REVIEW:

Jenny Colgan has written a new Christmas novel for our added enjoyment of the holiday season. The new book is titled The Secret Christmas Library. If you are an avid reader, the title itself will peak your interest. I know it did for me. All I needed to see after that is that the setting is in Scotland. I do have a tiny bit of Scottish blood in my DNA and that really drew my interest.

Ms. Colgan is not one of those authors who I read without reading the synopsis. I always check her books out before I decide to read them. There are some of her series that I absolutely love and others that I find are not what I am into. That’s ok. I just think she likes a variety of subjects and to be honest, I think I am too old for some of them.

This book was fun and interesting. It is about a man named Jamie who has inherited a run down castle, probably beyond saving. He has information that hidden within the castle is a priceless book. If he can find it, he might be able to save his family home. He enlists the help of Mirren and Theo to help him find the book in a castle that is hoarded with books collected by his grandfather. 

The book took place over the Christmas holiday. They have a couple of snowstorms that strand them at the castle for a little longer than originally planned. I did like the shift in the relationships during that short time. I will say there was a lot packed into those few days. I think the book was a little too descriptive of the castle and how miserable life was within its walls. I got a little bored with that. It may have just been me. I tend to agree with Mirren that it was all a bit like a fairy tale to be there imagining life like it used to be and what the castle looked like in its heyday.

This was a Christmas story of sorts but it was not a traditional Christmas at all. They did make do with what they had and especially what they didn’t have. I think my favorite character was Jamie. He felt stuck with his position in life and we got to know his true inner self. He will steal your heart.

If you love old castles and lots of descriptions. Stories that take place in Scotland and the people and their customs, you will definitely enjoy Jenny Cogan’s new book The Secret Christmas Library. I enjoyed the book for the most part and would still recommend it to my best friend. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you love 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 new holiday story set in the Scottish Highlands to warm booklovers’ hearts by Jenny Colgan, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop.

Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McKinnon, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McKinnon family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.

But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.

Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.

A treat for booklovers and treasure hunters alike, The Secret Christmas Library serves up a delicious mystery with a hint of romance, and plenty of holiday spirit!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenny Colgan (born in 1972 in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland) is a writer of romantic comedy fiction, sci-fi and has written for the Dr Who line of stories. She writes under her own name and using the pseudonyms Jane Beaton and J. T. Colgan.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

INTRODUCTION:

Crime, romance, and history converge in Marlene M. Bell’s Annalisse series, where priceless antiquities carry secrets powerful enough to change lives—or end them.

For antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury, priceless artifacts often come with a hidden cost, and each discovery propels her deeper into a world where history and danger collide. Marlene M. Bell’s Annalisse series follows Annalisse across continents and into conspiracies that threaten not only her life but also her fragile, complicated romance with Alec Zavos, heir to a powerful family with secrets of its own. The series begins with Stolen Obsession, where Annalisse’s grief over her best friend’s murder leads her to cursed Persian jewelry tied to a string of deaths and a perilous alliance with Alec. In Spent Identity, she returns to her hometown in Upstate New York to face her aunt’s disappearance, a shocking corpse in the barn, and family secrets long buried. Scattered Legacy transports Annalisse and Alec to Italy, where Mafia conspiracies, embezzlement, and betrayal entwine with Alec’s late father’s reputation, forcing them into a labyrinth of lies. Finally, in Copper Waters, Annalisse flees to New Zealand in search of peace, only to find herself enmeshed in a small-town mystery of political corruption and suspicious deaths. Across all four novels, the series layers romance, international intrigue, and heart-pounding suspense, with twists that keep readers guessing until the last page.

EXCERPT:

STOLEN OBSESSION – Book 1 – Chapter Twenty

Waves spanked the thirty-nine-foot hull of the Gen Amore, rocking the Zavos vessel anchored in the Sea of Crete. The afternoon sun blazed overhead as Annalisse inhaled salty brine and studied the picture-perfect yacht Generosa had described dozens of times. Small enough for them to sail without a crew and large enough for she and Pearce to be intimately comfortable. The teak marine deck gleamed between twin masts, and navy-trimmed sails crackled from above. Wooden chairs were placed alongside lounges covered in striped cushions and square azure pillows. A fashion statement by the same designer who had decorated the yacht to match the island villa.

Sitting next to Generosa, Annalisse watched the rainbow windsock twist and swirl its streamers above their heads. She hadn’t counted on such a cool breeze and shivered in her one-piece swimsuit that exposed too much skin. She set her Mimosa on the side table and wiped her freezing fingers along the chair slats, dissipating some of the moisture.

On a diagonal from them, the men chatted, with Alec and Pearce gesturing with their arms as they talked about current events. It was easy to conceive how Generosa had fallen for a man like Pearce Zavos, currently barefoot in Bermuda shorts, and richly tanned everywhere. If Annalisse were several years older, a single man with Pearce’s attributes would’ve been irresistible to her, too. Pearce was the mature version of Alec with the same muscular physique, light eyes, and wavy hair graying at the temples. Where both of Alec’s cheeks were dimpled, Pearce had a single dent near the corner of his mouth and a super-cool cleft chin. Annalisse was a sucker for actors with cleft chins. They were aphrodisiac city.

Without a doubt, Pearce had to know the answer to how he’d ended up with a relic from the 1500s, and why two identical horsehead necklaces existed. Brushing off the notion a viable evilness had chased them to Greece, Annalisse planned to catch Pearce alone and ask a few generic questions any antiquities appraiser would ask the buyer of an important artifact.

“We’re a long way from shore. Shouldn’t I know how to use the ship’s radio?” Annalisse tossed her question out there.

“Gen knows, but I’ll show you too, if you’d like.” Pearce smiled. “Finish your drink. There’s plenty of time for how to use the radio and flags later.”

“Mr. Zavos, how did you and Gen settle on Sitia when the entire island is so lovely?”

“First, please call me Pearce.” He paused a few beats before answering. “I met Gen in Italy at the wedding of a mutual friend. Since her family fished the Adriatic, Gen admired the homes on the ocean. She’s an excellent swimmer, you know—loves the water as much as she loves me.” He winked at his wife. “My family vacationed in Sitia when I was a boy, and I promised myself that one day I’d buy a home that faced this sea. Gen was ecstatic about theidea.”

“After Dad retired as a stock car driver in North Carolina,” Alec added.

Pearce lolled his head back and watched the sail’s flap cutting the air. “I had to think about Alec. When I had a close call on the track, we decided it was time for me to get out.”

Alec shifted in his seat and looked at his mom. “Will Luciana be gone long?”

“She’s due back tonight.”

“The time to ourselves gave us a good excuse to run an errand in Heraklion City,” Pearce said.

“Who’s Luciana?” Annalisse slid her sunglasses on top of her head. “Sorry, dear. Luci is our villa maid and the daughter of a long-time friend. We wanted lots of playmates for Alec, but it wasn’t to be.” Generosa gave a wistful sigh and looked at Pearce. “God has a habit of testing us.”

Her heart wrenched at the truth in Generosa’s words, for Annalisse understood the pain in her voice. Little on earth hurt as badly than losing a child, her aunt had reminded Annalisse years ago.

Generosa had incredible mothering instincts, but Annalisse wasn’t hard-wired for kids. Small babies were too dependent, and their shrill cries made her nervous. Short of a miracle, having children wasn’t in Annalisse’s future, but she admired those who had the patience for kids.

“What’s wrong?” Alec looked at his father who’d started and stared at a section of water.

“Hand me the binoculars. Hurry.” Pearce pointed to a pair on the table next to Alec.

Annalisse observed a tiny black dot speeding toward them that carried the faint hum of a speedboat with it.

Pearce spent seconds with the binoculars, and for Annalisse, the wait for him to say something felt excruciating. She stood alongside the men to get a better look at the boat.

“Ladies, get below, now. And take the keys to the yacht with you. Hide them someplace where no one will find them, and hide yourselves,” Pearce said.

“Why?” Generosa asked.

“We may be getting unwanted guests.”

“You can forget it; I’m staying here.” Generosa planted hands on her hips in revolt.

“Same goes for me,” Annalisse added.

In less than a minute, a black boat filled with dark men closed on the Gen Amore. A red flag with a symbol fluttered ominously on the bow of their low-profile craft.

“Gen, Go. Hide That key,” Pearce hissed through closed teeth. “If you won’t stay down there, then come back, but hurry.” As if he’d changed his mind, he gave the binoculars to Alec. “I’m going below with your mother. Watch, but do not engage; wait for me.”

As the strangers steered closer, Annalisse noticed they were shaved bald, without beards, except for one person. A blue and white keffiyeh covered his head and most of the face from the bridge of his nose down. Her hands twitched, evoking the man from the brownstone, whose eyes were the only thing visible beneath his mask.

When the couple returned topside, Annalisse whispered to Generosa, “Where’d you hide it?”

“In a small vase. They’ll never find it.

”Annalisse sought out Alec and asked, “Any guesses who they are?”

“Not sure. Turkish, maybe.”“Are we accepting more refugees on Crete?” Generosa stepped toward Pearce.

“The men have rifles, which doesn’t bode well for us,” Pearce said. 

Annalisse’s stomach roiled with a vengeance. Against multiple weapons they were all in deep trouble, and wouldn’t be able to keep the men at bay for long—unless Alec’s dad was a well-trained sharp shooter.

“Did you leave the Glock on the island?” Annalisse asked in Alec’s ear, knowing he’d done exactly that by the way he held his mouth. “Why don’t we pull anchor and run?”

“Ladies, listen. They’re closing fast and we can’t outrun them. No matter what, don’t lead them to the key. On the black market, this yacht’s worth plenty. Say nothing. Do nothing,” Pearce said.

“Pirates.” Alec spat a quiet curse at the deck.

Annalisse and Generosa chimed together, “Pirates?”

“Or they could be refugees.” Pearce added the option, but Annalisse couldn’t imagine refugees would be heavily armed. When people left their countries, most came with children and the clothing on their backs— four men with guns weren’t seeking asylum.

Annalisse’s French toast was dangerously close to making a deck appearance.

Pearce slid a small pistol inside his belt at the back of his Bermuda shorts and dropped extra ammo in a pocket.

Alec hadn’t reminded her about the extra risks of sailing in the area. She’d forgotten how many were fleeing the region. Mentally, she envisioned a world map of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Turkey bordering the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Émigrés fleeing bombs and homeland wars would possess rougher physical characteristics. The men in the boat had a smooth bone structure and rounded features.

As the boat sloshed water to the starboard side of the yacht, a male with two missing fingers hailed them.

“Do any of you speak English?” Pearce asked, three decibels louder than usual.

They glanced at each other and laughed. “We speak English good.”

“What do you want?”

The thinnest in the group, with arms and legs tattooed, brandished a sinister AK47 with a pistol grip at them. He held his weapon like he’d comfortably used it before.

Annalisse calmed herself, curious about the men’s tattoos. She noted their red shoulders from hours on the water, worsened by the ocean’s glare. They weren’t muscular men, rather a rag-tag crew of stringy characters with lifeless eyes and broken teeth.

“We need gas. Pay in gold.”

“No need for guns.” Pearce pointed to the man’s rifle. “I’ll give you what you want.” Then he added under his breath, “I have plenty of lead.”

Annalisse’s heart stopped when Alec jerked her behind him and whispered, “Shh.”

“Take the gas and leave.” Pearce’s tension wafted the deck.

“We come on boat. Put rope down so we board. Now!”

During the back and forth, the two most sunburnt marauders had slipped into the sea, clinging to their boat hooks, only feet away from the Gen Amore’s hull.

“We don’t want trouble. Stay in your boat. I’ll give you the supplies.” Pearce hugged the brass rail, his voice even and stern while he convinced the men to stay with their boat.

An object burned her lower spine, and Annalisse saw a shadow cross the deck.

“Alec!” she yelled.

The butt of a rifle struck Alec at the base of his skull, echoing over the water.

He collapsed in front of her in a motionless heap.

Two goons, wet with salt water, stood close enough for her to smell their dense body odor— so powerful, the ocean water hadn’t washed it away. Annalisse gulped, to keep down thevomit surging in her throat.

Someone yanked her hair hard, jerking her backward, stinging the scalp where fingernails dug and scratched.

Annalisse scanned for Generosa and Pearce, but the sun’s blaze overhead blinded her.

“Let me go. I have to help him.” Annalisse gritted her teeth and hitched forward while sending an elbow backward at her captor. She hoped to catch him off guard with the seesaw action and land near his genitals.

He yelped and released her.

Annalisse grimaced and grabbed her painful scalp, feeling hair missing, then scrambled toward Alec’s still body. His breaths were shallow ones, but he was alive.

“Where is boat key?” an accented voice asked her.

Annalisse shook Alec by the shoulders. “Wake up!” She rotated around and blurted, “I don’t know where the key is.” Her attention immediately went back to Alec. “Please open your eyes, hon.”

“Get away from them!” Pearce screamed.

Generosa shouted, “Watch out, Pearce!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning author, artist, and photographer whose storytelling reflects her many creative talents. Her Annalisse series has been recognized with Best Mystery honors, the IPPY for Best Regional Australia/New Zealand, the Global Award for Best Mystery, and a Chanticleer International Mystery & Mayhem shortlist for Copper Waters. She also writes for children with Mia and Nattie: One Great Team!, a heartfelt picture book inspired by true events from her East Texas sheep ranch that celebrates unconditional love and belonging. Beyond her writing, Marlene is an accomplished artist and photographer, infusing her work with layers of creativity that resonate across genres and age groups. Connect with her through her website, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4mNJwsk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/262904-annalisse-series

WRITING JOURNEY:

When I began to publish my work in 2009, I had no idea how intricate and complicated the writing process would be. The publishing world was brutal when I set out with an idea for a new novel. But first, I had to test the water with a silly little non-fiction book for our 4H lamb club…

The club asked me to write a primer on how to raise sheep—which I eventually accomplished over a two-year period. At that time, I wrote for families and people who knew me in the sheep world of raising club lambs. Friends and family were forgiving and supportive, and had given me a false sense of security about my abilities to explain what I’ve learned over twenty years with sheep. Writing is easy and so much fun, I used to say. Now that I’m about to publish my eighth book, reading is easy, but writing original fiction takes patience and loads of editing.

The 4H sheep book was a joy to write, I’ll admit. A great beginning for a new author writing fiction—it was not. My book adviser through Book Surge (Amazon’s publishing company at the time) expressed surprise at my switch from non-fiction to genre fiction. Actually, he was shocked. His reaction seemed strange to me at the time.

It wasn’t until I waded deep into the fiction process, that I understood my advisor’s gasp on the other end of the phone. The literary pool I’d fallen into had water in it way over my head. The research and years of studying various genres was arduous, and the harsh critiques I received from literary agents from online bootcamps stomped on my heart and broke my self-esteem. Writing is hard. It’s that simple. Writing fiction takes endless imagination and the ability to take everyday situations and twist them into excitement for a reader.

In 2018, Stolen Obsession, book one in the Annalisse series, went live in paperback and eBook. What a proud moment to finish my first novel after writing it for ten years. It was written as a standalone with the possibility to blossom into a carefully planned series because of so many plot points in the first drafts.

The Annalisse series adventures include an antique-loving amateur sleuth who can’t keep herself out of mischief, and villains who want to destroy Anna and Alec as a couple. Each novel enters various countries and subtly slides into different genres. The cross-genre books happened accidentally—but I’m thankful for the change in direction from my original idea of a straight romance. My comfortable niche is mystery.

Writing the first four books in the Annalisse series has taken me from romantic suspense, to romantic mystery, and finally into a new standalone thriller. Release date, spring of 2026. I’m excited about this one! Shh, more is coming soon.

Having Anna and Alec begin their dating experience while traveling exotic locales in the series sends readers to places most of us won’t visit in a lifetime. Writing in different genres allows me to reach a wider range of readers. Some of you have asked to hear more about Annalisse and Alec’s detective friend, Bill Drake… In upcoming book five, I’m taking a deep breath and sending the series in a new direction. Where? You’ll have to wait and see!

SYNOPSIS:

The rules of justice are changing, and in Serves You Right by Orion Gregory, one detective discovers that the truth may be deadlier than the crimes themselves.Sydney Livingstone thought her new role as a small-town officer would mean balance after years of pressure in professional tennis. But her life in Walsh County takes a sharp turn when The Enforcer—a faceless vigilante—launches a crusade against criminals and the very system meant to contain them. His attacks are brutal, his digital manifestos chilling, and his reach grows with each strike. Sydney suddenly finds herself not just on the case, but in the crosshairs.As trust inside the police department fractures and evidence points toward betrayal from within, Sydney must sift through secrets, lies, and the fear of those closest to her. All the while, a stalker shadows a veteran officer, the press swarms the community, and the body count climbs higher. To survive, Sydney must decide who to trust, who to doubt, and how to stay one move ahead of a predator who is always watching.

EXCERPT:

He looked over at Andrea, who was happily finishing a chili dog next to a side of circular, mangled fries. She was saying something about changing the drapes in the front window of her house, but Frank wasn’t listening.

His hamburger looked nauseating. Even the idea of taking a sip of beer made him want to vomit. The smell was now all-encompassing.

A pair of young boys chased each other, darting between tables. One bumped their table, causing some of Frank’s beer to spill.

“Undisciplined brats,” he muttered. “Can you imagine what kind of adults they’re going to be?”

Murderers? Spouse killers? There goes Sheila again, funneling bullshit into my mind.

“We were all there once,” said Andrea. “Just ignore them.”

Frank smiled, wondering how Andrea wasn’t overcome by the disgusting smell. “You know what, I’m not really hungry,” he said. “I’m going to throw this stuff out.” Distracted by the unpleasant odor, Frank forgot about the possibility he was being followed. He fell into line behind two teenagers who were attempting to shove their trash inside an overflowing receptacle. The park seemed to be growing more crowded by the minute.

The park noises consumed Frank’s thoughts. Ice cream machines revved crazily in a high pitch, barbeque grills hissed louder than usual, and soda machines buzzed. Kids squealed at their parents while nearby game operators hollered at customers to step forward and win prizes.

He glanced upward, noticing hot-air balloons in the distance, moving toward the theme park. They were decorated with bold, contrasting colors. The late afternoon sun cast its light onto them, creating a living rainbow of color in the open air.

Frank’s eyes honed on one particular balloon, a white teardrop with silver accents and a printed logo. Four passengers waved cheerfully at everyone below. He struggled to read all the letters, but his mind was quick to fill in the gaps.

Murderer.

Frank was now trapped by the growing crowd. They jostled him, making it impossible to breathe properly. If he had the military sword that he found in Afghanistan, he could clear a five-foot radius around himself with a 360-degree swing. And what was that stinging sensation near his spine? Had a bee or wasp stung him? Or did someone accidentally jab him with a plastic fork?

But the stinging sensation was less noticeable than the certainty that he was being taunted from the heavens by some bastard who had rented a hot-air balloon. How was that possible? Who would’ve even known he would be at this theme park at this exact time?

Frank saw Andrea walking toward him, carrying a hot-fudge sundae. “Surprise!” she said. “I bought you a little treat. I figured maybe some ice cream would stimulate your appetite.”

Andrea, he thought? Of course. She was the only person who knew they were coming here today. But she would never betray him, would she? Andrea had stood steadfast by his side for two years. Had someone gotten to her? Was she gaslighting him so she could end up with everything? No,that couldn’t be right.

Andrea handed the ice cream to Frank. “Have some,” she said. “It might make you feel better.” Why wasn’t she looking skyward? Playing coy? Perhaps. But then again, maybe someone else was behind all of this.

Frank let the sundae fall out of his hands. It struck the ground, cracking its plastic container and oozing white and brown onto the concrete.

“Shit, Frank. I just paid seven bucks for that. What the hell are you doing?” “Look up,” said Frank. “That white-and-silver balloon to the west. Tell me what you see.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s nice,” she shrugged. “They all are. Why are you acting so strange?” “Read the message on the balloon,” said Frank. “Tell me what it says.” Andrea squinted, looking upward. “I don’t understand why it matters, but I’ll give it a go. Um – it appears to be a moving and storage company, I think. Yes, ‘Furderer Moving and Storage.’ Now, why was that important enough to drop your ice cream?”

Furderer. Not Murderer? Shit. In all the hullabaloo of the last several years, Frank had neglected to update his contact lens prescription. “Andrea, I am so sorry,” he said. “For some reason, I’m not feeling well.” Perhaps it was the combined smells of the food court, or maybe it was something else. The stinging sensation on his back was now more painful.

“I think I need to find a place to sit. Andrea placed her hand on his shoulder and attempted to help him navigate through the tight crowd. In the distance, Frank could see a few vacant seats located around a water fountain. It looked inviting – water spraying upward in a fanning arc, sparkling in the sun’s reflection. He’d cool off near the fountain. Once he gathered his thoughts, they could leave and resume their romantic getaway. He grabbed Andrea by her outstretched arm and pulled her toward the fountain.

When he was only steps away, Frank collided with a distracted man – holding four large translucent cups of beer – coming from the opposite direction. The impact caused the man to lose his balance, sending the cups tumbling out of his hand and onto the ground.

The man turned to Frank, his face red with anger. “Watch where you’re going, asshole!” he shouted. “That’s $36 of beer you spilled. You’re either gonna pay me back, or I’m going to kick your ass and take the money out of your wallet myself.”

The stinging sensation seemed to be increasing by the second. He tried to focus on the man, but his vision blurred. The man leaned in, transferring saliva into Frank’s face as he continued his verbal barrage. Frank understood the most logical solution would be to remain calm and pay the man for the spilled beer, especially after the last two tumultuous years. But between the insult and challenge to his manhood, Frank certainly wasn’t going to back down now.

Frank’s tormentor was about 6’ 2” and would be fortunate to reach 160 pounds. He looked like someone who had experienced a few too many go-rounds with methamphetamines.  With Frank’s superior size and strength to go along with his hand-to-hand combat techniques, he knew he’d have this guy on the ground in a matter of seconds, begging for his life.

The man grinned, displaying two missing front teeth. His crooked nose had obviously been broken before. He sported a stained blue ballcap, a heavy-metal T-shirt, and his bluejeans displayed holes in the knees.

Andrea tugged at Frank’s shirt sleeve. “Let’s just go.”

Frank moved closer. “I give you one free shot,” he growled. “From that point on, I’m only defending myself.”

Frank held his hands low. Even a direct shot didn’t really concern him. He’d taken huge punches from some of the top instructors in the area during his martial arts classes. Surely, this guy wouldn’t even come close to matching them.

Frank suddenly was seeing two images of the man in front of him. And then three. The world was rotating around him like a turbo-charged merry-go-round. He no longer was thinking about moving his head at the sight of an incoming fist. He couldn’t focus his vision on any one thing. He could hear Andrea begging him to stop among the chats of a bunch of high school kids who were encouraging the other man to throw a punch. And the stinging pain in his back had become even more intense. He lost all feeling in his legs.

At the same time, the man barreled his head into Frank’s face. He heard laughing from above him. Everything was a blur. And still, there was that stinging sensation in his lower back. He heard Andrea scream. And then, Frank lost consciousness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For Orion Gregory, crime fiction has been a lifelong passion, first sparked by the puzzles of Agatha Christie. His career path led him through award-winning journalism, advertising, and sports writing, before decades of work in sales. Alongside his professional life, he raised a family with his wife, Fran, and coached tennis, a sport that sharpened his instinct for strategy—something he weaves into his thrillers. Now living in Southwest Ohio, Gregory creates stories that blend relentless suspense with human complexity.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

I discovered writing as a kid and realized that I wasn’t too bad at it. I was always drawn towards mysterious stories, either in books or on television. I loved it when you didn’t know who the culprit was or why they were doing it. It was fun to watch those shows with others and take a poll on who we thought was the perpetrator.

In grade school, we had to complete projects and present them to the class. Never an artist by any means, I always opted to write stories and read them aloud. As an avid sports fan, I was always reading newspaper articles on every major sport and some off the beaten path. I remember informing my parents that I wanted to be a sportswriter.

So after graduating from college with a Communications Degree, I found a job at a small community newspaper in the sports department. I loved every minute of the job, despite working more than 50 hours a week. The problem was that the salary was so low, I couldn’t even afford to purchase a pair of jeans. When I finally saved up enough money to purchase an engagement ring for my wife, my bank account was never able to recover.

I left sports writing and worked in advertising for a few years. The pay was better but still stiflingly low. My wife and I wanted to have a family, and I felt it was better if we could actually FEED the kids. So that started a 25-year career in sales where I sold many different products for several companies, including pagers, computer supplies, credit card processing equipment, and finally janitorial supplies. It helped pay our bills, but my love for writing never left me. In fact, it called to me on a regular basis.

We saved our pennies and invested wisely. I was able to retire early. From that point, I declared that I would never do work again that I didn’t enjoy. So now I spend most of my time writing novels and coaching and teaching the sport of tennis.

My ultimate dream has nothing to do with making millions of dollars or achieving any sort of fame. But rather, if I could walk down a beach and observe vacationers reading and enjoying my novels, then I will have achieved my goal

SYNOPSIS:

What do you do when your dream opportunity becomes a waking nightmare? In The Standout, Laurel Osterkamp delivers a psychological thriller packed with paranoia, secrets, and emotional reckoning.

Robin Bricker joins The Standout, a ballet-themed fashion reality show, expecting drama—but she never expected to be targeted. A chilling email demands she end her engagement. Then, a website emerges to publicly humiliate her. As pressure mounts and sabotage intensifies, Robin struggles to separate friend from foe—and truth from fiction. With only her brother and a cautious new ally to turn to, she must confront long-buried memories before she loses her grip on reality.

INTRODUCTION:

Laurel Osterkamp is an award-winning author whose work spans psychological thrillers, romantic fiction, and literary women’s fiction. Her novels—The Side Project, Beautiful Little Furies, and Favorite Daughters—have been recognized for their emotional depth and smart storytelling. Laurel holds an MFA in writing and spent over twenty years teaching English and creative writing. Her characters often wrestle with identity, ambition, and the messy beauty of reinvention. She lives in Minneapolis with her family and two cats. Follow her on Instagram or visit her website.

EXCERPT:

The last time I saw my old sex-buddy Robert was years ago, when he ran from Clara’s tree house, but this morning he texts me with a picture attached. He’s sprawled on his bed, wearing nothing but a suggestive pose and a cowboy hat. What’s even more horrifying is the message: I’ve been thinking about you too.

Never mind how uncanny the timing of his text is. No. My first reaction is repulsion; how could I ever have slept with a guy who’d send a picture like this? The hat is so tacky! But after I get over his poor taste in accessories, I realize there are multiple reasons to be disturbed. The feathered cowboy hat is just the tip of the pornographic iceberg.

What if Nick had been around when I’d gotten that text? How could I possibly explain it away? And why did Robert decide to text me now, with everything else that’s been going on? It has to be more than a coincidence.

So I text him back. Can we talk? Today?

Sure, he responds, and sends me his work address.

His single-story office building is on the edge of downtown and I wait outside during lunch hour. At 11:52 I spot Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome walking out and heading straight forthe Jimmy Johns. I step into his path.

“Hi, Robert.”

His face has aged little in the last few years. Unlike Clara’s mother, Robert seems virtually unchanged by tragedy.

“Robin.” He smiles like he can picture me in nothing but a lacy thong. “Hey, how are you?”

“I’m fine, good actually. I’m getting married.” I dig my heels into the sidewalk and hug my arms to my chest. The wind whips through me, but I’ll make it clear: I do not want him warming me up. “I’ve never been happier and I can’t imagine EVER doing ANYTHING to jeopardize that.”

“Congratulations.” He tugs at his tie and the realization that I’m not going to sleep with him skips across his face. “Look, it’s great seeing you, but I’m pressed for time—”

“This won’t take long. I’m sorry to hear about Clara.”

Robert’s finely chiseled jaw goes rigid. “Thanks. But we separated years ago, pretty much right after she found out about you and me. I mean, it’s terrible that she’s missing, but—”

“Missing? Her mother said she’d died.”

“She’s presumed dead.” Robert’s nostrils flare but his shoulders sag. “Clara was traveling in Greece and there was a bus accident. Lots of bodies were burned. It was pretty gruesome. But they looked at dental records and her body was never found.”

“Oh.” Images flood my mind: a bus tumbling down a cliff and erupting into flames, Clara’s beautiful face melting in the ashes, or perhaps, Clara getting up and walking away?

Robert raises his hand as if to pat my shoulder but then he changes his mind. “Sorry, Robin. I really do need to go. Good luck with your marriage; I’m sure you’ll need it.”

He’s almost become a blur on the sidewalk before his comment sinks in.

What a jackass.

MOST ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing The Standout?

Writing The Standout was both very rewarding and challenging for me. I was in grad school when I began, and two of the first courses I took were in flash fiction and in YA fiction. Flash fiction is all about using a brevity of words for a maximum impact, and leading your readers to a point where they can infer where a character is going on their journey. Several of The Standout’s chapters, especially ones from Ted’s POV, began as flash fiction assignments for that course. I would count how many words I’d written, trying to eliminate as many as possible to stay under the assignment’s limit. This really taught me a golden rule of writing, that often less is more. And, the YA fiction writing class was invaluable for me while writing from Zelda’s POV. At the same time, I felt challenged because I’d never written from a male point-of-view before, and it had been a long time since I’d attempted a teenager’s voice.

How did you research your book?

Just about all my research was done online. However, while I was researching The Standout, there was a show at The Walker (a modern art museum in Minneapolis, where I’m from) that was all about fashion. I went and bought a couple of books in the gift shop afterwards, which were a great reference when writing about Robin’s fashion design challenges. I also dug into my old childhood books to find this compilation of stories from classic ballets, like Swan and Giselle. I referenced it for the design challenges that Robin and Zelda were a part of, and for the condensed ballet stories that Zelda tells. But for everything about climbing roofs, parcour, and Ted’s private investigator course—that was all found via YouTube and Google.

Where do you write—home, coffee shop, train?

Occasionally, if I’ve dropped my daughter off somewhere far from home, and she’ll need a ride back in under two hours, I go to a coffee shop or a library to write. But it isn’t ideal for me. I like to write at home, where I can get up to get a snack or go to the bathroom, and not worry about leaving my laptop out. I also get distracted when people nearby are chatting or whatever. It’s nice to be in my own space, where I can play music and possibly pet my cat, who is my most loyal writing buddy

Exploring the Places That Inspired My Novel

I live in Minneapolis. Nearly twenty years ago, my best friend moved from California back to Kansas City (we both grew up in Lawrence, Kansas.) When she moved, we decided that once a year, we’d meet up in Des Moines, IA, which is almost equidistant from our homes. We’d book a hotel room, and spend uninterrupted time going for walks, talking about our lives, eating out, and drinking wine. This time with my friend is invaluable, but I also enjoy the alone-time that this trip affords me almost as much.

Because, I often get there first, just for the chance to explore a place where no one knows me, and where I can be invisible for a while.

So, over the years I’ve gotten to know Des Moines well. My favorite suburb is West Des Moines, home to Jordan Creek mall. The houses in that area seem nice, but not cookie-cutter, where they’re all built from the same design. West Des Moines is a suburb with sidewalks, trails, and parks. The backyards are spacious and there’s a ton of stuff nearby.

Thus, it’s no coincidence that Robin—the main character in three of my novels—is from Des Moines. So is her extended family. While my decision to put Robin in Des Moines wasn’t random, it wasn’t something I mulled over either. I’d already set a couple of novels in Minneapolis, and I wanted somewhere different, but also where I could write from an informed perspective. Des Moines seemed like the perfect spot, and now it almost feels like a second home.

Tomorrow, I leave on my annual pilgrimage to visit Des Moines and to see my best friend. It’s always one of my favorite weekends of the year! One of the first things I’ll do upon arriving is walk alone through West Des Moines’ neighborhoods. I’ll imagine Robin and her extended family living in the homes I go past, like they’re real people and I’m paying them a visit. (Or just peeking through their windows. Don’t worry—that part is all in my imagination!) It’s a wonderful chance to live inside my own head for a while, and explore a fictional life that might have been my own.

REVIEW:

The Hidden Daughter by Soraya Lane is the seventh book of The Lost Daughters Series. The series will consist of eight books and will soon come to a conclusion. Now is the time to start binge reading if that is what you like to do. I will be sad to see this series end. It has been very enjoyable. I think I have a couple of books to go back and read because life has gotten in my way a bit. Let me tell you what I love most about this  series.

First of all, each book is a story unto itself and can be read as a standalone book. The common thread is a little box of mementos that a mother has left behind for her daughter when she is grown. The daughters are ones that are adopted out because the mother was not able to care for their baby for one reason or another.

The second thing I like is that each book takes place in a different country. You get fabulous descriptions of the surroundings. You learn a little of the culture. I love learning about things in a fun way and this is definitely a fun way to learn a little bit of each country. This book was about Norway. That really grabbed my interest since my Grandmother was born there and came to the United States with her mother and sister when she was six years old.

The mother in this story is about Amelie and her daughter’s name is Aina. Charlotte is the character in the book that received the little wooden box and was prompted to go back home to Norway. She is Aina’s granddaughter. The chapters rotate between 1950 in Norway and the present day. This book tells the story of the whole family and what they have all been through in the last 75 years. It was so good and had me in tears more than once.

If you love wonderful family saga’s and travels to different countries, I highly recommend The Lost Daughter Series. The Hidden Daughter is one of my favorite books so far in the series. They certainly deserve a spot on your nightstand especially if you love Historical Romance. 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.

SYNOPSIS:

Norway, 1951: ‘I need you to know how much I love you, Amalie. I never wanted us to be parted, and I will do whatever it takes to come back to you and our baby. Please wait for me.’

London, present day: Everything in Charlotte’s life is about to change. As she clutches a small box in her palm containing a diamond ring and a Norwegian crest, she knows she must return home to be reunited with her beloved great-grandmother Amalie and her Norwegian family.

Accepting her dream job as a head chef at Norway’s most prestigious hotel, Charlotte is welcomed by the hotel’s head designer, Harrison. For years, Charlotte sacrificed everything for her career. As she tours her new surroundings with Harrison, she soon starts to see a way of focussing on her heart too.

But when Charlotte takes the box to Amalie, everything Charlotte thought she knew about her family changes in an instant. As Amalie clutches the ring that she thought had vanished forever, she reveals a tragic love story and a precious secret that stayed buried for years.

When Charlotte discovers the huge sacrifice Amalie made to keep her family safe, will it give Charlotte the strength she needs to follow her heart? Or will she leave Norway forever?

An utterly heart-warming and stunning story about the importance of following your heart and never being afraid to find your new beginning. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Soraya Lane graduated with a law degree before realizing that law wasn’t the career for her and that her future was in writing. She is the author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction, and her novel Wives of War was an Amazon Charts bestseller.

Soraya lives on a small farm in her native New Zealand with her husband, their two young sons and a collection of four legged friends. When she’s not writing, she loves to be outside playing make-believe with her children or snuggled up inside reading.

For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or http://www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on twitter @Soraya_Lane. She would love to hear from you.

REVIEW:

The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens was my first book by this author and I will be looking at her previous books and watching for new ones. This probably won’t be the last book I read by her. I will say for me this book was quite a ride. I found I had to put this book down from time to time because the tension and the drama in the book was hard to read. It was continual and the tension was always underlying. Whew! I’m kind of glad it is over. I think I may be too old for that.

The older couple in the book is Tim and Alice. They have suffered a loss. Tim is a teacher and bought a motorhome to take Alice to the Olympics and a long trip away from home to get back to themselves. They meet a young couple and Tim offers them a ride to a town where they can find work. The ride NEVER ends. Well, it does, but they don’t seem able to ditch the hitchhikers. 

I really liked Tim and wondered what was the problem with Alice and I did finally find out. This couple was stellar. I wound up really liking both of them. Ocean and Sky were the hitchhikers and I think in the end I still didn’t like them. The author did a great job with these characters. I didn’t really question the actions of the characters because as the story rolled on you got glimpses into why they were the way they were. It really all made sense. 

This was a great book. I think the violence was a bit much for my taste, but I can see a scenario like that happening. Considering the areas that the story took place in, it was a lot easier for the crimes to be committed without them being caught very quickly. All in all it was a very believable story. It just made me mad and sad.

If you like a story that literally makes you hold your breath and sit on the edge of your seat, then this one is for you. I’m not sure it would be a good one for your nightstand. You may wind up with nightmares! For anyone that likes a good crime spree, Chevy Stevens has written The Hitchhikers just for you! Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #ChevyStevens, #St.MartinsPress, and #Netgalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

SYNOPSIS:

Chevy Stevens, the beloved New York Times bestselling author of Still Missing and Those Girls, returns with her most breathtaking thriller yet.

With its relentless pace and unforgettable twists, The Hitchhikers delivers what bestselling author Karin Slaughter calls “a frightening and viscerally chilling road-trip-gone-wrong story.”

Desperation is a dark road…

It’s the summer of 1976. Alice and Tom set out on the remote Canadian highways in their new RV, hoping to heal after a devastating tragedy.

They’ve planned the trip perfectly, every detail accounted for. Then they meet two young hitchhikers and offer them a ride. But Simon and Jenny aren’t what they seem. They’ve left a trail of blood, destruction, and madness behind them.

Now Alice and Tom are prisoners in a deadly game with nowhere to turn. As the tension builds, the lines blur, and the question becomes:

In whose heart does evil truly lie? What secrets are Jenny and Simon hiding? And who will live another day?

A chilling, twist-laden ride to the final page, The Hitchhikers is that rare novel that will break your heart as it holds you in suspense.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CHEVY STEVENS lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and daughter. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s hiking with her two dogs on her favorite mountain trails and spending time with her family. Chevy’s current obsessions are vintage airstreams, Hollywood memoirs, all things mid-century modern, and stand-up comedians–not necessarily in that order. Her debut novel, STILL MISSING, was a New York Times bestseller and won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. Her books, including THOSE GIRLS which Stephen King called “incredibly scary”, have been published in more than thirty countries. Her novel, DARK ROADS, will be released summer 2021. Please visit her at http://www.ChevyStevens.com.

REVIEW:

I’m anxious to share with you The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter. I have enjoyed every book I read by her and this one wasn’t any different. She writes clean and interesting romance books. I know that I am going to be entertained when I pick up one of her books. I hope you will be too.

This book is about a Bookshop and those of us who love books are often drawn to a good story about a book store. I don’t know about you but if there is a library or book store mentioned in the title, I always take a look and most often it goes on my want to read list. I couldn’t resist this one because it was also by Denise Hunter. I didn’t even read the synopsis. 

This bookshop was owned by Shelby Thatcher’s Gram who has just passed away. Gram is doing a little matchmaking from the other side. She has left 49% of the shop to Gray Briggs who is Shelby’s ex who broke her heart. She promised herself she would never speak to him again. Now, they have to work together because Shelby does not want to lose her Gram’s shop. This is just scratching the surface of the story. There is so much more going on. Once you open this book, you will be hooked and will not be able to walk away from it.

I love small towns for all the good and the bad. There is definitely some bad going on in this town and it will make you mad. You will probably be rooting for Gray but like me be wondering how in the world this will all work out. Love often will find a way. I just wasn’t sure how. 

I loved the characters in this book. They are the kind of people you would want in your own family or circle of friends. I was sad that Gram was gone, but she made her voice heard throughout the book. Shelby’s dad and brother were good guys who butted heads for years. A lot of wrongs were righted in this book and peace was brought for some. I will let you read it to know exactly who, what, when, where and why. It is so worth it!

If you love a good family story and one that takes place around a Bookshop, then this might just be the book you need to read on your next free weekend. I think The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter definitely deserves a top spot on your nightstand.

Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #Netgalley and #Thomas Nelson. 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 inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. “Book lovers, book clubs, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning a bookstore will adore this cleverly interwoven story” (Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood). Full of fall vibes, The Second Story Bookshop is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Gilmore Girls.

Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school, she’s helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby’s heart years ago.

Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school, he couldn’t skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he’d fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he’s back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend’s will. Facing the town’s animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.

As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram’s beyond-the-grave scheme is working–Shelby’s old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces–one that threatens Gram’s beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance set in a cozy lakeside bookshop brimming with healing, heart, and Southern charm, The Second Story Bookshop is your perfect, feel-good escape. Let Shelby and Gray’s tender journey remind you that sometimes the path back to love starts at the front step of a bookstore.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise Hunter is the internationally-published bestselling author of more than forty novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 Club and been featured in Southern Living and Woman’s World.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling, drinking chai lattes, hiking, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.

You can learn more about Denise through her website.

REVIEW:

I think I found another series to get lost in. I know I’m late to the party, but just think of the fun I can have catching up! The series is the Rosemont series by Barbara Hinske. I just finished Threads of Kindness, the eleventh book in the series! Don’t be afraid to jump in anywhere because I just did! Ms. Hinske is so talented that you never feel lost when you pick up any book she’s written. How great is that?

Threads of Kindness takes place during the holiday season. Holidays are different this year for some. There is a new museum coming to town and some fun discoveries in the old building that is going to house it and another couple is busy planning their wedding. There is so much happening in this book and I was so engrossed with learning the new characters and all the kindness being shown to each other. 

One of the best things about this series is it takes place in the small town of Rosemont. You know me, I love small towns. Rosemont didn’t make me feel like I was home, but it definitely is a town that I would consider living in. I love how the people are so kind and caring. I also love that there are distinct differences in their seasons. 

If you are a series fanatic like I am, you will love this series. There is even a special Facebook group that is all about Rosemont for those that love the series. I haven’t looked into it yet, but I plan to. I definitely think you will enjoy this story if for nothing more than a great book to read for the holidays. Grab a copy for your nightstand! You can thank me later. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

SYNOPSIS:

Westbury’s attics aren’t the only places harboring secrets …

Maggie Martin isn’t hosting Rosemont’s annual Christmas potluck. Her Christmas cheer has vanished until an exciting piece of news and a call for help propels her into action.

Meanwhile, Anita Archer’s sewing machine museum is rapidly becoming a reality. She’s purchased an abandoned building on the town square, and renovations are ahead of schedule and under budget. Until they’re not. The shocking discovery of an illicit enterprise would have been enough. When pipes freeze, the resulting flood exposes a discovery that puts Westbury on the map in a whole new way.

Sunday Sloan and Josh Newlon are immersed in wedding preparations. The gown she bought online arrives, and it’s not the one she ordered. Sunday knows she’ll have to make do with the dress she received—there’s not enough time before the ceremony for her to find the dress she’s dreamed of since childhood. The women of Westbury will hear none of it. With the clock ticking toward the big day, a circle of determined women turns disaster into a shared triumph of friendship and skill.

Welcome back to Rosemont, where every chapter feels like coming home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today Bestselling Author

Barbara Hinske is an attorney who left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. She inherited the fiction gene from her father, who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. Barbara is the author of the beloved Rosemont Series, the Guiding Emily Series, the Paws & Pastries Series, her sweet Christmas stories, the mystery, thriller, and suspense novels in her “Who’s There?” collection, and three novellas in The Wishing Tree Series.

She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking, and gardening. Her novels The Christmas Club (2019) and Guiding Emily (2023) have been made into Hallmark Channel movies.

Praise for Coming to Rosemont:

“In a category that doesn’t often feature felonious crimes as a main plot point, it’s somewhat surprising to see this title — with corruption, fraud, and arson coursing through the story — in a list of top performers. But with enough twists and turns to hook any reader’s attention, an adorable dog on the cover, and some classic women’s fiction tropes, Coming To Rosemont delivered more than enough firepower to win over our readers!” BookBub’s Best: Women’s Fiction (#4)

“In this series opener, Hinske immerses readers in a delightful small town….The joys of the tale come from the warm relationships and the story of a woman getting a second chance at life and love.” Publishers Weekly (BookLife)

Connect via my website, FB, Instagram, and YouTube, and check out images of Rosemont and places from the book on Pinterest.

REVIEW:

Under A Christmas Star by Tammy L. Grace is the third book in the Hometown Christmas series. It is my second Christmas book of the year and my favorite one so far!  There are a few reasons for that, so let me tell you why.

First of all, I am a huge fan of anything by Ms. Grace. She always makes me yearn for my hometown. She writes mostly about small towns and the wonderful people that inhabit them. Life is different in a small town. More like things were when I was growing up. We lived in a small town during my high school years and I loved the freedoms that I was able to have. You behave differently in a town where everyone knows your name, your parents, and all your business.

Second, if you’ve read the first two books, you have already met some of the characters in this book. Harper is the main character in this book and I was hoping she would get her own story told. She is a new elementary school teacher at the local school and lives in her grandmother’s old home. 

Third, she always includes dogs in her books who are always faithful companions. I have a couple myself and know how much comfort they can be if you are down or not feeling well. They are the best!

Fourth, Tammy offers us a wide variety of books to read. She has a few different series out including a detective series that is really good. She has also started a new thriller series that promises to be awesome.

If you have not read anything by Tammy L. Grace yet, I strongly encourage you to give her a try. Whenever a new book by her comes out, I’m ready to get a drink and snuggle into my recliner for a good read. Her books always bring me a feeling of well being and peace when I am done reading. Check out her work and pick something for the tbr pile on your nightstand. You won’t be sorry. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

SYNOPSIS:

Return to Snow Valley this Christmas where amid the snow and festive lights, hope shines brightest.

Jake Bennett fled Snow Valley after graduation, thriving in Seattle’s fast-paced journalism world. A quick holiday visit to his snowy mountain hometown turns into a heartfelt journey of healing and unexpected surprises. Stranded by his father Curt’s stroke, Jake wrestles with the grief of recent losses, while his six-year-old daughter, Ruby, masks her heartache with tearful outbursts.

First-grade teacher Harper Wagner, with her lavender-scented kindness, steps in to soothe Ruby’s pain and bring order to their chaotic home, her warmth kindling a deeper sense of family. As Snow Valley’s twinkling lights and festive traditions wrap them in holiday magic, Ruby blossoms and Jake’s guarded heart softens.

Can the wonder of Christmastime in this cozy town mend a father and daughter’s broken hearts, offering the gift of a new beginning? Brimming with small-town charm and tender moments, Under a Christmas Star is a heartwarming tale of love, second chances, and the Christmas magic that lights the path home.

Join USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace, as she delivers a touching holiday story, filled with heartwarming characters, furry friends, and small town traditions.

Read more from USA Today bestselling author Tammy L. Grace

HOMETOWN HARBOR SERIES

• Hometown Harbor: The Beginning (Prequel Novella)
• Finding Home
• Home Blooms
• Promise of Home
• Pieces of Home
• Finally Home
• Forever Home
• Follow Me Home
• Long Way Home
• Come Home for Christmas
• Feels Like Home

COOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS

• Killer Music
• Deadly Connection
• Dead Wrong
• Cold Killer
• Deadly Deception
• Deadly Pursuit

GLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES

• Beach Haven
• Moonlight Beach
• Beach Dreams

SISTERS OF THE HEART SERIES

• Greetings from Lavender Valley
• Pathway to Lavender Valley
• Sanctuary at Lavender Valley
• Blossoms at Lavender Valley
• Comfort in Lavender Valley
• Reunion in Lavender Valley

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

• A Season for Hope (Christmas in Silver Falls)
• The Magic of the Season (Christmas in Silver Falls)
• Christmas in Snow Valley (Hometown Christmas Series)
• One Unforgettable Christmas (Hometown Christmas Series)
• Christmas Sisters (FREE PREQUEL to Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Wishes (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Surprises (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Shelter (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)
• Christmas Hearts (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)

OTHER TITLES

• The Wishing Tree
• Wish Again
• Overdue Wishes
• One More Wish
• Pick of the Litter
• Hearts Unleashed
• Welcome Aboard
• Uncharted Waters

WRITING AS CASEY WILSON

• A Dog’s Hope
• A Dog’s Chance

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tammy L. Grace is a USA Today bestselling author of women’s fictions, family sagas, mysteries, and Christmas stories. She’s known for writing perfect escapes, unforgettable characters, and binge-worthy stories. Readers often say her characters feel like old friends and love the dogs she weaves into all her books. She brings readers entertaining stories that take them on an emotional journey, filled with complex relationships of friendship and family in her women’s fiction novels. Mystery readers delight in her fast-paced whodunits and fans of Christmas love her small town holiday stories filled with family, friendship, and furry characters.

Tammy also writes under the pen name Casey Wilson and has released two emotional and heartwarming stories about the bond we have with our beloved canine companions.

When Tammy isn’t working on ideas for a novel, she’s spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books, tea, and chocolate. She and her husband make their home in Nevada and have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.

Tammy invites you to subscribe to her newsletter at http://www.tammylgrace.com/newsletter and she’ll send you a free interview with all the dogs in her Hometown Harbor Series as a thank you gift. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tammylgrace.books and be sure and click the follow button here on Amazon.

REVIEW:

I have the perfect book recommendation to put you in the mood for Christmas stories and movies, Messy Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Farley. It is a novella that takes place during the holidays, and it’s so much fun, but it’s a mess, as the title says.

Sloane Delaney has been working hard all year long for a promotion at work, and on Thanksgiving weekend, she is handed a large project. It is an inopportune time, but if she can just pull it off, that promotion just might be hers. She finds Reid McAlister at a Christmas Tree Lot, the perfect model for her ad campaign. Let’s put it this way, he is perfect in every way!

The characters in this book are perfect. Well, some are not. They are all there for a reason, and they fulfill their reason for being in the book with perfection. I flat out didn’t like some of them, and I was definitely rooting for the Sloane and Reid team. I can’t tell you how it all worked out. You deserve to enjoy every delicious moment of this little gem of a book. 

The storyline is fast-paced since it is a novella. I enjoyed that immensely. There were not any boring or slow parts. I enjoyed my time with the characters and kind of felt like I was a mouse in the corner following them through the storyline. 

You may want to consider a copy of this book for your nightstand. Messy Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Farley is one of those books to take to your cozy bed with a hot cup of tea to enjoy until you finish it and drift off into dreamland. You might want to consider a few copies for stocking stuffers! Until next time…Happy Reading!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

She needed a model. What she got was a mess—and maybe the love of her life.

Sloane Delaney is one big pitch away from the promotion she’s worked for all year. All she needs is the perfect face for her new men’s grooming campaign—someone who embodies every version of the modern man. When she spots a flannel-clad Christmas tree vendor with an annoyingly perfect jawline, she sees more than lumberjack vibes—she sees potential.

Reid McAllister would rather stay behind the scenes at his family’s tree lot than be anyone’s holiday fantasy. But when Sloane dangles a paycheck big enough to solve his money problems (and maybe win back the girl who dumped him), he agrees to play along. One kiss for the camera turns into something that feels dangerously real—especially under the mistletoe.
Now Sloane has a campaign to launch, a fiancé who’s getting suspicious, and a growing problem: she might have cast the wrong man in her real-life love story.

Now Sloane has a campaign to launch, a fiancé who’s getting suspicious, and a growing problem: she might have cast the wrong man in her real-life love story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.

A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.