Tag Archives: Barb’s Reviews

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel – a Review

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The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel – a Review

 

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Description:
Alfred Smettle is not your average Hitchcock fan. He is the founder, owner, and manager of The Hitchcock Hotel, a sprawling Victorian house in the White Mountains dedicated to the Master of Suspense. There, Alfred offers his guests round-the-clock film screenings, movie props and memorabilia in every room, plus an aviary with fifty crows.

To celebrate the hotel’s first anniversary, he invites his former best friends from his college Film Club for a reunion. He hasn’t spoken to any of them in sixteen years, not after what happened.

But who better than them to appreciate Alfred’s creation? And to help him finish it.

After all, no Hitchcock set is complete without a body.

 

 

Review:

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel is an exciting, intense suspense novel. We meet Alfred Smettle, who is the founder, and owner of The Hitchcock Hotel; a Victorian house in the White Mountains, which is also close to the college that he and his friends went to. Alfred is fanatic on anything by Alfred Hitchcock, making the hotel a masterpiece dedicated to his favorite director; with pictures, paraphernalia and special themed rooms. 16 years have passed since his college days, and Alfred decides to have a reunion at his hotel. He sends an invitation to 5 of his friends, who are now adults.

Zoe, who is a successful chef, has a problem with being sober.  She also dislikes Alfred, suspecting he did something bad in the past. TJ, works as a bodyguard, having added muscle over the years, he secretly is involved with one of the females.  Julius was always nasty to Alfred during their school days. Samira, is happily married with children, and runs a sex toy business.  Grace is happily married with a wealthy husband, as she also holds secrets from the past. Then there is Danny, an elderly assistant to Alfred, who helps him execute his plans, as well as spy on the visitors; but she too has her own secrets.

At first, I thought the first half was a bit slow, but that did change in the second half, which turned into and exciting thriller, with some twists and surprises.  On another note, I frankly did not like any of the characters, as each had their own issues, and not really likeable; but I guess we were not supposed to like them. Lol   At the college, they all spent a lot of time partying, drinking and not really dependable; as there were POV’s for each of the friends, learning more about their days at the college.

What follows, especially in the second half of the book, are a number of red herrings, with twists and turns, as all of them had their own bad secrets.  Alfred intended to give his old friends a taste of the past. The big surprise happens in the middle of the book, taking everyone by surprise. But the end was a shock, even though I sort of suspected who the culprit was.  The Hitchcock Hotel was entertaining and intense, with by the end of the night, one doesn’t survive and the other is the murderer.

 

 

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Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks – a Review

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Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks – a Review

 

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Description:
Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone . . . happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are: find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where he might be found.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. For Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog Arlo for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.

 

 

Review:

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks is a heartwarming story line.  We meet Tanner Hughes, who has been raised by his grandparents, after his mother died at childbirth; and never knew who his biological father was. When he grew up, Tanner became an army ranger, and spent his whole life abroad; Army for fourteen years, then left the service and worked for the USAID for over six years, and ended up in Cameroon to work for the International Rescue Committee. He came home to help his grandmother, until she passed.  She left him a note giving him the name of his father; which Tanner decided to find him in Asheboro, North Carolina.

In Asheboro for less than 24 hours, Tanner’s car was accidently damaged when a young girl hit his car; where he meets the girl’s mother, Kaitlyn Cooper.  Kaitlyn is divorced and has two children, Casey (who backed into Tanner’s car) and Mitch (8 year old son); she is a doctor. In a short period of time, Tanner finds himself attracted to Kaitlyn, and he invites himself to go to the Zoo, with Kaitlyn and Mitch; leading into Tanner and Kaitlyn spending time together. As much as Kaitlyn becomes attracted to Tanner, but she has fears that he will soon leave Asheboro, once he finds his biological father. Even though they both became close, Kaitlyn knows Tanner will leave, and decides to break up with him.

The second POV revolves around Jasper Johnson, who is 83 years old, and lives in a cabin with his dog, Arlo. Jasper has many medical conditions, which has burn scars over more than half of his body.  We find out that he lost his entire family to a tragic fire, with only him surviving. Jasper, who has a number biblical references throughout the book, hears about a white deer, which his father and grandfather had noted back in the day, that the white deer is sacred.  He is determined to protect the deer; especially when some teenage boys are trying to find the dear, and kill it.  When Jasper follows them, he falls accidently in the forest, and is stranded with a broken ankle.

Tanner has not been successful in finding his biological father, and when Casey tells Tanner that Jasper has been missing for days, and she pleads with Tanner to try and find him.  Jasper’s dog, Arlo keeps coming to their house, and Tanner realizes the dog might be able to find Jasper.  When he comes close to finding Jasper, Tanner finds his car, and upon looking at the car paper work, he realizes that Jasper is part of the family he is looking for.

