Review: The Strawberry Patch Pancake House

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an enjoyable read. The cozy little town of Dream Harbor is filled with quaint little stores and wonderful, friendly people. You feel like you just want to move right in and settle down with the awesome people who live there. Each store has an original, quirky name that just perfectly fits it. This story is surrounding the pancake house in the town. A world renown chef has come to town and has taken over the cooking at the pancake house. But as he tries to update the menu and make some changes to the old traditional items he is met with opposition. His life in this small town was supposed to be simple and temporary. Yet he finds that things become complicated, at the pancake house, with his daughter, and with his newly hired nanny. Things in his life is definitely going to change!

This one of a series of books about Dream Harbor but can easily be read as a standalone. You will laugh, cry, and thoroughly enjoy this cozy, romantic novel.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories

Skin and Bones: And Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories by Paul Doiron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even if you are not a fan of the Mike Bowditch series, I think you will enjoy this collection of short stories. Paul Doiron is a master storyteller, and he draws the reader into his books. I feel as though I know the characters and can feel the emotions as they speak. The descriptions of the wildlife and woodlands of Maine are so crisp that you can see them in your mind. I always come away from one of Paul's books feeling like I have just experienced a vacation in Maine.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: The Girls of Good Fortune

The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a remarkable story of a courageous, strong woman! Celia battles the hard trials of her life with such strong determination that you cannot help but cheer her on. From discrimination, to servantship, disgrace, and imprisonment in the Shanghai Tunnels, Celia never gives up. She is a warrior through it all and strives to overcome all obstacles.
A heartbreaking story that shows us the trials that the Chinese people endured. The unjust treatment of a people who only wanted a better life for themselves and their family.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

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Review: You Make It Feel Like Christmas

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the perfect cozy romance book. Great characters, that chemistry spark of love, and a touching storyline- what more could you want!
A heartwarming book that will draw you in from the first page.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: Peter Miles Has to Die

Peter Miles Has to Die by Katie Collom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an engaging story and a great debut novel for the author. A tangled web of emotions - angry, revenge, regret and remorse. These women who decide to take justice in their own hands find out that sometimes the avengers suffer also.
This plot was well done but for me it was slow moving. I found myself skimming over some pages to get ahead to the deeper part of the story. The characters were well defined, some likeable and some definitely not. But the reader did get a feel of the emotions of the women involved. And the ending was definitely an interesting turn. Was justice served? I'm still on the fence on that one!

Thank you Negalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

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Review: Sunburned

Sunburned by Katherine Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes when something seems too good to be true - it is. Audrey is called to meet with an ex-boyfriend to help find out who is blackmailing him. He is now a billionaire who promises her a very impressive fee as well as accommodations at his home on the swanky Caribbean Island of St. Barth’s. Audrey feels this will be a quick solve, a short trip and an excellent money maker. But when she gets to the island, she finds that this may take a lot longer than she planned. It is going to be really hard to figure out who dislikes Tyson enough to blackmail him since it seems everyone there could be a suspect. Everyone there has secrets, and no one is a fan of Tyson.

Well written, and very well executed this thriller will keep you guessing. A constantly changing thread of blackmail, murder, and hidden secrets. Actions that are fueled by feelings of anger, envy, jealousy, and revenge create the scene for a very revealing ending.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: The Blue Horse

The Blue Horse by Bruce Borgos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another incredible Porter Beck novel! Porter finds himself in the middle of a controversy over the management of wild horses. The Bureau of Land Management has started a program to round up the wild horses and move them to another area. While there are government officials who are heading up this program that are supporting it, there are also some very wealthy, important people that have formed a wild horse advocacy group to stop it. And it appears that they are willing to go to great lengths to stop the program - even murder.
As tempers explode, more people die, and the danger mounts, Porter is put to the test to put an end to it. With COVID rampant in his home and his office, Porter is stretched very thin. He is dealing with short staffing, sick family members, and people in all walks of life who want answers - including the government. Porter has never let them down and he won't give up until he brings it to an end.
This book is an exciting ride to an explosive ending that you will not want to miss!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: Joy Moody Is Out of Time

Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book that I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it as much as the first book. The main character Joy is an amazing woman. She manages a successful business, is raising two teenage daughters, and is an important contributor to her community. You cannot help but admire her. She is well loved by the business owners in her small cozy town and has developed some very strong friendships since she moved there.
Yet Joy has some serious secrets and there is a wild, crazy mystery that surrounds her. Everyone in town knows that Joy likes her privacy, but they have no idea what she has been hiding until she is dead! You will enjoy the surprises that are uncovered when Joy Moody runs out of time.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: All This Could Be Yours

All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tessa has it all now. A new home, a wonderful home, two great kids, and a bestselling novel. With her novel, #2 on the times bestseller list, she is living the dream of a novelist. Traveling from city to city on a tour promoting her book, she is adored everywhere she goes. Her character "Annabelle" has captured all of women's hearts. They all want to be like Annabelle!

