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morgangiesbrecht's review
4.0
Set in the Roaring ‘20s with bootleggers, speakeasies, murder, and hurting hearts beneath the glittering lights.
Vera doesn’t trust a soul, particularly men, while Mick is duty bound to protect her. Neither are prepared to lose their hearts in the process. But they do & it’s adorable.
It has a forced proximity & enemies-to-lovers feel because they definitely ain’t friends at the start.
Vera doesn’t trust a soul, particularly men, while Mick is duty bound to protect her. Neither are prepared to lose their hearts in the process. But they do & it’s adorable.
It has a forced proximity & enemies-to-lovers feel because they definitely ain’t friends at the start.
randikaye's review
4.0
When I first saw this stunning cover, I knew without a doubt it was one I wanted to read. When I saw that it was written by Rachel Scott McDaniel, it moved up even higher on my TBR. While I had only read one book by this author in the past, it was enough to know that she has a beautiful talent for really transporting the reader into another place in time and I so looked forward to that experience that again. I was not disappointed.
This story takes place in Pittsburgh in the midst of prohibition where we meet sassy speakeasy Vera. Upon hearing a murder take place, she finds herself stuck with police Sergeant Mick in an effort to keep her safe. Where Mick is ordered and predictable... Vera is anything but, seeming to find her way into trouble again and again. The dynamic between the two was fantastically written, and I couldn't help but enjoy their rocky start. Still, as with any good characters, they both have histories that have made them who they are. I enjoyed seeing these pasts revealed and truly gain a better understanding of their reactions not just to one another, but the events at hand as well. In the beginning, while I enjoyed the banter and her sass, I didn't really think I was going to really come to like her character much... but by the end, I'd come to love her!
I must admit, I don't know a ton about the speakeasy culture during the 1920s, merely the basics taught in the history books. Yet the story was so well researched and described that I was able to picture it so perfectly. I loved that, and found myself wanting to read more about this period in time (and was very thankful for some of the actual historical facts found in the author's notes that helped me to appreciate the story all that much more).
With the mystery, the romance and the setting, it already had the makings of a fantastic story. For me, the elements of faith made it all the better. With messages of forgiveness and God's love and protection, it all weaved together effortlessly in this beautiful story.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
This story takes place in Pittsburgh in the midst of prohibition where we meet sassy speakeasy Vera. Upon hearing a murder take place, she finds herself stuck with police Sergeant Mick in an effort to keep her safe. Where Mick is ordered and predictable... Vera is anything but, seeming to find her way into trouble again and again. The dynamic between the two was fantastically written, and I couldn't help but enjoy their rocky start. Still, as with any good characters, they both have histories that have made them who they are. I enjoyed seeing these pasts revealed and truly gain a better understanding of their reactions not just to one another, but the events at hand as well. In the beginning, while I enjoyed the banter and her sass, I didn't really think I was going to really come to like her character much... but by the end, I'd come to love her!
I must admit, I don't know a ton about the speakeasy culture during the 1920s, merely the basics taught in the history books. Yet the story was so well researched and described that I was able to picture it so perfectly. I loved that, and found myself wanting to read more about this period in time (and was very thankful for some of the actual historical facts found in the author's notes that helped me to appreciate the story all that much more).
With the mystery, the romance and the setting, it already had the makings of a fantastic story. For me, the elements of faith made it all the better. With messages of forgiveness and God's love and protection, it all weaved together effortlessly in this beautiful story.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
adventuresofaliterarynature's review
5.0
Nobody writes 1920’s fiction like Rachel Scott McDaniel! From the smoky haze of historic Pittsburgh nightlife to the quiet beauty of the Allegheny National Forest McDaniel truly transports her readers to another time and place! The way she slowly draws you in, painting the story and scene in such vivid detail, is truly a gift. Everything is skillfully placed, giving us all the important information whether we can see it in the moment or not.
The story starts by giving us a glimpse of the life Vera lives, just enough to truly understand where she’s coming from without bogging the reader down with unnecessary information. Then things take off with a bang, gripping the reader with the mystery, danger, and romance!
Vera was a bit of a hard nut to crack. Life hadn’t been kind and people had been even crueler so it was no surprise that she had a tough exterior but underneath it all was a scared little girl who just wanted to be loved. McDaniel did an excellent job of really making you understand Vera and her emotions so while she might’ve been tough to swallow at the start by the end you loved her and were truly rooting for her!
I really liked Mick and the way he stood on the side of justice even while living in a city where falling in with the bad guys was almost too easy. He stood by his convictions and was willing to do whatever necessary to protect innocent people and see good win out. Vera may have seen him as a square at the start but he was just what she needed, someone who wouldn’t kowtow and gave as good as he got. I loved watching them butt heads and then seeing those sparks turn into a fire of a whole different kind! Falling in love kind of snuck up on both of them and it was fun to see the journey!
McDaniel does a fantastic job of giving her readers a little bit of everything, romance, humor, mystery, action, and all while giving off classic movie vibes! Honestly I adore every single word she writes and she always leaves me begging for more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story starts by giving us a glimpse of the life Vera lives, just enough to truly understand where she’s coming from without bogging the reader down with unnecessary information. Then things take off with a bang, gripping the reader with the mystery, danger, and romance!
