Worth a read.

My first horror/thriller novels were Goosebumps. And this reminded me of it except it was LOADS better than that. I have not read a monster book in a while, this was it.

In this smartly written novel a family seeks to avenge a 25 year old murder set mostly during the Depression era. I'm not a big fan of historical novels but this one is the exception.

I must say I was worried that this book was the 5th in the series and I had not read the others in the series. Let me tell you, I have not idea. This book sucked me at page 1 and I finished the whole book in one day laying on the beach.

Life was like a carousel. If you offer the world good and fair measure, it will in time come back to you. What goes around, comes around.

The Wilkes family lived by the mantra of the carousel. They worked hard and family mattered. Good fortune started with Emory Wilkes when he received a letter of inheritance. His family lived frugally and having money became a blessing. It was put to good use as his family grew. Emory's relationship with his wife and daughter was a relationship that he cherished. When his daughter Laura fell in love and married, tragedy was just around the corner.

The story line reflects family ties and family tragedy. I loved how the beginning was a build up to the tragedy that struck Emory's family and how they came together to live through the tragedy that deeply affected each member. Twenty-five years later, Laura's daughter brings the tragedy full circle where memories are made at the Carousel.

A clean read that is high on family commitment and how love overcomes any tragedy.

A Special Thank You to Bent Pine Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

After reading the very first sentence in this book, I just knew that Bette Lee Crosby had me hooked already. She has a way with words that will paint a picture in your mind. It's as if you are watching a movie instead of reading a book.

This is the 5th book in the Wyattsville series and once again, it's a beautiful story spanning three generations of a family. It will break your heart at times but oh, what a perfect combination of love, family, sorrow, and even a mystery to be solved. I enjoyed how a character from a previous book shows up in this one. We meet him at a different time in his life and that was interesting to read.

The characters are well developed and you will hate to see the end of the book coming. You'll have grown so attached to them and their lives, it's as if they are part of you.

The author has story telling down to a fine art. I highly recommend this touching novel to everyone!

* I was provided an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.

Bette Lee Crosby returns the reader to the town of Wyattsville in her new multigenerational family saga In Beyond the Carousel.

Suffering through The Depression, Emory Hawthorne and his mother are deserted by his father Lester when Emory is just a child. Lester went on to have a second family and lead a successful life apparently with little regard for his first family, but in later years regrets his decision. Emory is surprised when he later is approached by a lawyer bring news that his delinquent father has left him a small fortune. Emory and his wife Rose can now move from their cold-water flat to a new home where they can raise their daughter Laura. Although they have money, they lead a very simple life but are very happy making a life full of memories. However, just as the carousel at the park goes up and down as it spins around, so do the lives of Emory, Rose, Laura and her husband Franklin and their daughter Christine.

The story is about true love that survives death, suffering that seems endless, memories that endure, and final resolution and peace. It reminds the reader that life is like a carousel, with all its ups and downs, the ups of happiness and the downs of pain and regret but still well worth the ride.

The writing and storytelling in this book add to the tension, especially with the murder of Franklin and the later investigation. Laura’s discovery of the pictures of Franklin and Christine on the carousel was a wonderful way for her to keep the memory of her father and mother’s love alive. The characters all had well thought out personalities, a few the reader may have met in other books by Ms.Crosby, but they seem to come alive under her skillful hand. I enjoyed reading this book first on Social Book then as an ARC from NetGalley.
This book is the 5th in the Wyattsville Series and although reading the other books may add to a deeper understanding of some of the characters, it is a stand-alone book.

I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Bent Pine Publishing with no obligation to review it. This is my honest review.

I have read almost all of Bette Lee Crosby's books. The Memory House series is one of my favorites. I haven't read all in this series, The Wyattsville Series but I will be going back and getting those books. This book was one that I could not put down. Beyond the Carousel is about a family tragedy. It is a story about love and murder and heartbreak. The book definitely had my attention from the start! Its the story of Emory Hawthorne and his family and it definitely follows "what goes around, comes around". The story spans three generations of a loving family. This is another amazing book from this author. I received this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Southern storyteller Bette Lee Crosby returns following The Regrets of Cyrus Dodd (Wyattsville, #4) with BEYOND THE CAROUSEL (Wyattsville #5), when life is like a carousel – “If you offer the world good and fair measure, it will in time come back to you. What goes around comes around."

"Life is made up of good times and bad; sometimes in equal measures, sometimes unjustly weighted on one side of the scale or other. "

A tale of generations during the depression. In 1918 Lester Hawthorne died a wealthy man. After leaving his family back in Virginia and took off for New York, and married rich. Then he did not need to work. When his new wife died, Lester wrote to his ex-wife and asked for forgiveness. The letter did not make it, so he decided to visit the local law office and drew up a new will.

