Edwina Kiernan

I have not read a book in this setting or time period in a long time, I forgot how much I love them! I almost read this in a day but it was 2:30am so I had to give in. I kept waiting for a good stopping point but the twists upon twists kept getting me and I just HAD to know how it was going to turn out!

This is a split perspective story and different for me as I almost enjoyed Issacs perspective more than the female lead Beatrice's point of view. Her views of God were not quite right for most of the book and it really got to me. Beatrice's views are corrected near the end but it really hampered my ability to enjoy her story along the way. At the end of the book I liked Beatrice's character and story much better having seen the full picture, even empathizing with her at one point.

I really liked the lead in to the authors next book in the series. I want to read it to see what happens to the next couple and what could possibly keep two such lovely people apart!

I received a early copy of the book, my opinions as always are my own.… (mere)

What I think you should know:
A Vanishing Act is a Christian Historical Fiction by Edwina Kiernan that is part of the Ever After Mysteries. The series consists of standalone novels set in the 1940s, all as different fairytale retellings. This story is set in Hollywood and revolves around a film studio featuring Kent Selwood, the studio’s leading man and Bonnie Roseland, seamstress.

What I think about this book:
This is a sweet Christian mystery surrounding threats made against the studio's leading lady. Bonnie is such a steady, sweet character, I enjoyed reading the book from her perspective. With the author’s details I could almost imagine being behind the scenes on a movie set. I appreciate how she stayed true to her faith and did not compromise on her convictions. Kent is very Beast-like and his attitude makes him easy to dislike at the beginning of the story, however he is not the only person in the story whose behavior is suspicious. Jerry was also a character who was very slimy. There was no shortage of suspects in this book. This makes for a light hearted mystery good for almost all ages!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mere)

A Vanishing Act by Edwina Kiernan combines a Christian Historical Mystery and a Fairytale retelling. This book combines Christian historical fiction with a fairytale retelling as part of the Ever After Mysteries series. Hollywood legend Kent Selwood does not like or want to share the limelight with Stella Sanders. He feels the rising star brings too much drama.

Seamstress Bonnie Roseland is invisible to everyone at the studio except Jerry Jackson. She wishes to be invisible to him. But she finds her caught up in the disappearance of Stella Sanders. So Bonnie works to help clear Kent’s name. The interactions between Bonnie and Kent truly help bring this book to life.

With blackmailing, Stella’s disappearance, and more, this book kept me reading. I loved seeing Kent develop as a character. I also appreciated the way the author developed the storyline.

As a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I found this book to be well-done. The setting of a 194os film studio provides the perfect backdrop for this book.

So if you enjoy Christian Historical Mystery books combined with Fairytale retellings, check out A Vanishing Act by Edwina Kiernan and the rest of the series. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mere)

I like the take the author took on a classic fairy tale. With a setting of Hollywood in the 1940s we see how cutthroat it can be when a famous star starts to unravel. His leading lady disappears and letters start coming to the studio that cause everyone to be alarmed. Kent has this dislike for Stella and makes it clear that he doesn’t want to work with her. Guess maybe he should have kept those thoughts to himself. He may be famous and handsome but he becomes a major suspect and sees his career start to crumble before his eyes.

Bonnie is a very gifted seamstress and hears the rumors going around about Kent. She can’t believe he had anything to do with Stella’s disappearance and sets out to help him. I loved how she was direct with him about his attitude and shared God with him. He starts to see how he how sinned and questions Bonnie about Heaven and Hell. Sharing with Kent how to be saved is very emotional and I applaud Bonnie for reaching out to him. He has lost his way and needs someone to believe in him.

I liked watching Kent transform before our eyes as Bonnie’s words open up his heart and at that moment there was no denying that Kent was a new man. Now he must prove his innocence and trust God. Just when I thought I figured out the mystery, the author throws a curve ball.

If you love going back to the 1940s when Hollywood was becoming the place to be seen, a mystery that has deceit and bitterness nestled in with a good characters and redemption, this book is for you.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mere)