Don't Upstage the Body: A Mystery By Naomi Stephens-Mystery Suspense Review

 Book Synopsis

A Witty British Historical Whodunnit and Manor House Murder Mystery Set in the 1950s

Rules for professional mourners:

· Plan your aliases well--no improvising.

· Wear proper mourning attire.

· Maintain discretion at all costs.

· Don't upstage the body.

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family of professional mourners have perfected the theatrical art of grief. When the reclusive Lord Basil Monfort engages her family's services for his own funeral, she vows it will be her last performance as she's tired of the disguise. Then she discovers the undertaker's body in the library and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an undercover investigation. 
 
Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be. 
 
Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta's life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls. 
 
With her Agatha Christie-inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem. 

Book Details

• Publisher: ‎ Bethany House Publishers
• Publication Date: ‎ June 23, 2026
• Genre:  Murder Mystery/Suspense
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764242482

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. ****

• 
  

My Review

From the moment you look at the cover of Don't Upstage the Body by Naomi Stephens and learn that "Professional Mourners" are at the heart of the story, you are drawn in from the very beginning. This cozy mystery takes place in 1957 England at Montfort Manor Estate, where the funeral of Lord Basil Montfort is underway. Little did the professional mourners know that what should have been a quick job would turn into a long, drawn-out stay. Another dead body shows up at the estate—and it is not the one that was just eulogized.

This novel is full of mystery, suspense, and suspicious characters around every corner, offering a whodunnit that will keep you guessing throughout. The many red herrings dropped along the way made me work hard to piece the clues together and guess the killer's identity.

A cast of colorful characters keeps you thoroughly entertained. These include the serious Hippolyta Halfpenny, who stumbles upon the body; the new Earl, Crispin Montfort, who takes a liking to Hippolyta and forms a connection with her; and the saucy American southerner, Aunt Tula. Witty banter is prominent throughout the story, keeping the humor high. While the grand reveal at the end is surprising, there are plenty of other fun secrets uncovered alongside the culprit. This book will keep you engaged from the very first page to the last.

 

****Meet Author Naomi Stephens****

Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her first novel, Shadow among Sheaves, was an Inspy Award shortlister and winner of the 2020 Carol Award in Debut Fiction. In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight. Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in New York with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Don't Upstage the Body ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/05l6Eufz

Kindle-https://a.co/d/049uf3f4

Nando: Best Friends Dog Tales #4 by McCall Hoyle-Middle Grade Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and Homeward Bound—a moving adventure full of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans.

Nando may have started life as the runt of the litter, but he’s grown into a loyal, hardworking border collie that takes his job—and his family—seriously. He believes that the only way to keep his place on the farm and in the heart of his human, Esperanza, is to maintain perfection in all his responsibilities—and nothing less.

But when a tropical storm turns the creek by the farm into a raging river and scatters Cloe, Nando's favorite young human; Stella, a friendly beagle; Oscar, the farm's annoying cat; and Nando himself, Nando learns the hard truth: He can’t control everything.

Stranded far from home, Nando is rescued by Levi, a boy with a brave heart and a gift for seeing good in others, who was also displaced by the storm. Nando and Levi are both trying to get back home, but when Levi leashes Nando, he leaves the independent herding dog with little choice but to stick with him. As they face rising waters, dangerous terrain, and the uncertainty of finding their way back, Levi offers Nando courage, friendship, and love, teaching Nando that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved and accepted.

Book Details

• Publisher: ‎ Shadow Mountain
• Publication date: ‎ August 4, 2026
• Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
• Series: Best Friends Dog Tales #4
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 176 pages

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Having read all of the previous books in the "Best Friends Dog Tales" series, I knew what awaited me. My favorite thing about this series is that the stories are told from the dog's point of view. I love animals, so this series has a special place in my heart, and I had incredibly high expectations for this new book. Let me tell you, all expectations were met and exceeded! Nando is a dog I already knew from the previous books, and it was delightful to "hear" his story. He is Esperanza's serious and focused sheepdog. I loved getting to see another side of Nando alongside his familiar, responsible nature.

When a tropical storm hits, all of the people and animals on the nearby farms are affected. There were so many heart-stopping moments that had me close to tears. In fact, I was in tears near the end, unsure of the outcome for some of our beloved furry friends.

As a teacher, I absolutely loved the discussion questions at the end of the book. The author guides readers through:

• Identifying themes and deciding what the most important lesson is.
• Understanding what an epigraph is and how it is used.
• Making connections to the characters and analyzing how they change throughout the book.
• Discussing the various settings featured in the story.
• Predicting answers to any remaining unanswered questions.
• Imagining you are the author and outlining a sequel to Nando's story.
• Making connections between Nando and other familiar books or movies.

As I read each educational point, I was already formulating how I would use them with my own class once I read Nando aloud to them. Parents can also use these questions to spark great conversations with their children. Though each book in this series can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest reading them in publication order for the full emotional impact. (Book 1 "Stella" will always be incredibly special to me.) Nando is a book full of hope, change, and growth. It's another well-deserved 5 stars for a McCall Hoyle book!

****Meet Author McCall Hoyle****

{In Her Own Words}

In a nutshell: 

I’m a sixth-grade teacher, mom, and author who loves reading and dogs!

My hopeful, heart-warming middle grade books, Stella, Just Gus, Millie, and Forever Ripley are part of Shadow Mountain Publishing’s empathy-building line of books. They’re available everywhere books are sold. 

You can find my young adult novels. The Thing with Feathers and Meet the Sky, anywhere books are sold. 

