Review: Everything She Didn’t Say

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

In 1911, Carrie Strahorn wrote a memoir entitled Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, which shared some of the most exciting events of 25 years of traveling and shaping the American West with her husband, Robert Strahorn, a railroad promoter, investor, and writer. That is all fact. Everything She Didn’t Say imagines Carrie nearly ten years later as she decides to write down what was really on her mind during those adventurous nomadic years.

Certain that her husband will not read it, and in fact that it will only be found after her death, Carrie is finally willing to explore the lessons she learned along the way, including the danger a woman faces of losing herself within a relationship with a strong-willed man and the courage it takes to accept her own God-given worth apart from him. Carrie discovers that wealth doesn’t insulate a soul from pain and disappointment, family is essential, pioneering is a challenge, and western landscapes are both demanding and nourishing. Most of all, she discovers that home can be found, even in a rootless life.

With a deft hand, New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick draws out the emotions of living–the laughter and pain, the love and loss–to give readers a window not only into the past, but into their own conflicted hearts. Based on a true story.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick is one of the most engaging historical novels I have read. It’s based on a true woman’s story. A journey out west. That back then, was both dangerous and risky. Yet, Carrie still went with her husband. A strong man trying to make a living for him and his wife. I really liked this couple. However, I felt sympathy towards Carrie constantly. Her husband, Robert, always failed to notice how he fails her. Lack of affection, deeper affection than what he gives is not there. Carrie swore to love him through bad, good, rich and poor. Her strength to move forward was admirable. Jane Kirkpatrick’s writing brought to life this memoir of a story and made it engaging to follow. I wanted to learn all there was to Carrie and her journey. It was a sad read. Overall, I would recommend this to readers everywhere.

Review: My Kind of Christmas by Janet Dailey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Returning to Branding Iron, Texas, is Travis Morgan’s last resort, and the abandoned ranch he inherited isn’t much more welcoming than the prison cell where he spent the last three years doing time for a tragic accident. Completely without funds or family, Travis finds celebrating Christmas is the last thing on his mind, but there’s no escaping the holiday spirit in this close-knit little town—not with Branding Iron’s longtime Santa retiring, and sweetly stubborn Mayor Maggie Delaney determined to find a replacement. When her no-nonsense façade slips to reveal the sensual, vulnerable woman beneath it, Travis realizes Maggie just might be as lonely as he is—and that this holiday season, love could be the gift that heals them both.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

My Kind of Christmas by Janet Dailey is one that contains a lot of surprises. I was hooked. The characters have their own background story that affects their present lives. Other characters try to help. But it only gets messier. The troubled characters are so stubborn that it’s funny and frustrating at times. All that misery because of some past hurt feelings. People change. That’s what the father and son must learn now. Otherwise their future is bleak without the forgiveness. It takes another man to help show them what each one would go to, to defend each other. Risks, pride, and love are found on these pages.  The males are tough. But so are their women. Overall, I love a good story that sweeps me into the plot. Funny, entertaining, and sweet, My Kind of Christmas felt so real.

 

Review: Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A mysterious English stranger appears in Mary Katherine Ropp’s kitchen one autumn night, heralding the beginning of a new chapter in the widow’s life.

The mother of ten, Mary Katherine is an empty-nester who lost her husband four years earlier. She misses her husband so much, she still talks to him. She pours her creative spirit into writing stories and serves as the district’s Budget newspaper scribe. An avid reader, her dream is to open a bookstore with her English friend, but the church elders want this wayward widow to work in an Amish-owned combination store.

When an English man breaks into her house looking for food, Mary Katherine doesn’t call the sheriff. She turns to her good friend, Ezekiel, who needs a cook at the restaurant he started after his wife died ten years earlier. Mary Katherine and Ezekiel set out separately to make sure their new friend isn’t caught up in the investigation, and their efforts keep bringing them together. They’re both still so in love with their long-gone spouses, so when the sparks begin to fly, they are beyond confused. Is it possible to find “The One” more than once in a lifetime?

But as Mary Katherine stands by her dear friend after the death of her husband, Mary Katherine is reminded of the terrible risk in giving her heart to someone. Can these two people, well-versed in the pain of loss, put the past behind them and trust in the hope of the future?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin is a heart melting tale. Two spouses have lost a loved one. They are still feeling the pain of their loss. To coupe they end up having conversations with their dead spouses. It was a bit heart breaking and understandable. No one wants to let go of someone they love. From there, the plot quickly turned interesting. It took just one stranger to bring two widowed people together. God is good. It showed that God has ways of bringing happiness to others. First, the kindness and understanding towards a stranger, and then their growing romance….Friendships have a way of evolving deeper, if we let them. In this case, I fell in love with the characters. I couldn’t help it. They had a way of pulling me in deeper. Sweet, engaging, and full of surprises, Through the Autumn Air is one wonderful Amish journey.

 

Review: Freshman Year of Life

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

38 essays from top millennial writers on how they survived their first years out of college—a book conceived and promoted by a groundbreaking crowdsourcing startup.

Freshman Year of Life tells the truth about life after college graduation. But this isn’t your standard step-by-step guide to landing that interview or surviving a long distance breakup with your college sweetheart, though there are stories on both these topics. Freshman Year of Life is a collection of essays from top millennial voices that have been there before, wish they’d known some things they didn’t, but made it through all the same. This is not your mother’s first year out of college book, but a starker more inclusive portrayal of what it’s like to be out of school for people from all walks of life. These are the people recent grads turn to on the Internet to offer poignant witty advice or sly one liners about pop culture and politics, and these are the personal stories their social media followers and fans haven’t heard. This anthology is full of advice, insights, and anecdotes from 38 millennial role models’ lives, the real stories that show just how disillusioning, hilariously embarrassing, and self-revelatory the transition to the adult world can be. Readers will delight in the honest and down to earth tone these authors take when looking back on their first years out of college, and will find it easier to tackle adulthood on their own because of it.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Freshman Year of Life is a collection of essays referring to life after college. It is a refreshing read. One that many young college people and recent graduates should read. There were a lot of circumstances that are easy to relate to and others that held very good advice. The pages are short and that made this entire book a quick read. The situations inside gave me a real perspective on work, home, and love. I especially, loved the essays centered around work related topics. It was like living through through individuals who wrote these essays. I found a lot of value to be held. Overall, I would highly recommend this to all young adults.

 

Review: House of Belonging by Andrea Thome

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis: 

Who can we count on? The family we’re born into, or the one we create for ourselves?

Renowned chef Laina Ming walked away from the culinary spotlight and an unhealthy relationship—one that still haunts her a year later. She’s trying to start fresh in the Rocky Mountains, opening a concept restaurant on the banks of the Roaring Fork River, where she hopes she’ll be able to express her passion for food and bury her heartache.

Horse rancher Logan Matthews moved to Aspen to be near his sister and her husband, grateful for his newfound family. Since a chance meeting with Laina the previous summer, Logan’s been enchanted. But she doesn’t want anything to do with him—which makes her all the more appealing.

Despite Laina’s efforts to protect her heart, Logan has been on her mind, too—and he has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places. Can they learn to trust one another and finally find the sense of belonging they’ve both been searching for?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

House of Belonging by Andrea Thome is so much more than it appears. I thought it was about a woman or women overcoming an obstacle and moving forward. Yes, it was about that. But it had more depth and emotion than I knew. The journey that each character went through to get to where they ended up was heartfelt. I could not be happier. They were so realistic. I felt as if I lived right beside them for years. Sad, funny, and charming-Andrea Thome hooked me. I couldn’t stop reading. One chapter turned into several and then I was finishing the whole book. Love, new beginnings, and a promising future were shown here. I enjoyed it. Overall, I would recommend this inspirational and heart warming tale to fans of Hallmark, Debbie Macomber, and Susan Mallery.

 

Review: Love and Ruin by Paula Mclain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The bestselling author of The Paris Wife returns to the subject of Ernest Hemingway in a novel about his passionate, stormy marriage to Martha Gellhorn—a fiercely independent, ambitious young woman who would become one of the greatest war correspondents of the twentieth century

In 1937, twenty-eight-year-old Martha travels alone to Madrid to report on the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and becomes drawn to the stories of ordinary people caught in devastating conflict. She also finds herself unexpectedly—and uncontrollably—falling in love with Hemingway, a man already on his way to becoming a legend. In the shadow of the impending Second World War, and set against the tumultuous backdrops of Madrid, Finland, China, Key West, and especially Cuba, where Martha and Ernest make their home, their relationship and professional careers ignite. But when Ernest publishes the biggest literary success of his career, For Whom the Bell Tolls, they are no longer equals, and Martha must make a choice: surrender to the confining demands of being a famous man’s wife or risk losing Ernest by forging a path as her own woman and writer. It is a dilemma that will force her to break his heart, and her own.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Love and Ruin by Paula Mclain is the saddest yet heartfelt story of two people. Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn were so in love with each other yet so broken. Both placed their careers over their relationship. Every time they got back together and fell apart again, it broke another piece of what was left of their hearts. I felt the love they felt when together. But the two were too stubborn too fierce to fit perfectly together. Like two jagged puzzle pieces that fit but won’t work due to chipped edges. The title fit this book in every way. Their love was ruined from the beginning. It tore them further apart then bringing them closer. Career obsessed and workaholics neither one wanted to sacrifice their work for their love. Truly, a sad story all around…overall, I recommend this literary novel to all readers. It was entertaining to follow.

Review: Poppy Harmon Investigates by Lee Hollis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Lee Hollis begins a delightful new series in which Poppy Harmon and her friends find that life after retirement can be much busier—and deadlier—than any of them ever anticipated . . .

When Poppy goes from complacent retiree to penniless widow in a matter of weeks, the idea of spending her golden years as the biggest charity case in Palm Springs renders her speechless. With no real skills and nothing left to lose, Poppy uses her obsession with true crime shows to start a career as a private eye . . .

But after opening the Desert Flowers Detective Agency with help from her two best friends, Violet and Iris, Poppy realizes that age brings wisdom, not business—until she convinces her daughter’s handsome boyfriend, Matt, to pose as the face of the agency. It’s not long before Matt’s irresistible act snags a client desperate to retrieve priceless jewelry burglarized from an aging actress at the Palm Leaf Retirement Village. Or before Poppy stumbles upon the bloodied body of the victim’s arch rival . . .

In a flash, Poppy’s innocent detective gig is upstaged by a dangerous murder investigation riddled with slimy suspects and unspeakable scandal. As she and her team uncover the truth, Poppy must confront the secrets about her late husband’s past and swiftly catch a killer lurking around the retirement community—even if it means turning her world upside down all over again. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Poppy Harmon Investigates by Lee Hollis is an interesting twist to a new mystery series. It’s similar to Miss Fisher and Murder She Wrote. I love murder mysteries with a strong woman sleuth. That’s exactly what I found here. Poppy Harmon is the new detective lady in town and she’s definitely worth following in this book.

The book cover led me thinking that Poppy Harmon was in her tense ties when she is in fact, in her 60’s. I can picture Poppy dressing like the woman pictured on the cover except for the heels…considering her age.

Poppy Harmon is a retired actress left with no money. She then works on finding an income and the choice she makes will make readers laugh out loud. Poppy decided to run her own detective agency with a little help from friends and her daughter’s boyfriend. Like most women sleuth just beginning their epic journey, Poppy lands herself in trouble. Mayhem, murder, and humor are displayed across these entertaining pages.

Overall, I would recommend this new series to all readers. There is plenty of action, intrigue, and peril moments that adds to the suspense of the plot. Fast-paced with exciting characters, Lee Hollis sucked me into her world of fiction. 

 

Review: Man of My Dreams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

She wants to make him pay. But will it cost her everything she’s ever wanted? After spending over a decade in the Air Force, Staff Sergeant Elena Garcia is more than ready to ditch her uniform for some girlie clothes and high heels. Starting over in a quaint town in Washington, her dream of becoming a romance writer is finally within her reach. But when a rival from her past comes barreling back, Elena will stop at nothing to make Captain Daniel Grant pay for making her life a living Hell seven years ago. With destiny on her side, Elena plans her ultimate vendetta. Feeling fate has answered his prayers, Daniel is ready to show the sexy and feisty staff sergeant what kind of man he can truly be and finally make up for his past mistakes. But can Elena let go of the past to find a future with the one man that she vowed to destroy?

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Man of My Dreams by Stephanie Aviles is an entertaining romantic story. I loved the main characters. They were strong and charming. Their personalities made it easy to connect with them. Both characters were amusing to follow. One is attracted but is fully set to make a man pay for his mistakes. The other is attracted but wanting to make up for his past mistakes. It seems like their plans just got messy, complicated, and hotter. Romance, women’s issues, and second chances are discussed in this novel. I enjoyed the electoral charge that came from the characters. This book was more character driven. Their actions made me enjoy reading their dilemmas. Fate is partially cruel and partially not. Man of My Dreams is full of heat, emotions, and action. Overall, I recommend this fascinating romance to all.

Review: The Recipe Box

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Bestselling, beloved author of The Charm Bracelet spins a tale about a lost young woman and the family recipe box that changes her life.

Growing up in northern Michigan, Samantha “Sam” Mullins felt trapped on her family’s orchard and in their pie shop, so she left with dreams of making her own mark in the world. But life as an overworked, undervalued sous chef at a reality star’s New York bakery is not what Sam dreamed.

When the chef embarrasses Sam, she quits and returns home. Unemployed, single, and defeated, she spends a summer working on her family’s orchard cooking and baking alongside the women in her life–including her mother, Deana, and grandmother, Willo. One beloved, flour-flecked, ink-smeared recipe at a time, Sam begins to learn about and understand the women in her life, her family’s history, and her passion for food through their treasured recipe box.

As Sam discovers what matters most she opens her heart to a man she left behind, but who now might be the key to her happiness.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman is a heartfelt journey. Themes of family, love, and second chances are brought to life on these pages. I felt connected to the characters instantly. It was like I knew them for years. The pacing was steady yet emotional. The struggles were believable. Sam is a young woman who left her comfort to find her way in life. Only it did not turn out the way she had hoped. Frustrated and broken, Sam returns back home to find herself. Being back home, gave Sam all she needed. It was sweet, inspiring, and beautiful. Overall, I recommend it to all.

Review: The Resurrection of Joan Ashby

Synopsis:

I viewed the consumptive nature of love as a threat to serious women. But the wonderful man I just married believes as I do―work is paramount, absolutely no children―and now love seems to me quite marvelous.

These words are spoken to a rapturous audience by Joan Ashby, a brilliant and intense literary sensation acclaimed for her explosively dark and singular stories.

When Joan finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she is stunned by Martin’s delight, his instant betrayal of their pact. She makes a fateful, selfless decision then, to embrace her unintentional family.

Challenged by raising two precocious sons, it is decades before she finally completes her masterpiece novel. Poised to reclaim the spotlight, to resume the intended life she gave up for love, a betrayal of Shakespearean proportion forces her to question every choice she has made.

Epic, propulsive, incredibly ambitious, and dazzlingly written, The Resurrection of Joan Ashby is a story about sacrifice and motherhood, the burdens of expectation and genius. Cherise Wolas’s gorgeous debut introduces an indelible heroine candid about her struggles and unapologetic in her ambition.

Rating: 3-stars

Review:

The Resurrection of Joan Ashby by Cherise Wolas sparked my curiosity. The title sounded interesting but what it entailed was a young woman being snarled up by an unwanted journey of motherhood. Her husband wanted kids. But they made a pact-no kids…yet when it happens, her husband is so over joyed by the news that she just lets it go. I can’t sympathize with this woman. If she really didn’t want kids that much she could have had surgery done before this accident. Yet, she didn’t and it is consuming her inside and out…

Cherise Wolas is a great writer. Her words are good. I just did not feel connected to the main protagonist no matter how much I tried. She felt cruel and ridiculous to me. She really did not do anything to prevent her worst nightmare from happening. She blames her husband. Joan wants nothing but her career in writing. This tale is all about her regaining that direction again. A terrible marriage and an unlikable character made me distance myself from this journey.

Review: The First Kiss of Spring

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Spring has come to Eternity Springs in The First Kiss of Spring, the newest installment in this New York Times bestselling series by Emily March.

Life could be a dream…

Goal-oriented and gorgeous, Caitlin Timberlake’s dreams took her to the top of the corporate ladder in New York City. Now years later, her goals have changed. She wants to come home to Eternity Springs and build a business and a family of her own—with the new man in town. So what if sexy mechanic Josh Tarkington wants nothing more than a fling? Caitlin is a patient woman who knows how to work hard and strategize to win what she desires. She desires Josh. Unfortunately, he has other plans.

If only things were different…

Josh craves Caitlin and all she has to offer. However, he is a man with secrets. He has worked hard to overcome his tragic past, but he’s afraid to risk having a future because he knows trouble is never very far away. When a selfless act brings that trouble to his door, he stands to lose everything he cares about—including Caitlin. Will her love and the healing magic of Eternity Springs be enough to save him?

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March is an emotionally charged story. I found myself feeling every motion displayed in the scenes. The characters provoke me into loving them. Their attitudes, relationships, fears, and troubles were believable. Family, work, and love are greatly balanced here. A family going through a tough journey and a young man fighting off a lifetime issue…had me hooked.

I laughed and cried. Emily March presented her characters in a three-dimensional way. They felt like real people. Caitlin is coddled by her parents. She’s the only daughter they have and they love her fiercely. Sometimes, too much. Caitlin needed her parents to support her leaving her current job to go after her dreams. At first their reaction, sent her feeling frustrated. She wanted them to be happy for her…and her father thought her mechanic man, got her pregnant. The thing was, Caitlin would like that after she married the mechanic first, though. But proving to her parents that she can be successful and getting her man to love her, has proven to be difficult.

Josh has had a difficult lifetime. His mother made a bad choice and with that choice she plunged her young son into the world of darkness. Only when Josh got adopted did he make it out into the light. But just when he thought his life was great, it took the rug from his feet twice. Josh fell several times but his faults made him more human. His craving for Caitlin proved he was just a man who wanted to love her and be loved back. But Josh has to learn to accept his past, get help, and decide if he wants Caitlin to be his forever…otherwise he might just lose everything he cares about…

Then, there’s Caitlin’s dad, who is suffering. He won’t open up about it with his kids. He has his own journey of acceptance to follow, just like Josh has. Finding courage to accept and discuss it will be the break it moment for this character and his family.

Fear, courage, and love are major themes of this novel. The First Kiss of Spring is a sad yet sweet contemporary tale. I was hooked. Overall, I would recommend it to all readers.

Review: Maybe This Tme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Maybe This Time is the next heartwarming contemporary romance from Nicole McLaughlin in her Whiskey and Weddings series.

Jen Mackenzie has been knocked down more than a few times, but she always gets up and makes sure she has the last word. It’s the reason she now considers herself equal parts self-sufficient and free-spirit. But since losing her job and trying to help her mother beat cancer, real life—and her occasional careless choices—have begun to catch up with her. Her one saving grace: The Stag, a boutique distillery that has become Kansas City’s go-to wedding venue. The only catch: One of the owners, TJ Laughlin, happens to be the one man who somehow manages to make Jen feel inadequate.

TJ has secretly had a thing for Jen since high school. Now, as her new boss, it’s a daily struggle between revealing his feelings and wringing her beautiful neck. Only one thing is for certain: he can’t stand idly by and watch the woman he cares for struggle. She may be convinced that accepting TJ’s help is a weakness. But all he sees in Jen is beauty and strength, inside and out. As things finally heat up between them, can TJ find a way to convince Jen that love is about give and take—and having it all, together?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Maybe This Time by Nicole McLaughlin is sweet contemporary romance. Two young adults with completely different background have always crushed on each other. Turns out, that all this time, they still love one another. But neither one knew what the other was dealing with as they were teens.

TJ comes from a wealthy rich lifestyle. Yet, he’s super smart, hardworking, and a gentleman, TJ isn’t anything like his other male peers. He has always stuck up for Jen. Harbored a secret crush on her ever since they shared their first school project together. TJ had a mother who still lives with his jerk of a father. A father who sleeps with other men’s wives and thinks nothing of it. TJ’s mom loves him though. Jen is opposite of him in background and personality.

Jen can be super confident like TJ. Except that when it comes to TJ and his kind, she loses her confidence. Jen sees herself as this woman who still can’t control her life, is dirt poor, and can’t do anything right. Yet she handles her bar tending well. She can also, handle wedding clients at the Stag for her bosses. TJ is one them. Jen can sing and loves theater. Her personality is wonderful. Colorful at times when she’s feeling angry or hurt. But overall, she’s a strong independent woman who can do anything. Jen’s mom is going through cancer again…and Jen thinks her mom is going through medicine therapy to get well…only she’s not.

Maybe This Time is exactly as it presents itself. Maybe, the characters will finally get together forever. And maybe they can find their happiness. Love, work, and family are hardships they both share. Together, they can get through anything, if they let themselves. I laughed and cried while reading this book. Nicole McLaughlin writes well. I fell fast for the characters. Colorful, bright, and what an exciting journey! Overall, I recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

Review: Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…

Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.

Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.

Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery is funny, realistic, and the most engaging women’s fiction novel, that I’ve ever read. This, is a story about the relationships between mothers and daughters. Quirky, sweet, and heartfelt were these pages. It felt like it was nonfiction but entertaining like fiction. Yet, it really is fiction…which made me like it even more. Susan Mallery captured life between these women perfectly. They fought, cried, and laughed. But in the end, they love and respect each other. No matter what, the were there for each other.

First, there is Harper. A forty-two-year-old divorced woman. Harper is raising her daughter on what little her ex gives and what she can make as a single mother. Life isn’t easy to balance. Harper works so much she forgets to listen and spend more time with her daughter. Her daughter feels like Harper doesn’t love her anymore. She never listens. Just works all the time.

Second, there’s Harper’s mom, who forced Harper to give up her dreams and live the life she lived. Harper’s mother is always telling Harper how to raise her own daughter and how she’s lacking as a mother figure. Harper and her sister always have to tiptoe around their mother. Fear of not having their mom happy or proud of them keeps them having secrets.

Third, is Harper’s sister, Stacey. Stacey is a lab researcher. Super smart and gorgeous, Stacey is happily married and expecting. Only her mother doesn’t know…then, there’s the fear of her not loving her own child and not being a good mother. Stacey’s husband defends her and is willing to stay as a stay-at-home dad. He loves Stacey. Yet she fears she lose both him and their child.

