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

The Hidden Prince: a young woman must lean on God during a period of political secrets and danger

The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar is a story of a young woman who finds herself leaning on God during a period of political secrets. In order to help her family, Keren is taken into Daniel’s household and soon becomes his most trusted scribe. She also finds herself taking lessons and swordsmanship training with Daniel’s sons and their best friend, Jared. After a tragic accident sends her far from home, Keren finds herself in a foreign country, tasked with teaching Artadates, a young shepherd boy, in secret on how to be a lord. When she overhears clues to the boy’s true identity, she realizes what could be at stake. Jared finds it difficult to forgive Keren for the accident; however, he finds himself traveling far and wide to bring her home. When he learns the boy’s identity, Jared knows that he and Keren must do what they can to protect him, trying to save the boy who could be the one foretold to deliver their people from captivity. 

Tessa Afshar has the amazing ability to bring to life the stories of the Bible that might seem dry and boring. I have loved her storytelling since I picked up Pearl in the Sand (2010) and I eagerly await her newest release. The Hidden Prince is a story set during the Babylon captivity as Daniel is an older man, well respected during Nebuchadnezzar's reign. Keren is a young woman who has talents and skills beyond her years. I found myself immersed in the story as I followed Keren from Babylon to the Medes Empire. I loved the recurring theme of enduring. Taking from 1 Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the Lord; for he is good; his faithful love endures forever,” Keren and Jared learn what it means to endure in God’s love. The political intrigue was suspenseful and interesting. I also enjoyed the love story between Keren and Jared. I also enjoyed the relationship between Keren and Artadates. I highly, highly recommend The Hidden Prince. 

The Hidden Prince is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Her Unexpected Cowboy: one birthday wish, a man with no memory and a web of danger

Her Unexpected Cowboy is the first book in the Unforgettable Cowboys series by Danae Little. Sydney hides out on her goat ranch, clinging to her loneliness and refuses to ask for help. While making a birthday wish, a handsome stranger shows up at her door, wounded with no memory. Sydney is torn between allowing him to stay in her barn or sending him on his way. When Jameson woke up on the side of the road, he came to the first house, he was struck by the beautiful woman who answered his call for help. As he struggles to restore his memories, he makes excuses to stay, to help her around the house all the while ignoring the warning ringing in his head. That is until the local sheriff comes to the ranch, Jameson recognizes his voice and a web of danger begins to close in. 

Her Unexpected Cowboy was my first book by Danae Little and I enjoy a good cowboy story. The beginning of the story was intriguing. I liked Sydney from the beginning. I liked her courage, strength and hard working attitude. She is lonely with only her pets and the goats on her ranch. She loves her life, the ranch but something is missing. Jameson was a man with no memory and the mystery around him was interesting. However, the story was slow. The suspense was okay. The resolution was a bit predictable. The author’s attention to detail was admirable but slowed down the story’s flow. The romance between Sydney and Jameson was sweet and their happily ever after was good. Overall, the story was okay; but, I will not be continuing the series. If you enjoy cowboy romance with a bit of suspense, you may enjoy Her Unexpected Cowboy. 

Her Unexpected Cowboy is a available in paperback and eBook

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

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

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

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

Family Money: a thriller suspense with lies, secrets and a fight to the truth

Family Money by Chad Zunker is a thriller suspense as one man’s secrets put his family in danger. Alex Mahan is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Taylor. With two beautiful daughters, a great home and a thriving business, Alex even enjoys the support of his in-laws especially his father in law, Joe. However, his world is turned upside down when Joe is abducted and killed during a family trip to Mexico. As executor of Joe’s estate, Alex goes through his finances and he realizes some things aren’t adding up. The more he investigates, the deeper the mystery becomes. It seems the man they knew, loved and trusted was not who they thought he was. As Alex continues to dig into Joe’s secrets, a threat lurks in the shadows and with every lie uncovered, Alex and his family are more and more in danger. 

I am new to Chad Zunker’s books and while described as a thriller suspense, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I don’t normally read this genre. From the opening chapter, I was intrigued by the mystery of who Joe truly was and why he had so many secrets, dangerous secrets. I took in every detail as Alex uncovered secret after secret and hooked until the very end as Alex fights to protect those he loves. Alex was an enjoyable character and one readers will want to root for and see through to the end. Family Money reads a lot like a thriller spy movie. The story’s elements were a bit far-fetched, like most spy movies are, but I still enjoyed the story and closed the final page with satisfaction. If you enjoy a thriller suspense story, I recommend Family Money. 

