REVIEW: SWEET! How Sweet It Is by Robin Lee Hatcher is a sweet book. I gobbled it all up and you might too. I found this book very refreshing. I didn’t know this was Christian fiction when I chose it to read. I loved it!

There was a Bible that had been passed down and there were passages and notes written from the great grandfather who originally owned the Bible. They seemed to be just what the young man needed to put his life on track. There were reminders to listen to God and He would always be there. You would never be alone. I think there were a lot of messages in this story that I needed to be reminded of during this time of the pandemic. 

I loved that the characters were so down to earth. They were good Chrstian people struggling to live the good life. They came from several walks of life and all were trying to do better. I really felt a kinship with these folks.

This book is number 3 in The Legacy of Faith series.. They are stand alone novels. How Sweet It Is was my first Robin Lee Hatcher book and i can promise you I will be looking at reading more from her. I felt so encouraged when I closed this book. Don’t we all need encouragement? 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. 

SYNOPSIS: He lost his brother. She lost her dream. Together, they might find what they’re really looking for.

Holly Stanford is doing the best she can with the restaurant she inherited from her late uncle. But after her fiancé abandons her and the business, Holly regrets having given up her dream of becoming a pastry chef. Now a few bad financial decisions might cost her everything, including her hope for the future.

Jed Henning has done well with his new company despite his prodigal brother’s behavior. When Jed‘s father, the controlling member of the board of directors, temporarily suspends operations until his sons work out their differences, Jed resentfully chases his brother, Chris, to Boise. There Jed rents a basement apartment from Holly and hopes to convince Chris to get his act together before their company collapses.

Unaware that Holly is the one person who can help him get through to Chris, Jed starts the tough work of reconciliation armed with little more than a few family photographs, a stack of old letters, and a Bible that belonged to his great-grandfather, Andrew Henning. And as romance blossoms between Holly and Jed, the story of Jed’s great-grandfather highlights the power of God across the generations and the legacy of a family’s courageous faith.

REVIEW: Proceed with CAUTION! Chasing Death by Lauren Lee may cause heart palpitations and possible high blood pressure. I wish I had this warning before I read this book. My heart was racing as my eyes were flying down the page and my fingers were itching to turn the pages. If you love a good detective story, you will probably want to read this book. 

I read her last book Coming Home and loved it but, this one was even better. She still uses the same writing style. She is very clear and to the point. You don’t get a lot of fluff. You get just what you need. Her books are fine tuned.

Coming Home is book one of the Detective Dahlia Series and Chasing Death is book two releasing September 8, 2020. Guess what?! Capturing Evil comes out October 6th. So, you have enough time to read the first two books before number three comes out.

I recommend these books for anyone who likes mysteries, suspense or just a good old detective story.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you, Lauren!

SYNOPSIS: The truth will set her free, but uncovering it could destroy her . . .

After a young woman’s body washes ashore Lake Chakatwook, her death is ruled a suicide. Crippled with doubt on her first case back to work, Detective Dahlia’s instincts tell her something’s amiss.

She investigates the new case while digging into a cold one—the murder of her fiance. A mysterious gang member sends Dahlia her first clue. The chilling note from her only suspect leads her to dig into Zac’s final undercover mission before his death, which could be the key to finding his killer.

Electrifying and chilling, Chasing Death brings Dahlia into the dangerous underworld of crime, deceit, and ill intentions—one that could change her forever as she risks her life to uncover the truth.

REVIEW: Crazy Fun! Dead Wrong by Tammy L Grace was a crazy fun read. Coop and AB are private investigators. Coop has a Golden Retriever he takes almost everywhere and his name is Gus. I loved Gus! Well…I love dogs so, if you know me, that is a given!

This book is number three in the Cooper Harrington Detective Series. It did fine as a stand alone but, Tammy says they are more enjoyable read in order. You get more of the characters background stories that way. Each book is a new case for Harrington and Associates. I will be going back to read Book one and two. The fourth book won’t be out for a while so, I’ll be ready for it. 

If you’ve read any of Tammy’s books, you know her writing style. Her books go down like honey. She always leaves you satisfied. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you, Tammy! 

SYNOPSIS: A murdered business partner. A hundred million dollars. A client who claims his innocence.

Coop’s client is a renowned scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. The pending charge is the murder of his business partner, and a hundred million dollars provides the motive. As an arrest looms, the desperate client seeks Coop’s help to uncover the real murderer.

All evidence points to the mild-mannered scientist. He asserts his innocence and begs Coop to uncover the clues the police overlooked. Coop and Annabelle, his faithful sidekick, work around the clock to sift through the evidence in search of anything to clear their client. As always, Coop’s loyal golden retriever, Gus, along with the sometimes meddling, but well-meaning Aunt Camille, support the investigative efforts.

Connections are exposed, and suspects interrogated, but all the promising leads evaporate. Their determination wanes when they discover additional persuasive evidence against their client, causing Coop to doubt his instincts. With increased persistence, they unearth a damaging secret. A vital piece of evidence provides the thread that unravels the case, leading Coop to uncover the killer and the motive for murder.

Read more from award-winning 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

REVIEW: Charming and Comforting! That is how I felt while reading Krista Jensen’s Miracle Creek Christmas. The story is charming and it was comforting for me to read because it took place in a small town. I’m from a small town so, I felt right at home! Feeling like you’ve visited home with the holidays coming up was simply enchanting. 

Riley Madigan and Mark Rivers make a perfect couple. I loved them! The characters in this book were probably in your home town too. I’m sure you could give me a name of someone you know if I described every character in this book. They were such authentic people but, yet very typical. Cream of the crop and people you would like being around. 

If you are like me and love a good Christmas story with morals and a lesson or two to be learned, you will absolutely fall in love with this book like I did. I always love to read something like this during the holidays! 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.

SYNOPSIS: Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He’s been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn’t seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity? One thing s for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it’s hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

The FREE prequel to the SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE, a connected series from five bestselling authors

REVIEW: LOVE! Love, love. I loved this book, I loved the characters and I loved the individual stories of each of the girls including Maddie. I love the covers and I love that I will get to read some new authors to me! What’s more to love?

Maddie Kirby is a woman with the biggest heart I’ve ever experienced. She has been through her own heartbreak but, rises above the heartbreak to take in 4 abandoned girls from separate circumstances. What better time than at Christmas!

I can’t wait for the series! It is going to be so good. The prequel is available on Amazon for free. So, why are you still reading this review? Head on over to Amazon and get your free copy. 

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

When a terrible accident takes Madeline Kirby’s husband and only child, the school guidance counselor is sure she can’t go on. Left behind with nothing but her work and an empty heart, she vows to survive Christmas by reaching out to comfort someone else who knows similar pain.

Fostering four motherless children for the holidays is supposed to be temporary, but as Maddie tends to defensive Stevie, distrustful Jo, delicate Alissa, and frightened little Hailey, the ache in her own heart slowly becomes bearable. And before the season of giving comes to an end, it becomes clear that life intended for them to find each other.

Enjoy these soul sisters’ first Christmas together in Christmas Sisters, a free prologue novella – then catch up with each of them individually, fifteen years later.
Don’t miss a Soul Sisters book!
Book 1: Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Book 2: Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Book 3: Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Book 5: Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson

REVIEW: Heart-wrenching. Dignity and Grace by Alison Ragsdale is a beautiful story of the love between a mother and daughter and her daughter’s struggle after her mum’s death. I am a softie for stories about the loss of a mother since I lost my mom. So, I have to tell you that I shed a bucket or two of tears and you better make sure you have plenty of tissues before you start this book. 

Iona, the daughter received a birthday card from her father on her 21st birthday with a letter enclosed that her mother had written to her ten years before when she knew her life was coming to a close. My tears started rolling down my checks and continued on and off the rest of the book. Her mom’s name is Grace.

I loved the characters in this story. From Grace’s husband, her aunt, her best friend and her professor. All of them were such lovely people. Oh! Iona had a pretty nice boss too. I was very happy to meet all these people and learn their stories and I enjoyed my visits with them.

Alison wrote such a beautiful story and I’m happy I finally got to read this one. This was my first book by her. I also own “The Art of Remembering” and now I can’t wait to read that one. You have to read this book! This is a book you don’t wan’t to miss.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you! 

SYNOPSIS: From the bestselling author of The Art of Remembering comes a tale about secrets that tear a family apart, of loss, and courage, and the strength of a gifted young woman to face the past, heal and move forward. 

On her 21st birthday, gifted cellist Iona Muir receives a package from her estranged father containing a letter from her mother, Grace, a talented musician who tragically died ten years earlier. Reeling from what she reads, Iona soon discovers a mysterious, faded photograph of Grace, hidden inside her cello case.
Honoring her mother’s request, Iona visits Grace’s beloved music teacher, taking the first step on an emotional trail of discovery that has been left for her. As Grace’s story unfolds, Iona gains a deeper insight into the mother she lost and the heartbreaking truth about Grace’s last months. The more Iona learns, the more she is drawn back to her family home, on the remote Scottish island of Orkney, and to her father.

REVIEW: Poignant. Beautiful. Intriguing. These are all words that describe Dovetail by Karen McQuestion. This book had it all. There was a love story or two, a little mystery, some suspense, family drama and a little bit of the supernatural. I looked up the genre and there are many. I love a book that crosses genres. Don’t you?

Her characters are superb. The character I didn’t like was Ricky, the ex- husband. Scum! The other characters all had likable qualities. The story takes place in a little tiny town where everyone knows your name and your business. You get the back story on many of the characters and if you’re noisy like me, you will love those details. There was one character I liked and craved for more. That was the waitress at the dinner. One of those all business and no smiles kind. She was awesome. 

This story really made me feel at home. It was a comfortable world that I totally enjoyed living in for a couple of days. I find I’m starting to dream about the characters I love and so, I really do live in that world night and day.

Karen sent me this book after visiting my blog! Thank you, Karen because I was truly blessed with the opportunity to read your book. I can’t imagine anyone that wouldn’t find something to enjoy (or a lot of somethings to enjoy) about this book. If your looking for a new read or a new author to follow, I don’t think you could go wrong with Dovetail by Karen McQuestion! 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. 

SYNOPSIS: A gripping novel of enduring love, family secrets, and mysterious death from the bestselling author of Hello Love.

Joe Arneson’s ordinary life is upended by troubling dreams of himself as a different man in another place and time. It isn’t until he visits his estranged grandmother, Pearl, in her Wisconsin hometown that a startling connection emerges.

Drawn into his family’s past, Joe discovers secrets weighing on the old woman’s soul: the tragic death of her sister Alice a half century ago and its ripple effect on all who loved her. Digging into the events of that summer in 1916, Joe is convinced that his recurrent visions relate to Alice’s untimely passing and to the beloved man she meant to marry. With the help of Kathleen, a local woman Joe’s fallen for, the puzzles of the past start falling into place.

As uncovered truths bring Joe and Kathleen closer together, they also reveal a new danger. For Joe’s dreams may be a warning–from one star-crossed couple to another.

REVIEW: Awe Inspiring tear jerker. I am at a loss for words to tell you how much I loved “Ashes” by Sharon Gloger Friedman. I’m not sure the English language has the words that I am lacking. I was stunned into silence when I closed this book. I knew that life was not easy for immigrants coming into the United States years ago. I’m not sure I knew how bad some of them had it before they even got on the ship that brought them here and how horrible those conditions were for many of them on the ship. I’m pretty sure these people had more will power and stamina than I ever had. 

I was in awe of what they had to do to survive in this country. The hours they worked and the harsh conditions in which they worked and lived. The women in this book withstood sexual harassment and bosses that treated them without concern as if they were not human beings.

It brings tears to my eyes to think of the unsafe conditions they put up with. Doors locked, fire escapes blocked and many safety violations that today would not happen. Labor unions were just beginning and needed to protect the workers rights and safety. Back then there was not social security, unemployment or disability insurance.

The characters wormed their way into my heart and were people I would have been proud to call my ancestors. They were so fully developed, I felt like I had a past with them. I learn a bit about the Jewish faith and the discrimination they lived with. 

The research was phenomenal. Sharon Gloger Friedman knows her stuff. If you like historical fiction, you will love this book. It is one I won’t forget and will carry in my heart until my end. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book. You’ll be glad you did.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. 

SYNOPSIS: A Jewish Family’s Epic of Hope, Tragedy, and Survival

Easter Sunday, 1903 ushered in three days of government-sanctioned brutality on the Jews of Kishinev, Russia. In the aftermath of slaughter, rape, and destruction, Meyer and Sadie Raisky escape to New York City with their thirteen-year-old daughter, Miriam. Their home and business gone, reeling from devastating personal tragedy, the Raiskys cling to the promise of a better life in America. But upon arriving in New York City, Miriam and her parents quickly learn that promises are easily broken in the tenements of the Lower East Side. When circumstances force Miriam to abandon the schooling she loves to help support her family, she goes to work at the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, joining other immigrant girls who work long hours for low wages in shocking conditions. Against the backdrop of emerging workers’ rights and women’s rights, Miriam’s social conscience and young womanhood both blossom when she falls in love with a union organizer. Meticulously researched and rich with beautifully drawn characters that bring 20th-century New York City to life, Ashes is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a haunting elegy to the young women whose suffering inspired changes to the working conditions in the garment industry.

REVIEW: Interesting. The one thing I forgot when reading The Queen of Tuesday by Darin Strauss is… it is fiction. Don’t you forget that.

Lucille Ball was the most accomplished and progressive woman in her time. With Desi Arnez, they were innovative in television and owned more movie sets than any movie production company. The “I Love Lucy” show is still in syndication almost 70 yrs later! I love Lucy!

This book is a little sad. Don’t get me wrong. It is a fun read but, there are so many lives that weren’t lived to their full potential because of misguided dreams. Maybe that was the author’s point. His grandfather lived his life wishing for a relationship with Lucy. His wife wanted the husband she married. Lucy wanted a man that was faithful. Desi wanted it all. I don’t think anyone in this book got what they wanted including the Arnez kids. 

Darrin Strauss did a lot of research for this book and I enjoyed that he brought his research to the story. Thank you Mr. Strauss for the memories of nights watching “I Love Lucy” with my family in front of the television. I’m digging my “I Love Lucy” shirt out of my drawer! It needs to see the light of day again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. 

SYNOPSIS: This indelible romance begins with a daring conceit—that the author’s grandfather may have had an affair with Lucille Ball. Strauss offers a fresh view of a celebrity America loved more than any other.

Lucille Ball—the most powerful woman in the history of Hollywood—was part of America’s first high-profile interracial marriage. She owned more movie sets than did any movie studio. She more or less single-handedly created the modern TV business. And yet Lucille’s off-camera life was in disarray. While acting out a happy marriage for millions, she suffered in private. Her partner couldn’t stay faithful. She struggled to balance her fame with the demands of being a mother, a creative genius, an entrepreneur, and, most of all, a symbol.

The Queen of Tuesday—Strauss’s follow-up to Half a Life, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award—mixes fact and fiction, memoir and novel, to imagine the provocative story of a woman we thought we knew.

REVIEW: Nail-biting! I’m surprised I have any nails left after finishing “When They Find Us” by Jenifer Ruff. This is the third book in the series with a fourth to come. I believe they can be read as stand alone because I have not read the first two yet and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. You can mark my words that I am going to find the time in my schedule to read them.

This is a great story of survival after a plane crash in Greenland during the winter. There are seven survivors. One of them is an FBI agent so, you know they pull out all the stops to investigate their whereabouts and what happened to the plane. There were a few characters I was rooting for and a couple I didn’t care for. That’s normal. I think there is always one character I don’t like. Maybe that’s just me. 

I read one other book by Jenifer and that was a winner too. I’m not usually into espionage and FBI but, she really knows how to pull off a good story and I haven’t minded. In fact, you can tell I loved both of her books. If you haven’t read her books yet and are looking for a new series or author, I highly recommend Jenifer’s books.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. I’m glad I did! Thank you, Jenifer. 

SYNOPSIS: A commercial airliner disappears without a trace. Stranded, injured, and freezing, what happens to the survivors next will haunt them forever.

After breaking up a sex trafficking ring, FBI Agent Victoria Heslin wants nothing more than to visit the rescue shelter she sponsors, a trip that also offers a much-needed European vacation and a chance to figure out her new relationship with Ned. Comfortable in first class, she drifts off—only to be shocked awake when her plane crashes.

Lost in an empty, frozen wasteland, Victoria and a few other survivors battle extreme temperatures, as each day brings more tragedy. One by one, the desperate group is winnowed down. The remaining passengers must decide if they’ll stay with the wreck, waiting to be found, or brave the harsh elements and venture out in search of help.

When Agent Dante Rivera learns of Victoria’s fate, he puts all his energy and expertise into finding her plane, which seems to have vanished from existence. As he unravels a technological mystery and layers of scheming, he fears his worst nightmare will be realized: that he won’t find his coworker and friend alive.

From USA Today and international bestselling author Jenifer Ruff comes a mystery-thriller and survival story that will delight fans of James Patterson, Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, Lee Child, Ken Follett, and A.G. Riddle.

“An amazing survival story wrapped around an intriguing mystery, When They Find Us is Jenifer Ruff’s best book yet: great characters, an intense story line, and plot twists that will keep you guessing to the last incredible page.”- Dan Alatorre, USA Today bestselling author

When They Find Us is book 3 in the popular Agent Victoria Heslin thriller series. It can be read as a standalone.