Fatal Complications by John Benedict Book Review

 

Image provided by Dr. Benedict. 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

This is when we first meet Luke Daulton, the new anesthesiologist working through a service who provides anesthesia services to Swatara General. This is also the book in which Luke and Kim’s baby girl, Abigail, enters the picture. This is an important point which you will understand when you read Fatal Complications as there are complications that occur in the operating rooms. We also get to meet Rob Gentry and Gwen along with Dr. Katz and Dr. Seidle. There is also an underlying story of an election campaign involving Senator Pierce. Apparently, some really bad dudes didn’t want him to maintain his senate seat. Don’t forget the money. And to think the answer lies within a Sudoku puzzle unknowingly picked up by someone who didn’t know any better.

I found this book to have some underlying themes, mostly related to good versus evil and who will be the victor … another being Luke dealing with some pretty deep-seated issues regarding his dad and struggling with his faith (is there a God or isn’t there?). Kim wants Luke to believe, yet she knows him well enough to know that he has to “get there” in his own time. I think we all question our faith when bad things happen. 

Having read Fatal Complications, Adrenaline, and The Edge of Death, I find that Dr. Benedict keeps his characters consistent throughout making them more relatable.

Without A Trace by Carissa Ann Lynch Book Review

 

There is almost nothing better than spending a rainy Sunday reading a good book. Such is the case of Sunday, March 14, 2021 … for me anyway. Ms. Lynch has fast become one of my favorite authors to read and Without A Trace is no exception.

We find Lily a four-year-old little girl has gone missing and her mom, Nova, is a mess as you can imagine. We also discover that what started out as a fairy tale for Nova’s didn’t turn out that way … or is she lying? There is Martin, Nova’s real estate husband, who seemingly has his professional personality and his when you’re alone in the room with him personality. The police officer on the case, Ellie, was involved in an incident that she is still trying to come back from. There is Nova’s neighbor, Clara, with a secret of her own. And, there is Rachel, the midwife, who gives Nova a business card with a knitting group’s app site on it. As it turns out, it may not be “just” a knitting club.

There is also an underlying theme running through this book that makes me a put a trigger warning on it for domestic abuse … the underlying theme being there is help available even if it is hidden, sort of like an underground system. The thing is, victims of abuse sometimes have a hard time escaping and don’t know how. They are scared. It is not an easy decision to leave one’s abuser, most especially if you have been threatened in any way and if there are kids involved that makes it even harder in some cases. This is true for both men and women. I highly praise Ms. Lynch for putting this book out in the world, to let victims know that there is help available.

There is definitely more to this book than what I was expecting. And the ending … well, you’ll have to read that for yourself.

Burn The Night by Mike Donohue Book Review

 

Image provided by Mr. D. 

I had the opportunity to do an early read and proof for Mr. Donohue. Publishing March 16, 2021.

Max finds himself in Philly, working as a driver for Liam’s car service, PPCS. As a night driver, Max runs across all sorts of characters, from drunk college girls, the occasional uptight businessman, or brides in bloody wedding dresses. One such passenger dropped a box in the back of his Town Car. Max, as you may recall, is also running from some seriously bad dudes and is still trying to fly under the radar, make things right in his life. The box is the property of Adelita, Max finds out later, and Adelita is looking for her sister, Soledad. There is also the underlying story of a re-election campaign going on. Javon, a young gym rat Max has seen at Ronnie’s gym, is also kidnapped in this tale and, naturally, Max wants to help. 

Mr. Donohue just keeps throwing out the twists as this story unfolds. Mr. Donohue is also quite masterful in how he uses imagery to pull the reader in. I am quite certain that you will enjoy his work as much as I do.

This is book #5 in Mr. Donohue’s Max Strong series. The order of his books: Shaking the Tree, Bottom of the World, Hollow City, Trouble Will Find Me, Burn the Night. Prequels: Sleeping Dogs and The Devil’s Angel. Short story collection: October Days.

While each of these books can be read as standalones, I encourage you to read them in order to really get a sense of Max and his friends.

SIDE NOTE: I don’t really like to compare one author to another, but I feel it is justified in this case. Mr. Donohue’s character, Max, reminds me a lot of Mr. Child’s character, Reacher. Both of these men are wanderers, finding themselves in one town or another. Both characters do odd jobs for a few extra dollars, not really concerned with the money, rather the cover it provides. Both seem to end up in positions where they are left with the choice of helping someone they feel is in distress or walking away. Both choose to help. Max and Reacher both seem to have inner demons, good versus evil, erring on the side of good. All these traits make both of these characters quite relatable.

The Words We Whisper by Mary Ellen Taylor (Mary Burton) Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Available July 20, 2021.

Never be “afraid” to pick up a book outside of your favorite genre. Like this one, you may be missing a true gem!

This book combines the past with the present. Nonna (the grandmother of the story) lived in Italy during the 1940s, the time of the war. She guards her past and her secrets, hidden away in a box and the deep recesses of her memory. She took her granddaughters in, Gina and Zara, and raised them so she is pretty much all they know. Now, at the age of 97, she has decided to tell her secrets. Zara came home on the notion that Nonna needed her to take care of her (Zara being a traveling hospice nurse). Wait until you find out the truth about that!

If you like books that are based on the premise of the past meeting the present, I am certain you will enjoy this one. This book has it all – the older generation finally telling their past secrets. A relationship between sisters. The chance at love … in the strangest of places. The thing about historical writing, for me anyway … it has to be interesting. This one hits that mark. 