Family Money is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms: a story of magic, danger and love

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg is the first book in the Whimbrel House series. In Rhode Island, 1846, Merritt Fernsby received a letter that he inherited a remote estate in the Narragansett Bay. Even though the house has been uninhabited for more than a hundred years, he is ready to call it home. Once inside, he realizes he cannot leave. The house won’t let him. The Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms sends Hulda Larkin to help figure out the source of the Whimbrel House’s enchantments. Armed with a set of magic tools, Hulda soon realizes that her work is cut out for her. As they delve into the house’s secrets and history, there is something darker, more dangerous lurking in the distance and it is getting closer. Can Hulda and Merritt calm the magic within the house and battle the evil that stalks them? 

With an interesting premise, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is a great ride with twists and turns. A slow burn story that builds into a raging fire with an action packed climax and finale, this story is more than just about magic, evil and danger but also love and finding a place to belong. Every character adds to the wonderful quirkiness of the story. I especially loved Hulda with her no-nonsense attitude and yet hides a deep hurt and desire. Even the house, especially once they discover what is going on and try to interact with it. The Whimbrel House gave me Casita from Encanto (2021) vibes as it has its own personality and adds to the humor and intrigue of the story. I am interested in reading more of Hulda and Merritt and will continue the series. I highly recommend Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. 

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Tattered Stars: when coming home could be dangerous and yet healing

Tattered Stars is the first book in the Tattered and Torn series by Catherine Cowles. At 11 years old, Everly Kemper took a great risk to get important information to the authorities. It caused her world to come crashing down and she left the town. Now, 16 years later, she’s back to take claim of her inheritance and to rebuild her home and make peace with her family’s past in town. It would be facing him, the boy with the dark eyes, who has haunted her dreams since that night. Hayes Easton is now sheriff and is not happy when he learns that Everly is back in town, fearing what her presence would mean for the town. But when threats are made against her, he steps in to help keep her safe. What they both don’t expect is sparks to fly, they also don’t know that someone is watching and doesn’t like what they see. 

I love Catherine Cowles stories as they are filled with characters with wounds, living with harsh realities and yet find love in even the darkest times. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put it down. I wanted to reach through the pages and hug those who were hurting and hurt those who were caused to the hurting. Despite her past, Everly is a strong, independent woman who is determined to stand on her own two feet and is ready to knock down anyone who stands in her way. Hayes is the protector of not just the town but his family as well. He is drawn to Everly despite his best efforts to stay away. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and before I even finished the book, I was looking into the rest of the books of the series and adding them to my wish list. I highly, highly recommend Tattered Stars. 

Tattered Stars is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Blue Moon: a love story with humor and a bit of danger

Blue Moon is the second book in the Blue Mountain series by Tess Thompson. Bliss Heywood is a driven, workaholic executive who faces an unsure future. After she is wrongly dismissed from her job, she spends the Thanksgiving holiday with her sister, Blythe, and her boyfriend, Kevan, in Peregrine, Idaho. There she meets Kevan’s playboy brother, Ciaran. Despite his reputation, Bliss is drawn to Ciaran who hides a secret, a dangerous secret. Bliss and Ciaran agree to a brief fling which quickly becomes more than they bargained for. Behind his charming façade, Ciaran is haunted by a past he is desperate to leave behind him. Believing he is in danger, he is always on the move. Will the threat eventually catch up with him? Will Bliss be caught in the crossfire? 

Blue Moon is a love story with humor, wit and a bit of danger. I enjoyed Bliss’s sass and heart. The only person she has been able to rely on for support is her sister, Blythe, Bliss knows that hard work to get ahead in life. I loved that she refused to wallow after her dismissal, instead decided it was time for change. I enjoyed Ciaran as there is more to him than his playboy reputation. When the two meet, the sparks fly immediately. Their romance was fun and steamy. The mystery and drama with Ciaran’s threat was lackluster. I would have liked to see more of the threat than being told. Overall, I enjoyed Bliss and Ciaran’s love story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend Blue Moon. 

 Blue Moon is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook 

Blue Midnight, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Lucy in the Sky: danger, family secrets and a fight to survive

Lucy in the Sky by Kay Bratt is the second book in the Hart’s Ridge series. Lucy Gray doesn't usually start trouble but it certainly knows how to be wherever she is. As she is running away from her hometown, she ends up in New York City and in front of the famous Dakota. When she is mistaken for someone else, a split second decision changes her luck for once. Or so Lucy thinks. A turn of fortunes leads to a situation of life or death. Meanwhile Taylor is dealing with a revelation that will tear apart everything she thought she knew about her family and their past. Once she is on the case, she can’t stop until she knows the truth. Will Lucy find a way to escape and survive? Will Taylor’s investigation help rebuild her family or tear it apart further? 

Lucy in the Sky picks up right after the end of Hart’s Ridge as Lucy arrives in New York City. She isn’t there long when she finds her luck changes with a job of a lifetime. The book was a bit slow in the beginning but once Lucy reveals a secret she has been hiding and her new employer offers a way out, the pace picks up quickly. And if you thought Taylor’s heart was on her sleeve in Hart’s Ridge, you will see her torn in two as she investigates a family secret. I can’t say much without spoiling plot points but this story will leave you in awe and eager for book 3, In My Life (release date March 14, 2023). I highly recommend Lucy in the Sky. If you haven’t read Hart’s Ridge, I highly recommend it before reading Lucy in the Sky. 

Lucy in the Sky is available in paperback and eBook

Hart’s Ridge is available in paperback and eBook

Athaliah and Jehosheba: two very different women with two very different plans

This month’s study features two women: Athaliah and Jehosheba. Two very different women with two very different plans with very different outcomes. Athaliah was the granddaughter of Omri, one of Israel’s most idolatrous and evil kings. She was the daughter of Ahab and possibly Jezebel. Athaliah was the only woman to rule over Judah and spent her time promoting Baal worship. In order to stay in power, she murdered her own family. She attempted to destroy the royal line of Judah but failed. She failed due to Jehoseheba’s actions. Jehosheba was a princess and the wife of the high priest, Jehoiada. A courageous woman who helped preserve the Judean royal line. The same line that would produce Jesus. She preserved the life of her brother’s youngest son, Joash, so he could become Judah’s rightful king. One woman’s evil plan was subverted by another woman’s courage and kept God’s promise alive. What is their story? What other examples do we have of people doing right in the face of evil? What promises do we have from God when we face these situations? 

Athaliah’s name sent chills through the hearts of God’s people. After her husband and son were killed in battle with Jehu, she took the throne. In her paranoia and lust for power, she proceeded to murder her own grandsons in order to keep her place on the throne of Judah. She may have sat back with satisfaction as she believed she had successfully snuffed out the royal line. There was no one else to challenge her place on the throne. Little did she know there was one grandson she missed. Jehosheba was the sister of Ahaziah, Athaliah’s son, which makes Jehosheba, her stepdaughter (2 Kings 11:1-2). Taking the infant, Joash, Jehosheba hid him within the safety of the temple for six years (2 Kings 11:3). When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada, the high priest, arranged a coup with the Carites, a mercenary army, and crowned Joash as king (2 Kings 11:4-8). Everything goes according to plan as the people rejoice in the temple at the crowning of Joash. When Athaliah heard the noise, she came to investigate and saw the newly crowned king and tore her robes (2 Kings 11:13-14). Jehoiada ordered the troops to take Athaliah and her followers and put them to the sword (2 Kings 11:15-16). 

Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada took a great risk hiding Joash within the temple walls. They are another example on a long list of people who took a great risk, doing right in the face of evil. Jochebed hid her infant son, Moses, before putting him in a papyrus basket and placing him in the Nile River (Exodus 2:1-10). Many individuals like Jehosheba helped others with great risk to themselves especially in World War II. First, Irena Sandler (1910-2008) rescued an estimated 2,500 children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Between 1935-1943, Irena used her position within the Department of Social Welfare and Public Health of the City of Warsaw to rename and relocate Jewish children. When she was arrested by the Gestapo in 1943, she refused to reveal the names and locations of the children. She was sent to be executed but a bribe was able to secure her release. Second, and probably most famous, Oskar Schindler (1908-1974), a German industrialist was able to save the lives of 1,200 Jews that worked in his factories. He used his connections to bribe Nazi officials to prevent the deportation of Jewish workers. Lastly, Raoul Wellenberg (1912-1945) has been credited with saving as many as 100,000 Hungarian Jews by issuing them passports and hiding them in buildings designated as Swedish territory. 

While we may be put into situations to make choices like Jehoiada or face evil like Athaliah, we still see negative and evil forces working in the world around us. How do we find the strength to carry on? Simply remembering God always wins. Evil forces will always try to disrupt or stop God’s plans but God always wins. When dishonesty, the lack of integrity or low morality is the norm and kindness and godliness is the exception, we are told not to despair. God will not lose the war. He will prevail in the end. Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” God’s power is far greater than the power of evil. God always does what he says He will no matter the human plots. When situations have a tendency to shake your faith, seek God’s words for strength. Seek the courage to act on behalf of the innocent regardless of human reactions and possible consequences. In today’s society of cancel culture and vilification for standing up for what’s right, it is easy to be scared of reprisals. Jehosheba, a seemingly minor individual in the Bible, played a major role in the life of God’s people.  Her story is an example of doing what is right regardless of the risks involved. 

In conclusion, while it is easy to say “do what is right in the face of the risks,” we have Biblical and historical examples of people doing exactly that. People rising up and essentially thumbing their noses at the evils in power and saying no more. I want the strength and courage to do the same. It is a constant prayer that the Lord guides me as I face trials and evils in my life. Whether it is in government, in the church, in my neighborhood or even in my own family. To help me to do whatever is in my power to resist either by my vote, by speaking up or taking a stand. To give me wisdom to know what to do, when to do it and the courage to act as I trust him. Jehosheba knew the extent of Athaliah’s evil and knew she would be killed if she were caught. But she still took the stand to save the life of one child and saved the Judah family line. Imagine what could be the result if we did the same? 

The Favor: staying is dangerous but leaving could be much worse

The Favor by Nora Murphy is a domestic suspense novel in which staying is dangerous but leaving could be much worse. Leah and McKenna have never met but they lead parallel lives. On the outside, it would seem that they have it all. All the trappings of success, wealth, and marital bliss. But in fact, they are hopelessly trapped. Leah and McKenna don’t accidentally meet, discuss their common issues and devise a plan. Leah understands that what is hidden behind closed doors can be much more dangerous than outside in the real world. What is supposed to be a safe haven is actually a prison. Driving past McKenna’s house one night, Leah watches a scene she knows all too well. She watches and waits until one night, she decides to intervene. What Leah doesn’t know is that her actions will lead to a chain of events that threatens their lives and their freedom. 

With Strangers on a Train (1951) and The Girl on The Train (2015) vibes, The Favor is a gripping novel about abuse, alcoholism, as well as compassion and what happens when a woman is pushed to the limit and takes matters into their own hands. From the opening scene to the finale, this book gripped me and would not let go. It is powerful, suspenseful and horrifying as readers will witness psychological abuse and gaslighting as two controlling men break down their wives. Leah and McKenna aren’t stupid women. They are well educated with well respected jobs. And yet they are trapped. Slowly but surely, they find themselves in a prison with no hope of getting free. The Favor will keep readers on the edge of their seats as Ms. Murphy takes us back and forth from the present into the past to witness the slow descent into  abuse and the fight back. I highly recommend The Favor! 

The Favor is available May 31, 2022 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. 

Sweet Talk: a sweet, sexy romance

Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood is the tenth book in the Buchanan/Renard/MacKenna series. When Special Agent Grayson Kincaid encounters Olivia MacKenzie, she leaves an impression. Olivia, beautiful but tough attorney, accidently stumbled into the middle of an FBI sting and chaos ensues. She isn’t fazed. She’s on the trail of an elaborate Ponzi scheme and her investigation has provoked some ruthless people and now her life is endangered. While she is no stranger to tight situations, she’s smart enough to call for help. Does she dare call for Grayson’s help? As their investigations intertwine, they learn they make a great team but they are also fighting an intense attraction. A battle they are certain to lose. 

I have enjoyed Julie Garwood’s romances since I was a teenager. And I have enjoyed the Buchanan/Renard/MacKenna series since Heartbreaker (2000). Sweet Talk is a sweet, sexy  romance that hits all the right moments. The tall, dark and handsome FBI agent meets a sassy, no nonsense woman and sparks fly. It was a fast read and enjoyable. However, I don’t feel it's on the same level as previous books in this series. The mystery about who is behind the threats against her life has been done before. Overall, I did enjoy Sweet Talk. There were moments I laughed and sighed as their love story blossomed. If you are a fan of Julie Garwood, you may enjoy Sweet Talk. 

Sweet Talk is available in mass market paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Shoes on the Stairs: a great idea but failed in its execution

Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele is described as inspiration from the many frustrations of parenthood and the ever-present fear of failure. Claire Blackwell was the mom who did it all. She sacrificed everything to make sure her husband and kids had all they needed or wanted. When she suddenly dies after a car accident, she is left with the feeling of unfinished business. She watches in horror as her husband and kids try to navigate a world without her. She expects a brilliant white light to take her to the afterlife but it never comes. As she struggles with her limbo state, her family begins to see and hear her. Starting with her youngest daughter, she works to help mend her broken family and discovers a situation which puts them in danger. Her son, Edward, had rising tensions with his long-time bully and as the situation escalates, Claire must find a way to help her family before it's too late. Can she help them? Will she ever see that bright, white light?

I chose Shoes on the Stairs as it “centers around a mother’s struggle to accept what she has left behind.” I expected a journey of “laughter and tears.” What I got was a cringey story of a woman who thought she could control everything, even after death. I supposed Claire was written to be the stereotypical housewife who took care of everything for her family that when she was gone, they were lost without her. And it was true, her husband and kids are unsure where things are and how to do even the basic tasks. But Claire was a hard character to care for. I couldn’t relate to her at all. The language she uses was eye rolling horrible and not funny at all. At one point, to describe her own parents, Claire tells readers that “They bicker more often than a vegetarian farts”?!?!?! Seriously!?!?!? Overall, the book was not enjoyable. I didn’t laugh once, no heartstrings tugged. I do not recommend Shoes on the Stairs. I expected so much more than what I got. 

Shoes on the Stairs is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Big Lies in a Small Town: a story of mystery, danger and a mural

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain open in Edenton, North Carolina in March 1940 as three young children discover the body of a man. Fast forward to a prison for women in the summer of 2018 where Morgan Christopher is serving time is offered a chance for freedom. The late Jesse Jameson Williams, a famous painter, has requested in his will that Morgan restore a mural for the opening of his gallery in Edenton. Although she has never restored a painting before, she jumps at the chance to get out of prison and get a fresh start. With a firm deadline and so much riding on her finishing, Morgan is unsure how to begin. Back to December 1939, where Anna Dale learns she has been chosen to paint a mural for the Edenton Post Office from thousands of applicants. Eager for a fresh start, Anna makes a trip to Edenton to start the project. Told back and forth between 1939-1940 and the summer of 2018, the story weaves a mystery of Anna’s mural and a connection to Morgan. How are these two women connected? What is behind the mysterious images in the mural? Can Morgan finish the mural in time? Can she find the fresh start she has been hoping for?

I have read a couple of Ms. Chamberlain’s books before and loved them, so when I had the chance to read Big Lies in a Small Town, I jumped at it. And it did not disappoint. From the opening chapter to the final scene, the story draws you in to a time and place of racism, innuendo and danger. And to a mystery that the reader tries to piece together along with Morgan. I enjoyed all the characters especially Morgan as she tries to make amends for the mistakes of her past and move forward for her future. I also enjoyed Anna and how she stands up for Jesse, who is a black teen, and sees not his color but his amazing talent that would go to waste if it is not nurtured. The attitudes of the townspeople toward their friendships were on point with the time. There is so much more I wish I could say but it would ruin the twists and turns this book will take you on. Big Lies in a Small Town is a great book and I highly recommend it!

Big Lies in a Small Town

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Bound by a Dragon: a fun romance filled with action and drama

Bound by a Dragon by Linda K. Hopkins is the first book in the Dragon Archives series. It is the story of Keira, a young girl, who is fascinated by the dragon that taken residence in the mountains above her village. Soon a handsome and mysterious man comes to the village’s market day and approaches her family’s table. Aaron Drake has moved into his family home of Storbrook Castle. Aaron is fascinated that Keira is unafraid of the dragon while everyone else is terrified. The two become close friends under the suspicious eye of Edmund Hobbes, Keira’s self-proclaimed fiancé and local bully. As Keira and Aaron draw closer in their relationship, Aaron reveals a deep, dark secret. Will Keira be able to accept the man as well as his secret? Will she be able to love him as well as keep his secret? How will Edmund react when he discovers Keira’s heart now belongs to another? Will Keira’s love for Aaron put her in danger?

Bound by a Dragon is a nice romance with exciting action and drama. It was a nice change from the romance genres with vampires, werewolves and other supernatural and mythical creatures. I enjoyed Keira’s spunk and self-confidence. I liked that she knew what she wanted (or didn’t want) and wasn’t afraid to crave her own paths despite the wishes and dreams of her mother. I also liked that despite Aaron’s attractiveness and strength there was a vulnerability about him too. He wasn’t the typical romance hero who comes and saves the damsel in distress. I recommend Bound by a Dragon for a fun and exciting romance.

Bound by a Dragon

is available in paperback and eBook

Paris 7 am: a difficult book to finish with a disappointing story

Paris 7 am by Liza Wieland is the fictionalized story of the missing time in American poet, Elizabeth Bishop’s diary as she travels in France at the beginning of World War II. Bishop was a prolific journal keeper who wrote extensively about her life and activities. So, the missing time has intrigued scholars and biographers for years. The story opens with a dream. Elizabeth dreams of babies, babies attached to her like buttons and zippers. Then story then moves to 1930, Elizabeth is in college at Vassar with her roommate Margaret. In June 1937, Elizabeth Bishop arrives in France with her college roommates. They seek adventure and excitement away from the demands to find a husband and live quietly. But the world is changing with the growing threat of fascism and war on the horizon. They meet a group who pulls them into the underground world of rebellion and danger as they try to save child from the evils of the time. 

Paris 7 am is, unfortunately, a book that was hard to finish. I hate when I must force myself to finish a book. However, I lost interest in this story and only finished for the purpose of this review. First, I cannot stand books which do not use quotation marks to indicate speech. It is very distracting and makes it hard to read. Second, the book takes way too long to get to why the time is missing from her journals and when it does, it’s over way too quickly. Third, according to the book’s official description: “Poignant and captivating, Liza Wieland’s Paris, 7 A.M. is a beautifully rendered take on the formative years of one of America’s most celebrated—and mythologized—female poets.” I have been reading poetry since college and I had never heard of Elizabeth Bishop. I had to look her up to check if she was even real. “One of America’s most celebrated female poet”? I’m not sure about that. I do not recommend Paris 7 am. The book’s description does not match the story at all.

Paris 7 am

is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

Falling for a stranger: a love story with a bit of danger

Falling for a Stranger by Barbara Freethy is the third book in the Callaway series. The story opens with Ria, tending bar when she meets Drew Callaway. After a night of flirting, they have one night together. The next morning, she is gone. Fast forward fifteen months later, Drew is home in San Francisco and trying to move on when he thinks he sees Ria at Fisherman’s Wharf. After days of searching, happenstance allows him to run into her. It’s Ria under a new name and looking over her shoulder. She tries to push Drew away, but he is persistent. He is determined to learn her story and protect her from whatever she’s running from. Will she allow Drew to be close? Will she tell him why she’s running? Will there a happy ending?

When I bought Falling for a Stranger, I didn’t realize it was the third book in a series. However, it was a great story and if there were hints to the previous books, there were so subtle that it didn’t impede with the story. It had a great love story with lots of drama and action. I also enjoyed the hints at a greater mystery that will, no doubt, be revealed in the other books. I want to read the other books in this series. Not only to discover the truth of the mystery but to read the love stories of other members of the Callaway family. Ms. Freethy has created a family of characters that are interesting and feel very real. I recommend Falling for a Stranger.

Falling for a Stranger

and other titles in the Callaway series

are available in hardcover, eBook and Audiobook

Right Handed Lefty: a coming of age story about finding one's identity in this world

Right Handed Lefty by Ryan Coughlin is the coming of age story in 1983, in the small town of Boscobel, Wisconsin, as a boy with no real identity in his family history discovers you are much more than your bloodline. Ellis Sayre has had a crazy life. Orphaned as a baby, adopted then return. He spent much of his early years in an orphanage until he is adopted by Marty and Suzanne Sayre after the tragic death of their only son. When the story opens, Ellis is 12 years old and trying to figure out where he fits in with his new family, his classmates and his friends. Until one day when he, along with his friends George and Mason, witness a crime. The authorities and their parents don’t believe them. Fearing for their lives, the three boys run away and have an adventure along the Mississippi River. The search begins for the boys. One group, the concerned parents who become increasingly aware the boys were telling the truth, and one man who wants to make sure the boys never tell their story again. The stories of Ellis Abbot, a World War II vet, and an orphaned Native American boy, Two Right Feet, in the 1800s, are key to helping Ellis come to terms who he is.

The beginning of the story hooked me in. I felt a connection to Ellis and his uncertainly as he life has been anything but stable. However, when the side stories of Ellis Abbot and Two Right Feet start to intertwine with Ellis Sayre’s story, I got lost and seemed to lose interest. It reminded me of the 1986 film, Stand by Me, as a group of boys leave on an adventure innocent and return with a new perspective on life and their own identity. The story picked up again once the boys were on their adventure and the adults were on their trail to find them. It is a decent coming of age story about finding your true identity and place in the world. Right Handed Lefty is marketed as a Young Adult book and this may be its main audience; however, I feel adults would enjoy this story as well.

Right Handed Lefty

is available in paperback and eBook

Cross Out: a look into urban life

Cross Out by Roger Cannon is the story of 17 year old Jaime “Kimo” Flores who leads three very different lives. He’s a talented artist, an aspiring future cop and he is a member of a local tagging crew. When members of his crew kill a member of a local gang called The Posse, Jaime finds himself in a race against time to keep himself, his friends and his family safe. In the community of Bell Gardens, Jaime starts to see the lines between his different lives begin to blur. He must choose his final path before it is chosen for him. What path will he take? Will he make it out alive?

Cross Out is an interesting look into urban life and the impact the community has on the youth who grow up there. While I appreciate the author’s capture of the urban life, I was not captivated by the story. I see this story appealing more to young adult readers especially teenage boys. I recommend this book for young adult readers or anyone who can appreciate a story of an urban youth trying to find his way in the world.

Cross Out

is available on Amazon

in paperback and on the Kindle

From Sand and Ash: a new story about a sad period in history

From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon is a World War II love story about Angelo Bianco, an Italian priest and Eva Rosselli, the Jewish girl he grew up with. The story starts in 1929 when Angelo came to Italy from America after his mother died. He lives with his grandparents and meets Camillo Rosselli and his daughter, Eva. The two children quickly became friends despite their religious differences. Fast forward to 1938, the Anti-Semantic laws are slowly coming into play as the lives of the Jewish community are being restricted. The Italian Jews still live a relative peaceful life, despite the racial laws and they hear of the terrifying events which are occurring in Germany. They know it’s only a matter of time before it happens in Italy. By 1940, it happens. Arrests are being made and communities around up and sent to the German concentration camps. Angelo is determined to hide Eva and as many Jewish families as possible. He becomes a part of a Catholic underground organization which hides and even helps Jewish people out of the country. But too soon their network is discovered and Angelo and Eva are placed in harm’s way. Will they survive the war? Will they be able to full express their love for each other? Can they even be together?

From Sand and Ash is a haunting story of a cold, dark time in history. The callousness of the German and Italian fascists against the Jews gives the story its drama. The love story between Angelo and Eva give it its hope. The reader will cheer for Angel and Eva and their friends as they work against the Gestapo and free as many Jews as possible. The reader will cry as the horrors are experienced by the Jewish communities. I enjoyed this story as I have never really read about the experience of the Italian Jews during the war. Most historical novels of WWII focus on Germany. I recommend From Sand and Ash.

From Sand and Ash

is available on Amazon

in paperback and on the Kindle