Chloe Piper's marriage falls apart just before Christmas. She makes the decision to leave her ex, as his cheating was just too much for her to handle.Chloe Piper's marriage falls apart just before Christmas. She makes the decision to leave her ex, as his cheating was just too much for her to handle. If that wasn't so bad, the village gossips were a bit much. So, Chloe heads to a new development called Sunny Meadow Barn. Her constant companion is her dog, Ronnie.
All Chloe wants to do is get her life back together by focusing on herself. This proves to be impossible due to the busyness in the development. Chloe needed a change, a slower pace. As an author, she hopes to write without distraction. But she meets a rather lively crew at Sunny Meadow. One of the people Chloe meets is Alex Collins, the project manager, and he shows an interest in her. However, after dealing with her ex, she is reluctant to get involved, and this is despite the fact that she is rather drawn to him.
But, rather than thinking about a new relationship, one that could be fraught with troubles, Chloe would rather focus on her new book. Whatever Chloe deals with at this time, including sensitive issues, the book is balanced with finely tuned humor, which is indicative of the writing talent of the author. If you enjoy books that will make you laugh, while watching things bloom for Chloe, then you will be glad to read Suddenly Single. Carol Wyer does a terrific job in writing different genres, as this book certainly shows.
Many thanks to Canelo for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Merged review:
Chloe Piper's marriage falls apart just before Christmas. She makes the decision to leave her ex, as his cheating was just too much for her to handle. If that wasn't so bad, the village gossips were a bit much. So, Chloe heads to a new development called Sunny Meadow Barn. Her constant companion is her dog, Ronnie.
All Chloe wants to do is get her life back together by focusing on herself. This proves to be impossible due to the busyness in the development. Chloe needed a change, a slower pace. As an author, she hopes to write without distraction. But she meets a rather lively crew at Sunny Meadow. One of the people Chloe meets is Alex Collins, the project manager, and he shows an interest in her. However, after dealing with her ex, she is reluctant to get involved, and this is despite the fact that she is rather drawn to him.
But, rather than thinking about a new relationship, one that could be fraught with troubles, Chloe would rather focus on her new book. Whatever Chloe deals with at this time, including sensitive issues, the book is balanced with finely tuned humor, which is indicative of the writing talent of the author. If you enjoy books that will make you laugh, while watching things bloom for Chloe, then you will be glad to read Suddenly Single. Carol Wyer does a terrific job in writing different genres, as this book certainly shows.
Many thanks to Canelo for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Nick Garroway is a former soldier and an honorable man. Before a soldier dies while saving Nick's life, the man asks Nick to check on a woman he got pNick Garroway is a former soldier and an honorable man. Before a soldier dies while saving Nick's life, the man asks Nick to check on a woman he got pregnant and abandoned. Nick plans on making sure she, and her twin babies, are doing okay. He then plans on checking on his father, as they were estranged while he was in the military. Finally, Nick plans on purchasing a ranch.
Brooke Timber is a single mother to twin sons. She is working hard at keeping her wedding planning business afloat despite stiff opposition, and the fact that her nanny had to take some time off. Her grandmother left her the business and when her grandmother was alive it was thriving. Brooke can barely rope in any clients, even though living in the town of Wedlock, where marriage and multiples thrive, Brooke is struggling.
When a great opportunity presents itself - and almost slips through her fingers - Nick shows up at her door. She thinks the handsome stranger is there to answer her ad for a temporary nanny. He is only there to check up on her, but when he sees her predicament, and hears two screaming babies, he jumps in and makes matters right, thus saving her business opportunity. Nick cannot explain why, but, in a matter of moments, he takes on the job of being the nanny, or more appropriately, manny.
What a wonderful book! If not for the babies, the love story is totally adorable. This book worked on every level. This is a nice, clean and sweet romance that I truly enjoyed. The story even added angst when it came to Nick's relationship with his father and brother. I think this gave what might have been an overly sweet story just the perfect balance.
This book by Melissa Senate is my first by her, but it certainly won't be my last.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Merged review:
Nick Garroway is a former soldier and an honorable man. Before a soldier dies while saving Nick's life, the man asks Nick to check on a woman he got pregnant and abandoned. Nick plans on making sure she, and her twin babies, are doing okay. He then plans on checking on his father, as they were estranged while he was in the military. Finally, Nick plans on purchasing a ranch.
Brooke Timber is a single mother to twin sons. She is working hard at keeping her wedding planning business afloat despite stiff opposition, and the fact that her nanny had to take some time off. Her grandmother left her the business and when her grandmother was alive it was thriving. Brooke can barely rope in any clients, even though living in the town of Wedlock, where marriage and multiples thrive, Brooke is struggling.
