Synopsis

 

Swirling rumors forced Cecilia White out of the teaching job she loved. She vowed not to get involved with a man again—no matter what. But when the term begins at a new schoolhouse in a new town, disaster strikes. No matter what she does, she can’t seem to escape the handsome, single chairman of the school board.

 

John Morgan has a secret. He’s not who he says he is. He’ll do anything to protect and provide for his young sister—including cozying up to the prickly schoolmarm.

 

Sparks fly and Cecilia must deny her heart if she hopes to keep her job. But what’s more important? Duty or love?

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This was a fun read and took me back in time when teachers couldn’t be married (for some crazy reason) and courting wasn’t about how fast you could get someone into the sack.

Cecelia has come to this small town after a “scandal” at her last job. By today’s standards, it was no big deal, but at that time it could ruin someone’s reputation. John has his own past that he is running from but no one in town knows what happened except his sister. Will he be able to keep it a secret?

I really liked Cecelia and her dedication to teaching and even trying to bring John’s sister around. Ruth is persnickety and a troublemaker partially because that is how she was raised before her parents died, and partially because no one has taken her to task to be a better person. I like how Cecelia doesn’t let Ruth get to her and eventually breaks through to her.

John’s past is about to catch up to him and there is remorse on his end for what he did in the past and he has worked hard to change who he is inside. It shows a lot for his character when he does own up to his past and while people are shocked and back away, they realize that people can change and become better citizens.

The love story between John and Cecelia is slow but for a reason. They both are afraid of their past and do not want to move too fast.

Overall, an enjoyable story and we give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog.

 

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A Soldier for Suzie

 

Series: Love will OUT, #3

 

Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, military romance, friends to lovers romance

 

Published: February 9, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

A soldier with a secret and a nosy woman determined to ferret out the truth. Surely, nothing could go wrong.

I’m the klutzy, happy-go-lucky girl everyone loves.

Except, I’m not. I’m not anywhere close to being happy. Oh sure, I force a big smile on my face and act all goofy. But it’s just that. An act.

And then Grayson walks into my life. Suddenly, those smiles start to feel real. Only Grayson has demons of his own. He’s a soldier returning from war and he’s got the scars to prove it.

Maybe not all men are the scum of the earth. Grayson certainly isn’t. Maybe I can give him a chance. Maybe I can erase his scars.

And maybe, as my best girl always says, Love will OUT.

Assuming I don’t screw it all up first.

A Soldier for Suzie is book 3 of the Love will OUT series but can be read as a standalone.

This friends to lovers military romantic comedy features a heroine who is hiding a boatload of hurt, a hunky soldier she wants to save, a pair of friends who are excited it’s finally their turn to play matchmaker, and a makeshift family of former Army buddies who think telling dirty jokes is a sign of love.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

“You Cheat, We Eat, Suzie speaking. How can we make your life better today?” I answer the phone with a cheery voice despite feeling nowhere near cheery.

“Um… my husband’s cheating on me,” whispers the voice on the telephone.

Lucky for her. Cheating husbands is our specialty. “We are here to help, Mrs. …”

“Tyler,” she fills in.

“Mrs. Tyler, can you tell me why you think your husband is cheating?”

After some hiccups by clients who were – to put it mildly – bat shit crazy, my partner Hailey insists I get details before scheduling an appointment with a prospective client for our PI business. In my defense, how could I have possibly known there are cat owners in this world who want to approve their cats’ lovers? Or people who think a dentist can put a listening device in their crown?

“You see…” she trails off.

This is where my past comes in handy. I know exactly how she’s feeling, because – in my unfortunate experience – men are the scum of the earth.

“Take a deep breath, Mrs. Tyler.” I hear her inhale. “And let it out slowly. There you go,” I coax. “Now, tell me what Mr. Tyler did.”

She clears her throat. “It’s like this. I was snooping through his things before Christmas because I don’t like surprises.” She’s preaching to the choir. Surprises suck.

“And I found this gorgeous necklace. It was a chunky gold chain with a heart pendant. The pendant even had a ruby in it.”

