The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager Book Review

 

This was certainly different. I like the way this book is divided into “Before” and “Now” sections, reminding the reader of the past and the present. I think those are essential elements in understanding Casey’s story.

Casey, undoubtedly, has a drinking issue. There’s no question about that. She also has a sense of curiosity and a pair of binoculars. There is also, obviously, a house that sits directly across from her own lake house. So, guess what she does when she has had entirely too much to drink and a lot of time on her hands during the evening hours?

Tom and Katherine – the couple who live in that house across the lake.

Her neighbor is an attractive fellow, but she wants to keep her distance. The other across-the-lake neighbor helps Casey by watching out for her and making store runs. Casey, as you may have guessed, is also a bit of a loner.

What really intrigued me about this one was the farfetchedness of what happens in the lake that separates the properties. There is a bit of a paranormal aspect to it. Kind of a situation that makes one shake their head and ask, “Really?” I liked it! I also like the added twist at the end that tied some loose ends together and certainly one I wasn’t expecting.

On The Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright Book Review

 

I am a huge fan of this author and am slowly making my way through all of her books. I’m not a big historical reader by any means, but this author has a way of pulling me into her stories. This one was no different.

Adria from 1885 directly correlates with Kailey in the present. I really enjoyed this tale of Foxglove Manor and how the past bashed into the present. The ghosts from 1885 come forward to the present day. Foxglove Manor, of today, has actually been turned into a long-term care facility, for lack of a better term, which is why Kailey is there – they hired her to be company for the residents, but Kailey has her own personal reasons for being there, along with her brother, Jude, which was an agreement to her employment. There’s a whole lot more to Kailey and Jude’s story, but you’ll have to read it for yourself.

If you like historical fiction reads, with a bit of faith thrown in for good measure, and maybe even a bit of romantic attraction, give this one a read. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak Book Review

 

Well, all right then. I have seen differing opinions on this book. I had to read it for myself … I waited until all the hype died down a bit. I liked it!

I liked seeing how the pictures evolved from a child’s drawings to an adult’s drawings. I liked the creepiness of this tale and how it evolved. To be fair, I wasn’t quite sure how I would feel about having drawings in a book, but I think they lent more to the creepiness, probably the intention.

I also liked the fact that Mallory learned things about herself. Being one who likes strong female characters, Mallory fits that description, at least for me. I liked the fact that even given her problems she was given a second chance to make better decisions, a better life, even if it didn’t turn out perfectly.

It is definitely on the creepy side of things, maybe even a bit farfetched, but I am looking forward to this author’s next book.

 

The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff Book Review

 

I’ve had this particular book sitting on my shelf for quite a while. As I’ve been in a historical read frame of mind, I decided to give it a read.

During the time period of 1945, a time of war, it was unheard of for a woman to speak her mind, let alone hold a position that had any kind of power. Marta found herself in a camp, and not a nice camp. Paul found her in the most deplorable of conditions. Let’s just say they connected on a level neither one of them expected. Time passed, they hadn’t seen each other after that rescue … until they did.

Fast forward to an airplane crash … the news of which devastated Marta. Enter Rachel, an unexpected surprise. Enter Simon … at the time, Marta did the only thing she could do being an unwed mother during the time.

Fast forward some more and some unexpected circumstances brought Marta full circle.

What I really liked about this book is Marta’s character. As I previously stated, back in 1945 women were meant to be quiet and when she spoke up … in front of Simon no less(!) … it really added to her inner strength, even if she was putting herself in danger. She did what she believed in, what she thought was right for her country … even at the risk of losing everything again, including her daughter, Rachel.

I also like the fact that there is a bit of a love story scattered throughout these pages, giving one a sense of hope that even if everything is seemingly lost, it may not be.

So Much Forever by Jafe Danbury New Book Release

 

Help me congratulate Jafe on his new book! Here’s the blurb:

Fourteen months after the rescue of their young daughter from traffickers, Curt and Phoenix Martinsen have been laser-focused on healing Rose’s inner wounds, to the exclusion of all else.

As they enter into Easter Week and their highly anticipated spring break, the couple looks forward not only to quality time with their daughter, but also seek to carve out some long-overdue time to reconnect with each other.

One last errand stands in the way of that, however, during which a chance encounter and random act of kindness immediately plunges them into an illusory world in the making long before this moment.

When Phoenix, in turn, comes face to face with a life-and-death scenario, she battles those who people this world, determined to save her family before the odds favor her no more.

In this third installment of the gripping Phoenix series, award-winning author Jafe Danbury shines a light on the myriad ways in which survivors come to grips with their ordeals and the environments in which they do it.

In The Pale Light by Westley Smith Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This author has been moved to my auto buy list, and this is only his second book. I like the way he is able to paint a picture with just words alone, as if the reader is actually there, experiencing what’s happening. That is a talent I appreciate.

In this tale, we meet Terry. I kind of felt sorry for Terry with all that he had gone through, from a terrible crime against his family, his health, a town that just wanted him to leave. Terry, though, has a strong character since he finally decided to put to rest what happened nine years ago. Little did he know the answers he would find or the trouble he would cause when he started asking questions around town.

