My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas

This new series is a really good one for fans of clean historical fiction.  It is inspirational, but the religion isn't overbearing or really even noticeable...it's more about the morality and guidance of the characters themselves.  The mystery is a good one!  It took about 2/3 of the book before I had solved it, even though the answer isn't revealed until the very end.  There's some great history tucked into the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the wit and banter of the main characters.

This is a wonderful story about a grandmother trying to find her granddaughter that was lost as a baby. It is full of mystery, suspense and a little romance. Once you start reading it you don't want to put it down. This was the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. Thank you #NETGALLEY and #BARBOUR PUBLISHING for an ARC copy of this great book.

This is Christian romance and mystery set in 1880, mainly in Texas. Mrs. Smith hires a Pinkerton detective to find her missing granddaughter and insists that he work with her assistant, who happens to be an investigative reporter that he once nearly married. They have to forgive old hurts as they spend time together while investigating.

The answer to the mystery came as no surprise as I suspected that ending from the very start. However, it was interesting to watch the characters piece the story together. The main characters were interesting and likable, though Jonah did have a tendency to accuse first and think through the facts later. The historical and setting details created a backdrop to the story.

The main characters were Christians and this guided how they interacted with people--mainly, being willing to forgive and ask forgiveness. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun story.

I think I have read each of the books that has come out in this series so far.  Loving them all.  This is one by an author whose books always keep me reading.  This one did that.  I really enjoyed the mystery involved.  Also a little danger to keep you on your toes.  Good book!

I received a copmlimentary copy from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

My Heart Belongs in Galveston Texas by Kathleen Y’Barbo is a historical fiction novel with a bit of mystery included.
In 1855 there was a hurricane that disables a ship at sea. The captain, fearing all will be lost, orders two of his crew to take the lifeboats and row his son, Samuel Smith, and his deceased wife in one and their newborn daughter and a servant girl in the other to try to reach safety. The son’s boat arrives on land, as well as the ship but what has happened to the other boat? Did any of the occupants survive or were they lost at sea? Fast forward to 1880 and we find Madame Smith hiring Pinkerton detective Jonah Cahill to search for her long-lost granddaughter who she believes survived and is in Galveston. She also hires his ex-finance, Madeline Latour, as her assistant and insists they work together in the search. There is little information available and dead ends abound but did the granddaughter survive and is she living in Galveston? Will Jonah and Madeline find each other again?
I enjoyed this book and it is definitely a page turner. There is plenty of excitement and surprises throughout the story. Is anyone who they say they are? I give this book a 5 of 5 stars. It is very well written and sticks mainly to accurate historical facts; the author explains at the end where she changed some dates to go along with the story. The characters are all likeable and depend on their faith in God. There are some very unexpected twists and turns as the mystery unfolds. 
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas is another great addition to the My Heart Belongs Series. I am so enjoying these little novels. The story this time is set in the late 1800's. We are traveling around the Golf of Mexico mainly Galveston, Texas with a little of New Orleans and Indianola thrown in. This story-line was quite different from the others in the series that I have read. This being a mystery or adventure with the romance added in, made for a good blend. Our main characters, a Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill and Madeline Latour an investigative reporter add excitement and a few laughs as the story progresses. There are rumors of a lost pirates treasure, but it is also said that Mr. Smith refereed to his lost granddaughter the same way, his lost treasure. So which one is it, buried pirate treasure or lost treasure? Ms. Y'Barbo is a beautiful, solid story teller.  She takes us back to charm romances and second chances. I highly recommend this book by Kathleen Y'Barbo. I received this book from Barbour Books through NetGalleys. The opinion expressed in this review is completely my own.

