Book Review: Brought to Book by Barbara Cornthwaite

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Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for violence (including a non-graphic murder), romantic decisions, a child abuse discussed.

Best for Ages: 18 and up

Description:  There's nothing in Emily Post about dealing with murder. Katrina just wanted to spend time among the books at Frank's Bookstore. Yes, that's an unimaginative name for a store, but Frank's an unimaginative guy--or he was. Now he and his murder are the reason Katrina is spending her spare time with Wilkester detective, Todd Mason. Or, that's what she tells herself.

Why would anyone want to kill Frank Delaney? Who would do it? And is Katrina herself even safe?

Mixing faith, literary humor, sweet romance, and a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing, Barbara Cornthwaite's first Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Begin your investigation of Brought to Book today.

When I saw that Gretchen Louise read this book and gave it five stars, I knew I had to take a peek. I was drawn into the description and by the cover. I borrowed it on Kindle Unlimited.

Cornthwaite’s skill really impressed me. It’s been a while since I read a book that was so well researched as well as written with such a fresh voice. Not only that, but the story, characters, and structure were simply some of the best done I’ve read. On skills alone, Cornthwaite gets high marks from me.

I personally related to Katrina on many levels. I also am an older single, love reading, and struggle with some of the same things she does. She is a refreshingly different kind of main character. She is smart, funny, in her early forties, strong Christian, and not bitter about life. She is so real and also the kind of Christian I want to emulate, without being perfect. If you haven’t guessed it, I was totally drawn in by her character.

The mystery aspect of this book was unique enough that it didn’t feel like the same thing I’d read a hundred times. It was well-researched, realistic, and also moved along fast enough to keep me interested. The mystery kept me flipping pages that’s for sure.

The romance was another breath of fresh air. I won’t spoil it too much but let me say it was nice to have a couple with realistic struggles that weren’t too weird, no dark secrets, and appropriate boundaries. My favorite part was how they were both strong Christians. I’m not saying agree with every aspect in what I would do, but I have to say that the romance was another area that made me want to read more like this from this author.

Speaking of Christianity, Katrina and her friends love Jesus and put Him first in their lives. Some of them have flaws but don’t we all. I loved that in times of struggle, they pressed into Jesus instead of blaming Him. Katrina has struggled in her career as a professor because of her faith but was willing to make the sacrifice, one of her married friends fosters kids with a lot of baggage because of their faith.

As a whole, I have to say this will definitely make the top 10 list this year. When you consider that I will have read over 200 books this year, that says a lot. I will be following this author from here out.

I highly recommend those looking for superbly written Christian fiction, mysteries, and refreshing female characters.