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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
4 days ago1 min read
The Cornish Beach Hut Café (by Jane Linfoot)
While I am not a fan of books in the romance genre, this one had so many other aspects to it that I really enjoyed my time in St. Aidan. I fell in love with Floss. She and the other characters added such depth to the story. You will explore a true sense of friendship, possible romantic relationships, a recovery from a life-threatening illness, exploration into what Floss wants out of life, a precious furry dog companion, and a wonderful sense of community. This is perfect for

Ms. Ladybug
5 days ago1 min read
The Liar's Treasure ~ The Speranza Team #2 (by Connie Mann)
This is the first book I have read in the Speranza Team series. But I enjoyed it so much that I will go back and read the first one as well as any future books to be released. I want to get to know the background story of the characters in The Liar’s Treasure. This is an intense rollercoaster ride through the pages. They are filled with strong capable women with a variety of talents that make them an asset to the team. A bit of romantic entanglement but it only adds to the em

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 141 min read
Solid Gold Murder ~ Golden Motel #2 (by Ellen Byron)
I am enjoying the books in the Golden Motel series by Ellen Byron. She has become one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. And you need to sign up for her email newsletter because there is always a treat included. I enjoy spending time with Dee and Jeff and their friendship is a special bond as they support each other in building up the business of running a motel. Once again they get involved in a murder mystery and trying to keep their motel from being known as the “Murder

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 71 min read
The Writers' Retreat (Samantha Vérant)
The synopsis of this book caught my attention and it sounded like something I would enjoy. However, this was not the case. I do not enjoy reading books where the characters do not develop and are simply mean girls. I could not get invested in the story and the dialogue between the characters was irritating. So, unfortunately, this was only a 2-star read for me and I am probably being gracious to give it that many stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advan

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 71 min read
Mad Mabel (by Sally Hepworth)
When I open up a book by Sally Hepworth, I know I will get lost in the pages of a thrilling adventure. The main character, Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, is one you will not forget any time soon. As you explore Mabel’s past and present you will soon begin to wonder if she is as “mad” as she is rumored to be. Mabel has lived a life that is riddled with tragedies and the whispered assertions become fact in the eyes of her classmates and neighbors. This is not just a mystery; it is an

Ms. Ladybug
Feb 71 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
The Widow's Guide to Skulduggery ~ The Widow's Detective Club #3 (by Amanda Ashby)
This is the first book I have read in The Widow’s Detective Club series. The book was a slow start and I struggled to stay invested in the story. I am not sure how much of that is due to not having read the first two books. But once you are well into the story, there is suddenly a lot of activity that will grab your attention. Between the murder, kidnapping, being abducted at knifepoint, etc., it was non-stop action for the final third of the book. The characters were well de

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 min read
The Atlas of Untold Stories (by Sara Brunsvold)
I love books about books and that include a road trip. So I was excited to get lost in the pages of this one. The fact that the road trip was focused on the classics in literature was a big plus for me. The difficult relationship between the mother and her two adult daughters was difficult to experience. But as you journey through the pages with Edie, Lauren, and Chloe, you will begin to discover the stories that live within us but we may not share with others. This was an em

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 min read
A Body at the Book Fair ~ Secret Bookcase #6 (by Ellie Alexander)
What a wonderful series this has been. I have grown to love Annie, Fletcher, Liam, Hal, and the other individuals who are prat of the Redwood Grove, CA community. There are so many secrets sprinkled throughout the pages ... not just the secret bookcase. Watching Annie and Liam’s relationship develop was heartwarming. With each book you are treated to a great mystery with lots of clues and a wonderful and supportive group of friends. I am sad to see this one end. But I am exci

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 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
The Lighthouse Keeper of Anglesey ~ Welcome to Anglesey #4 (by Caroline Young)
This is the second book I have read in the Welcome to Anglesey series. I have enjoyed the books enough that I have already purchased the other books and look forward to reading them. The characters are richly developed and the sense of family and community is heartfelt. The picturesque description of the town of Anglesey and the nearby cities is breathtaking. I would love to visit there and get lost in the beauty of the land and the sea. This is a story of second chances ...

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
Michael Without Apology (by Catherine Ryan Hyde)
This is an emotional read and when you open up the book and begin to get lost in Michael’s story, you need to be prepared for some heavy topics. From body shaming to drug and alcohol addiction to child neglect to cancer to loss of life ... they will have you shedding a few tears along the way. I enjoyed the dual timeline aspect of the story. Being able to experience Michael’s childhood during and after the horrendous accident gives a glimpse into how his past has scarred him

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
The Light on Horn Island (by Valerie Fraser Luesse)
This is a story of relationships ... family, friends, and past loves. A heartfelt tale set in Mississippi amid the love and support of Edie’s grandmother and her closeknit group of friends, the Ten Spots. When you open the book and absorb the first word, you will be enveloped in grace, caring, support, second chances, and forgiveness. Hidden secrets, self-discovery, and healing are sprinkled throughout the book. It was touching to see the characters discover the “light” of ho

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
Capture the Moment ~ National Parks Summers #1 (by Suzanne Woods Fisher)
I am looking forward to more books in the National Parks Summer series. Having the opportunity to “visit” the Grand Teton National Park through the pages of this book was a wonderful adventure. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know photographer Kate, Ranger Grant Cooper, Ranger Tim Rivers, and teenagers Frankie and Maisie. I absolutely fell in love with Maisie and her perky personality. She was so much fun, knowledgeable, and energetic. This is a st

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
Coming Home to the Windmill by the Sea ~ Welcome to Anglesey #3 (by Caroline Young)
After reading the first book in the Welcome to Anglesey series, The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea, I looked forward to getting lost in the pages of this third book. The characters are well developed and you will connect with them as you are drawn into their lives. A story of friendship, heartache, love, and forgiveness ... you will fall in love with the way the community cares about and supports each other. The setting of the windmill as a home was something I wanted to thin

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea ~ Welcome to Anglesey #1 (by Caroline Young)
I have fallen in love with books that take place in Britain. The beautiful scenery, the unique way words are used which are different for this Southern American, and the lifestyle of those in a small village has me entranced. This was a story I enjoyed. I loved getting to know Nan and her twin daughters and the rest of the people of Anglesey. Nan’s husband, Robin was a jerk extraordinaire. The way the people in this small town supported each other was uplifting and I loved wa

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 30, 20251 min read
The Monday Night Heartbreak Club (by Jane Lovering)
This is the second book I have read by the author, Jane Lovering. Because I had enjoyed the first one, Once Upon a Thyme, I was looking forward to getting lost in the pages of this story. This book was a fun but heartwarming journey through the pages. While there are some serious issues discussed, the characters and the relationships that develop help lighten the mood. I particularly liked Fraser and his love for eating ... all the time ... and his unfiltered comments. He sai

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
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