Journey now to Galveston, Texas, of 1880… Where is Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter? Who is the mysterious Mrs. Smith? Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill is hired by the mysterious widow to find her lost granddaughter, rumored to be living in Galveston, Texas. Though Jonah prefers to travel alone, Mrs. Smith insists that she and her companion accompany him. Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has … Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has been acting as Mrs. Smith’s assistant for several months, and Madeline will not allow anyone–even a Pinkerton agent–to ruin the story of a lifetime. The pair forges an uneasy truce as the investigation grows dangerous.
Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl to be revealed?
More from My Heart Belongs in Series…
My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss: Priscilla’s Reveille by Erica Vetsch (January 2017)
My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmella’s Quandary by Susan Page Davis (March 2017)
My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight by Susanne Dietze (May 2017)
My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar (September 2017)
more
My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline’s Search by Kathleen Y’Barbo
This a fun story set in 1880 Galveston, Texas. I enjoyed the characters and the challenges they faced to uncover the mystery widow Mrs. Smith sends them on. She is rather quirky but has a caring heart. I enjoyed the historical notes the author includes and the detailed descriptions of the area.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
Can they work together to find the truth?
I have really been enjoying the My Heart Belongs In… series from Barbour and have been eagerly awaiting when my state will eventually make its appearance.
Kathleen Y’Barbo is a fairly new author to me, I’ve only read one of her previous books, but I really find myself enjoying her blend of historical romance and mystery/adventure. My Heart Belongs In Galveston, Texas: Madeline’s Search had plenty of both. It kept me intrigued, turning those pages, and thinking about the story in between. I actually picked up the book in the late morning and had it finished late that night, which is pretty good for me lately.
If you are looking for a sweet historical romance with healthy dash of decades old mystery and set in a fascinating location you really should check out Kathleen Y’Barbo’s book My Heart Belongs In Galveston, Texas: Madeline’s Search which is a great addition to this series. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the author’s note at the end, there is some really interesting stuff in there for history buffs like me…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading My Heart Belongs in Galveston TX, Madeline’s Search. The history of the area was fascinating and I appreciated Y’Barbo including detailed author notes in the back of the book.
Jonah Cahill, Pinkerton agent, and Madeline Latour, an investigative reporter who has an interest in finding lost treasure—not necessarily of the human kind—team up to find a widow’s long lost granddaughter. The two have a history causing a lack of trust between them but find themselves still drawn emotionally to the other despite giving it their best effort to tamp it down. Their interactions are humorous and at times keen, exhibiting a snappy rhythm throughout the story, along with several other mysterious elements that add to the intrigue of the missing granddaughter.
Needless to say, Y’Barbo is an highly acclaimed author who never fails to provide me a few hours of lighthearted entertainment through accomplished wit, savory characters, sweet romance, and a gentle faith theme. Fans of Christian historical fiction will especially enjoy this story
I was provided a paperback copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
Kathleen Y’Barbo’s My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas, piqued my interest for several reasons. The gorgeous blue garment was the first thing I noticed even before reading the title—such a cool, calming color. The second reason was Texas, mentioned in the title. Texas is a state that I have high regard for and miss. I wasn’t born in Texas, but I spent most of my childhood there, and I still miss it.
Y’barbo’s book is chock-full of suspense, mystery and secrecy, creating a spellbinding, page-turning journey. There’s a Pinkerton agent forced to allow an investigative reporter, the companion to his client, to go with him. Before being able to unravel the mystery for the client, Mrs. Smith, the agent, Jonah Cahill, and the reporter, Madeline LaTour, face multiple challenges.
Bible verses intersperse the story as this intrepid group trusts God for encouragement and protection as they search for the truth.
I’m always enthralled by history, especially that of Texas. There were numerous fascinating elements of the history of Galveston, along with interesting facts Y’Barbo included at the end of the book.
A word of caution, however: some portions of the book’s subject matter could be triggering for victims of crime.
I received this book from NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
This book was a wonderful adventure and mystery. There is a shipwreck, a missing girl, and rumors of pirate treasure. The story was non-stop and carried me along with Madeline and Jonah in their search to find answers. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
While I love this author, I wasn’t as fond of this particular book. It had lots of suspense and was a bit predictable at times, while excessively elusive at others! The man impersonating a Pinkerton was a surprise, but Tresor was not! The beautiful descriptions of rose gardens, dresses, and homes were definitely lost on me, but I did look up images of the Brown mansion to see what it looks like.
I’ll just get the “negative” out of the way and say that this book started out slow for me. BUT I stuck with it and boy, did it pick up speed! So hang in there, this story is full of twists, turns, and mystery. Shipwrecks and Pinkerton detectives made it really interesting.
A great storyline with interesting historical facts, Madeline’s Search will keep you wondering. I thought I had the end figured out but with a curve ball thrown in I began to doubt myself. I wasn’t at all disappointed in how this story ended. If you enjoy historical fiction you will want to read Madeline’s Search.
I’ve read several of the books in the My Heart Belongs series and enjoyed them all. This one, set mostly in Galveston, Texas in 1880 involves a plucky, quirky newspaper reporter named Madeline Latour and a Pinkerton detective, Jonah Cahill, who are hired to solve the mystery of a missing granddaughter. Mischief and mayhem are the result as the two embark on their mission and encounter all sorts of adventures along the way. Kathleen Y’Barbo has created some fun, entertaining characters for this story. I enjoyed their witty banter and the odd predicaments they found themselves in. I was impressed with the research that the author obviously did and the facts/fiction section in the back of the book. 3 ½ stars rounded to 4.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was a story totally worth reading. This is my first book from Kathleen Y’Barbo and I’m happy to have found another great author!
Mrs.Smith has hired Jonah, a pinkerton detective, and Madeline, and investigative reporter, to help her search her long lost grandaughter. Little she knows that Jonah and Madeleine have met each other before, when they ended up breaking each others heart.
It’s an adventurous journey, full of mystery, suspense, sweet romance and even humor. A pair of competitive sleuths, missing girl and a pirate’s treasure!
The characters are funny, witty, and endearing! I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing style and I never felt the book sagged.
I also loved that there’s a true story told in this book and that the author explains at the end what is fictional and what’s not.
Looking forward to reading more from Kathleen Y’Barbo in the future!
I received a copy from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
3.5 stars
“And then I released my granddaughter to the waves and the wind and the care of God. Most certainly and especially the care of God.”
And once again, the search for the missing granddaughter continues . . . decades later, when Madame Smith hires a beautiful young journalist and an experienced Pinkerton detective to find her greatest treasure. How could she have known (or did she) that the two already knew each other, and knew each other well; having been madly in love, before each of them broke the other’s heart. It should quite an interesting trip to Galveston, Texas.
Join Madeline Latour and Jonah Cahill as they practically drive each other to distraction, following leads in every direction, while trying to ignore the pathway so clearly defined; the road to their own happily ever after. Kathleen Y’Barbo has effectively contributed history and mystery to the lovely “My Heart Belongs” series.
I couldn’t put this one down! I loved how it started with a bang and kept you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The mystery and suspense mixed with a dash of danger made this unique story line a page turner. I adored Madeline and her stubborn, spunky, jump head first into danger personality! Jonah was swoon-worthy and made a perfect-yet-flawed, dashing hero. These two have chemistry that sends sparks flying when they are thrown together! Full of twists and secrets, wonderfully lovable secondary characters, and plenty of history and scenery thrown in to make it a favorite story. Definitely a bookshelf keeper!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I was quite fascinated by this book as I wasn’t sure how a Pinkerton detective and a nosy reporter would be able to establish a relationship. The interaction between Jonah and Madeline was the heart of the story as they pursued Mrs. Smith’s long lost granddaughter. Often at odds with one another and disagreeing as to what course of action to take, led to sometimes hilarious outcomes…especially for Madeline!! This is a great book with a wonderfully heartwarming story to tell and I highly recommend it.
My Heart Belongs series is such a great series and this newest one set in Galveston, Texas does not disappoint. What a fun book. With a stowaway cat, a surly maid, the heroine knocking over tea cakes, falling out of trees, and witty dialogue, the author has infused humor all throughout this story! There’s a mystery to be solved and Madeline and Jonah, formerly engaged but now estranged, are now hired to solve it as a team. Can they forget what has gone before and concentrate on the task at hand? The characters are strong and evocative. Madeline–intelligent, witty, curious. Jonah–handsome, gallant, obstinate. The supporting characters are colorful and riveting and add so much to the story. The writing style flows smoothly and the descriptive imagery is such that the reader can almost smell the roses in the garden, hear the gulls screech and hear the clip-clop of the horses. Secrets to discover and lots of pieces to fit together and of course, the wonder of whether or not Madeline and Jonah’s romance will be rekindled keep the pages turning. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I love a plucky and capable heroine, and Madeline Latour is both. An investigative report from a family known for their ability to keep secrets, Madeline is tenacious when she scents a story. When she’s partnered with a Pinkerton Agent she’s well acquainted with, arguments ensue, trust must be won, and sparks fly.
