The Gilded Curse by Marilyn Turk is a historical suspense novel. Combining secrets, mysteries, suspense, and World War II, this book drew me in immediately. As the first book in the new series, A Suspicious Shores, this book perfectly blends historical fiction and clean romance.

I love the setting of Jekyll Island and the wonderful way Marily Turk sets up this story. I loved getting to know Russell and Lexie. I wanted to continue reading to discover how the author would develop these characters and the storyline.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who loves clean historical novels filled with some suspense.

So, if you enjoy historical suspense novels, check out The Gilded Curse by Marilyn Turk for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I enjoyed the setting and the historical details that sets this book up as very well written. Pearl Harbor will always be remembered and the author takes us back to that place where lives changed forever. Lexie is grieving the loss of her brother and more recently her mother. Going back to the cottage owned by her family she is greeted by mystery, secrets and an old friend. I like how the story drives readers to keep reading as we see twists that suddenly appear to keep us on our toes.

Lexie has no intention of staying long until Russell convinces her that he will help find out who sent her the telegram that brought her to this place. With a bit of romance and faith this story was fun to read. I enjoyed watching Lexie and Russell rekindle their friendship and was excited to see where it would go. The strange goings on at the cottage was intriguing and kept me guessing .

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

“The Gilded Curse” is a captivating mystery that surprised me! I love when I’m kept in suspense and am not privy to the answers from the beginning.

I don’t read a lot of believe this is the third book I’ve read by this author in 2023. I love how the prologue opens during Christmastime—even though the setting is a 1941 sanatorium. Yikes. I was instantly intrigued.

Lexie and Russell are easy to connect to. I empathized with Lexie, with so much going on and adding emerging feelings for Russell into the mix.

I appreciate the mysterious atmosphere the author creates, and the interesting characters and plot. I’ve never visited Jekyll Island, but I feel as if I have now. I love the elements of danger, romance, history, and suspense, but it’s the features of faith and inspiration that I relish in the most. There’s also a peek at the next series installment in the back of the book. (I’m intrigued—again!)

First Line (Prologue): “Mother, how do you like the tree?”
Series: Suspicious Shores book 1
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense
Author: Marilyn Turk
Page Count: 366

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine. ( )

“Lexie was beginning to believe there were too many secrets on the island, including those that involved her. She promised herself she’d discover the truth and trust Russell to help her. Unless he was too busy keeping his own secrets.”

Marilyn Turk combines romance, suspense, mystery, and WWII to bring us the first book in the Suspicious Shores series, The Gilded Curse.

In 1942, Lexie Smithfield has returned to the summer playground of the rich and famous, Jekyll Island, to dispose of her family's dilapidated cottage. Having lost her father to an accident, her mother to dementia, and her brother to the war, Lexie has no one to rely on but herself.

When Lexie returns, she finds a childhood friend, Russell Thompson, superintendent of the club, waiting for her. She also encounters former unwanted acquaintances, a surly gardener, and rumors of ghosts in her cottage.

The cottage has secrets and is most forbidding. Yet, someone is after something valuable in the old cottage. As things go from bad to worse, Lexie hears over and over in her head her Mother’s voice, claiming the curse of Jekyll Island has ruined their family.

With strange sightings off the coast and strange happenings in the cottage, can Lexie and Russell work together, overcoming social barriers, to find the truth before the curse claims its last victim? Can Lexie find her way back to God, or is He angry at her because she has ignored Him for so long?

I loved the topics broached in this touching story. PTSD, mental illness, respect for veterans, better treatment for mentally ill, social barriers, fears, fear of God. All are a natural part of the story.
And the history! I love learning new things, and I never knew some of these facts about WWII and our own shores.

I highly recommend this book. I immediately went to my fave retailer and bought the sequel, Shadow of the Curse, for more adventures with Lexie and Russell.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought an ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ( )

Destiny needs you. Please come right away.

Lexie hasn’t visited Jekyll Island and the club for many years. The family quit traveling there for vacation when her father died under suspicious circumstances. As the sole survivor it was time to make a decision regarding the Destiny cottage. Then came the cryptic message. Imagining Russel, the club superintendent, had sent it, Lexie traveled with selling in mind. However, the mystery and secrets were not to be denied.

A wonderful story occurring at a time when the German submarines were sinking ships off the eastern shore, creating a great deal of intrigue and excitement. Could she possibly figure out what was going on in the midst of all of this?

An early copy of Suspicious Shores Book 1 was received through Winged Publications and CelebrateLit. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )