Book Review: Deep Into the Dark by P.J. Tracy

 

                                                            Hardcover, 352 pages
                                           Published January 12th 2021 by Minotaur Books
                                                               buy on Amazon

New York Times bestseller P. J. Tracy returns with Deep into the Dark, a brand new series set in LA and featuring up-and-coming LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan and murder suspect Sam Easton.

Sam Easton—a true survivor—is home from Afghanistan, trying to rebuild a life in his hometown of LA. Separated from his wife, bartending and therapy sessions are what occupy his days and nights. When friend and colleague Melody Traeger is beaten by her boyfriend, she turns to Sam for help. When the boyfriend turns up dead the next day, a hard case like Sam is the perfect suspect.

But LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan, whose brother recently died serving overseas, is sympathetic to Sam's troubles, and can't quite see him as a killer. She's more interested in the secrets Melody might be keeping and the developments in another murder case on the other side of town.

Set in an LA where real people live and work--not the superficial LA of Beverly Hills or the gritty underbelly of the city--Deep into the Dark features two really engaging, dynamic main characters and explores the nature of obsession, revenge, and grief.

                                                 MY REVIEW:

Deep into the Dark by P.J. Tracy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sam Easton—a true survivor—is home from Afghanistan, trying to rebuild a life in his hometown of LA. Separated from his wife, bartending and therapy sessions are what occupy his days and nights. When friend and colleague Melody Traeger is beaten by her boyfriend, she turns to Sam for help. When the boyfriend turns up dead the next day, a hard case like Sam is the perfect suspect.
But LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan, whose brother recently died serving overseas, is sympathetic to Sam's troubles, and can't quite see him as a killer. Nolan's partner on the other hand wants to get Sam for the murder.
Then there is another murder and it hits close to home for Sam. Can he prove he is innocent?
Then Sam is also dealing with PTSD and we learn more of what happened to him in Afghanistan.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the ARC to review,

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                                                                            P.J. Tracy


Website
http://pjtracy.com/

Genre
Mystery & Thrillers





PJ Tracy is the pseudonym of mother-daughter writing duo P.J. and Traci Lambrecht, winners of the Anthony, Barry, Gumshoe, and Minnesota Book Awards. Their ten novels, MONKEEWRENCH, LIVE BAIT, DEAD RUN, SNOW BLIND, SHOOT TO THRILL, OFF THE GRID, THE SIXTH IDEA, NOTHING STAYS BURIED, THE GUILTY DEAD, and ICE COLD HEART have become national and international bestsellers. PJ passed away in December 2016, but Traci continues to write the Monkeewrench series. DEEP INTO THE DARK, a stand-alone psychological thriller will be available February 2021.

Learn more about PJ Tracy at pjtracy.com

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJTracyAuthor/

Look them up on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/pjtracy.com

Book Review: The Sweet Taste of Muscadines by Pamela Terry

 

                                                             Kindle Edition
                                                          Published March 16th 2021
                                                             Buy from Amazon

In this intimate debut novel, a woman returns to her small Southern hometown in the wake of her mother's sudden death--only to find the past upended by stunning family secrets.

Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father's untimely death when she was a child. Both she and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives and relationships of their own, steeped in art and culture. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain in Georgia to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva. Yet, despite their years-long independence, Lila and Henry both know they've never quite reckoned with their upbringing.

Now, when their elderly mother dies suddenly and strangely, found among the dense vines of the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, they must travel back to the town that raised them. But as Lila and Henry uncover more about Geneva's death, shocking truths are revealed that upend the Bruces' history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives.

With deep compassion and sharp wit, Pamela Terry brings to life the culture and expectations of a small Southern town that values appearance over authenticity--and where the struggle to live honestly can lead to devastating consequences.

                                                          MY REVIEW:

The Sweet Taste of Muscadines: A Novel by Pamela Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father's untimely death when she was a child. Both she and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives and relationships of their own, steeped in art and culture. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain in Georgia to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva.
Geneva has died and the siblings come together to mourn her death. Abigail has never had much of a life as she has always taken care of their mother.
But as Lila and Henry uncover more about Geneva's death, shocking truths are revealed that upend the Bruces' history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives.
I love how the siblings were all there for each other and how close Lila and Henry are. Then they goon a quest, without Abigail, to find out some secrets from their past.
This is a debut novel and I was hooked from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the ARC to review.

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                                                                   Pamela Terry


A lifelong Southerner, Pamela Terry learned the power of storytelling at a very early age. For the past decade, Terry has been the author of the internationally popular blog From the House of Edward, which was named one of the top ten home blogs of the year by London's The Telegraph. She lives in Smyrna, Georgia, with her songwriter husband, Pat, and their three dogs, Apple, Andrew, and George. She travels to the Scottish Highlands as frequently as possible and is currently at work on her second novel.

Book Review: One Night With a Cowboy by Sara Richardson

                                                      Mass Market Paperback, 365 pages
                                                  Published March 9th 2021 by Forever
                                                        Buy on Amazon

Sparks fly when a handsome cowboy and a strong-willed widow must work together, in this charming contemporary western romance from a national bestselling author -- with a bonus story by Carly Bloom!

Rodeo cowboy Wes Harding left his family ranch after one reckless mistake cost his loved ones everything. But when his sister needs help, Wes agrees to come home and take the reins of their ranch’s big charity event. However, he didn’t plan for his distracting, stubborn co-hostess. One kiss with Thea throws his world off balance . . . and has Wes craving the family he’s never dared dreamed of.

Single mom Thea Davis doesn’t have time for an inexplicable, toe-curling attraction to Wes Harding—no matter how well he listens or how sweetly he treats her children. Her focus needs to be on holding her fragile family together. But the more time she spends with Wes, the more attached she—and her kids—become. With the week drawing to a close, can Wes convince her to give love a chance before she leaves Silverado Lake—and him—behind for good?

MY REVIEW:

One Night with a Cowboy by Sara Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rodeo cowboy Wes Harding left his family ranch after one reckless mistake cost his loved ones everything. But when his sister needs help, Wes agrees to come home and take the reins of their ranch’s big charity event. However, he didn’t plan for his distracting, stubborn co-hostess. One kiss with Thea throws his world off balance . . . and has Wes craving the family he’s never dared dreamed of.
This is the 2nd book in this series and a fun read especially if you like sexy cowboys.
Thea is a widow with 2 kids and her son fall for Wes and Wes starts hanging out with the boy and being a male figure that he seems to need in his life.
Wes blames himself for a family tragedy and that is why he ran away years ago. It takes him coming back and being around his family to help him heal.
Thanks for ARC to review from Forever and NetGalley.

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                                                                  Sara Richardson
Born in Denver, The United States

Website
http://www.sararichardson.com

Twitter
SaraR_Books

Genre
Contemporary, Romance




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.

Book Review: The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester

 

                                                           Paperback, 455 pages
                                            Published September 18th 2018 by Forever
                                                           buy from Amazon

How much will a young Parisian seamstress sacrifice to make her mark in the male-dominated world of 1940s New York fashion? From the bestselling author of A KISS FROM MR FITZGERALD and HER MOTHER'S SECRET.

1940. Parisian seamstress Estella Bissette is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She is bound for Manhattan with a few francs, one suitcase, her sewing machine and a dream: to have her own atelier.

2015. Australian curator Fabienne Bissette journeys to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her beloved grandmother's work - one of the world's leading designers of ready-to-wear. But as Fabienne learns more about her grandmother's past, she uncovers a story of tragedy, heartbreak and secrets - and the sacrifices made for love.

Crossing generations, society's boundaries and international turmoil, THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS is the beguiling, transporting story of the special relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter as they attempt to heal the heartache of the past.
 

                                                   MY REVIEW:

 

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1940. Parisian seamstress Estella Bissette is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She is bound for Manhattan with a few francs, one suitcase, her sewing machine and a dream: to have her own atelier.

2015. Australian curator Fabienne Bissette journeys to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her beloved grandmother's work - one of the world's leading designers of ready-to-wear. But as Fabienne learns more about her grandmother's past, she uncovers a story of tragedy, heartbreak and secrets - and the sacrifices made for love.
This story alternates between the past and present but done in a way to give you backstory along with the present. It is easy to know what is going on and what year it is.
I have had this is my TBR for a very long time. I am really picky about historical fiction to keep my interest. This had me hooked from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down.
I received this from Forever for review.

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                                                                Natasha Lester






Born in Australia

Website
http://www.natashalester.com.au

Twitter
Natasha_Lester

Genre
Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance




Natasha Lester is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS, THE PARIS ORPHAN / THE FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHER and THE PARIS SECRET. Her new book, THE RIVIERA HOUSE, is coming in August 2021.

Prior to writing, she worked as a marketing executive for L’Oreal, managing the Maybelline brand, before returning to university to study creative writing.

Her first historical novel, A KISS FROM FITZGERALD, was published in 2016. This was followed by HER MOTHER'S SECRET in 2017 and her first international bestseller THE PARIS SEAMSTRESS in 2018. Since then, her books have been translated into many different languages are now published all around the world.

Natasha lives in Perth, Western Australia with her 3 children and loves fashion history, practising the art of fashion illustration, collecting vintage fashion, travelling, Paris and, of course, books.

Book Review: The Affair by Danielle Steel

 

                                                      Kindle Edition, 275 pages
                                                Published March 2nd 2021 by Delacorte Press
                                                       buy on Amazon

When Rose McCarthy’s staff at Mode magazine pitches a cover shoot with Hollywood’s hottest young actress, the actress’s sizzling affair with a bestselling French author is exposed. The author happens to be Rose’s son-in-law, which creates a painful dilemma for her. Her daughter Nadia, a talented interior designer, has been struggling to hold her marriage together, and conceal the truth from their young daughters, her family, and the world. But Nicolas, her straying husband, is blinded by passion for a younger woman—and not only that, she is pregnant with his child.

Nadia’s three sisters close ranks around her, flying to Paris from Los Angeles and New York to lend support and offer their widely divergent advice. Athena, a jovial celebrity chef with her own TV show in Los Angeles, is leery of marriage. Olivia, a stern conservative New York superior court judge, is haunted by a shocking secret of her own. Venetia, a zany fashion designer, happily married with three kids, has the gentlest, most realistic point of view. Despite their well-meaning advice, Nadia needs to figure out what she herself thinks, and what to do next.

The Affair is about the painful journey to discover who you are, what you want, and how much forgiveness and compromise you are capable of in order to be loved. It’s about finding yourself at the crossroads of life when everything is on the line. It’s about the hard lessons we are forced to learn about others and ourselves. Right up until its final twist, this gripping novel is full of powerful insights about who we love, how much—and even how much we love ourselves.

                                                  MY REVIEW:

The Affair by Danielle Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Rose McCarthy’s staff at Mode magazine pitches a cover shoot with Hollywood’s hottest young actress, the actress’s sizzling affair with a bestselling French author is exposed. The author happens to be Rose’s son-in-law, which creates a painful dilemma for her. Her daughter Nadia, a talented interior designer, has been struggling to hold her marriage together, and conceal the truth from their young daughters, her family, and the world. But Nicolas, her straying husband, is blinded by passion for a younger woman—and not only that, she is pregnant with his child.
I loved Rose and her daughters. They are always there for each other and brutally honest with each other. So when Nicholas has this affair and it is plastered all over the news media, Nadia's family is there for her.
I hated Nicholas from the start. He is a very selfish man. Wanting Nadia to wait for him while his fling runs its course, I was like oh Hell No. Nadia's emotions are all over the place, which I get but what he does and acts like is infuriating. She doesn't need him or his money since she has a great business of her own.
I enjoyed all of this book except for the end. I was not happy with what Nadia's choice was.
I received this ARC for review from NetGalley and Delacorte Press.


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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: Small Magic by Terry Brooks

 

                                                                    Hardcover, 464 pages

                                                               Published March 2nd 2021 by Del Rey Books

                                                                        Buy on Amazon

Escape to worlds full of adventure and magic in the first-ever Terry Brooks short-story collection, featuring both new and fan-favorite stories from all three of his major literary worlds: Shannara, Magic Kingdom, and The Word and the Void.

Here are heroes fighting new battles and struggling to conquer the ghosts of the past. Here are quests both small and far reaching; heroism both intimate and vast. Here we learn of Garet Jax's childhood, see how Allanon first located Shea Ohmsford, and follow an old wing-rider at the end of his life. Here we see Knights of the Word fighting demons within and without, and witness Ben Holiday and his daughter each trying to overcome the unique challenges that Landover offers.

This collection of eleven tales is a must-have addition to the Terry Brooks canon--a delightful way to spend time with favorite characters, and a wonderful reminder of what makes a Brooks story such a timeless classic.

                                                MY REVIEW:

Small Magic: Short Fiction, 1977-2020 by Terry Brooks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Escape to worlds full of adventure and magic in the first-ever Terry Brooks short-story collection, featuring both new and fan-favorite stories from all three of his major literary worlds: Shannara, Magic Kingdom, and The Word and the Void.
This collection of eleven tales is a must-have addition to the Terry Brooks canon--a delightful way to spend time with favorite characters, and a wonderful reminder of what makes a Brooks story such a timeless classic.
I have not read any of Terry's books and I did watch a few epsodes of the Shannara Chronicles. Being new to his work I would recommend reading this book of short stories to get to know the worlds and see what attracts you to his books and go from there.
Out of all 11 short stores , 3 of them were my favorites.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for ARC to review.

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                                                                      Terry Brooks



Born in Sterling, Illinois, The United States
January 08, 1944

Website
http://www.terrybrooks.net/

Genre
Science Fiction & Fantasy, Literature & Fiction

URL
https://www.goodreads.com/terrybrooks



Terry Brooks was born in Illinois in 1944, where he spent a great deal of his childhood and early adulthood dreaming up stories in and around Sinnissippi Park, the very same park that would eventually become the setting for his bestselling Word & Void trilogy. He went to college and received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, where he majored in English Literature, and he received his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.

Book Review: Bridgerton collection Volume 1 by Julia Quinn

 

                                                    Kindle Edition, 1053 pages
                                                    Published May 26th 2020 by Avon
                                                    Buy on Amazon

The first three Bridgerton books all in one e-book volume! Includes The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and An Offer From a Gentleman.

Set between 1813 and 1827, the Bridgerton Series is a collection of eight novels, each featuring one of the eight children of the late Viscount Bridgerton. The Bridgertons are currently a Shondaland series for Netflix.

                                                    MY REVIEW:

Bridgerton Collection, Volume One by Julia Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Duke and I : In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable… but not too amiable.
Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

The Viscount Who Loved Me :
the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry—he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

An Offer From a Gentleman:
Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

I fell in love with this series from the beginning. The Bridgerton family is a big family and their mom really rules the roost and they all better listen to her. She has been rasing the kids for quite a few years as widow. Though the young men seem to have quite a reputation, deep down they are great men. I can't wait to keep reading this series and then binge watch the Netflix series.



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                                                                    Julia Quinn


Born New York City, NY, The United States

Website
http://www.juliaquinn.com/

Genre
Romance, Historical Fiction




#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.

A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page

Book Review: Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay

 

                                                    Kindle Edition, 368 pages
                                                Published March 2nd 2021 by Minotaur Books
                                                    Buy on Amazon

In one of the year’s most anticipated debut psychological thrillers, a family made infamous by a true crime documentary is found dead, leaving their surviving son to uncover the truth about their final days.

“They found the bodies on a Tuesday.” So begins this twisty and breathtaking novel that traces the fate of the Pine family, a thriller that will both leave you on the edge of your seat and move you to tears.

After a late night of partying, NYU student Matt Pine returns to his dorm room to devastating news: nearly his entire family—his mom, his dad, his little brother and sister—have been found dead from an apparent gas leak while vacationing in Mexico. The local police claim it was an accident, but the FBI and State Department seem far less certain—and they won’t tell Matt why.

The tragedy makes headlines everywhere because this isn’t the first time the Pine family has been thrust into the media spotlight. Matt’s older brother, Danny—currently serving a life sentence for the murder of his teenage girlfriend Charlotte—was the subject of a viral true crime documentary suggesting that Danny was wrongfully convicted. Though the country has rallied behind Danny, Matt holds a secret about his brother that he’s never told anyone: the night Charlotte was killed Matt saw something that makes him believe his brother is guilty of the crime.

When Matt returns to his small hometown to bury his parents and siblings, he’s faced with a hostile community that was villainized by the documentary, a frenzied media, and memories he’d hoped to leave behind forever. Now, as the deaths in Mexico appear increasingly suspicious and connected to Danny’s case, Matt must unearth the truth behind the crime that sent his brother to prison—putting his own life in peril—and forcing him to confront his every last fear.

Told through multiple points-of-view and alternating between past and present, Every Last Fear is not only a page-turning thriller, it’s also a poignant story about a family managing heartbreak and tragedy, and living through a fame they never wanted.

                                             MY REVIEW:

Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“They found the bodies on a Tuesday.” So begins this twisty and breathtaking novel that traces the fate of the Pine family, a thriller that will both leave you on the edge of your seat and move you to tears.
After a late night of partying, NYU student Matt Pine returns to his dorm room to devastating news: nearly his entire family—his mom, his dad, his little brother and sister—have been found dead from an apparent gas leak while vacationing in Mexico.
The tragedy makes headlines everywhere because this isn’t the first time the Pine family has been thrust into the media spotlight. Matt’s older brother, Danny—currently serving a life sentence for the murder of his teenage girlfriend Charlotte—was the subject of a viral true crime documentary suggesting that Danny was wrongfully convicted.
When Matt returns to his small hometown to bury his parents and siblings, he’s faced with a hostile community that was villainized by the documentary, a frenzied media, and memories he’d hoped to leave behind forever.
Told through multiple points-of-view and alternating between past and present.
The Pine family sure has gone through some tough times and as the story moves along we learn more about what happened to Danny's girlfriend, how the town treated the Pine family nd what lead up to the Pine families deaths.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Minotaur for the ARC to review.

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About the Author
                                           Alex Finlay

Website
https://alexfinlaybooks.com/

Genre
Fiction


Alex Finlay is the pseudonym of an author who lives in Washington, D.C. Born in the American South, Alex spent years traversing the globe, from a tropical island in the Pacific to a small village in the UK to a remote region in the Far East. But it was on a trip to Tulum, Mexico that Alex was inspired to write Every Last Fear.

Blog Tour: After the Crash by Emma Davies

 

Publication Day: March 16th 2021


Author: Emma Davies


Buy Links:


Amazon: https://geni.us/B08VNCCM7CSocial

Apple: http://ow.ly/j2hE50Dq12w

Kobo: http://ow.ly/8XNT50Dq102

Google: http://ow.ly/ebwb50Dq1fZ



Description:


He helped you move on… Until you discovered what he did.

Louisa Adams has done her best to hold herself together in the years since she lost her husband in a car accident. But each morning she wakes to find his side of the bed cold is more painful than the last, and she’s struggling to make ends meet as a writer. She must admit defeat and move into the crumbling seaside guest house her daughter just bought. Perhaps it might help put what’s left of their broken family back together…

There, Louisa is offered a final chance to save her career by writing an article on a local sand artist, Isaac. Except, when he turns to greet her – tall, handsome and weather-worn – something about him feels disturbingly familiar. Why, when he looks into her eyes, does she feel like he knows exactly who she is and everything she’s been through?

As they explore the rugged coastline’s hidden coves together – living and laughing like she never thought she would again – Louisa is fascinated by this man who creates beautiful sculptures on the shoreline, but deep down she knows he’s keeping a secret from her. The discovery of a charcoal scribble in one of his sketchbooks linking him to the death of her husband, confirms her deepest fear. Is she ready for what he will tell her, and will letting him in tear her family and her heart apart all over again?

A heartbreaking, page-turning and completely unforgettable family drama you will read in one sitting. Perfect for anyone who loves Amanda Prowse, Kerry Fisher and Jodi Picoult.

                                                        MY REVIEW:

After the Crash by Emma Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Louisa Adams lost her husband in a car accident. She is struggling both emotionally and financially so she moves into a seaside guest house that her daughter just bought.
There, Louisa is offered a final chance to save her career by writing an article on a local sand artist, Isaac. Except, when he turns to greet her – tall, handsome and weather-worn – something about him feels disturbingly familiar.
As they explore the rugged coastline’s hidden coves together – living and laughing like she never thought she would again – Louisa is fascinated by this man who creates beautiful sculptures on the shoreline. She feels he is keeping a secret from her and then she finds an ink scribble that he did that links him to the death of her husband.
This is a very heartbreaking story but told so well that you just keep reading and can't put the book down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the book to review.

View all my reviews

Author Bio:

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: 'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well the job in the design studio didn't work out but she's now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It's a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea.



Author Social Media Links:


Pop over to her website www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car. You can also wave to her on twitter @EmDaviesAuthor / https://twitter.com/EmDaviesAuthor or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her): https://www.facebook.com/emmadaviesauthor/

Book Review : You Have a Match by Emma Lord

 

                                                      Kindle Edition, 309 pages
                                                     Published January 12th 2021
                                                      Buy on Amazon

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents — especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.

                                                         MY REVIEW:

You Have a Match by Emma Lord
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.
The DNA reveals she has a secret sister, one she never knew about and that is when things got weird. Abby didn't confide in her parents or ask them questions. Instead she took it upon herself to meet up secretly with Savannah Tully. A shimmery-haired Instagram star.
They end meeting up at summer camp. Abby is a risk taker and Savanah plays by the rules.
I had a hard time thinking that a teenager wouldn't ask their parents what the hell? Why didn't you tell me? Then go meet up with the sister no matter what the parents said.
I don't like lies or secrets so I always confront and did even as a teenager no matter what.
Thank you to NetGalley and St, Martin's for this ARC to review.

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                                                                    Emma Lord
Born
July 09

Website
https://www.emmalordwriting.com

Twitter
dilemmalord

Genre
Young Adult




Emma Lord is the NYT bestselling author of YOU HAVE A MATCH and TWEET CUTE, a BuzzFeed market editor, and dessert gremlin living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, a whole lot of love, and copious amounts of grilled cheese.

Book Review: Neighbors by Danielle Steel

 

                                                       Kindle Edition, 270 pages
                                                       Published January 5th 2021
                                                       buy on Amazon

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In Danielle Steel’s gripping new novel, a reclusive woman opens up her home to her neighbors in the wake of a devastating earthquake, setting off events that reveal secrets, break relationships apart, and bring strangers together to forge powerful new bonds.

Meredith White was one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. But a personal tragedy cut her acting career short and alienated her from her family. For the last fifteen years, Meredith has been living alone in San Francisco with two trusted caretakers. Then, on a muggy late summer day, a massive earthquake strikes Northern California, plunging the Bay Area into chaos. Without a moment’s hesitation, Meredith invites her stunned and shaken neighbors into her mostly undamaged home as the recovery begins.

These people did not even realize that movie star Meredith White was living on their street. Now, they are sharing her mansion, as well as their most closely kept secrets. Without the walls and privacy of their own homes, one by one, new relationships are forged. For every neighbor there is a story, from the doctor whose wife and children fear him, to the beautiful young woman dating a dishonorable man, to the aspiring writer caring for a famous blind musician.

In the heart of the crisis, Meredith finds herself venturing back into the world. And thanks to the suspicions and the dogged detective work of a disaster relief volunteer, a former military officer named Charles, a shocking truth about her own world is exposed. Suddenly Meredith sees her isolation, her estranged family, and even her acting career in a whole new light.

Filled with powerful human dramas, Neighbors is a penetrating look at how our world can be upended in a moment. In a novel of unforgettable characters and stunning twists, acts of love and courage become the most powerful forces of all.

                                                    MY REVIEW:

Neighbors by Danielle Steel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meredith White was one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. But a personal tragedy cut her acting career short and alienated her from her family. For the last fifteen years, Meredith has been living alone in San Francisco with two trusted caretakers.
When a massive earthquake hits Northern California that is when everything changes. Neighbors' houses are damaged and they need places to stay. Meredith opens up her home to several families. They didn't even realize that she lived there. Now they are all living in this mansion and getting to know each other.
1 is a family who the husband is a doctor and his wife and children fear him. Another is a beautiful woman who is dating a playboy and then we have a blind musician being taken care of by an aspiring writer.
Meredith is actually feeling whole again being around people and helping them. During all of this she meets Charles, a former military officer.
Meredith also has a family but they seem estranged from her.
I had a really hard time putting this book down. We get to know ll the characters and the friendships that are formed.
Meredith also has a couple that takes care of her and her mansion and they aren't to happy these people have all moved into the mansion and they aren't who Meredith thinks they are.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC to review.

View all my reviews

                                                              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

Blog Tour: The Wedding by Ruth Heald

 

Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3aM5b2g
Apple: http://apple.co/33DgtSA
Kobo: http://bit.ly/37uvhE0
Google: http://bit.ly/37xatf3


Book Description:


Just four words were printed in the card. He doesn’t love you.

I’ve been dreaming about this day – marrying Adam, my childhood sweetheart, who I’ve loved for eighteen years.

I didn’t realise the perfect day would turn into the perfect nightmare.

I was so excited to send out the wedding invitations, carefully writing everyone’s names on thick cream paper in beautiful cursive script.

I had no idea I was inviting someone to destroy our marriage.

I couldn’t wait to say ‘I do’ surrounded by loved ones clinking champagne glasses.

I couldn’t imagine that one of them would try to hurt me.

It was meant to be the first day of the rest of our lives.

I never thought it would be the end of my life as I knew it.

We were meant to share our vows, to toast our future. But when the truth comes out, shocking the onlooking guests and ripping my heart out, is a happy ever after possible?

A completely gripping and totally addictive read that will get your blood pressure rising and send shivers down your spine. Fans of Date Night, The Sister-in-Law and The Girl on the Train will devour this twisty, dark and gasp-worthy page-turner in one swift gulp!

                                                  MY REVIEW:

The Wedding by Ruth Heald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lauren and Adam are getting married and things are starting to happen. First is a card that Lauren receives saying "Adam doesn't love you". The card has a photo of a doll that looks like Lauren wearing wedding dress all cut up and her neck cut. Who would do this?
I liked a lot about this book. It was hard to put down and I read it in 1 sitting. The story flowed well and it was easy to keep up with and to know all the characters. Adam's best friend is a woman that he has been friends with for many years. Adam's and Lauren's family had been close along time ago and tragedy struck when they were all on vacation together , while Lauren was a teenager. When things start going wrong, Lauren wonders if it is Adam's best friend, who just happened to move in with them. Then there is strange woman in Adam's life who also makes things look suspicious. Plus Lauren's sister and niece are back in her life after many years of not being in it.
So many twists and turns and just when I think I know what is going on then the author puts another twist in.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

View all my reviews

Author Bio:


Ruth Heald is a psychological thriller writer from a suburban Buckinghamshire town. She studied Economics at Oxford and then worked in an eclectic mix of sectors from nuclear decommissioning to management consulting.


Seeking a more creative environment, she found a role at the BBC and worked there for nine years before leaving to write full time. Ruth is fascinated by psychology and finding out what drives people to violence, destruction and revenge. She’s married with one daughter and her novels explore our greatest fears in otherwise ordinary, domestic lives.




https://twitter.com/RJ_Heald

Book Review: Faithless In Death by JD Robb

 

                                                             Kindle Edition, 383 pages
                                               Published February 9th 2021 by St. Martin’s Press
                                                                buy on Amazon

The scene in the West Village studio appears to be classic crime-of-passion: two wine glasses by the bed, music playing, and a young sculptor named Ariel Byrd with the back of her head bashed in. But when Dallas tracks down the wealthy Upper East Side woman who called 911, the details don't add up. Gwen Huffman is wealthy, elegant, comforted by her handsome fiancé as she sheds tears over the trauma of finding the body--but why did it take an hour to report it? And why is she lying about little things?

As Eve and her team look into Gwen, her past, and the people around her, they find that the lies are about more than murder. As with sculpture, they need to chip away at the layers of deception to find the shape within--and soon they're getting the FBI involved in a case that involves a sinister, fanatical group and a stunning criminal conspiracy.

                                                           MY REVIEW:

Faithless in Death by J.D. Robb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

the 52nd book of this series and I can never get enough. This was one of my favorites.
The scene in the West Village studio appears to be classic crime-of-passion: two wine glasses by the bed, music playing, and a young sculptor named Ariel Byrd with the back of her head bashed in. But when Dallas tracks down the wealthy Upper East Side woman who called 911, the details don't add up.
Gwen Huffman is wealthy, elegant, comforted by her handsome fiancé as she sheds tears over the trauma of finding the body.
As Eve and her team look into Gwen, her past, and the people around her, they find that the lies are about more than murder.
We find out about a big Cult that isn't just in NY city but in other states that branch off of it. Gwen's parents are part owners of the cult. How they treat women is deplorable and they don't believe that gay people should be accepted or mixed marriages. You want to go in steal the children and raise them yourselves.
Thank you to Eve and her team and working with the FBI to see what needs to be done to disban this cult.


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                                                                 J.D. Robb



Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, The United States

Website
http://www.jdrobb.com/

Genre
Suspense, Science Fiction, Fiction





J.D. Robb is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling In Death series and the pseudonym for #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts. The futuristic suspense series stars Eve Dallas, a New York City police lieutenant with a dark past. Initially conceived as a trilogy, readers clamored for more of Eve and the mysterious Roarke. Shadows in Death(St. Martin's Press, September 2020) is the 51st entry in the series.

#stmartinspress

Book Review: Cowboy Come Home by Carly Bloom

 

                                               Mass Market Paperback, 1st edition, 512 pages
                                                    Published March 31st 2020 by Forever
                                                                 Buy on Amazon

Some cowboys aren't cut out to be Prince Charming---and Claire Kowalski knows that better than anyone. She gave her heart to Ford Jarvis two years ago, yet that didn't keep him from disappearing into the sunset. Now that he's back in Big Verde, Texas, she's determined not to make the same mistake twice. But the ruggedly sexy cowboy still knows how to push all her buttons, and avoiding him is nearly impossible when she needs his help.

Ford didn't plan on returning home---ever---but when he hears that the Kowalski ranch is in trouble, he hightails it back to town. He's not eager to be reminded of the life he can never have, but his time in Big Verde is only temporary. He'll stay long enough to get the ranch up and running, then hit the road again. But when Ford finds out the new foreman he's training is Claire, still as stubborn and beautiful as ever, this cowboy is going to have to decide what matters most---repeating the mistakes of the past or fighting for a future with the only woman he's ever loved..

                                                   MY REVIEW:

Cowboy Come Home by Carly Bloom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some cowboys aren't cut out to be Prince Charming---and Claire Kowalski knows that better than anyone. She gave her heart to Ford Jarvis two years ago, yet that didn't keep him from disappearing into the sunset. Now that he's back in Big Verde, Texas, she's determined not to make the same mistake twice.
Ford didn't plan on returning home---ever---but when he hears that the Kowalski ranch is in trouble, he hightails it back to town. He's not eager to be reminded of the life he can never have, but his time in Big Verde is only temporary. He'll stay long enough to get the ranch up and running, then hit the road again.
This is the 2nd book of the series and another great read. Of course I seem to be hooked on Cowboy romances at the moment.
This is a second chance romance so if you don't care for those then this won't be something to read but I think 2nd chance romances are nice and sometimes people need to grow up before they realize what they lost.
Thank you to Forever for the Arc to review.

View all my reviews

                                                                       Carly Bloom
Website
http://www.carlybloombooks.com/

Twitter
carlybloombooks

Genre
Romance


URL
https://www.goodreads.com/httpwwwgoodreadscomcarlybloom


Carly Bloom began her writing career as a family humor columnist and blogger, a pursuit she abandoned when her children grew old enough to literally die from embarrassment. To save their delicate lives, Carly turned to penning steamy, contemporary romance. The kind with bare chests on the covers.

Carly and her husband raise their mortified brood of offspring on a cattle ranch in South Texas. Also? Carly is a vegan. The cows love her.

#forever

Book Review: The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice

 

                                                              Kindle Edition, 367 pages
                                                Published February 1st 2021 by Thomas & Mercer
                                                          Buy on Amazon

After artist Claire Beaudry Chase is attacked and left for dead in her home on the Connecticut coast, she doesn’t know who she can trust. But her well-connected husband, Griffin—who is running for governor—is her prime suspect.

Just before the attack, Claire was preparing for an exhibit of her shadow boxes, one of which clearly accuses Griffin of a violent crime committed twenty-five years ago. If the public were to find out who her husband is, his political career would be over. Claire’s certain her husband and his powerful supporters would kill her to stop the truth from getting out.

When one of Claire’s acquaintances is murdered, the authorities suspect the homicide is linked to the attack on Claire. As the dual investigations unfold, Claire must decide how much she’s willing to lose to take down her husband and the corrupt group of elites who will do anything to protect Griffin’s interests and their own.

                                               MY REVIEW:

The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After artist Claire Beaudry Chase is attacked and left for dead in her home on the Connecticut coast, she doesn’t know who she can trust. But her well-connected husband, Griffin—who is running for governor—is her prime suspect.
Just before the attack, Claire was preparing for an exhibit of her shadow boxes, one of which clearly accuses Griffin of a violent crime committed twenty-five years ago.
When one of Claire’s acquaintances is murdered, the authorities suspect the homicide is linked to the attack on Claire
Wealth and political corruption is the whole start of this story and Griffin's life.
We learn of Griffin's first wife and his sons and the couple he thinks of like parents.
Then there is the good ole boys club and who is in that and what exactly do they do.
I felt this really does happen in the real world and can actually seeing this play out on the news.
Thank you Luanne Rice for a great book and to Thomas and Mercer for the ARC to review,

View all my reviews

                                                                           Luanne Rice


Born in Connecticut , The United States

Website
http://www.luannerice.net

Twitter
LuanneRice

Genre
Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult





Luanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-five novels including LAST DAY, BEACH GIRLS, and THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF SISTER. THE SHADOW BOX will be out in January 2021. Five of her books have been made into movies and mini-series, many have been New York Times bestsellers and two of her pieces have been featured in off-Broadway theatre productions. She lives on the Connecticut shoreline.

#thomasandmercer