REVIEW:

I have to admit that when author Nancy Klann-Moren sent me a request to review her new novel Love and Protest my interest peaked but I wasn’t crazy about revisiting the protests of the Vietnam era. I was a high school student during that time and I remember it well. It was a difficult time. There were other aspects of the book that sounded pretty good so I said I would read it and review for her. I am so glad I did!

This book takes place in two different time periods. One during Vietnam and one in more recent times with Black Lives Matter. Libby Carlson is the main character who protests during the Anti-Vietnam War Movement 52 years ago and 17 year old Harper Warner comes across her diary in a nightstand drawer in a thrift store. Her mother is recently deceased. The diary helps her through her time of mourning and inspires her to get involved with something bigger than herself.

If you have followed me for very long you know that I love small towns where Harper is from and I love books written about diaries. Right there are two things I love in a book and I somehow knew I was going to fall in love with this book. How could I not?

This author has such a way of developing characters. You learn a lot about Libby Carlson through her diary entries. You are right there with her as she meets a young man that gets her interested in a movement that she can’t help but become active in. Then we have Harper who has recently lost her mother and desperately needs something to become involved in and there is nothing much bigger in our time than the Black Lives Matter Movement. We learn from her thoughts while reading Libby’s diary what Harper is all about. These are just two of the wonderful characters you will meet when you read this book.

Oh! Another thing I love about a book is one that can teach me something while I am enjoying a good story. I learned more than my young mind absorbed about the Anti-Vietnam Movement 52 years ago and I learned more about the Black Lives Matter movement of today. Her research was thorough. 

So, if you are like me and love small towns, wonderful characters, learning something new and getting a peak in someone’s diary, then you will love this book as much as I did. I literally gobbled it up. It was a book I could not put down. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

POIGNANT AND HEARTFELT
THE IDEAL NOVEL FOR A BOOK CLUB

While wandering through the Second Chance Thrift Shop, 17-year-old Harper Warner comes across a diary tucked in a nightstand drawer. The original owner, Libby Carlson, had chronicled her “Summer of Love” in San Francisco and her involvement in the Anti-Vietnam War Movement 52 years earlier.
Harper is certain her recently deceased mother arranged this discovery, and she gives the find special import. The diary entries help Harper cope with her loss and motivate her to become involved in something larger than herself.
After deciding her cause would be the Black Lives Matter movement, COVID-19 unexpectedly upends her plans. Her media-fueled fears and obsession with the growing death count drive her into isolation, until the George Floyd murder. Separated by generations, Harper and Liberty’s heartbreaks and missteps are intertwined as they come of age and find their individual paths toward activism.

Interview:

Where did the inspiration for Love and Protest come from?

As my first novel, The Clock Of Life, did, Love and Protest gives a nod to social activism.

I’ve always liked the concept of ordinary people getting involved to make a difference for the greater good. As this story says, activists are the shining lights of our democracy. They expose the dark corners of government and power. 

Coming of age in a time of political unrest is complex, and I hope this book encourages the reader to think about the strength of involvement and the belief in something worth fighting for.

What part of writing this book surprised you? 

At first, I thought the story was about a young girl who found a diary and how it affected her life. Once I realized the diary was simply the vehicle for exploring both girls’ stories, I saw it as more compelling and more complete.

What is your favorite chapter or part of the book, and why?

Chapter five. It’s short—only two pages. It’s the graduation scene, where the valedictorian gives a unique commencement speech that reminds Harper of sweet times spent with her mother. I named the boy Tommy Newsome in honor of my diseased brother.

What are some of your hopes or goals for your novel Love and Protest?

1) Number one best-seller at the top of the charts for two years straight.

2) A meeting with George Clooney at the villa on Lake Come because he wants to produce the movie and would like me to write the screenplay

3) Holding the Oscar at the awards ceremony.

How do you come up with the ideas that become the storyline for your books?

I like to write about working-class, blue-collar relationships, and quirky characters. In my short stories, my initial intension is to explore a characters struggle with something. Then, I insert a friendship, real or imagined, and the characters guide me to the end. My last novel, The Clock Of Life, started out as a short story.

What inspires you to write?

Inspiration is elusive. I never know where it will come from next. Sometimes it comes from a place or a smell. Sometimes from a song or a feeling. I like being in a creative environment, around true artists of all kinds. I think creative people are a real turn-on.

