Glimmers of You: a brother's best friend, friends to enemies to lovers romantic suspense

Glimmers of You is the third book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. Caden Shaw wasn’t just her brother’s best friend, he was the one Grae needed him the most. That is until he disappeared from their small town. Now he is back with his cocky smirk, with his infuriating nicknames and more handsome than ever before. When a man she causally dated won’t take no for an answer, she desperately involves Caden, pretending that he is her new boyfriend. Caden then suggests they fake being madly in love in order to also get Caden’s scheming father to get off his back. One problem: it is very hard to pretend. She has been in love with him for years, even when she hated him for leaving. There’s no denying the sparks between them. Someone is watching. Someone is not happy that Caden and Grae’s new relationship and will do anything to keep them apart. 

Glimmers of You is a brother’s best friend, friends to enemies to lovers romance. Grae is the only sister in a house of brothers and she grew up being able to defend herself against all antagonists. However, that all changed when she had a medical emergency that changed their dynamic much to Grae’s horror. I loved Grae’s determination to be seen as everything but her illness. I enjoyed seeing more into Caden’s family dynamic as well as the reasons why he left their town in the first place. Their romance was sweet, filled with fun banter and steamy love scenes. The suspense kept me guessing to the very end and the perpetrator was a surprise even though I guessed him before the final reveal but it still surprised me. I enjoyed Grae and Caden’s story and I am looking forward to the last two stories in this series. I highly recommend Glimmers of You. 

Glimmers of You is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Destination Funeral: four friends reunite for a funeral in a story of grief, healing and forgiveness

Destination Funeral by Paige Harbison is a story of grief, healing and forgiveness. The complicated and yet magnetic matriarch, Babe dies, four estranged friends gather together at her Mercy Island estate for the reading of her will. Didion, Babe’s oldest daughter, arrives to find Sammie, her youngest sister, and Matt, her ex best friend already there. Soon, Austin, the final attendee and her ex boyfriend arrives. The atmosphere is filled with the tensions and awkwardness that Didion expected. They were expected to stay the weekend and Didion braces herself for an ugly weekend. However, they find themselves experiencing Saturday over and over and over again. Trapped in a time loop with seemingly no end and no instructions how to stop it, the four adults are forced to confront their past of betrayals, breakups, and buried truths. How can one endless weekend be exactly what they need to save their futures? 

Destination Funeral is described as a “laugh-out-loud funny and equally heartbreaking novel” with The Big Chill (1983) and Groundhog Day (1993) vibes. However, I struggled with this story. I did not laugh out loud once and I didn’t find it heartbreaking at all. I disliked the characters, especially Babe. She is supposed to be a complex woman but is really a miserable woman who favors her youngest child and was in and out of her daughters’ lives as it suited her. The parentification of teenage Didion hit hard and gives her a bit of sympathy for her hardness and cold demeanor. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I read Ms. Harbison's previous book and I did not enjoy it either. Her writing style is just not for me. However, if you enjoy Ms. Harbison's previous books, you may enjoy Destination Funeral. Unfortunately, I do not recommend Destination Funeral. 

Destination Funeral is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Unexpectedly in Love: a fake dating romance

Unexpectedly in Love is the first book in the Sherbrookes series by Christina Tetreault. Victoria “Tory” Sherbrooke has a problem. She is the maid of honor in her friend Ivy's upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend is the groom’s best man. No one, including her ex, will accept that their relationship is truly over. In order to get everyone off her case, she decides to show up to the wedding with a boyfriend. Her family’s charity bachelor auction would be the perfect place to find a fake boyfriend. Duncan Ferguson had lost a bet and now he is a part of the auction. He planned to fulfill his obligation and walk away. However, when he hears Tory’s plan, he can’t help but agree. Falling in love was never a part of the plan. As they spend time together, the more and more their fake relationship feels very, very real. 

The fake dating trope is one I usually enjoy; however, I just wasn’t feeling this one. I didn’t like Tory from the get go. I found her shallow and immature. At one point, she accuses Duncan of using her for a connection when she is using him to fool her ex boyfriend and others. I rolled my eyes at that. As the first book in the series, I understand establishing characters and building the world. Unfortunately, there were way too many connections and relationships introduced in the confusing way. In the first chapter alone, there were dozens of names and connections mentioned instead of introducing them as they appear in the story. It really slowed the story down from the beginning. From there, the story felt chopping and disconnected. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Unexpectedly in Love. 

Unexpectedly in Love is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Echoes of You: a best friend to lovers with fun banter and intense suspense

Echoes of You is the second book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. Nash Hartley has always been everything to Maddie Byrne. Best friends, Protector. Partner in Crime. And the one person who was there in her darkest hour. However, she always wanted more, being unsure if Nash wanted the same, she never acted on her feelings. She left town and moved on, a choice that haunted her. Now, she has moved back to their small town, hoping that she has left her nightmares behind and seeing the only person who made her feel safe. As she tells Nash about the events which led to her return and he promised to do everything to keep her safe. However, her worst nightmare arrives in town, a man who will do everything he is power to keep Maddie or make sure no one else would. 

Echoes of You is a best friend romance with fun banter as well as intense suspense. Maddie is a strong woman who was determined to avoid being a victim again, not realizing that she fell into the very situation she vowed never to be in. In shame, she hid the truth. My heart broke for Maddie as she recounts her experiences and learns to trust Nash and others with her deepest secret. I loved how the Hartleys rallied around her. While readers know the villain who would cause trouble and the wait to see how he would pounce and act was intense. There was another villain lurking in the shadows that surprised me. Overall, this story kept me glued to the pages and I could not put it down. I am looking forward to the rest of this series. I highly recommend Echoes of You. 

Echoes of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Color of Joy: a newborn goes missing from the hospital and a man struggles with his past

The Color of Joy is the eighth book in The Color of Heaven series by Julianne MacLean. The birth of their third child should have been one of the joyful days of their lives. However, after hours of labor, Lois James is taken into an emergency c-section and her husband, Riley, is left worried about his wife and child’s condition. Once Lois is in recovery, Riley begins to relax until the hospital informs them that their newborn daughter has disappeared from the hospital. Riley can’t help but feel the situation is payback for his troubled past. As the search intensifies and the police investigate, some strange and mysterious clues come to light and Riley struggles to believe that the clues are anything but hallucinations. However, when the clues lead to a turn of events, Riley realizes he must change everything he believes about life, love and miracles.  

The Color of Joy is a story that places the reader in the middle of the action at full speed and does not let up until the end. The story has great twists and turns. Emotional moments and struggles. There was one moment in which Riley turns to a solution that he avoided in the past and as I read, I begged him not to do it. I held my breath as he struggled. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to finish the rest of this series. What I like about this series is that you do not need to read these stories in order; however, I highly recommend that you do. The Color of Joy is such an emotional story and will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.  I highly, highly recommend The Color of Joy. 

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

The Devoted: one woman's journey to fight for her freedom

The Devoted by Catherine Cho is a story of family and fate. As a young Korean woman whose father is a leader in an infamous crime organization. When she becomes entangled in their dangerous world, she fights to break free. Eunha was raised in Hong Kong by her grandmother, along with her brother, Solomon, in a quiet village. Their father is a Dragon Head within the Triads. Eunha is shielded from the violence and fear and her only companions are her brother and their friend, Kai. When she grows up and marries into a respectable Hong Kong family, her world begins to fall apart when her young son is kidnapped. In her desperate search for him, Eunha finds herself in the criminal underground and face to face with Kai, who is now a Dragon Head himself. Does Eunha give into the life she tried so hard to leave?

The Devoted is the debut novel by Catherine Cho. It is a mystery thriller filled with family drama, forbidden love and one woman’s determination to choose her own destiny. As I started this story, I was captivated by Eunha’s story as she recounts her past and battles the present for her son and her future. However, it felt as if Eunha was telling us what happened rather than readers experiencing it with her. I expected more suspense, more violence and more of a fight from Eunha. Overall, I am torn by this story. It is well written, beautifully lyrical. I liked Eunha. I liked that it was a different story of underground organized crime; however, it did not have the thrilling action that I expected. That being said, I may not have been the audience for this book. If you enjoy crime mystery thrillers, I recommend checking out The Devoted. 

The Devoted is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Whispers of You: romantic suspense as two people take a second chance at love and a shadow lurks in the dark

Whispers of You is the first book in the Lost and Found series by Catherine Cowles. One night, one bullet cost Wren Williams everything. The boy who she thought would be her forever and the life she always dreamt of was gone. Ten years later, Holt Hartley is back in town. But he is no longer the boy she knew about a man who has been running from the shadows and demons who haunt his every step. He says he is here to make things right with her, his family and everyone he left behind. What started as a temporary stop seems to be turning into a permanent move. Despite Wren’s best efforts and determination to avoid Holt, he seems to be there at every turn. She realizes her feelings for Holt are still there and she hopes that the possibility for second chances isn’t going to leave her broken. Deep in the shadows of the small town, someone is not happy Holt is back in town and leaves Wren in the crosshairs.

Catherine Cowles has become my go-to author for romantic suspense. Even though the Lost and Found series is an older series, it still has the Catherine Cowles elements that I expect from her stories. Whispers of You is a great heart-stopping, breath-holding romantic suspense from the opening pages to the closing chapter. The story grips you and will not let you go as you watch Wren and Holt come back together and wonder who in the shadows wants to hurt them both. The villain of the story was not who I expected and the final battle was intense as Holt raced against time to stop them. I also enjoyed the family dynamics between the members of the Hartley clan. The sibling banter is always on point and the deep heart to heart talks were emotional and healing. There were great moments of humor and emotions. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to continue the series. If you enjoy romantic suspense, I highly, highly recommend Whispers of You. 

Whispers of You is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Not You, It's Me: a kiss cam kiss with a stranger changes one woman's luck in love and in life

Not You, It’s Me is the first book in the Boston Love Story series by Julie Johnson. Gemma Summers has been unlucky  in love. After years of bad dates, boring sex and horrible morning afters is the proof she needs that love is just not in the cards for her. When she wins tickets for the hottest playoff from a radio contest, she thinks her luck is starting to change. However, when the dreaded kiss cam lands on her and her boyfriend, who has ignored her the entire game, fails to notice. However, the sexy stranger next to her had noticed and gave her the kiss of a lifetime. She never expected to see the sexy stranger again. What she doesn’t realize is that he is Chase Croft, Boston’s most eligible bachelor. Their connection has Gemma wondering if she might finally be lucky in love, if only she would let her guard down. 

Julie Johnson is a new author to me and from the book’s description, I was expecting a sweet romantic comedy. I got that and so much more. There were romantic moments, great comedy between Gemma and Chase and Gemma and her best friends. What I wasn’t expecting was deep emotional moments with family confessions, and surprising action and suspense. The story grabbed me from the very beginning and I could not put it down. I loved Gemma and Chase as individuals and as a couple. I loved their flirty banter and their sweet heart to hearts. There were twists and turns in the story that left me glued to the page. After finishing the book, I immediately placed the rest of the books in this series on my wishlist. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Not You, It’s Me. 

Not You, It’s Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Working Class Hero: a deadly fire, a pregnant woman is dead and the newly elected sheriff must solve the case

Working Class Hero is the sixteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. The small town of Hart’s Ridge is shaken awake as a house fire reveals the death of Julie Carter, a pregnant woman. Taylor Gray, as the newly elected sheriff, asks Caleb Grimes to return to the department and together, they investigate the deadly fire. Their prime suspect: Alex Mercer, the fire chief. As the details come to the surface, secrets come to light and the truth behind the fire takes a turn. Tula returns to Hart’s Ridge when her sister, Lorene, goes into premature labor. With the baby in a delicate condition, Tula must fight to ensure his survival and tries to get Lorene the help she needs to finally break away from their twisted family. Who killed Julie Carter? Will Tula be able to help Lorene and her new baby? 

The Hart’s Ridge series has had great stories with twists and turns, suspense and shocking reveals. Working Class Hero is no exception. From the opening prologue to the closing chapter, I was hooked on Taylor’s case. While I was waiting for a shocking reveal about the killer as the first suspect is rarely the real killer but the truth behind the fire was a reveal I was not expecting. I enjoyed Taylor’s growth as she adjusts to her new role and her determination to bring integrity and honesty back to the office. Tula’s storyline was bittersweet and I even shed a few tears. I have enjoyed her journey of strength and determination to break the family cycle. If you haven’t already started the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend it. If you have enjoyed the Hart’s Ridge series so far, I highly, highly recommend Working Class Hero. 

Working Class Hero is available in eBook

City People: five women take a hard look at themselves and their lives after the sudden death of a friend

City People by Elizabeth Topp is a story about a band of mothers who are forced to reevaluate their lives as they deal with the aftermath of the sudden loss of one of their friends. Susan Harris was beautiful and successful, so when she jumps from the roof of her apartment building, her New York City mothers’ group of five friends are left in shock, disbelief and with the question:. how did they not see it? Vic is a single mom with literary aspirations and a bad case of writer’s block. Bhavna is a makeup executive, focusing on her son’s future. Kara has experience dealing with suicide. Penelope and Amy in the middle of a business deal but is the toll worth it for their families? And Chandice is dealing with her own morality as she battles cancer. Between dealing with their friend’s death and their busy lives, they are desperate to get their children into a prestigious private school.

I haven’t read Elizabeth Topp before and City People is contemporary fiction story of five women who are forced to take a hard look at their lives in the wake of their friend’s suicide. The story reminded me of the 1996 movie The First Wives’ Club starring Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Milder. Unfortunately, I found it hard to get through this story and it wasn’t the heavy topic of suicide and mental health. I think there were way too many POVs which changed every chapter. The parts of the book which were really heartbreaking for me were the ones from Susan’s POV. I didn’t care for any of the other women and I could easily see how these women missed the subtle signs. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. However, I do appreciate that the author included a note at the end about suicide and including a suicide hotline. I do not recommend City People. 

City People is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Don't Forget Me: a mystery suspense

Don’t Forget Me by Rea Frey is a mystery suspense of murder and suspicion. All Ruby Knight wanted was a fresh start. Taking an early retirement, she moves to a tight knot community with her husband, Tom, and her daughter, Lily. However, their fresh start doesn’t last long. First, Lily goes missing and then her husband. In order to cope with her grief, Ruby turns to her neighborhood friends and new hobbies including a murder club where they try to solve cold cases. While on a run, Ruby Knight discovers a body in the lake. When the body is identified as Tom, every one is sure it is him except Ruby. As she digs into her own past and the lives of her neighbors, she realizes that there are secrets that raise more questions than answers. She must now find a way to clear her name and find the truth. 

I haven’t read anything by Rea Frey before but I was intrigued by the description that I wanted to give it a chance. The story started off well as a body is discovered that everyone says is her husband but she doesn’t recognize him. With great suspense and twists and turns, it would have made for a great mystery. However, I didn’t like the characters, the story and the twists were not truly shocking. There were jumps in time without any indication of where and when the characters were. A lot of the conservations that happen between neighbors in text form which would be a great device but it happened way too often. By the end, I didn’t care for the characters or what happened and the ending seemed sloppy. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend Don’t Forget Me. 

Don’t Forget Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Dragons and Aces: an enemies to lovers romantasy

Dragons and Aces is the first book in the Dragons and Aces series by J.G. Gates. In the kingdom of Maethalia, Essaphine “Essa” is the queen’s daughter but the lowest ranked of the Skrathan, the elite dragon riders who defend their kingdom. Essa has a chance to become the leader of the Skrathan. No one believes she can win because she only has one arm. Soon a brash, handsome stranger washes up on shore claiming to be Kit Rowley, a reporter. Kit offers to train her in ways of flying and it becomes clear to Essa that Kit is more than he seems. What she doesn’t know is that he is really Charlie, the famed Silver Wraith, and flying ace. While she doesn’t trust him, he is the only one who believes in her. As the attraction between Essa and Charlie is too strong. Will Essa win the challenge and claim her prize? Or will her desire for Charlie ruin her and the entire kingdom? 

I found Dragon and Aces from a Facebook ad. I was intrigued as the author stated that he wrote the story for his wife and I recently have been reading a few romantasy books, so I decided to take a chance. Essa and Charlie are from enemy countries with a long history of animosity. I enjoyed Essa as a strong willed woman who wasn’t going to let her disability hold her back and I loved that Charlie saw that fire as her chance to win. I did not like the constant narrative from the other characters that Essa couldn’t do it because she’s not “whole,” However, I did like that their constant reminders and doubts fueled Essa’s desire to prove them wrong. I also liked the mix of modern technological elements with the mythical creatures. Overall, I enjoyed the story as it was a different take on the romantsy genre. There was political intrigue and suspense as well. If you enjoy romantasy stories, you might enjoy Dragons and Aces. 

Dragons and Aces is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

What is better for worship: Traditional worship songs or Contemporary Christian music?

I have been seeing a lot of discourse online arguing that worship music is better for Christians than Contemporary Christian music. There has been a war, of sorts, between churches about who does the right way to worship. Some focus on traditional hymns and others gear toward the more contemporary feel of the worship songs. Some churches are solemn while others are loud and boisterous. I enjoy listening to contemporary music more than traditional worship music. I have found that some songs are testimonies, some are a prayer; however, they all can lead to worship. So I started thinking, is there really a difference? From what I found is that the Bible does not specify the “how” of worship but the “why”. What is worship? How should Christians worship? What is more important is the type of music or the lyrics? 

Worship is described as the act of showing profound love, adoration and reverence. Biblically worship occurs when we focus our hearts and minds completely on God. It glorifies and exalts God. To show loyalty and admiration to our Father, through everything we do. “Worship is the response of all of man to all of God” (Winger, 2017). Our goal should be Psalm 103:1 which says “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Inner, authentic God-ward worship with heart is the essence of worship. John 4:23 says, “true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.” True worshippers treasure God above all things and grasp God’s supreme value based on the right understanding of God’s nature (Piper, 2016). There are two acts of worship. First, acts of the mouth, These are praises and repentance in worship as well as singing. Worship also goes beyond singing and music. Second, It can be daily acts of love which Paul calls “spiritual worship” in Romans 12:1 (Piper, 2016). These acts of love with the body, hands and facts services for the good of others (Hebrews 13:15-16). 

It is important to remember to love God more than you love the music genre. When it comes to the type of music, if one certain style of worship helps someone focus on God, then it’s ok. If the music and lyrics stir your heart, in worship and praise, then it sounds wonderful to God. By contrast, if a type of music distracts someone from full worship, then don’t use that music. And you cannot condemn the type of music as wrong simply because you do not like the type of music. I know some who love old hymns and that’s how they sing their worship and that’s great. However, I enjoy different music and there is nothing wrong with that. There are contemporary songs which will move me to tears every time I hear it and I remember all that God has done for me, for who He is and I can’t help but to praise him. It matters more to God that our hearts, minds and spirits are engaged in worship than the methods in which we do so. In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus says “these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me.” 

Many people believe that the different music serves different purposes. Contemporary music is for casual personal time and worship music is God honoring, theology based. However, for me, the question is to determine if the music truly brings glory to God? As a lover of widespread music genres, I enjoy many sounds of music and the enjoyment of the music helps me pay attention to the lyrics. If I cannot enjoy the music, then I am not going to listen to the lyrics either. And even casual listening music should be biblically based. Since the type of music does not matter, there is something that does and is the biblical accuracy of the lyrics. I have gone through the Bible looking for the accuracy of the lyrics. For instance, there is a song called He Is by Aaron Jeoffrey in which the lyrics discuss who God is in every book of the Bible. I read the books looking for the verses which the lyrics reference. If worship cannot stand on the lyrics alone, then the music genre doesn’t matter, and it is not worthwhile singing. The instrumental conveys feelings while the lyrics communicate the message (Winger, 2017). 

In conclusion, Psalm 100:1-2 says “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” Even if it is noise to others, if the heart is in the right place, it is pleasing to God. During my research, I found an anonymous quote which I think describes worship wonderfully. ““The inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.” Worship is not about the music. It is about God, it is about our heart giving genuine praise and glory to Him. 

References

Piper, John (April 29, 2016). What is Worship? Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-worship. Retrieved June 5, 2016. 

Winger, Mike (November 6, 2017) Worship in the Bible and Lessons in Theology Romans 11:33-36. https://youtu.be/mzyAOaFpnuQ?si=ozQV6U7SEOmUgldx. Retrieved June 14, 2026. 

Coral Cottage: when one woman's life implodes, she heads to the one place that brings her peace

Coral Cottage is the first book in the Coral Cottage at Summer Beach series by Jan Moran. Marina Moore’s life implodes on national television. She heads to the family beach house to heal and figure out her next move. Never married after the death of her husband, Marina raised her children and worked as a news anchor, the Coral Cottage on the shores of Summer Beach has been a refuge for Marina and her sisters. Marina’s plans for a short, reclusive vacation turns into a course change in her life especially when she finds a disheveled dog and meets its owner. Jack Ventana is a visitor at the Seabreeze Inn for a sabbatical. As he prepares to leave, his beloved Labrador retriever goes missing, he cannot leave without her. His connection to the Coral Cottage is a revelation neither of them are prepared for. 

I have read the first book in the Seabreeze Inn series and enjoyed it. When the Coral Cottage at Summer Beach series was announced as a spin off, I was excited. Finally this book came up on my To Be Read list and I looked forward to it. Right from the start, my heart broke for Marina as her world fell apart for the world to see. However, my sympathy for Marina fell as she spends the majority of the book being rude and snarky. I was suspicious of Jack when he was first introduced and his romance with Marina seemed off. I liked the small beach community feel. I loved to see characters from the Seabreeze Inn series make an appearance. Overall, the story was ok and I, most likely, will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Coral Cottage. 

Coral Cottage is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Campus Player: a college sports romance

Campus Player is the first book in the Campus series by Jennifer Sucevic. Rowan Michaels is the gorgeous, talented quarterback at Western University. He has a reputation as a player on and off the field. His off field conquests were legendary and whispered across campus. Demi Richards has known Rowan since her father, the head coach of the football team, took him under his wing. Rowan eventually became the brother she never wanted or asked for; especially since she is fighting her own attraction. Demi focuses on school and her own soccer team. This semester put them even closer together as he needs tutoring and she can’t say no. Soon, it seems the one guy she has been trying to stay away from is the one she can’t get away from. As they spend time together, Demi begins to see that Rowan is the person she thought he was and he is carrying a secret that could change everything between them. 

I have read a lot of college campus sports romances and, for the most part I have enjoyed them while some have been misses. So, my expectations weren’t high for this story. At the beginning, I liked Demi as a college soccer player who vowed to stay away from the members of her father’s football team and focus on her own studies and future plans. However, as the story went on, I liked her less and less and liked Rowan more and more. I especially gave up when he finally tells her his secret and her mind goes in the opposite direction instead of what he was plainly trying to say. Then after that as they talked about their pasts, I liked them both even less. Overall, it was an okay story but I was bored. It was way too long and drawn out. I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Campus Player. 

Campus Player is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Whisper Creek: one family's fight against nature and the evil plans of man

Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan is a thriller about one family’s fight for their land against enemies and a massive storm. After the sudden death of her husband, Ellen McKenna is determined to keep their family farm a success. With hopes to expand, they are facing tough times and more expensive than she ever imagined. Many of their neighbors are packing it in and selling land to a local businessman. However, Ellen refuses to break to the same pressure. To add to their troubles, a series of recent storms have ravaged the region with another massive heavy rain still on its way. With all hands on deck to prepare for the storm, the discovery of an injured dog and a man barely clinging to life, a victim of a home invasion. When Ellen’s younger kids check on a neighbor and unknowingly walk into a threat. With no way to call for help, Ellen and her family do all they can to fight back and survive. 

I was intrigued by the description of the story and I was expecting a “twisty, tense” combined with “family drama” with the “unforgiving power of nature.” The story did start off great with mood and tension building; however, the story faltered from there. It took way too long for any real action and it was obvious who was behind the threats and break ins. Overall, I did not find it thrilling, twisty or tense. There were times when I screamed at the character to do something instead of what they did. One instance is when Ellen, who checks on a pregnant neighbor, decides to take the neighbor back to her house to keep an eye on her and yet decides to stop at another neighbor's house “real quick” while worried about the roads flooding. It just didn’t make sense! If you are a fan of Allison Brennan, you may enjoy Whisper Creek. However, I did not enjoy this book and I do not recommend Whisper Creek. 

Whisper Creek is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

The Worst Best Man: an enemies-to-lovers romance

The Worst Best Man by Lucy Score is an enemies-to-lovers romance. They met at a wedding. Franchesca “Frankie” Baranski is best friends with Pru, the bride, who is a doll and her maid of honor. Aiden Kilbourn is best friends with the groom, Chip, who is a perfect gentleman and the best man. The rest of the wedding party are nightmares, rich, vapid, rich and very immature. However, the one who cannot stand the most is Aiden with a big attitude. Frankie takes her maid of honor duties seriously. With every crisis, she jumps into action. Busy ruling the business world where there hasn’t been a challenge he cannot win, Aiden Kilbourn doesn’t do long term relationships as he can’t stand a woman for more than a couple of months at most. However, he meets Frankie and he soon realizes that he may have met his match with this smart-mouthed girl from Brooklyn. 

I am a new fan of Lucy Score as her books are filled with fun banter, steamy romance with plenty of drama scheming. While I have read her book series, I haven’t read any of her standalones. The Worst Best Man is everything I expect from her books. I loved Frankie’s spunk and determination. Aiden is a kindhearted man hiding behind a cold facade and it takes his relationship with Frankie for it to break through. I enjoyed seeing their growth as a couple as well as individuals. Yes, there is a third act break up; however, the grand gesture is great. I also enjoyed the supporting characters which enhanced the banter. I especially loved the sibling interaction between Frankie and her brothers which was fun and so relatable. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to more of her standalone books. If you enjoy fun banter, steamy romance, I highly recommend The Worst Best Man. 

The Worst Best Man is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

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