It was a joy to return to Peachtree Bluff and spend time with the Murphy girls. A lot has happened in their lives since the first book. And there is a lot of drama and excitement and life changing moments sprinkled throughout the pages. While the fifth book in the series, you can read this as a standalone. And though there is a lot of important background about this family, the author does a great job of filling in the details. The bond between the three sisters is so heartwa

I have enjoyed several books by coauthors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. However, once I opened up this book and started reading, I wondered if they were actually the authors. The AI focus was interesting and a new aspect for a book I have read. There were so many characters and their issues that it took away from the primary characters. There are some trigger situations that the reader should be aware of before deciding to pick this one up ... Parkinson’s Disease, loss of a s

In reading the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be a fun read. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The characters are so unlikable that it was difficult to get invested in the story. While the book does a good job of covering a lot of social issues ... gay marriage, early onset dementia, domestic violence, etc. ... that is too much to deal with in one book. I actually did not enjoy the author’s earlier book, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, so evidently Anna Jo

I love cozy mysteries and especially those that are set in a bookshop. However, this one just did not appeal to me. The relationship between the two main characters was awkward and had a plain “ick” vibe. I appreciated the small town setting and the premise of the book, but that is as far as the positive aspects went. I hate being so negative in a review. I evidently was not the intended audience for this book. However, this type of book might appeal to you. Thank you to NetG

When I first opened up this book, I wasn’t sure I would like it. But the more I absorbed the words and got into the story of Harriet and her relationship with the neighbors, I was pulled in and wanted to watch her grow and change over time. She was crotchety, but as you learn about her past ... especially her life with her recently deceased husband ... you begin to put the pieces together. Thank heavens there are plenty of people in her life that overlooked her attitude or gr

I absolutely LOVE the books in the Deep Dish series by Mindy Quigley. From the characters to the setting to the murder mystery, you will be drawn into the story and anxiously waiting to see how the case will be solved. Delilah and her gang at the pizzeria are a wonderful sense of community. Their caring for and support of each other while holding each other accountable is heartwarming. I missed Capone in this book. He had a few moments and I still enjoyed seeing the relations

I have enjoyed the books in the Cotswold Curiosity Shop series by Debbie Young. I liked getting to know Alice, Robert, and the many people of Cotswold Village. The actual garden party was so appealing and I would love to be able to attend one in a cozy village in England. Having just returned from a trip there in which we tooted all around the countryside, I could easily envision the setting. The murder mystery will get your attention and clues sprinkled throughout the pages

When I open up a Richard Paul Evans book and get lost in the story, I know I will have an emotional and moving experience. Once again, he did not disappoint. The pages are overflowing with love, loss, despair, new beginnings, encouragement, resilience, loneliness, healing, and grace. What a powerful story of flawed characters who are brought together through their struggles and finding forgiveness and comfort. This is by far one of the best books. I have read this year. The l

I love the books and the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs. This one was good, but I miss some of the typical Tempe attitude and spunk. I felt like we were experiencing a water down/off-her-medication version. Enjoy it when the murder mystery takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is just down the road from me and I can picture the setting and hear the southern accent in the dialogue. The books in this series will have some grizzly descriptions of the cases in w

This book has stayed with me long after I have absorbed the last word and close the book with a satisfying sigh. I could not wait to pass it along to the person who picks books for our book club. It will be one with lots to talk about. How often would we choose to go back and relive a moment in our life to change the outcome? This is an emotional read that has you journey through family, love, loss, regrets, life-altering decisions, failures, and second chances. As Mitch Albo

I am not sure what I want to say in this review. I LOVE books by the author, Boo Walker. And there were many positive qualities to the book. Plus, just because I dislike one character … a lot!! … does not mean I do not like the book. But Sandy, the owner of the only English bookstore in Bologna, kept me from enjoying it as much as I had hoped I would. There are several other characters that help balance out Sandy's negative influence in the pages. They all end up, coming toge

I have loved the books in the Bakeshop series by Ellie Alexander. This particular book was a special treat because you got to enjoy a trip to Costa Rica. The characters are originally developed and it was delightful. Spending time with just Jules, her husband, Carlos, and the bakeshop’s, barista, Andy. There are a few glimpses of the rest of the gang from Ashland, so you remember the sense of community. But you also need some new characters and will quickly form opinions abou

This was a delightful read that the lives of three women into a beautiful tapestry of friendship. I have grown to love stories that take place in England. The characters, the setting, the community … it writes a story of its own. What amazing things can happen through a bookstore! By the time I had finished the last sentence, I wondered if there was a "midnight book club" out there waiting to welcome me and share my love of books. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for

This was a sweet, though sometimes overly sweet, story. There were some strong emotional moments and the typical mean girl vibe that tends to be prevalent in the South. The dialogue was probably one reason why I did not enjoy the book that much ... syrupy sweet and not much depth. I felt like the characters were rather shallow. I know there are plenty of readers who will love getting to know Tina and the rest of the gang in Benson. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my a

This book was one that had me emotionally invested in the story and the characters. It tugged at my heartstrings and I enjoyed getting to know Tula. You will have the opportunity to learn about Tula as well as go back in time to 1941-42 during WWII. Experiencing life on the final voyage of the Oceanus as it traveled during the war and individuals who were aboard was entertaining. This book will expose you to mystery and intrigue, emotional trauma, fear, deep sea diving experi

This was a great first book in the new Meg Reed series by Ellie Alexander. There are great characters introduced ... some of which you know will appear in future books. Though I am in no way an outdoor adventure person, I appreciated the activities featured in this book. There is a murder mystery, relationship conflict, family issues, support of friends, and new job insecurities. I really did not know who was guilty of murder until the final reveal! So this book was a hike on

This was the first book I have read by the author, Freida McFadden. After a friend raved about her books, I was excited at the opportunity to read this one. It had so much potential. And I really did stay with it to the end ... though there were so many times I wanted to set it aside. The characters did not pull me into the story and make me care about their lives. In fact, I don’t think I liked a single one! Things were not as they appeared to be and there were definitely a

This third book in the Sanctuary series packs a punch. Once again you are treated to an intense, action-packed, emotional adventure through the pages with Paradise, Blake, Jenny (Blake’s mother), and Isaac and Levi (Blake’s young brothers). But Paradise’s half brother, Drew, is along for the ride and plays a significant part in navigating the dangerous incidents that will pull you into the story. Edge-of-your seat moments will have you holding your breath to see who will surv

Wow! The Tupelo Grove series has really packed a punch. I read the third book before the first two so it spoiled some of the shocking twists and turns that happen throughout the pages. This is an emotional read ... from loss, revenge, anger to hope, healing, and forgiveness. You will be in for a wild ride as you work alongside Savannah and Hez as they begin to rekindle their relationship and attempt to solve the mystery of the snuggling of artifacts. You will be sitting on th

I love picking up a Vicki Delaney book and getting lost in the pages. And the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series is one of my favorites. I have grown to love the characters who call the Cape Cod town of West London, Massachusetts home. Gemma once again is pulled into a murder mystery. Between the murder, Gemma’s best friend, Jayne’s, birthday celebration and upcoming wedding, Detective Ryan Asburton, and various attendees’ exes showing up, you are in for a nonstop celebration fu