Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman review

Title:  Honor’s Refuge

Author:  Hallee Bridgeman

Pg:  352

Series: Love and Honor book 3

Genre:  Christian Suspense with a hint of romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman is the third book in the Love and Honor series. And even though the books are their own story it’s best to read them in order otherwise you miss parts of the overall story. As we as being spoiled for things.

I have to admit I was more excited for the hero’s story as we first meet Phil Osbourne in boon one and by the end of it, he wasn’t in a good place. So, I’ve been waiting for his story. And I’m glad to see how it ends. And I liked the heroine as well.

This was one interesting I’ve never read a book set during a hurricane. But I don’t think the story could have happened without the hurricane it was part of the story.

This was a good ending to the overall series as well.

 

 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

 

Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn H Blackburn, Natalie Walters review

Title:  Targeted

Author:  Lynette Eason, Lynn H Blackburn, Natalie Walters

Pg:  361

Genre:  Christian Suspense

Rating: 4.5 stars overall rating

Publisher: Revell

    I loved this novella collection though I have to say that my favorite one was On the Run by Lynette. Even though you can read this novella as standalone I’d recommend reading the blue justice series by Lynette Eason or at least Vow of Justice. And Lynn Blackburn’s Defend and Protect series. And Natalie Walters Harbored Secrets series for background and to not be spoiled.

 

Title:  On the Run

Author:  Lynette Eason

Ch:  20

Rating: 5 stars

    I’ve wanted Daria’s story since I first meet her in Vow of Justice book four in the Blue Justice series. I loved Daria and I also loved that she was a capable FBI in her own right. And Ryker while he wants to keep her safe and protect her, he also trusts her ability. He follows her lead. Quite frankly I think they make a great team. I also loved seeing Linc and Allie again as well as other characters from Lynette’s other series. Even though I would have loved a full-length novel I did love this novella. I also loved that this one was mostly suspense with only a hint of romance.

 

 

Title:  Deadly Objective

Author:  Lynn H Blackburn

Ch: 18 plus epilogue

Rating: 4 stars

    While Deadly Objective isn’t my favorite of Lynn’s books it was an enjoyable read. I generally don’t like books suspense included that focus on either the president or vice presidents’ kids. However, with this one I loved Mason. He was easily my favorite character from this one. Liam has been the only secret service agent that can work with him as they all think he’s a brat. I think he’s just a sixteen-year-old kid who’s whole has changed. Emily is his physical therapist and she’s the one adult who gets him. This is the least suspenseful one of one Lynn’s books but still good. Though it was easy to figure out who was behind everything. But I only figured it out because of Mason.

 

Title:  Caught in the Crosshairs

Author:  Natalie Walters

Ch: 17 plus epilogue

Rating: 4 stars

    I enjoyed Caught in the Crosshairs as I’ve been wanting for Claudia’s story since Silent Shadows and I enjoyed this slight spy Novella. Loved the suspense and the movie references. And I love that Walter’s always manages to work movie references into her books.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski review

 

Title:  The Brilliance of Stars

Author: J’nell Ciesielski  

Ch: 28 plus prologue and epilogue

Pg:  400

Series: Jack and Ivy book 1

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

 

“She kissed Jack hard on the mouth, then aimed her Beretta over his shoulder and fired a round of shots down the medieval corridor of Dobruzov Castle.”

This first line gives me Black Widow and Winter Soldier vibes. So, if that’s what the author was going for, it worked. I normally don’t include first lines in my reviews but this one needed it because I feel like it adds to my review. Because that first line hooked me from the get-go, and that rare.

Ivy is a woman of her time but she’s also quite capable. And Jack knows this doesn’t overstep. Which in my book makes him the perfect hero?. And it doesn’t hurt that books play a part. As both are readers. It’s rare to get a hero in historical fiction that’s a reader who has a balance of intelligence and strength. A sniper needs both. And that’s what we get in Jack. I do believe Jack Vale has become my new favorite historical hero.

The Brilliance of Stars gave me everything I love in historical fiction spies, Russia, Eastern Europe war. Loved that this one takes place during WWI which we don’t have enough of.

In The Brilliance of Stars J’nell gave me something the MCU failed to give me. A chance for the Winter Soldier/ Bucky has a chance to fall in love. She gave me the Winter Soldier and Black Widow vibes that was missing.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Runaway by Jess Mastorakos review

Title:  The Runaway

Author:  Jess Mastorakos

Ch: 29 Plus Epilogue

Pg:  408

Series: Brides of Beaufort 6

Genre:  Contemporary Romance rom com

Rating: 4 stars

 

I’ve never been a fan of the runway bride trope however if you make grumpy sunshine my all-time favorite trope since forever thank you Beauty and the Beast. And throw in a Marine hero then I’m hooked.

No one does Marine heroes like Jess. And not to mention writing tropes I don’t like and make me love them. I loved this final book in the series it was great as its own story. But it also served as a wrap up of the series. And now I’ve got to read the other series because I’ve meet characters from those. The Runaway stands as its own but wraps up the series beautifully.

 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the author I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I'm Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Title:  I’m Glad my mom Died

Author:  Jennette McCurdy

Ch: 91

 Hours:  6hrs and 26 mins

Genre:  Memoir

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

 

I wasn’t as much as an icarly fan as my sister was. But I did follow Jennette's music career. I’m also not going to lie I picked the book up because of the title. Because it is a stocking title but after reading the book and seeing Jennette's journey the tile makes perfect sense. I listened to the audio book which Jeannette narrates and its A punch to the gut. I laughed I cried and after finishing it I just wanted to hug her.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon review

Title:  Death a Sketch

Author:  Cheryl Hollon

Ch:30

Pg:  266

Series: A Paint and Shine Mystery book 3

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Kensington

 

Death a Sketch is the third book in the A Paint and Shine mystery series by Cheryl Hollon. Miranda Trent is still determined to get her moonshine distillery up and running to keep the family farm while running her painting business in the Kentucky mountains.

I have to say this one was my favorite of the series as the setting and the characters have been established and the reader gets to enjoy the mystery more. I can’t wait for the next one.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin review

 

Title:  The Librarian Spy

Author:  Madeline Martin

Ch: 27 plus epilogue

Pg:  355

Series:

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Rating: 4.5 stars  

Publisher: Hanover Square Press

 

I picked this one up because of the title. As a library assistant I’m a sucker for books that involve libraries or librarians. Though I never thought a librarian could be a spy. But then maybe that’s why they are such good ones.

I loved both point of views in this one Ava’ s and Elaine’s. That generally doesn’t happen with dual heroines point of views in historical fiction. I kept reading because I had to know what happened to both women.

And while they used librarians as spies during WWII Ava is fictional because they didn’t use women librarians. But I enjoyed reading a WWII fiction that focused on the men and women behind the scenes who helped win the war stories.

Madeline Martin does WWII heroines beautifully. Can’t wait to see what she does next

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour  I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

 

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber review

 

Title: The Christmas Spirit

Author: Debbie Macomber

Ch: 18 plus epilogue 

Pg: 240 

Genre: Contemporary

Rating: 4 stars 

Publisher: Ballantine Books

 

One of my favorite Christmas traditions so to speak is to read the newest Debbie Macomber Christmas novella. Reading her Christmas novella's is like be wrapped in a warm hug. To me her books are better than Hallmark movies. Though of few her books have been turned into Hallmark movies.  But I have to say that this one is a favorite. The Christmas Spirit is the story a Pastor Pete and a bar owner Hank who agree to switch places for the week leading up to Christmas because they both thing the other way has an easier job.  

 

What follows is a story that reminds readers of the true importance of the Christmas Season. And that people of all walks a life. What also made this one different is that it's set in two different time frames. The main story takes place in December 1977. But it starts in the present day with a grandmother telling a story to her grandchildren. And as she tells it we the reader see's it unfold in December 1977.  I finished this one in one day it's short 240 pages and 18 chapters plus an epilogue. But so much is packed into the 240 pages you won't want to put it down. 

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Cozy Mystery reviews wrap up

Title:  The Plot and The Pendulum

Author:  Jenn McKinlay

Ch: 20

Pg:  272

Series: Library Lovers Mystery book 13

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Berkley

 I have to admit the previous two books in the series didn’t feel like the Library Lovers mystery book. But this one did it felt like reading the first few in the series.

I loved that Lindsay didn’t try to solve the mystery on her own. And I loved the Halloween feel of the mystery with the cold case.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Title:  Peanut Panic

Author:  Amanda Flower

Ch: 27 plus epilogue

Pg:  270

Series: Amish Candy Shop book 7

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 star

 

Fairly quick read. I enjoy reading the Amish Candy shop mystery series. It’s like visiting old friends. I was also glad to see that Charlotte made a decision.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 Title:  Crime for the Books

Author:  Kate Young

Ch: 47

Pg:  336

Series: Jane Doe Book Club mystery book 3

Genre:  Cozy mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

The third book in the Jane Doe Book club by Kate Young. And I have to say it is my favorite of the series so far. It was the perfect cozy mystery to read at Halloween.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Title:  In The Company of Witches 

Author:  Auralee Wallace 

Ch: 48

Pg:  330

Series: Evenfall Witches B&B book 1

Genre:  Cozy mystery 

Rating: 3.5 stars 

Publisher: Berkeley 

Loved this witchy cozy mystery that thanks to the aunts kind of gave me Practical Magic vibes which helped make it a good halloweeny cozy.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Title:  Steeped to Death

Author:  Gretchen Rue

Ch: 46

Pg:  299

Series: Witches Brew Mystery series book 1

Genre:  Cozy mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Crooked Lane Book

 A good cozy with books and tea and a cat. What can I say I’m a sucker for cozies set in bookstores.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Title:  Murder on the Poet’s Walk

Author:  Ellery Adams

Ch: 20

Pg:  352

Series: Book Retreat Mysteries

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Kensington

I always enjoy reading these books. Each mystery just gets better and they always leave me guessing till the end. Jane is one of my favorite cozy mystery heroines. Though I do read these for Fitz and Hem antics. Not to mention that I loved the ending. It’s the ending I’ve been waiting for.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Title:  No Parm No Foul

Author:  Linda Reilly

Ch: 35

Pg:  318

Series: Grilled Cheese Mystery

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

A sweet Halloween cozy mystery with grilled cheese sandwiches. Who doesn’t love grilled cheese.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

When in Rome by Sarah Adams review

Title:  When in Rome 

Author:  Sarah Adams

Ch: 37 Plus Epilogue

Pg:  320

Genre:  Rom Com

Rating: 5 stars 

Publisher: Dell

 

When in Rome is my favorite Sarah Adams book I’ve read. But I think it’s because I’ve always been a sucker for the grumpy sunshine troupe since I was a kid thanks Beauty and The Beast. But I do have to say that even though Noah is a grump he is a perfect modern-day hero who truly does care about his family. Amelia Rose may be a pop star but there’s more than meets the eye.

As a Kentucky girl I loved the small Kentucky town setting. The book has all the charm that makes small town living a charm. But also pointing out that even small-town living isn’t perfect. But people do care.

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

 

Deception by Patricia Bradley review

 

Title:  Deception

Author:  Patricia Bradley

Ch: 76 Plus Epilogue

Series: Natchez Trace Park Rangers book 4

Genre:  Christian Suspense

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Deception by Patricia Bradley is the fourth and final book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series: I enjoyed this one, but it wasn’t my favorite of the series. While the case was interesting it was Madison’s personal journey and story that kept me turning pages to find out what happened.

 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.