The Shroud by George Bachman

 

The Shroud is an interesting combination of historical and mystical fiction. George Bachman apparently researched sixteenth century England thoroughly. I read the Kindle version. It gave me the opportunity to highlight names of people and groups, so I could check their Wikipedia entries.

Bachman also gives us an occult side from that era, through the perceived powers of the Shroud and the appearance of characters such as a cherub who arrives from out of a mirror, “as if through a window.”

The core of The Shroud's plot is the desire for multiple groups to possess the real Shroud of Turin.  It exists and so do the groups who are trying to steal it. But there are several fakes. The thieves represent interests such as Pope Sixtus V, Queen Elizabeth the First, and “Philip, king of Spain and Portugal and rightful ruler of England.”

This is a novel I would recommend to people who have an interest in the history of sixteenth century England, but also enjoy stories with mysticism.

Sarah's Secret Christmas Wish by Kerisma Vere

 

Sarah’s Secret Christmas Wish is a short fun read. There is a note on the cover saying it is “A Hallmark holiday romance…just a little gayer.” I can say that's a valid comparison. Its plot is easy to predict, but it’s fun to follow the path the characters take to the ending. Although it bills itself as an LGBTQ novel I feel it is more about good versus bad relationships, no matter what the sexual preferences are. One thing I want to mention. The ending has an odd structure. There is an epilogue followed by two chapters labeled as bonus scenes. They are important, so be sure you read to the end. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story that leaves you feeling good.

 

The Room Next Door by Wendy Walker

 

Brooke, Carrie, and Eve did everything together when they were in high school, until Eve disappeared. Despite the fact that Eve's body was found and her death was ruled an accidental drowning, Carrie, now the chief of police of a small town in the East Bay region of Rhode Island, is still burdened by the case. When another body washes up in the harbor, Carrie finds connections and new ways to look into her friend's death, including ways that involve Brooke. This audio was very well produced. I enjoyed the story, but I did not like the way it ended.