No Child of Mine by Nichelle Giraldes Cover Reveal and Blurb

 

COVER REVEAL AND BLURB! There’s a Goodreads giveaway - link below!

We are so excited about this haunting debut from Nichelle Giraldes that publishes September 12, 2023.

 

Blurb:  The Push meets The Haunting of Bly Manor in an atmospheric and beautifully haunting debut story about motherhood and love.

There's something in the dark. And it's starting to whisper...

Essie Kaur has defined herself by her ambitions, a fiercely independent woman whose only soft spot is her husband, Sanjay. She never imagined herself as a mother. It was never a part of the plan. But then she finds out she's pregnant. As her difficult pregnancy transforms her body and life into something she barely recognizes, her husband spends the nights pacing in the attic, slowly becoming a stranger, and the house begins to whisper.

As Essie's pregnancy progresses, both her and Sanjay's lives are warped by a curse that has haunted her family for generations, leaving a string of fatherless daughters in its wake. When she's put on bedrest, Essie trades the last aspects of her carefully planned life for isolation in what should be a welcoming home, but she isn't alone. There's something here that means to take everything from her…

 

Link to Goodreads giveaway: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/359321-no-child-of-mine

Defensive Instructor by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This is the second book of Mrs. Parmley’s that I have read in the Brotherhood Protector series. In this tale, we are introduced to the Three Cs Ranch, a place that was specifically built out in the middle of nowhere (literally) to shelter abused women and teach them skills to defend themselves. We are introduced to Barrett who is the defense instructor and from the description he’s quite the looker. The first client to arrive at the Three Cs is Chyna Taylor. Chyna has escaped from Phineas (Finn) her abusive ex and is one of the first of a group of women to be housed at the Three Cs. She is joined later by seven others, all with varying backgrounds, but one common theme - their abuse. They are learning to process their feelings with the help of Leah, the resident counselor, and they are also learning self-defense, taught by Barrett. Naturally, there is some powerful attraction between Barrett and one of the eight ladies, which is against the rules of the Three Cs. As remote as this location is in Montana, it’s not quite remote enough.

What I am enjoying, so far, about this series is that they are short novellas that can be read in a few hours, perfect for those folks who are traveling or just do not have time for a longer book, or even someone who is waiting during appointments. There is enough action to keep the reader interested. What I also enjoy is that there is enough heat, enough attraction between the two people involved so as not to be overly in your face, but you know it’s there.

Extreme Vetting by Roxana Arama Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Publishing February 7, 2023.)

Laura Holban is an immigration attorney, she herself having come to the States from Romania. The main client she is helping in this tale is Emilio Ramirez and later his wife, Blanca, the main goal being that they are allowed to stay and work in the US, after having come to the States a very long time ago. Emilio is hardworking as is Blanca, so much so that they built their own home to raise their two sons, Jacob and David. Laura also has a daughter, Alice, as well as her mother who is still in Romania and an ex-husband, Adrian, who is with his new family in Romania as well. So, not only is Laura having to deal with a system that is not friendly toward immigrants, but she is also having to deal with a teenager and not-so-nice feelings toward her ex-husband, who also wants nothing to do with Alice. Talk about a vicious circle.

So, she meets Emilio and takes on his case at the urging of his son, David, and really, the last thing she needs is another case, but when David knocks on her front door how can she say no? David and Alice also develop a friendship; they lean on each other. Enter Kyle who is willing to help Laura with her case because they discover not so up-and-up issues with the system they are working their way through. Laura also finds out that some of her clients who were deported, through no fault of her own, did not have such good outcomes. Emilio’s past has finally caught up to him and he has to tell Laura the truth as well as his own family.

This is Ms. Arama’s first novel and takes the reader through the trials of what it’s like to find asylum in the States, and even what it’s like to be deported. This tale takes the reader on the ups and downs of hope and disappointment while working one’s way through the system, both the lawyer’s side and the client’s. Emilio faces some truths and comes to a decision that will hopefully save his family, which makes him a very realistic character. David is a teenager wanting to help his family; those values having been instilled in him by his parents. I think it’s an extremely well thought out book for a first-time author and look forward to reading more from her. I hope you’ll give this one a read.

Dark of Night by Colleen Coble Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is book two in the Annie Pederson series by Ms. Coble and it picks up right where book one left off. It can, however, be read as a standalone.

In this tale, Annie has been called in to help find a missing woman, Michelle. Annie is still also dealing with her new relationship with Jon, as well as Kylie (her nine-year-old daughter) still not fully accepting Jon. Kylie is still grieving the losses she suffered at such a young age. Taylor is still around as well … becoming somewhat of a thorn in Annie’s side so to speak. However, in this tale the truth surrounding Taylor is finally revealed. Of course, Taylor does something unspeakable and Annie has to figure out whether or not to forgive her.

