Review: The Summer that Changed Everything by Brenda Novak

On June 6, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780778387688

Publication date:06/03/2025

Pages:368

It’s been fifteen years since Lucy Sinclair saw her father. Fifteen long years since she sat in a courtroom and watched him sentenced to life in prison. He murdered three victims—all people she knew—which ruined her life at just seventeen. But now she’s back in Virginia to talk to him, wondering if there’s more to the story of what happened that fateful night.

An old flame, Ford Wagner, makes his own return to North Hampton Beach, fleeing a marriage that seems destined for divorce. He’s wary of Lucy and her digging into the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they get and the more he finds himself reconsidering the truth behind the death of their mutual friend that summer. Problem is, there are plenty of those in this small coastal town who would prefer things stay quiet…

My Thoughts

The newest book by Brenda Novak combines the fun of a getaway to the beach with a murder mystery that is riveting and suspenseful. Lucy returns to North Hampton Beach to prove that her father, a man convicted of three murders, did not actually kill a young teen named Aurora. Once at the place she had previously called home, Lucy is assailed with memories and also faces a great deal of opposition from the local residents. They don’t accept her theory that her father is innocent of Aurora’s murder and seem to resent that she is trying to prove it. Lucy appears to be alone in her battle until her former high school boyfriend Ford shows up to support her, both mentally and physically. Together, the two of them make a good investigative team, especially when Ford hires a private investigator to unravel some on the mysteries involved in Aurora’s death. There are some twists and surprises along the way, although the killer’s identity is actually revealed early in the story. It was interesting to read how Lucy and Ford were able to follow clues to reveal the killer to the town as well as pursue a secondary mystery. There are also some steamy scenes as Lucy and Ford reignite their former attraction. Family drama is a central part of the plot, too, since Ford’s family does not approve of his choices and Ford’s estranged wife wants to hold on to him and holds what seems to be a winning hand. This is a fast-paced and engaging read with the signature style and brilliantly woven complex plot by a master author.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Brenda sold her first book OF NOBLE BIRTH, and the rest is history. Many of her novels have won or placed in contests such as the Rita, the National Reader’s Choice and the Bookseller’s Best, and she now runs a warm and enthusiastic book group on Facebook with over 17,000 members.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. When she’s not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, playing pickle ball, hiking and biking — she rides an amazing 20 miles several times a week! Website: http://www.brendanovak.com

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Review: WHERE SECRETS LIE by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

On June 5, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400345694

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:06/03/2025

Series:A Tupelo Grove Novel , #2

Pages:352

College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he’s finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez’s old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they’ve built begins to crumble. And it’s not just their relationship that hanging in the balance—the survival of the university Savannah’s family poured their lives into is also under threat.

Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University’s legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.

The twists continue until the final page as a dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complex dynamics of legacy and family.

My Thoughts

In this second book in the Tupelo Grove series, the authors captivated me immediately with the romance between Hez and Savannah, Jess’s duplicity and precocious young Simon. The action is non-stop as Savannah tries to save her beloved university and Jess works behind the scenes to thwart her. Hex, a lawyer with a plan and a purpose, begins his Justice Chamber project, investigating corruption and cases that involve the university. In all of their interactions, there are a lot of secretes and twists along with red herrings. The action is riveting as there are more murders and subterfuge, along with the stolen artifacts that are tied to the university. Danger runs rampant through the pages and it was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed learning more of the back story about the characters and the reason they behave the way they do, especially Jess. I found the characters to be mostly likable and totally dynamic, with realistic flaws that made me like them even more. I especially enjoyed how well the threads of the complicated plot were all interwoven and came together perfectly at the conclusion. This book may be read as a standalone, but I think readers would find it more enjoyable if they read the series in order as characters introduced in the first book are the same ones in this one, only with additional details and a few new characters added to the mix. The mystery drew me into the story and kept me reading to try to solve the murders and understand the dynamics of the families involved in the legacy of the university. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series since the setting, the characters and the plot have captured my imagination and my desire to know all of the secrets.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Other Book in the Series

Purchase Links for Where Secrets Lie

Review: Unshaken by Shelley Shepard Gray

On June 4, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800746049

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:06/03/2025

Pages:304

When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn’t find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman.

Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev—which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate—and there’s no telling what lengths he will go.

My Thoughts

When a young Amish woman witnesses a murder, she is quickly whisked away from her everyday life to live under protection on a ranch far from her home. Bev, a social worker, sees what happened and decides immediately to send young Stephanie to her brother who lives and works on a ranch with a gate guard and ranch hands to protect her. Bev’s brother Hardy works for the wealthy ranch owner Carter and both men served in the military together. While Stephanie is on the ranch, she has to be on her guard, watching for possible danger, but she is also relaxed for the first time since her parents died and left her to live with her demanding aunt and uncle. I really enjoyed Stephanie’s dynamic growth of self-discovery in this novel as well as her growing independence and enjoyment of many things that most individuals take for granted, like snacks and TV shows. I especially liked the way the relationship between Hardy and Stephanie developed. He is a hero but not a particularly handsome one, just one who is willing and capable. The second developing romance was a pleasant and additional surprise. The danger is real as there is a gang of killers who want Stephanie dead, but Hardy is devoted to safeguarding her. I liked the way the action intensified and the drama increased at the same time. I also liked the way the author brought all of the threads of the plot together and concluded it all in a satisfactory way that made me glad that I read the story. This is a book not to be missed by fans of Amish fiction combined with romantic suspense.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review of the book, and all opinions expressed are my own.

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 Weekly calls 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 This episode 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.

Purchase Links

Blog Tour: The Expat Affair by Kimberly Bell

On June 1, 2025 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

On Sale Date: June 3, 2025

9780778310945

Trade Paperback

$18.99 USD

320 pages

USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Belle returns with an exhilarating new thriller about an American expat whose startling discovery plunges her into the glamorous but deadly world of Amsterdam’s diamond industry, and the one woman who may hold the answer.

Rayna Dumont is getting a fresh start in Amsterdam. Following a nasty divorce, she takes a jet-setting new job and embraces the single life. All seems to be going well until she wakes up in the bed of Xander van der Vos, her one-night stand from the night before, only to find him brutally murdered in the room next door. To make matters worse, millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds are missing from his safe. Quickly, Rayna becomes the prime suspect and is thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse with forces beyond her wildest imagination.

From her lavish home in the heart of the city, Willow Prins is enraptured by the case. The wife of Thomas Prins, CEO of the House of Prins and Xander’s former boss, Willow is too familiar with what it’s like to be the outsider in the elite world of luxury goods. But as the House comes under scrutiny, tensions rise in her already strained marriage and Willow starts to wonder if Rayna might be the solution she’s been looking for.

As both women dive into the dark underbelly of the diamond industry, their hope for survival hinges on navigating a web of power and revenge. And as Rayna fights to clear her name, will she unravel the truth or find herself another victim?

My Thoughts

This is a slow burn suspense and a murder mystery with two female protagonists who need to find the truth in order to survive the fallout. Rayna and Willow are both Americans living in Amsterdam. Rayna has escaped a scandal in the U.S. since her rich spouse divorced her and publicly humiliated her. Willow is married to the head of a major diamond company in Amsterdam. Her last name, Prins, is synonymous with wealth and diamonds, but she is barely treading water to keep her marriage afloat with all kinds of secrets that she is slowly uncovering. Willow’s priority is their young son Sem, so for his sake, she is holding onto a loveless marriage and hoping that Thomas will at least notice that she is still his wife. The scene is set for high drama when Rayna has a one-night stand with gemnologist Xander and discovers his body in the shower the next morning. Xander once worked for the Prins, so the stage for a murder mystery with plenty of suspects is set. I really enjoyed the slow burn as I tried to figure out the clues and the red herrings. I liked the interactions between the two protagonists, with their obvious differences and their subtle similarities. The plot was compelling and kept me engaged from beginning to end, with dual narrators and a story that dovetailed together seamlessly in the end. The characters were believable, somewhat relatable and uniquely portrayed in their roles as the possible next victims as both women were holding tightly to secrets that could lead them into the deep waters of a diamond industry where all is not as it seems. I really liked the character of the detective investigating the case. Boomsma was an intrepidly determined man who wanted to solve the crime and keep the city safe from the crime that seemed to revolve around the Prins family and their new acquaintance Rayna.He was dogged in his pursuit of the truth no matter where it lay and was not intimidated by the wealth and influence of the Prins. This book is a must-read for fans of great mysteries and well-written character studies where the characters themselves are part of the mystery.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily 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.

This book is contemporary fiction, Rated PG-16

About the Author

Kimberly Belle worked in marketing and nonprofit fundraising before turning to writing fiction. A graduate of Agnes Scott College, Kimberly lived for over a decade in the Netherlands and currently divides her time between Atlanta and Amsterdam. She is the bestselling author of over eight novels, including The Marriage Lie, Dear Wife, The Personal Assistant, and The Paris Widow.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Author website: https://www.kimberlybellebooks.com/

Facebook: @KimberlyBelleBooks

Twitter: @KimberlySBelle

Instagram: @kimberlybellebooks

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Review: Attempted Mountain Abduction by Jessica R. Patch

On May 29, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980632

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:05/27/2025

Series:Elite Protectors , #1

Pages:208

Hired to protect a murdered tech mogul’s daughter, undercover bodyguard Bridge Spencer never expects his ex-fiancée to blow his cover…while she’s trying to kidnap the child. But before he and former CIA spy Wendy Dawson can figure out whose side they’re on, they’re attacked. Setting aside his heartbreak, Bridge has no choice but to team up with the woman who abruptly dumped him in a letter three years ago. Guarding the child from assailants who are after her father’s top secret technology is priority one. But in the frigid Smoky Mountains, dangers are everywhere. The question is…which one is deadliest?

My Thoughts

The setting in the snowy Smoky Mountains is perfect for this story of Bridge, Wendy and Molly. Bridge is at a horse ranch, carrying out his assignment to protect a deceased tech genius’s young daughter when he unexpectedly encounters his former love, Wendy. Wendy has taken Molly and Bridge follows her to rescue Molly from what he thinks is a kidnapper. Neither of them understand the machinations that are going on behind the scenes, as a higher power than they can imagine wants to kill them and take Molly. The suspense is ramped up quickly as they flee from one danger to another, with what seems like headhunters coming for them from every direction, and uncooperative and dangerous weather conditions. There are some surprises and skillful misdirection by the author which kept me engaged and turning pages quickly. With faith as a part of the story, second chance love and a young, precocious child as the target, this book was fascinating and gripped me with the constant danger that threatened the trio at every turn. I really enjoyed all of the realistically portrayed characters, but my favorite was Molly, a child who stole my heart with her acceptance of their help and her total and complete trust in their ability to protect her. I didn’t see how things could possibly work out for Bridge and Wendy since both were stubborn and insistent that they would go their own way once they had safeguarded Molly. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Bridge’s team of protectors in the story as it gave the story dept and added even more action to an already packed plot. I was immersed in the drama of the story and kept guessing who could be trying to hurt such an innocent and intelligent child. I never guessed correctly, but guessing was part of the fun of reading this book. The author has created a fast-moving and cleverly written story of love, betrayal and innocence, all within the pages of this remarkably well-crafted story.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than 27 novels and is known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down sinister killers in her romantic suspense novels and dark, twisty thrillers.

She resides in the Memphis area with her husband and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog since becoming empty nesters. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch .com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know.

Purchase Links

With appreciation to author Jessica R. Patch for the Advanced Reader Copy to read and review! Don’t miss out on this quick, clean read! Follow a link and get your copy today!

Review: TARGETED MONTANA WITNESS by Sharon Dunn

On May 28, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980656

Publisher:Harlequin.

Publication date:05/27/2025

Pages:208

After being attacked in her workplace, Jillian Welch fears the worst—the mobsters behind her fiancé’s murder have found her. Uncertain of her safety in witness protection, she turns to Sheriff Luke Mayfair for help. But clues point to an obsessed fan of Jillian’s anonymous nightly podcast as her assailant. Now with potential threats all around, Jillian and Luke must seek refuge at Luke’s family farm. But when the continued ambushes escalate to attempted murder, they must expose the culprits before they get to Jillian first.

My Thoughts

Jillian Welch is in witness protection and has to call on the local sheriff, Luke Mayfair, when she starts receiving threats and overt attacks. She thinks her cover is blown, but she is not ready to give up her quiet life to start fresh in a new place with a new identity. When the danger ramps us and seems to come from all directions, she may not have a choice because even the self-sacrificing Luke may not be able to keep her safe from the multiple threats. This book makes a complicated plot into a satisfying and edgy page-turner that was hard to put down. With some head-spinning twists and escalating tension, this book kept me reading and guessing who was coming after Jillian and how would Luke be able to safeguard her in the face of the onslaught of attacks and danger. The marshal in charge of her case is a secondary character but extremely important to the story as he gave wise advice and really wanted to take care of Jillian but he depended on Luke’s help until he could get there. Luke is a swoon-worthy hero who puts himself and other family members in the line of fire in order to fulfill his mission to keep Jillian out of the hands of those who want to kill her. The plot is brilliant and fast-paced and the characters are relatable and realistic, with good chemistry between them as they face unknown and relentless danger. The setting was perfect for the story, with a small town with charm and characters who lent themselves to helping each other if there was a need. I enjoyed everything about this book and was emotionally invested in a good outcome.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean romantic suspense, Love Inspired Suspense

About the Author

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn’t writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. You can sign up for her newsletter and find out more about her at her website: Sharon Dunn

Purchase Links

Review of MISSING IN TEXAS by Virginia Vaughan

On May 27, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980649 Publisher:Harlequin. Publication date:05/27/2025. Series:Lone Star Defenders , #2 Pages:208

Can she crack a decade-old cold case before the murderer silences her?

The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend?

My Thoughts

This is an intriguing book about an FBI agent who is pursuing a cold case in which her best friend and college roommate went home to Mercy, Texas, and disappeared. Poof! Vanished! Agent Christy Williams goes to Mercy to try to find out what happened to Dawn over a decade ago and ends up working with Detective Mike Tyner. There are some interesting dynamics in this scenario since Christy was friends with Dawn and Mike happens to be a cousin of a chief suspect, a man that Christy doesn’t trust at all. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of complications and red herrings. There are also a lot of really good clues that led me to guess who the villain was but my correct guess did not detract at all from the drama of the story and all of the events leading up to the conclusion. I enjoyed getting to know the relatable characters, but my real enjoyment came from the way the characters interacted and worked together to solve the mystery of what happened to Dawn. With a family’s peace of mind at stake, Christy is determined to find out the truth, even when it means that her life is in danger. This is a book cries out to be read quickly as it is hard to put down!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily 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.

About the Author

Virginia Vaughan is a former investigator for the State of Mississippi who left a promising career to pursue her dream of being a writer. Blessed to come from a large, Southern family, her fondest memories include hearing stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself, delving into the genre of romantic suspense, armed with her passion for writing and the knowledge gained from her criminal justice background.

Visit her Readers page to learn more about Virginia’s books, giveaways, and more!

Other Book in the Series

Purchase Links for Missing in Texas:

Review of NO TIME TO DIE by Taylor S. Newport

On May 22, 2025May 19, 2025 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DQ9QVR1B
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whitewater River Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 15, 2025
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 636 pages
Book 2 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Dauntless Defenders

The enemy believes the battle is nearly over, but he’s just getting started.

Sector 17 has tried to silence the Ghost of Oz, but he doesn’t back down. Back on the hunt, Tyler Reid uncovers chilling truths that challenge everything he knows about his enemy and the woman who works for them. Caught between protecting a Russian heiress and the job she has to do, Tyler starts to question who he can rely on.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova has been told who she is, but fragmented memories hint at a past she’s reluctant to reclaim—a past far darker than what she remembers. When Tyler offers her a chance to escape her cruel boss at Sector 17, the plight of young recruits being turned into killers weighs heavily on her conscience. She’s determined to give them the same freedom she’s found, but doesn’t realize that in doing so she has put them all at risk.

As the head of Sector 17 clings to power, Tyler and Alex are caught in the middle of a deadly war for lives, freedom, and revenge. With enemies closing in on all sides, they can’t save everyone. The stakes are higher than ever—there is no time to die.

My Thoughts

The second book in the Dauntless Defenders series answered a lot of questions that I had about the backstory of Tyler and Alex and created an entire new web of intricate relationships and subterfuge. Alex is determined to save the kids who were forced to work for Sector 17 while Tyler is equally determined to safely return Alex to her grandfather in Russia. Neither goal is easy to accomplish and the book is woven around their efforts as well as the conflict between the CIA and Sector 17 which keeps Tyler and Alex somewhat floundering in the middle between two entities that seem to be willing to self-destruct rather than let the other side win. The foundation of faith is evident, but there are some triggers in the story, including human trafficking and child abuse. Details of both are not such that they are stomach-turning, and they are presented in a way to seamlessly fit into the story without becoming the central focus. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better in this second book. Although the book is lengthy, once I got into the story, I was not even aware of how long I was reading because I lost myself in the lives of the characters and in the challenges that they faced. The plot was moderately paced at first as the author introduced the characters and the conflicts and picked up to a quick pace once I knew all of the players and their goals in the story. Told from various points of view and also including a dual timeline, this was a book that kept me thinking and wondering what could possibly happen next to thwart the main characters from fulfilling their missions. There were some head-spinning surprises that I really didn’t expect and thoroughly enjoyed. Best of all, this book ends in a way that I wanted the series to definitely continue so that I could see more of the romantic relationship develop between some of the characters. All of the conflict within the boundaries of this novel were resolved in a satisfying way that made me happy that I read the book and thrilled that the saga will continue. This book is a military/spy thriller comparable to Tom Clancy but with a strong and clear faith element.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction with Intense Thrills, Rated PG-15

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she travels the United States with her family and GSD mix, Bella, probably writing her next novel.

Words from the author: “As an author, my mission is to provide readers with thrilling and engaging novels that maintain a high standard of integrity. I believe that a compelling story can captivate and entertain without relying on explicit language or inappropriate content. My books are designed to deliver exhilarating, action-packed narratives that will keep you engrossed from start to finish.”

Website: https://www.taylorsnewport.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsnewport_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.s.newport.2025/

X: https://x.com/TaylorSNewport

Purchase Link

Amazon

Don’t miss the first book in the Dauntless Defenders series!

Amazon

Review of STEALING MAGNOLIAS by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

On May 21, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781967524006 Publisher:Lanier Price Publishing Publication date:05/20/2025 Series:Magnolia Bluff #1 Pages:304

When Wren Frazier heads south to honor her grandmother’s final wish, she finds five unexpected challenges, one grumpy (but handsome) neighbor, and maybe-herself.

Although an artist, Wren packed away her brushes and paints and sought a practical career as an interior designer in Chicago. She’s always put herself last, happy to please everyone around her. But with a team of dedicated co-workers and a small town of quirky characters supporting her, she’s forced to give herself a little attention. As her artistic heart starts to awaken, Wren finds herself rediscovering the joy of creation and living authentically.

But while she’s exploring the enchanting Georgia Low Country, creating beautiful paintings, and taking a chance on love, she uncovers a secret that shakes the foundation of her newfound happiness. With the revelation threatening to ruin the delicate balance Wren has only begun to realize, will she give up her fairytale and return to her reality?

My Thoughts

I love reading books from debut authors who write a book that touches all of my feelings and my soul, too. The story of Wren, a young woman who has lost her grandmother and is floundering with choices about her future, is inspiring and thought-provoking as well as realistic and compelling. The setting of Haslemere was perfect for the story as this small town and all of its people filled the book with authenticity about the south and its friendliness and talent for making newcomers feel at home. I especially loved that this book offered a kind of story within a story. There is Wren’s story of self-discovery and there is also Nathaniel’s story of learning to trust as well as how to truly love. There is a sub-plot too with Wren’s assistant Zoe and the contractor Brad that led to more than a few chuckles from me, especially the text messages between Wren and Zoe. This is a wonderfully written romance with a southern flair and a foundation of faith that was charming and an integral part of the story. I loved the entire book and look forward to future books from this talented storyteller who puts heart and hope into her work.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

Q & A with the Author

1. What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting things you found out in your research, if you completed any?

• I did a lot of research on painting with watercolors. I’m not an artist at all. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of pencils and brushes involved in the medium.

• I also researched the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Years ago, I visited and rode on the famous ride, but I wanted to be sure I remembered the details. The VIP pod was a perfect romantic place for a scene in my story. I watched a whole youtube video of a person in the VIP pod, so I could really get the experience.

2.What was your favorite part of writing this book?

• I loved getting to write the descriptions of the places that are a part of my world and getting to share them with others.

3.Did anything in the story end up surprising you?

• When I started the story, I never expected it to become a series, but I fell in love with the setting and the side characters. I wasn’t ready to leave Magnolia Bluff, so I wrote two novellas and a book with plans for one more novella and one more book.

4. When did you know that you wanted to be an author?

• I’ve always loved writing and reading. In high school and college, I started more than one book but never finished. However, I did earn a minor in English in college, and an advanced writing certificate in law school. For many years, I wrote legal briefs as the appellate lawyer for Brunswick Judicial Circuit’s DA’s office. When I left that job to become a judge, I began writing fiction.

5. What is your writing process like? Do you know the ending when you start writing?

• I usually come with a premise and a couple of characters, and then I brainstorm with my writing group. After that I really delve into the main characters personalities and back stories. I also use this prep time to research important parts of the book. Accuracy is very important to me. Then I plan the pivotal scenes and get started writing. While I may know how I want the story to end, the ending isn’t always planned out.

6. What would be your advice to new authors?

• Never stop learning and practicing your craft.

7. If you could have a luncheon with a group of authors, whom would you invite and why?

• Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Eugenia Price, and Catherine Marshall. They have all written books that have impacted my life and writing. I’d want to know what inspired them to write some of my favorite books.

8. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?

• Spending time with my children and my husband. It really doesn’t matter what we’re doing. My daughter goes to college in Virginia, and when she calls, I go outside and walk around the yard while we talk. It doesn’t sound like much, but if I can’t be walking with her in person, it’s the next best thing. My husband and I have date nights at fantastic restaurants and travel to historic hotels, but it wouldn’t be my favorite thing to do if he weren’t with me.Honestly, I even love long drives with my family. My son and I have bonded over the hours we’ve spent driving to soccer.

10. This question is because I am a retired teacher. Did you have a favorite teacher in school? Can you share a memory about him/her?

• I loved all of my teachers. I actually am friends with most of them on Facebook, and they are so supportive of my writing career. I do mention my sixth grade English teacher, Susan Lee, in the acknowledgments for Stealing Magnolias. She taught my how to write and to love doing it. She never accepts the credit when I thank her, but it is the truth. I would not be the writer I am today if hadn’t been for her.

Purchase Links

Barnes and Noble, Paperback

Barnes and Noble, ebook

Amazon

Books-a-Million

Kobo

Review of AFTER PARIS by Mary Ellen Taylor

On May 13, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781662513442 Publisher:Amazon Publishing Publication date:05/13/2025 Pages:335

At twenty-five, Ruby Nevins has already endured more than most. But after two years of battling cancer, she’s warily determined to move forward. Researching a new project about a French actress, she soon uncovers an old diary that will change her life forever…

Cécile, the “it” girl of early 1940s French cinema, vanished from Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. Sylvia Rousseau, Cécile’s dressmaker and confidante, left that same year. Working to piece together the truth behind Cécile’s disappearance and Sylvia’s extraordinary life, Ruby recognizes the women as kindred spirits. They risked their hearts and lives to aid the Resistance, and each day was a struggle to survive.

Ruby knows her cancer could come back, but she’s learning to embrace the future rather than fear it. If Cécile and Sylvia could live their lives in the shadow of death, so can Ruby. Because she knows there’s so much life—and love—to fight for.

My Thoughts

The story of Ruby, an author who is inspired to write the story of a missing actress and her dressmaker, is one that is poignant, realistic and soul-stirring. The women she is writing about lived during the Second World War in Nazi-occupied France. Facing danger daily was part of their way of life since both Cecile, the actress, and her dressmaker Sylvia, worked with the resistance by feeding them information via Cecile’s sister Emile. The story is a dual timeline story, showing the struggles of Cecile and Sylvia in 1940’s France and the challenge to grasp life that Ruby faces since she is a cancer survivor. The themes of strength, courage, fortitude and persistence are prevalent in this novel that had me crying and cheering, just pages apart. The characters were totally realistic, especially Ruby and her determined quest to find out the truth about Sylvia and Cecile. Using a journal written by Sylvia, Ruby researches and continues to dig out nuggets of Sylvia’s story of being a Jew in Paris when the Nazis were working hard to exterminate them. The book was well-paced and totally absorbing as I lost myself in the pages, wanting to know as much as Ruby did what had happened to Sylvia and Cecile. With multiple narrators and a well-woven story, the history of the women is given in a way that is a compelling look at self-sacrifice and family love. This book is without a doubt one of the best WWII historical fiction novels that I have read, told with the grit and authentic details that made me gasp with awe or disgust, depending on what was happening in the scene. The author brilliantly and seamlessly wove the stories of the women together, even as they were decades and a continent apart. I loved the story and the writing style that captivated my attention and securely held it from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG-15, intense scenes and closed door sexual encounters

About the Author

Amazon Charts bestselling author, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state Virginia is evident in her contemporary women’s fiction, including The Promise of Tomorrow, Winter Cottage, Spring House, and Honeysuckle Season. She brings her new home on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to life in her latest novel The Brighter The Light and When the Rain Ends.

As do so many people, her protagonists search for their place in the world, exploring issues of family, home, love and belonging. Inevitably, Mary Ellen’s stories interweave setting, history and mysteries that span past and present. Website: maryellentaylor.com