top of page
Cat's People (by Tanya Guerrero)
I am definitely not a cat person, but the synopsis appeal to me and so I took a chance. The book was okay. There were some positive and funny aspects to the story, i.e., the people who are part of the Brooklyn neighborhood each come up with their own names for the cat ... and the cat has created names for each of the humans. I felt like it was really more of a YA book. Each chapter gives you a different character’s point of view ... even the cat! One major negative comment is

Ms. Ladybug
5 days ago1 min read
All In Her Hands ~ Nora Beady #3 (by Audrey Blake)
This was a very different book than my typical read. The medical history aspect was informational and learning about female surgeon, Dr. Nora Gibson, and her strong and determined personality as she struggled in a world dominated by men was enlightening. The author (who is actually the writing team of Jaime Fixson and Regina Sirois) has obviously done a great amount of research. But it is presented in a way that showcases the lives of the characters with depth and care. A sto

Ms. Ladybug
5 days ago1 min read
Daughter of Egypt (by Marie Benedict)
I am a huge fan of historical fiction books. This one was a different focus than my typical read. I have never explored Egyptian history much other than what I have read in the Bible and about King Tut. While I enjoyed learning about two strong women and their role during their lifetimes, this book did not appeal to me. I did not enjoy the writing style or one the female characters, Lady Evelyn Herbert. I appreciate the amount of research that the author did. But the storylin

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 151 min read
Judge Stone (by James Patterson and Viola Davis)
What an emotional read! James Patterson and Viola Davis have teamed up to bring a highly charged thriller. This story pulled me in from the beginning and I did not want to stop reading it until the end. I loved Judge Stone and the person she represented as a judge and member of the community. Her no-nonsense approach to dealing with people in her courtroom was admirable. Her willingness to care that true judgment was carried out instead of caving in to the pressure of those i

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 141 min read
The Boxcar Librarian (by Brianna Labuskes)
I enjoy reading historical fiction books and one that deals with books appeal to me. However, this book was so difficult to get into. The different characters and time periods were confusing. I did enjoy reading about the WPA (Works Progress Administration). A disorganized attempt to share multiple viewpoints and storylines. It just did not work for me. Though I have enjoyed previous books by the author, so I will read future books by her. Thank you to NetGalley and William M

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 141 min read
The Sandy Page Bookshop (by Hannah McKinnon)
This is a perfect beach read! And it was actually a nice time for me to read it amidst frigid temperatures and an ice storm. I love Cape Cod and spending time there through the pages of the book brought back good memories. Reading books about bookshops is always a positive experience for me. And watching Leah develop self-confidence and grow the bookstore into more than a place to discover your next read warmed my heart. The sense of community was heartwarming. A story of lov

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 71 min read
OverKill ~ Ali Reynolds #18 (by J. A. Jance)
I am a huge J. A. Jance fan and the Ali Reynolds series is one of my favorites. Between Ali; her husband, B; Frigg, the AI creation; and Cami, you are treated to a wonderful cast of characters. The story has multiple mysteries to be solved and they do not detract from each other. I love how the people of High Noon Enterprise work together in whatever case they are dealing with or in personal matters. I especially enjoyed observing Frigg gain knowledge with lingo and various w

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 min read
The Flightless Birds of New Hope (by Farah Naz Rishi)
I anticipated reading this book and the premise sounded promising. Unfortunately, I just found it irritating. Every character ... from the siblings ... to the cockatoo ... got on my last nerve. The relationship of brothers and sister is dysfunctional and getting through the pages was a chore. It could be where I am at this point in time, but this book did not appeal to me. I was happy that there was a positive ending to the book, though. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 min read
Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass: How I Went 77 Years Without Growing Up (by Dave Barry)
I have read several books by the author, Dave Barry. And with each one, I went in expecting his humorous and snarky attitude. The title of this book caught my attention and I looked forward to learning more about his life and how it shaped him into the individual and comedic writer he is today. It was not my favorite book, but it did provide some background into his life. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 81 min read
An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds ~ Dakota Green #2 (by Kristen Bird)
This is the first book I have read in the Dakota Green series. But I enjoyed it so much that I will go back and read the first one and will definitely read any future books in the series. Even though starting with the second book, it did not affect my ability to connect with the characters. I love the character of Dakota Green and look forward to seeing how the future unfolds for her and her beau, Charlie, who is the sheriff. The murder mystery will keep you invested in the s

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 81 min read
Letters from Strangers (by Susan Walter)
While this book read like a YA one, I still enjoyed aspects of it. There are a lot of triggers that you need to be aware of before opening the cover and reading the first word. They are adultery, body shaming, homosexuality, giving a child up for adoption, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancy, infertility, and suicide. Yet these are all handled in a delicate way by the author. I was not sure I was going to enjoy this book when I first started reading it, but I was pulled int

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
The Diva Poaches a Bad Egg ~ Domestic Diva #18 (by Krista Davis)
The Domestic Diva is one of my favorite series. I love getting lost in the pages of an adventure with Sophie Watson. Between the murder mystery and the delicious food, you will not be able to put the book down until you have inhaled every word and helped solve the crime. There are delightful characters who are so supportive of each other. Lots of twists and turns and misguided clues that keep you invested in the story. The fall season was a nice touch and getting to know Aunt

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
Shot Through the Book ~ Lighthouse Library #12 (by Eva Gates)
What a wonderful series to get lost in. The lighthouse library series is one of my favorites. And as soon as I see that a new book is being released, it is at the top of my to-buy list. The setting of a library in a lighthouse in Nags Head on the Outer Banks of NC is pretty much my idea of the ideal place. Lucy is once again pulled into a murder mystery, though as a suspect this time. I love the family of friends and coworkers who make up the cast of characters. It demonstrat

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
The Widow (by John Grisham)
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I loved the storyline itself, but I felt like it went on and on and on ... repeating the same emotions. It could have definitely done with some serious editing and many pages removed. I was, however, drawn into the story and felt for Simon and the situation in which he found himself. Though by no means a highly respectable individual ... personally or as a lawyer ... his struggles to prove his innocence was painful to experience. My pri

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
Dear Miss Lake ~ The Emmy Lake Chronicles #4 (by A. J. Pearce)
I have enjoyed every moment I have spent with Emmy Lake and am sad that our time together has come to and end. We are still ensconced in WWII and bombs are still being dropped on London. The Women’s Friend magazine continues to play a role in helping readers deal with the difficulties the war has brought into their lives as well as everyday concerns and questions. The characters feel like friends and I have come to care about their lives and their struggles. Emmy provides a

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 13, 20251 min read
The Irish Goodbye (by Aimee O'Neill)
This is just a pitiful family drama book that had me struggling to stay invested. The one positive comment I can make is that it is a quick read. So you will feel like you are wasting an inordinate amount of time with these highly dysfunctional characters. None of the characters appealed to me and I could care less what was happening in their lives. I am sorry to say that this book did not do it for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for my advanced review copy.

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
Beyond Her Reach ~ Bree Taggert #10 (by Melinda Leigh)
I have loved the books in the Bree Taggert series by Melinda Leigh. Once you open the book and read the first word, you will be in for a thriller roller coaster ride of adventure, intrigue, and danger. I love the family dynamics that flow through the story while you work alongside Sheriff Bree Taggert and her significant other, Matt Flynn, as they try to solve the murder mystery and hopefully prevent any future murders in Gray’s Hollow. I also liked getting a peak at Morgan D

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
Death at the Door ~ Ruby and Cordelia #2 (by Olivia Blacke)
I am enjoying my time reading the Ruby and Cordelia series by Olivia Blacke. The way the chapters swap back and forth between their thoughts and dialogue is easy to read and gives a great perspective into their personalities ... even though one of them is a ghost! This book provided more background into Cordelia’s past with her family and relationships. I am also enjoying watching Ruby mature and become a more responsible adult. My one negative comment is the constant reminde

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
Over Yonder (by Sean Dietrich)
Once again Sean Dietrich has entranced me with a story of family, love, loss, forgiveness, humor, and redemption. The characters are quirky with a variety of personalities. From a former priest who is an ex-convict to two ex-wives to a kidnapped Uber driver to individuals from a dangerous mob to a boat named Ship Happens to a pregnant teenage girl to 80-year-old Amos ... what a colorful cast of characters! As you travel along with this group amidst turmoil, danger, finding th

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
Schooled in Murder ~ Campus Sleuth #1 (by Victoria Gilbert)
I have loved the books in the Blue Ridge Library series by Victoria Gilbert. So when I saw that she was releasing a book in a new series, I was excited at the opportunity to read it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I did not feel that the characters were appealing and they did not help me care about them. The murder mystery was well developed, but I felt like it could provide much more and encourage me to actually be invested in the story. Hopefully the next book in this s

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 8, 20251 min read
bottom of page