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read this book.  Make sure you set aside a day for this one … had I had the time, I would have devoured these words in one sitting.

The Sister-In-Law by Pamela Crane Book Review

 

Not my picture. 

As a member of Ms. Crane’s reader team, I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Publishing August 10, 2021.

I never should start one of Ms. Crane’s books during my 30-minute lunch break. I did and all I wanted to do was keep reading. If given the opportunity, I am quite certain I would have finished this tale in a day or two at the most.

This book has absolutely everything you could want in a psychological thriller, starting out with Ben’s death and it doesn’t stop giving, with seeds of hints along the way. Ben, as it turns out, had secrets of his own. Harper, his wife, carries her own remorse for a tragic accident, yet ultimately she was able to forgive. Harper’s children, Elise and Jackson, are integral parts of this story. Lane, Harper’s brother, carries secrets of his own and is the one to protect Harper no matter what. Their mom is the type of mom who speaks her mind, no matter the consequences. She tells it like it is. Enter Candace, Lane’s new wife after a very brief whirlwind relationship. When Candace enters the picture, she and Harper go at it because they simply do not like each other, Candace because she thought Harper had too much control over Lane, and Harper because she thought Candace was only out to use Lane. All of their lives are intertwined, with all of their dirty little secrets revealed in the end. There is also a great deal of forgiveness included in this story.

I absolutely adore this quote! “House guests were like fish – they were only good for about three days.” Ms. Crane has absolutely filled this story with a lot of imagery and has nailed the descriptions to the absolute nth degree. While I enjoyed “Pretty Ugly Lies” and “Little Deadly Secrets,” they have got nothing on “The Sister-in-Law.” Don’t forget to check out Talia’s short story at the end!

The Edge of Death by John Benedict Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

We find Dr. Doug Landry on a six-month leave from Mercy. He is now giving lectures to students about anesthesia. In one of the lectures that Dr. Landry attended, he listened to a lecture by Dr. Mueller, a pathologist. Some of the medical profession in this story think of pathology as the “basement profession,” if you will, considering Dr. Mueller worked with tissue on slides and corpses and not live beings. Dr. Mueller was studying how to bring someone back from the dead … is a person really dead when they are declared or is there still enough cell activity to bring them back? He did an experiment on one such case, Nick Chandler. The results were not exactly what he was expecting. Chip and Kristin are two instrumental characters in this tale. 

I have to say Dr. Benedict has a very creative imagination. He has created somewhat of a Frankenstein-type story in “The Edge of Death.” While it is the book that follows “Adrenaline,” you could certainly read it as a standalone. This book is full of some creepiness that calls into question – is Kirlian photography a real thing? Could this really happen if someone was so inclined to study it further? Creepy good read.

Lit by C.B. Wiant Book Review

 

Take a close look at the cover. Do you see what I see?

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. I highly recommend you read LIGHT HER UP before you read LIT. In LIGHT HER UP, you are introduced to the characters you will meet in LIT and will have a better understanding.

 **POTENTIAL SPOILERS**

At the beginning of LIT, the reader is taken into what I would classify as a dream of Aviana’s, although she is known as Lily and later as Nix. We find her tossed into what is called the Arena during her Season. In the Arena, she is faced with Beasts that she has to exterminate in order to survive. The “organizer” of these events is Onyx, who Lily thinks she can trust to help her get to the other side, if you will. All the while, Lily is wondering what happened to Hudson and why he has not come to save her. Onyx finally relents and lets Lily have Hudson back, and then he pretty much forces her to go through a mirror of sorts, claiming Hudson will be right behind her. Lily then finds herself admitted to a psychiatric hospital and comes back into contact with Ramona, surprised to find out that eight years have gone by. And what exactly happened to her in those eight years she cannot explain and yet it feels like her imagination gone wild. Was what she experienced real or imagined?

As in LIGHT HER UP, if you enjoy the paranormal genre, I am sure you will enjoy LIT. LIT brings closure and ties all the loose ends together you may have been wanting more of in LIGHT HER UP. Can you imagine being able to conjure up the thought of fire and having your hands light up, such as in Lily’s case?

When She Returned by Lucinda Berry Book Review

 

The one mistake I made with this book is to start reading it at bedtime. Don’t do that!

This story is told in three voices.

ABBI: Kate went missing eleven years ago, so Abbi does not remember her. She is telling her story in the now since Kate has returned. All Abbi wanted was to get to know her mom.

KATE: Kate is relating her story in the then timeframe … leading up to her disappearance. Scott, her husband, had to deal with her missing and refusing to accept that she may be dead or never return. Kate’s assignment was to do an interview series with Ray, the leader of Love International, an organization that had moved to Arcata with the premise of helping people detox from drugs and alcohol. There was more to Love International than anyone expected.

MEREDITH: Meredith met Scott in their grief classes. She is the new wife and is telling her story in the now, dealing with her own emotional rollercoaster. She has two sons, Thad and Caleb. You can only imagine the inner turmoil Meredith had to deal with when Kate returned. She discovered something about Kate, but nobody wanted to believe her.

As this story unfolds, each of the people mentioned (to the exclusion of Thad and Caleb as they were grown and out of the home) are telling the same story in their own words, dealing with their own emotions. Before Kate disappeared, she had left her journalist job to be a stay-at-home mom to Abbi. After a few years, she decided to go back to her full-time position and was doing a story on an organization in the Arcata area called Love International. She got more than what she bargained for.

