authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
Title: Hotel of Secrets Author: Diana Biller Series: n/a Loose ends but overall great Much thanks to Diana Biller, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a great book! I liked it better than Brightest Star in Paris. Just a few small issues with it: 1. It got long and could have been slimmed and trimmed (e.g., their sex scene was waaaay too long, I skipped …
A quick little roundup of several smaller reviews I wrote in late 2022. Beware of spoilers! Title: A Sinister Revenge Author: Deanna Raybourn Series: Veronica Speedwell #8 Great thanks to Deanna Raybourn, Berkley, and Edelweiss for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Overall this was a good addition to the series. Not exceptional, but good. I love that Veronica and Tiberious have developed a deep fraternal bond, and I loved the interesting dinosaur …
Title: The Winter Garden Author: Nicola Cornick Series: n/a Needs an urgent pace and relevant past POV Much thanks to Nicola Cornick, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book, but there were aspects to it that made it easy to put down. I loved the ghost and paranormal and mystery aspects, and I loved the archaeological aspects. There was plenty of the former (though …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan is a heartwarming story with heartfelt characters. In this current period, when there is so much decisiveness, reading stories like this reminds people how working collectively brings everyone together. Ms. Ryan has hit a home run. Elsa and Hattie are the most unlikely individuals to become sister-like friends. As with her previous books, Ryan writes about two strong women who work together for a common goal. …
Title: A Counterfeit Wife Author: Paullett Golden Series: Sirens #1 Bloated and rather unbelievable, but still charming Much thanks to the author, who provided a free copy (and excellent conversation) in exchange for an honest review. Good news: I enjoyed Trevor and J’non’s romance!* Bad news: the narrative’s middle was incredibly bloated, and I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the ending. *And unfortunately, the good news has a caveat—I don’t mean for “I enjoyed Trevor and J’non’s romance” to refer to …
Title: Murder in Westminster Author: Vanessa Riley Series: Lady Worthing Mystery #1 Poorly written and confusing Thank you to Vanessa Riley, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I feel meh about this book. My biggest issue with it was that, bizarrely, it often felt like I was missing information—it felt like the fourth or fifth book in the series, always referring to things that happened in the …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen is another home run regarding this historical novel. The reality of World War II plays a huge role in this novel. Readers will take a journey with the characters as they see families separated when the children are sent to the countryside, husbands being called to fight in the war, the high casualty rate of RAF fighters, the societal class system, the civilian casualties after the German …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham balances lighthearted moments with abuse and mistreatment. Redemption, second chances, betrayal, forgiveness, love, hope, and healing are present throughout the story. The plot begins in this small Iowa town in the 1880s when Norah King finds a man unconscious and beaten badly. She nurses Quincy Barnes back to health. They form an easy friendship and confide in each other. She tells him her dreams and wonders if …
Title: The Secret of Bow Lane Author: Jennifer Ashley Series: Kat Holloway Mystery #6 A great read! I would like to thank Jennifer Ashley, Berkley, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks to Yazmine Hassan for inviting me on the blog tour. (Take that, Berkley! Can’t deny my request if I’m invited, huh? *blows raspberry*) When her late husband’s wife asks for Kat’s help, Kat’s reluctant. But she’s also …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper When She Dreams by Amanda Quick, is a story with lies, murder, blackmail, and drugs. This series takes place during the 1930’s in the small town of Burning Cove, California with some recurring characters. The opening scene sets the atmosphere for the rest of the plot. Maggie Lodge enters the office of Dr. Oxlade for a session about her lucid dreams. Unbeknownst to her, he gives her a drug called the enhancer. He is …