Meet Miller and Ross, the two state police who were assigned to the cold case involving the Graham family. Miller had his own issues thrown in the mix between his ex-wife and his daughter, making for an interesting read and how he went about dealing with the issues he was faced with. I liked the fact that Miller was forced to take a hard look at his own character.

Ruby-Lee. What can I say about Ruby-Lee? She adds quite a bit of color to these pages.

If you like a tale that has a hidden meaning to its title, some good ol’ fist fights that make you feel like you’re in the fight, some shoot ‘em up scenes … give this one a read; I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

I thought I had this one figured out, but no. I didn’t.

I’m looking forward to this author’s next book.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pale-Light-Westley-Smith-ebook/dp/B0D6M8BZZS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21KIT067R1VXP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gGkITfYSBrYHuXJ36c6JeQ.cKWr2IkB4fxqPMwCDtI1Ye7Er8aud2HjyfnWcRyBsJo&dib_tag=se&keywords=in+the+pale+light+westley+smith&qid=1722518911&sprefix=in+the+pale+light%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-pale-light-westley-smith/1146063188?ean=9798990203396

 

Find Mr. Smith:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westleysmith100

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6848676.Westley_Smith

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/westley-smith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsmithbooks/?next=%2Fwsmithbooks%2F

 

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Royally... Yours by Nellie K. Neves New Release

 

Help me congratulate Nellie on her new book! Here’s the blurb:

When sparks ignite, there is more than emotion at stake.

He risks his country as he gambles with his love.

The fate of Nolcovia, a kingdom on the brink of political turmoil, rests on the shoulders of Crown Prince Leonidas Fitzborough III, and time is running out. With his father's health fading, he must marry a suitable bride to secure his succession as the new monarch. But when his mother, the queen, concocts a plan to host a reality television competition for bachelorettes to win his heart, Fitz is hesitant. How can he trust his instincts to pick the right woman when his country's future hangs in the balance?

Time is running out and his heart longs for love, but he fears it may be out of reach. Desperate for help, he turns to his oldest friend, Michaela. As an exchange student in America, they bonded years ago and have remained close ever since. But when 'Fitz' reveals his royal identity and asks for her help, Michaela is stunned. Fitz must pick a wife, and he needs Michaela to act as his royal wingman. Can she keep her emotions in check or is she destined to fall for the prince she can’t have?

As the competition begins, and Fitz starts to see Michaela in a new light, he must navigate the chaos of production crews, cameras, and television magic while trying to find his future bride. With fifteen women vying for the heart of the Crown Prince, and a political rebellion brewing in the background, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Fitz stay true to his duty, or will he risk everything for love?

◆★◆★◆★◆★

Fans of royal romance and mystery will be captivated by "Royally Yours," the first book in the Nolcovian Chronicles. With its sweet romance and underlying intrigue, this book is sure to leave readers swooning. And with a PG-13 rating, it's perfect for sweet romance readers on a cozy night in, with no spicy scenes, bad language, or cheating. Don't miss out on this breathtaking read, get your copy today!

 

A Cold, Cold World by Elena Taylor Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

I recommend reading All We Buried, the first book in this series, to get a sense of the characters, especially Bet – the new sheriff in Collier, having taken over her dad’s old position. You’ll learn her backstory and how resilient she is.

In Cold, Cold World Bet finds herself investigating at least three different crimes during … would you believe … the worst snowstorm to hit her little town of Collier. One crime just led to another which led to another which led to her knocking on doors to find answers. She definitely found answers and a couple of surprises along the way.

We are also introduced to a new character – Kane. I definitely found Kane to be an interesting addition to this series, and I am hoping he won’t disappear.

I am enjoying this series, which I would consider a police procedural series. I like Bet’s character, her inner strength, her willingness to battle the coldest snowstorm to get to the bottom of what was going on in her town. Even though Collier is a small town, the crimes are big-city types. Bet also has a pretty good team to help her – Alma (who doesn’t like Alma?), Clayton (her steady right-hand man, so to speak), Schweitzer (her dog), the townspeople, and the newest addition Kane.

Bet likes to see the good people and think the best of them, but she also understands that she cannot eliminate any one of her townsfolk as suspects. I like the fact that she is able to reference the lessons she learned from her dad and another mentor of hers, Maggie. Bet is finding her way in Collier and slowly earning the respect of her town. I’m sure she’ll find herself wrapped up in another crime or two, and it’ll be interesting to see how she puts the pieces together.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-World-Sheriff-Rivers-mystery/dp/1448314062/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26XANK3ZWXGIC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s4qCkPhkgyvieAayfGPkBcB_r-ZP9pO9miW_JNG_h17Y-hEpfLQk7g863xp8c8mOTEUp1CiE59UX_m2nUtBSr5xBbwZsGoxisftZWk7rM8gE9p5ooUx47zay0PfOJADrFBzKlu99vc1C0MzCwvq8_QS6t9xcZj5f7QwJhAjgyRM7d6qM5e2kREupmUxuqsujRIwC3kqOLK63RT3AXU9K1TbYs7zZioGVcR-cqfHaa7g.dqrLYRyRAfSSshHXZWFM-XgJ5yvn-tUoEkDCBC1eIJQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+cold%2C+cold+world&qid=1716654818&s=books&sprefix=a+cold%2C+cold+worl%2Cstripbooks%2C223&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cold-cold-world-elena-taylor/1144906020?ean=9781448314065

 

Find Ms. Taylor:

Website: https://www.elenataylorauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElenaTaylorAuthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elena-taylor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19494739.Elena_Taylor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Elena_TaylorAut

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenataylorauthor/

 

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In The Pale Light by Westley Smith New Release

Help me congratulate Wes on his newest release! Here’s the blurb:

When Clay Graham and his family are found slain in the parking lot of his struggling business, the police suspect Clay’s troublemaker brother, Terry. 

Terry claims he was drunk the night of the murders and passed out at home. With little evidence against Terry to make an arrest, the case soon goes cold.

Shunned from the community, harassed by locals who believe he’s a murderer, and suffering from an undiagnosed illness, Terry lives alone on his farm, punishing himself for his past indiscretions.

Then Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Henry Miller, who has ties to the town and the Graham murders, shows up with newly discovered evidence that kick-starts the case all over again.

Now, before his illness kills him, Terry sets out, battling against small-town secrets and old grudges, racing against time to stay one step ahead of both the state police and his own impending death, to finally find out what really happened to his family and hopefully prove himself an innocent man--if he is one.

Imaginary Strangers by Minka Kent Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

I knew I shouldn’t have started this book before I went to work in the morning. It had me hooked from the get-go. I would have devoured this one in a single day if I could have.

Let me tell you about Camille, the main character. She’s a mom of two, Jackson and Georgiana (or Jack-Jack and Georgie). This quiet family of four lives in San Diego in the ‘Pill Hill’ neighborhood, having moved there from Chicago. Her husband, Will, is an anesthesiologist at the local hospital, so this home was perfect for them. A safe neighborhood, schools nearby, the hospital just seven minutes away from home.

I found a lot of symbolism in this tale. I correlated Lucinda to Lucifer. I was especially intrigued by the plant Camille kept, a Venus flytrap of all things. I was even more intrigued with the story behind how Camille acquired this plant. The ending leads me to believe that there is more to Camille’s story.

This story takes on sociopathy, which I found to be put forth in a very nonjudgmental, concise way lending to the author’s research into the subject. All around, this is the kind of dark tale I enjoy reading and, I have to say, I think it is one of the best books this author has written.

Gone to Texas: A Desperate Journey by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift, and it has been sitting on my shelf for quite a while. I’ve wanted to read it for some time and I finally did.

This is not my normal genre, but I have to say … I really enjoyed reading about Sally and her venture to the State of Texas. The premise is Sally wakes up one morning to find her husband, Luke, and her son, Matthew, disappeared in the night. Sally is left with the farm and her daughter, Carolyn. Sally can’t read so when she finds a note left for her, she has someone read it to her. Back in 1867, the time of this tale, I suspect a lot of women can’t read so this detail added more to Sally’s character and story.

Enter Ozzie Moss, the man who led Sally and her family years ago on a different trail ride. By now, Ozzie is an old man, but he agrees, grumbling the whole time. I liked Ozzie’s character. He’s gruff and a bit weathered but a kind soul.

Enter Rob. Rob has his own story, a part of which is never falling for another woman. He’s only out to find Luke and pay him back for what he did years ago. He wasn’t expecting Sally, and Sally certainly wasn’t expecting Rob.

This is a modern-day take on a western, so if you like westerns, historical reads, a bit of a love story, second chances, some trials of what it was like back in 1867 getting from one place to another, I highly recommend you pick this one up. Again, this is not my usual genre to read, but I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, the realness of the telling in this tale. Don’t let Sally fool you either, she’s tougher than you might think. I also liked finding out about Aunt Doe … there’s a story in itself there, which also involves Ozzie. I found this to be a really good story with quite a few colorful characters. Give it a read! I’m looking forward to the next two books in this series.

Gone to Texas: A Desperate Journey – https://amzn.to/3XyWVLP

The Secret Orphan by Glynis Peters Book Review

 

I am not a big history buff by any means. I decided to try this book as I was drawn to the cover and the title, wondered what it was all about. Didn’t even read the blurb, just took a chance.

I really enjoyed reading Elenor’s story. I liked the storyline that brought her to where she ended up. The premise is that her Aunt Maude requested (back in those times communication was by letter or telegram) her presence at her home in Coventry. Off Elenor went, glad to be rid of her brothers and how they treated her. That’s a story of its own.

Elenor found her place with Aunt Maude and was grateful for Maude taking her in, showing her things, letting her experience the better things in life.

Enter Jackson … a handsome fellow, a pilot.

Aunt Maude had some live-in help. Victoria and George, and their daughter Rose. Victoria and George make some good characters for this tale.

I liked reading about Elenor’s personal growth through these pages. She had to learn at a relatively early age how to take charge and manage a household, especially difficult being a woman, and a young one at that. She learned how to manage a farm as a part of her war efforts and the people whom she hired to help her. She learned how to handle people who came knocking on her door. For the time period, Elenor was a very strong woman and that is something I appreciated about reading this tale. It’s a tale of wartime, but also one of hope, one of compassion when it came to Rose and her truth, one of heartache and second chances. I would be very interested in reading more of this author’s work as she paints some colorful characters with stories to tell.