A Little More Detailed: 

When I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably spending time with my family and our dogs, Apple and Edith. I would love to be a professional dog trainer when I grow up. 

I come from a long line of strong women. I’m named for my grandmother, “Pinkie,” who was the first female editor of an Associated Press newspaper. Her sister, my great-aunt, was a physics professor at Auburn University. They were women ahead of their times, which I think is pretty cool. My husband, daughter, son-in-law, and I are all middle and high school teachers. Education literally runs in the family. I secretly, although not-so-secretly since I’m sharing it here, hope my sixteen-year-old son will be a teacher someday too. School and library visits bring me great joy as does meeting readers in person! So I invite you to reach out to me on the Contact Me page, here on mccallhoyle.com. Maybe our paths will cross in person someday. 

~*~*~*~*Purchase Nando ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hard Copy-https://a.co/d/02rbd3oS

Kindle-https://a.co/d/0cSBeypp

The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde- Historical Romance Book Review & A Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz 

for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde,

 hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Light of Stars 

Author: Jenelle Hovde 

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers 

Release Date: July 14, 2026 

Genre: Historical Romance

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets. 

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way. 

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit. 

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother. 

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure. 

My Review

Don't you love gorgeous covers that get you in the mood to read a story? I wasn't sure what to expect, but The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde honestly blew me away. Readers usually expect Regency romances to just be about fancy balls, tea parties, and finding a rich husband in London. But this book went so much deeper than that, and I loved every minute of it.

The story starts with Kitty, who is totally obsessed with astronomy and stars. She gets forced by her grandfather into an arranged marriage with Sebastian, a man whose family was connected to the East India Company. Kitty is devastated because that company basically ruined her family, but she agrees to the marriage because it’s her only ticket to India, where she hopes to find her missing mom.

I absolutely adored Sebastian's character. He’s a reformed rake, which already makes things interesting, but he is just so patient and humble throughout the whole book. Even though they are thrown into this messy, forced situation, he is always willing to step up and do what he should, no matter how hard it gets. Watching him fall first and patiently wait for Kitty to trust him was easily my favorite part of the story.

Once they finally sail off, my main critique is that I really wish more of the story had actually taken place in India instead of spending so much time in England. But when they do get to Calcutta, the author does an amazing job talking about the real, messy side of history—like the corruption of the opium trade and colonialism.

It was also incredibly cool to see real historical figures show up in the story, like William Carey and William Wilberforce. They were real-life British figures from the 18th and 19th centuries who are famous for their major roles in Christian missions and the abolition of the slave trade. Including them made the whole world feel so authentic.

As for the plot, I was so shocked at the ending! The secrets that unraveled kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the last page. There is also a beautiful faith element about learning to trust God when everything feels totally out of your control. If you love historical fiction with a lot of heart, a great hero, and a sweet slow-burn romance, you definitely need to pick this one up!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale | Amazon | 

Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor's wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

Connect with Jenelle by visiting jenellehovdeauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Three Queens: A Novel By Rebecca Connolly- Women's Friendship Historical Fiction Review

 Book Synopsis

Abigail Adams, Queen Charlotte, and Marie-Antoinette—three women form an unlikely sisterhood, navigating revolutions, royal pressures, and personal losses as they shape their own legacies.

After the end of the American Revolutionary War, Abigail Adams crosses the Atlantic to reunite with her husband, John, after five long years apart. But she is unprepared for the glittering courts of England and France that are so different from her experience in the newly established United States. Undeterred, Abigail sets her sights on befriending the queens of Europe, believing their support is key to her nation’s future.

In England, Queen Charlotte carries the weight of an empire on her shoulders. Her husband, King George III, battles a private madness, while political tensions rise and her eldest son schemes for power. Charlotte struggles to maintain order and propriety—while clinging to the solace she finds in her correspondence with her friend Marie Antoinette in France.

Revolution has gripped France, and Marie Antoinette must watch as her world crumbles. Vilified by the public and neglected by a king who refuses to see the storm coming, she faces growing unrest with dwindling allies. As tragedy strikes her family, she reaches out to her friends—Charlotte and Abigail—in a last attempt to find a path forward, possibly even escape.

The paths of these three women cross in unexpected ways in public, in private, and through letters. They forge a quiet sisterhood across borders and upheaval, each one facing love and loss, sweetness and strife, revolution and regrets.

Book Details

• Publisher: ‎ Shadow Mountain
• Publication date: ‎ May 5, 2026
• Genre: Women's Friendship Historical Fiction
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 336 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639934545

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. ****

My Review

As soon as I read what Three Queens was about, I was intrigued and knew I wanted to read it. I’ve always loved reading about history, and I’ve actually read separate books about Abigail Adams, Queen Charlotte, and Marie-Antoinette before, so I was really excited to see them all in one story.

Some of the things I loved most were the letters the women wrote back and forth to each other. Reading their correspondence made their shared burdens and personal heartbreaks feel incredibly real and intimate. Even though they lived in totally different worlds, the letters created a really cool, believable bond between them.

I also learned a ton while reading. Even though I already knew a bit about them, there were so many historical facts in here that I didn’t know before. The author clearly did some amazing research to pull all of these details together.

Instead of just showing the public figures we always read about in textbooks, this novel gives readers a completely different and way more detailed picture of them. You really get to see them as real people—like mothers, wives, and friends—dealing with massive public pressures.

If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend picking this one up!

****Meet Author Rebecca Connolly ****

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University and is a hot cocoa addict.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Three Queens ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/09GYk5jY

Kindle-https://a.co/d/0i0dS0Lz