DIVINE VINTAGE by Sandra L. Young

Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical/Contemporary

4+ Sparklers, 292 pages

Blurb: Tess Burton is always up for a vintage adventure, and she’s risked her inheritance to open Divine Vintage clothing boutique. While modeling an elegant Edwardian trousseau gown, her mind is opened to a century-old crime of passion. Visions—seen through the eyes of the murdered bride—dispute local lore that claims the bridegroom committed the crime. Trey Dunmore doesn’t share her enthusiasm for mind-blowing visions, yet the appeal to clear his family’s tainted legacy compels him to join her in exploring the past. Aided by the dead woman’s clothing and diary, Tess and Trey discover that pursuing love in 1913 was just as thorny as modern day. As the list of murder suspects grows, the couple fears past emotions are influencing, and may ultimately derail, their own blossoming intimacy.

Thoughts: This was a sweet romance mystery with dual timelines – today and 100 years in the past. The “today” story is told through the eyes of Trey and Tess. The “past” one, through Phoebe and Steven.

Tess has always had an affinity for the past and psychic visions that seem to attach themselves to vintage clothing or objects, but when she tries on Phoebe’s gown, she doesn’t expect what happens—a vision that takes her into Phoebe’s world. Convincing stubborn Trey of what is happening is even harder, but with his grandmother’s help, she does and they embark on a road to discovery—to solve a 100 year-old murder.

While the descriptions and world building were done very well, I would have liked to have seen a little more about the characters of Tess and Trey. Not a lot, but more would have been nice. But that being said, the story itself is wonderfully done. Both timelines flowed together nicely without abrupt changeovers. And the elements of romance, mystery, paranormal, family issues, and more, were all woven together perfectly.

Recommendation: Definitely recommended. This book hits all the spots for mystery, romance, a bit of ghostliness, even PTSD challenges. For a little bit of everything with a satisfying ending, this one is a keeper.

Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”