her composed exterior flickered a spark of mischief—one she intended very much to indulge.

Lord Nathaniel Ashbury, newly returned from his years abroad, spotted that sparkle at once. He had been described by society as handsome, aloof, and entirely uninterested in the endless parade of eligible ladies. Yet the moment Eleanor entered the room, Nathaniel felt an unfamiliar tug of curiosity. Rumours swirled about him like a well-tailored cloak, but none of them prepared him for the simple elegance of a young woman who seemed utterly unmoved by the spectacle around her.

When he approached and requested the first waltz, the room fell into an eager hush. Eleanor accepted with graceful composure, though her heart beat with a thrill she refused to admit. As they took to the floor, the orchestra swelled, chandeliers glittered overhead, and all of Mayfair seemed to watch them with bated breath. Nathaniel’s hand found the small of her back with a confidence that made her pulse skip.

“I must warn you, my lady,” he murmured, his voice warm enough to melt even the iciest resolve. “I have been accused of stealing hearts.”

Eleanor raised her chin, meeting his gaze with unwavering poise. “Then allow me to warn you in return,” she replied. “Mine does not surrender easily.”

Their waltz turned effortlessly graceful, their steps aligned so perfectly it felt as though they had danced together in another lifetime. Nathaniel found himself smiling—truly smiling—for the first time in years. Eleanor, for her part, found her carefully tended composure slipping into something far more dangerous: delight.

Over the next weeks, their paths crossed far too often to be a coincidence. Stolen glances at garden parties, lively debates in drawing rooms, quiet walks where society could not intrude—all of it fed the growing connection between them. Yet with affection came uncertainty. Nathaniel, burdened by the secrets of his past travels, feared he was unworthy of a woman as sincere as Eleanor. Eleanor, pressured by her mother to make a “strategic” match, questioned whether she dared follow her heart when duty demanded otherwise.

The ton watched their unfolding story with ravenous interest, wagers placed daily as to whether it would end in scandal, heartbreak, or triumph.

At last, on a soft June evening in Hyde Park, Nathaniel stopped beside the lake, the glow of twilight painting him in shades of gold. “Eleanor,” he said quietly, “you deserve a man with an unblemished reputation… one who offers certainty. I cannot promise such things.”

She stepped closer, her expression gentle but unyielding. “Lord Ashbury,” she replied, “I have no use for perfection. But I do value honesty. And I believe,” she added, placing her hand over his, “you are far braver and kinder than you allow yourself to believe.”

For a moment, the world held its breath.

Nathaniel lifted her hand to his lips. “Then if you are willing,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, “I would like to offer you my imperfect heart.”

Eleanor smiled—radiant, sure, and utterly disarming. “I accept.”

And so the whispers of society turned from speculation to celebration, for nothing delighted the ton more than a romance that defied prediction. Lady Eleanor Harcourt and Lord Nathaniel Ashbury became the season’s most enchanting match—not because of fortune or title, but because, in a world ruled by expectations, they had chosen one another freely.

Their story, as the ladies of the gossip columns later insisted, was proof that even in the most glittering ballrooms, the rarest treasure was a heart won honestly.

©maddiesmith2025