What We Leave Behind: a woman must face her past and answer the question what could have been

What We Leave Behind by Rochelle Weinstein is the story of Jessica Parker as she faces life and emotional growth confronting the past and moving forward in her future. At sixteen, she is dealing with the loss of her father as well as the loss of her first love. After an intense summer romance, Jonas Levy, a twenty two year old medical student, has abruptly walked out of her life and Jessica is left with deep wounds. As she grows up and moves on, she eventually becomes a successful music supervisor in Los Angeles. After she marries Marty Tauber, a film producer, she finally seems to have it all until her marriage begins to unravel. When a secret from her past comes to light, Jessica finds herself in a storm of trauma and memories as she faces the past. Will she be able to find peace in order to salvage her marriage and save everything she loves? 

For a story that describes itself that “our lives are a sum total of the choices we make, which inevitably leaves us to wonder: what if?” To ask the question: would we go back and make a different choice if we could? To live what could have been? However, What We Leave Behind fell short. The story dragged with lots happening but it didn’t really add to the benefit of the story. For me, different reveals felt out of place and were more for shock value than an emotional impact. I didn’t care for the main character, Jessica and the events that she has to experience which made the book very hard to pick up and get into. Overall, I did not enjoy What We Leave Behind. I just wasn’t drawn into a story I expected to be an emotional exploration of what if and what could have been. I do not recommend What We Leave Behind. 

What We Leave Behind is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

When the Rain Ends: a mother and daughter learn to navigate one of life's toughest storms together

When the Rain Ends by Mary Ellen Taylor is a story of a mother and daughter who must learn to navigate one of life’s toughest storms together. After the sudden death of her ex-husband, Dani Peterson learns that she is slowly losing her vision which has left her feeling adrift. Life on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is just a painful reminder. Along with Bella, her grief stricken twelve year old daughter, Dani buys an old farm near the Virginia state line. While Bella is not happy with the drastic change, Dani is more determined to rise to the challenge. Soon the summer brings them new challenges, new friends, and the possibility of a new love. Can they learn that every storm can be weather as long as they do it together? Are sunny skies in their future after so much wind and rain? 

When the Rain Ends held so much promise that I was eager to begin reading. It soon became apparent that the book would not live up to the synopsis. This story had so much potential as the topic of grief is prevalent throughout and yet I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. Dani was okay as a mom who was trying to help her daughter with grief while dealing with grief herself. Bella didn’t act like a twelve year old in her behaviors and attitude. The plot was flat and forming. It didn’t hold my attention. In parts, I found myself zoning out. Some of the subplots were underdeveloped and others didn’t fit in the overarching story. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. It could have been a great story about grief and learning to move forward. I do not recommend When the Rain Ends. 

When the Rain Ends is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Lost Baker of Vienna: family history and a search for answers

The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman is a historical novel inspired by the author’s family in the aftermath of the Holocaust and World War II. In Vienna, 1946, Chana Rosensweig survived the horrors of the war, only to find herself, her mother and her younger brother free and yet struggling to make a living and live in safety. Despite the danger, Chana sneaks into the hotel where she works and makes her late father’s recipes late at night. She soon finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle, torn between the black market dealer who offered security and the apprentice baker who shares her passions. In North Carolina, 2018, Zoe Rosenzweig follows the clues left in her late grandfather’s writings to track down her great aunt in Europe and find out the truth to what happened to her. Soon, Zoe has the sense that someone is following her. Is there someone in the shadows looking for her aunt as well? 

In a story about survival, loss, love and the effects of war, The Lost Baker of Vienna speaks of the unbreakable bonds of family and bringing to light the courageous spirit of survival as the World War II refugees begin to rebuild their lives and overcome the overwhelming hardships left behind in a world torn apart by war. I enjoyed that the author focused on the events and experiences in the aftermath of World War II. Often World War II novels focus on the actual war experiences and ignore the aftermath. I felt more drawn to Zoe’s experiences as she is tracing the steps of her great aunt than Chana’s point of view. Overall, I enjoyed both points of view as the web of secrets unraveled. Some parts were interesting and kept me reading while others were predictable. However, I commend the author for giving a voice to those left behind in war and worked to rebuild. If you enjoy historical novels, I recommend The Lost Baker of Vienna. 

The Lost Baker of Vienna will be available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook 

on August 19, 2025. 

True North: a friends to lovers romance with plenty of emotions

True North is the first book in the North Brothers series by Amy Knupp. Cole North has always felt like the odd man out. With a high IQ, he falters when it comes to personal relationships. Years ago, he left his rightful position in the family business and began a successful career in construction instead. Cole is the foreman for Sierra Lowell, owner of Dunn and Lowell, a remodeling company. She is creative, hardworking and likes to think outside the box. She has one rule: do not mix business with pleasure. When a last minute break up leaves her without a date for her sister’s wedding. Cole surprises her and himself when he offers to be her fake date for the night. When their evening turns into a family emergency, Sierra sees a side of Cole she never knew and the line between boss and foreman becomes blurry. Can Cole go from her right hand man to the right man for her? 

True North is friends to lovers romance with lots of sweet moments, plenty of angst and filled with emotions. I enjoyed Sierra and Cole from the beginning and wondered what in Cole’s past left him determined to be a loner for the rest of his life. There is a moment when Cole comes to terms with a past he can’t change and words he cannot take back, I cried. I wasn’t expecting tears in this romance. It was a beautiful scene with great descriptions. I loved Sierra’s confidence, her ability to stand up for herself and call Cole out on his self-defeating behavior. I also loved the banter between Cole and his brothers. I enjoyed the sisterly bond between Sierra and her sister. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a friends to lovers romance with lots of emotions, I highly recommend True North. 

True North is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Memory of You: a second chance romance with dark secrets and angsty emotions

The Memory of You is the first book in the Sanctuary Sound series by Jamie Beck. Stefanie “Steffi” Lockwood is a survivor. After a brutal assault, she returns home to Sanctuary Sound, a coastal Connecticut smalltown, in order to rebuild her life. Starting a remodeling business with her childhood friend, Claire, Steffi finds herself hired by her ex-boyfriend’s mother. Ryan Quinn is a public defender who has returned to Sanctuary Sound after his wife leaves him. With his daughter, Emmy, in tow, Ryan did not expect to see Steffi working on his family home especially when she shattered his heart so many years ago. As Steffi and Ryan find themselves interacting more and more, Steffi must confront old regrets and Ryan finds old feelings still there. Steffi never thought she would have a second chance with her first love; however, secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart for good. 

The Memory of You is a second chance romance with dark secrets and angsty emotions. From the opening chapter to the closing epilogue, I could not put this story down. I enjoyed Steffi’s character from the get-go and I liked how she owed her mistakes and apologized for hurting Ryan. Ryan was also a great character who wants to do right by his daughter. Emmy was a great character as a little girl who wants her family back together and yet finds herself in her new town. I loved how the author realistically shows how the words “I’m sorry” doesn’t magically fix the hurt that was caused. Trust is hard to earn back when someone has been hurt. The secret Steffi is hiding is realistically heartbreaking and the author handles it well with compassion. Overall, I enjoyed Steffi and Ryan’s story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Memory of You. 

The Memory of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

As Good as Dead: what an ending to the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder trilogy

As Good as Dead is the third and final book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy by Holly Jackson. Pip is getting ready to head to college. However, instead of being excited about the next chapter in her life, she is haunted by the aftermath of her previous case. She is used to death threats and angry trolls in her comment section of her true-crime podcast. However, when strange events start happening and an anonymous person begins to taunt her with a simple question: who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears? Pip realizes she is being stalked and there may be a connection between her stalker and the local serial killer caught six years ago. When the police refuse to act, Pip decides to find the suspect herself before she becomes the next victim. 

What can I say about this book; but wow what an end!!!! This story had lots and lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Pip is dealing with some PTSD as she is still haunted by the previous case. Even turning to questionable methods to be able to function, to say Pip is struggling is an understatement. Questioning her own sense of reality when certain strange occurrences occur until she finds a connection to a serial killer who was convicted years ago. As she investigates, she is convinced the real killer is after her now the man behind bars is innocent. I loved how Ravi, her boyfriend, her friends and even her former enemies came to her aid. I highly recommend As Good as Dead as well as the rest of the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy. 