Tessa is living the dream, until a stalker with secrets from her past comes into her life. Suddenly everything changes and Tessa must face fears that she never expected.

I have read many of Hank's books but I feel that this is by far her best one. This is one suspense-filled book that keeps you reeling until the end.
Don't miss this one!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

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Review: Prowl

Prowl by Colleen Coble
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another installment in the Sanctuary series and the captivating story of Paradise and Blake. And like all of Collen's books, the reader is not disappointed. The reader gets to experience mystery, murder, suspense and family values.

The plot drew me in immediately and the characters are so real that I feel that I know them all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

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Review: Wild Instinct

Wild Instinct by T. Jefferson Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wealthy young businessman is found dead in the woods, apparently mauled by a mountain lion. A search for the lion is started but is called off when it became apparent that the man was killed by man not animal.
Detective Lew Gale and his partner, Daniela Mendez are charged with finding out who killed this well-known man and why.
This is a suspense-filled mystery with many different plots in the background. Lew, a former Marine sniper, who came home with physical and mental scars is fighting personal battles. Daniela, a single Mom raising a teenage son has past sins and guilt issues. And the world of Bennett Tarlow III, the victim, is filled with greed, corruption, and hidden violence.
The author pulls all these plots together with a surprising and explosive ending. The historical facts about the Native American tribe, their beliefs, crafts and traditions are an extra bonus, giving the reader an insight into their lives.

Thank you to Negalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
I look forward to additional books by this author.

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Review: Elk Love: A Montana Memoir

Elk Love: A Montana Memoir by Lynne Spriggs O'Connor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elk Love is a story of leaving the city, and starting over in the plains of Montana with a touch of romance thrown in. The descriptions of the country, the animals, and the historical facts were very interesting. I found the storyline hard to follow as I felt that it was disjointed. There were some facts of her life that were too personal, added nothing to the story and should have been left out.
The audiobook that I listened to was narrated by the author herself. In this case, this was not an asset. There was no emotion as she read making the story flat. It felt as she was just reading a book, not telling a story.
I think the actual book would be a good read for someone who is interested in the Montana lands, animals and the people who live there.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook.

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Review: The Man in the Stone Cottage

The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very moving fictional story about the Bronte sisters and their family. These sisters who were writers that gave us such literary masterpieces had such a harsh and sad life. Yet through all their hardships, burdens and grief they had a strong sisterly bond.
The author's writing was so captivating! I felt as though I was on those moors, as Emily took her walks. I could see the cottage that the man lived in and experienced her emotions as she did. I cried with the sisters at their losses and felt their grief as if it was my own.
This was not just a fictional story, but I felt that it was a journey into the lives of Emily and Charlotte. A beautiful experience that left a lasting memory.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

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Review: Christmas People

Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute, cozy, Christmas story with a twist. Jill, a screenwriter want-to-be who is stuck in crummy jobs to pay the rent is looking for that one story that will help her make it big. When she decides to go home for Christmas, she finds herself in a spot. She is not in a Christmas mood, her mother is preparing for a big holiday, and her ex-boyfriend is also home for the holidays.
When she falls asleep in Santa's sleigh in the park, she wakes up in her town, but it has changed into a cozy, Christmas town. Suddenly, her life is turned upside, and she is going to have to endure it until she finds a way to get back home. Can she become a Christmas person? How will she ever get her life back? And does she really want it back?

Thank you to Negalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

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Review: The Rushworth Family Plot

The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great mystery adventure with Jonathan and Julie working together to solve the mystery. I love the London setting and the historical aspects were a great touch to the story. The sparks of romance are still there between Jonathan and Julie, and we are all awaiting the outcome.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

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Review: The Wives of Hawthorne Lane

The Wives of Hawthorne Lane by Stephanie DeCarolis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everyone that has heard of Hawthorne Lane knows that only the most prestigious people live there. It is the perfect neighborhood. Lovely homes, manicured lawns, and tastefully decorated. What the people can't see and don't know is what lies behind those perfect front doors. The secrets and imperfect families that live in those perfect homes.
On Halloween night, as everyone is enjoying the fall festival that takes place each year on Hawthrone Lane, the festivities are interrupted when a dead body is found. Everyone is devasted, and the rumors begin to fly. How could this have happened at Hawthorne Lane? As they begin to suspect each other, and distrust abounds, the dark secrets begin to come out. Yet as it all unravels, the wives of Hawthrone find they have more in common with each other than they thought. And the answers may be closer than they think.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: The Christmas Ring

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A heartwarming Christmas story centered around a special family heirloom, a Christmas Ring. Vanessa, a military widow meets Ben while she is searching for a ring that she lost on a skiing trip with her daughter. A bond forms between them as they find that they are both ready for a second chance at love. This special faith filled romance is filled all the wonderful things that make a memorable story. Karen Kingsbury never disappoints us! I am looking forward to the movie version of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: The Girl in the Green Dress

The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An exciting novel based on the real story of the unsolved deaths of Joseph Elwell and New Yorker writer Morris Markey. The author takes us into the 1920's dramatic lifestyle with a flair of fun, excitement, and murder.

Morris Markey has returned from the war, with no friends, and lots of past memories. He is an ambitious journalist looking for his one big story that will put him on top. A chance meeting with Zelda Fitzgerald and the murder of a gambler named Joseph Elwell might be the start of a new beginning for Morris. Zelda is looking for excitement, Morris is looking for a front-page story and they are both looking for the girl in the green dress. As they join forces, will they find out what really happened to Joseph Elwell?

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer by Ragnar Jónasson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The search for a missing author, by a detective who was a lover of books was a great plot. The author did an excellent job of holding your interest as the story bounced between two different timelines. The story moved along, and the two timelines were merged together well. I enjoyed the main plot, but the subplots in the story did not appeal to me. I was also disappointed in the ending, as I felt that I was left hanging without a closure to that part of the story. Perhaps a sequel is coming to finish out the endings of the subplots.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: The Widow

The Widow by John Grisham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleanor, a lonely widow, comes into the law office of Simon Latch with a simple request, she needs a will. This should be a very simple request, a cut and dry process for which Simon usually charges $250. But as Eleanor begins to talk with Simon, what started out as very simple soon becomes quite complicated.
Eleanor had already hired Simon's competitor to prepare a will for her, but she was not satisfied with his work. She felt that he was cheating her and taking advantage of a wealthy widow, so she wanted Simon to do a will for her. Simon was elated! Maybe finally his luck was going to turn, and he was going to finally get ahead. Yes, things were going to change for Simon. Major changes were coming, and Simon would be facing more trouble than he could have ever imagined.
This legal thriller will take you from pampering and dining an old widow, to murder charges, and courtroom convictions. Another great courtroom drama with twists from John Grisham.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: A Twist of Fate

A Twist of Fate by Se-ah Jang
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book was very aptly named as it was definitely a twist of fate, filled with twists and turns. The plot was well done, and the characters were not likeable but believable. About halfway through the book, I began to bore with the endless details and repetitions, so it was a slow read for me after that. But the ending was climatic and unexpected - an outstanding turn of events.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: The Hidden City

The Hidden City by Charles Finch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charles Lennox is asked to investigate some strange nightly events at the home of an old friend. As he delves into the mystery of these nightly occurrences he opens up some old secrets that have been hidden for years. Not just a one book with one mystery, but the unfolding of many mysteries this book takes the reader on a trip through parts of Victorian London that are amazing.
The plot is intriguing; the city descriptions are so realistic you feel you are there, and the characters draw you in. The author may have many threads going through the book, but he brings it all together in a perfect ending.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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Review: Tricks of Fortune

Tricks of Fortune by Lina Chern
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although this is the second book in a series, it is the first one that I have read. It was easy to read this as a standalone as I did not feel that there were enough references to the first book to hinder the story.
It was a fun read. A cozy mystery where a tarot card reading girl attempts to help solve a murder. A murder that her friend has been accused of. A different twist on crime solving but none the less it was an interesting read.
It was a quick, easy read and I would recommend it for an afternoon of binge reading.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book


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Review: Artificial Wisdom

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very thought-provoking novel that will stick with me for a while. Even though it takes place in futuristic 2050 it addresses so many of the same issues that we are dealing with today: AI, climate change, self-destruction and political espionage. The author takes us into the depths of the technology world with screens projected in our minds, near reality headsets, bots and artilects. Yet even with all the technology, the human factor is still present. As they battle to save the world, the greed, violence, and deceit is still prevalent. Can man make the best decision, or does he need to leave it to technology?

The plot was excellent and was very intriguing. I found it very easy to follow and held your attention. There were quite a few characters to keep up with and sometimes it was a little difficult, but the author kept it in line. The ending was not finite for me as it left a lot of questions unanswered. But that may be the opening for a second book, that I am not aware of.
I would definitely recommend this book for any sci-fi, mystery, or thriller reader.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.


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