Cut Off from Sky and Earth: a suspenseful psychological thriller and the strength to carry on from a painful memory

Cut Off from Sky and Earth by Melissa F. Miller is a psychological thriller where feminist fairytale retelling becomes a real-life nightmare. Emily Rose is staying at a remote cabin in order to finish her book, a retelling of a fairytale about a princess and her lady-in-waiting imprisoned in a tower with a modern feminist twist. She has spent years dealing with the trauma from the night she found her roommate brutally murdered. When her husband, Tristan, suggests a writing retreat at an isolated property, she jumps at the chance. When she arrives, Emily meets Alex, a woman with her own secrets, and the two become trapped by a sudden and fierce storm. A series of frightening events begin to happen, Emily and Alex realize someone is watching them and they must work together in order to survive from a very real and dangerous individual hiding in the shadows. 

Interspersed with passages of Emily’s work-in-progress, Cut Off from Sky and Earth is described as “a chilling exploration of the weight of memory, the burden of trauma and the courage it takes to break free,” It is an intense psychological thriller as I rooted for Emily as she is dealing with a very damaging memory and wanted to see her become stronger and grow. The psychological suspense was intense and kept me guessing, while there was some information that was easily “figured out” which I believe was by design as the author is teasing readers like a cat with a piece of string. The work in progress interjected in the action was a bit distracting but I saw the pattern with the fairytale and the events of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I enjoyed the ending. I recommend Cut Off from Sky and Earth.

Cut Off from Sky and Earth is available in paperback, eBook and hardcover 

on September 2, 2025

Something Old: a fresh start in a new town

Something Old is the first book in The Second Chance Shop series by Ev Bishop. Madeline’s world came crumbling down when she lost her husband, daughter and sister in a fatal car accident. Tired of the limbo of grief and loneliness, she decides to move to a small town and open a second hand shop. A dream that she shared with her daughter. She doesn't know if it will work but she is determined to make it work. As opening day gets closer and closer, she finds that there is hope in life after all. She finds herself with friends again, laughing and even adopting a moody old cat. Could there even be a second chance for love? Can she find the strength to fully embrace life again? 

I love stories about finding the strength and courage to move forward after a tragic event. I looked forward to reading Madeline’s new life in this small town. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to really connect with Madeline or the people she meets along the way. I admire her determination to start living again and feeling a fresh start in a new town was her only option. There was very little conversation other than surface communication. I feel the conservation really didn’t get deep enough especially on such hard topics as loss and grief. There are a lot of silent musings and internal dialogues that slowed the story down. Overall, the story was okay; however, I will not be continuing the series. If you enjoy second chances for life and love, you may enjoy Something Old. 

Something Old is available in paperback and eBook

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

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

Hello Stranger: a story of life, love and strength

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center is the story of life, love and strength. Sadie Montgomery was on cloud nine. After being selected as a finalist for the North American Portrait Society’s competition, she knows this is her ticket to success. However, it is thrown into question in a single moment as she wakes up in the hospital and needs a simple, yet simple surgery. After being pressured to get the surgery, sooner rather than later, she wakes up with a “temporary” condition known as face blindness. Each face she sees is a puzzle of jumbled features. Sadie is determined to win the contest and she works to overcome her condition. Added to the stress of the competition is family drama, her sick dog and possible romances with two different men. Will her face blindness truly be temporary? Could everything else come into focus as well? 

Hello Stranger is a wonderful story of overcoming one’s disabilities and finding the life you always wanted, even if it’s not the road you thought you had to take. While I was expecting a different type of story, I was enthralled by Sadie’s experiences and her determination to not let her condition hold her back. A mix of humor, family drama, and romance, Hello Stranger reminded me of Ms Center’s 2018 novel How to Walk Away. I cheered for Sadie as she finally found the courage to speak up and declare “no more” and live the life she wants. There are a few pleasant surprises as the story winds down that are heartwarming and will leave readers smiling as they close the final pages. Readers can’t go wrong with a Katherine Center story and Hello Stranger is no exception. I highly recommend Hello Stranger! 

Hello Stranger is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

It Ends With Us: a hard hitting story of breaking the familial cycle

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is the story of one woman who swore to never repeat a familial cycle and finds herself doing just that. Lily’s life hasn’t been easy and she has worked hard to leave her past behind. When she meets Ryle Kincaid, the gorgeous neurosurgeon, she can’t believe her luck. Ryle is assertive, stubborn and a little arrogant but he has a sensitive side. As their relationship grows from occasional fling to serious, she begins to look back on her past relationships, especially her first love, Atlas Corrigan. He was her kindred spirit, protector, and a link to a past she wants to forget. As Atlas reappears in her life, her relationship with Ryle gets complicated and she finds herself in all too familiar territory. Can she find the courage and strength to say enough’s enough? 

Colleen Hoover’s books have been the talk of my book groups for a long time. I avoided reading her books for a while. Sometimes popularity doesn’t always mean great. It wasn’t until my daughter mentioned a classmate of hers was reading one. As a reader who started more adult themed books at a young age, I was curious. As I started this book, I wanted to hate it because Lily was following the life she swore she would never follow. However, I found myself wanting to see if Lily found the strength to finally break the cycle. It Ends With Us covers difficult topics with no clear answers and readers ask themselves “what if it were me?” Overall, I enjoyed It Ends With Us and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Hoover’s books. I highly recommend It Ends With Us. 

It Ends With Us 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

In An Instant: love, family and the strength to carry on

In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn is a story of love, family and carrying on even when you don’t want to. In the blink of an eye, life is over for sixteen year old Finn Miller. A devastating car accident causes the family camper to tumble down the side of a mountain as her family spends the weekend with friends. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as her loved ones struggle to survive in the cold and snow. In order to survive, impossible choices were made, decisions that leave the survivors with tormenting guilt, immense grief and regret. Finn keeps vigil as her family and friends struggle to rebuild their lives. Her father, Jack, seeks vengeance. Her best friend, Mo, searches for the truth about the events after the accident. Her mother, Ann, is haunted by her decisions. And her sister, Chloe, lacks the will to continue to live. Can Finn move on? Can her family be able to pick up the pieces? 

In An Instant is a gripping, heartbreaking story of survival and the aftermath of one’s decisions. Finn is a typical teenager who is looking to ask her crush to the school dance and trying to avoid getting caught up in her oldest sister’s wedding frenzy. The family weekend in the mountains was supposed to help bring them closer together. That weekend becomes fateful in ways they never expected. Be prepared. It is a hard read about a difficult situation with difficult life altering choices. It is definitely a story that shows that in life or death situations, some decisions will be selfless while others will be selfish. It asks the questions which one would be each of us in that moment? In that situation? The author’s note at the end of the book is definitely worth reading too and only adds to the heartache from the story's events. Despite the hard subject matter, I enjoyed this story and I highly recommend In An Instant. 

In An Instant is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Comfort of Secrets: a story of courage, strength, and bravery

The Comfort of Secrets by Christine Nolfi is the second book in the Sweet Lake series. Readers to the small town of Sweet Lake, the Wayfair Inn and the quirky and well-meaning Sirens. This story focuses on Linnie’s friend, Cat. After a failed business and horrible dating years, she’s ready to turn a new leaf and desperately needs a win. First, she feels she needs to convince others that she is taking her new responsibilities as the Wayfair’s new events director seriously. Second, she needs to control her attraction to Ryan D’Angelo, the new charming ad executive hired to promote the inn. Ryan hides a deep secret, a heartache so scarring that Cat can’t help but draw closer to him. Will his secrets derail her new life and the Wayfair itself? Or could they both gain a life they never thought they could have?

The Comfort of Secrets is a wonderful story of courage, strength, and finding that you are braver than you know. I could not put this story down. I loved Cat and Ryan’s story. Cat is desperate to show she can do the job and yet deep down she is afraid she can’t. Ryan is charming and yet his smile hides a heartbreaking past. From the theme that we do not go through life alone, we aren’t meant to be alone, to finding the strength to move on from the traumas of life. There is plenty of excitement, drama and feel good moments. One of my favorite quotes from the story is “Some hurts don’t heal. With luck, they cover over with enough scar tissue to make them bearable. But they don’t go away.” How very true! I highly recommend The Comfort of Secrets. 

The Comfort of Secrets is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Sweet Lake, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Under the Maui Sky: one secret, one betrayal threatens to tear apart a family

Under the Maui Sky is the first book in the Maui Island series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. It is the story of Ava Briscoe and her four children as they deal with the loss of a loved one and a betrayal that will shake them to the core. Ava Briscoe’s strength and resilience will be put to the test. Christel is the oldest Briscoe child and the foundation that she trusted to stand firm will be shaken. Katie is a wife, mother and businesswoman, she yearns for a chance to shine. Aiden makes a living rescuing people in trouble but can he rescue his family when they need him the most? Lastly, Shane, the baby, has been tagged as the ne'er-do-well. He does what he can to live up to it but deep down he wishes for the chance to prove his worth. Will they find a way to come together, stronger than ever? Or will this secret break them beyond repair?

With the beautiful tropical island atmosphere, Under the Maui Sky is an emotional ride of grief, heartache, and devastation. It is a story that will have readers quickly turning the pages to the end. It is a story that takes hold and will not let go. A dark secret is revealed that will turn their grief and heartache to anger. Ms. Coates Gilbert has an amazing ability to capture families and their dynamics. The reactions of each character were very authentic. The interactions between the siblings were realistic. I could easily imagine myself and my siblings bickering and bantering the same way. There were moments of tears and moments of laughter. There were moments of shock and despair. I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my heart filled with hope. I look forward to the rest of the series as the Briscoe family continues to deal with their issues. I highly recommend Under the Maui Sky! 

Under the Maui Sky is available in paperback and eBook

Twice a Quinceanera: a story of strength, self-discovery and second chances at love

Twice a Quinceanera by Yamile Saied Mendez is a story of strength, self-discovery and second chance at love. One month before her wedding, and her thirtieth birthday, Nadia Palacio stood up to her cheating fiancé for the first time in their long relationship. She breaks off their engagement. While she congratulates herself on her strength, she dreads telling her Argentinian family. As the family struggles with the news and what to do next, Nadia sees a magazine that gives her an idea. With the wedding venue paid for and family from around the world coming into town, Nadia is determined to create her own happily ever after. She will celebrate her double quinces or treintanera. As the first professional in her family, she sees the opportunity to raise a glass to her achievements. Until she discovers that the man in charge of the wedding venue is none other than her college fling, the one she let get away, and he looks more delicious than ever. Can her journey of self-discovery lead to a second chance at love? 

Twice a Quinceanera is touted as “a pure delight for every woman who needs to be her own biggest fan—and who dreams of a second chance at first love” and “full of exuberant heart.” While it certainly lived up to this sentiment, I’m conflicted about the overall story. I felt the pace was off. I liked Nadia’s journey of finding the strength to end a relationship and be herself. The story clicked all the boxes for inclusivity and representation. There were so many characters that I stopped trying to keep track. I enjoyed the Spanish phrases that were mixed in with the story. However, I felt there wasn’t any explanation or translation as to what was said in the following text to give non-Spanish speaking readers a clue what was said. My Spanish is basic so I can decipher many phrases; however, I found myself stopping to Google search some phrases. Toward the end, I stopped and just skipped over the Spanish. Overall, Twice a Quinceanera is a good story of self-discovery and second chances at love. 

Twice a Quinceañera is available in paperback and eBook

Iris in the Dark: when it's time to stop running

Iris in the Dark by Elissa Grossell Dickey is a suspenseful story of one woman’s life in the shadows. Iris Jenkins is a single mother who spends most of her day looking over her shoulder. She knows bad things happen. She has seen bad things happen. For eight years, she has shut the door on her past and made a new life for herself and her son, Finn. But she can’t help but fear that the past isn’t truly done with her yet. When her close friend and boss entrusts her to house sit at a lodge on the South Dakota prairie, she’s ready for anything. Little does Iris know but she’s in for a few surprises. First, Sawyer Jones, the lodge’s neighbor and caretaker. He is a caring and reassuring person who helps her feel safe and even truly alive once again. Late one night, Iris hears a chilling cry for help coming from an old walkie-talkie buried in a box of toys. She tries to dismiss it as her overactive imagination but soon the voice becomes more desperate, personal and menacing. Has her past truly found her? Will she find the strength to fight back or will she run again? 

Iris in the Dark is a suspenseful and gripping story. It takes the idea of those strange night noises that would cause any of us to imagine the worst and asks what if? It is a story of domestic violence and the fight to end the cycle and survive. It is a story of finding one’s worth when the world tells you that you are worthless. I enjoyed Iris’s character and understood her need to be overprotective and overly anxious. She has spent her life afraid of her own shadow, hiding out of the spotlight, hoping not to draw attention to herself. There is a little bit of romance between Iris and Sawyer but not enough to take away from the main story. It was nice to see Iris in a safe place with a safe relationship. Once I started, I could not put it down. It was a slow build, adding elements until the final dam breaks and the action takes off. This story has all the elements of a good suspense with red herrings and misdirections. It was a surprise when the tormentor was revealed. I wasn’t expecting that! I thoroughly enjoyed Iris in the Dark and I highly recommend it! 

Iris in the Dark is available June 7, 2022 in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle: during desperate times, there is strength in community and individuals

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan is the story of three bold women lift the spirits of homefront brides in wartime Britain where clothes rations have put a damper on celebrations, especially weddings. When renowned fashion couturier Cressida Westcott loses her home and her design house in the London Blitz, she has nowhere to go but back to the family manor. Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled and awestruck that her famous aunt is at Aldhurst Manor. Life has been unbelievably dull as life is put on hold while the men fight overseas. But soon she is conscripted into service and her dull, boring routine is about to take an interesting turn. Grace Carlisle, the local vicar’s daughter, is trying to repair her mother’s wedding gown. When she meets Cressida at the local Sewing Circle, Grace asks for her help. Cressida is more than willing to help. Soon the Sewing Circle is motivated into action as they offer their services to help other brides. In a time of war, these women work hard to celebrate love. Can they even find it for themselves? 

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle was inspired by true events as Ms. Ryan grew up listening to her grandmother’s stories about life during WWII. From the very beginning, the mood and atmosphere captured me as the British people are striving to keep a stiff upper life and to carry on. I have read many stories about WWII and this book is the first in my memory that focused on the experiences on the homefront. Cressida, Violet and Grace are three very different women who strive for similar goals: love and a life that matters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their experiences and their strength to rise to the challenges that wartime can bring. I especially enjoyed seeing Violet’s growth from a spoiled debutante to a capable woman who underestimated her own intelligence. Ms. Ryan is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. At its heart, The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle is about strength in community, in individuals and strength to overall life’s challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle and highly recommend it! 

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle 

is available May 31, 2022 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

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Guiding Emily: a story of finding the strength and courage to face new challenges

Guiding Emily is the first book in the Guiding Emily series by Barbara Hinske. It is a story of love, loss and courage. Emily Main had it all. She has a successful career with a technology giant, a handsome fiance, Connor, who is climbing up the corporate ladder and a destination wedding coming up. While on their island wedding and honeymoon, tragedy strikes and they rush home in the hopes to save her vision. Suddenly her idyllic life is thrown into chaos as all treatments are unsuccessful and she must learn to face life without her sight. Meanwhile, a black lab puppy named Garth starts his journey to become a guide dog and the challenges and dedication it takes to become one of the most important tools to those with certain disabilities. How will Emily respond to her new normal? Will she have the support of those around her? 

Guiding Emily is a heartbreaking, yet sweet story of one woman’s journey to a new reality and the dog that would become her sight and her companion. My heart broke for Emily; however, on the flip side I was annoyed with Emily. If she suffered from a disease that she could lose her eyesight with something as simple as violent sneezing, why would she agree to a destination wedding and an activity that she feared could lead to an accident? Why would her fiance even suggest such an activity? Sometimes it takes a tragedy to truly see how a person will respond to emergencies. Overall, I enjoyed Guiding Emily. It was an easy to read story of overcoming a tragedy and becoming stronger in the end. Some aspects of the story were predictable, but still enjoyable. If you love a story of strength, courage and dogs, I recommend Guiding Emily. 

