About the Book
Book: The Juliet Code Author: Pepper Basham Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction Release Date: December, 2023 Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving
Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late.
The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.
About the Author
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.
More from Pepper
The Ever After
I’ve always loved fairytales.
Especially the romanticized version (#romancewriter).
The wonderful sense of a two people meeting, overcoming obstacles to be together, and then the happily-ever-after?
Well, those are some of my favorite reasons to read and write fiction. However, I didn’t realize the challenge I took on when I agreed to write a second and third book with the main characters staying the same!
You know what I mean?
In most series, the main characters from book one become secondary characters in the consecutive books so that the secondary characters in book one can become the main characters in book 2 (everybody still following along? 
)
One of my favorite book series that do this so well is the Amelia Peabody series. I fell in LOVE with Amelia and Emerson in book one, but just loved watching their continued dynamic as a couple grow with each new book. I felt as if I got to know them so much better in their “ever after” while they engaged in all sorts of adventures together.
So…that’s what I hoped to accomplish with Freddie and Grace.
Where The Mistletoe Countess ends with a happily-ever-after, The Cairo Curse and The Juliet Code take over to show us more of the…ever after – my attempt at showing how two main characters continue to grow beyond the end of book one.
I didn’t realize what a daunting feat it would be. Watching two characters meet, fall in love, and show some growth in book 1 was what I was used to doing. But how was I supposed to continue that character growth in consecutive books?
Well, I had to grow myself as a writer to understand how small changes can make lasting differences especially when writing about a beloved couple.
I think The Juliet Code shows a little of that growth – of our Freddie and Grace have not only matured spiritually and, in Grace’s case, experientially, but also as a couple.
Do you have a series that you love where the main characters stay the same?
My Review
“I’ve secured a meeting …, so we can view all the photos of the paintings. We need an idea of what they look like, so we will have a better idea of what we’re searching for. And if someone is stealing them to puzzle out whatever code there is to the treasure, perhaps we can locate the thieves by locating the treasure.”
Freddie and Grace were supposed to be having a calm and relaxing honeymoon. After all, Cairo was not what they expected. Venice should involve strolling and peaceful boat rides. But as always when Grace is involved, life is not quite that simple.
Suddenly they find themselves wrapped up in a mystery involving a series of paintings featuring Shakespeare’s “Juliet.” Figuring what is really happening is also challenging considering the players that are involved. Will they be able to help solve the mystery and get back to vacationing.
The Freddie and Grace mysteries are a fun blend of adventure, intrigue and romance in a historical setting. I highly suggest reading “The Mistletoe Countess” and “The Cairo Curse” to fully appreciate this third book. While one could follow along with the plot, truly appreciating the characters happens with a bit of background.
Lord and Lady Astley (Freddie and Grace) are an affectionate couple. While nothing is detailed or inappropriate, certain married behaviors are implied. Marriage is celebrated in this title. I think it adds to the charm. In my opinion, teens and up would be fine with this title.
There are definitely unpredictable parts and predicaments. The suspense level is moderate and details are few. But be aware that some characters do not make it out of the book alive. I did not figure out all of the details. There are plenty of surprises.
I was provided a copy of this book through NetGalley for the tour. I requested to read it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog Stops
The Sacred Line, December 28
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 28
Bigreadersite, December 28
Texas Book-aholic, December 29
Devoted To Hope, December 29
Mary Hake, December 29
She Lives To Read, December 30
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 30
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, December 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 31
Blogging with Carol, December 31
For Him and My Family, December 31
Where Faith and Books Meet, January 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 1
Back Porch Reads, January 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 2
Life on Chickadee Lane, January 2
Connie’s History Classroom, January 2
Book Looks by Lisa, January 3
Aryn the Libraryan, January 3
Girls in White Dresses, January 3
Daysong Reflections, January 4
Holly’s Book Corner, January 4
Splashes of Joy, January 4
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 5 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, January 5
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 5
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, January 6
Blossoms and Blessings, January 6
Pause for Tales, January 6
Tell Tale Book reviews, January 7
Cover Lover Book Review, January 7
Live. Love. Read., January 7
Labor Not in Vain, January 8
Mornings at Character Cafe, January 8
Worthy2Read, January 8
All-of-a-kind Mom, January 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9
The Lit Lady, January 9
Lily’s Corner, January 10
By The Book, January 10
To Everything There Is A Season, January 10
The Juliet Code Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
This looks like a captivating novel. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
I really enjoyed it! Glad I could be a part of the tour!
Yay! I can’t wait for the conclusion to the Freddie and Grace series!
It is SO good!
Nice cover
I agree!
Thank you!!!
Thanks for writing such a fun series!
Thank you for sharing your excellent review. Pepper “Queen of Swoon” Basham is one of my MUST read authors.
This sounds like a great book!
Thanks for your review and to let me know there are some great surprises to look forward while reading it!