The Good Lie: a killer has been caught or has he?

The Good Lie by A.R. Torre is a crime mystery thriller as a killer has been caught or has he? Six teens have been abducted and found murdered. The last victim manages to escape and return home where he names his abductor. Defense attorney Robert Kavin is still traumatized after his teenage son was one of the six victims. However, when he sees that a victim has escaped and names a local school teacher Randall Thompson as his captor, he is convinced of Thompson’s innocence and takes his representation. While the evidence against Thompson is damning but Robert is still convinced they have the wrong man. He hires psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Moore, to create a psych profile of the killer. Gwen is an expert on killers. She spent a decade treating some of the most depraved predators and learning their motives. As Robert and Gwen work together, growing closer, the investigation raises more questions than answers. 

A.R. Torre is known for crime mystery thrillers and I was expecting a story of twists and turns and continued guesses until the final reveal. As a student of psychology, I enjoy the deep dive into why criminals, especially killers, follow the patterns that they do. The story started out interesting as I knew the named suspect was not the killer. However, as I read I felt the story slowing down and that the story dragged too much especially with Gwen and Robert’s relationship. It was more their relationship than the investigation and trial. I started to skim in order to just find out who the killer was and felt a little disappointed at the reveal. Some of the reveals were definitely surprising but underwhelming. Overall, the story wasn’t bad but I wasn’t wowed by the story or the characters. If you are a fan of crime mystery thrillers, you may enjoy The Good Lie. 

The Good Lie is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Casandra's Dragon: an Empire of Ash and Song novella

Casandra’s Dragon is a novella related to the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy by D.E. Carlson. As the daughter of the Dragon Judge, Casandra holds a confidence that there is nothing she cannot do. No cliff she cannot climb, no fight she cannot win. So when her best friend is banished for failing the Dragon Judge’s test, there is no question in her mind what she must do. If no one will challenge the Firebloods and get rid of the Fire Emperor, Casandra will do it herself. Armed with her father’s swords and her dragon by her side, there is nothing her clever mind cannot do. She sets out on a mission that could help bring her friend back or she will die trying. 

I received this novella as a free gift when I signed up for Ms. Carlson’s newsletter. After I finished the final book in the trilogy, I immediately jumped into this novella. It is a great, quick and engaging read as readers discover the series of events which brings her to the Fire Palace where we first meet her in To Bind Fire and the reasons behind her mission. I loved Casandra’s character in the trilogy. It was also great to see more of the Dragonbloods before their introduction in To Bind the Court and their lives hidden from the rest of the world. If you have enjoyed the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy, you will enjoy this novella. I highly recommend Casandra’s Dragon. 

Casandra’s Dragon is available in paperback on the author’s website: 

https://d-e-carlson-fantasy-author.myshopify.com/products/to-bind-fire-empire-of-ash-and-song-book-1-copy?variant=47271184236675 

and in eBook when signing up for the author’s newsletter

The Color of the Season: a series of events changes one man's life forever

The Color of the Season is the seventh book in the The Color of Heaven series by Julianne MacLean. Josh Wallace, a Boston cop, is having the worst day of his life. He gets dumped by the woman who he thought was the one and he was ready to propose. Then he gets shot in the line of duty. While recovering in the hospital, he begins to have experiences that he cannot explain and is afraid to talk about, afraid it would ruin his career. Everything he once believed about his life shifts as he reunites with Leah James, a childhood friend he hadn’t seen in decades. As they talk about their childhood and their experiences since they last saw each other, a series of events opens the doors of his past and maybe even ones for his future as well. 

The Color of Heaven series has been emotionally moving and The Color of the Season is another great addition. Once I opened this book, I could not put it down. Picking up after the events of the previous book, picking up Josh’s perspective. He is angry and bitter from the break up, not knowing that his life was about to change in ways he could never imagine. I closed the book with feelings of awe. This story was so moving with deep emotions and drama. The twists and surprises I didn’t see coming kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying this series and I enjoyed this story as well. I highly recommend The Color of the Season as well as the previous books in this series. I highly recommend starting with The Color of Heaven. 

The Color of the Season is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

What I'm Looking For: a 1980s Boston opposites attract rom com

What I’m Looking For is the first book in the Boston Classics series by Karen Grey. It seems to be a perfect recipe for a Boston Cocktail: one park finance geek, one part starving actor, two shots of stubbornness and a healthy squeeze of passion. Shake well and service in a vintage glass. When Kate Bishop walks into Boston’s famous Bull and Finch pub, she is looking for the one salesman she can trust to have her back. She has been ordered to get over her stage fright and present her precise research to clients and save her job. Romance is the last thing on her mind but when she meets the Shakespeare quoting bartender, she starts to wonder what if. Will Talbot is not a fan of the slick financiers who come into the bar every night. However, a certain beautiful, reserved brunette with a fire in her eyes caught his attention. As a Wall Street financier and a starving actor, they were totally wrong for each other but they can’t seem to stay away from each other.  

As a rom com story set in the finance world of the 1980s, I was intrigued. However, I was bored. I didn’t care for either Kate or Will. Kate felt like a stereotypical 1980s career woman, angry at the blatant sexism. Yes, women weren’t exactly welcomed in the workplace but the story didn’t give me a reason to root for Kate. Will was her antithesis. He hated the money making mentality and wore starving actor like a badge of honor. I felt the financial terms and speech slowed down the story and it really didn’t feel like the 1980s. It was supposed to be the late 80s and other than not having cell phones and the difficulty connecting with each other, it didn’t feel like the 1980s. One character even joked that it was too bad that we couldn’t carry phones in our pockets. I love a good Shakespeare quote; however, the sheer amount further weighted the story down. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend What I’m Looking for. 

What I’m Looking For is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

To Bind the Stars: the final battle against a powerful force and freedom of the land and its people

To Bind the Stars is the third and final book in the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy by D.E. Carlson. The Fire Emperor has been killed by Iris’s hand. The Dragonbloods have declared war on the remaining Fire Empire. Iris has done her job. She has freed the world from the oppressive emperor and now, she can finally rest. Or can she? The powerful force behind the emperor, Ahl, the Star Prince, has been driven back but he is far from dead and he has found a new puppet. How do you win against a demon? As the world begins to awaken and former enemies become allies against their common enemies, battle plans are drawn for one final epic showdown. Iris finds herself at odds with what she has done and what is still required of her. Can she open her heart and relieve the conflict within her mind? 

I was eager to finish this trilogy and at the same time I wasn’t ready for it to end. I have thoroughly enjoyed Iris’s growth from the frightened young girl in To Bind Fire to the powerful woman she becomes. I even enjoyed the story arcs of the other characters: Besaun, Casandra, and so many others. There were a great many twists and surprises that had me gasping at their reveal. There were even reveals that were foreshadowed in the previous books that had me screaming “I knew it!” when the connections were made. The faith themes are presented in simple terms and easily understandable. I am looking forward to future books by Ms. Carlson. Overall, If you enjoy adventure stories with faith themes similar to the Chronicles of Narnia, I feel you would thoroughly enjoy the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy. I highly, highly recommend To Bind the Stars. 

To Bind The Stars is available in paperback and eBook

Kiss Me First: a sweet, mature young adult romance with lots of laughs and drama

Kiss Me First is the Blairwood University and Bluebonnet Creek series prequel story by Anna B. Doe. Katherine Adams never thought she'd end up in the small town of Bluebonnet Creek, Texas. However, it is the perfect place when she needs to get away. She and her younger sister, Penny, have moved in with her aunt as Penny needs specialized care. Her plan doesn’t include the attention of a certain boy, no matter how charming he is. Emmett Santiago is the town’s golden boy, star football player and the one who could have any girl he wanted. But one look at Kate and he is hooked. While Katherine tries to keep Emmett at arm’s length, he is determined to win her heart. When the sparks start to fly, will she be able to resist? Can Emmett convince Katherine that when he is in, he is all in? 

Kiss Me First is a sweet, mature young adult romance with lots of laughs and drama. At first, I found Katherine to be very aloof and cold; however, once I learned why, I understood. I loved to see Katherine open up and be the teenager she was supposed to be instead of the adult she had to be. I enjoyed Emmett’s pursuit of her as sweet and charming. He was the strength she needed. I also enjoyed the supporting characters who added the laughs of the story. The drama was very realistic and heartbreaking. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. The story was an engaging read which made it easier to stay glued to the page and continue reading. If you enjoy sweet, mature young adult romance, I recommend Kiss Me First. 

Kiss Me First is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Fix: a survivor of a brutal attack has a chance to save another victim

The Fix by Mia Sheridan is a romantic suspense thriller as a survivor of a brutal attack has a chance to save another victim.  Eleven years ago, Cami Cortlandt’s mother and sister were killed in a violent home invasion. While the trauma and the notoriety still follows her, Cami has built a life in her hometown, trying to put it all behind her as best she can. Until one day, one phone call puts another life on the line. A distorted voice asking if she wanted a do-over. A video of a young boy trapped in a room with bars on the window. A boy who looks vaguely familiar. She has four days to find him. With the help of an old classmate, Rex Lowe, Cami races to find the boy and answer the questions racing through her mind. Where is he? Who is he? And why is Cami the only one who can save him? 

After reading Mia Sheridan’s previous books, I knew her stories would be a bit darker with twists and turns. However, as I closed the book, I was left with indifference. I wasn’t wowed by the story but I didn’t hate it either. I enjoyed Cami’s story and her resilience to rebuild her life. I also enjoyed Rex’s character. Their romance was subtle and didn’t overwhelm the mystery or suspense of the story. The twists and the turns of the story kept my interest as I wanted to know who was behind the boy’s kidnapping and why Cami was given the chance to save him. However, there were certain character injections that left me confused and wondering how they fit in the overall mystery. While it is revealed, it felt underwhelming, Overall, I did enjoy the story but I wasn’t wowed. If you enjoy romantic suspense thrillers, you may enjoy this book. I recommend The Fix. 

The Fix is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

To Bind the Court: an continuing fantasy adventure series as one woman embraces her destiny to rid the world of evil

To Bind the Court is the second book in the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy by D.E. Carlson. Iris is destined to destroy the hold on the world held by the Fire Empire. She searches for clues in the Fire City and her greatest hope becomes her worst nightmare. She finds herself pulled into the political games. The Fire Emperor puts her through trial after trial of fire and she is determined to beat his games. However, she knows when you play the games, you will pay a ransom. Games she may lose. Prince Besaun has lost everything. Cassandra, the woman he loves, betrayed him and he finds himself in a personal prison as he knows that his mother tortures her and backs him into a corner to make sure he cooperates in his mother’s plans. However, when an assignment, meant to control him, brings him face to face with the one person who brings up questions in his very soul. Will he risk everything to fight back against the empire? 

I recently read the first book of the trilogy after finding D.E. Carlson on social media. After finishing that book, I immediately turned around and ordered the last two books. To Bind the Court picks up immediately after the events of the first book and it doesn’t let the reader go. It is action packed that I eagerly turned pages to see if Iris would be able to resist the Fire Emperor’s temptations. Can she find allies in rooms filled with enemies? I closed the book with a breathless “Wow!” and grabbed the third book. I wrote down a few great quotes to post above my computer. One of these quotes is “It is always possible to resist…It is not always possible to resist and see victory, but that does not make the fight unworthy.” If you enjoy fantasy stories with lots of action and intrigue, I highly recommend the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy, start with To Bind Fire. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend To Bind the Court. 

To Bind the Court is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Queen's Coronation: three women's lives change against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth's coronation

The Queen’s Coronation by Jennifer Ryan is the story of three women’s worlds change with a friendship. It is London, 1953, Buckingham Palace prepares for the new queen’s coronation. Caroline Brimstone is an assistant dresser to the queen and admires the strength the young woman shows against the pressures and rules around her. Caroline’s personal life is in shambles as her husband’s gambling problem has her holding tightly to every penny she earns. Can she follow the example of her new queen and find the strength to take the chance for a better future? Lucy Jones is a junior wardrobe assistant who is young, idealistic and eager to become a famous singer. When she has a chance to so stardom, she is excited until some things come up that has her questioning her idea of a glamorous life. Miranda Miller comes from America to take a temporary job as a secretary in the palace. However, she is actually an undercover journalist writing an in-depth article about the coronation. 

I have loved Ms. Ryan’s previous books so I was so excited to read The Queen’s Coronation. A story about friendship during one of the greatest historical events of the 20th century. Overall, I loved the opening chapter and the introduction of each woman; however, the story didn’t capture my attention. The story is well researched, especially with the details about the queen’s coronation and the planning. I enjoyed the parts about the actual coronation; however, I did not enjoy the story about the women, their lives or their friendship. And some of the events which happened would not have been acceptable and would have resulted in multiple terminations. The story became more about how horribly women were treated in the 1950s. I can see how the overall theme of the story was that Queen Elizabeth’s coronation empowered other women; however, I feel it fell flat. Unfortunately, this story was not up to par with Ms. Ryan’s previous books. I do not recommend The Queen’s Coronation. 

The Queen’s Coronation is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Chateau on Sunset: a modern retelling of Jane Eyre against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Hollywood

The Chateau on Sunset by Natasha Lester is a story of tragic loss, beautiful friendship and an epic love with the backdrop of the Golden Age of Hollywood. After her parents’ tragic deaths, Aria Jones is sent to live with her reclusive aunt at the Chateau Marmont, a hotel on Hollywood Boulevard with a notorious reputation. She is left alone to wander, Aria sees everything that most people would overlook or ignore. She learns that behind the glitz and glamour lurks darkness secrets. Secrets that will haunt her childhood. She finds comfort in the hotel’s library, babysitting for the various residents with the goal to save enough money to strike out on her own. Until one day when the hotel is sold to the mysterious rock star, Theo Winchester and his troubled daughter, Adele. Aria begins to think there is more to life than being invisible. 

The Chateau on Sunset is described as a modern retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, this story tells the rich, colorful and dark history of Hollywood from the 1950s to the 1970s through the eyes of a young girl. I picked up this book as Jane Eyre is one of my ultimate favorite classic books and I was intrigued how the author would weave the story elements with the bright lights of Hollywood. The story did have the elements of Jane’s story; however, I was a bit confused at the author’s notes at the end of the book when she claims that she felt Jane deserved a story in which she was the real star. I’m sorry, Jane wasn’t the star of her own story?!? Overall, I enjoyed the story as a modern retelling of Jane Eyre and the author certainly got the aspects right, especially the spooky haunting elements. I recommend The Chateau on Sunset. 

The Chateau on Sunset is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Thoughts and Christian Perspective on KPOP Demon Hunters

If you haven’t heard of the Netflix sensation film KPop Demon Hunters, you probably have been living under a rock. It has been everywhere since it exploded on the scene in 2025. It follows the story of Rumi, Mira and Zoey as the demon hunters who fight the evil minions of their ruler with their swords and their songs. Everyone knows the songs, “Golden” and “Soda Pop;” as they got the greatest play, however, in my opinion, there aren’t even the best songs. KPOP Demon Hunters has been a global phenomenon and a sequel was announced in March 2026 with a slated 2029 release date. There have been mixed reviews from Christian perspectives. Some have enjoyed it and seen Christian perspectives in the story while others vehemently stated that this movie was to be avoided at all costs. I decided to watch it one day and make a decision for myself. What is the story of the movie? What are the themes? What are my thoughts and Christian perspective? 

Long ago, demons preyed on humans by feeding their souls to their ruler, Gwi-Ma. Eventually, three women rose up and became demon hunters and used their singing voices to create a magical barrier called the Honmoon. To maintain the Honmoon, new trios of hunters would rise up with the ultimate goal would be to strengthen the Honmoon into the Golden Honmoon, a final, permanent seal to banish the demons for good. Fast forward to the present day, The K-Pop girl group, Huntrix, composed of Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho, Ejae provides her singing voice), Mira (voiced by May Hong, singing voice provided by Audrey Nuna) and Zoey (voiced by Ji-young Yoo, singing voice provided by Rei Ami), are the latest demon-hunting trio. Rumi hides a secret. She is half-demon, a face only known to her and Celine, a former hunter who raised Rumi after the death of her mother. Her demonic patterns are becoming more and more widespread and she fears her secret coming out. In the demon world, Gwi-Ma is angry at his demons’ failures when Jinu (voiced by Ahn Hyo-seop, singing voice provided by Andrew Choi) suggests fighting the Huntrix at their own game and creates a boy band, the Saja Boys. The plan immediately begins to work as the fans turn to the new band, weakening the Honmoon as well as the bonds between the girls. When everything seems bleak, Rumi decides to publicly interrupt the Saja Boys’ performance with her own song which helps bring Mira and Zoey back to her. Reunited, the Huntrix fights the demons and ultimately defeats Gwi-Ma and creates a new Honmoon. 

There are themes of power in community and friendship, overcoming cultural pressures, and resilience. Some have seen Rumi coming public with her demon patterns as an allegory for coming out in the LGBTQ+ community. They cite the themes of identity, secrecy and self-acceptance. And while I can see how they could see that allegory in the movie; however, these themes are unique to the LGBTQ+ community. While the movie is not explicitly Christian, as JRR Tolkien showed us with the Lord of the Rings, a movie does not have to explicitly preach the gospel to contain a good Christian message. The song, “Your Idol,” is a warning against sin and discusses the dynamics of devotion, obsession and control. The narrator presents himself as an irresistible savior with temptations and seduction. “I”m the only one who’ll love your sins/Feel the way my voice gets underneath your skin.” My favorite song is “What It Sounds Like,” It is a song of acknowledgment of one’s imperfection and brokenness: “So we were cowards, so we were liars/So we're not heroes, we're still survivors/The dreamers, the fighters, no lying, I'm tired.” Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” While Satan wants to use our darkness, our past, our sins to keep us weak, Romans 8:28 reminds that “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We can be broken, but made whole by God and find the strength to stand up and fight against evil. 

I have seen this movie several times, both with my daughter and by myself, and I have loved it. First, none of the good guys in the film are demons. Demons are not the heroes of the story. They are the villains and they are defeated in the end. While Rumi is half demon, she is ashamed of her demon side and eventually overcomes it. I see it as Rumi overcoming and breaking familial patterns that were not of her making. She chooses to overcome this brokenness to fight back. Our family’s past, even our heritage is not our fault; however, we can rise above the scars and be better people than our ancestors. Second, several key creators and contributors involved, including songwriters and voice actors have expressed a Christian faith. In South Korea, Christianity is the largest organized religion with approximately 23-31% of the population. Third, in my experience, just because something is “Christian made” doesn't mean it is biblically sound. In the same vein, just because something isn’t labeled “Christian” doesn’t mean it does not contain biblical truths. Unfortunately, when something is labeled as Christian, it automatically limits the audience. 

In conclusion, I find that Christians will often push aside any thought of demonic forces. We do not want to think about or talk about demons. We refuse to face the fact that there is an enemy who hates us because God loves us. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Do not be afraid of this story because it has demons. If you feel the conviction to stay away from this story, then please do so. However, do not criticize those who do not have that same conviction and watch this movie and enjoy it. Overall, I do not feel KPOP Demon Hunters is a movie to stay away from. While it is not, in general, a Christian movie, I can see Christian themes and the opportunity to have discussions about God, demons and spiritual warfare we may experience in our lives. 

The Hardest, Longest Race: an ambitious race and one man's determination to make sure his car won

The Hardest, Longest Race: Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest that Changed America by Eric Moskowitz is the story of the first true coast-to-coast automobile race in U.S. History. In 1909, America was home to 253 automakers who were visionaries, schemers and would-be barons of a new century. M. Robert Guggenheim, a playboy millionaire, announced an audacious “Ocean to Ocean” contest from New York City to the Seattle World’s Fair with three companies brave enough to try: Acme, Ford, and Shawmut. Oddsmakers favored the pricey imports while dismissing the pint-sized Model T and the long shot Shawmut, a company struggling to survive after a factory fire. With the rough terrain, they didn’t believe the cars would reach the finish line. But Henry Ford was determined to prove that the Model T could go the distance and three weeks later, a Ford crossed the finish line. However, the victory was a fraud. 

I had never heard of the Ocean to Ocean race and I was intrigued at this piece of automobile history. The Hardest, Longest Race is a fast-paced tale of the gritty and determined drivers, told from their perspectives, braving the hostile terrain, mechanical failures and sabotage and subterfuge to ensure victory. I wasn’t surprised that Henry Ford had cheated in order to win the race. However, it is also a love letter to America and the car which would help transform the landscape of the automobile. There was a lot of mechanical information that someone without basic automotive knowledge would get lost. However, even if you do not understand basic car mechanics, the history and the high stakes would be worth the read. Overall, I enjoyed the tale of the Ocean to Ocean race and the men who drove it. If you enjoy history and automobiles, I highly recommend The Hardest, Longest Race. 

The Hardest, Longest Race:

Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest that Changed America

will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on June 2, 2026. 

The Unicorn Hunters: a historical fiction fantasy of one woman's determination to keep her country's future secure

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden is a historical fiction fantasy of one woman’s determination to keep her country’s future secure. Anne of Brittany is an orphaned duchess who decides to use the world of myth and magic in order to buy herself time. When she was a child, her country was invaded, her home surrounded and her father driven to his death. Now the country’s treasury is empty, the land is filled with enemies and she has been ordered to marry the King of France or risk a renewed war. Anne had promised her father that Brittany would never be conquered. In secret, she betroths herself to France’s greatest enemy and in order to formalize the union, Anne takes her court deep into a legendary forest under the guise of hunting an unicorn. However, it is all a ruse or so Anne thinks when a unicorn appears and she finds herself in a world of enchantment where she must find the power to change her own as well as her country’s destiny or be lost forever. 

I loved Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy with a mix of historical events and magical elements. When I had a chance to read The Unicorn Hunters, I looked forward to it as I was intrigued. I knew of Anne of Brittany, the historical figure, as well as the story depicted in the famous Unicorn Hunt tapestries. From the opening pages to the closing chapters, this story was engaging with a political strategy, historical figures and mystical intrigue. Anne is strong willed, fiercely loyal to the memory of her father and the people who depend on her. I enjoyed watching her strategize as she tried to avoid marriage with the King of France. I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of the country and the legendary forest. There is a romantic element to the story; however, I feel it did not overwhelm the story. Overall, I enjoyed this reimagined story of the historical Anne of Brittany and the magical myth of the elusive unicorn. If you enjoy historical fiction with magical elements, I highly recommend The Unicorn Hunters. 

The Unicorn Hunters will be available June 2, 2026 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Windsor Affair: the rivalry between an English queen and an American socialite

The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin is the story of a scandalous affair, a power struggle for the throne and a rivalry between an English queen and an American socialite. Edward David Windsor, heir to the British throne, the future Edward VIII, the suave Prince of Wales and his brother, Albert, known as Bertie, “the spare.” Wallis Simpsons, an American divorcee, and Edward’s lover, and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Bertie’s wife. Between them, a rivalry that would last the rest of their lives, fuel gossip and headlines for decades. Telling their stories from their beginnings through their love stories and ultimately the bitter feud that created sides in the royal family as well in the British public, The Windsor Affair sets the stage for the Abdication, World War II, coronations, funerals, marriages and births, and the two women who maintain a bitter, sharp tongued feud. 

I have been a long admirer of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon as I have read her biography and saw her strength as she supported her husband in a role he never wanted and helped guide the British people through World War II with courage and tenacity. Wallis Simpson has always been the woman who won the heart of a prince and then vilified as he abdicated the throne for her. Yes, the women were catty and each fueled the hostilities between them which, to me, make them more human. I enjoyed the author’s characterization of David Windsor as Peter Pan, a man who was never going to grow up and take the responsibility his birth demanded. Overall, I enjoyed the story. I would have liked more indication of which point of view was featured in the chapter. If you enjoy royal drama, I recommend The Windsor Affair. 

The Windsor Affair will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on June 2, 2026. 

Memories of the Beach: a mysterious letter brings two women to a beach resort town and changes their lives forever

Memories of the Beach is the first book in Blue Heron Cottages by Kay Correll. Aspen receives a mysterious letter from her estranged mother, asking her to come to an all-expenses-paid week at the Blue Heron Cottages. The very mother who disappeared from her life over twenty years ago. After losing her job and her apartment, Aspen heads to the small town of Moonbeam to stay and figure out her next movie. Willow also receives a letter asking her to come to the resort; but she is reluctant until she realizes that this letter may be related to what her mother was trying to tell her with her dying breath. As Aspen and Willow arrive at the cottages, nothing can prepare them for the revelation they are about to learn. 

Memories of the Beach is a fast paced, sweet story of two women whose life is about to change with a single letter. Aspen is a woman who has known struggles but always lands on her feet. Willow is a woman who has lived a great life and doesn’t know what to do with this mysterious letter urging her to a place she has never been. The revelation that awaits them will throw their world for a loop. Overall, it is a sweet story but I felt too many loose ends were left. I am assuming they will be wrapped up in the rest of the series. However, I don’t know if I am invested enough to want to find out. However, I recommend Memories of the Beach. 

Memories of the Beach is available in paperback and eBook

Things We Left Behind: a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance as the Knockemout trilogy comes to an end

Things We Left Behind is the third and final book in the Knockemout trilogy by Lucy Score. Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean mogul with vengeance on his mind. With a mission to clear the horrible stain his father put on the family name, Lucian has gained the power of an indestructible business empire with the ability to pull strings and end careers with a single word. He is seemingly untouchable. Untouchable except for Sloane Walton, the feisty Knockemout librarian, the one woman who could set him free and the one woman he would rather die than ask for help. Sloane inherited her father’s quest for justice and would do anything for anyone in need. However, she doesn’t trust Lucian as fall as she can throw him. When their fierce bickering turns into foreplay and eventually a steamy one night stand, they find themselves unable to walk away from each other. 

It was sad to say goodbye to the residents of Knockemout; however, Lucian and Sloan’s friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story was a great sendoff. Lucian is determined to avoid the sins of his father and Sloan wants a loving marriage and family just like her parents did. They seem to be on opposing sides and yet they have a connection and a history that no one else understands. Their bickering was fun and their friendship was sweet. It was heartbreaking knowing how their friendship ended. The rebuilding of their friendship was great and their romance was spicy. I loved the interactions between Lucian, Nash and Knox as great as any sibling bickering could be among lifelong friends. Overall, I enjoyed this story and this series. It tied up all loose ends and sets the sun on their amazing love stories. I highly recommend Things We Left Behind and the rest of the Knockemout trilogy. 

Things We Left Behind is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Shippers: rom-com with childhood friends to lovers and hijinks on a cruise ship

The Shippers is the newest comedy romance by Katherine Center. Jojo Burton has been bad at love her entire life. With the help of her sister and a little pop psychology, she figures out the source of her intimacy issues, JoJo decides that she is going to fix them once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding aboard a cruise ship. Her first crush and first kiss will be a guest at the wedding and she decides to woo him for some closure. The snag in her plan, she needs a wingperson as her sister will be very busy with the final details of the wedding. Enter Cooper Watts, her childhood bestie. Cooper agrees to her plan, which is dubbed Project Conquest. As they participate in the ship's activities in order to catch the attention of her first crush, they also have late night talks and walk down memory lane. Something feels off, can JoJo figure it all out before it’s too late?

Katherine Center has been an autoread author for years and when she announced her newest novel, I eagerly waited. Unfortunately, the story started off iffy for me as I did not like JoJo. I found her naive, annoyed and very immature. However, she did grow on me by the end, I was cheered for her as she figured it all out. I figured out the piece of childhood memory didn't happen as she thought it did and maybe I was supposed to. I loved Cooper from the very beginning and begged JoJo to truly see him behind the childhood bestie she once knew and loved. By the end, I laughed, sighed and closed the book with a smile. I am so happy that I stick with it and I love this childhood-friends-to-lovers romance with plenty of heart. I also love the play on words as the majority of the story takes place on a ship and the slang “ship.” I highly recommend The Shippers. 

The Shippers is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Starfish Sisters: two women's friendship is tested as they face betrayals and heartbreaks

The Starfish Sisters by Barbara O’Neal is a story of two women, friends close enough to be sisters, as they face betrayals, heartbreaks and finding refuge in true friendship. Phoebe and Suze met at the age of twelve as Suze moved to the small coastal town in Oregon as Phoebe visited her grandmother. They became as close as sisters until secrets threatened their friendship and even their lives. Decades later, Suze is a famous actress who needs a safe haven after a brutal attack. . Phoebe is now a successful illustrator and fabric designer living in the small town she enjoyed so much. As Suze arrives in town, Phoebe is both excited and unsure how to face her return and the drama she brings. Phoebe had let Suze down once before and she doesn’t want to do it again. Can Phoebe and Suze confront their past and strengthen their friendship? 

The Starfish Sisters has been described as “a moving story about the complicated nature of female friendships, and the joys and heartbreaks of life and the resiliency and power that women possess.” Sounds powerful, right? The opening prologue certainly set the scene for a dramatic story. However, I did not care for Phoebe or Suze, either as young girls and as older women. Phoebe and Suze are supposed to be as close as sisters and a little jealousy is understandable as young girls but the jealousy and resentment as older women was eye rolling. Overall, I was bored. The Starfish Sisters was my third book by Ms. O’Neal and I see the same issues I had with the other two books. The story is bogged down with too many flashbacks, a slow moving plot, and a rushed and disappointing ending. I do not recommend The Starfish Sisters. 

The Starfish Sisters is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Color of Love: the strength love can gives us to survive and thrive

The Color of Love is the sixth book in The Color of Heaven series by Julianne MacLean. Carla Matthews is a single mother who struggles to give her daughter, Kaleigh, the life she deserves. When Seth, Kaleigh’s absent father, begs for a second chance at being her father, Carla is hesitant. She will always wonder if he will leave them again for his first love: being an alpine climber and the next mountain to conquer. When Seth’s plane goes down in the harsh Canadian wilderness, Carla is left wondering if he is alive or dead. Will they ever know what happened to the plane? One year later, a man is found, half dead, floating on an iceberg in the North Atlantic. He has Seth’s wallet and journal on him, could he truly be him? How did he survive? Does Carla dare hope he could be the man she always dreamed he could be? 

The Color of Heaven series has been a whirlwind of questions and hopes against hope and The Color of Love is no different. After meeting Carla in the previous book, we get her story as she struggles as a single mom with a man who never truly wanted to settle down. When the calls come in that first, Seth is missing after a plane crash and second, he has been found, she is hit with emotions she wasn’t prepared for. The Color of Love is a story of survival, both at home and in the wilderness, and how love can give us the strength to keep going. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as it has deep emotions with a few twists and turns. This series continues to be a great look into the crazy adventures that we can experience in life and the tough questions with no easy answers. I highly recommend The Color of Love. 

The Color of Love is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend: three dates, a few simple rules and a fake relationship that becomes too real

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend is the first book in the Clearview Falls University series by S.E. Rose and Sierra Hill. Emmett Hudson is trying to keep every aspect of his life in control as he thought he was doing a good job. That is until his coach pulls him aside and threatens to bench him if he didn’t get his grades up. He needs a tutor. Lucy Parker has no time for football players. Well, maybe for the one who she has been crushing on since high school. As she is assigned to tutor Emmett, they strike a deal. He promises to help her get his teammate’s attention if Lucy commits to being his fake girlfriend for three events as a way to keep their tutoring sessions a secret. Even with their rules in place, their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. 

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend is a sweet college sports romance with plenty of banter, laughs and spiciness. I enjoyed Emmett and Lucy as individuals as well as a couple. Despite the obvious title, the sparks between them flew pretty quick and they did try to keep to their agreement in the beginning. I especially enjoyed Lucy as she starts to come out of her shell. I enjoyed Emmett as the caring, yet private, young man. I also enjoyed their cast of supportive characters from the goofy teammate to the girly besties who see the sparks long before Emmett and Lucy do. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I will be continuing the series. It was a quick read as I was pulled into the romance of Emmett and Lucy. If you enjoy sweet college sport romances, I highly recommend Falling for the Fake Boyfriend. 

Falling for the Fake Boyfriend is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Vengeance: a dramatic new look in the the infamous battle on its 150th anniversary

Vengeance: The Last Stand of Custer, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull by Tom Clavin is a dramatic new look at the events leading up to the infamous battle as the 150th anniversary approaches. On June 25-26, 1876 The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, was fought between the combined forces of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. The battle would result in a devastating defeat of the US forces and the most significant victory of the Great Sioux War of 1876. Featuring the points of view of the US Forces and the arrogant Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer as well as the Native American figures of Sitting Bull and Crazy House, the book looks at the impact on the Plains Indians and the events leading to the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890. 

I remember studying the famous battle in history classes and I always sided with the Native American as Custer was an arrogant, narcissistic man whose ego was boosted by his celebrated bravery at the Battle of Gettysburg (1863). He was searching for more and more fame and envisioned it as he would be the one to end the Native American resistance. What he didn’t envision was his failure and his own demise as he underestimated the Native American forces and their determination to fight for their way of life and freedoms. Mr Clavin deep dives into the historical record and presents the nitty gritty of the events which shaped the individuals involved with this massive battle and how the events shaped the US response in the aftermath. Vengeance is filled with action, legendary characters and the profound impact on the US, the Native Americans and the American West. I highly, highly recommend Vengeance. 

Vengeance: The Last Stand of Custer, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull

Is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Things We Hide from the Light: when the shadows one tries to hide and the one who helps them fight back

Things We Hide from the Light is the second book in the Knockemont trilogy by Lucy Score. Nash Morgan was the good Morgan, always with an easy smile and charm for everyone in town. Now Nash is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has given way to panic attacks, nightmares and missing pieces in his memory. While he tries to hide it, he is a brooding shell of himself and is desperate to keep his struggles from everyone. That is until his new next door neighbor moves in. Lina Solavita is smart, sexy and sees the shadows behind his forced smile. When she helps him through one of the worst panic attacks yet, he realizes that Lina may be the key to feeling like himself again. However, they both have secrets, secrets that could keep them apart for good; unless they are willing to fight their shadows for the simple chance at love. 

Things We Hide from the Light is a great continuation in the Knockemont series. While it doesn’t have the banter and tension that the first book had, it had its own struggles and sweet moments between Nash and Lina. Their story was definitely more slow burn, emotional and with psychological struggles. I loved to see Nash return stronger and more aware as he discovers issues within the department and moves to deal with them. I also loved the addition to his dog, Piper, and her own anxiety which in turn helped Nash with his. I liked Lina’s job as it was a bit unconventional and yet adds to the drama and adventure of the story. I also learned a lot about panic attacks and methods to calm them. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the third and final book in this trilogy. I highly recommend Things We Hide from the Light. 

Things We Hide from the Light is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook