Cynthia Starts a Band by Olivia Swindler ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"I guess I always thought disappearing - starting over-would be easy. People did it in stories all the time, right?  

I would slip in oblivion.  I would be a person unknown.  I would get to start over.

That my only option after all." (pg xi)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Twelve Days to Save Christmas by Elizabeth Neep ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Poppy is all set to jet off to the Cotswolds for Christmas with her boyfriend of five years and their friends when said boyfriend drops a bombshell. He's breaking up with her. Poppy, who has devoted her life to George for the past 5 years, is devastated. She doesn't know who she is without being one-half of George and Poppy. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

“Where did Narnia come from?”

The answer will change everything.

Once Upon a Wardrobe is a beautiful; and truly magical story about finding hope and meaning during the sad times of life.  The author has created fantastic characters and merged them with the reality of CS Lewis's life to bring her readers a story that will long be with them. 

 Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

End of World Beliefs, a guest post by Kathleen Kaufman (@kathleenkaufman)

“Very near Auch, Lectoure and Mirande 

a great fire will fall from the sky for three nights. 

The cause will appear both stupefying and marvellous; 

shortly afterwards there will be an earthquake.”

-Nostradamus

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3 Books Perfect for Halloween

by MK French

With Halloween just around the corner and the crisp air, it is the perfect time to add some chills and thrills to your reading list. The first two books featured are anthologies which are great to throw in your bag to read at lunch or in the carpool line. The second anthology is a collection of ghost stories so you might want to save that one for Halloween weekend. The final book today is a full-length, dark fantasy that is fantastic.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

The Spectacular by Zoe Whittall ~ an Audiobook Review

by Donna Huber

I really enjoyed Zoe Whittall's 2017 novel The Best Kind of People (read our reviews) and though I wasn't totally sold on the description of her new book The Spectacular, I loved how she tackled difficult topics. As I'm behind on reading my review copies, and MK has already reviewed the book, I got the audiobook from the library. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

What's a medieval novel without a dragon? a guest post by Daryl Devoré (@daryldevore)

by Daryl Devoré

There is a meme going around about a conversation with a little boy and a bookstore clerk. He asks about a book, and she replies that it is a romance. He asks if the story has a dragon in it. She shakes her head. He then asks, “Then why do you even have it on the shelf?”

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The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"I believe we're on a journey here, that is filled with beauty and pain, happiness and horror, highs and lows. but it's a journey we must take because we never know the impact our lives and loves will have on others." (loc 1004)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Lighthouse Witches by C. J. Cooke ~ a Review & Excerpt

by MK French

In 1998, single mother Liv is hired to paint a mural in a decommissioned lighthouse in Scotland. She sees it as a new start with her three daughters Sapphire, Luna, and Clover. The cave beneath the lighthouse once held witches condemned to death, and there is a local legend of wildlings mimicking the children that had gone missing. Then the unthinkable happens and two of her daughters disappear. Twenty-two years later, Luna had been searching for her missing mother and sisters when her younger sister Clover is found. The thing is, Clover was found in Scotland at the exact same age she was when she went missing.

 Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I always look forward to a new book in Rhys Bowen's Royal Spyness series and this year's offering is a Christmas story. This is Lady Georgiana and Darcy's first Christmas as a married couple. As they have a great country estate (thanks to one of Georgie's mother's ex-husbands), Georgie is excited to host a house party for the holidays.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

3 Books for Science Fiction Fans

by MK French

Technology and scientific advancement can improve society, but in the hands of the wrong people, it can be used for evil. The science fiction genre explores ways science and technology help and hinder.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Over the last few years, I've been trying to read more translated fiction. That is how I discovered Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Japanese author Toshikazu Kawaguchi in 2019 (read my review). When I saw there was a sequel coming out I was excited - so excited that I requested both the audiobook and the e-ARC via Netgalley in hopes of being approved for at least one. I got approved for both versions!

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A novella celebrating the magic of Christmas and second chances.  

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

A Most Clever Girl by Stephanie Marie Thornton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I love Cold War-era espionage novels almost as much as I love WWII novels. However, from a historical perspective, I have very little knowledge of the period as none of my history classes went past WWII. Of course, I knew of McCarthyism and the Red Scare but it was picked up based on my own interest and mostly from fiction. I kind of thought that was what this book would be about when I saw 1963 in the description. What I got was much more and oh, so good.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Pets In Space 6: A Science Fiction Romance Anthology Edited by Carol Van Natta ~ a Review

by MK French

In this anthology, eleven science fiction authors each provided a novella; proceeds from this book benefit Hero Dogs, a charity that trains dogs to be placed with veterans and first responders. In keeping with this theme, each of the eleven stories features a pet of some kind, from the familiar to the decidedly alien.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"Dreams are like waves, babe.  You have to wait for the right one to come along, the one that has your name on it.  And then when it does, you have to get up and ride it." (loc 1126)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

God Hears Her, A Joyful Christmas: 31 Morning and Evening Devotions ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

When I was in middle school the church I attended provided Our Daily Bread devotion guides for free and I always picked up the new one. The daily devotions were kind of like Chicken Soup for the Soul vignettes with a definite tie to Scripture. But it has been years since I've even thought about those devotional guides so I was happy to pick up their new Christmas devotional for women.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

5 Books for Fantasy Fans

by MK French

Fantasy novels can be so much fun to read. They can explore societal issues wrapped in an entertaining story. They can instill a sense of empowerment in the reader. Or provide an escape from our everyday lives. You will find these things and more in the stories I'm featuring today. Some of these are available now and others you will want to pre-order so you don't miss them. A few are considered young adult, but fantasy readers of any age will enjoy them.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

4 Books for Mystery Lovers

by MK French

Are you looking forward to a lazy afternoon of reading? Then you need a great book and if you love mysteries then you definitely should take a look at these.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven by Kami Garcia, illustrated by Gabriel Picolo ~ a Review

by MK French

Raven has recovered her memories and trapped her demonic father in an amulet. Garfield Logan is still learning how to control his power allowing him to change into animals. Both of them are looking for someone who has answers, and it's the same person: Slade Wilson.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Old Depot Grocery has been part of a small Southern town for generations.  This heart-warming story is told by three women -  a grandmother, her daughter, and her granddaughter in two different time periods. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Goddess of Nothing At All by Cat Rector ~ a Review & Giveaway

by MK French

In Norse myth, Sigyn married Loki and spent eternity keeping venom from falling onto him when he was punished. Most stories put Sigyn into a passive role, relegating her to a victim that the gods around her abuse. The Goddess of Nothing At All is now her story retold.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Woolly Hat Knitting Club by Poppy Dolan ~ an Audiobook Review

by Donna Huber

The cover and title of The Woolly Hat Knitting Club by Poppy Dolan kept catching my eye but I thought it would be too much of a chick-lit rom-com for my likely but one of the times it caught my eye I noticed it was listed as woman's fiction so I decided to give it a try. It is a light women's fiction story like you would find in a romantic comedy and there is some romance, the plot is focused on all sorts of relationships - siblings, colleagues, friends.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

She came in search of the family she’d always wanted—and found the kind of love she’d never dared to imagine.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Get Started on Your Christmas Reading with These 4 Books

by Donna Huber

Don't panic but there are less than 90 days until Christmas and there are so many great Christmas books to read. They started hitting shelves this month and today I have 4 books that you are going to want to add to your Christmas reading list.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

A Very Intimate Takeover by LaQuette ~ a Review & Excerpt

by MK French

Trey Devereaux wants to prove herself and tries to take control of Devereaux Inc. from her estranged grandfather. His second in command Jeremiah Benton is protective of her grandfather and just her type. They have an intense attraction and Trey even warms up to her grandfather. But to prove that she has what it takes to run a corporation, she might have to give up on romance.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

8 Novels for Romance Readers

by MK French

Any time of year is a good time for a romance novel. No matter what subgenre of romance you enjoy, I'm sure you will find something you will enjoy in this round-up. Many of them hit bookstore shelves tomorrow so get our wishlist to add these titles. And if you are ready to start reading Christmas romance, I've included a new anthology from three terrific Regency romance authors.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Jalopy by Wes Verde ~ Spotlight

"I loved the writing style that made me feel an integral part of this story." ~ Amazon reviewer

"This is a captivating novel that draws you into Etta's world immediately." ~ Goodreads reviewer

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

Fall Reading Has Begun ~ September Wrap-up

by Donna Huber

Fall coming in with very chilly air. After two days of lows in the 50s and highs in 70s, I'm ready for summer again. Thankfully we should get into the 80s next week but it won't last. I'm not looking forward to winter. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

Grab Your Cozy Blanket and Curl Up with a Couple of Cozy Mysteries

by Donna Huber

The air is definitely been chilly this week as we ushered in Fall. I love nothing more on these crisp days than to curl up with a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and a good book. I love cozy mysteries any time of year, but as they are typically quick reads they are perfect for an afternoon of reading. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

When Ghosts Come Home by Wiley Cash ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

The eagerly awaited novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Land More Kind Than Home, a tender and haunting story of a father and daughter, crime and forgiveness, race and memory.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Spectacular by Zoe Whittall ~ a Review

by MK French

In 1997, Missy is the 21-year-old cellist for an indie rock band. She parties hard every night and plays the song about being abandoned by her mother that helped make the band famous. That mother, Carola, was recovering from a sex scandal at the yoga center where she lives when she sees Missy on the cover of a magazine. Carola's 83-year-old mother-in-law Ruth wants all the stubborn women of her family to reconnect.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Gone for Good by Joanna Schaffhausen ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Today is the first day of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Here in the southern US, we've been promised some cooler temperatures by the weekend. I'm a bit of a mood reader and in the Fall, I start wanting darker stories, and I have several thrillers on my TBR pile. Today's featured book came out last month, but if you were like me and still trying to cram in a few more beach reads you might have missed it. It is the perfect time to curl up with a blanket and a book you won't want to put down.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Other People's Things by Kerry Anne King ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A  witty, magical story about improbable connections, difficult gifts, and the unexpected events that heal us and bring us together. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Write My Name Across the Sky by Barbara O'Neal ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"You can't steal me from myself

You can't put me on the shelf

Don't ask why

Just write my name across the sky" (p 316)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

3 New Young Adult Novels to Read

by MK French

Whether you are looking for something new to keep your teens reading or you are an adult that enjoys young adult, you are going to want to check out these three new novels.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

3 Anthologies to Read This Fall

by MK French

The leaves are changing and the weather has a bit of a crisp chill. It is the perfect time for horror and speculative fiction. Fall often means busy schedules car pick-up lines and afterschool activities. Short stories are a great way to squeeze in a bit of "me time" while waiting on the kids. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

A Lesson in Murder by Verity Bright ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Lady Eleanor Swift has been invited to be the guest of honor at her childhood boarding school's Speach Day. As usual, trouble follows when her favorite teacher is found dead in the library. Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon has no choice but to enlist the help of Eleanor and her butler Clifford as his presence at the prestigious all-girls school would raise concern among the wealthier and more powerful parents. Will they be able to solve the case without causing a scandal?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Jane of Battery Park by Jaye Viner ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Jane is a Los Angeles nurse who grew up in a Christian cult that puts celebrities on trial for their sins. 

Daniel is a has-been actor whose career ended when the cult family members nearly killed him for flirting with her. 

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Learn more about The Mackenzie Chronicles setting: a guest post by Brenda Whiteside (@brendawhitesid2)

I met a guy on a trip to San Francisco when I was seventeen. While dancing under psychedelic lights, Jim Morrison cranking out the lyrics to a Doors song, he asked me where I lived. When I told him Arizona, he said, “Do you have grass in Arizona?” And he was referring to the kind we water and mow. Considering I grew up in Phoenix, the question wasn’t too ridiculous and alludes to why I never really liked my hometown.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.

2 New Suspense Novels to Read Now

by Donna Huber

As the weather cools I start to gravitate more towards thrillers and gritty suspense novels. I recently finished two that were excellent and you really should add them to your reading list now!

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for an honest review.

Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story by Lilliam Rivera ~ a Review

by MK French

Jessica Cruz has to navigate her life as a DREAMer in Coast City, but she is also a Green Lantern. Like every other Green Lantern, she has to fight for what she believes in while facing overwhelming odds.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Better to Trust by Heather Frimmer ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

When trust is violated, can it ever be recovered?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"But sometimes in the midst of the pain, it's hard to hear the truth.  Sometimes when the pain is too loud, all we can hear is the person crying with us. And that sounds a lot like love." (p 169)

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Lessons from Plants by Beronda L. Montgomery ~ an Audiobook Review

by Donna Huber

Beronda Montgomery is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University. She is a plant biologist whose research focuses on how photosynthetic organisms adapt to changes in light. Lessons from Plants is her first book.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero by @ELockhart ~ a Review

by MK French

Sixteen-year-old Willow Zimmerman protests the neglect of her neighborhood and works nights at the dog shelter. Her mother is sick and they don't have health insurance, so Willow reconnects with estranged family friend E. Nigma. The former addict is now a party promoter and real estate tycoon, so Willow gets a new job hosting poker nights. Willow can now afford medical treatments for her mother and gets a taste of the high life.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

3 New Books in Christian Fiction

by Susan Roberts

Even though Revell is a new publisher for me, it's been publishing books for over 100 years. Based in Ada, Michigan, their goal is to bring Christian faith to everyday lives.  I have read many of their new books and find them very comforting without being preached to.  Here are reviews for two of their recently published books plus one that is publishing soon.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. Free books were provided for honest reviews.  

The Final Child by Fran Doricott ~ a Review & Excerpt

by MK French

The Father was a serial child abductor and killer, taking pairs of siblings right out of their beds and keeping them for a time before killing them. Erin and Alex were the last ones; she managed to escape but Alex was never seen again. Eighteen years later, the cousin of the first pair of known victims is contacting the families and attempting to talk with Erin to write a book honoring the victims rather than discussing the abductor. Erin is reluctant to help Harriet, but she can't shake the feeling of being watched. Then odd gifts arrive, making Erin fear that the Father isn't dead after all.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Serpent & The Dead by Anna Stephens ~ a Review

by MK French

Lady Sif watches a close friend die in battle, but their soul doesn't go to Valhalla. This runs counter to everything she ever knew about the afterlife for Asgardians, and enlists the help of the Valkyrie Brunnhilde to discover why this is happening. As they scour Asgard, they hear rumors of warriors that can't be killed and souls that are stolen. This is a mystery worthy of these two valiant warriors.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Beautiful Country: A Memoir by Qian Julie Wang ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I haven't read a memoir in a while because I'm really picky when it comes to the genre. Immigration is a hot topic right now and it is what drew me to this book. Beautiful Country is a beautiful story. The poignant writing as Wang unburies her memories had me misty-eyed several times.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.