The Scarlet Pen

Jennifer Uhlarik’s book, The Scarlet Pen, was such an enjoyable read for me. This book was right up my alley! It had action, family values, and a thrilling plot! This is by far, my favorite novel of Jennifer’s. I have recommended it to any other book lover that I have spoken to! The research that Jennifer put into the character of Stephen Dee Richards was noticed! I also enjoyed that at the end of the novel, in her Author’s Note, she wrote about her research and the differences between what she wrote about and what happened in real life. I really enjoyed that. Especially not knowing the history of the real-life person! I found it entertaining that I recognized some of the locations that were used in the book. It made me feel more connected to the story. Jennifer writes her characters, and story in general, in a way that makes it easy to relate to. In this novel, Emma Draycott is a stubborn, independent woman that loves her family, her independence, and her intended spouse, regardless of the things that her family and a Secret Service Agent named Clay Timmons reveal to her about him. Will Emma be able to have the happily ever after ending that she craves? Will Clay be able to open her eyes to the fact that the wool has been pulled over her eyes before she makes a life-long decision that could prevent her fairy tale ending? Pick up this impossible-to-put-down novel to find out!.

The Scarlet Pen by Jennifer Uhlarik is the latest in the True Colors Crimes series and will not disappoint. This true crime occurred in the late 1870's and spanned about three years. Stephen Dee Richards is engaged to Emma but is he really who he says he is? Emma loves him and believes in and defends him even when questionable events begin happening. Stephen is supposedly traveling for business but what is that business? When a federal officer shows up tracking counterfeit money where will the trail lead? Emma’s family takes in the agent and become friends with him; Emma is more suspicious of Secret Service agent Clay Timmons. This story is very well written keeping close to the facts without getting too graphic. The characters feel so real I felt I was in that time experiencing their frustrations and pain as well as the loyalty of family and friends. I give this book a solid 5 of 5 stars for the way the crimes are laid out and the scriptures embedded within the story. I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.