1922: Opaline, flees her childhood home to escape an arranged marriage to a man she has never met. She will first find refuge in Paris, where her3.5 ⭐️
1922: Opaline, flees her childhood home to escape an arranged marriage to a man she has never met. She will first find refuge in Paris, where her love of rare books will earn her an apprenticeship in a bookstore called “Shakespeare and Company”, the perfect training ground for a young woman who is convinced that Bronte’ wrote a second book, which is waiting to be discovered.
But, her happiness will be short lived and she will have to flee again to Dublin where she will be given an opportunity to run her own book store in a building with an extraordinary past…..for awhile.
Present Day: Martha is running from an abusive husband, and she will respond to an advert for a housekeeper, at #12, Ha’Penny Lane, placed by an eccentric former actress, who insists on being addressed as Madame Bowden. (I just adored her!)
Unexplainable things happen here but unexpectedly, it becomes the perfect refuge for Martha.
Henry is on a quest to find a book that was mentioned in a letter he found-a book that he needs to find for his PH.D research. IF he can find it hidden in a bookshop at 11 Ha’Penny Lane, he could make a name for himself and it could make his career.
He enters the shop but when he turns around, the shop has disappeared.
Buildings still stand at 10 Ha’Penny Lane and 12 Ha’Penny Lane but 11 Ha’Penny lane no longer exists. He seeks answers from Martha, the striking young woman at #12, and finds more than he bargained for.
Of course, Opaline’s story will be eventually be linked to the characters in the present day.
I am not a big fan of MAGICAL REALISM, but this time these elements of the book were actually my FAVORITE part!
The book is also labeled as HISTORICAL FICTION and it definitely reads as such-even the present day chapters read like they are taking place in the past-not the present-they lacked a contemporary feel.
Much was predictable with the exception of the magical realism elements, which is why this enchanting story earns 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down from me.
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to check out her amazing review!
AVAILABLE June 22, 2023
Thank You to One More Chapter for the invitation to read this one. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Merged review:
3.5 ⭐️
1922: Opaline, flees her childhood home to escape an arranged marriage to a man she has never met. She will first find refuge in Paris, where her love of rare books will earn her an apprenticeship in a bookstore called “Shakespeare and Company”, the perfect training ground for a young woman who is convinced that Bronte’ wrote a second book, which is waiting to be discovered.
But, her happiness will be short lived and she will have to flee again to Dublin where she will be given an opportunity to run her own book store in a building with an extraordinary past…..for awhile.
Present Day: Martha is running from an abusive husband, and she will respond to an advert for a housekeeper, at #12, Ha’Penny Lane, placed by an eccentric former actress, who insists on being addressed as Madame Bowden. (I just adored her!)
Unexplainable things happen here but unexpectedly, it becomes the perfect refuge for Martha.
Henry is on a quest to find a book that was mentioned in a letter he found-a book that he needs to find for his PH.D research. IF he can find it hidden in a bookshop at 11 Ha’Penny Lane, he could make a name for himself and it could make his career.
He enters the shop but when he turns around, the shop has disappeared.
Buildings still stand at 10 Ha’Penny Lane and 12 Ha’Penny Lane but 11 Ha’Penny lane no longer exists. He seeks answers from Martha, the striking young woman at #12, and finds more than he bargained for.
Of course, Opaline’s story will be eventually be linked to the characters in the present day.
I am not a big fan of MAGICAL REALISM, but this time these elements of the book were actually my FAVORITE part!
The book is also labeled as HISTORICAL FICTION and it definitely reads as such-even the present day chapters read like they are taking place in the past-not the present-they lacked a contemporary feel.
Much was predictable with the exception of the magical realism elements, which is why this enchanting story earns 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down from me.
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to check out her amazing review!
AVAILABLE June 22, 2023
Thank You to One More Chapter for the invitation to read this one. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
When Zara, who was once the fifth member of the inseparable “GiMaking Assumptions Making Excuses Keeping Secrets
None of these things ever turn out well…
When Zara, who was once the fifth member of the inseparable “Girlfriends’ Club” resurfaces at a friend’s Funeral and drops a “bombshell”, Naomi’s life implodes.
Zara’s revelation shocks the group and immediately, their daily “WhatsApp” group chat falls silent.
All of a sudden, Naomi finds herself sitting at home instead of sipping Strawberry Mojitos with the girls who she has met up with on every second Wednesday for years.
Old wounds have been opened and loyalties have been questioned- and Naomi will be forced to confront the truth about her past.
Can the Girlfriends’ Club survive “the Fall-out” or will Naomi, Rowan, Kate and Abbie all go their separate ways for good?
Sophie Ranald is a NEW author to me, so I had no idea when I downloaded this book that it was book FOUR in the “Girlfriend Club Series”-Naomi’s turn to star.
It had a rough start with some ICK factor conversations, and I had trouble keeping the women straight but had I started at the beginning they would have been “old friends” by now!
Still, after a few chapters, I got my bearings and I DO think the book works fine as a stand-alone, although by the end of it, I decided that I WANTED to go back to read the earlier books in this series.
P.S. I Hate You is Abbie’s story Santa, Please Bring Me a Boyfriend is Rowan’s and Not In a Million Years is Kate’s book
These are likable and relatable ladies living in London and Sophie Ranald writes stories to CELEBRATE FRIENDSHIP as well as to touch on the highs and lows of dating, marriage and parenting.
I don’t know if they all feature a “moral dilemma” but this one definitely does, adding substance to the story-and it’s the first book in awhile that I could not wait to get back to reading any chance that I got, because it felt so REAL.
I enjoyed my time spent with the “Girlfriend Club” and look forward to reconnecting with these ladies when I go back and read the earlier novels!
NAOMI’s story- “The Fall-Out”-is AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!...more
“How do you know if you are in love?” Summer asks her neighbor Jules. “If you have to ask the question-YOU’RE NOTTW: Rape
Ooh! This was a great DEBUT!
“How do you know if you are in love?” Summer asks her neighbor Jules. “If you have to ask the question-YOU’RE NOT”.
Lorrie and Eden were neighbors and best friends who joked that perhaps one day they would become “actual family” instead of “found family” if their kids grew up and married. So, they were thrilled when Lorrie’s son, Knox did start dating Eden’s daughter, Summer.
Thrilled until Knox came home with scratches on his neck-and Summer ended up at the hospital-accusing him of RAPE.
NO means NO.
And, often the BEST of intentions-ends up with the WORST of results.
You may THINK that you have read this story before but trust me-you haven’t.
Caitlin Weaver has penned a story about relatable people who will feel like friends and neighbors you might have- and she will explore how this sexual assault affects everyone in each family from several POV’s while remaining sensitive to the VICTIM.
Lorrie and Eden were once two friends who leaned on one another for everything, but each must now do what they feel is best for their own child, despite what once seemed to be an unbreakable bond between the two women.
And, they will stop at nothing.
As the lines in the sand are drawn, friends and neighbors must decide which TRUTH to believe.
Gripping and thought provoking, this well written novel hooked me from page one-and I will definitely be watching for the author’s next book! It’s always exciting to discover a talented new writer!
Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge Written by Kjerski Herland Johnsen Translated by Olivia Lasky
3.5 ⭐️
This is being marketed as a feel-good mystery set in Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge Written by Kjerski Herland Johnsen Translated by Olivia Lasky
3.5 ⭐️
This is being marketed as a feel-good mystery set in the snowy mountains of Norway, at a cozy, historic family inn-structured as an advent calendar, 24 chapters, one read each day, beginning with Dec. 1 and ending with Dec. 24.
So, let’s discuss the story and the concept.
The Story:
After a traumatic climbing accident, well-known Alpinist Ingrid Berg has returned home with HOPE of a fresh start. She will be taking over the management of the Glitter Peak Lodge from her aging grandmother.
The Inn has been in her family for 130 years, despite many attempts at takeovers from larger hotel chains, and Ingrid is hoping to keep the family legacy alive, while finding new purpose in her own life.
But soon after Ingrid’s return, complications arise-everything from leaky pipes, to the early arrival of some guests, and the very last-minute cancellations from others.
A long-buried mystery also resurfaces, and Ingrid discovers that the challenges may be too great to bear alone-she may need the help of the whole village-and a bit of Christmas magic!
As her Nana Borghild always says: “Joy Shared is Joy Doubled, and Sorrow Shared is Sorrow Halved”.
The story itself wasn’t particularly riveting, instead it mostly paints a picture of the days leading up to Christmas beginning with “Kakelinne” (a term used to describe mild weather in December that in earlier times was blamed on all of the holiday baking.) ☺️ It mostly described the foods eaten, and the traditions enjoyed, and these things could have been revealed one chapter at a time, to more closely follow an Advent calendar but I didn’t really feel like that happened, with the Kindle copy.
It does look like the physical copy presents more that way because illustrations are included.
But, it was helpful to be reading this on a Kindle, as I was unfamiliar with MANY words, but a quick highlight would explain many of the words for me. I didn’t know until I finished the book that a glossary of terms, food descriptions and even some recipes would be provided after the story and after the acknowledgement page, and these may end up being missed by many readers! Hopefully, when the finished copy is published terms, and food descriptions will be listed at the START of the book with a mention that recipes will be included at the END of the story, as these are NECESSARY for those reading a physical copy.
An Advent Calendar counts the days of Advent beginning with the first Sunday of Advent, which varies from Nov 27 through December 3, but many reusable calendars made of paper or wood, begin on Dec. 1. Advent refers to a 4 week season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus on Earth. Advent calendars have become popular in recent years as calendars with flaps that open, a day at a time to reveal a picture appropriate for the season, or a small treat and many commercial Advent calendars are now themed.
While I was attracted to the CONCEPT of reading a chapter per day, I DON’T think the execution of this story succeeded in FEELING like an Advent Calendar. Vignettes that were connected or that built upon each other, might have worked better for this format. I would say that if this book interests you-I wouldn’t worry about only reading a chapter per day.
Where the story DID succeed is it provided ARMCHAIR TRAVEL for readers interested in Norway, who may never get the opportunity to visit in person, wrapped up in a “Hallmark like” Christmas story. ...more
Had it not been for an invitation from the Publisher, I probably would’ve have scrolled right by this ROM COM with the cartoon cover-it didn’t appeal Had it not been for an invitation from the Publisher, I probably would’ve have scrolled right by this ROM COM with the cartoon cover-it didn’t appeal to me-but now I understand it and although it fits with Lark’s career- it’s a bit misleading! DON’T let it fool you-this is one SPICY ...more
The Full Moon Coffee Shop By Mai Mochizuki, Translated from the Japanese bestseller by Jesse Kirkwood
“In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the The Full Moon Coffee Shop By Mai Mochizuki, Translated from the Japanese bestseller by Jesse Kirkwood
“In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the myth goes, if you are kind to them, they’ll one day return the favor.”
And when there is a glittering full moon in Kyoto-a mysterious Coffee Shop may randomly appear.
It has no fixed location, and no fixed hours, and it is only open to “certain” young people who need a bit of guidance-those who have been kind to a feline in the past.
It’s also run by talking cats.
I loved the premise, and knowing that this was MAGICAL REALISM, I was open to the idea BUT when the cats appeared standing 2 meters tall and on their hind legs, wearing aprons and holding trays-it lost its appeal-the cats felt more like CARICATURES, than the beautiful enigmatic creatures that they are.
Also, our felines are serving up more than cakes, coffees and teas, providing wisdom about where their patrons lives have veered off course by interpreting their ASTROLOGICAL STAR CHARTS.
I wasn’t expecting that.
The book is divided into three small parts as the cafe is visited by a “down-on-her-luck” screenwriter, a romantically stuck movie director, a hopeful hairstylist and a technologically challenged website designer, who all have a connection to one another. It can easily be read in one sitting or one vignette at a time.
Wanting to read some Japanese literature this year, and loving cats, I downloaded three books with a similar premise. I preferred the first that I reviewed because the cats in that one, managed to bring about the desired outcome by just BEING the fascinating creatures that cats naturally are.
This might work better for readers intrigued by ASTROLOGY than for readers like myself who are true cat lovers.
2.75 rounded ⬆️
Expected Publication Date: August 20, 2024
Thank You to Ballantine Books for the gifted ARC. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
Based on the ADORABLE book cover and title, I expected a light, funny ROM COM, but this is more of a “life story” with MANY touLooks can be deceiving…
Based on the ADORABLE book cover and title, I expected a light, funny ROM COM, but this is more of a “life story” with MANY touching, heartfelt moments, and more depth than I expected!
Told in 7️⃣ parts, Part 1️⃣ opens in 2013 with an invitation to a birthday party, and each subsequent section, opens with a jump in time, and a NEW invitation to another “life affirming” event, until we reach Part 7️⃣ in 2021.
Natalie is a struggling writer and Gabby’s best friend.
Rob is a rigid Academic, and the best friend of Angus.
The only thing they share is their love and devotion to their respective best friends-recently engaged!
JUST as they are about to walk down the aisle as “Maid of Honor” and “Best Man” at Angus and Gabby’s wedding, Natalie finds out that Rob gave her newly published novel, Apartment 2F, the dreaded 1️⃣ ⭐️ review on Goodreads!!
Her book was described as the millennial perspective of a young woman living in NY, during the aftereffects of the recession, wondering if her generation could still find true love, a fulfilling career, and financial stability.
Could that description be any less enticing?!
And YET, her average rating, after fifty three reviews was respectable 4.3 ⭐️ UNTIL the latest review brought it TUMBLING down!
Rob, thought the book had opened strong, but when he got to page 2️⃣ 8️⃣-he was so incensed by “something” she wrote-that he posted his one star review-explaining how her star rating had dipped so precipitously!
Natalie is hoping that once they get through the wedding, she will NEVER again have to see Rob, but FATE (or more accurately-their best friends) will force them to co-exist on many more occasions as they celebrate many happy milestones from housewarmings to christenings, and a few “not so happy” over the course of the next eight years.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of this book, which didn’t start out as quite as expected, but by the middle of Part 2️⃣-I was HOOKED after reading one of my FAVORITE “grand gestures” EVER!!
And, by the time I had finished, this “enemies to lovers” romance-I was completely and utterly CHARMED! ...more
Maddie and Alex are as close as two sisters can be.
Their father left them when they were young, and their Mother has recently passed away, so when MadMaddie and Alex are as close as two sisters can be.
Their father left them when they were young, and their Mother has recently passed away, so when Maddie suddenly cancels plans to celebrate Alex’s birthday with her, Alex BEGINS to worry.
And, then, when Maddie’s phone starts to repeatedly go straight to Voicemail, Alex becomes CERTAIN that something is wrong.
Alex follows her sister's footsteps to the seaside resort known as “The Hamptons”. Soon after arriving, she meets the Blackwell family, who offered Maddie a place to stay in their pool house.
But despite the beauty of Blackwell Manor, Alex senses malevolence in the air. The family claims that Maddie left voluntarily with plans to return to her life in New York City, but Alex isn’t buying their story.
Patriarch James, Matriarch Katherine, and their two children, Theo and Lily, all seem to be hiding what they know.
And, ANY of them might be behind Maddie’s disappearance.
They will offer up their pool house to Alex as well-Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?
As Alex follows the clues that local law enforcement seems keen to ignore, she will put herself in harm’s way, stopping at nothing to find her sister.…
The story unfolds from MULTIPLE POV’s with a few mystery chapters that take place from “The Wharf”.
I DID want to find out what happened to Maddie, but despite my curiosity I DIDN’T find this to be an “edge of your seat” type of thriller.
The pace was slowed by the background information from the sister’s childhood, and the present day narrative went in a direction I didn’t care for, making the story lose plausibility.
Maddie’s reason for choosing to go to The Hamptons was lost in the noise, and Alex’s relationship with Ben felt underdeveloped. I would have liked to have more focus on these two plot points.
Still, I rated the author’s debut novel, “The Guilty Husband” 5 stars, so although THIS story wasn’t a favorite, I will be eager to read what she pens next. The Guilty Husband: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now available
Thank You to Bantam for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, I have offered a candid review....more
Lisa Scottoline is back with another highly entertaining, stand-alone thriller that has a “catchy” title, and a snarky, likable lead character who youLisa Scottoline is back with another highly entertaining, stand-alone thriller that has a “catchy” title, and a snarky, likable lead character who you can’t help but root for!
TJ Devlin is the only child who is not a lawyer at Devlin and Devlin, the highly successful family law firm which employs not only both parents but also both of his siblings.
Instead he holds the title of “Investigator” given to him by his family after time in jail for an alcohol related crime.
His sister Gabby is whip smart, but prefers her pro bono work- making his older brother John the family MVD (most valuable Devlin)
So TJ is pretty shocked when at their father’s birthday party, John confesses that he needs TJ’s help. It appears that he accidentally killed one of their clients, an accountant he’d confronted with proof of embezzlement.
TJ may have to OBSTRUCT justice to save John, but he wants to make amends with his family and prove his worth. At the same time, Gabby needs TJ’s help to GET justice for her dying plaintiffs-prisoners who were experimented on by a large pharmaceutical company,
This would be a lot for anyone but TJ will have to balance both cases while also dealing with his own personal demons-AA meetings-the loss of love-and a newly adopted, diabetic cat named Mango, who tolerates him at best.
Don’t let the 400 pages scare you away! The chapters are short and this is compulsive “just one more chapter” reading! I was engaged from the first page through the last.
And, this story COULD be the prequel for the next chapter in TJ’s life…...more
Eileen (Elsy) Merriweather loves to get lost in a good “happily-ever-after” . Reading romance novels helps her to cope with the heartbreak cauWHAT IF?
Eileen (Elsy) Merriweather loves to get lost in a good “happily-ever-after” . Reading romance novels helps her to cope with the heartbreak caused by her fiancé, Liam, who called off their wedding just one week before it was supposed to take place.
And, this year, especially, she is REALLY REALLY looking forward to going to her annual book club retreat, with her best friend, Pru, and the other members of the “Super Smutty Book Club”. She NEEDS her good friends, the cheap wine, and the grand romantic gestures found in fiction.
But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels eerily familiar-like it’s right out of her favorite novel-DAFFODIL DAYDREAMS-by Rachel Flowers.
But, how can that be?
In Eloraton, the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon, and lasts until midnight.
As, she begins to meet its residents, she realizes that she already knows who they are…all except for Anders, the grumpy bookstore owner with the “minty green eyes”.
Could she possibly, somehow, actually be IN the town written by the late author who unexpectedly died at age 32, before the could finish the fifth book of the five book series?
Could she actually be trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story? Was Anders meant to be the MC of the final book, and if so, who was he meant to meet?
As it starts to feel like MAYBE it could be her, she has to wonder WHAT IF?
Would it be possible to STAY?
For romance readers who have WISHED they could visit their favorite fictional small town, or WISHED they could actually date their favorite “book boyfriend”, this charming, delightful book is for YOU!! I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet but not spicy romance and my time spent in Eloraton.
Do you believe in magic?
You just MIGHT after reading this book!
The only reason it earns 4 stars instead of 5 stars, is because we were TOO frequently reminded of the town’s charms, and of Anders “minty green eyes” which started to feel a bit repetitive-but that is just a very MINOR complaint!
4.5 stars! ⭐️
This was a buddy read with DeAnn and MarilynW. Be sure to watch for their AMAZING reviews for additional insight!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
The New York Times Book Review has just branded debut author Camryn Lane as a “brave new voice in Fiction”and labeled her novel “Burnt Orchid”, as “chThe New York Times Book Review has just branded debut author Camryn Lane as a “brave new voice in Fiction”and labeled her novel “Burnt Orchid”, as “chilling, heart wrenching and painfully authentic” (excerpts from the book are included, making this a book within a book)
And, just as Ms. Lane is about to do her first reading, while celebrating with friends and family, an email pings to the author account that her Publisher encouraged her to set up. It feels fortuitous, so she opens it as she is about to step on stage…
BIG MISTAKE
It’s an email from a reader named Ingrid Wandry, accusing her of exploiting the high school students that she counsels in her “day job”-even though the teens in her book are homeless and living on the streets.
After all, aren’t writers always told to “write what you know”?
SOON after-she notices a very articulate and convincing ONE STAR REVIEW on the popular book site- READEM.
The disgruntled reader is ANGRY, and she is getting a lot of attention for her review, which suggests that readers BOYCOTT the book. It appears to be Ingrid again-and soon the TROLL is making the attacks personal.
The site is flooded with one star reviews and the books average rating is steadily declining.
Camryn is rattled by the accusations she finds on the site, but her PR team counsels her to NOT engage.
EASIER SAID THAN DONE
As the attacks escalate from online harassment to threats in her personal life, she becomes reckless as she attempts to save her career, and discover the true identity of her accuser.
She doesn’t know who she can trust.
And, this distrust is now jeopardizing her relationships with her daughter, partner, and long time friends.
But, is the troll a random reader-or is it someone she knows? And, why has she been targeted?
Books about “One Star Reviews” are having a moment but this just may be the BEST one that I have read because the characters are well developed and the relationships felt authentic.
I felt Camryn’s anguish as she watched her “life long” dream of becoming an author, coming to end just as it was getting started-helpless to control her own narrative.
The denouement is CLEVER as it ties in Camryn’s book “Burnt Orchid” to her present day struggles, and as it alludes to the kind of book she might write next, if she can salvage her career.
Now, if I were a reviewer on READEM, “Burnt Orchid” would have only earned 3 stars ⭐️ from me-It was ALL TELL, and NO SHOW, and I didn’t find it engaging.
But, Robyn Harding is getting 4.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up for “The Haters”. I was entertained from the first page through the last.
Available NOW!!
A buddy read with Mary Beth! Did she love it or hate it? Be sure to watch for her review!
Thank You to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
IT IS BETTER TO LET NINE GUILTY PEOPLE GO FREE-THAN CONVICT ONE INNOCENT PERSON OF A CRIME THAT HE OR SHE DID NOT COMMIT- That is the standard of the IT IS BETTER TO LET NINE GUILTY PEOPLE GO FREE-THAN CONVICT ONE INNOCENT PERSON OF A CRIME THAT HE OR SHE DID NOT COMMIT- That is the standard of the criminal justice system in the UK.
Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the U.S.
I knew from the opening pages that this would be a story to savor….
One day, seventeen year old Sophie left home angry-and never returned home.
Six weeks later, her parents, Harry and Zara have grown frustrated with the lack of progress made by the Detectives and each has taken matters into their own hands in an attempt to find her.
They have interviewed everyone in the neighborhood except the tenant at #210-a man who refuses to speak with them or answer the questionnaire that they have left at his door.
Convinced that he is hiding something-they become OBSESSED with getting him to open up.
Harry cannot even bear to utter his daughter’s name and despite not believing, he turns to a tarot card reader that Sophie would often visit. Zara has turned to prayer although she hasn’t visited a mosque in years.
As the two parents try to save themselves and each other, they end up pushing the other away in their grief.
This is NOT your typical “best selling” crime mystery. It is part character study and part legal thriller, the pace steady but not fast, the writing often POETIC and INTROSPECTIVE.
It unfolds in the alternating first person perspectives of Harry and Zara, and in a dual timeline between the weeks after Sophie’s disappearance and a year later in the middle of a MURDER trial, until we reach its UNEXPECTED and surprising conclusion.
If I hadn’t been invited by the Publisher to read this-I probably would’ve missed out, but I will be watching for the author’s books now.
If you have read books by Kia Abdullah, you will probably enjoy this author as well.
Imran Mahmood has worked on the Criminal bar in London for over 20 years and regularly appears in the jury trials of complex criminal cases, bringing an authenticity to the story, which I appreciated.
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her amazing review for additional thoughts.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank you to Bantam for the gifted copy, provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
“The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” may be a story inspired by “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, but this contemporary reimagining is all about STEPPING “The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” may be a story inspired by “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, but this contemporary reimagining is all about STEPPING OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE and FINDING THE POWER YOU HAVE THAT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN INSIDE OF YOU, ALL ALONG!
And, I LOVE that concept! ❤️
Dorothy “Dee” Gale grew up with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas. But when Dee’s relationship with Grayson Kettering, a graduate school faculty member and bestselling novelist, ends in humiliation, she finds herself caught up in a “tornado of negative publicity”!
Looking for a fresh start, Dee applies to, and gets accepted into, a writing program at Trinity College Dublin.
And, suddenly, Dorothy (Dee) definitely isn’t in Kansas anymore!
Along the way on her new journey, she will meet Sam Clery—a guy who may be loyal to a fault, and who doesn’t realize just how SMART he really is-Tim Woodman-a guy who wears an armor-like shield to protect his HEART and Reeti Kaur, a friend who offers great support and advice, but lacks the COURAGE to practice what she preaches- and tell her parents what her own dreams are.
Will her path (yellow brick road) to the Emerald Isle (Emerald City) lead to her own fairy tale ending?
When I was offered the opportunity to read this early copy, I knew I had to download it, since I have been meaning to read Virginia Kantra’s work for awhile now! Her books include “Meg and Jo” and “Beth and Amy”, contemporary retellings of “Little Women” which received starred reviews from “Publishers Weekly” and “Booklist” and praise in “People Magazine” and “USA Today”, but which somehow, I haven’t gotten around to reading (yet!!)
And, I wasn’t disappointed!
Well developed characters, messy relationships, and strong women, woven into an ENTERTAINING story made this one a winner for me!
I flew through it, dare I say, like a witch on a broom? ...more
Ben Pruitt was a colleague and friend, right up until the moment, 4 years ago, when he was shot to death in Boady Sandmen’s own home. Ben’s daughter, Ben Pruitt was a colleague and friend, right up until the moment, 4 years ago, when he was shot to death in Boady Sandmen’s own home. Ben’s daughter, Emma has lived with Boady and his wife Dee ever since that night. But now, her only blood relative, her Aunt Anna, is trying to gain custody of her niece, and she isn’t playing fair.
But, is it Emma, or her inheritance that is fueling her sudden desire to parent?
When Boady Sanden first receives the case of Elijah Matthews, he's certain there's not much he can do to help. Elijah, who believes himself to be a prophet has been locked up in a psychiatric hospital for the past four years, wrongfully convicted of brutally murdering the pastor of a megachurch.
It’s nearly impossible to get a straight answer out of Elijah-He speaks in riddles and bible quotes, convinced that “what will be will be”-already determined by a power higher than man.
But as a law professor working for the Innocence Project, Boady agrees to look into the file, when Elijah’s sister asks him to do so. When he does, he is alarmed to find threads that lead back to the death of Ben Pruitt.
Elijah’s care team has scheduled a Jarvis hearing to get approval to give him electroconvulsive therapy in 10 days. And, the custody hearing for Emma’s guardianship is also imminent, so it’s a race against time to SAVE both Emma, the daughter he has grown to love AND his new client.
I had never read a book by this author, known best for two series-one featuring Joe Talburt and the other featuring Detective Max Rupert- so what better way to finally become acquainted with his work than to read this standalone?
The author is a retired criminal attorney bringing credibility to this family drama/legal thriller and I can now see why he has so many fans!
The characters are well developed and the story moved along at a steady pace, so before I knew it, I had reached the CLEVER denouement! I look forward to one day tackling both of the series that I have missed.
⚠️ TW: Rufus, the family dog is injured.
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Thank You to Mulholland Books for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
How did Finlay and Vero end up on a road trip to Atlantic City, with Finlay’s ex husband, her two kids, and her mother?
Well, it all starROAD TRIP!!!
How did Finlay and Vero end up on a road trip to Atlantic City, with Finlay’s ex husband, her two kids, and her mother?
Well, it all started with a ransom note, and a plan to rescue the kidnapped!
Book 4 picks up right where the last book ended! No spoilers for any of the books here, but it really is imperative to start at the beginning of this series, as each installment builds upon the last!
This is the SILLIEST CAPER yet, and all of your favorite characters (except for Mrs. Haggerty) will find their way to Atlantic City to participate in the shenanigans, including hot cop, Detective Nicholas Anthony…ooh la la!
But, if you are disappointed that Mrs. Haggerty didn’t tag along, do not worry! It looks like she will have a prominent role in the next book in the series (yay!)
These books are reminiscent of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series for me-so if you enjoy(ed) those-you will love these! Both feature a leading lady who is always finding trouble, a side kick who once had a questionable past, a love triangle, and a lot of laughs!
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