REVIEW: This was a fun read! “Dream Big, Stella” by Ashley Farley is a book that has it all. There is mystery, romance, relocation, kidnapping, criminal activity, health scares and best of all a renovation on a former 5 ⭐ inn with a hunky builder. What could be better that that?

I love Stella. She is a young woman from New York City and is always losing her job for one reason or another. When she inherits the inn from her unknown father, she steps up to the plate and finds her spunk. As with any good book there are characters you love and like and don’t like. There is a woman we would all love to know and a cute little girl to fall in love with. Oh! Don’t forget the hunky builder! 

There is a lot going on in the book and it keeps you turning those pages. Now that I’m done, I’m totally looking forward to book two and three. This is going to be a three book series and I’m positive we are going to be left wanting more. Keep your eye out for this one to release September 1st. In fact, pre-order it now! You’ll be happy you did. 

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

SYNOPSIS: When a young woman summons the courage to take a chance on life, she discovers the career and man of her dreams.

Stella Boor’s biological father is a nameless, faceless sperm donor. At least, that’s what her parents have led her to believe. Imagine her surprise when she learns he’s none other than rock legend Billy Jameson, and that Billy has died and left Stella a historic inn on a sprawling farm in the mountains of Virginia. A city girl at heart, Stella can’t imagine living anywhere but New York. Her first inclination is to sell the property. But the terms of Billy’s will stipulate she manages the inn for three years before putting it on the market.

Stella considers what’s really keeping her in New York. Her hotel management career is off to a rocky start; she’s lost three jobs in less than a year. She’s grown apart from her best friend, and her so-called boyfriend is only interested in late-night booty calls. Something is missing from Stella’s life. On impulse, she hops on the next train headed to Virginia hoping to find happiness.

When she sees the dilapidated state of the inn, Stella realizes she’s in over her head. But the more she learns about the fascinating Jameson family, the more she wants to know. Why did her mother keep Billy Jameson a secret? Were her biological parents in a relationship, or was she the result of a one-night stand? And why did her father wait until after his death to bring Stella to Virginia?

On her journey to discover answers, Stella learns to have faith in herself and take a chance on love. Join an unforgettable cast of characters in the first installment of the Hope Springs Series.

REVIEW: I am in awe! Claire Fullerton writes a beautiful book. She is upper eschillon, top notch! I would put her right up there with Pat Conroy. Her book Little Tea is amazing. I love southern life and was not privileged to live here during the days of plantations and mint juleps but Claire brought me into that time period and gave me a taste of it. 

The book takes place in two time periods now and back somewhere in the 1980’s. Three lifelong friends get together for a long weekend to help one of them figure out her marriage and what she is going to do with the rest of her life. You know how it is when old friends get together? They talk about old times, growing up and their teen years. That is the part that takes place in the 80’s and the rest of it is in today’s time. Folks, I loved every minute of their reminiscing and how they fell right back into their old behaviors. I wanted to be their friend! 

It was a fun read but this book also dealt with some pretty tough subjects. There was a gay brother, an alcoholic father, mental illness, tragedy, death, race relations and divorce. This book made you think about some hard subjects and about what is going on in our society today. Claire Fullerton lays it all out for you and allows you draw your own conclusions. Don’t waste any time getting your own copy. You’re gonna love it!

I won this book through the generosity of the author. This is a fair and honest review of my own thoughts. Thank you, Claire! 

SYNOPSIS:

Southern Culture … Old Friendships … Family Tragedy

One phone call from Renny to come home and “see about” the capricious Ava and Celia Wakefield decides to overlook her distressful past in the name of friendship.

For three reflective days at Renny’s lake house in Heber Springs, Arkansas, the three childhood friends reunite and examine life, love, marriage, and the ties that bind, even though Celia’s personal story has yet to be healed. When the past arrives at the lake house door in the form of her old boyfriend, Celia must revisit the life she’d tried to outrun.

As her idyllic coming of age alongside her best friend, Little Tea, on her family’s ancestral grounds in bucolic Como, Mississippi unfolds, Celia realizes there is no better place to accept her own story than in this circle of friends who have remained beside her throughout the years. Theirs is a friendship that can talk any life sorrow into a comic tragedy, and now that the racial divide in the Deep South has evolved, Celia wonders if friendship can triumph over history.

REVIEW: WHEW! The Assistant’s Secret by Emerald O’Brien was quite a book. If you read The Nanny’s Secret by Kiersten Modglin, you will definitely need to read this book. They both take place during the same time period at Locke Industries. Both stories are different but, you get glimpses into some of the same situations from different perspectives. I don’t know who thought this scenario up but, it was genius. 

Emerald has what I like to call a more traditional writing style. She starts out with a slow burn that continues to build until you have a huge bonfire at the end without a fire extinguisher! There were so many times in her book that I was worried about Josephine while she was at the home of her client, Mr. Tackman. He and his men scared the you know what out of me! I’ll tell you Jo has a lot more guts than I do.

You really have to read both of these books. I was afraid at first they were the same story and just different perspectives. That’s just not the case. If you like one or both of these authors or haven’t tried either one, you must! I’m not sorry I did and I guarantee you won’t either.

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

SYNOPSIS: Josephine Oliver has a secret.
As an assistant at security titan, Locke Industries, she’s presented with an opportunity to advance her career in the form of a test.

Josephine jumps at the chance to dig herself out of debt and earn the company’s respect on her way up the corporate ladder. But a visit with a potential client leaves her shocked, forcing her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about the company, those she works with, and herself.

When the client takes a particular interest in her, and his demands grow increasingly dangerous, Josephine must continue to fight for the life she’s always wanted or find a way to escape their clutches after learning the darkest secret of all.

In this installment of the standalone LOCKE INDUSTRIES SERIES, The Assistant’s Secret may be the one to destroy everything…

Review: Can I just say WOW! If you’ve read Retribution by Wendy Million, you definitely don’t want to miss her new book Resurrection. I went back and checked my review of the first book and it was 5 stars which is how I am going to rate Resurrection. The Donaghey Brothers series is a scorcher.

Resurrection picks up where Retribution leaves off. This is Carys and Finn’s story. Not only is there some HOT scenes between the two, there are some scenes that will keep you on edge and turning pages. There are several twists and turns along the way. Some will make you shake your head in earnest. 

The best part? I can tell you there is a book 3 on the way and hopefully before the end of the year. I can’t wait to see where this story will be taking us. I can only guess it will be a wild ride. I highly recommend you read the first two books to be ready for number 3.

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

Synopsis: Finn Donaghey is on the run. Rescued by Carys Van de Berg, his old flame, Finn is searching for a way to start over after losing everything in a bloody shootout. The one person he knows he can’t be around? Carys. He’s too rough, too dangerous, too lethal.

Carys saved Finn on instinct, unable to consider a world without him in it. Now, she must decide what to do with him. His quick temper almost got her killed once, and she has no desire to repeat that mistake.

While Carys has been helping Finn, someone has been helping themselves to Carys’s business. When the danger lands on her doorstep, Finn won’t rest until she’s safe again. As their feelings from the past and present mingle and danger lurks around every corner, their fiery chemistry threatens to consume them both.

Review: Wendy Million grabbed my attention by the throat and wouldn’t let go with her book Retribution. Her book was like a vicious dog that wouldn’t let go! If you love a good thriller with a little romance, this book is for you. Y’all, I couldn’t put it down. I dreamt about this book for two nights. 

It kept me on the edge of my seat. It kept my mind working trying to put all the pieces together. The main character Kim is working undercover for the FBI. She gets in many dangerous situations with the Donaghey brothers. I was in fear for her life and I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! 

The cover of the book says Book1. I hope so because, this girl can’t wait for book two. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Synopsis: As an undercover FBI agent, Kimi is no stranger to life-threatening situations. When her newest assignment leads to the Donaghey brothers, one of Boston’s biggest crime families, Kimi is confident she can handle the pressure.

But as she becomes embroiled in the lives of Finn and Lorcan, she realizes she might not be able to separate her job as Kim from the heart of Kimi quite so easily this time.

On the cusp of a mob war, Kimi must decide who to believe and who to save. Sometimes doing the right thing means doing something very wrong.

Review: Get a box of tissues before you start Wednesday Walks and Wags by Melissa Storm because you’re going to need them! This book is number two in The Sunday Potluck Club Series and brings out all the feels. I was reading through my tears. I already have vision problems and that was a challenge. A challenge that was worth taking.

This book follows Bridget. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it because Bridget was the friend with all the dogs who was a complete mess all the way around. Melissa proved me wrong. This book was so heartwarming and we get to go on the rollercoaster ride through her recovery process.

I have to admit, I fell in love with Bridget and her friends all over again. This book was so good y’all! There is a book three coming in the not too distant future. So, run out and get this one and read it so you’re ready for Manic Monday, INC. If you haven’t read the first two yet, HURRY UP! You don’t know what your missing. Pre-order your copy today!

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

SYNOPSIS: Bestselling author Melissa Storm reunites the members of the Sunday Potluck Club—and their canine companions—in a heartwarming story of friendship and second chances.

In the rapidly blooming courtyard beneath Bridget Moore’s new Anchorage apartment, the signs are unmissable: spring has come. As she unpacks boxes, Bridget hopes that she too is moving forward. With her tight schedule—college, working as a vet tech, volunteering at the animal shelter, caring for her beloved dogs—Bridget strives to keep too busy to register the pain of losing her mother just months ago.
 
Bridget’s new neighbor, Wesley, also seems to be running from something—quite literally. He and his two energetic dogs jog by twice a day. It isn’t long before their paths intersect at their complex’s weekly dog-walking group. Bridget’s fellow members of the Sunday Potluck Club encourage her to enjoy Wesley’s company, though they understand all too well how tricky it can be to navigate life after loss.
 
But just as nature rebounds after the toughest winter, Bridget’s friendships, both human and canine, are a reminder that love and joy go on. With each weekly dog walk, Bridget is rediscovering the simple pleasures that mean so much. A warm smile, a sun-drenched evening, a waggy tail—little by little, they may help Bridget find the path to happiness again . . .

Review: Wowser! Coming Home by Lauren Lee was my first book by this author and it was a good one. 

It wasn’t a terribly long book. If I had started out earlier in the day, it would have been a one sitting book. But, I didn’t start until almost bedtime. I read until I couldn’t read anymore. 

I like her writing style. She is concise and tells you what you need to know. There is not a lot of fluff. The story was engaging and interesting. Definitely a page turner.

This is a really good detective story and if that is in your wheelhouse, you will be glad you picked up a copy of this book. I highly recommend it! 

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

SYNOPSIS: You can leave your home, but you can never escape your past . . .

Detective Elle Dahlia is a magnet for death. Still grieving the murder of her fiancé, Dahlia travels home to attend the funeral for her stepmother. Haunted by the ghosts of her past, she finds herself staring at the bottom of the bottle.

When a young woman is brutally murdered in her home, Dahlia discovers the victim was a young girl she watched over for many years. On a desperate path to avenge the girl’s death, she opens her own, unofficial investigation into the crime. Surrounded by secrets, Dahlia must connect the dots and find the murderer before he finds her.

Heart wrenching and suspenseful, Coming Home is a journey into one woman’s soul as she hunts for truth, justice, and the man with evil rooted in his soul.

REVIEW: Brilliant! The Night Swim by Megan Goldin was one of the most unique premises for a book that I have ever come across. The main character has a podcast called “Guilty ot Not Guilty” that explores both old and current crimes. She is covering a rape case but, while in town, an old rape case comes to her attention. 

The characters are believable and some of them are likeable right off the bat. I learned to like others and some are not anyone you would want to know. She brings out the feels. 

Another thing I just realized is there is not a romance going on as a secondary plot. That’s okay! This book didn’t need it. Obviously, I didn’t miss it.

I also read her previous book The Escape Room and I have to tell you that I liked this one much better. The author doesn’t have to worry about this book. I have a feeling it will do quite well.

I really liked this book and it kept me turning the pages. I often just read in the evenings but, I had to finish this one this morning. It just kept beckoning me to read the ending. Oh, what an ending it was! If you like Psychological Thillers, you will like this book as well. 

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

SYNOPSIS: In The Night Swim, a new thriller from Megan Goldin, author of the “gripping and unforgettable” (Harlen Coben) The Escape Room, a true crime podcast host covering a controversial trial finds herself drawn deep into a small town’s dark past and a brutal crime that took place there years before.

Ever since her true-crime podcast became an overnight sensation and set an innocent man free, Rachel Krall has become a household name—and the last hope for people seeking justice. But she’s used to being recognized for her voice, not her face. Which makes it all the more unsettling when she finds a note on her car windshield, addressed to her, begging for help.

The new season of Rachel’s podcast has brought her to a small town being torn apart by a devastating rape trial. A local golden boy, a swimmer destined for Olympic greatness, has been accused of raping the beloved granddaughter of the police chief. Under pressure to make Season 3 a success, Rachel throws herself into her investigation—but the mysterious letters keep coming. Someone is following her, and she won’t stop until Rachel finds out what happened to her sister twenty-five years ago. Officially, Jenny Stills tragically drowned, but the letters insist she was murdered—and when Rachel starts asking questions, nobody in town wants to answer. The past and present start to collide as Rachel uncovers startling connections between the two cases—and a revelation that will change the course of the trial and the lives of everyone involved.

Electrifying and propulsive, The Night Swim asks: What is the price of a reputation? Can a small town ever right the wrongs of its past? And what really happened to Jenny?

REVIEW: A spectacular page turner! The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell was just that. I must have been hiding under a rock for her to just come into my radar. Wow! She is good. Ms. Campbell had me on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding out of my chest and so breathless, I was hoping I wouldn’t pass out. Now, that is my kind of book! 

Tabitha who is the main character is someone most of us can identify with. She is a struggling waitress who runs into the guy she fell in love with one summer as a teenager. We’ve all been there. Right? You really care for her and she is an upstanding woman. The hell she goes through will keep you turning the pages late into the night. 

This book crosses a few genres including Domestic and Crime Thrillers. Those two are a couple of my favorite genres to read. If you haven’t discovered Michele Campbell yet, I strongly urge you to try this book. I just know you will love it!

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

SYNOPSIS: From Michele Campbell, the bestselling author of It’s Always the Husband comes a new blockbuster thriller in The Wife Who Knew Too Much.

Meet the first Mrs. Ford
Beautiful. Accomplished.
Wealthy beyond imagination.
Married to a much younger man.
And now, she’s dead.

Meet the second Mrs. Ford.
Waitress. Small-town girl.
Married to a man she never forgot,
From a summer romance ten years before.
And now, she’s wealthy beyond imagination.

Who is Connor Ford?
Two women loved him. And knew him as only wives can know.

Set amongst the glittering mansions of the Hamptons,
The Wife Who Knew Too Much is a decadent summer thriller about the lives of those who will do anything for love and money. Who is the victim? Who is the villain? And who will be next to die?

REVIEW: Oh my goodness! Twisten Kiersten is at it again. The Liar’s Wife is my third book by Kiersten Modglin and I’m here to tell you that all three of them are very different. Kiersten has such twisted plot lines. I wonder how her mind comes up with her plots. If I knew her husband, I would warn him to be very, very careful. I hope he knows who he is dealing with. I don’t think I could sleep in the same house with her, although she seems very nice. 

This book starts out with the typical suspicious wife but, that is where it all goes crazy. I felt like I was on a mountain road navigating switchbacks at about 90 miles an hour downhill. You felt like you were going to crash and burn at any moment. Your head was spinning trying to keep up!  Kiersten never misses a chance to give you whiplash. 

The characters are real in your mind. You know them and care about them. The circumstances could be something that happens to you or your best friend. I had the hardest time putting this book down. It was imperative that I find out where the latest twist in the road was taking me. 

I am totally hooked and in love with her books. I can’t urge you strongly enough to get this book. If you like Psychological and Domestic Suspense, you won’t be disappointed. 

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

SYNOPSIS: Palmer Lewis married a liar. But just how deadly are his lies?

Shortly after marrying her soulmate and the birth of their son, the lies begin.

First, it’s the phone calls, always held in secret, always deleted from his phone.

Then it’s his odd disappearances and the little nagging voice in her head screaming: something is not right.

When Palmer follows her gut — and her husband — she catches him with an unfamiliar woman in the park and in his biggest lie thus far. Learning from her past, she hatches a plan to protect herself and their child. But when her husband and son disappear one afternoon and don’t return, Palmer must retrace her steps and dig deep to discover the truth before it’s too late.

Who is the mysterious woman her husband lied about meeting? Who knows what happened to her family? Who’s lying? In this twisted psychological thriller, the better question is, who isn’t?