Friday, August 29, 2025

BKFUNNEL/ THE MERMAID HOUR( BOOK #3) BY ANNE MARIE BENNETT

To find the way forward, she must follow the current of her own heart.

After losing her husband two years ago, bestselling children’s author Anna M. French retreated to Seahaven—a quiet coastal town in Maine, where sunrises soothe the ache of grief and a small town’s community still has the power to heal.

Anna’s days are filled with writing, sunrise walks by the sea, time with friends, and Mermaid Hour book readings for local children.

However, silence from the stepchildren she helped raise weighs heavily on her heart, a reminder that some good-byes cut deeper than others.

When Christopher Marsh, the talented yet creatively adrift illustrator of her mermaid books, arrives in Seahaven seeking new perspective, Anna’s carefully balanced world begins to shift.

Early morning sunrises with Chris kindle fresh inspiration and Anna must decide whether it’s possible to honor the past while making room for something new.

As the tides of creativity pull them closer, Anna and Chris must each navigate old wounds, creative doubts, and the possibility adding a new chapter to their lives

MY NOTES 5 Stars TITLED: Lovely Story

It was a story of grief, rebuilding lives and hope through story telling and visualizations ! Everything was so vividly written, even the sadness, angst, lost dreams and hope for the future.

The stories that Anna wove were beautiful, intelligent and telling. They looked for the best in everyone and it strongly touched those who encountered her and her stories.

Chris was her book illustrator whom she hadn't met in person before throughout all the books that he had drawn for her books. He was a kind, handsome man that she was afraid to grab a hold of. Even though her late husband, David had encouraged her to move forward. He made sure Anna knew that.

Her Bonus children through David, were such bittersweet children that are now adults. Loved ones that she was afraid to let go of. They present many challenges for a while. They had totally cut her off, like she never existed. I felt for her and the loss of children in her life. But the author showed so clearly that she still did have a chosen family now in Seahaven. A family that chose her. And her Mermaid story time visits to different places, invited and inspired so many children and their families in her life. Great story.

I also enjoyed the Discussion Questions at the end of the book.

I also picked up for free on Amazon, her book called, " Sea Glass Memories." AMAZON LINK

Thursday, August 28, 2025

BKFUNNEL/DEADLY SILENCE - (Silence Jones Action Thrillers) by ERIK CARTER

Book Cover

SOME GUARDIAN ANGELS LURK IN THE SHADOWS.

Silence Jones is the voiceless assassin who criminals fear, the legendary equalizer who some don’t even believe is real.

As a city is ravaged by a series of arsons, Silence uncovers a chilling connection to an episode from his past—an implosion of dark circumstances that forged Silence into the shadowy avenger he is today.

To have any chance at stopping the vicious attacks, Silence will have to confront not only a ruthless enemy but also a devastating chapter of his life he’s tried desperately to forget.

MY REVIEW- 5 STARS TITLED: Winner

I absolutely loved this book. Silence Jones, was a, at times tragic figure but with a overcoming spirit even against incredible odds. It wasn't long before I was rooting FOR him ! Deep down, he Was still a good man. Even though it was also a vengeance and vigilantly story too !This was my first time reading this series but now I will read more !

Well written, great details with a minimum of gore. Great fight scenes. A winner in my humble opinion !

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

bkfunnel/ A Spinster Worth Loving: A Historical Romance Novel (Unexpected Brides Book 2) by Elizabeth Everly

Book Cover AMAZON LINK

Book 2 of 2: Unexpected Brides

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FN7F8DJY

213 PAGES

Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 20, 2025

"All her life, Emma did what she was told… until love taught her to speak."

Emma Jenkins has always faded into the background; quiet, obedient, unseen. But when a stranger arrives with questions about her family’s past, he sees her. Truly sees her…

Graham Barrow expected to find a lost heiress, not a young woman treated like a servant in her own home. Drawn to her strength and silenced spirit, he vows to help her uncover the truth, and claim the life she was never allowed to live.

A story of quiet defiance, buried secrets, and the unexpected love that sets a woman free.

* If you love strong characters and stories that make you feel everything, this Regency romance is for you. it’s a tender marriage of convenience tale full of passion, surprises, and slow-burn longing.

There’s no cheating, no cliffhangers, just a sweet, deeply satisfying happily ever after that will leave you swooning.

Available now, and free to read with Kindle Unlimited!

"All her life, Emma did what she was told… until love taught her to speak."

Emma Jenkins has always faded into the background; quiet, obedient, unseen. But when a stranger arrives with questions about her family’s past, he sees her. Truly sees her…

A story of quiet defiance, buried secrets, and the unexpected love that sets a woman free.

review titled: A Tender Love that overcomes all the Lies

Graham was quite the surprise. Emma's first meeting with him proved to startle her and not trust him. But turns out he really was a good guy ! It takes Emma quite a while to see that in him but when she does, she falls hard ! Graham was the first to fall hard for Emma. Even with her dowdy clothes and her beautiful hair, scrapped back off her face, But, that silvery eyes, got his attention right away !

As he hangs around, he gets an eye full of what's been going on in that household ! And none of it is good ! He plans on correcting that and he ends up doing just that in some pretty clever ways ! Ooh, that Aunt and cousin of hers made me SO mad !

Treating her like a "slave" in her own home, giving her servants quarters, little personal money, giving her dowdy hand-me down dresses, and just in general, making her look as ugly as possible. Hey, why let her get married or do anything that would take her away from being their servant. That's what they always thought. They WEREN'T happy to see Graham enter the picture and did everything that they could to prevent him from interfering. That is until the cousin took it upon herself to try to snare Graham, the rich, handsome YOUNG, man. She put Emma in some pretty dangerous situations through her greed and jealousy.

Her father, was blissfully unaware of what was going on with Emma. She was protecting him because he had been so critically ill. Lies, abound in that household but they will be exposed. And when they do? Oh, boy, it's awesome how the tables get turned !

I adored the happy ending that Emma and Graham get with just a little bit of sadness but a whole lot of joy also at the end.

The General's Princess Kindle Edition by Caryn Hacker-Buechel /Gen. Ed Dyer (ret.) (Introduction)

The General's Princess Ge Gen. Ed Dyer (ret.) (Introduction) n. Ed Dyer (ret.) (Introduction)

648 PAGES

AMAZON LINK

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 23, 2025

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DV21MS9L

Publisher ‏ : ‎ MindStir Media

Cara is almost fifty, and nearly penniless. She needs a fresh start and when a unique job falls in her lap, she moves to Saudi Arabia to work for the royal family, never dreaming the change would quickly spiral into a nightmare where she is alone and powerless, trapped in the crosshairs of a human trafficking ring.

The unlikely kidnapping of a young, American female triggers a risky military rescue with General Sam Kennedy leading the Special Forces team into Riyadh, ultimately throwing Sam into Cara’s world where she is enmeshed in the spinning wheels of this deadly rescue mission, managed from the White House Situation Room, and exploding in real time within the opulent Royal palace.

Unravel the threads of survival, courage, and unexpected love in this gripping tale of resilience against the odds.

https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=B0DV21MS9L

TITLED- Wow, I stayed up all night to finish this great book! I couldn't put it down !

Now, it might not be for everyone because there is some hard parts to it but if you dare to read it, there's much more good parts.
Assad I didn't like right off the bat. He felt smarmy. Rich but not to be trusted. As he reminisces about his Omi (mother), I almost felt bad for him. ALMOST ! Too bad that Cara did trust Assad! I really loved the phrase that Assad slithered into position to attack. Reminded me so strongly as a slithering snake. I was almost waiting for him to hiss !
To anyone who needs to know, there is a psychic that shows up in the beginning chapter of this book. I didn't care for that part but then the story took off and I was glad that I kept reading. This story does go back and forth between 1990 and the current time of 2005. It wasn't hard to follow even when following the main characters.
The kidnapped American Kyle Hazelton, was one beautiful, feisty woman. She was kidnapped by and bought by Assad. He figures he can use her any way he wants. Buddy, it's not going to be that easy! Sure, you get a few wins in but that's all you're gonna get ! America's coming after you. And their not kidding around. You took an American. An American senator's daughter, who has a whole, deadly arsenal of friends. A General, Sam also plays a pivotal part in this story and there wasn't one thing that I disliked about him. Well, he was married having an affair but that is worked out to the two people's satisfaction.
Hakim, was someone that I wasn't sure about, but as the story went on it became clear just who he was rooting for ! And I wasn't totally sure what happened to Hakim at the end of the story. It wasn't looking good for his length of days on this earth.
I agreed with Kylie that Layla, Kareem's girlfriend, was nothing more than n upscale, gilded caged Madam in a whore house ! Ooh, Layla didn't like that ! She MIGHT have redeemed herself at the end.
Prince Farooq, was a tool. Princess Yamina, tried to seduce Kylie at least 2 times. But she also protected her several times too.
There was great military information about weapons, situations, strategies, and battle plans.
I had a continuing question in my mind throughout the book. Just WHO is the General? And WHO is the daughter? I loved that and how the book ended. It had ultimate victory for most of the people.
By the way, the eBook cover is the first thing that caught my attention enough to read the book information.

Monday, August 25, 2025

AMAZON/ Bad Date: A Short Story BY ELLERY LLOYD

AMAZON 58 PAGES

Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2025

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F3DTZ9H9

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Original Stories

An online flirtation between two apparent strangers takes a deliciously wicked turn in a twisty short story about love, obsession, and deadly deceptions by the author of The Club.

Fay Roper is a divorced single mom and a globally famous actress. She’s also unlucky in love. Maybe because the last thing Fay wants in a man is yet another superfan. But somehow, every time she has a boyfriend who isn’t a stalker, he abruptly disappears from her life. With the help of her best friend and right-hand woman, Poppy, Fay decides to change the game and join an exclusive new dating app under a false identity. A subscriber named Oliver takes the bait. But Oliver likes to play games too. And only one of them can win.

(4 Stars) MY REVIEW- TITLED: An ODD Little Story

It starts out like a podcast with Fay and Poppy as the main characters.As it turns out, it was ! Fay is the main center of focus but with her best friend and assistant Poppy also in strong focus. At first, when I started reading the first part of the beginning, I felt like scratching my hear. BUT, things began to be much clearly fairly soon. When Wolf (Faye's son) is introduced, I thought this 14 year old is certainly strange ! Bent in his thinking and living.

When Ollie shows up in the story, fairly quickly I thought, what a weird guy. Things intensify into more mysteries and justices that when the end came, I just went, "Wow !" Ingenious !

Sunday, August 24, 2025

DONE/BKsprout/Darkest Desire: A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance (The Dark Mafia Book 2) by Ivy Davis

Darkest Desire: A Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance (The Dark Mafia Book Two) BOOKSPROUT LINK TO PAGE

I never knew the devil was real… until I married him.

Nico Bernardi is a ruthless mafia boss.

He’s also the man I’m forced to marry.

When my uncle makes the deal, I have no choice but to follow.

I have to save my younger sisters and this is the way.

Nico whisks me away to Italy, introducing me to new nightmares I never thought imaginable.

But also new pleasure I never thought possible.

I find myself torn for my new husband.

How can someone be both the devil and an angel?

And how can I love someone like that?

If I don’t find a way, I will never be safe.

Hosted by Ivy Davis's review team

Note from the Author

Thank you so much for taking the time to review my book! Darkest Desire is the second book in the dark mafia series but can be read as a standalone.

Must review on:

Amazon

Optionally review on:

Bookbub

File(s) available:

EPUB (Send via email & download)

PDF (Send via email & download)

My Review notes- 5 stars. TITLE: A Dark Romance

I liked this as it started out. Nico was amused by his future bride. Sasha is not. She continues to run from Nico and he loves her spunk. He's also patient which infuriates her. Her Uncle, Denis, who acts like an evil version of her murdered father, forces her into the marriage by threatening her younger sisters and her mother. Her sisters, the uncle continues to hurt them all no matter what but it'll get worse if she continues to refuse. Her uncle was a nasty piece of I hate bullies and he went right up to the top of that chart. Of course, he won't be the only one. Every man seems to want to sully Sasha but Nico isn't having it and has saved her many times. He killed when people hurt her. He said he would protect her and he did.

There were some dark elements that I didn't like and there will be plenty of pre-marital sexual "encouragements". Though, they are already married, Nico refuses to "rape his wife." There were several other men, bold enough to try it though. Doesn't end well for any of them.

I did like Nico and Sasha's style of happily ever after with the openings for more rescues and justice being served. Made me wonder what was going to happen to the new leader of the Irish mob and Nico. Also how well things will go between Nico and Sasha's older sister's husband. They hate each other but reluctantly form an alliance. All looks pretty interesting !

Saturday, August 23, 2025

KINDLE/ a rock and hard place by James Harper

PRIVATE-EYE EVAN BUCKLEY’ isn't used to getting something for nothing. So when an unexpected windfall lands in his lap, he’s intrigued. Not least because he can’t think what he’s done to deserve it. Written off by the police as one more sad example of mindless street crime, Evan feels honor-bound to investigate, driven by his need to give satisfaction to a murdered woman he never knew.

Only available for subscribers to the author's emails.

GenresMysteryThriller

Kindle Edition

This edition

Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B0DTZYFD5B
MY NOTES: 5 STARS RATING
A really good book. Intriguing start ! It kept me wanting to know more, so I followed the breadcrumbs. It really gets interesting and his friend in the police department, Kate Gillory, has me wondering if Evan and her will ever be more than just friends. Lover's maybe? He seems to still be grieving over the loss of his wife Sarah and anything related to Paris hurts him. Definitely got me now.
Maeve Delaney , the new girlfriend, spiked up my suspicion radar right off the bat. But did she really murder her boyfriend's not divorced wife? Tricky situation ! I'm not sure so the ending was quite the unexpected twist. I loved that while I also felt sorry for the culprit too !
The title choice becomes really clear at the end of the book and makes total sense. If I was giving a online review I would be giving it 5 Stars.

There's a free book offer... Bad to the Bone. I got the free copy. Plan on reading it as soon as I can.

Nervous breakdowns, were also involved but I'm not adding that to my review to the author. on 8-23-25 I sent an email response to his newsletter showing my review notes. I can also use the same newsletter for reviewing Bad to the Bone.

AUG 26/BKSPROUT ARC/ Rebuilding with the Rockstar Daddy Book 3 of The Ashford Landing Collection BY KYRA LANG (KINDLE)

Rebuilding with the Rockstar Daddy

We were a summer fling with forever potential—until he vanished.
Now he’s back, living ten feet away and lighting me on fire.

Rick Hayes and I had two perfect weeks. Then he ghosted—no goodbye, no explanation.
While he chased fame, I chased a toddler.

Now I’m back in Ashford Landing with my daughter, standing knee-deep in peeling wallpaper and broken memories, trying to salvage the inn that raised me.
And thanks to some cruel cosmic joke, he owns ten percent of it.

He’s older now. Quieter. Still maddening.
And when he looks at me like I’m the melody that’s been stuck in his head, my resolve wavers.

We work side-by-side—late nights, lingering glances, brushes of skin that feel like déjà vu.
It’s getting harder to remember why I swore I’d never forgive him.

But Rick doesn’t know my biggest secret.
The reason I can’t let him all the way back in.

The little girl upstairs with his eyes… and a heart just as breakable as mine.

Review on at least 1:

Amazon

File(s) available:

EPUB (Send via email & download)

MY NOTES- Titled: Maggie almost steals the whole show

Emotional, with angst, sadness, love and a great mother daughter team. Rick has missed so much with his daughter Maggie, that he doesn't know that is his. And what a old beyond her years sharp, funny, endearing little girl ! She stole the show ! Did you know that squirrels wear armor ?? She comes up with some great lines, so many there's no way I can share more of them. She is tough, look you in the eyes direct, not giving an inch and also loving and protective of her mother, Roxie . They are a team, a team against the world. And Roxie will take on the world to protect her daughter especially from the guy who left her at the non-mercy of her parents. Ugly people, the way they threw her and her unborn child away. She never asks for help. even. Until her tough, savvy, free wheeling, cousin Sadie refuses to back down and helps her. At first from that "Evil Rick." All of them contributed some Hilarious conversations ! And Sadie suddenly has HER eyes on a man in Ashford Landing and she goes after what she wants and always gets it !

I absolutely LOVED this book and the back and forth bickering between Roxie and Rick. Even, Maggie tells someone, "Yes, they fight over EVERYTHING" It later mainly turns into bickering and not the original hate from Roxie.

The Epilogue was great and I loved how it ended. Would I read anything else from this author? Absolutely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Friday, August 22, 2025

I NEVER GOT IT bought on Amazon/ARC AUG 21/ Surprise Twins for the Mafia Prince: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Vegas Vows + Vendettas Book 1) BY WILLA WILDE

AMAZON Book 1 of 2: Vegas Vows + Vendettas

Dario Andretti & Paige Dawes are the main people of this story.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FJJ5CDJW

354 PAGES

Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 21, 2025

What do you do when you find out your one night stand is a mafia prince?
You run. Fast.
Except now, I’m pregnant with his twins.

I should’ve known better than to get involved with the enemy.
I went to Vegas to forget my troubles and let loose for once in my life.

When I met him, he was just a dark-haired, green-eyed stranger who made my heart race and my knees weak.

A sexy glance turned into his hands exploring my body on the dance floor.
Which turned into showing him my o-face in the penthouse. All night.

The next morning I wake to flawless tan skin against the crisp white hotel sheets.
My heart drops when I see his tattoo. The mark of the Andretti family.
The family that destroyed mine.

I had to get the hell out of there.
But I didn't cover my tracks as well as I thought.
Now Mr. Tall, Dark, and Angry is standing in my living room, demanding answers.

Dario Andretti is ruthless and dangerous.
Not to mention furious, now that he knows I’m pregnant with his twins…

MY REVIEW: 5 STARS TITLED: Hot hate between one-night stand Dario & Paige ?

Really?

I have to say that I loved the eBook cover ! And the story was really good and even deeper than I had hoped for ! Dario was so much more than his darker reputation. And Paige was tiny but Dario soon discovers that she has fire in her bones and a an unmatched fury when it comes to her discovering who he is. A hated Andretti ! Turns out her hate,her fire turns him on. She doesn't seem one bit afraid of him and he really likes that. No way is she going to go anywhere with him peacefully ! Turns out she doesn't have much of a choice. She has ups and downs when it comes to her softening to Dario and she worries about her future and the future of her babies.

This story has plenty of heat, danger, lies and out-right surprises. The end surprise is a doozy. Which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the Epilogue, a lot.

Thursday, August 21, 2025

ARC/The Fern Valley Cold Case by Ashley Hollow

AMAZON

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FKCT3GXZ

PAGES 160

Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 28, 2025

An old, blood-stained copper box.
A 150-year-old cover-up.
Bones buried in the wall of a basement.

When Ethel Cromwell discovers an old box hidden beneath the town library, she has no idea what she’s about to unravel. Inside lies the key to Fern Valley’s oldest, and most carefully kept secret. With the support of her curious band of amateur sleuths and one very reluctant sheriff, Ethel follows a trail of forgotten passageways, dusty journals, old wills, and shady land deals that never should have seen the light of day.

With her trademark wit, fierce loyalty, and a pinch of mischief, Ethel pushes past the warnings and the threats from the descendants of the town fathers. As the truth begins to surface, so does a body long hidden… and a conspiracy that could destroy the families who founded Fern Valley.

Can Ethel piece it all together in time to preserve the town’s history, or...will someone find her old bones buried in a wall as well?

MY REVIEW- 5 STARS Clever, Funny, Intelligent Mystery

Ethel Cromwell , what a gal ! I absolutely adored her ! She is one sharp widow with some really good helpers when it came to friends who helped her solve these mysteries. Yes. I said mysteries because there really were a few of them.

The mayor is shifty, not like Ethel's late husband, who was a great mayor before he died. He did have a secret of his own that he hadn't shared with Ethel, which surprised and hurt her at first. But her late husband had gotten rid of a lot of corruption in the city before he passed. Too bad, I was suspicious of the current mayor.

I enjoyed it all. Especially liked some of the unexpected allies and uncovering of some of the unknown motives and hidden places that information was hidden. Very clever. I adored the fact that the "old people" got together and got things done !!!

There is one mystery left at the end that now Ethel feel like she JUST needs to solve. I hope to read more about Ethel and her gang !

I received a free copy of this book, and I'm thrilled that I did.

HOOPLA/Now or Never #31 by Janet Evanovich

on AMAZON

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CV1QC4QW

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atria Books

PAGES 316

Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2024

Part 31 of the Stephanie Plum series

The latest Stephanie Plum novel from #1 New York Times bestseller and "the most popular mystery writer alive" (The New York Times) Janet Evanovich.

Stephanie Plum, New Jersey's hardest working, most under-appreciated bounty hunter, returns with a bang in her latest adventure. While Stephanie's personal life is hanging by a thread, a killer case lands on her doorstep that changes everything. Full of humor and suspense, Now or Never proves that a new book from #1 bestselling writer Janet Evanovich is always right on time.

MY REVIEW- 4 STARS TITLE - Not the end

I want to start off by saying that I really liked the cover of this eBook. Also that this is my first book reading the Stephanie Plumb series. I liked it and the fact that it was about a woman bounty hunter. Not a perfect one but it is full of humor and suspense as promised. Easy to read and her family and friends are a hoot. Her see-sawing between two men, Ranger and Morelli sure made things interesting. I enjoyed both of them. I could see why her decision might be a hard one. She will have to make a decision so though. Mr. Big, the dog, what a good surprise he was !

Her best friend who works at the same place as Stephanie is described as a former ho. She's colorful, loud and up anything with and for Stephanie. She's the funniest person in the whole book besides Stephanie's grandma. But I'm not saying that her family is totally normal but they love her and are great additions.

Herbert. Never saw him coming. Weird, nerdy, generous and made me wonder what was up with him. He just kept showing up with "stuff" for Stephanie. He bribed the super to get into her apartment and would just do big things for her like painting her apartment !!! Had everyone scratching their heads right along with me !

Great ending and I liked how the last words on the page said,

Not the end.

------------

Personal note- altho I liked the book, I probably won't be quick to read another one in this series.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Amazon Free/Trudy, Madly, Deeply: A Humorous Cozy Mystery (A Working Stiffs Mystery Book 1) by WENDY DELANEY

AMAZON

Book 1 of 10: A Working Stiffs Mystery

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01486X7VU
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sugarbaker Press
PAGES 317
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 20, 2015
Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd

Meet Charmaine Digby, human lie detector.

Char's eager to put her ability to the test as the county coroner's new investigative assistant. But she sure never expected she’d need her eye for lies to solve a murder!

Of course, that was before she was given her first assignment. Interview the hunky doctor reporting the suspicious death of Trudy, a family friend and one of several elderly patients at the hospital whose heart mysteriously stopped.

Coincidence? More likely, there’s a murderer on the loose!

In hot pursuit of the truth, Char’s on the case, much to the irritation of her cop buddy, who doesn't want her to stick her nose in his investigation. But she had better keep her eyes open or the next body on the way to the morgue could be hers!

If you enjoy small town charm, quirky characters of all ages, and mysteries with a splash of romance, you’ll love Trudy, Madly, Deeply. Grab this fun cozy today and start reading!

Trudy, Madly, Deeply is book 1 in the award-winning Working Stiffs Mystery series.
While the books can be read out of order, starting with Trudy, Madly, Deeply is recommended as some story threads run from book to book.

The Working Stiffs Mystery series:
Trudy, Madly, Deeply (#1)
Sex, Lies, and Snickerdoodles (#2)
There's Something About Marty (#3)
You Can't Go Gnome Again (#4)
Dogs, Lies, and Alibis (#5)
No Wedding For Old Men (#6)
Crazy, Stupid, Dead (#7)
A Kiwi Before Dying (#8)
Farewell, Mr. Lovely (#9)
Better Wed Than Dead (#10)

MY REVIEW- 10 STARS FOR TRUDY (title) Don't under estimate Char

"Char"what a great character and she does end up having a few men interested in her. While she irritated others. Steve was one of those that she did both. Lol. It made for an interesting/fun mix.

Detective Steve Sixkiller- what a great name. He's not glad to see her when she shows up at the station unannounced. But he KNOWS she wants something because she brought doughnuts ! He calls her, Chow Mein and a lousy liar. It's a nickname he gave her in 3rd grade. That name me smile. I also liked that I thought he probably was a Native American Indian, with that name. Turns out, he was. I liked that this nationality had a part in this great story. And he really enjoyed winding Char up as much as she also irritated him and for the most part he could see right through her. He was a great character.

It became clear to me very quickly, just why this was an award-winning series. I loved it and "most" of the people in it. I can't wait to read more in this series by this author !

READ NOW/NETGALLEY/ Revenge of the Sisters: A Tale of Retribution A Tale of Retribution (Regina of Warsaw Book 2) by Geri Spieler

book cover for Revenge of the Sisters: A Tale of Retribution AMAZON LINK

Part of Regina of Warsaw

Pub Date Jun 03 2025 | Archive Date Nov 15 2025

Speaking Volumes

Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction

Description

After Regina’s husband abandons her and their four children: One son and three daughters, in Chicago, Regina relocates to Los Angeles, where she faces financial struggles as a single mother to care for her children. Jewish Family Services place the girls in an orphanage—where they stay until they graduate and attend programs to acquire essential skills to support themselves.

Rose, Josephine, and Dorothy Butlaw attended University High School in Los Angeles, each with her own remarkable talent—Rose excelled in math, Josephine showcased artistic talent, and Dorothy had a knack for journalism. Unfortunately, their journeys were hindered by jealousy, anti-Semitism, and meanness, which often overshadowed their hard work and blocked them from the recognition and opportunities they truly deserved.

As the girls go on with their lives, there come random events that present a unique opportunity for each sister to get the payback for each person that got in their way.

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9798890223012
PRICE
PAGES	262

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (PDF)

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)

Send to Kindle (PDF)

Download (PDF)

Monday, August 18, 2025

AUG 12, 2025 /NETGALLEY- Just Another Dead Author: A Novel #2 by Katarina Bivald

Talking about this book? Use #JustAnotherDeadAuthor #NetGalley

The pen is mightier than the sword—but both are deadly in the wrong hands

When mystery author Berit Gardner agrees to attend a writer's conference in the idyllic French countryside, she dreams of basking in the sun and nurturing budding talent. But her vacation takes a dark turn when the keynote speaker—a notorious literary titan known for his biting critiques—drops dead at the end of her lecture. As whispers of foul play swirl, Berit quickly realizes she's stepped into a tangled web of jealousy, betrayal, and long-held grudges.

Enter the French commissaire, who is less than thrilled to have a curious author meddling in her investigation. But as the suspects pile up—each with their own motive for wanting the egotistical writer dead—she reluctantly recognizes Berit's sharp instincts could crack the case wide open. With a colorful cast of authors, agents, and aspiring writers all hiding secrets, the stakes rise higher with every clue uncovered.

To make matters worse, a tenacious young journalist vows to outsmart Berit and solve the mystery first, placing herself in the killer's sights. Now, Berit must navigate a maze of deceit and danger while trying to keep the ambitious reporter safe. With time running out and the killer lurking in the shadows, can Berit unravel the truth before her own story ends in tragedy?

AMAZON LINK 5 stars titled:Books & Author run amok, loved it

This was an awesome book that I would read over and over again !! Twists, turns surprises ! The cleverness of the main character was so realistic. And after I read the bio at the end of the book by Katarina Bivald I realized how closely the book mirrored her own cleverness, weariness and unrelenting friendships that she made along the way. Both Berit Gardner and Katarina. They were both intriguing people portrayed in the story !!! Even the people wanting to do Berit who thought she was too old for this, admired her !! There were times that Berit agreed with that too old a broad to be still doing this. I enjoyed the humor in this who dun it and the ending was great !! Did I have a suspect in mind as I read?? Yes. Did it eventually turn out to be true? Yes. But I enjoyed the whole trip. This was my first venture into this kind of story but I adored it !
5 STARS from me !!! Great eBook cover by the way !

Pub Date Jul 01 2025 | Archive Date Aug 26 2025/netgalley read now/ an irish summer by Alexandra Paige

book cover for An Irish Summer

Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction

Talking about this book? Use #IrishSummerAn #NetGalley

A new romantic comedy in which a young woman embarks on a summer adventure—and summer fling—in Ireland, perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens and Beth O’Leary.

Boston has everything Chelsea needs: her best friend, her family, a great job. She’s worked and lived at the same bed and breakfast since graduating college, and she relishes the sense of stability. That is, until she’s informed that O’Shea’s Bed and Breakfast is being sold and she has less than a month to find a new job and apartment. Desperate, she takes a summer gig at the B&B’s sister hostel in Galway, Ireland. It’ll be an adventure, she convinces herself, and it’ll give her some time to plan her Next Act.

As it turns out, Galway has everything Chelsea hates: nonstop rain, no iced coffee, shared bathrooms. Working at The Wanderer might grant her time and a few extra lines on her resume, but Chelsea can’t help but feel like she left her life back in Massachusetts. Her new coworkers, however, are determined to change her mind, especially the handsome and charming tour guide Collin.

Collin and Chelsea strike up a deal: he’ll show Chelsea everything Ireland has to offer, and only then can she pass judgement. Sure enough, Chelsea finds herself warming up to the hostel and Irish lifestyle… and falling for her charismatic new friend. But as the summer comes to an end, she finds herself torn between the familiarity of home and the tantalizing adventure of life abroad.

An Irish Summer is a heartfelt, transporting story perfect for readers looking for the thrill of moving away from home and the unique magic of summer love.

MY REVIEW- 5+ Titled: Storytelling Irish Style

I loved this Gaelic story of Chelsea Gold trying to find herself. And struggling all the way. So anxious to get back to her "real life" in Boston. Something that she explained often to her best friend, Ada and the "new people" in Ireland. Ada, was the best I loved how she interacted with Chelsea. She straightened out about things at first, and moments later lifted her up to the fact that she could be brave and do anything ! That helped her get on her way to the Wanderer hostel in Galway, Ireland. The owner of the hostel showed up from time to time in the story and I liked her too with her encouraging and welcoming ways. Collin Finegan, what a great character, he liked everyone and seemed to instantly hone in on Chelsea ! He was direct, teasing, charming, multi-skilled, funny and with a great accent that I could almost hear. I loved that. He was determined to show her how to love Ireland and as a tour guide for the hostel he had his ways ! And being a bartender at the I not just there. Lol. The scene with fish and chips that mentioned, malt vinegar made me want to go out and buy a bottle of it because I really forgot how much liked that on my fried fish !

Now, there was a great, direct funny new friend for Chelsea in the hostel, Italian gal named Flo. She was great ! Chelsea began to see her as her Irish Ada. And a fellow named Lars was a great addition to the working force of the hostel.

Chelsea, found that she really loved putting together some surprise pop-up special events for people visiting the hostel. She loved getting people what they wanted and was surprised how good she was at it. Even though other people noticed and made sure she knew it.

I'm glad that the "snapping of the fingers" wasn't mentioned very often in the book. Because I found it really annoying, and cheesy the way that on a TV program of NCIS, they did it several times. However. In this book, it did show where it could have come from. Approval in an Irish pub for some unusual poetry.

One of my favorite feelings in the story had to do with it being said that, things aren't always easy with blood relatives. But with chosen family there's more support and less disappointments. That feeling came out loud and clear for me.

I admired the scenery and places through Collin and Chelsea's eyes as well. Alexandra Paige did an awesome job, in my opinion.

By the way, great eBook cover, it made me look deeper.

I loved the Faerie storytelling that Collin both sang and spoke to the crowds and to Chelsea. Clever and compelling. They drew me in. And I loved how it was used in the ending to make the ending even more spectacular !

Thank you Netgalley and Alexandra Paige for this Irish Summer. I feel like I was really there !

Saturday, August 16, 2025