Wish You Were Mine: a slow burn professor-student hidden romance

Wish You Were Mine is the third book in the Kings of Eden Falls series by Judy Corry. Lucy Archibald is in her final semester at Eden Falls University. While balancing the pressure of being a Division 1 gymnast along with the heavier weight of her high-society family’s expectations. She is the good girl who never breaks the rules. However, during a snowy New Year’s Eve party in the Hamptons, Lucy is ready to lose a bit of that polish. She ends up kissing a handsome stranger in a hot tub. Feeling bold, she is ready to tackle her last semester. Until she walks into her chemistry class the following week and sees the handsome stranger standing at the front of the classroom. Professor Owen Park knows better than to get involved with a student. As a first year professor, he is currently applying for research grants with hopes of a promotion. However, he finds himself drawn to Lucy’s sharp wit and easy smile. They are determined to keep their relationship as professor-student; however, staying away from each other is something they cannot do. 

I love Judy Corry romances and I couldn’t wait for the newest addition to the series. However, when I heard that it was a professor-student forbidden romance, I was weary. Since I love Judy Corry’s stories and characters, I was willing to give it a chance. I am happy I did. It was a great slow burn romance with great stolen glances and secret touches. The banter was flirty and swoon worthy. Both Owen and Lucy are great characters who understand there is more at stake than their mutual attraction. The one aspect of the story I didn’t understand was the constant worry about their age gap which is about seven years. To me, a seven year age gap isn’t as concerning as some age gaps in other romances. However, Ms. Corry handled it wonderfully and Owen and Lucy were characters that I rooted for until the end when I cheered. Overall, I loved this story. There are no steamy scenes, just great romantic moments. I am looking forward to more stories in this series. I highly, highly recommend Wish You Were Mine. 

Wish You Were Mine is available in paperback and eBook

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

Crimson Kingdom: as the threat of war grows, Rowan must choose a marriage alliance. Which man would she choose?

Crimson Kingdom is the third book in the Lochlann Feuds series by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Rowan thought she had escaped as a prisoner when she stepped foot back in Lochlann. She thought being home would make everything better. However, even safe at home, she is haunted by the memories of Socair and everyone she left behind.  While the talk of war surrounds her, Rowan realizes that entering a marriage alliance is the only way to keep her kingdom safe and prevent another war. She doesn’t have a shortage of options as many marriage proposals flooded in from all over Socair. Only two options have her conflicted. Does she play it safe and choose the man who makes it obvious that he cares for her? Or does she choose the man who seems cool and uncaring and fuels a fire inside of her? 

I have read through this series with eagerness. The first two books were gripping and exciting. I took the chance to read Crimson Kingdom soon after finishing Tarnished Crown. While this story was good, Crimson Kingdom was not as exciting as the first two books. The story was bogged down by the negotiation talks. However, I enjoyed finally seeing Rowan with her family and their interactions. Who she would choose kept me guessing and was shocked and not so surprised at the same time with her choice. There were great emotional moments and fun banter. The story does end on a cliffhanger as the first two books did. Overall, I did enjoy this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series and a resolution to the feud. If you enjoy the fantasy genre, I recommend Crimson Kingdom and the entire Lochlann Feud series. 

Crimson Kingdom is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Fix Up: a fun banter and heartfelt grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, enemies to lovers romance

The Fix Up is the third book in the Two Harts series by Sharon M. Peterson. Ellie Sterns is a twenty eight year old single mother who has a broken man picker. She recently inherited the cafe in which she works, the house where she lives with her six year old son, Oliver and the land it sits on. However, she quickly learns that she only inherits half of everything. The other half belongs to the previous owner’s grandson, Gilbert Dalton, a grandson no one knew existed. They discover they must live together on the property for six months in order to complete the inheritance. Gilbert is handsome; however, he’d be irresistible if he smiled which he rarely does. Both have different motivations as the cafe and house means a future for Ellie and for Gilbert, it means a past he wants to forget. She wants to stay and he wants to sell. Can they find a common ground?  As the months pass, they learn the heartbreaking secret and their mutual iciness starts to melt, could it turn into a sizzling chemistry? 

