I was really looking forward to reading this book. The description appealed to me. However, I was a little disappointed. It felt like it was more of a YA novel than for adults. The characters were not well developed and felt one-dimensional. I looked forward to exploring England, specifically the architecture and old castles. However, the theme of God’s love and redemption and trusting Him was one saving grace. I would not discourage you from reading this book. But I would go into it with the understanding that the dialogue is rather weak and juvenile and miscarriage and divorce are mentioned in case those are triggers for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Love Inspired Trade for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

A story of redemption for the two main characters, Ellora and Alex. Full of inspirational messages, second chances, romance, adventure and mystery I think anyone would be blessed to read this story,

I enjoyed reading <i>The Lost Manuscript,</i> set in a small town in north-western England. Ellie’s grandmother is missing, and she disappeared in England while searching for a mysterious lost manuscript. Ellie takes on a history teaching role at the historic English college where her estranged husband is living and working because she wants to solve the mystery of her grandmother’s disappearance.

Traumatic circumstances led to the breakdown of Ellie and Alex’s marriage, and the emotional fallout is explored in the story. Alex assists Ellie in her search for her grandmother and the elusive lost manuscript, and they’re forced to deal with the consequences of their past choices.

I appreciated the strong faith element and the forgiveness themes in the story. Historical fiction readers will love the fascinating historical threads woven into a contemporary fiction story. I recommend <i>The Lost Manuscript</i> to contemporary romance readers who like married couple romances with a compelling mystery that draws on the rich historic setting of an English castle and village.

This book was not for me, but it was also not a good book. The author writes like she is describing the Hallmark movie she is watching in her head, but doesn't have more than a passing knowledge of academia, England, the long and complex history of Christianity, or narrative tension. This is unfortunate for a mystery set in the UK where history professors are racing to find a Christian artifact. The spelling and grammar were fine, though, so it's got that going for it.

While I didn't love this one as much as the author's first book I still enjoyed reading this one. And I look forward to more books by this author.

If you enjoy stories in the vein of National Treasure, then you're going to enjoy this story! There's mystery, intrigue, and fun history lessons throughout. On top of that, a marriage that's falling apart while the main characters try to figure out if it's worth saving.

Who can resist a story based around finding a manuscript written centuries ago, by a woman no less, and Grandma June missing while trying to find it? Oh, and let's top it off with a thread of Vikings mixed in.

Ellora and her best friend, Lanae, head to England for two different reasons. Ellie to see if she can find her missing grandma and Lanae for work at Alnwick in their "study abroad" program. The problem with this trip, aside from her missing grandma, is her estranged husband. There's a lot of history between those two, and we learn more and more as we go deeper into the story. THEY even learn more about each other as the story goes on.

I really had such a heart for Ellie. She's been through so much in her life and things don't seem to be getting easier. Her husband, Alex, has also had some hardships, which has hardened his heart to certain things that relate to Ellie. On a positive note, their quest to find out what happened to Grandma June and to see if the illuminated manuscript actually exists forces them to work together. Even with their growing chasm they still love each other.

In the meantime, I suspect nearly everyone being involved in June's disappearance. Ellie and her band of treasure hunters find clues along the way to help them move forward. Sometimes those clues were a little confusing to me. The team was able to piece each one together so I never would've been able to help them.

It was hard to be on the outside looking in when it came to Ellie and Alex. I could see both of their perspectives in each circumstance that arose, and if it was hard for me to reconcile it all, I could understand why it was even harder for them. I appreciated that the author used Scripture to move their hearts and minds towards each other as well as helping them be more introspective of their thoughts and emotions.

This is a pretty fast-paced story and if you like adventure, you'll like this one!

I’m such a sucker for historical romances. I can’t get enough of them. This was another I really enjoyed. It was a nice break from all the adult fantasy I’ve been reading lately. Super sweet romance.

What I liked most was the way that The Lost Manuscript weaves in places, artifacts and history into a contemporary story. The premise for the hunt and clues left by the main character’s missing grandmother felt a little far fetched and some of the exciting scenes were a bit melodramatic. But this was an enjoyable story with elements of historical fiction, romance and a mystery. Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for an early copy of this book to read and review. This book came out in August 2023 so is available now.

Who doesn't love a trip to England in a mystery? Add a chance of forgiveness and the hunt for a lost manuscript and you have a perfect story.
Ellora returns to England with her soon-to-be ex-husband, Alexander, in hopes to find out what happened to her adventurous grandma who was on the hunt for a medieval manuscript. Ellora carries bitterness with her to England for Alex due to secrets she is withholding from him.
The Lost Manuscript setting makes the reader long to do a trip to a trip to castles in England and seek long lost secrets in the past. The mystery of finding Grandma June and the manuscript she was after leads to surprises of who is trustworthy. But, the best part of the story is when Ellora and Alex finds the best treasure of all-forgiveness with the help of God.
This was my second book by Mollie Rushmeyer and I look forward to her next one!
I received a complimentary copy of The Lost Manuscript thanks to Love Inspire and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this story of two history teachers who are separated but still married and searching for a lost manuscript that Ellora's grandmother disappeared while seeking! There is danger when someone does not want the manuscript to be found! I enjoyed the time in England and that Ellora and her husband, Alex, were able to look honestly at their past, be honest with each other, forgive and put God in a more prominent position in their lives. I recommend The Lost Manuscript to others. I received a complimentary e-book of The Lost Manuscript through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Author Mollie Rushmeyer offers us her second novel, her first being The Bookshop of Secrets. Both are worth reading. Rushmeyer is making herself known in the Christian fiction community.

Ellora and Alex are well written characters who really need to be shaken. Can they get their act together?? Goodness those two.

The Lost Manuscript takes us to England, where Rushmeyer gives us some really good descriptions. I’d love to visit! The book is full of mystery and intrigue, including a missing grandmother. Can this be solved before it’s too late? If you enjoy a book with all the feelings, and one where we are reminded we need God in our lives, then do read this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Lost Manuscript

The story was excellent! It was well written, it was suspenseful., and very detailed.

About this book:

“It’s not just Ellora Lockwood’s home that’s being emptied as she prepares to sell—her heart seems to be empty too. Since the mysterious disappearance of her beloved Grandma June and separating from her husband, Alex, Ellora has felt adrift. Then comes an invitation from Alex to teach history at a summer program at Alnwick Castle in England. He’s even found information about the location of a medieval manuscript that was her grandmother’s obsession before she vanished.
Warily, Ellora accepts Alex’s offer. Surrounded by lush English countryside and captivating history, she pieces together clues about the manuscript’s whereabouts—and uncovers new questions. Could someone have been sabotaging her grandmother’s work? Anonymous threats lead Ellora to suspect she too may be in danger, but as she and Alex work together, she’s finding strength, new purpose and the courage to see this quest through, wherever it may lead…”


Series: As of now, no. A stand-alone novel.


Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read, quoted, remembered, & discussed; Prayers, Crying out to God, & Thanking God; Church going & a hymn; Many talks about God, trusting Him, His plans, grief, & those in the Bible; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Ellora feels awkward going to church in the beginning, thinking that everyone will be able to tell about their near-divorce and that she isn’t speaking to God; Ellora feels like God abandoned her; Both Ellora & Alexander have difficultly talking to God and praying *Spoiler* but start to think that it’s their faults rather than God towards the middle of the book and starts praying *End of Spoiler*; Many, many mentions of religious persecution, the Lindisfarne Gospels, Psalters, a Celtic cross, the Christian Crusades, monks, monasteries, priories, cathedrals, & abbeys; Many mentions of God & trusting Him; Mentions of Bibles, parts of the Bible, those and lessons in the Bible, & Bible reading; Mentions of prayers, praying, & Thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, services, & hymns; Mentions of Christianity & others in history converting to it; A few mentions of illustrations/paintings of those and events in the Bible; A mention of being martyred;
*Note: Mentions of a rumored ghost story & places said to be haunted; A couple mentions of a rumored curse; A couple mentions of Pandora’s box; A mention of the witch in Hansel and Gretel.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, two forms of ‘dumb’, four forms of ‘idiot’, and eight ‘stupid’s; Eye rolling & Sarcasm;Almost drowning, Being held at gunpoint, Seeing someone shot, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Recalling seeing deaths & the body of a loved one after an accident (barely-above-not-detailed); A nightmare (including a “faceless evil” chasing her, barely-above-not-detailed); Alexander’s parents blame him for his brother’s death and his mother is especially bitter towards him; After Alexander left, Ellora sent him divorce papers (she feels like he abandoned her) & there’s many, many mentions of divorces (their possible divorce and others who have been affected by a divorce, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of a missing loved one & the possibility of the person being murdered (up to semi-detailed, *Spoiler* It’s revealed at the end, that the person was accidentally killed *End of Spoiler*); Many mentions of deaths & grief and guilt (for a unborn child, a grandmother, a brother, & a marriage); Mentions of wars in history, slaughtering, & kidnappings (including by the Vikings); Mentions of a store robbery, gunmen, being held at gunpoint, deaths, & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of drunks, drinking, drunk driving, & deaths (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fires & assumed deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a near-drowning (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of guns, being held at gunpoint, someone being shot, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of stealing & thieves; Mentions of threats; Mentions of drugs, drug addicts, making drugs, an explosion, & jail sentences; Mentions of a man’s a gambling problem, alcohol, & drinking; Mentions of rumors; A few mentions of violent husbands & their abuse; A few mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A couple mentions of vomiting; A mention of a child dying from leukemia; A mention of bullies; A mention of jealousy;
*Note: Mentions of a manuscript being written by a woman (in an era where that was unheard of) & some men from then and current day not wanting it because of that fact; A few mentions of singers & songs; A few mentions of movies, books, & fictional characters (Titanic, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, The Secret Garden, Little House on the Prairie, & Jekyll and Hyde); A mention of a car brand.


Sexual Content- A bit of staring at someone’s lips; Three hand kisses, two cheek kisses, three head/forehead kisses, an almost (semi-detailed) kiss, four barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and three semi-detailed kisses; Recalling kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Heat, Electricity, Smelling, & Nearness (including Alexander pulling Ellora’s into his lap, up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Blushes, Winks, Butterflies, & Flirting; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Ellora almost climbs into Alexander’s bed with him, but does not; Mentions of kisses, almost kisses, & kissing; Mentions of dates & dating; A mention of infidelity; A mention of a man being called a “hunky professor”; Some love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Shortly into the book, it’s revealed that Ellora had a miscarriage & we see a lot of grief from her about it (details will be put under a *Spoiler* section but please know that it’s a topic often mentioned and discussed throughout the book: *Spoiler* During a store robbery, Ellora was kicked in the stomach which caused her to lose the baby; Alexander did not know she was pregnant as she wasn’t far long and she hadn’t told him because he always said he didn’t want to have children; Alexander not wanting children is discussed somewhat often as Ellora used to have that opinion as well, but changed her mind when she found out she was pregnant; Alexander doesn’t want to be responsible for a child because of the what if’s of something happening to him or the child (he does not have a good relationship with his parents and that’s greatly affected his view on him being a good parent)) *End of Spoiler*; A few mentions of a father leaving the mother of his child when he found out she was pregnant; A mention of a mother-in-law making a comment about a woman’s biological clock; A mention of there being “legitimate [reasons] for some people to not want children. Not everyone was called to be a parent.”.

-Ellora Lockwood, age 31
-Alexander Lockwood
P.O.V. switches between them
368 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
Trigger Warning: miscarriage, divorce, & extreme grief
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, especially after reading the author’s debut book “The Bookshop of Secrets” last year and while enjoying it, that book was a more serious—albeit very bookish—read. “The Lost Manuscript” is very similar in the same regard that it deals with some possibly triggering topics but does not heavily focus on details of all of it. Human trafficking in the other book and a miscarriage, divorces, and grief in this one. It’s a more solemn read because of these topics and makes me mark this book more for older teens because of the content that comes with those territories.

I was really hesitant about reading this book because it follows a married couple—which typically means added sexual content and not the best read for teens, but I really appreciate this author keeping it on the cleaner side.

Because we only have Ellora’s point of view for the first bit of the book, when Alexander’s point of view entered in, I wasn’t a fan of him at all. But as they started communicating and being around the other about a third of the way in, I started to like them both a bit more.

Communication. It’s important and both of the main characters needed to work on it—including on being open with their spouse—instead of just walking away when it’s hard. They both become aware of their faults in the past and both struggle with different things. Their reactions and thought process all felt very realistic and timed well, but I just wanted them to get the show on the road and happiness for both of them. There’s a lot about their marriage, choices, and if they can possibly be together again. It wasn’t so raw that I felt uncomfortable reading those scenes (discussions and fights/arguments) like I was in the middle of a conversation I shouldn’t be listening to (now whether that’s a good thing or not, take your pick), but I do wish they would have quit being distracted by the manuscript—which felt like an easy out at times.

On the manuscript stuff: They are both such history nerds. I was just along for the ride. The manuscript stuff bored me at times, personally, because I’m not interested in those time periods or items. Because of that, I will say that I started to get frustrated that right when they would try to talk through important relationship stuff, something happened with the hunt of the manuscript and their focus was switched to that instead. (I guess I thought that their relationship should be way more important than a dusty old stack of papers?) Despite being bored at times about all the history parts that frankly didn’t interest me, I did enjoy some of the treasure hunt parts of it because who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? (I was suspicious of the villain, but I can’t tell you why as there wasn’t many hints. Just a gut feeling, I suppose.)

The faith content was definitely a strong part of this book, especially at the ending, which I liked seeing. I was glad to see discussions and thoughts on God and trusting Him, especially after what Ellora and Alexander have been through. Sometimes it felt a little too “what-a-powerful-Pinterest” quote (in the sense it was a little to wisdom filled or deep for the character thinking it, in my opinion), though, and made it feel a little awkward—well-meaning by the person saying it, but a little squeezed into a conversation.

The ending was decent, but if they were a real-life couple that I knew, I think I would be concerned for them. They truly need an honest to goodness strong-in-their-faith Christian couple to counsel them and encourage them in their personal walks with God. They both had a lot happen to them prior to their marriage and during their marriage as well (let alone within this book) with lots of anger, pride, selfishness, and many other emotions that were quick to explode during these pages. The epilogue was sweet and, again, I liked the faith content and realization, but I don’t know, I’m still worried for them and honestly feel a bit heavy after finishing this book.

**I know that some might think that me mentioning a miscarriage is a spoiler but 1.) it’s revealed very early in the book and 2.) is a major trigger for many and I’m disappointed that the back-cover doesn’t even allude to it especially with all the grief shown that could be so hard for those who have had to walk that path to read.


See y’all on Friday with a new review!



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Love Inspired Trade) for this honest review.

Ellora is a woman with sadness in her recent past. Due to some tragedies, including some personal to her marriage as well as the fact that her Grandma June is missing, Ellie needs a change in her life. She agrees to return to England to take up a position for the summer teaching.

As she returns to England, she must face the realities of her broken marriage to Alex, as well as discover if there is in fact a lost manuscript and what that connection is to her missing grandmother.

There is a mild Christian element to this book due to the characters questioning right and wrong along with appealing to God and their faith.

It was a bit slow in places but it I mostly enjoyed "The Lost Manuscript" by Mollie Rushmeyer.

If you love history and books set in England, this book is for you! I enjoyed the romance between Ellora and Alex. Their romantic backstory, and the reason they were separated, was believable and explained well. I love how I got to watch them walk through their fears and then grasp the hope of a future together, all while learning to rely on God more. It was lovely to see an almost divorced couple reunited and stronger. Great book!

This book is a book uniquely portraying HOPE - “Now, I’m not talking about blind-eyed optimism. I’m talking about hard-fought, hard-won, hope. Born of a peace that only comes after a long battle, forged in the darkest mire you never thought you’d have to wade through. But you made it and you knew that you never would’ve made it through without His help.’

A quest for a long lost historical artifact - a manuscript, a “book”.....a search for a lost grandmother, a journey of two people who have allowed grief, pride, fear, and guilt to cause them both to withdraw and drift apart when they needed each other the most.

This author doesn’t shy away from the deep, hard, very real issues of life - separation and divorce, miscarriage, grief, depression, anger, emotional baggage from childhood trauma. I love to read stories that I can relate to because life is hard; stories like these where the characters wrestle through the gritty, hard times and yet find redemption gives hope and inspiration!

The author plops you right in the center of the hardest time of the characters’ lives - Ellora and Alex are not only already married, but separated and headed for an inevitable divorce, it seems. (second chance love story=redemption!) They were both equally flawed and equally responsible for the problem in their marriage, both yearning for reconciliation but at times too proud/stubborn/scared to let the other know.

And who doesn’t love all things British?!? Especially when you have a “hunky professor” for a main character?!? And the tea room cafe - AAHHH - I would LOVE to visit a real place like that! The old buildings, the castles, the gardens - perfect!

Then there’s the adventure/quest vibe - secret codes, hidden compartments, trails of clues, old artifacts, music boxes, old leather-bound journals and books, dark secret passages, old steamer trunks… LOVED IT!!!

And finally, the references to a real-life faith in Jesus sprinkled throughout (which is why I so love Christian fiction!). These characters were flawed people who had highs and lows in their circumstances, their relationships, and their walk with God. Just like me.

So, yes, I highly recommend this book and this author. Read this book (and her other one, The Bookshop of Secrets). I’m so glad I did!

(I received a digital complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This appealing novel combined elements of a priceless ancient manuscript, British medieval history, a person mysteriously disappearing, a young couple confronting the frailty of their marriage, and blended it with grief, loss, and faith to provide an absorbing Christian-themed mystery.

Ellora and Alex are in the final stages of divorcing when he invites her to teach history at a summer program at Alnwick Castle in England, where he has been living for the past seven months. As this is the same area where her Grandma June has been searching for a lost medieval manuscript before she disappeared, Ellora is compelled to accept Alex’s offer.

This hope-filled novel was a second chance romance and a mystery reminiscent of Nancy Drew as Ellora puts together the clues her grandmother left for her, and dodges anonymous threats, survives a sabotaged float, is trapped in a cave, and braves other dangerous situations.

I appreciated the way author Mollie Rushmeyer incorporated Ellora’s faith crisis into the plot. Also enjoyed the symbolism and allusion to family and history. Grandma June had taught Ellora “to love history. To find secrets behind what’s already known. To dig deeper and never settle for what’s on the surface. She encouraged Ellora in her passion for historical truth.” It was this passion that drove Ellora to continue her search for her grandmother and the missing ancient manuscript.

This was a satisfying novel of brokenness, heartbreak, forgiveness, and redemption. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

Content Warning: miscarriage

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.