Do you have any favorite times or places to write?

I don’t write in coffee shops or public places, and I don’t have a musical playlist when I write because I prefer silence. I “see” the scenes in my head and “hear” the voices during the conversations. For me, outside noise gets in the way of the process.

I write on the computer, in my office. The first and most difficult step is sitting my butt in the chair and giving my writing a higher priority than, oh, everything else. 

As an artist and a writer, do you look to different means of inspiration for each, or does one complement the other?

I suppose they both tell a story. Art is more playful and inspired by objects, and writing takes a lot, lot, lot longer.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. Readers hold the key to any writer’s heart. Readers are our raison d’etre, and I am particularly grateful to everyone who has expressed appreciation for my efforts.

One more thing for fun.  Here’s the diary I found quite a few years ago. 

REVIEW:

I finished Bleed II about a week ago and have been letting it brew in my mind for a while. There are two things I have to come clean on. The first one is that I am getting old. I had a hard time at first putting the names to the characters and how they relate to each other from the first book. For example who were the original friends from the first book and who are their boyfriends. I will blame that on my age but will advise that you may want to read the first book in the Bleed series first. They don’t do well as stand alone novels.

The second admission is that I am really far behind. I’m trying to catch up while staying caught up if you know what I mean. So, actually I blame that on having a hard time with the characters in the beginning of Bleed II. Life has been getting in my way the last couple of years. 

Here is the good news! I really enjoyed this book and think it is an awesome new addition to the Bleed series. I know there is one more book coming in October. These books are my first foray into the Slasher genre. I’ve always steered clear of those books and movies. I don’t like blood and gore or violence but, I will always make an exception for any of Emerald’s books.

Emerald O’Brien has a way of making you care so much about her characters and what they are going through that I didn’t mind the slasher parts so much. I wanted to make sure they all came out safe and unharmed. I will tell you that you are going to have to read the books to see what happens because I certainly am not going to ruin it for you.

I also want you to know that her story lines are not far fetched or something that she just makes happen. When you read these books you are positive that these things really could happen and that some people will go to extremes to do what they do. I hear of horrific events every day on the news. So, I know these things can happen.

Ok! You have until October to read Bleed I and II. Get yourself ready for Bleed III. You are not going to want to miss it. Take my word that you don’t have to be a slasher fan to love these books. If you love this genre and you haven’t read them, what are you waiting for?  Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

From bestselling author Emerald O’Brien comes Book #2 of The Skull Serial Killer Thriller series readers are calling “a sinister, completely cinematic story brought to life by a powerhouse author who is at the top of her game.” and “… my favorite read of 2023!”- Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of The Arrangement

Last Halloween, they paid his toll.
This November, The Skull returns.

Written by a student of the slasher genre, lover of horror, and bestselling author of over twenty psychological thriller novels, Emerald O’Brien’s twisted new series in the vein of Riley Sager and Taylor Adams is sure to bring readers heart-pounding suspense.

REVIEW:

Kay Bratt has brought us another installment of her Heart’s Ridge Series with book number nine entitled Blackbird. I am so totally invested in this series. The heart of all of the books revolves around Taylor Gray and her family. These books could be read out of order but, I highly recommend starting from the beginning because you learn so much about Taylor and her family as you travel along with them through their trials and tribulations. You don’t want to miss all of the background.

Taylor Gray is a deputy with the local county Sheriff’s department. Her aim is to work her way up to detective. She does a lot of that work along with mundane patrols and watching out for her town of Heart’s Ridge. One of their own, Caleb, lost his wife Lydia over a year ago in an abduction from a mall parking lot. They have never found her remains and the perpetrator has pleaded guilty. Caleb feels like there was no closure for him and his three daughters because they never found Lydia’s body. He and Taylor set out on their time off to right that wrong.

There is also a spousal abuse case in this book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was so scared for Allison and her children. I can’t help but tell you that Blackbird left me a little unsettled and very anxious to read the next book. I know at least one of these cases was not settled. The one that may be settled didn’t satisfy me. I want to know more about what happened. What a brilliant way for Kay Bratt to keep her readers wanting more. I know I do!

If you like a detective story, angst, mystery and a good family saga you will love the Heart’s Ridge Series by Kay Bratt and all that it has to offer you as a reader. This whole series is so popular that a decision has been made to continue until interest dies down. Please, don’t let that happen! These books deserve a spot on your TBR list. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are completely my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

In the small town of Hart’s Ridge, a recent tragedy leaves the tight-knit community still reeling. In the highly anticipated ninth installment of the Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series, “Blackbird,” Deputy Taylor Gray finds herself supporting a colleague through a painful journey of letting go.

Meanwhile, a young woman and her children must flee from her abusive ex-partner, seeking refuge and safety. Deputy Gray becomes entangled in their plight, blurring the lines between duty and personal conviction.

“Blackbird” masterfully intertwines these dual plot lines, exploring the complexities of small-town life and the resilience of its residents. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey to the heart of Hart’s Ridge—a ride that promises to captivate readers until the final, unforgettable page.

REVIEW:

Echoes of the Heart by Kellie Coates Gilbert is the second book of the Teton Mountain Series. Where We Belong was book one and is responsible for getting me hooked on yet another great series. I’ve been wondering why in the last few years I have been so drawn to these wonderful little series. I think I know why and I will explain as I tell you about Echoes of the Heart.

First of all those of you that know me already know I truly love stories that take place in small towns. The people there are closer and seem to care more about you and what is going on in their town. It seems in big cities you just blend in and fade away. 

I think a series also allows me to get to know the characters more. This series is about a close group of four lifelong women friends.  The first book was about Charlie Grace and this one is about Reva Nygard. It is her time and it is about time! She has always wanted a family and to stay with her friends in Thunder Mountain. She is a lawyer and a strong woman. I like how the characters are mostly the same in each book but with a different main character that you have come to know a bit in the previous books. 

I have a hard time saying goodbye to these newfound friends when the series comes to an end because I’ve come to know them so well and it is hard to know you will never hear new things from them again. At least not for me as I don’t usually re-read books. I feel there are too many good books in the world to waste my time on the same book twice. Just think of all the lovely books I’ll never get to read.

If you love getting involved with characters over a period of time and getting to know them well, then this is a series of books for you. These are wholesome books that deal with subjects we all deal with. I love to get embroiled in situations that are not my own and see where they go, how they get there and how they end up. If you like doing that then these series that I’ve grown to love reading might just be up your alley. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. The opinions I have expressed are completely my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

An emotional feel-good journey that paves the way for love’s return.

In the heart of Thunder Mountain, Wyoming, Reva Nygard stands as the town’s beacon—a mayor and attorney renowned for her unwavering generosity and wisdom. Yet, beneath her celebrated exterior lies a hidden yearning that even her closest girlfriends have never glimpsed . . . the longing for a family to call her own.

When fate intervenes leaving a toddler orphaned, Reva is propelled into a role she never anticipated. As Reva opens her home, she also opens her heart to new challenges and possibilities, including a burgeoning romance with an auto repairman, whose straightforward nature challenges her to confront the authenticity of her carefully curated life.

“Echoes of the Heart” is an ode to the strength found in vulnerability, the beauty of second chances, and the unspoken bonds that tie us to the places our hearts call home.

REVIEW:

There is a cute and wonderful series that I want to bring to the attention of all readers who love a good mystery and are animal lovers. J. S. Ellis has written a fun series that is about a cat named Theodore. You definitely will want to read this series.

The first book is The Neighbour’s Cat, book 2 is The Cat Saw Who Did It and the newest one I just finished is Theodore: Purr-fect Secrets. These are all stand alone novels but, I’m sure if you read them from the beginning you will have a fuller understanding of the background. I came in on book 2 and need to go back and read book one! 

Here is the best deal ever! The first two books are on sale this week only for 99c. 

The fun part of these books is Theodore narrates one chapter and his owner the next one. You get the perspective of human, feline and sometimes canine. I have enjoyed the goings on and the murder story in both of the books that I read and I think you will appreciate them too. I was not able to figure this one out and I don’t think I was able to figure book two out either. I wouldn’t make a good detective. I can’t ever solve a murder.

I am not sure if there are any more Theodore books coming but, I think I see where there might be a continuation of this story. I would like to see if Jane finds a new relationship. Jane is an author also which makes it kind of fun. These books are not very long but, I don’t feel cheated. You get everything a much longer novel provides.

I have taken an interest in Jane and what is happening to her and although I am a dog person, Theodore is irresistible!

If you are a mystery lover like I am and you can’t resist an adorable cat then you have to read the Theodore books. I think you are going to enjoy this fun and unique series. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #J. S. Ellis. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

After solving another case of amateur gumshoe, Jane decides to treat herself to a holiday in a luxurious resort in Gozo.

Me being her cat, I am less than thrilled with our travel arrangements. She had the audacity to bring along Timon and his aptly named dog, Monster.

Now, Jane and Timon are fighting, and Monster is one tail sniff away from getting clawed in the face.

In need of a break, I hop to go from the balcony and go exploring. On the prowl, I discover a distressed cat trapped in a hotel room with the dead body of her owner. Befriending the cat, I bring Jane in to help me discover who is responsible for her beloved owner’s death.

Is this somehow connected to the woman next door who hates cats? Or is Timon’s mysterious connection to the victim the key to unlocking the truth?

REVIEW:

Do you ever pick up a book and feel like it just wrapped its arms around you and pulled you in? You find yourself immersed in the surroundings and involved with the characters and didn’t know it was happening until you looked up from the book and were surprised you were sitting in your comfy reading chair in your own home? This is exactly what I experienced while reading the sensational new book by Christine Nolfi titled A Heart Like Home. 

If you have read anything by Christine, then you will definitely want to jump into this new book as soon as possible. It is up for pre-order and will be in your library on the 16th of this month. I highly recommend arranging this as soon as possible.

This is about a woman named Nova Doubeck who was adopted by her parents when she was six years old. She is now starting her own landscaping company and she fosters teenagers on a short term basis. This time she has two young children on an emergency basis because there are no other homes. She is aware she is going to have to protect her heart from falling in love with these two. Otherwise, saying goodbye is going to be hard.

I have read one other book by Christine and fell in love with her writing style then. That book was A Brighter Flame. She has a sort of magic when she writes. I am easily drawn in and can’t put the books down. She leads me down the winding road and I have to know where it goes and how it ends up. Her story lines are not typical or predictable. I usually don’t pick up a book before I even roll out of bed in the morning but, I did today. 

There is a little romance in this book but it is not the main topic of the story. There are characters I didn’t like and those I wanted to hug. I loved one of the foster children and wanted to throttle the other one. The author definitely pulled my heart strings and caused a few tears to well up in my eyes while I tried to read through them. This book is worth every minute spent reading it.

If this sounds like anything you might like to read, I encourage you to give it a try and add it to the stack waiting to be read on your nightstand. You won’t regret it. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #Christine Nolfi, #Netgalley and #LakeUnionPublishing. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

Finding family is a journey of love, risk, secrets, and healing in a powerful novel by the bestselling author of A Brighter Flame, The Passing Storm, and The Road She Left Behind.

When Nova Doubeck is asked to foster two children, she can’t say no. With her own childhood wounds healed by adoptive parents, Nova understands the rewards of a caring guardian—even an impermanent one. But nine-year-old Henry and his seven-year-old sister, Bella, are more than Nova bargained for.

Combative Henry is at risk of becoming like his abusive father, Egan Croy. Timid Bella, clutching a tin box of treasures, cowers at the slightest noise. Yet Nova gradually earns their trust and affection as they bring unexpected love and joy to her guarded life. Now she can’t help but wonder: How will she stop her heart from breaking when the time comes to say goodbye?

As Egan aggressively battles to regain control over the children, Nova’s protective instincts prove just as fierce. In fighting to save Henry and Bella, she’ll unlock the secrets hidden in their past—and learn more about herself and the true meaning of family than anyone imagined.

REVIEW:

Kristina Hall has wowed me with her new book Heart of Trust which is the first book in a new series called Hearts of the West. The first book I read by her was Trouble in Dry Springs and I will have to say I really enjoyed that book and was hoping I would like this one just as well. I’m here to tell you I loved this new book and can’t wait to read more of this series. I anticipate another great book that again will pull me in.

