Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Release Day! The Dilemma by B. A. Paris ~ My Thoughts #TheDilemma #NetGalley

49219357. sx318 sy475

Congrats B. A.
on the release today of
The Dilemma!

The Dilemma by B. A. Paris
Print and e-book, 304 pages
Published June 30th 2020 by St. Martin's Press 

A woman's birthday party takes a dark turn in a poignant, heart-stopping new novel from the reigning queen of suspense, NYT and USA Today bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors.

Livia is finally having the birthday party she always dreamed of. When she and her husband Adam fell pregnant as teenagers, she was disowned by her parents. Their marriage has had its ups and downs, but now, twenty years on, they are blissfully happy now with their two grown-up children, Josh and Marnie. And tonight, Adam is throwing Livia the party of a lifetime, to make up for the fairytale wedding they could never have.

Marnie has been studying abroad and can’t make it to the party. Livia can’t help but be slightly grateful for this, as she’s recently uncovered a secret about their daughter which, if revealed, will shake the foundation of their family to its core. For just one night, Livia wants everything to be perfect.

Adam, meanwhile, has set up another surprise for his wife: Marnie will be secretly flying back for the family celebration. But soon it emerges that Adam is faced with a dilemma of his own, and he too may have to keep a terrible secret. After all, if you could give the person you love the most in the world a few more hours of happiness, you would . . . wouldn’t you? As the day of the party dawns, one thing is clear: Marnie’s arrival could shatter everything. 

      

My thoughts about The Dilemma ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First line—"It's the cooling bathwater that wakes me."

Once again, here is another book full of secrets. That seems to be a theme in a lot of books lately, at least in ones that I have been lucky enough to read. And secrets can definitely keep a book interesting, that's for sure. 

The Dilemma has secrets, but these secrets are being kept for good reasons—not to hide bad things from the past, but to keep loved ones from being hurt. As the 'perfect' birthday party approaches—the party of a lifetime—we see how the stress of keeping these secrets impact the main characters. What a roller-coaster ride of emotions this author put me through. 

While The Dilemma had a different feel to it for me from B.A's other thrillers—it didn't feel quite as intense—it was still an exciting and enjoyable read. And as always, I look forward to the next book by B. A. Paris. 

I received a copy of The Dilemma via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

About the author

B.A. Paris

B A Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back and The Dilemma. Having sold over a million copies in the UK alone, she is a New York Times bestseller as well as a Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 40 languages. Having lived in France for many years, she and her husband recently moved back to the UK.

Her fifth novel is out in 2021 ~ Goodreads

Connect with B A


*********************

Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

Monday, June 29, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? June 29, 2020


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

**************************************

Take care. Stay safe and healthy everyone.
And remember to wash those hands!!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

52458130. sy475
The Subway Girl
by Lisa Becker
Pub date 7/14
I love Lisa's stoies! So much fun.

20728885. sy475
Invisible
by L.A. Remenicky

53311546. sx318
The Perfect Secret
by Steena Holmes
Narrated by Erin deWard & Christina Traister
Loved this book when I read it and am loving the audio just as much!

What I recently finished

43312830
The Second Home
by Christina Clancy

49219357. sx318 sy475
The Dilemma
by B.A. Paris
Pub date 6/30
My thoughts will be posted tomorrow.

53926290. sx318
Sweet Hollow Women
by Holly Tierney-Bedord
Narrated by Scott Cluthe 

What I am going to read next

48724819. sy475
How to Save a Life
by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke
Pub date 7/14

I really love my reading life!
What are you reading this week?

*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Book Spotlight #Giveaway! Graveyard Bay by Thomas Kies #GraveyardBay

41800219

I have sooooo many books! The Book Spotlight Giveaway feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves, to share some of the many books I have, and to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy these treasures.


Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

******************************

Graveyard Bay

Graveyard Bay by Thomas Kies
Series: Geneva Chase #3
ARC, 304 pages
Published July 9th 2019 by Poisoned Pen Press

Time is running out...

The nude bodies of a corrupt judge and a Jane Doe are found under the icy, black waters at Groward Bay Marina, chained to the prongs of a mammoth fork lift. A videotape points to Merlin Finn, a ruthless gang leader with a proclivity for bondage and S&M who had recently broken out of prison. In the videotape, he's wearing a black leather bondage mask.

