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!

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:

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:

REVIEW:

Tarts & Turnovers by Barbara Hinske is the fourth book in her Paws and Pastries Series. Although, when I signed up to review for this book, I didn’t realize it was part of a series. I just knew from reading her books in series she has done with several other authors that I wanted to read one of her books. Now, I know that I have already fallen in love with her characters and desperately need to read the first three books in the series.

The characters in this book immediately felt like old friends. Barbara has a way with her development of Clara and Kurt and their supporting cast that just pulls you in the minute you open the book. They are flawed but loving people and aren’t we all? I really can’t tell you what it was that was so different but, there was something different. I really care for all the people in this story.

They live in the little town of Pinewood. I assume it is not a big town. The people all seem to know each other and their business. That is what a small town is for. Right? I loved living in a small town and would like to get back there someday. There is nothing like making a quick trip to the store and finding a lot of people you know to talk to and that 15 minute trip turns into an hour!

Clara has just recently opened a Patiserie and Kurt is an attorney. Clara is so busy, Kurt wonders if she has time in her life for him. He understands since he went through the same thing starting his law firm but, a little insecurity is creeping in. I can’t tell you what all happens in this situation because I want you to enjoy the process of everything unfolding just like I did.

If you love a good love story that takes place in a close knit town, one that pulls together to help each other out in times of illness and troubles, and one that makes you feel like you have found home, then Tarts & Turnovers by Barbara Hinske is for you. Put this on your nightstand and you will be guaranteed a night of beautiful dreams. 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:

Sweets & Treats opened to enthusiastic response from customers, but a summer of torrential rain has dampened sales—and Clara’s mood. Determined to make her patisserie dream a reality, she’s working around the clock to refine her business model and attract customers.

Meanwhile, Maisie has launched her cooking school, adding new classes to meet growing demand. Both women find themselves inundated with unsolicited advice from the men in their lives, leading them to rely on each other for support and encouragement.

Tensions rise as Kurt wonders if Clara has time for their relationship. His doubts are reinforced when a chance encounter gives him the entirely wrong idea. As a tornado warning looms, Clara and Kurt face more than just the threat of an impending storm.

Follow along as Clara rises to every challenge, with Noelle at her side.

Heartwarming women’s fiction at its best.

About the Author:

Barbara Hinske

USA Today Bestselling Author BARBARA HINSKE has written the ten-novel Rosemont series; the Guiding Emily series (a 2023 Hallmark movie); the mystery thriller collection “Who’s There?”; the Paws & Pastries series; and her sweet Christmas story The Christmas Club (a 2019 Hallmark movie). She’s also contributed three novellas to The Wishing Tree series.

The Paws & Pastries series includes:

Paws & Pastries
Sweets & Treats
Snowflakes, Cupcakes & Kittens
Tarts & Turnovers

REVIEW:

I can tell you one thing, Alison Ragsdale knows how to deliver a story that will tear your heart out. Her books are so wonderfully heartwarming, but to get to that point you need to feel the anguish the main character is going through first. That is not a bad thing! At some point in the book you begin to see the sun shine through the clouds. Her newest book My Husband’s Child is one of those remarkable stories.

Cora is the main character in this book. She is divorced from her husband and is living in the home that her adoptive parents left to her. She had a rough beginning to her life which gives her the big heart that she has. You must have a big heart to take in your ex-husband’s children. They have been abandoned by both their mother and father. Oh! Did I tell you to have your box of tissues handy? You might want to because this is such an utterly beautiful story.

My emotions were all over the place while I was reading this book. I loved her father in law even though he came off as an opinionated old man. He did have a soft spot in his heart for Cora. This book deals with many topics that are hard to read about. There is abandonment, abuse to name just a couple. The love that shines through in this book more than makes up for the sadness that is felt. 

I love a book that will break my heart to pieces and then mend it back together again. I love a book about love and not just the love between partners, but also the love of close friends, family, and home. If you love a good clean story and one that will make you feel things you haven’t felt for awhile then Alison Ragsdale’s My Husband’s Child needs the top spot on your nightstand. 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, Bookouture, and Netgalley. 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 post, and you will find a subscribe button in the bottom right-hand corner or click on the 3 dots. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

When I find a little girl standing on my doorstep, I don’t know what to do. But as I take her small hand in mine, she whispers words that will change my life. ‘Mummy said you’d look after me.’

Ever since her husband left her for another woman, Cora has been trying to put her life back together. But when she hears he started a family, her heart breaks all over again. And so, when the doorbell rings late one night, the last person Cora expects to find is her husband’s child.

The little girl is shivering, clutching her baby brother’s hand. With no other choice, Cora ushers the children into her home. As she settles them by the fire, she tries to work out what happened. But as the days pass and her phone calls go unanswered, she realises the children’s parents have vanished without a trace…

Over the following weeks, Cora grows to love the children as if they were her own. And as she tucks them into bed each night, pressing a kiss to their foreheads, her heart feels fuller than she ever could have imagined.

But when her ex-husband’s wife reappears, Cora senses she isn’t telling the truth about why she abandoned her children. And when Cora’s ex-husband returns, claiming the children aren’t safe with their mother, she faces an impossible choice. Should Cora believe him or the children’s mother? And should she trust her instinct that something is terribly wrong?

An utterly compelling and heartbreaking story about motherhood and a devastating family secret. Readers who love Kate Hewitt, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will be totally captivated by this deeply emotional novel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alison Ragsdale writes contemporary women’s fiction novels set in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, her homeland. They are emotionally charged stories about family, love, loss, forgiveness, and finding new ways to happiness despite life’s toughest challenges.

Ragsdale’s novels are heart-wrenching tales of family dynamics and relationships, inspired by the extraordinary in the every-day. For more information, previews of upcoming books, and signings, sign up for the Highlanders Club newsletter.

A former marketing executive, originally from Edinburgh, Alison now lives near Washington D.C. with her husband and dogs. She was educated in England and holds an MBA from Leicester University.

ABOUT ALISON’S BOOKS:

Alison’s Amazon Kindle Best sellers include: TUESDAY’S SOCKS (2015), THE FATHER-DAUGHTER CLUB (2015), FINDING HEATHER (2016) and A LIFE UNEXPECTED (2018).

THE ART OF REMEMBERING, (2019) debuted as an Amazon Kindle best seller. It went on to become #1 Kindle Best seller in British contemporary literature in both Canada and Australia. It was also a BookBub Best Book Club Book Pick selection in July, 2019. It was honored as a finalist in the 2019 American Fiction Awards, was short listed for the CIBA Somerset Award, and was a finalist in both the 2020 Eric Hoffer Award and the 2020 International Book Awards.

THE LIAR AND OTHER STORIES, is Alison’s first short story collection (2020).

DIGNITY AND GRACE (2020) debuted as a Kindle bestseller in British and Irish Literature and was a Kindle #1 Best Seller in Canada and Australia.

HER LAST CHANCE (2021) is a Kindle Top 20 bestseller in the UK.

SOMEONE ELSE’S CHILD (2022)

THE CHILD BETWEEN US (2022) is a Kindle Top 20 bestseller in the UK.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE (2024) is a Kindle #1 bestseller in British and Irish Literature in the USA

REVIEW:

If you’ve been reading the Not Again series by Maria Henriksen, hang onto your hats because a new addition to the series is here! It is Not Again Morgan’s Story. I had the honor of being a Beta reader for this one, and it is fabulous. Let me tell you why you will definitely want to read this next installment.

The first thing that comes to my mind is that the genre is a little bit of a diversion from what she usually writes. This is still Christian Fiction at its finest, but there is some mystery/thriller action going on. If you enjoy Christian Fiction but also delve into thrillers, romance, sports fiction, and mysteries like I do, you will love this book. It has it all.

Morgan has morals and values that allow her to live a life for and based on Christ, and that causes her some problems along the way. It is an example of what all good Christians face in the world today. We are often considered less than because we stand for something that isn’t as popular anymore. In this book, especially we hear Morgan’s constant thoughts and prayers that run through her head to keep her strong and safe. I love that! We need more of that in our daily lives.

There is a very sweet romance in this book that I can’t wait for readers to experience. It is an example of what God wants us to have in our lives. We need that special someone who has our wishes and wellbeing in mind at all times. We also need someone whose wishes and beliefs line up with ours and who walk the walk and talk the talk.

There are many bible verses quoted in this story. Because Morgan knows and studies her bible, she is reminded of those verses by the good Lord when things are happening in her life that she is not understanding or needs help with. They help her walk her life as a Christian. We get to see how her many prayers throughout the day are answered to keep her strong. We all need to live more like Morgan. She is my hero!

If Christian Fiction is one of the genres you read and you also enjoy others, you will most likely fall in love with Maria Henriksen’s Not Again Morgan’s Story as I have. It will remind me for days to come to live my life with Christ in my heart. I highly recommend this book if for nothing more than to give you warm fuzzies, but I hope you take more away from it than that. 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:

Not Again Morgan’s Story, the third novel of the Not Again series, masterfully combines both sweet and edgy elements in this Christian college romance set in 1989 that revolves around games of deceit, lacrosse, and betrayal.

Morgan is on top of the world when her life comes crashing down. Everything is at risk, including her life. Will Morgan have what it takes to make game-changing moves? Or, will it be the final game over for her?

Find out if Morgan has the survival instincts to be a winner in this enthralling, romantic suspense game called life. Not Again, healing hearts one page at a time.

Not Again, healing hearts one page at a time

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maria T. Henriksen is a lover of reading and writing and hopes that people will enjoy her novel as much as she enjoyed writing it.

Helping others in any capacity is what drives Maria. Not Again was created with the intent of arming teens with the necessary tools to navigate life with peace, passion, and clarity. She hopes that all readers, not just teenagers, will be able to employ those methods to overcome the stress that plagues us all.

Maria has a passion for health and fitness, and exercises on a regular basis. She can be seen running on a track, trail, or along the road several times during the week, especially in the summer. Her favorite place to run is down the shore, along the bay.

This spirit-filled Philadelphia suburbanite resides with her husband, Dave, of over two decades, along with their college-age twins. As a family, they bond over their love for sports, and each member makes every effort to cheer each other on at their competitions. Maria feels extremely blessed to have such a close family and continues to find each of them as a source of daily inspiration.

Be sure to check out the book trailer for Not Again to watch the novel come alive!

For more information about Maria T. Henriksen, visit her colorful website.:

https://www.mariathenriksen.com

REVIEW:

Every Precious and Fragile Thing by Barbara Davis is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. I also own a few others by her and now I need to make work of sliding them into my schedule. This was a book I didn’t expect and was a surprise to me. I am in awe of the beautiful book she wrote.

There are two main characters in this book. It starts out with Mallory who is a social worker who feels this is her calling until she finds herself at a crossroads in her life when a client is brutally murdered. She takes a leave of absence and returns to her mothers home. Her mom is Helen who also has a calling as a death doula. These two ladies make the book worth reading, but there is so much more to their story.

There is a part of this book that made me stop and go back to the beginning to see if I missed something. I always love a book that catches me by surprise. A surprise that adds a little something to the book that I totally didn’t see coming. For me, this makes a book and the story line stand out as something different. I like a book that makes me think and look at something in a different way than I had before.

There are so many themes in this book and one that comes up often is one of forgiveness of the transgressions of others and ourselves. Sometimes we are hardest on ourselves when we think we have made a serious mistake or overlooked something. We need to remember that forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and one another.

Barbara tells us at the end of the book that her own husband received his own diagnosis of cancer during the writing of this book and that she struggled with writing and research during this time. Anyone who follows her on social media knows this and it was heartwarming to hear how the bookworld came together for Barbara and her husband Tom. 

If you are like me and have not read a Barbara Davis book yet, then this is the time to jump right on in. I loved this book and the life lessons that I learned along the way. I think you need to put this on the top of your tbr list. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing. 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 mother and daughter try desperately to reconcile just as a decades-old secret threatens to shatter their relationship forever in this powerful story from the bestselling author of The Echo of Old Books.

For social worker Mallory Ward, working with at-risk youth is a calling. But when one of her clients is tragically killed, she finds herself at a crossroads. Despite long-held resentments toward her distant mother, Mallory retreats to her childhood home on the Rhode Island coast to contemplate her future. Instead, she’s confronted by her past, not only in the renewed tensions with her mother but in the unexpected appearance of a familiar face—and the wrenching losses that drove her away a decade ago.

Helen Ward’s home is filled with precious keepsakes from her patients, a testament to decades spent caring for the terminally ill. Her work has always come first, though, leaving little time to connect with her daughter. Over the years, the rift between them has become a chasm, so when Mallory appears unannounced, Helen sees it as an opportunity to repair their broken relationship.

But hidden among Helen’s mementos are the keys to her past…and a terrible secret that threatens to destroy the fragile new trust between them forever.

About the Author:

Barbara Davis is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of nine novels, including The Echo of Old Books, The Keeper of Happy Endings, and The Last of the Moon Girls. She spent more than a decade as an executive in the jewelry business before leaving the corporate world to pursue her lifelong passion for writing. A Jersey girl raised in the south, Barbara now lives in Poinciana, Florida, with her husband, Tom. She’s currently working on her next book. Visit her at: http://www.barbaradavis-author.com.

REVIEW:

Do you ever read a book that has such an impact on you and you know it will stay with you forever? I have to say that A Tiny Piece of Blue by Charlotte Whitney is one of those books for me. This book wormed its way into my heart and will be there for years to come. It was heartwarming, infuriating, uncomfortable at times and sad enough to make me cry and happy enough to make me laugh. This book has all the emotions!

The main character is a young girl thirteen years of age named Silstice. She comes from a family of six kids. There is a tragedy that hits the family and the father takes off. The mother finds a home for herself and four of the kids. She leaves Silstice and her older sister Alberta to fend for themselves. We meet Vernon and Edna Goetz who own a farm and are 4-H leaders. Vernon is something else. He made me so mad and then I loved him by the end of the book. Just like any good book you have characters you like and some you despise. 

The book takes place in a small town in Calhoun County in Michigan. The year is 1934 during the Great Depression. I love small towns and this just happens to be in my home state. I love that it took place during the depression because I learned a bit about that time period. I’m glad I didn’t live then as many folks in the country didn’t have modern conveniences. I kind of like an indoor bathroom, lights and forced air heat. 

The combination of the characters, the state and the time period all drew me in. I sat glued to my chair reading this book all day! There was a lot going on. Did you know there was trafficking of children back then? I didn’t. What parent today could let their 13 year old child fend for themselves and move to another state? I couldn’t! 

If you’re looking for a good clean story, one that will draw you in, keep your interest and pull out all the feels, then A Tiny Piece of Blue by Charlotte Whitney should go directly on top of your TBR on your nightstand. This is a must read and one you don’t want to miss. I would give this one ten stars if I could. I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

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 and Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, LLC. 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 Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds and Lisa Wingate’s Shelterwood comes a heartwarming historical novel following a homeless young girl as she struggles to survive during the Great Depression.

Rural Michigan, 1934. During the throes of the Great Depression, thirteen-year-old Silstice Trayson finds herself homeless, abandoned by her parents after a devastating house fire. Nearby, aging midwestern farmers Edna and Vernon Goetz are pillars of the community, but when do-gooder Edna takes up Silstice’s cause, Vernon digs in his heels, displaying his true nature as an ornery curmudgeon.

Theirs is a quiet-seeming community, but danger lurks beneath the bucolic façade. With so many youngsters leaving home to make it on their own, child trafficking has grown rampant, and Silstice and her two spirited young brothers soon find themselves in the sights of a ring of kidnappers that’s exploiting local children into forced labor—and worse. Meanwhile Vernon finds himself at risk of losing everything.

Narrated by Silstice, Vernon, and Edna, A Tiny Piece of Blue sets the customs and traditions of rural Michigan against a backdrop of thievery, bribery, and child-trafficking—weaving a suspenseful yet tender tale that ultimately winds its way to a heartwarming conclusion.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Charlotte Whitney writes historical fiction set in the rural Midwest during the Great Depression. A Tiny Piece of Blue is scheduled to come out in February, 2025. The Unveiling of Polly Forrest (2022) a stand-alone historical mystery received much critical acclaim as did her groundbreaking novel, Threads A Depression Era Tale. In addition, she has authored I Dream in White, a contemporary romance, and How to Win at Upwards, a nonfiction book about her favorite word game.

She received a master’s degree in English at the University of Michigan and after teaching at two community colleges worked at the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts Program at the University of Michigan. An avid reader, she loves libraries and book clubs. Currently living in Arizona with her husband and two dogs, she enjoys hiking, bicycling, swimming, and yoga.

Eight things you may not know about Charlotte:

1. She worked as a waitress in two different restaurants, plus had a few secretarial jobs along the way.

2. She and her husband slept in an empty truck bed in Antwerp, Belgium while hitchhiking through Europe.

3. Her third son was born unexpectedly when they were visiting relatives in Chicago.

4. Her favorite meal ia an Indonesian Rijsttafel (rice table)–easily found in Amsterdam but not too many other places.

5. Here favorite travel sites: Petra in Jordan; the Alhambra in Spain; the Grand Canyon in Arizona; Mackinac Island in Michigan.

6. Her favorite road: Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

7. She’s an exercise nut and loves yoga.

8. She has a chocolate Labrador retriever named Athena.

REVIEW: 

Christina Clancy has once again written a book that will be hard to forget! The title of her new book is The Snowbirds. I will be thinking about this book for a long while. There are many aspects of this book that will be making the rounds though my mind until I come to terms with everything that happened and all the different personalities that are introduced to us.

If you don’t know, I love the characters I meet in books. I love people with different personalities and reading books brings me into contact with many more of them than I currently meet in my everyday life. People have always been fascinating to me and you will meet your share of wonderful characters in The Snowbirds. I have to give this author credit for developing a truly diverse bunch. You’re gonna love these people. They are truly amazing in so many different ways!

This book also gives us an up close look at a couple who have an unconventional relationship. They have been together 30 years or more and have made their set-up work. Grant has lost his job just when Kim is about to go on a sabbatical. She is desperately looking for time alone to figure out her future. Now she finds herself headed to Palm Springs with Grant for the winter in the ex-husbands condo. They have a lot to figure out including how their future is going to look. Palm Springs winds up being a turning point in their lives and frankly one they were looking at even if they had stayed at home. Many of us find ourselves at turning points even when we don’t want them.

I found myself questioning if I could have lived their life and what I would want if I was in their position. This book made me think about things and made me realize there are many situations that are outside of the norm that work out for one reason or another. If you like a book that makes you think outside of your comfort zone, makes you wonder how you would handle a situation and leaves you in awe of the people you just met, then this is a book you should read. I highly recommend this book and hope you get a chance to read it. Let me know if you do. 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, Netgalley and St. Martin’s 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:

“A riveting exploration of midlife yearning.” —People

The Last Thing He Told Me meets Fleishman Is in Trouble in this page-turning story of a couple who flee winter in the Midwest for Palm Springs, where they find their relationship at a crossroads.

Kim and Grant are at a turning point. A couple for thirty years, their “separate but together” partnership is running up against the realities of late middle age: Grant’s mother has died, the college where he taught philosophy was shuttered, and their twin girls are grown and gone. Escaping the bitter cold of a Midwestern winter for the hot desert sun of Palm Springs seems as good a solution as any to the more intractable problems they face.

When they arrive at Le Desert, a quirky condo community where everyone knows everyone’s business, Kim immediately embraces the opportunity to make new friends and explore a more adventurous side of her personality. Meanwhile, Grant struggles to find his footing in this unfamiliar landscape, leaving Kim to wonder if their relationship can survive the snowbird season. But when Grant goes missing on a hike in the Palm Springs mountains, Kim is forced to consider two terrifying outcomes: either Grant is truly lost, or this time, he’s really left her.

Is it ever too late to become the person we wanted to be—and is there still time to change into someone better? The exhilarating, but often confusing transitions of midlife are pitched against the promise and glamour of Palm Springs in this tender, honest story of what it takes to commit to someone for a lifetime. With compassion and humor, Clancy explores the redemptive power of finding ourselves, and of being found.

About Christina Clancy

I taught English at Beloit College for almost a decade. I’ve been writing short stories and essays that have appeared in The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Sun Magazine, and in literary journals like Glimmer Train Stories, Hobart, Pleiades, The Minnesota Review and on Wisconsin Public Radio. I have a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I live in Madison, Wisconsin with my very tall husband. We have two children, Olivia and Tim.

REVIEW:

Mending Hearts by Wendy Million is one of the reasons I love to read and then review the books I read. This book broke my heart into a million little pieces along the way. Parts of it kept breaking off as I read the book. I have to say that most of it was put back together by the time I finished reading which means my heart was also mended. Yours will be too!

This is book two in the Little Falls Small Town Romance Series. It looks to me like there will be two more coming. If you haven’t started the series, you have time to jump into it now before book three comes out. Book one is Rival Hearts and I fell just as hard with that story. These two books and I assume the rest of them will take place in Little Falls.

If you follow me at all, you will know that I love small town stories. I come from a small town and there is always the pull of the place that you love the most where everybody knows each other and their business. Knowing all the business owners by name and having that special place you like to hang out or somewhere to grab a quick dinner on the nights you don’t have the energy to cook. What could be better?

Wendy does an exceptional job with her character development with these books. I appreciate that she delves into their innermost thoughts, their private feelings and their deepest desires. You know her characters inside out. That is especially true with this series and made Mending Hearts work for me. I originally didn’t know if I would enjoy following the life of a pop star but I fell hook, line and sinker.

This is definitely a character driven story and is told from more than one viewpoint. It is one that you know where things are headed right from the beginning but, it still breaks your heart along the way. It will stand very well on its own although I think it will be more satisfying to read Rival Hearts first. You will meet some of the same characters along the way.

If you love small town romance stories, then Mending Hearts and Rival Hearts by Wendy Million should be on your radar and your nightstand. I can highly recommend these stories from the heart. 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:

Reasons I shouldn’t walk through Tyler Sullivan’s door:

– When we met my dress was literally ripped, until he fixed it

– We haven’t seen each other since he left my hotel room, with said dress on the floor

– He’s much too old for me

– I’m pregnant with his baby—and I don’t know if I’m meant to be a mother

If you saw how sexy Tyler looks in a tailored suit with a lollipop held between his fingers, you’d understand how I got into this situation.

But my life is filled with flashing lights, sold out stadiums, and sound checks. Being a popstar is not suited for love or babies.

Yet he looks at me like everything might actually be alright.

He’s handy, kind, and wants to raise our baby (with or without me).

If I let him, he might just mend my broken heart.


This is an open door, small town, angsty, accidental pregnancy romance between a popstar and a fledgling fashion designer who is fourteen years her senior.

Content warning: discussions/memories of sexual assault, past sexual trauma