Diamond Cut by Thomas B. Cavanagh Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy.

I’ve heard that the first sentence of a book is supposed to catch the reader’s attention. This one sure did, at least it did for me. This is the story of Sandy, formerly known in her previous life as Diamond. A life she escaped from six years ago.

I’ve found that I like strong female characters. Sandy definitely falls into that category, at least for me. She was in a really bad spot in her younger years and found her way out, not only because of a bad incident but because of her little boy. I also appreciated the fact that her brother never gave up on her no matter what bad choices she made in life.

A couple other characters who stood out to me were Father Frank and Ramona.

Of course, we have to have some bad dudes, because what story would be complete without them?

It was also quite interesting to me that this author was able to get into the mind of a female character. Sandy was scared at what she was finding out on this case she had undertaken, but she was also bullheaded enough to keep going until she had the answer, even if it meant putting everything she’d worked so hard to overcome in jeopardy. She was also able to maintain a sense of humor, which I found to be spot on. And the other women Sandy, Father Frank, and Ramona were trying to help? They add their own sense of internal strength to what happens on these pages. I have to wonder what Sandy will find herself mixed up in next.

 

Find Mr. Cavanagh:

Website: https://thomasbcavanagh.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/tbcavanagh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbcavanagh/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/thomas-b-cavanagh

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/90790.Thomas_B_Cavanagh

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Cut-Thomas-Cavanagh/dp/1608095959/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RXARK0DJS6MR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2T4PisEkvtQ8vlUSYGx25p-y0_HMrRswmA0Uuyx8M4_flZ9RmtV8Wo3y93Tico5h.kaFumy0OMKD2Mtl8qDOLDNrnaY-leYv6z1gWr0_mxu0&dib_tag=se&keywords=diamond+cut+thomas+cavanagh&qid=1716654473&s=books&sprefix=diamond+cut+thomas+cavanagh%2Cstripbooks%2C204&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diamond-cut-thomas-b-cavanagh/1143840993?ean=9781608095957

 

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Your Dark Secrets by Elle Marr New Release

 

Help me congratulate Elle Marr on her new book! Here’s the blurb:

Addison Stern is unparalleled when it comes to spinning a story. A ruthless PR executive, Addison is the star employee of the infamous Ovid Blackwell Group where the rich and famous go to hide all their secrets.

Connor Windell, on the other hand, is in the business of finding out information others would rather keep hidden. He used to be LA's top private investigator until a betrayal from his ex-girlfriend ruined his reputation and sent him into early retirement. That ex? None other than Addison Stern.

Connor has one chance to redeem himself and salvage his career, but he needs Addison’s help. Addison would rather lick the bottom of her Jimmy Choos than assist, but with some good old-fashioned blackmail, she agrees to team up for one job. But when that job proves bigger than either imagined and they uncover a dangerous hidden web of influence led by Hollywood's most vindictive and powerful people, they’ll have to rely on each other to expose the truth…and stay alive.

From the Vegas Strip to the beaches of Monaco, this globe-trotting adventure is filled with misplaced trust, competing motivations, and more than a little sexual tension. This gripping romantic thriller will have you up reading all night!

The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy.

I’m in trouble. I’m afraid I’ll have to add this author to my ever-growing go-to author list. I really enjoyed this darkly twisted tale of The Garden Girls. It hit pretty much all the ‘notes’ for me. Not to mention the very intriguing cover.

I had never heard of this author until I had the opportunity to read this tale and now I want to explore the rest of the Strange Crimes Unit series. I couldn’t even bring myself to read the back matter as that would only make me want to read the next book … now, and it’s not due out until 2025.

In The Garden Girls, you’ll find kidnapping, tattooing, grooming, lost relationships, rekindled relationships, close-knit friendships, and a group called Family of Glory.

Tiberius (Ty) is the main FBI agent in this tale and these ‘lighthouse crimes’ bring him face-to-face with his past, a past that he was ashamed of and had yet to face. Bexley (Bex) is a part of his past that he has to confront, which led him to Josiah. Not to mention his own messed-up childhood … the darkness that lurked there until he was able to see some light.

Ty’s best friend Owen. Owen was his ‘ride or die’ and he took that very seriously, they both did. I enjoyed the fact that both of these characters could call to mind a movie or a line in a song in the worst of circumstances; their personalities really shine through.

There are a lot of different characters in this tale, but that makes this story all the more intriguing. I also liked the fact that there is an underlying faith theme throughout these pages, not a lot, just enough to make Ty a more relatable character because one of the things he struggled with was the ability to believe in something higher than himself. There is also a vulnerability to some of these characters and yet an inner strength, especially concerning the women who were involved. And the bad guy? Yeah, that was a surprise. There are some nuggets interspersed leading readers down a couple of different paths, will they take the right turn in figuring out who it was? I sure didn’t.

 

Find Ms. Patch:

Website: https://jessicarpatch.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicarpatch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicarpatch/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicarpatch/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jessicarpatch

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-r-patch

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@readjessicarpatch

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13544350.Jessica_R_Patch

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Girls-Jessica-R-Patch/dp/1335463070/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VZPSE3JMFR31&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3rPmuXV7sm6yxLiE1a6728cLbXNkuFIT2TCgnjv5Sx1qIYqyeNnm6BUUsL6L_XYkTr6koSOEnnsZxG0RgACxUsvX2Q2HkNQi0TeFLi9UKo0hrBMPz6B4WUHU9cCGLBWL6r1ROi23uxHcdGT_iB4SL5Iaf3pPuDbRkz12-ASejNb5jPdM2q_ojkYse2nSPPALe28AKbtqBED3siVBaSFg_rC8PfQNWmUG492ohF_2N-g.etWkFkPn80xu5lAQyLtTYaqjGXah8iZTWSyeXH5yneg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+garden+girls+by+jessica+patch&qid=1713632069&s=books&sprefix=the+garden+girls%2Cstripbooks%2C168&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-garden-girls-jessica-r-patch/1143623825?ean=9781335463074

 

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Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon Book Review and New Release

 

I received a gifted copy.

The premise of this tale is Vienna and Madison … their story is one of meeting and becoming best friends. Their friendship lasted even after they graduated from high school. They had each other’s backs. They even went on to form a duo – they called themselves EmVee. Their band grew into The Bittersweet, a quite appropriate name, until tragedy struck.

You’ll meet Isabel; Evelina and her sister, Gabi. You’ll meet Roger, the band’s agent. You’ll even meet Libby who traveled with the band as a documentarian. These folks make up such a vast rollcall of characters, each one bringing their own bit of personality to this tale. You’ll even meet Madison’s parents; they’re quite hoity-toity, but essential to this tale. And Guy … can’t forget Guy.

This is exactly the kind of book I enjoy reading for various reasons. Best friends who are like sisters until they’re not. Characters you want to root for but then not.

This is the kind of book that had me thinking – Oh, I know what’s going to happen. Nope – another plot twist. Then again – Oh, I know who did it. Nope – wrong again. I was kind of right about whodunit, but not the exact reasons.

If you’re looking for a tale that you can spend the day with, or maybe a weekend, be sure to pick this one up. I’m sure you’ll enjoy these characters as much as I did. Twisted, sometimes dark, a bit of a love interest which is always a nice touch. And those quiet background characters. I think this is this author’s best one yet!

 

Help me congratulate Hannah on her newest release! Here’s the blurb:

Becoming the star is easier when the rest of your band is dead…

All drummer Vienna Taylor ever wanted was to make music. If that came with fame, she’d take it—as long as her best friend, guitarist Madison Pierce, was sharing the spotlight and singing lead. And with their new all-female pop rock band gaining traction, soon everyone would hear their songs…

Except, on the way to an event, the Bittersweet’s van careens off an icy mountain road during a blizzard—leaving one member dead and another severely injured.

In order to survive the frigid night, the rest must take shelter in a nearby abandoned cabin. But Vienna’s dreams devolve into a terrifying nightmare as, one by one, her fellow band members meet a gruesome end…and Madison simply vanishes in the night.

Has Vienna’s closest friend finally decided to take center stage on her own terms?

She doesn’t want to believe it.

But guilty people run.

Show Game by Steve Anderson Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy.

This is definitely a different take on your ‘average’ thriller/mystery. Plus, part of it is set in the city I grew up in Portland, Oregon, so mentions of different areas in Portland brought back some memories.

The premise of this story is ‘Alex’ is going after some bad folks, at least folks ‘Alex’ considers bad. The thing is, ‘Alex’ doesn’t want to hurt these folks, ‘Alex’ just wants them to make an admission and an apology. Basically – humiliation. Bringing forth the truth of what the bad guys did.

Enter news reporter Owen. Owen made a really big mistake in his career, one he’s trying to right, but when he gets assigned to this story, he has to rein himself in not to jump to conclusions … again. Then, of course, the paper he writes for is bought by Mason Snead who immediately wants to make changes and pulls Owen into his circle, for reasons Owen did not understand in the beginning. There’s more to Owen’s story.

Here's the thing … the reader will definitely be able to figure out the whodunnit in this tale, and I think that was the idea, it’s just the why that takes a while to get to and it is a really big WHY. Most intriguing is the lack of violence on the whodunnit’s part. I thought another character was somehow involved, but that turned out not to be the case.

If you like a tale that involves a vigilante who is trying to make folks take responsibility for what they did, a second-chance relationship, a mother trying to get her daughter back, and what I would consider some hometown justice, give this one a try. The classic good versus bad with a few twists thrown in.

I liked being able to connect to the City of Portland. I liked the struggle Owen had – between righting wrongs and siding with the whodunnit and not wanting to mess up again, and feeling he was wrong in what he came to believe. Mason Snead made for a pretty good character too along with his cohort, Viktoria. There’s a lot more to Viktoria’s story which was a twist I liked.

 

Find Mr. Anderson:

Website: https://www.stephenfanderson.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/SteveAwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveAndersonAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveawriter/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/steve-anderson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3518909.Steve_Anderson

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Show-Game-Steve-Anderson/dp/1504086775/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=O2HSx&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=137-4040560-8682302&pd_rd_wg=NnG9P&pd_rd_r=962c6d21-59ba-4bb8-840a-373563fe4b5a&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/show-game-steve-anderson/1143844638?ean=9781504086776

 

 

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Map of My Escape by Cheryl L. Reed Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy.

This was such a good book. I started this one on a Sunday and finished it by Tuesday. I imagine, if I had the time, I could’ve read this in one sitting. I have to admit that I picked this one because of the cover and the title intrigued me, Map of My Escape. I was not disappointed.

The premise is Riley and what she did. Thirteen years ago, she was at a school where there was an irate student who entered the gym. That was the day she met Reece. After that day, their friendship was solid through adulthood. Because of that day, Reece because a police officer and Riley became an activist. Someone else in Riley’s life was there that day as well, but it wasn’t until years later … Something happened in Riley’s adult life that made her leave her family and her home of Chicago.

Enter the island of Angelica, a very remote place with very secretive people. Once you become an Islander, you are protected by the people there no matter what you did. Angelica was the perfect place for Riley to hide. She also met another group of folks that she probably would never have met had she stayed in Chicago, opening her up to a new world of possibilities, a new place of dreams, even if they did get snowed in for weeks at a time in the winter.

I liked the characters. I liked the storyline. I liked the fact that Riley and Reece maintained a friendship throughout the years. This story didn’t just focus on what happened in the past, but it brought in some of the obstacles that Riley faced on her ‘escape,’ and planted clues as to how this map was being built. Angelica was not so remote that she never received any news from back home, it was just a few days late. I liked the fact that Riley is a very strong young woman and was able to at least make an attempt to move on with her life, even if it meant leaving everyone she loved behind. I found this to be a really well-written story and now I need “all the books.” Another one to add to my go-to author list.

 

Find Ms. Reed:

Website: https://www.cherylreed.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthrCherylReed and https://twitter.com/JournoReed

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCherylReed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryllynnreed/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cheryl-l-reed?list=followers

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/250468

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Map-My-Escape-Cheryl-Reed/dp/1960018175/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O8Z6QQw2AROv0ofpYwL9ryGyVW3z69Ti4XXEArXKdbmWM-7RaHJnT4K0pt1Wz7eUhzDNxa4jSXb9mhMPW04gJ4aeHd0uCIZoOtxUPMZvuNpukIQu_-oq9P4kODkeMtOoWckCzzO2nw9-RFxBDAcEtZWQnKLUTHwPtQPW6UI_lRs.dJEODPJwEli4GHGSt5WPEskKeIGvzXfZg86ZC-VFHAM&qid=1713631754&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/map-of-my-escape-cheryl-l-reed/1143839927?ean=9781960018175

 

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Black Widows by Cate Quinn Book Review

 

This is the kind of book I can sink my teeth into. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from three POVs. Rachel the first wife, Emily a sister-wife, and Teresa a sister-wife. Blake the husband. These folks lived way out on the other side of nowhere … where supposedly no one could bother them as they didn’t live a lifestyle most folks agreed with.

Rachel – she is Blake’s first wife, trying to run away from a past that she can’t quite forget, thinking Blake would offer her something better.

Teresa – the wife Blake met in Las Vegas so she was street-smart. She also didn’t know what she was getting into when she met Blake.

Emily – the shy wife, the youngest wife.

There’s more to each of these women. They each have an inner strength that is unbelievably amazing, especially when faced with some pretty hard-hitting truths.

This tale can be rather dark at times, maybe even rather farfetched but I think that’s what I liked about it. Some truth with the plural wife lifestyle thrown in to give it just enough reality along with a whole lot of fiction thrown in because really … who can come up with these scenarios better than a writer?

What I really liked about this tale is the inner strength Rachel, Teresa, and Emily found within themselves. I liked the fact that there is some healing involved, some good coming out of a really bad situation involving some really bad characters, some deeper understanding of each of these women and their personal circumstances, learning to work together to be better and make something good happen.

The Favorite Girl by Monica Arya Book Review

 

Hmmmm … The Favorite Girl. I had been seeing this floating around social media, folks saying how dark it was, how good. I just had to give it a try.

Okay … yeah, this is pretty dark. I don’t have triggers, so I didn’t find this one too disturbing, but … yeah, I can see where some folks might not be able to stomach this one. The one thing that I feel the author should do is include her trigger warnings in the front of the book and not just on her web site. That’s really my only criticism.

Demi – I like the character Demi. Even though she wanted to give up, she did not. She knew, deep down, there had to be a way out of her situation. She just had to hold onto that hope and her inner strength.

I actually enjoyed the darkness of this one, sometimes thinking – well, that’s creepy. The ending though? That I certainly did not see happening.

If you like deeply disturbing, darker-than-most reads, give this one a try.

The trigger warnings include – sensory deprivation, self-harm, woman degradation, human trafficking, medical experiments, bone garden, cages, violence, graphic scenes, sexual assault, parent abandonment.

The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright Book Review

 

I enjoy this author’s writing and Bonaventure Circus is no different. I like the way she overlaps the past into the present and has characters that ‘match’ each other.

The premise of this circus tale is the mystery surrounding its history. In true author style, Piper and Jack are close to the present-day characters of Chandler and Hank. The thing about Pippa is she was abandoned on the Ripleys’ doorstep as a baby because even though she was born into the circus for whatever reason her parents decided not to keep her and, I suspect, wanted her to have a better life and not looked upon as a circus-show attraction. This was back in 1928. Pippa had a deep-seated yearning when she was old enough to be a part of the circus. Enter Jack, whom she was fiercely attracted to, but betrothed to Forrest. Enter Lily, the baby elephant, who helped Pippa in more ways than one.

Fast forward many decades when Chandler’s father purchased the old circus depot. Chandler’s job was to assess the property and see what sort of remodeling it would take, the money it would take to revamp the space into something monetarily sound. Enter Hank. The overlap of Pippa and Chandler’s personality comes into play when they are both trying to prove themselves in a man’s world, to try to prove they are up to the task at hand, both fighting their attraction to men who are supposedly not good for them.

I enjoyed reading about these women’s challenges in the appropriate time periods; these two women are both strong-willed in their own ways, finding their own voices. I especially liked the ‘ghostly’ feel that was portrayed at the circus depot and the costume house. Had it not been for the ghosts of the past, a couple of present-day crimes would not have been solved.

There was one point when Pippa discovered something about her roots, where I actually said, “What?!?” That certainly caught me by surprise. Read this one – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Cold Lies by Bethany Dvilinskas Book Review

 

One thing about being a reader, as I’ve mentioned before, is finding new authors. I really like this cover.

I’m sad though. I have to be honest … this story had so much promise; it’s a good storyline with Sutton Romello being a detective, being injured, being put on desk duty, being assigned a 20-year-old cold case. I’m sad because I wish the author would have taken a bit more time to edit her story, to bring it an over-the-top wow factor. I will read more by her because I’d like to see how she evolves as a writer.

I like strong female characters and Sutton fits that character role very well, as do the other female characters in Lexie, Sutton’s partner (though Lexie is a bit overprotective); Natalie, Lexie’s boss. It was interesting to me how this particular 20-year-old case overlapped into these ladies’ present-day lives. Again … I like the idea of the storyline; it just needs polishing.

The Light Beside The Sea by Connie Di Marco Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy.

Julia is an astrologer who finds herself meeting new clients who are somehow tied to what happened to her late fiancé, Michael. Julia is also still close to Michael’s sister, Maggie, so of course Maggie is involved. The more clues these two amateur sleuths uncovered, the more interesting this story became.

There’s a journal.

There’s a bad guy.

There are smuggled artifacts.

There are love interests.

The clues keep piling up.

There are also a couple of intertwined stories that help take the focus off the main story, involving Rupert, Julia’s grandma, the neighbor, and the Mystic Eye store.

But the whodunnit? Whoa! Didn’t see that one.

To be honest, I wanted to devour this book in one sitting. The chapters are short, there is not a lot of ‘fluff’ in the action descriptions, and there is a lot of dialogue – all of which made this story move at a rather fast pace, which I appreciated. I was also rather taken in by the astrological chart descriptions.

This is also a part of a series, The Zodiac Mysteries, but can definitely be read as a standalone. Now, I need to get my hands on the rest of the series.

I cannot really describe why I was so taken in by this story; this is just good storytelling.

 

Find Ms. Di Marco:

Website: https://www.conniedimarco.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/askzodia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connie.di.marco.author/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connie_di_marco/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/connie-di-marco

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14751339

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Beside-Sea-Zodiac-Mysteries/dp/B0D39ZVSZ5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=367A99PRME9GC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.067waP_W2F5s9FnrTYt78B5tUBSRJ-HpQCDdu0-DWVSycc5u-P7ddeoPyFwA1FYXPVLNsEN8YWlB2GfUNcqUrOjqz2HdCFjhaIhX7jYC3cLetXCGvtKqbQYK8WBp-XEn72Otj_RwbO0PMalzmkItG5J3gOgqH5JSeV-UTLHDl0TwhMmqnzWpt-QAU13doAKs3SBEPrq3nLtvavrllPupaVOYpJalI7t2bOWnASpx0nc.wz8_CgLy8MaP79s5Pr4HTBsyu9H6JerQxLb8EV-KQIQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+light+beside+the+sea&qid=1716653933&sprefix=the+light+bes%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-light-beside-the-sea-connie-di-marco/1145556504?ean=2940186056300

 

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One Little Sigh by Shannon Hollinger New Release

Help me congratulate Shannon Hollinger on her new release – One Little Sigh. Here’s the blurb:

The small child floats so gently in the water, he could be peacefully asleep: but the cold blue of his skin reveals his fate. One mother’s little boy is never coming home again.

When Chief Maggie Riley sees the body of the small boy still dressed in pajamas in Beaverhead Lake, her heart breaks. Little Patrick Warner went missing last night. Despite immediately calling the entire town of Coyote Cove into action, Maggie’s desperate search failed. Even worse, it’s clear it was murder: Patrick took his last breath long before he entered the water.

Maggie is devastated—Patrick reminds her so much of her beautiful younger brother, gone for so long. Visiting the tiny, rumpled bed where Patrick’s teddy bear still lies, and where Patrick was last seen by his mother Jenny, Maggie’s grief turns to rage. She is determined to bring whoever hurt Patrick to justice.

In this isolated community, someone must know something. But no one will talk. And if his family had nothing to do with it, why are they so secretive? As Maggie’s investigation gathers pace, her emotions threaten to overwhelm her. She still doesn’t know her brother’s fate—she won’t let that happen for little Patrick.

But when Jenny suddenly disappears, suspicions whirl around her role in Patrick’s death. Could she have been lying all this time? Or is Jenny herself in terrible danger too? To uncover the truth before more innocent lives are lost, and lay her demons to rest, Maggie will have to risk not only those closest to her but her own life too…

What You Leave Behind by Wanda Morris New Release

 

Help me congratulate Wanda Morris on her new release – What You Leave Behind. Here’s the blurb:

Award-winning author Wanda Morris returns with a powerful, haunting thriller following a lawyer who after the mysterious disappearance of a local landowner and the death of his sister just months before, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction and persists in half the United States today.

Deena Wood’s life has fallen apart in the aftermath of losing her beloved mother, her marriage, and her prestigious job at an Atlanta law firm. She needs what the Geechee people of coastal Georgia call a “dayclean,” a fresh start.

She returns to her childhood home in Brunswick, Georgia, to heal. But her return is anything but the respite she thought it might be. To make peace with all her loss, she often drives through the city. One day, she unwittingly finds herself on the oceanfront property of a loner widower who is fighting to keep land that has been in his family since the end of the Civil War. He threatens her and warns her to never return. But shortly after, he disappears, and his very expensive property is quickly put up for sale. Curious about what has happened to the man, Deena digs into his disappearance and finds a family legacy at risk. What starts out as a bit of curious snooping, turns into a deadly game of illegal land grabs and property redevelopment in poor and rural communities with dark and powerful forces at work.

Without realizing it, Deena finds herself caught up in a nightmarish scheme that threatens her community and her family. She’ll need help and finds it in a close but unlikely source because she knows she must do whatever it takes to stop the sinister forces at play before she becomes their next target.

The Devil You Knew by Mike Cobb Blog Tour and Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy. There are probably going to be some spoilers as I don’t know how to talk about this book without giving some things away. This tale, for me, got off to a slow start until the first crime, then it picked up.

Part One of this tale is told in the voice of 11-year-old Billy (Binky to his friends). There is a lot of narrative throughout these pages. I think it had to be written this way. Part One takes us through two crimes that happened to two young girls and a failed third attempt. These crimes happened back in 1963 … the time when segregation was still very prominent, so of course, guess who gets blamed? Yep, Sam Jepperson. Not good detective work, just plain old closing the case and who cares about the truth?

Dovey Mae – I liked Dovey Mae’s character. She was Granny Tarwater’s house person, relegated to the kitchen to even eat her meals. Dovey Mae and Billy would sneak off and she would tell Billy the truth of the matter and even at 11 years old, Billy was smart enough to know something wasn’t right with how Dovey Mae’s “people” were treated. This book stays true to the verbiage of the time.

Granny Tarwater – Everyone needs a Granny Tarwater. She came across as someone who had a sense of right and wrong, no matter a person’s skin color.

Fast forward to Part Two, the 1980s. Billy is all grown-up. He’s still in touch with some of his neighborhood pals. Billy grew up to be a newspaperman. The intriguing thing about Billy is that he never forgot about Sam and never did accept what happened as fact. He decides to try to find out what really happened, since he now had the resources to do so. Interestingly, not only was this helpful to Sam, it was also helpful to Cynthia, Billy’s now wife. You’ll find out why.

This book made me sad, and it made me mad. Sad because things like this happened, mad because things like this happen. It also puts forth the fact that even back in the 1960s, during all the segregation going on, there were still good folks in the world, like Billy, like Granny Tarwater, who would think about going against the grain, but they just weren’t sure how to, so they kept their thoughts to themselves. I also liked Officer Winstanley. I think deep down he was a good man, he wanted to get to the truth, but he was told to “tow the line,” so to speak. Dovey Mae … we all need a Dovey Mae. She told it like it was, even to 11-year-old Billy. I liked grown-up Billy’s never give up attitude in his seeking out the truth, even if it meant kicking over some rocks, some uncomfortable feelings.

There is also a message of healing within these pages. Especially when the truth was finally revealed. And the whodunit all those years ago? That just adds another layer to the telling of this tale.

  

Find Mr. Cobb:

Website: https://mgcobb.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mgcobb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGCobbWriter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cobbmg/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13985093.Mike_Cobb

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-You-Knew-Mike-Cobb/dp/057837143X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RLU18N7AITYL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O9FiYDaVI8avE1sD6BOCbZGFnuTJwy4NKyzlipnDPdHCwNQL9nNhmYolonwM5BBG.7coqfQWs0QZsPc-hiAOCwV5S7MxKkDnp18tP8qbvMDk&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+devil+you+knew+mike+cobb&qid=1713631042&sprefix=the+devil+you+knew%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-devil-you-knew-mike-cobb/1142050332?ean=9780578371436

 

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