Nick Winston and Pat Strom are my two favorite police detectives! In this latest book in Kelly Marshall’s “Winston and Strom” mystery series, macho m Nick Winston and Pat Strom are my two favorite police detectives! In this latest book in Kelly Marshall’s “Winston and Strom” mystery series, macho man Nick and his lesbian partner Pat scour the streets of Seattle and Tacoma in search of the murderer of beloved priest Michael Dunne. Their main suspect seems like the obvious killer—he has motive and opportunity and a less-than-stellar reputation—but are the detectives looking in the wrong places? Kelly Marshall kept me wondering whodunit until the story’s end. The dialogue between Nick and Pat adds humor (sometimes dark humor, often politically incorrect) to the murder investigation. But when times get tough (and they do in this story), their friendship is strong. They’ve got each other’s backs. Readers who enjoy police mysteries, books with fascinating characters, and twisty plots will definitely like BLESS ME FATHER FOR I HAVE SINNED. (FYI: Although this book is part of a series, it stands alone, but you’ll want to read them all!)...more
Twila Taunton is an amber-haired, curvaceous redneck from Quisby, Alabama, currently trying to earn a living in Boston. Someone has shot at her at a cTwila Taunton is an amber-haired, curvaceous redneck from Quisby, Alabama, currently trying to earn a living in Boston. Someone has shot at her at a company picnic, she's been fired from her job (gee, all she did was show a co-worker her boobs!) and she has talked her way into a new job as assistant to a good-lookin' private investigator. This is the first book in a series, and it's pure fun. ...more
In this epic saga, John Rose Putnam paints a real and gritty picture of life in the Gold Rush era through the stories of each of his characters. A re In this epic saga, John Rose Putnam paints a real and gritty picture of life in the Gold Rush era through the stories of each of his characters. A red-haired woman, her husband and son dead from cholera; two army veterans; a widowed man and three sons; three ruthless killers - all of them heading for California. Their quests make for a gripping tale. My reading tastes are eclectic, and a good book will keep me up late at night, reading when I should be asleep. That was definitely the case with Hangtown Creek. Putnam drew me into the world of gold panning, saloons, traveling by horseback, and much more with his excellent storytelling, filled with memorable characters, vivid description, and historical detail. I'll be reading more books by this talented author....more
After George McLast's wife Lorna died, his life seemed to lose its purpose. He rarely left the trailer they'd bought in Florida, took afternoon naps After George McLast's wife Lorna died, his life seemed to lose its purpose. He rarely left the trailer they'd bought in Florida, took afternoon naps to break the monotony, and worst of all, he'd started having a squeezing feeling in his chest. He'd mourned for almost three years before deciding to take action in the form of a road trip in his van, something he and his wife had planned to do. A New Dawn in Deer Isle tells the story of George's adventure. With surprises along the way, he examines his life and his future. Readers who enjoy books with older characters (Baby Boomer age), road trips, and introspective narrative will definitely like this touching story. The author's voice is conversational, as if telling a story to a friend, and the book is an easy, engrossing, and true-to-life read. I'll look for more books by this author....more
Other reviewers have detailed the story line of La Vie en Rose, so I’ll just describe the aspects of the book that I enjoyed… and there are a lot!
The Other reviewers have detailed the story line of La Vie en Rose, so I’ll just describe the aspects of the book that I enjoyed… and there are a lot!
The author does a great job of creating a variety of characters with quirky personalities. Her opening chapter, in Riley’s point of view, really shows the way guys think. In fact, it starts in the middle of his erotic dream! Riley’s two roommates are women—one is his sister (a lesbian); the other, Emma, “… the sweet quiet type that never got in the way,” who is ditched by her fiancé as she's planning their wedding. With this cast of characters, there are lots of opportunities for conflict and humor, and I came to care about each of them.
The blossoming relationship between Riley and Emma is portrayed beautifully. The sex scenes are explicit and delicious. And when cancer comes into the picture, the author does an excellent job of describing the angst, fear, and physical realities of treating the disease. The strength of the friendship between Emma, Riley, and Rarity is demonstrated by their support for each other, and makes the story even more meaningful.
La Vie en Rose is an enjoyable story with likable characters and a great plot. I recommend it....more
You've gotta love a story where the hero and heroine are brought together by a lovable pug! That's what happens in Griff Montgomery, Quarterback, by You've gotta love a story where the hero and heroine are brought together by a lovable pug! That's what happens in Griff Montgomery, Quarterback, by Jean C. Joachim.
I enjoyed the way Jean includes so many details about Griff's life as a pro football player - working out with his teammates, dealing with life on the road, concern over the new guy taking his place. Jean even takes us to a couple of football games and describes some of the action. She has obviously done a lot of research. Even though Griff is a movie-star handsome football hero, he is also someone readers can relate to. Both he and Lauren seem real.
This is the first sports-related romance I've read and it won't be the last. I'm looking forward to getting to know all the players on Griff's team through more entertaining stories from Jean Joachim....more
I don't often read science fiction or young adult novels, but after seeing the opening paragraph and synopsis of The Giver on someone's blog, I decideI don't often read science fiction or young adult novels, but after seeing the opening paragraph and synopsis of The Giver on someone's blog, I decided to give this book a try. I was blown away by this story! No wonder the book has won all kinds of awards. I highly recommend The Giver for readers of all ages. It is Book 1 in the Giver Quartet, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest ASAP. FYI: I understand this book was made into a movie but when I watched the trailer, it seemed to encompass more than the story told in this book. Perhaps it is based on all the books in the series. ...more
Dorothea Benton Frank has become one of my favorite authors. Like other books of hers that I've read, The Hurricane Sisters takes place in the Low CouDorothea Benton Frank has become one of my favorite authors. Like other books of hers that I've read, The Hurricane Sisters takes place in the Low Country of South Carolina. This story focuses not only on the relationship between three generations of women but also on abuse of women and date rape. The author portrays the older characters as vibrant individuals with full and interesting lives, which I always appreciate. The Hurricane Sisters is a worthwhile read and an entertaining story. FYI: The story is told in alternating points of view in first person. ...more
In this story, the ownership of a painting is traced back through history, with each chapter revealing the effect the painting has on its owner, untilIn this story, the ownership of a painting is traced back through history, with each chapter revealing the effect the painting has on its owner, until the final chapter reveals the artist. This book fascinated me! I like the way the author tied the stories together through the painting. Good writing too....more
I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book and felt empathy for them. It was nicely written and kept my attention. However, some parts of tI enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book and felt empathy for them. It was nicely written and kept my attention. However, some parts of the plot were hard to believe (a little too coincidental) and that took away from the story for me....more
Rain Trueax is a terrific storyteller. In Round the Bend she takes her readers on a journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamette Valle Rain Trueax is a terrific storyteller. In Round the Bend she takes her readers on a journey from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon's Willamette Valley via the Oregon Trail. Along the way the wagon train experiences runaway horses, treacherous river crossings, and violent storms, as well as human adversaries and conflicts. The author's attention to detail adds realism and depth to the story. She vividly portrays the challenges for women in caring for their families while crossing the plains, the dangers to children, the camaraderie and conflicts among the pioneers, the wagon master's absolute authority over his charges, and so much more. We get to know the book's characters well and come to understand their motivations and fears. Rain Trueax's research must have been extensive. Round the Bend is the first of four books in the Oregon Historical series, and it stands alone. I'm looking forward to reading them all....more
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe is a beautifully written story about 40-year-old Cara and her mother who is dying of lung cancer. Cara goes back The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe is a beautifully written story about 40-year-old Cara and her mother who is dying of lung cancer. Cara goes back home to the barrier islands of South Carolina and while caring for her mother, confronts issues that have followed her since she was a child. Loggerhead turtles figure in the plot too, and I learned a lot about them through this story.
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Jenna Leigh-Whittington can track, shoot, and ride as well as any man, skills which have earned her a job as a Pinkerton agent assigned to track down Jenna Leigh-Whittington can track, shoot, and ride as well as any man, skills which have earned her a job as a Pinkerton agent assigned to track down ruthless killer Black Jack Mendoza. Once she earns the reward money for his capture, she'll use it to find her deadbeat father - a man who abandoned her and her mother and ruined their lives. Hired gunman Branch Macauley is tracking Mendoza too, determined to make him pay for killing his brother. What happens when Branch and Jenna meet? And could Mendoza be an innocent man?
Taming Jenna is set in 1879 in Utah's mining country. The confrontations between these two strong characters result in a story filled with action, mystery, and romance. Author Charlene Raddon's vivid descriptions took me into forests of quaking aspen, into rough-and-rowdy mining towns, and in a particularly scary scene, even down into a mine. I enjoyed this action-filled romance, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author....more
Shelter Us is the story of a woman whose daughter died at the age of six weeks. Now, several years later, the mother of two preschool sons is still ovShelter Us is the story of a woman whose daughter died at the age of six weeks. Now, several years later, the mother of two preschool sons is still overwhelmed by her daughter's death and barely functioning. When she becomes obsessed with a young homeless woman and her baby, her life changes, and her marriage is in jeopardy.
I was hesitant to read this book, mainly because it involves the death of a child, but I'm glad I stayed with it. It was nicely written and edited, and the story was compelling. The author takes her readers deep inside her character, and the plot will stay with me for a long time....more
Charming, funny, delightful. Those are the best words I can find to describe The Land of Mango Sunsets by Dorothea Benton Frank. I enjoy stories wher Charming, funny, delightful. Those are the best words I can find to describe The Land of Mango Sunsets by Dorothea Benton Frank. I enjoy stories where the main character changes and grows, and that's what happens to Miriam in this book. But now that I think about it, she actually goes back to being her authentic self, which is even better. I enjoyed Frank's descriptions of Sullivans Island, South Carolina, and her Southern voice. The description in the prologue is luscious! I'll read more books by this author....more
In The Reluctant Midwife, author Patricia Harman tells the story of Nurse Becky Myers during the Great Depression. Becky is an amazing woman who strugIn The Reluctant Midwife, author Patricia Harman tells the story of Nurse Becky Myers during the Great Depression. Becky is an amazing woman who struggles to make a living for herself and take care of her former employer (Dr. Blum) who is almost catatonic (perhaps PTSD, though I doubt if they had that term back then). I enjoyed learning more about everyday life in West Virginia during the Depression, as well as the glimpse into work performed by nurses and midwives during that era, described in this beautiful story. Fascinating stuff and beautifully written.
The Reluctant Midwife is divided into five sections: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring Again. It is Book #2 in the Hope River series and it stands alone. I'm looking forward to reading Book #1 too....more
The Runaway Quilt is one of my favorite stories in Jennifer Chiaverini's "Elm Creek Quilts" series. If you enjoy family history, if you're curious ab The Runaway Quilt is one of my favorite stories in Jennifer Chiaverini's "Elm Creek Quilts" series. If you enjoy family history, if you're curious about the Civil War (and the underground railroad), if you're a quilter, or if you like to read about friendships between women, you'll like this book too. The story takes place in present day but goes back into the past as the main character, Sylvia, reads an ancestor's diary, written during the Civil War. The Runaway Quilt is the fourth book in this series, but it stands alone. However, as with most series, you'll get to know the characters better if you start with the first book (The Quilter's Apprentice)....more
Some cats have nine lives, but Christopher Kitten has nine tails! How he uses each one makes for a heartwarming story.This delightfully illustrated boSome cats have nine lives, but Christopher Kitten has nine tails! How he uses each one makes for a heartwarming story.This delightfully illustrated book is one of my granddaughter's favorites. Another charming tale from Colleen Reece...more
A Quilt for Christmas is the story of a woman whose husband enlists in the Union army to fight in the Civil War, leaving her to cope with running the A Quilt for Christmas is the story of a woman whose husband enlists in the Union army to fight in the Civil War, leaving her to cope with running the family farm. It's also about friendship, courage, hardship, forgiveness, community, and family (and quilting, too). This engrossing 5-star book paints a vivid picture of rural Kansas in the 1860s and shows the effects of war on the wives and children back home. Through beautiful description and attention to historical detail, the author conveys the fortitude of those women in a time when they had little power. Good writing....more
I enjoy books that feature mature women, and Rose's Gift definitely falls into that category. Sixty-year-old Rose is happy with the life she created aI enjoy books that feature mature women, and Rose's Gift definitely falls into that category. Sixty-year-old Rose is happy with the life she created after her husband's death, but when a good-looking man comes along and courts her, she has to examine that life and decide whether or not to accept him as a husband. He has made it clear that he wants to enjoy all the benefits of marriage--not just companionship. Rose is surprised to find how much she wants that too. But is she willing to make the changes that marriage will bring? I like the way the author takes us inside Rose's head, revealing her thoughts and feelings as she contemplates romance late in life. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, all of whom were vibrant and believable. The writing was delightful with realistic dialogue and vivid description, and free of grammatical and other errors, which I always appreciate. Rose's Gift takes place at the turn of the last century and brings together characters from Rain Trueax's other Arizona historical books. I'm looking forward to reading them all....more
If you like historical romance (Regency), you'll definitely enjoy VIDAL'S HONOR. But this novel by Sherry Gloag is more than a simple love story. It'sIf you like historical romance (Regency), you'll definitely enjoy VIDAL'S HONOR. But this novel by Sherry Gloag is more than a simple love story. It's also filled with mystery, adventure, and intrigue with a strong female character. I had fun reading this engrossing, beautifully written tale....more
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