“Sounds nice,” I murmur when she goes quiet.

“Yes, it was lovely. I was very excited. My husband never buys me jewelry. I couldn’t wait until Christmas day. Imagine my surprise when I got some stupid CDs instead. He must have given the necklace to some other women!” she screeches, and I hold the telephone away from my ear. Ouch. “I bet it was his secretary. She’s this pretty young twenty-something while I’m the frumpy mother of his children.”

I wait until she runs out of steam to ask, “Mrs. Tyler, you do realize you’ve told me the plot to Love, Actually?”

 

 

Review

 

If you looking for a book that will have you laughing the whole way through, then look no further. Actually, you can not go wrong with any books by this author. I love her sense of humor and how it flows through to the characters. This one features Suzie and she can be something of a klutz. The situations she finds herself in especially when she isn’t expecting things to happen are insane.

The cast of characters adds depth and more humor to the story. I still love the “uncles” and the pranks they pull on each other. Hailey and Phoebe and their men still figure prominently in the story, but the focus is on Suzie. I am intrigued by her brew shed and the whole process of brewing beer. I may not like to drink it, but find the process intriguing.

This is Suzie and Grayson’s story and they both have some baggage they bring to the relationship…once they admit they have a relationship that is. They love each other but are afraid to admit it to one another but everyone else knows the truth.

Pick up this book (heck, this series) for a good laugh and some steamy love scenes.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Unexpected friends, Mimi and Grace, have had a sisterly bond since their sons were in diapers despite their differing opinions on lifestyle and parenting. But when their now teens’ attendance at a party  has a tragic outcome for Grace’s son, their friendship is publicly tested.

Accusations, litigation, and the judgements of her neighbors in Potomac Point prove to threaten Mimi’s business and more importantly, her current custody agreement. Grace, whose marriage is crumbling, is only tormented further when a handsome police officer turns out to not only be Mimi’s only hope, but her second chance at love. As both of their lives unravel under the stress, guilt, and blame,  the former friends stand to lose everything if they fail to embrace forgiveness amidst challenging consequences and unimaginable grief.

As a mother, Jamie’s goal was to write this book in a way that would spark conversation around a topic she wants to see come to the surface for the sake of keeping teenagers safe: drinking. For All She Knows explores the reasoning and repercussions of both strict and permissive parenting when it comes to the drinking age. The story provides a vehicle for productive conversation between parents of opposing views, encouraging both sides to find common ground for discussion.

 

 

 

Review

 

This is a powerful story about love, friendship, faith, and forgiveness.

I had such mixed emotions reading this book. I think all of the characters are flawed in one way or another and their lives will be forever changed due to an unforeseen event. This event has the power to change lives, rip apart friendships, and potentially break up marriages.

While I do not have any children, this book was hard for me to read. I can only imagine how I would feel if I were in Grace or Mimi’s shoes. Grace has some baggage from her childhood that has caused her to be rigid and unbending when it comes to the accident. There were many times I wanted to shake her and ask her why she was torpedoing everything in her life. I think she was the most frustrating character for me. At the same time, I can understand her side of things and her emotions, mostly guilt, about not keeping her son safe. But can we ever truly keep someone from harm?

Mimi has her own issues as a single mother dealing with an ex that doesn’t seem to care much for his son except when it might benefit him. Mimi has a heart of gold and it is no wonder she and Grace were fast friends. But this accident puts their friendship to the test and it will come down to whether Grace can move forward or not. But the incident is not without consequences for Mimi as well and it has her rethinking her views on raising her son.

There are some strong supporting characters including Grace’s husband Sam, Grace and Sam’s son Carter, and Mimi’s son Rowan. I didn’t really like Grace’s daughter, Kim. I know she is only 10 but she seemed spoiled and entitled for someone that young.

The book also delves into small-town politics in the respect that people tend to take sides in an issue or situation without knowing all of the facts or because they are short-sighted and perhaps don’t want to admit to their own shortcomings.

Overall, this was a fantastic book and brought forth so many emotions, and had me thinking about how I would handle certain situations. We give the book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

National bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than two million copies. She’s a Booksellers’ Best Award and National Readers’ Choice Award finalist, and critics at Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work “smart,” “uplifting,” and “entertaining.” In addition to writing, the author of the Cabot novels, the Sterling Canyon novels, and the St. James series enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking and hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family.

Fans can learn more about her on her website, www.jamiebeck.com, which includes a fun “Extras” page with photos, videos, and playlists. She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook.

 

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A WALL OF BRIGHT DEAD FEATHERS

 

By Babette Fraser Hale

 

 

Publisher: Winedale Publishing

Pages: 216

Pub Date: March 1^st, 2021

Categories: Short Stories / Literary Fiction

 

Scroll for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Most are newcomers to the scenic, rolling countryside of central Texas whose charms they romanticize, even as the troubles they hoped to leave behind persist. Twelve stories highlight “the book’s recurring theme of desire—for freedom, for clarity, for autonomy, and for personal fulfillment … When women are alone, unencumbered and unbeholden to anyone, they engage in intense internal reflection and show reverence for nature—and during these scenes, Hale’s language is luminescent” (Kirkus Reviews).

 

 

Winedale Publishing | Brazos Bookstore | Amazon

 

 

Praise

 

“Hale shows a great respect for her characters and for the difficulty of their deceptively ordered existence, as well as for the problems they suffer because so much cannot be spoken.” — Francine Prose, on “Silences”

 

“A vivid set of tales about connection to other people and to the natural world…Hale’s lovely prose shows a keen eye for detail…” – Kirkus Reviews

 

 

 

 

A story doesn’t have to be lengthy to have an impact on the reader’s thoughts and emotions. That holds true with the short stories that are found within the pages of this book.

These stories are not intertwined other than the hopes of the various characters for a better life in one way or another. Set in south central Texas and covering a wide timeframe, we meet various men and women that have dreams and desires to improve their situation or to bring their family back together. As I read these stories, I could feel the various emotions, especially the pain, desperation, guilt, loneliness, and heartbreak they endured in the various situations.  The author was able to draw me into these stories in a way I never expected and I feel like that brought the stories alive as I read them. Some of the stories have hope embedded throughout which is a lift to the reader to understand that not all is lost.

I don’t think I can choose a favorite story since each touched me in a different way. There were several stories that I wanted to more about and wondered how situations might have played out. Would the family heal? Would they survive the war? Would they regain mental health? Would they find their new path?

The following lines spoke to me either because of the situation in the story or the description of the setting.

“Prisons don’t need walls, your head is a prison, your skull is a prison.”

“Today, it’s an entire end wall, a crazy quilt of bright dead feathers.”

“…she likes the way the soil feels, the smell of fertility and hope that surrounds her…”

“The slanting amber light of fall is sad. That’s all. It makes her sad.”

“He believes he has allowed no one to see the full scope of his desperation. Any sigh of confusion or uncertainty, and the fragile triangle of his small family will fragment.”

“But freedom requires more than an absence of abuse and ownership.”

“For a moment, breaking through, the sun spills glittering coins across the formerly leaden waves.”

 

This book is perfect if you just want to read a little at a time without becoming wrapped up in a storyline. While some stories are shorter than others, it is easy to put this book down once you have finished a story and let the emotions wash over you as you contemplate the meaning.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Babette Fraser Hale’s fiction has won the Meyerson Award from Southwest Review, a creative artist award from the Cultural Arts Council of Houston, and been recognized among the “other distinguished stories” in Best American Short Stories, 2015. Her story “Drouth” is part of the New York Public Library’s digital collection. Her nonfiction has appeared in Texas Monthly, Houston City, and the Houston Chronicle. She writes a personal essay column for the Fayette County Record.

 

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——————————————————————

 

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

 

TWO WINNERS each receive a signed bookplate

 

+ $20 Brazos Bookstore Gift Card to buy the book

 

 (US only. Ends midnight, CDT, 4/2/2021)

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

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

or visit the blogs directly:

 

3/23/21	Author Video	The Page Unbound
3/23/21	Excerpt	Texas Book Lover
3/24/21	Review	Book Bustle
3/24/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
3/25/21	Review	Rainy Days with Amanda
3/25/21	Author Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
3/26/21	Review	Missus Gonzo
3/26/21	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
3/27/21	Excerpt	All the Ups and Downs
3/28/21	Guest Post	The Clueless Gent
3/29/21	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
3/29/21	Author Interview	Book Fidelity
3/30/21	Review	Reading by Moonlight
3/31/21	Review	Bibliotica
3/31/21	Guest Post	Librariel Book Adventures
4/1/21	Review	It’s Not All Gravy
4/1/21	Review	Forgotten Winds

 

 

 

blog tour services provided by

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Solve the murder or become the next victim…

 

When a ringer for her long-dead love walks into her life the same day skeletal remains are found at the edge of town, Magpie MacKenzie can’t ignore what the universe is telling her…solve the mystery, or become the next victim.

Lawyer Zack Peartree’s life is orderly and entanglement-free until he visits purportedly haunted Joshua, Arizona, and meets free-wheeling shopkeeper Magpie. Despite experiencing troubling visions and odd moments of déjà vu, Zack’s instantly drawn to Magpie and to the unsolved murder which troubles her so.

Using clues from her father’s past and Zack’s déjà vu moments, Magpie and Zack race to solve the mystery, avoid a murderous fate, and to discover their future…together.

 

 

 

Read for free with Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This small town in Arizona is not for the faint of heart especially if you don’t believe in ghosts or mystical traditions.

Magpie has lived in Joshua for many years and dealt with tragedy when she was a teenager, losing her mother and then later her boyfriend. She took on the role of surrogate mother to her siblings since her father was a mess after his wife died. These events shaped her life and here she is 28 years later blindsided by a man that came into town that resembles her missing boyfriend, Mark.

Zac is younger, 28, but has an immediate connection to Magpie that cannot be explained. They have chemistry and he doesn’t seem to mind the age difference. He is pulled into a search for Callie’s killer, Magpie’s father’s girlfriend that was killed when Mark went missing all those years ago. What he doesn’t expect, nor Magpie for that matter, is that they are putting themselves in a dangerous situation that might not end well should the killer decide they know too much.

This book has a lot going for it – interesting characters, a mystery to be solved, an attraction between Magpie and Zac, family drama, and so much more. I enjoyed the back and forth in time and between the characters and their memories of the past and the history of Joshua. I was on the edge of my seat when Magpie finds herself in a sticky situation and wonder if she will be able to survive. There is also the buildup of the relationship between Magpie and Zac as they search for a killer and protect those they love. I especially enjoyed the mystical aspects of the book and how it affected the characters differently.

Since this is the first book in a new series, I wonder if the future books will focus on the other members of the MacKenzie family.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure stories with a touch of romance. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Central Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes.

 

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She blogs and has guests: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003V15WF8

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3972045.Brenda_Whiteside

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brenda-whiteside

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendawhitesideauthor/

 

 

Caitlin Shoemaker shares plant-based, recipes that maximize health and flavor and fit into any budget

Caitlin Shoemaker, vegan and health-world influencer and creator of the blog From My Bowl, shares the laid-back kitchen magic of her simple, flavorful recipes. Simply Delicious Vegan proves that unprocessed, plant-based food doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or boring—and even better, it can make you feel (and look) your absolute best.

Complete with personal tips for creating a glowingly healthy and happier life, this book offers 100 recipes that check every box and fit easily into real life. Gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar–free, Simply Delicious Vegan will help you feel energized and centered.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

 

 

While I may not be a vegetarian or vegan, I definitely appreciate the health benefits of a plant-based diet. There are so many nutrients that can be found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and such. There are many mouth watering recipes in this cookbook from the simple to the more complex. There is a variety of cooking methods from no cooking to pressure cookers. There are appetizers, sides, main dishes, soups, salad dressings, and so much more. For anyone wanting to move towards a more plant based diet, this book will give you a great place to start.

The recipes seem easy to prepare and I might consider this a great introductory vegan cookbook for the novice home chef.

My sister who is a vegetarian is eyeing this cookbook and I need to keep an eye on it otherwise I think she will run off with it before I have a chance to try more dishes!

I wanted to share a recipe with you that is a twist on how I make Brussels Sprouts. I am always looking for a way to get more vegetables into my family and sometimes you just find a recipe that works and they scarf up something they wouldn’t have eaten before.

 

Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

 

3 cups Brussels sprouts

1 T tamari

1 T maple syrup

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

 

Line the basket of an air fryer with parchment paper. Wash, trim, and cut the Brussels sprouts in half. Whisk the tamari, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and salt together in a bowl. Once combined, add the Brussels sprouts. toss until evenly coated then transfer to the air fryer.

Bake at 400° for 17 to 20 minutes, removing the basket to shake the sprouts every 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

 

Oven option: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spread the Brussel sprouts across, and bake on the top rack of the oven at 425° for 30 to 35 minutes.

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Kite to Freedom: The Story of a Kite-Flying Contest, the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, and the Underground Railroad is an action-packed, fictionalized account of actual events that occurred during the construction of the Niagara Falls International Suspension Bridge, which still connects the United States and Canada at Niagara Falls.

When engineers were faced with the challenge of bridging the vast Niagara Gorge, the solution was a kite-flying contest. After Katie and Homan’s kite crosses the gorge and wins the contest, construction begins on the first suspension bridge to connect the United States and Canada. The two friends are there as it becomes an important link on the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to freedom. Even as her parents try to shield her from the ugly existence of slavery and the dangers of the Underground Railroad, Katie discovers that the scary truth is closer to home than she could have imagined, even meeting a woman she later learns was Harriet Tubman along the way.

 

 

 

City of Light Publishing * Amazon * B&N * Bookshop

 

 

Excerpt

 

Get a peek into the book with this excerpt from chapter 4.

 

Katie’s Question

 

On their walk home, Katie and her papa talked about the contest. Papa told Katie that she and Homan should hope that the snow held off for the contest. Katie breathed into the icy air just to see it. It wasn’t long before the father and daughter reached home and Katie ran inside to hug her mother.

“Something smells delicious,” exclaimed Papa. “I made stew and some bread this afternoon,” said Katie’s mama.

Katie was at the stove, peering into the pot and smelling the simmering dinner. Mama came over to the stove and began scooping heaps of the stew into bowls, handing them to Katie to bring to the table. They sat down and Katie began slurping her stew as her parents talked about the day. Her ears perked up when she heard her name.

“I’ve got an early delivery tomorrow, and Katie hoped to come with me in the morning to Homan’s place. They’re building a kite for the contest,” said Papa.

“Oh, is that right?” Mama asked. “What color kite are you going to build?”

Katie stopped gulping down her dinner to join the conversation.

“Homan says it’s called a barn door kite, but I don’t know what color it will be yet. We don’t have any fabric.”

“Well, I imagine it will have to be light enough to catch the wind, but sturdy enough to withstand the snow,” Mama said.

“Yeah, Homan said it needed to be real light.”

“Well, after you help me clean up dinner, maybe we can go through my fabric scraps to see if there is anything you like.”

“Really?” asked Katie, already visibly excited. Mama nodded, a small grin creeping across her face.

“Now where is this delivery that you’ve got to leave the house so early for?” Mama asked, looking Papa squarely in the face. “I don’t think it’s right of that Walsh fella to be sending you out before the sun even rises.”

“He’s not making me go. I just want to get the delivery out to the Cataract House,” Papa replied. “I’ve got some business to handle with the headwaiter. We have to straighten out some things.”

Mama seemed to understand exactly what this meant. Katie remembered the last time that she saw the Cataract House. She remembered Homan telling her about slaves. She remembered that woman as she ran away from all those angry men. She wondered if the woman was a slave.

“What’s a slave?” Katie asked. The question seemed to shock both of her parents. A silence that felt like an eternity ensued. Katie began to worry.

“Why you askin’ about slaves?” said Mama. “Where’d you hear that word?”

Papa seemed alarmed, as if something he had said led to this question.

“Well, the last time me and Homan went down to the islands, we saw the Cataract House and he told me Southerners come up here with their slaves.”

Papa finally spoke. “Homan is right. Lots of Southern people come to see Niagara Falls. The ones who can afford to stay at the Cataract House are rich, and many rich Southern families own slaves.”

“But a slave is a person, right?” asked Katie. “Homan said a slave is a black person who works for a white person and doesn’t get paid. How can you own a person?”

“Things are very different in the South, Katie,” said Papa. “People buy and sell other people and make them work in their fields. People who look like us are considered property—objects— in the South.”

“But how come we’re not?” asked Katie.

“Before you were born, your grandparents were purchased from a Southerner by a Northern man. That man made a habit of buying people—people just like you and me—and bringing them to the North to set them free,” said Mama.

“Those people at the Cataract House who come to see the Falls—do they set their slaves free when they come to the North?” Katie asked.

“Unfortunately, not all people share the same values,” said Papa.

“They bring slaves here to be slaves, and bring them home just the same,” added Mama.

Katie thought about bringing up the woman she had seen running away and the boat that ferried her off. She thought about telling them about all the angry men who chased her. But then she thought it best to not tell her parents what she had seen. Her parents might not let her go back to the Cataract House or go exploring, even during the summer. Maybe they wouldn’t even let her go to the kite-flying contest. She decided to remain silent.

That night, after all the dishes were washed and Katie had picked out pretty fabric for the kite from her mother’s bin of scraps, she changed into her nightgown and crawled into bed. She contemplated the dinner conversation. Now she understood what a slave was, but she still didn’t understand why she was any different.

 

 

Review

 

This is a great middle-grade book that teaches children about how a suspension bridge was built over the Niagra Falls gorge and also teaches them about how different parts of the country viewed slavery in the mid-1800s along with some facts about the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman.

The story is well told and I appreciated Katie’s innocence in what she knew as a young lady. While she recognized that she and Homan had different skin colors, they treated each other as equals and didn’t think twice about their differences. I think they both learned a lesson about slavery and human rights as they observed a young black woman escaping to freedom in Canada. They are even able to meet her and spend time with her during a snowstorm that left them stranded in Canada for a few days.

I especially enjoyed the part of the story that educated me on how suspension bridges are built and the ingenuity that one person came up with to get the wire over the gorge to the other side. This was no easy task but it was a nice peek into STEM and might influence another young mind in this field.

I enjoyed the illustrations and felt like they capture the scene and the moment and add dimension to the book.

I think this is a must read for middle-grade students. They can learn quite a bit and perhaps whet their appetite for more. We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kathleen A. Dinan was inspired to write this book by her father. She was born in Buffalo, New York, and lived most of her adult life in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, where she raised her three children. A graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law, she worked in New York City for many years.

About the Illustrator

 

Iris M. Kirkwood, a self-taught visual artist, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, just a few miles from Niagara Falls. She used elements of the story, the setting, the young characters, and her unique point of view, combined with digital and traditional tools, to create the visual narrative for this story. Her work is in private collections as well as exhibited in galleries and museums.

 

 

Synopsis

 

Celeste Donovan, a high-powered finance executive, seems to have it all–the penthouse apartment, the supermodel physique with a mathematician mind, and a trail of beautiful men she has loved and left behind.

But when her boyfriend Theodore is killed in a mysterious accident, she discovers Omar, her abusive ex she had hoped would never resurface, is behind his death.

Now she’s caught in a game of cat and mouse, trying to anticipate Omar’s next move, as she realizes he will stop at nothing to get to her. She sets out alone on a whirlwind journey to entrap him, determined to put an end to Omar’s destruction.

Soon Celeste is thrust in the middle of the largest financial scandal in decades. This time, however, powerful government officials are in bed with some of the world’s most dangerous men.

When she discovers that those she thought she knew best are involved in a secret society warring with Omar and his coconspirators, she must decide how far she will go to avenge Theodore’s death and whether she is willing to risk her own life to save everyone she loves.

 

 

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Praise

 

“Eckles engages readers from beginning to end with this tale of betrayal, love, and international intrigue…” – The US Review

“Reminiscent of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Eckles’s complex thriller grips the reader from the opening prologue. A tale of high-stakes Wall Street espionage and manipulation, the hunt for the ultimate evil opponent, an around-the-world, whirlwind adventure and a journey into the heart and soul of an extraordinary woman. Trading Secrets is, at once, a spellbinding, heart-stopping thriller and an exploration of the complex nature and vulnerability of the human heart.” -Traci Medford-Rosow, USAToday bestselling author of Unblinded and Inflection Point.

 

Review

 

Who knew the financial world could be so mercenary and dangerous?

Celeste is the Ice Queen of New York. Rising to the top with a friend, they have created a top-notch investment firm through hard work and a little bit of manipulation. This group of friends has lived hard and fast but as they have gotten older, they are starting to mellow and settle down. However, forces beyond their control are coming fast and furious, and will they be able to survive?

This book took me on a fast and furious ride through the financial world of New York. Having worked in this field, I was familiar with some of the actions and attitudes of the characters, but some surprised me. The language in the book is rough (a lot of f* bombs), there is drug use, heavy drinking, and little concern for what might come next. But that changes for Celeste after a disastrous trip with her man of the moment, Omar. Fair warning, there is rape and abuse and it is amazing Celeste comes out of this alive. She is scarred emotionally but meeting Theodore changes everything for her. Until he is killed by Omar. That event sends Celeste spiraling and she is now a woman on a mission to take Omar down once and for all.

I have to admit, while Celeste was with Theodore, I honestly thought he was behind some things that were happening in her world. I didn’t read the synopsis to know what was going to happen. It is amazing what money can buy and that includes loyalties and can turn even the most loyal friend against you.

The book does start off slow but builds steam as events unfold and while Celeste is not a very likable character, at least in the beginning, I came to admire her spirit and her pluck. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it, even at the risk of her own life. Many times she was reckless in her pursuits and she was lucky to be alive at the end of the book.

Overall, this book kept me engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next. I also marveled at the various locations and can only dream of visiting some of them since I am not part of the super elite.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

Trigger warnings – explicit sex, rape, abuse, foul language

 

About the Author

 

Rachael Eckles grew up in the Midwest. After graduating from law school, she followed her heart and moved to the east coast. Trading Secrets is her first novel. She currently lives in Manhattan with her puppy, where she is working on her next novel.

 

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The Disappearance of Emily (Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Independently Published (March 15, 2021)
Number of Pages 250

 

Synopsis

 

Hayden has settled into her alternate, magical new home of Destiny Falls. She’s learning about the people here and the enchanted place, but something is amiss. When too many things occur to call them coincidences, all signs point to the mysterious disappearance of her mother – way back when Hayden was just two days old. Could it be connected to the mysterious ferry? Can she identify and eliminate the threat before another person in her life is stolen away?

 

 

 

 

Review

 

Welcome back to Destiny Falls. A magical town that you won’t find on any map, at least not one in the non-magical realm.

Hayden and Latifa are back, along with the rest of the gang and some new friends including a new 4 legged friend. The town is the same, ever-changing as the needs of the citizens change. We meet several new townsfolk and they are quite a motley crew. But this isn’t a bad thing because Hayden is now the editor of the town newspaper and can use the contacts. It wasn’t really a request by her grandmother since she doesn’t really ask but rather “orders” people to do things.

There is a murder in town and the details as to why are sketchy until Hayden uncovers some information that points the police in the right direction. Who killed this person isn’t too much of a mystery because there aren’t a lot of options, unlike the first book. But there are other mysteries just waiting to be solved – what happened to Hayden’s mom Emily? What is Gladstone? Where does the ferry go when it leaves? Will Hayden ever see her grandparents and friend Luna? Who is the witch in the cave and who is her sister (I have my suspicions so I can’t wait to see if I’m right)?

I felt like this book expanded my knowledge about Destiny Falls and the Caldwell family but it also left me with a few more questions than answers so I can’t wait for the third book to discover more about this little town.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book and we give it 4 paws up.  If you like magic and mystery, this is a series you will want to check out.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives near Seattle and is the mother of four and nana to one.

 

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Giveaway

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

The world is splintered, and so are the survivors.

Adrift at sea for weeks, a rescue party finally offers safe haven to the four survivors who escaped the island. But the civilized society they’ve always known has fallen… and a fractured, dangerous anarchy has taken its place.

Gunner. Charging into the chaos of the mainland, Gunner is determined to find his wife and daughter. But he has a new hell to deal with—desperate people with cutthroat motives.

Zon. Returning home forces Zon to face his worst nightmare—losing Jessie, the only woman he’s ever loved, in order to save her family.

Gabby. Still trapped on the island with the other desperate survivors, Gabby and Madeline fear they’ve been forgotten. But nothing could prepare them for the danger that washes up on the shore.

America is gone. Hope is all they have left. In a world of disorder, will the remaining passengers from Rose of the Sea ever make it home? Or will the darkness of human nature destroy what little is left?

Find out in this gripping post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller.

FINAL FATE is the third book in the Waves of Fate series.

This dystopian, disaster/survival series follows ordinary people in a desperate fight to stay alive and is perfect for fans of Mike Kraus, Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Harley Tate, JJ Pike, Jack Hunt, JJ Holden, and Kyla Stone.

 

 

 

Read for free on Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This series is heart-pounding and just a little too real because it could happen and are we prepared?

The final book in this trilogy brings a conclusion to the life that these survivors have had over the last 6 months. Having to fend for themselves using skills they may or may not have had, interpersonal relationships, and perhaps an introspective look into their own life and changes they could or should make to be better people.

Gunner, Zon, Jessica, and Pauline have made it to the United States but are not prepared for what they discover. They have been told that it isn’t pretty but with an EMP knocking out all communications, it is hard to know who is in charge and what is being done. It is every man for themself and watch out for those that will take from you what they want.

The action doesn’t stop in this book as the crew makes their way to find their families. It is pure luck that Gunner finds his wife and daughter but it wasn’t easy to get to them or find them. Jessica’s family (the preppers) had their own issues and you could say the stress of hiding out or staying inside could be stressful.

I’m still not a huge Zon fan, but he continues to redeem himself, and while still brash and crude, he is softening a little bit and isn’t afraid to step in and protect those around him despite his better judgment sometimes.

While these four are trying to get help for the rest on the island, those are the island are not left out of this book. They have their own issues to deal with including unwanted intruders.

I don’t want to spoil any of the revelations in the book, but I thought their decisions were interesting and I can see why they would have made the choices they did in the end. There is something of a happy ending but it just leaves more questions for me as to what life might be like for those affected by the EMP and if the world can come together and put back together what is broken.

This is a fantastic series and I loved every moment. It was hard for me to put any of them down. So far this is one of my favorites of 2021.

We of course give it 5 paws up and highly recommend the series.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kendall Talbot is a thrill seeker, hopeless romantic, and award-winning author. She’s sought thrills in all 46 countries she’s visited. She’s abseiled down freezing waterfalls, fought the white-water in a rubber raft, jumped off a mountain with a man who spoke little English, and got way too close to a sixteen-foot shark. When she isn’t writing, she’s enjoying wine and cheese with her crazy friends, and planning her next thrilling international escape.

She lives in Brisbane, Australia with her very own hero and a fluffy little dog who specializes in hijacking her writing time.

 

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