The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green - On Central Park, book 1

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations. The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud. With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

If you're looking for a classier Roaring 20's story rather than stereotypical, then check this one out! Sure, prohibition and mafia-esque players are part of the setting--especially with a police detective as one of the main characters--but the focus is on the antiquities world and the white collar corruption within. Lauren is a highly educated heroine, and it's really just a by-product of her job and education that she is one of the very best at recognizing forgeries. I loved her conclusion on how to recognize a fake--if you immerse yourself in the genuine article and study what is true, then you will be much more likely to spot what is false. And that applies to a lot more than just antiquities.

The love story is not the focus of the story, but it's a sweet addition. I liked how they had been friends long ago and were able to pick up nearly where they'd left off over a decade before. I hope there will be follow-up stories on Lauren's roommates!

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide. When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. 

Before this book, I think the only time I remember hearing of Denmark's role in WWII was reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, back in 6th grade, maybe? That being twenty plus years ago, my knowledge of Denmark's role was minimal. It was interesting reading about life in the best-off occupied country in Europe, where standards of living remained high and German interference remained low far longer into the war. I loved how much actual history was incorporated into the story, such as how Henrik and his rowing is based off a real man, and all the scientists Else works with at the university.

I enjoyed the characters, and I loved how Henrik's story parallels the Little Mermaid to a degree (NOT the Disney version, though--the bittersweet Andersen tale). I was laughing at myself for being impressed with the maturity of the characters. Usually when secret identities are in play, you can expect a sub-optimal accidental reveal, after which the drama is milked for all its worth. It happens ALL the time. But not in this book. I could hardly believe it--a mature (and planned) conversation heading off potential problems before they can arise and put everyone's lives in jeopardy. Who would ever expect it?

Thank you Revell and Net Galley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

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