Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham review

Title: Beauty Reborn

Author: Elizabeth Lowham

Ch: 19 plus epilogue

Pg: 200

Genre: Fantasy fairy retelling

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Beauty Reborn is the hardest Beauty and the Beast retelling that I’ve read. But it’s the one that’s the most important. As it gives a twist on the reason Beauty went to the beast castle in her father’s place. She’s running from the someone. And just like the Disney version the reader will quickly she who’s the real beast in the story. My heart broke for Beauty. I’m glad that read this one. Trigger warning for sexual assault off page though it’s mentioned, and the aftermath is talked about.

 

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.

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.

 

 

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.

Crossfire by Lynette Eason Review

 Title:  Crossfire

Author:  Lynette Eason

Ch: 29

Pg:  308

Series: Extreme Measure book 2

Genre:  Christian Romantic Suspense

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Lynette Eason is one of my go to for Christian romantic suspense because she writes the right balance of romance and suspense. And Crossfire the second book in the Extreme Measures series is no different. I enjoyed this one more than the first one.

I’m normally not a fan of the romance part of the romantic suspense but with this one I loved the romance more than the suspense. Which is actually a first for me. I loved reading Julianna James and Clay Snyder’s story.

Eason handled a storyline that could have been taken from recent headlines with grace and tact. And that’s what makes her such an amazing suspense author. And something else I liked was that the verse at the beginning is one I’ve had as a favorite for years.

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 Last Way Home by Liz Johnson review

 Title:  The Last Way Home 

Author:  Liz Johnson

Pg:  368

Series: Prince Edward Island Shores book 2

Genre:  Christian Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

    The last way home by Liz Johnson is the second book in the Prince Island shores Series. And while I didn’t love it as much as the first one in the series, I didn’t enjoy reading about a hockey player get a second chance. This one’s a bit of a prodigal son retelling.

Every time I read one of Liz’s Prince Edward Island books, I feel like I’m there. The setting is just as much a part of the story as the hero and heroine. And the secondary characters don’t feel secondary. And I’m looking forward to the final brother’s story in 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.

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.

Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor review

 Title:  Beautiful Little Fools 

 Author:  Jillian Cantor

 Pg:  336

 Genre:  Historical mystery, classic retelling

 Rating: 4 stars

 Publisher: Harper Perennial

 

I have to say this is the first The Great Gatsby retelling that I have actually enjoyed. Though I've only read three this one being the third one. I didn't finish one and I muddled through the other one only to be disappointed.  But Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor was everything I wanted in a Gatsby retelling.  Including the title being taken from my favorite line in the book. And being told from the point of view of the women in the novel. Daisy, Jordan, Catherine, and Myrtle. 

The Great Gatsby has been one of my favorite books since I first read it as high school junior sitting in classroom in the same town Daisy and Jordan grow up in. Heck I even had my senior prom at the hotel were Daisy gets married in the book.  After reading Gatsby I wanted more about Daisy I wanted her backstory. And Jillian Cantor gave me that even though I'm pretty sure it's not the backstory that Fitzgerald would have given her, but I loved it.  Though I will admit it doesn't change the opinion my sixteen-year-old self had of Daisy but It did help me understand her.  

 

I hope Beautiful Little Fools is just a taste of The Great Gatsby retellings we have to look forward to. Since this is a mainstream historical fiction there is language and some steamy scenes.

 

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 Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep review

 Title:  The Thief of Blakcfriars Lane

Author:  Michelle Griep

 Ch: 33

 Pg:  320

Genre:  Christian Historical mystery, romance

 Rating: 4 stars

 
Publisher: Barbour

 

I’m not going to lie I picked the one of because the title and cover were giving me Sherlock Holmes vibes. But The Thief of Blackfriars lane was so much more than that. I was hooked for the first page. But while reading it also gave me Oliver Twist vibes as well.

Constable Jackson Forge had a chip on his shoulder, and he was trying to prove himself. Kit Turner’s an “thief” with a heart of gold. Neither trust the other but they’re going to need each other to solve a crime and save Jackson’s job.

But I have to say Kit Turner was my favorite I loved her spunk and her sass. Historical fiction needs more sassy and spunky heroines. And I wish this one had a sequel. I want more Kit and Jackson adventures.

Fans of Rachel McMillan’s Herrington and Watts mysteries will enjoy this 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.

 

A Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon Review

 Title:  A Pumpkin Spice Killing

Author:  Lynn Cahoon

Ch: 8

Pg:  75

Series: Farm to Fork mystery 5.5

Genre:  Cozy mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Kensington

 

8 by Lynn Cahoon is part of the Farm to Fork Mystery series. However it is not part of the main series, it's one of the in between novellas. And it doesn't have to be read in order. Though I do recommend at least waiting to read it after book 4 as some of the characters in the novella don't get introduced till book four. I will say that this mystery was the one that had me the most emotional out of all of the ones in the series. I think it's in part to the fact that the targets of this one are Veterans, Veterans without any family it seems. And they have a soft spot in my heart.   This novella though on the slower side pacing wise it was till a fast read.  

 

 

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.

A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris review

 Title:  A Time to Swill

Author:  Sherry Harris

Ch: 40

Pg: 204

Series: Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon mystery book 2

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3.5 stars

Publisher: Kensington

 

A Time to Swill is the second book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series by Sherry Harris about the librarian turned half bar owner Chloe. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book in the series.  And I think that is due in part to the fact that the mystery was a a cold case one so to speak.  It was also a little slower paced than the first book in the series, but I did enjoy getting to know the characters better.   I am looking forward to the next book in the  series to see what other mystery Chole finds herself involved in. 

 

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 Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey reviews

Title:  The Cider Shop Rules

Author:  Julie Anne Lindsey

Ch: 27

Pg:320 

Series: A Cider Shop Mystery book 3

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Publisher: Kensington

 

The Cider Shop Rules I just love that puny title by Julie Anne Lindsey is the third book in the A Cider Shop Mystery series. And I have to say it’s my favorite of the three.  Winnie's finally found her footing and Sheriff Colton's finally grown on me, and Granny's feisty as ever.  The fall setting adds to the story as Cider goes perfect with fall. You get to see more emotion from Colton through its jealously. Just like with the previous books in this series you get more than the mystery you get a story of small town life and the people who make up this fictional small West Virginia farming town. Not only do you want to solve the mystery with Winnie, you want to visit with her friends and neighbors as well. This series is best read in order otherwise you will spoil yourself. 

 

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.

Draw and Order by Cheryl Hollon review

 Title:  Draw and Order

Author:  Cheryl Hollon

Ch: 43

Pg:  336

 Series: A Paint and Shine book 2

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Kensington

 

Draw and Order is the second book in the Paint and Shine series by Cheryl Hollon.  In this one Miranda Trent is still doing her painting tours while trying to get her moonshine distillery up and running. But it ends up being one thing after another trying to stop her. I enjoyed this one more than I did the first one, and I think it's because it was able to focus more on the mystery aspect and Miranda's business because so much of the character development took place in the first book.  

I love cozy mysteries, and I especially love the ones set in my home state of Kentucky and write the characters and state in a truthful light. And Cheryl did that.  Miranda is a character that reminds me of myself in many ways especially the childhoods   of running barefoot around the family farm. I spent a many childhood summer days doing just that.  What stood out to me was seeing my great aunt's name as a character in the book, Miranda's aunt Ora Cable does indeed have a name that fits in Kentucky farming country.  This is the first time I've seen that name in a book.  It's tidbits like that that make the Kentucky setting and people come alive.  I look forward to the next book in the series.



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 Chase by Lisa Harris review

Title:  The Chase

Author:  Lisa Harris

Ch: 31

Pg:  420

Series: U.S. Marshals # 2

Genre:  Christian  suspense

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

The Chase by Lisa Harris picks up three months after book one The Escape ends and even though this  series contains three standalone stories with the same characters with its own suspense thread there is an overall suspense thread that goes through all the books in the series.  Book one ended in a cliff hanger even though one part of the story was solved. So it is important that you read these books in order.   I enjoyed this one more than I did the first book though I loved both. But this one moved faster, and I think it's due in part to the characters of US Marshal's Madison and Jonas having already been developed and they have settled into  their partnership. 

 

 When it comes to suspense series this is my favorite kind, the kind in which there's an overall arching suspense arc through all the books in the series connecting them that way. But then each book with the same main characters are not have a suspense thread that is wrapped up by the end of the book. But this series has been neat in the sense that each book has also focuses on different aspects of what the Marshal's do such as this book focuses on serving warrants and fugitives. I'm looking forward to the final book in the series to see how the series arc ends.  

 

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

Curse of the Specter Queen by Jenny Elder Moke review

Title:  Curse of the Specter Queen

Author:  Jenny Elder
Moke

Ch: 40 plus epilogue

Pg:  340

Series: Samantha Knox book 1

Genre:  YA Historical Fiction

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Disney- Hyperion

 

I enjoyed the Curse of the Specter Queen it gave me Indiana Jones and The Mummy Vibes with a strong and determined heroine. I loved Sam. A bookworm who may finally get her own chance to have an adventure. She reminded me of a younger Evie from The Mummy.

I loved Jenny’s first book Which was a Robin Hood retelling so I knew that I would love this one as well. She writes strong heroines that are true to the time period that their story takes place in. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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. 

 

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin review

Title:  Through Waters Deep

Author:  Sarah Sundin

Ch: 46

Pg:  376

Series: Waves of Freedom

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

After reading Though Waters Deep  by Sarah Sundin I again wonder why I waited so long to read Sarah's books even though this is now the fifth book that I've read. As someone who loves Navy history I blame it on being the granddaughter of a Navy Sailor and the Daughter of a Marine.  And who also loves mysteries, this book was right up my ally. 

 

Mary Stirling was at the Boston Navy Yard as a secretary and Jim Avery is an Office in the Navy they are old friends from back home when a mystery at the yard has them both working together to solve it. And though the course of it they both begin to see the other in a new light. Sarah has done another thing I didn't think an author would ever be able to get me to do, and that's end up loving a friends to more story. That has always been my least favorite troupe. But apparently if there's any other who can get me to read it and love it, it's Sarah.    Through Waters Deep at least for me was the perfect balance of history, mystery and romance.  What I've grown to love about Sarah's books is that even though they are historical fiction her heroines aren't damsels in distress though they are true the 40s setting they are quite capable in their own right while dressing in the awesome dresses of the period.   

 

Sarah writes hero and heroines that reflect the real life men and women whom we've come to know of as the greatest generation and she does without dismissing those real life heroes.  And even though there are some who would want us to forget women helped us win the war at home and aboard.    And with Through the Waters Deep Sarah again proves why she is my go to author for WWII fiction. I just wonder what I'm going to do when I make it through her back list and have to wait like everyone else for another book.

 

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.

A Storied Trail by Ann H Gabhart review

Title:  Along a Storied Trail

Author:  Ann H. Gabhart

Ch: 37

Pg:  362

Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

 

Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart is my favorite book I’ve read about the pack horse librarians. It’s also the only one I’ve read that seems to be the most truthful to history and the pack horse librarians. Which I knew I could count on with Mrs. Gahbart all of her Kentucky novels ring true to Kentucky history.

I loved Tansy’s spunk determination and love of books. And Caleb was such a dashing hero. And the secondary characters just added to the story especially Perdita Sweet and her cat. As well as the pack horse librarians even though they weren’t the focus as much as Tansy’s story but it’s nice to see that all the librarians were local women. In staying true to history.

Along a Storied Trail also brings to life the mountain people who benefited and had a chance at literacy which was one of the points of the pack horse librarians as well as to give women in Eastern Kentucky jobs and I love that this novel highlighted that and brought one of my favorite parts of my states history to life.

 

I received a complimentary copy   from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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. 

Review of Murphy's Slaw by Elizabeth Logan

Title:  Murphy’s Slaw

Author:  Elizabeth Logan

Ch: 31

Pg:  304

Series: Alaskan Diner Series book 3

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Berkeley

 

Murphy's Slaw is the third book in the Alaskan Diner series by Elizabeth Logan and Charlie is basically an unofficial deputy of the Alaskan State troopers.  She didn't even have to butt in to be able to help solved this murder.  I have to say that this one might be my favorite of the series so far.  I think it has something to do with the fact that in this one the reader gets to feel even more like an Alaskan tourist because the trio gets to attend the Alaskan state fair granted it’s to solve  a murder.  But it’s still the fair.   And with the details the author provides it feels like your almost there. And after more than a year of no traveling I love even more to travel through the pages of a good book.  And this is my favorite puny title of the series. 

 

 

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.