REVIEW: This was my first book by Kathleen Fuller. I’m a bit surprised because she has written a lot of books and several series. Since she is new to me, I will be looking for her books in the future. I really enjoyed this book but, it was a somewhat typical romance. Don’t get me wrong. I love a romance to take me away from the thrillers and deeper historical fictions that I love. I like to mix things up and a romance is my go to genre when I am looking for something light.

The characters in this book were all from a small town named Maple Falls in Arkansas. I’m a sucker for small towns. I spent from 8th grade until I was 40 in a small town. I enjoyed it and quite often find myself yearning to go back. I feel a little bit like I’m home when I’m reading a book that takes place in a small town. The people all know you and there is little to no crime.

The main characters are pretty well developed. I think anyone reading this book will want to shake them up now and then. The rest of the characters play the part that they are meant to play and we know enough about them to make it believable. 

If you love a clean, fun and flirty romance, you will definitely fall for this one. If you find yourself looking for something to take you away and give you a change of pace, this book should do the trick. This author also writes some Amish books and I find I like a smattering of those in my reading list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #ThomasNelson–Fiction via #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: A coffee war is brewing in Maple Falls, where Anita and Tanner are serving up plenty of sparks to keep the town buzzing.

Anita Bedford needs to face reality. It’s time to decaffeinate the dream that she and Tanner will ever be more than friends. Growing up in small-town Maple Falls, she’s had a crush on Tanner for years. But he’ll only ever see her as good, old, dependable Anita. Now she’s finally ready to make her own goals a reality. In fact, that deserted building next door to Sunshine Diner looks like a promising location to open her own café . . .

Tanner Castillo may know how to operate a diner, but he doesn’t know beans about love. After pouring his life savings into buying the Sunshine Diner, he needs to keep his mind on making a success of it and supporting his widowed mother, not on kissing Anita Bedford. First order of business: improve his customers’ coffee experience. Next, he should probably find out who bought the building next door . . .

It’s a bitter cup to swallow when ambition turns longtime friends and coworkers Anita and Tanner into rivals. Now that they own competing businesses, how could they ever compete for each other’s hearts? Or will the two of them come to see what’s obvious to the whole, quirky town of Maple Falls: potential for a full-roast romance, with an extra splash of dream?

Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name, your coffee order, and your relationship status.

REVIEW: Oh my goodness! I’m so excited about The Maid by Nita Prose. This was next on my schedule and became my Christmas Eve and Day read. It wasn’t a Christmas story but, it was perfect just the same. There are so many things about this debut novel to absolutely love. I can’t wait to read more from Nita Prose!

The main character was Molly and she is a maid in an exclusive hotel. She finds a man in his room, dead in bed and is eventually a suspect for his murder along with several other charges. Molly seems to have been born with a disorder that does not allow her to interpret facial expressions and social norms. She speaks in an old fashioned way because she was raised by her Grandmother. People often misjudge her as not being very smart but, she is.

I loved the characters in this book for who they were. Some were evil and some came to her defense. The character development by this author was superb. 

The story was narrated by Molly and I enjoyed how she presents her story. It was a nice ride. The story line was well developed and thought out. I don’t think I found anything that made me scratch my head. It all fit together like a perfectly cut jigsaw puzzle. Pick up a copy of this book and you will see what I am talking about. 

This was a well constructed detective/crime story story but, not told from the point of view of the detective. If you like these kind of stories or good old fashioned mysteries, you will definitely love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #RandomHousePublishingGroup-Ballentine via #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: A charmingly eccentric hotel maid discovers a guest murdered in his bed. Solving the mystery will turn her once orderly world upside down in this utterly original debut.

“Smart, riveting, and deliciously refreshing . . . a murder mystery with tremendous heart.”—Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Family Upstairs

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?

A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

REVIEW: I have a lot of favorite authors. Probably almost 30 of them and Ashely Farley is one of that group. I like each of them for a different reason. Matters of the Heart by Ashley Farley is a prime example of why I love her books. When I pick up one of her books, I know I want to find a quiet and comfortable place to settle in with my tablet and a cup of tea. I know I’m going to be there for a while. I can’t help myself. She writes such lovely women’s fiction. From the moment I open the book, I’m drawn into the atmosphere and the lives of the characters.

Matters of the Heart is the fourh installment of the Hope Springs Series. Can I tell you that I am axious for the fifth book to come out? I thought I read this was the last one but, I can’t find any confirmation of that. There has to be another addition to the series because I can’t see it ending here. I love these characters and need to see where their lives end up. This book ended nicely but, there has to be more. I love them so much. I want to see everyone grow and expand themselves. If you’ve read any of this series, you are probably as in love with Jazz as I am. What a cute little girl! I know we don’t get all of what we want out of life and our books but, I want it all in this series. There is something that compells me to want most of it to turn out like I want it. Will that happen? Time will tell!

If you love books about family, friends and all the heartache and love that goes with that, you will gravitate to this series like I have. I have loved it from page one of the first book! These books should probably be read in order. I think that is the only way to keep the characters straight and to know what the background is of the story. They are not terribly long books and you will not have tons of time devoted to them. They will leave you with a warmth in your heart that will stay with you long after you have finished the books. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

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SYNOPSIS: The genie is out of the bottle. After decades of secrecy, Stella has finally made her resort’s natural hot springs available to guests. Little does she know, the waters have magical healing powers. Not only do the springs cure physical ailments, but matters of the heart as well. When word gets out, she has a riot of opportunity seekers on her hands.

Presley could use a bit of that healing magic. She returns to the inn for an unexpected visit, pregnant, planning to stay for the summer, and refusing to talk about her new husband. Did she leave Everett’s concert tour because of the pregnancy? Or is there trouble in paradise already?

Also on a collision course are Cecily and Lyle who’ve been living together for six months. Things aren’t working out as they’d hoped. Their separate roads in life rarely cross. Cecily knows she may have to yield if their paths are to merge. But at what cost? Is she willing to give up the career she’s worked so hard for?

Ollie is new on staff, hired by Stella to manage the Wellness Center. After a messy divorce and losing her family’s vineyard in a fire, she’s moved from California to Hope Springs in search of a fresh start. Most newcomers to Hope Springs are running, hiding, or searching. In Ollie’s case, it’s all three.

The magical healing waters of Hope Springs are powerful. But are they enough to set this group of sojourners on the paths that will lead to their ultimate happiness?

REVIEW: I have to say The Reunion is not a typical Kiersten Modglin book. That’s ok because…I LOVED IT! If you haven’t read any of her books yet, this book would be a good one to start your journey. It would be like riding the ferris wheel first and then stepping up to the big bad roller coaster when you pick up one of her previous books.

I didn’t experience the usual whiplash with this book that I normally do. It was a gradual climb to the climax at the end of the book. Kiersten’s books usually have many shocking moments along the way. This book had some interesting happenings but, nothing that grabbed me by the throat and took my breath away. I love a book that departs from the authors normal. To me, it shows diverstity.

I merrily followed the story to the surprising ending. There was one chapter that left me hanging and I just couldn’t help myself, I had to flip ahead to see what was going to happen. I never do that! The chapters flip back and forth from the past to the present until they meet up toward the end. The story is about a High School Reunion and what happened during Cait’s senior year that caused her to flee her hometown. A lot of us find it difficult to revisit our high school years and attend the reunions.  

I really enjoyed this book even though I didn’t experience any anxiety or panic attacks during the reading of The Reunion. It was still an interesting and fun read and a nice change.  Thank you, Kiersten for always taking us somewhere new and different. It’s always a pleasure!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS:

Hotel Lilith holds terrible memories for Cait Du Bois.
The darkest night of her life happened within its walls.

Once, she vowed never to return to the place that reminds her of the horror she experienced. But when the hotel is chosen as the location for her high school reunion, Cait finds herself unable to resist the appeal of showing off her new life to the people who once made her existence miserable.

Cait is no stranger to being noticed in public, especially as a bestselling author with an enthusiastic fan base, but back at Hotel Lilith, she was once recognized for a completely different reason. With all eyes on her as she returns to the town she’s spent years running from, Cait finds it increasingly difficult to discern between her fans and foes.

Haunted by the memory of a night that torments her, she resolves to put the past behind her and move on.
No one knows the truth about what happened back then.
At least, that’s what she’s always believed.

Shortly after her arrival, strange things begin to occur. A mysterious package, strange calls, and frightening text messages seem to be just the beginning of the nightmare about to unfold.

Someone is determined to bring the truth to light. If they succeed, the life Cait has built based on secrets could come crashing down around her. And, if they want her to pay for what she’s done, her lies may be the least of her concerns.

Someone’s out for blood.

REVIEW: The Paris Bookseller by Kerri Maher was not my cup of tea. I struggled with this one. I still rate it four stars because there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. Many people will fall head over heels in love with this book. So, let me explain. 

I think it took me a week to read this book. I kept putting it down and then found I was not excited to pick it up again. A week is a long time for me to read a book. The book was on the low key side and that’s OK.

I’m not sure I cared about the subject matter and I should have because I don’t believe in banned books. James Joyce’s Ulysses was banned and is now hailed as an important book and turning point in literature. I just wasn’t passionate about the whole process. 

The writing was beautiful. You could tell the author loved her subject and the characters she brought to life in the story. I would not have know any of this history without this book. So, I’m thankful for the knowledge she imparted to her readers. 

I’ve never been to Paris and enjoyed the setting and learning of everyday life there. Again, this is a worthwhile book. It was worth my time. For me, it was not a book I couldn’t put down. I finish 99.9 percent of everything I start and usually find an appreciation for the book by the time I finish. The Paris Bookseller was not an exception. I urge readers to pick this one up. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Browse. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: One of SheReads’ Best Literary Historical Fiction Coming in 2022

One of Reader’s Digest’sBest Books for Women Written by Female Authors

The dramatic story of how a humble bookseller fought against incredible odds to bring one of the most important books of the 20th century to the world in this new novel from the author of The Girl in White Gloves.
 
When bookish young American Sylvia Beach opens Shakespeare and Company on a quiet street in Paris in 1919, she has no idea that she and her new bookstore will change the course of literature itself.
 
Shakespeare and Company is more than a bookstore and lending library: Many of the prominent writers of the Lost Generation, like Ernest Hemingway, consider it a second home. It’s where some of the most important literary friendships of the twentieth century are forged—none more so than the one between Irish writer James Joyce and Sylvia herself. When Joyce’s controversial novel Ulysses is banned, Beach takes a massive risk and publishes it under the auspices of Shakespeare and Company.
 
But the success and notoriety of publishing the most infamous and influential book of the century comes with steep costs. The future of her beloved store itself is threatened when Ulysses‘ success brings other publishers to woo Joyce away. Her most cherished relationships are put to the test as Paris is plunged deeper into the Depression and many expatriate friends return to America. As she faces painful personal and financial crises, Sylvia—a woman who has made it her mission to honor the life-changing impact of books—must decide what Shakespeare and Company truly means to her.

REVIEW: Do you love a good old fashioned Detective Mystery? If you do, I would suggest picking up a copy of Cold Killer by Tammy L Grace. It was so nice to sit down with old friends and see what they are up to. I got so involved in their new case and could hardly put the book down. I started it before bed and read until my eyes were closing. I picked it back up the next day and read until I finished the book. It was so good y’all! 

Coop is a Nashville lawyer turned Detective, AB (Annabelle) is his assistant and Gus is his faithful Golden Retriever. They solve murder cases that come their way. In this book Coop’s new client has been dead for 25 years! Sounds like fun. Right? 

This is the fourth book in the Cooper Harrington Detective Novels. They are written as standalone books but, I would encourage you to read them from the beginning because you get to know background on the characters that are common in each book. I love these characters. They are so well developed and they care for each other. They become your best friends and that makes it nice to sit down and catch up with what is going on in their world. 

If you love good friends, faithful dogs, and a good mystery, this book will be right up your alley! I’m already looking forward to the next installment of the series. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: Coop’s new client has been dead for the last twenty-five years.

Despite all their wealth and success, the Covington family has been cursed with tragedy. Twenty-five years ago, two horrific accidents threatened to ruin their business and livelihood. This, followed by two deaths in the family, forever change them. Now, the patriarch of the family is dying, and the son everyone thought died so long ago, returns.

Dax Covington wants Coop to help him prove his identity and find out who tried to kill him. Then, there is the matter of identifying the remains of the body buried under Dax’s headstone.

Dax ran away all those years ago, convinced he knew who the killer was and the motive, but was he right? He needs Coop’s help getting to the truth, even if it means the worst—someone he loves is the killer.

Will Coop be able to unearth old evidence and solve the case before it’s too late?

Cold Killer is the fourth 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.

Treat yourself to the fourth book in the series readers describe as “well-written, clever, and will keep you guessing until the end” today. 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

REVIEW: Boy Underground by Catherine Ryan Hyde will leave you with a tangle of feelings. It makes you happy, sad, heartbroken and optimistic. It’s a wonderful story. This is one author I don’t hesitate when I see a book by her. I snatched that baby up because I know I want to read it. 

Coincidentally, this book releases on December 7 which is the anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. If you’ve read anything about the internment camps in the United States for the Japanese during WWII then you will know a little bit about this book. It is about four friends that are inseparable until the war tears them and their families apart. This book addresses many topics that will make you stop and think. Maybe it will change how you feel about things. 

I wasn’t sure, after I learned what this book was about, if I really wanted to read it. I’m glad I did. I’ve had this happen a couple of times lately. I’ve learned that you can’t judge a book by its cover, subject matter or the synopsis. Do judge it by the author and how well they have handled sensitive subjects in the past. I’m so glad I didn’t turn my back on this book. I still know I want to read anything Catherine Ryan Hyde writes! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #LakeUnionPublishing and #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: During WWII, a teenage boy finds his voice, the courage of his convictions, and friends for life in an emotional and uplifting novel by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author.

1941. Steven Katz is the son of prosperous landowners in rural California. Although his parents don’t approve, he’s found true friends in Nick, Suki, and Ollie, sons of field workers. The group is inseparable. But Steven is in turmoil. He’s beginning to acknowledge that his feelings for Nick amount to more than friendship.

When the bombing of Pearl Harbor draws the US into World War II, Suki and his family are forced to leave their home for the internment camp at Manzanar. Ollie enlists in the army and ships out. And Nick must flee. Betrayed by his own father and accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he turns to Steven for help. Hiding Nick in a root cellar on his family’s farm, Steven acts as Nick’s protector and lifeline to the outside world.

As the war escalates, bonds deepen and the fear of being different falls away. But after Nick unexpectedly disappears one day, Steven’s life focus is to find him. On the way, Steven finds a place he belongs and a lesson about love that will last him his lifetime.

REVIEW: Wish Upon A Christmas Star by Karen McQuestion proves this author can write anything! I have read a few books by her and they are all different genres! I love an author that stretches her wings and always brings a new and wonderful story. 

This book is everything you want in a Christmas story. It really is what Christmas is all about. Gwen is recently divorced and moves into the home she and her ex bought for their retirement in Poplar Creek. She is depressed and it is when she steps outside of herself that she finds a new life with new friends. 

I’ve read a couple of books this year that rate at the top of my Christmas book list and deserve a re-read next year. Wish Upon A Christmas Star is one of those books. Don’t get me wrong, the others I’ve read and given a good rating to are very good. I don’t make a habit of reading a book more than once. There are simply too many good books out there to spend time reading books over again. Just my opinion. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: Get caught up in a special holiday story about the magic of Christmas and a second chance at love.

When Gwen Hayward moves to the quaint town of Poplar Creek, she’s too mired in post-divorce misery to meet the neighbors. That changes when she spots a little girl leave an anonymous wish on the local bookstore’s Christmas tree. Compelled to find the girl and fulfill the wish, Gwen enlists the aid of local business owner, Lucky Gallagher.

With the help of the townspeople, a lost dog, and some holiday magic, Gwen and Lucky may see more than one Christmas wish come true.

REVIEW: Christmas Yearnings by Ev Bishop was so very heartwarming. This is book 8 of The Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series. At first, I didn’t remember who Marilyn was. She is Jo’s biological mother who was addicted to drugs and eventually lost Jo. This story is about her life starting at three years sober. 

I don’t think many of us liked Marilyn in the past. We all were wanting the best for Jo and we’re glad that Maddie came into her life. In this book we see Marilyn’s life from her point of view. It makes you want to reach out and hug her at times. She knows she messed up her life. She also doesn’t feel she deserves any grace. She longs for her family. I began to start pulling for her. 

If you’ve read any of the books in this series, you have to pick this one up. I loved every single second of this book. I think you will too. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

SYNOPSIS: Random circumstances brought them together. Love made them family.

Marilyn Fox is three years clean and sober but a life-long loser—in her mind, anyway. It doesn’t matter that she’s finally holding down a job, providing for herself, and trying to make amends with those she’s hurt. Her past haunts her. What kind of mother abandons her own child? No kind, that’s what.

She yearns for connection and love but knows that she doesn’t deserve it, not even from Millie, the big old dog who’s become her best—maybe only—friend.

When a chance encounter with a man as lonely as she is sparks dreams of things she’s long since given up on—okay, never thought possible for someone like her—she is more than stunned. She is . . . utterly baffled. Even more surprising, Jamie is deluded enough to think she is valuable, loveable, even.

Her daughter Stevie shows her unbelievable and completely undeserved grace—even going so far as letting her have a relationship with her precious grandson. Millie gives her the most gentle and effusive unconditional love—and much laughter. Jamie is bent on trying to get her to see herself the way he sees her. . . . But none of that is enough.

If the yearnings of Marilyn’s heart will ever be met, she needs to know for herself: can she—has she—really changed? And even if other people can forgive her, can she ever forgive herself?

If you’re a fan of small towns, heartwarming holiday romance, second chances, and furry dog friends, you’ll be rooting for Marilyn and hoping her heart’s deepest longings can be met in Christmas Yearnings, Book 8 in Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, from USA Today bestselling author Ev Bishop.