When a great opportunity presents itself - and almost slips through her fingers - Nick shows up at her door. She thinks the handsome stranger is there to answer her ad for a temporary nanny. He is only there to check up on her, but when he sees her predicament, and hears two screaming babies, he jumps in and makes matters right, thus saving her business opportunity. Nick cannot explain why, but, in a matter of moments, he takes on the job of being the nanny, or more appropriately, manny.
What a wonderful book! If not for the babies, the love story is totally adorable. This book worked on every level. This is a nice, clean and sweet romance that I truly enjoyed. The story even added angst when it came to Nick's relationship with his father and brother. I think this gave what might have been an overly sweet story just the perfect balance.
This book by Melissa Senate is my first by her, but it certainly won't be my last.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Elle Matheson is 30 years old and she is determined to find her birth mother. All she has to go on is a faded postcard. This leads her to the beautifuElle Matheson is 30 years old and she is determined to find her birth mother. All she has to go on is a faded postcard. This leads her to the beautiful village of Chamillion. Will she find the answers she is seeking? When she approaches a lady that runs a café, and her son, she begins to get the help she is looking for.
The café owner's son, Charlie, affects Elle on a visceral level. However, she is certainly not focused on romance at the time. Meanwhile, Charlie doesn't seem apparently available, so Elle does not understand why she is so drawn to him.
Elle fits in on the island, even working in the café. It is beautiful, and the people are lovely. However, finding her mother does not go so smoothly. How will this bode for her future and for her happiness?
One enjoyable thing about this book it is more than a romance. It contains a bit of humor that certainly made this book far more enjoyable to read. I do wish I had read the first book in this series, and definitely hope that I will be able to read more about this little village and its genuine people.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Merged review:
Elle Matheson is 30 years old and she is determined to find her birth mother. All she has to go on is a faded postcard. This leads her to the beautiful village of Chamillion. Will she find the answers she is seeking? When she approaches a lady that runs a café, and her son, she begins to get the help she is looking for.
The café owner's son, Charlie, affects Elle on a visceral level. However, she is certainly not focused on romance at the time. Meanwhile, Charlie doesn't seem apparently available, so Elle does not understand why she is so drawn to him.
Elle fits in on the island, even working in the café. It is beautiful, and the people are lovely. However, finding her mother does not go so smoothly. How will this bode for her future and for her happiness?
One enjoyable thing about this book it is more than a romance. It contains a bit of humor that certainly made this book far more enjoyable to read. I do wish I had read the first book in this series, and definitely hope that I will be able to read more about this little village and its genuine people.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review....more
Lucy has had to cope with two extremely difficult time periods in her life. Something dreadful happened in her childhood and something beyond impossibLucy has had to cope with two extremely difficult time periods in her life. Something dreadful happened in her childhood and something beyond impossible is going on in her present. As far as when Lucy was a child, she befriended Adele. Theirs was a tenuous friendship from the outset, but after a mutual friend, Joanne, lost her life in a horrible accident, Lucy and Adele lost the bond they had.
Years later, Lucy is married to a prominent surgeon. The least of her problems is that he decided they would never have children, despite how she felt about it. The depth of their problems, however, is the extreme controlling and domestic violence that she can't seem to get away from, no matter how hard she tries.
Running out of options, Lucy is forced to locate Adele and ask her for help. After their experiences as children begs the question: can Adele be trusted? Can she be the key to helping Lucy escape the clutches of her dangerous husband?
With one untimely event after another, combined with duplicity on more than one level, Lucy fights tooth and nail to take a hold of her life. All the while, with the exception of Lucy, the story is filled with page after page of rather unlikable characters. Lucy is head and shoulders above just about everyone else, and I rooted from her from the beginning until the thrilling end. Alison James has written another engaging story.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Merged review:
Lucy has had to cope with two extremely difficult time periods in her life. Something dreadful happened in her childhood and something beyond impossible is going on in her present. As far as when Lucy was a child, she befriended Adele. Theirs was a tenuous friendship from the outset, but after a mutual friend, Joanne, lost her life in a horrible accident, Lucy and Adele lost the bond they had.
Years later, Lucy is married to a prominent surgeon. The least of her problems is that he decided they would never have children, despite how she felt about it. The depth of their problems, however, is the extreme controlling and domestic violence that she can't seem to get away from, no matter how hard she tries.
Running out of options, Lucy is forced to locate Adele and ask her for help. After their experiences as children begs the question: can Adele be trusted? Can she be the key to helping Lucy escape the clutches of her dangerous husband?
With one untimely event after another, combined with duplicity on more than one level, Lucy fights tooth and nail to take a hold of her life. All the while, with the exception of Lucy, the story is filled with page after page of rather unlikable characters. Lucy is head and shoulders above just about everyone else, and I rooted from her from the beginning until the thrilling end. Alison James has written another engaging story.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion....more
From daughter of a peasant to prostitute to pirate in 18th century China. When Xianggu is sold as a slave at the tender age of 13My Rating: 4.5 Stars
From daughter of a peasant to prostitute to pirate in 18th century China. When Xianggu is sold as a slave at the tender age of 13, she is forced to become a prostitute for several years. Resigned to live the life of the lowest class, her life becomes tedious. Xianggu was a fighter. She plots but cannot seem to change her fate.
Xianggu starts off in the hands of Madam Xu. The madam works Xianggu incredibly hard, and even goes a step further. This is by training Xianggu in the skill of paper cutting. Beyond that, Madam Xu and her girls are working on a flower boat, which is simply a term for a brothel. Xianggu's skills become that of a different nature altogether.
The flower boat is eventually attacked and although Xianggu's life is spared, many others die, including Madam Xu. This puts Xianggu into the hands of a man on a new boat, and he is Zheng Yi Sao, captain of the Red Flag. Zheng Yi is enamored with Xianggu, so much so that he makes her his wife.
Yes, so much has happened to Xianggu. Her life was never easy, and being Zheng Yi's bride has some advantages. However, there are still many troubles facing her. Xianggu is rather adept at using each and every experience to her advantage, and eventually makes history. She becomes a chieftain, a pirate, a female leader. Yes, she is The Dragon Lady.
What an incredible story! This time in history, with life on the high seas, was wrought with danger, so the story is not pretty at times. Despite the intensity laid before us, I simply could not put this book down. The pacing never lets up, and there is romance, intrigue, action and so much more.
What I found to be even more impressive than the story and the incredible writing, however, is the extremes that the author, Autumn Bardot, went to in her research. Although this is a fictional story, Ms. Bardot has used real historical people and experiences as a basis for Dragon Lady. Quite naturally, the author takes on her own creative flair in order to turn history of this sort into pleasurable reading. I highly encourage readers of this book to read the Author's Notes at the end.
Many thanks to Flores Publishing and to HFVBT Blog Tours for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Merged review:
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
From daughter of a peasant to prostitute to pirate in 18th century China. When Xianggu is sold as a slave at the tender age of 13, she is forced to become a prostitute for several years. Resigned to live the life of the lowest class, her life becomes tedious. Xianggu was a fighter. She plots but cannot seem to change her fate.
Xianggu starts off in the hands of Madam Xu. The madam works Xianggu incredibly hard, and even goes a step further. This is by training Xianggu in the skill of paper cutting. Beyond that, Madam Xu and her girls are working on a flower boat, which is simply a term for a brothel. Xianggu's skills become that of a different nature altogether.
The flower boat is eventually attacked and although Xianggu's life is spared, many others die, including Madam Xu. This puts Xianggu into the hands of a man on a new boat, and he is Zheng Yi Sao, captain of the Red Flag. Zheng Yi is enamored with Xianggu, so much so that he makes her his wife.
Yes, so much has happened to Xianggu. Her life was never easy, and being Zheng Yi's bride has some advantages. However, there are still many troubles facing her. Xianggu is rather adept at using each and every experience to her advantage, and eventually makes history. She becomes a chieftain, a pirate, a female leader. Yes, she is The Dragon Lady.
What an incredible story! This time in history, with life on the high seas, was wrought with danger, so the story is not pretty at times. Despite the intensity laid before us, I simply could not put this book down. The pacing never lets up, and there is romance, intrigue, action and so much more.
What I found to be even more impressive than the story and the incredible writing, however, is the extremes that the author, Autumn Bardot, went to in her research. Although this is a fictional story, Ms. Bardot has used real historical people and experiences as a basis for Dragon Lady. Quite naturally, the author takes on her own creative flair in order to turn history of this sort into pleasurable reading. I highly encourage readers of this book to read the Author's Notes at the end.
Many thanks to Flores Publishing and to HFVBT Blog Tours for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion....more
Mike McMann is a police officer with a new assignment. He actually wants to become a SWAT officer at his previous department. His advancement is thwarMike McMann is a police officer with a new assignment. He actually wants to become a SWAT officer at his previous department. His advancement is thwarted when he is given custody of his newborn nephew. How is Mike going to work and learn to take care of a baby? His new boss recommends a social worker, who is on temporary leave, to act as Mike's nanny during his adjustment period.
Paige Stedler was reaching burnout in her job as a social worker. She has always gotten very invested in the cases she worked on. Now she is requested to help a local police officer and teach him how to care for his nephew. From the start Paige realizes that she has a huge job ahead of her. After all, the officer cannot even pick the baby up without fear of harming him.
Mike and Paige hit it off right away. However, Paige has a lot of baggage due to her job, and Mike aspires more for his career. Nonetheless, the focus must be on the baby and his future. Meanwhile, Mike is very worried about his sister. He understands why she gave the baby up but Mike is very concerned for her well-being.
This is such an emotional story. It is definitely a feel-good story to read. Actually, anything I read by Patricia Johns always makes me smile. It is very easy to be drawn into her characters and their situations, all the while knowing in the end there will be a wonderful resolution. I do look forward to reading much more by this talented author.
Many thanks to Harlequin Heartwarming and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Merged review:
Mike McMann is a police officer with a new assignment. He actually wants to become a SWAT officer at his previous department. His advancement is thwarted when he is given custody of his newborn nephew. How is Mike going to work and learn to take care of a baby? His new boss recommends a social worker, who is on temporary leave, to act as Mike's nanny during his adjustment period.
Paige Stedler was reaching burnout in her job as a social worker. She has always gotten very invested in the cases she worked on. Now she is requested to help a local police officer and teach him how to care for his nephew. From the start Paige realizes that she has a huge job ahead of her. After all, the officer cannot even pick the baby up without fear of harming him.
Mike and Paige hit it off right away. However, Paige has a lot of baggage due to her job, and Mike aspires more for his career. Nonetheless, the focus must be on the baby and his future. Meanwhile, Mike is very worried about his sister. He understands why she gave the baby up but Mike is very concerned for her well-being.
This is such an emotional story. It is definitely a feel-good story to read. Actually, anything I read by Patricia Johns always makes me smile. It is very easy to be drawn into her characters and their situations, all the while knowing in the end there will be a wonderful resolution. I do look forward to reading much more by this talented author.
Many thanks to Harlequin Heartwarming and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion....more
After reading the novella and the first book in this series, The Undertaker's Daughter and The Secrets We Bury, there was My Rating: 4.5 Stars
After reading the novella and the first book in this series, The Undertaker's Daughter and The Secrets We Bury, there was no way I couldn't go on to read this book! I only got this one for review, but gladly obtained the other titles. Well, Dr. Rowan Dupont was getting way too close to the truth of discovering secrets from years long past. Now she is in a serial killer's crossfire.
By now, Rowan has been working at her funeral home, all the while drawing closer to friend and police chief Billy Brannigan. Rowan cannot let her sister's drowning, and her mother's apparent subsequent suicide go. Then, there was the brutal murder of her father. She knows there was more to it. Things no one ever discovered. Could everything be tied to the very funeral home that she was raised in and that her father ran? Is her working there now going to expose a true barrel of rattlesnakes?
Oh boy! What Rowan unravels is unspeakable. Things went on for years, costing way too many lives. Rowan indeed has the key, no matter the danger facing her. I devoured all three books so far. I love Debra Webb's writing and how she kept me captivated three books in a row. Now, however, I have to wait for the next book, The Darkness We Hide, to be released in March. I will be (in)patiently waiting.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Merged review:
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
After reading the novella and the first book in this series, The Undertaker's Daughter and The Secrets We Bury, there was no way I couldn't go on to read this book! I only got this one for review, but gladly obtained the other titles. Well, Dr. Rowan Dupont was getting way too close to the truth of discovering secrets from years long past. Now she is in a serial killer's crossfire.
By now, Rowan has been working at her funeral home, all the while drawing closer to friend and police chief Billy Brannigan. Rowan cannot let her sister's drowning, and her mother's apparent subsequent suicide go. Then, there was the brutal murder of her father. She knows there was more to it. Things no one ever discovered. Could everything be tied to the very funeral home that she was raised in and that her father ran? Is her working there now going to expose a true barrel of rattlesnakes?
Oh boy! What Rowan unravels is unspeakable. Things went on for years, costing way too many lives. Rowan indeed has the key, no matter the danger facing her. I devoured all three books so far. I love Debra Webb's writing and how she kept me captivated three books in a row. Now, however, I have to wait for the next book, The Darkness We Hide, to be released in March. I will be (in)patiently waiting.
Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion....more
Merrill Good and Delilah Jones each have very good reason for being in Bell Cove. Merrill is a former Navy SEAL and is now quite excited to begin a trMerrill Good and Delilah Jones each have very good reason for being in Bell Cove. Merrill is a former Navy SEAL and is now quite excited to begin a treasure hunting company. This is something that Merrill excels at. Delilah moved there as her great-uncle has left his Elvis-themed diner and motel to her. This is a fresh start for Delilah, as she is an ex-con. This is a past she hopes that no one ever discovers.
As things progress, it becomes quite clear that Merrill and Delilah are bound to be together, especially when it comes to the people in the town. They are all a bunch of matchmakers, and that is adorable. However, Delilah's past is threatening to reveal itself, so that brings in just the right amount of tension in this story.
The townspeople are great. What's more is that Delilah and Merrill hit it off quite well. In this humorous story we have little Maggie, Delilah's daughter and the fact that she believes herself to be "little orphan Annie". There is also Gram, Delilah's grandmother, who is affectionately called "Glam Gram". I love these characters in this romance because they really round out this delightful story. Beyond the romance, there are a bit of hi-jinks.
Life, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness is the second book in the Bell Sound series. Since I hadn't had the opportunity to read the previous story I wasn't familiar with Merrill, but I rather enjoyed his character and the development I got to see in this book. With regard to Delilah, it was great to read of someone with a questionable past who had the chance to be redeemed.
This was a fun, quick read that clued me in to the wonderful writing of Sandra Hill. I might go back and read the first book in the series. I do look forward to reading the next book, A Hero Comes Home, in January 2020.
Many thanks to Avon and to Edelweiss for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Merged review:
Merrill Good and Delilah Jones each have very good reason for being in Bell Cove. Merrill is a former Navy SEAL and is now quite excited to begin a treasure hunting company. This is something that Merrill excels at. Delilah moved there as her great-uncle has left his Elvis-themed diner and motel to her. This is a fresh start for Delilah, as she is an ex-con. This is a past she hopes that no one ever discovers.
As things progress, it becomes quite clear that Merrill and Delilah are bound to be together, especially when it comes to the people in the town. They are all a bunch of matchmakers, and that is adorable. However, Delilah's past is threatening to reveal itself, so that brings in just the right amount of tension in this story.
The townspeople are great. What's more is that Delilah and Merrill hit it off quite well. In this humorous story we have little Maggie, Delilah's daughter and the fact that she believes herself to be "little orphan Annie". There is also Gram, Delilah's grandmother, who is affectionately called "Glam Gram". I love these characters in this romance because they really round out this delightful story. Beyond the romance, there are a bit of hi-jinks.
Life, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness is the second book in the Bell Sound series. Since I hadn't had the opportunity to read the previous story I wasn't familiar with Merrill, but I rather enjoyed his character and the development I got to see in this book. With regard to Delilah, it was great to read of someone with a questionable past who had the chance to be redeemed.
This was a fun, quick read that clued me in to the wonderful writing of Sandra Hill. I might go back and read the first book in the series. I do look forward to reading the next book, A Hero Comes Home, in January 2020.
Many thanks to Avon and to Edelweiss for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion....more
During World War II girls Frieda and Sandra meet under difficult circumstances. Not only are they among the many evacuees of the war, having had to flDuring World War II girls Frieda and Sandra meet under difficult circumstances. Not only are they among the many evacuees of the war, having had to flee their homes, they both lost their brothers. In Frieda's case, it was her brother Kurt, and Sandra, her brother Alf.
A bit older than Frieda, Sandra takes her under her wing. Sandra refuses to give up hope of seeing Alf again, and looks forward to any correspondence she can get. Meanwhile, Frieda is heartbroken as it seems she will never see Kurt again.
Although safe from the Germans on the farm where both girls now reside, things certainly are not easy. Fortunately, their friendship gives both girls strength and they grow into young women over the next several years.
The Outcast Girls is a well-written historical fiction novel. For me as a reader, I will say it was rather fortunate that I was not reading of the horrid tragedies of the war with this particular book. I turned the pages quickly while reading, especially as my mind was reaching for hope for both Frieda and Sandra. This story definitely tug on my heartstrings.
Reviewer's note: I applaud Ms. Dickson for dealing with a sensitive issue revolving around one of the girls in this particular genre and time period in history. As it was during World War II, diagnosis and treatment of the particular ailment mentioned was not clear at all.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Merged review:
During World War II girls Frieda and Sandra meet under difficult circumstances. Not only are they among the many evacuees of the war, having had to flee their homes, they both lost their brothers. In Frieda's case, it was her brother Kurt, and Sandra, her brother Alf.
A bit older than Frieda, Sandra takes her under her wing. Sandra refuses to give up hope of seeing Alf again, and looks forward to any correspondence she can get. Meanwhile, Frieda is heartbroken as it seems she will never see Kurt again.
Although safe from the Germans on the farm where both girls now reside, things certainly are not easy. Fortunately, their friendship gives both girls strength and they grow into young women over the next several years.
The Outcast Girls is a well-written historical fiction novel. For me as a reader, I will say it was rather fortunate that I was not reading of the horrid tragedies of the war with this particular book. I turned the pages quickly while reading, especially as my mind was reaching for hope for both Frieda and Sandra. This story definitely tug on my heartstrings.
Reviewer's note: I applaud Ms. Dickson for dealing with a sensitive issue revolving around one of the girls in this particular genre and time period in history. As it was during World War II, diagnosis and treatment of the particular ailment mentioned was not clear at all.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
Walter Pettiborne got all primped up. He was about to to to his surprise birthday bash. Oh he knew about it yet what he got certainly was planned. He Walter Pettiborne got all primped up. He was about to to to his surprise birthday bash. Oh he knew about it yet what he got certainly was planned. He was murdered. As soon as Eve dives in she discovers that her past is part of this investigation. How is this woman connected with Eve and will Eve be able to find her before yet another man is murdered.
Will Eve finally catch this calculated killer and put her away for good? Eve managed to get this woman behind bars years ago. Why is she out and why has she killed again? When Eve realizes that Roarke is one of her targets she goes to extremes to keep Roarke protected, which Roarke really balks at. Roarke is as obstinate as he can be. Eve matches him step by step.
As always, Robb manages to touch on all of the characters in her books and she does a fine job in this one. For one thing, she expands on Peabody and McNab's relationship. Part of what makes things humorous for me while reading (listening to) these books is Eve and Summerset (Roarke's majordomo} cantankerous relationship. Furthermore, Eve's past continues to haunt her, but Roarke is always there to comfort her.
The suspense in this book is on point and kept me reading straight through. Factor in the drama, romance and humor and this is yet another excellent book in the series....more
This highly emotive story by J. Daniels was an excellent read. I will start off by saying that our protagonist, Nathan Bell, is wracked with guilt oveThis highly emotive story by J. Daniels was an excellent read. I will start off by saying that our protagonist, Nathan Bell, is wracked with guilt over his wife's death. (Trigger warning: deals with suicide.) Meanwhile, he all but has turned over care of his toddler Marley to his parents. When his father tells him that they are stopping their nearly full-time care of her and that he must step up, he nearly falls to his knees.
Trying to run his restaurant and working almost all of the time presents an incredible challenge to Nathan. What is more important to consider is that Marley doesn't even know her father and they have nearly no connection. When a woman he ran into previously not only visits his restaurant but recognizes the situation and offers to babysit Marley.
Jenna is a single mom of two preteens and her job allows her to work at home during the summer months. Jenna and the kids go to Nathan's home every morning, even on Sundays, and Jenna proves to be perfect for Nathan and Marley. What is more is that Jenna finds ways to bring Nathan and Marley closer together. While this happens, it becomes more than evident that Jenna and Nathan click and the two also form a bond.
What a wonderful and warm read. I was so drawn into this book on so many levels. Nathan dealing with his guilt. Nathan's relationship with Marley. With Jenna. With Jenna's two children. This book has already come out and I hang my head in shame for just getting to it. Please pick it up. It will be a very rewarding read for you.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
I really love two things when I read: Finding a new author, and being able to start the first book in a new series. That was exactly the case with I really love two things when I read: Finding a new author, and being able to start the first book in a new series. That was exactly the case with Lean on Me. Discovering the author, Pat Simmons, through the pages of this book was quite rewarding.
Tabitha Knicely and Marcus Whittington cross paths. She is a busy pharmaceutical rep who is now caring for her aunt who is suffering from Alzheimers. Marcus has his own business and he hires men who need a second chance, and that includes ex-cons. The way they meet is that someone keeps landing on Marcus's doorstep. The woman happens to be Tabitha's Aunt Tweet and it doesn't take long before Tabitha and Marcus meet.
So we have three principal characters in this book, Tabitha, Marcus and the wonderful Aunt Tweet. Marcus sees a real need when it comes to Tabitha and her aunt, although at first he was concerned that Tabitha was shirking her responsibilities in her role as a caregiver.
I so loved this book. It was touching in both an emotional and spiritual way. Marcus and Tabitha start off as friends, but their growth has a solid background when it comes to faith. This was not the turn I expected when reading this book, but I was floored by how much this book touched my soul. This is the first book in the Family is Forever series, and I will definitely be looking out for the next book, Here for You, which is scheduled to release in September.
Meanwhile, as time permits, I will be perusing Ms. Simmons backlist for more inspiring reads. I rarely get the opportunity read AA characters, and with the addition of faith, her novels are definitely for me.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
A simple leaving party. That is all Ava wants. That is what Lena promised. Leaving London and heading to New York to marry Ben is all she is hoping foA simple leaving party. That is all Ava wants. That is what Lena promised. Leaving London and heading to New York to marry Ben is all she is hoping for. However, as she is getting ready for the party, she receives a black rose. This is very frightening to her, because it is not her first.
Meanwhile, she has been friends with Lena for years and Lean is not about to let her go. Will the party go okay or has what Lena plans for Ava really throw everything off kilter?
The story then shifts between the past and the present, with the past story also being a party. As the stories develop it is clear to see that the long friendship between Lena and Ava is more than a bit off. As things took time to develop I became a bit antsy for Ava. And I wanted to meet Ben. Instead, readers are seeing what the real drama that exists between Lena and Ava.
This is a well-crafted story that kept the suspense level tight, especially with the dual point of view. It is a marvelous thriller that captured my attention from the start. I do look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
Claire and Luke's marriage is crumbling. Parents to daughter Ella rather takes second place to Claire's need to care for her father. He is suffering fClaire and Luke's marriage is crumbling. Parents to daughter Ella rather takes second place to Claire's need to care for her father. He is suffering from Dementia and needs near constant care. Luke basically checks out of the marriage.
Meanwhile, Luke runs into a woman who apparently needs his help. Oh how he wished he had just walked away. With a photo taken at a right time and delivered to Claire, she is certain Luke is having an affair. At the same time, a woman comes into Claire's life as well. She claims that she is her sister. With her father's ailment, Claire is unable to get the answers she needs. Claire all but falls apart. No worries. Her new friend, her sister, Sophie, is there to prop her up.
So there you have it. Did he or didn't he? Are they really sisters? Well, The Perfect Sister is far more than that. It is a book full of lies, twists and turns as the book progresses. This is a book that will have you wanting to slap the main characters - Luke for falling into a woman's trap, Claire for believing a total stranger. Again, it is more than that. It is a convoluted story that dares the reader to put the book down for more than a few moments because you simply just do not know what is going to happen.
The reader can quickly guess that Luke's stranger and Claire's sister must be one and the same. The fun part is watching them come to this realization. Can things be salvaged before it is too late? No doubt you will not be able to wonder as to what the end game is. And oh, what a conclusion!
This was yet another excellent book by Sheryl Browne. I found it interesting that when I perused the previous books by Ms. Browne - The Second Wife, The Marriage Trap and The Affair - albeit different, I was reminded that they are all domestic thrillers. She has a very good formula, one that I look forward to partaking more of at the very next opportunity.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
Eve Mallow is an obituary writer with an extended assignment. She is not only going to write an obituary, she is to write musician Bernard FitzpatrickEve Mallow is an obituary writer with an extended assignment. She is not only going to write an obituary, she is to write musician Bernard Fitzpatrick's life story. Eve figures that spending time in a small village where Bernard was well known will be enable her to come up with enough detail about his life to do a good job.
She takes her dog Gus along for the trip and she is off. Unfortunately, Eve is not able to turn up much about Bernard's life. Shockingly, Eve learns that his death was actually due to murder and her questions about his life - now death - take on a different turn.
Eve now becomes an amateur sleuth because as she starts interviewing people she learns some unsavory things about Bernard. Things are not adding up. What is more is that another body is found in the idyllic town she is in and Eve now knows that at least one of the people she has been interviewing is indeed a murderer.
I love cozy mysteries and Mystery on Hidden Lane is the first book in a new series that I just know that I will enjoy. Eve's character is perfect, the setting is ideal and the mysteries abound. I look forward to meeting Eve again and seeing what she gets into, because, as is the case with any cozy mystery series, our protagonist will always find murder close at hand. Her job as an obituary writer will most likely be the angle used in future cases. Clare Chase is a new author to me and I am glad to have read this book. I look forward to reading Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage upon its release in March.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
Well, back to a full-size book and this one takes off running as J. D. Robb introduces yet more murders tor Eve to solve. It is a game of death in thiWell, back to a full-size book and this one takes off running as J. D. Robb introduces yet more murders tor Eve to solve. It is a game of death in this book. It begins with online dating that leads to one direction - death. How have two young men learned to be so competitive when it comes to murder? Eve is determined to get to the bottom of it and quick.
Eve and her team, which includes Peabody, McNab and Feeney, dig deep to find the identity of the killers before any more innocent young women lose their lives. As Eve works this case, her tragic childhood is called to mind. Eve might seem vulnerable as her thoughts and nightmares make this childhood past ever too real, but she rises above it in a remarkable way. As always, when this occurs Roarke is there for Eve in an absolutely wonderful way. Eve has an inner strength anyone would admire, but factor in Roarke and that strength is extraordinary.
Meanwhile we are treated to the killers and their motives and actions. We are also keyed into Eve's though process while she seeks to sort this all out. Seduction in Death is a fast-paced novel that hits a lot of point in its execution. Meanwhile, along with Eve and Roarke's love growing ever deeper, Peabody and McNab's relationship is going through the motions. As already mentioned, I am listening to these books via audio so all of these scenarios become deeply imprinted because the narrator (Susan Ericksen) is just so good.
As always, Peabody and McNab's interactions are laced with humor. I did wonder whether or not Robb did this in order to lighten up a serious and deep novel with the sick minds of the killers that readers were privy to in this book.
So for fast-paced intrigue, humor (including Eve's comments and how McNab calls Peabody "She-body"), drama involving Eve's past, and the incredibly intense interactions with Eve and Roarke, this book ranks as one of my favorites so far in this series....more
A short novella to be sure, but J. D. Robb get it right yet again! Eve has to speak at a seminar off planet (it is 2059), and she is none too happy abA short novella to be sure, but J. D. Robb get it right yet again! Eve has to speak at a seminar off planet (it is 2059), and she is none too happy about it. Will she even get a chance when a murder occurs? Oh, and it is someone she knows. And the murder occurs at one of Roarke's properties, so as usual, he is involved when it comes to Eve getting totally involved.
