I’m still in catch up mode from my summer blogging break and have some more amazing books to share with you! I only share 4 and 5 star reviews here and all opinions are solely my own. I hope you find something new that you can’t live without!
MY REVIEW:
A fantastic dual-time line mystery! A murder that occurred four decades ago rears its ugly head when Logan and Maria purchase their dream home to create a bed-and-breakfast.
It’s the perfect location near a small town with a fabulous view of a lake. Logan and Maria are certain this is where they can realize their dream to provide a picturesque, peaceful place for people to come and enjoy. The extra plus is that the couple are also entertainers. I loved the music aspect of this story and now have “The Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel stuck in my head.
Helen’s ghost has roamed the halls of this old mansion for four decades, searching for a way to find closure to her murder and make right the wrongful accusation against her beloved husband.
Things heat up when Maria and Logan can both see and hear her, but the ghost’s ability to communicate is limited. So, how can they help? And are Maria and Logan in danger as well?
I love the way the author seamlessly went back and forth between 1924 and 1965. She stayed true to each time period and the events unfolding historically during each time. I could not guess the identity of the villain. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author threw another curveball. If you love a great mystery with believable characters and nail-biting suspense, this book is for you. I highly recommend it!
MY REVIEW:
I loved everything about this book from the characters, the time travel fantasy, and the steamy romance!
Duncan McKay is a man haunted by a past action. He’ll do anything to lift the family curse, even if it means sacrificing his own life.
Brigid is fascinated by history, but especially history, myths and legends from Ireland and Scotland. So, when a mysterious package is delivered to her shop that she did not order, her life takes a big turn. She must return this magically beautiful sword to its rightful owner.
Little did she know it would require a huge tumble through time, or that she’d meet the man who set her on fire.
The characters are wonderful. The setting is absolutely gorgeous and this author has the ability to place the reader inside the story. This is book one in the series and I am looking forward to reading more! If you love time travel stories rife with conflict, heartbreak and steamy passion, this is the book for you! Highly recommend it!
MY REVIEW:
I struggled to rate this book fairly, as I loved the storyline AND the characters, but there are some technical issues with the delivery.
Kiya James has rented a farmhouse and loves the wide open spaces for her to explore on the back of her beloved horse, Dax, with her faithful canine at her side. She is a strong female character with a ton of grit and determination.
When she hears gunshots while out riding, she’s startled. She overhears two men saying “he’s down.” So once they leave, she explores and finds a man suffering from a gunshot wound in a neighboring pasture. Of course, she has to render aid.
This begins a wonderful story of how she becomes intertwined with the McCleary family. The mystery is deep and the identity of the shooters unknown, but the plot thickens as the rest of the family along with Kiya are targeted. The must band together for safety.
I love all the characters, but Dylan and Jake were my favorites. It’s Dylan who was shot and Kiya saved his life, creating an unbreakable bond between them. But it’s Jake who makes her heart ratchet. I loved the interaction between all the McCleary siblings, Dylan, Jake, Cade, Hillary and Gretchen. Together, they run their lucrative ranch and share equally in all the chores. The setting is beautiful, and the author did a great job portraying it. The two biggest problems I have with the delivery of this fantastic story is first of all, a POV issue. The author jumps from person to person switching points of view without scene breaks and oftentimes within the same paragraph. I found this offputting as well as the way the dialogue is written. It is stilted and too formal for regular people talking. Aside from that, I enjoyed every bit of this story as it unfolded! A great mystery with unexpected twists and some wonderful romance.
In this very short story, Liddie A wants her memory back. Confined in a mental institution, she has people who want to help her and take a big risk. While it is a brief retelling of Alice In Wonderland, it is also a hard look at institutions and the drugs that keep the patients under control. It is entertaining and a super quick read.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have left with a new book to read!
Hi Denise, lovely reviews. I enjoyed Teagan’s short story and I’ve just finished Denise’s lovely book.
Wonderful, Robbie! Thank you for visiting!
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Thanks for sharing your reviews, Jan. I enjoyed “Sounds in the Silence” and “The Rabbit Hole”, and whole-heartedly agree with your thoughts. “Dragon Knight’s Sword” sounds like something I’d enjoy. Too bad about the head hopping in “No Good Deed.” The story sounds worth some rewriting and I hope the author decides to put in the work. Thanks for the honest review. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Diana, for for adding your recommendations. I loved all of these stories. And I agree about No Good Deed. It has a great storyline and great characters. Maybe the author will consider a revision.
Rabbit Hole is on my list, and I just started listening to Sounds in the Silence. You’re on a roll with great reads, Jan!
I know you are enjoying Sounds In The Silence. Such a good story. And The Rabbit Hole literally only takes minutes to read. Thanks for stopping by, Teri, and happy weekend!
I like the variety. Keeps things interesting.
That’s how I love to read, Craig. I’d get bored reading the same genre all the time. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you, Jan 🙂 Your review has brightened my day and requires a happy forest dance! I see. I need to add to my reading list, and I agree about Teagans story, a fun one!
My pleasure to share my thoughts on your new jewel, Denise. A really great story! Thanks for the added recommendation for Teagan’s short story.
Thanks, Jan 🙂 xo
Love your reviews Jan. Looking forward to getting to Denise’s book. <3
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the reviews, Debby. Denise’s book is her best to date, I think!
Wow! That’s high praise! 🙂 x
I hope you enjoy it, Debby xo
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Good list. Denise–she just can’t write enough books for me. Love her storytelling voice. And No Good Deed–what a gorgeous horse. That alone (your reservations aside) make me want to read the book.
I really did enjoy the story and the characters, Jacqui. It’s a shame she didn’t have a better editor. I still gave the story four stars. Don’t hesitate to check it out. thank you for stopping by and I totally agree about Denise!!
Thanks, Jacqui xo
Oh, my goodness! I’m honored by this mention, Jan! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my first story in this series. Truly appreciated! As always, I’ll have to check out these other book recommendations. 🙂
My pleasure, Mary. I loved the story and enjoyed all of the characters. A fun time travel adventure! Thanks for stopping by!
These each sound like fun or interesting reads for different reasons. Now I have “The Sound of Silence” stuck in my head too.😂 And a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, what a whimsical idea for such a serious topic; I’m sure that’s a powerful read.
Lol, Priscilla. The same thing happened to me when I first saw the book title. I had to go over to YouTube and listen. Such a cool song and an equally cool book from Denise. The retelling of Alice in Wonderland is a super short, but powerful read. Thanks for stopping by!