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

I have fallen in love with Ellie, Fletcher, Hal, and the gang from The Secret Bookcase series, I am so excited to continue spending time with them in the new one. This first book in the Novel Detectives is a great start. Two different cases have Ellie and Fletcher working to bring them to closure. They each have gifts to bring to the detective agency and it is fun watching them support and encourage each other. The murder mystery had lots of clues and suspects and the final r

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

A Mysterious Christmas Collection (by Michele Pariza Wacek) 5* This fun cozy read included two novellas. The Secret Santa Murder is part of the Charlie Kingsley series and The Mysterious Case of the Dead Elf is a book in the Redemption Detective Agency series. Both are set during the Christmas holiday and will have you enjoying the time you spend in the pages. In The Secret Santa Murder, it is fun to observe Charlie work through different ideas and comments made by the indivi

I am just getting started reading books in the Charlie Kingsley series by Michele Pariza Wacek. But I am looking forward to spending more time with her and see how Officer Wyle will affect her future. The murder mystery kept me invested in the story and I loved the setting of Cabo, Mexico. Charlie is a delightful main character and her personality will have you cheering her on as she is determined to solve the crime ... if for no other reason than keep herself from being arre

I am a huge J. A. Jance fan and the Ali Reynolds series is one of my favorites. Between Ali; her husband, B; Frigg, the AI creation; and Cami, you are treated to a wonderful cast of characters. The story has multiple mysteries to be solved and they do not detract from each other. I love how the people of High Noon Enterprise work together in whatever case they are dealing with or in personal matters. I especially enjoyed observing Frigg gain knowledge with lingo and various w

I anticipated reading this book and the premise sounded promising. Unfortunately, I just found it irritating. Every character ... from the siblings ... to the cockatoo ... got on my last nerve. The relationship of brothers and sister is dysfunctional and getting through the pages was a chore. It could be where I am at this point in time, but this book did not appeal to me. I was happy that there was a positive ending to the book, though. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union

What a quirky and unique group of individuals make up the Secret Senior Sleuths Society. Once again they are working in tandem to solve the murder mystery. Each “sleuth” has their gift to contribute to the group and they complement each other well. I would love to live in this type of senior living community and could envision being part of the gang. This is a delightful cozy mystery with each chapter featuring a different character’s point of view which keeps you invested in

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

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

I have read several books by the author, Dave Barry. And with each one, I went in expecting his humorous and snarky attitude. The title of this book caught my attention and I looked forward to learning more about his life and how it shaped him into the individual and comedic writer he is today. It was not my favorite book, but it did provide some background into his life. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my

I love historical fiction books and the mystery aspect of this one was a positive spin that I really enjoyed. Metting Freddie Archer, a columnist of Gotham Magazine was enlightening. Freddie’s character was based on one of the first female columnists at The New Yorker. Life as an independent and strong female in the 20s was difficult. But Freddie was up for the challenge. Experiencing this time period and the speakeasies, bootlegging, fashion designers, and glamorous lifestyl

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

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 ...

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

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

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

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

I had looked forward to reading this first book in The Women of Cannon Book series. But I could not get invested in the story. I also did not connect with or care for Mary or her husband, John. While based on a true story, spreading it out into a trilogy is not appealing. I did enjoy learning about the first women postal carriers in Oregon. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For more reviews, please visit my bl

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