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 each other and what is going on in their town. It seems in big cities people 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.

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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)