Natalie’s crumbling marriage takes a backseat when she joins a thrilling hunt for a rare Lewis Carroll manuscript—but things get complicated when her husband, Mason, joins the team too. As they dig into the past, both in the book and their relationship, they might just find a second chance at love.

When I first started reading, I had flashbacks to Charlie’s Angels. Those vibes faded as I got further in and became enthralled. Between Natalie and Mason’s marriage issues, running all over the globe, and searching for the manuscript, there was so much to take in.

I’m all for the adventure, but I kept thinking how thankful I am for my husband. The struggles Natalie and Mason face are real, and I felt Natalie was unusually hard on Mason. While she sometimes said the right things, her actions and thoughts didn’t always match. Mason, I adored. He had his issues, but he seemed to be trying just a smidge harder than Natalie. Come on, Nat!

The time hops were marked. It was fascinating to hear Luciana Perez’s thoughts—how the book came to be, its impact on her, and hints on its whereabouts.

After reading, I’m hooked. I want to read book one and can't wait for book three. For lovers of books about books, history, and globe-trotting stories, this shouldn’t be missed.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry is the second book I have read written by Susan L. Tuttle, and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed being back with the crew whisking off to solve the next puzzle that Caspar threw at them.

The character development was great. I loved getting back with the group. Seeing where Everleigh and Neil had come. It was fun to get to know Natalie and Mason on a deeper level and dig into their relationship problems. It was also fun getting to know more about the others in the crew and getting to know a little bit more about the mysterious Caspar.

The storyline and setting were great. I loved hunting down the book in the piles at the mansion and old bookstores. I had fun envisioning the different scenes. As before, it was fun to have the snippets of the past to really bring the story to life.

The romance was perfect low spice, closed-door romance. It was a great reminder for my own relationship to keep each other and God at the center. To remember to invest in our marriage, and not just feel like we are up against each other but working as a team.

Susan L. Tuttle’s intertwining of faith throughout was the perfect touch. I was really encouraged.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtery is the second in the Secret of Halstead Manor series. I had been anxious to read the story of the second member of the group of ladies who are put on secret missions for an unknown man named Casper.
Natalie Daughtery loved her first adventure for Casper as she had become bored as an empty nester whose husband traveled a lot and gave her little attention. Casper’s assistant calls the group of three ladies for another mission-to find a lost early copy of Alice in Wonderland. Natalie is surprised when her husband Mason meets them in Colmar, France, to help them find the missing manuscript. Natalie needs to go forth and decide if she can salvage her marriage while finding the book.
I loved this second storyline. I appreciated the truths that author gave about all that comes in middle age and the new paths one can find. This series has become a favorite, especially when it takes the reader around the world.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel thanks to JustRead Publicity and Kregel Publishing, but all opinions are my own.

This was such a good read. I did not read the first in the series, but it did not detract from the story at all. I really appreciate romances that focus on older married couples because I am a happily married middle-aged woman, but I still enjoy moments of romance, pursuit, flirting. So the theme of regrowth or falling in love again is sweet and important. Each of the characters in this book are loveable, distinct, and relateable with unique traits that make them memorable as well. The plot centers around books, noteable well-loved, valueable books, or more specifically the search for one such book. I have always enjoyed the "treasure hunt" trope, so another check in the "pro" column! I am going to have to look up book 1 and watch for book 3 because this was a fun journey! I think I will enjoy spending more time on adventures with Natalie, Everleigh, and Brooke, and I think you would too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. A wonderful contemporary mystery full of the Librarian and Charlie's Angels vibes, with the mysterious employer sending three women on a mission. I have not read the first book in the series, but that did not affect my complete enjoyment of this story. The team is sent on a treasure hunt full of adventure. I wish I could pack my bag and join the team as they travel to places on my bucket list. The search for a rare literary treasure appealed to my nerdy bibliophile heart. While this is mostly a contemporary story, I loved the way Ms. Tuttle inserted brief chapters in an earlier timeline to hint at more of the back story.

Not only is this a great mystery, it is also a multi-layered story of friendship and family. Ms. Tuttle explores the relationships we hold as a friend, spouse and lover. Are these relationships strong enough to weather perceived betrayal and renew trust? Natalie and Mason's marriage is on the rocks. As with many empty-nesters, they realize they have grown apart. With Mason joining the treasure hunt, they must find a way to work together to not only solve a mystery but find their way back to each other.

I really liked the entire cast of characters, but am most intrigued by Casper. Why did he pick each woman for his team? I am sure answers will come in the final book of the series which will also give Brooke's story. I can't wait!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.