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

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

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

Now and Then is available in paperback and eBook

The Cypress Maze: a tale of secrets and learning to live again

The Cypress Maze by Fiona Valpy is a tale of secrets and learning to live again. In 2015, Tess is still reeling from the loss of her husband that she is sent to the Villa delle Colombe where her grandmother’s childhood friend, Beatrice is one of the caretakers. She is looking for a place of peace and solace in order to come to grips with her loss. That peace is shattered when the absent owner, Marco, arrives and they discover his plan to develop the land. Beatrice is particularly grieved at this prospect. She tells Tess a story of her time at the villa during World War II and a secret hidden within the villa’s elaborate cypress maze. In order to protect the innocent, Beatrice holds a haunting secret. Could telling her story now set her free? Can Tess convince Marco of the villa’s greater value than just land? 

Fiona Valpy is an author who has been able to blend past and present to tell a story and a lesson of hope and resilience. The Cypress Maze is such a story. However, I found it hard to get into this story. There was a lot of internal monologue, especially with Tess’ point of view. While her internal monologue makes sense in the beginning, it drags on for a little too long. Too much telling and not enough showing. Beatrice’s point of view was heartbreaking. The author’s description of the region, the villa and its grounds were gorgeous and vivid. Overall, I did enjoy the story although some parts dragged a bit. I love reading about the power of resilience and the strength to fight back. I love this story for its theme of grief, hope and resilience. If you enjoy dual timeline stories, I recommend The Cypress Maze.   

The Cypress Maze is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

One Good Thing: a World War II story of friendship, hope, courage and the fight to survive

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter is a World War II story of hardship, hope, courage and resilience. Lili has been friends with Esti since meeting at university. When Esti’s son, Theo, is born, they become as close as sisters. As the war rages in Germany and France, Lili and Esti must deal with Mussolini’s Racial Laws, and while difficult, life seemingly goes on as usual. Until Germany invades northern Italy and life becomes much more dangerous. At first, they flee to a countryside villa to help hide Jewish orphans. Then fleeing to Florence, finding in a convent as nuns and becoming a part of the Underground network of forgers and couriers. When Esti can no longer protect Theo, she asks Lili to take her son and protect him. Now Lili finds herself on a journey through Allied territory, Nazi-occupied villages and finding ways to survive, not only for herself, but for a promise she made to her best friend. 

World War II still fuels amazing stories eighty years after it ended. While most stories take place in France or Germany, I find it very refreshing that authors are finding stories to tell from other areas of the world. One Good Thing is an engaging story from start to finish. I loved the character of Lili. Lili is the worrier at the beginning and while she is filled with doubt at every turn, but her determination to fulfil her promise to Esti, she finds the courage and strength to keep moving forward. I also loved the character development of Esti from a skeptic to a fully committed to the underground resistance. I loved the sister-friendship between Lili and Esti. One Good Thing is a great story of how the love for another person is a reason to keep going despite the darkness and hopelessness. If you love stories of friendship, motherhood and survival, I highly recommend One Good Thing. 

One Good Thing will be available March 4, 2025 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade: resilience of the human spirit to survive and rebuild

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is based on a true story of Jessie “Kit” Carson, an American librarian who worked in a war zone to bring books to the people. In January 1918, as the Great War rages on, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library and works for the American Committee for Devastated France (CARD). Founded by Anne Morgan, the daughter of JP Morgan, this group helped rebuild the war torn French communities along the battlefront. When Jessie arrives, she creates children’s libraries. Turning ambulances into bookmobiles and trains French women as librarians. Then she disappears. Sixty-nine years later, in 1987, Wendy Peterson, a NYPL librarian and aspiring writer, stumbled across Jessie Carson’s name in the archives. With only a passing reference, Wendy becomes obsessed with discovering more about the elusive librarian. Is she prepared for what her search will reveal?  

I loved Jane Skeslien Charles’s The Paris Library and could not wait to read another adventure of the importance of books and community, even in war time. It is a story about the resilience of the human spirit to survive and rebuild. It is a story of inspiration and courage. I loved that Jessie felt the call to join CARD and leave her safe home for a war zone. I also loved that she did not let disappointment discourage her from doing what she set out to do. She was a librarian and was going to bring books back to the community. I also loved Wendy’s dedication to find out Jessie’s story and tell the world about her. This story is well researched and I enjoyed the author’s notes at the end about the real life individuals. If you enjoy stories about WWI and books, I recommend Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. 

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade will be available 

in hardcover, eBook and audiobook April 30, 2024

Starting Over: the Gray family and the citizens of Hart's Ridge must find hope and strength in the darkness

Starting Over is the eighth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. In the aftermath of the events of Hello Goodbye, the Gray family bands together in unwavering strength and resilience as a crisis appears to threaten to tear them apart once again. As a new case hits the small town of Hart’s Ridge a little too close to home, the Gray family and the rest of Hart’s Ridge must come together and find the courage and hope to keep going and start fresh. A local woman is taken while shopping and it becomes a race against time to find her and bring her home safe and sound. With every picture and facade being questioned and bonds tested by secrets, they can ever feel secure again. Will the Gray family and the citizens of Hart’s Ridge find strength and hope in the darkness of tragedy? Can they move forward as a family with love and forgiveness? 

When Kay Bratt first announced her new series, she originally planned for eight books. The overwhelming support and response for the Gray family and this series, she announced that she is continuing the series. And I am so happy! I can see how Starting Over was supposed to be a send off for the Gray family; but, there are still so many stories to be told in this tiny little hamlet. The main case of the story took my breath away as I awaited their resolution with every twist and turn. I wish I could talk about my reaction to the resolution but no spoilers! I will definitely be waiting for book nine and future books in this heart pounding series. If you have not started the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend starting with book one, Hart’s Ridge, which is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. If you have read the Hart’s Ridge series, you will not be disappointed with Starting Over! 

Starting Over is available in eBook

Promise of Tomorrow: forbidden love, family secrets and second chances

Promise of Tomorrow by Tess Thompson is the second book of the Castaway Christmas series. Millicent Cashmere appears to have a life of luxury as the only child of the wealthy family. However, she is a literal prisoner in her father’s mansion. She is forbidden to have friends or go to school. Her only company is books. Teddy Hill is the humble son of the Cashmere chauffeur. He admired Millicent from afar for years. When a series of tragic events brings them closer Teddy is determined to protect Millicent and rescue her from her prison. As family secrets reveal themselves, can she finally break free from the darkness that has filled her life? Can they find a way to forge a life together in the face of the worst circumstances? 

Promise of Tomorrow is a historical fiction about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances. It is a story of resilience and the power of love and community. I wanted to reach through the book and rescue Millicent myself. As the attitudes of the time, the book takes place in 1914, daughters were property of their father, with very little voice. I cheered as Teddy stepped up and helped Millicent out of a horrible situation. Seeing their slow growing love story was wonderful. I enjoyed visiting Castaway Cove and the characters from the first book, Come Tomorrow. Readers do not need to read the first book to enjoy Promise of Tomorrow, however, I highly recommend it as it is another wonderful story. I highly recommend Promise of Tomorrow. 

Promise of Tomorrow is available in paperback and eBook. 

Sisters Under the Rising Sun: a story of strength, survival and resilience

Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris is a story of sisterhood, bravery and friendship in the darkness of war. As World War II spreads through the Pacific, Norah Chambers places her eight year old daughter on a ship leaving Singapore, hoping to keep her safe from the advancing Japanese army. Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, enlisted to tend to Allied troops but as Singapore falls to the Japanese, she joins a ship of terrified people. When their ship is sunk off the coast of Indonesia and surviving hours in the sea, the survivors find themselves on the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their notorious POW camps. With disease, brutality and starvation rampant, the survivors must find a way to fight back with resourcefulness, determination, and courage. 

Heather Morris has gained a reputation for writing about little known stories filled with amazing inspiration of survival and courage. Sisters Under the Rising Sun is no exception. With most World War II stories focused on the European theater, it is great to finally see a story featuring events in the Pacific theater. The descriptions of what these people endured and survived is horrifying and yet inspirational. It is a testament to the strength and reliance of the human spirit to survive. There is a slow build to the events, but once the story builds up, it is a hard book to put down. I worried and hoped these amazing people survived and were reunited with their loved ones. If you enjoy World War II stories and want to read the different areas of the war, I highly recommend Sisters Under the Rising Sun. 

Sisters under the Rising Sun is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

The Beauty of Rain: finding new life and purpose after a tragic loss

The Beauty of Rain by Jamie Beck is a story of loss, grief and finding a greater purpose in life. Winning the lottery had changed Amy Walsh’s life but not in the ways we all dream of. After a tragic accident, she struggles to find joy, purpose and a reason to keep living. She vows to never spend a single cent on herself. Kristin DeMarco is Amy’s older sister and worried about her wellbeing. Amy stays with Kristin and her family while she recovers. However, the arrangement leads to trouble as her attention is divided leaving less time for her career, her husband, and her kids. As Amy decides it is time to live on her own, Kristin worries about their futures. Can Kristin learn that her time with her family is her most valuable asset? Can they learn that with life’s unpredictability, the importance of love, resilience and living in the now? 

The Beauty of Rain is an emotionally powerful story of two sisters who must learn the beauty in the tragic moments and painful truths about life, love and family. I highly anticipated this story as I have heard Ms Beck speak about her inspiration. Told between Amy and Kristin’s alternating points of view, the story exposes the struggles and the pains they try to hide. With relatable faults, flaws and admirable qualities, every character felt real and their pain hits home. I recommend bringing tissues. There are moments I teared up and there are moments I openly cried. As I closed the final chapter, there was a smile through the tears. The Beauty of Rain reminded me of a 1990s song that I won’t reveal as it could give hints to the ending of the story and I hate to spoil it for future readers. I highly, highly recommend The Beauty of Rain. 

The Beauty of Rain is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Instant Karma: strength, resilience and secrets

Instant Karma is the fifth book in Hart’s Ridge by Kay Bratt. Faire Tinsley is a long time resident of Hart’s Ridge. A sort of recluse, she realizes she needs extra income in order to keep her beloved home. She decides to take on a tenant. An easy arrangement quickly turns into a nightmare as her new tenant begins to act odd and erratic. Faire reluctantly turns to Deputy Taylor Gray who discovers this stranger is not who he says he is. Meanwhile, two men from Jo’s high school past come back into town. Jo convinces herself she doesn’t need or want a relationship. But their presence in town forces Jo to confront the past. Will Faire be able to recover her home from a sinister tenant? Will Jo hold on to her secret or will she be forced to reveal it?

WOW! was the one word I uttered as I turned the final page of Instant Karma.  The Hart’s Ridge series keeps getting better and better. Instant Karma is a great addition to the series. The themes of strength and resilience run throughout the story. The situation with Faire and her tenant kept me on my seat. I enjoyed seeing Della Ray again and her unwavering support for Faire. Jo has kept the identity of Levi’s father a secret. Some in town have their speculation but she has been able to stay mum. When she reveals her secret to one particular person, it was a shocker to say the least. It was not a reveal I was expecting! Taylor is also hiding a secret which I hope that story comes to fruition in a future story. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Instant Karma and I can’t wait to finish out this series! I highly recommend Instant Karma. 

Hart’s Ridge is available now in paperback and in eBook on May 26

Books 1-4 are currently available in paperback and eBook

The Dressmaker's Gift: a story of resilience and survival

The Dressmaker’s Gift by Fiona Valpy is the story of three women faced with impossible choices during a desperate time. Paris, 1940, the city is occupied by the Nazis, three young seamstresses, Claire, Mireille, and Vivienne, go about their normal lives as best they can. Each hiding secrets. After seeing the horrors of the Nazis first hand, Mireille joins the French Resistance. Claire becomes involved with a German officer and Vivienne keeps her secrets very close to the vest. 2017, Paris, Claire’s granddaughter, Harriet, arrives in the city to begin an internship at a local public relations agency. Still grieving from her mother’s sudden death, Harriet discovers she is living and working in the same building her grandmother lived and worked in many years ago. As she begins to learn the story of her grandmother, she unravels a story darker and more painful than she ever managed. How do they survive history’s darkest times and how will they be judged for those choices? 

Fiona Valpy is a phenomenal storyteller! She has a way to open up the stories of the past through the eyes of those who lived it with all its complicities. The Beekeeper’s Promise (2018) introduced Mireille and in The Dressmaker’s Gift, readers can experience her story. Ms. Valpy doesn’t shy away from the horrors that were experienced during the war. Filled with emotional and heartbreaking moments, The Dressmaker’s Gift is a story of hope, courage and resilience. From the beginning, the story of Claire, Mireille and Vivienne gripped me until I couldn’t let go. Reading the choices they were forced to make and actions that they took to survive, I kept asking myself would we be able to do the same today? What would we do in times of impossible choices? I also enjoyed Harriet’s story as she finds a new sense of purpose and personal strength as she learns her grandmother’s story. I highly recommend The Dressmaker’s Gift as well as The Beekeeper’s Promise. 

The Dressmaker’s Gift is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Half a Heart: an emotional journey

Half a Heart by Karen McQuestion is a story of a little boy who has lived in a very rough situation and when the chance to run came, he took it. At 9 years old, Logan Weber knows the routine: keep quiet, make the food last and don’t cause trouble. He does whatever it takes to avoid the rages of his violent father. One day, he runs away and ends up in another state. Alone in an unfamiliar place and relying on his instincts and the kindness of strangers, Logan manages to find a safe place to hide. Hoping for one more day, Logan manages to catch the attention of Joanne Dembiec and Paul and Laura Sutton, neighbors who, in their own way, help him. Will Logan finally find a safe and loving home? Or will he be taken back to face the anger of his father?

Karen McQuestion can always be counted on to provide an emotional journey with a heart wrenching story filled with suspenseful moments. Half a Heart is an emotional journey of a little boy who has been abused and neglected. He finally sees a way out and he takes it, with not much thought of where to go or what to do next. A child who has learned to fend for himself, Logan is quite resourceful when he needs food, shelter and other necessities. It is heartbreaking that a child learns to be so independent through such horrific circumstances. I enjoyed Half a Heart as a story of one child’s resilience and his ability to affect the lives of the adults around him, especially the older Joanne Dembiec, who seems to be on her way to being a cranky and unpleasant neighbor. I recommend Half a Heart. 

Half a Heart is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.