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Sisters Making Mischief (by Maddie Please)
I love Maddie Please books and how “women of a certain age” demonstrate they are not ready to be put out to pasture yet. Joy is my hero. She pulls up her big girl panties and decides it is time to discover what SHE wants in life. Amid humor, trials and tribulations of family dynamics, and the chance of a new life with a potential love interest, you will be in for a warm and cozy story that affirms that life does not end at 40. Grab a glass of wine and curl up with this deligh

Ms. Ladybug
7 days ago1 min read
Katharine, The Wright Sister (by Tracey Emerson Wood)
While like most people, I know a lot about Orville and Wilbur Wright, I was not familiar with the story of their sister, Katharine. I was looking forward to learning more about her personally as well as what part she may have played in the brothers’ efforts to fly. I was disappointed in the book because the characters were rather flat and I ended up not being drawn into their story. This ended up being more of a technical paper than a novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourceb

Ms. Ladybug
7 days ago1 min read
The Sweet Life Café (by Helen Rolfe)
I loved this cozy book about family, relationships, love, loss, forgiveness, and second chances. Centered around The Sweet Life Café and the characters of Addie, Susanna, and Aunt Gayle, you will find your heart breaking at some moments while overflowing with love at others. Family relationships may be difficult, but experiencing life from the viewpoint of the three main characters will bring comfort as they discover long health, secrets, find healing, and grow together as a

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 271 min read
The Good Mothers (by Caitlin Weaver)
This was an interesting read. I found it interesting to see Lacey’s being a part of the community of women who lived together in an effort to raise their children. I cannot imagine Lacey’s willingness to immediately trust and rely on the women in the “mommune.” While touted as a mystery thriller, I felt like that is an overstatement. It definitely had some surprises that are revealed through the pages. A story that displays the many facets of motherhood. Thank you to NetGalle

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 101 min read
A Perilous Plot ~ Booktown #19 (by Lorna Barrett)
I have read quite a few of the books in the Booktown series by Lorna Barrett. I was not as invested in this book as others I have read. As many reviewers have commented, the bickering between the sisters is getting old. And while I have never cared for Angelica, I feel like she redeemed herself slightly at the end of the book. I cannot imagine having Tricia and Angelica’s parents. It is amazing they turned out as normal as they did. The mystery was interesting and kept my att

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 101 min read
Through An Open Window (by Pamela Terry)
First of all, I should have explored more about this title before I started to read it. I am not a fan of books in the fantasy or magical realism genres. So I was not the intended audience. The multiple POV aspect is interesting. But there did not seem to be much depth to the story. So I had trouble staying invested in the book. Though I think there are plenty of readers who will enjoy it. I will leave it up to you whether you think it is worth your time. Thank you to NetGall

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 91 min read
The Widows' Book Club ~ Widows #4 (by Julia Jarman)
I have enjoyed reading books that feature ladies “of a certain age.” Because this is the fourth book in a series of which I have not read earlier ones, I felt like I was at a disadvantage. I struggled to keep up with the characters. However, the focus on friendship and the sense of community they provided was heartwarming. And, as is typical with this type of book, the humor added much to the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All op

Ms. Ladybug
Mar 91 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
What Tomorrow Will Be (by Julianne MacLean)
This was an emotional read. While there were moments that were heart wrenching, there were also some uplifting and heart-filled ones too. The characters were richly developed and the story will pull you in and you will not want to stop absorbing every word, emotion, and experience until the very end. A vivid portrayal of love, loss, family, friends, life altering decisions, forgiveness, and healing. Definitely an emotional rollercoaster of a ride through the pages, but one th

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 min read
The Whispers of Hideaway House ~ Hideaway House #2 (by Alexandra Barber)
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books I have read in the Hideaway House series. They are heart wrenching yet full of love, fulfilling relationships, hope, and healing. I have fallen in love with the characters. From Carrie to Guy, Jules, Lance, Rita, Erin, Tansy, the Major, as well as Eliza and Isaac, the resident spirits of The Hideaway House ... you will feel like you know them personally. After reading this series, I want to plan an escape to the Isle of Wight and a stay at

Ms. Ladybug
Jan 271 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
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
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 Sanctuary Keepers ~ Hideaway House #1 (by Alexandra Barber)
I loved the time I spent in the pages of this first book in the Hideaway House series. There are so many wonderful characters ... even the grumpy Major. My heart ached for Carrie, but then I found myself cheering her on as she learned to pull up her big girl panties and focus on what she wanted out of life. The supporting characters, specifically Jules and Rita, were encouragers and exactly who Carrie needed to have in her life. I loved Guy and the person he represented. Plus

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
Where Light Lingers ~ Soul Seekers #2 (by Ashley Farley)
Ashley Farley has the gift of bringing the characters to life ... ordinary people you would know from your everyday life. This story is full of emotion which is something else the author does well. A sense of community and caring with a little twist with have you absorbing the words. The characters are richly developed and will have you emotionally invested in the story. From grief to hoe to second chances to love ... you will close the book with a sigh and a smile on your f

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
The Old Gals' Bucket List (by Karen King)
When I open up a book by Karen King, I know I will be treated to a delightful story with wonderful characters and an interesting setting. They are always a fun read featuring “older” adults and whatever is going on in their lives at that mature age. I particularly loved the focus on second chances and making the most of your life. What decisions have I made in the past and am I going to let societal expectations dictate who I am and what I can or cannot do because I have achi

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
Old Girls Go Greek (by Maddie Please)
I know that when I open a Maddie Please book, I will be in for an entertaining read. I cannot imagine going on a painting holiday, but the author had me wondering if that is something to put on my bucket list. I so admired Meg for being willing to step out of her comfort zone and take on a new challenge ... being open to new experiences. I loved journeying with Meg as she grew and began to blossom into a wonderful woman with a colorful life. One of the things I love most abou

Ms. Ladybug
Dec 29, 20251 min read
The House on Mountain Laurel Lane (by Eileen Goudge)
This was an emotional read that takes you on a journey of love, loss, family, and community. Experiencing life with Jo and her two daughters as they navigate their days after the death of Jo’s husband and the girls’ father. During moments of flashback memories, you will comprehend how his death affects each of them deep and significant way. The people who are a part of their past and those who become part of their new life are so loving and supportive. It was uplifting to see

Ms. Ladybug
Nov 13, 20251 min read
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