Guarding The Bootlegger's Widow by Denise Devine

 

Not long ago, I read and reviewed book one in the Moonshine Madness Series, The Bootlegger's Wife. I really enjoyed it, you can read my review by clicking the link. Today I am reviewing the second book in the series. 

The Details:

Guarding the Bootlegger's Widow by Denise Devine

Series: Book Two

Publisher: Wild Prairie Rose Books

Published: 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction/Historical Romance

Pages: 208 

Available: paperback, ebook

The Blurb:

It's 1926 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Prohibition is in full swing. A woman can vote, work full time, show her legs in public and cut her hair, but she can't enter a speakeasy without a man by her side...

Charlotte LeDoux is struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her late husband, Gus, has left her a lot to deal with--his sprawling business empire, his enemies and an ex-mistress who desperately needs a friend. It's tough for a woman to compete in a man's world and even though it's a never-ending uphill battle, she is determined to succeed.

Char gets a new Model T and is excited when William Van Elsberg offers to give her a driving lesson. She's attracted to the handsome private detective, who, in many ways, is the polar opposite of Gus. Will takes her out for a spin in the car and instructs her how to drive, but at the same time, teaches her how to love again. She's never been so happy!

Meanwhile, Gus' enemies are circling like vultures. An anonymous note threatening Char's life forces Will to become her personal bodyguard. He's highly qualified, but Char's stubborn belief in her own independence makes it the most difficult job he's ever taken. Can he keep her safe or will he lose her in the most dangerous fight of her life?

Book two of the Moonshine Madness series. Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. Get your copy now!

My Review:

The Plot in brief: (no spoilers) The story picks up a few months after Charlotte's (Char) husband dies. She has a lot on her plate, a new baby, a sick mother, a teenaged sister and a business empire to run! But someone is trying to stop her from succeeding. Charlotte needs all her wits about her to survive. 

The Characters: Charlotte is a great character and she grows a lot in this book. I like that she is a strong woman who wants to make her own life her way. In 1926 this was not always the case. She has compassion and love for her family and is willing to forgive wrongs. Will Van Elsburg returns as her bodyguard and more! Their love story is great, but can they have a happy ending?  

The History: I am really enjoying reading about the 1920's during Prohibition. I love the description of the fashions, hair styles, music and daily life. Charlotte learning to drive a car was fun! This is one of those eras that I have not read too much about and it's been a real pleasure. Yea! More recipes in the back!.

The Writing: Like the first books, the story is fast paced. The writing is tight and well edited. 

Overall: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of gangsters and shootouts with hooch and dames and a satisfying romance. What's not to love. I highly recommend this to lovers of historical fiction/historical romance. 

I give this book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ five stars