Author Archives: Barb

Second Act by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Second Act by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
As the head of a prestigious movie studio for nearly two decades, Andy Westfield has had every conceivable professional a stunning office on the forty-fourth floor, a loyal assistant who can all but read his mind, access to a private jet and company cars. The son of Hollywood royalty, Andy always put his career before his marriage, and now, besides his daughter and young grandchildren, it’s the only thing he truly loves.

But then Andy’s world is upended. The studio is sold, and the buyer’s son demands the top seat. Out of a job and humiliated, Andy spirals. When his head clears, he decides to get as far away from Los Angeles as possible until the dust settles and he can find a new way forward.

Andy signs a six-month rental agreement for a luxurious home in a tiny, forgotten coastal town two hours from London. When he arrives, he hires a local woman to help get his affairs in order. A former journalist, Violet Smith is at a crossroads as well, and this temporary job is exactly what she needs to tide her over. But when Violet leaves the manuscript of her unfinished novel behind after work one day, Andy lets his curiosity get the best of him and is captivated by a story that begs to be adapted for the big screen. Could this be the miracle they’ve both been looking for? 

In Second Act, Danielle Steel presents a heartening tale of how challenging times give way to opportunities and an original outline does not always contain the perfect ending.

 

Review:

Second Act by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful romantic novels. We meet Andy Westfield, our hero, from the start, as he is a very successful CEO of a prestigious movie studio, Global. He is the son of Hollywood royalty, always putting his career first, with a divorce years ago; but he is close to his ex and daughter. Andy loves his job, having been the head of the studio for almost 20 years; he also has no problem having women fall all over him, especially during events.

Andy is shocked to find out that the studio is being sold, and the new owners want their son to take the head honcho role; with Andy now fired, which did come with a huge severance package.  Unable to handle this shock, he began drinking, until his assistant convinces him to go abroad, he leases for 6 month a quaint home in a small coastal town near London. Andy hires a former journalist to help him organize his affairs during his stay.

Violet Smith, our heroine, is at a difficult time in her life, and is happy to accept the job as an assistant.  One day, after Violet left for the day, Andy notices a folder, which looked like a manuscript she was writing, and he became intrigued.  The next morning, he mentioned it to Violet that he thought it was an enthralling story and had so much potential to be adapted for the movies. Violet has put her heart and soul into the story, and she agrees to work with Andy on this journey to create a masterpiece.  Andy contacts his friend, Dash, who does indie movies and when he reads the story, he wants in; and together with Dash planning to set up the movie and cast; Violet fixes and completes the book, and Andy decides to be the screenwriter turning the book into a movie format. Andy was a screenwriter many years ago, before he became a CEO, and he also teaches Violet the makings of doing a screenplay.  In a short time, the relationship between Violet and Andy escalates, as they both being to fall in love with each other, as they also made a great team.

Andy, Dash and Violet put together a magnificent movie that becomes very successful, and nominated for a Golden Globe award.  At first Andy refuses to go back to the states for the awards, but Dash and Violet convince him to go, as they and some of the cast will stay at his luxury home while there.  When the movie wins best picture, Andy realizes that he has a second chance in doing what he always loved. Violet was already completing another story, and Andy would do the screenplay, with Dash doing the movie.

What follows is a heartwarming, emotional and uplifting story of hope and second chances.  I loved all the characters, as Andy and Violet were wonderful together, Dash was very good, and Andy’s daughter was very welcoming with Violet.  Andy started to receive offers, but he knew he was enjoying his current life, and he needed to decide to accept an offer or continue with his happy current life. Second Act was so very well written by Danielle Steel.  This was an enjoyable read, and I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary – Review & Giveaway

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The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Two hotel receptionists–and arch-rivals–find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

It’s the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel’s front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.

The hotel won’t stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest’s lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel–and their jobs.

As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there’s more at stake here than the hotel’s future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?

