REVIEW:

How could I not give Ashley Farley’s new book Where Light Lingers five stars? I would love to give it so many more! This has to be my favorite book by her. I have loved her books since I stumbled across them several years ago. My first book by her was Life on Loan back in 2019. I’ve been hooked since.

Where Light Lingers has my favorite character of all time! Her name is Blossom and she is just “heavenly” if you get my drift. She seems to come on the scene when she is needed most. All of us need a Blossom. She makes me miss my mama. I would love her to wrap me in her arms just once in a while. 

In this story we meet Professor Selwyn Aldridge and she has just lost her mother. Her father died three short years ago and she is feeling a little lost. At home she has a housekeeper named Rosa who has been employed with the family for years. Blossom is helping her find her way as an orphan. In the meantime an old flame shows up, a pregnant student needs help and someone or something seems to be living in the apartment above the garage.

Selwyn suddenly finds a life full of purpose. Although it all doesn’t go so well or so smoothly. You learn sometimes you have to ride the waves to get to the other side. I think Selwyn does a pretty good job of that. I enjoyed going on that ride with her and Blossom. 

That is one thing you can count on with a book by Ashley Farley. She will keep you interested and she has a wonderful ability to bring us characters that we learn to love and care for. I think they draw me in first and then the storyline captures my interest and I am not able to put the book down until I am done. If I do have to put it down, I can’t wait to get back to it. 

If you are looking for some books for your nightstand, I highly recommend Where Light Lingers by Ashley Farley. You won’t be disappointed. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

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

SYNOPSIS:

Sometimes the quietest miracles grow in the darkest seasons.

After six years of caring for her ailing parents, literature professor Selwyn Aldridge is alone in the weathered Victorian house where she grew up. Grief hangs heavy in every room, and her mother’s once-glorious garden is buried beneath weeds. When a bottle of morphine disappears during a moment of despair, Selwyn begins to question her grip on reality—until a radiant stranger named Blossom appears, arriving with uncanny timing and an instinct for exactly what Selwyn needs.

With Blossom’s quiet guidance, Selwyn begins to restore her mother’s garden—and, slowly, her own sense of purpose. But when an old flame resurfaces, a pregnant student turns up in need, and strange disturbances echo from the garage apartment, it becomes clear Selwyn’s story is far from over.

Set against the lush, literary backdrop of Oxford, Mississippi, Where the Light Lingers is a soulful novel about second chances, chosen family, and the quiet miracles that take root when we begin again.

For readers who loved The Secret to Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey or The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton—this soulful Southern novel will speak to your heart.

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.

REVIEW:

Alison Ragsdale has once again delivered a heartwarming and heartwrenching new novel for our reading pleasure. Her new book is titled My Sister’s Only Hope. My hope is that you read this new book and enjoy it as much as I did. It is such a satisfying read. It is another of those books that once I got into the story there was no putting it down. I’m so glad I don’t have to get up and go to work in the mornings!

This is a story of two sisters that were orphaned when their parents died. The older sister has asked the younger one to help her become a mother. She tells her she is her only hope. Kenzie knows she will do whatever it takes to help her sister. Her sister has done so much for her and this is finally something she can do for Olivia. 

This book explores the bonds between sisters and marriage vows. It will make you think and wonder what you would do in the situation that Kenzie finds herself in. I am not sure I would have made the same decision in her situation. It is after all a life changing decision. A child is just not an eighteen year obligation. Love and commitment usually ends up somewhere in the mix.

I am absolutely giddy every time I hear that Ms. Ragsdale is coming out with a new book. There are times when I yearn for a story like she writes. She writes with her heart and soul. You can feel it in the stories. She has a great talent for developing characters that stick with you long after you finish the book. It is because you take a deep dive into their feelings and who they really are so they tend to stay with you. 

If you love good stories about family, commitment and the nitty gritty that comes with them, then I highly recommend any book that is written by Alison Ragsdale and My Sister’s Only Hope is a wonderful book to start with. You can’t go wrong putting this one on your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from 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:

‘Will you help me become a mother?’ My sister whispers, her hands clasping mine. ‘You’re my only hope…’

When my sister asks me to help her have a child, I already know I will say yes. She has always dreamed of being a mother, and this might be her last chance.

Not long after the embryo is created, my sister is killed in a tragic hiking accident. The grief of losing my best friend is unbearable, but in the days that follow I realize there is a shimmer of hope: I can still fulfill her dream, and bring her baby into the world.

But no matter what I do, I can’t stop thinking about my sister’s last words to me. On the day she died, she said there was something she needed to tell me. And when my brother-in-law finally tells me what my sister was hiding, I can barely breathe.

My heart breaks as I realize I may not have known my sister at all. But now I know her terrible secret, do I have the strength to be the mother of her child?

An emotional and unputdownable story about what it means to be a mother. Perfect for fans who love Kate Hewitt, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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

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

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

REVIEW:

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury was my first Christmas book of the year! I have to admit that I am a softie for any Christmas story and if it contains a love story that is even better! I even love Christmas movies. This book gives us a double whammy because it has been made into a movie. How fun is that?

This story is about an old family heirloom ring that was lost and may never be found again. Vanessa is a military widow and her daughter has just started college. After she moves her daughter in the dorm and is on her way home again, she makes a detour to get gas. She sees an interesting antique store and decides to take a look and see if by chance she can find her ring. She meets Ben and the rest is history. I can’t tell you anymore about the ring. The search is a huge part of the story.

I can tell you that if you like Karen Kingsbury, you will most likely fall in love with her latest novel. I haven’t read too much of her work but I found the story and all that happens intriguing. I love the search. I love antique stores and wonder about the backstory of the items I see there. 

I truly enjoyed The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury and if you are like me and like anything Christmas, then this book is for you. It is going to deserve a spot on your nightstand for the upcoming holidays! 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:

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

While searching for her family’s long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a deep and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they’ve found can last.

As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter’s return from college. But Vanessa hasn’t told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn’t anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.

Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.

Certain he now knows where Vanessa’s ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa’s ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty-nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

REVIEW:

The second book in the Tucker Billionaires Series has finally arrived! It is Fierce Love by W. Million. The first book was Temporary Love which was released January of 2024. It was a wait but worth every long month of it. W. Million always brings us such delicious stories and Fierce Love is just as yummy.

This story is about Hollyn Davis and Nathaniel Tucker. Their story is a little like the fairy tale Cinderella. Hollyn comes from a poor family whose parents are criminals and Nate is from a rich family related to the royalty we have come to love in Bellerive. Now, who doesn’t like an adult fairy tale?

We meet some new characters and a few of the characters from the first book. Fierce Love does read as a standalone. You don’t have to read the first one before reading this one. You may want to go back and read Temporary Love after you get a taste of these books. They are addictive.

I also love that it is a small community on the island of Bellerive. The characters are great! Even if there are some of them you don’t like, you will love how W. Million has developed these folks. Some of them are so unique and some you love right away and there are those you would like to slap. Seriously!

Even though the Tucker family is over the top rich, you will enjoy their interactions. The siblings get along well and are a joy. Most of them have charities that they have developed and support. They are basically good people. Well, except for a couple. You have to have a scoundrel in the pack. Right?

The descriptions of the landscapes and the homes make the area come alive. I can see it in my mind and would love a visit sometime. It is truly a beautiful place. I loved the books about the Royal family. If you enjoy this book and series, go back and check out the Bellerive Royals Series. 

If you like royalty, seeing how the rich live and a side of steamy with your love story, be sure to check out W. Million and Fierce Love. I highly recommend these books for your nightstand and your bedtime reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. 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 and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

I broke my own heart to save my little sister.

I walked away from the only man I’ve ever loved to protect him.

Nathaniel was the rich boy. I was the girl with criminals for parents. First loves are never meant to last.

Now I’m back home on the island we grew up on for a new job. It should be a win-win. My sister loves this island with the small town feel that I escaped years ago.

All I want is a clean slate—to move forward.

But long days on the set of the TV show I’m working on with Nathaniel makes me relive all the moments of our past.

Every touch, every quiet moment, every questioning glance in his eyes—I know I won’t be able to stay away from him.

Even if it costs me everything.

This is the second book in the Tucker Billionaires, but this can be read as a standalone.

Content considerations: family member death, neglectful/cruel parents, substance abusing parents, criminals for parents

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

REVIEW:

The Years I Lost by Kristina Hall is a book I will highly recommend to readers who love Christian Fiction. I have read enough books by her that I know she is one of my favorite authors. This one was one that was different for me. I love mysteries, suspense and thrillers and this one fell into the suspense genre. I couldn’t wait to read this book and it was everything I hoped it would be.

Sadie is one of the main characters in this book and she has lost all of her memory from before she woke up in an abandoned building. She doesn’t even know who she is. She goes on the run and her husband Adam finally finds her. She is learning about her life and trying to adjust into a new normal for her. 

What I really like about this book is Sadie and Adam lean on their faith and their relationship with God to move forward. Although Sadie doesn’t understand why she had to lose her memory she knows God is with her moving forward and that she doesn’t need to know the reason that happened to her. I love it when the characters I am reading about pray and let us in on their conversations with the Lord. 

The characters are likable and the storyline is believable. I can’t find any fault with this book other than I would have liked it to continue on. Don’t get me wrong here. There was enough in this book. I was just enjoying it so much, I wanted more. Don’t you think that is a sign of a good book?

If you love Christian Fiction and even If you have never read it, now is the time. I want to encourage you to give this book a try. It is not in your face or shoving it down your throat. It is a book that has a little romance, some crime and just a good clean story. If you love suspense novels, then I certainly would like to recommend The Years I Lost by Kristina Hall to you. It belongs on your nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

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

After waking up in an abandoned building and having no memory of how she got there or who she is, Sadie goes on the run. She might not know anything about the last thirty-something years of her life, but she knows she’s in trouble. When Adam, a man claiming to be her husband, finds her and tells her the wild story of how she ended up in that building, can she trust him? Better yet, can she and Adam survive the danger stalking them—and find some semblance of a normal life together?

From Kristina Hall, author of women’s Christian fiction, comes a suspense novel featuring high stakes, faith, and a hint of romance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin. Visit her website at kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com.

REVIEW:

Now and Then by Kay Bratt is the thirteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series. It is a great addition to the series and takes it in a little bit of a different direction. I like where this story is headed and will hopefully continue to read this series for a long time. I really like it and I’ll tell you why.

This is a crime series with characters centered around a family. Most of the characters are from a very dysfunctional family that we have seen come into their own and rally back to becoming a loving and functional family again. I love these people like they were a part of my own family and the best part of all they live in a small town of Hart’s Ridge. I love a book that is set in Small Town, USA.

Taylor Gray and her husband Sam have opened a private detective agency called Greystone Investigations. Taylor is hoping to spend more time with her daughter and be involved with her life. Their first big case involves Sam’s side of the family in another state keeping them away from home longer than they would like. Things are happening at home too.

I love these books. They are based on a true crime but fictionalized in the book. There is always something going on and something that calls you back into the pages. I had to know what was going on and once I picked up this book, I was lost in the world of Hart’s Ridge, Taylor and her family!

Now and Then has a bit of a cliff hanger but, if you’ve been reading this series then you know that this is the norm and you find yourself excited for the next installment. If you like small towns, investigations, family drama and love stories then Kay Bratt has written a series just for you! If you haven’t read any of them yet, what are you waiting for? The Hart’s Ridge series belongs on your night stand. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

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

SYNOPSIS:

A woman sleuth. A cold case. A town full of secrets—and a sister fighting a battle of her own.

Taylor Gray has traded her badge for a fresh start. Alongside her husband Sam, she’s launched Graystone Investigations—a private detective agency fueled by grit, intuition, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. Their latest case? A high-stakes cold case that could overturn a decade-old conviction.

A man has spent years behind bars for a brutal crime—but did he do it? Or was he simply the easiest target in a town eager to close the file? Hired by the man’s devoted sister, Taylor and Sam dig deep into a web of missing evidence, forgotten leads, and truths buried under years of silence.

Back home in Hart’s Ridge, Taylor’s younger sister Anna is fighting a quieter battle—one that’s just as harrowing. Suspended from her job as an ER nurse after being accused of theft, Anna is determined to clear her name. But the deeper she digs, the more dangerous the lies become—especially when her ex-husband’s powerful family is pulling the strings. With a blossoming romance on shaky ground and her children caught in the crossfire, Anna must decide how much she’s willing to risk to reclaim her life.

As the Gray sisters fight for justice—one in a courtroom, the other in a hospital hallway—they’ll learn that sometimes the truth isn’t just hidden…it’s protected by those who fear it most.

From the bestselling author of Hart’s Ridge comes a gripping new chapter in the series—woven with heart, family, suspense, and the kind of justice only the Gray women can deliver.

REVIEW:

If you are like me and love to read debut novels, then let me introduce you to a new author named Jayne Mills and her wonderful new book Bottom of the Breath. I was not able to put this book down. It held my interest and had me doing some research on my own. That is a great book and I think this one will be winning some awards for Ms. Mills.

The main character is Cyd. Her life has been turned upside down.  She receives a letter while in the hospital that she has inherited the remains of her Aunt’s estate. She lives in the panhandle of Florida and there is a hurricane bearing down on the Gulf side of the state. I don’t want to tell you more because a lot is told to you in the synopsis. Anymore than that will spoil the book for you.

Cyd is into numerology and I had to check the discussion about your life number, figuring out my own number and seeing what it said about me. It was amazingly spot on. Don’t forget to do that! Even if you don’t believe in numerology, it is just fun to see what it tells you about yourself. 

Cyd winds up visiting the Grand Canyon and I absolutely enjoyed her experiences there and the descriptions of the area were magnificent. The descriptions in this book are very interesting and she makes you feel like you have been there or actually makes you want to go there on your own. 

I loved this book for the new things that it taught me. I enjoyed the story line and was involved with Cyd and what was happening to her and wondering how her life was going to turn out. The other characters were a good support except for one in particular. That would be her husband. I didn’t like him. You’ll see for yourself. There were times I was talking out loud to him. He is not a wise man. 

If you love a book that makes you want to travel, learn new things and bring out your feelings, then this book is one that should be on your radar. It actually should be on your nightstand waiting for you at the end of the day. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

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

SYNOPSIS:

For fans of Liane Moriarty and Maria Semple, this contemporary debut novel weaves together romance, mystery, and adventure as a woman travels to the Grand Canyon seeking answers after uncovering an old family secret.

After crashing into a devastating revelation, Cyd’s tranquil life on the Florida panhandle is further upended when she receives a letter announcing an inheritance from an estranged aunt. The inheritance contains mysterious “items of a personal nature” which Cyd must collect in person halfway across the country. In a last attempt to salvage her deteriorating marriage, Cyd agrees to travel with her husband on what he promises—and she questions—will be the trip of a lifetime.

As they set out, a hurricane threatens their hometown. Soon, fueled by the growing threat of the storm and the tension brewing between them, the couple’s long-suppressed problems erupt. Cyd digs deep for the courage to continue the journey on her own, unsure if either her home or her marriage will survive.

Once in Phoenix, Cyd learns the strange details of the inheritance and a decades-old family secret. But what was the whole truth? Clues and instinct lead Cyd to Sedona and then to the Grand Canyon. She descends into the vast chasm alone searching for answers to newly raised questions and age-old mysteries. She steps off the beaten path, literally, knowing she must make peace with her pain-filled past and her uncertain future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jayne Mills is a financial advisor who has secretly nurtured a lifelong dream of writing a novel. She expressed her literary aspirations through  Financial Wellness Monthly , a newsletter combining her interests in finance, yoga, and meditation. Additionally, she developed a program called The Wealth-Wellness Connection, designed to help people better understand their complex relationships with money. Jayne holds degrees in journalism and finance and is a registered yoga teacher. In recent years, her favorite way to vacation is as the navigator in a custom van (she hates talking maps) on a quest to visit every national park with her partner (he knows better than to  ever  let her drive) and their Border Collie, Elvis. She lives peacefully in St. Augustine, Florida.

REVIEW:

All the Beautiful Lies by J. S. Ellis is the first book in what is going to be a trilogy. This story has an interesting premise and it’s one that I have not read yet. I did enjoy the book and am looking forward to the other two books that are to follow next year. I don’t think I’ll forget who these characters are before book two comes out.

We have Jeff Whittaker and his wife Emma. Jeff meets a man in a coffee shop who is a paid  Escort. Jeff hires Daryl to see if he can entice Emma to cheat on him. Daryl takes the job because he needs the money to pay for his mother’s medical expenses. 

I am not going to give anything away because I always want you to experience the book the same way I did. I will tell you that Ms. Ellis ended this book in a way that I don’t enjoy. She left me hanging so far in the air and a long time to wait. I totally understand why she did that because it worked! I was very involved in this book and now I have so many questions, I will definitely be reading book number two and three. She accomplished her goal and I will be returning for more. Bravo!

If you love a book about a devious husband and an unhappy wife, a husband’s unconventional quest to learn how far his wife will go, then All the Beautiful Lies by J. S. Ellis should be your next read. If Domestic Thrillers are in your wheelhouse, then this book has to be on your nightstand. Don’t plan on sleeping until you finish. 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:

The escort, The husband and The wife. What do they have in common?

Daryl’s biggest priority was taking care of his ailing mother and a stack of medical bills. To ease the financial burden, he uses his looks and charm to his benefit and works as an escort. Then, he meets Jeff Whittaker at a bar and makes an unconventional request.

Entice his wife into cheating to see if she would.

Daryl takes the job because he needs the money, yet he fears what will become of Jeff’s gorgeous wife, Emma, if he reports good or bad news to him.

Then Emma gets attacked at her home.

Who attacked Emma? And What does Jeff want with Darly? Is it possible that Jeff Whittaker wants out of his marriage in a far more final than divorce?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J.S. Ellis, author of psychological thrillers and suspense  had published her debut psychological thriller in 2019 which was an instant success and received great praise from readers. She writes stories about obsession and betrayal. When she’s not putting her characters in uncomfortable difficult positions, J.S Ellis likes to relax with her husband and their fur baby, Eloise. They live on the sunny island of Malta.

Her novels are dark, suspenseful filled with mystery and intrigue.

In Her Words

The Secret She Kept

The Sisters: Short Story

The Neighbor’s Cat: Short Story

Theodore: The Neighbor’s Cat

The Rich Man

Psychological thrillers duology for fans of Gone Girl and Woman in the Window.

Runaway Girl: Short story

Lost and Found #1

Hide and Seek 2

You can follow J.S. Ellis

Join the mailing list https://joannewritesbooks.com

Website https://joannewritesbooks.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorJ.SEllis/

Instagram @ author_j.sellis

Goodreads http://bit.ly/2P8a9xx

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-s-ellis

Bingebooks: https://bingebooks.com/author/j-s-ellis

REVIEW:

Friends are Forever is book six of the Teton Mountain Series written by Kellie Coates Gilbert. Where We Belong is book one and I am sad to say the final book in the series is coming out in time for Christmas. I really hate to see these women leave my life.

I fell in love with this series from the beginning of the first book. The series is about four women that have been friends since high school and have always been there for each other. Charlie Grace, Lila, Capri and Reva have a tradition of meeting and catching up with each other on Friday evenings after the work week. I love these women and they make me miss my own friends from high school. Do you have friends like that? 

Reva has to make some life changing decisions in this book. I guess I’ll tell you that it broke my heart. I cried the ugly cry more than once while I was trying to read. It is a little difficult to read through tears that won’t stop. Reva’s decision rocks her friends to their core. Hard decisions come for Reva too. She is the Mayor of the little town of Thunder Mountain. Well, you know how I love small towns. 

The day I read this book, I walked around with a heavy heart. It is hard to know a series that you love is coming to an end but, when you find out the characters you care about so much are in as much pain as you, that makes it twice as hard. Yes, I know these are only fictional characters but, some of us have been through life changing decisions just like Reva is going through.

If you love small towns and wonderful characters that love one another like family, then this book is for you. You have time before this Christmas when the final book comes out to grab these books and start reading. Your heart will be warmed and you will feel better for reading about a kind of town and friendships that we often don’t see anymore.

Grab these books for your nightstand. I highly recommend the Teton Mountain Series by Kellie Coates Gilbert for your reading pleasure. Until next time…Happy Reading!

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

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

Some friendships last a lifetime… but what happens when life forces a change?

As mayor of Thunder Mountain, Reva Nygard has spent years guiding her town with a steady hand and an open heart. But when an unexpected family crisis calls her back to Georgia, she faces an impossible decision—one that will alter not only her future but the lives of those who love her most.

Her three lifelong friends—Charlie Grace, Capri, and Lila—are rocked by the news. As each woman navigates personal changes of her own, they lean on the friendship that has carried them through life’s highest peaks and deepest valleys. Yet just as they begin to find their footing, the town is shaken by unforeseen challenges, forcing Reva to decide if leaving Thunder Mountain is truly the right choice… or if some bonds are too strong to break.

Full of heart, laughter, and the kind of twists that only life in the Teton Mountains can deliver, Friends Are Forever is a powerful story about love, sacrifice, and the friendships that shape who we are—no matter where life takes us.

Perfect for fans of Robyn Carr, Sherryl Woods, and Nancy Naigle.

REVIEW:

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is the third book I’ve read by Christine Nolfi and it definitely is not going to be the last. I absolutely love her books and plan to do a lot of back reading in my near future. First, I have to tell you about this book because in my opinion it is fabulous! Fabulous because this author writes books with grit, heart, true feelings and substance. That’s the word, substance! She writes true literary fiction.

This book was one that drew me in immediately. The main character is Claire Shelton who works at an antique store. Her employers are two very unique and interesting men that I personally would have liked to have more of in this story. They are an important part of the story. Claire had a rough start in life and they took her under their wing and  taught her all about their trade making her a valuable employee.

Of course we meet Hanna in this book and it has been rumored that she has a secret library that is full of first edition books that are worth a ton of money that was gifted to her by her father. The rumor has never been confirmed. Most book lovers would love to be let loose in a library full of first edition, signed books. I think I would be afraid to even touch them. Wouldn’t you?

There is a lot of love and caring woven into the pages of this story. Hanna comes off as the stern mistress of the estate that has been in her family for years but there is a true love in her for the folks who work for her and their families before them. It has been a family affair. Just about the only way to get hired on as staff is to have a relative who has worked for Hannah or her family in the past.

If you like an author that can offer you a completely different story every time you open a book by them, then I suggest you read Christine Nolfi. Reading her books is like eating a fine box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. I highly recommend The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves for your next read.

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.

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SYNOPSIS:

An antiques dealer and an enigmatic heiress embark on a revelatory friendship in a haunting and hopeful novel about family ties, secrets, and belonging by the bestselling author of A Heart Like Home.

Cautious Claire Shelton, employee at a Maine antique shop, is surprised when she’s recruited to catalog the treasures of reclusive Hanna Reeves, sole descendant of the state’s most colorful shipbuilders and industrialists. Hanna’s retreat from society years ago is just one of many mysteries behind the walls of Rose Hill, her fabled estate.

Settling into Rose Hill’s carriage house, Claire finds Hanna, nearing eighty, to be a still-formidable woman. She’s demanding, judgmental, and protective of a mansion that is a veritable shrine to her ancestors. Then, diving into her work, Claire discovers a hidden library that is the stuff of legend among locals. An avid booklover, Claire is in heaven. More enthralling are Hanna’s leather-bound family journals that open Claire up to the past—and soon forge a rich and unexpected bond between two very different women.

A legacy is coming to light. All of Maine is talking. Because the revelations in the journals are enlightening enough to unite old friends, lovers, and families. And shocking enough to tear them apart forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of seventeen novels. Look for her 2025 release, The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.

Other works include her 2024 release A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards.

Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards. The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”

A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband. Visit Christine Nolfi at the website of the same name.