Fourth, is Harper’s daughter. This girl has had it rough as a teen. Her parents divorce, her friends move, and another friend accuses her of being boring. She feels like her mother doesn’t listen to her at all. Her grades are slipping in some classes and she’s not sure what she wants to study for college. Then, there’s her father who breaks his promises and doesn’t do anything with her. To make things even more complicated, there’s Lucas. He’s the next door guy. Always paying her mom for doing his stuff. He respects Harper and her daughter. In fact Harper’s daughter feels like a daughter he never had. I love the sweet moments when the girl tells him stuff that makes him uncomfortable and she needs advice….it was both funny and heartfelt. Also, a new guy her age moves in with her aunt. Ashton is super hot…and it’s not long before she crushes on him…

Overall, Sisters Like Us is amazing. It’s so easy to love and understand. The characters were believable. The scenes were interesting. There was a rollercoaster of emotions as the plot unfolded. I enjoyed reading this novel. After reading this, I can’t wait to see what Susan Mallery comes up with next. I highly recommend this to readers worldwide.

Review: Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies

Synopsis:

Cooking a wonderful meal is an art. An act of love. An act of grace. A gift that affirms and gives life—not only does it nurture those who partake of the meal; it also feeds the soul of the creator. These are lessons Gina learns from her mother, daughter of an unfortunate French chef.

Gina is a young woman born to poor parents, a nobody keen to taste life outside the world she was born into. A world that exposes her to fascinating people gripped by dark motives. Her passion for cooking is all she has to help her navigate it.

She gets lucky when she’s chosen to cook at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area where customers belong to a privileged class with money to spare for a dinner of inventive dishes costing hundreds of dollars. In this heady, scintillating atmosphere, she meets new friends and new challenges—pastry chef Marcia, filthy rich client Leon, and Brent, a brooding homicide detective. This new world, it turns out, is also one of unexpected danger.

Can the lessons Gina learned from her mother about cooking and life help her survive and thrive in this other world of privilege, pleasure, and menace?

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies by Evy Journey is a contemporary readers like myself won’t forget. The plot itself is this dark edgy vibe to it with a hint of romance. It’s more dangerous than anything. Friendships are tested, broken, and destroyed. Romances begin so fast and end just as quick as they started. From a sexy filthy rich man to a regular average joe, the main protagonist has her hands full. Being seduced by a rich man can be nice…but with comes unwanted danger. Unexpected events occur and kept me intrigued. I felt both sympathy for the bad ones at first but I felt even more sorry for the protagonist. Her pain is both a physical and emotional one. What a rollercoaster…

Evy Journey has created three-dimensional characters. I could see, hear, and feel everything they did. It was crazy. One moment Gina’s work life goes from being busy good to a nightmare. Her past friendship comes out and it gets worse with each page. I felt connected to Gina. She’s a hard worker and a good person.

Gina comes from a poor family. Inherited her skills of cooking from her family, Gina works her butt off in the food industry. She has finally landed herself at a top star restaurant and her personal life unwinds completely. All it takes is for one rich customer and a former best friend to bring the unexpected and disasters to Gina. What Gina thought she knew will change as the course of events escalate out of control. Life threatening, deadly, and stunning…scenes kept me turning the pages.

Leon is the filthy rich customer who wants nothing but Gina. However, he’s dating her best friend. Talk about issues and complications. Here, this was the first warning bell for Gina,,yet she didn’t think things would turn out for the worse…

Imagine trusting a best friend one moment and then fighting for your life…

That’s what happened to Gina…not once but twice.

Pastry chef, Marcia, is the other best friend that Gina has. I really liked Gina until I noticed her crazy moment over the “brooding” cop, Brent. She was obsessed with him as hers until she learned he doesn’t like sweets. Luckily, Brent had that going for him…because Gina has a past that one doesn’t know until the unexpected happens…

Brent is the homicide detective that meets with Gina when the accident with her first best friend happens. From there, Brent and Gina have been in contact since. Brent soon becomes a little jealous because Gina is gorgeous and Leon is trying to take her. Brent knows something about Leon and try’s to tell Gina, but she still goes with Leon. Thinking Leon really loves her…

Romance, work, and friendships are deeply explored in this exciting piece. Evy Journey has captivated me from the beginning with this tale. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was worth reading every single last page. Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies is exactly what’s in this novel. There’s a little of all that inside…overall, I recommend this contemporary to readers everywhere.

Review: Noelle

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog Named Christmas comes this heartwarming Christmas story about the power of family and the strength and love that comes from our pets. 

In this installment of the poignant stories of the McCray family and their lovable canines in rural Kansas, matriarch Mary Ann McCray is determined to shake up Christmas by accepting the role as Crossing Trail’s first woman Santa Claus. Mary Ann, always a bit of a rebel, is looking to offer a more progressive voice in the staunchly conservative town at Christmastime and has a few ideas up her red velvet sleeves. 

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Noelle by Greg Kincaid is a sweet holiday tale. One that pulls a family together and reunites them in a way that haven’t been. Happiness comes with time. A dog named Noelle does all the hard work. She’s a pretty Christmas dog that brings cheer everywhere she goes. The family mentioned inside also snatched my heart and soul. Everything felt so real. A beautiful emotional journey told by Greg Kindcaid. It’s memorable. An engaging story that hooks me right from the start. It kept me interested until the very end. Overall, I recommend reading, Noelle. 

Review: Need You Now

Synopsis:

Welcome to the small island town of Cloud Bay, where it’s never the wrong time to find a love that’s oh-so-right. . .

Caleb White knows what he wants out of life—and being a star tennis player is not it. After speaking to the press about his plans to retire, Caleb decides that a trip to quaint, beautiful Cloud Bay for its legendary music festival is exactly what he needs. There will be time to figure out what to do with his life without a racket in his hand soon enough. Until then, Caleb is content to be stuck on an island with CloudFest’s gorgeous director Faith Harper. . .

The daughter of a famous rock star, Faith knows all about fame, fortune, and hot flings that aren’t meant to last longer than a few good songs. Gorgeous, built Caleb is a temptation she can’t resist, but she’s not prepared for the way he makes her feel. . .and the dreams that they both share. What begins as a carefree distraction deepens into something real. But is Caleb ready to put his celebrity behind him and give life in the slow lane with Faith a chance?

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Need You Now by Emma Douglas is a hot summer read. The instant chemistry between characters lured me further into the book. The daughter of a musician is needing a new fling. She soon spots a sexy man with the bluest eyes. Attraction hard and fast. Later on, Faith finds out who he is. The famous Caleb White, star tennis player, who has recently retired. Both start out wanting a good distraction. A no strong relationship. But the more they’re together the harder that becomes for them both. Sparks fly everywhere. Hot, sexy, and fun. Emma Douglas has created an exciting contemporary novel. I was entertained. In the beginning the pages dragged a bit in speed, but soon took off fast. Need You Now suits this book well. Both Faith and Caleb need each other in their lives. But the question lingers if they will figure it out…overall, this was an engaging story. 

Review: A Wedding Tail

Synopsis:

’TIL DEATH DO US BARK…

Wedding planner Zoe Plum has brides from all walks of life vying for her services. The only problem is: happily-single Zoe doesn’t actually enjoy weddings—but that might change when she meets the singer of a local band playing at one of her weddings. His name is Levi Dolson and he’s too gorgeous for his own good. And now he’s gone ahead and charmed her new dachshund. . .

It’s no secret that Zoe doesn’t believe in fairy tales, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to make sweet music with Levi. While she’s convinced she doesn’t need a man, when someone starts setting one trap after the next to make sure she never plans a wedding ever again, she might need Levi in more ways than she could have imagined. But just how far is Zoe’s hidden enemy willing to go? The only thing Levi knows for sure is that he will do everything in his power to protect the woman who brings music to his soul. Maybe that will prove to Zoe, once and for all, that he is a man worthy of her heart. . .

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Wedding Tail by Casey Griffin is spectacular. It combines murder, mystery, and romance into one amazing read. This is also a great book for animal lovers. Especially, those that love dogs. An adopted wiener ends up rescuing his adoptive mother from a murderer. She ends up saving the man who has become so much more to her than just hot kisses. Her heart is totally in love with him. Now, it’s up for her to call the shots. The murderer was a character that I didn’t expect to be the killer. Surprises are everywhere in this book. Humor, intrigue, heat, and an unforgettable emotional journey. Casey Griffin has once again, hooked me. Her books are worth reading. I was so happy that her latest novel, A Wedding Tail, turned out perfect. Crazy brides, a weddding gone wrong, a flirtatious man, someone sabotaging Zoe’s business and much more…this, was one adventure I’ll never forget. Hilarious, sweet, and engaging. Overall, I highly recommended this title to all. 

Review: Innovation Revolution

Synopsis:

You are an innovative leader tangled in corporate red tape, facing intense pressure for growth amidst accelerating uncertainty. Put down your white flag with this “what to expect” guide for leading in the 21st century. It delivers proven billion-dollar startup secrets reengineered for the enterprise to break up business log jams, stop internal dysfunction and create INTRApreneurs empowered to innovate at speed inside the corporate framework.
If you’re under constant pressure for double-digit growth. If you struggle to achieve speed, make timely decisions and reach goals. If you spend too much time in meetings and not enough time making a difference— You are ready to lead The Innovation Revolution. Grab an energy drink and join me on the high speed, high impact journey to save the enterprise.
Inside this practical guide, find three parts to untangle the mess and actually deliver innovative results consistently at the speeding pace of change:
Part 1: RELAX, IT’S NOT JUST YOU.
Engage in a 360-degree reality check that explains the flattening of business, the slowing of decision making, and how industry titans turn into cumbersome Titanics without even knowing it.
Part 2: A SOLUTION.
Explore the Smart Speed method. How it works. Why modern business needs it. A step-by-step guide for effective leadership and success.
Part 3: THE PATH FORWARD. 
How to create consistent and effective change in an upward flow. How to make it stick. Shifting workplace behavior by retooling and empowering yourself, your employees and your organization. Dealing with personalities and roadblocks like fear, frustration and (lack of) focus.
Finally, activate the 250 field-tested questions, business innovation strategies and actions proven to harness innovation consistently from the genius hiding in plain sight inside organizations – your employees. Learn directly from real company case studies that have driven a billion in revenue and counting.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Innovation Revolution by K. Melissa Kennedy is a clever blueprint for all intrapreneurs. This book shows ways to grow, build, and move forward quickly. Businesses fail before they can succeed- most times. But by having the right tools can help the savvy intrapreneur succeed the first time around…I enjoyed this reading this book. Tips, guidance, and much more can be found within the pages. Impressive, concise, and straight to the point. Easy to follow along. No matter if one is experienced or just starting out, this guide book is the perfect read. The Innovation Revolution is a game changer for all. I highly recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: Jennifer Brown’s Journey

Synopsis:

Five feet one and full of fizz, Jennifer Brown lights up the room. She has a gorgeous partner, a wicked best friend, and a boss who doesn’t mind that she’s the worst typist on the planet. She’s loyal, generous and irredeemably ditzy. Everyone loves Jennifer Brown. But can she learn to love herself? When her world caves in, she needs every ounce of her steely core to step back from the abyss and take charge of her life, reinventing herself first as cook and housekeeper to a saucy sexagenarian, then as manager of a tumbledown country estate with sensitive secrets.

Peopled by a battalion of hilarious characters from the caustic, cross-dressing confidant to the besotted ex-boyfriend with a barmy ex-wife, Jennifer Brown’s Journey is a heartwarming, thoughtful, often poignant portrait of the trials of life as a thirty-something woman.Jennifer Brown champions the importance of self-belief, and the value of a bucket-sized glass of wine in a tight spot. And, always in the background, there’s the quiet man with the warm eyes and the velvet vowels. What on earth is Jennifer Brown going to do about him? 