As Good as Dead is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Taming 7: when the lovable class clown hides a dark and terrible secret

Taming 7 is the fifth book in the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. Claire Biggs and Gerard “Gibsie” Gibson have been best friends since childhood. She is the sunshine who sees the good in everyone, especially Gibsie. She always sees a side of him that no one else doesn’t see. Gibsie is the ultimate and yet lovable class clown. The one to crack a joke when things get too serious. But behind his goofball facade, Gibsie hides a dark secret, a secret he is determined to reveal to no one. As they enter another year of school, storm clouds are rolling in and his secret is getting harder and harder to keep. As their relationship comes to a crossroad, they take a chance for something more, however, Claire is frustrated that Gibsie is still holding back. When the truth is revealed, will their friendship survive? Will it blossom to something stronger or be lost forever? 

The Boys of Tommen series dives into dark subject matters and Taming 7 is no different. From the very first book, Gibsie has been a favorite character of mine. The Ride or Die friend with a heart of gold, yet no one suspects that he is drowning his pain in laughter. I was not expecting the depth of Gibsie’s secret. While I recommend reading Taming 7 and the earlier books of the Boys of Tommen series, I strongly urge readers to read the author’s notes and trigger warnings in the beginning. This story is not for the faint of heart. My heart broke for Gibsie and I cried as he dealt with the revelation of his secret. I am looking forward to more of the Boys of Tommen series. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, angsty New adult stories, I highly recommend Taming 7 and the rest of the Boys of Tommen series. 

Taming 7 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Fragile Sanctuary: an ultimate grumpy-sunshine love story with suspense and hard hitting emotions

Fragile Sanctuary is the first book in the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles. The scowl Anson Hunt gave the world should have been all the warning Rhodes Stirling needed. Adding in his sexy smirk and the fact that he is her brother’s best friend, she should have stayed far, far away. Now he is the new contractor restoring her house and she runs into him every day. Despite her painful past, Rhodes is determined to be upbeat and positive. Anson is the ultimate grump. He’s rude and enjoys solitude way too much. The man won’t crack despite any of the kindness she shows him. Until, that is, he sees her sunshine demeanor shatter.  After a series of events that seem to target Rhodes herself, Anson is there to keep her safe and a spark between them becomes engulfing flames. But Anson is a man with secrets, secrets that have followed him to Sparrow Falls and threatens them both. Will they discover who is targeting Rhodes? Will they survive? 

Catherine Cowles knows how to deliver a deeply emotional and highly suspenseful story with a great love story. I am still working through her book catalog but I know her story will be a roller coaster of emotions and action. When I heard she was writing a new series, I couldn’t wait to dive. What a story it was! Fragile Sanctuary was the ultimate grumpy-sunshine love story with a great deal of suspense. I loved that Rhodes was determined to have a positive outlook on life. I knew that there was a painful reason for Anson’s hands-off approach. Their romance was filled with witty banter and slow burn to spicy scenes. The suspense was great and the reveal of who was behind everything was a complete shock! I loved the found family aspect and the protectiveness the siblings have for each other. Overall, I loved this story and I am eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Fragile Sanctuary. 

Fragile Sanctuary is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Enthralled: steamy romance with drama, passionate love and sweet emotional moments

Enthralled is the first book in The Tribute series by J. Akridge. Cole Barker is a rockstar who is used to having any woman he wants. He had made some bad decisions in the past, decisions that caused the deepest pain. Feeling unworthy of real love for past transgressions, Cole is determined to close his heart to all. Why does Mia fill his thoughts like no other? Mia is a florist after inheriting her grandmother’s shop. She thought she was happy. She thought she knew what the rest of her life would be like. Even if she is settling for familiarity, for comfort instead of love. She never imagined how her life would turn upside down when Cole walked into her shop. She never imagined she would discover what she has been missing. Together, they will discover that healing and forgiveness is possible and a passionate love they have only dreamed of. 

From the opening chapter to the closing epilogue, this story takes hold and does not let go. Filled with drama and sweet emotional moments, Enthralled is a fast paced story. I enjoyed Cole and Mia as individuals and as a couple. There are people and circumstances that try to keep them apart but they are destined to be together. There are a few spicy scenes. There are intense moments of danger and there are moments of shock that left my jaw on the floor. I also loved the family and found family aspect with the secondary characters. Even the villains of the story were worthy of the scorn the readers will feel and the comeuppance they receive in the story. I could not put this book down! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Enthralled. 

Enthralled is available in paperback and eBook

Good Girl, Bad Blood: the clock is ticking when a local man goes missing

Good Girl, Bad Blood is the second book in the A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy by Holly Jackson. With the help of Ravi Singh, Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi released a true crime podcast detailing their investigation into the disappearance of Andie Bell and the death of Sal Singh. As the podcast has gone viral, she makes a promise: no more investigations. However, she is about to break that promise. On the night of the memorial for the sixth year anniversary of the case, Jamie Reynolds disappears. The police won’t take his family’s pleas for an investigation, Connor, Jamie’s brother, turns to Pip. As she starts her investigation, she begins to uncover more of the town’s dark secrets but this time, everyone is listening. Can she find Jamie before it’s too late? 

Good Girl, Bad Blood opens as the trial begins on the Bell-Singh case. From the opening chapter to the closing epilogue, this case was a fast paced race against time as Pip knows every minute counts in a missing person case. I found Good Girl, Bad Blood to be much more engaging than the first book. Pip is my favorite character and loved her vulnerability and dogged determination to see a positive outcome to this case, even though logic and statistics would tell her otherwise. I also enjoyed Ravi, her boyfriend, as the calm to her storm. They are a great team. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am jumping into the third book soon. If you enjoy a young adult detective story, I highly recommend A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. If you enjoyed the first book, I highly recommend Good Girl, Bad Blood. 

Good Girl, Bad Blood is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Between the Shady Groves: sometimes going home is the path to happiness, love and forgiveness

Between the Shady Groves is the tenth book in the Raspberry Ridge Sweet Beach Romance series by Jessie Gussman. Twelve years ago, Lauren left the small town of Raspberry Ridge for the glittering city life and full of ambition. Now, she is married and life isn’t what she imagined. After a series of devastating miscarriages, the death of her mother and her emotionally unaware husband, Lauren returns to her hometown and the family bakery, desperate to find herself again and find the healing she desperately needs. With every familiar sight and scent, stirs memories of heartbreak, anger and abandoned dreams, Lauren takes up her mother’s legacy and opens the bakery once again. As friendships renew and blossom, Lauren finds the sense of belonging she is looking for. What she doesn’t expect is her husband, Cannon, arriving in town with pleads of forgiveness. Lauren must learn that true happiness is not escaping the past but embracing love, family and forgiveness. 

I have not read the earlier books in the Raspberry Ridge series; however, the story sounded promising, so I took a chance. From the very beginning Lauren is a shell of herself and desperate to feel comfort and love from those around her. I empathized with Lauren as someone who has experienced multiple miscarriages as others around me were having babies; however, where I couldn’t sympathize with her is her attitude toward her husband. She expected Cannon to read her mind and know what is wrong, what she wants and needs. Her favorite repeated line was he’s smart, he can figure it out. Men, and people in general, need to be told point blank, "I need this or that.” Overall, I did not like Lauren or Cannon and even though they came to a resolution at the end, I didn’t find myself cheering for them. If you are a fan of the Raspberry Ridge series, I recommend Between the Shady Groves. 

Between the Shady Groves is available in paperback and eBook. 

Matthew: from hated tax collector to gospel writer; from an old life to a new purpose

Capernaum was a key military center for Roman troops with a thriving business community as several major highways passed through bringing merchants as far away as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum who was called by Jesus, left his booth and followed Jesus, observing and taking notes. His observations would become the Gospel of Matthew. There is not much known about Matthew. In the other gospels, Matthew is referred to as Levi, son of Alphaeus. The name may reflect his Jewish heritage as Levi is one of the tribes of Israel. The name, Matthew, may be the name he used when dealing with the Romans. It was common for people to have more than one name especially if they interacted with both Jewish and Roman cultures. Why is Matthew’s occupation an important note? What is special about Matthew’s gospel? What can we learn about the two major changes in Matthew’s life?

Tax collectors were collecting taxes from citizens and merchants passing through town. They were expected to take a commission on the taxes they collected. Tax collectors developed a reputation for overcharging in order to take a greater profit. It was financially profitable, albeit corrupt, therefore, tax collectors were hated among the citizens for cheating as well as their support of Rome. Matthew was a Jewish man, appointed by the Romans to be the area’s tax collector. Matthew may have been hated more as a Jewish man, taking taxes, and handing it over to the Romans, the pagan occupiers. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew did more than just follow. He left his wealth (Luke 5:28). He left a lucrative career, guaranteed unemployment. Matthew would not have a job to go back to, unlike the other disciples like Peter and John, who had a trade to fall back on. The first thing Matthew does after he answers Jesus’s call, he invites friends to his home to meet Jesus (Matthew 9:10; Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29). He didn’t waste any time to witness. He was a changed man and he wanted others to see the reason for that change and hopefully be changed as well. 

The purpose of Matthew’s gospel is to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King, particularly for the Jewish audience. The gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-16). The purpose of this genealogy was to show Jesus in the kingly line from the connection Abraham to King David to Jesus. Matthew’s genealogy also includes four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Three of these four women were involved in sexual scandals: Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38:15-19, Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho (Joshua 2:1) and Bathsheba committed adultery with King David (2 Samuel 11:1-4). Ruth was a Moabite (Ruth 1:4). Why is this important? It is an example that God works through all people, ordinary people, for his purpose. His work is not limited to human failures or sins. The gospel of Matthew is also the only gospel to record the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). As Matthew is writing for the Jewish audience in mind, this sermon serves as the fulfillment of the Torah as Jesus reveals the true spiritual intent of the Law that is more than simply observance. It is a deeper righteousness and call to true discipleship through love, humility and purity of heart. 

When Jesus called Matthew, there were two changes. First, a new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are new creations in Jesus as the old has gone and the new has come. Matthew went from hated to accepted. He was a despised outcast because of his job; but in Jesus, he has a new life. In Jesus, hope is restored and death is reversed like a new bud on a dying plant, God gives us new hearts to love, new eyes to see Him and new minds to bear witness to His miracles. Romans 6:4 tells us that God gives us a new life just as He raised Jesus from the dead. Second, a new purpose. When he decided to follow Jesus, Matthew wasted no time introducing other Jesus. Sometimes new believers are taught that they need to wait for spiritual maturity before introducing others to Jesus. However, believers can and should share their faith regardless of where they are in their journey because God can use whatever knowledge, skill or experience they already have for those in their lives at the moment. There is always an opportunity to share the gospel whether you are a new believer or a lifelong believer. 

In conclusion, little is known about Matthew beyond a handful of mentions in the gospel and his presence at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) with no substantial record on his role in the early church. Christian tradition honors Matthew as a martyr; although, there is no record of where or how he died. Some traditions say he was stoned, beheaded, burned or stabbed. Other traditions suggest he died of natural causes like John. However, the important lesson from Matthew’s life is that Jesus accepts people from every level of society. Jesus eating with sinners at Matthew’s home shows that God’s love and message is for everyone. The Gospel of Matthew emphases Jesus’s compassion for sinners, the sick, the outcasts and the ignored. Being a follower of Jesus is not for people who think they are already good or righteous. It is for people who know they have failed and need a Savior. 

A Girl Called Samson: an unsung Revolutionary War hero

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon is a fictionalized story of a real life Revolutionary War hero. In 1760, Deborah Samson is born in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support Deborah and her siblings, she is bound out as an indentured servant. She lives and works with the Thomas family, she yearns for a life of freedom and adventures. As the colonies are battling for their independence, Deborah disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental Army. With her height and lanky build her transformation is persuasive and soon she finds herself witnessing the horrors of war. As Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must protect her secret at all costs and finds something she did not expect: love. Will she survive the war? Will her secret be discovered? 

I love history and especially American history. I have never heard of Deborah Samson. A woman born ahead of her time, Deborah fought with bravery, ingenuity and courage. Amy Harmon’s story is a fast paced story, told through letters and from Deborah’s point of view, readers will witness battles and the fight for freedom with Deborah. I found myself cheering for her, urging her on and holding my breath that she wouldn’t be caught. I also enjoyed seeing more Revolutionary War figures than the usual suspects. I learned about real life General John Paterson and Agrippa Hull, a freeman. After I finished this story, I immediately looked up the individuals and read more into their lives before, during and after the war. If you enjoy strong women characters and history, I highly, highly recommend A Girl Called Samson. 

A Girl Called Samson is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Falling for You Again: an ex-husband, a marriage of convenience and rules made to be broken

Falling For You Again by Kerry Lonsdale is a story of family, love and a marriage of convenience. Meli Hynes is a furniture artisan, raised by her uncle Bear and takes his truisms to heart. After a twenty four hour marriage during a Las Vegas fling, Meli gave marriage a shot and decided that her family’s wood crafting shop was the legacy she wanted to live for. When she learns that her uncle decides to sell to a competitor, the promised inheritance is threatened and Meli is ready to right for it. The competitor just happens to be her ex-husband’s family business and she approaches him to stop the deal. His idea? A marriage of convenience. With his own controlling family, Aaron Borland proposes a marriage in name only with public displays of affection and living together as happy newlyweds. And most importantly, never let real feelings get in the way. It may be the hardest rule of all. 

I was very excited to read the newest story by Kerry Lonsdale and when I won a copy, I immediately jumped in. From the opening page to the closing chapters, Meli and Aaron’s story was filled with heart, growth, humor and love. Overall, I liked Meli’s growth through the book. She was certainly a character I wanted to shake some sense into. However, I loved Aaron’s character from his introduction and throughout the story. Meli’s friend, Emi, was a great supporting character. A very direct, someone who will call you out on your nonsense. I loved the scene where Emi meets Aaron for the first time and gives him the “If you hurt her” speech! A few characters had a lot of jaded opinions about marriage, which I get as many haven’t had pleasant or great marriage experiences. Overall, Falling for You Again was a good, entertaining story. I was not able to put it down. I highly recommend Falling for You Again. 

Falling for You Again is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Now and Then: an innocent man behind bars? Graystone Investigations is on the case

Now and Then is the thirteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. Taylor traded her badge, and alongside her husband Sam, launched Graystone Investigations. A private detective agency fueled by grit, intuition and the pursuit of justice. Their latest case is a chance to overturn a decade old conviction when new evidence puts further doubt on the case. A man spent ten years in prison for a brutal crime, a crime he insists he did not commit. The only person who stands by his side, his wife. Taylor and Sam begin to dig into the case and discover missing evidence, unfollowed leads and truths buried. At the same time, Anna has finally found purpose in her nursing career. When a chance encounter with a new patient puts her face to face with her ex-husband, Anna finds herself falsely accused of a crime and begins the uphill battle to clear her name. 

The Hart’s Ridge series has grown to a wonderful story of family and resilience with suspense and the journey to justice. Now and Then is a story that starts slowly like a fire you didn’t know was there until it burns into a raging inferno. A man convicted by a shortsighted investigation, a wife who never gave up hope and Taylor and Sam fueled by a drive to find the truth seemingly lost in time. Anna’s story was equally engaging as I wanted to wring her ex-husband’s neck. The story does end with a cliffhanger, a heart stopping cliffhanger that I am eager to see resolved in the next book, coming soon. I loved this story as I could not put it down. If you have not read the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend it. If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, you will love Now and Then. 

Now and Then is available in paperback and eBook

Sisters of Fortune: three sisters at the crossroads of family tradition and their modern dreams

Sisters of Fortune by Esther Chehebar is a story of three sisters as they search for love and a place in the world all along with the growing pains of adulthood. From a Syrian Jewish family, living in Brooklyn, the Cohen sisters find themselves in a tug of war between tradition and modern society, between what their community expects and what they want for themselves. Nina, the eldest sister, is happily single at 26 and ignores the talk of spinstership. Fortune, the middle sister, is engaged but wonders if she truly wants to marry her fiancé. Lucy, the youngest sister, is a senior at her yeshiva high school, and begins a relationship with an older man. Adding to the tug of war, their charismatic grandmother, Sitto, who fled Syria in 1992 and their mother, Sally, who is anxious about her daughters’ futures. Can the sisters truly find happiness while managing family tradition and their own dreams? 

In her debut novel, author Esther Chehebar writes a coming of age story about dating, ambition and the immigrant community. Described as “hilarious” and “heart-warming,” Sisters of Fortune has themes of remembering where family comes from and looking forward to where they are going. While there were humorous moments; however, the story did not have much going on. The family dynamics were interesting as I have not read many books with Syrian immigrants; but I was bored with the sisters themselves. The story features each sister’s point of view. I feel Fortune and Nina had the most growth in the story. I felt for Fortune as she is unsure of marriage and feels inadequate. Nina feels the pressure to marry. Lucy’s story was just uncomfortable. Overall, the story wasn’t the hilarious, heart-warming coming of age story I was expecting. However, I do recommend readers check out Sisters of Fortune as it may speak to them in ways it did not speak to me. 

Sisters of Fortune is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy: romance and suspense in a small town

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is the first book in the Escape to Cowboy Crossing series by Alexa Verde. When their family is threatened, former policewoman Jessie Ashford makes sure their temporary home in a small town is as secure as possible as secure as the wall around her heart. She also has a secret she will die trying to protect. However, when Ronan O’Neill, the local police officer, helps investigate the suspicious events around Jessie and her family, her defenses begin to fall. As Jessie is a woman who has a chip on her shoulder, Ronan is a cop with his heart on his sleeve. Still reeling from the loss of his fiancée, he wasn’t expecting to be drawn to Jessie. Can Jessie learn to trust Ronan and open her heart one more time? Can Ronan convince her that he is worthy of her love and trust? 

From the opening page to the closing chapter, No Fake Dating for a Cowboy has all the charms of a small town with the suspense of a mystery thriller. There is a mixture of love, humor and nail biting excitement. However, there was a bit too much jumping back and forth in time. There was a lot of internal monologue. Too much information that other characters discuss without being revealed by another. Did I miss when particular information was revealed? I did like the characters. They were believable with flaws and yet band together to support one another. I loved the interactions between Jessie and her sisters and Ronan and his brothers. Ms Verde definitely captured sibling relationships and interactions. Overall, the story was good and I am still debating if I will continue the series. If you enjoy a small town romance with suspense, I recommend No Fake Dating for a Cowboy. 

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Broken Summer: one man is forced to confront the past, the secrets and lies that surround it

Broken Summer by J.M. Lee and translated by An Seon Jae is a story of a mysterious death, lies and a secret that one man spent 26 years running from until one fateful day. Lee Hanjo is an artist who is envied and celebrated. On the morning of his 43rd birthday, he wakes up to find his devoted wife gone and a completed, not yet published book she had secretly written. A story about an unsavory past and the questionable past of an artist that was eerily similar to his own and one summer when a deadly lie tragically destroys two families. Dread fills him as he realizes that his life is about to shatter and the demons he has been running from have caught up with him. Why did his wife do it? And why now? 

Described as a master storyteller, J.M. Lee is a renowned Korean author. He delivers an unforgettable story of hidden truths, lies, and the inevitable consequences. The past won’t stay buried and deceptions will be unraveled. The writing is beautifully poetic and with every twist and turn, readers will be on the edge of their seats. The story does start off a bit slow; but as Hanjo remembers the details of that fateful summer, the story picks up pace as he tries to discover who his wife really is and what her motivations could possibly be. With multiple points of views, dual timelines and very character driven. They may not be characters to root for or care about; however, they are intriguing as the mystery unfolds. If you enjoy a sleepy thriller with a fast paced ending, I highly recommend Broken Summer. 

Broken Summer is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook