The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Book

The streets of New York are brimming with secrets, and discovering the truth means navigating danger, deception, and an unexpected romance.

Ivy Malone, a New-York Historical Society librarian, is dedicated to preserving Manhattan's rich history, but when society grand dame Adeline King anonymously reveals her shocking life story, Ivy finds herself holding a highly coveted secret. Burdened with the responsibility of keeping Adeline's identity hidden, the matter grows increasingly complicated when two men claim ties to the elderly woman--one of them accusing Adeline of involvement in a crime.

Another dilemma brews when Ivy's Italian cousin, Gina, is detained at Ellis Island for lack of proper documentation. Hoping an immigration service can resolve the misunderstanding, Ivy employs their help but is instead thrust into a dangerous world. With time running out, she must unravel the tangle of secrets that bind Adeline's past, Gina's freedom, and her own safety. Who can she trust, and how far is she willing to go to protect those she loves?

This sweeping historical romance set against the backdrop of 1920s Manhattan, New York, and Ellis Island features family secrets, immigration, and a librarian's quest for justice. Fans of Elizabeth Camden and Roseanna M. White will savor this story that's perfect for book club discussions.

The Author

Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

Her books have finaled in the Christy Awards and Inspirational Readers Choice Awards, and have won gold from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, Toblerone chocolate bars, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

Visit her at jocelyngreen.com, and receive a free gift when joining her e-newsletter mailing list at jocelyngreen.com/subscribe.

Book Review

Oh my goodness... I have read a handful of Jocelyn Green's other books, but there is definitely something extra special about her On Central Park series. She truly does such a great job of transporting readers back to 1920s New York... and everything that goes along with that... both the good and the bad. Right from the beginning this story drew me introducing us to this world full of secrets and intrigue... and yes, some danger too. It gives us a peek at immigration during that time and the hardships that those attempting to start fresh in America faced. And boy, were there ever hardships! I won't give too much away, but I thought it was a fascinating look at this place and time, with stories that certainly need to be told. If you're looking for a book that perfectly balances history, romance and just the right amount of danger to keep things exciting, this is one not to be missed. 

The Manhattan Confessions is a Christian historical romance with kisses only and no language. It is the third book in the On Central Park series but could be enjoyed as a standalone as well. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4kR7F1G