Once I started this book, I had a hard time putting it down. I did because my pets wanted to be fed and my grocery order was delivered and the milk needed to be put in the fridge. Other than that I was glued to my chair. This book is listed as Historical Christian Romance Fiction. It is all of that and much more! Don’t let the Christian part scare you away. It mainly shows you how the characters rely on the Sovereign one to bring them through the hard times and times of crisis. It reminds me that maybe I need to be a little more aware of Him in my daily life.

You might think Heart of Trust is a Western. It is and it isn’t. It takes place when a lot of folks were still riding horses and there were still gunfights and not a lot of law enforcement around to help solve problems with your neighbors. Jake and Georgia Aymes are a young couple and don’t have any children yet. They have moved to Texas from Tennessee and have bought a ranch to settle on. When I say moved, they actually traveled on horseback. I’m not sure I ever had it in me to travel like that. 

I liked this young couple and the grit they had to go after what they wanted. They had great faith that they could stand up for themselves and live productive lives on this ranch that was desired by more than one rancher in the area. They showed great love to each other. They didn’t waiver. We should all be like that!

If you love a good series, I just know this is one you won’t want to miss. I think we will all learn something and wish we were born to have the grit and determination Jake and Georgia had. If you’re looking to step outside of your comfort zone, I highly recommend Heart of Trust by Kristina Hall. I can’t wait for more of Hearts of the West Series. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

Two cattle barons, a rancher and his wife, and the piece of land they all want.

When Jake Aymes purchases the ranch he’s long dreamed of, he doesn’t expect that he’s bought a tract of land desired by two other ranchers. Those ranchers resort to intimidation, and Jake begins to think he’s put his wife in harm’s way.

Georgia Aymes shared her husband’s dream of moving West, but the threats prove to be a constant source of stress. She fears that she and her worries have become nothing more than a burden to Jake.

Will she and Jake trust God as they face what might be the worst trial of their lives?

AUTHOR BIO

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.

REVIEW:

Deadly Deception is book five and the newest installment of the Cooper Harrington Detective Novels written by Tammy L. Grace. I particularly love this series because it takes place in Nashville, Tennessee near where I reside. It is fun to try to figure out all the places Cooper visits as some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent. It is always fun to read a book that takes place in your area.

I enjoy each visit with Cooper and his family and friends. I think you will too if you haven’t had a chance to meet them yet. There is Cooper who is a down to earth guy and his lovable Golden Retriever named Gus. Tammy always delights me with at least one dog in her books. We also get to know Aunt Camille, Coop’s Dad Charlie, his assistant and good friend AB who I’m always hoping turns into more than a friend and another friend is Ben who is a detective on the police force. Oh! Let’s not forget his mother who is always getting in trouble and expecting Coop to bail her out. These are some of the most lovable and entertaining characters you will ever meet. I’m always excited when a new book is coming out in the series

The case to solve in this book is a woman who is murdered during a murder mystery gala event. There are many people there who had the opportunity and motive to kill a female politician. It is beginning to look like they might not solve the case and it’s going to be one of those cold cases. It is a near perfect crime and I will let you read the book and find out if Coop was able to solve the case or not. There are a lot of good twists and turns in this book which makes for the perfect mystery we all love!

If you love a good murder story and like trying to figure out the culprit along with the detectives, then this book will be right up your alley. These books are all stand alone novels but, you will get better background information on the characters if you go back and read them from the beginning. Tammy L. Grace is releasing Deadly Deceptions on April 25, 2024. You have time to read the other four books while waiting for your pre-order to land in your library. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

The stage is set for murder, but the real crime will shock you to the core.

In Deadly Deception, the thrilling fifth installment of the gripping private detective murder mystery series, Coop and AB find themselves immersed in a web of intrigue and danger at a glamorous charity murder mystery gala. Accompanied by Aunt Camille and Charlie, they enter the opulent Sinclair Chateau, where Nashville’s elite gather to rub elbows—politicians, business magnates, and influential donors.

The glitz and glamour quickly fade when the shocking discovery of a real-life corpse shatters the illusion of a staged murder. With foul play suspected, the prestigious Sinclair family urgently enlists Coop’s expertise to unravel the truth and salvage their reputation tarnished by this ghastly crime.

As Coop delves deeper into the labyrinthine world of high society, he uncovers a staggering array of suspects, each harboring secrets and motives. Behind the gilded facades and charitable smiles lie hidden motives and dangerous alliances. With the stakes mounting and time running out, Coop races against the clock to identify the cunning killer and expose the true motive behind the heinous act.

In Deadly Deception, suspense and suspicion are woven together with masterful skill, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final shocking revelation. Will Coop successfully navigate the treacherous waters of Nashville’s elite to uncover the truth, or will the killer get away with a near perfect crime?

Deadly Deception is the fifth book in the award-winning Cooper Harrington Detective Novels, featuring Coop, a Nashville lawyer turned private detective known for his love of coffee, snarky t-shirts, and talent for solving cases. He, along with his faithful dog, Gus, and his right-hand assistant, Annabelle, work together to solve murder cases full of twists and turns.
You’ll find a bit of humor, a dash of southern charm, a dog who is more like a furry best friend, plenty of comfort food, and murder, of course. If you enjoy complex characters with a few quirks and plots that keep you guessing, you’ll love Tammy L. Grace’s mystery series.

The series may be read as stand-alone novels, but are more enjoyable when read in order.

Read more from USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace

COOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS

• Killer Music (2016 Gold Medal Mystery Winner in the Global eBook Awards)
• Deadly Connection (2017 Gold Medal Mystery Winner in the Global eBook Awards)
• Dead Wrong
• Cold Killer
• Deadly Deception

HOMETOWN HARBOR SERIES

• Hometown Harbor: The Beginning (Prequel Novella)
• Finding Home
• Home Blooms
• Promise of Home
• Pieces of Home
• Finally Home
• Forever Home
• Follow Me Home

SISTERS OF THE HEART SERIES

• Greetings from Lavender Valley
• Pathway to Lavender Valley
• Sanctuary at Lavender Valley
• Blossoms at Lavender Valley
• Comfort in Lavender Valley
• Reunion in Lavender Valley

GLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES

• Beach Haven
• Moonlight Beach
• Beach Dreams

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

• A Season for Hope (Christmas in Silver Falls)
• The Magic of the Season (Christmas in Silver Falls)
• Christmas in Snow Valley (Hometown Christmas Series)
• One Unforgettable Christmas (Hometown Christmas Series)
• Christmas Sisters (FREE PREQUEL to Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Wishes (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Surprises (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Shelter (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Hearts (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)

REVIEW:

I have to admit that although I am very far behind in my reading, I saw a book the other day and went down the rabbit hole. I thought I would read just a couple of pages and that was my undoing. I was lost in the book and couldn’t put it down. Down Among the Dead Men by Michelle Williams was laugh out loud funny and sad and all the emotions in between. 

Michelle was bored with her job at Britain’s National Health Service working with people who had learning disabilities and learned they had an opening for a Medical Technical Officer in the Mortuary. It caught her interest and she applied for the job. She has worked her way up and is now the Mortuary Manager. This book is about her first year of on the job training and all that comes her way.

One of the things that stands out to me is the care and respect  they had for every one of the deceased people who came through their doors. The consideration they had for the grieving families was above and beyond what you would expect. 

I learned a lot reading this book I didn’t know before and some things I never thought of before. I’ve watched a medical examiner show on television and learned a few things but, maybe because this book takes place in England, they do things a little differently than we do here in the States. I did enjoy some of their sayings that we don’t use here. 

If you want to jump off into something a little different, I highly recommend Michelle Williams book Down Among the Dead Men. Some of the cases will make you laugh, some will make you cry. You will certainly come away with a new understanding of their job and how they learn to adjust to the smells and sights. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

SYNOPSIS:

This deeply original and “entertaining memoir” pulls back the curtain on life at the morgue—introducing a colorful cast of characters you won’t soon forget (Booklist).

“Williams’s reminiscence does more than delight in the creepy and the ghoulish; it breathes life into the mortuary workers themselves.” —The Brooklyn Rail

Michelle Williams is young and attractive, with close family ties, a busy social life . . . and an unusual occupation. When she impulsively applies to be a mortuary technician and is offered the position, she has no idea that her decision to accept will be one of the most momentous of her life. “What I didn’t realize then,” she writes, “was that I was about to start one of the most amazing jobs you can do.” To Williams, life in the mortuary is neither grim nor frightening. She introduces readers to a host of unique characters: pathologists (many eccentric, some utterly crazy), undertakers, and the man from the coroner’s office who sings to her every morning. No two days are alike, and while Williams’s sensitivity to the dead never wavers, her tales from the crypt range from mischievous to downright shocking.

Readers won’t forget the fitness fanatic who is run over while doing nighttime push-ups on the road, the man so large he had to be carted in via refrigerated truck, or the guide dog who led his owner onto railway tracks—and left him there. The indomitable Williams never bats an eye, even as she is confronted—daily—with situations that would leave the rest of us speechless.

REVIEW:

Once again Kiersten Modglin has taken me by surprise with her new book The Hollow. I may have found a new favorite. I have said that with many of her books and then the last few were more in line with what I expected. The Hollow blew me out of the water and then some. This book is not your normal Domestic or Psychological Thriller. It is a thriller in many ways but it is also a romance. 

First off, I loved the convoluted love affairs in this book. There are many. Some go as you might think and others are not so normal and some of them are going on in the background and you don’t even know they are happening. You’ll have to read the book to know what I am talking about because if I tell you, I’ll ruin everything for you and I certainly don’t want to do that!

There are characters I loved. Some I didn’t. Carmen is the main character and one I sympathized with all through the story. Her mom was a sweetheart and her friend Jill was an absolute marvel. Jill’s husband Sam was a minor part that really played a big role. There were their two boys Jack and Dean. This book is really about Carmen. She loses her father and her mother moves them to another state to work at a campground owned and run by Jill and Sam. Kiersten has a knack for character development. We get to know these characters not only by what she tells us but also in how they conduct themselves in the everyday.

If you haven’t guessed, the campground is named The Hollow. It sounds like an idyllic place to grow up and live your life. Things happen as Carmen, Jack and Dean grow into their adult lives and it is interesting how they handle the hurdles life throws at them.

If you’re like me and like a little romance, a little Thriller and a little suspense all rolled up into one great book then get ready to add The Hollow by Kiersten Modglin to that ever growing TBR pile next to your bed! Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

It was the perfect place to grow up…and the perfect place to die.

After experiencing a personal tragedy, Carmen McKenna finds Hunter’s Hollow—a bustling campground in rural North Carolina—to be her new home and worst nightmare.

Despite the promises of a chosen family and a safe place to grow up, living next door to the Hunters’ two sons comes with its own set of challenges. Jack and Dean introduce Carmen to a world she’s never known—one filled with young love, first heartbreak, and sinister secrets.

When a body is found at Hunter’s Hollow, instantly shattering the tranquil façade that has surrounded the campground, the residents are forced to accept the truth: a killer is among them.

As the police search for answers to no avail, Carmen leaves the campground in hopes of clearing her mind and healing her broken heart.

Now, eleven years later and with the case still unsolved, Carmen returns to face the past and discover the truth about that terrible night. Before she can, a guest is reported missing from the campground and the circumstances are all too similar to the horror Carmen once faced.

They say you can’t go home again, but when buried secrets call to Carmen from Hunter’s Hollow, she’s determined to learn the truth about what happened back then—and what’s happening now—if it’s the last thing she does.

Returning to once again blur the edges between psychological thriller and romantic suspense, million-copy bestselling author Kiersten Modglin brings us a sun-soaked, nostalgic, and completely twisted romantic thriller.

An quote from Kiersten Modglin’s Newsletter:

As you probably know, I’m mainly a thriller writer, but every once in a while (like in the case of The Messes Series, The Better Choice, The Long Route, Hemlock, and now The Hollow) a story comes along that is no less suspenseful, but is a bit different from my normal thriller. Nearly all of my stories, thriller or not, are filled with deeper meaning. Love, hope, justice, family. Even in the darkest moments, those are things that are important to me and I hope they will always shine through in my storytelling. So for this one, it’s a bit of a slow down for me. It’s a story packed with emotions—angsty teenage ones and very real and raw, painful adult ones. It’s loaded with heart—from first loves and first heartbreaks, to what the words home and family actually mean. I hope you’ll take a chance on it and that it will be something unexpected, entertaining, and fun for you. It’s only because of you and your unending support of my stories that I get to play around and try new things—that I truly get to be an artist with my craft—and I can’t tell you what that means to me.

That’s why I love her books so much!