Review: The Bride to Belle Island by Julie Klassen
About the Book:
After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect--a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her? On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended . . . this. When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.
My Thoughts:
What a sweet read! I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. The story line was such a good one. Though it takes a while for things to really start happening, when it does, it really kicks off. I couldn't put it down! The mystery in this story was light throughout the first half but it really focuses on it the latter half. And y'all! The twists and turns in this book! There were so many!
I didn't feel like there was a lot of character growth but they both did change a little through the story. Isabelle Wilder learned a valuable lesson on trust. Trusting others, but most importantly putting her trust in Him. Benjamin also learned a lesson on trust. And on the importance of forgiveness. I really appreciated how these characters felt 'older'. Sometimes I read a story where the main characters are in their upper twenties and thirties but acting and thinking like a teenager. Benjamin and Isabelle I felt, really acted and thought like someone their age.
The romance in this book was light as well. It was a really refreshing story. The end felt a little rushed but I loved the way it turned out.
All in all it was a really sweet book, with a wonderful mystery that will keep you intrigued and guessing!
Favorite Quote From This Book:
"We have all made mistakes. It's how we respond to them that shows our character. "