This fourth book in the DS Malkie McCulloch series by Doug Sinclair is a nail-biter. A very emotional read for many reasons ... a child being bullied, sexual exploitation, abduction, serious health issues, assault, shoplifting. As is typical with this series it is graphically violent and at times you will be cringing at the abuse Elizabeth endures. While a fast-paced read, there were moments in the book that the action seemed to drag and I wanted Malkie and his police officer

The Tea by the Sea series by Vicki Delaney is one of y favorites. As soon as a new book has been released by the author, it is on my to-be-read list. This particular book does not take place in the typical location of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. But you are treated to a trip to Yorkshire, England and the Thornecroft Castle where Lily’s grandmother, Rose, used to work. And once again Lily is pulled into a murder investigation. Luckily her cohorts from Cape Cod are with her on thi

This is the first book I have read in the Temple River series. But it will not be the last! I plan to go back and read the first four books. I love dual timeline books and this one pulled me in from the first page and I was invested in the story and the lives of the characters until I had absorbed every word and closed the book with a smile on my face. The characters are richly developed and I loved the setting. The story is an emotional read. But you will grow to love Angie,

This is the first book I have read in the Georgina Drake series by Kate Hardy. I enjoyed it so much that I have already downloaded the next couple of books and will go back and read the first three. Georgina is a wonderful character and I like watching her relationship with Colin develop and as she assists him in various cases he needs to solve. This was at times an emotional read as you discover some of the background story of a couple of individuals. Plus you get to explore

I always love getting lost in the pages of a cozy mystery book by Lynn Cahoon. She has several different series and I have enjoyed them all. This seventh book in the Kitchen Witch series was chock full of craziness. So much was going on in the lives of the characters. And then you get to add in a dragon and a leprechaun. It will have you flipping through the pages as quickly as possible to figure out who committed the murder. This one leaves you hanging so I will be anxiously

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

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

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

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

I love reading historical fiction books. This one was a different focus than my typical read. Though it does occur during the WWII time period, it does not focus on the horrors of the war. An amazing cast of characters. I was not familiar with the Hollywood Victory Caravan or the efforts actors engaged in to support the war effort and encourage patriotism. The primary character, Jackie, is not a pleasant individual. However, she does have her positive qualities and joins forc

I love reading books in the historical fiction genre and especially if they are focused on the WWII time period. This one was a different read in that part of the story occurred in the U.S. While I have read about internment camps for the Japanese individuals who lived in the United States during WWII, I was not familiar with individuals of Italian descent being arrest for being an “enemy alien.” This story is filled with love, loss, family, sacrifice, patriotism, and the los

This series is always one I enjoy and I love the main characters, Maya and Sandra. Once again they are called in to help solve a murder mystery before the wrong person is arrested. There are a lot of twists and turns with random clues sprinkled throughout the pages. I am enjoying watching Sandra become more confident and as her relationship with Lucas develops. The two P.I.s are classy, smart, and do a great job of navigating through the misguided clues to close the case. I a

Wow! This first book in the Sutherlin Files series by Ashley Farley will grab you from the beginning and you will find yourself flipping through the pages as fast as you can to help solve the murder mystery. The characters are well developed and you will grow to love some while despising others. The suspense is intense with nonstop action. Watching Detective Lane Sutherlin return home to Tidewell, Virginia and having to deal with extremely emotional matters was at times heart

I love the historical fiction books written by Kristin Harmel. She always manages to pull me into the story. The focus on the time during WWII is always a perk for me. As you spend time with Colette, you will be amazed at her tenacity, her bravery, her intelligence, and her willingness to the people supporting Hitler’s agenda and using it for good purposes. This is a nonstop journey of adventure and intrigue. I loved the two twists at the end. They made my heart soar with hop

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