I once went through a phase, long ago now, where I read exclusively historical fiction in a very similar vein to A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott. This book reminded me of all of the things I loved most about the genre—a brief glimpse into the past, intriguing and engaging characters, and even a sweet romance.

One of my favorite aspects of reading, especially with realistic fiction, are some of the insights that I gain from books. Davis Bunn’s novel Unscripted took me to a world that I have no experience with at all—the film industry. In this story, it’s a world that’s as full of twists and turns, not to mention heartwarming moments, as any blockbuster movie.

Fear can protect us from danger, but does that make it good? This was one of the questions at the heart of The Girl Behind the Red Rope, and while it creates an interesting premise, I was hoping for something just a little more unique and unpredictable than what this book ultimately delivered.