REVIEW:

The Bad Neighbor by Jennifer Ruff is definitely a must read! It is the ninth book in the Agent Victoria Heslin Series. If you haven’t read this series yet, never fear. Each of the books in her series read as standalones. That is really nice. In fact I started the series on book 3 and own one and two. I hope to find time this winter to go back and read them. The perk of reading them in order is that you learn Victoria’s past and get to know her as she excels with her career with the FBI.

I have to say that out of the seven books I’ve read of this particular series, I’ve enjoyed every one of them. The cases are all so different and they hold your interest from the very first page. I love a book that grabs your interest and won’t let you go. Don’t you?

This book was very different because it takes place in her own exclusive neighborhood. She doesn’t often spend a lot of time at home. She is on the road a lot solving cases and looking for criminals. Consequently she doesn’t know her neighbors that well. A new couple moved in down the street recently and the wife went missing. Victoria is on vacation and immediately lends a hand in the search. All of the neighbors and even the husband are looked at as the culprit.

I have to say she kept me guessing. I had a hint of where she might be and I also thought it might be the teenage son of one couple. She kept me reading and I had a hard time putting this page-turner down. I even dreamed of this book at night. That is always a good indication to me that this is an exceptional book. I don’t dream about every book that I read. It has to be one my mind is working on in the background.

If you love a good mystery and one that just happens to include an old murder that was thought to be a disappearance then this book should be your next engrossing read. It certainly needs to be on your nightstand. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure. 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 #Jenifer Ruff. 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 idyllic Mountain Meadows neighborhood, a fresh start can quickly become a fatal ending.

For newcomers Chris and Zoey Hamilton, the affluent community seems like the perfect location to build a life together. Instead, history repeats itself when Zoey vanishes without a trace—just like the previous homeowner five years ago.

Enter FBI Special Agent Victoria Heslin, known for her relentless pursuit of the truth. Her investigation uncovers a history of lies and betrayal festering beneath manicured gardens and picture-perfect smiles.

The more Victoria digs, the clearer it becomes: the secrets in Mountain Meadows run deep, and the greatest threats aren’t lurking in the shadows…they’re hosting dinner parties, attending parent-teacher conferences, going to yoga, and waving hello from behind their perfectly trimmed hedges. One of those polite, smiling individuals will stop at nothing to keep the past buried.

THE BAD NEIGHBOR is book 9 in the award-winning Agent Victoria Thriller Series by USA Today bestselling author, Jenifer Ruff. Each book features a unique investigation and can be read as a STANDALONE.

“I say this every time I read a new Agent Victoria Heslin thriller, but this is the best one yet! The Bad Neighbor is a highly addictive read. Layers of mystery continue to unfold, keeping you guessing until the last page.” – USA Today bestselling author Audrey J. Cole

“The Bad Neighbor by Jenifer Ruff is a gripping domestic thriller that kept me hooked and had me guessing until the very end. Highly recommend!” – H.K. Christie, Author of the Martina Monroe Thriller Series

“The Bad Neighbor is a real page-turner. Great, nail-biting suspense, excellent writing, and a heart-pounding conclusion.” – Addison Michael, author of the Mak and Wilton Thriller Series

REVIEW:

Soraya Lane has once again delivered a story that will keep you turning the pages in The Paris Daughter. It is the fifth book in The Lost Daughters series which is currently a six book series. I’m really hoping for more in this series but I’m not holding my breath. This is a wonderful series for many reasons.

The number one reason I love this series is all the places we as readers get to visit. This book takes place in Paris, France and London. London is in all of the books as the location of a home for unwed mothers. I have enjoyed all of the places and the times that we were taken to in each book. 

The description of the locations makes you feel like you are there yourself. I loved the smell of the roses, the smell and feel of the ocean and the food. This book was about the fashion design in Paris. Seeing the dresses in your mind and feeling the fabrics was oh so yummy. I’m not sure how the author made this all come so alive in my mind. It was absolutely wonderful!

The character development was phenomenal. I came to love so many of these characters and their families. We also were able to meet locals and get to know them. I fell in love with so many men. Oh my! It felt like you were with the main characters on the trip and involved in the search for answers to the missing mothers.

Each of these books involves a mystery. The mystery birth mother. Each of the families received small wooden boxes that held something for the adopted child if they came back at a later date looking for information about their birth mother. If you like mysteries and solving them, these books will satisfy that. They all can be read as standalone books. So, jump in and pick one that appeals to you.

If you are like me and love a book with a good mystery, characters to fall in love with and sometimes cry with, and setting to die for, then I highly recommend this series. The Paris Daughter has Paris and fashion and love and what is not to love about 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 #Soraya Lane, #Netgalley, and #Bookouture. 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:

Paris, 1939: Gazing out at the glittering skyline, Evelina clutches the letter from her love in shaking hands. “I know I do not deserve you, my darling, but I pray that you will change your mind. You have my heart, and I hope that nothing will keep us apart…”

London, present day. Blake gazes down at a scrap of shimmering silver velvet attached to a faded dress design, tracing the details with wonder. They were left with her grandmother at Hope’s House, a home for unmarried mothers, before she was adopted. Now her beloved grandmother has passed, the beautiful fabric and the designer’s signature are the only clues Blake has about her biological family. Will she be able to unravel the decades-old family secret?

Blake can’t get the intricate drawing, and what it could reveal about her family, out of her head. Armed with a plane ticket, a Paris address and the details of a handsome fashion curator named Henri, Blake is determined to find out the truth about her talented great-grandmother Evelina’s life. Perhaps doing so will help Blake get her old spark for designing back, after her dreams have sat forgotten for so long.

Soon Blake is walking down the Champs-Élysées and enjoying intimate dinners with Henri, who is researching Evelina’s work as one of Paris’ most celebrated designers, whose bold designs rivalled Coco Chanel’s. As Henri and Blake grow closer, they uncover Evelina’s legacy, and her forbidden romance that set the fashion world ablaze.

As Blake discovers the impossible choice that caused Evelina to flee the most romantic city in the world, she wonders if she too could risk everything for love. Could hearing tales of her great-grandmother’s bravery encourage her to take a chance on a new life with Henri? Or will the fallout of Evelina’s heart-wrenching past drive Blake back home?

A completely addictive and emotional novel about family secrets, forbidden love and having the courage to follow your dreams. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

REVIEW:

One thing I always know when I sit down with a Denise Hunter Novel is that I am in for an enjoyable read. Before We Were Us did not disappoint. She has always provided me with stories that fill my heart and give me warm fuzzies. I enjoy books that can do that to me. I admit I’m a sucker for a good love story. I prefer the ones that are not the typical love story and Denise’s books are not typical. There is always something a little different about them.

This book has a main character named Lauren that suffers a fall and loses about 4 months of her memories. Her then boyfriend Jonah can’t forget the time they spent together and Lauren doesn’t want to remember. She is by nature a go-getter and has big plans for her life. She is not about to give them up for just any man! Would you?

I loved the ride this story took me on. It is a good clean romance and I found myself rooting for Jonah and their love story. His parents and sister are all characters that you learn to care for as they run the small rustic resort where Lauren is working for the summer. Her being there is a condition of her dream job in the big city.

Denise Hunter writes clean romances and if that is in your wheelhouse, you will definitely want to put this one 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 #Netgalley, #ThomasNelson. 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:

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

Charming contemporary romanceBook length: approximately 83,000 wordsStand-alone novelIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

REVIEW:

Long Way Home is the eighth book in the Hometown Harbor Series by Tammy L. Grace. I love this series so far. I don’t think I’ve read all of the books and I promise you I’m going to sit down and figure out which ones I’ve read and get caught up this winter. I have been saving space in my schedule to read some books I have wanted to read for a long time.

This book takes place in the small town of Friday Harbor. Tammy gives us such an idyllic description of this town and the year around residents that inhabit Friday Harbor. If I could, I would pack my bags and live there. The characters are so welcoming and friendly. This book is the story of Amelia and Noah. I remember Noah from another series and how he made his way to this wonderful place.

Noah has a life-altering shadow over him and Amelia is healing from a devastating loss. These two characters were made for each other. While Amelia is staying at a friend’s home she does some volunteer work delivering food to some elderly and needy people. I enjoyed some of the residents that she came to know and love. I am not sure that any author can develop the characters that Tammy does. I always find myself shedding tears or grinning with happiness for them. I don’t know how she does it but she has a unique talent.

If you love stories of family and friendship with hints of romance and definitely clean romance, then the books of the Hometown Series by Tammy L. Grace should definitely be on your radar. She is at the top of my favorite author list. You can’t go wrong when you pick one of them up to read. These books can all be read as stand alone novels and Long Way Home is not an exception. 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:

The most comforting place in life isn’t a destination. It’s the company of someone who feels like home.Join Amelia’s journey as she navigates through grief and heartache, seeking solace in the tranquil town of Friday Harbor after a devastating loss rocks her world. Surrounded by new friends, including a ninety-seven-year-old veteran, she begins to piece together her shattered life, finding unexpected comfort in the presence of Noah and his faithful golden retriever.

Amelia and Noah begin to bond over their shared love of books and similar childhood experiences, but as they confront their fears and uncertainties, they must make tough decisions.

Will Amelia find the courage to trust again, even in the face of daunting challenges? Can Noah imagine the future he longs for, despite the looming shadow of a life-altering news?

Long Way Home is a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of human connections. With its well-developed characters and deep emotions, this heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and hope will tug at your heartstrings and linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading.

Long Way Home is the eighth book in the Hometown Harbor Series, perfect escapes filled with the emotional journeys of women in midlife, and a hint of romance. If you enjoy stories of friendship and family, characters who feel like old friends, and second chances, then you’ll love Tammy L. Grace’s latest touching story of love, loss, and hope.

Buy Long Way Home and treat yourself to the eighth book in the series readers describe as “the perfect escape, captivating, heartwarming, and inspirational” today.

Read more from USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace

COOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS

Killer Music (2016 Gold Medal Mystery Winner in the Global eBook Awards)Deadly Connection (2017 Gold Medal Mystery Winner in the Global eBook Awards)Dead WrongCold KillerDeadly DeceptionHOMETOWN HARBOR SERIESHometown Harbor: The Beginning (Prequel Novella)Finding HomeHome BloomsPromise of HomePieces of HomeFinally HomeForever HomeFollow Me HomeSISTERS OF THE HEART SERIESGreetings from Lavender ValleyPathway to Lavender ValleySanctuary at Lavender ValleyBlossoms at Lavender ValleyComfort in Lavender ValleyReunion in Lavender Valley

GLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES

Beach HavenMoonlight BeachBeach Dreams

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)

REVIEW:

New author, new book, new series, what could be better? I still consider myself a lucky girl. I have read so many good books. I am very careful what I say I will read so most of my books are rated 5 stars because of that. I have a long list of books to read and I don’t think I’ll ever run out of books. Do you all have a long “to be read pile”? I can’t resist. If life didn’t get in the way, I could read all day everyday. There are things that come up and things that need done so that doesn’t happen too much.

The book I just finished is by Marlayne Giron. It is titled Second Chance Inn. Did I rate it 5 stars? You bet I did! I literally loved this story, the setting, the characters, all of it. From page one I was hooked.

First of all this is an Amish story. I will have to say I have read several Amish stories and have enjoyed every one of them. This one was different in oh so many ways! I have a bit of knowledge of the Amish ways because I lived in a community that was home to many of those families. I did however learn more about them in this book and what happens to them if they communicate or become too friendly with the non-Amish people in the area. I do like learning new things. I do like the sense of community and the closeness they have with each other. 

This story is about a woman and her daughter from California who loses her husband and has to move somewhere with a lower cost of living to survive. She buys the farm of an Amish man who has lost his wife and children in a buggy accident. The agreement is he will stay on as caretaker. You can probably guess where this is going and all the problems that come from it.

There is a sequel coming out the first of October named A Place of Refuge. I will be reading it. I am totally looking forward to the rest of the story. There is so much that has to be dealt with and I am not sure if we are looking at more heartache or a lot of happiness. 

If you love romance and Amish stories, this book should be on your radar if you haven’t read it yet. If you have, I’m happy to let you know there is a sequel coming out. I know I can’t wait to read it. 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 Marlayne Giron. Thank you! 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:

Rachel Winston is suddenly and tragically widowed in her early 30s. She and her adopted, teenaged daughter, Karen, are forced to leave everything behind in Southern California. She purchases an Amish farmhouse in Lancaster County, PA to open an Amish-style Bed & Breakfast Inn. The farmhouse she purchases was put on the market by a young Amish widower, Samuel Miller, who recently lost his wife and five children in a buggy accident. He has moved into the Dawdi house to maintain the farm and Rachel happily cooks, cleans, and does his laundry in exchange for his help.

Thrown together by tragic loss, their mutual suffering draws them together against the rules of his community. Solace and friendship soon turn into something deeper, putting him at great risk for shunning. Rachel struggles to adapt while her daughter finds it easier to fit in to the Amish lifestyle.

Will Rachel succeed in becoming sufficiently Amish so she can be with Samuel, or will their blossoming relationship doom them both as outcasts?

REVIEW:

Burden of Doubt is undoubtedly the best book that I have read by Liane Carmen to date. She absolutely knocked it out of the park. I was into this book immediately and couldn’t put it down. It is one of the better thrillers I’ve read for a while. It falls into several genres. There is police procedural, a court trial, romance, work problems and well you name it. A lot goes on in this book.

The storyline in this book is phenomenal. It isn’t over the top. I don’t think the author took liberties that may not happen in real life. I can see every bit of it happening. I was surprised at how it all turned out. There were some twists and turns in this book I didn’t see coming and neither did Maggie who is the main character. I do have a question that didn’t get answered but, I think I have it figured out. It wasn’t a big point in the book, just the beginning of what was to follow.

Her character development was so good! I hated some of the characters and loved some of the others. I kept trying to urge Maggie to tell her boss where to stuff his attitude. He was a boss from you know where and you just knew he was going to get his due in one way or another and boy, did he ever! 

Liane Carmen is the author of the Investigation Duo series and she hinted at the end of the book that those ladies just might take Maggie on as a partner. That would be so awesome! So, if you haven’t read those books yet, you might want to read those just in case Maggie enters into that series. I love those books and wondered when she might be writing more of them. Maybe it will be sooner than I think!  

Oh, and let’s not forget that Maggie runs into her high school crush who is now a police officer in the same town! Well, the sparks started flying along with the butterflies and then they cooled off a bit. There were a few ups and downs but, I’m not letting the cat out of the bag! I will tell you I think Matt would be quite a catch.

If you’re looking for a book to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat, I really think you should think about adding this one to your TBR pile. Warning: Burden of Doubt by Liane Carmen may keep you awake at night. Yup, it was one of those books I dreamt about all night 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 Liane Carmen. Thank you! 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:

Her addiction to true crime could prove fatal.

Maggie Turner, newly divorced and stuck in a dead-end job, is secretly thrilled when she’s chosen as a juror on a murder trial. During deliberations, she is the lone guilty vote. With insights gleaned from a steady diet of true crime television, she argues how she believes the murder happened. The other jurors won’t budge.

She changes her vote and returns to her mundane existence convinced she helped set a murderer free. Then, after a chance encounter with the victim’s sister, Maggie realizes she can’t let the verdict go. With visions of hosting a podcast about the case, she and another true crime addict begin their own investigation.

As the pieces fall into place, Maggie finds herself in a cat-and-mouse game with a killer who will stop at nothing to keep her from revealing the truth. When he makes her family his next target, Maggie is determined to give another jury an airtight case to lock him up for good.

She’ll convince him to commit another murder — hers.

REVIEW:

I was so excited to read Holding the Dream by Kellie Coates Gilbert. It is book three in the Teton Mountain Series and from page one of book one I knew I was going to fall in love with this series. I have several books in my library written by Kellie that I haven’t read yet and I know one day I will have to make time for them if they all are as good as this series.

The Teton Mountain Series revolves around four women that have been friends since high school. They are Charlie Grace, Reva, Lila and Capri. These ladies love one another and there aren’t any secrets between them. They have a tradition to end their week hanging out on Friday evening along with emergency meetups when needed. I enjoy these ladies and the little town they live in.

This story is mainly about Lila and her hard work to become a veterinarian and also a certification for large animals. She has worked for Dr. Tillman for years and always feels she is not able to live up to expectations. He decides to retire to spend more time with his kids and grandchildren. Now what’s going to happen to Lila’s job? You’re going to have to read the book to find out. 

In a nutshell, I love the character development, the story line, the setting and I don’t have one bad thing to say about this book and the series as a whole. This series makes me  want to live somewhere like Thunder Mountain and have such precious friends. If you are like me and love to get lost in a book with characters you feel like you know and places you want to be, then I can’t recommend the Teton Mountain Series highly enough. Kellie Coates Gilbert meets everything I want in a book and a heartwarming series. 

Oh my! I almost forgot to tell you that while I was reading along I noticed a character named Eddy has the same last name as I do! How fun is that? Thank you, Kellie. ❤ 

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:

Sometimes, the most profound victories involve risking the heart.

Lila Bellamy is a strong-willed single mother who aims to become a large animal veterinarian while juggling the demands of raising her teenage daughter. Despite her ambition and quiet determination, her aspirations are often thwarted by her boss, Doc Tillman, a seasoned yet stubborn veterinarian, who underestimates her skills and challenges her at every turn.

When health issues necessitate Doc Tillman’s temporary departure, a chance opens for Lila to step up and show her skills, hopefully winning her boss over. That is until the charismatic and frustratingly enigmatic Whit Calloway shows up at her clinic, hired by Doc Tillman to take over in his absence.

Sparks fly from the get-go between Lila and Whit, transforming their professional rivalry into a fiery connection that neither of them can ignore. As they navigate their competing ambitions and burgeoning feelings, they’ll learn that the heart, much like their furry patients, requires tender care and can heal in the most unexpected ways.

REVIEW:

This boxed set consists of the first two books I read and reviewed that were written by J.S.Ellis. I’m pasting my reviews written at the time I read them.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found by J.S. Ellis is my first book by this author. I’ve been following her for quite a while and hadn’t taken the plunge yet. I’m certainly glad I did! She was looking for a few reviewers for the sequel to this book and I answered the call. She graciously provided the first book for my enjoyment and boy did I ever enjoy it. 

Her writing flows well. I was never lost and found the plot easy to follow. Some of her characters were likable and a few (ok… several) were sketchy. Even though the character were a lot younger than I am, they were written as adults and not immature teenagers. I wasn’t bored or uncomfortable reading the book. You know how it is when tons of slang are used and you don’t understand half of the book? That was not the case with this book and I feel like it will lend itself well to many age groups. 

The second book was sent to me at the same time so, I read the books back to back. I was so engrossed in the story. If you have a chance, I highly recommend picking up Lost and Found along with Hide and Seek. You will be in for a few days of exceptional entertainment.

Hide and Seek

Here we go! The sequel to Lost and Found. 

I don’t have a lot more to add to my review of Lost and Found. This may just be the shortest review I’ve ever written! Of course you know that this is a continuation of the story. It feels like this wraps up the story line and is the finale. 

If you read The first book you’ll want to read the second. I’ve based my rating on my enjoyment of the books and the writing style. I’ll be on the lookout for more from J.S. Ellis. Luckily, she has more books already published for us to read while we’re waiting for a new book. 

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

SYNOPSIS:

It all starts with him…

Phoebe and Adele’s friendship has stretched on for years. One a bubbly blonde, the other raven-haired and studious. They seem to have nothing in common, yet their bond is unbreakable.

Or so Phoebe thought.

She never believed Adele would hide anything from her until she sees her sneaking off with her handsome neighbour. Feeling betrayed, Phoebe begins to see cracks in their friendship she never noticed before.

Then, Adele vanishes.

Fearing for Adele’s safety, Phoebe searches for clues about her disappearance. However, the deeper she digs, the more she realizes she didn’t know Adele as well as she thought. Yet as revelations come to light, one mystery remains.

What happened to Adele? And how is her disappearance connected to the stranger next door?

REVIEW:

Emerald O’Brien’s Little Sparrow was one of those books I did not read the synopsis of  before I opened the book. I’ve read several of her books and knew that I was in for an edge of your seat ride and I needed to buckle up!

The characters in this book were interesting to say the least. I had a hard time figuring them out as people and I am not sure I did that by the end of the book. It made it a little more interesting because I didn’t know their true motivation. I’m still not positive. Rowan, the main character, is probably the only stable one in the book. 

Not only are the characters unstable, the story in itself is on shaky ground. I can’t say this is an unreliable narrator because I don’t know that anyone knew exactly what was going on. I’m not even sure the author knew what was happening sometimes! Don’t get me wrong. I am of the belief that this story had a spirit of its own and had a big hand in the process of it being written. Does that make sense?

I know this sounds like a negative review. We have unstable characters and an ever changing evolving story. This sounds like a complete mess. Believe me, it is not! This author did a phenomenal job pulling this story out of the laundry basket and ironing out the wrinkles. 

Emerald O’Brien and her book Little Sparrow actually made me think for a bit about what I just read and how I felt about it. Sometimes, I know exactly what I felt for a book but this one makes me think a little. I enjoyed the story and the challenge to understand exactly what all happened. Some of the story had been brewing for many years and actually came to an ending we can all cheer for. Bravo, Emerald!

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:

Rowan Bell doesn’t believe people can change.

Not her self-serving mother, who had an affair while on a family vacation at their camper trailer on Sparrow Lake. Despite their distant relationship, she now offers Rowan the opportunity to own it—on one disconcerting condition.

Not her best friend’s twin, Leon, whose years-long estrangement while in prison ended the day he called Lucy, desperate to reunite on their birthday weekend. He somehow wormed his way into their road trip, and Rowan is just waiting to pick up the pieces when his uncontrollable temper breaks Lucy’s heart again.

Not even Rowan’s stubborn, non-committal nature, ever since her father nicknamed her after her flighty ways and the lake she’s about to return to.

Upon their arrival, Rowan isn’t surprised to find that places don’t seem to change, either.

Old, familiar faces greet her, and soon, they’re reminiscing about their childhood on Sparrow Lake on a late-night walk. But when cars speed by, disappearing up the road, a horrific accident occurs—an accident involving Lucy’s twin. While the man in the other vehicle is rushed to the hospital, Leon walks away without a scratch, claiming the driver lost control while tailgating him. An anxious tension lingers until the following morning, but with limited time to reconnect, Lucy suggests they leave early for their next pitstop—a concert. Along the way, old tensions are reignited between Rowan and Leon, and new bonds are forged; all while an uneasy feeling of being watched lingers.

When their suspicions of being followed are confirmed, threats are made, and lines are crossed.

It seems the stalkers will stop at nothing until they get what they want. With Leon insistent on keeping police involvement to a minimum after his traumatic past—and Rowan and Lucy in the dark—his initial story about the crash begins to fray at the edges. Rowan searches for proof of Leon’s guilt, but he isn’t the only one hiding something. Everyone has secrets. Forced to stay in place at Sparrow Lake as an investigation into the dire situation ensues, they become easy targets for those with a mysterious and violent vendetta against them.

And when a shocking revelation calls everything Rowan thought she knew into question, she fears Lucy will realize too late the truth that Rowan has always known—second chances are dangerous—and this one could prove deadly.

From the author of The Waking Place and Bleed comes a tense, twisted, and jaw-dropping psychological thriller about the history we hide away that haunts us, second chances, and the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love.

REVIEW:

I frantically finished When Houses Burn by Lauren Lee last night. I’ll tell you why in a minute. First, let me tell you this author knows how to bring suspense to a climax and how to shock you. I have been reading her books for a while now and I have enjoyed them. I started out with her Detective Dahlia series. If you remember, I recently read Murder in the Mom’s Club and that one kept me on my toes. This book is another story. 

I was innocent when I opened the first page of this book. Now, I’m not. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve read a lot of crime novels, psychological suspense and mysteries. They are all in my wheelhouse. This book beats them all. I finally figured out how I know when I  am reading a phenomenal book. When I get to a point in the book and it takes a turn that makes me want to put the book down and never pick it up again! Does that happen to you?

When Houses Burn does not make you guess who the murderer is. It tells you. There is no guessing. You get to walk right into his mind and take a seat. This book was scary when you think there are people like this walking around in our world. Does one of them live next to you? I pray not.

Lucas Finch is the man who walks into the psychiatric office of Dr. Dalilah Hedley. He has killed both of his parents and is required by the courts to have 30 sessions of treatment. Dalilah has never treated a psychopath before. He scares her and intrigues her at the same time. Ms. Lee has outdone herself with the character development of these two. I had no doubt in my mind that these characters really exist. I don’t know how she does this. 

I started this book one evening and finished the next day. A hallmark of a good book for me is when the storyline and the characters wiggle their way into my dreams. I have dreamed of this book for two nights. I’m starting another book today because I must get them out of my head and dreams. I highly recommend When Houses Burn by Lauren Lee. Until Next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Booksprout. 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.

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SYNOPSIS:

When desire turns deadly, houses will burn. . .

Dr. Delilah Hedley has never treated a psychopath. Never been attracted to a patient. Never broken the rules. That all changes when the dangerously handsome Lucas Finch walks through her doors. As Delilah struggles to maintain her professionalism, Lucas pushes the boundaries between doctor and patient.

When a woman is found murdered on the outside of town, Delilah will discover a surprising connection to the victim that shakes her to her core. But Lucas wouldn’t… he couldn’t… could he? With a murderer on the loose and a killer on her couch, Delilah must do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means fanning the flames enveloping her life.

Dark and twisted, When Houses Burn is a story of murder, forbidden temptation, and questioning everything you know about the person who makes your heart flutter.