secret

Interview with Daryl Wood Gerber (The Son’s Secret)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Son’s Secret by Daryl Wood Gerber is not the type of story her readers are used to. Instead of gardens, tea shops, and fairies flying around, she has ventured into suspense and mystery. This story explores the complex mother-adult son dynamic. Parents will relate to the main character understanding the fine line between being hovering to being supportive and caring. Plus, the anxiety that every parent goes through when their children do not …

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Review Roundup Summer 2024 – Part 2

A quick little roundup of several smaller reviews I wrote in Summer 2024. Beware of spoilers! Title: House of Marionne Author: J. Elle Series: House of Marionne #1 Much thanks to J. Elle, Penguin/Razorbill, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book hits many of the same story beats as other YA fantasy*, so I could understand if some readers accuse it of being formulaic. I didn’t mind its predictability. …

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Interview with David Lewis (A Jewel in the Crown)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Jewel in the Crown by David Lewis is a thriller and mystery all in one book, a spy novel set in England during WWII. In 1940 there is a fear of German infiltrators throughout England. To safeguard the Crown Jewels from the Nazis, Winston Churchill devises a daring gamble to have them shipped overseas. The priceless artifacts will be secretly removed from the Tower of London and driven north to Scotland by two …

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Interview with Patricia Johns (A Single Dad in Amish Country and Their Amish Secret)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Patricia Johns’s books, A Single Dad in Amish Country and Their Amish Secret are both endearing stories. Readers will go through the emotions with the characters from pain and sadness to hopefulness and love. As with all her books people are drawn to each character and their feelings. The plot of A Single Dad in Amish Country has an emphasis on single parenting. Hazel Dobbs and Joe Carter both raised daughters without a spouse. …

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Interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher (The Secret to Happiness)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher delves into how someone can find their way again when life’s issues seem to be overwhelming. There are issues of forgiveness, redemption, family, love, and hope for the future as family and friends try to bring someone out of their despair. The plot has Callie Dixon fired from her job as an executive chef when she makes a huge error in the kitchen. Now unemployed she …

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Interview with Renee Ryan (The Secret Society of Salzburg)

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. …

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Interview with Amy Vastine (A Wyoming Secret Proposal)

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Wyoming Secret Proposal by Amy Vastine is the second book in the The Blackwells of Eagle Springs compilation series. This is a sweet, enjoyable love story with a little bit of drama. The story centers around Wyatt Blackwell, the youngest of five children. He was restless so he decides to find work in different parts of the US, to be a cowboy-for-hire working at different ranches throughout the western United States. After finishing …

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The Secret of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley

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 …

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The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman

Title: The Secret of Snow Author: Viola Shipman Series: n/a Questionable lead, unimpressive writing, melodramatic I would like to thank Viola Shipman, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks to Sophie James for inviting me on the blog tour. When Palm Springs meteorologist Sonny Dunes is fired and replaced with a sexy robot, she gets drunk and lets the world know how she feels about the …

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A Harbor Secret series by Kristie Dickinson

I first encountered Dickinson’s work via Audible Escape (R.I.P.) in Spring 2020. I loved Tunnels and devoured Devil’s Elbow, but those were the only two available and I thought that was all I would experience of Dickinson. But this summer I was pleasantly surprised when the author reached out to me and offered free copies for review—audiobook copies. Oh. Hell. Yes. She even provided copies of Tunnels and Devil’s Elbow for me to re-listen to and refresh my memory. I …

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