What is the best thing about being a book reviewer? Finding an author whose books who know you will love. Author KD McNiven has written 8 books and I What is the best thing about being a book reviewer? Finding an author whose books who know you will love. Author KD McNiven has written 8 books and I have happily read and reviewed each one. Some are more action and adventure oriented and some are more police procedural. All of them are exciting, with excellent characters and enticing plots.
This time, I am happy to introduce readers to Author McNiven’s latest book, “Who Killed Lilly Paine?” Isn’t that a great title? It’s clear, yet intriguing. Madeline “Maddy” Dawson is the main character. She left behind a bad experience in Nevada, and has returned to her home town of Magnolia Bluff, Texas. She is a new Deputy Detective.
One morning while out for a jog, Maddy discovers the body of a local teenager, Lilly Paine. Maddy and her partner, Deputy Clay Monroe begin the investigative process. The case proves to be difficult to solve, due to the large number of suspects, and the lack of evidence. Things get more complicated when a mystery person keeps trying to attack Maddy. In addition to the criminal investigations, Maddie must also puzzle out some romantic complications. Does Deputy Clay have feelings for her? And what about the return of her former boyfriend,John Baker?
I enjoyed reading the police procedural side of the story, along with getting to know Maddy and her personal issues. Maddy wants to succeed at her new job, and she wants to find peace in her personal life. “She had difficulty forgiving her mistakes and tended to rehash them and make matters worse.” The author brings the town of Magnolia Bluff to life, and several other characters, including Rita, Mandy’s mother, and neighbors also add to the story.
The answer to who killed Lilly Paine is exciting and satisfying. Maddy’s personal relationships made me care about her. Author McNiven writes in a clear, compelling way and her characters come alive. This book is an exciting read, hard to put down, and I hope there are more Maddy Dawson books to follow!
Thanks to the author for a digital advance review copy. This is my honest review. ...more
Did you eagerly read all twelve books in the “A Slip in Time” series by bestselling author Jane O’Brien? Did you feel a bit sad and lost when you readDid you eagerly read all twelve books in the “A Slip in Time” series by bestselling author Jane O’Brien? Did you feel a bit sad and lost when you read the last page in the last book? It was such an engaging series, wasn’t it?
Well, Readers, what have we here? Yes, it’s Jane O’Brien’s first book in a NEW SERIES, “Skye (Branches of Time Book 1)”. It’s a Slip in Time Spinoff! You may remember Skye as a little girl who appeared near the end of the first series.
(If you are a Jane O’Brien fan, I know that you aren’t even going to bother to read this review- you are too busy reading the book. You know it’s going to be amazing!)
But, for those of you who may not be familiar with this series, let’s get you started. In the first series, two sisters from our current time accidentally slip back in time to the mid-1800’s. They find love and plenty of adventures. As the series continued, a few other family members slipped back in time, too. But they went back to their correct years.
It was Skye’s parents who made a short trip back in time, and then returned to their present. But now it’s 2051 and life has grown increasingly more authoritarian and restrictive. For the sake of their children, Skye and Cade, they decided to go back and live safely in the past. Skye was only five years old when they traveled back.
And now as the book begins, Skye is a young adult- feisty, beautiful and ready to spread her wings. She has a vague idea that something is different about her life, and she doesn’t give up until she learns how to time slip. She thinks it will be exciting to learn more about her family and explore different times.
What she doesn’t count on, is that the government of 2051 is committed to finding anyone who has escaped the regime. Remington Hart is the handsome, and serious agent who is in charge of finding people like Skye and her family. What happens when they meet in a different time period?
Love, adventure, romance, science fiction, history- Author O’Brien wonderfully blends it all. “Skye” will intrigue and fascinate you and raise your pulse dramatically. Jane O’Brien knows how to weave intense passion into every time period. The wait is over- time to enjoy “Skye”.
I received an advance digital review copy from the author. This is my honest review....more
Looking for a fun and captivating book to read? I highly recommend “Finding Charli (Lake Scugog Mysteries) Book 4 by Maighread McKay. The lovely ProviLooking for a fun and captivating book to read? I highly recommend “Finding Charli (Lake Scugog Mysteries) Book 4 by Maighread McKay. The lovely Province of Ontario sets the stage for all of her novels and it is beautifully featured in this book.
Charlotte “Charli” Bancroft is the young heroine, although when we first meet her, she is angry and confused. She lives on her family’s ranch, and creates herbal remedies for horses. But her home life has changed. Her grandmother has died, her boyfriend comes on too strong, she and her family are at odds with each other, and she really doesn’t know what to do with her life. “I don’t know who I am or what I want.” One snowy evening, as she drives back home, she skids off the road into deep woods. Badly shaken, she tries to walk through the storm for help, and finds herself at a mysterious Inn.
And then the book goes from being a pleasant romance to a delightful and insightful story of “magical realism” or “visionary fiction.” Oh, what a fun and encouraging story this is! Charli meets several people at the Inn- a precocious 6 year old, a couple who seem to have come from the British Victorian era, and a friendly dog and cat. Can Charli “begin to give life to her dreams?”
Author Maighread is a born story-teller and this is a charming and meaningful story. The book is written with joy and is truly a heart-warming, “must read” book. I don’t want to give away too much, but part of the story focuses on the Ontario Search and Rescue Organization, which was fun to learn about.
“Be the hero of you own story!” I truly enjoyed reading this book. (I have read several other books by Maighread MacKay and they are all good reads.) I hope you love this book as much as I did.
Second Chances” by Miriam McGuirk is a readable and satisfying story. Each page is entertaining, positive, soothing, funny, charming and inspiring. (ISecond Chances” by Miriam McGuirk is a readable and satisfying story. Each page is entertaining, positive, soothing, funny, charming and inspiring. (I can come up with more adjectives if you’d like me to!) I loved getting to know the characters and their happy times and perplexing moments and I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
If you adore books by Maeve Binchy, then I highly recommend “Second Chances”. Most of it takes place in a cozy neighborhood in Kent, England. The neighbors include Molly, a middle-aged woman who thought she was moving into a better period of life, until a sad situation rocked her. She lives near an elderly couple, who have a bit more spunk than you might think. A crusty but endearing retired military colonel, a quirky older lady, and a very nice minister and his family are also characters you will come to love. Molly’s son, and the woman who helps him will teach you about life.
Each of these characters has some dreams and hopes and some sad times and challenges. Molly is the friend they all need, and as it turns out, she needs them, too. This book features some laugh-out-loud scenes (be careful who you get in a car with!) and some tender and loving moments. The ending is perfect.
In addition to the pleasure of finding out how these characters persevered, there are also helpful thoughts in case you need help with your own “second chances.” Yoga, meditation, community, and people who listen and care can do so much healing.
Author McGuirk writes in a friendly and encouraging way. I really liked how the book began- each chapter featured a new character beginning their day. You will laugh, smile and you may tear up a bit, too.
“Second Chances” is a delightful book and I am thankful to the author for giving me an advance review copy. This is my honest review. ...more
**spoiler alert** “Healing Kiss” is a contemporary romance with a magical twist. Just in time for “beach read” season, the latest book by award-winnin**spoiler alert** “Healing Kiss” is a contemporary romance with a magical twist. Just in time for “beach read” season, the latest book by award-winning author Amanda Uhl will definitely entertain you. Most of Author Uhl’s books have a connection to Cleveland, Ohio, and as I live in the area, it is fun for me to read about places and people I know.
Lillian returns to Cleveland, to help her sister Hannah, who is hospitalized and near death. Lillian is an experienced nurse, and she also possesses special DNA which allows her to heal people. While at the hospital, Lillian connects with Cleveland billionaire Tristan and realizes he also has special “burner” skills. And so begins a passionate connection be the two. But can they trust each other enough to outwit a sinister company called Kinetica? Can Lillian save her sister? Can Tristan help his mother? Can these two find happiness together?
The book is written in a clear and engaging way and the characters are vividly drawn. Action, excitement, and passion abound. I love the cover, too! Start your summer off right with this intriguing read!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review. ...more
The Vanishing of Class 3 B is a psychological thriller, police procedural, which promises an interesting plot. But author Jackie Kabler’s latest thrilThe Vanishing of Class 3 B is a psychological thriller, police procedural, which promises an interesting plot. But author Jackie Kabler’s latest thriller doesn’t fully deliver. The book is well-written and the plot is unique, but it isn’t worth the ride.
Set in the Cotswold area, the book is about a class of primary school children and their teachers, who set off on a bus day trip. They don’t return. And no one can find them. The police have few leads. The kidnappers demand money because one of the parents has a terrible secret. Which parent has the secret?
Interesting premise, but the details are hard to follow. With so many parents, it’s hard to keep track of them. We don’t get to know the kidnappers for most of the book, which might have been interesting. The children are so sweet, but again there are so many, that most of them are just names. The police are usual police-type characters, always tired and hungry. By the end of the story, the whole thing seems pretty far-fetched.
I had high hopes for this book, but I seem to be just as lost as the characters. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance review copy. This is my honest review....more
I am a Liane Moriarty fan, even though I’ve only read three of her books. “The Last Anniversary” is my favorite- the character, the witty attention toI am a Liane Moriarty fan, even though I’ve only read three of her books. “The Last Anniversary” is my favorite- the character, the witty attention to details! “Nine Perfect Strangers” is my least favorite (but by the end I really enjoyed it.) So that puts “Truly Madly Guilty” in the middle.
The character development is the best part of the book. The problems and challenges they face, there are enough to fill a whole season of after school specials, was a bit much.
What parent hasn’t woken up in the middle of the night, crumpling over a bad parenting moment? I liked the book and now, which Moriarty novel should I read next?...more
The Last Remains: A Mystery (Ruth Galloway Mysteries Book 15)- is the series really over? I came to this series late, so I had the great pleasure of reThe Last Remains: A Mystery (Ruth Galloway Mysteries Book 15)- is the series really over? I came to this series late, so I had the great pleasure of reading each book, one after the other. I highly recommend this series- set in Norfolk, England. Always enjoyable as an American to spend some time in Great Britain. The characters are vibrant, intelligent, the kind of people you can count on.
The main character, Ruth, is an archeologist and it has been a joy to learn more about this fascinating science. The Detective Chief Inspector has met his match as he learns to deal with Ruth and her precocious daughter Kate (not “Katie”) through the years. The rest of the Detectives have their own motivations and desires, and they work well as a team. And then there is Cathbad, part Druid, part old soul- he is someone that everyone can count on.
The characters are wonderful, but what about the mysteries? Archeology meets police procedural and English history and this leads to solid and fascinating stories. Each book features a big crisis at the end and this time, Ruth and Kate are in a dire situation. The writing gives enough descriptions and historical and archeological foundations while still focusing on an exciting crime.
Did the book end the series like I thought it would? Yes, although it could have gone several different ways. Congratulations to author Elly Griffiths for a superb and pleasurable series snd we shall see what she creates next. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy. This is my honest review....more
The “Slip in Time” series by Jane O’Brien seems to be ending. And by “seems to be ending”, I mean “Are you sure you really have to end this beloved seThe “Slip in Time” series by Jane O’Brien seems to be ending. And by “seems to be ending”, I mean “Are you sure you really have to end this beloved series, Author O’Brien?”
*sigh* Ok, I will review “Yesterday’s Memories” Book 12 as if it’s the finale in the series, but I’m crossing my fingers…
“Yesterday’s Memories” ties up the events of this bestselling series in a lovely and loving way. As readers of the series know, a family quilt has enabled certain members of the Clark family to travel from the present time (or from even more in the future), to the Michigan of the 1800’s. So, it is fitting that this book is written as a “word quilt”. Every chapter features different members of the family, so that by the end of the book, we have pieced together the stories of most of the family. What a special way to sum up each character and leave us satisfied that all is well.
If you’ve read past the of end each book to the supplementary material, you know that the Author lists all of the characters- which are in the hundreds by this time. And we get to say “Farewell” to many of them. Part of the book focuses on lovers Jay and Sadie. Their story is a moving and heart-rending one. Dora and Wade and Franny and Luke are the main characters of the series, and this book finds them making a big decision.
Yesterday’s Memories is stitched with the same warm humor, compelling romance, and history that we have loved in all the books. Reading “Yesterday’s Memories” is like leafing through a well-loved photo album and enjoying the big events and small moments that make life beautiful.
Time slip travel is fascinating. Many thanks to Jane O’Brien for giving us 12 rich and wonderful books. I highly recommend Yesterday’s Memories (And even if this series is truly over, I’ve overheard that a new series is coming.)
Many thanks to Author Jane O’Brien who graciously shared an advance review copy with me. This is my honest review....more
There is a mysterious wilderness of swamps, marshes, and rivers that conceals life in the Florida Everglades. This vast wetland area has been home andThere is a mysterious wilderness of swamps, marshes, and rivers that conceals life in the Florida Everglades. This vast wetland area has been home and hunting grounds for many people and groups. Alligators, panthers and boars are abundant. But, have you ever heard of the Everglades *Melon Monster (*sometimes spelled “Mellon”)
“Swamp Story” is the latest humorous novel by the one and only Dave Barry. Is this book a glorious & well-written zany spoof, or is it a profound look at the clashing cultural world that iis our modern day angst? Are the characters idiots and losers, or seekers of the truth?
Get ready to laugh out loud, and shout out funny passages, as you find out what happens when some sorry “Gator Men” and “Gator Guys” (and one spunky Gal) mix it up with not only a variety of semi-savory South Florida folk, but also the whole social media Tik Tok and Instagram world. What are they searching and fighting for? Love? Respect? Security? Yes, and also Gold.
So many lovable character and so many laughs- you will enjoy “Swamp Story” by Dave Barry. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy. This is my honest review....more
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