Ms. Berry dropped a couple of clues, if you will, in this tale to lead the reader down one path of what might have happened … Talk about a mind twister! The ending will leave you going, “Say, what? I sure didn’t see that coming.” Good read!

Adrenaline by John Benedict Book Review

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Dr. Mike Carlucci and Dr. Doug Landry are both anesthesiologists who work for Keystone Anesthesia who provides services for Mercy Hospital. Through their work affiliation, they became best friends. Something mysterious started happening to the patients undergoing surgery, the exact cause was unknown until that particular mystery was solved. They were then faced with another mystery – the who behind the happenings. Keystone Anesthesia also employed Dr. Bryan Marshall who was the chief of the department along with Dr. Joe Raskin who was what you would call second-in-command, though he wanted Dr. Marshall’s position. Enter, Rusty Cranmer, an anesthesiology student, who was out to figure out what happened to his mother.

There are quite a few stories going on in this book. The marriages of both Dr. Carlucci and Dr. Landry, both having their share of difficulties as is true in any marriage. You have the power struggle between Dr. Marshall and Dr. Raskin which causes an underlying tension. There is the friendship between Dr. Carlucci and Dr. Landry, so Dr. Landry was especially concerned when he started noticing some changes in Dr. Carlucci who claimed he had things under control. Then, there is the interesting character of Rusty, the young student, who was eager to learn about his chosen profession as well as what happened to his mother.

Dr. Benedict’s work as an anesthesiologist gives him an inside look as to what sorts of pressure an anesthesiologist must feel when he is inducing a patient and waking the patient back up again. His knowledge of the medical field helps him to create scenarios that could very likely occur, though I hope not!!

 

Take What You Can by Heather Garvin Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture.)

I have to admit that I have a hard time categorizing books into genres, but this one falls into the “young adult fiction” genre. While this book may be tailored for your readers, I think adults would enjoy it as well. I think Ms. Garvin does a good job at delving into what some teenagers may face, although the teenagers in this story come up against some odds that are not typical.

This story takes place in Chuloata, Florida, although no one likes to admit they are from Chuloata. Paige’s summer starts off with an end-of-the-year bonfire at the beach. Everyone from school is there including her two best friends, Josh and Leah, as well as a few others she doesn’t like, including Dan and Luke. Luke has had a crush on Paige for the longest time and Paige has always done her best to avoid going out with him. Dan isn’t from school, but is related to Luke and is what you could call a bad guy. At the bonfire, Paige meets Fredrick. Josh and Fredrick have a past which puts them at odds with each other, especially when it comes to Paige. Paige does not heed Josh’s warning. Through her association with Fredrick, Paige is introduced to Melissa, Jason, Carter, and Fredrick’s mom, Kelly, his sister, Nicole, and his brother, Ben. Fredrick, Melissa, Jason, and Carter are in a group that Paige takes to referring to as “pirates.” They are not modern-day pirates, rather they are pirates doing what they need to do to survive, at least in their minds. Through this association, Paige’s somewhat dull life is turned upside down, not only from what she discovers about this group but also because of the intense feelings she develops for Fredrick. Fredrick has feelings for Paige as well, but he fights them.

This book ends in such a way that it is the perfect set up for the next book … Give Nothing Back which is releasing in May 2021.

The Watcher Girl by Minka Kent Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Grace McMullen works for a company who delves into the deep dark web to uncover and destroy information people don’t want on the Internet. This leads her to looking into Sutton’s life. Sutton is her ex-boyfriend from long ago. It turns out he has married someone who looks suspiciously like Grace, so she takes it upon herself to go back home to apologize. She meets Campbell, Sutton’s wife, and also their little girl, surprisingly named Grace but whom they call Gigi. Grace, being one not to get close to anyone, develops sort of a friendship with Campbell.

This is also a story of Grace renewing her family connections with her dad, her sister (Rose), her father’s current girlfriend (Bliss, who holds a secret of her own). Grace also has a brother, Sebastian, but he is away at law school and is not an integral part of this story. Grace was adopted by the McMullens but she never really felt a part of the family, like there was some cloud hanging over her head, a darkness inside.

Through this tale, she discovers that some of her truths that she had been holding onto all these years are not the truth at all.

This tale really takes a turn when Campbell reveals yet another secret to Grace … Grace being her doubting self lends herself to believing Campbell. This is where the path veers off in another direction altogether.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, then I am sure you will enjoy this one. This one will take you down a slow path, leading you in one direction and then veering off in another direction altogether. I think you will be surprised and most definitely will enjoy this one! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kent.

Bad Robot by John Benedict Book Review

 

I received a gifted e-book copy and am providing a review. (Not my picture.)

This story takes place at Swahara General Hospital. There is just the right mix of characters who help to enhance this story.

Luke Boulton is the primary anesthesiologist in this tale; his wife, Kim; their daughter, Abi. Bad luck seems to follow Luke around these days.

Ramon Salazar, MD, is the premiere robotic cardiac surgeon (at least in his mind). His wife, Gabrielle. Dr. Salazar arrived at Swahara General after his fall from Mass General (where he would prefer to be).

Brandt Stevens, RN, changing his career to CRNA, with a very bad temper. Not to give too much away, but when things go wrong with a patient, Brandt seems to be right there with the solution. Brandt is the know-it-all in this story, the one with all the answers, the one who thinks he is a cut above all the rest, and Kaycee would be a fool to dump him (or so he thinks).

Dani and Kaycee are the two main nurses in this tale of medical whodunit. Dani is the married nurse who has the hots for Dr. Boulton. Kaycee is Brandt’s girlfriend, who is taken in by Dr. Salazar’s expertise, but is really more impressed with his money.

As a medical transcriptionist for more years than I care to count, I absolutely enjoy reading medical thrillers and BAD ROBOT fits the bill. This story also gives us a look into robotic surgery (published 2018). Dr. Benedict’s profession as an anesthesiologist only adds credibility to this story and a lot of realism, making for a really good read, I think.

Light Her Up by C.B. Wiant Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.  LIT is the second book in this series.

**POTENTIAL SPOILERS**

Cast of Characters (in no particular order of appearance):

Hudson: This is the young man this story seems to be based around. Hudson started out as a normal young man until he had an accident and was decidedly different after he woke up from a 5-month long coma. He was able to move faster than other individuals and read other people’s minds. He also took up sketching and consistently sketched a lady he had yet to meet. When he did finally run across her, he suddenly felt at peace with himself. It was not anything he could explain or understand, it was just a knowing. Along the way, they became separated and all he wanted to do was find her again, to be at peace again.

Aviana: Another main character, also called Lily. This is the young lady Hudson kept sketching unbeknownst to her. She had no idea Hudson even existed, until she met him. She also knew that he was the same as her, what with the eye color changes and his abilities. She also had an ability to light fire with the snap of her fingers. Then, there was the accident she created.

Genevieve: Aviana met Genevieve and thought she was the air she breathed and felt she couldn’t live without her. Somehow Aviana, being between homes, ended up becoming Genevieve’s roommate, until she wasn’t. Aviana still felt Genevieve was the air she breathed and wanted nothing more than to make up with her.

Terra: Terra was Hudson’s high school sweetheart and loved him from the very beginning. Terra and Aviana’s relationship adds the competition, the jealousy into this intense story. Who wins Hudson?

Mark: Mark started out at Genevieve’s across-the-hall neighbor until Aviana was moved out. He then became Genevieve’s roommate. He is kind of like the big brother in this story, a voice of reason.

Ben: Ben is one of the good guys. He bought a home where he invited Hudson to stay on the pretense he needed a roommate. Hudson helped Ben fix up his home and was Ben’s roommate for a time. Ben is like a beacon of light to those who feel lost, providing them a safe place to stay, a safe place they can be themselves.

Ramona: Because every story needs one, Ramona is the “resident” psychologist, the one people talk to.

Tracy: The final character bringing this story together. After Hudson and Aviana were separated, Tracy went out to find Aviana to bring them (Aviana and Hudson) together again. Hudson was restless and this was the only thing Tracy could think of to do to help him.

I would classify this book in the paranormal genre. While this is not my typical reading material, the one thing I appreciate the most is the way the author’s words just flow. The script does not feel forced in any way whatsoever, making me know that this book came from Ms. Wiant’s heart. If you like a somewhat dark, intense, kind of twisted (so far as the relationships between characters, good versus inner evil demons) read, then I am certain you will enjoy this tale.

Cold Cruel Kiss by Toni Anderson Book Review

 

I had the opportunity to read an early copy and am providing a review.

This is book 4 in Ms. Anderson’s Crossfire series and certainly can be read as a standalone.

This story is based around the abduction of the US Ambassador’s daughter, Kristen, and her friend, Irene, and takes place in Buenos Aires. Russian intelligence plays a part in this story as well. SSA Max Hawthorne was called in to assist in the rescue of Kristen and Irene. Lucy Aston is a very interesting character. She comes across as someone who does not want to be recognized in her position as assistant to the personal assistant of the ambassador. Lucy has secrets that she wants to remain secrets. She may not want to be noticed, but Max certainly noticed her.

If you like a bit of intrigue and some sparks flying between two coworkers, you are sure to enjoy this read. This is such a well-written tale that you will be surprised at who the bad guy turns out to be.

Cold Cruel Kiss by Toni Anderson New Release

 ★★ NEW RELEASE ★★

Check out the newest release from NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author Toni Anderson. 

COLD CRUEL KISS is a heart-stopping and addictive romantic thrilled and it just went live! 

Read it Now: 

→ Amazon: https://amzn.to/39SzsfD

→ Apple: https://apple.co/36UsnJD

→ Nook: https://bit.ly/3qEagiS

→ Kobo: https://bit.ly/37KGuk6

→ Google: https://bit.ly/3oANC9y

When the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped in broad daylight on Christmas Eve, the FBI sends one of its best negotiators to investigate.

Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne arrives at an embassy thrown into chaos as US and local law enforcement hustle to track the young woman. Is this a simple kidnap for ransom, or part of a political agenda? Could it be something more sinister?

Lucy Aston has something to hide. Preferring to stay in the shadows, the lowly, fashion-challenged office assistant resents being assigned to help Max. But Max can’t resist a puzzle…he’s starting to suspect Lucy Aston is not what she seems.

When rumors emerge of a suspected Russian spy operating out of the embassy, Lucy’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble. As she and Max race to rescue the ambassador’s daughter, Lucy has to do whatever it takes to keep her cover from being blown—even if that means betraying the man she’s falling for.

-------------

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Toni Anderson writes award-winning, bestselling, FBI Romantic Thrillers. She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, RITA® finalist, science nerd, professional tourist, dog lover, gardener, mom. Anderson's books have won the Readers' Choice Award, Aspen Gold, National Excellence in Romance Fiction, Book Buyers' Best.  

 

Originally from a small town in Shropshire, England, Toni studied Marine Biology at University of Liverpool (B.Sc.) and University of St. Andrews (Ph.D.) with the intention she'd never be far from the ocean. Well, that plan backfired and she ended up in the Canadian prairies with her biology professor husband, two kids, a rescue dog, and a laid-back leopard gecko. 

 

Toni started writing while pregnant with her first child and never stopped. Her greatest achievements are mastering the Tokyo subway, climbing Ben Lomond, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and surviving fifteen Winnipeg winters (fingers crossed). She loves to travel for research purposes and was lucky enough to visit the Strategic Information and Operations Center inside FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. in 2016. She also got to shove another (police) car off the road during pursuit training at the Writer’s Police Academy. Basically she has way too much fun!

For more information about Toni and her books, please visit her website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: https://www.toniandersonauthor.com

Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/toniannanderson

Facebook Like Page: https://www.facebook.com/toniandersonauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toniannanderson 

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

Newsletter: http://www.toniandersonauthor.com/#!newsletter/c238q 

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2r5la7G 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kwEVw2

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-anderson

Audible: www.audible.com/tonianderson 

Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan Cover Reveal

 

As a member of Ms. Ryan’s Super Reader Team, I am excited to be a part of her new book cover reveal, Her Perfect Life. Scheduled to hit shelves on September 14, 2021.

Blurb: Everyone knows Lily Atwood—and that may be her biggest problem. The beloved television reporter has it all—fame, fortune, Emmy awards, an adorable seven-year-old daughter, and the hashtag her loving fans created: #PerfectLily. To keep it—all she has to do is protect one life-changing secret.

Her own.

Lily has an anonymous source who feeds her story tips about others—but suddenly, the source begins telling Lily inside information about her own life! How does he—or she—know the truth?  

Lily understands that no one reveals a secret unless they have a reason. Now she’s terrified someone is determined to destroy her world—and with it, everyone and everything she holds dear.

How much must she risk to keep her perfect life?

I’m looking forward to this one! How about you? It’s available for pre-order from Forge Reads right now, just click here: https://bit.ly/herperfectlifemac

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/herperfectlifegr  

A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight Book Review

This is a book I received in 2020 via Goodreads via HarperCollins. 

I am late to the party on this one. I kept seeing reviews on this book and I finally snagged it off the shelf and settled in to read. This is my kind of book!

Lizzie and Sam. Lizzie is an attorney, Sam is an alcoholic. Lizzie tries to hide that fact from general knowledge. Everyone knew, they just didn’t say anything. 

Amanda and Zach. This couple met when Amanda was a teenager at the hotel she was working at. Zach jokingly told her to come with him. Boy, was he surprised when she was standing next to his car, packed and ready to go. Their son, Case, is away at camp in California. 

Lizzie and Zach went to law school together way back in the day. 

Maude and Sebastian (they call him Sebe). Sebastian is the good-looking French fellow in this tale. All the women pretty much swooned over him. Maude and Sebe throw a certain kind of party every year when everyone’s kids are at summer camp in one form or another. Their daughter, Sophia, was at camp and having some issues of her own. Maude worried. 

Sarah and Kerry. Sarah went to work for the foundation that Zach and Amanda set up. Kerry is the deadbeat husband in this tale, having lost yet another job much to Sarah’s dismay.

None of these marriages are perfect as you can well imagine. When the unthinkable happens to Amanda, Zach reaches out to Lizzie, his long-lost attraction and law school co-ed, because he needed an attorney. Little did Lizzie know, until it was practically too late, how much Zach knew about her and the secrets she harbored. In the end, Lizzie came out the winner and got a bit of revenge. 

All of these families are connected because of the neighborhood they live in as well as the case brought against Brooklyn Country Day (the school their children attended), because there has to be another underlying story and this one fits. The guilty party will surprise you. 

This is the first book I have read by Ms. McCreight, and I am certain it won’t be my last. If you have not read this book yet, you are in for a treat, especially if you like legal thrillers. It is quite long at 388 pages but well worth the time.

Whispering Hearts by V.C. Andrews Book Review

 

I received a copy through Goodreads via Simon and Schuster.

Emma Corey has just graduated from high school at the age of 18 and has decided to leave her home of Guildford for the bright lights of New York, much to her family’s displeasure, most especially her father. She wanted to pursue a career as a singer and was ready to do what it took. She arrived in New York not knowing what to expect and was captivated by the bright lights and all the attractions, until she started experiencing the “real” world. She met some shady people along her journey, but she also made some new friends as well. Just as Emma was about to give up entirely on her dream, after having gone to numerous auditions and going through a couple of roommates, her luck changed. She received an offer that she just could not refuse.

Not a bad read, but definitely not a “typical” V.C. Andrews book, at least not from what I remember when I read “Flowers in the Attic” way back. I can just imagine what it would be like for an eighteen-year-old just out of high school traveling to a place she knew nothing about, let alone not knowing anyone, as well as being outcast by her father.

The Admirer's Secret by Pamela Crane Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. Not my picture.

Haley, the main character of this story, is an aspiring screenplay writer so when she gets a chance, she signs up for Allen Michaels’ college course. Mr. Michaels is apparently taken with Haley and tries to lead her down a road paved with his own secrets. Marc is another integral part of this story. He’s the good-looking computer guru that Haley hires to help fix her computer. Julie is also important, because what story would be complete without a little female competition? Then, there is Haley’s mom, Gabrielle, who kept Haley’s secrets hidden in order to try and protect her daughter. There came a point when she couldn’t help or hide her daughter’s troubles anymore. That is a hard realization for any parent.

Ms. Crane has an uncanny way of reaching deep inside a person’s innermost thoughts. If you are into psychological reads that are based on her own experiences, full of twists and turns you won’t expect, I highly recommend you read her books. This particular book, “The Admirer’s Secret,” explores the mind of one who is afflicted with erotomania. I applaud Ms. Crane for bringing forth some mental health issues that you usually don’t hear about. This book also brings forth how important it is to forgive those who have wronged us, not to forget the lessons learned, but to forgive in order to be able to move on. Though I have never personally experienced this sort of situation, I do know how important it is to forgive someone. You don’t do it for that person per se, you do it for yourself in order to move on.

Dead Already by Mike Krentz Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy from Touchpoint Media and am providing a review.

This is the type of book that I truly enjoy reading. It combines two of my favorite genres, those being in the realm of medical and legal thrillers.

Zack Winston is an ER physician at Bethesda Metro. Dr. Winston is the sort of man who appears confident on the outside, especially in his abilities as an ER physician, but has some of his own personal struggles going on, on the inside. Patients started showing up in the ER with symptoms that were unexplainable and the outcomes were not positive. Dr. Winston finally figures out the cause and goes on a quest to find the answer as to the why of the problem and the how … not to mention the who. In so doing, he encounters Bridget Larsen who becomes his attorney, never giving up on him though she wanted to. Ange, Zack’s ex-girlfriend, disbands her own law practice and joins Ms. Larsen’s team. The question is – do they find the answer in time?

There is quite a lot going on throughout this book. Zack is battling his own inner demons, not to mention the relationship he has with Ange, the relationship he has with Noelle, and the relationship he wishes he could have with Bridget. There are a couple of background characters in Dr. Paula Cho (another ER physician) and Monica Harris (an ER nurse) who I found to be vital to this story. Then, of course, there is Zack’s boss, Dr. Dennis King, not to mention the cardiology specialist in this tale, Dr. Jerry Hartman. Janice and Carl Barnett are also integral to this tale. Keisha is also an important player. Roger Meadows, the “ferret” lawyer because there has to be one. Just as soon as I thought I had figured out who was to blame, I was led to believe it was someone else altogether.

To me, there are just enough characters in this tale to make it a compelling read. If you like the medical and legal genre, I would recommend you give “Dead Already” a read … it combines the two but without the courtroom drama. Dr. Krentz is a retired physician and also served in the US Navy, which adds credence and realism to this tale.

Pretty Ugly Lies by Pamela Crane Book Review

 

This was my last read for 2020. Not my picture. I received a gifted copy and am providing a review. 

The definition of noir: “A genre of crime film or fiction characterized by cynicism, fatalism, and moral ambiguity.” If you like this sort of book, this one will definitely keep you turning pages.

Jo is married to Jay; children, Preston, Abby, Amelia. Jo has also held onto a 10-year-old secret. Something happens to make her fess up to Jay after all this time.

Jo and Shayla are best friends.

Shayla is married to Trent; children, Arion and Tenica. Shayla suffers from bipolar disorder so her actions are sometimes hard for her to explain. She also finds out a secret her sister has been holding onto for a very long time. She also has a secret that she finally fesses up to Trent. 

June is married to Mike; children, Austin (who is autistic), Arabelle, Kiki, and Julie. Mike is a deadbeat, but June loves him … even with all his flaws. Something tragic happens to their family. 

June and Ellie are friends. 

Ellie is married to Denny; children, Darla and Logan. Ellie has some deep-seated emotional issues. Something tragic also happens to their family. 

Oleandar Way is where you find perfect houses and perfect relationships … that is until you open the front door of each home. Once you do that, you will find some incredibly mixed-up families inside, so much so that their lives are full of deceit and lies. Each of these family’s lives are intertwined in one way or another, they just don’t know it yet. 

This is the kind of book that I can devour in a day if given the opportunity. I am most interested in the psychology behind the thinking. I think Ms. Crane does an excellent job of “getting into” women’s heads, hearing their innermost thoughts. 

This book is the very definition of noir. It is very dark. I highly recommend this book if you have a strong constitution and take it for what it is … a book. Sadly, as Ms. Crane points out in her acknowledgements, some women (and probably men, too) feel this way from time to time. I think this book will hit home for quite a few people. I applaud Ms. Crane for putting this kind of book out in the world, to hopefully let those women struggling emotionally know that they are heard, that they are valued.

Have You Seen Me? by Kate White Book Review

I have to admit that I was drawn to the cover of this book since I first started seeing it around social media. I broke down one day and ordered myself a copy. Not only is this a beautiful cover, but the story inside is a good one!

Ally is a financial podcaster and writer who is married to Hugh, an attorney. She discovers herself in the ER one day, not being able to recall at least the past two days. The question is what happened to her? This tale will take you on her quest to find out what happened in those two days in her disassociated state. She even goes so far as to hire a private investigator to help her find out. This tale includes some underlying themes to include a best friend relationship between Ally and Gabby, the marital relationship between Ally and Hugh, along the way Ally encounters a previous love interest Damien, and a whole host of other turns that you won’t be expecting. And, ohmygoodness, the “bad” guy in this story – you won’t be expecting that one! As soon as you think you know who it might be, you’ll be led down another path entirely.

I am sure I will be reading more from Ms. White in the future.

Coffee, My Love by Alicia Crofton Book Review

 

I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.

Emery has just been promoted to vice president of operations for Coffee Benz. Jake, her long-time coworker, has been promoted to senior director of supply. Don, their boss, has given them an assignment to cut costs by 10 percent … meaning they have to renegotiate with the coffee growers who probably won’t take the news well … another hit to their pocketbooks within a couple of years. Emery and Jake go to Columbia for renegotiations. While in Columbia, Emery and Jake meet Luca, one of their coffee growers, and he shows Emery the realities of being a coffee grower in Columbia. Will Coffee Benz have a change of heart about their renegotiations?

This is what I would consider “clean romance.” Ms. Crofton writes scenes that are sexy without being explicit, leaving the reader to their own imagination. There is adult emotional baggage along with teenage tragedy. There are family relationships, some good, some bad, but ultimately the family sticks together. This book comes across as if it could actually happen, like it could almost be based on a true story (not necessarily the romance part, but the rest of the story). Plus, Ms. Crofton is from my hometown – Portland, Oregon!

Where She went by Kelly Simmons Book Review

This is a book I won in 2020 through BookTrib.

Emma was not raised a spoiled rich brat. Her mom was a hairdresser, her dad a cop. She was not prepared for college at Semper at all. She decided to sign up for the roommate bingo and was placed with four other girls ... to say they did not get along well is an understatement. In Emma’s quest for trying to fit in, she stumbled into the journalism room where she met Jason. Jason, the paper’s editor, basically told her to go find a story. So, she did.

This story is told in the voices of Emma and Emma’s mom, Maggie. An entertaining tale of the road Emma traveled down to find her story. A tale of the road Maggie traveled down after Emma. Maggie, the overprotective mom. Maggie, being a cop’s widow, was not happy with the police that were involved; she felt they were not doing enough. Emma met some folks while chasing her story that she would not necessarily have met otherwise, an eye-opening experience for her. 

Not a bad read to start 2021 off with, a tale of the intricacies of college life for those who fit in and those who don’t, a tale that ends Emma up somewhere that you won’t expect in the end.

The Tattoo Artist by Lori Lacefield Book Review

 

I was gifted an early copy of this book in return for a review.

I don’t know what it is about this book, but I was totally sucked in by it from the get-go … before I knew it, I was halfway through!

Zoe owns her own tattoo shop in Nevada. So, of course, this means that random people walk in looking for some new ink or maybe even their first tattoo. Such is what happened when she met a very heavily tattooed man. She was taking stock of his other body art when she noticed one particular tattoo that triggered a memory. So much so that she wanted to take a picture of which he would not allow. Little did he know, Zoe would launch her own “investigation” into what his tattoos meant. Through her research, she crossed paths with the detective she had previously encountered and some other not-so-friendly characters. Because of the slippery slope she was going down, she had to be careful who she talked to and what she told them. Did she find the answers she was looking for?

This is the third book in Ms. Lacefield’s Women of Redemption Series. As this is the first one I have read, I suspect they can all be read as standalones. It will be interesting to see what other characters come to light in this series. To me, this was a pretty intense read.

Too Much - Never Enough by Mary Trump Book Review

To be perfectly honest, I was not going to even post and/or review this book. Then I thought, wait a minute, that's not fair to Ms. Trump. She is deserving of a review just as much as any other author. I did not read this book because I am political ... I am the most non-political person you will ever meet. I read this book simply out of curiosity. I did not even know this book existed until I heard Ms. Trump talking about it on something my husband was listening to. And, she is a PhD, which gives her a deeper understanding of the psychology of people.

I found this to be an interesting read. Normally, when folks write these sorts of books they are done in a rather boring, dry narrative form. While Ms. Trump wrote this in a narrative form, she wrote it such that it is not just spewing facts and figures at the reader, rather it is a story that captures the reader's attention, at least it did mine, so much so that I read it in one sitting. It is written such that one almost begins to feel "sorry" for Donald Trump ... I said almost.

While it can probably be said that our upbringing defines the person we become, I don't think that is always true. I truly believe that if we know what we are doing is wrong, we can change those things. Unfortunately, for Donald Trump, no one ever took the time to correct his bad behavior, his parents seemed to be absent (though present) in his life, he apparently never learned the difference between good behavior and bad behavior. No, this does not excuse anything he has done as an adult; it does, however, tend to explain quite a bit. How can a 4-year-old know right from wrong if he is never taught by anyone?

Again, I read this book because of the psychology involved and my own personal interest, not because of any sort of political interest. 

You Can Trust Me by Emma Rowley Book Review

 

Not my picture. 

I was able to download an early copy to read via Net Galley. 

The first half of this story is told in the voice of Nicky Wilson, a ghostwriter. She finally received the email she had been waiting for and off she went to spend a week with Olivia, an online lifestyle influencer. Olivia, her book’s subject, did not seem to be very forthcoming so Nicky went in search of the answers she was looking for. 

The second half of this book is told in the voice of Olivia Hayes. Olivia was not very forthcoming about her life for Nicky which led Nicky to seek out answers on her own. Olivia knew she was going to be “found out” at some point and she didn’t want that to happen. The question is – what did she do about it? 

What I liked about this book: I like the fact that Ms. Rowley took a seemingly “boring” subject, that of a ghostwriter, and turned it into something more. This is definitely a book that you cannot judge by its cover. There is a twist in the second half that is totally unexpected. 

Who this book would appeal to: Anyone who likes a good page turner. I definitely would have finished this book sooner if I didn’t have to work. 

What I didn’t like about this book: Nothing.

Little Deadly Secrets by Pamela Crane Book Review

 

Not my picture. 

Lily was married to Tony; no children.

Mackenzie is married to Owen; their daughter, Aria.

Robin is married to Grant; their children, Ryan, Willow, Lucas, Collette. 

Lily, Mackenzie, and Robin met in college and promised to keep their friendship going throughout life. These three ladies maintained their friendships so closely that their children grew up together. There are so many secrets going on throughout this book … all tying together in one way or another. Mackenzie kept Owen’s secret which ultimately changed him. Mackenzie kept Robin’s secret of what happened so long ago. Lily had her own issues dealing with Tony leaving and her drug addiction (that she tried to hide and failed at). 

This is the kind of book I enjoy reading, the kind that is filled with deep-seated friendships that nothing can rip apart no matter what (that is true friendship); deceit and lies, so much so that sometimes you don’t know what the truth is. This book is written such that at the end of each chapter or two there is just a hint that another twist is coming, it makes you want to keep turning the pages to find out exactly what “bombshell” is going to be revealed. 

I am putting trigger warnings on this to include alcohol/drug addiction, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, rape, infidelity.

Whisper Island by Carissa Ann Lynch Book Review

I had the opportunity to read an early review copy of Whisper Island via Net Galley. (Not my picture.) 

This story is told in the voices of Mia, Scarlett, Riley, and Sammy, four young women who met in college, seemingly drawn together through their art. There are a couple of added voices, those of Rob and Opal, as well. What better way to escape the secrets of your past than to take an opportunity to go to Whisper Island? Who would think that such an amazing sounding trip would end up in such tragedy?

What I liked about this book: Ms. Lynch’s uncanny ability to lace clues all throughout each chapter, leading the reader to keep turning pages. 

Who this book would appeal to: Anyone who likes a tale shrouded in mystery and is enjoying reading as Ms. Lynch continues to entertain us with her writing ability, each book seemingly better than the last. (My favorite still holds at She Lied She Died, newly released December 2020).

What I didn’t like about this book: Nothing, other than the fact I couldn’t read it in one sitting as I do have to sleep at some point!

I look forward to Ms. Lynch’s next book! I truly am impressed at her ability to hone her skill in storytelling. Another good read! Publishing February 2021.

Just My Luck by Adele Parks Book Review

Not my picture.

I have to admit that I was beginning to think that this was going to be a ho-hum tale of what it's like to win the lottery and then bam! A twist entered the picture and I kept reading to find out what happened. There is a whole lot of family deceit going on, on both sides involving the husband and his lies and the wife and her lies, on top of dealing with their kids and the kids' relationships. The bad guy in this story ... now that was a kind of a shocker. I found this to be an entertaining read.

The Advocate's Labyrinth by Teresa Burrell Book Review

 

(Not my picture.) 

As a member of Ms. Burrell’s review team, I had the opportunity for an early read of Ms. Burrell’s upcoming novel, The Advocate’s Labyrinth.

Sabre Brown is an attorney. Her Aunt Goldie, not really her aunt but who was married to Sabre’s mother’s brother, passed away unexpectedly, leaving Sabre as her trustee. Goldie was not the person Sabre always thought she was. She was so much more. This is an entertaining tale of how Goldie lived as a hoarder but had more buried secrets. There are some interesting characters in this book, to include Goldie’s five children (Micki and Rocki (twin girls), Travis and Langston (twin boys), and Chase. I hope you will enjoy the uncovering of Goldie’s secrets as Sabre and her significant other, JP, work to unravel the labyrinth that Goldie created.

There is also an underlying story of a court case that Sabre finds herself involved in, one that involves another family entirely. Read how she helps them find out the truth of what happened to Perry.

Thin Ice by Paige Shelton Book Review

 

I was fortunate enough to have won this book through a Facebook giveaway.

Beth Rivers is an author who writes under the pen name Elizabeth Fairchild. She finds herself on a plane to a very remote spot in Alaska, that of Benedict, after suffering an ordeal at the hands of the “bad guy” in this story. While on her way to Benedict, one of the local residents, Linda Rafferty, ends up dead. The people of Benedict learn to trust folks because it is a matter of survival in some cases. Beth booked her room at the Benedict House, what she thought was a hotel, but turned out to be a halfway house for parolees flown in from Anchorage. Of course, staying at the “House,” Beth is automatically assumed to be another parolee. Only one person in Benedict knows her true identity and keeps it to himself. Beth finds herself taking over the local paper, Petition, and finds that her author curiosity lends her to helping with Linda’s death which is not as it seems. There are more stories wrapped up in this tale while Beth wrestles with her own memories of what really happened to her and no one seems to be who they say they are.

This is an entertaining read and realistic, to the point where one might find themselves thinking that Benedict, Alaska, may just be the place to “escape” to … it is remote and no one really knows one another, but the residents do know who they can trust. I believe this is going to be a series, but certainly can be read as a standalone, though it may leave one with questions as it ends with the assuredness that there will be more adventures for Beth.