I am not sure I knew what to expect when I opened this book and got lost in the pages. I have enjoyed previous books by the author and was excited for the opportunity for a rollercoaster ride of suspense. Reading a Julie Clark book is like working a puzzle. There is the basis of a dysfunctional family, the history of trauma and tragedy, a current health crisis, and the untangling of clues. You will be absorbing every word, every emotion, every glimpse into the lives of Olivia

After reading the synopsis for this book and having enjoyed previous books by Sarah Pekkanen, I really looked forward to reading it. From my experience of working in a university Psychology Department of 38½ years, I was exposed to a variety of research projects. I basically cringed while reading this book. I know there are plenty of unethical researchers so I had to just accept that, while I did not like the methods used, it was the basis for the story. However, I just did n

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

I have enjoyed previous books I have read by the author, Amanda James. So I was excited at the opportunity to read her latest release. Unfortunately, I did not research it enough to notice is a fantasy book. So not my taste in reading. I simply did not connect with the characters. They were too shallow and there was no depth to them. In addition, I could not get invested in the story. I think I just expected more than was delivered on the page. However, for many people, they

This second book in the Sanctuary series will grab you from the first page. It really helped that I had read the first book in the series, Ambush. You will have a better introduction to the primary characters ... Paradise, Blake, Jenna (Blake’s mother), and Isaac and Levi (Blake’s young brothers). The voices of the two young brothers in the audiobook were perfect! I could picture them and their energetic personalities. Lots of twists and turns that will have you cringing whil

I love reading historical books. This was a different focus than my typical read. I have never heard of illegal abortion clinics operating in the 1930s and 1940s. The characters are well developed and you will be drawn into their lives. From the doctors and nurses who performed the procedures to the women who chose to endure the abortion, you will be affected by their stories. The reasons for their decisions were varied and factors into the strong emotions you will experience

When I open a Judy Leigh book, I know I will be in for a delightful journey through the pages. How much trouble can two octogenarians get into? Well pick up this book and you will be treated to loads of fun, laughter, adventure, and a desire to experience life at full speed ... especially if it is in a red Ferrari! The animal rescue aspect was endearing. And the relationships Sally and Bronagh develop along the way are entertaining and heartwarming. Once again I was treated t

Once again we are treated to a glimpse into life in Normal, Kentucky. I have fallen in love with the characters in this quirky ... far from normal ... small town. From Mae to Dottie and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies, you are in for a tasty and entertaining time. As is typical, there is a murder mystery and Mae and the gang set out to help solve it. The southern setting, lingo, culture, and small town nosiness had me chuckling. While you could read this as a standalone,

This second book in the Marsh Point series is family drama to the extreme. I loved the addition of Julia Becker and her son who were part of the Witness Protection Program. The siblings from the first book have returned but this one focuses more on the brother, Will. Once again you are pulled into the story and will be sitting on the edge of your seat as you discover lies, truths, hidden agendas, and misuser of power and authority. You will grow to love and care about the cha

I loved this first book in the Marh Point series. Getting to know the four siblings, Ashton, Carri, Savannah (though she has been missing for 30 years), and Will was an exploration into family dysfunction. Pealing away all the layers of life with an alcohol mother and basically a father who was there but did nothing to help his son and daughters was heart wrenching. Ashton is such a good soul and your heart will break at the abuse she endures by her husband and siblings. This

I am enjoying the books I have read in the Charlie Kingsley series and plan to go back and read those I haven’t had the opportunity to read so far. The characters are well developed and the town of Redemption will pull you into the story and keep you flipping the pages. Once again Charlie is in the middle of a murder mystery. Her caring nature gets her into trouble more times than not and her willingness to do whatever it takes to solve the mystery is heartwarming. Lots of tw

Once again Jonathan Kellerman has pulled me into the story from the beginning and held me captive until the end. Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis are the perfect murder mystery solving team. I love how their thoughts are shared in working the clues ... putting the pieces of the puzzle together to solve the crime. The psychological viewpoint provided by Alex is a trip into the dark recesses of the human psyche. One of my favorite series to read and I look forward to whatever dep

While this is the 4th book in the Vintage Cookbook series, it is the first one I have read. And though I enjoyed it, I think it would have appealed to me more if I had read the first three books. However, that is something I will remedy. The book is filled with great characters, a delightful setting (in New Orleans), delicious food, a taste of the history of the area, and a murder mystery. That is a recipe for success! There are some nail biting moments sprinkled throughout t

I have to say that I have enjoyed many of the books I have read that are published by Black Rose Writing. They publish unique books that are outside the normal real of books typically read. And I appreciate that. However, Carousel Grift was just a little too wonky for my taste. Such a random group of quirky characters that fill the pages along with a dose of magical realism. There are plenty of positive reviews. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the story or the characters. But

I have really enjoyed reading the books in The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series. What an amazing woman. Cussy Mary Lovett was such a strong, dedicated, and caring person. It was so difficult to endure the prejudices against her because she was “Blue.” But, once again, books bring healing and connections. Cussy approaches life with grace and hope. The people whose lives she touches through books will encourage you. An emotional journey through the pages with racism, eug

I recently discovered author Carly Winter. Enjoying the Patty Byrne series, I was looking forward to getting lost in another one. This first book in the Heywood Hounds series was a fun read. I love getting to know, Gina and her rescue fur friends, Daisy, Banshee, and Sing. Reading how Daisy "spoke" to Gina had me laughing out loud. I could picture her behavior as she expressed her thoughts and emotions. A delightful cozy mystery, this book will introduce you to a great cast o

This is the first book I have read in the Detective Inspector series by Lynn Marie Taylor. A different time. Then the murder mysteries I typically read. Based in the 1800s, you will have the opportunity to discover the background into Sam McQueen's personal life. You will easily be drawn into the story as you wait to see how the investigation will be resolved. Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For m

I enjoy reading historical fiction books, and especially if they are set during a World War II. I continue to be amazed at the dedication and willingness of people to do all they could to stop the atrocities of Hitler's reign of terror. The characters are richly developed, and you will be pulled into their lives and grow to love and admire the young people who became part of the resistance in Italy. Watching Giulia grow and mature was heartwarming while viewing the dangers sh