Synopsis

 

Life choices separated them, but fate proves they are truly in love.

Inheriting the Willow Falls Inn from their aunt and uncle was a gift the Alden sisters couldn’t pass up. With each sibling facing upheaval in their personal and professional lives, eldest sister Gavynn sees returning to the place they called home as the fresh start they all need. But the century-old Victorian picks their return to show its age with broken pipes and a mess that makes Gavynn question her choices. But the real chaos comes in the form of the handyman dispatched to rescue them.

Cade Donaldson was finding a new kind of normal after his father’s heart attack. The family construction business flourished under Cade’s management while the older Donaldson recuperated and his routine gave him much needed predictability and comfort. That is until the girl who left Cade without so much as a goodbye came crashing back into his life without warning.

The adolescent bond they formed lingers under the surface, but ghosts they each battle threaten the new future hanging just within reach.

 

 

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Review

 

This new series is going to be a lot of fun! I already love the premise that three sisters band together after their aunt passes away to take over the B&B and run it themselves. Granted, it needs some work, but it is well known so the future shouldn’t be too bad especially with a world-class restaurant added to the highlights.

This particular story is a second chance romance between Gavynn and Cade. Gavynn and Cade were an item in high school until she abruptly left and broke his heart. But neither really go over the other and when they meet again there are sparks. While they don’t fall right back in with each other, they are willing to pursue it and see where things lead. Cade does have some issues holding him back and that is the guilt about his dad’s heart attack and will he return to his old self pre-surgery? He also is afraid to be too far away should something else happen to his dad. That does go to show how much he cares about family. He even shows that with Gavynn’s sisters and their interactions.

There isn’t much tension between the two and it is a sweet, clean romance story. I think the entertaining part is between the three sisters: Gavynn, Blake, and Ryann. They are close yet aren’t afraid to banter with each other. I think it is interesting how they all have what we would consider traditionally a male name. There isn’t much discussion about the names or why their parents chose to name them this way. No matter, these sisters look out for each other and no one will harm come between the three of them, or do them harm.

The next book will feature Blake and Cade’s best friend, Mason. I think sparks might fly in this book.

Take a chance on this series and you might just fall “inn” love with the town and the characters.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Books, coffee, and chocolate make up both the heart and body mass that is better known as Amelia Foster. She has been a lifelong lover of the written word, both as a reader and an author, and completed her first manuscript at the ripe old age of five complete with illustrations. Sadly, her art was a medium that never improved over time although thankfully her writing has.

From sweet to salacious the only requirement Amelia has in books she reads – and definitely in the ones she crafts – is an excessively satisfying happily ever after… and then a little bit more.

 

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Synopsis

 

He knew there was a cost. He just didn’t know how great it’d be.

Gabriel Kelly returned to Russia for one reason—to bury his parents. After ten years in the United States, he hadn’t expected to return to his childhood home in the face of tragedy. However, after short days in Moscow, he begins to consider if the same call that cost his parents’ lives is now upon him.

Sofia Rykova’s dreams finally came true when she became a principal soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet. One night, though, an old crush walks back into her life, making her wonder if there is more to life than ballet. Gabe Kelly is just as she remembered, just as she longed for—yet religion stands between them.

Unknown to Gabe and Sofia, danger lurks closer than either would have guessed. The deaths of Gabe’s parents grow more suspicious by the day, and Gabe and Sofia are drawn into the midst of a plot neither can escape. Will obedience to God’s call—in spite of their fears and desires—result in a price too steep to bear?

 

 

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Review

 

I didn’t read the synopsis when I started reading this book (I had before but that was months ago!). What I found when I delved into this book was intrigue, ballet, hardened criminals, light romance, and a belief in God and the mission to share it with others.

