I love this series and am always anxiously waiting for the next installment. And then I devour it! This series is so, so good.
Instant Karma has a litI love this series and am always anxiously waiting for the next installment. And then I devour it! This series is so, so good.
Instant Karma has a little different feel to it from the previous ones in this series. There wasn't the intense crime that shakes the community and has to be solved. Don't get me wrong, there was a bad guy and crimes being committed but this story focused more on the people of Hart's Ridge and the sisters of the Gray family, which was very nice. I enjoyed getting to know all of them a little bit better.
The Hart's Ridge series just keeps getting better and better and I'm always so excited when the next story is available. Book #6, Nobody Told Me, is coming out on August 21st!
I highly recommend the whole series. These are stories you don't want to miss. I know you'll be looking forward to them, just like I am. ...more
Once again, Ashley Farley has created a world that I want to escape to, filled with characters that I came to love and enjoy. I miss them already.
AftOnce again, Ashley Farley has created a world that I want to escape to, filled with characters that I came to love and enjoy. I miss them already.
After the Storm deals with the aftermath of a hurricane that has torn through the small community. Not only did the storm leave damage in its wake, it also blew in plenty of drama for the main characters. There was a lot of physical damage done but there was also just as much emotional damage left behind. Sean, Carla, Cooper, Lizbet, Jamie—they each have their own demons to work through. Will they be able to figure it all out and come out on the other side and in a good place?
I loved After the Storm, and felt comfortable in the community as well as loving all of the characters. I would love to visit again and hope there are more stories coming. ...more
What can I say? I loved everything about The Sister Effect. Sisters, who have issues—family members, who have issues, and supportive friends who are aWhat can I say? I loved everything about The Sister Effect. Sisters, who have issues—family members, who have issues, and supportive friends who are always there, giving all of the support that is needed.
Finley and Sloane are sisters—sisters who have taken different paths in their lives. Finley, the responsible, stable one follows behind Sloane and cleans up her messes. That is until she no longer can or wants to. Taking care of Sloane's daughter while Sloane figures out her life gives Finley the right to control Sloane. Or at least that's what Finley thinks and how she feels.
Being there when family needs you the most can sometimes be the hardest thing one can go through. As they all try to figure things out and where they all fit together, relationships are formed and forgiveness is given. I in particular loved the friendship and understanding that developed between Finley and Jericho. I want a friend like that!
I found myself totally immersed in this story and hated to see it end but felt very satisfied when I closed the book. This one got me in all the feels and I was reminded again about how much I love Susan Mallery's stories. I highly recommend The Sister Effect!...more
Okay, I'll have to admit that I was a little intimidated by this book. Just the number of pages, 500+, had me cringe a bit. Before I started it, I didOkay, I'll have to admit that I was a little intimidated by this book. Just the number of pages, 500+, had me cringe a bit. Before I started it, I didn't realize what that page count was So, that being said, it was the storyline that drew me to read The Golden Doves. Once I got into the story, the pages flew and I devoured it!
The Golden Doves is told in dual points of view and dual timelines. We get to know Josie and Arlette as they struggled and survived the war and then again 10 years later as they are dealing with the aftermath of what they went though. This made for an exciting and intriguing story that drew me in and kept my attention to the very end.
Martha Hall Kelly has written several other historical fiction novels, which are very popular. The Golden Doves is the first book of hers that I have read but it won't be the last. I highly recommend this one for all historical fiction lovers. ...more
Oh my gosh. Hold on to your hat when you start this one. This is a story full of family drama, lies, secrets, abuse, affairs, estrangement, missing faOh my gosh. Hold on to your hat when you start this one. This is a story full of family drama, lies, secrets, abuse, affairs, estrangement, missing family members, and lost friendships. I'm sure I forgot to list even more of the hard situations that are within the pages of this book. There is so much there!
Scout dedicates her life to finding missing people because she knows the trauma of missing someone you love. Her brother went missing many years ago and she's never given up. Getting the phone call to come home because one of her best friends from childhood has died has sent her into a tailspin as the past comes slamming back at her. Will she finally get some answers or will her digging drive her family and friends further away?
Scent of Magnolia is an intense story with so many secrets and lies that you never know what is going to be revealed next. Once again, Ashley has created a wonderful, interesting world that captured my heart and attention until the very end. I loved every bit of it and I can't recommend it enough. This is family drama at it's finest. ...more
The Beautiful Misfits is a heart-warming look at the power of a mother's love while also being a heart-wrenching story of a son's addiction and the efThe Beautiful Misfits is a heart-warming look at the power of a mother's love while also being a heart-wrenching story of a son's addiction and the effects that it has on family. The story is a beautifully written tale showing struggle and drama while also taking the reader on an amusing ride through the lives of Josie and her family, family that means the world to her.
This was a story that was at times a bit hard to read, with the whole drug addiction aspect, but also very enlightening because of those very same things. I came away with a little bit better understanding of how drug addiction affects all of those involved.
The Beautiful Misfits was a very enjoyable story and I highly recommend it. ...more
Maan Gabriel is a new-to-me author but when a chance to read her novel, Twelve Hours in Manhattan dropped in my inbox, I was intrigued. It sounded likMaan Gabriel is a new-to-me author but when a chance to read her novel, Twelve Hours in Manhattan dropped in my inbox, I was intrigued. It sounded like a fun, light read—just what I needed after some of the heavier stories I've read lately. Well, it was fun and light as well as so, so good. Such a great story and such amazing characters.
Bianca and Eric meet just by chance and end up spending twelve hours together, getting to know each other and supporting each other in ways no one else had before. Sometimes it's easier to open up to strangers than to someone you are supposed to know very well. And then they go on their merry, or not-so-merry, way. No regrets, well maybe just a little regret, and no looking back.
But can they forget about those twelve hours? When and if they are thrown back together, will the chemistry they had be the same?
I totally loved the twelve hours that I spent with Bianca and Eric and was heartbroken when they went their separate ways. And then Bianca's life spins out of control. The author did a fantastic job of making me feel all of the feels and I was on an emotional roller-coaster ride right along with Bianca. I thoroughly enjoyed Twelve Hours in Manhattan and look forward to more stories by this author....more
Two people, two tough living situations, and the one thing that bonds the two of them together. Tell Me One Thing explores the lives of struggling artTwo people, two tough living situations, and the one thing that bonds the two of them together. Tell Me One Thing explores the lives of struggling artist Quinn and nine year old Lulu, who connected one afternoon when Quinn asked to take Lulu's picture. As the story progresses, we witness the hard lives they both endured. Told in alternating voices, we are privy to the downhill spirals they both seem to be on.
Tell Me One Thing drew me into the worlds of these two people and captivated me as I witnessed their struggles and their growth. This is a beautifully written story that will stick with me for a long time. This is Kerri Schlottman's debut novel and I'm excited to see what she writes next. ...more
Deanna is one of my favorite must-read authors. I was so excited when I found out she was writing a mystery series. I've loved each story in the serieDeanna is one of my favorite must-read authors. I was so excited when I found out she was writing a mystery series. I've loved each story in the series and they just keep getting better and better. I have really come to care about Rachel and her family, friends, and co-workers. And each mystery that she has to solve is intense and keeps me on the edge of my seat.
All the Pretty Girls hits on a very relevant scenario that is happening way too much now in our current times—coeds being abducted from college campuses. Rachel's daughter becomes personally involved when her roommate, and best friend, comes up missing. Well, you know that Rachel is going to kick it into high gear to get the mystery solved to stop the abduction of innocent women.
The story hits the intense phase when time is running out and Rachel wonders if she will be able to figure out who is nabbing these women before another one ends up missing or dead. She is also wondering who she can trust and who she can't. Who is lying to her? The ending will have you holding your breath as the villain is revealed and dealt with, but at what cost?
I love the whole series and All the Pretty Girls is a perfect addition to this set of stories. I highly recommend it, as well as all of the other books. As always, I look forward to the next installment of the Rachel Emery series. ...more
Memoirs are sometimes, and more likely always, a bit hard to read. I know that going in and still I enjoy reading them. Memoirs, even as they are hardMemoirs are sometimes, and more likely always, a bit hard to read. I know that going in and still I enjoy reading them. Memoirs, even as they are hard to read, are also full of self-reflection and growth for the author. And honestly, I usually learn something to help me in my life as well. Sometimes it triggers a memory and how I could maybe deal with it but mostly memoirs give me perspectives to think about to make my life better.
Underwater Daughter was one of those hard life stories but I appreciated all of the wisdom and reflections that the author brought forth. Tuni did not have an easy life, for sure. And somehow she survived and was able to carry on, resolving issues and ending up with a pretty good life for herself.
This memoir is filled with facts that will break your heart and soul-searching that will give you hope. After you read it, you will want to just sit and reflect about your life, all the good and bad in it, and realize that you will get through it. ...more
Having one baby at a time is a challenge. Having three at once is unfathomable to me. Cort Casady takes the reader on the journey he and his wife wentHaving one baby at a time is a challenge. Having three at once is unfathomable to me. Cort Casady takes the reader on the journey he and his wife went through, with all the ups and downs, while also giving us a look at our America as it is now, as it was when he was growing up, and as it was in his father's time. Some things remain the same but so many things are so, so different.
While the Casady's were better off financially so better able to afford the help they needed than most regular middle class people who might be in the midst of raising triplets, they still struggled with the logistics, planning, and cost of the three little angels who entered their family all at once. I can't even imagine.
Mr. Casady highlighted the struggles, as well as the triumphs, of their lives in a very entertaining way. He also commented on the America that we are living in now and how this will impact their sons and others of their generation while also comparing it to the world that his father lived in. That was an interesting comparison and gave me something to think about.
I enjoyed Not Your Father's America, for the story about the highs and lows of conceiving and raising triplets but also for making me think about our America and what changes may need to be made to make it a better place to live....more
I used to read a lot of biographies and autobiographies but have not read them since my much younger years. It was kind of nice to pick one up again aI used to read a lot of biographies and autobiographies but have not read them since my much younger years. It was kind of nice to pick one up again and read a captivating story about an interesting person who was able to track down a lot of information about her family.
I was not familiar with Cornelia Maude Spelman or any of her work before reading this book. She has written a number of children's books that help them get through emotional, tough times. At some point she decided to delve into the lives of her family, in particular her mother, who lived a hard life and died an untimely death.
There were plenty of questions surrounding the whole family over the years and I was struck by how lucky the author was to be able to find so much information about her mother and the past generations of her family. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to have so much information available when they start researching their family.
Missing was a very enjoyable story that was easy to get caught up in as the author dissected the different personalities and issues within the family. ...more
As always, when I start one of Catherine's books, I immediately feel connected to her wonderful characters and want to make them a part of my life.
ReAs always, when I start one of Catherine's books, I immediately feel connected to her wonderful characters and want to make them a part of my life.
Remy is five years old when his father, who is afraid of what the world is coming to, takes him away from the only life he has ever known as they live isolated from the rest of the world. I can't even imagine what that would be like for a five year old. But he's with his father, who will protect him, right? Until he is no longer there. The life that Remy had to live on his own is unimaginable. My heart hurt for him but what a brave little soul he was.
Then Anne and her family enter the picture. Can they take this feral little boy and make him feel safe and loved again? While Remy is learning all about the new world that he has been thrown into, Anne and her family have to learn how to live their new life as well. The growth, acceptance, and love of all of them was a wonderful thing to see,
Catherine Ryan Hyde has taken a heartbreaking situation and turned it into a beautiful, heartwarming story. She is one of my must-read authors. I know after reading one of her books, I want to be a better person from the lessons I learned from the story. I highly recommend Just a Regular Boy. I loved it!...more
This is the first book in a new series that I know is going to be hit. There is a full cast of interesting characters set in beautiful Snowflake ValleThis is the first book in a new series that I know is going to be hit. There is a full cast of interesting characters set in beautiful Snowflake Valley, Idaho, a place that has shown up in another one of this author's books.
Delilah is opening a new bakery in town and quickly discovers the place isn't quite the nice, quaint community she thought it was. There are plenty of quirky residents, people I'm excited to learn more about, and plenty of past drama, including a possible murder, or was it just an accident? Intriguing.
The Muffin Shop Murder was a very entertaining, very enjoyable read and I'm excited for the next episode in the lives of Delilah and the rest of the Snowflake Valley townspeople. I can't wait to see where Holly and these characters take me. I know it's going to be a fun ride! ...more
I absolutely love this series, not only for the mysteries that Taylor gets involved in and has to solve, but also for the interesting family members aI absolutely love this series, not only for the mysteries that Taylor gets involved in and has to solve, but also for the interesting family members and friends that surround her. There is plenty of drama, both with her job, and with her family. I am totally invested in both aspects of her world.
Borrowed Time was especially heartbreaking to read this time, since it's one of Taylor's good friends who is missing. As she struggles to uncover the truth, the unthinkable comes to light. And just when that gets a little to heavy to take, the author takes us to a scene revolving around Taylor's loving, and somewhat dysfunctional, family. What a nice balance.
One thing I love about this series is the depth of the characters that are unveiled with each book. We are continually learning more and more about each family member. And when someone in the family is struggling, everyone steps up to help them out, even if they may not want to at that time—they have each other's backs.
The Hart's Ridge series just keeps getting better and better and I'm always so excited when the next installment is available. And the wonderful thing is, Kay plans to release four more books in this series by the end of the year! Yay for us readers! Book #5, Instant Karma, is coming out May 26th!
I highly recommend the whole series. These are stories you don't want to miss. I know you'll be looking forward to them, just like I am. ...more
I'm a huge fan of this series and I especially love the work of this week's author. Patricia Sands' stories always take me on wonderful, little vacatiI'm a huge fan of this series and I especially love the work of this week's author. Patricia Sands' stories always take me on wonderful, little vacations, allowing me to escape my life for a bit. Lost at Sea was just the mini vacation I needed right now. I was able to spend time on a wonderful cruise full of fantastic people, beautiful scenery and tempting, yummy-sounding food.
Stevie Valentini is burnt out and goes on this cruise with her best friend, to get away from her career and to reset her life. Not wanting to outed for the wonderful chef that she is, she makes friends and keeps her identify a secret. That was fun to watch, as she tries to rein in her foodie expertise.
Like all the books in this series, Stevie learns so much about herself while cruising and is on the path for figuring out her life. Lost at Sea will sweep you up and land you in an amazing place, enjoying the beautiful scenery just as if you were there. I could almost smell the wonderful aromas of the food they all enjoyed. Thanks, Patricia, for once again allowing me to enjoy this little trip to another world.
I highly recommend Lost at Sea, as well as this whole series, as an escape and as a way to experience the fun of a cruise or two, or eight. ...more
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