Monthly Archives: July 2023

Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins – a Review

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Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins – a Review

 

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Description:
Julia and Sienna Larkin are sisters-in-law, connected by Julia’s husband and Sienna’s brother, Jason. More than that, the two have been devoted best friends since Jason introduced them. To Sienna, Jason can do no wrong, and although Julia knows he’s not perfect, they’ve built a comfortable life and family together. Recently, Jason has been putting in long hours to secure a promotion at work, so when his boss is found brutally murdered–his lips sewn shut–the Larkins are shocked and unsettled, especially as local gossip swirls.

A few days later, Julia and Sienna’s lives are upended when Jason gets into a car accident and is placed in a medically induced coma. Worse, the police arrive with news that he’s the prime suspect in the murder investigation. With Jason unable to respond–and with Julia and Sienna working to clear his name–the two women find their friendship threatened for the first time: Sienna staunchly maintains her brother’s innocence, but as their investigation uncovers a complicated web of secrets, Julia is less sure she’s willing to defend her husband.

 

 

 

Review:

Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins is a very good standalone novel.  The story revolves around Julia and Sienna Larkin, who are sisters-in-law, as well as best friends; Julia is married to Sienna’s brother, Jason.  Julia and Sienna are partners in their own business, and in Sienna’s eyes, her brother can do no wrong; but though she still loves her husband, Julia has not been happy with some issues of recent; which has also affected their son, Aiden, who has become distant.  Though they are extremely close, both Julia and Sienna have kept some secrets from each other.  Julia never told her about some problems with Jason, which included withdrawing 10 thousand dollars from the joint account, that was being saved for a special occasion. Sienna has kept her secret from Julia, about her having resumed her affair with her ex, Wyatt (who had previously cheated on her). 

A few things happened that drastically changes everything.  Jason’s boss, is found brutally murdered, with his lips sewn shut. A couple of days later, Jason was in a terrible car accident, and is put into a medically induced coma.  Shortly thereafter, to their shock, the police arrive at the hospital to let them know that Jason is now the prime suspect in the murder investigation.  With Jason in a coma, both Julia and Sienna team up to prove his innocence.  Sienna is determined to convince the police they are looking at the wrong man, but when they keep finding evidence, Julia begins to worry that Jason is in fact a suspect. This will cause some friction between Julia and Sienna, especially with Jason’s co-worker, Maeve, revealing even more information.

What follows is an exciting and intense story, with filled with secrets, lies, family, drama and truths to be revealed. When Jason comes out of his induced coma, what will he reveal? Thicker Than Water is an excellent mystery thriller, with a family in the center of this drama.

Thicker Than Water was so very well written by Megan Collins.  I loved Julia and Sienna being the major part of the story, their determination to find the truth, as well as their wonderful friendship. The last half of the book was so exciting, I was unable to put the book down.  You need to read this book, without me revealing what happens.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Last Rites by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Last Rites by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
There’s nothing a community won’t do to protect its own…

Shirley Wallace and her four sons return to her childhood home on Pope Mountain in Jubilee, Kentucky, with a lifetime of hardship behind them, hoping to find peace and begin their lives anew. Eldest brother Aaron Pope returns to his life as a police officer, and is settling in just fine. Then Aaron’s investigation into an attempted murder leads him right to Dani Owens. She may hold the key to a long-lost part of the Pope family’s past, and more importantly, she may hold the key to Aaron’s heart.

 

Review:

Last Rites by Sharon Sala is the 2nd book in her romance suspense series, Jubilee, Kentucky. I am a fan of Sharon Sala, having read and loved her previous series; and I looked forward to reading this series, as the first book was great.  The story starts off with the Wallace family, after her abusive husband is convicted of murdering two store employees, and everyone treats them badly in their Arkansas town. After her divorce, all of them lost their jobs due to her husband’s terrible actions.  Shirley and her four sons decide to officially change their names to her maiden name, Pope; and they move to her childhood home in Jubilee, Kentucky. When they arrive in Pope Mountain, they are welcomed with open arms, moving into the house she had inherited from her deceased mother.

The oldest son, Aaron was a police officer in Arkansas, and now in Jubilee, he is offered a job, especially with his overall experience and record.  When a child is shot, Aaron becomes involved the investigation, and a young woman comes to the police station to drop off a journal she found on the street. Aaron meets Dani Owens, a new resident in town, who is an elementary school teacher; she tells him she saw the man drop something while in a hurry, and gets her to help get a sketch of the man. The journal plays an important part in the story, as it relates back almost 150 years (Civil war), when a member of the Pope family disappeared and was never found; as well as the possibility of buried treasure (gold).

Dani just recently moved to Jubilee, as she was terrorized by a former boyfriend and his brother, and their attempt to kill her. She lived in fear, until she was able to trick her attacker, and save her own life; with the attacker in prison. When Aaron learns more about her past, he realizes she is very much in danger, by the other brother, and he makes sure he sets himself to protect her, and manages to stop the attempt on her life. In a short time, Dani and Aaron will fall in love, as they go from being friends to lovers. 

What follows is an exciting, tense story that held my breath throughout; with two attempts to murder innocent people. It was great to see Cameron Pope and Rusty (book One), as well as their wonderful dog, Ghost.  Cameron was determined to discover the secrets of the journal and past history of Pope Mountain. I really loved Shirley, and her wonderful 4 boys (including Aaron), and how they became so happy returning to Jubilee. I also loved Aaron and Dani together.

Last Rites was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  I loved the characters, the town, and especially our couple.   I can’t wait to see what Sala has next.  If you like exciting suspense, and romance, I suggest you read Last Rites.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Broken Man (Appalachian Star 3) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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A Broken Man (Appalachian Star 3) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2023

Can they recover from crashing and burning?

GHOST:

Resurrection

It’s been a tough road, but I’m tougher. There’s nothing that can break me; I’m already broken. After serving time for ending the dirtbag who killed my daughter, I’m ready to get my life back. Signing on as a MEDEVAC pilot with the team of Iron Oak Farms is exactly what I need. And the last thing I need is something or someone serious or permanent. Before my life went to crap, I used to be a highly regarded nurse. It’s time to start taking care of myself—and others.

IZZY:

Resurrection

After my husband died during duty, I never thought I’d breathe again. As a military pilot, I know I have courage and strength, but sometimes, it’s all too much. Meeting Ghost changes everything. He makes me feel alive and desirable again. However, I refuse to be someone’s pastime. He’s just looking for fun. Leaving him is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But when our enemies find me and my life is on the line, my only hope is in Ghost.

•••••

REVIEW:A BROKEN MAN is the third instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult Appalachian STAR romantic suspense series set in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha series featuring characters first introduced in the books and series by Susan Stoker. This is forty-nine year old MEDEVAC pilot, nurse and former inmate Marvelle ‘Ghost’ Connors, and helicopter pilot/instructor Isolde ‘Izzy’ Bruce’s story line. A BROKEN MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Appalachian STAR is a search and rescue operation set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, an operation that hires former inmates from the US prison system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ghost and Izzy) A BROKEN MAN follows the building relationship and fall-out between forty-nine year old MEDEVAC pilot, nurse and former inmate Marvelle ‘Ghost’ Connors, and helicopter pilot/instructor Isolde ‘Izzy’ Bruce. Izzy Bruce is Ghost Connors’ helicopter instructor, and Ghost believes Izzy has chosen him for her latest series of booty calls. Upon graduation, Ghost discovers Izzy has been invited to participate in the celebration with Appalachian STAR, something with which Ghost is not too thrilled. Ghost will quickly discover Izzy has applied to, and is now working with another search and rescue, a team that will work closely with Appalachian STAR. Struggling with the demons from his past, Ghost pushes Izzy out of his life, a push that continues to spiral when Izzy goes missing in the wake of a jail break, and several domestic terrorism attacks. What ensues is the building but reluctant relationship between Izzy and Ghost, and the potential fall-out as words said in anger threaten any chance of Ghost finding his own happily ever after.

The world building continues to focus on the search and rescues involving the team at Appalachian STAR. From missing hikers and children, to aiding the local and state first responders, the men and women of Appalachian STAR are tasked with finding those unable to help themselves.

A BROKEN MAN reveals some of the back story for each of our story line couple, back stories of which neither one is completely aware. As Izzy struggle with what happened and why, Ghost is unable to let go of the loss, he blames on himself. As the relationship between Ghost and Izzy struggles in the wake of our hero’s inability to accept Izzy for who she is, Izzy battles between head and heart knowing she may have fallen in love with a man who is unable to love her in return. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and aggressive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and sometimes embattled secondary and supporting characters including several from a number of Deanndra Hall’s Bluegrass Bravery instalments, and books by Susan Stoker. We are reintroduced to Patrick aka Patch and Penny, Miles ‘ Bear’ McMillan; Porter aka Hollywood and Penny, Priest, Reboot, Paddy and Bulldog, As Bulldog continues to struggle, the team must come to terms with losing one of their own.

A BROKEN MAN is a fast paced story of love and loss, misunderstanding and second chances, forgiveness, acceptance, family and love. The premise is detailed, imaginative and realistic ; the characters are animated, determined and broken ; the romance struggles in the face of misconceptions, judgemental attitude, and prior love and loss.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
A Desperate Man
A Bitter Man

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

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The Agent (Intelligence Unit 6) by Kimberly Kincaid-review tour

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The Agent (Intelligence Unit 6) by Kimberly Kincaid-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release date July 11, 2023

Nothing rattles stone-cold FBI Agent Kai Roman. Not chasing down ruthless criminals. Not the grief of losing his wife years ago. Not even inadvertently being caught in the middle of a bank robbery.

Except Camila Garza is right beside him when danger strikes, and suddenly he’s the only person who can protect the off-limits beauty. No matter how much her older brother hates him.

And no matter how much he secretly wants her.

Camila knows she should hate Roman. He’s made it clear he doesn’t like her—or possibly anyone— one bit. But when they have to go on the run to save their lives, she begins to see past his icy exterior to the man who would do anything to keep her safe.

Including risk it all…

•••••

REVIEW:THE AGENT is the sixth and final full-length instalment in Kimberly Kincaid’s contemporary, adult INTELLIGENCE UNIT erotic, romantic suspense series -a spin off from the author’s Station Seventeen and Remington Medical series. This is FBI Agent Kai Roman, and Camila Garza’s story line. THE AGENT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments or series is revealed where necessary. Camila is the youngest sister of Detective Matteo Garza (THE GUARDIAN 5).

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Camila and Kai, THE AGENT follows the building romance and relationship between FBI Agent Kai Roman, and Camila Garza. One year earlier, FBI Agent Kai Roman rejected the advances of Camila Garza having found himself on the outs with our heroine’s older brother. Fast forward to present day, our couple find themselves witnesses to a bank robbery, a robbery in which Camila will fast become a target of the robbers involved. In an effort to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, Kai and Camila go into hiding but their return means facing down the people responsible. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kai and Camila, and the potential fall-out the thieves target our story line heroine, and Camila’s brother refuses to accept Kai as a potential mate for his younger sister.

The world building continues to focus on the men and women of the Intelligence Unit of the Remington PD . Kai has a checkered past with Camila’s brother Matteo, and as such he is not welcome in Camila’s life but Camila’s life is in danger; she has been targeted for what she saw, and in this Kai becomes guardian and protector of the woman he loves.

FBI Agent Kai Roman has a history with Camila’s brother Matteo, and as such they tend to butt heads when thrown together. Camila is tired of the over protective attitude of her brother but understands that under the circumstances, her life is now in the hands of our story line hero. Both Kai and Camila are strong-willed and determined but Camila struggles with her attraction to a man she believes is too quick to run away. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including many of whom we met in previous instalments: Xander Matthews (The Rookie), Matteo and Delia(The Guardian); Detective Shawn Maxwell, and Detective Addison Hale. Matteo Garza continues to be the proverbial thorn in Kai Roman’s side but Kai refuses to back down from the woman with whom he is falling in love.

THE AGENT is another character driven, and fast paced story of suspense and tension, crime and desperation, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and tragic; the characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is seductive and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
.5The Rookie
1.The Guardian
2.The Grifter
3.The Rogue
4.The Saint
5.The Renegade

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Connect with Kimberly

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2V66LBB

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2WzKg8B

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2YzkLWU

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2JRt3WT

Stay up to date with Kimberly by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2WwXAKW

Website: https://kimberlykincaid.com

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The St. Ambrose School for Girls by Jessica Ward-dual review

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The St. Ambrose School for Girls by Jessica Ward-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2023

Heathers meets The Secret History in this thrilling coming-of-age novel set in a boarding school where the secrets are devastating—and deadly.

When Sarah Taylor arrives at the exclusive St. Ambrose School, she’s carrying more baggage than just what fits in her suitcase. She knows she’s not like the other girls—if the shabby, all-black, non-designer clothes don’t give that away, the bottle of lithium hidden in her desk drawer sure does.

St. Ambrose’s queen bee, Greta Stanhope, picks Sarah as a target from day one and the most popular, powerful, horrible girl at school is relentless in making sure Sarah knows what the pecking order is. Thankfully, Sarah makes an ally out of her roommate Ellen “Strots” Strotsberry, a cigarette-huffing, devil-may-care athlete who takes no bullshit. Also down the hall is Nick Hollis, the devastatingly handsome RA, and the object of more than one St. Ambrose student’s fantasies. Between Strots and Nick, Sarah hopes she can make it through the semester, dealing with not only her schoolwork and a recent bipolar diagnosis, but Greta’s increasingly malicious pranks.

Sarah is determined not to give Greta the satisfaction of breaking her. But when scandal unfolds, and someone ends up dead, her world threatens to unravel in ways she could never have imagined. The St. Ambrose School for Girls is a dangerous, delicious, twisty coming-of-age tale that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

•••••

Sandy’s Review: THE ST. AMBROSE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS by Jessica Ward is a young-adult, coming of age, suspense thriller set in 1991, focusing on fifteen year old Sarah Taylor and her first few months at the prestigious St. Ambrose School for Girls.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. Although most of the characters are underaged teens, the subject of the story line is adult and dark.

Told from first person perspective (Sarah) THE ST. AMBROSE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS follows fifteen year old Sarah Taylor’s arrival at St. Ambrose School For Girls in the wake of winning an essay contest. Sarah does not come from money; she has won a scholarship to the all girl school but it is her need for Lithium that will set her apart. Sarah struggles with bi-polar disorder, and in this, she is about to meet her match in the school bully Greta Stanhope but all is not well at the illustrious school when secrets reveal a twisted scandal that results in a murder-suicide.

The world building follows the struggles of fifteen year old Sarah Taylor, a young woman who is battling a debilitating mental disorder where she will often disassociate, and in this Sarah doesn’t often know reality from imagination. There are plenty of issues behind the scenes at the St. Ambrose School for Girls, and these issues are about to spiral out of control. As the new girl at school, Sarah will become the target of Greta Stanhope, a target that will become aware of the secrets hiding behind the closed doors.

The secondary and supporting characters included Sarah’s roommate Ellen ‘Strots’ Strotsberry who has a past with Greta Stanhope, a past that is about to push Ellen in more ways than one. Greta ‘s own secrets become fodder for those in the know but money is power, and power is control.

THE ST. AMBROSE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS is a slow building story line in which we only see one side of the story. Most of the conflict takes place off page wherein the reader is only witness to the fall-out and spiral. Most of the characters are not likeable including Sarah Taylor, although the reader may have sympathy for her struggles and her plight.

Throughout the story we are witness to Sarah’s endeavor to fit in but Sarah is so far outside of the box she becomes a target of those taking control. Befriended by her roommate, a sympathetic teacher and pharmacist, as well as the RA who is aware of Sarah’s emotional turmoil, Sarah hopes to move forward but secrets and lies begin to overwhelm a young woman who is unable to navigate the world as it is. The premise is intriguing and fascinating but felt stilted in its’ presentation; the characters are desperate and broken. As per the usual YA requisite trope parameters, the author included the mean girls, and the questionable and oblivious adults.

 

Barb’s Review:  St Ambrose School for Girls by Jessica Ward is a YA suspense standalone novel that takes place in a boarding school. When 15-year-old, Sarah Taylor arrives at the exclusive St. Ambrose School, she knows that she is not like the other girls in the school; as she has a bi-polar disorder.  Especially since she was an unlikely candidate for the prestigious school, as her mother was the one who submitted her essay without her knowledge. She makes an ally out of her roommate, Strots (Ellen), who is an athlete, cigarette smoker and is gay.

St. Ambrose’s queen bee, Greta Stanhope, targets Sarah from the start, as she is evil and a classic mean girl.  Greta constantly pulls vicious pranks on Sarah, making her life difficult. Nick Hollis, is a teacher who is assigned to the upper floors, and since he is very handsome, all the students adore him; of course, Sarah also is infatuated with him. 

Sarah tries to hide her bi-polar disorder, as well as her previous attempts to commit suicide. We spent a lot of time seeing Sarah’s episodes that take over her mind; obsessive thoughts not in reality, blanking out, losing time, suicidal attempts, etc. This was very dark, somber and at times depressing, to watch a young girl going through her disorder with some confusing and detailed descriptions. 

What follows is an exciting and wild last third of the book; when scandals are revealed, as well as murder; with everything at the school falling apart. I did like Strots, as she was always willing to protect Sarah from the evil girls.  I was not a fan of the rest of the characters, which included Sarah.  I also thought Sarah’s crazy thoughts were too much and a bit of overkill.  The St. Ambrose School for Girls was an interesting, wild, suspenseful YA tale that had a decent finish.

 

 

Copies supplied by the publisher

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The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey – a Review

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The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey – a Review

 

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Description:
Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process in this moving new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series.

Nearly thirty years ago, in the wake of a personal tragedy, June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer haven for girls. But now, June is in danger of losing the place she has sacrificed everything for, and begins to realize how much she has used the camp to avoid facing difficulties in her life.

June’s niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, during a fateful summer at camp. They’ve all helped each other through hard things, from heartbreak and loss to substance abuse and unplanned pregnancy, and the three are inseparable even in their thirties. But when attorney Daphne is confronted with a relationship from her past—and a confidential issue at work becomes personal—she is faced with an impossible choice.

Lanier, meanwhile, is struggling with tough decisions of her own. After a run-in with an old flame, she is torn between the commitment she made to her fiancé and the one she made to her first love. And when a big secret comes to light, she finds herself at odds with her best friend…and risks losing the person she loves most.

But in spite of their personal problems, nothing is more important to these songbirds than Camp Holly Springs. When the women learn their childhood oasis is in danger of closing, they band together to save it, sending them on a journey that promises to open the next chapters in their lives.

From an author whose “writing coats your soul with heart” ( E! Online ), The Summer of Songbirds is a lyrical and unforgettable celebration of female friendship, summertime freedom, and enduring sisterhood—and a love letter to the places and people that make us who we are.

 

 

Review:

The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey is another one of her wonderful novels.  This story has multiple (3) POV’s, Daphne, Lanier and June, with the third close friend, Mary Stuart. 30 years ago, June, decided to buy Camp Holly Springs, turning it into a successful and thriving summer haven for girls. At that time, June enrolled her 6-year-old niece Daphne to the camp, and there she met Lanier and Mary Stuart, who became inseparable BFF for all those 30 years.  Now in the present time, June realizes her financial situation may force her to close the camp.  When the girls learn that June has financial problems, which will possibly close the camp; together all three gather together to help with fundraisers, projects to find a way to save the camp.

Daphne is a successful attorney, with a 4-year-old adorable son, Henry.  Steven is the Henry’s father, and despite they never married, and not together, they remain close friends, with Steven and Daphne co-parenting.  Daphne has always loved Huf, who is Lanier’s brother, and he has always loved her; but Lanier forced them to break up, because of Daphne’s past issues.  But now, Huf and Daphne are determined to find a way to be together, despite Lanier’s determination to stop them. Will this ruin the friendship between Lanier and Daphne?

Lanier is getting married in a few months, and neither Daphne and Mary Stuart like her fiancée; but they try to support their friend.  Mary Stuart is actually getting married soon, and her friends are always supportive.  When Daphne learns some bad news about Lanier’s fiancée, she wants to tell Lanier the truth, but is threatened to keep quiet or lose her job.  Daphne and Mary Stuart try to tempt an old flame of Lanier’s in hope she will stop her upcoming marriage.  Lanier finds herself torn between her fiancée and the man who was her first love. 

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story about three friends, who were always there for each, through thick and thin.  Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart were great, even in difficult times, their bond was always strong.  I loved Huf and Daphne together, as their love for each other was amazing. Lanier would learn the secrets about her fiancée, and open her heart to her real love.

The Summer of Songbirds was a delightful story, friendship, memories, love, summer camp, and sisterhood.  Kristy Woodson Harvey once again gives us a sensational moving storyline that is not to be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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The Poisoner’s Ring (A Rip Through Time 2) by Kelley Armstrong-review

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The Poisoner’s Ring (A Rip Through Time 2) by Kelley Armstrong-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 23, 2023

A modern-day homicide detective is working as an undertaker’s assistant in Victorian Scotland when a serial poisoner attacks the men of Edinburgh and leaves their widows under suspicion.

Edinburgh, 1869: Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell—even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body—and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows… the latest of which is Gray’s oldest sister.

Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead.

•••••

REVIEW:THE POISONER’S RING is the second instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s adult A RIP THROUGH TIME time travel, mystery series focusing on thirty year old, Vancouver, Canada Police Detective Mallory Atkinson, and undertaker/investigator Dr. Duncan Gray. THE POISONER’S RING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading book one for back story and cohesion.

NOTE: If you have not read book one A RIP THROUGH TIME there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2019 while visiting her ailing grandmother in Edinburgh Scotland, thirty year old, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada police detective Mallory Atkinson is attacked in an alley only to wake up as a nineteen year old housemaid in the year 1869, a housemaid who was also attacked and left for dead in the same alley where Mallory was found. Not only has our heroine time travelled back one-hundred and fifty years but she is no longer physically the same woman she was just minutes before. Working as a housemaid for Dr. Duncan Gray and his sister Isla, realizing life as she knew it was no longer under her control, Mallory must assume the position of nineteen year old Catriona Mitchell, a young woman whose history is questionable and dark.

Told from first person perspective (Mallory) THE POISONER’S RING follows in the wake of the death and suspected poisoning of a several men including Dr. Duncan Gray’s brother-in-law Lord Leslie. Believing there may be a ‘ring’ of women trying to ‘off’ their husbands, Duncan and Mallory go searching for the truth, using Mallory’s twenty-first century expertise, and nineteenth century clues but all is not as it appears to be as Duncan and Mallory become suspicious when the dead are connected by a common thread.

THE POISONER’S RING is another story of murder, mystery and suspense wherein Detective Mallory Atkinson, under the guise of nineteen year old Catriona Mitchell, is able to do what she does best. Duncan, his sister Isla, and Detective McCreadie are well aware of Mallory’s predicament, having barely questioned the reality of what is, and take the opportunity to learn how to ply their trade with the help of our heroine. The premise is detailed,puzzling and thought-provoking; the characters are dynamic and determined. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and questionable secondary and supporting characters, some of whom we have met in the introductory story line. Once again, there is no romance between the leading characters- Duncan and Mallory know that Mallory’s life is no longer her own.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one A RIP THROUGH TIME

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Goodreads / Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Amazon Author Page/

Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers’ dismay. All efforts to make her produce “normal” stories failed.

Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She’s the author of the NYT-bestselling “Women of the Otherworld” paranormal suspense series and “Darkest Powers” young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.

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BARBARIAN’S MATE (Special Edition 6) by Ruby Dixon-review

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BARBARIAN’S MATE (Ice Planet Barbarians 6/ Special Edition ) by Ruby Dixon -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release July 11, 2023

Josie has always dreamed of finding The One, but the hunter chosen for her is nothing like what she expected (or wanted)—but he might be exactly what she needs.

“Resonance” is supposed to be a dream—that’s when your soulmate is chosen for you. And every woman on the ice planet has hooked up with a big, hunky soulmate of their own—except me. So do I want a mate? Heck yeah. More than anything, all I’ve ever wanted is to be loved by someone.

But the soulmate chosen for me? My least favorite person on the darn ice planet. Haeden’s the most cranky, disapproving, unpleasant, overbearing male alien . . . so why is it that my body sings when he gets close? Why is he working so hard to prove to me that he’s not as awful as I think he is?

I hate him . . . don’t I?

•••••••

REVIEW: BARBARIAN’S MATE is the sixth instalment in Ruby Dixon’s adult ICE PLANET BARBARIANS erotic, sci-fi, romance series focusing on a group of aliens known as the sa-khui, and their human female mates. This is sa-khui Haeden, and Josie’s story line. BARBARIAN’S MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Ruby Dixon previously released BARBARIAN’S MATE as an independent author but the paper back rights to the series has since been picked up and re-published by Berkley Romance. The author/publisher has included a short story -ICE PLANET HONEYMOON: Haeden and Josie.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier a group of human females were abducted from Earth but mechanical trouble onboard the spaceship meant dropping the females on the nearest inhabitable planet, leaving the women behind where they would meet the nearly all male group of the sa-khui.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Haeden and Josie) BARBARIAN’S MATE follows the building romance and relationship between sa-khui Kaeden, and human female Josie. From the outset, upon their first meeting, Kaeden and Josie’s relationship has been tempestuous at best with both believing they hated one another . Kaeden wants a mate and a family, Josie wants to find love but the ‘resonance’ that rings when one’s soulmate is near rings for the least likely couple-Josie and Kaeden. Refusing to accept Kaeden as her mate, Josie goes in search for a ‘cure’, placing herself in danger at every turn. What ensues is the hunt for, and rescue of the our story line heroine, as Josie continues to struggle with the possibility of never finding love.

The relationship between Josie and Kaeden is one of fated mates brought on by the ‘resonance’ but Josie’s dislike of Kaeden is exacerbated by the perception that Kaeden’s dislikes Josie in return, a perception that is about to be disqualified when the truth is revealed. As Josie and Kaeden begin to re-evaluate their fate together, our couple must overcome the hardships of a planet that is dangerous and cruel. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

The world building continues to focus on the search for a mate. The sa-khui know their mate is near when the ‘resonance’ rings in their chest, a ring that makes everyone aware of their perspective mates. The planet upon which the sa-khui and women live is hard, cold and unforgivable but the women must learn to accept they are ‘no longer in Kansas’, and their lives are about to change.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom were introduced or had their stories told in previous instalments. The matings are producing offspring, expanding families, and finding love for the men who believed there was no hope of ever finding their own happily ever afters.

BARBARIAN’S MATE is a story of discovery and acceptance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is fated yet struggles in the face of ignorance and stubbornness; the characters are desperate and determined-at times, Josie’s head strong and turbulent attitude is frustrating, and places the couple in perilous danger.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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