The Fix Up is Sharon M Peterson’s fourth book and she has established herself as one of my go-to authors. Full of heart and laughs along with real life drama and hurts, she handles a story that gives all the feels. Even though The Fix Up is the third book in the series, readers do not need to read them in order to understand each book; however, I highly recommend that readers do as each story is wonderful. That being said, I loved this story. This story is the ultimate grumpy-sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance as when readers first see Ellie and Gilbert together, you can’t help to think that their relationship would never work. I loved the characters, especially Ellie’s son, Oliver. Usually featuring children in fiction can be hit and miss; Ms. Peterson captures the six year old beautifully and believably. There wasn’t a plot point or character that I didn’t care for, everything came together wonderfully. I laughed. I cried and I closed the book with a smile. The Fix Up is sweet with fun banter and dramatic with real emotions. I highly, highly recommend The Fix Up. 

The Fix Up will be available in June 17, 2025 in eBook and audiobook

Saving 6: an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance with dark, gritty and heartbreak themes

Saving 6 is the third book in the Boys of Tommen series by Chloe Walsh. Joey Lynch is the second son in a broken family. He has spent his entire life trying to keep his unraveling family together after his older brother leaves them behind. He is the protector and pseudo parent to his younger siblings while teetering precariously on the cliff of addiction. The only light in his dark life is Aoife Molloy. The firecracker classmate and his boss’s daughter, she is always looking forward with a bubbly, strong and self-assured attitude. Ever since the first day of secondary school, she has been curious about the fiery, hothead boy that grows each day. They begin a complicated, tangled and very complex friendship as Aoife wants to get closer to Joey while he is desperate to keep her at arm’s length. What they don’t know is that their relationship is combust into a deeper relationship that will change their lives forever. 

Readers meet Joey and Aoife in Binding 13 and Keeping 13 and in Saving 6, we see the beginning of their relationship. I would describe their relationship as an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story. Aoife goes toe-to-toe with Joey as Aoife wants to get closer to this bad boy; however, is she ready for his reality? This story is heartbreaking, gritty and very real. I loved Aoife’s character as a strong woman who doesn’t run from Joey, even after she learns the dark secrets he tries to hide. Joey is desperate for a normal life, for a mother’s love. Overall, I loved this story. It took a while to read it as it is filled with very heavy topics that my mind needed time to process. I also loved seeing the other side of the story from books 1 and 2 without completely rehashing it. I highly, highly recommend Saving 6. Word of warning though, there is harsh language and violent moments and it may not be the story for some readers. 

Saving 6 is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Their Perfect Melody: a sweet, fast paced romance

Their Perfect Melody is the third book in the Matched to Perfection series by Priscilla Oliveras. As the youngest sister, Lili Maria grew up affectionately known as the “wild child.” The life of the party where she loved to dance and sing. After the loss of her beloved parents, she discovered a caretaking side and became a victim’s advocate. During one call to a client, she meets Diego Reyes, a Chicago police officer, who lives to serve the people of his community. Lili finds herself drawn to him as he has a talent for playing classical Spanish guitar and has a passion for music she long forgot. As they bond over their shared desire to serve the community and their families, they find they have a lot in common as well as some different philosophies on life. Will Lili allow her once wild side to come out once again? Can they find a middle ground for their obvious attraction? 

I usually don’t like to read books out of order in a series. However, I received a copy of Their Perfect Melody and decided to take the chance. I loved this story. While there are some references to the previous two books, it was done in a way that readers do not need to know the events of those stories to enjoy Lili’s story. The story definitely focused on Lili and Diego. Their Perfect Melody is a sweet, fast paced romance with laughter and very touching moments. I loved Lili’s commitment to helping others out of bad situations and I loved Diego’s knight in shining armor mentality as he was quick to help when someone calls. Their romance was sweet and touchy. Overall, I loved this story and I am going to try and go back and read the first two books of the series. If you enjoy books about love, family and community, I recommend Their Perfect Melody. 

Their Perfect Melody is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Daydream: a slow burn friends to lovers romance

Daydream by Hannah Grace is the third book in the Maple Hills series. Henry Turner has been the little brother of the Maple Hills University group of friends. When his procrastination lands him in a difficult class with an equally difficult professor, Henry knows he has to put in extra work to just survive his junior year. Also as the new captain of the hockey team, a position he didn’t want, Henry knows he cannot fail. He meets Halle Jacobs when he crashes her book club at a local bookstore. A fellow junior with her own issues and struggles knows she can help Henry pass his class. When Henry learns that she is trying to write a book for a competition, he offers to help her in return. To help give her new experiences to inspire her and beat her writer’s block. As they set a few rules and promise to stick to their rules. But rules are meant to be broken, right?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Maple Hills series. And I eagerly looked forward to Daydream. This story was different from the first two books, in a good way. Daydream is a slow burn, friends to lovers romance story. Henry and Halle are sweet with each other and watching them grow together was amazing. I loved Henry as he helped Halle break from her shell and insecurities to stand up for herself and establish a few boundaries. I loved Halle as she encouraged Henry on his own personal challenges. This book is not as spicy as the first two books which was refreshing as I enjoyed their emotional journey together and not just their sexual one. There were many touching moments between Henry, Halle and their cast of friends and supporters. There were moments of laughter and it felt as if I was in the room with this group of friends. I look forward to future books in this series. I highly recommend Daydream. 

Daydream is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Twisted Hate: the ultimate enemies to lovers romance

Twisted Hate is the third book in the Twisted series by Ana Huang. Josh Chen and Jules Ambrose have a hate-hate relationship. As a gorgeous, cocky and on track to becoming a doctor, Josh has been able to charm any woman he wanted, that is until Jules. As one of his sister’s best friends, she has been a thorn in his side that he must tolerate for his sister’s sake. However, he always finds Jules entering his thoughts in ways he didn’t expect. When their animosity results into one unforgettable night, Josh proposes a frenemies with benefits arrangement with three simple rules. No jealousy. No strings attached and absolutely no falling in love. Jules thinks easy peasy because, despite being incredibly handsome, Josh is insufferable. However, she soon realizes there is more to Josh than meets the eye. When demons from her past catch up with her, Jules soon sees that her best friend’s brother, her nemesis, may be her salvation as well. 

Twisted Hate is the ultimate enemies to lovers romance. Josh and Jules only have one thing in common: his sister Ava. That and their mutual goal to take the other down a peg or two. The banter between Josh and Jules from the previous books was only the beginning. It fuels into a full blaze in Twisted Hate. And yet there were tender moments as their hearts soften toward each other. Their spicy scenes were a bit uncomfortable at times. I enjoyed their banter and tender moments more especially toward the end as they acknowledged their new feelings for each other. Huge warning with this book. It does contain explicit content, profanity and other sensitive topics. There were a few moments that were difficult to read. It is recommended for 18+ readers and I concur. Overall, I enjoyed this story, even though it is not my favorite of the series. If you have enjoyed the first two books of the Twisted series, I recommend Twisted Hate. 

Twisted Hate is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Scholar: two broken people find love, healing and made whole together

The Scholar is the third book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. Theo Barnes has been in love with Louisa Lind since they were kids. However, she fancied his twin brother, Flynn. When he returns to Emerson Pass after studying at medical school, Flynn is married and Theo’s love for Louisa burns brighter than ever. Louisa feels she’s not worthy of love and marriage. A past that still haunts her, she feels she is too broken. However, after tragedy strikes her family. Louisa finds herself at the Barnes charity and tender, gentle attention of Theo and her heart begins to wonder if love and marriage is possible. Their road to marriage is rocky with obstacles, doubts, and wounds of the past. Can they find a way to heal together and build a life, love and marriage worthy of them both? 

I love the Emerson Pass series so far and I think Theo is my favorite Barnes family member. Even from the first book, I eagerly awaited his story and The Scholar does not disappoint. Deeply haunted by his memories of his childhood and the Great War, he comes home from medical school hoping to find his purpose and maybe even love. His ongoing love for Louisa is sweet and endearing. I cheered as she started to see him for the strong and loving man he had become. It is a clean romance with only references to sex and fade to black scenes. Overall, I loved this story. There were sweet, tender moments, heartbreaking moments and moments that tears fell freely. I am looking forward to the rest of the Barnes children’s stories. I highly recommend The Scholar and the Emerson Pass Historical series. 

The Scholar is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Every Time We Say Goodbye: confronting the past and facing the future in post war Europe

Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner is the third book in the Jane Austen Society series. In a story of love and art, of grief and memory, and of confronting the past and facing the future, it opens in 1955, as Vivian Lowry faces an uncertain future. After a poorly reviewed play that threatens her career as a dramatic playwright, she takes a job as a script doctor on a major film shooting in Rome’s Cinecitta Studios. There she finds a movie filled with rising stars, acclaimed directors and famous actors. The cast and crew find themselves torn between the past and a possibly brighter future, between the liberation of the post war cinema and the restrictions imposed by the Catholic Church. On a personal note, Vivien begins to learn the long-buried truth of what really happened to her deceased fiancé during the war. 

As a fan of The Bloomsbury Girls, I was looking forward to Every Time We Say Goodbye. I enjoy stories that feature life in the postwar world. Unfortunately, the story fell flat very quickly. The opening prologue was captivating and I was eager to discover more. However, the story that followed left me confused and lost. There were just so many characters. It was hard to keep track of who was who without stopping every other page to take notes and took me out of the story every time. I didn’t care for Vivien. I found her harsh and lacking any warmth or likability. I did enjoy learning about the famous Cinecitta Studios and the classic American movies that were filmed there. If you enjoyed Ms. Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society and The Bloomsbury Girls, I suggest giving Every Time We Say Goodbye a try. You may enjoy it more than I did. 

Every Time We Say Goodbye will be available 

in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook May 14, 2024

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove: second chances, forgiveness and finding a greater purpose

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is the third book in the Dove Pond series by Karen Hawkins. Ella Dove grew up in Dove Pond as a daughter in the magically talented Dove family. She is an instinctively talented baker who has gained a massive following on social media. However, a false accusation has forced her from her hometown. A restless soul, Ella has become haunted by a dream which leads her to believe it is time to head home and set the record straight. Angela Stewart Harrington is also returning to Dove Pond with her own amends to make with her estranged daughter, Jules. Her grandson, Gray, is shocked to see Ella back in Dove Pond. His first and only love, he was heartbroken when she left town, but never stopped loving her. However, he is determined to convince her to give him and Dove Pond a second chance; but is he on the road to another broken heart? Can Ella, Angela and Gray realize that love can and will find a way to forgive? 

I love the Dove Pond series! With magical realism and real life issues of betrayal, love and finding forgiveness and purpose, it is a series that has it all. The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is a great addition. Ella has convinced herself that she doesn’t need commitment or a place to call home to be happy. But when her dreams begin to haunt her waking hours, she realizes she has to face the past and Dove Pond again. While I figured out the reason behind her dreams, and frustrated that she couldn’t see it; however, the moment she does realize, was beautiful and highly satisfying. The drama and situations between Angela and Jules were wonderful as well. I also love how each book gives hints to future books and stories. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly recommend The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove. While you do not necessarily need to read these books in order, I highly recommend it. Start with The Book Charmer (2019) and then A Cup of Silver Linings (2021). 

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Day He Stopped In: a sweet friends to lovers romance

The Day He Stopped In by Elana Johnson is the third book in the Hawthorne Harbor series. Janey Germaine is a widowed park ranger who is raising her twelve year old son, Jess. Adam Herrin is the Chief of Police and long time friend. Little does she know but Adam has been keeping an eye on them as a promise to her late husband as well as his own personal feelings. Adam has had a crush on Janey for a long time. But out of respect for her late husband and her son, Jess, he has kept a friendly distance. One day, when Jess gets in trouble, the door opens for Adam and Jess to spend more time with each other. He begins to wonder if the opportunity is finally here to show his true feelings but would Janey be ready to take their relationship out of the friend zone? 

The Day He Stopped In is my favorite book of the Hawthorne Harbor series so far and Adam is my favorite Herrin brother. This story is so sweet, funny, and relatable. Adam is a great character who takes his job as Chief of Police seriously. Janey’s hesitation for a new love and the fear of losing it again is relatable. She questions whether falling in love again would be disloyal to her late husband. I know many readers groan and cringe at third act breakups but the make up scene was so romantic, my heart melted and I fell in love with Adam all the more. Jess is a great character as a young man who is growing up and helps connect his mom and Adam. If you enjoy sweet, clean friends to lovers romance, I recommend The Day He Stopped In as well as the first two books in the series. 

The Day He Stopped In is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook  

Witching for Murder: how can one Halloween party turn into a murder mystery?

Witching for Murder by Jamie Rutland Gillespie is the third book in the Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series. Fall has come to the mountains and the town of Bobwhite Mountain is ready for the Halloween season. A surprising weekend camping is filled with mishaps that Claire, Landry’s mom, Landry and her friends, wish they had stayed home. As the Halloween costume parties start, Mayor Cartwright and his wife, Barb, kick off the season with their party. It’s a great time until a body is found and evidence points to Annie, Landry’s best friend and new resident. Despite the evidence, Landry does not believe Annie could kill anyone and is determined to clear Annie’s name and find the real killer. Who could it be? 

Witching for Murder was so much fun to read. From the disastrous camping trip to a night of fun turning into a murder investigation, this story was intriguing with its quirky characters and outlandish events. In standard fashion, the first suspect is rarely the real killer; however, when Landry discovers the real killer, it was a gasp-inducing moment. It was a person that wasn’t on my radar at all. There is the added mystery as to why Claire is in Bobwhite Mountain in the first place. Landry definitely has her hands full in Witching for Murder. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it keeps getting better. I look forward to the rest of the series. I recommend Witching for Murder. 

Witching for Murder is available in paperback and eBook

A Waterfront Wedding: a sweet small town romance

A Waterfront Wedding is the third book in the Heart’s Landing series by Leigh Duncan. Filling in for her cousin, Evelyn wants to make sure that the Captain’s Cottage stays the favorite place for weddings. Meanwhile, her childhood friend, Ryan Court has invested his life savings into remodeling the old boatworks into a brand-new wedding venue. As the Wedding in a Week contest is an all-expenses-paid event with just seven days to do it comes to Heart’s Landing. As the winners come to Heart’s Landing, it pits the Captain’s Cottage and the boatworks against each other. The two friends become rival business owners as they help the young bride and groom, Evelyn and Ryan learn how little they truly know each other. Will  their newfound relationship survive when only one can win? 

As published by Hallmark, A Waterfront Wedding reads like a Hallmark movie, no surprise. However, it is an enjoyable sweet romance. It’s more than a second chance romance, it is more a story of two people who crushed on each other and didn’t know about the mutual interest. While the winning venue was not a surprise, however, the end of the story was surprising and very sweet and romantic. I enjoyed Evelyn and Ryan and the slow realization that they are attracted to each other. Their relationship hits all the romance formula parts: the glances, the misunderstandings, to the great reconciliations and the grand romance gestures. If you enjoy Hallmark-style romances, I highly recommend A Waterfront Wedding. 

A Waterfront Wedding is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

In My Life: heart pounding suspense and family drama

In My Life is the third book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. Life has a new normal for Taylor Gray as her mother, Cate, adjusts to life on the outside, and her sister, Lucy, and infant nephew, Johnny, fill the house with activity. When a triple homicide is discovered, the once quaint and peaceful town of Hart’s Ridge is shocked and frightened. Taylor is determined to find the cold-hearted killer. Is the killer a passerby or someone closer to home? As it becomes all hands on deck, Taylor must juggle her investigation with the repairs of her family and two men who want to win her heart. Will it prove to be too much for Taylor? Or will she finally have the life she always thought wasn’t possible? 

Kay Bratt has another great series filled with heart pounding suspense and family drama. In My Life is a thrilling story that kept me on the edge of my seat! Once I started, I could not put it down. I was able to read it in a few hours as the story kept getting better and better. There’s so much to talk about but can’t because of SPOILERS! The investigation was engaging and the storylines for Cate and Lucy were heartbreaking and I cheered for them to find their footing in their new lives. I also enjoyed Taylor and her possible romances. I am rooting for one particular man and I’m looking forward to seeing which one Taylor will ultimately choose. I highly recommend the Hart’s Ridge series and In My Life

In My Life is available in eBook

Books 1 and 2, Hart’s Ridge and Lucy in the Sky

are available in paperback and eBook

No More Secrets: a story of redemption

No More Secrets is the third and final book of the No More Words trilogy by Kerry Lonsdale. Lucas Carson has led a troubled life filled with emotional trauma and secrets. When his sister, Lily, resurfaces after years of silence, Lucas can’t deal with the overwhelming guilt that he goes radio silent. Hiding in California City, Lucas crosses paths with Shiloh Bloom, a fifteen year old runaway. As Shiloh reminds Lucas of his little sister, he feels compelled to help her get off the streets. He gives her food, shelter and even a job. Soon, their arrangement is threatened when their pasts find them. Lucas wants it all to end. Is a normal life possible? Does he have the strength to stop running and face his demons?

What an ending to this trilogy! No More Secrets is a story of redemption and healing. Ms. Lonsdale writes with honesty and hope. My heart broke for Lucas as he desperately fights his demons with an almost death wish and yet a powerful will to keep going. I enjoyed Lucas and Shiloh’s relationship as they both want to be hard and unfeeling but can’t hide a need to protect and be protected. There is a confrontation scene near the end that is just superb! I can’t reveal what happens because SPOILERS! However, it was awesome and I cheered as Olivia, Lily and Lucas confronted their pasts and forged a better future for themselves as individuals and as a family. I highly recommend No More Secrets. 

No More Secrets will be available 

in paperback, eBook, and audiobook on March 14, 2023

No More Words and No More Lies, books 1 and 2,

are currently available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Golden Poppies: the Gilded Age and the continued fight for freedom

Golden Poppies by Laila Ibrahim is the final book of the Freedman/Johnson trilogy. It is 1894, Jordan Wallace lives in segregated Chicago and Sadie lives in the more tolerant Oakland, California. Their families have been intertwined since Jordan’s mother, Mattie, was nursemaid to Sadie’s mother, Lisbeth. Soon, the two women will be intertwined themselves as they face racial divides and social injustices of the Gilded Age. Jordan soon realizes that even tolerant Oakland has much work to do for all of their citizens. Jordan and Sadie discover that they must work together to overcome their personal and political challenges. At a time when courage, loyalty and the ties of family will be severely tested, will they find the strength to forge ahead as they fight for the rights that have been held back? 

Golden Poppies details the racial injustices of the time and serves as a harsh reality of how far we have come as a nation and how much more we need to go. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “We must plant the seeds of a liberty tree so that they may eat the fruit of justice we will never taste.” Golden Poppies is a reminder that the work we do to better our lives and our country may not be a reality for us but it could be for future generations. Many reviews have complained that the relationship between Jordan and Sadie was unrealistic. While it may not have been the norm of the day, it was certainly possible. If you enjoyed Yellow Crocus and Mustard Seed, I recommend Golden Poppies. 

Golden Poppies is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Forest, Fishing and Forgery: more hijinks in Normal, Kentucky

Forest, Fishing and Forgery is the third book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. It’s Labor Day weekend in Normal and the Happy Trails Campground is busier than ever. Unfortunately, a rumor circulates that the Daniel Boone National Park is in danger of being closed due to a drought. The park closure would devastate the campground as well as Normal. The residents are scrambling for business ideas in order to survive the possible shutdown. When a local resident with the power to shut down the park is found dead, there is no shortage of suspects. Added to the drama a hiker is missing and another local is found dead. Are they connected? It’s up to Mae to find out! 

I like the alliteration in the titles of this series; however, I failed to see how forests, fishing and forgery fit into this story. Granted some of the story takes place in the forests of the national park. However, most of the action takes place in the campground and in town. And there was little fishing or forgery occurring. The mystery was nice but given the title, I was expecting a crime other than murder. How many murders can occur in one small town? Overall, I enjoyed Forests, Fishing, and Forgery. It was a quick read for a cold, bundle up kind of morning. And I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you may enjoy Forests, Fishing and Forgery. 

Forests, Fishing, and Forgery is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook