Across a Moonlit Sea by Marsha Canham is a 2011 publication- originally published in 1996.
Beau Spence is a woman ahead of her time!
Set in the ElizabAcross a Moonlit Sea by Marsha Canham is a 2011 publication- originally published in 1996.
Beau Spence is a woman ahead of her time!
Set in the Elizabethan era, this swashbuckling adventure has it all. Intrigue, suspense, pirates, action, adventure and steamy hot romance on the high seas!
I bought this book, according to Amazon, back in 2012. Yes, it has been gathering ‘virtual’ dust on my Kindle since then, but the main reason I bought the book back then was so that I’d have a digital copy of this older title as many books written in this time period are out of print or hard to find. It was not my intent to read it immediately, but to save it for a time when I found myself in the mood to revisit historical fiction/romance books I enjoyed back in the day.
Recently, I’ve been doing a little side project concerning older books that need to be digitized. This brought up many historical romance novels that are unavailable in e-book format- but my research also reminded me of how much I used to love those old books. So, I found myself craving a good pirate adventure- a type of HR that nobody ever writes anymore- and so here we are...
Once I settled in, adjusting to this writing style after many years removed from it- it all started to come back to me and it felt SO good. These older HR novels had a great deal of Historical Fiction added in, complementing the romantic elements, plus it feels a lot more authentic.
Beau is ‘one of the guys’ and even has her own invention, in a very, very, very male dominated environment. She’s no shrinking violet- she’s outspoken and tough and gives as good as she gets. I loved her!
The story, though, of course, is certainly a romance, but the Historical Fiction elements are more dominant- with gritty battles and plenty of intrigue. This is not a romance filled with overblown misunderstandings or filled with pretty words. The banter is off the charts, and often amusing- and the chemistry between Beau and Simon Dante remains in the physical realm for most of the book, with the future uncertain, but I would have liked more of an emotional connection. There are several very explicit sex scenes, and I admit I had forgotten how steamy these books were.
This is also the first book in a trilogy-and there will be some continuation. The series won a readers’ choice award, and I see why. It’s too bad that historical romance authors today are too scared to write books like this one. Regencies are fun, for sure, and I do love the older, pure light-hearted Regencies- but I also like to read about other time periods, too. Variety is the spice of life and all that- at least for me- I can burn out on a genre really fast if it's a trend or in this case when HR basically just means Regency Romance.
While older historical romances have a bad reputation sometimes, this one is pretty tame. There are some un-pc attitudes, but nothing you can’t look past. The prose, common for the time in which the book was written, was just a bit flowery, but nothing all that bad.
Overall, this is a fun swashbuckling pirate adventure written in a style we don't get to experience anymore. Thankfully, some of the authors who were prolific writers back in the day digitized their books- so at least there are a few I can still enjoy from time to time.
For those who have KU subscription, the entire trilogy is included- so maybe, instead of spending my summer at the beach, I'll spend it on the high seas!!
*Note: Any author who has not digitized their work, please consider doing so. You may not make tons of money from them- but you aren't making ANY money from eBay, or Half Priced Books, or garage sales either. But the most important thing is that your work will be preserved!!
*This is still a part of my personal project, supporting older titles that are available for sale in e-book format- hoping libraries will also purchase them, etc. If my romance novels make you uncomfortable, don't feel obligated to comment- Goodreads is also a way for me catalogue my reading experiences and hopefully get these books noticed so authors and publishers will consider preserving more of them....more
Broken Genius by Drew Murray is a 2020 Oceanview Publishing publication.
Will Parker’s dreams turned on a dime when a coding error cost a young woman Broken Genius by Drew Murray is a 2020 Oceanview Publishing publication.
Will Parker’s dreams turned on a dime when a coding error cost a young woman her life. Now, a decade later, Will, though massively wealthy, seeks redemption by working as a special agent for the FBI. When he gets an urgent call, he discovers that his long-lost quantum computer has fallen into the wrong hands and is up for bid on the dark web. Not only that, one of the bidders has been murdered and another young woman’s life hangs in the balance. As Will works to solve the murder, his attention is also on recovering his invention before it falls into the wrong hands.
Well, talk about a timely thriller. I rarely read techno-thrillers, but this one sounded intriguing when I put it on my TBR list. Ironically, I decided to read it just as the world is buzzing about AI. Is quantum computing far behind?
This is a fast-paced thriller that plays out at a Comic-Con convention, of all places. It is one part murder mystery, with a team of detectives on board- and one-part high stakes thriller- with the threat of powerful technology falling into the hands of people who would abuse its power.
The dialogue is a bit stiff, and the characters sometimes felt clichéd and unoriginal. It was like they were reading and acting from a television series manuscript at times. The one romantic interlude- if you want to categorize it as such- was completely ridiculous and unnecessary- it was a requisite sex scene- there just to be there- and served no purpose whatsoever.
That said, the story was a much-needed change of pace for me. It was an interesting premise and held my attention from start to finish, with a few twists and turns I never saw coming. It was a nice combination of mystery, action, and suspense.
There is supposed to be a follow-up to this novel- so I’m curious to see what happens next for Will and his quantum technology.
Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is a 2022 Berkley publication.
I really wanted to like this one. The title and cover were a big draw, but unfoDeath by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is a 2022 Berkley publication.
I really wanted to like this one. The title and cover were a big draw, but unfortunately, the book was too busy, with far too many characters. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, there’s very little chemistry or emotion between the cousins- and the mystery just did not grab me.
Classic Church Potluck Recipes is a 2022 Gooseberry Patch publication.
I checked this book out of the library on a whim -thinking I might find some olClassic Church Potluck Recipes is a 2022 Gooseberry Patch publication.
I checked this book out of the library on a whim -thinking I might find some older recipes I remembered from the church potlucks I enjoyed as a child- or maybe some dishes my grandmother used to cook.
This cookbook- or compilation of recipes reminds me of the cookbooks I have purchased- or inherited- over the years as part of a church fundraiser. The concept is a simple one: The church members who wish to participate each donate a recipe- in the usual categories- soups, breads, salads, main dishes, desserts, etc. Volunteers organize the cookbook and raise money for teen activities or other equipment the church needs.
These recipe books rarely include photos as the recipes are collected from many different individuals and is not professionally published for sale in bookstores or online. This cookbook is exactly like that. It’s a compilation of recipes donated by different people, from different locations in the United States and Canada.
These recipes are old school- or classic- as the title says- no gluten free- sugar free- fat free recipes- or the mention of the various ways we cook now- microwaves, air fryers, pressure cookers, and all that. Be aware of the ingredients- which might not be a great fit for watching their calories or fat intake….
But…
These recipes scream comfort food, and pleasant feelings of nostalgia, too They are perfect for church potlucks- but also for picnics and family reunions- or smaller gatherings- for clubs or other types of meetings. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, budget conscious, and the recipes are not complicated.
Overall, a nice comforting cookbook that brings back memories. That said, many of the recipes still show up at big family and church gatherings. It would be very easy to substitute ingredients for a healthier version in most cases. Some of my favorite recipes come from the church cookbooks I’ve collected or inherited over the years. They aren’t gourmet with slick color photos- but they are dishes that bring back some of my fondest memories.
The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin is a 2022 Bookouture publication.
Holly thought she had married the perfect man- someone who knew all her secrets The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin is a 2022 Bookouture publication.
Holly thought she had married the perfect man- someone who knew all her secrets and loved her anyway. But after their daughter is born, her husband changes into a controlling and abusive stranger. Holly knows she must escape for her daughter’s sake, but will she make it out alive?
I enjoy reading domestic thrillers from time to time. I don’t expect them to be very original or surprising- anymore. I just want to see how the author plays with the familiar trope of the dangerous husband and the trapped wife. Sometimes they manage to add a twist or two that I didn’t see coming, and other times they stick to the formula.
This book started out as a typical domestic thriller, with some minor variations, but it had a big twist near the end that caught me off guard. However, the twist also came with some implausible explanations and motivations that weakened its impact. I still liked how the story ended and how everything was resolved, though.
Overall, this is a decent psychological/domestic thriller. It’s not very innovative or realistic, but it was fun while it lasted.
Séance On a Wet Afternoon by Mark McShane is a 1961 publication.
Myra is a self-proclaimed psychic who wants to prove her abilities to the world. SheSéance On a Wet Afternoon by Mark McShane is a 1961 publication.
Myra is a self-proclaimed psychic who wants to prove her abilities to the world. She and her husband Bill devise a scheme to kidnap a rich girl, demand a ransom, and then use Myra’s powers to help the police find her. They think they can pull off the perfect crime without hurting anyone, but things go horribly wrong.
I was intrigued by this book for a long time, and I finally decided to read it after finding the movie version on one of my streaming services. Myra’s plan is absurd and reckless, but it also leads to some unexpected twists and turns. The story is horrifying, suspenseful, and ironic.
This is a short book, but quite effective and has managed to age very well. It combines elements of mystery, thriller, horror, and psychology, while exploring themes of fame, obsession, and morality.
Overall, this book was a bit of a surprise for me. I can see why it was nominated for an Edgar Award. I really enjoyed this hidden gem and I’m curious to see how the movie compares. You can watch it on Kanopy or HBO MAX if you’re interested.
This short novel really packs a punch and could put any current day psychological author to the test. SPassing by Nella Larson is a 1929 publication.
This short novel really packs a punch and could put any current day psychological author to the test. Set in the Harlem Renaissance, the story is centered around two childhood friends, Irene Redfield and Clare Kendy. Both are light-skinned black women- but Irene lives in Harlem with her husband and two children, while Clare passes for white, enjoying the benefits of a society wife. Irene is proud of her heritage, while Clare felt ‘passing’ would provide with her a more comfortable life.
When the two women meet again after many years of separation, the consequences of their decisions will alter their lives in ways they never could have imagined.
This novel explores the themes of race and identity- subjects that are still quite relevant today. I thought this was a taut, tightly wound story in many ways. There is always an uneasy feeling humming just beneath the surface. The repercussions of living a lie, the constant fear of exposure, and the burden it places on others who are forced to keep secrets, on top of the building tensions in Irene’s marriage once Clare forcefully inserts herself into Irene’s life again, made for some disquieting and complex situations that had me holding my breath as the suspense builds to its shocking climax.
With any short story the issue of character development can be a problem for me, but in this situation the dialogue and Irene’s inner thoughts are all that is required to create plenty of complexity.
The conclusion, though deliberately ambiguous, was stunning nonetheless, and left me feeling a little numb for a while.
The novel is very well-written, thought-provoking, suspenseful and tragic. I highly recommend this incredible, timeless classic!
If I Run by Terri Blackstock is a 2016 publication.
Casey’s best friend has been murdered and she’s the prime suspect. While she runs from law enforceIf I Run by Terri Blackstock is a 2016 publication.
Casey’s best friend has been murdered and she’s the prime suspect. While she runs from law enforcement, Dylan Roberts joins in the chase, independently. As he hunts for Casey, he comes to believe she may be innocent…
But who would want to frame Casey… and why?
This is a fast-paced thriller told partly from Casey’s perspective and partly from Dylan’s, as he begins piecing the puzzle together.
The novel touches on the themes of PTSD and plants the seeds of a Christian message as Casey begins to see her need for answered prayers, faith, and trust in God.
While there were revelations along the way, none of them were exactly shocking. I suppose that’s the hazard of reading so much crime fiction- but the story is still compelling and held my attention without losing any momentum along the way.
One thing to know, if you are considering this one, is that this is the first book in a trilogy. There are still some threads hanging at the end of this book, so you’ll have to read the other two installments to get all the answers and you’ll have to read them in order.
Overall, while some plot points were predictable and the story doesn’t really cover much new territory, it is still an engaging thriller. I’m on board for the whole trilogy and am looking forward to seeing how everything wraps up.
But Will You Love Me Tomorrow? An Oral History of 60s Girl Groups by Laura Flam is a 2023 Hachette Books publication.
Although oral histories have notBut Will You Love Me Tomorrow? An Oral History of 60s Girl Groups by Laura Flam is a 2023 Hachette Books publication.
Although oral histories have not been a favored format for me, apparently, they are growing on me, as this is the second oral history I’ve read in the past few weeks-both in the performance arts category.
I became interested in reading more about girl groups after reading another book about black women in rock music. The author of that book touched on this subject briefly, but I wanted to know more, so when I stumbled across this book, I snapped it up without hesitation.
This book covers not only the more recognizable names in this musical genre, but also the pioneers and the groups that might have been forgotten over time. What is so cool about oral histories is that we get to hear directly from the people who were there, and encompasses the entire trend, not just one or two big names or a hyper-focus on just one group.
There’s a lot of history here, and the author did a great job of covering it, and of course, I had to go over to YouTube to see if I could catch some old videos or recordings of these fabulous girl groups I was not as familiar with, and revisit some I haven’t listened to in a long time.
The ladies were all so good and I loved their harmonies, their styles, and fashions, too. While these groups have kind of become a footnote in the history of rock/pop music, they deserve a lot more recognition and respect than they have been given.
These groups influenced heavy hitters like the Beatles and Stones but also many other future musicians, and the influence is still prevalent today.
I enjoyed the book immensely, diving into it at intervals in between reading novels. I enjoyed the different perspectives and the behind-the-scenes insights. It was sad to hear of the hardships that befell some of these women over the years, but some of them are still out there performing which is just awesome! It was also infuriating to hear that their music is often featured in movies, ads, and television shows and they do not see any revenue from that. They are campaigning for new laws, and I hope that comes to fruition.
I am so happy this author chose to write this book. These girl groups were groundbreaking, inspirational, and talented. It’s about time we were reminded of these fabulous ladies, bringing them back from the brink of obscurity so that perhaps they might finally get the long overdue credit they deserve- and get some payment for their work, as well.
The Body in the Transept by Jeanne M. Dams is a 2020 Joffe Books publication. (Reissue from 1995)
This first installment in the series introduces DorotThe Body in the Transept by Jeanne M. Dams is a 2020 Joffe Books publication. (Reissue from 1995)
This first installment in the series introduces Dorothy Martin, an American widow living in the English town of Sherebury.
After attending a Christmas Eve midnight service at the cathedral, Dorothy has the misfortune of stumbling across the body of Canon Billings. His death is no accident as it is soon discovered that he’s been stabbed to death.
At loose ends since her husband died, and bothered by the murder, especially as she was the one who found the body, Dorothy feels compelled to investigate, with the help of Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt. As they converse the pair find they enjoy spending time together and become friends- but, of course, there are hints of a possible romance developing as the series progresses.
I came across this book through the Kindle Unlimited program. I checked it out from my app without doing a deep dive into it, so I didn’t know until after I had finished the book and started gathering information for my review that this book was originally published back in 1995!! Now that’s really saying something. The only hint I had about the age of the book was perhaps Dorothy’s favorite mystery writers, but- not necessarily, as most of her favorites are still well-read today.
Not only that, but evidently, this book won an Edgar Award for best first novel in 1995- no wonder it was so good!
Dorothy and Alan have exceptional banter and chemistry and the mystery is interesting with several viable suspects and a few big surprises. Dorothy is hilarious, quirky, and smarter than she realizes. Her cat also complemented the story …. And maybe I should mention Dorothy’s unique choice in hats, too.
Occasionally, the story lost some momentum and because this is the first book in a series, some time had to be spent setting the stage, but overall things moved along at a nice pace.
Although categorized as a cozy, a label slapped on any amateur sleuth, this book will appeal to crime fiction readers of all stripes. It is light, humorous on many occasions, but also suspenseful and will keep you entertained and guessing until the very end.
I love it when I happen across a real gem like this one. I am also thrilled that Joffe Books has formatted this series so that it is getting new recognition, or can be enjoyed again by those who are already fans of the series.
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