I am happy to share some great books I read in the month of September! I hope you enjoy.


MY REVIEW:
I will preface this by saying I seldom read a mainstream book but when this one showed up on KU, it appealed to me. It is truly one of the most ‘human’ books I’ve ever read. Told through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old boy, I became immersed in his life and all the struggles he faced. The story is written in first person, which also helps truly immerse the reader. I felt like I was there with Lucas Painter as he dealt with parents who fought constantly, his best friend since he was three who suffers from depression, and the angst of not knowing what was happening to his brother who is overseas fighting in the Viet Nam War. Then, throw his first girlfriend into the mix and the kid has a lot on his plate.
But aside from these other characters, a woman, Zoe Dinsmore, plays an integral role in Lucas’ young life. He meets her quite by accident when he was escaping from the nightmare at home by disappearing into the woods. Actually, he met her dogs before he met her. And while he feared the dogs at first, he soon learned they only wanted to run with him. The relationship he develops with them is endearing, as he shows up every morning, to run and finds them anxiously awaiting him.
When he finally realizes someone lives in the cabin, he is alarmed as he looks in the window and sees an old woman lying on the bed who appears to have died. Lucas springs into action and saves her life. I won’t leave any spoilers, but Zoe, who is hiding from the world, and has been for years due to a school bus accident in which two children died, is exactly what Lucas needs to help balance the stress he faces daily. He feels so responsible for his friend, for his brother and for his parents fighting constantly. As I said, this is one of the most human stories I’ve ever read. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

MY REVIEW:
This is a light easy read that allowed me to escape into a different world. I loved the setting. What’s not to love about a sprawling ranch in the Texas Hill Country? The author did a great job of putting me there. I could smell the hay and hear the cattle lowing.
While the story is a typical romance plot, there were a few twists along the way that kept me engaged.
Houston Rowdy is trying his best not to lose the generational ranch. When their parents died, he stepped up into the role of caretaker raising his younger siblings. The theme of family runs strong throughout the story.
He’s making a last ditch effort to hold onto all the land by turning the ranch into a wedding venue. He needs help and runs an ad for a wedding planner. But when his best friend’s little sister shows up to apply for the job, it turns Houston’s safe little world upside down.
Angel is not only beautiful, but she’s smart and has a good dose of worldly business savvy. Hope springs when she lays out a concrete plan.
But neither Houston or Angel are prepared for the spark that sizzles between them. There are so many reasons a relationship won’t work. For starters, Houston is ten years her senior. Then, there’s the best friend issue. The obstacles make for a more entertaining read. If you love a light romance with a few plot twists, you will enjoy Houston!

This book is set to release November 4th
Having read the other books in the Legends of Madeira series, I knew I wanted to read the story that concludes it. So, when the author offered an ARC, I grabbed it!
This story fluctuates between 1875 and present day. There are so many different layers that unfold in each time period that it held my attention from page one to the last.
Set near the small New Mexico town of Madeira, it offers keen insight into life in the 1800s and how a person can lose sight of what’s important when there’s the lure of hidden treasure. That theme carries forward into present day as well.
The story opens with Lucas Vaughn, who has fled from Texas to avoid repercussions of an action he’d been forced to take. He wants nothing more than to settle down and own his own ranch. When he reaches New Mexico, he takes shelter for the night on a small ranch outside Madeira. That night changes his life forever.
Move forward into present day time, the owner of the Vaughn ranch has passed away, leaving his entire empire to a girl he’s never met. Blaire Edwards has left her groom standing at the altar and fled to avoid a forced and loveless marriage. Her dominating mother has ruled her life for far too long and Blaire has finally reached a breaking point. So, when news arrives that she’s inherited a lucrative ranch in New Mexico from a grandfather she didn’t know existed, it’s just the beginning of the unraveling of secrets that go way back in time.
Eric Wolfe has worked for Travis Vaughn for a long period of time and has only respect and admiration for the man. But he’s leery of this granddaughter who will now become his new boss.
Eric’s Native American heritage adds another layer to the story. Then, there’s the mysterious light orbs that show up now and again near the old windmill where the treasure is believed to be buried. But the legend states that anyone who seeks the buried treasure will surely die.
The author did a fantastic job of weaving these two storylines together in a seamless way. But the way she describes the settings really puts the reader there. It’s definitely a writing strength! If you are a lover of dual timelines, mysteries and secrets, this story is for you!! In my opinion, it’s the author’s best work to date!

MY REVIEW:
This book has such a unique storyline! Amanda Roberts is a world-renowned author. She has it all — the perfect husband, two perfect children, a big house, tons of money, a publisher, personal assistant, and everything that comes with fame and fortune.
But that is about to quickly change.
It seems someone has a vendetta against her and ‘things’ begin to happen. I love that the author let us get a glimpse into the thoughts of the perpetrator without revealing their identity. And while we know the perpetrator is angry and hurt by something, we don’t know exactly what that is until much later. It all helps to keep the story on track and keeping the reader engaged as it all unfolds.
But the surprise twist was definitely something I didn’t see coming. Actually, there were two surprise twists that only added to the tension, conflict and unfolding of this psychological drama, and Amanda Roberts’ downfall. You know what they say about the higher you rise, the harder you fall. That could not be more true with this story.
I don’t want to leave any spoilers, so I won’t tell you what happens. Instead, I’ll tell you how much I enjoyed the story. The author did a great job and kept me engaged throughout. The story is well-written and gets down to some of the unpleasant nitty-gritty of life. There are consequences for everything we do.

MY REVIEW:
I have loved everything written by this author and while this story is a departure from her normal genre, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Leah Holt is starting over. At thirty-three, she’s a widow, penniless, and hungry to experience life after enduring a loveless marriage.
When she moves to Shallow Draw to live with her brother and sister-in-law and teach school, she has a lot to learn about life in the west compared to the city life she’s left behind in Baltimore.
Shey Lafferty has a reputation and it’s not a good one. He’s been labeled as a womanizer and while he’s not done anything to dispel the rumors, he’s not exactly as he appears. Even though he is part of the wealthy Lafferty family, he does not play the part. He’s tough, unpolished and unpretentious.
Leah’s first encounter with Shey only solidifies his reputation as a rogue and scoundrel.
Yet, he doesn’t hesitate to rescue Leah from the harassment of a couple of drunk drovers a few days later. And while she finds him handsome and charming, she’s not interested in anything more than expressing her thanks for his intervention. Shey can’t deny the instant attraction he has for Leah.
That scene sets off a myriad of events to follow.
There are many layers and levels of untruths, half-truths and secrets that keep this story moving from the first page to the last. But through it all, the crux of the story is the growing attraction between Leah and Shey. Yet, too many obstacles stand in the way, the least of which is the age gap between them. Leah is eight years Shey’s senior. I love the way the author weaves past events into shaping the present with so many of the characters. Danger rears its head with a despicable antagonist who is hell-bent on destroying everything.
It appears everyone has secrets, even Shey’s father, the wealthy and influential Lane Lafferty, and his new bride, Alana. If you love taking a step back in time to the 1800s and enjoy a great tale woven from characters you feel as if you know personally, in settings you can immerse yourself in, you will not want to miss this book! I highly recommend it!
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my view of these books!
Stay sounds interesting. I haven’t read a book told from the POV of a youth in ages. I read and thoroughly enjoyed The Diamond Jack, and I’m excited to read Edge of Twilight!
I seldom read a mainstream book, Priscilla, and only when it’s on KU, but I enjoyed this story SO much. Thanks for adding your recommendation for the Diamond Jack and I know you are going to enjoy Joan’s upcoming release! Thanks for stopping by!
Some great reviews there, Jan. A great mix of books.
Glad you enjoyed my take on them, Esther!
Thank you so much for reviewing Edge of Twilight, Jan. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments. I’ve read and enjoyed The Diamond Jack. Different from Mae’s usual genre, but oh so good! Stay sounds like an interesting book.
My pleasure, Joan. I loved Edge of Twilight and can’t wait for everyone else to read it. Hope this helps get some more pre-orders! Yes, The Diamond Jack was different but so good! So many secrets and hidden agendas! Mae did a great job.
I loved Mae’s and Laura’s books too. Can’t wait to read, Joan’s. I see obe I’m going to have to add to my reading list, Jan. Great reviews:)
Yay! I love it when we find new books through each other. Thanks for adding your recommendation for Mae’s and Laura’s books!
🙂
Wow, there’s a bunch of good stories here! I have some already on my Kindle and waiting to find time to read. Congrats to all the talented authors!
So glad you stopped by, sister. You are right. This was a bunch of good stories!!
Although I have not finished a book within the past couple years (still reading one and the same when I have the occasion on vacation), I started reading a new one and my first novella for decades… oh, well, and it is a horror story 🤣
Wow, Erika. I think I’d die if I had to go two years without reading. I love traveling to new places through the pages of books. And it surprised me when you said the novella is a horror story. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
What can I say, it is not the time for reading when you are employed plus self-employed and organize a family, house, and big garden. It is 24/7 job.
Haha, yes, a horror story. Plus it is a story I basically knew because I saw the movie of the book. It left me pretty disturbed. Now my (anxious) daughter told me, she was reading it and I thought, if she can so can I. Maybe that way I can dissolve the disturbing memory. Also, I actually love a good horror story… lol
What a mixed collection. Several of these are appealing, Jan.
I enjoyed each one, Jacqui. And they were all different. Thanks for stopping by!
Lovely reviews, Jan. Congratulations to Joan, catherine, Lori, Laura, and Mae
Thanks for dropping by, John. So glad you enjoyed the reviews!
Great books by great authors! Thanks for the reviews.
My pleasure, Darlene. And now Amanda in Ireland is up next for me! Whoo hoo!!! So many great books to read. Thank you for stopping by!
Jan, thank you so much for your wonderful review of The Diamond Jack. I’m delighted to have it included among these other wonderful books.
I had a sneak peek at Joan’s Edge of Twilight and think it’s her strongest tale yet. You also have me really interested in Stay. That book popped up on my reading lists, and I was considering it. Sounds like I need to add it my TBR.
Thanks for sharing the great reviews!
Stay was SO good, Mae. I hardly ever read a mainstream, but when this one popped up on KU, I grabbed it. I’m so glad I did. Loved the story. I totally agree about Edge of Twilight. I think it’s Joan’s best yet! She just keeps getting better with each book. I enjoyed The Diamond Jack immensely. All the layers, secrets and hidden truths really worked for me and kept engaged from beginning to end. And I’m so excited that Ash will get his own story! Looking forward to it. Thank you for dropping by. Hugs!
These sounds like wonderful books from great authors. Thanks for the reviews, Jan.
I enjoyed each one and they were all so different. I just love reading! 🙂 Guess that goes without saying. Thanks for stopping by!
These all sound good. Thanks, Jan.
These are excellent reviews, Jan, and great of you to post them!
Hi Jan. Thanks for sharing some great new reads! X
Thanks for the reviews!
Hi Jan, these are all wonderful reviews. It’s great to see Joan and Mae with new books 🌸
Thanks for the wonderful reviews, Jan! More books to add to the TBR! 🙂 Congrats to the authors too! 💖