I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.
Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.
Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh’s only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn’t see before it’s too late.
Nevaeh Williams is a security specialist with the P K-9 group and is having difficulty overcoming her past trauma so she suffers from PTSD. When she and her colleague Jazz are tasked to help protect rapper D-Chop, Naveah encounters security specialist Branson, a man whose size reminds her of the man who attacked her six years previously. Naveah has to overcome her past, face the present dangers and get ready for an uncertain future in this brilliantly written page turner. With an intriguing plot, clever repartee between the characters and a head-spinningly fast pace, this book had me totally captivated from beginning to end. This is the first book from this author that I have ever read and I was afraid that I would not be able to follow the story, but that was not the case at all. This intense romantic suspense can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed it so much that I ordered the other books in the series just so I can read the stories of the other characters. The plot is brilliant, crackling with tension as D-Chop is threatened as well as Naveah. With dynamic characters and an underlying foundation of faith, this novel held me enthralled with my heart pounding at times. I really enjoyed getting to know the members of the P K-9 team, especially the talented and well-trained dogs. Alvarez, Naveah’s canine partner, was intuitive and doing a spectacular job of keeping her safe. This is an edgy suspense with some remarkable twists and fake trails that made the drama believable and fast-moving. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense, non-stop action and characters that are lovable and relatable. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a member of her launch team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Intense suspense, so rated PG, although the content is totally clean!
This book had me totally fooled at first as it started with the friendship between Julia and Colette when they were young girls. Thus, I assumed that it would be a book for young adults. Nope! Not so fast! The book progresses quickly through young adulthood, middle age, and ultimately old age. All of the stages of life are well represented and treated with humor as well as a sense of poignancy that was touching and sensitive. Colette is the playful one, the one who doesn’t like to follow rules and vows never to go into a nursing home. Julia is practical, works hard and follows her head instead of her heart. Both of them learn how to navigate the curves that life throws them and in doing so, they teach the reader to cherish life and all it may bring. The plot is multi-layered in that the two main characters are so different and each has a unique perspective on how to approach challenges. The book is remarkably eye-opening and brilliantly written with thought-provoking events in each character’s life. I really enjoyed the author’s wit and the way the characters were thoroughly developed. Both women were dynamic and relatable, but I’m Team Julia just because that’s the one with whom I identified the most. There were some stereotypes portrayed but nothing unexpected or surprising and for the most part, the details seemed authentic and heartfelt. This book is a sensitive exploration about friendship and growing old. It would make a wonderful book to add to your book club list because it is filled with topics that should be discussed openly and fearlessly, particularly as you age. The two women never lost their sense of self and courageously faced the future, no matter what happened to them. I applaud the author for tackling a difficult topic and making it fun to read. I laughed aloud during some parts, cried during others and enjoyed my visit with Colette and Julia. This is a memorable and compelling story that should be read and enjoyed by women everywhere, no matter which stage of life you find yourself in now. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a member of her launch team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
With gratitude to the author and to Tammy for inviting me to be on the launch team for this laugh-aloud and reflective book. I highly recommend this one for book clubs because it will definitely stimulate discussions!
My rating: 5 of 5 stars (I would rate this book PG due to content.)
The new suspense book by Debra Webb has everything that I love about suspense. It is fast-paced, filled with false trails and plenty of clues so I could keep guessing my way through the mystery. The main characters are dealing with a former romance gone wrong while they are also trying to solve the mystery of Olivia’s beloved grandfather Willy Ballard. Huck Monroe is a deputy detective assigned to the case, much to Olivia’s dismay since she has a past history with him. I enjoyed all of the twists in the mystery and the romance that was simmering between Olivia and Huck. My favorite thing was that I tried really hard to guess the villain but the author fooled me again with her masterful writing. The characters are well-developed and relatable and the plot is just complex enough to keep me thoroughly engaged. I really did not see that final twist coming and I loved it! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her Street Team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case that went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They’re soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son who disappeared four years ago. River knows there’s almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.
But as they follow the boy’s trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. With a killer on the loose set on finishing the job he started, will River be pulled back into her tormented past or finally face the demons that haunt her?
With her trademark blend of page-turning thrills and intricate plots, Nancy Mehl delivers a spine-tingling thriller that will keep readers up all night.
My Thoughts
With edgy and fast-paced suspense, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. The author includes a compassionate and sensitive exploration of mental issues that was informative as well as thoroughly researched. I enjoyed the sharp writing in the plot and the rich story of two former FBI agents who start their own detective agency. River Ryland has PTSD due to her near-death experience with a serial killer. Her partner Tony St. Clair suffers from memory loss from the same encounter with a man who personifies evil. The book is addictive and action-packed as River and Ryland throw themselves into a case looking for a young teen who disappeared after a concert. There are a lot of twists and some brilliantly written red herrings in this intricately woven plot. As River and Ryland search for Chris, they are also evading a serial killer who is targeting them and the danger seems so realistic that it is terrifying at times. I thoroughly enjoyed the tight plot that crackled with tension and the insightful look at synesthesia and aphasia. The novel is also infused with faith and is a clean read that is thought-provoking and fascinating. Since this is the first book in a new series featuring River and Tony, I am really looking forward to the other ones already! This riveting page-turner has me ready for more of this dynamic duo! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Bethany House Publishing via Netgalley as well as a hard copy. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
With many thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC of this exciting book to read! I loved every minute I spent with River Ryland and Tony St. Clair and I’m truly looking forward to the next book in this new series.
Publisher: Montlake Published: July 2023 ASIN: B0BHJNS8T6
Women’s Fiction Novel
New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s bighearted novel about family, secrets, small-town Texas romance, and—with a little bit of luck—starting over.
Family doesn’t mean everyone has to like each other. That’s the case when cousins Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja return to Shamrock, Texas, to help manage their grandmother’s flower shop, the Lucky Shamrock. The reunion isn’t exactly a beautiful arrangement—considering they’re as compatible as ranchers and coyotes.
Thank heaven for a handsome go-between like Clinton, who lives above the shop. The easygoing war vet, and most eligible bachelor in Wheeler County, is now throwing romance into the mix and setting the local women to gossiping. But as the hot months wear on, hidden secrets begin to surface for the temperamental Irish trio. And it’s bringing them closer together than they ever thought possible.
With a flurry of weddings, a love story in the making, a surprise baby, and crazy good fortune, maybe that shamrock painted on the window does bring luck. Because for Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja, this could be the summer that’ll change their lives forever.
My Thoughts
This is a fun read about family, relationships, life in a small town, and hidden secrets that have to be told in order to move forward. Three cousins move to Shamrock, Texas, in order to manage their grandmother’s florist shop. Nana Irene was their rock when they were growing up and when she tells them that she needs their help, they reluctantly come to her aid. Their reluctance is nothing to do with Nana Irene and a lot to do with the fact that the three of them get along about like siblings would. Taryn, Jorja and Anna Rose throw themselves into the work at the florist shop while also hiding secrets from their pasts that have influenced how they currently approach life. The characters are well developed and relatable, with plenty of drama and humorous dialogue between them. The plot is centered around their revealing their secrets and resolving the past so that they can move on to a more hopeful future. This book is top quality entertainment from beginning to end, with chuckles and guffaws resulting from many of their antics. I especially enjoyed the resolution of their contentious relationships as well as of their secrets. The plot moved along quickly and was engaging as well as insightfully thought-provoking at times. This is a remarkably well-written book that has a compelling, multi-layered plot and captivating characters. Along with the setting of a small town in Texas where everybody knows everybody else, this is a charming book that had me laughing out loud as well as saddened by what had happened to the young women when they were younger. The dynamic characters and the brilliant plot made this one of my favorite southern fiction books ever! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG due to content
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught. A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job. She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children.—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young. When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays. Photo, author info and book info are from the author’s website at CarolynBrownBooks.com
Minerva Jane Jenkins has spent her entire married life in the mountains of Kentucky, surviving but not thriving. Her husband Stately made her promise him to keep a secret and in keeping that secret, she has isolated herself from the rest of the world. Then a young reporter named Del Rankin comes along and turns her safe shelter upside down with his revelations about the past and his hope for her future. This is a book that left me emotionally drained as I identified with poor Minerva and her profound faith and determination to keep a promise no matter the cost to herself. The characters are fascinating and richly developed, with authentic dialogue from Appalachia and authentic details about survival there. This is a well-crafted story with multiple layers and a thought-provoking look at accepting and forgiving others. I really enjoyed the southern flavor of this tale and the down-home goodness of Minerva even when she was sorely wronged. As she is approaching what she knows will be the end of her days, she continues to keep her promise to her husband but she also finds a love that she never realized she had missed so much. The story is captivating, original and gut-wrenching at times as Minerva faces the truth of her past and grasps a future that is all too short because of her advanced age. I enjoyed the feel of community when the people rallied around her and I really liked the character of Del and what a dynamic person he was. He came for one purpose and stayed for another higher one, making him remarkable and believably lovable. I also liked the homestead itself that became like a character on its own, with its broken doors and kudzu vines that took over part of Minerva’s land. Finally, I liked getting to know the heart of Minerva and what made her keep a promise for so many years, how much she loved her dog Satchel and how much love she had to give to others. This story of redemption and hope is filled with inspiration and is an eye-opening look at how the elderly should be revered and cared for. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains.
Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she’s kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they’re up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain.
As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what’s really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.
My Thoughts
Minerva Jane Jenkins has spent her entire married life in the mountains of Kentucky, surviving but not thriving. Her husband Stately made her promise him to keep a secret and in keeping that secret, she has isolated herself from the rest of the world. Then a young reporter named Del Rankin comes along and turns her safe shelter upside down with his revelations about the past and his hope for her future. This is a book that left me emotionally drained as I identified with poor Minerva and her profound faith and determination to keep a promise no matter the cost to herself. The characters are fascinating and richly developed, with authentic dialogue from Appalachia and authentic details about survival there. This is a well-crafted story with multiple layers and a thought-provoking look at accepting and forgiving others. I really enjoyed the southern flavor of this tale and the down-home goodness of Minerva even when she was sorely wronged. As she is approaching what she knows will be the end of her days, she continues to keep her promise to her husband but she also finds a love that she never realized she had missed so much. The story is captivating, original and gut-wrenching at times as Minerva faces the truth of her past and grasps a future that is all too short because of her advanced age. I enjoyed the feel of community when the people rallied around her and I really liked the character of Del and what a dynamic person he was. He came for one purpose and stayed for another higher one, making him remarkable and believably lovable. I also liked the homestead itself that became like a character on its own, with its broken doors and kudzu vines that took over part of Minerva’s land. Finally, I liked getting to know the heart of Minerva and what made her keep a promise for so many years, how much she loved her dog Satchel and how much love she had to give to others. This story of redemption and hope is filled with inspiration and is an eye-opening look at how the elderly should be revered and cared for. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Many thanks to Revell and to the author! I had the privilege of being on her launch team and received an early ARC from Revell via Netgalley, also. What a blessing to read and review this amazing and insightful book!
Author: Katie Garner On Sale June 27, 2023 Publisher: MIRA Paperback Original ISBN 978-0778334453
Book Summary: “Disarmingly sensory, with plot twists that are sure to give readers whiplash, Garner has done a phenomenal job of giving us just enough information to think we know where the story is going, only to pull the rug out from under us—over and over again. A nail-bitingly spectacular debut!” —Amanda Jayatissa, author of You’re Invited Finding the truth seems impossible when her own dark past has her seeing lies everywhere she looks… From the outside, criminal psychiatrist Dr. Madeline Pine’s life appears picture-perfect–she has a beautiful family, a successful mental health practice and a growing reputation as an expert in female violence. But when she’s called to help investigate a mysterious death at a boarding school for troubled girls, Madeline hesitates. She’s been through tragic cases before, and the one she was entangled in last year nearly destroyed her… Yet she can’t turn away when she hears about Charley Ridley. After the girl was found shoeless and in pajamas at the bottom of an icy ravine on campus, the police ruled it a tragic accident. But the private investigator hired by her mother has his doubts. And if it were Madeline’s daughter who died, she’d want to know why.
Arriving at the secluded campus in upstate New York, Madeline’s met by an unhelpful skeleton staff and the four other students still on campus during winter break. Each seems to hold a piece of the puzzle. And everyone has secrets–Madeline included. But who would kill to protect them? Intertwining the narrative with the transcript of an anonymous interview, this stunning suspense debut from Katie Garner will take you on a twisting path where nothing–and no one–is what it seems.
My Thoughts
The story of a teen who dies at her private school campus is completely mesmerizing, as the story weaves from one deceptive character to another and I tried to guess who was being honest. Dr. Madeline Pine’s life is falling apart, with her husband leaving and taking their daughter Izzy with him. So when private detective Matt requests her assistance in finding out what happened to the deceased student, she accepts the invitation and is drawn into a dark and mysterious world where even the school has secrets. The characterization was spot on for the eerie atmosphere and the mystery was twisted with lots of clues being painstakingly revealed slowly. The book got increasingly creepy as more secrets were revealed and was breathtakingly complex. This is in intense, intriguing story that challenged me to figure out the mystery as well as who was trustworthy among the cast of possible suspects. It is an edgy and remarkable debut novel that is tightly plotted and well-crafted with multiple layers. The surprise ending was shocking and well as thought-provoking; it’s a kind of “wait for it” book that had me guessing incorrectly all the way until the end. I will definitely look forward to more from this author! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated M for mature audiences. Includes violence, language, and psychological twists that could be disturbing.
About the Author
Author Bio: Katie Garner was born in New York and grew up in New Jersey. She has a degree in Art History from Ramapo College and is certified to teach high school Art. She hoards paperbacks, coffee mugs, and dog toys and can be seen holding at least one of those things most of the time. Katie lives in a New Jersey river town with her husband, baby boy, and shih-poo where she writes books about women and their dark, secret selves. The Night It Ended is her debut novel.
Excerpt
Friday, December 16 I’m speeding home when the phone rings, persistent and angry, demanding to be heard. I know I should answer it, even though I want nothing more than to throw it out the window. I could let the call slide into voice mail, delete it, never hear the voice on the other side. But I can’t. I jerk to the side of the icy road to a chorus of blaring horns, dig the phone out from the cavernous tote bag resting on the passenger seat beside me. The phone is sleek and black, brand-new—opposite of the cracked, chunky white one I’m used to shoving in my back pocket. A sweet little chime and the ringing ends. 1 new voice mail. Quickly, I glance in the side mirror. Car exhaust melts away into the morning winter sky. Nothing is behind me, nothing but air. I exhale a deep sigh of relief, press the phone to my ear. “H-hi, this message is for Dr. Madeline Pine—” A siren wails in the distance. The phone slips through my fingers, lands mutely in my lap. A knot swells in my throat. I glance in the side mirror again, feel my heart pound, each breath shrinking to tiny gasps. The sirens near. An emergency vehicle speeds past. It’s only an ambulance. My body wilts. I take a deep breath. In. Out. The knot in my throat loosens. I hate the person I’ve become. I’ve never been this nervous, this afraid, anxiety and fear clinging to my every move. I wish I could escape—step into someone else’s life, if only for a moment. Just twelve short months ago everything was different. I was different. Any other December, I would’ve been home, prepping for the holidays, shopping online for last-minute deals on things none of us needed. My husband, Dave, would be staying too late at work, his dinner wrapped in a blanket of aluminum foil, kept warm on the stove. My teenage daughter, Izzi, would be upstairs in her room, scrolling noiselessly through her phone, feet kicked up on the bed behind her. The house would’ve hummed with the steady softness of disjointed home life, but instead here I am, lurched to the side of the road, the air frigid in the tiny cabin of my car, listening to a voice mail I never thought I’d hear. I replay the message: “H-hi, this message is for Dr. Madeline Pine. If you get this, I’m Matthew Reyes, a private investigator working on behalf of a family. Listen, I was hoping you could please call me back at this number, I—I’d really appreciate it. We have a sixteen-year-old female who died on school property. The police believe it’s an accident, but the mother hired me to be sure. The girl was found at the bottom of a hill. No witnesses. I thought you might be able to help—given your expertise. Please call me back. Thanks.” I repeat his words in my head. The girl was found at the bottom of a hill—I can picture it, picture her. She’s there, fallen sideways, her body splashed across the woodland floor. Moss and stones, skin and blood, leaves and twigs. I don’t know her, but I don’t have to. I already feel as if she were mine.
The man who left the voice mail, Matthew Reyes, has a voice both gravelly and weary, and I know what he wants the moment he mentions the school. Police often believe they can demand anything they want and get it immediately—even psychological evaluations—but it takes time to gain trust from strangers, and even more time to tease out the truth. Especially from teenage girls. I start weighing my options. I’m not sure I’m capable of this, of anything. Especially after last year…especially after what just happened in that too-hot office during this morning’s disastrous therapy session. My face flushes at the memory of the woman who’d been sitting cross-legged in front of me. Her beautiful face. Her pink silk shirt blurring out of focus. Her condescending tone—as though the therapy sessions weren’t all for her benefit to begin with. That’s what I have to remind myself. That’s what I have to hold on to. They’re for her. Not me. I’m the one who’s fine. I should be taking comfort in that, taking comfort in the fact that I never have to see her beautiful face again, never have to be reminded of— It’s over. I didn’t have a choice before. Now I do. I have lots of choices. An avalanche of choices. My life before today was preprogrammed for me. Not anymore. I fixed it. Tears slip down my cheeks. I bite them back, strangle the phone in my lap, squeeze it so tight I wonder how it fails to snap in two. Choices. Possibilities. My mind whirls as I punch the gas, merge into traffic, race home. I run inside, slam the door, bolt the lock. Gazing around my gloom-infested house, I shrivel back as wind blows branches of a nearby tree, scraping the side of the house like fingernails. Peering at the bulging paper bag of prescriptions on the kitchen island, my eyes prick with tears. My glasses fog. I take them off, rub the lenses clean on my turtleneck. After so many months, the pills should be working. I should stop taking them altogether. Just throw them all in the toilet, flush them down, watch them whirl around the porcelain bowl. I think of words my daughter, Izzi, said to me: Mom, please just stop. Stop. I don’t know the person I’ve become, too empty, too full, all at once. I need to change. I want to be different. Every day, I think of ways I can be. It can still happen. I’m free now. I have choices now, possibilities. Maybe it’s never too late to change everything. Maybe I just need to escape. Besides, wiggle room is all it takes for a snake to get out of its skin. The phone rings again. I snuff the urge to hurl it across the room before glancing at the screen. It’s the same number as before. The same number as the voice mail. I hold my breath and answer. “Hello?” “Hello—is this Dr. Madeline Pine?” “Um—yes. It is.” My heart thuds. “Who’s this?” A sigh of relief, deep and heavy, into the phone. “This is private investigator Matthew Reyes. Thank you so much for answering, Dr. Pine. I—I know it’s a chaotic time of year and you’re probably busy with family but…would you be able to make a trip up to Iron Hill?” “I—I don’t know where that is.” “It’s about two hours north of Poughkeepsie. Upstate New York.” “Right, okay.” Far. Very far. Too far for my ailing car to make it. I know I should just buy a new one, but I can’t. My husband Dave always said the color perfectly matched my eyes. Now I can’t even remember the last time we looked at each other. “So, are you busy this weekend?” Reyes asks, then pauses. “I mean, you’re sure you don’t mind ditching your family right before the holidays?”
“When you put it that way, it sounds horrible.” Awkward laugh. “But, um, my husband and daughter aren’t home now, anyway—they’ve gone away to visit my in-laws.” “You have no idea how grateful I’d be if you could make it,” he says, sounding hopeful. I don’t know what he looks like, but I can imagine him smiling. “I mean, I’ve been calling around to different psychologists all day, and—well, it should only be for a couple of days. You’d definitely be back by Christmas, the latest.” I wince, feel a surge of sorrow. I’m too embarrassed to admit that Dave and Izzi have no intention of spending the holidays with me this year. It’s what I deserve after what I did. “I’m sorry,” I say, “please refresh my memory. Have we ever met? You said you’re a private investigator hired by the victim’s—er, the deceased’s—family?” “Yes, I mean, we haven’t met, but I read about the work you did on the Strum case last year. I believe one of the victims was around the same age as our current victim. And I pulled up your book online—Dark Side: A Psychological Portrait of the Criminal Female Mind. You specialize in women. Just so happens the case is at an all-girls boarding school.” My stomach clenches. Focus. Deep breath. I shift my gaze to the calendar hanging in the kitchen. I don’t even know why I bother to keep one anymore. I have the same schedule now, week in, week out. Before, the month of December would’ve been filled with holiday office parties, Izzi’s end-of-year school activities, Dave’s plans for winter break, which I’d always beg him to change. I glance up. Friday, December 16. This morning’s therapy session slashes across my mind again. I see her face. Blank, empty. Her lips begin to curl around a word. I see myself in the reflection of her eyes. I’m close. Closer. I swallow hard. “The, um, the students don’t go home for the holidays?” I ask, slumping down to the floor. “Winter break is Saturday, the tenth to New Year’s. A few students stayed behind.” Reyes pauses. “The students who either couldn’t travel for various reasons or chose not to go home.” I lean the back of my head against the wall. Reyes continues. “The school is asking me to wrap up my investigation before students and staff return January 2.” “Okay…” He senses my discomfort, keeps talking. “Please. Please say yes. You mentioned you have a daughter. How would you feel if it were her?” he asks. “If she was found dead, you’d want closure, right? To be sure everything was done by the book and no stone was left unturned.” My stomach flips. “Of course I would.” “So, please. Please say you’ll help.” I think of my daughter, Izzi, the lengths I’d go to if she was found at the bottom of a hill. Even if it was an accident, I’d want to know why. I’d want to know how she got there. If she was alone. Afraid. Or if someone else was responsible. I’d want to know. I’d find them, I’d— “I don’t know if I can do this,” I confess. I shut my eyes, see her face again, legs crossed, sitting prim in that too-hot office, the heat blasting, the furniture too big for the tiny space. I tug at the neck of my sweater, suddenly tight, see my reflection in her eyes—close, so close. No. Stop. I suck up a big breath, blow it all out. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but after that case last year—” My voice cracks. “The Strum case?” A note of curiosity in Reyes’s question. “Yeah. Since then, things have been difficult. I ended up taking some time off—” “I—I wasn’t aware. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. It just—it makes cases like this difficult.” “Oh—” “But before I say yes or no, can you give me an overview? What, exactly, I’ll be doing when I get there? I want to be sure I know what I’m stepping into.” Reyes lets out a breath. “Yeah—yes, of course,” he says, a hint of desperation in his voice. “Well, it happened at a private, all-girls boarding school called Shadow Hunt Hall. They have a very small student body on a very large campus. It’s densely wooded and incredibly isolated. It’s one of those ‘back-to-nature, no technology on campus’ sort of places. The girls are mostly… I guess the best word for it is—troubled?” “Isn’t that the best kind of girl?” “Uh, here,” he says, ignoring my attempt at a joke. “I’ll send you some info.” I glance at the screen, see he’s texted a link to the school’s website. I tap it open, swipe down the page. The school is ancient. Giant and stone, with iron gates and actual turrets, like a possessed fairy-tale castle. The curriculum looks interesting. Definitely nontraditional. It’s all music and arts and dance. I skim the mission statement: We believe in a holistic, individual approach to learning and rehabilitation, focusing on a curriculum centered on nature, group trust, and a healthy mind-body connection. Code words for no junk food or internet. Reyes waits patiently on the other end as I peruse the site. I click on the Tuition & Financial Aid page and flinch. A single term is more than twice the down payment we put on the house. “You there? Dr. Pine?” I lick my lips. “I’m here.” He pauses. “I’m having trouble getting any of the students to even talk to me,” he admits. “That’s why I need you.” I think of Izzi, chewing on her fingernails, avoiding eye contact when I ask how her day went. Ever since she started high school it’s been all one-word answers—good, fine—before she’d bound upstairs, not to be seen again until dinner. So I can’t imagine how the girls at this boarding school would react to a male private investigator showing up out of nowhere, prodding them with questions right after their classmate died. No doubt they’d recoil, want nothing to do with him. “Okay… I’ll help you,” I whisper.
It has been almost a year since the horrible accident that only took the life of Lori Mendenhall’s teenage son but also stole eight years of memories from her due to traumatic brain injury. Now she is returning home- but her life is nothing like she remembered. Her daughter is distant, and her once-loving husband is a workaholic she isn’t sure she can trust. As memories begin to resurface, Lori begins to wonder if the life she can’t remember is one she’d rather forget.
My Thoughts
The trigger warnings at the beginning of the book need to be taken seriously as there are some very heavy topics in this book, including the death of a child, adultery, abuse and divorce. The main characters are Lori, the mom who has lost her memory and is struggling to regain it, and Avery, the twin sister of Austin who was killed in a tragic car accident. This is not by any means an uplifting story, but it is engaging. I did not like most of the characters because they mostly seemed manipulative, although they were well-developed and dynamic. I did like Lori and felt bad for all she had been through but my favorite character was Avery. She tugged at all of my heart strings as she tried to maneuver her way through the minefield of loss and her parents’ broken marriage. This is definitely not a book for young teens because the topics are for more mature readers. Even some adults might find it difficult to read this book because it explores such difficult and heart-rending subjects. That being said, I did enjoy the book and its Christian message for seeking and finding hope amidst the rubble that sometimes is life. The central focus is that life is not predictable and you have to hold on tightly to faith in order to come out the other side of some of the dark tunnels. That being said, I will say that the darkness is emphasized here and the hope is revealed slowly, so I had to wait for it, expecting things to turn around, which they eventually did. I applaud the author for her sensitive writing about such hard topics and recommend this book for those looking for emotional release in a book…this one has all the feels, including an ultimately hopeful ending. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This book should not be read by anyone who is bothered by the triggers listed in my review. The topics are heavy and dealt with sensitively, but they are a major part of the book, making it not appropriate for all readers.
About the Author
Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance series. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades. Photo and Bio are from the author’s website at http://www.janinerosche.com
Wow! My reaction to this book is just go get it and read it for yourself because it is amazing! There are three female protagonists, all searching for happy and fulfilled lives but not really knowing how they expect to find it. Heather has a successful business but is afraid of love, even though she really does have deep feelings for Campbell but she is terrified of commitment. Tori is happily involved in a non-couple relationship with Grant and her walls come tumbling down (literally and figuratively) when she has to share a house with him after their condos flood. Finally, there is Daphne, a mom, a lawyer and a stepmom who is doing a good job of juggling all of her responsibilities, but what she really wants is her own baby with her husband Brody. All of the characters are friends which makes for some very interesting dynamics and advice giving. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between the characters and really enjoyed reading about Heather’s coping strategies (hint: it involves kittens). The characters were so realistic that I wanted to shake a few of them to get them to move away from the familiar and take a chance on love. I also wanted to kick Heather’s mom Amber to the moon and just let her stay there because she is thoroughly annoying and needy in a not so pleasant way. Like I said, the characters are completely realistic and present a fascinating character study of young women learning to be independent career women as well as capable of developing a lasting relationship. The plot moves smoothly and although it is plenty complicated with lots of the most intriguing kind of drama, it is easy to follow and laugh-aloud funny at times. The author knows how to tell a story that is captivating while also sparkling with romance. The end result is a powerful story that is delightfully readable. With characters that are rich and relatable and a plot that is brilliantly compelling, this is a book not to be missed. Because who doesn’t need a “happiness plan”? Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I also received a hard copy from the author as part of her review team. I was not required by anyone to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG
About the Author
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the ragdoll cat and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.
Many thanks to MIRA BOOKs and to the author for the advanced copy to read and review. This is a delightfully funny and uplifting book that includes some fantastic recipes at the end!
Title: Her Only Wish, #2 By: Shelley Shepard Gray Format: Paperback Number of Pages: 304 Vendor: Revell Publication Date: 2023 Dimensions: 8.50 X 5.50 (inches) Weight: 9 ounces ISBN: 0800741684 ISBN-13: 9780800741686
Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She’s got a list–a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?
From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions–beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She’s like no one he’s ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he’s met a lot of people.
As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they’ll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life–and love–requires a fair amount of risk.
My Thoughts
This is an uplifting story of an Amish girl who has a health problem but is determined that it won’t stop her from fulfilling her “life list.”When Betsy arrives in Pinecraft to spend a month, she has goals that she plans to carry out, including learning how to swim and how to play golf. Having been sheltered all of her life because of her health issues with her lungs, Betsy wants to live life to the fullest and sets out to do so. At the golf course, she meets golf instructor August Troyer, a kind young man who is willing to teach her. Coincidentally, she also meets a young woman who will give her private swim lessons. Betsy’s life has been filled with “no’ and in this book, she finally discovers people who tell her “yes” and encourage her to reach for her dreams. I really enjoyed the story because it was positive and upbeat as well as realistically possible. The characters were well-developed and relatable, with regular flaws and problems of everyday life. The story moved along quickly and although many of the plot elements were predictable, there were a few twists along the way that kept the story interesting and engaging. Pinecraft is such a perfect setting for the story, with its beach and tourist attractions adding to the realism. This is a quick read and a light romance, clean Amish fiction that inspires as it entertains. Although this is book #2 in the series called “A Season in Pinecraft”, it can easily and enjoyably be read as a standalone. Highly recommend! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian Fiction
About the author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weeklycalls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.” Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow Thisepisode on the popularity of Amish fiction. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 