Before the year was out, Lester was dead and Archibald Parker at the law office began his search for the missing son.

Emory Hawthorne and his wife could not believe their luck. They had been accustomed to living poor and now they had money. Rose Hawthorne did not feel right spending money and was scared it would go away. She was opposed to extravagances of any sort. For so long she was protecting things, skimping on today so there would be a safe tomorrow. She soon realized Laura would be married and out of the house and there would be no need for a new house or a new sofa, so she gave in.

Emory wanted to spare everyone he loved and protect them. Her husband wondered why the change of heart; when she realized today is the tomorrow she worried about yesterday. Emory had a good job and they worked hard. Being well off and comfortable, meant more about having money in the bank. It was also about knowing that come what may, the person you love will be there for you. As long. as they had one another to love.

They built a good life with their daughter Laura and was glad for their new fortune with new furniture and a new house. Soon Laura took a job at the bank and met Henry. Henry was a stockbroker with an investment firm and invested their money wisely as well as offering tips to Laura’s dad. A marriage, a baby, and a good life.

However, later down the line with the stock market crash and an angry man, George Feldman,- revenge, a murder. Their safe life was cut short. Franklin Wilkes is killed; gunned down. They know the identity of the killer; however, he has disappeared. The murderer is never caught, but Laura and Emory, her father, never give up hope of finding him.

"The reality of death wears a thousand different disguises. Even when the ugliness of it is staring you in the face, you believe it is to be something else; bad luck, misfortune, a serious accident, but not death."

There was an investigation however, it was at the height of the Depression and like thousands of other, George Feldman simply disappeared into the crowds of unemployed men living in the cardboard houses alongside railroad tracks in one town or another.

They could not find him and bring him to justice. His daughter was only 23 when she lost Franklin and she never fell in love again.

Now, twenty-five years later, Laura’s daughter has fallen in love with Jack Mahoney cop. Determined to solve the mystery of the 25 year- old murder case, to finally receive justice for this family.

If you have read Bette’s previous books, you know there is always heartbreak, loss, pain, and joy. A balance of good and bad and always a lesson to be learned. From the depression, the war, poverty, and riches. The love of family. Survival.

Even though charming, I did not enjoy this one as much #4 The Regrets of Cyrus Dodd and some of her previous books in this series. Not as strong; a little too predictable, and realized early on what would happen. The suspense and intensity seemed to be lacking this go around compared to some of the others. Overall a thought-provoking multi-generational journey, and nice to catch up with familiar characters from previous books.

Recommend reading the previous books in the series; however, they can be read as a standalone.

A special thank you to Bent Pine and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

JDCMustReadBooks

Beyond the Carousel by Bette Lee Crosby is the fifth book in The Wyattsville Series. It is 1918 in Wyattsville, Virginia. Emory Hawthorne has been married to Rose for twelve years when he receives an unexpected inheritance from his father, Lester. Lester Hawthorne left a portfolio of stocks worth $9,000. Emory and his wife use the money to purchase of home on Chester Street. Their daughter, Laura is eleven years old when they move into the home. When Laura is eighteen she gets a secretarial position at Ridge Valley Savings Bank. It is at the bank that Laura meets Franklin Wilkes. Franklin is a stockbroker with Sampson Investment Company. The two quickly fall in love and marry. They have a little girl they name Christine. Franklin does well with the stock market and purchases them a cute bungalow. In 1928, Franklin invests his bonus check into stocks and convinces Emory to do the same. But then the market starts to fall. Franklin warns his clients to remove their money, but many do not listen. George Feldman had mortgaged his mother’s home and invested the money into the stock market. Franklin tried to convince him to withdraw his funds, but George is a stubborn man. Once George has lost everything, he blames Franklin. One night in 1930 Franklin is working late when George enters the building. George goes to Franklin’s office and shoots him six times. George quickly flees town and the police are unable to find him. Laura raises Christine with the help of her family. Christine grows up to marry Patrolman Jack Mahoney in Richmond. When Jack becomes a detective with the Wyattsville Police Department, he starts looking into Franklin’s murder. Twenty-five years have passed since Franklin’s senseless death. Jack is hoping to find some clue that will lead him to George Feldman. Will Christine and Emory finally get closer?

Beyond the Carousel is a well-written story with a good pace. The story contains lovely characters and a moving story. I found Beyond the Carousel to be heartwarming and heartbreaking. Beyond the Carousel will take you through the full range of emotions (joy, grief, love). I like how Bette Lee Crosby takes the reader through three generations of a family. We get to experience their ups and downs with them. This novel captured my interest from the very beginning and held it until I read the very last word. I love how the author wrapped up the story. I give Beyond the Carousel 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). While Beyond the Carousel is the fifth book in the series, it is a stand-alone. I have read several of this author’s books, but Beyond the Carousel is, by far, my favorite. She really brought the characters and story to life for me.

I got this book for an honest review on Netgalley and it was a beautiful and heartbreaking story.

The author takes us on a real life story journey, where we get to meet some amazing people. Their lives are not easy, some may say they are not privileged, but in my opinion they were, they had a strong family and true love which is not something easy to come by.

They suffered big losses, this isn't a love story, there is love and happiness, but there's also, terrible loss and extreme sadness, the one that settles deep in the soul and changes you forever.

I have to say my favourite character was Laura, she was probably the one that suffered the most, but even in her darkest times she was there for her daughter and her family and most importantly she kept going, even when there was an emptiness where her heart used to be, she pushed through the pain. She did her best during the day and at night she retreated and suffered her loss till forever.

This book teaches us about true love, the one that transcend life and death, the one that has no expiration date. Once you have that, your life is changed forever and even though you don't always get the happily ever after, you are blessed to have felt it. Some people spend forever looking for this type of love.

I suffered alongside these characters and I would like to believe that having met them made me a better person, learning from their stories, and realising that sometimes we worry about little things and feel like our world is ending, but when compared to this stories we can find the strength within ourselves to push forward.
Be happy about the life we have, the people we love that are still with us, and thank our stars for the time we get to spend with them.

A truly amazing read!

The story of three generations of a family including a murder during the stock market crash and 25 years later the case is re-investigated.
I was really hoping that there would be more crime in the story so unfortunately it was not my type of book and it only just held by interest to get to the end.

This book is a moving story about a family’s life and search for a killer that spans many years. Rose and Emory leave their depression-era cold water flat for a larger house in town, when Emory receives an inheritance from a father he really never knew well, who had not been a part of his life years before. The couple is very happy with their new house. They have one small daughter, Laura, who also is quite pleased with her new home, and settles in as easily as her parents. Laura grows up as the years pass and marries Franklin, a stockbroker, who obviously dotes on her. Laura and Franklin have one daughter, Christine, and also live in a large, beautiful house, wanting for little. In time, a customer, angry at losing money in the stock market crash, shoots and kills Franklin. Unfortunately, the man who killed her father is never found or caught by the authorities. As time passes, Christine never forgets her father. Later, Christine marries a rookie cop who sets out to find this killer, to put his wife Christine’s mind at ease and to help her complete her life’s desires.

This book is well done. The characters are developed. The settings are realistic. However, for some reason which I cannot figure out, I never really connected with the story or the characters. I am at a loss to figure out why, but it is what it is. I have read a lot of what the author has written, and, after reflecting on these other works, I must admit I never really fell in love with any of her other stories either, though some stand out more than others for me. I figured it must be her writing style or something like that that causes me to feel this way. Nevertheless, the books all provide enjoyable reads, as I said. They have just never become some of my favorites. Still, the author does deserve credit for her writing and her stories, as they are well done. One noteworthy thing about this book (and her others also, if my memory does not fail me) is the fact that the books are well researched and true to the time frames in which the stories occur, a credit to the author. This book will appeal to the reader who enjoys reading a tale that embraces one family and covers a long span of time or to someone looking for a good, solid read. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

This was very easy reading and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's about a family through the generations and the ups and downs that life throws out. By having those family bonds you can get through anything and also good can come from bad

Have read many books by this author. Never found one I didn't like. Good stories, real/well-developed characters, quick/easy reading and good writing. This was no exception. I enjoyed the book, but it got predictable as it went along and the ending most of all. She has written others I thought were better.

3.5 stars

A 25 year old Murder and an investigator determined to solve the case.

Laura Wilkes had a very happy life. She had loving parents, a wonderful husband and a young daughter. A daughter she took to ride a carousel one day and as she took pictures she captured images of a happy time - a time that would come to an abrupt end. Her husband, Franklin Wilkes is killed following the stock market crash. The police, as well as the reader, know who the killer is, but the killer has disappeared. This is the great depression and men are living in various locations: freight trains, alleys, etc. As time goes on, Laura never gives up hope that her husband's killer will be brought to justice.

Fast forward 25 years and Laura and Franklin's daughter has fallen in love with a police officer named Jack Mahoney. He is hopeful that he can find Franklin's killer.

This book is #5 in the Wyattsville series but can easily be read as a stand alone book. Like other books by Crosby, the characters feel extremely real and one feels for their plight. The research that went into this book is very evident. Her books have warmth and the characters have strong family ties. Her books tend to be fast reads for me. The pacing of her novels is neither too slow nor too fast. I never feel like her stories are rushed. On the other hand, I also never feel like her stories drag on either. I have read books that I really enjoyed but will comment that 50 or so pages needed to be edited out. I never feel this way with Bette Lee Crosby's books.