Jon is wrestling with how to get Kylie to accept him, even just a little bit. He is also wrestling with the decision of whether or not to accept the position he has been offered at a nearby clinic. Of course, something happens at his old clinic to make him believe that everything is going to fall apart and it’s going to reflect on him, even though he had nothing to do with it.

Michelle’s story leads both Annie and Jon to a women’s shelter where they met Idoya James, who claims she knows nothing about where Michelle might have gone off to. There is more to Idoya than meets the eye, but her story was never fully revealed. The whodunnit in this tale certainly caught this reader by surprise.

The thing I enjoy about this series is the consistency of the characters, the thoughts and feelings that they all experience make them much more realistic. I am quite certain that Annie and Jon are going to be having some more adventures that lead them deeper into the woods.

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Night-Annie-Pederson-Novel/dp/0785253742/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667846870&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-of-night-colleen-coble/1141293095?ean=9780785253747

 

Find Colleen Coble:

Website: https://colleencoble.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/colleen-coble

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33227.Colleen_Coble

Twitter: https://twitter.com/colleencoble

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

 

Interested in your own book tour?

Partners in Crime: https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/

 

Need a proofreader? I’ve got you covered - https://www.melissaproofs.com/

 

Under A Veiled Moon by Karen Odden Blog Tour/Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Down a Dark River is book one in this series; I would recommend reading that one first to introduce yourself to the main character, Michael (Mickey) Corravan. This tale is set in 1878, London, a time when the Irish were not a favorite, so many people at odds with each other. In this particular tale, Scotland Yard Inspector Corravan finds himself involved in trying to figure out the death of a man, where he came from, who is family was. Boom! There was a terrible accident on the Thames involving two vessels, so that added to his open investigations. While he was investigating these two crimes, a couple others happened, only adding to the question of how these crimes were connected, if they were. During these overlapping investigations, he starts discovering things about the family who took him in that he did not know, and he finds himself at wit’s end trying to figure it all out.

While the historical genre is not a usual one for me to read, I was highly impressed with the writing of this tale, very detailed descriptions of how things were back in the 1800s. Compared to today’s technology, can you imagine solving any kind of crime while taking notes (with pen and paper) and having to remember it all? No computers, no internet, no cell phones, none of the ‘conveniences’ of today. I would recommend this book to history buffs and those who enjoy the historical genre.

This may sound a bit silly, but I was actually reading this book with an Irish accent. Do you ever do that … create voices for your characters?

  

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Veiled-Inspector-Corravan-Mystery/dp/1639101195/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667847017&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-a-veiled-moon-karen-odden/1140985498?ean=9781639101191

 

Find Ms. Odden:

Website: https://karenodden.com/

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karen-odden

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3290721.Karen_Odden

Twitter: https://twitter.com/karen_odden

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

 

Interested in your own book tour?

Partners in Crime: https://www.partnersincrimetours.net/

 

Need a proofreader? I’ve got you covered - https://www.melissaproofs.com/

 

The Dead Don't Dream by Meghan O'Flynn

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Publishing January 24, 2023; not my picture.)

This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. O’Flynn and I am quite certain it won’t be the last. This is storytelling full of imagery that really grasps the reader’s attention. I found myself chuckling at some of the descriptions of Maggie’s patients and their antics, even some of Maggie’s antics.

Maggie is a psychologist/therapist who finds herself becoming immersed in her patients’ lives, some more than others, such as the case of Tristan Simms. This leads her to do some detective work, if you will, on her own as she wanted to get to the bottom of Tristan’s sleepwalking. Not to mention the fact she couldn’t get him out of her mind. There is also a secret side to Maggie that no one knows about. There is a bread trail of crumbs laced throughout these pages that Maggie follows, twisting and turning, so much so that she doesn’t really know what to believe or who to trust. Not only does Maggie have a secret side, she also helps women get out of certain situations, which makes her an intriguing character to say the least. Maggie is also dealing with her parents and their particular set of issues.

The pictures that are painted throughout this tale will certainly keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens in the end. If you are looking for a tale that will hold your attention and give you a good chuckle at the same time, give this one a go. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! I wasn’t.

This is Mind Games book one. This can also be read as a standalone. Short chapters and very fast paced.

Montana Marine by Debra Parmley Book Review

 

I received this book as a gift.

This book is part of the Brotherhood Protector series. In this tale, we are introduced to Angelica Glory who is a diva in every sense of the word. We also get to meet Lucy Woods, Ms. Glory’s assistant. In reality, Lucy really wanted a job in the costume department when she was offered the job of Ms. Glory’s assistant. She took it, thinking at least she was in the vicinity and could move to the costume department when a position became available. Enter the roses and the notes, which Lucy dutifully filed away. Enter the lingerie, which Ms. Glory eagerly opened and passed off to Lucy. Enter Monroe … Ms. Glory’s manager. Off they go to Montana so the Brotherhood Protectors could … well … protect them. This did not sit well with Ms. Glory and she became even more moody, taking her bad mood out on Lucy. Enter Jack (Gunny to his friends) who was in charge of the protection detail for both Ms. Glory and Lucy.

While I figured out where this story was headed, it was an enjoyable read … one that made me go awww … This is a quick read, having finished it in a day, but it contains a few different storylines. There is Ms. Glory and her divaishness. Lucy and her insecurities, staying in a job that she does not like but needs, seeing it as a means to an end. And a good introduction to the Brotherhood Protector series.

The Stairs on Billy Buck Hill by Steven L. Orebaugh Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Kurt McCain, MD, anesthesiologist, working for a private practice affiliated with a hospital has a reputation for being on time, caring for his patients, going the extra mile including writing articles, doing research, being involved, being taken under the wing of his ‘boss.’ Being extraordinary in other words - living for anesthesia and his job. To his own detriment, not having a social life. He was involved with Cassy until she took off. His sister, Katy, thinks he needs someone in his life; Kurt hesitates. He’s been hurt before … by Cassy. Thinking he’s not ready to give his heart away again until … Lauren. Lauren is beautiful in every sense of the word - from her looks to her personality to the people she introduces Kurt to. Kurt finds himself becoming addicted to Lauren. Lauren, as it turns out, has other issues and is virtually using Kurt to get her what she wants. Fortunately, for Kurt, before it’s too late to turn back from the path he went down with Lauren, he gets bonked on the head with a door.

Being a medical transcriptionist, I’m always interested in reading a medical ‘thriller.’ This is certainly a different read, not a thriller by definition, but a book that entails what medical professionals are faced with on a daily basis … the temptation that stares them in the face. I think it’s an important topic that probably doesn’t get talked about enough. There is also quite a bit of Kurt’s personal story entangled within the pages - from the relationship he has with his sister and her family, the relationship he had with Cassy, with Lauren, with his inner turmoil about what he was doing with his own life, his career, culminating in the end with his recovery and his one final test.

The Summer She Disappeared by Carissa Ann Lynch Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture; publishing February 28, 2023.)

Willow and her family are not rich by any means. Instead of big, expensive summer vacations, they travel about forty minutes away from home (Branton) to Hillendale for the summertime. Basically, only shifting locations, but still … the scenery is different. Willow meets Kathi Jo and they become fast friends.

The following summer, it’s back to Hillendale. Kathi Jo has changed. She’s now hanging out with Blake, Tommy, and Trevor. Chloe, Blake’s sister, doesn’t bother hanging out with them. Willow never felt she fit in with this crowd, always thinking she was being judged by them. This is the summer some terrible things happened. This is the summer they wish they could all forget. This is the last summer Willow and her family spent in Hillendale.

Fast forward quite a few years and Willow finds herself back in Hillendale, trying to fix up the lake house so she can sell it or rent it, since it’s hers now. Being back in Hillendale brings back a lot of memories and a lot of questions - the main one being what happened to her friend.

If you like a tale told in a dual timeline, with a couple of storylines mixed together, give this one a read in 2023. There are dropped hints of what happened that fateful summer that will keep the pages turning until the answers are revealed.

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The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture. Publishing February 7, 2023.)

In her previous life, Alyssa (then Alice) was what you would call an underprivileged child, complete with pretty much an absentee mother. In her adult life, along comes Bill who captivated her, made her promises of having everything she ever wanted and all she had to do was marry him and the world would be hers. Of course, she jumped at the opportunity … all in the name of love, or at least she thought it was love. Fast forward about eight years and her world crumbled. Bill up and left her … high and dry. Feeling sorry for herself one evening, Alyssa finds herself drowning her sorrows at a bar, a place she would normally not be.

Enter a bedraggled-looking Bree. The typical bar conversation ensues. You know the one, how are you, bad day type of thing. Alyssa leaves, only to return a few days later thinking maybe she’d see Bree again. And guess what? In walks Bree. This time, though … more conversation, more of Bree’s story comes out, and Alyssa felt bad enough for Bree that she invites her to stay in her guest house.

Things take some twists and turns after that. Alyssa encourages Bree to look at the genealogy results, which then leads them on a path toward discovering Bree’s real family which leads them to Dez, which leads them to a trail of money, which leads them to discovering that Bill wasn’t the upstanding citizen he portrayed himself to be. Just when I thought I had Bree and Dez figured out - PLOT TWIST! Then, again, just when I had this tidbit figured out - PLOT TWIST!

Add this one to your 2023 TBR because … the plot twists will make your head swivel. Ms. Ryan does not disappoint with this one, it seems a simple story … it’s not.