Kathleen Y’Barbo entrenches readers into the tight-knit island of Galveston, giving insight into its beginnings (and how fun that you can look at a map of Galveston today and see some of the streets mentioned in this book), some of the residents, the beauty of the Texas Island, and a bit of treasure hunting.
With a search for a person, a couple of shady characters, and some history between Jonah and Madeline (as well as some fun conversations and situations), My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas is a light and fun read.
While I had an inkling of what the outcome of the book was going to be, getting there was delightful.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This was a fun look at Galveston, Texas back in the late 1800’s. A Pinkerton detective and a reporter with a romantic history join forces to solve a decades old mystery. The story was interesting and the kept me wondering how the threads of the mystery would all tie together. Add the romance thrown in and it made for a fun Sunday read.
I received this book through Net Galley and was not required to post a review. All thoughts are my own.
First impressions are always important to me, especially in books. So obviously the first thing I notice right off the bat, is that gorgeous cover! I love Madeline’s sky blue dress and the wistful look on her face. It makes me wonder what she’s looking at on the horizon. Since I live on the Oregon coast, I also love that she’s standing on the beach with a fog shrouded pier in the background. Such a cover draws the eyes right away and makes my reader taste buds water for the story in the pages! Secondly, I’m so thrilled for the main character to be a male, and not only male, but a Pinkerton detective. I adore stories involving Pinkerton’s because you know it’s going to have a bit of a mystery in it to solve! Thirdly, both Madeline & Jonah have a past romantic history between them. It adds an extra layer of tension and conflict to keep me invested in their lives. I’m finding this book ticks all my favorite things about a story I love! Lastly, Kathleen is a new-to-me author. Of course I’ve seen her name on many other books, but this is the first one I’ve read by her, so I’m equally thrilled to discover a new writer. It’s like making a new friend, at least in the literary world!
Buried treasure, a long lost granddaughter and the mystery of family secrets unite both Jonah and Madeline when Mrs. Smith hires them. Having a past romantic history that ended years before, they reluctantly agree to put aside their differences to find what happened to her granddaughter. Following the clues they find, there seems to be more questions than answers and many pieces to put together. But for a Pinkerton agent & an investigative reporter, it’s what they’re best at! I liked trying to solve the case along with them and watching the romance develop between them. Forgiveness plays a big role and a united front helps them to overcome their past. Reading the authors notes in the back, I learned what parts of history were true and which she took fictional liberty to write the story. Her research is impeccable and it shows! I think anyone who is a history buff and an arm chair sleuth will enjoy this. Be sure to check out the rest of the My Heart Belongs In series…all stand alone novels by different authors set in various times in history!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *
Madeline Latour is a great female protagonist in this story set in New Orleans and Galveston in 1880! Madeline is an early investigative reporter. Pinkerton agent, Jonah Cahill, is Madeline’s ex-fiance and a great male leading character! My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas is full of suspense and has a surprise ending! I recommend this book to others who enjoy historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
We are embarking on a mystery with a bit of romance in 1880’s Texas, and we are with a reporter Madeline Latour, and a Pinkerton Agent Jonah Cahill.
Wow, what a ride from our beginnings in New Orleans, traveling around in the Gulf of Mexico, but mainly our story takes place in Galveston, Texas.
I was surprised when the bombshells started to drop, and never saw a lot of them coming. In fact, some I am still wondering about.
In hindsight, I can see what Mrs. Smith was doing, and what she was trying to achieve, while she had people searching for her Granddaughter, she kept some facts close at hand.
From pirate treasure, to lost babies, we are looking for seems to be a needle in a haystack, and some of these people are not the person that are presenting to the public.
You need to read all the way for the answers, but wow an enjoyable story!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour Books, and was not required to give a positive review.