What follows is Jasper is found, and will have a slow recovery period, with Kaitlyn being his doctor, and Tanner, becoming family to Jasper.  He did learn the tragic event that the whole family died in the fire, which included his biological father all those years ago.  Tanner, Jasper and Kaitlyn were actually connected in different situations; being very emotional.  I did love both Casey and Mitch, who were so good, especially Casey pushing her mom to care about Tanner.

Counting Miracles was a beautiful heartbreaking, emotional and heartwarming story that kept me glued to my seat.  Counting Miracles was so very well written by Nicholas Sparks. This was a fabulous story about family, love, forgiveness, kindness and sadness.  I wholly suggest you read Counting Miracles, which was a fascinating read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Fix Me When I Fall by Zoe Forward – a Review

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Fix Me When I Fall by Zoe Forward – a Review

 

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Description:
I never should’ve agreed to do Ryan Brandt.
I know it’s best I never see him again. He ruined my everything. My career. My heart.

I have little choice when his movie career implodes from one too many PR fiascoes. I’ve been assigned to spin his disasters and makeover his life. If I don’t, my life in the career fixing business is over.

Now his intensity and seductive scheming are set on me. I refuse to cave to it.

Mackensie Parker is mine. I forgot until she burst into my life full of accusations that my smoking hot action movie career was about to crash.
I never should have touched her. Falling for her will ruin my life. Again.

There’s too much at stake. The problem is our chemistry is instant. Combustible. Something neither of us can resist. Before I know it, she’s under my skin.

 

 

Review:

Fix Me When I Fall by Zoe Forward is a wonderful romantic novel. We meet Mackensie Parker, who is successful in her career in a firm that helps fix issues with famous people/stars, etc. Mackensie has been assigned to take over Ryan Brandt’s career, which is currently falling apart. She never wanted to see him again, since years ago he destroyed her heart, especially when her sister was killed in a car accident. Mackensie is determined to do a makeover on his life and movie career, fixing all of the current disasters that have slowly begun to ruin him.

Mackensie meets with Ryan, to go over his career, but he doesn’t want anything to do with whatever changes she wants to make; since he feels there is nothing wrong with the movies he makes. Mackensie notes everything that is wrong, and when he refuses her thoughts, she walks away. Ryan remembers the past, when he thought he loved her sister, but was close to breaking up, because of his feelings for Mackensie. Everything changed when the sister was killed in an accident. Ryan doesn’t want to fall for Mackensie again, which would ruin his life again. 

At first, he still thinks his career is just fine, but soon he realizes she is making a lot of changes that will bring him able to move forward. Mackensie assigns Michael (assistant) and Vin (driver) to stay close to Ryan, and be there during all the upcoming changes. Mackensie manages to get some new movies for Ryan, as well as stop his drinking and attend some events; making sure Ryan is following up.  In a short period of time both Ryan and Mackensie begin to have strong feelings for each other. 

Mackensie has issues with her boss, who threatens to fire her, after pictures were posted with Ryan and Mackensie kissing.  Which leads to a female actress claiming that she loves Ryan and they plan on getting married, even though he knows he was drugged. There is a lot at stake, but Mackensie knows that Ryan is telling the truth, and she will help him fight the bad guys. Both Mackensie and Ryan will discover who is trying to frame him, and she does everything in her power to make sure Ryan career rises.

Fix Me When I Fall was a romantic, fun, and intriguing story line.  Fix Me When I Fall was very well written by Zoe Forward.  I really enjoyed this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by CM Waggoner-Review

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The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by CM Waggoner-Review

 

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Description:

A librarian with a knack for solving murders realizes there is something decidedly supernatural afoot in her little town in this cozy fantasy mystery.

Librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle keeps finding bodies—and solving murders. But she’s concerned by just how many killers she’s had to track down in her quaint village. None of her neighbors seem surprised by the rising body count…but Sherry is becoming convinced that whatever has been causing these deaths is unnatural. But when someone close to Sherry ends up dead, and her cat, Lord Thomas Crowell, becomes possessed by what seems to be an ancient demon, Sherry begins to think she’s going to need to become an exorcist as well as an amateur sleuth. With the help of her town’s new priest, and an assortment of friends who dub themselves the “Demon-Hunting Society,” Sherry will have to solve the murder and get rid of a demon. This riotous mix of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Murder, She Wrote is a lesson for demons and murderers.

Never mess with a librarian.

 

 

Review:

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by CM Waggoner is a standalone paranormal mystery. We meet our heroine, Sherry Pinkwhistle, who is a 63years old librarian; she also solves murders in their small town.  Sherry is concerned, as the body count is rising; with her becoming convinced that there is something unnatural going on. Especially when her boyfriend is found dead, and her cat seems to be possessed, talking back to her.  Is there a demon in disguise?

Sherry is an unofficial consultant to the local Sheriff, as she is always investigating and solving the murders.   She is smart and self-sufficient and always creative in working with the sheriff, and the towns people all know that Sherry will find the culprits. She also realizes that a real demon is revealed, and Sherry will have to find a way to defeat the demon once and for all.

There were a number of great characters; including Sherry, the detective, the new priest, her two female friends (grieving widow and BFF). Of course, the cat, Lord Thomas, who became possessed, and talked.  There were a mix of other famous books that gave some humor, such as Jessica Fletcher, Buffy, and Hercule Poirot. As we reach closer to the end, Sherry will call a meeting with her friends, and a number of possible suspects.  She gives her thoughts on each person who is a suspect, and reveals who the murder was.  This was a surprising and amazing revelations.

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society was a fun, bizarre, spooky, clever and entertaining story that kept me unable to put the book down.  Sherry was a fabulous character that turned into a wonderful detective. The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society was very well written by CM Waggoner.  If you enjoy mystery, librarian sleuth, and an enjoyable story, you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Meditation and Mischief by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

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Meditation and Mischief by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

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Description:
When this club selects a book, magic happens!This book club does more than read their books – they are absorbed into them to become the amateur sleuths! In order to leave the book, they must solve the mystery and reach The End.

In this journey they travel to The Golden Island Wellness Retreat for yoga, meditation, workshops, and spa treatments. They’ll bond with nature and improve their spiritual wellbeing. They’ll find their inner peace – and a dead body, of course.

Graduates from an acting college have gathered at the retreat for their ten-year reunion. Old friends reconnect, but apparently, so have old enemies. The book club must evaluate the attendees to determine whose baggage has led to murder.

 

 

 

Review:

Meditation and Mischief by Elizabeth Pantley is the 8th book in her Magical Mystery Book Club series. Refresher: The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a fun, enjoyable, lighthearted series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.

In this journey, our book club members are whisked away to The Golden Island Wellness Retreat, a tropical resort, as they become transported into the story. The resort has yoga, spa, meditation, workshops for a perfect vacation spot, which includes a college reunion during their stay.  In a short time, a man is murdered at the spa; and the book club members must now try to find the killer.  The dead man, Owen, is a famous tv star, and all the members (especially Molly) see him as he is now a ghost.  It’s up to our amateur sleuths to solve the case before they can return home.

This was once again a fun adventure, with a number of red herrings that kept throwing them off; a number of the suspects were part of the college reunion.  There was a lot of humor, as the club had a lot of shenanigans throughout.  I loved Frank, who is my favorite (cat who talks); I like Paige, who is the leader and always reasonable. Mollie, the resident ghost, who is unseen, to others, but the book club sees her, and she secretly discovers some clues. The big surprise is that Gee Gee makes an appearance, since she is able to visit a couple of books.

What follows is a another terrific, enchanting and fun addition to this series, that has all the members trying to find clues, as well as suspects. I really enjoy this series, as it is so very entertaining.  All the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club are very good, with Paige leading the way. There were a few surprises along the way, which changes a few things at the end. Mediatation and Mischief was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley.  I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson – a Review

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An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lennon Carter’s life is falling apart.

Then she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah. Lennon has been chosen because—like everyone else at the school—she has the innate gift of persuasion, the ability to wield her will like a weapon, using it to control others and, in rare cases, matter itself.

After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her devastating and unsettling power. But despite persuasion’s heavy toll on her body and mind, she is wholly captivated by her studies, by Drayton’s lush, moss-draped campus, and by her brilliant classmates. But even more captivating is her charismatic adviser, Dante, who both intimidates and enthralls her.

As Lennon continues in her studies her control grows, and she starts to uncover more about the secret world she has entered into, including the disquieting history of Drayton college, and the way her mentor’s tragic and violent past intertwines with it. She is increasingly disturbed by what she learns. For it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption . . . and it’s a test she’s terrified she is going to fail.

 

 

Review:

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson is a standalone Dark Academia novel.  We meet Lennon Carter, our heroine, who recently withdrew from school, and to her shock she catches her fiancée having sex with her bff.  She quickly leaves, driving his car, as she stops at a mall, completely devastated.  She hears a phone ringing, and answers the call, which turns out to be for Lennon. She is summoned to participate in an entrance exam at Drayton College, which is a magical school that is hidden in Savannah.  After driving for eight hours, she enters an elevator to the administration, where she meets Dante, who will become her advisor.

Lennon was thrilled with Drayton’s campus and meeting all the brilliant classmates; many who became her friends. After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her power, which takes a toll over her body and mind; she is captivated by her studies, as well as learning the ability of persuasion. Lennon slowly begins to be captivated and enthralled by her advisor, Dante, despite him determined to not become involved.

Lennon continues her studies, as her control to her magic escalates, and she learns more about the history of Drayton, and the disturbing things she discovers; such as her becoming a new gatekeeper. Lennon will need to uncover the dark and haunting abilities that continue to grow, and the disturbing corruption from the school counselors; who push her to increase her dark powers.  Can she survive?

Lennon must use her powers to protect the school, but can she risk those who might destroy her.  As things escalate, she must learn to wield her powers to defeat the enemies, who are determined to take control of her powers. 

What follows is an exciting and dark story line, with tension, horror, and paranormal elements; there is a slight forbidden love story.  An Academy of Liars was a terrific read, so very well written by Alexis Henderson.  If you enjoy dark academia, you need to read An Academy of Liars, which is filled with politics, secrets, lies, betrayal; keeping me glued to the finale. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood – a Review

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Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood – a Review

 

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Description:
Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either.

Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.

But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . .

With found family, slow burn romance and an uplifting message about self-love, this is the cosy, autumnal read that you’ve been waiting for.

 

 

Review:

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a standalone novel revolving around witches.  Belladonna Blackthorn, loves her job at Lunar Books, even though her boss is very toxic to work for.  Belle hides her ability as a witch from her friends and other workers, though her mother is also a witch.   On her 30th birthday, Belle is summoned by her coven for a trial that could strip her of her magic; though she has not done much with her magic lately.  She risks losing her magic forever; and must prove herself worthy of the magic she possesses.

With the month of October (Halloween), to fix things, Belle will find help from some wonderful secondary characters; an older retired mentor, Arty, who will train her; her mother, Bonnie; and Rune, a charming watchman, who is sworn to protect her; as well as her bff, Ariadne, who will eventually learn about Belle being a witch.

The story follows Belle, as she learns to come into her magic and herself more. Arty turned into a wonderful (elder) who was always helpful working with Belle, and teaching her how to build up her magic.  I love Rune, who was determined to be the protector, while at the same time, found himself falling for Belle.   Both Belle’s mother, as well as her friend, Ariadne were great.  I also got a kick out Jinx, Belle’s cat.

The two sister witches with one determined to have Belle’s magic removed, but the other sister turns out even worse later on.  Things got difficult when the evil begins to bring the coven down, and Belle will have to bring her magic forward to save everyone.  The last third of the book was extremely exciting, with Belle’s powers rising to stop the evil sisters. 

Rewitched was a wonderful, heartwarming, paranormal story, though a bit slow early on.  It is a story of healing, building self-confidence, accepting their ability and learning to love. Rewitched was very well written by Lucy Jane Wood, as this was a cozy fantasy that was wonderful tale of family and slow-burn romance. The end was very exciting, with a magical and fantastic read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Furever After by Sofie Kelly – a Review

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Furever After by Sofie Kelly – a Review

 

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Description:
Kathleen is busy running the library and planning her upcoming wedding to detective Marcus Gordon when she suddenly stumbles across a body in the library. She is surprised to learn that the deceased was in the middle of an unlikely heist—it seems he was trying to steal one of the paintings that had been in a box in the library’s workroom. Kathleen never knew any of the library’s rotating artwork was valuable and can’t imagine what the dead man wanted with it.

But then an art history expert called in by the police identifies the almost-purloined painting as a piece that might have been part of a previous high profile art theft. Owen’s and Hercules’s whiskers are already twitching, and events soon make Kathleen realize that whoever killed the wannabe art thief has more than murder on their mind. Kathleen and her clever cats will have to work fast to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.

 

 

Review:

Furever After by Sofie Kelly is the 16th book in her Magical Cats mystery series. I have read a few books in this series, which are always fun. Our heroine in this series is Kathleen Paulson, the librarian of Mayville Heights, as well as her adorable two cats, Hercules and Owen. It is always fun to see Hercules and Owen find ways to give Kathleen little hints to help solve crimes.  Kathleen is planning her upcoming wedding to detective Marcus Gordon, and to her shock when she opens the library, she comes across a dead body.

Kathleen worries that her beloved library’s safety is at risk when they realize that the person was trying to steal a painting from the library.   Marcus takes over the case, but Kathleen does her own investigating; trying to figure out why the deceased was trying to steal one of the paintings.  She began to do research online with the help of Owen & Hercules; to find out if one of the paintings was considered valuable.  Both Marcus and Kathleen realize that who ever killed the victim, is still around to find the missing painting; working fast to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

There are so many wonderful secondary characters, and Kathleen will talk to the local people in trying to find clues. I loved Hercules and Owen, who were so much fun.  I also loved Kathleen and Marcus together, as they made a great couple.    

Furever After is a lighthearted, fun and comforting mystery, that was so very well written by Sofie Kelly.  Again, Hercules and Owen were delightful, as they always managed to get Kathleen’s attention ‘pawing’ out the clues. The story was fast paced, and kept me glued to my kindle.  If you want a fast cute fun mystery, I wholly suggest you read this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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