REVIEWS: I read all of these and reviewed them when they originally were published. They are being released in a boxed set and I’m posting these reviews together for your convenience. I know you’ll want to binge read them! They are available for pre-order today.

THE SECRET THEY KEPT: WOW! J.S. Ellis knocked it out of the park with The Secrets They Kept. It is my favorite book of hers so far. I totally enjoyed this story and happily went along with the ride. I didn’t know where this book was headed. There were a few characters throughout the book that raised my suspicions but, I couldn’t put a solid finger on any of them.

Emily moves into her first house and finds out the woman of the couple who used to live there came up missing. Emily’s boyfriend goes missing and the Jones’ across the street had a son that went missing too. That is a lot in between two houses! Who is involved? It has to be someone close by. Right or maybe not. You’ll have to read this on your own too see if you can figure out who the culprit is.

If you love a good mystery, this is your book. At first, it didn’t seem like a mystery but, I loved the characters and the story was engaging. The mystery built throughout the story. It kind of sneaks up on you. I enjoyed every minute of this book. I wouldn’t mind another story about Emily in a new home with a new mystery. Maybe a new man? Probably just my wishful thinking. I never want a good book to end.

SECRETS AND LIES: Secrets and Lies by J.S. Ellis is the second book of The Secret They Kept series with The Secret The Kept being the title of the first book. I can’t help but think there is going to be at least one more book in this series. I felt like Secrets and Lies left me with a lot of unanswered questions. The first book brought overwhelming success hence book two and here’s hoping for a book three!

I really think you should read The Secret They Kept before you read Secrets and Lies. You won’t be sorry. I think you can read book two as a stand alone but, the background and introduction to the characters in book one will lend more richness to the story. I think you would lose a lot if you read book two first and then go back to book one. So, enhance your reading experience and read these books in order.

The characters in these books are a little quirky. They may not be the kind of people in your group of friends but, their beauty and open lives will pull you in. Emily is the main character and is a lot like some of us. I don’t think she sees herself as beautiful and doesn’t always go the extra mile to take care of herself and her home. She was not always like this but, the things that happen in the first book and now the second one have changed who she is as a person. She is drawn to Lucien who is a stunningly beautiful man. Nobody compares. His coloring, clothes and the way he carries himself make him a stand out in any crowd. Emily is also interested in a detective that is prominent in the story. You have to read these books to understand how all of this fits. It’s quite interesting.

I have become a fan of J.S. Ellis. She writes great Psychological Suspense. I rarely know what is going to happen. She weaves such a good story and has characters that just draw you in that you really don’t realize what you are reading. You think you are reading a normal fiction book until the first twist comes your way. Then you just jump right in and fly along because you can’t wait to see what happens.

If you love Suspense, Psychological Suspense, murders that have gone unsolved, A love story or two or three along the way, domestic fiction, you name it, you’ll love this new series by J.S. Ellis.

THE SECRET WE KEEP: The Secrets We Keep by J.S. Ellis is book three of a trilogy. Book one is The Secret They Kept and book two is Secrets and Lies. I’ve enjoyed all the books that I have read by this author. She always keeps me interested in her stories.

The characters in this series start out as somewhat normal. As normal as most of us are. Emily is the main character and I really liked her a lot. She gets involved with a circle of friends that don’t really seem to be her type. They are all interesting and from my point of view are a little far out. They are models and photographers. Emily is a freelance graphic artist and works from home. It leaves her available at odd hours and she gets entangled with these odd friends. Lucien is the beautiful boy across the street. I say boy because he is younger than Emily. There is an attraction that I don’t think Emily even understands. I will say that the is a full cast of characters and some of them I really liked. As with most books, I think you’ll find some you don’t.

You really want to read all three books. I think if you pick up book two or three, you will have a hard time figuring out what is going on. I remember having a short time of putting it all together with book two. I did with this book also. I had to remember who everyone was and how they tie together. I think that now all three books are released it would be a good idea to acquire them all and binge read them. Keeps everything fresh. I found it a little hard to remember all the details at the beginning and it wasn’t an easy entrance into each book. I was able to work it all out, it just took me a bit.

Overall, if you like quirky characters, a good mystery and a mystery that actually changes over time, I think you will like these books. They are geared to a little younger reader than me but, it doesn’t throw us older folks out of the park either. There is something for everyone! Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copies of all three books 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:

Emily Clarke thought her dreams were coming true. Her business was thriving and she was moving into a beautiful new house. Yet this dream quickly morphed into a nightmare.

Rocks being thrown at her windows.
Haunting messages written on glass.
Items mysteriously disappearing.

Emily’s nerves are on edge, which is only made worse by the man across the street constantly screaming at his wife. By befriending their son, Lucien, she learns a dark truth about the street she now calls home. Lucien has a brother who went missing ten years ago, as did the last occupant of Emily’s house.

Emily wants to believe these ominous events are past history until her ex-boyfriend vanishes without a trace. Now, she’s convinced she is a pawn in someone’s twisted game.

Can she uncover who is behind these disappearances before becoming their next victim?

REVIEW:

Nola Nash graced us with a new book in The Traveler Series. It is titled Watcher and was released November 30, 2023. I wish life did not throw so many curves my way in the last several months as I wanted to read this one a while ago but, I finally made it. 

I will have to say it took me a while to get into this book. That is totally my fault. Again, things get in the way. I am so glad that I was able to sit down and concentrate on this story. It is so jammed packed with history. If you are a history buff, you should consider putting this book on your tbr pile. I wasn’t a good student of history but I like to learn about it in fun ways. So, I started this book looking for more of the modern times like the Traveler had in it. Sadly, that did not happen. When I got over my pouting, I enjoyed the story that Nora was presenting me with.

The book starts out in 404 BC during the battle for Athens. That is when I started looking for the modern part of the story. Didn’t happen and I am not exactly sure when the book ended. I do think the way she left it that we are in for another installment to this Series possibly called Oracle. I guess we will have to wait and see as I haven’t talked to Nora in a while but, I do hope she is busily working on that book. I want to know what happens to Shelby and Benny!

If you are a history buff and haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend that you read these books starting with Traveler. You must read them in order. It will make more sense. If you are one of those people that like to stretch yourself and read things you haven’t read before, this is the perfect series to stretch your wings. I think this is the perfect series to do that. I really enjoyed this series so far when I open my mind and just go on the journey with the characters. You’ll love Shelby! She is quite the character. 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 very entertaining read that carried me right to the end. My Life in Ruins meets The Mummy.” –Edward J. Leahy, author of Past Grief

Destiny doesn’t care if you want it or not.

Having made the time jump to her destiny, Shelby Starling finds herself, along with Benny, in the midst of the battle for Athens in 404 BC. While Apollo might have provided clothing for the time period and the ability to understand languages, he also tossed in some riddles for good measure in the form of a cloth with a single word on it and the Victorian Traveler Elijah Faircloth’s journal that seems oddly useless in ancient Greece.

It soon becomes clear that winning the war against Sparta wasn’t their destiny as the god had led them to believe. Instead, they’ve been sent on a hunt for a traitorous and womanizing Greek general, Alcibiades, whom Apollo wants to punish for lifetimes of atrocities against humanity.

With little choice, since destiny will not relent until it’s fulfilled, Shelby and Benny are made Watchers with the ability to make the time jump on their own in search of the slippery Traveler Alcibiades. Following their target through history and all over the world to some strangely familiar times and places, the reason for Eli’s journal becomes more obvious as the true identity of its author becomes clear.

Will Shelby, with Benny’s steadfast help, be able to bring her Traveler back to Apollo or will he continue to slip through her fingers? Will her connection to the magnetic general bring them too close for her to turn him over to the gods to pay for his crimes?

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!

REVIEW:

Jessica Ryen Doyle approached me to review Family Tree, a book that she had written. I was hesitant because I have a backlog of books I still need to get to. She assured me that I would love her book. I took her word for it and jumped in as soon as I finished the book I was on. I love helping new authors.

This book is a steamy romance but, then again it is so much more than that! It deals with unplanned pregnancies, gay relationships and in vitro fertilization, and sexual abuse of children. When I started this book I thought it was going to be a typical romance. It is but, Ms. Doyle makes you think about things you may not have given a lot of thought to before. She makes you feel things you may not have wanted to feel.

Some people will be offended by the love scenes in this book and how explicit they are. They are there for a reason. One you are shown that it can just be another outlet without much feeling behind the act and two you are shown what something can mean when love is behind it and it takes real work to get there. We have all found ourselves in the position we hear so much on the news we are hardened to it. 

The characters in this book are used to make you understand someone who has experienced abuse and what it has done to that person in the long run. You also get to know someone that doesn’t put much thought into how they approach that part of their life and what the consequences might be or how it might affect someone else. The characters learn to appreciate other people’s position. They learn to love in every sense of the word.

Jessica Ryen Doyle was correct when she said I would love her book Family Tree. I hope that she will write more books because the thought and sensitivity put into this book was beyond what you normally get in a romance story. This book brought out all the feelings. If you love a book that makes you feel and feel differently than you might have before, then I encourage you to find a copy and 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 the publisher/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:

Mia Anton is a twenty-five year old entertainment reporter and owner of the popular website, The Blogger. She falls in love with one of her assignments, Johnny Tree, a hot Hollywood actor. But, Johnny has a dark past and he’s reluctant to share. As Mia tries to navigate difficult situations that arise in her life, she wonders if Johnny can go the distance. Or, is their relationship doomed from the start?

As Mia mines the complex issues of love and loss, her own notion of a family tree changes in ways she could never imagine.

A modern-day romance, Family Tree will tug at your heart as you quickly become absorbed by Mia and Johnny’s story.

Readers of Molly McAdams, Tracey Garvis-Graves and Tammara Webber will find this book hard to put down.

REVIEW:

The Guest by B. A. Paris was my first book by this author. I have heard nothing but good things about her books. This won’t be the last one I read of hers but, I was a tiny bit disappointed. Well, let’s put it this way, I am more mad at myself than disappointed. I should have known who the murderer was all along. I’ve told you how bad I am about figuring these books out but, this one was a giveaway right in your face. When you read it, let me know if you figured it out before the epilogue.

I did enjoy The Guest. I spent a rainy day with my nose buried so deep in my tablet that I wasn’t very good company. I was engrossed due to a lot going on and several catastrophes. The author kept me turning those pages until well into the night. 

The characters were all so interesting and their development was very satisfying. They seemed to have a lot of life changing things going on in their lives. The main characters, Iris and Gabriel come home to find one of their friends has taken over their home. Gabriel is on leave from his job due to burnout and now their friend Laure has separated temporarily from her husband Pierre and come to stay. She is the “guest”. There are others. Their daughter and neighbors down the road who all play a big part in the story.

I always wondered what an unreliable narrator was. This book is a prime example of that. I believed everything I was told only to find out that I got it all wrong. If you love a book that takes you on a ride and dumps you off scratching your head and wondering what the heck was I thinking, then this is a book for you to put in your tbr pile. I would! 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 publisher/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:

New York Times bestselling author B. A. Paris captivated psychological thriller readers everywhere with Behind Closed Doors. Now she invites you into another home full of heart-pounding secrets, in The Guest.

Some secrets never leave.

Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and again: sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris’ clothes, even rearranging the furniture.

Laure has walked out on her husband—and their good friend—Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure’s mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.

Iris and Gabriel’s only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past.

Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known.

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!

REVIEW:

One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan was a phenomenal read. I could not put this book down! I am behind in my reading and that is certainly part of it but, this book literally kept me turning the pages. The story development was the key here. The story kept changing and building and I simply had to know where it was going.

The character development was complex. You thought you knew a character and then they did a 360 degree turn. In this book we have a husband that is accused of drinking and killing a man that was skateboarding in the parking garage of his building after the New Year’s Eve celebration. He swears he was not drunk and simply didn’t see the man until he ran over him and killed him.

This is a tightly woven plot and Hank reveals to us clues along the way that we can’t rely on. You have to discern what you are going to believe. I’m very bad at that. I always think the narrator is reliable and sometimes they are not. I am easily yanked back and forth while reading and wonder what in the world hit me when I am done. Sometimes, I’m exhausted when I close the cover on the book. I think that is why I love these stories so much. I can’t figure them out and always think this might actually be the one. Not so with Hank Phillippi Ryan!

If you find yourself fascinated with crime stories that you can’t solve, you will surely enjoy One Wrong Word! Until next time…Happy Reading!

SYNOPSIS:

A heart-racing new psychological thriller from USA Today bestselling and multiple award-winning author, Hank Phillippi Ryan.

One wrong word can ruin your life. And no one knows that better than savvy crisis management expert Arden Ward. Problem is, she’s now forced to handle a shocking crisis of her own. Unfairly accused of having an affair with a powerful client, Arden’s life and dreams are about to crash and burn. Then, Arden is given an ultimatum. She has just two weeks to save her career and her reputation.

Is Cordelia Bannister the answer to her prayers?

Cordelia needs Arden’s help for her husband Ned, a Boston real estate mogul. Though he was recently acquitted in a fatal drunk driving accident, his reputation is ruined, and the fallout is devastating not only to the Bannisters’ lives, but the lives of their two adorable children.

Arden devotes her skill and determination—and maybe her final days on the job—to helping this shattered family, but soon, revelations begin to emerge about what really happened the night of the accident. And then—another car crash throws Ned back into the spotlight.

This case is Arden’s final chance to protect her own future and clear her name. But the more she tries to untangle the truth, the more she’s haunted by one disturbing question—what if she’s also protecting a killer?

Gossip. Lies. Rumors. Words like that can hurt you. And Arden knows the reality. Sometimes one wrong word can kill.

At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

REVIEW:

The Stranger by Kiersten Modglin is absolutely brilliant! Bravo, Kiersten, you’ve done it again. I say that because of two reasons. One, I can never figure out who did it and two, I thought I did many times during the reading of this book, however, I have to sadly say I did not figure it out. I do not know how the mind of this author works. She is sweet as pie but more twisted than a pretzel.

This book takes place during a terrible snow storm amid the holiday season. The two main characters find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere. Walker picks Tibby up while driving through the storm. She is walking after being tossed out by her boyfriend. Nice guy. Walker is a nice guy but Tibby has a problem trusting anyone. I love the back and forth with these two.

Throughout this book the paragraphs rotate between Tibby and Walker. You get to hear their thoughts. There are also paragraphs that are titled “BEFORE”. It is while reading those sections that I thought I knew who the bad person was. I was pretty confident until I wasn’t. Then it was back and forth until my head took a spin. If you’ve read any of Kiersten Modglin’s novels you’ll know what I mean. The endings always take me on a ride I wasn’t prepared to take.

I don’t know if I can say I liked any of the characters. I hated one and then the other because I kept thinking I knew who the bad person was although my thinking kept changing on that matter. I felt like they were playing cat and mouse with my brain. Well, they weren’t but Kiersten was!

If you like psychological suspense, murder and mayhem, you will like this book. There are several things going on that will keep your mind busy. Notice I didn’t say out of trouble. I could have been a weather forecaster during this book. My predictions were all so wrong. If you’re looking for a challenge with figuring out a book, this is a book for you. 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. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS:

Never trust a stranger…
But, late at night and trapped in the middle of nowhere during a terrible snowstorm, Tibby and Walker have no choice.

With roads shutting down and cell towers out, running into each other and deciding to travel together could either be their saving grace or worst mistake. When they’re forced to take an unexpected detour and seek refuge in a roadside motel, the storm quickly becomes the least of their worries.

A disturbing discovery in the motel, the questionable actions of the mysterious owner and fellow guests, and a news report about a missing couple in the area set the scene for a terrifying night, but the worst is yet to come.

Each stranger holds a secret…but which one should be trusted?

From million-copy bestselling author Kiersten Modglin comes a fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller filled with secrets, lies, and hairpin twists and turns as dangerous as the icy roads the story is set upon.

REVIEW:

Wendy Million is back to entertain us with stories of royalty and the family of royalty of Bellerive with a new book titled Temporary Love. I have found that I am a fan of royalty. I enjoy a good royal story once in a while and these books have been very entertaining. This book moves a little further out in the family and doesn’t deal with the serving royal family directly. We meet Gabe and Ember in this book and I’ll tell you why this book was such a joy for me to read. It was simply pure joy.

Who doesn’t love a good love story? This is a classic slow burn, steamy, and heartfelt story of a marriage of convenience. Right away I am hooked. I love a little slow burn with a side of steamy! Don’t you?

Ember is left behind to care for her sister’s daughter Nova, when her sister dies unexpectedly. They are almost homeless when she reaches out to Gabe who is the stranger that fathered her niece. Gabe shows up and Ember doesn’t want to give up the last thing that connects her to her sister and she becomes the nanny requiring her to travel to Bellerive.

I love the characters in this book! Gabe and Ember are both afraid to share their feelings for many reasons. We see Gabe grow up and take responsibility and fight for those he loves. Ember is steadfast in her love for her niece. Good characters with good intentions that go a little haywire especially when the government steps in. Immigration is tightly controlled in Bellerive and I’m not telling you everything that happens. I want you to plunge in and go for the ride that I did. You will enjoy the many family members that come into the life of Nova.

If you love family, royals and a little steamy on the side, you will enjoy the ride that Ember and Gabe will take you on in this story. Family and love is everything. Right? I recommend Temporary Love by Wendy Million 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 author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS:

A slow burn, steamy, and heartfelt marriage of convenience featuring a billionaire and his temporary nanny.

Ever since my sister died and left me in charge of her infant daughter, I’ve been drowning in debt and on the verge of homelessness. When I reach out to the stranger who fathered my niece, a name my sister kept secret from me, I’m surprised by a hot billionaire who’s determined to fix everything that’s broken.

His proposal to temporarily move us to his island and into his oceanfront estate seems like a dream come true. With a four month stay, there’s no chance of us turning into more. But as time runs out, we’re not ready to say goodbye. Our only option is a marriage of convenience—a fake relationship—to trick the government, allowing me to stay in my niece’s life permanently.

This fairytale life is too good to be true, and it’s only a matter of time before the clock strikes midnight.

Tropes:

marriage of convenienceforced proximitywho did this to you?protective heroslow burnhe falls firstone beddual POVfound familysurprise baby/single dadno third act breakup

Content warning: mentions of past abuse and sexual assault, discussions of suicide.

REVIEW:

Holy Cow! I just finished the second book in the Marsh Point Series. It is titled Echoes of the Past. The first book was A Long Journey Home. Both of these books are Fabulous and I highly recommend that if you haven’t read the first book, you start from the beginning. They can be read as stand alone novels but, you will get a richer understanding of the family history and dynamics if you start with book one. I have totally enjoyed both books and found both of them to be unputdownable!

I have been an Ashley Farley fan for a few years now and she writes books that I don’t even bother to read the synopsis. I know if she wrote it I am going to read it. I am so very fortunate to be an advanced reader for her. It cuts out some wait time before I am blessed with a new book by her.

This series is about the Darby family that is struggling with their pasts. Their mother was an alcoholic and the kids suffered some abuse and neglect when it came to their mother. The father tended to stay away from the situation. The four adult children are coming to terms with all they endured growing up. The oldest daughter had too much responsibility, the son has anger issues, one daughter is jealous of her sister and brother and the third daughter is a runaway they have never been able to find. I have enjoyed getting to know Ashton the oldest daughter and Will the only son who seem to be dealing with the past and dealing with the disasters occuring in their present lives.

If you love family drama and women’s fiction, you will really enjoy this series. 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 novel from the author. I was not required to leave a review and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS:

After testifying against her husband in a harrowing human trafficking case, Julia Becker is thrust into the secluded world of Witness Protection. Faced with a future in isolation, she manages a daring escape, seeking refuge in a quaint small town in South Carolina’s lowcountry. But rather than the serene haven she’d envisioned, Julia stumbles upon a new kind of peril.

Will Darby is his own worst enemy. His anger management issues have gotten into a world of trouble that could land him in prison for life. He’s under investigation for the tragic boating accident that claimed his wife’s life. His in-laws are seeking custody of his two young daughters. And an independent journalist is determined to tarnish his reputation. Amidst the chaos, he befriends an intriguing young woman who’s is grappling with her own shadows. She holds the power to either alleviate his legal troubles or become his damning witness.

REVIEW:

Analyzing the Prescotts by Dawn Reno Langley was a book that at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like. I learned a few words while reading this book that I have never used or come across before. That, my friends, is okay! I love reading books that teach me something I didn’t know. This is the first book I have read by Professor Langley. It probably won’t be my last.

I have to confess that I had an ulterior motive for contacting the author and requesting to read her book. This book is about a family in crisis. The father in this book has left his family to transition to a female. We have a family member that is transgender and I wanted to understand a bit more about what this is all about. I wanted to understand the thought processes and the ins and outs of what they are feeling. The main thing is I want to understand and have knowledge.

The wife who was left behind has a very hard time coming to terms with what has come out in the open. Her children have a hard time because of the way she is and is not handling the situation. The children being younger have an easier time accepting their father. The book is centered on the counseling sessions that the family goes through both individually and as a group. The therapist they choose is also dealing with her own issues both professional and personal.

I was engrossed with the characters. We learn about each of them through the eyes of other family members and the eyes of the therapist. Some of the family members write about how they are feeling and processing. I love how Prof. Langley lets us learn about each of them and most of all learn about transgender people. There are some twists in this story that I didn’t see coming and that only served to pull me in more. 

This was a book that I took my time to read. I wanted to absorb what she had to teach me. I didn’t want to rush through it and miss some important points. I wanted to get all I could out of this story and I think I did. I am more empathetic and sympathetic to the whole topic and what transgenders and their families are experiencing. I highly recommend this book. I always love to learn as I read. I think that is the best way to educate ourselves. 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 expressed in this review are completely my own.

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:

The heart-wrenching tale of a family in crisis and the therapist who makes the tough decision to save herself.

Every member of the Prescott family struggles with identity issues when the father, Hailey Prescott, leaves the family to live life as a woman, sending them all tumbling into emotions so violent they threaten to tear the family fabric to shreds. When Dr. Cotton Barnes, a happily married psychologist from Raleigh, North Carolina, signs on to treat the family, she is challenged to the edges of her own fragile boundaries as cracks in the veneer of the Prescotts’ lives become craters.

The family members relate their stories in their chosen voices, each narrative in a different format. Marcus, the youngest, speaks to Cotton through his avatars; Gray, the mother, distances herself by referring to herself in the third person; the oldest child, Janis-a self-avowed loner-uses a defunct social media app; while the middle child, Cheryl, tries to keep everyone personally happy in person; and Hailey, the novelist father, hides behind her journals.

The Prescotts take turns breaking down and breaking through a roller coaster of emotions that mirrors what’s happening in the Raleigh area: a series of LGBTQ+ hate crimes rocks the community to its core. Telling herself she must save them, Cotton stalks the family, but when Hailey Prescott becomes the latest victim of brutality, Cotton is forced to make a decision that will determine whether she saves her own marriage or the Prescotts. Or herself.

Analyzing the Prescotts is the latest from Dawn Reno Langley, a novelist who Foreword Reviews says writes with “authority and fine craftsmanship.”

REVIEW: Have you ever innocently started a series and later loved it so much you couldn’t fathom not having a new book in the series? I have and many times have been sad to see the series end. Today, I am happy because Starting Over, the eighth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt, was supposed to end at book eight. I am so excited to say that she has decided to continue the series and we are at least going to have book nine. I’m not sure how many more there will be. This series is so popular and that was the driving force to continue. So, if you haven’t read it yet, jump in at book one and binge this series. It will be worth your time and maybe we will get book 10!  Let’s keep it going. 

Kay’s series takes place in a small town in the mountains. I love small towns. Don’t you? Taylor is the police officer in the family and has kept her family together for years and has transferred her talents to her town that she also loves. This series brings us not only the family of Taylor but we get to know her family on the police force and some main characters in the town. There is always something going on in this town and they give the police and the detectives a run for their money. Taylor dreams of being a lead  detective at some point but right now she is doing both jobs.

At this time in the series, I am invested in the characters and feel like I know them as my own. I have enjoyed seeing them all making strides to move forward with their lives. Most of them live together at the shelter they have started for abandoned and abused animals. Are you an animal lover like I am?  I think we’re finding a lot in common! 

The crime in this book involves the abduction of one officer’s wife and they are trying to find her. The other crime involves the police chief’s niece. She tried to help an elderly woman she was being a caregiver to and got herself in trouble.

This book will keep you interested but, it also will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. Not only with the criminal investigations but with Taylor and her family. There is so much to enjoy about these books. They are certainly binge worthy. If you are like me, love small towns, police stories, family saga’s and getting to know new friends then I highly recommend the Hart’s Ridge series. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

SYNOPSIS: Starting Over, the eighth book in the Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series by Kay Bratt, showcases the Gray family’s unwavering strength as they face a crisis that threatens to tear them apart. When tragedy is on their doorstep and threatening to barge inside, they must come together to find the courage and hope to start anew.

Step into the tumultuous world of the resilient Gray family as they confront an unprecedented crisis that threatens to shatter their town’s fragile respite from tragedy in ‘Starting Over,’ the eighth installment of the Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series.

When a shocking abduction sends shockwaves through the tranquil town, one woman is thrust into a perilous journey. She’s the wife of a trusted colleague in the sheriff’s department, making this case deeply personal, and time is running out.
But this tale is more than just a desperate rescue mission; it’s a story of redemption and love. Cate, a woman marked by her past, yearns for her own shot at happiness. Can she truly start over and trust that she’s found the love she’s always dreamed of?

Caught in the tug-of-war between dedication to her job and the unwavering determination of her fiancé, Taylor grapples with a whirlwind of emotions. Is she ready to put her relationship before her career? Only time will unveil the answer in this heart-pounding narrative of suspense, sacrifice, and second chances.

Discover the latest book in the Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series, ‘Starting Over,’ penned by Kay Bratt, the acclaimed million-copy best-selling author of ‘Wish Me Home’ and ‘True to Me.'”