REVIEW: I just may have found a new author to follow and a new series. I am not sure yet about the series but I just finished Jennifer Moorman’s new book The Baker’s Man. It was so different from what I have been reading, making it a welcome change. This book is listed as Mystical Realism. I think I have only read one or two books that would fall in this category.

I really enjoyed this book. Anna inherits her Grandmother’s gift for baking and takes over her bakery when she passes. She also inherited magic sugar and baked the perfect man. It’s a little far-fetched but, it’s fun to go along with something different.

I liked her character development. As with most characters in the books we read they not all fleshed out the same. The main character was Anna and she was fully developed and we know everything she is thinking and feeling. We don’t have that with any other character. Elijah is the man she baked and he is not fleshed out very well either. I think that has to do with the fact he doesn’t have any history and the only backstory he has belongs to Anna.

The only thing I didn’t care for was a scene in the book that stretched my imagination too much. I don’t have a problem believing in ghosts, spirits or magic but, I do have a problem with something I don’t think would be a possibility. There was only one scene but it changed the whole direction of Anna’s life. Considering the book was Magical Realism I just went with the flow and continued to enjoy the story.

If you are a fan of Magical Realism, this book is definitely right in your wheelhouse. I enjoyed this story and saw Ms. Moorman has a new book coming out in this series. It takes place in the same town but looks like it has completely different characters. I might have to check it out. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #Netgalley, #FirstEditions, #HarperMuse. 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: In the Southern town of Mystic Water, magic is always in the wind—and in the ovens.

Anna O’Brien inherited several gifts from her late Grandma Bea: culinary superpowers, a bakery in a charming Southern town, and a mysterious box with a note:

Open the box only when you need to. You’ll know exactly when you do, and you’ll know what to do with it. I love you.

The night her presumed fiancé crushes her dreams, Anna opens the box and finds “magic sugar” inside, along with a recipe to bake “the perfect man.” Encouraged by her best friend Lily (and maybe a wee bit too much rum), a heartbroken Anna sets out to do what she always does when she’s feeling blue: bake.

She hardly believes her eyes the next morning when a man—a breathing and rather handsome man—is in her bakery and seems to know all her likes and dislikes, her quirks and preferences. Elijah is everything Anna dreamed and nothing she expected. Where did he come from? Is he real? And when he fashions his own ideas about what makes a good life, can she let him go?

Escape into this whimsical and enchanting tale of magical realism and the spellbinding power of following your dreams as Anna discovers the sweetest side of life.

REVIEW: Ohhh My Gaawwwd! What did I just read? Knock Three Times by Emerald O’Brien will knock your socks off!  Literally. This has to be the best Psychological Thriller book I have read in a while. I may be getting a little nonchalant about these books or maybe it is because I haven’t read too many of them lately. Whatever the case may be, this book had me glued to my seat and flipping the pages as fast as I could to see what was going to happen next. This book was genius!

Knock Three Times is about Remy who is trying to recover from the murder of her next door neighbor. She moves out of her apartment and goes to house sit for her best friends parents. Things begin to happen and boy do they ever! Like I said, I was so glued to this book. I could hardly put it down to go to bed. 

Remy is a character you will sympathize with. She just does not deserve what all is happening around her and to her. She has a best friend named Nicole and they watch Horror movies together. So you know, that if I were them, I’d be scared of my shadow. No doubt there is lots to be scared of in this book. Closing my eyes tonight and going to sleep might be just as scarry.

I can’t tell you how good this book is. There just aren’t words. If you like Psychological Suspense, Thriller or anything along that line, I am telling you that this book should be on your “Must Read” list. Let me know what you think when you read it. I have to know. 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. Thank you! 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: From the bestselling author of We Don’t Leave, comes a fast-paced, chilling psychological thriller in the vein of Jennifer Hillier, Riley Sager, and Kiersten Modglin.

Remey Owens is desperate to move on with her life after the brutal murder of her next-door neighbour, Marlena. When the opportunity to housesit for her best friend’s parents arises, it feels almost too good to be true. While staying in the beautiful Craftsman-style home, she hopes she won’t hear the banging through the walls or Marlena crying, even if it is now only in her mind.

But things don’t go as planned.

While she finds some solace knowing that Marlena’s killer is dead, the calls from Remey’s obsessive ex and the strange noises in the house make it hard to relax. And there’s a prickling down her spine when she returns late one evening after a date—something’s amiss.

Soon, it becomes apparent that she’s not as alone as she believed. The quiet isolation of the home that had once seemed peaceful, now feels far more threatening. Here, there are no neighbours close enough to save her.

To survive the night, Remey must let go of everything she thought she knew about Marlena’s death. Because the terrifying truth is more disturbing than she could have imagined, and it’s coming for her too.

REVIEW: Caroline Adrift by Kay Bratt is the fifth book in the Sail Away series. I love this series and the stories that I have read so far. Like a broken record, if you have not started this series, just remember the first book Welcome Aboard is a FREE download. It contains the first chapter of all the books so you can get a taste of the whole dessert. These books are only tied together by the fact they all have something to do with a cruise. They don’t have continuing characters or plots. 

Caroline Adrift is about a woman who loses her husband shortly before their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Let’s just say Caroline is Adrift! She is so heart-broken that she doesn’t have much interest in doing anything. Her husband had booked them on a cruise and she doesn’t want to go. Her adult daughters talk her into going and in fact they decide to go with her. She goes but, it is not a very happy Caroline that boards the ship. I have to give a hand to Kay because she has developed such a bitter, lonely woman that I actually liked. Caroline must have been a hard character to write. I thought that many time while reading this book.

I have to tell you, I cried many times while reading this one. I was a widow and totally understood how Caroline felt. She was a little crusty beside and I might just be crusty too. I try to hide it from most folks. Haha. I think it might have been a little depressing to write someone who has such an attitude. Then again…it might have been fun. I liked going along with Caroline and her girls on this cruise. I enjoyed watching all the interactions as they meet new people along the way.

I really want to encourage you to try this series. Download Welcome Aboard and see what you think. You don’t have a thing to lose except part of your heart. These stories are so heartwarming. They will take you away from the dreary winter and give you a lift. 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. Thank you! 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: Set sail to new adventures and escapes with eight best-selling authors in the exciting new Sail Away series!

After the death of her beloved James, one woman faces a future of feeling adrift and must find a reason to go on without the love of her life, from the bestselling author of Wish Me Home.

When Caroline McClellan’s beloved husband passes away, she doesn’t know what to do with herself without him as her center and reason for being. Caroline’s three adult daughters insist that she accompany them on the cruise that was supposed to mark her fiftieth wedding anniversary. Caroline is a reluctant participant and sure she will not find any joy in a voyage that was supposed to be a celebration but without her husband, feels like a chore.

Betty Martelle is an interesting woman who takes life by the horns and makes it her goal to find purpose in every day that she is still allowed to breathe. Fate will bring a new friend into her life and give her an opportunity to find a way to break through a barrier of grief to share her gift of spontaneity and finding joy in the little things.

Set on a cruise to the lush island of Maui, Caroline Adrift is an emotional friendship story of two women brought together by fate. One is adrift when it comes to finding meaning in life, and the other is determined to be a beacon of hope and teach her how to do it.

Join Kay Bratt, International Bestselling author, as she brings the latest book in The Sail Away series to life, featuring a heart-warming story of love and loss, and the gift of friendship.

★ Don’t miss a Sail Away book! ★
Book 1: Welcome Aboard – prologue book
Book 2: The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton
Book 3: Uncharted Waters by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: A Not So Distant Shore by Ev Bishop
Book 5: Caroline, Adrift by Kay Bratt
Book 6: Moonlight On the Lido Deck by Violet Howe
Book 7: The Winning Tickets by Judith Keim
Book 8: Lost At Sea by Patricia Sands
Book 9: The Last Port of Call by Elizabeth Bromke

REVIEW: A Not So Distant Shore by Ev Bishop is the fourth book in the Sail Away Series. I’ll keep reminding you that the first book in the series is Welcome Aboard and is a FREE download. Go get yours now and start reading. The first book contains the first chapter of the eight following books to give you an idea of what you will be reading. These are really great reads and best of all you feel like you are on the cruise with them. I am really enjoying this series and I think you will too.

A Not So Distant Shore is about a woman named Addie. She helps people achieve their goals in life. Her life has been turned upside down. Please read the synopsis below. I think this cruise would be a dream come true if I were single again. Almost right away she meets her favorite author on the cruise. One, she is on a cruise and two, she meets her favorite author. Wouldn’t that be a dream come true?

I really enjoyed this book for the sheer fun of it. I could easily place myself in her position. Couldn’t you? The characters Ev developed for this book are so down to earth. My kind of people. You find her author is not pretentious either. That doesn’t surprise me at all. You would think most published authors are snooty. They aren’t! I’ve become friends with a few of them since I started reviewing and believe me, they do not take anything for granted. They are gracious and friendly and thankful for every review they receive. They are good people.

I’ve been on one cruise in my life and loved every minute of it. It was so much fun. When I read the books in this series, it takes me back to that week long cruise that I went on with my best friend and eight other ladies. The characters are having as much fun as I did and meeting so many new people. So far, I haven’t found anything to not like. I have spread these books out between other books because I want the joy they bring me to last longer. 

If you’ve been on a cruise or would love to go on one or always wondered if you would like being out at sea and visiting exotic ports, these books are for you. They bring the experience to life. Download that first book for FREE and see what you think. What have you got to lose. 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. Thank you! 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: Set sail to new adventures and escapes with eight best-selling authors in the exciting new Sail Away series!

Addison Abbott’s mom used to joke that her only child came out of the womb with a to-do list clutched in her tiny red fist—and it probably wasn’t much of an exaggeration. For as long as Addie can remember, she’s been a planner. It’s even her job, for Pete’s sake—helping other people hit their goals through her coaching business. Thus, no one is more shocked than she is when her carefully engineered life is swamped.

The first leak springs when her mom passes away, although it’s not unexpected. That leak becomes a gaping hole when Addie’s adult children both move overseas. She’s not in danger of completely going under, however, until her husband of twenty-five years leaves her for another woman, something she never would’ve predicted in a million years, let alone planned for.

Addie has experienced big storms before—but this is the first time she can’t pull the cord on her own life raft. Lost in a dark ocean of grief and insecurity, she forgets about the anniversary “surprise” she’d booked for her and her husband: a Mexican Riviera cruise.

When she gets an email reminder days before her sailing, her wounds are freshly opened. She goes anyway, alone. After all, it fits her revamped, if unwelcome, life plan to accept her new reality and build a new life for herself.

In the turquoise waters of the riviera, Addie is surprised to find kindred spirits—including her favorite mystery writer—new hope and, as scary and unpredictable as it is, a second chance at love. Even more shocking, she realizes that while having a plan is always good, it’s what you do with the unexpected that really shows what you’re made of.

Join Ev Bishop, USA Today Bestselling author, as she brings the latest book in the Sail Away series, a heart-healing story about the power of friends to be a life preserver when you’re drowning, helping you reach solid shore once more.

REVIEW: Lucy in the Sky by Kay Bratt is the second book in the Hart’s Ridge series. If you have yet to read Hart’s Ridge which is book one, you need to hop to it! I’m gonna tell you this is the first crime series that Kay has ever written. It is the first crime anything she has ever written. I am fairly new to Kay’s books and I wouldn’t have known that if she didn’t mention it in a post. I have to say these books are brilliant. If you like Crime, Detective or Police Precedural book, you will fall head over heals for these books. You would never know that she is new to this genre. 

First of all, it looks to me like the main cast of characters we met in Hart’s Ridge remain the same. We do have a different case and new circumstances in Lucy in the Sky. The chapters rotate between Lucy and her sister Taylor. I like the fact Lucy and Taylor’s family is not perfect. They have a lot of problems and they are trying to rise above their childhood which wasn’t perfect either. I understand that each book allows us to learn more about each family member and why things are the way they are.

There were times in this book that I was in tears. I couldn’t read and put the book down to dry my eyes, blow my nose and regain my composure. That doesn’t happen often. My heart was touched and reminded me of times my heart was broken. I can’t tell you what set me off. You’ll have to read the book. I just can’t give anything away! 

I am looking forward to more books in this series and I hope to find time to read some of her back catalog. Everything I’ve read by Kay Bratt is full of emotion, problems and good endings that are plausible. If you are a fan of Kay Bratt, I highly suggest you read this new series. If you have not tried any of her books, I recommend you try her writing. I have enjoyed not only her books but, her writings of her everyday life. She is a phenominal person. She is loving, caring, and does what she can to make this world a better place.

I’m honored to be on her review team. You will be blessed to read her stories. 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.

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: Lucy Gray doesn’t always start trouble, but it’s sure to be there when she arrives. This time, when she runs from her hometown, she’s determined to undo her biggest mistake yet and finally hits some good luck. But her sister, Taylor, has always told her that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. This time, she might be right.

Deputy Taylor Gray grew up wanting to solve crime, but she never dreamed of taking on a case that could change her family forever, either bringing them together in a healthier dynamic or shattering any hope of ever fixing the many fractures within. With this one, there’s no other option—she will get to the truth.

The Hart’s Ridge series features Deputy Taylor Gray, a young woman carrying the world on her shoulders as she does her best to solve mysteries and piece her fractured family back together.

Lucy in the Sky is book two of the new Hart’s Ridge small-town mystery series, written by Kay Bratt, million-copy best-selling author of Wish Me Home and True to Me.

REVIEW: 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’ forgot 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.

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 is trying her best to put the past behind her. Her focus is on her career and making her new apartment home.

Then… a wedding invitation arrives.

Sasha is getting married. Knowing Lucien would be there, Emily hesitantly decides to attend. The night seems to go well, with plenty of dancing and drinking. Emily wakes up the next morning in Jan’s hotel room with the mother of hangovers, distorted memories, and a plethora of bruises she can’t explain.

Things only get more bizarre when the police knock on the door. Liam has been found dead, Sasha is arrested, and Lucien is missing. But someone out there knows the truth and launches into a deadly game of mouse with Emily and Jan as their target.

Can they discover the truth before the body count rises?

REVIEW: Uncharted Waters is book three in the Sail Away series and this one is by Tammy L. Grace who happens to be on my favorite author list. I love her books and this one is no exception. This book has her trademark dogs and such wonderful characters. I always want to be friends with them including the dogs. I have that love of dogs in common with Tammy. If you don’t already, follow Tammy on Facebook and you will meet Izzy her Golden Retriever who does a guest appearance every week called Pupdate. It’s really cute.

Jessica Clark is a newly retired school teacher who is about to embark on a cruise. On the cruise she meets Dean Nash. Most of the story revolves around these two characters. Dean is a wounded veteran and has a service dog. I really enjoyed the budding friendship between Dean and Jessica. They take things slow and become really good friends by the end of the cruise. These two and their dogs really stole my heart. I didn’t want the book to end but, it did. Sadly.

Happily, their story will continue in a new book coming out by Tammy on March 6th called Follow Me Home. It will be book seven of another series she is writing called Hometown Harbor. I can’t wait to read that book and you may want to keep your eye out for my review because I will be reviewing it here before it hits the shelves giving you a chance to pre-order it. I guarantee if you read Uncharted Waters, you will want to read Follow Me Home. 

I really love any book I have read that has been written by Tammy L. Grace. She writes such lovely characters, wonderful settings in towns I would want to live in and I always feel better when I get done reading one of her books. It makes me have hope that this world will experience the kind of people and places that she writes about. I come from a small town and I kind of feel like I am going back home.

I do encourage you to read the Sail Away series. Welcome Aboard is the first book in the series and it is a FREE download. It contains the first chapters of all the books so you can have an idea of what you are going to be reading. These books do not tie together at all except they all have to do with a cruise. The characters, situations and destinations are all a bit different. What are you waiting for? Welcome Aboard is free and the second book comes out February 1st. They will be released weekly with Uncharted Waters coming out on the 8th. Go get your FREE download of Welcome Aboard now! 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.

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: Set sail to new adventures and escapes with eight best-selling authors in the exciting Sail Away series!

Jessica Clark is still grieving the loss of her mother when she retires from her teaching position. To honor her long career, her coworkers present her with the gift of an Alaskan cruise. The last thing she wants is to leave her dog behind and take a solo trip. Unable to bear the thought of hurting anyone’s feelings, she reluctantly sets out on a seven-day adventure aboard the Majestic Star.

A sleepless first night spent wondering why she ever came on the trip leads Jessica to the Sky Deck where under the star-filled sky, she meets a beautiful service dog, Rebel, who leads her to his person who needs help.

Dean Nash is a wounded veteran on a trip with his support group and bonds with Jessica over their shared love of dogs, familial woes, and their aversion to cruising. As the voyage progresses, the two of them spend more time together exploring the area and the ship.

Jessica and Dean have been on their own for a long time and find their sudden feelings have them traversing uncharted waters. Will the beauty of the dramatic landscape, endless skies and a furry friend be enough to bring these two bruised souls together and show them there is always a second chance at a new beginning?

Join USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace as she brings the latest book in The Sail Away series to life, featuring a heart-warming story of love and loss, and the hope that comes from a chance at a new beginning.

★ Don’t miss a Sail Away book! ★
Book 1: Welcome Aboard – prologue book
Book 2: The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton
Book 3: Uncharted Waters by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: A Not So Distant Shore by Ev Bishop
Book 5: Caroline, Adrift by Kay Bratt
Book 6: Moonlight On the Lido Deck by Violet Howe
Book 7: The Winning Tickets by Judith Keim
Book 8: Lost At Sea by Patricia Sands
Book 9: The Last Port of Call by Elizabeth Bromke

REVIEW: Ok! The fun is about to begin. On December 23, I posted about a new series that would be arriving in the new year. The first book is Welcome Aboard. It is a FREE download and has the first chapter of all the books in the series to give you an idea of what they are all about. Each book is a stand alone and does not tie in with the others in any way except they all have something to do with a cruise. How fun is that?! Welcome Aboard was released on January 1, 2023. If you haven’t downloaded your FREE copy, go do it now so you can pre-order the ones you want to read or just pre-order all of them and they will be in your library on release day. They are all novellas and will be released one week apart. 

The Second book is The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton. This was a such an engaging book. I was hooked from page one and it didn’t take me long to read it. I seem to start a lot of books when I go to bed which is what happened with this one and then I finished it the next day. Jennifer is the main character and is having relationship problems with her adult children. When her daughter is called away and can’t make a lunch date, Jenn decides to book an over 60 singles cruise at Christmas time. I really liked how she comes to terms with her life and the decisions she made along the way to make her existence something she could live with. 

Jessie Newton has a series she is writing called the Five Island Cove series. There are currently eight books in the series with number nine slated to release in August. This one is also part of that series. I’m not sure how it fits in. My guess? Eight and a half. I haven’t read the series but, I loved this book so much, I was inspired to grab the first three in the series and another one that is on sale. You might find yourself doing the same thing once you read this book. The series will take you back to the beginning of these characters. I love how this is working out! So many books, so little time…

If you love travel, older romance and you love these series written by different authors, this is the next one you should start! I love the first one is free. I love they only tie together with a theme. I love romance with older characters. I love to travel. I loved the one cruise I’ve taken. I love to read and live through the characters. So, If you are like me, Welcome Aboard! Until next time…Happy Reading.

SYNOPSIS: Set sail to new adventures and escapes with eight best-selling authors in the exciting new Sail Away series!

Single and over sixty…

Those are the only boxes Jennifer Golden needs to check to be eligible for a ticket on the Silver Sails cruise line. She’s taken a few solo trips with women her age, and she knows how to pack what she needs for a 2-week vacation in a single carry-on.

She’s never done a cruise quite this long or quite this nice, but with her daughter now moved out of the house she’s been renting from Jennifer for a decade, a son who’s stopped talking to her, and the man she’s been dating now out of the picture, Jennifer needs a break from real life.

She flies across the country only to board a ship to sail back toward Five Island Cove. Robin doesn’t understand what she’s doing, but Jennifer has never gotten along all that well with her daughter. Maybe she was too controlling when Robin was a teenager. Maybe she treated her worse than her other children. She doesn’t know, but she knows she needs to find a way to repair the relationship with her only child still in the cove.

She doesn’t expect to see Blanche Gibb on the ship, and she’s shocked her college roommate and friend is even on a singles cruise. She discovers Blanche is healing after the sudden death of her husband, and she’s come on the trip with her brother, Mitchell.

Jennifer has met Mitchell before, but this time, there’s sparks flying between the two of them, adding to the magic of the Panama sunshine, lapping waves, and endless drinks above the deck of Sweet Sea Dreams.

She feels like she’s fallen into a dream, but she still has familial relationships to repair, a friendship to nurture with Blanche, and a heart to heal before it can learn to love again…all before the ship hits land again.

Join USA Today Bestselling and Top 50 Kindle Unlimited All-Star Author Jessie Newton as she weaves another tale of friendship, romance, sisterhood, and the power of female relationships in all their forms.

★ Don’t miss a Sail Away book! ★
Book 1: Welcome Aboard – prologue book
Book 2: The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton
Book 3: Uncharted Waters by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: A Not So Distant Shore by Ev Bishop
Book 5: Caroline, Adrift by Kay Bratt
Book 6: Moonlight On the Lido Deck by Violet Howe
Book 7: The Winning Tickets by Judith Keim
Book 8: Lost At Sea by Patricia Sands
Book 9: The Last Port of Call by Elizabeth Bromke

REVIEW: I’ve have a great recommendation for you and it will be available on January 31, 2023! It is The Family Secret by Kiersten Modglin. It will be her fitst release for this year and it’s a stand alone. You simply have to make time in your busy schedule to read this one. It is a story that will reel you in hook, line and sinker. You will want to find a time when you don’t have anything else of importance to do. For example, you may want to clear your entire schedule for Tuesday the 31st. Take a day off of work, order food in and possibly make a thermos of your favorite hot drink to keep right by your chair. Send the hubby to work and the kids to school and get to reading. You might just want to silence your phone too!

This is my new favorite by Kiersten. I have a feeling this book was not written for the twists and turns that seem to happen naturally. I felt it was more written for the family drama and the background of the family. I was so immersed in the story, the family ties and all that was going on. The twists seemed more natural for what was coming. Don’t take me the wrong way. They were still a surprise but, they fit in so well, you didn’t question what you were reading and how that could have happened. The end of this book was to die for. 

The family loyalty was so strong in all of these characters. In some I felt like it drove them to insanity and others it was healthy and yet in others it made them want to be different although the ties were still there. This is a bit of a hard book to talk about without giving examples and giving spoilers away. I will not do that to you because I want you to enjoy the book as much as I did. I love romance, huge homes, monied families and all that comes with them. The power and entitlement, maids, butlers, cooks and drivers.

If you love Kiersten Modglin, you will like this book too and are already planning on reading it. If you haven’t read anything by her, this is a good place to jump right in. I will say this is a little different than anything she has written before and I love it. It is about as different as her last book A Quiet Retreat. I love I am seeing her develop in new and different ways. I love these books fall under the same general catagory but, they add in different genres. 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.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS: A completely addictive domestic thriller from bestselling author Kiersten Modglin.

Their new home has a terrifying secret…

When freshly engaged Austyn Murphy and Lowell Bass receive the news that Lowell’s parents have died unexpectedly, they set out for the historic Bass estate to handle their affairs and lay the former heads of the family to rest.

Enshrouded in layers of secrecy and tradition, the Bass estate, and the family residing within its walls, give anything but a warm welcome. When the idea of staying in the home permanently is brought up, Austyn witnesses a side of her future husband she’s never seen before.

Late one night, Austyn overhears a whispered conversation, revealing she hasn’t been given the full truth about the world she’s marrying into. And when Emily, an old friend, calls with devastating news of her own, Lowell and Austyn invite her to join them for a visit at the estate.

Upon Emily’s arrival, a confession is made, causing a rift in the seemingly impenetrable bond the girls once had. As Emily settles into their home, becoming closer to Lowell than ever before, Austyn fears she’s made a grave mistake.

Trapped inside the Bass estate under the ever-watchful eye of the staff and her soon-to-be family, Austyn makes another chilling discovery—something so terrible it changes everything.

With distressing revelations hidden around every corner and time running out before final decisions are made about her future, Austyn must uncover the truth about the opulent and powerful Bass family…at the risk of becoming another one of their dark secrets.

REVIEW: Holy Cow! I finally understand why everyone loves Hank Phillippi Ryan. I saw that she had an opening on her review team and I applied. I was totally shocked that I was accepted. It’s a good thing they didn’t ask me how many of her books I have read. The House Guest which is the newest book coming out was my first book by her. I LOVED IT!!!!!! I do own some of her other books but, I haven’t had the chance to read them. I feel so honored and blessed to be on her team. This book blew me away. I had the hardest time putting it down and going to sleep last night but, with furbabies who get me up to feed them, I had to get my beauty rest. lol

Hank wrote many little twists and turns into this book and then one really huge one at the end. She held me captive in my chair and it’s a darn good thing that I have a really comfy chair. This author wrote a book with characters that are so devious and slick. Wow! It is taking me a hot minute to put it all into place. You have FBI that are not truly FBI and then you have FBI that are posing as friends and criminals. It really just takes a minute to let it all gel in your mind. Those characters were belivable no matter what part they were playing and when. 

The main character is Alyssa. Only because her husband who is rich thought her name Alice was too plain for any wife of his. His name is Bill and he raises money for charities. He is paid for his time and it seems like he is paid quite well. Of course, he has inheritances from family money as well. I did not like Bill but, Alyssa was always the loving and faithful wife. Bill hurts her when he walks out on her and ruins her reputation with their circle of friends. She is left alone to deal with him leaving and trying to pick up the pieces of her life.

I love a book that keeps me on my toes and guessing the whole way through. Hank Phillippi Ryan crafted a novel that did just that. If you are like me, you really need to pick up a copy and start reading! I have found another addition for my long list of favorite authors. She is killer! Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. 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!