I will be honest, I never thought about a Baptist church in Russia. I don’t know why and of course I had to look, and yes you can find a Baptist church in Russia. I love when I learn something new. Anyway, this story follows Gabe who had left his missionary parents in Russia to pursue a life back in the USA. However, when his parents were killed, he came back to wrap things up and discovered that maybe that is where he belonged, continuing what his parent’s started. Gabe is strong in faith but weak at the same time. This is a reflection that we all struggle with our beliefs and hold true to them no matter the situation.

Sofia knew Gabe from their teen years and his parents welcomed her with open arms. She is doing the one thing that she loves the most, ballet, and has become a soloist with the ballet company. As it is with most athletes, they tend to perform even when not 100%, and I could feel Sofia’s pain while dancing on injured ankles and more. It didn’t help that another dancer was out to get her and do whatever she could to take over her role in the ballet company. Then there is her brother…oh my! He is not one I would want to tangle with in a dark alley. He hides his true self from Sofia quite well and I’m surprised no one has told her what he is really like when not around her.

The story is suspenseful as Gabe tries to figure out who killed his parents and why. The pace is consistent but really ramps up near the end as the story is drawing to a conclusion. Gabe has a forgiving heart and a strong faith which he shares with Sofia and encourages her to have a stronger faith in God and Jesus. He shares it by his convictions and scriptures that are a roadmap for what we should do in this life as Christians.

The book has a great cast of supporting characters and each plays an important part in moving the storyline forward and supporting Gabe and Sofia.

We give this book 4 paws up and if you enjoy Christian Romantic Suspense novels then this might be the book you are looking for as your next read.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. Unknown is her debut novel. Above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.

 

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GONE TO DALLAS:

 

THE STOREKEEPER

 

1856 – 1861

 

by

 

LAURIE MOORE – MOORE

 

 

Genre: Historical Fiction / Texas Pioneers / Civil War

Publisher: Goat Mountain Press

Date of Publication: October 4, 2021

Number of Pages: 348 pages

 

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Sara’s husband was a disappointment in life, but she had to admit he was a handsome corpse.

Climb aboard an 1856 Dallas-bound wagon train and join a plucky female protagonist for the journey of a lifetime in Laurie Moore-Moore’s richly entertaining new book, Gone to Dallas, The Storekeeper 1856-1861. Far from your average historical novel or western, Gone to Dallas is a compelling tale of migration, betrayal, death, and dreams—peppered with real people, places, and events. With a cast of interesting characters and more bumps and hazards than a wagon trail, Gone to Dallas tells the unforgettable story of a formidable frontier woman in the context of true Texas history.

It had seemed so romantic when Morgan Darnell courted Sara in Tennessee, finally convincing her they should marry and join an 1856 “Gone to Texas” wagon train traveling along the “Trail of Tears,” through Indian territory, and across the Red River into Texas.

In a twist of fate, Sara arrives in Dallas a 19-year-old widow, armed with plenty of pluck, and determined to open a general store in the tiny settlement of log cabins on the Trinity River. Standing in her way as a young woman alone are a host of challenges. Can Sara (with the help of her friends) pull herself up by the bootstraps and overcome uncertainty, vandalism, threats, and even being shot?

Follow Sara as she strives to create her store while living Dallas’ true history — from the beginnings of La Réunion (the European colony across the Trinity) to a mud and muck circus, a grand ball, and the mighty fire that burns Dallas to the ground. Dallas is a challenging place, especially with the Civil War looming.

Even with the friendship of a retired Texas Ranger and Dallas’ most important citizen — another woman — is Sara strong enough to meet the challenge? The risks are high. Failure means being destitute in Dallas!

In Gone to Dallas, The Storekeeper 1856-1861, author Laurie Moore-Moore spins a page-turner of a tale salted with historically accurate Texas events and populated with real characters. It’s Portis’ True Grit meets Texas history.

 

 

 

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Praise

 

“Creative and captivating…five stars!”

“An unforgettable journey…superb writing.”

“I was hooked at the very first sentence.”

“Lovely work of historical fiction…can’t wait for the sequel.”

“Brilliant!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

I enjoy reading historical fiction set around where I live because then I can try and imagine what this area looked like 125+ years ago. This book hit the nail on the head and I was transported to the Dallas area in the mid-1850s and pictured the town just getting started, the Trinity River, and Preston Road.

Sara is an admirable character. She leaves her life behind in Tennessee and ventures to Texas with her husband to start a shop in Dallas. We do know that her husband isn’t going to make it all of the way to Dallas and he dies, but we don’t know how or why. There are many opportunities for him to die along the way, some by his own hand and by pissing off those in the caravan. I won’t spoil how he dies, but let’s just say it could have been avoided if he had been smart. But once he does die, she has to make it on her own, and thankfully there are some men that assist her the rest of the way to Dallas. Don’t get me wrong, she does a lot of the work herself, but sometimes you just need someone with a little more strength for some of the chores.

The journey in those days was neither fast nor comfortable, but they made it work for bigger dreams in the making. Since the first half of the book is the first year, 1856, we learn a lot about life on a wagon train, the issues they encounter, and the friendships (and enemies) that are forged. I have to admit that I am spoiled and I’m not sure I could have made the journey on a wagon train. There is no room for slacking off and I have even greater respect for these pioneers that took a chance in their life for a brighter future. Even crossing plains that were inhabited by Indians could be treacherous if you were not prepared or with an experienced leader.

Once in Dallas, Sara takes charge of starting her shop and encounters resistance from a current shop owner. However, she doesn’t let that stop her and moves forward recognizing where she can fill in the holes of missing items. Sara definitely has a head for marketing and almost immediately draws in the women to her shop; let’s be honest, it is the women that really make the purchases so by catering to them she can capture more of the market for home goods and food items. She even has a coffee mill set up in the shop to grind coffee beans for the shoppers. I admired Sara from the get-go with her gumption and determination.

The last half of the book covers 1857-1861 and Sara’s life with the store, Dallas, new friends, and new love. The story flowed seamlessly and it was hard for me to put down. I was intrigued by all of the events and while actual events were fictionalized, knowing that they were based on fact inspired me to lookup more details. The years weren’t perfect and they had their issues from drought to fires to illicit characters trying to take over the town which just made the story more exciting.

The book is filled with many intriguing characters and it was interesting to read on the author’s website who was actually a part of Dallas’ history. Check out the bonus content but be aware there might be some spoilers…so maybe save it for after you read the book. And this is the second book I have read this year that talks about camels in Texas. Who would have ever guessed?

There is going to be a sequel to this book called Cotton, Cattle and Conflict (per the author’s website) and I cannot wait to see how the story continues.  There are so many other characters that contributed to the success and growth of Dallas and I am eager to learn more about this time.

We give this book 5 paws up and recommend adding it to your list of books to read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the author: “My husband, Roger, and I have been blessed with many adventures in life—from trekking across India’s Thar desert on a camel (and sleeping in the sand on our camel blankets) to repeating marriage vows in a remote Maasi village in Kenya (my dowery was one cow and one goat). My favorite adventure? As a fifth-generation Texan, it is discovering more and more Texas history and writing about it!

We live in Dallas, Texas but sneak away when possible, to a mountain-top cabin overlooking a lake in former Indian Territory (the Oklahoma Ozark Mountains) The cabin is unique—there is a nine-foot chainsaw bear in our entry hall. The house was built around it. Never thought I’d own a piece of chainsaw art, much less a nine-foot bear. Life is full of surprises. . . just like a good historical novel.”

Laurie Moore-Moore is a retired entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple businesses and served on the Board of Directors of an international corporation.