How could such thoroughness be done in 88 pages just blows my mind. After all, we have Eve and Roarke involved in killings while we have Peabody's drama and another glimpse at the intensity of Eve and Roarke's feelings for one another. There is one exceptionally cool detail that shines through in this book and others. It is the fact that Roarke is so gorgeous and women drool for him, even Peaody, who now has McNab. However, Eve has come to accept that what she and Roarke has is fairly well unbreakable, so she has no jealousy when it comes to Peabody's comments, and that of any other woman.
Quite naturally, this was a quick, one-sitting read that had me so keen on the next in the series that I just had to start it right away....more
Eve and Roarke go out for a nice evening. However, at Roarke's club there is a gruesome murder in a hotel room. When a maid is murdered, readers get tEve and Roarke go out for a nice evening. However, at Roarke's club there is a gruesome murder in a hotel room. When a maid is murdered, readers get to read the murderer's perspective and by so doing J. D. Robb kept me on my toes while reading this book. As I am doing my best to get to these books I have fallen in love with Eve, but especially Roarke.
I love the vulnerability this couple has, especially with Eve's painful past. I get chills when I imagine this pair together , and this book definitely digs deep into their relationship and makes their love so incredibly intense. With Eve always wondering how Roarke can have such powerful feelings of love towards her is most certainly an integral part of the story.
One thing that is a bit different in Betrayal in Death is that we know exactly who the killer is. So, watching Eve - and Roarke - dig deep to discover his identity before any more murders could take place was handled with aplomb.
As deep and dark as the killings were in this book, Robb gave a bit of levity to it with humor. I love how Eve is with her candy - hiding it so no one can find it - with her reasons for doing so. Add in the fact that Peabody and McNab are a couple and the humor is layered on yet again. Another direction in the book occurs when someone from Roarke's past comes into the picture and Eve worries whether or not he could be trusted.
So, the chase is on and everything collides together in a quick and shocking conclusion. I loved this entry in the series and was eager to head on to the next book....more
When a new couple moves in next door to Shelley, the wife, Lara wants to befriend her. Lara is pregnant and Shelley immediately feels deep pangs of loWhen a new couple moves in next door to Shelley, the wife, Lara wants to befriend her. Lara is pregnant and Shelley immediately feels deep pangs of loss. She is still grieving the fact that her husband Greg has left her. What is more is that she is hiding something special away, a baby blanket among the things.
Lara all but barges into Shelley's life. Before she knows it, Lara is helping her to declutter her home, with a book she read giving both women direction. Meanwhile, Shelley begins to notice things about Lara, even wondering about the state of her marriage. Their friendship grows closer, yet each woman is keeping secrets from the other.
The Forgotten Wife is a very good story that hits hard. I found a kinship with each woman and their losses. As we read the book, we are getting the story delivered in both of their perspectives. It is easy to see how two strangers could easily become so close. Grab some tissues, because they will definitely be needed. Despite the tears, the story ended with hope, so this delivered a very good balance. This is my second book by Emma Robinson and I highly recommend it. She writes deeply emotional stories that will stay with the reader for a very long time.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
Covered in blood that is not hers. No memory of who she is and what happened. Yes, "Zoe" has been found and is dealing with amnesia. Is she an accidenCovered in blood that is not hers. No memory of who she is and what happened. Yes, "Zoe" has been found and is dealing with amnesia. Is she an accident victim or is something nefarious actually the case? Discovering that she is a wife as well as a mother is very jarring to both Zoe and Detective Jo Fournier. Will Jo be able to help Zoe remember who she is, all the while discovering whatever it is that took place for Zoe to be in such a condition?
Only after someone shows up to identify her causes Zoe to flee the hospital she was admitted to for observation. Will she be able to us enough of her memory to get away from the danger she knows the man is capable off? What about Jo and her team? Not only do they now have to find Zoe, but they still have a mystery to solve.
Danger, fleeing and dead bodies. Jo has a lot on her plate while striving to sort things out as she seeks to locate Zoe. Nothing is as it seems. What is more is Jo is dealing with a personal problem that most certainly will affect her everyday life as well as her future.
Having read the first two books in the series, The Dancing Girls and Taken to the Grave has allowed me to come to know Jo a bit, and although this book, Her Daughter's Cry, will do well as a standalone, it was nice to have gotten to know Jo and her methods, as well as her personal life and how that impacts her cases.
I was captivated by this story by M.M. Chouinard. The cat-and-mouse way this book was written made it impossible to put down. This book gives credence to the talented style she uses to compose her books. I look forward to continuing to read this series. So, for lovers of police and detective novels, this is a hit. For lovers who enjoy a touch of family drama woven within the threads of an already good book, this is especially a hit.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion....more
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