Storm Tide
Gripping, shocking, thrilling, tense, suspenseful, chilling, and hard to put down! Paul Doiron has written another on-the-edge-of-your-seat page tuner! Murder is the name of the game in Storm Tide. Paul Doiron has Mike Bowditch going through the ringer many times in the 16th book in his fantastic Mike Bowditch series! I love this series and was thrilled by the plot, the characters, the mystery, and the BIG change in Mike’s life! Someone is killing bad people in this book and Mike finds himself knee deep in the investigations while at the same time is facing a disciplinary hearing that will decide the fate of his career. If that is not enough, someone is stalking his pregnant wife, Stacey. To protect those he loves, Mike must work around the clock to catch a killer before it’s too late! This is one of my favorite series and I always get excited when I see there is a new book in this series coming out. Who knew I would love a book series about a Maine Game Warder who pushes the boundaries and takes chances. But I do love it! What I also love is the connection between the characters, i.e. the easy friendship and interactions between Mike and Charlie (Stacey’s father). I also adore the supporting characters, Mike’s wolf-dog hybrid, Shadow, and his friend Billy Cronk, and his family. I also love the vivid descriptions of the Maine wilderness, the tough cases, and the well thought out plots. I enjoyed the blending of Mike’s personal life with his professional life in Storm Tide. In this book, Mike is awaiting the birth of his first child, finds himself in hot water with the disciplinary board, and is being taunted by a killer who is taking out those who committed horrific crimes. This book is brimming with unease, danger, suspense, tension, and emotion. As with the other books in this series, I found this book to be wonderfully written, tense, atmospheric, thrilling, exciting, brimming with danger, and full of intriguing characters. I loved the suspense and this book had me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages while hoping for the best. Plus, this book sees Mike and his wife Stacy facing a major change in their lives – becoming parents. This added depth to the story and saw Mike being more emotional than in the previous books. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
All the Ways You Break Me
All the Ways You Break Me is the gripping and emotional second book in Melissa Wiesner’s Sandy Harbor series. If you are a fan of second chance romance books, All the Ways You Break Me will be right up your alley! While this book will work nicely as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, All the Ways You Save Me as it was excellent and introduces readers to Sandy Harbor and some of the characters which are in this book! All the Ways You Break Me introduces readers to Josie and Ian, two characters who hit it off when they were teens but saw their romance cut short when Josie and her family left Sandy Harbor Island abruptly. It has been ten years since they have seen each other, but Josie is back on the island to be the maid of honor at her sister’s wedding. She never expected to see Ian’s sky-blue eyes again – but there he is and there she is, and….. I enjoyed how Melissa Wiesner used past and present storylines to show both characters in different times of their lives. This was a nice touch as there is not only romance in this book, but also a bit of a mystery as well. Why did Josie leave so suddenly all those years ago???? I enjoyed the tension, the chemistry between Josie and Ian, the angst, the plot, the supporting characters, and the uncovering of what happened all those years ago. With romance books it is all about the journey for me. I enjoyed the journey that Josie and Ian went on during this book. I rooted for both of the characters as they were both very likeable. I enjoyed meeting them when they were younger and seeing Josie being spunky and carefree, and Ian being supportive, kind, and fun. They came from different worlds, but when their worlds collided, everything felt right until…. It was also nice seeing them as adults. Seeing how life changed for them and what they were experiencing in their lives. One had a secret and one had questions, but both felt that same connection. But will that be enough????? Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
To His New Wife
Gripping, dark, twisted, menacing, suspenseful, and shocking! To His New Wife proved to be a fast and thrilling read which kept me guessing and turning the pages! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Willow Rose threw another zinger into the mix, and I was left rethinking my list of suspects! Emma thought she had her happily ever after when she married Benjamin. She is welcomed into his family and works for Benjamin’s father. Benjamin and his daughter lost his first wife tragically. But Emma is hoping to help them pick up the pieces. Then a note arrives! A note that appears to come from his first wife claiming that Benjamin killed her!!!! Emma is naturally shocked, full of questions, and left feeling uneasy after receiving such a note. What really happened to his first wife? Who is behind the letters? Who can be trusted? I thought Willow Rose did a great job of inserting doubt and fear into To His New Wife. I felt for Emma and her trepidation and fear jumped from the pages. Emma doesn’t know who is sending the notes, but they are getting under her skin. I thought this was depicted wonderfully in this book. Is his first wife dead or is she alive? If she is dead, why is someone sending the letters? So many questions swirled in my head while reading this book. I found this book to be an entertaining and suspenseful page turner which kept me guessing. I loved the tension and suspense. I also enjoyed the sense of unease and impending danger. Like Emma, I never knew who could be trusted in this book. This is the second book I have read by Willow Rose, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Life: A Love Story
Elizabeth Berg has written another moving, thought provoking, deeply resonating book about one woman, Florence “Flo” Greene, at the end of her life who has made the choice to leave her home and an account of her life to Ruthie, the woman who grew up next door. This book proved to be a fast read for me as I was so invested in the plot, the characters, and the beautiful writing. Florence “Flo” Greene is an elderly woman in her 90’s who is nearing the end of her life. Flo, who never had children, always viewed Ruthie as a surrogate daughter. Thus, her decision to leave her home and account of her life to Ruthie. Flo has also influenced those in her life in quiet and small ways that had lasting effects on them. This was a lovely book that had me feeling all the feels. I found this book to be a moving, uplifting, honest, and raw look at one woman’s walk down memory lane. Flo shares the ups and downs of her life and the wisdom gained from her life experiences. As with Elizabeth Berg’s previous books, I found Life: A Love Story to be beautifully written, moving, and an absolute joy to read. I loved the themes of love, family, happiness, forgiveness, and all the small things that make a HUGE difference in one’s life. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Murder Will Out
Family secrets, ghosts, mystery, murder, and a haunted house (hence the ghosts)! Murder Will Out is the debut book by Jennifer K. Breedlove. Willow Stone returns to Little North Island, off the coast of Maine when she learns of her godmother Sue’s death. There are whispers amongst those who live on the island about how Sue inherited Cameron House. Soon, Willow begins to wonder if Sue’s death was really an accident or was it murder????? Did I mention there are ghosts in this book???? Or shall I say there are ghosts in Cameron House. Did I mention that the ghosts were my favorite part of this book? Well, they stole the show for me. This book is a paranormal murder mystery with quite a few characters and deceased members of the Cameron family. While I enjoyed the book, I didn’t love it. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the paranormal part of the book. As I mentioned, the ghosts were my favorite part. There is the mystery of Sue’s death but hers is not the only death in this book. While this book was enjoyable, it was missing that little bit of something that would have pushed my rating higher. I found it to be slow in parts and I struggle with slow. Others have enjoyed this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bone of My Bone
Johanna van Veen has delivered yet again! Bone of My Bone is a beautifully written book which grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go! I found it to be gripping, thought provoking, romantic, original, atmospheric, creative, gothic, dark, and hard to put down! Bone of My Bone is the third book which I have read by this author, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! 1635 War is raging, and unspeakable horrors are occurring when Sister Ursula flees the ruins of her convent. She soon comes upon Elsebeth, a peasant, and they flee into the Bavarian forest. There they meet a dying man who gives them the skull of a saint. He tells them what will happen if they are able to reunite the skull with the body. Thus, their journey begins. It is a journey full of horrors, devastation, and those who seek to do them harm. A necromancer and a character named Otto are in pursuit…… This book is equal parts horrific, imaginative, clever, dark, tense, romantic, heart wrenching, and eerie. Both Sister Ursula and Elsebeth are endearing characters, and I rooted for both. Over the course of Bone of My Bone they develop a close bond. This book is about many horrific things, but it is also about love, kindness, and sacrifice. I thought the author did a great job depicting place and time. Having the characters speak in wording and terms from a past era was also highly effective and also set the mood of the book. This book is more horrific than horror; although there are some gruesome scenes in this book. This book is more German folk horror as there is talk of a necromancer, a nachzehrer, and an aufhocker. All can be found in German mythology. I found myself looking the mythological creatures up as I read. As with the author’s previous books, I found Bone of My Bone to be beautifully written, unique, full of vivid descriptions, well researched, eerie, and full of intriguing characters. While this book may not be for everyone, if you can stomach it, this book is chilling, eerie, riveting, and a worthwhile read. The author did a great job of blending several genres in this book: horror, historical fiction, fantasy, Gothic, LGBT, and folk horror. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Storm Tide
Gripping, shocking, thrilling, tense, suspenseful, chilling, and hard to put down! Paul Doiron has written another on-the-edge-of-your-seat page tuner! Murder is the name of the game in Storm Tide. Paul Doiron has Mike Bowditch going through the ringer many times in the 16th book in his fantastic Mike Bowditch series! I love this series and was thrilled by the plot, the characters, the mystery, and the BIG change in Mike’s life! Someone is killing bad people in this book and Mike finds himself knee deep in the investigations while at the same time is facing a disciplinary hearing that will decide the fate of his career. If that is not enough, someone is stalking his pregnant wife, Stacey. To protect those he loves, Mike must work around the clock to catch a killer before it’s too late! This is one of my favorite series and I always get excited when I see there is a new book in this series coming out. Who knew I would love a book series about a Maine Game Warder who pushes the boundaries and takes chances. But I do love it! What I also love is the connection between the characters, i.e. the easy friendship and interactions between Mike and Charlie (Stacey’s father). I also adore the supporting characters, Mike’s wolf-dog hybrid, Shadow, and his friend Billy Cronk, and his family. I also love the vivid descriptions of the Maine wilderness, the tough cases, and the well thought out plots. I enjoyed the blending of Mike’s personal life with his professional life in Storm Tide. In this book, Mike is awaiting the birth of his first child, finds himself in hot water with the disciplinary board, and is being taunted by a killer who is taking out those who committed horrific crimes. This book is brimming with unease, danger, suspense, tension, and emotion. As with the other books in this series, I found this book to be wonderfully written, tense, atmospheric, thrilling, exciting, brimming with danger, and full of intriguing characters. I loved the suspense and this book had me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages while hoping for the best. Plus, this book sees Mike and his wife Stacy facing a major change in their lives – becoming parents. This added depth to the story and saw Mike being more emotional than in the previous books. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
All the Ways You Break Me
All the Ways You Break Me is the gripping and emotional second book in Melissa Wiesner’s Sandy Harbor series. If you are a fan of second chance romance books, All the Ways You Break Me will be right up your alley! While this book will work nicely as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, All the Ways You Save Me as it was excellent and introduces readers to Sandy Harbor and some of the characters which are in this book! All the Ways You Break Me introduces readers to Josie and Ian, two characters who hit it off when they were teens but saw their romance cut short when Josie and her family left Sandy Harbor Island abruptly. It has been ten years since they have seen each other, but Josie is back on the island to be the maid of honor at her sister’s wedding. She never expected to see Ian’s sky-blue eyes again – but there he is and there she is, and….. I enjoyed how Melissa Wiesner used past and present storylines to show both characters in different times of their lives. This was a nice touch as there is not only romance in this book, but also a bit of a mystery as well. Why did Josie leave so suddenly all those years ago???? I enjoyed the tension, the chemistry between Josie and Ian, the angst, the plot, the supporting characters, and the uncovering of what happened all those years ago. With romance books it is all about the journey for me. I enjoyed the journey that Josie and Ian went on during this book. I rooted for both of the characters as they were both very likeable. I enjoyed meeting them when they were younger and seeing Josie being spunky and carefree, and Ian being supportive, kind, and fun. They came from different worlds, but when their worlds collided, everything felt right until…. It was also nice seeing them as adults. Seeing how life changed for them and what they were experiencing in their lives. One had a secret and one had questions, but both felt that same connection. But will that be enough????? Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
To His New Wife
Gripping, dark, twisted, menacing, suspenseful, and shocking! To His New Wife proved to be a fast and thrilling read which kept me guessing and turning the pages! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Willow Rose threw another zinger into the mix, and I was left rethinking my list of suspects! Emma thought she had her happily ever after when she married Benjamin. She is welcomed into his family and works for Benjamin’s father. Benjamin and his daughter lost his first wife tragically. But Emma is hoping to help them pick up the pieces. Then a note arrives! A note that appears to come from his first wife claiming that Benjamin killed her!!!! Emma is naturally shocked, full of questions, and left feeling uneasy after receiving such a note. What really happened to his first wife? Who is behind the letters? Who can be trusted? I thought Willow Rose did a great job of inserting doubt and fear into To His New Wife. I felt for Emma and her trepidation and fear jumped from the pages. Emma doesn’t know who is sending the notes, but they are getting under her skin. I thought this was depicted wonderfully in this book. Is his first wife dead or is she alive? If she is dead, why is someone sending the letters? So many questions swirled in my head while reading this book. I found this book to be an entertaining and suspenseful page turner which kept me guessing. I loved the tension and suspense. I also enjoyed the sense of unease and impending danger. Like Emma, I never knew who could be trusted in this book. This is the second book I have read by Willow Rose, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Life: A Love Story
Elizabeth Berg has written another moving, thought provoking, deeply resonating book about one woman, Florence “Flo” Greene, at the end of her life who has made the choice to leave her home and an account of her life to Ruthie, the woman who grew up next door. This book proved to be a fast read for me as I was so invested in the plot, the characters, and the beautiful writing. Florence “Flo” Greene is an elderly woman in her 90’s who is nearing the end of her life. Flo, who never had children, always viewed Ruthie as a surrogate daughter. Thus, her decision to leave her home and account of her life to Ruthie. Flo has also influenced those in her life in quiet and small ways that had lasting effects on them. This was a lovely book that had me feeling all the feels. I found this book to be a moving, uplifting, honest, and raw look at one woman’s walk down memory lane. Flo shares the ups and downs of her life and the wisdom gained from her life experiences. As with Elizabeth Berg’s previous books, I found Life: A Love Story to be beautifully written, moving, and an absolute joy to read. I loved the themes of love, family, happiness, forgiveness, and all the small things that make a HUGE difference in one’s life. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Murder Will Out
Family secrets, ghosts, mystery, murder, and a haunted house (hence the ghosts)! Murder Will Out is the debut book by Jennifer K. Breedlove. Willow Stone returns to Little North Island, off the coast of Maine when she learns of her godmother Sue’s death. There are whispers amongst those who live on the island about how Sue inherited Cameron House. Soon, Willow begins to wonder if Sue’s death was really an accident or was it murder????? Did I mention there are ghosts in this book???? Or shall I say there are ghosts in Cameron House. Did I mention that the ghosts were my favorite part of this book? Well, they stole the show for me. This book is a paranormal murder mystery with quite a few characters and deceased members of the Cameron family. While I enjoyed the book, I didn’t love it. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the paranormal part of the book. As I mentioned, the ghosts were my favorite part. There is the mystery of Sue’s death but hers is not the only death in this book. While this book was enjoyable, it was missing that little bit of something that would have pushed my rating higher. I found it to be slow in parts and I struggle with slow. Others have enjoyed this book more than I did, so please read their reviews as well. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bone of My Bone
Johanna van Veen has delivered yet again! Bone of My Bone is a beautifully written book which grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go! I found it to be gripping, thought provoking, romantic, original, atmospheric, creative, gothic, dark, and hard to put down! Bone of My Bone is the third book which I have read by this author, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! 1635 War is raging, and unspeakable horrors are occurring when Sister Ursula flees the ruins of her convent. She soon comes upon Elsebeth, a peasant, and they flee into the Bavarian forest. There they meet a dying man who gives them the skull of a saint. He tells them what will happen if they are able to reunite the skull with the body. Thus, their journey begins. It is a journey full of horrors, devastation, and those who seek to do them harm. A necromancer and a character named Otto are in pursuit…… This book is equal parts horrific, imaginative, clever, dark, tense, romantic, heart wrenching, and eerie. Both Sister Ursula and Elsebeth are endearing characters, and I rooted for both. Over the course of Bone of My Bone they develop a close bond. This book is about many horrific things, but it is also about love, kindness, and sacrifice. I thought the author did a great job depicting place and time. Having the characters speak in wording and terms from a past era was also highly effective and also set the mood of the book. This book is more horrific than horror; although there are some gruesome scenes in this book. This book is more German folk horror as there is talk of a necromancer, a nachzehrer, and an aufhocker. All can be found in German mythology. I found myself looking the mythological creatures up as I read. As with the author’s previous books, I found Bone of My Bone to be beautifully written, unique, full of vivid descriptions, well researched, eerie, and full of intriguing characters. While this book may not be for everyone, if you can stomach it, this book is chilling, eerie, riveting, and a worthwhile read. The author did a great job of blending several genres in this book: horror, historical fiction, fantasy, Gothic, LGBT, and folk horror. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
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