The first in a series of three, Jennifer Brown’s Journey is a story of female self-empowerment and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of challenges that many women will recognise. Lighthearted and poignant, the story gives readers a very real sense of a woman, initially rather ditzy, maturing into a redoubtable, self-possessed individual who faces her many challenges with developing aplomb. 
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Jennifer Brown’s Journey by Angie Langley is an entertaining book from beginning to end. The main character, Jennifer Brown, is an ordinary woman. She’s stuck at a job that she doesn’t like nor do well. Her episodes of mistyping memos is hilarious. I love her humor. Jennifer isn’t sure what she wants to do. She feels like she’s the only one growing old. Her journey from one job to another is exciting. There is plenty of juicy scenes to enjoy. Drama to respecting herself, Jennifer Brown has a journey that is just beginning. Angie Langley has created a fun atmosphere. Her character feel real. Their troubles are easy to understand. A laugh out loud comedy that is alluring. Overall, I recommend this novel to all. 

Review: Electric Souk

Synopsis:

Ireland’s gone bust, and with it Aisling Finn’s life. She flees austerity for adventure in the desert. But the Arabia she finds is not that of her dreams. Everyone is chasing a fast buck, a fast woman and another G&T. Expats and locals alike prickle with paranoia. Debonair fixer, Brian Rothmann, charms Aisling with champagne brunches and nights at Bedouin camps. But is Brian a hero or a desperate expat prepared to go to any lengths to get what he wants? Is this Aisling? Or is he using her as bait? Her only hope is Hisham, a local activist. But where do his loyalties lie? Aisling faces severe peril when the sleazy expat and blood-lusting desert worlds collide, as the Arab Spring erupts. She has to ask, whom can she trust? Can she trust her instincts? Humanity blisters in this haunting, lyrical thriller about trust and treachery.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Electric Souk by Rose McGinty is by far an interesting read. It instantly takes readers on an epic journey. A young woman leaves her homeland for work in another country. A country full of war, distrust, and danger. The stakes are high. Never knowing who to trust, Aisling Finn puts her life in the hands of those around her. Spies, secret police, and work fill her days. At first, the novel shows Aisling following people as they live a fast life full of drinking and good times. But fear hangs deeply in the air. I never knew what to expect next. Rose McGinty writes a superb novel. Suspense, intrigue, and the mysterious lure of what may come. Electric Souk is definitely an electrifying tale. Resistance, destruction, and secrets on every page. The intensity builds. The charcaters are written in a way that visually tugs readers further into the book. Loyalties and deception are major the,es surrounding these interesting charcaters. Overall, I highly recommend reading Electric Souk to all. 

Review: Close to Home

Synopsis:

The best journeys take us home….

When Tessa Alexander came to Sanctuary Island, she left behind a marriage to a man who didn’t love her the way she loved him. When she finally found the strength to set them both free, she discovered friendship and self-acceptance in her adopted hometown. Now she’s settled into a quiet life on her own—never expecting to see her husband again.
Johnny spent almost two years deep undercover, unable to let his wife into his cold, dangerous world. He’s shaken to the core when he comes home to find her gone. It’s painfully clear that Tessa is no longer the timid young woman he married—she’s become a force of nature, a brave and determined beauty. Johnny can’t let her go without a fight so he sets out to seduce his own wife. But will passion alone be enough to convince Tessa that her new life should include a second chance at happiness with a man who must learn to believe in love?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Close to Home by Lily Everett is a stunning piece. This contemporary romance appeals to the physical and emotional side of readers. The story instantly sweeps readers off their feet. A sexy undercover FBI agent comes back home. Only to find that his wife moved a year ago, created a new life, and sent divorce papers. Talk about a blow to man’s heart and ego. Johnny won’t accept it. So, he does what any man who loves his wife does. Goes chasing after her. Make her love him again. But his wife has greatly changed. Tessa has redefined herself. She won’t let others dictate her lifestyle. She has worked on being independent. She doesn’t want her husband to love her because she needs his help. Little does she know how much he loves her…and it has nothing to do with just protecting her from the world…

Close to Home shows the reality of life. Marriage isn’t always a fairy tale. Communication issues were apparent in this fictional piece as they really are in real life. Husbands not understanding women’s ways…their bafflement makes me laugh. Especially Johnny admitting he had no idea what his wife wanted back then and even now…I enjoyed reading this tale from both characters’ point of view. It wasn’t told by their view, yet Lily Everett mastered it in a way that I got to see, hear, and understand from both Johnny’s and Tessa’s sides. Overall, this romance was engaging, exciting, and super sweet. The romance is beautiful. I highly recommend it to all. 

Review: Of Stillness and Storm

Synopsis:

It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing. 

At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Of Stillness and Storm by Michele Phoenix is a stunning tale. The emotional journey is like a strong current taking readers deeper into the characters’ lives. Sad, heartbreaking, and silent. The pages bring to life one family’s struggles. They started out as one unit and then…into broken pieces. Only time will tell if they ever heal and become whole again. Michele Phoenix has created a beautiful heart wrenching masterpiece. The characters dilemmas are so real,that it’s frightening. Readers like myself will need a box of tissues nearby. A storm so powerful will drag readers into an unforgettable world. A mother’s love, a broken marriage, and an injured child are just the highlights to this story. Communication comes and goes. It left me wondering if the communication between the parents will ever connect once more like they used to…and what will happen if it doesn’t. Captivating, intense, and suspenseful. Of Stillness and Storm is indeed a wonderful novel. The title fits the tale like a glove. I couldn’t stop reading this book. I can’t wait to see what this talented writer brings next. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: To Love a Viscount

 

Synopsis:

Her childhood friend is available, but a handsome stranger makes her doubt her choice.

One of the society’s most beautiful eligible women, Miss Emma Roberts knows that her father is dying and she must choose a husband. She has always known Viscount Francis Turner, and he seems the solid choice in her desperate situation. However, another opportunity has arisen. He may be the better choice for pretty Emma.

Handsome Viscount Francis Turner loves his childhood best friend, but he’s also in a desperate situation and must marry quickly in order to save his inheritance. Then the dashing Captain Jonathan Green captures her attention, and he doubts whether she is the right choice for him. He must make a choice to pursue her heart or watch her be claimed by another man, but he must also choose a bride for himself before time runs out.

Emma and Francis must find a balance between romance and friendship—and decide whether a solid friendship is a right foundation, for a lasting marriage. Theirs could be a marriage for love, but Emma must choose between security and the desire of her heart.

Can she overcome her reservations and discover which man is her true love?

Will Francis find a way to save his family home and win the heart of the woman he has loved since childhood?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

To Love a Viscount by Jessie Bennett is an enchanting historical read. This romance is clean. The soul and heart of this story will captivate readers everywhere. Two best friends find themselves in a desperate situation. One’s father is ill the other is getting weaker. One friend is penniless and the other needs a husband. When both friends meet, their attraction towards each other is visible. However, Francis has to work for his money now, sacrificing his own pride to save his and his father’s home. Emma needs to find a husband before her father dies. He seems to be getting worse each time…and he wants to see his girls married before his last breathe. Fate is funny sometimes. Francis soon becomes a hero in rescuing his best friend Emma for a bad suitor and her father from an evil relative. Francis can’t ignore his blossoming love for Emma; however, he feels unworthy of her love. Emma has feelings for her best friend Francis but then there’s a new man trying for her undivided attention. Who she chooses will affect the rest of her life in many ways.  Jessie Bennett is a talented writer. Her work never ceases to amaze me. I love the charming yet realistic characters. Their drama and troubles make for an interesting read. I enjoyed following both Francis and Emma as their lives changed them and led them into new beginnings. To Love a Viscount is definitely a must read for all. I highly recommend Jessie Bennett’s novel.

 

Review: Good in Bed

 

Synopsis:

For twenty-eight years, things have been tripping along nicely for Cannie Shapiro. Sure, her mother has come charging out of the closet, and her father has long since dropped out of her world. But she loves her friends, her rat terrier, Nifkin, and her job as pop culture reporter for The Philadelphia Examiner. She’s even made a tenuous peace with her plus-size body.

But the day she opens up a national women’s magazine and sees the words “Loving a Larger Woman” above her ex-boyfriend’s byline, Cannie is plunged into misery…and the most amazing year of her life. From Philadelphia to Hollywood and back home again, she charts a new course for herself: mourning her losses, facing her past, and figuring out who she is and who she can become.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Jennifer Weiner has a way with creating just the right atmosphere that will hook and captivate her readers. I found myself relating to the main character’s flaws especially regarding her issues with weight. I still struggle with that part and after reading this novel, it was like a reminder saying, “Love yourself. If you love yourself so will others.” The emotional journey was deep and left me really thinking about stuff. The story itself was hilarious, sad, and frustrating at times. Afterall, the woman was going through relationship issues and then having gone through pregnancy without the baby’s father around to support her. Truly a realistic outlook on life, love, and relationships. I could easily see the characters acting and saying the things that I read about…I felt inspired by the main character. At first she was insecure of herself, and it took her a great time to realize that she was okay just the way and who she has been all those years. Sweet, well-developed, and brilliant. Good in Bed is a definite read for all.

Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner was the first novel that launched her amazing career. After reading it, I could see why. It has everything. Humor, emotional journey, and a believable character. Here, I have met an editor. One that found out from her best friend that her ex-boyfriend wrote an embarrassing article about that millions of readers read. She then did what any sane angered woman would do. Yell at the stupid freaking ex-boyfriend. The thing was she told him she wanted a break. He took that as a ‘I’m breaking up with you’…and so, he wrote about their sex life. Oh wait…he also, called her fat. Not just fat, but fatter than him. Yep. Just like that the main character went from bat angry to depressed rather quickly. But her life just got crazier…her mom has a sprung an enormous surprise on her daughter. Not just anywhere but told her daughter while at the office. Last, of all, the main character found out that she’s pregnant with her ex boyfriend’s baby. The novel kept getting more intense with every page turned. I absolutely loved reading it. I highly recommend all women to read this laugh-out-loud romance.

 

 

Review: Where Hope Prevails

 

Synopsis:

When Beth Thatcher returns to Coal Valley, she has much to be excited about. She anticipates Jarrick’s proposal of marriage and perhaps a spring wedding. The mine is expanding, and there are more schoolchildren than ever.

But the town’s rapid growth brings many challenges. A second teacher is assigned, and Beth finds herself going head-to-head with a very different philosophy of education–one that dismisses religion and rejects God. Fearful for the children who sit under the influence of Robert Harris Hughes, Beth struggles to know how to respond.

At the same time, Beth wonders if Jarrick is considering a position at her father’s company simply for her sake. Should she admit her feelings on the matter? Or keep silent and allow Jarrick to make up his own mind?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan is a heart melting read for all. Inside the tale brings readers out to the West where danger and surprises always happen. Love comes and goes. The characters within the story have both internal and external struggles to handle. The word of God is one way that they cope with their new situations. A way of guidance for them when all seems lost.

Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan have both woven a Christian novel that entices readers from beginning to end. Here, readers get to meet a woman who comes from a wealthy family roughing it out in the west to teach children. She has been visiting her family is now, coming back to Coal Valley. However, things have changed since she was gone. More school children to teach, a booming coal town, and a new teacher to help out with the school. Then there’s the man who has captured the attention and love of Elizabeth Thatcher. He’s a Mountie. Travels where ever his job leads him. Both Jarrick Thornton and Elizabeth are mutually attracted towards one another. Ony time will tell if they end up married or not. Where Hope Prevails is an interesting adventure that will have readers hoping, laughing, and falling in love. I absolutely loved the characters and the coal town people. Impossibilities are turned into possibilities and dreams can come true. Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant novel to all.

 

Review: Family Secrets (book one)

 

Synopsis:

Alexis has had big dreams all her life, and she’s worked hard to make them happen! After college, she married and had a beautiful baby boy, living her dream as “Mommy” until Colton was safely entrenched in grade school. She lands her dream job at NASA, and her supportive husband, Jay, takes the lead on raising their son. The perfect family, right?

Twelve years later with no warning and no reason, Jay commits suicide. Colton goes into denial and blames his mother; Alexis buries herself in her work.

Seven months later, Alexis’s biggest dream comes true. She’s going to be on the next space shuttle! Her victory is short-lived when she finds out she has breast cancer. As her health declines, Colton delves into the dangerous circumstances of his father’s death.

“Family Secrets” crept into Alexis’s life when she wasn’t paying attention. Will she and her son ever find out the truth? Or is it too late?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Family Secrets by Donna M. Zadunajsky is the first novel in the Secrets and Second Chances series. I absolutely love this writer’s work. The characters are so easy to relate to as well as likable. Dreams, secrets, betrayal, and misunderstandings are all within this exciting tale. Readers are brought to a family that appears to be the perfect family. All is going well that is until a husband’s death and other things pop up like cancer and a deeper investigation into te death of a father and husband. A family is wanting the truth but will it be what they want to hear?

Donna M. Zadunajsky presents one mystery after another inside her novel, Family Secrets. Each page carries a high volume of suspense that kept on building up as I followed the characters. The emotional journey was believable and enticing. The characters led me to feel sad, frustrated, ad hoping for the best as the story unfolded. One event can rip a family apart faster than I thought. Here, I got a real world glimpse into how what the characters didn’t or did do that still made it tough for both of them to cope and forward together. Being a mother is tougher than it appears. The mother inside this novel ends up realizing just how much her work has kept her from witnessing and being there to support her child. Her son. I loved the ending…Family Secrets is a definite must read for all. The entire book is written in a way that lured me in deep. I can’t wait to read more by this talented writer. Overall, I highly recommend this read to all.

Review: Her Darkest Nightmare

 

Synopsis:

THE HUNT FOR A SERIAL KILLER
Evelyn Talbot knows that a psychopath can look perfectly normal. She was only sixteen when her own boyfriend Jasper imprisoned and tortured her―and left her for dead. Now an eminent psychiatrist who specializes in the criminal mind, Evelyn is the force behind Hanover House, a maximum-security facility located in a small Alaskan town. Her job puts her at odds with Sergeant Amarok, who is convinced that Hanover is a threat to his community…even as his attraction to beautiful Evelyn threatens to tear his world apart.

BEGINS WITH AN ESCAPE FROM HER PAST
Then, just as the bitter Alaskan winter cuts both town and prison off from the outside world, the mutilated body of a local woman turns up. For Amarok, this is the final proof he needs: Hanover has to go. Evelyn, though, has reason to fear that the crime is a personal message to her―the first sign that the killer who haunts her dreams has found her again. . .and that the life she has so carefully rebuilt will never be the same…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak is brilliantly well-written. With this talented writer, I have yet to see a poorly written and undeveloped book. Each of her novels, is better than the one before it. It is amazing what Brenda Novak conjures in each tale. This latest novel is a romantic suspense read that will have readers hooked from beginning to end. The fear is overwhelming. I could feel the raw tensions caused by both they work that the main character does and the romance that stirs between her and the police officer. The attraction is mutual. However, the issue lies with the female doctor who can’t forget the past and embrace her life. Or embraced what her life could be like if she would just let go of her nightmare.

Brenda Novak introduced us readers to a prison where a bunch of doctors wanted to analyze the psychopaths that kill and torture others. They hoped that this facility will give them the research they need to see what causes the killers to do what they do. Their goal was to find out what makes them kill and why in a false hope that they can save people. Monsters housed in one building that has top security. Yet one lady never made it to the facility to work on time…then there’s the sexy police officer who found a woman’s head all bashed in a way that no one could recognize her. He immediately laid the blame on the Hangover House aka prison full of psychopathic killers. But could the killer really be a loose prisoner or someone else that the doctor might know? The suspense as always left me hanging. I was eager to know who died and who the killer is, plus, I wanted to see what lied in the future for the two main characters. Then there’s the doctor who was tormented by her boyfriend. Raped and left for dead…yet somehow she made it through and worked her way to becoming a specialist that works in analyzing men aka killers like her boyfriend. Even though she spent years in therapy, she still can’t let go of the danger that’s bound her in like the prisoners around her. Intriguing, sexy, and phenomenal. Brenda Novak’s new novel, Her Darkest Nightmare, will have left her readers sweating in fear. Overall, I highly recommend this compelling read to all.

Review: Vinegar Girl

 

Synopsis:

Kate Battista feels stuck. How did she end up running the house and home for her eccentric scientist father and uppity, pretty younger sister Bunny? Plus, she’s always in trouble at work – her pre-school charges adore her, but their parents don’t always appreciate her unusual opinions and forthright manner.

Dr. Battista has other problems. After years out in the academic wilderness, he is on the verge of a breakthrough. His research could help millions. There’s only one problem: his brilliant young lab assistant, Pyotr, is about to be deported. And without Pyotr, all would be lost.

When Dr. Battista cooks up an outrageous plan that will enable Pyotr to stay in the country, he’s relying – as usual – on Kate to help him. Kate is furious: this time he’s really asking too much. But will she be able to resist the two men’s touchingly ludicrous campaign to bring her around?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Anne Tyler’s Vinegar Girl is indeed the perfect read for all. There is just the right amount of humor, romance, and intrigue to keep readers hooked. I absolutely loved reading this novel. The story itself is realistic. The main character is beyond believable. She suffers from the same things that the rest of us do. Demanding work, impatient parents, and grief. This leading female character is smart and funny. Anne Taylor brings many topics to her interesting tale. Topics like marriage, love, and family. A remarkable journey Vinegar Girl is. There’s plenty to keep readers buried in the pages.

A young woman struggles with living life. Her father is like a dictator controlling everything she and her sister do. Then her sister gives her and her future man a hard time. Her father’s science project is at its break it or make it moment. Then, his assistant is being sent away…unless he can marry someone. A brilliant young Russian scientist is soon married to a woman. A woman who at first refuses the marital set-up by her father. But once the marriage plans are set…she actually goes through it all. At the ending, Anne Tyler surprises me. Her leading character does something that wraps up the whole novel and sets it off in a satisfying way. Overall, I highly recommend this exciting and well-written novel to all. Vinegar Girl is the perfect read for all.

 

Review: Six Month Rule

 

Synopsis:

She created the game, but the rules are about to change…
 
Taurus: Hold fast to your single-minded nature today–no matter how long her legs or how lush her red lips.

Gemini: You were a shining star last night, but reality can be a real–well, you get the picture. Just remember: Tall, dark, and British equals no corner office for you.

Holly’s been busting her butt to make partner at Trousseau, and there’s no way she’s going to let some stuck-up British arsehole get in her way–no matter how drop-dead gorgeous he is. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the memo…

Each book in the Kingston Ale House series is a stand-alone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Six Month Rule by A.J. Pine is a contemporary romance that features all the worries, struggles, and insecurities of falling in love. A woman working her way up in her career is one job from landing a huge promotion. She has never had a date last longer than six months. So she creates the six-month rule. No strings attach and good sex. However,  fate brings in a sexy British foreigner who challenges and pushes all her buttons. He leaves her wanting him in bed just as much as she makes him want her. Talk about complications. They are both brought on to work together. Most flings, involving working partners never work out…or do they?  A man who is more than a good romp, in bed. He has a daughter from a woman whom he’s not married to…that woman is in a relationship with another man. Currently, he’s just a weekend dad. But that’s all about to change. Knowing he has a kid and live in Britain may cause the woman he’s just fallen in love with to run away. But then he has his daughter to think about and he needs to put her first over his happiness. A.J. Pine’s novel is messy, sweet,  and steamy. I loved the characters and their personalities. I also loved their flaws. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to all.

 

Review: Rise of the Chosen

 

Synopsis:

In Sam’s world, there are two rules. Rule #1: Nobody dies. Protect the living at all costs. Rule #2: Everybody dies. At least once.

The Waking was a global event in which a force called the Lifeblood invaded all humans who died. The few strong enough to control it came back as powerful immortals. The rest let the bloodlust take over and awoke with one goal – to kill.

Newly appointed Watch Guard Samantha Shields has a legacy to uphold. Her father died a hero defending their city and now she wants to follow in his footsteps. Except for the dying part, of course. Unfortunately, fate has other plans as she discovers deep dark secrets that make her choose between her loyalties and the lives of everyone in her city. Both rules are in play as Sam is forced to make hard decisions that could cost her everything – including the person she cares about most.

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Rise of the Chosen by Anna Kopp is intense. There are the dead,  and the dead who walk. Then, there’s an army of individuals set on protecting the innocent. One young woman lost her dad and then her mother. After the loss of her mother, Sam was promoted to the highest level of fighting. Her boyfriend ends up being killed but issues out a warning to her. Then, she and her new teammates are preparing to fight a battle. One that is about to break out and only time will tell what happens next.

Rise of The Chosen was well-written. The main character, Sam, is a lesbian. So there’s plenty of F/F action happening. The tale is fast-paced. Packed with tons of action, tough choices, and fighting. Death is everywhere inside this novel. Losing the only family Sam had is a tough emotional journey. Then she also loses a past boyfriend that she cared about like a friend. Work is tough especially when the leading female didn’t have time to prepare or work her way up to the highest level. Lots of science fiction fantasy themes can be found in this exciting read. Anna Kopp is a talented writer. I was fascinated by her book about the dead and the war at hand.

 

Review: Anywhere You Are

 

Synopsis:

As the daughter of a music legend, Grace Davingham, knows all too well what it’s like to be burned by the media’s glare. Now all she wants is to be left to do her painting and conservation work in peace, with no intention of returning to the spotlight. But after she sprains her ankle hiking and a handsome real-estate mogul comes to her rescue, Grace once again finds herself in the public eye.

Sexy, successful, and averse to any attachments, Marcus Colby thrives on rigid discipline in order to manage both his real-estate investment company and his personal life. Marc has no time for fun and no patience for crazy. Which is why meeting Grace—and inheriting an enormous Great Dane who won’t listen to a word he says—has turned Marc’s carefully constructed world upside down.

Only when Grace and Marc square off over a local controversy do they realize how different they really are. But if opposites attract, their love is destined to bind them together—forever.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Anywhere You Are by Elisabeth Barrett is funny, sweet, and exciting romance. I felt an instant connection to the main characters. Both from opposite worlds yet both are the same kind of person despite the lives they live. One comes from a rich lifestyle the other works his butt off to make good money. One is happy making enough to live on while the other is stressed out from work. He doesn’t realize that work is eating at him. Until a certain woman pops into his life. A charming gorgeous woman that he can’t shake out of his mind. The woman has a supermodel’s looks but is content living with a low quiet life. An artist who enjoys life. Both of these characters will drive readers crazy in a good way.  The plot is fast-paced. I enjoyed following the characters journey. Anywhere You Are is a story about finding a love that makes one happy. Anywhere the loved one is so too will the other half be. Happy, content, and thrilling. The tale was super sexy. Elisabeth Barrett’s writing is addictive and well-done. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

Review: Must Love Wieners

 

Synopsis:

Piper Summers works like a dog juggling three jobs to put herself through veterinary school—driving taxis, delivering pizzas, and singing telegrams. Thankfully, Piper has her devoted dachshund Colin to help her keep things in line. That is, until she gets fired…and someone throws her a bone that is too good to resist.

Aiden Caldwell is an Armani ad come to life—a billionaire CEO who’s just adopted a dachshund from the rescue center where Piper volunteers. He’s hot on Piper’s tail to be his personal dog walker…but he may be after more than a walker for his wiener. The gorgeous, spirited Piper is everything he’s ever wanted from a woman—and more. But can Piper ever love, and trust, a man who has never learned to open his heart—or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Must Love Wieners by Casey Griffin is a good laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with danger added to it. I love good romance stories that bring out some of the things I love. I love animals…especially dogs. The main character, Piper, is close to becoming a vet. But until then she’s barely scraping by with the odd ends jobs. Her job as a pizza delivery didn’t work out…then her job singing customized telegrams led her to a crazed male stalker and even a possible love match…Yep, Piper’s life is an interesting roller coaster from the beginning to end. Casey Griffin’s writing is superb. I can’t wait for book two to come out to read the next best adventure. Every page was filled with excitement, humor, heat, and suspense. I, like Piper, had suspicions on who was behind the crimes but couldn’t put my finger on it. Absolutely, a great romance that is hot sexy and perfect for all. Readers won’t be forgetting this romantic story. Overall, I highly recommend Must Love Wieners to readers everywhere.

 

Review: The Rule Book

 

 

Synopsis:

Starr Media Second-Assistant Survival Guide

1. Don’t call your hot boss the antichrist to his face.
2. Don’t stare at hot boss’s, um, package or his full sleeve of tattoos. (No. Really. Stop!)
3. Don’t get on the malicious first assistant’s bad side.
4. Don’t forget to memorize the 300-page employee manual.
5. If you value your cashmere, steer clear of boss’s dog.
6. Boss’s dimples are lust-inducing. Do. Not. Give. In.
7. “The elevator ate your clothes” is not a valid excuse for showing up to important meetings half dressed.
8. Don’t break seven of the rules within the first week of employment if you, ya know, are in dire need of money to support your sick mom.
9. Whatever you do, don’t fall for the boss. See rule eight about sick mom.
10. Never forget the rules.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Rule Book by Jennifer Blackwood is a must read for all. It’s hot, addictive, and highly entertaining. There is more than just hot sex inside this romance. A daughter struggling to pay for her mother’s cancer treatments…a boss whose book of rules are tighter than anything she knows…and the chemistry that sparks between her and the boss. A boss whom she accidently called the devil during her time at work. Instead of firing her…he keeps her on as the second assistant. Her journey though is full of its ups and downs. Having an off-limits kind of relationship with her boss, the treatments’ price having gone up higher yet, and someone is planning her downfall at her job. Mr. Starr isn’t one’s typical CEO boss. He’s unique and sexy enough to melt any woman’s heart and body. A strained relationship with his newest female employee has him off his guard. Then there are a few mishaps a work that led to his employee…but are they really her fault or does someone have it in for the company? Jennifer Blackwood’s contemporary romance novel is stunning. Well-written and well-developed. It’s fast-paced and exciting. Every page with leave readers feeling hot and begging for more. Overall, I loved reading The Rule Book, and I highly recommend it to all.

 

Review: An Affair with Beauty

 

Synopsis:

Fame, fortune, and beautiful models–Howard Chandler Christy had them all.

Christy was the most famous American painter of the Jazz Age, a time when an elite brotherhood of New York artists dominated the publishing world. Christy had eclipsed all of them with his ”Christy Girl,” an idealized woman who redefined beauty, influenced fashion, and inspired generations of women.

The Magic of Youth is the first book in An Affair with Beauty — The Mystique of Howard Chandler Christy, a biographical trilogy of the artist’s epic life as told primarily through the eyes of his second wife, Nancy, a former Cosmopolitan model once considered to be one of the most beautiful women in America. As she reflects on her life, Nancy tells of first meeting Christy in 1912 and becoming his top model. She is captivated by his irresistible charm and the glamour of his enchanting world, but discovers that things are not always what they seem and even the great Christy has scandalous secrets.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

An Affair with Beauty by James Philip Head is a nonfiction book about an artsit and illustrator who redefined the American idol of beauty for women everywhere. Women flocked to him like a moth to a flame. The famous illustrator within these pages brings to life Howard Chandler Christy. His work is famous. He definitely was married and well liked. I found it interesting reliving his entire life through the words and retelling by James Philip Head. The theme hidden deep within this book is youth and beauty. Howard Chandler Christy always managed to portray that within his artwork. Reading this book, was like stepping back into history into the illustrator’s shoes. James Philip Head has done an incredible job in bringing to life the artist’s life’s story. Fascinating journey indeed. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers.

Review: Awakening to You

 

Synopsis:

Sofie James is a successful set designer, trying to break into the male-dominated production design realm and lacking any personal obligations she sees a clear path to success.

Drake Blaxton is a senior partner in an architectural firm who has always been focused and grounded in his career while completely noncommittal in his personal life.

A chance encounter, at their favorite pond.
A fateful storm that could change everything.

What happens when Sofie and Drake’s worlds collide into each other, awakening a thundering passion that neither were ever open to having?

This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adult readers only.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Awakening to You by Fifi Flowers is a definite must read for all. Talk about a powerful love that blows readers away. I have fallen in love with the characters and with Fifi Flower’s writing. Absolutely, amazing how strong both leading characters are in their lives. Of course, life and love are never easy to juggle but these two manage it well. Issues like a woman working in a male-dominated area are one of my favorite topics to read. Here, I was enchanted by it in Awakening to You. Hot, sexy, sensual and enticing. Every one of Fifi Flowers novels gets hotter with each book. I wouldn’t be able to choose which of her novels is my favorite. I would have to take them all…beware, once readers read this, they will never stop reading it. Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful well-written tale to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Wrapped in You

 

Synopsis:

The Monroe brothers found a home in Haven, Georgia, thanks to the big-hearted couple who adopted them all. Now, grieving their late sister, these three very different men will come together to honor her memory. And with the help of some unforgettable women, each will find the chance to build a whole new future…

Zach Monroe has made mistakes–big ones. The worst left the girl he loved injured, and his own brother barely speaking to him. It was a night Zach won’t let himself forget, even when the girl in question–perfect, polished Sophie Allen–walks back into his life. A realtor, Sophie’s brought an offer for their sister’s dilapidated Civil War era property. But Zach’s determined to renovate the rambling old place himself–though he longs to rebuild Sophie’s trust in him…

A business deal isn’t how Sophie wanted to approach Zach after all this time, but he won’t let anyone get personal. She can’t deny that the accident changed her life in irreparable ways. But watching gruff, quiet Zach beat himself up year after year hurts too. The wounded boy she once adored needed love and the man is no different. Now Sophie will need every bit of her resolve to convince Zach to let love heal them both…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Wrapped in You by Jules Bennett is a contemporary romance that instantly drags readers into the plot. This is a hot, sexy, sizzling read. The action and intrigue will continue to capture the hearts, souls, and minds of readers. I myself have fallen in love with the story. Deep and emotional. The journey is stunning. Wrapped in You is about loss, love, and hope for the future. Many hearts are on the line and only time will tell if they heal or worsen…

Jules Bennett’s writing is superb. I am fascinated by her world of fiction. This was the first of her novels, I have read. Believable plot lines and irresistible characters. Wrapped in You will wrap itself around readers and keep them held in for a long time. Funny, sweet, sad, yet highly satisfying. Jules Bennett’s latest novel brings a lot to digest. It’s definitely worth reading. Loss of a loved one, past injuries and mistakes and an old love flame that keeps burning hotter with every page. Trust, hope, and love may just be within the reach for these perfect characters. Or maybe not. Readers will run after the bad boy Zach who has a lot to live, through…like the loss of a sister, hard feelings between him and his brother, and then the woman he loved and left hurting.  Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant romance to all.

 

Review: No Way Up

 

Synopsis:

When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, only the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Before leaving by train to receive treatment to save his leg–and possibly his life–Chance demands that Heath read the patriarch’s will and see its conditions enforced immediately. If Chance’s three bickering adult children, Justin, Sadie, and Cole, don’t live and work at the home for an entire year, ownership of the ranch will pass to a despised distant relative.

Before long, however, Heath discovers that the avalanche may have been intentionally set–and that more danger lurks ominously. Finding his own future–and a desired future with Sadie–locked up in saving the Cimarron Ranch, Heath and the Boden siblings must work together against outside forces that threaten them all.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

No Way Up by Mary Connealy is by far the most heated, intriguing and clean romance that I have read. The heat and chemistry send off enough sparks to light a fire. There’s enough sibling rivalry that left me laughing so hard. Danger is found on every page. The plot is fast-paced.  I enjoyed following a story that involved a family being brought together again. Family, courage, love, and faith are all themes of this riveting novel. I found myself lost within the pages instantly.

This was the first novel, I have read by Mary Connealy. Her talent is raw and impressive to all. The characters are so different from each other but hold the same values. The life threatening situation of a father having been seriously injured and may not live…the siblings are now, left to full-fill their father’s wishes. If they don’t the land, money, and all will go to a much hated and despised family member. Then, there’s a ranch hand who has fallen in love with the boss’s daughter. But until the accident with her father, the woman hasn’t spent much thoughts on him. After all, he’s just a lowly cowhand. But once the danger has crept upon them all, the lowly cowhand stayed to help the family. A family that has grown to respect him. Learning how family life worked, the cowhand now thinks of trying to go back to see his brothers. But first, they must all live through the danger and even lay out their hearts. Will they survive or fall apart? Overall, I highly recommend No Way Up to all. A Christian romance that readers won’t want to miss.

 

 

 

Review: All Summer Long

 

Synopsis:

All Summer Long follows one charming New York couple – prominent interior designer Olivia Ritchie and her husband Nicholas Seymour, an English professor and true southern gentleman.  They are seemingly polar opposites, yet magnetically drawn together and in love for more than fourteen years.

As they prepare to relocate to Charleston, S.C., Olivia, the ultimate New Yorker, has reservations about the promise she made to retire in the Lowcountry, where Nick wants to return home and lead a more peaceful life.  They are moving north to south, fast pace versus slow pace and downsizing.  Nick is ecstatic.  Olivia is not.   She can’t let Nick know that their finances are not what he thought.   Her client list is evaporating, their monetary reserves are dwindling and maybe that house she picked out on Sullivans Island needs too much work.  Thank God, for her assistant, Roni Larini, her right (and sometimes left) hand.

As they find themselves pondering the next step of their lives, Olivia and Nick travel with her billionaire clients and their friends and are swept up into the world of the ultra-rich and explore the globe with a cast of zany eccentrics over one tumultuous, hot summer. All as Olivia grapples with what lies ahead for her and Nick.

This is a story of how plans evolve and lives change in unexpected ways, how even those who have everything are still looking for something more.  Even the most successful people can often struggle to keep things together.  All Summer Long asks the ultimate question: can money buy happiness?  From Sullivans Island to Necker Island to Nantucket to the beaches of Southern Spain, we’ll come to recognize the many faces of true love, love that deepens and endures but only because one woman makes a tremendous leap of faith. And that leap changes everything.

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

All Summer Long by Dorothea Benton Frank is a truly a thoughtful novel. One that takes readers on a journey of finding what they really want and need in life. Marriage is not easy but it takes courage, sacrifices, and love. A woman and her husband get to take a vacation and it’s on this vacation she gets to think about everything. Maybe her marriage is okay and will survive no matter what is happening with her work and career. Marriage, after all, is for better or worse, rich or poor. All Summer Long is an exploration and deep thinking that leaves readers wondering what will happen next. Dorothea Benton Frank portrays the life of a wife and husband beautifully in this tale. I found the beginning a bit slow for my taste but once I moved past that…the plot was steady. Overall, I enjoyed the sneak peek into these characters lives and recommend it to all.

 

Review: Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son 2

 

Synopsis:

The fast paced BWWM novel with a twist is back. Mocha and Billy have professed their love to each other in holy matrimony. As they begin their journey as husband and wife, they face the everyday trials associated with being newlyweds. Can their love overcome and sustain them through the honeymoon stage and beyond?

Crazy Amy is still off her meds and wreaking havoc wherever and however she pleases. When she is on the loose, it’s wise to keep your husbands closer than ever before. Hollywood meets psychopath is bound to send someone over the edge.

Erin is still dealing with the effects of Amy’s torture and being held, hostage. Putting her life back on track is proving to be more difficult than expected with a new threat to her life and future happiness. Will Charles be able to protect her from the past life that she once loved?

As these lives intertwine and stretch from Houston to Hollywood, take a front row seat to find out whose relationship is as solid as a rock and whose will crumble under pressure.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son II by Regina Swanson is spicy, intense, and full of drama. Inside this exciting new novel, we find that Mocha and Billy are now a married couple. They experience their first disagreement. Then there’s Billy’s dad who doesn’t approve of Mocha and won’t accept her as his daughter-in-law. Billy’s mom, Nancy, was just caught having sex with her lover, in Billy’s basement. Mocha finds out that her husband is ticked off with his mom for sleeping with a man other than his father. But then there’s Billy’s father who has slept with almost every one of his female employees…Also, the crazy killer is still on the loose. No one knows where she went. Erin is still afraid that the killer will come after her for not going with the killer’s plans. Erin is also, trying to make amends for what she has done wrong…especially to Mocha and Billy. Mocha won’t accept Amy’s apology. Mocha is still feeling the after effects of Erin’s ill intentions. But that’s not all…there is a loving man in Erin’s life. What happens to each of these characters is exciting to follow as the addictive and heated plot continues to unfold. Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son II is a highly entertaining contemporary romance that will keep readers turning the pages. Regina Swanson has the raw talent for creating plotlines that drag readers deep into her fictional worlds and for creating characters, that are easy to connect with on every level. Overall, I highly recommend this hot, sexy, and juicy tale to all.

Review: Damaged

 

Synopsis:

One boy. One lawyer. One chance for justice.

Ten-year-old Patrick O’Brien is a natural target at school. Shy, dyslexic, and small for his age, he tries to hide his first-grade reading level from everyone: from his classmates, from the grandfather who cares for him, and from the teachers who are supposed to help him. But the real trouble begins when Patrick is accused of attacking a school aide. The aide promptly quits and sues the boy, his family, and the school district. Patrick’s grandfather turns to the law firm of Rosato & DiNunzio for help and Mary DiNunzio is, on the case. Soon Mary becomes Patrick’s true champion and his only hope for security and justice. But there is more to the story than meets the eye and Patrick might be more troubled than he seems. With twists at every turn and secrets about the family coming to light, Mary DiNunzio might have found the case that can make her a true protector, or break her heart…

With Lisa Scottoline’s trademark emotional depth and fast-paced action, Damaged will have readers riveted to the last page as they root for the beloved characters and their fight for justice.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Lisa Scottoline has done it again! She has once more brought readers an intriguing legal thriller that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. I liked that the characters are a variety and how a child with learning disabilities is brought into the light. Just because someone is different doesn’t make them the enemy. Here, readers are taken on a deep journey that’s not just vividly physical but emotional as well. Anything that involves that law can be messy and super stressful. What really happened at a school shooting is a mystery that Mary DiNunzio will figure out…and hopefully come out of it with no worries. A case that seems to be tough gets harder as she digs through the evidence…Damaged is exactly what will happen if Mary isn’t careful.

Inside Damaged, readers are brought a fast-paced action thriller that will keep them turning the pages. A successful lawyer takes a case involving a young boy with dyslexia being accused of a school shooting. Mary NiNunzio works on proving the boy’s innocence. However, what she never expected was to fall in love with the young boy. Mary is also balancing her love life that might just hold a marriage in her future. Is it possible to have everything in life or will Mary lose what she has worked hard for? Lisa Scottoline’s novel is deeply satisfying. Every page is bone deep in suspense. Plus, there is a lot riding on the young boy, Patrick. The why’s and who would want to frame a kid is one that will perk up readers’ interest as the plot continues to roll. Abuse, family, and love are strong themes within this exciting tale.  What I really enjoyed was how one smart woman was brave and bold enough to face the challenges ahead and know what could possibly happen by committing herself to the case at hand. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this masterfully woven story. I would highly recommend Damaged to readers everywhere.

 

 

 

 

Review: Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son

Synopsis:

Above all else choose love. In a world where the cards are stacked against interracial couples, who would choose to travel that road?

Mocha is CEO of Baldwin Enterprises. She runs the company for Billionaire William Baldwin. William Baldwin’s only son, Billy, is ready to settle down and start a family. Mocha is the object of his desire. But nothing comes easy in a world of love and hate. While Mocha and Billy are determined to be together, can they overcome the evil doings of a crazy psycho who’s just as determined to keep them apart.

Come on this journey with Billy and  as they are tested beyond belief in this tale of love that conquers all.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son by Regina Swanson almost made me think I was reading a thriller at first…the two main characters came onto the stage and that was when the I knew what I was reading. The crazy pyscho killer in this exciting new title made me feel chills down my spine. It was like at any point in time she could kill anyone and get away with it. Then, there is another woman woman who is nothing but jealous of Mocha, the black CEO. Mocha caught the desire and attention of the billionaire’s son. A white rich man wants nothing more than just to have her as his. This sets off a friendship with the jealous woman and the psycho killer. Just how far things will go…will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Regina Swanson also knows how to heat up the pages for her readers. With every page, I felt the raw animalistic attraction between Billy and Mocha. Hot, steamy, and bold. Mocha & The Billionaire’s Son is a romance featuring two lovers going agaisn’t all odds to be together. Readers will find themselves immediately lost within this read. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.

Review: The Lobby

 

Synopsis:

Welcome to The Shipley Hotel, where the perky and attentive staff provides the gold standard in artificial concern and comfort to all the colorful characters who pass through its polished brass revolving door and find themselves in The Lobby. Practically engineered for eavesdropping, San Francisco’s juiciest hotel lobby offers the perfect place to witness the comings and goings—and the most comedic intersections—of staff, long-term residents, and eclectic guests. Featuring over fifty stories all transpiring in a single twenty-four hour period and intersecting in the Shipley’s elegant lobby, readers will meet an eccentric and vast array of characters, most of whom will look awfully familiar and all of whom will speak to the heart. Employing acute skills in human observation and a keen understanding of the essential human needs—frequently unplanned and unexpected rendezvous, ready laughter at others’ expense, and maybe even a little love and acceptance—Randi M. Sherman’s unique wit and candor will surely make the reader sit up, stand up, roll over, or assume an interested leaning position and take notice. Get comfortable (on the exquisitely upholstered lobby couch) and spy on those checking in and out of the Shipley. Careful: you might just encounter a version of yourself among the ornate balconies and intricate woodwork.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Lobby by Randi M. Sherman is a grand adventure that is juicy, entertaining, and full of surprises. The writing is superb. It takes readers on a journey of experiencing all the drama that goes on within the lobby of The Shipley Hotel. Here, I got to meet a variety of interesting individuals. From pity parties, to a wedding to an educational tour. There’s plenty of action, characters, and emotions flying high within this exciting novel. Luxury everywhere…the rich and famous, and workers are filled within this tale. The thrill ride within is one that is more emotional than physical. I was laughing and rooting for the characters along the way. Horse betting and credit cards being declined…this was one adventure that readers will immediately take to…almost like a soap opera but one that made me feel like I was actually there with the characters. The Lobby is indeed a fascinating story that I would recommend to readers. Randi M. Sherman’s talent is one that can’t be missed.

 

Review: Even Odds

 

Synopsis:

Geeky meets kinky in this first deliciously sexy novel in the Slices of Pi series by RITA-nominated author Elia Winters, which follows the romantic rendezvous of the employees at PI Games, a gaming company based out of sultry Florida.

As a design manager at PI Games, Isabel Suarez is no stranger to the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. But when her team attends a gaming convention on the other side of the country, she figures there’s no harm in putting aside her professional demeanor for one weekend to participate in a risqué scavenger hunt. Why shouldn’t she let loose and have a little fun?

A careless romp soon turns into more, however, when Isabel ends up having a fling with Caleb Portland, an artist, and animator, without knowing he has just been hired to partner with her at her company—and Caleb can’t bring himself to tell her. When they end up coworkers a few weeks later, they need to find a way to work together and keep things strictly professional. Caleb doesn’t want to take on a relationship and risk failure. Isabel doesn’t want to risk ruining the professional reputation she’s worked so hard to develop. But when faced with the undeniable sizzling chemistry between them, will either of them be able to resist temptation?

A sexy and witty tale of romance and modern workplace politics, Even Odds is the latest winning entry in Elia Winters’ unique and well-loved erotic novels.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Even Odds by Elia Winters is absolutely a must read for all. This is one geeky romance that will keep readers laughing and falling in love with the characters. The female character, Isabel, is the only female working in an all male dominated area. Game software. She designs games and is now in the manager position. Before moving to the PI Games she worked at another company. A company where she experienced a disastrous relationship which then lead to sexual harassment. The sad part was that the Human Resource person told her that words weren’t much of a harassment and that they wouldn’t take her complaints seriously. Isabel ended up taking action that suited the company better than helping solve her issues at work. This past life experience has left her feeling like an ice queen at work. Acting as sexless as possible to survive working in the gaming industry surrounded by all men. An area that showed me that was hard for any woman including Isabel to be taken seriously by men as a professional. Her hard work pays off…but there’s one employee who makes her uncomfortable…will she face up to him or let him continue his harassments against her? The other part to this exciting tale was the trip to DiceCon and that’s where everything heats up…Isabel wants to let loose for once and three of her teammates get her in on a game that has her meeting the one man that might just be a forever thing…a man that can not only make her feel like a woman but also respect her in the industry. That combination alone would make any woman’s knees go weak. Isabel and Caleb are a perfect couple. Their journey was realistic and believable. The pages got hotter with every turn….and the plot sets readers on the edge of their seats wondering what comes next.  Even Odds by Elia Winters is by overall, a hot and brilliantly well-written geeky romance that all will enjoy. I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

 

 

Review: Making It in India

 

Synopsis:

When Sanjay is forced to pursue engineering, he feels like a fish out of the water. With his future already determined by his parents, he feels trapped with nowhere to turn. Despite having no passion, to pursue engineering, he ends up in the cut-throat world of the IT industry in India. Then enters Tara, the girl who makes Sanjay chase his dreams and make him realize that life is more than one paycheck and a job you truly detest!

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Making It in India by J.K. Vahn is an interesting tale told from a male Indian man who from birth had his fate sealed for him by his parents. The story took me on a journey of Sanjay going thru his predestined journey in life and wanting to do what makes him passionate. Writing. Sanjay loves to write. His poetry is beautiful enough to make one special woman like Tara feel emotional. She loves reading what he has to write. In a way, she is his muse. The one who inspires him and tells him not to give up on his writing. Whereas his parents were strong in pushing their only son to an engineering school. Sanjay’s father was an engineer and so that’s what his parents pushed him to be. Somehow, Sanjay ends up doing well on his exam and getting a job at one of the best IT companies. He hates it. Not that he can’t do the work but it’s not something that stirs up a desire to do it. As he works as an engineer he learns how to deal with his work, life, and friends. Soon he gets promoted and that’s about when he finally takes a risk in turning his life around to his desire. It also helps that he has Tara supporting him all the way. Maybe his parents will support him as well…

Making It in India shows readers how hard life can be. Things we want may not happen when we want them too. However, we can turn our lives around if we really want to change directions. I loved how J.K. Vahn portrayed the ways, lifestyles, and thinking of the people from India. A realistic output on life, family, and most of all dreams. This tale was well-written. The story was told from the point of view of the main character, Sanjay. I loved following Sanjay as he obeyed his parents, did what was expected of him and went out to do what he’s passionate about as well. Challenges, love, and growing up…are main themes of this inspirational novel. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.

Amazon Link: Making It in India 

Review: Monarchs and Mendicants

 

Synopsis:

A JOURNEY FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE

When a fourth homeless man is murdered by the Hacker, Gifford Ulrich leaves downtown St. Louis carrying his belongings on his back and wanders into the Benoit Neighborhood searching for shelter and safety. He finds abandoned buildings and abandoned people; drunks, drug addicts, gamblers; the outcasts; the unusual, the unbalanced, and the unlucky. His job cleaning bricks leads him to discover hidden forces at work in Benoit that throw him in the middle of danger and death. To fight his way off the streets, Giff must rely on his military training, his knife, and an anger born of loss. The only way to survive the passage from tragedy to triumph is to kill or be killed.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Monarchs and Mendicants by Dan Groat is a masterpiece readers can’t put down or ignore. This brilliantly told story features a man who is a retired Navy Seal. Soon, he ends up homeless and uses the skills he learned in the military to his advantage for survival. Living as a homeless person is by far the saddest and most dangerous kind of living one will ever take up…whether by force or by choice. A friend dies and now that friend’s dog and ex-Navy Seal will battle all kinds of danger. Whether related, unfair minimum wages, and a hired killer. Those who protest against the minimum wages given are taken down one by one…and soon Gifford Ulrich lands on that killer’s list. A realistic survival story that will keep readers intrigued as the plot continues to unfold. Fast-paced, highly entertaining, and suspenseful. Dan Groat has a talent for creating the best world of fiction. I was instantly pulled in frompage one and didn’t reemerge until the last page. Monarchs and Mendicants is like the Bourne movie series…full of action, fighting, and intrigue. Kept me guessing…and captivated. Overall, I highly recommend this stunning novel to readers worldwide.

Review: Hauling Through

 

Synopsis:

The small community of Kestrel Cove is pretty much the same as any other fishing town on the Maine coast – a tight-knit group of hardworking and hardheaded characters living within the ebbs and flows of a life dedicated to catching lobsters. But there is one thing that is unique: The residents of Kestrel Cove believe that a Russian spy satellite cruises overhead every night at 8 pm. And even though they know that they should behave while they’re being watched, they’re unable to stop themselves from being who they really are.
Enter Jamie Kurtz, an underachieving graduate from a nearby private college. After disappointing his father and getting cut off from any financial support, he is forced to get a summer job with a recently injured lobsterman in Kestrel Cove. And while Jamie is able to handle the physically demanding work of lobstering, he struggles to find his niche in the social fabric of the community. No matter how hard he tries, he remains an outsider who is closely watched and talked about, but not entirely included.

Eventually, after sharing moments of happiness and sadness with them, he’s accepted as one of their own. In the process, he not only finds true love but feels the warmth that comes from belonging to something bigger than himself. When his former college professor comes to him with an offer that’s too good to pass up, he’s faced with a difficult choice. A decision of this magnitude might be out of his control – perhaps the satellite should just decide what is best!

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Hauling Through by Peter Bridgford is an exciting novel with a lot of adventure, suspense, and intrigue. Readers will be lured deeply into this brilliantly well-written piece. Peter Bridgford’s talent shines through on every page. Hauling Through offers readers a mixture of what the life of fishermen in Maine is like and how the small-town life can be difficult. Living in my own small town, where people either make it or break it the acceptance levels is not easy at all. The variety of characters inside this quirky read will keep readers turning the pages. There are a lot of laugh-out-loud moments. Peter Bridgford has captured the reality of life into his amazing world of fiction. Once readers get past the introductions and know what’s going on, the plot speeds up from there.

Inside Hauling Through by Peter Bridgford, readers are introduced to the small-town way of life. If readers knew what lobster work was like for those living in Maine within this novel, readers would appreciate their lobsters a bit more. Life, of lobster catching and crazy town folk, is everything you would expect in Kestrel Cove. It is here that we meet the main character, Jamie Kurtz. He isn’t an insider of this community until close to the ending. His journey of the ups and downs that he has experienced in this fictional town is a lot for one man, a man who felt closer to a town than his own family. But what really will entice readers is the offer that Jamie receives and what happens from there. Spies, romance, and trouble lurk ahead waiting at every readers’ fingertips. I enjoyed reading this tale and following Jamie as his journey builds up and comes to a close. Peter Bridgford’s novel has what every reader wants in a novel, with realistic characters that readers won’t forget. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.

Review: Love’s Legacy

 

Synopsis:

Love’s Legacy continues Luke and Naeerah’s epic love story. They’ve found their way back to one another in spite of the insurmountable odds that threatened to keep them apart, but no one is ever fully prepared for the storms life brings. Luke and Naeerah are no different.

Follow our favorite couple as they fight to weather the storms of life while desperately trying to hold on to each other and their family.

Will their marriage ship sink or stay afloat in the sea of life’s process and prove their love is unbreakable and worthy to be branded a lasting legacy?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Ngozi M. Obi has beautifully created a tale that brought the realities of life and the hardships that we face into a world of fiction that we all can enjoy. Highly  entertaining and inspirational…Love’s Legacy lured me in deeply. The characters are so real with issues that make this novel 3 dimensional. The emotional journey was definitely one exciting thrill ride.I have found myself completely enjoying and waiting to experience again when I read this story once more. The love that the main characters Luke and Naeerah have for another is something, as a reader, that amazed me. Their love went deep both physically and emotional. Both made sacrifices for the other…in today’s world with all that we have it’s rare to find a love like these characters had. Despite all obstacles, they held through with through declaration of love for another. Life always threatens to take away what we have and it’s not any different where Luke and Naeerah are concerned. True love may have or may not have won in this brilliant piece by Ngozi M. Obi…readers have to read it to find out for themselves. I absolutely loved reading Love’s Legacy…the most inspiring, heart melting, and intriguing novel I have read. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.

 

Review: The Divorce

 

Synopsis:

Jenzy: I love my husband, but he doesn’t see me anymore. We were collage sweethearts and for seven years I’ve been his wife. Five of those years were bliss; the last two have been a long fall from grace.

He’s the love of my life, the sexy and smart man I saw my future with, but now I don’t think he sees it too. I’m tired of not being seen, I’m tired of not being heard, and I’m tired of being in love alone.
I was his optimistic hippie girl that he couldn’t get enough of. Now I’m just his annoyance.

So I told him, I finally found the backbone and this is our story….

Chris: My wife just told me she wants a divorce. What the hell do I say to that? I thought we were fine-, well fine is a bad word, I thought we were okay. Doesn’t matter what I think because she’s moving out and I can’t really let this happen.

Yeah, she annoys me, we’re total opposites, but I knew that when I met her, she hasn’t changed…maybe I have? I was her anchor, her safety, her home. Now I’m that guy that’s wreaked her and there are plenty of men willing to repair the damage I did.

So I have a plan. Find out what happened to change my affection for her within the last two years, and win her back before someone else does, because I still love her, and she still loves me….I guess….

Rating: Beyond 5 stars

Review:

The Divorce by Nicole Strycharz is absolutely phenomenal. The story itself sucked me in whole. It devoured me in entire form. I can’t remember reading a novel especially, a romance novel that made me laugh and cry so hard. The emotional journey was just breath taking. I felt everything like it was me experiencing it all first hand. This is a novel that will go to the big screens and be the one everyone talks about…I highly recommend reading it before they make it into a movie.

I have read Nicole Strycharz’s other works and this one moved me in ways I can’t describe. The characters were three dimensional…the scenes popped to life. I felt happy, excited, sad, angry, and wow…the steamy scenes were good too. I happen to read a lot of of books…say 300 books a year if not more. I know a great novel when I find it and this is definitely one of them. The Divorce is a powerful tale of a couple’s marriage. The ups and downs most couples experience are lived in this story. I could feel the fear and frustrations from both the husband and wife as their love, troubles, and growth continued. As a reader, I was instantly hooked and compelled by the brilliant writing of this talented writer. It’s easy to connect with the characters and their situations as they occured. Love is something we all cherish or should. We need to be loved as to love others…and this novel demonstrates that beautifully. Humans can be so blinded at times and it’s not until we lose something that we are awakened by what we have done. Overall, I seriously recommend this riveting romance tale to readers worldwide. I promise you will fall in love…

Review: The Thing Is

 

 

Synopsis:

Meredith Mancuso is depressed. Ever since the death of her fiancé, she has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she’s not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac. Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week. Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own, propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it’s still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review:

The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard is a romantic comedy that will make readers cry, laugh, and fall deeply in love just like I did. There’s a young woman who suffered a great loss on her nineteenth birthday…the loss of her fiance. A jerk giving them a hard time threw a rock that hit her fiance’s head causing him to fall to his death. A sad tragedy. Meredith is an author working on her latest novel…but has lost the heart to write and to live anymore. Until fate brings an adorable super cute Terrier named Prozac into her life. The puppy immediately transforms her life by forcing Meredith to get off her mourning butt and to fed, wash, and take care of Prozac. Prozac is an unwelcomed gift to Meredith at first and doesn’t like her at all..until he takes a second look at the woman and her life. It’s then that the puppy realizes that she’s suffering from the pain, of losing a loved one. Readers like myself are taken on a journey of healing, friendship, and love. Kathleen Gerard brings humor and romance into a beautiful story. I was able to easily connect with all of the characters and loved following their journey as the tale unfolded. The story is told from Prozac’s point of view which is kind of refreshing and interesting. Prozac is a dog that has been reincarnated many times before. Overall, I highly recommend The Thing Is to readers worldwide.

 

Review: A Daughter’s Dream

 

 

 

Synopsis:

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s second book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past…and finding love in one another.

Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.

That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year-old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?

Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.

But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness…and true love?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Daughter’s Dream by Shelly Shepard Gray is indeed a must read for all. The story instantly pulled me into the plot and sucked me in whole. There are struggles that each character has to face and a connection of the same kind of loss that seems to pull them into each other’s lives. Rebecca is a young woman who lost both her parents and is struggling with her dream career. Is she really mean to be a teacher or to work at her family’s lumber mill…and then there’s a new student and her uncle. Both are struggling with the loss of family members and dealing with their new life. Lily lost both her parents in a car accident and is now raised by her uncle Jacob Yoder. Jacob Yoder has moved back with his parents to raise Lily and to help them out…however, he’s not cut out to be a farmer and loves carpentry. Rebecca’s brother Lukas has offered Jacob a job at the mill. It’s now up to Jacob to see where he should be. But where there’s pain there is also love. Rebecca and Jacob have felt an instant spark towards one another and have recently started becoming good friends…then, there’s Jacob’s niece who is becoming fast good friends with Peter who makes her feel good about being smarter than the rest of their classmates. Peter really likes Lily. A Daughter’s Dream is a Christian romance that melted my heart and inspired me. I loved the characters and their troubles. The family, work, and friendships were amazing and very realistic. It was easy to connect with the characters on every level. Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful tale to readers everywhere.