REVIEW:

HOLY COW!!! I just read the best Psychological Suspense book I’ve ever read. At 70 years old, that is saying a lot. When She Escaped by Jenifer Ruff is unputdownable and will knock your socks off! Let me tell you why.

First things first. The premise of this book is something I’ve never read before. It is about an author writing a book in a secluded mountain lodge. Maybe I’ve read a book or two about an author but this one is different. When she ventures out on the grounds she feels like someone is watching her. Are they? 

She meets a very handsome man on her way to dinner on the first evening. For the first time in a long time she is able to relax and have a wonderful conversation with him and dinner turns into after dinner drinks. Who is this man? Is he everything he says he is? Can he be trusted?

There are so many little things that make you wonder what is going on. Things that you think might mean something or do they? Are they there to throw you off or is this author just a little weird. She doesn’t allow pictures of herself and doesn’t have an online presence. Who does that in this day and age?

What in the world is going on? I’m not going to tell you. I will tell you there seems to be two timelines to this story. Did you just read that correctly? Yup. I’m telling you, if you never read another Psychological Suspense book again, you must read When She Escaped by Jenifer Ruff. She has been a favorite author of mine for a long while and believe me when I tell you she has absolutely outdone herself with her new offering! 

If you love Psychological Suspense and even if you don’t, I highly recommend this book. You will not want to put it down until you have reached the end. Don’t put it on your nightstand either. You’ll never get to sleep. 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.

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:

“A page turner for me. The twists and turns were spectacular.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Goodreads Review

“Tension on every page, sharp writing, and a twist that flips everything.” – Sara Ennis, author of The Dollhouse

“A twisty mind-bender set against a stunning Colorado backdrop. This is psychological suspense at its most original—gripping, clever, and impossible to put down.” – Audrey J. Cole, USA Today bestselling author of Missing In Flight

A secluded mountain cabin. A famous author. A truth best left hidden.

At the luxurious Raven’s Hollow Lodge, bestselling novelist Zipporah Bazile arrives to write her next psychological thriller—a haunting story about a woman imprisoned in the basement of a remote cabin.

When Zipporah ventures beyond her suite to explore the resort, strange events occur. Someone is following her on the trails, digging online for information about her life, and slipping a mysterious powder into her drinks. Her growing romantic connection with another resort guest only deepens her paranoia. Is he part of the danger, or someone she can trust?
Shocking revelations soon threaten Zipporah’s grip on reality, forcing her to question everything about her novel, past, and identity. She must confront the terrifying possibility that the ending she’s writing might be her own.

An atmospheric psychological thriller with a shocking twist, perfect for Freida McFadden fans.

EARLY GOODREADS REVIEWS:
“A gripping suspense thriller that kept me guessing.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“An edge-of-your-seat thriller with twists, turns, suspense, and surprises I didn’t see coming.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I absolutely loved it…Part mystery, part psychological thriller, part unexpected romance. Page turner for sure!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

REVIEW:

I’m late on this review and I want to apologize to Karen McQuestion.  Written Off is her latest book, it is wildly fun, intriguing and kept my interest trying to figure out what was really going on. You will never say you’ve read a book like this before.

The main character is Dana Broderick. In the author’s words, Dana Broderick is a celebrity author—bold, glamorous, and always in the spotlight. I know we’ve all read books about authors but, in this book Dana goes missing and nobody really cares where she is or what is happening to her. Her assistant, Courtney Hart is frantic to find her and is not getting any cooperation.

As usual, I’m not going to tell you about the plot because I want you to read the book and unravel all that is happening as it happens. Believe me, you are going to go on a ride with Dana and Courtney. They definitely will keep you entertained.

Karen McQuestion came on my radar with a book written in another time period and I fell in love with her writing. She most always has unique settings and unique storylines that I haven’t read before. She recently took a few years off from writing. I think like me, thoughts of retirement were running through her head. Thanks to her readers, they started contacting her looking for more from her. I’m so glad she is back and am so sorry this wound up being late. Life just gets in the way sometimes.

If you love stories that are not run of the mill have a crime, a little romance and some family drama thrown in, then this book should be on your radar and on your night stand for some excellent reading adventure. I’m so glad I was able to read it and I know you will love it as much as I did. 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:

Where’s Dana? And why doesn’t anyone care?

