REVIEW: GRIPPING! Ohhhh my. The Dark Inheritance by Liane Carmen was so gripping and heart pounding I got to a point I couldn’t stop reading. My heart was literally pounding out of my chest. By the way, this is the second book in The Investigation Duo series. Where the Truth Hides is book one and I highly recommend you read them in order. 

Jules and Becky just started their new business called Investigation Duo. These ladies have a real heart for what they are doing. They are bringing family members together that don’t know each other either because of adoption or another set of circumstances. Things get out of hand in this case and a lot of lives may be put in jeopardy. 

I love the books that cause me to forget what is going on around me. My brain thinks about the characters when I’m not reading and I dream about them during the night. That is a consuming book. If you like that kind of story, you will love these books. You have enough time to get a copy of Where the Truth Hides to read and pre-order The Dark Inheritance. I highly recommend you treat yourself to a fun read.

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

SYNOPSIS: As a young girl, Donna Thomas tragically lost her mother and sibling. Her wealthy father has been emotionally absent ever since. As an adult, he refused to help, insisting she had to find her own way in life. When he dies, Donna’s convinced this is her chance to get what she deserves. After all, there is no other family.

But then his will deals her an unexpected blow. The estate is to be shared, not only with a mysterious stranger, but also a half-sister Donna didn’t know existed. It’s bad enough she has to share her father’s money, but his last words stipulate she doesn’t get a penny of her inheritance until she locates her half-sister.

Angry and bitter, Donna turns to Becky and Jules who’ve just opened the doors of their new detective agency. Having solved family mysteries of their own, they’re now ready to help others. As they follow the trail Donna’s father left behind, it becomes clear someone else is on the hunt as well. One accidental death in their path could be coincidental, but when it looks like the mystery beneficiary has been murdered, they don’t know who to trust.

As Becky and Jules scramble to find the connection behind Donna’s father and the murdered stranger, they worry time is running out. If they want to find Donna’s half-sister alive, they had better find her fast, because someone else seems to be one sinister step ahead of them—they want what’s theirs, and they’re prepared to kill anyone who gets in their way.

REVIEW: Knocked down – dragged out fun! The Cul-de-sac War by Melissa Ferguson was one of the cutest, funniest books I’ve read in a while. This book was lighthearted and just what I needed right now. Maybe you’re looking for something like that right now too. This year has been pretty serious but, this book will make you forget all of that for a while. 

There is not only humor, a lot of warmth oozes out of the families. They truly care for each other. The war is between a woman named Bree and her neighbor whose name is Chip. They play some pretty good pranks on each other. When push comes to shove, they pull through for each other. I loved these two. 

The writing flows and I found myself flipping pages to find out what happened next. Then, all of a sudden I found myself at The End! I was sad to come to the conclusion and wanted the book to continue. I wanted more of a good thing!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review. 

SYNOPSIS: All’s fair in love and prank wars.

Bree Leake doesn’t want to be tied down. She’s had more jobs than she can count, and she plans to move as soon as the curtains fall on her less-than-minor stage role at The Barter—the oldest live performance theater in the US. But just when it’s time to move on again, Bree’s parents make her an offer: hold steady for a full year, and they will give her the one thing she’s always wanted—her grandmother’s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life at the theater throws her some curve balls. 

And then there’s Chip McBride—her handsome and infuriating next-door neighbor. 

Chip just might be the only person whose stubborn streak can match Bree’s. She would move heaven and earth to have him off her cul-de-sac and out of her life, but according to the bargain she’s struck, she can’t move out of her house and away from the man who’s making her life miserable. So begins Bree’s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast. 

Bree isn’t the only one who’s a tad competitive, and Chip is more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur—and their heated rivalry threatens to take a hilarious, heartwarming, and romantic new turn.

REVIEW: Unputdownable! Capturing Evil by Lauren Lee was exactly that for me. I have become totally immersed in this series. This was book three in the Detective Dahlia series with book four to look forward to. I’m really hoping there are many more to come! 

Her characters are believable and I love Elle Dahlia and her new partner Cameron is quite the looker. These two are good together. They are the main characters so, we get to know them the most. There are others. They’re just not as prominent. I’m hoping we’ll see them emerge a little more as the series progresses. 

If you love a good detective story, a little romance thrown in and a few tears along the way, you’re gonna love this series. If you’ve already read book one and two don’t miss out on Capturing Evil. This is the best one yet in my opinion. 

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

SYNOPSIS: Ignoring her instincts could be the last mistake she makes. . .

A third body is discovered in Ashford’s industrial district—naked, bloodied, and left wearing a pair of diamond earrings.

Detective Elle Dahlia finds herself in the middle of the gruesome investigation filled with lies, secrets, and a growing body count. With each clue, she slips deeper into a web of malevolence—one she may not survive. Still afflicted by her fiancé’s murder, Dahlia finds herself hunting, not one but two killers.

Thrilling and captivating, Capturing Evil leads Dahlia down a path of no return. Can she capture the evil plaguing her city, or will she succumb to its grasp and fail to deliver justice to those who need it most?

REVIEW: Holy Cow! Snow in Summer by Laura Kemp took me for a ride I didn’t expect. My head is still spinning! I’m going out on a limb and telling you…if you liked any part of Evening in the Yellow Wood, you’re gonna love this book. Both books are phenomenal. Her books cross so many genres they are hard to nail down. This one is actually listed as Horror and Paranormal. Don’t let that scare you. I’m not a big fan of the genres but, I’m a big fan of these books thanks to this author’s writing expertise.

Dylan and Justine’s romance continues in this book. I love these two! They sure have a lot to work through. I love her little brother, Adam. He is cool and so is his mom, Pam. Then there is Mallard. I think I’m in love with him. In my mind, he looks like Sam Elliott. Hey, what’s not to love?

This book also takes place in Michigan and some of it on Mackinaw Island. I am a Michigan girl living in Tennessee and Laura always makes me feel like I’ve visited home. When I get to the end, I don’t want to close the book. I want to stay home for just a little longer.

This is book two in the series and I’m already waiting for book three. So, if you haven’t read Evening in the Yellow Wood, hurry up. Pre-order Snow in Summer and we can wait for book three together. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you so much for the privilege and the opportunity. 

SYNOPSIS: It’s been a year since Justine Cook defeated an immortal enemy that had hunted her family for generations. Settling into a peaceful life with her boyfriend in the small town of Lantern Creek, Michigan, she hopes to escape the events of the summer before. But the past won’t let go so easily.

When a woman named Amanda Bennett survives a fall from a cliff on Mackinac Island, it triggers a series of events that reawakens the past. Soon Justine and her brother Adam are pulled into a mystery that threatens to destroy the new life they have worked so hard to create. As people begin to die- people only Amanda Bennett can see- Justine must race against time to destroy a dark power she thought she had buried the summer before. 

REVIEW: I loved Evening in the Yellow Wood by Laura Kemp. The Michigan girl wrote a killer book for her debut novel! I’m a Michigan girl, too and I’m so proud of Laura Kemp. Maybe I am partial but, you’ll have to read the book to find out for yourself. 

The story is outstanding. There’s a little romance, a little folklore, a little magic and a lot of intrigue. This book will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I couldn’t put it down. Laura’s ease with the written word shines in this book. She has captured the essence of her characters in a way that will stay with you for a long time. 

I don’t know what I was expecting when I started this book but, my expectations were blown out of the water. This is so much more than a murder mystery or a girl looking for her father. Take my word that you will want to read this book!

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

SYNOPSIS: Abandoned by an eccentric father on the eve of her twelfth birthday, Justine Cook has lived with her fair share of unanswered questions. Now, ten years later she leaves her life in southern Michigan and heads north to the mysterious town of Lantern Creek after seeing his picture in a local newspaper. Once there, she discovers her father had been leading a double life and meets the autistic brother she never knew—a young man who is mute but able to read her mind.

When a local girl who looks like Justine is mysteriously murdered, she joins forces with sheriff’s deputy Dylan Locke to capture the killer. But the more they dig for clues to the past, the closer they come to discovering a secret someone will kill to protect. Justine begins to show signs of supernatural power and eventually must stop an immortal enemy that has hunted her family for generations.

REVIEW: Bravo! The Last Correspondent by Soraya M Lane will find a place in my top books of the year. There are some books that are tough to put into words how much in awe you are of the story and the author. This is definitely one of those books.

Let me tell you why I’m in awe. This story is about brave women who fought for their right to report from the front lines during World War II. The men didn’t think little ladies should be anywhere near the fighting. These women have totally captivated my interest and respect. 

The characters in the story were composites of the real women correspondents. There were also male correspondents that had it much easier. Some of them understood the women’s desire and became their allies. The author made me care for, love and hate these characters. I eventually understood the ones I didn’t like and respected their point of view. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that I actually felt what they were going through and fighting for. This story made you physically and mentally feel the hardship of war. 

This is my first book by Soraya M Lane. I’m in awe of her ability to write such a moving book. She has a way of grabbing you from the first page and never letting you go until you’ve read the story. I’m still thinking about the story and the characters. This won’t be my last book by her. 

I received this book from the author and Netgalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you. I’m humbled to have read this story. 

SYNOPSIS: When journalist Ella Franks is unmasked as a woman writing under a male pseudonym, she loses her job. But having risked everything to write, she refuses to be silenced and leaps at the chance to become a correspondent in war-torn France.

Already entrenched in the thoroughly male arena of war reporting is feisty American photojournalist Danni Bradford. Together with her best friend and partner, Andy, she is determined to cover the events unfolding in Normandy. And to discover the whereabouts of Andy’s flighty sister, Vogue model Chloe, who has followed a lover into the French Resistance.

When trailblazing efforts turn to tragedy, Danni, Ella and Chloe are drawn together, and soon form a formidable team. Each woman is determined to follow her dreams “no matter what”, and to make her voice heard over the noise of war.

Europe is a perilous place, with danger at every turn. They’ll need to rely on each other if they are to get their stories back, and themselves out alive. Will the adventure and love they find be worth the journey of their lives?

REVIEW: Hang on to your pants! Crescent City Sin by Nola Nash is going to take you on the ride of your life. I absolutely loved this book and recommend you get it for yourself immediately. I can’t be any clearer than that. Just in time for Halloween! Just in time to scare you out of your pants. 

This is book two to of the Crescent City Series with Crescent City Moon being book one. This second book is even more fabulous than the first book! The love story is magnificent. There is a magic about it that I fell in love with. 

I was so involved with the story and I didn’t get distracted with looking up information about the city of New Orleans. I couldn’t! I had to know what was happening with the characters. Nola really honed in on the story drawing your attention to details. In my opinion her story telling went through the roof with this book. Great job Nola Nash! 

If you love stories about witches, ghosts, spells, family secrets and love, you will enjoy this book. I am anxiously waiting for book three.

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

SYNOPSIS: In the Crescent City, darkness blurs the lines between sinners and saints.

Having been brought back through the veil after her death, Zéolie wakes to find she’s being cared for by the mother superior. Secrets are slowly revealed as Mother Micheaux explains her connection to the past Zéolie’s father kept hidden all her life. Once her strength has returned, Zéolie tries to ease back into her home and life without Louis, but soon finds herself helping a young man who mistakenly shows up at her house looking for his long-lost mother. Feeling compassion for the young man who is far from his home in France, she and the Marchon girls attempt to help him locate his mother while making him feel welcome.

Julien, the young man, finds himself strangely drawn to Zéolie and slowly loses his heart to her, but his feelings aren’t returned when Zéolie makes a new discovery that changes her life once more. Jilted, Julien unleashes his grief in the form of magical power he didn’t know he had and finds comfort in the friendship of a local madame. Out of control and angry, he succumbs to the darkness inside of him and the taunting voice of a raging spirit hungry for revenge.

Can Zéolie and her magical menagerie pull Julien back from the edge of hell, or will the past take them all down? Walk down the gritty dark streets of 1830s New Orleans where the line between sinner and saint is as blurred as the line between life and death.

REVIEW: Brilliant! Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson is the final book in Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge. Can I just tell you how sad I am to be leaving this wonderful family? I’m devastated that the authors don’t have plans to continue the series. The way I see it, there are at least four more weddings to attend. We might have to start a campaign! 

This last book is about Alissa. How she met Jeb, their relationship, what happened for the wedding to be called off and how they put it back together again. It isn’t like the other 5 books except for the first chapter about her arrival at Maddie’s house. I love how Alissa’s story is the last book. It ties things up in a nice little package. 

This book did feel a little different from the other five. I still think the writing was seamless. This book gives some relationship history that we didn’t get before which really completes their story. So, if you have started this series, you just have to finish it! 

The first book of Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge is Christmas Sisters and is a FREE prequel to the series. If you love Christmas, romance and heartwarming stories, I highly recommend you pick up the prequel and see what the buzz is all about. Then order the rest of the books. Believe me when I tell you… you’ll want everyone of them! 

I was blessed to be picked to read and review the whole series. 

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

SYNOPSIS: Random circumstances brought them together. Love made them family.

Kind, funny, successful, and adoring, Jed Marsh is the man of Alissa Mann’s dreams. But Jed’s parents don’t think Alissa, who supplements her kindergarten teacher’s salary as a cocktail waitress at a gentlemen’s club, is good enough for their son. And his controlling mother will stop at nothing to keep them from getting married.

When Mrs. Marsh threatens to reveal Alissa’s secret side job to the school administration and the meddling moms who run the PTA, Jed and Alissa reluctantly call off their intimate mountain wedding. But even after the nuptials are canceled, Alissa agrees to meet her sisters and mother at the beautiful Cedar Mountain Lodge. And in the loving arms of her own family, Alissa just might figure out how to move forward — with or without Jed.

Fans of small-town stories, heartwarming holiday tales, sweet second chances, and whimsical winter weddings will fall in love with Alissa and her soul sisters in CHRISTMAS RINGS, book six of the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, from USA Today bestselling author Tess Thompson.

REVIEW: Spine-Tingling! Yup that’s it! The Perfect Getaway by Kiersten Modglin is exactly that. There was an underlying sense of dread throughout the book and then Bam! And Bam and Bam again! You think you have it all figured out and BAM out of the blue she hits you again. OMGOODNESS! I think I have whiplash. At least my brain does.

Kiersten has done it again. This book is nothing like I’ve read before. Totally new. There were characters I didn’t trust from the beginning. I may have been wrong. As I’ve told you before, I can never figure out “who done it”. I certainly didn’t figure out this book. I don’t think you will either. I don’t think there is another person on this earth who has a mind that works like Kiersten Modglin! 

Her characters are believable and so is the story. So many scenarios went through my mind. Every one of them were wrong! WRONG! I think this may be her best book yet. If you love a good story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning pages and reading long into the night, pre-order The Perfect Getaway! Now! You don’t want to miss this one for sure. 

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

SYNOPSIS: It was the trip of a lifetime…until someone ended up dead. 

When four couples receive invitations to try out a luxury island resort, they are excited for a week of relaxation and reconnecting.

For some, it’s the honeymoon they never had the chance to take.

For others, it’s a last-ditch attempt to save their crumbling marriage. 

But when one of the group members ends up dead on the night of a terrible storm, what was once a paradise soon becomes a prison. 

Trapped on the island with no cell phone service and no means of escape, the couples fear the worst. What exactly happened to their friend? And could they be next? 

Determined to learn the truth, the couples search for answers, but only discover more secrets. Friendships, loyalties, and marriages are put to the ultimate test as they grapple to decide who to trust and who could be a threat.

Will they make it off the island? Or will the perfect getaway turn into their last? 

REVIEW: FANTASTIC! I am totally in love with the Hope Springs Series. Mistletoe and Wedding Bells by Ashley Farley is the third and final book in the series. I loved Dream Big, Stella, I fell deeper in love with Show Me the Way and I’m a goner with Mistletoe and Wedding Bells. This is the best time of year to grab the Hope Springs Series cuddle up with something warm to drink and enjoy yourself.

The characters in this series all have stuff they are working through but, most of them have such big hearts. Stella inherited a historic inn from her biological father who was a rock star. She brings it back to life, hires people who become friends and family and falls in love with the hunky contractor. There is so much love in this series and this book in particular, you just can’t help wanting to be a part of it. 

If you love romance, family and weddings then take my word for it, you’ll fall head over heels for these books. I think Ashley Farley hit it out of the park! Home run with the bases loaded. 

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

SYNOPSIS: Merriment and mayhem collide for a chaotic holiday season at the Inn at Hope Springs Farms.

General Manager, Stella Boor, is ready to marry her man and live in the home of her dreams. But she can do neither until she wins permanent custody of her six-year-old half sister, Jazz. Meanwhile, Jazz’s mother, Naomi, is determined to make trouble for Stella at every turn. When tension mounts, Stella results to drastic measures in order to protect her baby sister.

Event planner, Presley Ingram, is keeping the ultimate secret. She’s planning a surprise wedding for Stella and Jack for Christmas Day. As passion ignites with her new lover, Presley pauses to consider if she’s planning Stella’s dream wedding. Or her own.

Head chef, Cecily Weber, will wed the love of her life on Christmas Eve. But when her fiancé shows an irresponsible side she’s never before seen, Cecily begins to have second doubts. Is she suffering from pre-wedding jitters? Or will she be forced to choose between marriage and the success she’s worked so hard to achieve.

Join three intriguing young women in their pursuit of happily ever after.