 

 

Review:

The Wake Up Call by Beth O’Leary is a sweet enemies to lovers stand-alone romantic novel.  It is Christmas season, at Forest Manor Hotel, with worry that the hotel is struggling.  Izzy Jenkins and Lucas Da Silva share the responsibilities at the front desk, with both having major difference between them.   Izzy is very outgoing, friendly, optimistic and always helping people; while Lucas is serious, stubborn and brooding, not to mention he dislikes all of Izzy’s ideas. Izzy loves everyone, but hates Lucas.  Seems last Christmas, she sent Lucas a card confessing her true feelings for him suggesting that they meet under the mistletoe, and sees him kissing someone else, which will turn out to be a major miscommunication, and why she hates him.

With the hotel possibly closing after the new year, everyone is trying to find ways to pay off the debts and keep Forest Manor Hotel open; management wants Izzy and Lucas to work together to help find ways to increase finances. Izzy discovers in the hotel ‘lost and found’ many wedding rings left behind over the years, and she decides try and attempt to find the real owners; Lucas did not like the idea, thought just to sell them, but in a short period, he begins to work alongside of Izzy, with a bet who will return the most. 

They begin to work closely together, and in a short period the chemistry between them escalates; though Izzy is determined to not get hurt, and Lucas knows he has fallen in love with her. This was a true enemy to lover’s story line, with the first half filled with rivalry and dislike; but everything begins to change in the second half, with lots of witty banter.  Lucas is determined to prove to Izzy about his true feelings, being caring, patient and sweetness when together.  I loved the last half, as the chemistry between them was sizzling, and I hoped they would stay together.  I also loved all the secondary characters in this story, with Mrs. SB (owner of hotel), Mandy, Arjun, Ollie, Barty, Mr. Townsend; wasn’t crazy about Louis.  

The Wake Up Call was a fun, sweet story, enemy to lover’s, great secondary characters, and so much fun with the amazing stories on those who came to reclaim their rings; though I did feel early on was a bit slow.  The Wake Up Call was so very well written by Beth O’Leary.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 


BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a paper copy of THE WAKE UP CALL to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.    

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Unleashed Holiday by Victoria Schade – a Review

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Unleashed Holiday by Victoria Schade – a Review

 

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Description:
When an old rival reappears right before the holidays, a professional dog trainer must decide if the melting frost between them can make up for their ruff past, from the USA Today bestselling author of Dog Friendly .

Chelsea Higgins is doing just fine. She’s heading into the holidays at the helm of a thriving dog training business, and she’s got a mellow senior dog at home to keep her warm at the end of the day. What more could she need? Enter certified gym bro Andrew Chelsea’s former nemesis, and now the newest neighbor in her business complex, who also wants to expand into the vacant space Chelsea’s been eyeing for months. Who cares if it’s the season of joy? Let the turf war begin.

When an unfortunate (and literal) run-in with Andrew’s lawless dog leaves Chelsea with a bum wrist, the two strike a Andrew will help Chelsea rehab the injury if she’ll work with him to train his adorably uncivilized boxer.

Their typical bickering soon turns to bantering, and Chelsea finds herself inexplicably drawn to the man she thought she had nothing in common with. As she gets to know Andrew and his parents, she realizes she needs to refocus on her own family, especially with a milestone Christmas speeding toward them. But Chelsea can’t help wondering if she and Andrew are training for keeps, or if this unexpected Christmas gift is just too good to be true.

 

 

 

Review:

Unleashed Holiday by Victoria Schade is a sweet romantic novel with wonderful dogs adding to the fun.  We meet Chelsea (Chels) Higgins from the start, as she runs School of Frolic, a successful dog training business; she also has an older dog, Birdie to give her companionship.  When one of her clients has to give up his dog, Edith, Chels offers to take her; so now she has two cute dogs, a young puppy and a senior dog.

To her surprise, Chels learns that the vacant building next store to her shop, has been rented by her old nemesis, Andrew Gibson; which he plans to turn into a gym for fitness training. Though they both share best friends, they have never really gotten along. 

Andrew has a boxer dog, Dude, who is totally untrained, and Chels becomes annoyed at some of Andrew’s bad habits, parking in her space and not training his untrainable dog.  One night, Dude, the wild dog (though very cute), accidentally injures her, and Andrew and Chels make deal; Chels will train Dude, and Andrew will give her strength training rehabbing her wrist injury. Slowly, the bickering between them changes to sort of a friendship, leading to lots of bantering; and both begin to have feelings for each other. 