 

 

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

 

 Three autographed copies of Gone to Dallas

 

(US only, ends midnight, CDT, 11/5/21)

 

 

 

 

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Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

or visit the blogs directly:

 

 

10/26/21	Scrapbook Page	Hall Ways Blog
10/26/21	Review	Sydney Young, Stories
10/27/21	Review	Book Fidelity
10/27/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
10/28/21	Excerpt	Chapter Break Book Blog
10/28/21	Review	Jennie Reads
10/29/21	Review	Missus Gonzo
10/30/21	Review	Julia Picks 1
10/31/21	Author Interview	The Page Unbound
11/1/21	Character Spotlight	Book Bustle
11/1/21	Review	Reading by Moonlight
11/2/21	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
11/3/21	Review	Forgotten Winds
11/3/21	Guest Post	All the Ups and Downs
11/4/21	Review	The Book’s Delight
11/4/21	Review	It’s Not All Gravy

 

 

 

 

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Synopsis

 

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls’ school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

 

 

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Praise

 

“What a lovely romance. The historical details, the depth of the authentic characters, and the realistic dialogue all contribute to an immersive story. [A] beautiful and inspirational story about loving people just as they are.”— Katie Jackson, Regency Proofreading

“Phenomenal. This book was phenomenal. The very best in the series.”— Lyssa Armstrong, For Where Your Treasure Is

“This love story was unique and such an uncommon take on a marriage of convenience! [S]weet and well worth the wait!”— Ashley Johnson, Bringing Up Books

“Beautifully written, sensitive, poignant addition to the Mayfield Family series.”— Susan K., The Flipped Page

 

Review

 

I really enjoyed this historical romance especially since the characters were not perfect. Duncan has characteristics of the Autism spectrum (before they had any idea what it was) and Hazel has a club foot. Both have reservations about where their life will take them and neither believe that they will ever get married, that is until their Uncle Elliott sets up a “dowry” for each of them. However, they come up with the brilliant idea to marry each other (they really aren’t cousins by blood) to collect their “dowry” so that they can each live their life how they see fit. What they don’t expect is to fall in love with each other.

As I was reading this book and many of Duncan’s traits, I knew that he had to be on the spectrum. He wouldn’t look people in the eye, was very orderly, doesn’t like to be touched, and heaven forbid if things are out of sync with how he likes them. But at the same time, he realizes that life with Hazel isn’t so bad. He may not understand what it is like to fall in love, but at the same time, he does.

Hazel believes that she is inferior to her siblings because of her club foot. She is afraid any man that would marry her would just be in it for her dowry, which is a hefty sum. She is brilliant and a teacher and seeks to educate women and girls so that they can find better positions or just be better people all around. I admired that in her. What Hazel thinks that she wants and what she discovers are two different things.

I do love this series and getting to know all of the Mayfield family. While you don’t have to read the books in order, it does help to understand some of the characters, mostly Elliott.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Josi S. Kilpack has written more than thirty novels, a cookbook, and several novellas. She is a four-time Whitney award winner, including Best Novel 2015 for “Lord Fenton’s Folly, and has been a Utah Best of State winner for Fiction. Josi loves to bake, sleep, eat, read, travel, and watch TV–none of which she gets to do as much as she would like. She writes contemporary fiction under the pen name Jessica Pack.

Josi has four children and lives in Northern Utah.

 

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Synopsis

 

A new cozy mystery series from the USA Today bestselling author of the Paranormal Investigation Bureau series.

Avery Winters was overjoyed to be brought back to life… unfortunately, the dead were waiting for her.

Aussie journalist Avery Winters was content—she had a caring boyfriend, great job, and supportive… okay, so her parents weren’t actually supportive, but she’d accepted she could never be the son they’d wanted seeing as how she was born a girl. Avoiding them seemed to work well, and, she reasoned, no one’s life was perfect.

And that was fine, except whilst covering a news story in a storm, Avery’s cosy life disappeared in a flash. Lightning struck, stopping her heart and blowing her favourite black boots to smithereens. It was pure luck that an off-duty nurse was walking nearby.

When Avery came to in the ambulance en route to hospital, she’d thought the worst was over. She was wrong.

Her lightning-induced hallucinations—there was no way they were ghosts—were impossible to hide. Her boyfriend soon left, and her boss suggested she take extended leave. Unable to cover her rent, she moved back in with her parents. And that’s when the fun really began. Unable to cope with their insistence she was crazy, and desperate for an escape, she responded to a journalist-wanted ad… in the UK, because getting mega far away from her parents could only be a good thing.

Armed with a new fear of storms, companions others couldn’t see, and the hope that leaving the stress behind would improve her mental state, she boarded a plane for London. What she didn’t count on was not being able to leave her ghosts behind… literally. Oh, and that the quaint English village she’d be living in had more skeletons in its closet than the Natural History Museum.

When she stumbles upon a dead body in her rented apartment on her first day, she’s tempted to get back on the plane. But whilst it’s not a good omen, returning to her parents would be worse, so she decides to stay. Only, she’s not sure if it’s the best decision she’s ever made, or the worst.

She’s about to find out.

 

 

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Review

 

This was definitely a different type of cozy than I normally read but I really enjoyed the book.

Avery has moved from Australia to England to a small town to escape a broken relationship. She was also struck by lightning which has revealed a new talent, the ability to speak to ghosts. This can be a good and a bad thing and reminds me a lot of the show, The Ghost Whisperer.

Things don’t go so well for Avery when she arrives at her new home and finds a dead body on the floor. However, this turns out to be a really good thing because she meets new people and of course has to solve the murder, write newspaper articles that feature the town residents, and maybe even help a few ghosts along the way.

I thought this had a few different twists and I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was and why. I think I solved the who right before it was revealed, but I wasn’t 100% sure on the why. There are a few clues and it all makes sense in the end.

I think this is going to be a fun new series and I can’t wait to see what happens next and if Avery finds a new love interest because there are hints of one in this book.

We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

I’m a fantasy, cozy mystery, and suspense author with an associate degree of creative writing. My other day job is editing fiction and non fiction while my cat sits on my lap.

I love writing and sharing my stories, but I wish they wouldn’t keep me awake at night.

I also write women’s fiction under the pen name Eloise March.

 

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Synopsis

 

A prank gone wrong …

A case of mistaken identity …

Is this love story doomed before it can begin?

I messed up.

I accidentally told my parents I found love. Don’t judge. You deal with your mom constantly setting you up with models who want to use you for your connections and see how you respond.

Now my parents can’t wait to meet the man. Neither can I.

Internet dating to the rescue. But when my first date turns out to be Mr. Married Farter, I’m done.

Before I can tell my parents I’m a big fat liar I connect with Rafael, a Dutch guy from Amsterdam. And guess who happens to have the opportunity to live in Holland for six months? Things are suddenly looking up.

Except when I arrive in Amsterdam, Rafael isn’t the nice, dependable man I thought he was. He’s a mischief-maker who needs to grow up already.

But what if the immature prankster isn’t who he seems? What if Rafael is the nice, dependable man I thought he was? Should I give him another chance?

Is it possible I can find Dutch love Online?

This romantic comedy features a woman who protects her heart with a heavy dose of cynicism, a man doing his damndest to save his sister, and a whole passel of friends determined to push the two of them together no matter the subterfuge necessary.

Each book in the Love in the Lowlands romantic comedy series can be read as a standalone.

 

 

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Read for free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This is the last book in this series (but I keep hoping for a book about Joke, I think she has a story to tell) and the gang is all here with the addition of a new friend to the group.

I loved being back in the Hague with Abby, Mia, Charlotte, and Avery….and of course, the hunky dutchmen that go with these feisty women. The story is fast-paced, hilarious, sexy, and sweet all at the same time. These women know what it means to have your back, mostly at Abby’s interference, but that is what friends do. They stick their noses in and back you 100% no matter what.

Sofia is a talented photographer but her passion is really her art. Her mom, a famous model, just wants to see her daughter in a happy relationship so sets her up blind dates whenever she can get away with it. So Sofia takes this into her own hands…well actually it is her best friend Zara…and joins a dating app. Men can be lowlifes but enter Rafael. Rafael seems like a loving brother and all-around good guy and their text conversations are fun. When these two meet, it will not be what either of them expected.

I loved how Rafael was protective of his sister and did whatever he had to do to keep her well and happy.  She is living with kidney failure and who knows if a kidney will be found in time. But that overprotective instinct causes him to make some bad decisions, especially where Sofia is concerned. But that is what makes this story feel real, that they make mistakes and bad choices which is what we all do.

Sofia is a no-nonsense kind of woman and will do anything for anyone she cares about. Heck, she is roped into taking photos at a kid’s party when she first arrives in The Hague, but that is just the kind of woman she is.

This series has been so much fun to read. I laugh, I cry a little, and I drool over some hunky dutchmen (just don’t tell my husband). I could even relate to how Sofia and Rafael meet since I also met my husband online. I relish in the girl gang friendship and how they are all there for each other no matter what, even at the whim of Abby who likes to stick her nose in everyone’s business. But that is what makes Abby endearing, the lengths she goes to for her friends.

I love how there is a “wrap up” that is a few years down the road. It is a great way to end the series and not leave us hanging too much as to what this group of friends is up to and if everything was still working in their relationships.

You won’t be sorry if you check out this series. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

As I enter, I hear a click above me. I glance up right in time to see a bucketful of water come raining down on me.

“What in the world?”

I dash to the side before my equipment can be soaked and therefore ruined, but I don’t move quick enough to avoid my hair and clothes being doused with water.

“Oh my god, this is classic!” someone says in between guffaws of laughter.

I lift my head to discover a man holding up a phone directed at me.

“Are you filming me? What the hell is going on? Was this some kind of prank?”

I lay my equipment on the sofa in the reception area before surveying the door. Yep, there’s a contraption with string and pulleys all right.

“What in the world is wrong with you? You could have ruined my equipment.”

“If you’d shut the hell up, I’d apologize.”

“Apologize? As if there’s an apology big enough for what you did.”

“Calm down.”

I feel my nostrils flare. I hate it when someone tells me to calm down. As if saying the words will magically make me calm. Not bloody likely.

“I’ll calm down when I’m damn well ready to calm down.”

“Real mature.”

I grab the sides of my head to keep it from exploding. “Are you seriously saying I’m not mature right now? You, who barely five minutes ago, set up a prank in a professional office? I’m the one who’s not mature?”

“You’re the one having a hissy fit in this professional office.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

I grew up reading everything I could get my grubby hands on, from my mom’s Harlequin romances to Nancy Drew, to Little Women. When I wasn’t flipping pages in a library book, I was penning horrendous poems, writing songs no one should ever sing, or drafting stories which have thankfully been destroyed. College and a stint in the U.S. Army came along, robbing me of free time to write and read, although on the odd occasion I did manage to sneak a book into my rucksack between rolled up socks, MRIs, t-shirts, and cold weather gear. After surviving the army experience, I went back to school and got my law degree. I jumped ship and joined the hubby in the Netherlands before the graduation ceremony could even begin. A few years into my legal career, I was exhausted, fed up, and just plain done. I quit my job and sat down to write a manuscript, which I promptly hid in the attic before returning to the law. But practicing law really wasn’t my thing, so I quit (again!) and went off to Germany to start a B&B. Turns out running a B&B wasn’t my thing either. I polished off that manuscript languishing in the attic before following the husband to Istanbul where I decided to give the whole writer-thing a go. But ten years was too many to stay away from my adopted home. I packed up again and moved to The Hague where, in between tennis matches and failing to save the world, I’m currently working on my next book. I hope I’ll always be working on my next book.

 

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Synopsis

 

Teddy Crutcher has won Teacher of the Year at the esteemed Belmont Academy, home to the best and brightest.

He says his wife couldn’t be more proud—though no one has seen her in a while.

Teddy really can’t be bothered with the death of a school parent that’s looking more and more like murder or the student digging a little too deep into Teddy’s personal life. His main focus is on pushing these kids to their full academic potential.

All he wants is for his colleagues—and the endlessly meddlesome parents—to stay out of his way.

It’s really too bad that sometimes excellence can come at such a high cost.

USA Today bestselling author Samantha Downing is back with her latest sneaky thriller set at a prestigious private school—complete with interfering parents, overeager students, and one teacher who just wants to teach them all a lesson…

 

 

 

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Review

 

This is quite a twisty tale told from multiple POV. Because of the multiple POV, we know for the most part who is doing what and who is involved in the deaths of the teachers, but we don’t always know the why. Plus, there are a few other mysteries floating around such as where is Teddy’s wife? Is she alive? Who is poisoning the students and staff?

This book is filled with many unlikable characters. I’m not sure too many of them had redeeming qualities. The school is filled with privileged students that don’t usually want for anything, faculty that are former students, and helicopter parents. All except for Teddy who feels somewhat snubbed and feels like it is his place to teach the kids a lesson, especially the ones that he thinks are cheaters, whether they truly are or not. As I said, not many likable characters.

The story has a fast pace and engaged me from page one. I was curious how things were going to turn out and as some truths were revealed, it was quite a jaw-dropper for me. We may know the truth, but is it really the whole truth? The characters don’t reveal everything at once, it is handed to us pieces at a time and just when you thought you might like a character, you are broadsided with another piece of evidence that could sway you the other way.

I have enjoyed this author’s books and this one is no exception. If you are looking for a psychological thriller, you won’t be disappointed.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Samantha Downing currently lives in New Orleans, where she is furiously typing away at her next thrilling novel.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

I’m seven years old and I’ve never had a best mate. Trouble is, no one gets my jokes. And Breaks-it isn’t helping. Ha! You get it, don’t you? Brexit means everyone’s falling out and breaking up.

Huxley is growing up in the suburbs of London at a time of community tensions. To make matters worse, a gang of youths is targeting isolated residents. When Leonard, an elderly newcomer chats with Huxley, his parents are suspicious. But Huxley is lonely and thinks Leonard is too. Can they become friends?

Funny and compassionate, this contemporary novel for adults explores issues of belonging, friendship, and what it means to trust.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

 

 

Review

 

Huxley is a typical seven year old boy. He gets into mischief, has a big heart, and isn’t afraid to say what he thinks or what he wants. His parents, on the other hand, want to make sure he stays safe from harm.

I loved Huxley’s outlook on life. He liked to make different words for common words to be funny. Sometimes, adults got it and sometimes they didn’t. He also saw the desire in others to have a friend when others might pass them by such as Leonard. I have to admit, I thought he might be up to no good, but when we learn the truth, our heart goes out to him and his situation. He also tends to get into a little bit of trouble when trying to stand up to bullies either for himself or others.

While the main character is a young boy, I don’t think this book is meant for younger readers. It covers more serious topics such as bullying, infidelity, pedophilia, and marital infidelity. But at the same time, it brings light to some more serious topics through Huxley’s eyes and his parents. Plus, it covers topics such as friendship and how to get over a disagreement with your friends.

This book will make you smile, especially at Huxley’s new words for more commonplace ones, and will give you insight into an average family. We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

Read an excerpt here

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Novelist, poet and scriptwriter, Gail Aldwin’s debut coming-of-age novel The String Games was a finalist in The People’s Book Prize and the DLF Writing Prize 2020. Following a stint as a university lecturer, Gail’s children’s picture book Pandemonium was published. Gail loves to appear at national and international literary and fringe festivals. Prior to Covid-19, she volunteered at Bidibidi in Uganda, the second largest refugee settlement in the world. When she’s not gallivanting around, Gail writes at her home overlooking water meadows in Dorset.

 

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From award-winning chef and Food Network personality Scott Conant, a cookbook of restaurant-quality Italian meals that you can make easily in your home kitchen

Thirty-five years into an illustrious career of restaurant openings across the country, widespread acclaim, and frequent appearances on the Food Network’s Chopped and many other shows, Scott Conant has returned home to create his most personal cookbook yet. Meals cooked from simple, fresh ingredients were staples of Conant’s childhood in a New England family with roots in Southern Italy. From his grandparents’ garden to the dinner table, he learned early on to appreciate the nuances of different flavors and ingredients, and the strong connection between food and family.

Focusing on these foods Conant grew up with and the ones he makes for his loved ones today, Peace, Love, and Pasta compiles simple, fresh, and flavorful Italian recipes for the home cook to bring to their own family’s table. These recipes are built on the art of cooking for love, fascination with flavors and ingredients, and the simple pleasures of taste and conviviality.

 

 

Amazon * Abrams Books

 

 

Review

 

This is my 4th year as part of the Abrams Dinner Party which is great for me as much as I like to cook and try new recipes. Pasta is always a good fallback because there are so many amazing things that can be made and this new book from Scott Conant will delight everyone because it is so much more than just pasta. There are beverages, soups, meat dishes, sweets, and even a Turkish section. It is all about simplicity and I can tell you from the few dishes I have made so far, they are definitely not complex and great for any level of cooking skill you might possess.

When I first opened the book, it opened to the Roasted Garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and EVOO Spread. I happen to LOVE garlic so I knew this was a MUST to make. Now you can put it on crostini or use it as a dip, but I knew it would be delicious spread on some chicken and put under the broiler to finish off the dish. Let me tell you, it was divine!  I didn’t use as much EVOO as it called for since I wasn’t using it as a dip and didn’t need it running out all over the dish. This is definitely a spread that I plan to make multiple times in the future. This is a photo of that spread, my mouth is drooling just looking at it right now.

 

 

 

The second dish I tried was the Sausage and Porcini Ragu. This is another simple dish that I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand. It came together pretty quickly and the taste was outstanding. I am not a mushroom fan but it worked in this dish (plus there were not a lot of mushrooms). This dish is going into our rotation.

 

 

 

I have several other recipes bookmarked including one of the Turkish dishes, Sigara Börek. It is a pasta dough filled with feta cheese and pan-fried. I found the Yufka dough at a Middle Eastern grocery store and plan to try it out very soon.

Overall, this cookbook has a lot to offer everyone from the amateur to the more professional chef. Plus the recipes are great for bringing family together to try new dishes and even cook together.

 

 

Synopsis

 

Jolie Hogan likes coffee black, panties lacy, and tequila neat. She’s a cop, turned journalist, turned private investigator. People say she’s ballsy. Truth is, her courage is a recklessness that stems from her troubled past.

Jolie is currently in a mess of trouble. She’s been set up for murder by a powerful criminal attorney. The murder victims are the attorney’s wife and Jolie’s husband, Lucas. Jolie will do whatever it takes to clear her name. Including selling her soul to the devil. In Jolie’s case, the devil is a wickedly hot detective who brings the past back to haunt her.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Google Books

 

 

 

Review

 

This is not your average Ashley Farley novel that is sweet yet fraught with emotions. No, this is a grittier mystery (romantic suspense) novel with flawed characters and the search for the truth.

As is with all of this author’s novels, I was drawn in immediately. Who wouldn’t be when Jolie is hired to find out who a client’s wife is cheating with and it turns out to be her husband. And then they both end up dead and Jolie is caught in the middle of the situation. This is where her training comes in handy as she ferrets out the truth, which doesn’t come easy.

I really enjoyed this story and there were some twists I didn’t expect but they fit perfectly with the story. There is a wide variety of characters with motives that range from the pure to the extremely devious. Only Joie and those closest to her will be able to figure everything out, but will they do it in time? The action kept me glued to my seat and I think I stayed up just a little too late reading this book.

Pick up this book as soon as it releases and you won’t be sorry!

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her bestselling Sweeney Sisters series has touched the lives of many.

Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she’s lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 21 years, a piece of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she still calls home. Through the eyes of her characters, she captures the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kindhearted folk with lazy drawls that make the area so unique.

 

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