Vera was a bit of a hard nut to crack. Life hadn’t been kind and people had been even crueler so it was no surprise that she had a tough exterior but underneath it all was a scared little girl who just wanted to be loved. McDaniel did an excellent job of really making you understand Vera and her emotions so while she might’ve been tough to swallow at the start by the end you loved her and were truly rooting for her!
I really liked Mick and the way he stood on the side of justice even while living in a city where falling in with the bad guys was almost too easy. He stood by his convictions and was willing to do whatever necessary to protect innocent people and see good win out. Vera may have seen him as a square at the start but he was just what she needed, someone who wouldn’t kowtow and gave as good as he got. I loved watching them butt heads and then seeing those sparks turn into a fire of a whole different kind! Falling in love kind of snuck up on both of them and it was fun to see the journey!
McDaniel does a fantastic job of giving her readers a little bit of everything, romance, humor, mystery, action, and all while giving off classic movie vibes! Honestly I adore every single word she writes and she always leaves me begging for more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
scottishpixie26's review
4.0
A great story with a great cast of characters. Had a few small issues with a couple things, nothing major.
lilac_cottage_library's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
melmo2610's review
5.0
Wowza! This book was fantastic. I found myself completely immersed in 1920's Philadelphia right along with Mick & Vera. This book is COMPLETELY unputdownable-at least for me. I read half of it in one sitting. The story pulled me in from the first chapter and the characters were wonderful. I especially enjoyed Lacey and Pops! Do yourself a favor and give this one a try, I am willing to bet you'll love it!
I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
sassybookishmama's review
4.0
Another amazing story by Rachel Scott McDaniel! I am always in shock that she doesn't have more books out! She definitely is an amazing writer and has a great gift at transporting you into the era her books are set in. From the descriptive settings to the way the dialogue is between the characters this one was no exception! In this book we travel to the 1920's to the age of speakeasies and the prohibition era. We meet Vera who is a singer at the Kelly Club who is owned by her "boyfriend" Carson Kelly. Vera is spunky, has goals and dreams for her life she wants to accomplish but unfortunately her boyfriend and lifestyle hold her back. She was raised to know God by her grandmother but life circumstances have her leaving her faith.
We also meet Mick Dinelo, an upstanding cop, who becomes guardian to Vera after she witnesses a murder. He carries a heavy burden with him and doesn't like getting close to anyone. However, he can't help being drawn to Vera and falling for her. I absolutely loved the chemistry between them. The witty banter and the way that their romance develops is quite dreamy!
If you have not read anything by this author I highly recommend it. You will definitely be drawn into the story and these characters. The way that she also interweaves faith into the story was very well done and perfectly suited for this story.
(I received this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
We also meet Mick Dinelo, an upstanding cop, who becomes guardian to Vera after she witnesses a murder. He carries a heavy burden with him and doesn't like getting close to anyone. However, he can't help being drawn to Vera and falling for her. I absolutely loved the chemistry between them. The witty banter and the way that their romance develops is quite dreamy!
If you have not read anything by this author I highly recommend it. You will definitely be drawn into the story and these characters. The way that she also interweaves faith into the story was very well done and perfectly suited for this story.
(I received this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
staceylovestoread's review
5.0
WOW! Rachel Scott McDaniel proves again that she knows just how to write a historical mystery romance with an unforgettable hero and heroine. The story starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up. With dialogue and suspense worthy of a Cary Grant movie, chemistry that almost did damage to my Kindle, and characters right out of a film noir joint, The Red Canary is a swoony trip around 1928 western Pennsylvania.
I received an advance copy and all opinions are my own.
I received an advance copy and all opinions are my own.
charitys_book_escapes's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Prohibition, power, speakeasy, murder, wilderness, Christian man, musician, feisty woman, everything you could want in a book.
Vera's story just breaks my heart. I'm reading part of this with a very obnoxious teenager tonight, and 2 other very loud children, and I'm still so focused on this that I'm crying. I can also, to the smallest extent, understand what she went through. At the height of his alcoholism, my husband spent a bunch of money that we just didn't have, by taking out loans and credit cards about which I had no idea. Don't get me wrong; he was never abusive, but like I said, I can understand to the smallest extent.
I just finished this book for the second time, and I guarantee it won't be the last. It's become a comfort read for me, I think, and it just has me feeling all the feels.
belovedbrat's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-red-canary-by-rachel-scott-mcdaniel.html
Title: The Red Canary
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Ch: 38
Pg: 313
Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical romance
Rating: 4.5 stars
Vera Pembroke is a speakeasy singer a canary who has dreams beyond Pittsburg. That is until she witness a murder. Now it’s up sergeant Mick Dinelo to keep her safe.
I’m a sucker for books set in 1920s. I’ve always loved that decade. And nobody writes it better than Rachel Scott McDaniel. I loved the Pittsburg setting and the banter between Vera and Mick. The Red Canary gave me classic movie feels I would love to see this book as a movie.
first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-red-canary-by-rachel-scott-mcdaniel.html
Title: The Red Canary
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Ch: 38
Pg: 313
Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical romance
Rating: 4.5 stars
Vera Pembroke is a speakeasy singer a canary who has dreams beyond Pittsburg. That is until she witness a murder. Now it’s up sergeant Mick Dinelo to keep her safe.
I’m a sucker for books set in 1920s. I’ve always loved that decade. And nobody writes it better than Rachel Scott McDaniel. I loved the Pittsburg setting and the banter between Vera and Mick. The Red Canary gave me classic movie feels I would love to see this book as a movie.