The Lost Manuscript is an easy to read tale, with mystery elements, and ends up being a pretty good story. However, the first half of the book relayed the same information and clues with little more added to push the pace forward. The relationship storyline rehashed thoughts and feelings much like a YA novel with a MC that was hard to like as an adult. A family history dump mid-book (roughly 180 pages in) finally explained what needed to be said earlier on. The second half of the book was enjoyable, well written and held that this story would have been much better had it been about 100 pages shorter.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

What a unique story!

Part adventure, part romance, part mystery and much more! With enough history to be able to write an academic paper from the fantastic research incorporated into the story and the academic atmosphere to make you wish you were actually back in school so you could write said paper, Rushmeyer has created a memorable story that has so much for everyone to enjoy!

If you give this book a chance, you won't be disappointed!

The Lost Manuscript is an interesting story of an ancient medieval manuscript, created by a woman, and hidden away for hundreds of years. This is Christian fiction, and while I appreciate the religious side of this story, I found the musings about God's plans and prayer unnecessary to the story at times.

Ellora feels abandoned by the people she loves. Her parents were addicts who left her with her Grandma June when she was young. June disappeared several months ago from England while searching for a lost medieval manuscript. Ellora had a miscarriage during a store robbery and her husband knew nothing about the baby they lost. Her marriage ended when her husband took a job in Alnwick. She can't seem to move on and is consumed with grief and anger.

Her husband Alex did run away, because he couldn't understand her anger at him for saving a woman during the robbery. Why does she feel so abandoned by him? He never wants children, and while he doesn't know about the child they lost, he does know she wanted a child. They had agreed on no children when they married; why has she changed her mind now?

But God (and Grandma June) is bringing them back together. Alex finds a letter to Ellora under a rug in her office in Alwick, and he urges her to come to teach with him at the university's summer session at the castle so she can investigate and maybe find the lost manuscript. Her best friend Lanae is coming, too, as a resident advisor.

Ellora, Alex, Lanae and Oscar, Alex's friend, get caught up in the mystery of what happened to June, and where the mysterious manuscript can be. Ellora gets threatening messages, but she can't stop looking for her beloved grandmother and the manuscript that may have led to her death.

This story captivated me from the beginning. I did want to scream at Ellora and Alex to Just. Talk. To. Each. Other., and I did feel some of the mentions of God and prayer felt like they were just tacked on. But unlike some Christian fiction, the mentions of God weren't excessive and didn't detract from the story.

Those who love history, and strong women who broke boundaries, will enjoy this story, as long as the references to God and religion aren't off-putting. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

I was given a copy of The Lost Manuscript in exchange for being a part of the launch team for the book. Ellora is dealing with a separation from her husband and her grandmother being missing all at the same time. Her husband has gone over to teach college in England, where her grandmother had been on a search for a lost manuscript from medieval times. She takes a chance by going to teach at the same college as her husband for a summer, hoping both for reconciliation and a way to find her grandmother and the manuscript. The book was interesting, but there was a lot of drama packed into a shorter book. I think it could have been better either just as a mystery or as a chick-lit book, but combining it, along with different points of view, made the storyline confusing at times.

This was a _great_ read! It felt very _National Treasure_-like, which made my NT-fangirl heart very, very happy. :) I channeled the movie probably more than I should have, even reading certain things in movie characters' voices or internally saying, "This is just like that scene!" (in the best way!).

It was also hilarious to read immediately after Roseanna M. White's A Beautiful Disguise; the town of Alnwick, England, plays a significant role in both books. Now that I know Alnwick is actually a legit place, and not an invention of either author's (though that has been known to happen, including intentional crossovers between authors' books--like Rachel Hauck and...now I'm forgetting who! Denise Hunter, maybe?)--a) I want to visit there, and b) I'm a little sad it wasn't a super-cool, super-niche fictional crossover, lol. BUT, it was so coincidental anyway!

Rushmeyer does a wonderful job at bringing small-town England to life. Having spent a fair bit of time in country myself, and visiting similar small towns (Salisbury and Wells, in particular, come to mind), I really appreciated her talent for doing so, and keen eye for detail in that regard. I am more ready than I should be to get on a plane! ;)

I remembered while writing this review that I read Rushmeyer's other book, The Bookshop of Secrets, late last year, and enjoyed comparing notes on the two. I definitely prefer this one, and feel Rushmeyer has grown significantly as an author. The writing and plot were much tighter here, and she did much more showing over telling (something I'd struggled with in _Bookshop_). So that heightens my appreciation of this read even more!

A lot of fun to read, on a lot of levels. Well done.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book by new-to-me author Mollie Rushmeyer was a treat. The historical puzzle, the family drama, and the who-done-it type mystery combine to create an intriguing story that is difficult to step away from. Having read it during the first week of my recovery from injuries sustained in a serious automobile accident, it meant a lot to have such a wonderful diversion.

The central theme of this book revolves around the struggle to hold onto one's view of a loving and caring God when life is extremely hard and filled with disappointment and sorrow. While that may sound depressing, this book overall has a positive vibe. If The Lost Manuscript had a soundtrack, its final chapters would be accompanied by the song Blessed Be His Name by Matt and Beth Redman.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Lost Manuscript from Harlequin's Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Reading 'The Lost Manuscript' is an adventure in itself. The twists and turns that keep you turning the pages of this manuscript were so elegantly penned, with the allure of mystery hanging at the end of every chapter. There were always new clues to find, and new points of the relationships between the heroine and her husband, and exciting events between the heroine and her best friend. You really never know what to expect with any book, and before reading this book, it was no different for me. I loved that thoughts about reading the book lingered and I always felt a longing to go back and read the book until it was over, and I am now excited for more titles from Mollie Rushmeyer. I loved the Christian element that this book had with the mysterious manuscript described being of Christian origins and the setting of this book in a historically Christian community. I felt that the journey the heroine went on was one of a Proverbs 31 woman, and she really was truly of good virtue. I will read literally anything by Mollie Rushmeyer after having read this book and hope that in the future her books have just as many twists and turns as this one did. The ending of this novel was not what I had expected but somehow was exactly what I had been hoping for.

When I reviewed “Bookshop of Secrets” last year I described it as “intense and layered.” As it was my first experience with Rushmeyer’s writing I wasn’t entirely sure that I wanted to read “The Lost Manuscript,” because intense is not the style that I’m choosing these days. The synopsis, however, proved too alluring and I decided to give it a try.

I loved it.

This book is also layered, and I suppose some may call it intense, but the relational nature of the conflicts and the historical intrigue around the mystery drew me in without making the story feel heavy. The fight to live and to love, to discover and to honor all soothed my heart in the midst of the story, so that I felt such hope for the characters as they traveled the path before them. And the story of the manuscript itself was completely engaging.

Also, being a dual citizen, I enjoyed the US-UK aspects of this story.

It was very Indiana Jones or T. Davis Bunn “Gold of Kings” style reading and I’m glad that I took a chance on it. I received a free digital copy of this book with the understanding that I would provide a review with my honest opinion.

The Lost Manuscript is a mystery wrapped in a broken relationship.

Since the mysterious disappearance of her beloved Grandma June and separating from her husband, Ellora has felt adrift. Out of the blue, Alex invites her to teach history at a summer program in England. He’s even found information about the location of a medieval manuscript that was her grandmother’s obsession before she vanished. Nervously, Ellora accepts Alex’s offer worried how their fragile relationship will cloud the experience. Surrounded by lush English countryside and captivating history, she pieces together clues about the manuscript’s whereabouts and uncovers new questions. But she also finds herself in danger. Mysterious texts warn her away, and her parade float is sabotaged. Is her life worth finding the manuscript?
Mollie Ruchmeyer wraps a mystery in relationship wallpaper. The story hinges on finding the manuscript as well as dealing with Ellora’s marriage. I preferred the mystery of the missing manuscript. This hunt is expounded when danger strikes and Ellora is injured. The stakes have risen for her and the person who has been taunting her anonymously. Working with a local treasure-hunting group, Ellora, her friend, her husband, and the aforementioned group provide safety as the search takes them to some dangerous place. The story becomes exciting pulling the reader in.
While I genuinely wanted Ellora to have peace, I was frustrated with the relationship aspect. Ellora demands her husband change about having a baby when he has never wanted one. And the book gives you a supposed happy ending. Here is the bottom line: things like children are a decision made by each person and if the people are not compatible (or become incompatible), they need to separate. We should not be cheering for someone to change their mind about something as important as a baby. It is OK not to want to have a baby.
Other than the idea of changing someone’s mind, I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed learning more about North Umbria (I am a huge fan of The Last Kingdom series). The mystery was satisfying and the biggest highlight of the book.

This story was ok. I didn't really like the characters and felt the story moved along too slowly. I was more interested in the story of the Lost Manuscript than what was going on with the characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this contemporary book filled with mystery and lots of historical elements. Ellora's marriage may be on the rocks, but when her husband calls her with a note from her beloved Grandma June, she drops everything to cross the pond. Grandma June disappeared while looking for a lost illuminated medieval manuscript and Ellora will stop at nothing to figure out what happened to her. This book is perfect for those who love history, treasure hunts, and romance.

Molly Rushmeyer’s books just keep getting better and better. The Lost Manuscript is a delightful explosion of history, intrigue, and romance. It is also a novel of God taking broken pieces and putting them back together. I really liked Molly’s first book called The Bookshop of Secrets. But I LOVED The Lost Manuscript. And I anticipate this novel will have history buffs squealing with delight. She did a great job of providing a fun plot of taking an estranged couple on a historical treasure hunt.
Favorite quotes from A Lost Manuscript:
God was creating a whole magnificent picture out of their lives. It was in the looking back that she could see all of the places he was there for her, where she thought things couldn’t possibly turn out all right. But together, all of the beauty, all of the pian, everything she’d learned along the way, worked in Harmony. He’d taken what she thought was thought was behind repair, all of her dreams she thought were lost forever, and redeemed every one.
I received a complimentary copy of The Lost Manuscript from Net Galley with no obligations other than my personal honest opinion.

This book is a great read! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It has wonderful characters, a great plot and just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages. This book is a fabulous read that you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from HARLEQUIN - Romance via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this story and following the characters on the search for the lost manuscript. I would consider this book a romantic suspense. It has all the feels, and enjoyed turning pages of finding out the story of Alex and Ellora. Just be aware that there is a Christian message throughout the story. I really enjoyed this journey and would recommend. It had many great quotes throughout. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this E-Arc. 4 star

Oooh this was a fun one! Between trying to figure out the mystery of the Lost Manuscript and how Alex and Ellora would find their way back to one another made for a read I couldn't hardly put down. I was all in for this story. The setting was super too as I love a story set in England. Loved this one, and I hope we see more with these characters. I'd love to see Natalie get her own story!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer is Christian Romance filled with mystery and suspense. I enjoyed the constant adventures and mystery that involved every character. Ellora and Alex’s romance was realistic with deep love and turmoil early in their marriage. The plot is intriguing and kept me guessing until the end. All the historical details and backstory added to the story. Overall a sweet story with an excellent Christian message of trusting God in everything to bless your life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

The Lost Manuscript was a lovely romance/mystery from author Mollie Rushmeyer.

Ellora Lockwood is a medieval professor whose life is at a crossroads. Her Grandmother June has disappeared in England while looking for a lost manuscript supposedly written and illustrated by a woman during medieval times. Ellora’s estranged husband Alex has fled the marriage and Ellora for England as well after a tragic incident that saw a young man killed and caused Ellora to have a miscarriage. Alex persuades Ellora to come teach at Alnwick castle for the summer and he offers to assist her in finding her Grandmother and possibly the missing manuscript as well. With her best friend Lanae and Oscar, a horse trainer at Alnwick castle, they all embark on an adventure to find Grandmother June, the manuscript and possibly grace and forgiveness as well.

The story was well done with a literary mystery, some nefarious characters and the love and redemption that comes from faith and forgiveness. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to more from the author in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Harlequin Romance, and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

I loved the cover of The Bookshop of Secrets, and this cover is equally beautiful. After reading the book, I think the cover matches the story well. Since the characters search for an ancient manuscript dyed with lapis lazuli, the bright blue book feels appropriate.

The beginning of the book felt awkward. However, I always feel wary of Christian books which focus on a divorced, or separated and on the brink of divorced in this case, couple as the main characters. I also went into this book without reading the synopsis, so I just knew part of it was set in the UK and followed a woman as she searched for a missing manuscript. Once all of the characters met up in England and started on the actual mystery, things fell into a good pace without as much floundering.

The hunt for the manuscript kept my attention. The married couple worked on communicating better with each other. One of the villains took me by surprise. The English setting satisfied my wanderlust. Overall, it was a great book. I just wish the publisher had included a map. I became a bit confused as to where all of the places the characters visited were located. I have not settled on a star rating yet, but it gets at least 4 stars from me. If any of my readers enjoy low-stakes mystery or a book set in England, pick up a copy of The Lost Manuscript when it comes out in 2 weeks on August 29, 2023.

Learn from your grandmother’s mistakes. Be careful digging into the past, or history is doomed to repeat itself. Grandma June has spent most of her life looking for this missing, illuminated manuscript. It has consumed her and now the search is on, not only for the manuscript, but for Grandma as well. Will they be happy with the ending?

This is a wonderful mystery, a scavenger hunt through the bowels of history in the attempt to discover whether or not this manuscript even exists. There is plenty of action, danger and suspense in the search. Add the rocky relationship between Ellora and Alex and you will begin to wonder if they will ever get it together, and trust that God’s plan is better than their own. A story of choices and second chances - which ones will they choose?

An early copy was received through Love Inspired, Harlequin and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

Mollie Rushmeyer was a new-to-me author with this title, but I will most certainly be looking to read more from her. The Lost Manuscript is a sweet/clean romance with heavy religious themes. However, neither the main characters nor the plot felt “preachy,” and I thoroughly enjoyed how authentic and flawed our hero and heroine were as they faced a significant crossroads. The mystery was engaging, and it wasn’t until near the end that I could identify the true villain. While I guessed correctly before the character’s true identity was revealed, the red herrings along the way adequately kept me speculating. This second-chance Christian romance thoroughly entertained me, and I look forward to reading Ms. Rushmeyer’s debut book now that I’ve been wonderfully introduced to her talent.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