2022 in Review

by Donna Huber

Can you believe we are at the end of 2022? This year has probably been the most "normal" since the pandemic started. As I look back over the year, I realize it did feel more normal and the year neither speed by nor did creep. Susan did her reading wrap-up yesterday and today I'm sharing some of my reading highlights as well as highlights from Girl Who Reads as a whole.

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Susan's 2022 Reading Wrap Up

by Susan Roberts

2022 is the year when we finally got our lives back and didn't have to be as worried about Covid.  From a personal standpoint, it was a tough year due to some family tragedy.  However, no matter how bad things got in my life, I was saved by my books. 

2 Interesting Novels of Historical Fiction

by MK French

Today I have two historical fiction stories for you. Both stories are based on true people. The first is a WWII story about sisters who smuggled people out of Europe and the second is about 15th-century artist Giorgione “Zorzo” Barbarelli. Both are interesting stories.

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

Half Notes From Berlin by B. V. Glants ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 

Berlin, 1933. Hans believes he and his family are safe from persecution.

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

The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan ~ a Review

by  Susan Roberts

A gripping and heart-wrenching story of two very different women united to bring light to the darkest days of World War II.

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

2 Fantasy Novels for Young Readers

by MK French

Did you or your kid get a new eReader for Christmas? If they (or you) love fantasy novels, then definitely check out these two books for young readers.

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

Merry Christmas! Stuff Your e-Reader with These Five Free Holiday eBooks

Merry Christmas! Did you get a new eReader for Christmas? Or do you just want to spend your day reading Christmas stories? Either way, check out these free holiday stories.

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4 Christmas Novels for Your Holiday Reading

by Donna Huber

I've been on vacation this week and between baking batches of Christmas cookies I've done a lot of reading. If you aren't quite ready to wrap up your Christmas reading, then you should pick up one or more of these books. 

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

In Love's Time by Kate Breslin ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts 

At the height of World War I, two sweethearts face impossible odds in this powerful tale of courage, duty, and heartbreak.

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

4 Romance Novels to End Your Year

by MK French

We are almost to end of 2022 but there are a few more romance novels coming out that you don't want to miss. If you are needing a new romance to read now, I've also included one that's already published - the rest you will want to pre-order so you don't miss them during all the merry-making of the holidays.

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

Live and Let Grind by Tara Lush ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

When neighbor Gus is found dead by leafblower and her best friend is the prime suspect, Lana Lewis knows she has to find the real culprit even if she's promised her boyfriend (who's the local sheriff) not to investigate.

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

A Must Read Series for Fans of Espionage Thrillers

by Donna Huber

Are you looking for a series that will have your heart racing, a series that you can't put down? The Red Hotel series by Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller is just the series for you. 

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

Black Panther: Panther's Rage by Sheree Renée Thomas ~ a Review

by MK French

T'Challa brings his love Monica Lynne to Wakanda, but the country had destabilized in his absence. Erik Killmonger has fomented rebellion, and now he must battle for the soul of his country.

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

A Yuletide Creek Series by Kimberly Thomas ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Kimberly Thomas has brought her readers a new trilogy that takes place in Yuletide Creek - a small town that really knows how to celebrate the Christmas season. If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber you can read all three books for free.

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

100 Plants to Feed the Birds by Laura Erickson ~ a Nonfiction Review

by Donna Huber

I've read several books from Storey Publishing and have always found them to be informative. As I'm in the process of converting my front yard from grass (okay mostly weeds) to gardens I thought this would be a useful book to get ideas from. 

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

Whale Fall by Ann Lambert ~ a Review

by MK French

Marie Russell and Detective Roméo Leduc are finally getting married, but Marie's first love Magnus Sørenson arrives. He's a renowned eco-warrior with plans for a dramatic environmental protest. Roméo and Marie abandon their honeymoon to catch a killer who was at that protest, unearthing long-buried secrets. In this book, love, vengeance, and climate justice go hand in hand.

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

The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks ~ a Review

by  Susan Roberts 

A powerful, propulsive novel about America’s most notorious kidnapping through the eyes of the woman who found herself at the heart of this deadly crime.

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

A Fractured Infinity by Nathan Tavares ~ a Review

by MK French

Filmmaker Hayes Figueiredo is editing a documentary when physicist Yusuf Hassan shows up. In a future of climate change and the fracture of the United States into smaller countries, Yusuf says Hayes is the key to understanding the Envisioner, a device that can predict the future. At a secret research facility, Hayes discovers that an alternate-universe version of himself designed the Envisioner and sent it to their universe. That version is also married to his universe's version of Yusuf. Hayes is drawn to Yusuf, not just because of this, but soon finds that the two are linked. Unfortunately, their lives together in the other universe ends badly. Hayes is determined to save Yusuf and the many universes whose survival seems to hinge on Yusuf dying.

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

Devil's Delight by MC Beaton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

On the way to her friends' wedding, a naked man in the roadway flags down the car. He tells Agatha and Toni that he saw a dead body, but when they get to the spot in the woods the body is gone. While the cops wave the man off since there's no body, Agatha can't let it go. When a few days later a body is found in the lake, she knows Edward wasn't lying.

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

Her First Child by Sheryl Browne ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A perfect mother. A loving daughter. A secret that could destroy them both.

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

The Musician by Heloisa Prieto ~ a Review

by MK French

Thomas lost his parents as a child, and all the wealth or talent in the world could never replace them. His only friends are the musical creatures that no one else can see, and music is his connection with them. When his secret is revealed to a group of strangers, they want to steal the creatures. Dr. Alonso and his daughter Dora trick Thomas into joining a cult, and he’s unlikely to ever escape it. However, the Guarani shaman Marlui senses the danger around Thomas and vows to protect him from Dr. Alonso. Can she save Thomas before he gives in to Dora and loses his musical powers?

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

Well Behaved Wives by Amy Sue Nathan ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Perfect wives, imperfect lives, and upending the rules of behavior in 1960s America.

"Doing all the right things for a husband and family didn't guarantee happiness."

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Winter's End by Paige Shelton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Winter is finally thawing in Benedict, Alaska, and Beth is about to experience her first Death Watch. In the process of checking in with everyone after the long winter, she will meet more residents of this small and wild town that she is coming to think of as home. Unfortunately, a woman she has recently befriended is found dead, but it wasn't nature's elements that killed her.

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

The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford ~ a Review

by MK French

Outsiders must choose to be cast into the bloodthirsty Forest or the poisonous lake. Even natives of Endla must make that choice if they don't have the magic of the enchanted song that the community leaves. Leelo loves Endla, but her brother might be exiled soon, and she saves a stranger that nearly drowned in the lake. This is a shocking betrayal of all Endla believes in, but she soon realizes that there are other dangerous things besides the lake.

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

Death at Beresford Hall by Emma Davies ~ an Audiobook Review

by Donna Huber

The hostess of a popular baking show has been receiving strange gifts. Fran and Adam go to the set where they are taping the holiday edition of the show to investigate. Miranda doesn't want anyone to know so Fran is undercover as an author who is writing a book about Miranda and the show. Will they be able to discover the culprit before he or she escalates to more than just sending gifts?

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

The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle ~ a Review

by MK French

Lorri Walker moved to Dalton Mill after her husband left her and their brand new puppy. Now she has a graphic design business, so she doesn't have to think about her ex. Ryder Bolt lost his wife and child seven years ago, but is busy with his niece and nephew and their venue the Wedding Ranch. Lorri and Ryder meet but weren't expecting anything more than that. The burgeoning relationship might be broken apart by revelations from the past, however.

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

3 Very Different Christmas Stories for Your Holiday Reading

by Donna Huber

I love the holiday season and I start gobbling up holiday stories as soon as I'm done gobbling up turkey on Thanksgiving. I recently finished up three Christmas books that were pretty different from one another. One I didn't know was a Christmas book until I started reading it, so it wasn't on my Christmas reading list.

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

We Fly Beneath the Stars by Suzanne Kelman ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

1942, Europe: Based on the true story of a female-only bomber battalion, this is a totally heartbreaking and unforgettable story about sacrifice, sisterhood and a love that transcends war.

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

Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds ~ a Review

by MK French

Shira Barbanel is determined to make her great-uncle's new assistant Isaac her boyfriend by the end of Hanukkah. Unfortunately, she can't flirt and is anxious in social situations, which makes her seem aloof. Her Nantucket neighbor and former crush Tyler Nelson is in the area, and has always been charming and the center of attention. She strikes a deal with him: teach her to flirt to get Isaac's attention, and she will introduce him to her great-uncle. The problem is, he's not as shallow as she thought he was.

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

My Mother's Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region by Alina Adams ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

With his dying breath, Lena's father asks his family a cryptic question: "You couldn't tell, could you?" After his passing, Lena stumbles upon the answer that changes her life forever.

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

Murder in an Irish Castle by Verity Bright ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Ellie, her bulldog Gladstone, and her loyal butler Mr. Clifford are spending Christmas in Ireland. Along with Hennely Hall in England, Ellie inherited a castle in Derrydee Ireland. She's hoping for a quiet holiday for once. However, when they come across an unconscious man in the road it isn't looking that way. Surely, things will look brighter when they get to the House of Towers. Right?

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

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Two lifelong friends decide to trade places the week before Christmas and end up finding love along the way in this delightful novel.

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Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"Anyone will tell you the born of this world are marked from the get-out, win or lose." (p 2)

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The Great Tree by Able Barrett ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

The Great Tree resides on a high mountaintop next to a castle. The village below lives in its shadow in more than one way. Children who are lured up the mountain to see the tree are never seen again for the castle is home to an evil sorcerer who commands a great black wolf and the Charnelgoul. One boy is insistent that he travels up the mountain for his mother's dying wish is to see the son who was snatched by the Prince of Darkness. Will Andrew be able to rescue Nicholas or will he too be lost to the evil sorcerer?

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

The Second Husband by Kate White ~ A Review

by Donna Huber

Emma has a perfect life now. She has a wonderful, thoughtful husband and a career she enjoys and is really good at. But it is all overshadowed by the unsolved murder of her first husband. When a detective reopens the cold case, it threatens to destroy Emma's perfect life.

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

The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A deeply addictive thriller exploring the dark side of the digital world when a mommy-blogger’s assistant goes missing.  

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

Holiday Buying Guide 2022

by Donna Huber

We have stuffed ourselves with turkey and now trees are going up so it means it is time for my annual guide to the best books to buy for the reader on your gift giving list. I've read 136 books so far this year but only 15 earned 5 stars from me (not including a few beloved reads). They fall mainly into two broad categories - historical fiction and crime fiction - not surprising since those are my favorite genres. I do have some books of nonfiction and other genres to recommend as well.

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

The Red Scholar's Wake by Aliette de Bodard ~ a Review

by MK French

Tech scavenger Xích Si is captured by pirates of the Red Banner, and their leader, Rice Fish, surprisingly offers Xích Si marriage. Both would benefit from the deal: Xích Si needs protection and Rice Fish needs a technical expert to investigate the death of her first wife, the Red Scholar. That should have been all to the arrangement, but feelings develop as the war against piracy continues and their own investigation reveals more than they bargained for. Their business arrangement has evolved into something much more personal.

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

Virginia Vineyards series by Ashley Farley ~ a Series Review

by Susan Roberts

 

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues.

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

Dashing Through the Snowbirds by Donna Andrews ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

It's Christmastime in Caerphilly! It is busier than usual for Meg as she is hosting a dozen Canadian computer programmers who are working on a project with her brother's company.  When the boss of the Canadian company is found murdered there is no shortage of suspects as he wasn't well-liked by anyone. But the motive may be more than just a disgruntled employee working through the holidays. Can Meg solve the murder and save Christmas for everyone?

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

Children's Books for the Youngest Readers

by MK French

With Thanksgiving this week, you may have kids home from school and need to find some quiet activities to keep them entertained. And if you aren't celebrating Thanksgiving this week, then this will give you a head start on collecting ideas for the upcoming winter holidays. Check out these entertaining children's books you can pull out for them.

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

The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Maggie Banks has been floating through life, not quite sure where she fits in. When her friend Rochelle asks her to fill in at Cobblestone Books while Rochelle is on maternity leave Maggie jumps at the chance to make a little money and get out her parents' house - even if it's only for a couple of months. Bell River is dedicated to all things Edward Bell -  a famous author who wrote a book at the bookstore. There are a lot of rules to protect the image of Edward Bell. Unfortunately, Maggie isn't very good at following rules.

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

Between Before and After by Jessica Stilling ~ a Review

by MK French

Sebastian Foster makes indie movies based on the award-winning novels written by his estranged mother. His latest movie is based loosely on the tragic death of his sister as a child. Investigating the time period for the movie brings back memories and opens up old wounds best left scarred over.

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

A Matter of Happiness by Tori Whitaker ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"Take from this story what you will, Melanie, and you can bury the rest." (p 17)

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

My Reading List is Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

by Donna Huber

I like to start reading Christmas books Thanksgiving night. As a reviewer, I often have Christmas ARCs starting in September and I've missed my Christmas story binge fest so this year I've held off on a few books so that I will be able to read almost nothing but Christmas books from Thanksgiving to New Year's. In case you are looking for what to read this holiday season, I decided to share my list.

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

The Wilderwomen by Ruth Emmie Lang ~ a Review

by MK French

Zadie Wilder can see the future, but never saw that her mother would disappear five years ago. Her sister Finn can sense memories imprinted on objects, giving her the appearance of being easily distracted. At Finn's graduation party, she catches the echo of a woman singing, and knows it's her mother. Finn convinces Zadie to come with her to find their mother, but the more she slips into the memories to find her, the more she loses grip on herself. Zadie feels her sister slipping away, and must decide if finding their mother is worth losing her sister.

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

A Wish for Winter by Viola Shipman ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

"Books expand our minds.  They change our perspective on the world.  They allow us to escape, to hope, to dream, to mourn, to walk in someone else's shoes.  They save lives."  (loc 153)

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

Designed by Destiny by Maya Tyler ~ a Review

by MK French

Bethany Clarke has sworn off love to focus on her career and will be a fully licensed architect in about three years. Confirmed bachelor Nicholas Gray is portrayed as a playboy in the tabloids but is president of the architecture firm Grey and Company. Fairy godmother Faye Delmore poses as a publicist and pitches having Bethany pose as Nicholas' wife to improve his image. Faye knows he needs a polished image to land a big project, but that Bethany will improve him as a person as well.

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

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

As the U.S. enters WWII, dangers come closer to our shores - especially for the towns along the coastline as German U-boats lurk in the waters. How does a small town deal with the blackout restrictions? Create a book club of course! In the process, four women struggling with their own troubles find friendship and support.

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

A Place to Land by Lauren K. Denton ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A hidden past isn’t past at all.  

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