I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounds good. I just couldn't get into it. I gave up after a few chapters, but the writing was fine so it might be someone else's cup of tea.

The Scandalous Mrs. Wilson by Laine Ferndale
Fraser Springs #1

Debut authors don’t always nail it but Laine Ferndale did. I felt taken back in time and for a change met a woman who seemed to have faced real challenges and made the best of the situation. Josephine “Jo” Wilson did not have an easy life but managed to create a life and future using what was at hand and in so doing made a better life, as well, for a number of others in the community. She was strong and strong willed with a sense of purpose that overcame the gossiping female do-gooders in town.

Owen Sterling, going undercover as banker Mister Wister, hoped to prove that he was more than a writer of children’s adventure books but instead had the chops to be an investigative journalist able to expose the seedier side of life. Rumor had it that Jo’s establishment was not as genteel as a mere bathhouse might be but instead offered other feminine delights. As Owen spent more time in town he did uncover a story but not the one he expected to.

In this story both Owen and Jo are attracted to one another BUT there are hurdles to overcome. Both have personal goals, aspirations and dreams that they have held dear for years and the affection they feel for one another may not be enough to find a way to have love and achieve their dreams.

I believe this author has talent and look forward to reading more books by her. I had thought Ilsa, who works for Jo, might end up with Nils but it seems not. I do hope Nils will get a story of his own in the future :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media – Crimson Romance for the ARC. This is my honest review.

4 Stars

a good read, held my attention from start to finish.