The Yellow Dog by Georges Simenon ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

First published in 1931, this French mystery novel has been republished dozens of times and translated into many languages. The Inspector Maigret series is comprised of 75 novels, plus a book of Christmas short stories (which I will totally be looking for this holiday season). I wonder if this is one of the longest-running series, which began in 1930, and the last book was published in 1972. Georges Simenon, a Belgian writer, died in 1989. He is considered one of the most prolific writers of the 19th century with over 400 novels plus memoirs and short story collections.

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

3 Enjoyable Stories of Historical Fiction

by Susan Roberts

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I've read previous books by all three of the authors and their new books did not disappoint. Each book is about a different point in time, but they are all enjoyable reads.

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He's to Die For by Erin Dunn ~ a Review

by MK French

Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad and has an incredible solve rate. As an ivy-league educated gay Brit wearing designer suits he doesn't quite fit in, but he's always eager to prove himself. Now he gets the lead position on the high-profile murder of a record executive. The main suspect is a hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi, and unfortunately, Rav seems to be falling in love with him.

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

Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A family drama set along the Louisiana coastline during the 2010 BP Oil Spill, Pearce Oysters follows a third-generation oyster farmer whose business, family, and livelihood are on the brink of collapse. 

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

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events.

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

The Palace at the End of the Sea by Simon Tolkien ~ a Review

by MK French

In 1929, New York City, Theo Sterling is caught between different worlds. His father is a Jewish businessman, and his mother is Catholic. Disaster strikes the family, and charismatic friends convince Theo he can fight fascism. Rebellion carries a high price, making him question other ideologies as well.

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

Road Trip, Summer Camp, and Adventures Oh My!

by Donna Huber

I leave for my summer vacation in a couple of weeks. I spend a week in the mountains at a summer camp for adults. There's no internet or cell phone service but there is a lot of hiking, playing in the river, and exploring the natural world. There is also time for just relaxing with a book. In addition to choosing an audiobook (or two) for the road trip there and back (check out my audiobook recommendations for a road trip), I'm also thinking about what I'll read while there. I've been looking through the Goodreads challenge Armchair Explorer for inspiration. If you are trying to decide what to read to complete that challenge, here are our recommendations.

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Two Fun Reads From Author Lian Dolan

 by Susan Roberts

I recently read a book by Lain Dolan and enjoyed it so much that I had to read another book by her.  I have several of her other books on my to-be-read list.  Here are reviews of two of her books.

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

11 Audiobooks for Road Trips

by Donna Huber

I have a little road trip planned for this summer, and I'm already thinking about what book I will listen to on the drive. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, so I thought I would give you a few recommendations of my favorite reads. I really like listening to memoirs and nonfiction, so I have a few of them on this list. I also tried to recommend a variety of lengths. My road trip will only be about 4 hours one way, and I'm not sure if I'll choose two shorter books for a longer one that I can listen to half on the way to the mountains and then the other half on the way back. That's what I did last year.

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The Grief Nurse by Angie Spoto ~ a Review

by MK French

Lynx is the grief nurse assigned to the Aster family, and had grown up on their secluded Scottish island. When their eldest son dies Lynx alleviates their sorrow, but as guests arrive for his wake secrets emerge that threaten to tear the family apart.

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

22 Books to Read for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

by Donna Huber

We've highlighted a few books for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but in case you missed them, trying to fit one more in before the end of May, or still trying to decide what to read for the Heritage Reads bookmark, here are our recommendations. We've narrowed the Goodreads list of 189 down to 22. There is a good mix of genres on our list - fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, young adult, romance, nonfiction, etc. MK reviewed most of the books in this selection but Susan and I lent a few titles to the list as well. Happy reading!

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The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 

She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story. 

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

Murder at the English Manor by Helena Dixon ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

At home in Devon, Kitty is attending a ball at the very grand Markham Hall. With celebrations in full swing and everyone kitted out in their glad rags, Kitty and Matt enjoy the champagne. But the next morning, the party feels well and truly over when Kitty stumbles across a body while out walking her dog, Bertie. The maid, Agnes, is dead, and everyone at Markham Hall is a suspect…

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

The Love Haters by Katherine Center ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

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

White Light by Jack Lohmann ~ a Review

by MK French

The element phosphorus is one of the six that are important for life functioning. Whether it's the phosphates that add to fertilizers or is present in rocks and makes ecological or biological systems work, or the explosive element when added to water, in this book, we're guided through the history of what we know about this element and how we can use it.

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

The Paris Promise by Suzanne Kelman ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 

Paris, 1943: Keeping her eyes fixed on the Nazi officer, Antoinette slowly reaches under the pillow for the knife hidden there. Her hands are shaking, but she knows what she must do to save her husband and child…

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

The Game's Afoot - Can You Solve These Mysteries

by Donna Huber

It's definitely feeling like summer - hot, humid, and thunderstorms. But truly, it is great weather for sitting on the porch with a cool drink and a good book. If you are looking for something entertaining when it is too humid or wet to do anything else, check out these two new books.

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

Two Light Reads Perfect for a Day of Relaxation

by MK French

As the weather warms, we start planning our summer vacations and weekend getaways. While those plans may still be weeks away, you can still grab a day of relaxation with a light read. 

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

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

An unexpected road trip across America brings a family together in this raucous and moving new novel

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

Love Romance Novels? Love Fantasy Novels? Read These 2 Romantasy Novels

by MK French

Did you see the new category in last year's Goodreads Choice Awards? Romantic fantasy has been on the rise for years, and Goodreads recognized that by having a whole category featuring Romantasy. Here are two books coming out later this month that you will want to add to your reading list.

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

The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour and Jude Dobson ~ Review

by Donna Huber

The world recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of V-E Day - the day Germany surrendered and ended WWII in Europe. 80 years ago, Pippa Latour signed off and made her way to Paris. She served as a radio operator in occupied France for the British Special Operations Executive. The Last Secret Agent is her story.

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

Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

 

A collection of eight gripping original short stories in the bestselling Mike Bowditch series―including one brand new, never-before-published story―from Edgar-award nominated author Paul Doiron.

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

3 Books to Read for Asian American Heritage Month

by MK French

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I've shared a few books about and/or by Asian Americans in previous reviews this month, but in case you are looking for more, I have 3 new books for you.

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

Near the Forest, By the Lake: Discovering Nature Close to Home by Angela E. Douglas ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

As the days grow warmer and longer, we tend to spend more time outside. But how much do we notice about the natural world around us?

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

Two Books for Fans of Women's Fiction

by Susan Roberts

Soon summer will be here, which means that days spent at the beach, lake, or pool are just around the corner. Women's fiction is one of the most popular genres to pop into your summer bag. If you are planning your summer reading, get a jump on it these these two books.

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

2 Young Adult Fantasy Novels to Read Now

by MK French

Whether you are looking for young adult fantasy novels for yourself or for your teen, you don't want to miss these. 

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

Dying to Meet You by Sarina Bowen ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

A twisty thriller that probes how well we actually know the men in our lives.

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

The Language of the Birds by K. A. Merson ~ a Review

by MK French

Arizona’s mother goes missing on a family trip, and a note in their ransacked Airstream indicates she was kidnapped. The kidnappers believe Arizona’s dead father took a secret to his grave, and it's up to her to solve the puzzles, codes, and riddles left throughout the Western US to find her mother. She is only seventeen, but is very comfortable going through pages of ancient texts and forgotten corners of U.S. history looking for a centuries-old prize. She had never been comfortable on her own before, and now realizes that finding other people who understand her isn’t so impossible after all.

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

2 Mysteries to Keep You Guessing

by Donna Huber

I love losing myself in a good mystery - one that keeps me guessing the whole time. I recently read a couple of mysteries with unexpected elements that would be great for a weekend binge read or to toss in your beach bag this summer.

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

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 

In the glow of their children’s exciting first year of college at a small private school in Northern California, five families plan on a night of dinner and cocktails for the opening festivities of Parents Weekend. As the parents stay out way past their bedtimes, their kids—five residents of Campisi Hall—never show up at dinner.

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

2 Thoroughly Enjoyable Fantasy Novels

by MK French

Do you want to add a little magic to your reading? Check out these two fantasy novels.

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

Summer Light on Nantucket by Nancy Thayer ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Blythe Benedict is content. Her life didn’t end when her marriage did. In fact, she’s more than happy living in her comfortable house in Boston, working as a middle school teacher, and raising four wonderful children. With three of her kids in the throes of teenagerhood and one not too far behind them, Blythe has plenty of drama to keep her busy every single day.

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

I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

The Office meets Six Feet Under meets About a Boy in this coming-of-middle-age tale about having a second chance to write your life’s story.

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

Satisfy Your Romance Craving With These Novels

by MK French

May is a big month for weddings, so you may be in a romantic mood. There are plenty of great romances coming out this month. If you also want to read Asian American books for Asian American Heritage Month, there are a couple of books on the list.

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

3 Entertaining Historical Fiction Books to Reads

by Susan Roberts

Historical fiction is great because you can learn a little about a time that you might not have lived in or perhaps didn't engage with the historical events featured in the book. While at the same time, you are being entertained.

 

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

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Two of my favorite subjects come together in Madeline Martin's 2024 book, The Booklover's Library: WWII and books!

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

The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy ~ a Review

by MK French

After a broken engagement and her mother's death in 1925, Sadie Halloran learns that her great-aunt Marguerite, needs a live-in companion. Blackberry Grange is Marguerite’s mansion in Arkansas, where she is compelled to paint eerie, hallucinatory portraits of old lovers. Time seems to shift in the mansion, and Marguerite had secrets. Now, Sadie must uncover the secrets before Marguerite’s memory slips away.

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

Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

 

An escapist novel following a young woman stuck in a “time loop” of one-day relationships with romantic partners from her past.

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

The Seaside Murders by Helena Dixon ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

A pretty seaside town, a body on the beach, and a boatload of clues. Can super-sleuth Miss Jane Treen solve the mystery?

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

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner ~ a Review

by MK French

Nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose is searching through shipwrecks outside the village of Positano. Her late father had seen gemstones on his final dive, and she hopes to find it as she explores. Various misfortunes strike the town, and feels like a curse. This is especially the case when Haven discovers an old story of sorcery as a witch from Positano tried to save her lover and the village with stregheria, the magical ability to harness the ocean.

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

Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas ~ A Review

by Susan Roberts

In this homage to True Grit, a young woman makes a perilous journey west in 1863 in search of her gold-mining father.

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

The Last Secret Kept by Elaine Stock ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 

"You asked me a lot about thinking.  And Talking.  I don't understand why other people can say what they want.  Or do what they want.  But they won't listen to me.  I'm not sure who is smart and who is dumb." (p271)   

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

The Floating World by Axie Oh ~ a Review

by MK French

Living in the Under World with perpetual darkness, Sunho can't remember much of his life before two years ago. An ex-soldier, he does odd jobs until he hears about a girl who wields silver light. In the east, acrobat Ren is performing when the village is attacked by horrific demons. She releases a blast of silver light that kills the monster, but not before her adoptive family suffers devastating losses. Trying to save her uncle from a poisoned wound, Ren heads for the mountains and meet Sunho. He doesn't know she's the one that every mercenary is looking for, and the two grow ever closer during their travels.

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

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don’t know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man—the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.

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

Mothers of Fate by Lynne Hugo ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Mothers of Fate, a masterful story of three women and a young man navigating the complexities of adoption and its aftermath that raises a question for every reader. Does fate direct our lives—or do our own choices?

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

3 Books for Fantasy Fans

by MK French

Are you still looking for a great fantasy novel to read this month? Here are 3 books to pick up if you haven't already.

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

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

By early 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan, Viv Buschetti, and Bitsy Cobb, suburban housewives in a brand-new "planned community" in Northern Virginia, appear to have it all. The fact that "all" doesn't feel like enough leaves them feeling confused and guilty, certain the fault must lie with them. Things begin to change when they form a book club with Charlotte Gustafson--the eccentric and artsy "new neighbor" from Manhattan--and read Betty Friedan's just-released book, The Feminine Mystique.

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

The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Two voices. One story. A chance to rewrite their future.

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

3 Horror Novels For Readers Who Enjoy Scary Stories Around the Campfire

by MK French

The sun might be shining brightly, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a great horror novel. If you loved telling scary stories around the campfire as a kid (or still do as an adult), be sure to check out these books.

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

Written in Stone by Paige Shelton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

When Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio, she isn’t sure quite what to expect. What she finds is an elusive fellow obsessed with the Picts—complete with his own versions of their blue tattoos and vibrant red hair—recreating the stones they left behind. She also meets a visiting paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas attempting to sell an artifact that might just explain what the Picts' language really sounded like.

Or at least that’s what he claimed the artifact was for. Before the deal can close and Ryory can get a closer look at it, Dr. Pace is found dead.

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

Off the Beaten Path: A Stone's Throw Mystery by Eloise Corvo ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

Off the Beaten Path is the first book of a new series by Eloise Corvo.  Based on book 1, it's going to be an interesting and exciting series to read.  The characters are all written and very likable and the mystery kept me guessing until almost the end.  Every time that I thought I figured out who the 'bad guy' was, there were more facts presented that proved how wrong I really was.

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