I love Kathleen Y’Barbo’s books.  Her storylines are always interesting and her characters have sparkle and life to them.  This book is no exception to that.  The chemistry in the dialogue between the two main characters, Jonah and Madeline, is such fun.  Their road to happily-ever-after has some bumps in it that will keep your full attention as you read.  There’s a plot twist or two that’s unexpected, and that only adds to the charm of this story.  Faith, romance, mystery, and characters that you fall in love with from the beginning of the story  make this a great read for those times when you want to read a story that’s a little lighter and enjoyable.  The “My Heart Belongs in...” series has been a good one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

We are embarking on a mystery with a bit of romance in 1880’s Texas, and we are with a reporter Madeline Latour, and a Pinkerton Agent Jonah Cahill.
Wow, what a ride from our beginnings in New Orleans, traveling around in the Gulf of Mexico, but mainly our story takes place in Galveston, Texas.
I was surprised when the bombshells started to drop, and never saw a lot of them coming. In fact, some I am still wondering about.
In hindsight, I can see what Mrs. Smith was doing, and what she was trying to achieve, while she had people searching for her Granddaughter, she kept some facts close at hand.
From pirate treasure, to lost babies, we are looking for seems to be a needle in a haystack, and some of these people are not the person that are presenting to the public.
You need to read all the way for the answers, but wow an enjoyable story!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

The publisher summary asks, "Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl?"
I don't think I'm spoiling anything if I say, “Yes. There is a bigger story beyond a missing girl!”
What a great story it is too! Kathleen Y'Barbo gives us an adventure-filled tale of a missing granddaughter, possible pirate treasure, mysteries and the reluctant reuniting of a formerly engaged couple.  

Jonah Cahill grew up in a house built on top of land that famed pirate Jean Lafitte built and burned his house down, leaving behind the legacy of the possibly buried treasure. As a child, Jonah enjoyed digging holes in the basement but never found anything. Now grown, he is a Pinkerton Detective working a private case for Mrs. Smith, searching for her long-lost granddaughter. 

Madeline Latour, comes from a family of professional secret keepers. She works at a newspaper in New Orleans but is posing, undercover, as a writer working for Madame (Mrs. Smith) putting all her memories on paper. 

I liked how Jonah says, “Hello, Madeline.” when he sees her. The banter between the two is very entertaining. The two are not exactly happy about working with each other in the beginning, but do eventually remember that they once “made a good team.”  Once they overcome their past, they realize they still make a good team. 

As Jonah and Madeline search for Madam's granddaughter, we meet many interesting characters, some with mysteries of their own that need solving. 

It's very hard to write a review for this book without giving spoilers. There are many plot twists and several surprises. I will tell you that I loved it and did not want it to end. 
The faith element is lightly sprinkled throughout the book and I really liked how Jonah listened to “that still small voice.”

This is another 5 Star book for me! I highly recommend it. If you are a history buff, Kathleen provides some very interesting author notes, telling us some real history and where she had to bend it a little for this fictional story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for several reasons:  1)  I lived for 30 years just north of Galveston Island and spent many visits there.  2)  Kathleen Y'Barbo's historical research is always well done.  3)  It was a quaint combination of history, romance, and a bit of cozy mystery.

It is 1880's in Galveston Texas.  Joshua Cahill, a Pinkerton Detective, and Madeline Latour, a newspaper writer now working as a memoir writer, have once again reconnected.  This time they are both working on solving the mystery of the disappearance of the infant granddaughter of wealthy Mrs. Smith.  Their connection had been severed by a broken engagement when trust had been broken between Joshua and Madeline.  

With lots of action from start to finish, surrounded with bits of humor, this book definitely kept my interest.  Throw in a search for pirate treasure and a missing granddaughter, family secrets, people pretending to be someone they aren't, and a nosy reporter, this book was definitely a winner in this lighthearted My Heart Belongs series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book  from Barbour Books through NetGalley.  Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

I have read many of the books in the My Heart Belongs In series, and have found most to be extremely well-written.  I have especially enjoyed reading “My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas” by Kathleen Y’Barbo.  I think the characters were well thought out and well portrayed.  The storyline gives the reader mystery, romance, historical background, and friendship dynamics.

We follow a Pinkerton agent, Jonah Cahill and a newspaper reporter, both employed by an elderly woman trying to find her long lost granddaughter.  There are secrets that need to be discovered before the reader can solve the mystery.  Every page seems to present another aspect to cover to find the answers needed.

I was impressed that the author used real historical data in the writing of this novel.  Of course, as in any fiction, dates, locations and times were subject to change in order to present the story.  I think that this is my most favorite of all the My Heart Belongs series books.

First impressions are always important to me, especially in books. So obviously the first thing I notice right off the bat, is that gorgeous cover! I love Madeline's sky blue dress and the wistful look on her face. It makes me wonder what she's looking at on the horizon. Since I live on the Oregon coast, I also love that she's standing on the beach with a fog shrouded pier in the background. Such a cover draws the eyes right away and makes my reader taste buds water for the story in the pages! Secondly, I'm so thrilled for the main character to be a male, and not only male, but a Pinkerton detective. I adore stories involving Pinkerton's because you know it's going to have a bit of a mystery in it to solve! Thirdly, both Madeline & Jonah have a past romantic history between them. It adds an extra layer of tension and conflict to keep me invested in their lives. I'm finding this book ticks all my favorite things about a story I love! Lastly, Kathleen is a new-to-me author. Of course I've seen her name on many other books, but this is the first one I've read by her, so I'm equally thrilled to discover a new writer. It's like making a new friend, at least in the literary world! 

Buried treasure, a long lost granddaughter and the mystery of family secrets unite both Jonah and Madeline when Mrs. Smith hires them. Having a past romantic history that ended years before, they reluctantly agree to put aside their differences to find what happened to her granddaughter. Following the clues they find, there seems to be more questions than answers and many pieces to put together. But for a Pinkerton agent & an investigative reporter, it’s what they’re best at!  I liked trying to solve the case along with them and watching the romance develop between them. Forgiveness plays a big role and a united front helps them to overcome their past. Reading the authors notes in the back, I learned what parts of history were true and which she took fictional liberty to write the story. Her research is impeccable and it shows!  I think anyone who is a history buff and an arm chair sleuth will enjoy this. Be sure to check out the rest of the My Heart Belongs In series…all stand alone novels by different authors set in various times in history! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing/Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review. *

This was a fun look at Galveston, Texas back in the late 1800's. A Pinkerton detective and a reporter with a romantic history join forces to solve a decades old mystery. The story was interesting and the kept me wondering how the threads of the mystery would all tie together. Add the romance thrown in and it made for a fun Sunday read.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the My Heart Belongs series. In this one it takes place in Galveston,Texas and I loved the research the author did for this book and the factual information she included in the back of the book. Galveston sounds like a beautiful place I'd love to go visit. 
This historical is set in 1880. This was a quick fun read with a mystery and a sweet budding love. The character development was there and it was hard to put down. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
Pub Date 01 Jul 2018 
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Heart Belongs series is such a great series and this newest one set in Galveston, Texas does not disappoint. What a fun book. With a stowaway cat, a surly maid, the heroine knocking over tea cakes, falling out of trees, and witty dialogue, the author has infused humor all throughout this story! There's a mystery to be solved and Madeline and Jonah, formerly engaged but now estranged, are now hired to solve it as a team. Can they forget what has gone before and concentrate on the task at hand? The characters are strong and evocative. Madeline--intelligent, witty, curious. Jonah--handsome, gallant, obstinate. The supporting characters are colorful and riveting and add so much to the story. The writing style flows smoothly and the descriptive imagery is such that the reader can almost smell the roses in the garden, hear the gulls screech and hear the clip-clop of the horses. Secrets to discover and lots of pieces to fit together and of course, the wonder of whether or not Madeline and Jonah's romance will be rekindled keep the pages turning. I can't wait to read more from this author. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Mrs.Smith hires a Pinkerton to find her granddaughter who now resides in Galveston, Texas. She and some of her staff will accompany him. He see’s Madeline, a private investigator, who will be writing the memoir’s. Romance and a trust that had been broken a summer before, for them. The setting is 1880  of the disappearance of an infant daughter. The author has done a great job of research to that time period. The flavor of that time, the mystery and maybe a romance again, made this is an interesting book to enjoy. Given ARC by Net Galley and Barbaur for my  voluntary review and my honest opinion

A continuation of the My Hear Belongs series brings together a formerly engaged couple to work together and solve their cases. God brings them back together for a reason and they must fall back in love with each other and work through their differences to solve their cases. Kathleen Y'Barbo puts emotion and suspense into her stories and love that God intends for her couple. This story shows that its never to late to forgive or to find love.
 
Jonah Cahill has come back to his home town on assignment for the Pinkertons. He runs into his former finance out side of his late grandfather's house. Still mad about their past situation he keeps his feelings to himself. Madeline is just as effected as he is but also keeps it hidden. The cases each is working on happen to be connected but they don't know it. Returning to his family home he again meets up with Madeline who is working under cover for an elderly lady to get information about her story. The family home has its own investigation to keep him busy as well along with another agent who's security for a visiting dignitary. Madeline and Jonah are brought together when their mutual employer asks them to work together. They follow the clues to a neighboring island where an attempt is made on Madeline's life. They take refuge in a rundown boarding house. Looking for the treasure brings them closer together. Jonah takes precautions to protect her. Jake and Madeline attend the ball of a neighbor looking for clues. Wanting a reprieve from the ball they go to look at the stars only to be ambushed by a reporter and a torn dress. Madeline and Jonah are written about in the paper. Madeline looses the key that was given to her by her father. The shooter comes to confess and she insists on meeting her new relatives.  They decide separately that they can't live with out each other and renew their engagement. They discuss the case but can't prove anything.  A dinner party is planned by their employer. they are surprised by their families. Jonah has figured out where the missing treasure is. An arrest is made on who was looking for treasure at Jonah's home. The treasure is revealed. A new family is made along with a proposal. A wedding is held in New Orleans. A new adventure awaits them when they find a piece of paper is found that involves Madeline's key.   

This series shows how these characters can fix their problems and find love when they least expect it when God is involved. I enjoyed reading these stories and look forward to reading more.

Jonah is a Pinkerton detective; Madeline is a new paper reporter. Jonah must keep many secrets as part of his job; Madeline needs to a sensational story for her career succeed. In 1885 Galveston, Texas is a place where many secrets will be uncovered in a search for truth and treasure and a good story. 
I have enjoyed each book in the "My Heart Belongs" series.

Pinkerton Agent Jonah Cahill is hired by Mrs. Smith to find her granddaughter, Tre'sor, which is complicated by the fact that Mrs. Smith has never met Tre'sor. Tre'sor was separated from her family years ago during a storm at sea, and Mrs. Smith is convinced that she will be found in Galveston. 



Meanwhile Mrs. Smith also hires Madeline Latour to write her memoirs. Madeline is convinced that Mrs. Smith also has a connection to another story that she is working on as well, about the pirate Lafitte. Madeline and Jonah were engaged at one time, but Madeline chose her career over marriage, and now he doesn't trust her. 



I like that Jonah grew up in Galveston, digging for treasure with his friends on his family land that is said to have also been home to Lafitte. When Jonah notices new holes appearing on his family's property he fears for his mother and sister's safety. Jonah is a great detective, he is dedicated to his job. 



Jonah and Madeline reluctantly start working together, and rekindle their friendship. I liked their interaction and how their dialog changed throughout the story. Madeline is intelligent and has great investigative instinct. 



Full of adventure and mystery, with great situational humor, surprises, and plenty of witty dialog. A fantastic adventure, highly enjoyable read. 



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

I really enjoyed Madeline's Search. I have not been disappointed with any of the My Heart Belongs series. They are all well written and have a nice bit of romance and suspense to keep you engaged. 

In Madeline's Search, Madeline is a reporter who is recording the memories of Madame Smith. Madeline is doing this because she is hoping to uncover secrets to a treasure she has been in searching of. Madeline's family is the Latour family and they have quite a reputation for finding people. Madeline does not give Madame her real name because she fears her family's reputation will stop her from getting the job. 

Jonah Cahill is a Pinkerton that has been hired by Madame Smith to find her granddaughter that was lost as an infant. Madame teams up Jonah and Madeline on this task. Jonah and Madeline have a history. They were engaged but Madeline chose her career over Jonah and it broke both of their hearts. Now they are working together and bickering back and forth every chance they get. Jonah does not trust Madeline and knows she is only working with Madame to uncover secrets that lead to treasure. As Jonah and Madeline work together, the old feelings return. Madame pairs them up whenever she can. Jonah gets to see the free spirited side of Madeline along with her curiosity that draws him to her.

In the end, they both learn what the greatest treasure really is and find out that Madame had Madeline's best interest at heart all along. I was honored to receive this ARC and am giving my honest feedback.

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Barbour Books

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 01 Jul 2018

I am reviewing a copy of My Heart Belongs to Galveston, Texas through Barbour Books and Netgalley:

Jonah Cahill is a Pinkerton Agent who is hired by a mysterious widow to find her granddaughter. The girl is rumored to be living in Galveston Texas. Despite the fact that Jonah would prefer to travel alone, Mrs Smith insists on going with him to help find her Granddaughter. Madeline Latour is an investigative reporter who has been working for Mrs Smith as her assistant for several months and she refuses to let anyone even a Pinkerton Agent to ruin the story of a lifetime for her! As the investigation gets more intense and more dangerous Jonah and Madeline Latour form a truce, an uneasy truce.

Could there be a bigger story behind the missing girl? A story that could change everything?

I give My Heart Belongs to Galveston Texas, five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

I have really been enjoying "My Heart Belongs" series.  Each book is written by a different author.  This one by Kathleen Y'Barbo takes you to Galveston, Texas and involves a handsome Pinkerton agent and an investigative reporter.  A search for a missing granddaughter and hidden pirate treasure involves danger and romance.  This is a good read and I am looking forward to more in the My Heart Belongs series.  

I received this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

This was a story totally worth reading. This is my first book from Kathleen Y'Barbo and I'm happy to have found another great author!
Mrs.Smith has hired Jonah, a pinkerton detective, and Madeline, and investigative reporter, to help her search her long lost grandaughter. Little she knows that Jonah and Madeleine have met each other before, when they ended up breaking each others heart.
It's an adventurous journey, full of mystery, suspense, sweet romance and even humor. A pair of competitive sleuths, missing girl and a pirate's treasure!
The characters are funny, witty, and endearing! I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing style and I never felt the book sagged.
I also loved that there's a true story told in this book and that the author explains at the end what is fictional and what's not.
Looking forward to reading more from Kathleen Y'Barbo in the future!
I received a copy from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I am so glad the publisher gave me this book to review.  I simply love Galveston.  When my aunt lived there I went every year.  The intrigue of the pirates treasure hidden on the island and the house I could just picture what their view was, because I know where the pirates’ house, or what is left of it, is located.  You will not be disappointed if you like historical fiction and like a story full off secrets and intrigue.   I put this on Amazon, and Goodreads

Can they work together to find the truth?

I have really been enjoying the My Heart Belongs In... series from Barbour and have been eagerly awaiting when my state will eventually make its appearance. 

Kathleen Y'Barbo is a fairly new author to me, I've only read one of her previous books, but I really find myself enjoying her blend of historical romance and mystery/adventure. My Heart Belongs In Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search had plenty of both. It kept me intrigued, turning those pages, and thinking about the story in between. I actually picked up the book in the late morning and had it finished late that night, which is pretty good for me lately.

If you are looking for a sweet historical romance with healthy dash of decades old mystery and set in a fascinating location you really should check out Kathleen Y'Barbo's book My Heart Belongs In Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search which is a great addition to this series. Oh, and don't forget to check out the author's note at the end, there is some really interesting stuff in there for history buffs like me...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

My Heart Belongs in Galveston Texas by Kathleen Y’Barbo is an exciting read with land and water adventures.  This story is full of mystery and the enjoyable who-done-it suspense.  This story involves a Pinkerton Detective, a News Journalist, and buried treasure.  These two are put on an investigation case together and they have to work out past hurts as they face the case together.  I really enjoyed this storyline and I felt the writer did a great job keeping it interesting and flowing well to the last page.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

***Also posted on Amazon, B&N, and CBD