Danielle - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Daryl Wood Gerber (A Sprinkling of Murder and A Glimmer of a Clue)

August 20, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Sprinkling of Murder and A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber are the first installments in the new Fairy Garden Mystery series. Even with a death and a mystery these stories will put a smile on readers’ faces. Anyone who remembers the Peter Pan line, “Do you believe in fairies,” will enjoy this enchanting book that has charm and wit, friends and foes, murder and mayhem with fascinating characters. The heroine …

Interview with Stephanie Marie Thornton (A Most Clever Girl)

August 13, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Most Clever Girl by Stephanie Marie Thornton brings to life in fictional form, the true story of Elizabeth Bentley, a Cold War double agent. Readers are presented with the psychology of a spy, the dangers, betrayals, and motivations. Bentley was an American citizen who spied for the Russians until she became an FBI informant. She was recruited by the American Communist Party to spy on fascists since she worked at an Italian library. …

Interview with Christina Baker Kline (The Exiles)

August 8, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline brings to life five women in nineteenth century Australia. All faced similar hardships struggling for redemption and freedom in this new society. They were mistreated and taken from a culture they knew. These women were all brought to their new lives against their will but showed strength and courage. Evangeline, orphaned after her Vicar father died, found a job as a Governess. But the stepson living in the …

Interview with Linda Castillo (Fallen and A Simple Murder)

July 31, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Fallen by Linda Castillo brings back the wonderful character, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. Fans of this series are never disappointed with these amazing stories, and this novel is no different. The plot begins with a young woman brutally murdered at a Painter’s Mill motel. Called to investigate, Police Chief Kate Burkholder realizes she knew the victim, Rachel Schwartz. She and Kate had some things in common, not really fitting into the Amish community …

Interview with Lisa Harris (The Chase)

July 24, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Chase by Lisa Harris is an excellent read. The story doesn’t have quite as much action and suspense as in the first book, The Escape, but readers will be intrigued by understanding the personal dynamics. Both main characters must handle grief and navigate evolving personal relationships. US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing–it’s time to get back out into the …

Interview with Renee Ryan (The Widows of Champagne)

July 16, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Widows of Champagne by Renee Ryan is the story of a family struggling to survive in Nazi-occupied France. Three widows who lost their beloved husbands must now protect their livelihood, the Chateau Fouche-LeBlanc vineyard in Reims, after it was requisitioned by the Nazis. The plot has wine merchant, Helmut Von Schmidt, now turned Nazi Captain in the Wehrmacht, requisitioning the LeBlanc home and stealing their wine for the German troops. Throughout the days …

Interview with Catherine Bybee (A Thin Disguise)

July 10, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Thin Disguise by Catherine Bybee delves into forgiveness, love, and redemption. There are very few authors that can write a riveting mystery with gripping characters. Bybee does both along with humorous dialogue, a lot of action, and romance. The story has FBI Agent Leo Grant working a protective detail for a child witness against a Russian mob boss engaging in sex trafficking. Olivia Naught, a former assassin and Richter student, is working the …

Interview with Elizabeth Heiter (K-9 Hideout)

July 3, 2021

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper K-9 Hideout by Elizabeth Heiter, the fourth in this series, is just as good as the first three. Combining a mystery with great characters including the four-legged furry kind makes for a great story. Elizabeth Heiter drew from her own personal experience to show what it is like having a stalker in someone’s life. Sabrina Jones has moved from New York City to Desparre Alaska to hide from a stalker. After leaving a note …

Spells Trouble by P. C. and Kristin Cast

June 27, 2021

Title: Spells Trouble Author: P. C. and Kristin Cast Series: Sisters of Salem #1 Didn’t make much of an impression I would like to thank P. C. and Kristin Cast, St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was . . . fine. Honestly I’m struggling to remember the story; it didn’t make much of an impression. It wasn’t horrible, but I didn’t at all find it …

Legacy by Nora Roberts

June 27, 2021

Title: Legacy Author: Nora Roberts Series: n/a Rambling, predictable, and annoying lead I would like to thank Nora Roberts, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book had three huge marks against it: the narrative rambled, I knew who the culprits would be the moment they were mentioned in the first chapter, and I seriously disliked Adrian, the main character/heroine. The romance took too long to develop …