Books I’ve Loved – Part 5 @Sandra_Cox #AlexCraigie @JoyYorkAuthor @Kimber_Silver21 @Nicholas_Rossis

I am almost caught up with the reviews from my summer reading. I hope you enjoy these today!

MY REVIEW:

Sandra Cox has the ability to transport the reader back in time when a man’s word was a handshake and honor still existed. It’s a refreshing journey.
In Tumblestar, we meet Cooper Malloy, a Texas rancher who is as tough as they come. When his little niece arrives to live with him after the death of her parents, his life changes. Not only does Kallie bring a breath of fresh air with her, at the age of 10, she also has a deep understanding about life that is beyond what a normal ten-year-old should have. But, it’s Miranda who really shakes up Coop’s world. Miranda is a childhood friend and the best friend of Coop’s deceased sister. She’s also deeply attached to Kallie and is ill-prepared to leave the little girl.
So, when Kallie tells her uncle that Miranda or ‘Randa’ has no money and no place to go, he opens his home and heart to them both.
So many things happen in this story that keeps the reader turning the pages. Buffalo hunters seeking revenge, a blacksmith grieving for the loss of his wife, the ranch cook that the reader can’t help but fall in love with, an Indian boy and his mother, and the final nail-biting scenes bring this story to life in a realistic way. If you love historical westerns with a touch of romance and a big dose of ranch life, you’ll enjoy this story! I highly recommend it.

MY REVIEW:

Wow! This book left me reeling. I don’t want to leave any spoilers in this review, so I’ll be brief about the storyline.
Meg is a talented and world renowned pianist. She’s playing on big stages across the world. Only one hitch to what would be an otherwise glamorous life. She’s trapped under the thumb of her manipulative and narcissistic mother. But with the encouragement of her young friend, Gideon, she finally finds the courage to stand up to the woman and take back her life.
Only it doesn’t end there. It seems that Meg moves from one manipulated trap to another. I wanted so badly for her to finally be free.
Her life goes from bad to worse when she is forced to marry a millionaire movie star. She knows she doesn’t love him, but can’t find a way to call off the wedding. Then she’s shocked at what happens afterward and could not imagine the monster he’d turn into.
Now, she’s trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage.
Years pass and finally, her husband dies. Now’s she free to live again and take control of her life, only to suffer a debilitating stroke that leaves her trapped again, only this time inside a body she can’t move and unable to speak or communicate. What happens next is every aging person’s nightmare inside a care facility where most are waiting to die. Will Meg ever find any peace? I’ll not tell you. I will say the story does have a satisfying ending that comes full circle. Brilliantly written, this is a story I could not look away from. I highly recommend it!

MY REVIEW:

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I am still reeling from it. I read it in two sittings and had a hard time putting it down.
I loved all of the characters in the story. Each played such an integral part. Sebastian Bartoli is a world famous author and he’s gotten so self-absorbed and used to everyone taking care of everything for him, he’s forgotten what it’s like to be in charge of his own life.
Megan is a kindergarten school teacher who is grieving the loss of her grandfather and is looking forward to a getaway with her best friend. Only things don’t work out that way.
Sebastian is sent into hiding after refusing to write a notorious mobster’s biography. Now his life is in jeopardy and no one is to know where he is. But when Megan arrives at the caretaker’s cottage on the lake where she was to meet up with her friend, and finds no utilities, she has no choice but to seek help from the man who has rented the big house. That man turns out to be Sebastian.
Their lives become intertwined as danger lurks and earth-shattering secrets are revealed.

The characters are all three-dimensional and believable. The plot has more twists and turns than a mountain road and the number of heart-stopping scenes mount as the story progresses. It is very well written and complex as all the different threads are woven together with the expertise of a magician. I loved all of it and don’t want to leave any spoilers. If you enjoy white-knuckle, fast action, mind-numbing drama and a barrel full of secrets waiting to be revealed, you will love this story. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. Great world-building!

MY REVIEW:

This was a fun story to read and I enjoyed it. The world-building is good and the characters come alive on the page.
When Kinsley’s grandfather died, she is forced back to the town she escaped from years ago, to tend to funeral arrangements and settle his affairs. A traumatic event had sent her fleeing and she turned all of her energy into creating a lucrative career. Only, now she’s having to face the old demons that have continued to haunt her all these years.
Lincoln James is the town sheriff and was a personal friend and neighbor to Kinsley’s grandfather. He’s determined to catch the murderer who left the old man beaten and stabbed to death. His first impression of Kinsley is not a good one and the same for her with him. She sees him as an incompetent small town sheriff and he sees her as a sophisticated city woman with no knowledge of real life.
They’re both harboring secrets. Then the discovery that Kinsley’s grandfather had his own bag of secrets ramps up the tension in the story.
This is a slow burn romance and the author did a good job of keeping the identity of the murderer under wraps until near the end of the book. If you like a good mystery set in a small town with wonderful characters, you’ll enjoy this book.

MY REVIEW:

This sci-fi book may very well be a glimpse into our future where we all wear halolenses and travel through the air at high speeds in Zoomers.
I enjoyed this story as a human detective, Mika and an android, Leo, her partner, fall in love. Impossible? I beg to differ The author made me believe in the possibility.
The world building in this story is amazing. Described in such detail, I could see each scene as it unfolded.
Bring an evil doctor into the mix who specializes in cloning, along with an artist who also clones her art pieces and you have a true bit of sci-fi that will leave you astounded.
And there is a murder mystery to solve. There is also a large dose of corruption and greed that makes the story all that more relatable.
This is a short read, but a highly entertaining one. If you love taking a trip into the future with all sorts of amazing advanced technology, you’ll enjoy this story. Add in the very human touch and you have a great story! Well done, Mr. Rossis!

That’s it for next week. As I said, I am almost caught up and can go back to monthly review posts instead of weekly, but I have loved sharing all of these amazing books! I hope you found something that appeals to you.