Guiding Emily is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

A Different Kind of Life: one girl's journey through the twists and turns of life

A Different Kind of Life by Pamela Holloway is a story of adversity and the strength and courage to fight on and live. In 1982, eight year old Fiona’s beloved father dies and with her mother wheelchair bound, she is forced to look after her younger sibling. She fights to hold the family together even after the unpleasant Mr. Lennard gradually moves in their home and their lives. After a devastating circumstance forces Fiona to leave her family behind and strike it out on her own to face an uncertain future. To Fiona, anything was better than what she left behind. As she copes with the loss of her family and the uncertainty of her future, her loyalties, her courage and her ability to pursue her artistic talent. Will she find the peace and fulfillment she desperately wants? 

After reading an interview with Ms. Holloway, I was curious about her books. I chose A Different Kind of Life. The story intrigued me. The opening chapter set the tone that life would not be easy for Fiona and her life after her father’s death was definitely difficult. I was scared and concerned for Fiona in those early chapters and when she was forced to leave her family behind, she had no plan. Her story after she leaves is when the story took a turn for me. Everything seemed to fall easily in her lap after that. I felt no connection to Fiona for the rest of the story. The story’s timeline was hard to follow as years will pass in a matter of paragraphs with very little indication. This book is hard to recommend. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. 

A Different Kind of Life is available in paperback and eBook. 

Three Sisters: a story of strength, courage and love

Three Sisters by Heather Morris is the third book in the Tattooist of Auschwitz books. It is the story of three Slovakian sisters: Cibi, the oldest, Magda, and Livi, the baby. They made a promise to their father to always watch out for each other. A promise they take to heart as they find themselves taken from their homes and imprisoned at Auschwitz. They cling together as they suffer from starvation, overwork and the brutal whims of the guards. As the allies are closing in and one last hurdle is overcome: the death march from Auschwitz. Against all odds they survived the camp and now they must find a way to survive again. But the fight for their lives and freedom are now truly beginning. The sisters must face new challenges as the world comes to grips with the events of WWII and the horrible atrocities the Nazis committed.  Can they leave the ghosts of the past behind them as they strive to find a new life with peace and happiness? 

Reading and studying the stories of Holocaust survivors, I always wondered would I have the same strength and courage to survive? One never truly knows how they will respond to a situation until they are faced with it. Inspired by a true story, the story of the sisters overlaps with those of Lale and Gita from The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka, from Tattooist as well as her own story in Cilka’s Journey. The story does not hold back on the vivid details of the horrors the sisters suffered and witnessed while at Auschwitz and even the continued prejudice once they were freed. It is a beautiful story of the amazing courage, love and strength of three sisters. There were times when I cried with the sisters, when I wanted to reach through the pages to hug each of them. I eagerly turned each page, wanting and hoping they would find the peace and happiness they desperately wanted. I highly recommend Three Sisters. 

Three Sisters is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey 

are available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Clawing Free: what if monsters are real? What would you do if they knew your name?

Clawing Free by Josh Roberts is a story that asks the questions: what if monsters are real? And what if they know you by name? Eleven years after the grisly death of her older sister, Mia, Elisabeth “Lissy” Oullette is struggling to move on as she tries to put the pieces of her life back together. She works as a waitress in Mitchum, Colorado, a small mountain town, when the anniversary of her sister’s death approaches and her life seems to be falling apart again. A series of mysterious deaths start occurring at the lake near town. As she and her friend, Neil, search for answers, Lissy finds herself being lured to the lake by something so evil and so powerful that it seems inevitable that the next death will be hers. What is this evil that has been lurking? Can Lissy find the strength and courage to defeat it? 

Inspired by C.K. Chesterton’s quote, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed” Clawing Free is a supernatural thriller as the heroine discovers a strength she didn’t know she had to defend her demons both real and the ones of her own making. A debut novel by author Josh Roberts, the theme of the love triumphs over evil rings throughout the story. Slowly, the layers of the mystery are peeled away, the reader is kept on the edge of their seat waiting, anticipating the discovery of the evil that hunts Lissy. The author’s descriptions of the monster are so vivid that I had no trouble imaging the horrifying evil in my mind. The final battle is intense and brings the story to a wondrous end. If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, you will enjoy Clawing Free. 

Clawing Free is available in eBook. 

The Beekeeper's Promise: a story of two women finding the courage to fight back

The Beekeeper’s Promise by Fiona Valpy is the story of two women. One lives during the World War II occupation of France and the other is a modern woman trying to put together the pieces of her shattered life and find herself again. Heartbroken and in need of a new start, Abi Howes takes a summer job at the Château Bellevue in the rural village of Coulliac, France. The voices of the past surround Abi as she stays at the château. She finds herself drawn to the story of one remarkable woman. A story that may change her summer and her life. Eliane Martin tends the beehives in the gardens of the Château Bellevue. There she meets Mathieu Dubosq and falls in love for the first time but as the rumors of war darken any hope for the future, she must decide to join the fight for France’s liberty or accept her new reality. Will Abi find a new meaning and purpose in life? Will Eliane find the courage to do what she must to survive? 

The Beekeeper’s Promise is an amazing story of two women who are faced with adversity which tests them body and soul. A growing number of books are now featuring stories of the French Resistance during World War II; but there are so many stories that can be told that it is not repetitive. Ms. Valpy has been able to bring the stories of the French Resistance to life as one community quietly but quickly standing up and fighting back. I’ve read a few criticisms that there seems to be no connection between Abi in 2017 and Eliane during the war. However, as Abi hears Eliane’s story, she finds the courage to move on from her painful past. I interpret it as Abi deciding that if Eliane can face the Nazis with the hope to survive, she can face the ghosts of her past and move on. The two women’s stories don’t need to be similar to find meaning and the strength to say “if she can do it, so can I.” I enjoyed this story so much that I wanted to see both women survive and thrive. I highly recommend The Beekeeper’s Promise. 

The Beekeeper’s Promise is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Tangled Vines: the continued story of the Zheng family

Tangled Vines by Kay Bratt is the second book in The Scavenger’s Daughters series. The story opens with Li Jin and her 10 year old son, Jojo, at the mercy of Erik, an abusive South African man. At first, Erik was charming and swept her off her feet but soon his true nature reared its ugly head and after 30 years of living with cruel foster families, a bleak orphanage and life on the streets, Li Jin feels she has nowhere else to go. Meanwhile in Benfu and Calli are content to watch their six adopted daughters blossom into young women. But when information about the whereabouts of their biological daughter, who was stolen from them so many years ago, comes to them, the frantic search to find their beloved Dahlia begins. Will Li Jin finally find the strength and courage to leave behind the abusive situation? Will Benfu and Calli finally find their beloved daughter? 

Tangled Vines is a beautifully haunting story about the lost girls of China. It is a journey of heartbreak and hope against all odds as one young woman decides to make a fresh start and a family’s race to reunite with their lost daughter and untangle the lies of the past. It is heartbreaking to imagine young women living the life described for Li Jin and the other women introduced in the story. Tangled Vines is darker than The Scavenger’s Daughters; however, the situations Ms Bratt writes about are dark and terrifying. While reading, I wanted to reach through the pages and hug Benfu, to comfort Calli and rescue Li Jin. I don’t want to give away certain plot points but at one point, I cheered and I cried as I closed the final chapter. I recommend reading Tangled Vines after reading the first book. I will be reading the rest of the series and reviewing it soon. 

Tangled Vines is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The River Girl's Song: a Western story of strength and determination

The River Girl’s Song by Angela Castillo is the first book in the Texas Women of Spirit series. It is the story of Zillia Bright, a young girl on a Texas farm with her mother and stepfather. When her mother dies from childbirth and her abusive stepfather leaves, Zillia is left to run the farm and take care of her newborn brother. With the support and help from her neighbors, Zillia quickly adjusts to her new life. As she runs the farm and takes care of her brother, she fears her stepfather’s return as his family lives in town and suspicious of his “sudden” disappearance. Adding to her worries is the growing attention from two different men. And the possibility of her family back East coming for her. Will she be able to keep her new life afloat? Will her stepfather return? Will she choose one man or the other?

The River Girl’s Song is a typical prairie struggle story. A young girl who needs to grow up fast or the wildness of the West will tear her down. The love triangle that forms as she gains the attention of a local farmer and a man in town. It was a fast read. The drama was common. The romance was familiar and sweet. And while enjoyable, I do not see myself reading the other books in this series. If you like Old West romance dramas, you may enjoy The River Girl’s Song

The River Girl’s Song

is available in paperback and eBook