Chels gets to know Andrew’s parents, and sees that he and his father have their own issues; but in time she will get Andrews to try and find a way to reach out to his father.  But Andrew’s mother is thrilled to have Chels available to train her goats.  This was fun and I really like the mother. Chels also learns from being with his family, that she needs to spend more time with her own family, including her pregnant sister and mother.

When Chels and Andrew learn that the landlord is planning to sell the building, both are concerned.   Chels’s family tries to convince her to use the money her deceased father left, but she refuses to touch the money.  Now will the building possibly being sold; she will need to reconsider. How will Andrew react to this possibility?

Unleashed Holiday was a fun story, with a great couple, nice secondary characters, and all three of the cute adorable dogs. I have to admit, I loved all of the dogs, especially with Birdie’s surprise in falling for Edith, and her dominant ways.  I loved Dude too. Unleashed Holiday was a sweet enemies to lovers romance, and so very well written by Victoria Schade.  If you enjoy a second chance romance and fun dogs, you need to read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin – a Review

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The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin – a Review

 

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Description:
If you need help, we are here for you.

Eve St. Clair desperately needs help sorting reality from her fearful imaginings when ghostly voices seem to haunt the Victorian house in Sunderland, England, that she inherited from her uncle. Online research leads to a group that claims to offer just the aid she’s seeking. But can Ransom King’s handpicked team of investigators truly banish Eve’s night terrors?

Since the deaths of his wife and daughter, Seattle billionaire Ransom King has devoted himself to researching parapsychology and debunking the frauds who prey upon the bereaved. But Eve is a psychologist herself, clearly sane, and her sincerity is palpable. King senses a very real danger stalking the beautiful divorcée. As his interest in her case turns deeply personal, he will move heaven and earth to uncover the truth—no matter how shocking—and save the woman he loves.

 

 

Review:

The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin is another one of her wonderful paranormal romance suspense novels. From the start, we meet Dr. Eve St. Clair, our heroine, who has recently moved to England, when her uncle passed away and left the Victorian family house to her.  Eve lived in Boston most of her life, and after a divorce, she made the decision to move.  In the two months she has lived in the house, she has heard noises, such as men whispering, children running on the stairs, and angry man; giving her creepy vibes. Eve does some research to find someone to help her, and calls a Paranormal Investigators group. 

Ransom King, is a billionaire, with many successful businesses, and also owns the Paranormal Investigators. Ransom lost his wife and daughter years ago to an accident, and opened up his Paranormal business. When Ransom gets a call from Dr. Eve St. Clair, he understands her panic and fear, and is compelled to help her; he gathers his team, Jesse, Katie, Zane and they arrange to fly to Sunderland, England

Ran and his team determine that there is an evil presence that is haunting her house, which they will need to find a way to identify the entity.  While the team manages to get some vague videos, Eve, who is also a part time psychologist, will recognize a ghost of the past, an imaginary young friend, named Wally. Eve and the team, will try to call Wally, and to get him to move on to the light.  The evil spirit becomes very dangerous, trying to stop Wally and other children from moving on. With Zane doing research at the library, we learn about the Victoria Hall Disaster of 1883 (true story), that almost 200 children were crushed to death during a magic show; and an abandoned orphanage near Eve’s house also had evil spirits and demon. Ran calls a friend and former priest, to help them stop the evil demon.  

In a short time, Eve and Ran become very attracted to each other, with a sizzling romance. Ran has strong feelings for Eve, and is determined to keep her safe, especially from the dangerous spirit/demon. But he still can’t move on, always blaming himself for his wife and daughter’s death. 

What follows is an intense, exciting, scary, action-packed edge of your seat thriller. I really liked all the main characters, especially Eve and Ran; Jesse, Katie, Zane and Luke were all great.  The Ghost Illusion was a fantastic story from start to finish, and so very well written by Kat Martin.  If you enjoy exciting intense ghost stories, I suggest you read The Ghost Illusion.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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How the Italian Claimed Her by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

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How the Italian Claimed Her by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

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Description:
The Italian wants her…between his billion-dollar sheets in this passionate opposites-attract romance.

He always puts business first…
then it’s mixed with pleasure!

After taking the reins of his family’s legendary but failing fashion house, CEO Cristiano Vitale vows to restore its legacy. To do that he needs the face of the brand, supermodel Jensen Davis, to do her job. Only she’s committed to living up to her headline-hitting reputation.

Jensen doesn’t want to jeopardize Cristiano’s company, but courting scandal distracts from her mother’s self-destructive spiral. So, lying low at his Lake Como estate, she’s caught between her familial duty…and how much she wants the dangerously sexy Italian to claim her!

 

 

Review:

How the Italian Claimed Her begins with Cristiano Vitale in the midst of planning a launch that, hopefully, will bring the legendary Francisco Vitale fashion house, back to the top of the fashion world.  In Christiano’s words, “……it is a do or die moment that he has spent a decade rebuilding”.  The “face” of the house, on which everything is riding, is supermodel Jensen Davis.

Cristiano is approached by his CMO with unsettling news that Jensen has made the headlines in the most unsettling way, characterized as a catfight with an actual princess.  Cristiano is more than livid and takes it upon himself to speak with Jensen himself, in person.  He travels to London and ultimately speaks with Jensen about her antics, and she assures him it won’t happen again.  Imagine her surprise when he informs her that he knows it won’t happen again…….because she’ll be staying at his Lake Como estate until after the launch.

Jensen fights the declaration with everything she has but eventually gives up because she needs this job worse than anyone knows.  She has been trying to distance herself from her family reality show, which she has already quit.  However, it doesn’t take Cristiano long to figure out that things aren’t always as they appear. 

How the Italian Claimed Her is another wonderfully written story by Jennifer Hayward.  Cristiano and Jensen are both very well written and their chemistry is palpable from the beginning.  Their interactions draw you in immediately.  The world of wealth and beauty created in this one is easy to “see” and what happens is easy to “feel”.  It has been a very long time since I’ve read a story that was, in my humble opinion, this timely.  The world we live in is so easily influenced by ones’ perceptions of everyone and everything, without really knowing what’s actually happening or why, with taking things at surface value instead of digging just a little deeper to see what’s below said surface.  This story is one of betrayal and redemption, doubt and certainty, love and trust and ultimately believing in yourself. 

How the Italian Claimed Her, I believe, is my favorite so far by Jennifer Hayward.  If you’re a fan of the genre and romance in general, you will never go wrong with one of her tales.  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

 

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The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman – a Review

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The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman – a Review

 

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Description:
Hannah and Finn have spent every Christmas together since college. Neither has anywhere else to go—Hannah’s parents died, and Finn’s disowned him when he came out. Their tradition of offbeat holiday adventures only grows more outrageous with time. When the pair starts their adult lives in New York City, they add stylish Priya and mysterious Theo to the group, solidifying a found family and sense of belonging they’ve always craved.

But now, when Finn announces a move to L.A., this Christmas may be their last. Hannah is terrified of losing the family she’s built for herself, even as her boyfriend nudges her toward commitment. Meanwhile, Finn struggles with the things he’s about to leave behind—namely, his unexpressed feelings for Theo. Does growing up mean growing apart? This Christmas the changes these friends fear may be exactly what they need. . .

 

 

Review:

The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman is a Christmas themed stand-alone novel revolving around 4 best friends. Hannah and Finn are the main characters, with two others to follow within a couple of years. Hannah meets Finn while in college, with most of the people away with family during Christmas.  Hannah’s parents were deceased, and Finn’s family disowned him (because he was gay).  They became best friends, always being there for each other, especially on Christmas day; and when they lived in New York, the found Theo and Priya who became part of their group.  The friendship between the four of them was a holiday tradition over the course of a decade, and now Finn reveals that he got a good job, and is moving to LA. 

Hannah is upset, as she always wanted everything to stay the same; even though her boyfriend, David wants a commitment.  Theo, who comes from a wealthy family, is gay; with his father not paying too much attention to him.  Finn has always had a crush on Theo, but he could never approach Theo about a relationship.  Priya doesn’t care about Christmas holiday, but loves being around her friends.  Hannah is the one who is concerned to lose this family of four.  

Every Christmas that they spend together, is always entertaining, with movies, games, activities, meals and fun making the holidays always memorable.   The Christmas Orphans Club was a wonderful story about friendship, new found family, love (both LGBTQ & straight romance), as well as drama. The Christmas Orphan’s Club was very well written by Becca Freeman. I have not followed this author on her podcast, but she has done very well with this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

I’m the co-host of the popular books & lifestyle podcast, BAD ON PAPER

I spent over a decade working in digital marketing before becoming an author. 

I’m a graduate of Boston College. 

I currently live in Brooklyn, NY.

I’m the co-creator of ROMCOMPODS, a series of fiction podcasts offering happily ever afters for your ears.

I’m on Instagram @BECCAMFREEMAN

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Peaches and Dreams by Juliette Cross – Dual Review

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Peaches and Dreams (Green Valley Heroes 4) by Juliette Cross – Dual Review

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Description:
Marly Rivers is not crazy. No matter what everyone says. They may think her dream is foolish, but she plans to prove them all wrong—one jar of moonshine at a time.

Single dad Wade Kelley is just fine. No matter what his best friend Jed says. He doesn’t need a woman in his life. But when his son Jake breaks a jar of moonshine, he sets something in motion that neither Wade nor Marly are prepared for.

A friendly favor turns into late nights, long dinners, and a romp in the woods. And in a deer stand too. By the time Wade realizes he’s fallen hard and deep for Mad Marly, it may be too late to tell her. When she falls into real and sudden danger with poachers, he may not even be able to save her.

 

Barb’s Review: Peaches and Dreams by Juliette Cross is her 2nd book in the Green Valley Heroes series.  We meet Marly Rivers at the start, as she works at a moonshine store, as well doing a podcast with her friend, Lola.  Marly is known in town as ‘Mad Marly’, since she is always outgoing, wild, fun and rambunctious; with many people thinking of her as a bit crazy. At the store, a young boy accidently breaks something, Marly tries to protect the boy, but his father saw what happened, and came across to Marly as a bit arrogant.

Wade Kelley comes across as grumpy, he is a single father, who loves his son, Jake; making sure to be the best dad and make his son happy.  Wade is a wildlife resource officer, and he has a great family that will do anything to help out Wade and Jake.

Marly is determined to win this year’s moonshine competition and open her own moonshine distillery.  She approaches Wade, if she can talk to his grandfather to learn more about what she needs to do in the upcoming competition. Wade does agree to connect Marly with his grandfather, who offers her his old cabin to use for her various flavored moonshine. Wade does finds her wild ways unnerving, but that will change in a short time. 

Wade took Marly to the woods where the cabin is, and explains that she needs to be careful and leave before dark; since getting lost in the woods is dangerous.  The more time they spend together, and with Marly constantly flirting with Wade, as he does help fix the cabin up, Wade soon begins to have feelings for her.  He cannot resist her charming and fun ways, and loved how close she had become to Jake. Marly was perfect for Wade, helping him come out of his comfort zone; with the sparks between them sizzling. I really ended up loving Marly and Wade together, as well as Jake being so adorable.

The last quarter of the book was intense and exciting, as Marly found herself in danger, with poachers, as well as getting lost in the wilderness. Can Wade save her?

I really liked Marly, as she was so wild and different, though very early on I found her a bit annoying, but she grew on me throughout the rest of the book.  Peaches and Dreams was a fun, heartwarming, passionate story in a wonderful small town. The secondary characters were all great; I also did love Scooter and Pooter. Once again, Juliette Cross gives us a wonderful romance, which was very well written. I really enjoyed this book.

Sandy’s Reviews:

PEACHES AND DREAMS by Juliette Cross is the fourth instalment in the contemporary, adult, multi-authored GREEN VALLEY HEROES romance series, set in Penny Reid’s Green Valley Universe. This is Wildlife Resources Agent and single dad Wade Kelley, and moonshine distiller and business woman Marly Rivers’ story line. PEACHES AND DREAMS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Wade and Marly) PEACHES AND DREAMS follows the building romance and relationship between Marly and Wade. Wade Kelley is a single father; a grump of a Wildlife Resources Agent but finds himself attracted to our story line heroine. Marly Rivers is determined to open her own distillery but is in need of some up to date equipment. An accident at the place where she works, brings Marly up close and personal without story line hero, an accidnet that sets into motion Wade and Marly’s happily ever after. With the help of Wade Kelley, and Marly’s grandfather ‘pops’ Marly sets up shop in a cabin in the woods but all is not well as Wade is struggling to find one or more poaches, hunting black bear, poaching out of season. As Marly and Wade’s relationship begins to build, Marly finds herself struggling with a place in Wade’s life, and the less than welcome reception of the father she loved. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Marly and Wade, and the potential fall-out as Marley battles between head and heart ; and finds herself the target of some out of town hunters.

The relationship between Wade and Marly begins acrimoniously as Marly struggles with Wade’s grumpiness and over lack of enthusiasm when it comes anyone else but Wade is unable to sit by and watch Marly endeavor to begin her own business without some ‘muscle’ he is willing to provide. As their relationship grows, Marly begins to fall in love with Wade’s son Jake, hoping one day to see herself as somebody’s mom. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word.
We are reintroduced to Lola and Jed (Parks and Provocation 2), as well as the introduction of Wade’s son Jake, and Marly’s grandfather, and estranged father.

PEACHES AND DREAMS is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; trust and understanding. The premise is captivating and delightful; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and energetic.

 

 

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Amazon Author Page / Newsletter

 

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Cry of the Banshee by Heather Graham – review tour

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Cry of the Banshee (Krewe of Hunters/ 1001 Dark Nights) by Heather Graham – Review Tour

 

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Description:
Strange things are happening at Castle Darien, the legendary home of Angela Hawkins Crow’s family just outside of Dublin, Ireland.

People are dying in the most unusual drowning where there’s no water, falling from heights that don’t exist…

But before every death, the banshee lets out a cry, warning that loved ones are in danger. The Irish death ghost’s haunting shrieks and sobs echo within the ancient stone walls and travel up and down the hillsides.

Terrified and broken after the death of a friend, Moira Hawkins, Angela’s second cousin, turns to her family for help, convinced that evil is at work and sure the Krewe of Hunters can determine what is happening and put an end to the strange and deadly haunting.

Angela is mystified and stricken, but she and Jackson travel to the Emerald Isle to investigate, certain that someone very much alive is behind whatever is going on.

But she and the Krewe just might need the dead to uncover the truth.

 

 

Review:

Cry of the Banshee by Heather Graham is a novella from her wonderful Krewe of Hunters series. I am a big fan of Heather Graham, and always enjoy her books.

The story begins in Ireland, where strange things are happening at Castle Darien, such as strange mysterious deaths. Moira Hawkins, who owns the Castle, wakes up during the night, hearing a warning cry that someone is in danger; Moira can hear a banshee giving warning shrieks that only she can hear. That evening, during the castle’s tour, a woman is found dead. Moira is in a panic, worried that she is losing her mind. She makes a call to her cousin in the States for help, since her cousin is a member of the Krewe of Hunters. 

Angela Hawkins Crow is Moira’s cousin, and she convinces her husband, Jackson to take time off and go to Ireland to help her terrified cousin.  Angela and Jackson are the leaders of the Krewe of Hunters, and together they decide to take time off to travel to Ireland to try and discover what evil is happening at Castle Darien. 

When they arrive at the Castle, they are greeted happily by Moira, who was thrilled to have them come help discover what strange and deadly hauntings are happening.  Angela and Jackson get to meet all the staff in the Castle, as well as the guards and the tour director. Irish Inspector McCrae joins them in the investigations, with the Inspector noting that the dead woman died of a heart attack. Both Angela and Jackson look around the bathroom where the woman died, and found nothing; but trying again the following morning they do find a small clue.  When visiting the morgue, both notice some tiny marks on the woman hairline, and the Inspector returns with the clue they had found to note that it was found to be a unique poison.

What follows is an exciting, tense story that opens up the investigation on everyone from the tour visitors and the staff.  Angela, who has some psychic ability hears the cry of the banshee, and follows the sound outside; a woman who is a banshee ghost, trying to stop the evil in the castle. Angela learns that there is someone who is evil causing the deaths, and the banshee will warn them the next time.  Moira is thrilled that Angela was able to see the women, and hopeful this would give them help to find the culprit.  The last third of the book was very exciting, with surprise twists.

Cry of the Banshee was another great story so very well written by Heather Graham.  I was happy to see Angela and Jackson get their own story again.  If you are a fan of Krewe of Hunters, you need to read this book. If you are new to Graham, you should start reading her books.  Always very good.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

At first, Moira Hawkins thought she might be imagining the sound. It was so soft at first, like a sigh on the wind or a whisper through the trees.
Except she wasn’t in the woods. She was lying in bed in the private wing of Castle Darien, her family’s nearly ancient stronghold.
But the windows were open. That had to be it. The temperature was cool but pleasant, and she didn’t need to use the heat or air-conditioning systems. Which was good since they would never be great in such an old stone fortress.
Moira had promised her grandmother she wouldn’t let the castle, built at the end of the thirteenth century, go to ruin. She said she would do everything needed to bring it up to the standards so many others used to save the structure and turn it into a hotel.
She was partway there. While she worked on getting the necessary loans and finding contractors to undertake such an epic restructuring, she hired a tour company to bring visitors through. There were even a few Haunted Ireland tours put on by historians, who talked about some of the dire events of the Emerald Isle’s bloody past.
She figured anything around for over eight-hundred years must have some nightmarish events to relay.
And her ancestral home was in the Republic of Ireland, which had suffered a great deal of bloodshed to get where it was today.
Yet…
It occurred to her that she had heard—or at least imagined—the soft, mournful sobs before.
The night Granny had died.
Imagination. Had to be.
But she’d heard the sound the night before they found the old man drowned in the river that ran alongside the castle’s western wall, too.
And the time the would-be thief fell to his death from the wall.
They’d learned the elderly gentleman, visiting family in the area, had been suffering from cancer. Moira wondered if he had chosen his end.
And while the thief shouldn’t have been trying to climb the wall, he hadn’t deserved death.
As she thought back, she realized the sound had preceded all those events.
She shook her head. She had to be imagining it. She might have spent the last few years of Granny’s illness working in the States, but she’d grown up with all the tales of leprechauns, pixies, fairies, and banshees. Granny had been so good at telling them, holding her cousins and her spellbound as she wove her magical tales.
The crying grew louder. She wasn’t imagining it. She could definitely hear it.
It wasn’t a frightened cry. It was mournful, heartfelt. Yet Moira was afraid.
Where is it coming from?
She glanced at the clock on her bedside table—just past midnight.
The last ghost tour had ended by now, but she wasn’t alone in the castle. Stewart McKenna, her grandmother’s longtime castle steward, slept down the hall with his wife. Their son’s bedroom was next door to theirs. Nellie Antrim, the head housekeeper, was on this floor, as well. And while the tour of the two unoccupied towers had just ended, Mark Meadows, the tour agency’s director, often stayed behind to answer any questions the guests might have regarding the castle or Ireland’s history. Because, of course, Mark wasn’t just a businessman, though he was a good one. He truly loved history and didn’t mind working late. He was…wonderful.
The sobbing continued.
Moira’s mind went to something her granny had told her.
Banshee. Banshees are the remains of the Tuatha dé Danann, the gods of Ireland, driven underground when the Milesians arrived—Gaels who traveled the Earth, seeking a home. And there, in Éire, they claimed the land while the Tuatha dé Danann settled the underworld. Once, keeners had been on hand at funerals, sobbing mournfully for those who had left the earthly world. The banshees fulfilled that tradition now, warning of someone’s death…
Get a grip! she told herself. Seriously, she’d spent enough time in the United States to learn all about all kinds of myths and legends from around the world.
There are no such things as banshees.
Still…

For More Information about Heather Graham, visit her website:

https://www.theoriginalheathergraham.com/

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Graham has written more than a hundred novels. She’s a winner of the RWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Thriller Writers’ Silver Bullet. She is an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. For more information, check out her websites: TheOriginalHeatherGraham.com, eHeatherGraham.com
HeatherGraham.tv. You can also find Heather on Facebook.

 

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