Dana Broderick is a celebrity author—bold, glamorous, and always in the spotlight. But behind the scenes, it’s Courtney Hart who helps to keep Dana’s high-maintenance life on track. As Dana’s quiet, dependable best friend and assistant, Courtney has always been content staying in the background. Until Dana vanishes without a trace.

At first, Courtney assumes everyone will be frantic to find her. But to her shock, no one seems to care, not Dana’s family, not her staff, not even her agent. When a ransom demand finally surfaces, it’s dismissed as nothing more than a publicity stunt.

As Courtney delves deeper into the mystery, she encounters people who seem to be deliberately leading her in circles. The more she uncovers, the more she realizes that the bigger concern may not be where Dana went but why no one wants her found.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

REVIEW:

If you are a fan of either Emerald O’Brien or Meghan O’Flynn or maybe both, hang on to your hats because I have the news of the day! They are collaborating on a new series together called Between Us. The first book is called Cruel Bonds and believe me when I tell you this is a book you won’t want to put down. Until now I haven’t read Meghan O’Flynn before. I will be looking at her books to read more from her.

This is a story told by two friends by way of letters. I don’t know about you but I love letters and reading books about them or stories told through them. One of the girls is Gabrielle and the other one is Violet. They have been friends for a long time and I guess you could say that the name of the book describes their relationship.

This book is one twist after another and actually an interesting twist on twist upon twist. It had my head twisting off! I do have a word of caution for you. You must pay attention to the chapter headings. That tells you who is currently writing. Maybe because I am old or something, but I really had to pay attention so I knew which one it was because I didn’t feel there was enough difference in their voices. They both felt too much the same to me. Once I got in the swing of things it went well.

If you love a great psychological fiction story or you’re a big fan of Emerald or Meghan, you will definitely want to pick up a copy of this book. It is a really great story that will shock you down to your core. I don’t know if this book belongs on your nightstand or not. I might just keep you awake at night. 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 authors. 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:

In the shadow of betrayal lies a twisted game of vengeance. An addictive domestic thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn and Alice Feeney.

A funeral tore them apart, but digging the same grave could bring them back together… even if it’s their own.

Violet and Gabrielle have been best friends since childhood, sharing everything—even the things they’d rather not. But when a devastating accident left a rift in their once unbreakable bond, each tried to carve out a life of her own, free from the reminders of that tragic day.

When the death of Gabrielle’s grandmother brings them back together, they’re hopeful they can mend old wounds. After all, they’ve both been lonely since they parted ways. But Violet isn’t completely alone now—she has a new man in her life. Gabrielle is in love. Though history has told Gabby it’s dangerous to introduce any love interest to Violet, she’s eager to make sure this time is different.

This time, they aren’t going to let anything come between them.

But rekindling their friendship is soon overshadowed by unexpected horrors. Both feel as if they’re being watched. They catch glimpses of people who can’t possibly exist. And a new series of threatening events seem far too deliberate to be mere accidents. The paranoia soon drives them further from each other—and from sanity.

Is it all in their heads? Or has their past come back to haunt them?

As Violet and Gabrielle are pulled deeper into a web of lies and obsession, they find themselves bound together in a deadly game they never chose to play. Told through a series of chilling letters—each more disturbing than the last—their shared history begins to unravel, revealing a trail of secrets, betrayal, and a shocking truth neither woman could have anticipated.

Though perhaps they should have. After all, they’re far from innocent.

One might end up in an early grave—maybe she’d even deserve it. But will the other put her there?

Cruel Bonds is an unputdownable domestic thriller about love, obsession, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect those they love. It is the first novel in the Between Us series, but all novels in the Between Us world can be read as standalones. If you love unreliable narrators, family secrets, and shocking twists, this addictive epistolary thriller is perfect for fans of Kiersten Modglin, Lucinda Berry, and Freida McFadden.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Emerald O’Brien is a Canadian author who grew up just east of Toronto, Ontario. She studied Television Broadcasting and Communications Media, graduating from the program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

As a bestselling author of over twenty-five unpredictable stories packed with suspense, Emerald hopes to give her readers some of what her favourite stories have given her, including subverted expectations, a thrill ride while you root for characters you love, and a way to explore the thoughts of confronting some of our worst fears, facing them together as an audience who can discuss and connect afterwards.

To find out more, visit Emerald on her website.

Meghan O’Flynn. With books deemed “visceral, haunting, and fully immersive” (New York Times bestseller, Andra Watkins), Meghan O’Flynn has made her mark on the thriller genre. Meghan is a clinical therapist who draws her character inspiration from her knowledge of the human psyche. She is the bestselling author of gritty crime novels and serial killer thrillers, all of which take readers on the dark, gripping, and unputdownable journey for which Meghan is notorious. Learn more at https://meghanoflynn.com!

REVIEW:

The Hart’s Ridge Series by Kay Bratt has been a series that I have been reading since the very first book. I just finished book twelve titled Every Little Thing. Can I just tell you how impressed I am with her writing in this series? Every book gets better and better and that is hard to do since the first book started out with a bang, grabbing my attention and hasn’t let me go. 

Every Little Thing took me places I didn’t want to go. I was reluctant to follow along with Lucy. I’m sure glad I did! The book had several twists and turns in her journey and I did not see any of them coming. I am so glad I took the step to follow her. It was awesome!

Lucy is Taylor’s sister who is the main character of the series. It revolves around her family and her hometown. Taylor has worked hard to earn a place as a detective on the police force and has recently been on leave of absence. As usual, I don’t want to tell you a lot about the book or the series because I want you to experience all of the twists and turns and ups and downs for yourself. 

I think there is at least one more book coming in this series. This book also hinted at another series to come, so now is the time to finish this one up or grab that first book and start binge reading!

If you love crime stories, romance, family drama and small home towns, this book and series is for you. I think it makes for good fun reading and time you are on the edge of your seat waiting for an outcome. I highly recommend you put this series on your night stand and dig in. 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:

A fairytale wedding in Mexico.
Everything is supposed to be perfect.
What could possibly go wrong?

When Taylor Gray and her family travel to Cabo San Lucas to celebrate a beachside wedding, it’s supposed to be a time of joy and reconnection. But the morning after the celebration, the bride is missing—and the only clues are discarded champagne glasses at the edge of a private plunge pool, and a trail gone cold in the sweltering sun.

Back home, Taylor’s sister Lucy is on her own journey—wandering the country on what she calls her “lost highway,” trying to outrun the memories that haunt her and the voices she can’t seem to silence. But the further she runs, the more the road seems to lead her right back to the very things she’s trying to forget.

As Taylor works with local authorities and unravels a tangled web of secrets in paradise, Lucy begins to confront her past—and consider whether the path to healing might not be about escape, but finally facing the truth.

From the author of Hart’s Ridge comes a gripping twelfth installment that blends suspense, family, and heart in a story that proves every little thing matters—especially when everything is on the line.

REVIEW:

Feels Like Home by Tammy L. Grace is book 10 of her Hometown Harbor Series. I have totally fallen in love with this series. Every time I sit down with a new book, I feel like I am visiting with old friends in a familiar place. I can see the beautiful town on the island and I know the homes of all of the people that have inhabited this series. I think that is why I am drawn to the series. It feels like home.

This book in particular grabbed my interest because the main character is a popular and well known author named Sloan Bradford. She is 62 and has lost her editor and agent. She feels like it is just a matter of time before her publisher drops her. It is time to pivot. She needs to do something different. 

I enjoyed following her on her quest to find a new way to get her books into the hands of her current readers and to find new ones. We all know the publishing business is so different today for many authors. Of course, if you’ve read any of this series you know she is going to go to Friday Harbor. She used to spend childhood summers there.

If you love a series and a book that makes you feel like you know the characters and are at home catching up, then you will want to read this book. All of the books would do well as standalones but, I think you get to know the town and the people’s history if you read from the beginning. You really can jump into this series anywhere and then go back. Now is the time to get started. I just know you are going to fall for these folks as much as I have. 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.

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:

When the tide of life brings in a chance for a fresh start, embrace it.

Sloane Bradford’s pen once dazzled the world, but at sixty-two, her star dims—her editor and agent gone, her words stalled. Trading Manhattan’s buzz for Friday Harbor’s quiet shores, where childhood summers still whisper, she bets on a fresh start. Hosting a writers’ retreat, she finds kinship with fellow scribes—until Chase, a local back from his own storm, steps into her story.

Both nursing private wounds—hers a career’s end, his a quieter ache—they lean into each other, strolling the harbor with Nash, Chase’s golden retriever, at their heels. In the glow of a tight-knit town, their courage stirs, hinting at new chapters neither dared to write. Can Sloane and Chase turn shared sorrow into a home they’ve longed for?

Feels Like Home, the tenth tale in the Hometown Harbor Series, follows a woman’s twilight quest for purpose, blending midlife grit with tender bonds and canine charm. If you love soulful escapes with characters who reclaim hope, Tammy L. Grace crafts a harbor haven worth visiting.

Read more from USA Today bestselling author Tammy L. Grace
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
Long Way Home
Come Home for Christmas
Feels Like Home
COOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS

Killer Music
Deadly Connection
Dead Wrong
Cold Killer
Deadly Deception
Deadly Pursuit
GLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES

Beach Haven
Moonlight Beach
Beach Dreams
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
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)
OTHER TITLES
The Wishing Tree
Wish Again
Overdue Wishes
One More Wish
Pick of the Litter
Hearts Unleashed
Welcome Aboard
Uncharted Waters
WRITING AS CASEY WILSON
A Dog’s Hope
A Dog’s Chance

REVIEW:

Have you ever gotten hooked on the reality television shows that people go to find love? If you have, you will want to pick yourself up a copy of Heartbreak Beach by Bailey Thomas. It is a novella and as soon as you finish it you will be wanting more. This is my first book by this author and I will be waiting for more from Bailey Thomas in the future. 

This book is about a reality television show that does not go as planned. We actually come into it as they are filming the finale. So much happens in this book! You will not be disappointed. Something happens that I didn’t expect at all. I was a fan of these shows until all the back-biting got to be a bit much. 

The characters were awesome and I have to say I gladly went on the ride this book took me on. I think you will too. Actually, this book does at least a double twist that I didn’t see coming at all. I have to admit I was astounded at the end of the book and didn’t want to let it go. I wanted more and I wanted it now! She better write a sequel to this book or I’m going to have to hunt her down. 

If you love reality shows, wonderful characters and a story that will keep you going and begging for more at the end, then Heartbreak Beach by Bailey Thomas is for you. If you put it on your nightstand, you better head to bed early because you won’t want to put it down. 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.

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:

Reality shows are real, right?

Wrong. When Elise Rosenberg signs up to be a participant in the new hit reality television show, Heartbreak Beach, she quickly realizes how involved the producer, Brent Knox, actually is. She regrets not reading the long contract she was given before agreeing to be on the show, but it’s too late, as she is put in an uncomfortable position during the season finale.

Twenty women began the series, all fighting for the attention of Jared Bradley, the hot bachelor. Each week, he sent women home, until Elise was the only one left. The last episode is supposed to consist of her agreeing to leave Heartbreak Beach as a couple with Jared, but Brent Knox has another idea in mind. He wants Elise to reject Jared’s offer, forcing him to leave the show in the same way he started—single. She is legally obligated to follow the producer’s wishes, but over the course of the show, Elise has fallen in love with Jared, and does not want to hurt him.

Instead of complying with her contractual duty, Elise decides to leave the beach with Jared anyway, and also reveals to him how the show was forcing her to break his heart. Jared and Elise decide to fight against the production company, sharing the truth about how messy reality television truly is.

Producers have ruined enough relationships, and Jared and Elise refuse to be another failed reality TV couple.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bailey Thomas is a new self-published author, writing romance novels based on modern dating. She draws inspiration from her own personal love life, and aims to share these stories in order to bring smiles to readers’ face. All her books are written from the heart.

Although her background is in accounting, she uses her creative mind to produce romantic stories. Her true joy comes from watching people enjoy the words she has crafted, and she hopes that her novels will inspire others to dream big and accomplish their wildest fantasies.

REVIEW:

Losing the Moon by Kellie Coates Gilbert is book five in the Teton Mountain Series. I have read all of the books so far and can I tell you how much I have looked forward to each of the books in this series? Book one, Where We Belong, roped me in from the first chapter and I’m still hooked!

This series is about four girlfriends that have been together since high-school and still are there for each other through thick and thin. This series has told us about each of the girls. They are Charlie Grace, Reva, Lila and Capri. They meet on Friday evenings to catch up with each other and share their week. It is as sacred as going to church.

I have enjoyed getting to know these ladies, their families. Oh and by the way, they still live in the mountain town they grew up in. Just like anyone they have all had some good times and some rough ones. In this book it is a little bit about each of them but Capri suffers a serious accident.

As you probably know by now, I love books about friendship and small towns. Kellie writes about places she has visited so you feel like you are there in her descriptions. You get to travel a little bit when you read one of her books. She has done an exceptional job in developing her characters. They all are different and you get to know more about each of them as the stories unfold. 

This is a wonderful series and I would highly recommend it. There is one more book coming this year and then the Christmas book. So, if you haven’t read any of these books yet, you have time to binge read them before book six comes out. 

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:

A dynamic story that will restore faith in the power of women’s friendships.

When Capri Jacobs sets out to win a competitive snowmobile race in the snowy wilderness, she doesn’t expect to face a life-or-death struggle. When an avalanche leaves her clinging to life, she’ll have to summon every ounce of courage to make it home and discover that sometimes the bravest journey is letting others in.

At Teton Trails Guest Ranch, Charlie Grace Rivers is blindsided when a visiting TV crew uncovers a priceless treasure on the property. What should be a windfall turns her small mountain town upside down, as friends and neighbors begin treating her like a lottery winner instead of the woman they’ve always known.

Amid the chaos, Lila Bellamy is quietly wrestling with a life-changing revelation within her own family—a shift that reminds her of the unshakable bond between mothers and daughters, and the unexpected joys of embracing a new chapter.

Full of heart, friendship, and the beauty of second chances, Losing the Moon will sweep you away to a small town in the scenic Teton Mountains, where life’s challenges bring women closer together and love always lights the way home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

⭐️ USA TODAY BESTSELLER ⭐️

Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, she is especially known for keeping readers turning pages and creating nuanced characters who seem real.

In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reader 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 were included on Library Journal’s Best Book List of 2014.

Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.

REVIEW:

If you have been reading the series Theodore: The Neighbour’s Cat by J.S. Ellis, then you definitely want to read the new installment entitled Theodore: The Cat That Knew Too Much! This book continues the story of Theo. It is book five and I think there is at least one more to wrap this story up. 

This is a unique series as it is told through the eyes of Theo and his current owner Jane. He is a pretty smart cat and I like that they have thoughts and feelings just like we do for our families. Theo takes good care of his family. Human and Feline.

I think I like the chapters that are narrated by Theo the best. He sometimes has the inside scoop. He sees the whole picture a little more than Jane does. Theo gets around and if he doesn’t, there is a new cat in the family that is a street cat and she is certainly street wise. 

This series is fun and quirky. We have a crime series really with people getting killed and people commiting crimes that aren’t very nice. Some parts of this book took me a minute to figure out. That’s just me!  For someone who loves mysteries and crime, I never know who really did it until the end. 

If you like something different, then you might want to look into The Neighbour’s Cat series. If you haven’t read any of them yet, now is a good time to pick them up. They are reasonably priced and you have time to binge read them before J.S. Ellis comes out with the final book. If you are like me and have been reading them for a while, you definitely need to read Theodore: The Cat That Knew Too Much. Stack them on your nightstand because they aren’t very long. 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:

Even after saving my kitten, Tabios, I can’t rest easy while Dean’s malicious fans are still lurking close by. Clinging tight with Jane and Nash, we stay hidden in Capital City to figure out our next move.
But the Tuxies are smarter than we thought.

Deciding she refuses to live in fear, Jane moves us back to her apartment. And there is the new neighbour, Christoph, who instantly becomes suspicious but also drawn to him. When a murder takes place in the building, secrets are revealed that change everything.

Who is the real mastermind behind this group of deranged fans? And is there any way to stop them?

About the Author:

REVIEW:

Patricia Leavy has written over 50 books and has received numerous awards and has had an award named after her. She’s a big deal. She writes fiction and non-fiction with her latest interest being romance. I have not read any of her books until I received a galley of Shooting Stars Above.

This book is about an author who has written a number of inspirational books for broken people offering a ray of sunshine at the end of the tunnel. She has received numerous awards and was the first woman author to negotiate her own terms for rights to her books and films. She is not able to embrace her success. She came from trauma and has a problem of feeling worthy.

The author is Tess Lee and she meets the man of her dreams, Jack Miller. They have a whirlwind romance. They fit together nicely and for all the world seem the perfect couple and for the most part that is true. They have a great group of friends and her best friend is Omar. 

This is a nice story on the surface. There are problems underneath all of this success and wonderful relationships. Tess and Jack both struggle with their pasts but, even that is making great strides. All of this just seems a little too perfect for my taste. I think for a couple that has not been able to have long term personal relationships to meet and then practically be glued together without some ups and downs is a little too amazing.

That is my only beef with the book. I enjoyed the story. As a reader, I’m always interested in the life of an author. Many authors I know struggle to make a living at writing and Tess has it all. I guess it can happen  but, to me this was an adult fairy tale. There is nothing wrong with that! My thoughts are that I could have used a little more angst. If you love Patricia Leavy and you love a beautiful love story, it doesn’t get any better than this. It will certainly deserve a place on your nightstand. It was on mine. 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 #Patricia Leavy, #Netgalley and #She Writes Press. 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:

For fans of Colleen Hoover comes an emotionally charged contemporary romance about an internationally best-selling novelist and a federal agent fighting to heal past wounds.

Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel—but despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself.

The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story, but old traumas soon rise to the surface as Jack struggles with the death of a loved one and Tess is forced to confront her childhood abuse. Can unconditional love help heal their invisible wounds? Together, will they be able to move from darkness to light?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Leavy, PhD is a novelist, sociologist, and arts advocate (formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Founding Director of Gender Studies and Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology at Stonehill College). She is widely considered the world’s most visible proponent of arts-based research, which merges the arts and sciences. Patricia has published over 50 books, nonfiction and fiction, and her work has been translated into numerous languages. She has received over 100 book awards. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2016 Mogul, a global women’s empowerment network, named her an “Influencer.” In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the State University of New York at New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established “The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research.” In recent years, her passion has turned to penning romance novels. For more information, please visit her website.

REVIEW:

What a blast! Kerry Schafer has paired up with Kerry Anne King to write a new book entitled Party Planning Can Be Murder. If you have read any of her books you already know you are in for an experience. I have truly enjoyed everything I have read by her. I am only guessing that her two names come from her books being several different genres. I loved how this book came together and I think you will too.

There is mystery, was there a murder? There are hurt feelings from a snub from a male friend in high school that suddenly found fame. There are expectations that are not being met. There is a new love starting that comes out of left field. There is also an attempted murder. There is so much going on in this book. It will definitely hold your attention until the very last page.

Addy is the Party Planner. The book opens at the funeral of her grandmother. She dares to wear a bright yellow polka dot dress to the funeral at the request of her grandma who also wanted a send off party which was squashed by the rest of the family in favor of a traditional funeral. She doesn’t go to the cemetery because Leno, her friend from high school, requested a meeting with her. Leno is dying and wants a huge send off and again not a traditional funeral. Addy wasn’t able to do it for her grandma and so she is determined to see Leno have his send off. Then…the fun begins!

The characters are delightful. They are all a little bit different (if you know what I mean). The setting is a small town which I love. This book hit all my favorite things!

If you have read anything by either Kerry, you must put this book on your TBR. It deserves the top spot on your nightstand but, fair warning, be careful! You will find yourself up until the wee hours of the morning reading this book or just lying in bed and trying to figure out how it will all end up. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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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:

Wish list: pick up my pills from the pharmacy, plan my party, be there when I die…

Despite a few harrowing incidents with nervy Bridezillas, Addy Winters’ small town party planning business has been murder free – until now. But then, she’s never before been hired to throw a star-studded after-death party for a client who has their death scheduled on their calendar.

When Leno Masterson—former classmate, now legendary rocker with a flair for drama—turns up dead four days earlier than he’d planned, Addy suspects that someone helped him along. Sure, he left a melodramatic goodbye letter and his right-to-die paperwork is all in order, but even when the coroner rules natural causes, Addy isn’t buying it.

Addy’s family and friends – and Leno’s smolderingly hot brother Owen – warn her that she’s diving in over her head, and they’re right. She’s woefully unprepared for either the media onslaught or the secrets the people she thought she knew are hiding. But nothing is going to stop her from getting justice for Leno – and throwing a killer party while she’s at it.

If you love your mysteries with humor, heart, and a side of romance, this is your next must-read. Perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan and The Thursday Murder Club!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: