Book Review: The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains

 

                                                     Mass Market Paperback, 423 pages
                                                    Published May 25th 2021 by Forever
                                                     buy from Amazon

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property's elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher. But Trisha is less enchanted by Vi's protective grandson Jake. No matter how tempting she finds the handsome lawyer, Trisha knows that if Jake discovers the truth about her past, she'll lose the new life she's worked so hard to build.

Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he's returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down. There's just one problem: Trisha, Vi's new employee. She's smart, beautiful, and kind, but Jake's job is to protect his grandmother's interests, and his gut is telling him Trisha's hiding something that could jeopardize Vi's future. However, as they spend summer days renovating the property and bonding over their love for the town, Jake realizes that Trisha is a risk worth taking--if only she can trust him with her secrets . . . and her heart.

                                                  MY REVIEW:

The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property's elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher.
Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he's returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down.
Trisha has a past that she doesn't want anyone to know about. So she takes this job to get away from everything and is enjoying what she does. Then Jake shows up and he is there on bequest of the family ,for Vi to sell the property. But her life is here and she doesn't want to leave. There is a group of women that want to be Trisha's friend but she keeps them at arm lengths.
Then the truth comes out of who Trisha is. So she decides maybe she just better leave.

Thanks to Forever for the book to review.

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                                                                        Annie Rains
Website
http://www.annierains.com/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/AnnieRainsBooks

Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks




Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1

For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com

#Forever #Grandcentralpublishing

Book Review: Frayed Edges: A Quilting Cozy by Carol Dean Jones

 

                                                                 Kindle Edition
                                                               Published June 25th 2021
                                                                 Buy from Amazon

In the twelfth installment, excitement grows as the Tuesday Night Quilters plan an antique quilt show. But things go terribly wrong. Sarah and Sophie again throw themselves into the middle of the investigation, but this time Sarah finds herself in real danger. As always, Sarah and her retirement village cohorts offer fun, mystery, and lots of quilting.

                                                                  MY REVIEW:

Frayed Edges: A Quilting Cozy by Carol Dean Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 12th book in the series. I have not read the other books but I still knew who the characters were and their part in the series.
If you like quilting or any other crafts/hobbies then you will enjoy this. The friendships and how hey help each other is part of the friendships.
This is a cozy mystery and I was able to read this in 1 sitting.
The friends decide to hold a quilt show but when something happens then there is a mystery to solve and they will solve it if it is the last thing that they do.
Thank you to C&T Publishing along with Edelweiss for the ARC to review

View all my reviews

About Carol Dean Jones

I'm Carol Dean Jones, a retired geriatric social worker born in Kentucky and currently living in the West Virginia foothills. During my many years working with men and women facing the issues of aging, I learned a great deal about growing old. Sarah Miller was born out of my desire to share what I have learned. Sarah is the main character in my Quilting Cozy series and a woman of a certain age who has faced the loss of her husband, her young grandson, and the home where she raised her family. Yet, Sarah is a survivor.

The story begins in Cunningham Village, a retirement community, and follows Sarah as she finds ways to make a successful adjustment to this new way of life. From taking classes at the community center, making lasting friendships, and even exploring the possibility of a romantic connection, Sarah remains steadfastly determined to continue to be a vital, active woman engaged in life.
I love hearing from my readers and potential readers. Just leave a message on my website at http://www.caroldeanjones.com or send me an email at QuiltingCozy@gmail.com

Blog Tour: The Witness by John Ryder

 

  

“Find my daughter in twenty-four hours. Or she’s dead.”

Kyle Roche is a man whose job it is to stay invisible. Dark, mysterious, and only sometimes on the right side of the law, only a lucky few know how to reach him: Kyle can fix their problems, however dangerous.

Now he’s been hired to save a woman in Witness Protection, one who doesn’t officially exist anymore. But before he can keep her safe, he has to find her. And he has less than twenty-four hours to do it…

Savannah Nicholls is in hiding because of a tragic mistake. Her mother insists her daughter is just a nice girl, from a good family, that she’s never gotten in trouble in her life. But she also says someone knows where her daughter is. And they want to kill her.

If he’s going to keep Savannah safe, Roche needs to know who is after her, as well as what she witnessed, who her enemies are, and if they have really been able to find her. But how can he protect a woman who is as invisible as he is?

Because the clock is ticking…

This totally gripping, pulse-pounding thriller is perfect for fans of David Baldacci, JB Turner and Mark Dawson.

Buy Link

https://geni.us/B096B76TKBsocial

                                                              MY REVIEW:

The Witness by John Ryder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I need you to find and protect my daughter. I can’t even tell you where she is. All I can say is that I’ve been told she’ll be dead by noon tomorrow.”
This is the phone call that Kyle Roche received. He fixes people's problems. He has to find a woman who doesn't officially exist anymore as she is in the witness protection program. He is the oly one who can find her and he has less than 24 hours. The daughter’s name is Savannah Nicholls. She had to go into Witness Protection because of a tragic mistake.
When I first started the book I thought Savannah was ok. Maybe she can take care of herself, seemed a little quiet and reserved and constantly looking over her back. The moment Kyle showed up she turned into a different woman and she wouldn't follow his directions and it got to the point where I kept yelling at my book "you are such a bitch". A little twist at the end that I didn't see.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

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                                                               Author Bio
John Ryder is a former farmworker and joiner. He's turned his hand to many skills to put food on the table and clothes on his back. A life-long bibliophile, he eventually summoned the courage to try writing himself, and his Grant Fletcher novels have drawn inspiration from authors such as Lee Child, Tom Cain, Zoe Sharp and Matt Hilton. When it comes to future novels, he says he has more ideas than time to write them.
When not writing, John enjoys spending time with his son, reading and socialising with friends. A fanatic supporter of his local football team, he can often be found shouting encouragement to men much younger and fitter than he is.



Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnRyderAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRyder101
Website: https://johnryderauthor.com/

Book Review: The Life She Wants by J.M. Hewitt

 

                                                     Kindle Edition, 240 pages
                                                   Published July 8th 2021 by Canelo

                                                              buy from Amazon 

You want to save your marriage. She wants to destroy it.
Paula worries that her marriage to Tommy is hanging by a thread. She loves how safe her husband makes her feel, but lately, it seems like he’s pulling away from her, and he keeps avoiding a much-needed conversation about finally having children.

When Tommy suggests a cruise getaway for the two of them, Paula is thrilled. He’s fighting for this marriage, and he’s even promised that they will talk about growing their family. It’s Paula’s dream come true. Until the couple meets beautiful Anna.

From the moment Anna appears in their lives, things start to go wrong for Paula. She finds herself trapped in a sauna. Her hair is destroyed at the salon. Money goes missing from her cabin. At first, Paula thinks she’s paranoid in suspecting Anna is turning her dream holiday into a nightmare. But soon, it becomes clear that Paula may not be the only woman fighting for Tommy’s affections. The only question is why…

The Life She Wants is a suspenseful psychological thriller with a twist. Perfect for fans of Catherine Ryan Howard, Ruth Ware, and Lisa Jewell.

                                                               MY REVIEW:

The Life She Wants by J.M. Hewitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paula and Tommy and have been married for many years and all she wants is to have a family. He is all about his career and keeps having excuses to put off having kids. One day he surprises her with a cruise. She is thrilled, as she seems to think their marriage is in trouble. But when they get on the cruise he seems to have different ideas than she does.
On the first day she goes to the sauna only to find out she isn't alone. There is a naked, beautiful woman in there. She is Anna and when she leaves then Paula finds herself locked in the sauna. Not long after that Anna "saves" her. Of course Tommy doesn't believe that anyone would lock Paula in the sauna. Seems like everytime Paula turns around something is happening to her and it always seems to be when Anna is around. At first Anna and Paula seem to be friends and the first night Paula even invites Anna to eat dinner with her and Tommy. As the days go on though Anna seems to have Tommy in her sights.
This was a quick read in 1 sitting and I couldn't put it down. There was even a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC to review.

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                                                            J.M. Hewitt


Website
http://www.jmhewitt.net

Twitter
jmhewitt

Genre
Crime





Silver Prize in the author v author competition 2008 (supported by the National Literary Trust)

Shortlisted for the Inspire and Mentor Campaign – selected by Jojo Moyes 2012

Two books independently published in 2010 and 2013

Longlisted for the Retreat West First Chapter Competition 2015

Winner of the BritCrime Pitch Competition 2015

Winner in the Twisted 50 Short Story Competition 2016. Short story 'Fingers' to be published in the Twisted 50 Anthology.

Appearing at the Felixstowe Book Festival in 2015 and 2016 and the East Anglia Author Festival 2016.

Member of the CWA, ITW and East Anglian Authors.

Exclusion Zone and The Hunger Within published 2016 / 2017 by Endeavour Media.

The Night Caller published by Bookouture 2019.

www.jmhewitt.com
Twitter: @jmhewitt
FB: www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor

Book Review: Nine Lives by Danielle Steel

 

                                                     Kindle Edition, 272 pages
                                              Published July 6th 2021 by Delacorte Press
                                                        buy from Amazon

A woman who longs to avoid risk at all cost learns that men who love danger are the most exciting in this moving novel from New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

After a carefree childhood, Mary Margaret Kelly came of age in the shadow of grief. Her father, a dashing daredevil Air Force pilot, died when she was nine. Maggie saw her mother struggle to put their lives back together. As the family moved from one city to the next, her mother warned her to beware of daredevil men and avoid risk at all cost.

Following her mother's advice, and forgoing the magic of first love with a high school boyfriend who was too wild to feel safe, Maggie instead sought out all the things her mother had lost--a predictable partner, a stable home, and a regular paycheck. She chose to marry a dependable, kind man who was a reliable husband and successful accountant. Together they had a son and found happiness in a conventional suburban life. Until tragedy struck again.

Now on her own, feeling a sense of adventure for the first time, Maggie decides to face her fears, setting off on a whirlwind trip from San Francisco to Rome, Paris, and Monaco. But when her travels reconnect her with the very same irresistible, thrill-seeking man she's spent thirty years trying to forget, Maggie becomes terrified that rushing into love and sharing his life may very well end in disaster. But ultimately, while Maggie tries to outrun her fears and painful memories of her past, fate will surprise her in the most astounding of ways, as she walks the tightrope between danger and courage, and between wisdom and love.

                                             MY REVIEW:

Nine Lives by Danielle Steel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great read from this author. Full of feelings, anger, hurt, sad, happy.
After a carefree childhood, Mary Margaret Kelly came of age in the shadow of grief. Her father, a dashing daredevil Air Force pilot, died when she was nine. Maggie saw her mother struggle to put their lives back together. As the family moved from one city to the next, her mother warned her to beware of daredevil men and avoid risk at all cost.
She chose to marry a dependable, kind man who was a reliable husband and successful accountant. Together they had a son and found happiness in a conventional suburban life. Until tragedy struck again.
Now on her own, feeling a sense of adventure for the first time, Maggie decides to face her fears, setting off on a whirlwind trip from San Francisco to Rome, Paris, and Monaco. But when her travels reconnect her with the very same irresistible, thrill-seeking man she's spent thirty years trying to forget, Maggie becomes terrified that rushing into love and sharing his life may very well end in disaster.
Maggie meets up with her past, an ex boyfriend, and is scared by her feelings and wants to keep it just being friends, but her heart has other ideas and so does he. She is the one he could never get over.
This takes you all over the world and the descriptions of the places they went to is out of this world and I wanted to win the lottery so I can go and travel all over and see these amazing places.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.


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                                      Danielle Steel

Born New York, New York, The United States

Website
http://daniellesteel.com

Twitter
daniellesteel

Genre
Fiction



Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy’s Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

daniellesteel.com
Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Twitter: @daniellesteel
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Book Review; A Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon

 

Kindle Edition

Published July 6th 2021

Buy on Amazon 

Angie Turner’s Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, owes its success not only to its farm-fresh fair, but also to its devoted and passionate staff. But a team-building retreat turns into much more than they bargained for . . .

Angie and her County Seat staff are all prepared for some much-needed R&R. Hope’s been hinting at an arts-and-crafts themed retreat. Instead, they end up at a military veteran’s home, where it’s their job to get it spic and span for summer. In between weeding the garden and painting the rooms, Angie starts up a conversation with an older vet who wants to make amends with his son before it’s too late. Unfortunately, he has no idea of his son’s whereabouts. It’s the perfect side job for the County Seat team, but someone keeps blocking their efforts. And the more they try to find out why, the more they’re certain someone’s life might be in danger . . .

                                                              MY REVIEW

A Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I did not read the other books in this series but I felt I got a little bit of a background to know who they all were. It took less than 2 hours to read.
Angie owns the restaurant, The County Seat, and they use farm fresh produce.
Angie and her County Seat staff are all prepared for some much-needed R&R. Hope’s been hinting at an arts-and-crafts themed retreat. Instead, they end up at a military veteran’s home, where it’s their job to get it spic and span for summer.
As they are weeding, cooking, and painting, Angie gets close to one of the Vets. During their conversation he tells her that he hasn't spoken to his son in 20 years and would like to apologize to him. He asks Angie if she can help find the son.
There seems to be something sinister going on at the Vets home and the caregiver at the home is not nice at all. She actually wants them gone.
I want to thank Kensington books and NetGalley for ARC to review.

View all my reviews

                                             Lynn Cahoon




Born in Idaho, The United States
October 07

Website
http://www.lynncahoon.com

Twitter
lynncahoon

Genre
Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Member Since
December 2010



NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer and Farm-to-Fork mystery series. The Kitchen Witch cozy mystery series will release in 2021. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Book Review: The Summer Sisters by Sara Richardson

 

                                                         Paperback, 352 pages
                                                 Published July 6th 2021 by Forever
                                                         buy from Amazon


Fans of Lori Foster and Maisey Yates won't be able to put down this heartwarming, multi-generational story about three sisters' search to reunite their family and the love they find along the way.

The Buchanan sisters share everything—including their inherited Juniper Inn. But when their mother won’t let go of a decades-long feud with their Aunt Sassy to attend the inn’s grand re-opening, the sisters decide a family reunion is long overdue.

Youngest sister Rose is determined to put together an extravagant celebration. Only she needs to convince a certain surly hardware store owner to help finish the inn’s renovations.

After a heartbreaking end to her marriage, Dahlia and her kids are just starting to rebuild their lives. Dahlia’s even considering opening herself up to love again, but will that upset the stability she’s worked so hard to give her children?

Sassy McGrath has never stopped missing her sister, Lillian, and though they’ve both been too stubborn to reconcile, some shocking news might finally change everything. As family bonds are tested, will these two very different generations of women find the strength to believe in themselves and each other?

                                                                    MY REVIEW:

The Summer Sisters by Sara Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book of a series. The first book was enjoyable and so was this one.
The Buchanan sisters share everything—including their inherited Juniper Inn. But when their mother won’t let go of a decades-long feud with their Aunt Sassy to attend the inn’s grand re-opening, the sisters decide a family reunion is long overdue.
Youngest sister Rose is determined to put together an extravagant celebration. Only she needs to convince a certain surly hardware store owner to help finish the inn’s renovations.
After a heartbreaking end to her marriage, Dahlia and her kids are just starting to rebuild their lives. Dahlia’s even considering opening herself up to love again, but will that upset the stability she’s worked so hard to give her children?
Their sister Mags is married and with a newborn so she has her own life.
Their Aunt Sassy is turning 70 and still wants to reconcile with the sister who shunned her 20 years ago. As she comes back to town, from vacation, she is asked to be town Mayor. She is dealing with something of her own.
Rose has feelings for Colt but he is selling his hardware store and moving.
Dahlia wants to be with Dr. Ike but her daughter wants her to be there only for her and her brother. The divorce effected them mentally.
There is so much love and family dynamics to keep me wanting more of this series.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC.

View all my reviews

                                                                Sara Richardson


Born in Denver, The United States

Website
http://www.sararichardson.com

Twitter
SaraR_Books

Genre
Contemporary, Romance

Member Since
May 2014



Contemporary romance author Sara Richardson has been a communications manager, copy writer, magazine editor, and whitewater rafting guide. The day after graduating with a master’s degree in journalism, Sara realized she was too empathetic to be a journalist and starting writing her first novel instead. A lifelong fascination with true love quickly led her to the romance genre.

Her Heart of the Rockies series was published by Grand Central Forever in 2015. In 2016, her debut novel, No Better Man, was nominated for a RITA in the best first book category. Sara is passionate about writing stories that inspire people to believe in love and always enjoys connecting with readers. Learn more at www.sararichardson.com.

#Forever #sararichardson

Book Review: The Evidence by K. L. Slater

 

Kindle Edition, 370 pages
Published July 1st 2021 by Bookouture

buy on Amazon 

I can see her through the glass door. She’s smaller in real life than I expected. She looks the exact opposite of the type of woman that might murder her husband.

Everyone’s heard of Simone Fischer. The young mother accused of killing her husband in cold blood, one sunny afternoon, while their son played in the room next door.

So when journalist Esme secures an exclusive interview with her it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. Simone has remained silent since her husband’s death but after a decade in prison, she is willing to talk to Esme. And Esme, recently freed from her own toxic marriage, is confident she can get Simone to open up.

At their first meeting, when Esme sees Simone sitting across the table from her in jeans and a lemon tunic top, she is stuck by her ordinariness. Then Simone begins to tell her story of an abusive relationship where she was a prisoner in her own home, and Esme decides that the truth needs to come out.

But not everyone is pleased that Esme is telling Simone’s story. And when Esme’s beloved sister is left for dead in a nearby wood, Esme’s life begins to unravel. Forced to question what Simone has told her, she can’t help but wonder if murder was the only way out of Simone’s marriage. Why has it taken Simone so long to tell the world the truth? And will the consequences be devastating for Esme?

An utterly addictive and jaw-dropping read from bestselling author K.L. Slater about the darkness behind closed doors. If you like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train you will LOVE The Evidence.

                                                      MY REVIEW:

The Evidence by K.L. Slater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I need to read the rest of her books. I could not stop reading.
Esme is a journalist and is coowner of her business, with her sister. Esme decides to go and speak to a prisoner, who is sentenced for killing her husband. She learns about Simone's marriage and what lead to her husband's death.
In Esme's life, her sister. Michelle, is missing and she is trying to get the police to help her find her sister. Esme's husband, who is estranged from her, is trying to creep his way back into her life. Seems he will use Michelle's missing to his advantage. Then his controlling, domineering mother shows up.
This books was full of twists and turns and had me on the edge of my seat while screaming no when the MIL wanted to move in to take care of Esme and her son.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

View all my reviews

                                                                        K.L. Slater
Born The United Kingdom

Website
https://klslaterauthor.com/

Twitter
KimLSlater

Genre
Suspense, Thriller

Member Since
December 2016



Kim is the million-copy bestselling author of twelve psychological crime thrillers. THE APARTMENT, will be published in -April 2020 by Thomas and Mercer and is now available for pre-order.

Kim's titles are also published by Bookouture, Audible and are available in paperback by Sphere in the UK and Grand Central in the USA.

For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.

Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’

Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband.

Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson

Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor