You got me, A.J. McDine. I thought I had this mystery all wrapped up. Was I ever wrong! Lara Beckett's job as a wedding photographer is just the tickeYou got me, A.J. McDine. I thought I had this mystery all wrapped up. Was I ever wrong! Lara Beckett's job as a wedding photographer is just the ticket for taking us all on a trip to find a killer. Can that man on the balcony in the background really be her missing brother-in-law Jason? Why is he back in the Tidehaven area? Is he back to finish what he started? For a family traumatized by a mass murder in their past, this new development threatens to undo any healing that might have taken place in the past ten years, especially for 15-year-old Lily Crello who struggles with survivor's guilt.
Our story comes from Lara, Lily, and a surprise end chapters narrator. I thought the pacing was just perfect and found it to be a riveting read. For readers who have enjoyed Daniel Hurst books on audio, you will recognize an old friend, Tamsin Kennard, when listening to this one.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for both an audio and digital copy in return for an honest review....more
We took our Winnebago back out on the road yesterday. I could not have chosen a better read for our trip. This inspiring new release is full of heart,We took our Winnebago back out on the road yesterday. I could not have chosen a better read for our trip. This inspiring new release is full of heart, humor, with a side of introspection. Early in the book, Kelsey's mom talks to her about "disruptors." An unforeseen occurrence in your life can disrupt for good. In this book we see how both characters become catalysts for change in each other's lives. Is there a disruptor in your life that you have been resisting?
Have you been saying "No" and playing it safe? Kelsey is 32 and working as an editor. She has been focusing on her career and missing out on life. She ends up in the hospital after getting hit by a car. Her roommate turns out to be THE Georgina Tate, a famous cosmetic magnate. The two of them will become the cleanest version of Thelma and Louise that you have ever seen with a blue convertible (minus the tragic ending.) They are saying "Yes" to a road trip and it is about more than the destination. Courtney Walsh gives us their story from both perspectives. The audio book is narrated by Tanya Eby and Cathi Colas is just right. Got a road trip planned this summer? Take this book along.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and NetGalley for both an audio and digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
Imagine opening a bottle of Quixie Cherry Soda. That crisp, Cherry flavor is part of a Dixie childhood in this springy title by Mary Kay Andrews. I foImagine opening a bottle of Quixie Cherry Soda. That crisp, Cherry flavor is part of a Dixie childhood in this springy title by Mary Kay Andrews. I found it to be a charming and immersive read. Here are four of my favorite things: ...more
Jaine is anticipating seven days of leisure when she takes a job leading a writing class on a cruise ship. Then she discovers Prozac has stowed away iJaine is anticipating seven days of leisure when she takes a job leading a writing class on a cruise ship. Then she discovers Prozac has stowed away in her luggage. That is just the first straw to land on Jaine's back as she tries to breeze through a week at sea. Unexpected expenses (formal night wear, a suit for scuba, and more) begin to add up. Just how free is this cruise anyway? And then there is a murder on board. Jaine's friend, the ship's musical entertainment, is accused. How can our unofficial PI resist doing some poking around for clues -- with some hilarious consequences. Meanwhile her parents arrive at her apartment to catsit. Without a cat to watch, Daddy-O starts some home improvement projects. Uh, oh. Another fun installment in this cozy series. As usual, Brittany Pressley delivers top notch narration.
Content warning: You may find yourself craving brownies while reading this one. Jaine eats her weight in them from the cruise ship buffet. Prozac is indulging in the poached salmon....more
Pop your popcorn and put your feet up. Rachel and Tom are making a fresh start in their Cornwall dream house. Their son Sam is safely tucked in his nePop your popcorn and put your feet up. Rachel and Tom are making a fresh start in their Cornwall dream house. Their son Sam is safely tucked in his new bedroom. Time to go check out the secret garden where nightmares await for Rachel. Is Tom really an understanding, patient husband? Is he clueless? Or is he calculating? Someone named Chloe might have some answers. She came to visit that first night and had keys to the house -- because she worked for the estate agent. Isn't that convenient? Your spidey senses will be tingling as strange things happen around the house and Tom seems to have an explanation for every odd occurrence that concerns Rachel. We all know there is more going on than Rachel realizes. That's what keeps those pages turning. If you love Daniel Hurst, then you will want to try Sue Watson. They even have the same narrator -- Tamsin Kennard.
A big thank you to Bookouture Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
What she couldn't change, she would forget. What she couldn't forget she would come to terms with.
This new release about Lenny Marks is an endearing cWhat she couldn't change, she would forget. What she couldn't forget she would come to terms with.
This new release about Lenny Marks is an endearing character study. Early chapters suggest she is somewhere on the spectrum. Read on and you will realize what a trooper she is. A 5th grade teacher and thirty-something homeowner who has dealt with some major trauma. Here are four things I loved about this book:
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Beth Moore's story lays bare a life that Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Beth Moore's story lays bare a life that was full of knots -- some good, others hurtful. I have never met Beth in person and I have never done one of her Bible studies. Many women close to me have been blessed by her thirst to share the Bible over the years. Still, she is my sister in Christ, and her memoir brought me to tears. I absolutely loved her stories of running wild in the hills of Arkansas as a child. My siblings and I did much the same on our Iowa farm. The story of their need to search for a new church home and the woodland dwelling they built for their retirement years were especially poignant. In the end, I have my own knots as she does. We are knotted together in Christ and in God's providence the knots that hurt will be undone when we come face to face with our Savior in Heaven....more
Charlie Thorne is on the run again in this fourth installment. Newton's secret treasure is out there and her team is trying to get there before the CICharlie Thorne is on the run again in this fourth installment. Newton's secret treasure is out there and her team is trying to get there before the CIA and a billionaire investor. The pressure is intense and readers will get to visit The Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Great Barrier Reef, and the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Danger is constant and Charlie's superior IQ is taxed to the limit. What will she find at the end? I have to say that actually working with Charlie could be a wee bit annoying. Since she is so smart she comes off as a 'Know-it-all". And she can be a bit of an impulsive brat and judgmental. The story was entertaining on audio--the Hawaii section, especially....more
What fun to see Frances Walford swanning about in the midst of a murder investigation. To her dismay she actually finds the body. Horror of horrors. WWhat fun to see Frances Walford swanning about in the midst of a murder investigation. To her dismay she actually finds the body. Horror of horrors. What will Ellison say?! This novella is set in time right after the first episode of the series. If Julie Mulhern continues churning out these novellas, we are all in danger of jumping ship to the Frances team. After all she is a member of the 'Greatest Generation' and her husband Harrington is such a doll. Such a fabulous peek into her world. Keep them coming, Ms. Mulhern! ...more
What a delightful audiobook this turned out to be. A big thank you to my Goodreads friend Jayme for recommending this title when I asked about trying What a delightful audiobook this turned out to be. A big thank you to my Goodreads friend Jayme for recommending this title when I asked about trying this author. This book did indeed go "off script" from your traditional romance in ways that were quite refreshing. Nora's job as a screenwriter puts her in a unique position to meet big-time movie star Leo Vance when he comes to her home to film scenes from her breakout movie. The tea house at Nora's home comes to life in the book. I can just see the hydrangeas blooming outside and the view out those back windows. And Nora's kids really steal the show. Arthur and Bernadette were a delight! If you are looking for an entertaining listen with plenty of humor and heart, give this one a try. And let me know who you are imagining as the leading man. My guy was a combination of Brad Pitt and George Clooney....more
It's 1975 in Kansas City. Milton's Taproom is still cranking out jazz and drinks. The Plaza is still THE PLACE to take all your guests. And too many mIt's 1975 in Kansas City. Milton's Taproom is still cranking out jazz and drinks. The Plaza is still THE PLACE to take all your guests. And too many men are having heart attacks. In fact they all have the same doctor -- Libba's (Ellison Jones's BFF) boyfriend, Charlie Ardmore. Is Charlie a bad cardiologist? Or is he being framed? Ellison's mother Frances Walford is on Charlie's side. She even hosts a dinner at the club to show her support. As with previous books in the series, there are moments of peril, humor, and heart. The characters are growing and changing in logical and likable ways. I am happy to say the conversations with Mr. Coffee are less frequent and there is quite a heartwarming scene where Ellison discusses said conversations with the little guy they hope to adopt. Let's just say if it were Mother's Day in the book like in read life, Ellison would have a very happy one....more
What was I thinking? I started this on audio this morning while walking the dog thinking I would listen to a few chapters, read a few chapters, and eaWhat was I thinking? I started this on audio this morning while walking the dog thinking I would listen to a few chapters, read a few chapters, and easily finish before pub day in a week. What actually happened is I realized after dinner that I could not wait to finish this book. While the hubs watched 'Survivor' I dove in so I could finish this one before bedtime. What is it about this new title from Charlie Donlea that makes it so hard to put down?
Have you ever wanted to be featured on the Kiss Cam? It would be fun -- unless the camera assumes you are with the wrong guy. Nora is on a bad Tinder Have you ever wanted to be featured on the Kiss Cam? It would be fun -- unless the camera assumes you are with the wrong guy. Nora is on a bad Tinder date at a Utah Jazz game and the guy on the other side of her turns out to be her type. Duke captures Nora's heart with that kiss and they leave her bad date for a night of bucket list check offs. The chemistry between the two is off the chart and their conversations had me laughing out loud. Unfortunately Nora is moving away to North Dakota. Will this be the end of their relationship? Don't count on it. The wedding crashing scene alone is worth the price of admission. Really good on audio. Looking for a clean, humorous romance? Check this one out!...more
I stumbled upon this little gem just in time to request the audio ARC through NetGalley. A big thank you to them and Zonderkidz for making it availablI stumbled upon this little gem just in time to request the audio ARC through NetGalley. A big thank you to them and Zonderkidz for making it available. This title is actually based on the real-life experiences of a girl who was on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. Jenni L. Walsh tells her story with the addition of a fictional dog named Happy. Here are five reasons I loved this new title: ...more
Bad choices stick like honey, I find, and I had no way of untangling myself now.
Two women and a mystery narrator guide us through this dark lakeside tBad choices stick like honey, I find, and I had no way of untangling myself now.
Two women and a mystery narrator guide us through this dark lakeside tale. I mostly listened on audio and the narrators were fabulous. Neve and daughter Isla are fleeing the memories of a home invasion. Their lake home refuge was where Neve's family spent their summers. A body is found in the lake and we meet Detective Jess Lambert. Both Jess and Neve are mothers with regrets. This surprising read includes moments of redemption and hope juxtaposed against grief and loss. This is my first Christina McDonald and I am in for the second Jess Lambert book. She reminds me a bit of Kate Burkholder. Rounding up from 3.5. Was not a huge fan of the paranormal elements.
I made the wrong decision all those years ago. I've known that for a long time. I thought by not speaking up, I just wasn't making a choice, but not making a choice is still a choice. And when you decide something, you also end something....more
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. ~ Matthew 13:45-46
You had me at Hector Elizondo. I saw my GR friend Terrie's review and instantly requested a copy on Libby. Since there was one available, I jumped right in. As I listened to the story of Kino and the pearl he found I thought of the Bible verses at the beginning and end of my review. Kino has great hopes for his pearl. He believes it to be of great value. Those around him treat him as less than and tragedy ensues. A cautionary tale? Commentary on human nature? Definitely!
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? ~ Mark 8:36-37...more
Not my favorite from Lisa Jewell's chick lit days. Nadine and Digby were so immature for 30 years old. I do give Helen Duff credit for making the audiNot my favorite from Lisa Jewell's chick lit days. Nadine and Digby were so immature for 30 years old. I do give Helen Duff credit for making the audio book entertaining. Love the cover and the ending was very good. All that stuff in the middle went on way too long! ...more
Vince and Joy meet as teenagers and know they must be MFEO. A misunderstanding separates them -- for decades. What lies in between is the story of VinVince and Joy meet as teenagers and know they must be MFEO. A misunderstanding separates them -- for decades. What lies in between is the story of Vince and Joy and their attempts at happiness with other partners. I was especially charmed by Madelyn the cat who splits her time between two flats (also weirdly named Moo Shu by someone who clearly did not know her and thought she was a he). And as you might have guessed, a dash of serendipity will be called for in the end. If I'm being honest, this went on a bit too long. It was interesting to travel back to the 80's and 90's and the days when the internet was really becoming a thing. There are some endearing and flamboyant supporting characters. There are also some very unlikable ones. That's what you get with this many pages. ...more
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