REVIEW:

Silverleaf is book one of the new Kentucky Silverleaf Series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t like this series. I was wrong. I loved it from the minute I started the first page. This series is about a family that is involved with horse racing. I know Kellie’s writing well enough that I should have known it would mostly be based on the family and relationships. I don’t know what I was worried about!

Silverleaf is the farm owned by the Haverly’s. They not only raise race horses but, they also race them. They are one of the long standing families in horse racing and have had several champions in their history. I thought I was going to be bogged down with the details of the horse racing business and instead I’m so locked into this family and all that is happening in their lives. They all are now living on the farm and most of them have their own homes on the estate.

Revie is the matriarch of the family and Graham is her husband of 40 years. They have three adult children, two daughters named Mel and Caroline and Beau is their son. He still lives in the house with his parents.

Don’t forget to read the Afterword by Leona Jefferson! She is the maid and keeps the house running to the satisfaction of Revie. She has been around a while and takes care of everyone. She is a hoot and you will enjoy hearing from her. The afterword in Leona’s voice is absolutely genius!

If you like a great series like I do, then do yourself a favor and grab Silverleaf, the first book of the Kentucky Silverleaf Series. They appear to be coming out in quick succession so you won’t have to wait long in between books. These are definitely a must add to your nightstand. I know you’ll love them. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, 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:

A broken marriage.
A long road home.
A family she never stopped loving.

Melanie Haverly once left Silverleaf—and the powerful Kentucky horse-farm family behind it—determined to make her own way in the world.

Ten years later, everything has fallen apart.

With two teenagers and nowhere else to turn, Mel returns to the gates of Silverleaf…unsure if the family she hurt will ever truly welcome her back. But inside the grand house and rolling pastures, something unexpected is waiting.

Second chances. Old wounds that still need healing. And the powerful reminder that family—no matter how complicated—can still be the place where broken hearts begin to mend.

SILVERLEAF is the emotional first novel in a heartwarming and dramatic family saga set in the world of Kentucky thoroughbred racing. Perfect for fans of Robyn Carr, Susan Wiggs, and emotional family dramas like This is Us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

⭐️ USA TODAY BESTSELLER ⭐️

Kellie Coates Gilbert believes books should feel like both a vacation and a homecoming. Her novels invite you into the lives of women you’ll root for, cry with, and celebrate alongside. Whether you love small-town charm, sweeping settings that make you feel like you’re on a vacation, or heart-stirring family drama, you’ll find her stories feel like they were written just for you.

In addition to garnering thousands of five-star reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and earned a coveted place on Library Journal’s Best Book List.

INTRODUCTION:

This is not a review but it is a Spotlight of a book I want to read. Life has gotten in the way this year and I haven’t had the time to read like I usually do. I’ve missed it. I wanted to post this Spotlight to bring to your attention a book that I think a lot of my fellow readers would love to read. I hope it catches your interest and is something you’ll enjoy!

SYNOPSIS:

The rain pours down, plastering his hair to his head and his shirt to his body. He takes my hand and puts it over his heart.

“See? Still beating.”

Pounding is more like it…

How do you let go of your first love when his memory still owns your heart?

Ten years ago, Robin’s world was cracked open by Jed—a brilliant, complicated young man who told her not to fall for him. But she did. She gave him everything, only to lose him to a chronic illness that was always waiting in the wings.

Now, Robin is finally rebuilding. She has a new career, a small but solid circle of support, and Nick—a funny, passionate, infuriatingly earnest guy who sees her for who she is. He doesn’t know about Jed. Or the play Jed wrote for her. Or that Robin has agreed to star in its long-overdue debut.

As opening night nears, Robin is haunted by what could have been—and by what still might be. She’s caught between honoring the past and claiming her future, between the person she was and the person she wants to become. And the more she tries to move forward, the more she wonders: is letting go an act of betrayal… or the bravest kind of love?

A deeply moving novel about grief, second chances, and the stories that shape us, The Next Breath will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to love again without forgetting where they started.


Winner of the 2024 Kindle Book Award (Romance)

What They’re Saying on Bookstagram & BookTok:
“I cried real tears and my heart still hurts… It was raw and emotional and deep. Will I forever recommend it? Yes.” -at Tonilynette

“Wanna a romance book that’s going to destroy you at 3 a.m?…The Next Breath will break your heat and leave you hopeful all at once.” -at andreabookster

“Warning! You’ll need tissues! This book touches love, loss, and finding the courage to move on, and it’s beautifully written!” -at sams_shelvess

“Deeply moving novel about grief, second chances, and the stories that shape us, The Next Breath will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to love again without forgetting where they started.” -at meganxmariex88

“Guys, at laurel_osterkamp destroys me in these books. This book is raw, emotional and a definite page turner.” -at joannasbookshelf

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laurel Osterkamp writes smart, emotionally rich fiction about messy relationships, creative reinvention, and the kind of love that leaves a mark. She’s the award-winning author of nearly a dozen novels, including Favorite Daughters and the #1 Amazon bestseller Beautiful Little Furies. Her newest novel, The Side Project, blends second-chance romance with literary flair—perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Annabel Monaghan, and anyone who loves bookish love stories with bite.

In addition to her novels, Laurel’s short fiction has appeared in literary journals across the web. When she’s not writing (which is rare), she teaches adult ESL and middle school enrichment classes, goes running with twisty audiobooks in her ears, and educates her daughter on the cultural importance of Beverly Hills, 90210.

She lives in Minneapolis with a family that loves to argue and cats that love to hiss. Ramona Quimby is her spirit animal.

Follow her on Instagram @laurel_osterkamp or subscribe to her newsletter at laurellit dot com for behind-the-scenes stories, book news, and reader extras.

REVIEW:

If you ask me Jill Hannah Anderson does not write enough books. She is such a good author and knows how to tell a story that will grab your heart and not let go. After We Break is one of those books you will never forget. My heart was torn in two and mended back together so many times in her new book.

This book is about a woman named Eden Everson who has worked her way up in the corporate world and it is sucking her life out of her. It is ruining her health and her relationship with her son. She is from a small town and desperately wants to move out of the big city, but is worried she will lose her son. She is divorced and has half custody. 

This book is about finding what is right for you and having the courage to go after what you want and making your life your own. Ms. Anderson writes about strong women. We sometimes think that being strong is not worrying and not having doubts about where your life is going. Jill shows us the other side of the story.

We meet some wonderful characters in this book. One in particular will stick with me a long time. He is a Viet Nam veteran whose name is David. While Eden was going through some boxes her mother left with her, she found a POW bracelet that her mother wore back in the 70’s. He is a wonderful man that left a big impression on my soul.

After We Break by Jill Hannah Anderson has so much going for it. I could go on forever with all the good points in the story. I won’t because I hope you will get your own copy of this book for your nightstand It truly is a wonderful book. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

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:

Single mom Eden Everson reaches a breaking point in her high-pressure career when her soul-sucking job affects her health and her relationship with her son, Ryan. Ready to jump from the corporate ladder but needing a safety net, she takes some time off to regroup.

While going through boxes from her childhood, she finds the Vietnam POW bracelet her mom wore decades ago. After checking online, she discovers the veteran, David, is alive and lives only two hours away. When Eden travels to the quaint Minnesota town of Crimson Creek to return the bracelet, she feels an immediate connection with the town, which reminds her of her youth and the lifestyle she craves.

During their marriage, Eden’s ex-husband chose their city life, pushing her up the corporate ladder to support that. Now, Eden wants to pursue her own dreams, but leaving the Twin Cities means possibly losing her son. Eden must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to reclaim the life she was meant to live.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Hannah Anderson writes about women determined to reclaim their lives. Stories of family, friendship, forgiveness, and fortitude. She lives on a lake in Minnesota with her husband. Jill’s new book, “After We Break”, released March 17, 2026. She is also the author of “Closer to Home”, “A Life Unraveled”, “Crazy Little Town Called Love”, and “The To Hell And Back Club”.

REVIEW:

Dark Current by Ashley Farley was one of the best books I’ve read by her in the Crime Fiction category. If you have followed me for very long, you know I am a big fan of Crime and Mystery stories. I am also a big fan of Ashley Farley! She is one of those authors I don’t bother reading the synopsis. I know she is going to deliver a great story to me every time I pick up one of her books. She writes in a few different genres and I enjoy them all. 

Dark Current is the second book in the Sutherlin Files. Book one was great but this one was spellbinding. I couldn’t put it down. I read most of it yesterday and finished up this morning. My mama had this saying: A day late and a dollar short. I’m a day late and I’m sorry I didn’t get it read sooner. It was a treat. I can’t wait for book three. It is Dark Current Reckoning. It promises to be better than the first two books.

These books are about Lane Sutherlin. She is a detective and is recently divorced. She has returned to her hometown of Tidewell, Virginia because her best friend has gone missing. She finds her hometown is corrupt and her Father who was a sitting judge has retired and has dementia. I don’t want to tell you a lot about the story because you know I want you to have as much fun as I had reading these books. I can’t wait to read the rest of the story. I promise you, it won’t be long.

Oh! Do you know what? This series also takes place in a small town and you know how much I love small towns! The stories deal with corruption, trafficking and so much more. I think there will be a little love story going on too.

If you like a story that will keep your interest and keep that mind of yours rolling trying to figure it all out, this is a series meant just for you. The Sutherlin Files is supposed to be only 3 books. You have plenty of time to read the first two so you can be ready for the explosive 3rd book. It just has to be explosive with all that is going on that needs to be fixed for that town of Tidewell.

I highly recommend Dark Current and the other two books that go with it. You definitely want to read these books in order. I took this book to bed with me because I simply couldn’t put it down. I sadly had to finish it this morning. Do yourself a favor and get the first two books of the Sutherlin Files to go on your nightstand for your reading pleasure.

Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

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.

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:

Lane Sutherlin thought bringing her best friend’s killer to justice would finally give her peace. Instead, she’s left with a chilling acquittal, whispers of jury tampering, and a part-time role with the sheriff’s office that ends the moment she starts asking the wrong questions.

When a renowned fertility specialist is murdered and harvested eggs vanish from her clinic, a terrified young woman turns to Lane—the only person she dares trust. Her story cracks open a crime far more calculated than a random break-in, pointing straight to a deeper conspiracy.

The Old Guard—Tidewell’s old-monied power players—aren’t just behind the trafficking. They’re determined to reshape the town itself. They’ve corrupted its leaders, bent its law enforcement, and turned its people into pawns. And now they’ve marked Lane as the one woman who can stop them.

With Briggs, the town’s sharp-eyed commonwealth’s attorney, at her side and Tidewell’s future hanging in the balance, Lane must decide how far she’ll go to protect the place she still calls home—before the darkness closing in finally swallows her whole.

Because the storm gathering over Tidewell isn’t just political—it’s personal.

And Lane Sutherlin is done running.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amazon Charts and USA Today bestselling author

Ashley Farley writes Southern women’s fiction about love, loss, and the quiet courage it takes to start over. Her stories follow everyday women—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—as they navigate life’s hardest moments and find their way back to hope.

A South Carolina native, Ashley’s heart still belongs to the Lowcountry, where moss-draped oaks meet salty air and Southern charm runs deep. She now writes from her waterfront home on Virginia’s Northern Neck, where she shares her days with family and two strong-willed Labradors, Emmie and Willa.