Mistletoe Mine by Emily March is a 2023 publication. (Originally published in 2011)
I missed this one when it was originally published in 2011. It’s beMistletoe Mine by Emily March is a 2023 publication. (Originally published in 2011)
I missed this one when it was originally published in 2011. It’s been repackaged, if you will, with a new cover and an updated excerpt at the end of the story. But, regardless, it’s a new story for me, and I’m glad I was made aware of it.
It’s been a long time since I landed my feet in Eternity Springs, and it was nice to revisit that world for a short time. This story is, as are most holiday themed novellas, short and sweet. There is depth to the story as well as some Christmas scenery to capture the romance of the season as well as the magic.
Overall, a quick, enjoyable story everyone can enjoy- at any time of the year!
Murder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O’Connor is a 2017 Kensington cozies publication.
Siobhan is catering a wedding at Kilbane Castle. But in the leMurder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O’Connor is a 2017 Kensington cozies publication.
Siobhan is catering a wedding at Kilbane Castle. But in the lead up to the big day, the best man is found murdered, which is how Siobhan and her boyfriend, Macdara Flannery, who also happens to be a cop, become embroiled in a murder investigation…
I loved the first installment in this series, and knew I’d want to see how the series would progress. Unfortunately, this second chapter lacked the warmth and charm of the series -starter. The characterizations were a bit cartoonish and over the top- even Siobhan, whose character seemed a little different than before- too silly at times. I missed Siobhan’s siblings which were not around that much, thrusting Siobhan into the main spotlight.
As to the mystery itself, it was okay. There were a few surprises, but there were also a few hints about who the murderer was, which was a bit too obvious for seasoned mystery readers.
That said, I do understand the second chapter in a series can be a little tricky, and I see the series now has nine installments, with one on the way next year- so I’m confident the author rebounded from this shaky follow-up- which means I will give the series another chance sometime in time in the future.
Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky is a 2005 Scribner publication.
Everyone has probably heard of 'Peyton Place' even if they have never reaLooking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky is a 2005 Scribner publication.
Everyone has probably heard of 'Peyton Place' even if they have never read the book, watched the movie, or the television series- which is the category I fall into.
That said, I know exactly what someone means when they invoke a Peyton Place type comparison.
In this novel, Middle River, New Hampshire was the basis for Grace Metalious’s shockingly scandalous novel published back in the 1950s. Grace was also a kind of imaginary friend for Annie Barnes who grew up in Middle River and left as one of its least popular citizens. The joke was on Middle River and its citizens, though, when Annie went on to become a famous author in her own right.
Annie has a fabulous life in Washington, but when her mother dies, she feels compelled to ask a few questions about her cause of death, which had been attributed to Parkinson’s. When she arrives back in Middle River for a month- long stay, the town is in uproar, convinced she is there to right a book about them…
Annie’s not interested in writing another “Peyton Place”- she just wants to know what ailed her mother and is causing her sister to exhibit the same symptoms. When the local doctor suggests a possible connection between the symptoms and the local Mill, Annie is determined to find out if the powerful family who owns the mill have anything to hide…
Oh, my goodness- the name Barbara Delinksy brings back memories- there was a time when I devoured Judith Krantz, Danielle Steel, and Jackie Collins novels- and Delinsky was also one of those female authors I couldn’t get enough of back in the mid to late eighties.
Unfortunately, I lost track of her, and the other authors I mentioned, over the years, as my taste and range changed, evolved and expanded. But when I saw this book listed in the KU library, I immediately checked it out and couldn’t wait to reacquaint myself with this author.
I enjoyed the story- it was high on drama, family tensions, and filled with dark, small-town secrets and scandals- which is right up my alley. The story is a little bit too long, though, and could have been trimmed up a bit for the sake of pacing and to increase the suspense, but other than that, I like the way it all played out, with family coming together to support a common cause, under enormous pressure, the nice romantic elements, and the satisfying conclusion- with the good guys coming out on top, against all odds.
This book is about eighteen years old-but holds up well. I love a good David versus Goliath story, and exploring the underbelly of small-town life with is often surprisingly sinister. I also came away with an interest in reading Grace’s original version of small-town maliciousness someday- and maybe try to catch the movie version as well.
Overall, a solid work of contemporary fiction from this seasoned author. It was nice to touch base with this old friend after many years- and since I’ve missed out on many of her more recent publications, I think we should stay in touch more often!
I’m glad my mother died by Jennette McCurdy is a 2022 Simon & Schuster publication.
I have never seen an episode of iCarly, though I had heard of the sI’m glad my mother died by Jennette McCurdy is a 2022 Simon & Schuster publication.
I have never seen an episode of iCarly, though I had heard of the show. I wasn’t familiar with any of the cast members, even Jennette McCurdy. I just didn’t move in the circles of folks who had kids at the right age to watch the show and it certainly wasn’t a program my own kids would have watched. In fact, Nickelodeon was a channel we had to pay for, back before cord cutting, that we never watched. So why was I interested in reading this book? I’ve always followed the psychological issues that child stars developed and what, if any role the parents played in that- or if it was the Hollywood machine or a combination of both things.
With a title like this one, it was obvious that the author had some serious family issues, so I really wanted to see what McCurdy’s story was.
Sometimes it is very hard to articulate one’s feelings about another person’s memoir, and that’s the case here. I think that not knowing the author in any way might have helped me to have a more balanced opinion, but it might also have been a hindrance, as I didn’t really understand the type of role she was expected to portray. Finally, I gave in and went to YouTube to look at a few clips of the show. All I’m going to say is I can understand why she might grow weary of it… in a hurry. *No offense to anyone who enjoyed the show.
That said, the show was obviously popular with a certain audience and the original series ran for about five years. During that time, Jeannette McCurdy was living a life full of emotional abuse. Her mother, who had battled cancer when McCurdy was a baby, became obsessed with her daughter’s career, introducing her to anorexia to keep her body at a child’s weight, she still bathed her well into her teenage years, was religious when it suited her, and could turn vicious at the drop of a hat. If that weren’t enough, the pressures of being a child professional, and the passive aggressive atmosphere of the adults in her work environment, led to a world of mental, emotional, and physical illnesses for Jeannette, that she battled well into her twenties, which included eating disorders, co-dependent relationships, and alcohol.
When her mother’s cancer returned, her abuse didn’t end, and maybe even ramped up a bit. It was harrowing to read about some of the ugly things this woman said to her daughter and the mess she left Jeanette in after she died.
Reading about this level of abuse and watching a young woman begin to circle the drain is difficult to read about, and it was even worse than I was prepared for, but I am glad it wasn’t glossed over. By the same token, I do wish McCurdy would have glossed over some of the intimate details of her romantic life. It was very off-putting, and TMI, in my opinion. Honestly, there is no way, I’d go into those details in a book that so many people will read or listen to, and I’d have to take into consideration that other people were involved and would be named, but people today don’t seen to get the concept of discretion, so I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised… but really, do you all really want to read about her oral sex skills? UGH!
Overall, though, this book confirms my thoughts on child actors and their parents. I hope this young lady continues to seek counseling, perhaps sound spiritual guidance, as well. I am glad she feels free from being forced to do something she didn’t really enjoy. I hope finds her niche, has balance in life, takes care of her health, both physical and mental, and will have a sound, solid productive adult life. ...more
A Murder in Hollywood by Casey Sherman is a 2024 Sourcebooks publication.
In 1958, Cheryl Crane, the fourteen-year-old daughter of the glamorous actreA Murder in Hollywood by Casey Sherman is a 2024 Sourcebooks publication.
In 1958, Cheryl Crane, the fourteen-year-old daughter of the glamorous actress Lana Turner, stabbed and killed Johnny Stompanato, one of gangster Mickey Cohen’s favorite associates. Stompanato and Turner were lovers- their relationship- tumultuous to say the least- eventually culminated in a night of utter horror- one that would go down in Hollywood infamy – and is still hotly debated today. Was it Cheryl, who wielded the knife? Or was it really Lana herself?
This book explores the backstory that led up to Stompanato’s death, beginning with the mob’s takeover of Hollywood, Cohen’s rise and the schemes he and Stompanato devised to extort many Hollywood leading ladies.
In alternate chapters, we learn of Lana’s rise to fame, her battles with the studio, her marriages and affairs, and her romance with Johnny, as well as Cheryl’s troubled teenage years.
This is not a new story for me. I think I even read Cheryl’s memoir many years ago. But I had not thought of this wildly scandalous Hollywood tale in many years- and since this book has mostly favorable reviews, I thought it would be interesting to revisit this old case and see if the author offered up any new insights.
This book is a quick read, briefly working through the history that not only tells Lana’s story, but the story of Hollywood in that era, as well. The book is well organized, mostly, though the switch in narratives could be awkward and jarring on occasion.
For those completely unfamiliar with this case, this book will give you a basic overview of all the players, the atmosphere in Hollywood at that time, and walk you through all the legalities that followed the stabbing and what became of everyone involved afterwards.
For those who are even marginally familiar with this saga- I don’t think you’ll find anything new here- basically a refresher course, if you will.
While the title calls Stompanato’s death a murder- and technically- the word 'homicide' is synonmous- but I’m not sure if that word is apt in this situation, per se- despite the debate over who the real doer was, it still might have been self-defense or justifiable homicide- but to this day there has only ever been one version of events presented to law enforcement, the courts, and to the general public.
Naturally, it really could have been murder- a rage killing- in the heat of the moment- but all of this will be up to the reader to decide. Still, at the end of the day, I think most many people have made up their minds about ‘whodunit’ – and I’m willing to bet I know what the consensus is, and I’d have to agree, though we may never know for sure.
Overall, a solid enough summary of one of the most shocking events in Hollywood history- even by today’s standards, this scandal is definitely one for the books!
Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs is a 2001 Berkley publication.
I’ve had my eye on this series for ages and am happy to finally get around to readiDeath by Darjeeling by Laura Childs is a 2001 Berkley publication.
I’ve had my eye on this series for ages and am happy to finally get around to reading this first book in the series.
Though this book is over twenty years old it stands the test of time in all the ways that really matter. Yes, there is a lack of technology, we take for granted today and the use of some older methods of communication, etc., but the dialogue, plot, characterizations, and charm, are all perfectly fine, making this a very engaging mystery.
Over the past few years, I have grown to love my afternoon tea. I have enjoyed getting to know all about the varieties and the health benefits involved. There is nothing more calming and comforting than curling up with my kitties and a nice cup of warm tea and my kindle, so naturally, I found the premise of this series right up my alley.
Not only that, I found that, as opposed to many other 'first in a series' cozies, there was nothing awkward about it because introducing the basic characters and premise felt effortless. I felt right at home with the characters right away and found the mystery interesting enough I had to force myself not to finish the book in one sitting.
I’m really looking forward to seeing this series will develop. Yes, I have started yet another long-running cozy series, but I just love being able to pull one out when the mood strikes, catching up with the characters while enjoying a good whodunit.
The Little Book Café: Amy’s story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
This is the final installment in the Little Book Café series. TThe Little Book Café: Amy’s story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
This is the final installment in the Little Book Café series. The trilogy closes with an emotional segment centered around Amy, the bookshop owner and organizer of the book club. Amy is super shy and has a hard time keeping the club on topic as more forceful personalities tend to disrupt the meetings. But there is more to Amy than even she realizes.
After a horrendous breakup with her fiancé, a situation that caused plenty of town gossip, Amy has become withdrawn and is the frequent recipient of her mother’s digs about her weight and clothing choices. She also has a crush on Patrick, an Irish author and book club member who carries an air of mystery about him. Will Amy have the nerve to stand up to her mother and maybe make a play for Patrick?
I enjoyed seeing Amy come out her shell and Patrick’s revelations gave the story more emotional depth than the previous chapters in the trilogy. The ending is very sweet, and I loved how all three featured characters have developed their friendships with one another, with their significant others, and most of all their own personal growth.
Overall, these three novella length stories are a perfect fit for a lunch break- or pack all three for a day at the beach. I enjoyed this trilogy and will be adding more Georgia Hill books to my TBR from now on!...more
The Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higThe Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higher education in Emma’s face, she is prompted to broaden her horizons by taking a class in high brow literature. She soon finds herself developing a crush on the teacher and begins feeling restless and bored with her long-time boyfriend, Ollie. Stuck in a small town, with little opportunity, Emma begins to wonder if there’s more out there and if she should explore it…
This is the second installment in the Bookshop Café series and is obviously centered around Emma, Tash’s colleague and friend we met in book one. Emma loves Poldark – and her fantasies are built around these epic romance/dramas, a form of escapism that takes her away from her mundane smalltown life. Getting swept away by her new literature class and her self- important teacher only exacerbates her discontent with her life, making her long for something more. In the process, she is missing what is right under her nose….
I hate, hate, hate to admit this, but I’ve never read Poldark. I know, I know! But just so you know, I’ve added it to my TBR and plan to read it very soon. It sounds like a series I would love- right up my alley. But, while the references to Poldark went over my head, it didn’t stop me from getting the message the author was trying to convey.
Sometimes we long for something new, something more exciting, more challenging, only to discover that we had all we ever needed or wanted right under our noses all along. Will Emma wise up before it’s too late?
Overall, another cute, novella length story. I love the book themes, especially since these books are tempting me to re-read old classics or get started on books I’ve neglected to read before now! I also enjoyed some of the humor in the book, and the story was just a tiny bit lighter than the previous installment, which gave it a lovely heartwarming feel. A very enjoyable lunchbreak read!
A Bridge Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a 1943 publication.
This is another book that I’ve long been curious about but never got around to readin A Bridge Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is a 1943 publication.
This is another book that I’ve long been curious about but never got around to reading. It is a much beloved novel, but with some recent bad experiences with ‘much beloved classics’, I approached this one with some caution.
Thankfully, despite the often-bleak circumstances, I found the book to be an accurate depiction of the time, never flinching from hard themes. Our Francine is a character we root for, hoping her future is more promising.
The love of reading and books plays a big role in Francine’s life, which also gives her a yearning to write. Naturally, this appeals to this voracious reader, as did the family saga, another favorite of mine.
Many, many reviews, doing the book far more justice than I ever could, have been written, so anything I might add has all been said before- and more eloquently, as well.
I will say that I ended up truly loving this novel and can understand why it has appealed to so many people and why it has endured for all these years. For once, a classic novel lived up to its reputation- and then some!!
Overall, if you haven’t read this classic family drama, I hope you’ll squeeze it into your reading schedule someday. You’ll be glad you did!
*Fun fact: I read this book in digital format. This edition has an introduction written by Ann Patchett. Because the novel is rather lengthy, I found the audio version on Hoopla and switched back and forth between both formats. Interestingly, the audio version, recorded many years ago, also came with an introduction by Jacqueline Mitchard. I am glad I was able to enjoy hearing both authors’ comments about this book!...more
Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild is a 2022 G.P. Putnam’s Sons publication.
After her beloved husband, Jason, dies suddenly, Ruby finds herself being inBlood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild is a 2022 G.P. Putnam’s Sons publication.
After her beloved husband, Jason, dies suddenly, Ruby finds herself being interrogated by a police detective who is positive she had something to do with Jason’s death…. After all, she seems to have an uncanny knack for being around when people die tragically….
This is a clever novel, which examines the various psychological levels of a criminal mind. Ruby’s choices are not premeditated, she merely takes advantage of a situation when it presents itself, and her actions are only aimed at those who are not exactly model citizens. She’s gotten away with murder several times, but now it looks like her luck may have run out…
A darkly humorous story that was both chilling and entertaining at the same time. Ruby is someone you can attach the anti-hero label on- but be careful- because she doesn’t fit into the usual slots. The story has a simple, and straightforward approach, with Ruby regaling us with how and why she committed murder, the various friendships and romantic entanglements she developed in her life and how she managed to find herself the number one suspect in her husband’s death.
There are more than a few big revelations along the way! Her narrative is nothing short of brilliant. She’ll have you right in the palm of your hand…. And you'll like her... and find yourself rooting for her! I don't know what that says about me, but there it is.
My only complaint was with some of the content -and the language on occasion was too course for my personal taste, but overall...
This is an incredibly entertaining story, very well executed and it kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end.
Loving You Always by Peggy Dern is a 1967 publication- re-released by Crimson Romance in 2013.
Gerry finds herself widowed at a very young age when herLoving You Always by Peggy Dern is a 1967 publication- re-released by Crimson Romance in 2013.
Gerry finds herself widowed at a very young age when her husband Tip is killed in the Vietnam war. Though Tip was the town hero, and she finds herself living in his immense shadow, and under the watchful eye of her controlling mother-in-law, Gerry meets and falls in love with Phil. But not long after Phil proposes marriage, their world is turned upside down when they receive shocking news that Tip is still alive….
Recently, I began a quest to see how many of my old paperbacks and other out of print books were available in digital format. I have a healthy collection of medical romance novels from the forties through the sixties- and Peggy Gaddis/ Dern happened to be one the most prolific writers in that genre. She also wrote regular contemporary romances, and this one falls into that category. Thankfully, Crimson Romance digitized a handful of these older titles and one can find them in a boxed set available in the Kindle store- and as of this writing, are included in the KU program.
This book is quite short, but for it’s time it created a tense dilemma, while also exploring classism to some extent. The book is dated of course, with mindsets and attitudes we’ve long outgrown. But, other than that, the story was very gentle, the men were not the macho type, behaving like adults, and showing respect towards women, even domineering mothers and scheming suitors. Naturally, the book is very chaste, but does deal with adult subject matter. There were some twists that kept the reader on an emotional edge, but of course, there’s a happy ever after for all concerned.
Overall, I’m so happy to see even this small amount of Dern’s books digitized. I’m hoping to see some of her Medical Romances digitized too, someday.
No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox is a 2020 Flatiron publication.
This is a short memoir centered around Fox’No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox is a 2020 Flatiron publication.
This is a short memoir centered around Fox’s life in more recent times. He discusses the second phase in his acting career-post Parkinson’s diagnosis, his health challenges, of which there has been no small amount, his golf game, his reflections on his family life, and realization that his health his going to continue to decline, and how he will approach the future- still with the same optimism that has kept him company thus far, with a touch more realism- but no cynicism.
I have always liked MJF as an actor. Naturally, I am aware of his illness, and I know who his wife is, and that they’ve been together for many years- no small feat in the entertainment business. Other than that, as per usual, I knew very little. I was not aware of how many other health challenges he has endured and how it has also affected him emotionally and mentally. Despite his trademark optimistic approach- when he faced these latest setbacks, he found it more difficult to maintain that attitude.
Still, I didn’t pick up on bitterness, perhaps some depression and frustration, but he still managed to find a way to adjust, to keep his priorities in order, and to make the most of life and to appreciate the most important people and moments in his life.
Fox is human and so not all his days are full of optimistic platitudes, but he does inspire hope in people. It’s rare for me to read a memoir without feeling a bit disappointed in something the author thinks, feels, or believes in. But, in this case, the only thing that I could have done without was the passages about golf, a sport I have zero interest in, so I got a bit bored with these golf stories, but they were a part of his life- and one of his golf buddies happened to be Harlen Coben- and I’m glad he gave it a try and got something out of it.
Other than that, this was a quick read- but It was harrowing at times, very personal, and revealing. It was well done and I’m glad I read it.
4 stars
*This book, as of this writing, is in the KU program, if you are a subscriber....more
The Magpie by Marrisse Whittaker is a 2021 Bloodhound Books publication.
I picked this book up in the Kindle Unlimited library at random. It had high The Magpie by Marrisse Whittaker is a 2021 Bloodhound Books publication.
I picked this book up in the Kindle Unlimited library at random. It had high ratings and I love British mysteries and procedurals- so I took a chance on it, and a it turns out my gamble paid off….
DCI Billie Wilde is back at work after a dust up landed her on suspension. Her first case involves the death of a child in a particularly gruesome manner. As Wilde begins her investigation, it puts a damper on her wedding planning, which causes issues in her relationship with her fiancé and her future mother-in-law…
But her job is her top priority. But as her probe deepens, she learns some troubling information about her own life, and who she thought she was. Could everything she thought she knew all be a lie? And how does this all connect to her murder investigation?
This is a solid start to this series. The atmosphere is taut, and the mystery unfolds with one stunning revelation after another, making this a fast-paced page turner. The story has grit, is dark, but not overly graphic. The characters were well drawn, and the author did a great job of keeping me on my toes.
Christmas at Spruce Hill Farm by Kathryn Springer is a 2024 Harlequin Love Inspired publication.
I only allowed myself a couple of pre-release or new Christmas at Spruce Hill Farm by Kathryn Springer is a 2024 Harlequin Love Inspired publication.
I only allowed myself a couple of pre-release or new release holiday books this year- and this was one of them. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this book was not slated for release until late 2024!! Yikes!
So, here’s what I’m going to do-
I'm going to write a small preview of my review- then post the full review closer to release day:
Overall, this is a light story, but one with some poignancy and depth. It will appeal to younger and more mature contemporary fiction/romance readers, alike!
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