Silver Scroll Merit Award for FictionA simple request becomes a dangerous mission when Lexie Smithfield returns to the island paradise of her childhood.Now that the Depression has ruined her finances, all Lexie wants to do is return to Jekyll Island and dispose of her family’s grand old cottage at the Millionaires’ Club resort. As the only living heir, the place that had once been a gilded … the place that had once been a gilded get-away is now a place of painful memories and, according to her deceased mother . . . curses.
Lexie doesn’t believe in curses — or blessings, for that matter. But when she arrives on the island in January of 1942 she finds an mysterious intruder living in the family cottage. With German subs threatening U.S. ships along the coastline, a stranger stalks Lexie. What does she have that anyone would want?
Russell Parker, a childhood friend, has become the superintendent of the Jekyll Island Inn and keeper of the club members’ secrets — including the secrets of Lexie’s family. As Lexie and Russell seek to uncover the truth surrounding the cottage’s curses — and identify the motives behind the phantom stranger — an unexpected romance blossoms.
But can they act in time? Or will Lexie become the next victim of the Gilded Curse?
Will the young heiress be the next victim of her family’s curse?
Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar historical novels in this genre may be categorized as: historical fiction, inspirational historical fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome historical fiction.more
The Gilded Curse is an intriguing story taking you to the by-gone era of the wealthy on Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia. But times are changing due to WWII and there are reports of Nazi threats along the coastline. Mysterious happenings around the main character’s family cottage adds to the tension. An enjoyable read.
Poor Lexus does not know who sent for her to come back to her family vacation home or why. She reconnects with her childhood friend Russell but feels he is hiding something from her. Then there is scary old Abner. Why is he always popping up & scaring her when she least expects it? Love the twist & the ending. Marilyn makes you feel like you are right there too.
The Gilded Curse transported me back to the early years of America’s involvement in WW2. Yet this novel’s situation regarding the dangers of war was different than in most of the books I have read. It was so interesting to be on an island vacation spot reserved for the wealthy during this time of war.
There appeared to be some kind of threat lurking on what should have been a luxurious retreat location and I really enjoyed how the author kept me guessing right up to the end regarding what that threat was.
The potential for romance was sweet and gentle, contrasting the feelings of uncertainty and fear that Lexie carried around with her. I really felt for Lexie and all that she had been through.
I enjoyed this suspenseful tale and look forward to reading more in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is a mystery book, definitely outside my normal genre, but it’s Christan, historical and set in the beginning of WWII. It’s very well written, with several different suspenseful storylines going on as well as the main romance!
Marilyn is a new author for me, I’ll be reading more of her historical romances. This book has a unique storyline and maybe I’m not experienced, but I was surprised with the ending! I think that’s pretty essential for a mystery book.
This is another great story penned by Marilyn Turk. She has created a historic tale with deep reality and heart in the deep South. The story involves a young nurse and the house on Jekyll Island where she spent many happy summers and the threat she encounters on the island. The story unveils several layers of intrigue and risk with unlikely characters. There is an old friend the nurse becomes involved with. Also several conversations and scenarios unfold as the country is threatened with foreign invasion. As the story takes a serious turn you are caught unaware in some situations. I will not go into greater detail so as not to give away the plot twists. You will enjoy delving into this book head first. The book was a gift to me and I am grateful for the opportunity to read and share this marvelous story with you. Marilyn creates very outstanding characters in her stories.