With the newspaper she works for about to be sold and her job in jeopardy, journalist Geneva Chase investigates pill mills, crooked doctors, and a massive money laundering scheme in an attempt to identify the murdered woman and find the killer. Along the way, she finds herself working with a disgraced New York cop and a host of other unlikely characters with ties to the criminal underworld.

Geneva is clearly hot on the killer's trail, but when she is kidnapped and held at the mercy of the criminals she hoped to stop, it looks like her chance to uncover the darkness that has seeped through her hometown may be lost forever.


Check out the whole series on Goodreads.

About the author

Thomas Kies

Author of the Geneva Chase Mystery Series, Thomas Kies lives and writes on a barrier island on the coast of North Carolina with his wife, Cindy, and Lilly, their Shih-Tzu.

He has a long career working for newspapers and magazines, primarily in New England and New York, and is currently working on his next novel, Graveyard Bay. ~ Author's website

Connect with Thomas


******************************



******************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Finding Adley by Leah van de Berkt ~ My Thoughts #FindingAdley

52144806. sx318 sy475

Finding Adley

Finding Adley
by Leah van de Berkt

Kindle Edition, 366 pages
Published July 29th 2019

Two sisters...

Cora and Sara Osborne share an unbreakable bond. With their mother wheelchair bound, their father busy running the estate, and their country home shut off from most of the outside world, all they really have is each other. But when Sara’s eyesight fades, she relies on her sister more than ever before.

A missing Locket...

On March 3rd, 1930, a priceless locket is stolen, driving Cora to a desperate act. Once the shot is fired there is no going back.

A murder witnessed only by a blind girl...

Sara was there, she heard everything, but her reliability as a witness comes into question when there’s no evidence to back her story.

The killer escaped without a trace...

Seventy years later, biographer Ginny Mersea is hired to tell the story. A task that seems impossible with her only source an ailing blind woman. Diving further into the past reveals a spiderweb of conspiracy far bigger than Ginny thought possible. Who is Adley Moore? What does she have to do with the Osbornes? And could a mysterious illness lead to a murderer?

As Ginny finds herself pulled deeper into the cloak-and-dagger world of the Osborne Sisters and the elusive Adley Moore, she finds a place where powerful loyalties protect tragic secrets, and nothing is as it seems.

    

My thoughts about Finding Adley ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"'No! No, no Cora, don't go! Breathe! You need to breathe!'"

I was immediately drawn into this story and ended up devouring it. I was intrigued by the mystery of the missing Adley Moore. As Sara shares the stories of her past and Ginny starts to dig into the family's history, secrets come to light—secrets that leave more questions than answers.

I was first drawn to this beautiful cover and then the synopsis intrigued me. Leah van de Berkt is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect but I really enjoy the way she writes. The story flowed very well and this was a very satisfying read. I look forward to ready more of her books.

I received a copy of Finding Adley from Inboundbooks and this is my honest opinion.

*******************

About the author

Leah van de Berkt

Leah has been writing since she was six years old. Her very first story was written for her mother and Leah illustrated it herself using stencils and crayons.

Growing up on the plains of Wyoming was thrilling! She is the second of four siblings and describes her growing up years as "sweet and cheerful." Her parents owned a hobby farm for much of her growing up years, and Leah loved being around all the animals. They had sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, and barn cats. Leah also learned to garden with her mother, hunt with her father, and build forts and castles with her brothers and sister.

Leah was homeschooled from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and started community college when she turned 16. From there she went on to College of the Ozarks in Missouri and graduated from there in 2009 with a BA in English.

Through it all Leah never lost sight of her goal to become an author. Her debut children's story released under her children's author pen name Julia Joss on November 27, 2012 entitled Blue Hooves and a Broken Wing. Three years later she released her first novel Unraveling Glenmore in April 2015, followed by her collection of short stories Pieces, Parts, & Paragraphs in 2017. She's hoping to release her second novel Finding Adley late Summer 2019.

In addition to writing, Leah enjoys playing the piano and the Irish Tin Whistle. She loves reading, drinking coffee, having long talks with friends and fellow book lovers, and especially being a stay-at-home wife and mother.

Currently Leah lives with her husband and two children in Colorado, where she enjoys marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Leah


*******************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Devil Days in Deadwood by Ann Charles ~ My Thoughts #DevilDaysInDeadwood #AnnWCharles

53523361. sy475

Devil Days in Deadwood

Devil Days in Deadwood by Ann Charles 
Deadwood #11
Kindle Edition, 410 pages
Published May 29th 2020 by Ann Charles

Violet Parker knows better than to play with devils. They always cheat, especially when lives are at stake. Deadwood’s charming, troublemaking, and soul-sucking devils are no different, and they’re biting at her heels.

But the clock is ticking and Violet has no choice—she must risk her life to save her treasured Aunt Zoe. With any luck, she might be able to trick the devils and beat the old terrors at their own game. If not, Deadwood could end up short one Executioner.

“Executioners don't duck, they swing.” ~ Violet Parker

My thoughts about Devil Days in Deadwood ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"'What dumbass thought catching an Hungarian devil made of smoke and shadow was a good idea?'"

Oh my gosh! With an opening line like that one, you just know the rest of the book is going to be one crazy ride. And believe me it, definitely was an exciting one. I absolutely love this series and I'm forever amazed at the dramatic and creative story-lines that Ann comes up with for each book. What will she think of next? 

Devil Days in Deadwood has maybe become one of my favorites in this whole series. I just absolutely loved everything about it. The ongoing and quirky relationships were at their peak. I can't count how many times I laughed out loud, such hilarious characters. Then the dangers that Violet's profession puts them all in was exciting, as well as being a bit scary. And in the end, everyone works together to defeat the bad guys..... for now. There are always more waiting in the wings. 

I have a love/hate relationship with the endings of Ann's books. She leaves the reader in a dramatic situation but always promises that there will be more coming, we just need to be patient. But it is so hard!! 

I am a huge fan of this whole series and I'm always recommending them to anyone and everyone who will listen to me. Check it out!



*******************

About the author

Ann Charles

Ann lives in the beautiful Northern Arizona mountains with her clever husband, charming kids, and an incredibly sassy cats. After many years and several colleges, she managed to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington.

Her books are character-driven, mixed-genre mysteries full of mystery and mayhem, comedy and spice, and whatever else feels right. Sisters in Crime was kind enough to let her join their membership years ago. In addition, she’s a member of Western Writers of America.

Ann has written a bunch of contemporary, award-winning novels in multiple series full of quirky characters with whom she loves to spend time as much as reality allows. Right now, while you’re reading this, she’s probably frolicking around in another story.

While her reading preferences range from adventure to horror to western and mystery, ever since she tried on her first training bra, she has loved a good mix of romance, too.

When she’s not dabbling in fiction, she’s penning writing-themed articles or standing on her workshop soapbox, sharing what she has learned over the years about the writing craft and marketing. ~ Author's website

Connect with Ann


*******************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Monday, June 22, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? June 22, 2020


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

**************************************

Take care. Stay safe and healthy everyone.
And remember to wash those hands!!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

49219357. sx318 sy475
The Dilemma
by B.A. Paris
Pub date 6/30
I've loved all of this author's books.

53926290. sx318
Sweet Hollow Women
by Holly Tierney-Bedord
Narrated by Scott Cluthe 
Loving this story of southern women.

What I recently finished

52144806. sx318 sy475
Finding Adley
by Leah van de Berkt
New-to-me author and a great book.

53523361. sy475
Devil Days in Deadwood
(Deadwood, #11)
by Ann Charles
This is such a fun series! I love it!! 💖

What I am going to read next

43312830
The Second Home
by Christina Clancy

I really love my reading life!
What are you reading this week?

*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Book Blitz! The Dream by Whitney Dineen ~ An Excerpt and a Giveaway! #TheDream



The Dream


The Dream by Whitney Dineen
(The Creek Water Series #4)
Publication date: June 21st 2020
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance


Ashley has loved the same boy since high school. She knew Davis Frothingham was special even before he championed her at her senior prom. She also knew he was completely out of her league.

Years later, her attraction for him is still there, but Davis? He doesn’t even remember her.

When Ashley is tasked with being the nurse for Davis’ terminally ill grandmother, she’s thrown back into his world. More than anything, she wants him to remember her, but that recollection could come at a price of its own.

Can Ashley accept that she’s good enough for Davis? And can Davis learn to love a girl from the wrong side of the tracks?

Find out in this delightfully fun romcom about love and life in Creek Water, Missouri!


****************

Excerpt

“Do you have a boyfriend?” 

I don’t meet his eyes. “No.”

“Why not?” he wants to know.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I retaliate.

“I don’t.”

“Why not?” 

“Point taken,” he concedes. 

We’re sitting and staring at each other when Davis puts his hand on mine. He clears his throat in preparation to speak. A wave of anticipation washes over me, and I subconsciously hold my breath like I’m deep sea diving without an oxygen tank. 

He’s probably not going to say, “Ashley, I’ve known who you were since the moment I saw you in the nursing home. I’ve secretly loved you since high school and wanted more than anything to tell you the depth of my feelings ever since, but I was afraid you’d turn me down.”

I’m fully aware I’m having some kind of mental break here, so you’re just gonna have to bear with me. I’m pretty sure he isn’t going to declare, “You’re the woman of my dreams and I long to hold you in my arms until the end of time.”

Chances are he won’t conclude this imaginary monologue by picking me up and carrying me out of the restaurant so he can take me to his house and ravish me. But the bottom line is that we’ll never know because just as he opens his mouth, a voice behind me says, “Davis Frothingham? My heavens, how long has it been? You look positively wonderful!”

Davis’s eyes move upward as he sees my unwelcome ghost from adolescence past. “Jessica. I didn’t know you were back in town. Are you visiting for long?”

“No, sir.” I can hear the interest in her tone as clear as day. “I just moved back to Creek Water. I thought for sure Beau would have told you.”

If Beau is involved, that probably means she’s buying a house, which would mean she’s not planning anything temporary. Crap. Why the heck is everyone coming back?

“Welcome home,” he tells her. Then he motions toward me. “This is …”

But before he can say my name, she looks at me and declares, “Oh hey, it’s you, from the bathroom!” She’s as excited as if I were a long-lost sorority sister. 

“Hey,” I somehow manage while my throat constricts in terror. The Jessica Holt I know from high school would full on poop a brick if she knew she was being nice to FelAshleyO MoanRow. The good news is that Davis never said my name, and Jessica is so self-absorbed she doesn’t seem to care who I am. 

The waitress comes over and delivers several plates including the filet, a lobster tail, and a caesar salad. As delicious as everything looks, I’m not sure I’ll be able to eat a bite of it. 

“Do y’all work together or something?” Jessica asks once our food is situated. How insulting. She should assume we’re on a date considering our close physical proximity—side-by-side, not across from each other— but the thought doesn’t appear to occur to her. 

I let Davis answer the question. “I work alone, carving furniture,” he says, not offering any other explanation.

“That’s right,” Jessica declares. “I have a couple of clients I’d like to send your way. Maybe I can stop by your workshop sometime this week.”

“Sure,” Davis replies. “I’m on the first floor of the Creeky Button Factory. Just ring the bell and I’ll let you in.”

“I can’t wait,” she enthuses. Then much less excitedly, she adds, “I guess I’d better get going. We just finished dinner and my folks are waiting in the car.” She lingers as though Davis might invite her to join us and perhaps even offer to take her home afterward. 

I can’t let that happen, so I boldly put my hand on Davis’s arm and announce, “Don’t let us keep you. Have a good night.”

Davis’s mouth turns up at the corners into a lopsided smile like he’s trying to keep from laughing out loud. Then he tells his ex-girlfriend, “It was nice seeing you, Jessica. Have a good night.”

Jessica does not look happy. I want to take out my phone and snap a picture of her, so I can enjoy her expression at my leisure. Being that wouldn’t paint me in the best light, I don’t do it. But oh, boy, if I did, I’d print a hundred copies and hang them all over my trailer.

****************

About the author


Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to. 

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2017.
Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.
Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.
Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.
Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017
Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Connect with Whitney
XBTBanner1

*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Book Spotlight #Giveaway! Window to the Heart Saga by Jenna Brandt #WindowToTheHeartSaga


I have sooooo many books! The Book Spotlight Giveaway feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves, to share some of the many books I have, and to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy these treasures.

Today, I'm offering something different for my giveaway. In celebration of my retirement one month ago, I have the first three books in the Window to the Heart Saga Series for one winner. You can enter the usual ways like you do every week but I would also love to hear from you. (Extra entries!) So, leave me a comment. It can be anything—congrats, are you retired or not, what are you doing if you are or what do you want to do when you do retire, what's the weather is where you are at. Just anything! I would love to volunteer to be a baby cuddler in a hospital some day. 

Personally, it's still hard to wrap my head around the fact the I don't have to go to work anymore. I think it's because I was working from home for three months before I retired. It was just an extension of that, only I don't have to account for my time. I am loving the time I have to read and blog. I love supporting authors. I've had time to once again, 'organize' my bookshelves so I've pulled off more wonderful books that I want to share here. Stay tuned!  


Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

******************************

Window to the Heart Saga (Bks 1-3)

Window to the Heart Saga: a recountal of the epic journey of Lady Margaret, a young English noblewoman, who through many trials, obstacles, and tragedies, discovers her own inner strength, the sustaining force of faith in God, and the power of family and friends. In this three-part series, experience new places and cultures as the heroine travels from England to France and completes her adventures in America. The series has compelling themes of love, loss, faith and hope with a exceptionally gratifying conclusion.

Surrender to destiny: a window to the heart opens, when one door closes.

To follow the heart or the head—torn between two men—which future will Lady Margaret choose? Profoundly romantic and superbly riveting, The English Proposal explores the conflict between fulfilling duties and satiating desires.

The English Proposal (Book 1). Sheltered on her family’s country estate, Lady Margaret, the daughter of an English Earl, is betrothed due to a family promise. Although Henry, the Viscount Rolantry, has been her best friend since childhood and she is expected to marry him, she never felt butterflies until she meets the Duke of Witherton. Against her father’s wishes, Margaret finds herself captivated by the forbidden duke. Caught between family loyalty and her own wishes, Margaret searches for a way to satisfy both her responsibilities and her longings. When tragedy strikes, Margaret finds herself seeking answers at church. But when she finally makes her choice, through her newfound faith, will she be able to live with the repercussions of her decision?


The French Encounter (Book 2). Ruined by a night she will never forget, Lady Margaret, Countess of Renwick, must flee from England with her infant son to hide from the man who destroyed her life and from the sister-in-law who hates her. Relentlessly, the duke and viscountess hunt for them, planning to take the child to whom they both feel entitled. Margaret turns to God, believing he will protect her family and help her find her long-lost twin brother, Randall. While searching for Randall in France, Margaret is pursued by two enticing men: Pierre, the alluring Vidame of Demoulin, and Michel, the powerful Marquis de Badour. One man promises passion while the other offers security. Will Margaret surrender the chance for love to secure her safety?

While fleeing from danger and searching for her long-lost brother, Lady Margaret encounters new love. Despite her past, can Lady Margaret discover hope for the future? Deeply passionate and intensely gripping, The French Encounter weighs the struggle between giving in to temptation and sacrificing for refuge.

The American Conquest (Book 3) Running from a past scandal, Lady Margaret must leave Europe forever and escape across the ocean to America. The plan: to brave the Oregon Trail to reach the Colorado territory where her family’s future awaits. While facing adversities in the new frontier, Margaret must trust God to keep their family safe. Attacked by Indians, the group is saved by Cortland Westcott, a rancher and devoted Christian. Margaret and Cort have an instant connection through their faith, but devastating secrets threaten to cripple the budding relationship. Both Margaret and Cort must confront a past that haunts them to finally be able to make a new life together. Will Margaret finally come to terms with what happened to her, or will she let her past destroy her future?

After enduring immense hardships, will Lady Margaret finally be free from her past, allowing her to embrace her soul mate? Extremely tender and magnificently exhilarating, The American Conquest examines the journey between healing a broken heart and making room for rebirth.


Find the whole series on Goodreads - Books 1-7

About the author

Jenna Brandt

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes Christian historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement. She also is the co-creator of the upcoming highly-anticipated Playing for Keeps and Billionaire Birthday Club series. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Jenna


******************************



******************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Thursday, June 18, 2020

A Widow’s Tale by Frances Paul ~ My Thoughts #AWidowsTale


A Widow’s Tale by Frances Paul
Publication date: January 21st 2020
Genres: Adult, Suspense, Thriller

A trained killer. One kill list. A world of hurt.

In this novel, author Frances Paul introduces a complex and driven young lady determined to uncover the truth surrounding the murders of her parents and to bring to justice the people responsible for the cruel act.

Karina Navarre, a Cuban national, lived a life that would be described as anything but easy. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, Karina’s life spiraled out of control, until a former KGB officer agreed to take her under his wing and train her.

Eight years later, the girl who has been discarded and forgotten is introduced to the underworld – resilient and ready to take her life back. But when tragedy strikes again, Karina turns into a force to be reckoned with, a woman out for revenge.

Fueled by her grief, Karina sets off on a breathtaking journey of twists and turns, fighting in a world where women are deemed inferior. But she’s determined to avenge the deaths of those she lost, even if that means risking everything including her own life in the process. Karina Navarre has a list, and she’s crossing off names…one by bloody one.

Thrilling, unpredictable, fast-paced, and powered by a grieved widow’s inexorable sense of duty.


My thoughts about A Widow's Tale ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"'This is fantastic, Princesa?' 'Yes, papa. I saved the best for last.' 'I see that.' Carlos much admired his daughter's painting of their old house in Trelew, Argentina."

First of all, I just have to mention this cover. Isn't it intriguing? It sure captured my attention. 

And then there was the first chapter. Wow! That sure grabbed my attention too. What a way to start off a story. 

Karina is only ten years old when she silently watches as her parents are killed right in front of her. The bad men left her alive..... which was a big mistake on their part. Revenge is what drives this little girl her entire life. 

I have to admit that this type of book is not my usual reading material but the cover and the synopsis drew me in. This story kept me engaged until the very end. I'm glad I took a chance on a book that made me take step outside of my comfort zone. 

A Widow's Tale is full of intrigue, revenge, evil, and love. Twists and betrayals will definitely keep you turning the pages. 

I received an ARC of A Widow's Tale from Goodreads and this is my honest opinion.

About the author

Frances Paul

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana and now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. A banker, wife and mother of two amazing kids. She finds writing to be a great passion of hers and a path she was born to follow. She began by writing short stories at a young age. Now, she has four published books and working on a few more projects. She's a crazy tea lover, loves to travel, eat, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Authors she is inspired by are Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts and Jeffrey Archer. Hope you enjoy her books as greatly as she enjoyed producing them. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Frances 
********************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall ~ My Thoughts #WeCameHereToShine

51165837. sx318 sy475

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall 
Paperback, 384 pages
Published June 16th 2020 by St. Martin's Griffin

At the iconic 1939 New York World’s Fair, two ambitious young women—a down-on-her-luck actress and an aspiring journalist—form an unlikely friendship as they navigate a world of possibility and find out what they are truly made of during a glorious summer of spectacle and potential…

Gorgeous Vivi is about to begin filming her first starring role in a Hollywood picture when the studio head ships her off to New York as a favor to a friend. She’s assigned the leading role in the heralded Aquacade synchronized swimming spectacular at the World’s Fair, a fate she believes will destroy her film career. If she performs well, she’ll have another chance at stardom, but with everything working against her, will her summer lead to opportunity or failure?

Plucky Max dreams of becoming a serious journalist, but when her job at the New York Times doesn’t pan out, she finds herself begrudgingly working for the daily paper of the World’s Fair. As her ideas are continually overlooked by her male counterparts and her career prospects are put in jeopardy, Max must risk everything to change the course of her life.

When Max and Vivi’s worlds collide, they forge an enduring friendship. One that teaches them to go after what matters most during the most meaningful summer of their lives. 


My thoughts about We Came Here to Shine ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Amid dark clouds and heavy rain, hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic visitors turned out to watch as President Roosevelt officially opened the 1939 World's Fair yesterday with a rousing speech promoting 'peace and good-will among all nations.'"

What a wonderful look back at a time that probably most of us don't think about when we think of 'historical fiction'. We Came Here to Shine is set in 1939 at the New York World's Fair. Life for both Vivi and Max take unexpected turns when they find themselves dropped into job opportunities that neither of them want.

Told in alternating chapters of the two women's points of view, we learn a lot about the women—their pasts, their dreams, their loves, and their disappointments. The summer of 1939 might break the two women, or it just might make them stronger. I enjoyed watching the characters grow but it was hard watching them struggle. But remember the times, it wasn't always easy for women back then.

This was also a wonderful look at a World's Fair, an event I've never had a chance to attend. It would have been amazing to experience something of that magnitude. Having the World's Fair as the backdrop to the story of these two women made the experience of reading this book just that more interesting.

We Came Here to Shine is a wonderful escape read when most of us are stuck at home. Give it a try!  

I received a copy of We Came Here to Shine from Goodreads and this is my honest opinion.

About the author

Susie Orman Schnall

I am the author of two works of historical fiction: We Came Here to Shine and The Subway Girls along with two earlier works of contemporary fiction: The Balance Front and On Grace. I grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.

My writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, POPSUGAR, Writer’s Digest, and Glamour. In addition, I have spoken extensively on work-life balance and I'm the founder of The Balance Project interview series.

I live in Purchase, NY, with my husband and our three sons. I love to read, hike, see movies, and make elaborate cheese plates for Friday night happy hour at my house. I'm learning how to watercolor and trying to figure out how to knit. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Susie


*********************

Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...