REVEW: In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer

Title: In a New York Minute
Author: Kate Spencer
Narrator: Amanda Dolan and Neil Hellegers
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Publication Date: March 2022
Genre: Chick-Lit / Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: A clever, tender, and romantic novel for readers of Christina Lauren, Jasmine Guillory, and Sophie Cousens, this laugh-out-loud debut is a perceptive reminder that fate can have a sense of humor, and that love can happen…In a New York Minute.

Franny Doyle is having the worst day. She’s been laid off from her (admittedly mediocre) job, the subway doors ripped her favorite silk dress to ruins, and now she’s flashed her unmentionables to half of lower Manhattan. On the plus side, a dashing stranger came to her rescue with his (Gucci!) suit jacket. On the not-so-plus side, he can’t get away from her fast enough.

Worse yet? Someone posted their (entirely not) meet-cute online. Suddenly Franny and her knight-in-couture, Hayes Montgomery III, are the newest social media sensation, and all of New York is shipping #SubwayQTs.

Only Franny and Hayes couldn’t be a more disastrous match. She’s fanciful, talkative, and creative. He’s serious, shy, and all about numbers. Luckily, in a city of eight million people, they never have to meet again. Yet somehow, Hayes and Franny keep running into each other—and much to their surprise, they enjoy each other’s company. A lot. But when Franny’s whole world is turned upside down (again!), can she find the courage to trust in herself and finally have the life—and love—she’s always wanted?

My Thoughts: This story was so much fun! Great characters and an interesting story are what every reader seeks and In a New York Minute hits all the marks. It’s bad enough that Franny Doyle gets laid off from her job, but on her way home, her dress gets caught in the subway door and tears the dress exposing her backside. Yes, dig me a hole right here so I can crawl in and die from mortification. Fortunately for us, Franny does not. A handsome guy, who Franny nicknames "Hot Suit", gives her his suit jacket to salvage her modesty. A few tears are shed, she snots all over him, he gets off the train and she has no idea who he is or how she is going to return his jacket to him.

Unbeknownst to either one of them, the entire scene is recorded and appears on social media, making them instant celebrities. #SubwayQTs. At this point, I would be considering a change of identity and city. Instead, Franny meets her rescuer, Hayes Montgomery III, when they are invited to do a television interview and my first impression is he is kind of a stuffed suit, hot or not. The jacket is returned and really, is there any reason to think these two would meet again under any circumstances? Over the course of this story, not only do they cross paths multiple times, but are so dang stinkin’ cute, it got me right in the feels.

Franny is a wonderful character with great spirit and attitude and Hayes is like that box of chocolates Forrest Gump’s mother told him about. Not only was he not a stuffed suit, but he was also fabulous. The arrogant persona he presents to the world is the outer shell to protect the mushy center he keeps private.

This story was hilarious right from the start. The writing was spot on, but the narration performed by Amanda Dolan and Neil Hellegers was fantastic. They captured the essence and personality of these characters perfectly. The supporting characters Cleo, Lola, Eleanor and Perrine added to the fun of the story and New York City is a character in its’ own right. I want to go across the Brooklyn Bridge and eat at Grimaldi’s mainly to see if the Arizona locations actually do it justice.

My Final Verdict: This story is pure fluff, but it works! If you’re looking for something cute and light that doesn’t require a degree in rocket science to understand, give this one a try. This would have been a great rom-com movie from Nora Ephron.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of In a New York Minute from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The New Wife by Sue Watson

Title: The New Wife
Author: Sue Watson
Narrator: Tamsin Kennard
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 2021
Genre: Thriller / Mystery
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: You can never truly know what goes on behind closed doors…

My darling son, Sam, is marrying his childhood sweetheart and I couldn’t be prouder of the man he’s grown into. Walking out on his abusive father all those years ago was the best thing I ever did. And today he stands, tall and handsome, saying ‘I do’ to my dream daughter-in-law. If I hadn’t pushed them together all those years ago, he might never have found a girl as perfect as Lauren. It’s true what they say, mother always knows best.

But weeks later, Lauren is dead and police cars fill the driveway of their idyllic countryside home. As they question Sam, I sense he’s hiding something. Why won’t he look me in the eye? And who does he rush off to meet as soon as the police are gone?

Desperate, I do what every good mother would do: I let myself into Sam and Lauren’s bedroom. What I see, I will never be able to forget. My son’s beautiful new wife was hiding a dangerous secret. Can I clear my son’s name? And could my life be in danger now too?

A completely gripping, utterly twisted thriller that will leave your jaw on the floor. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Woman in the Window.

My Thoughts: What do you call a writer that authors a story that is fun, tugs on your heartstrings with all the feels and on a dime can switch to a story that holds you by the throat in a grip so tight that you are completely powerless to move or utter a sound? You call that author talented and not just talented but freaking brilliant and Sue Watson is such an author.

Her whimsical, fun and heartwarming stories are what drew me to this author in the first place, but her domestic thrillers and mysteries knock me down like an NFL linebacker and leave me wondering if I need a seatbelt for the very harrowing ride I am about to embark on.

With The New Wife, we are introduced to Georgie who has raised her son, Sam, as a single parent after leaving his abusive father. When Sam is still knee-high to a grasshopper, he meets Lauren on their first day in nursery school and for the next twenty plus years the Jackson and Moore families become the best of friends and even refer to themselves as The JackMoore’s. So, it comes as no surprise that Sam and Lauren grow up together, fall in love and get married.

The surprising part comes just a few months after the wedding, Lauren is dead, her broken and bloody body found at the foot of the stairs. It comes as no surprise that the first person to be under suspicion is Sam. The spouse is always the first suspect and I admit, I had my suspicions of him too. Another surprising part of this story is that every character in this book caused me to question their own involvement, including Sam’s mother! See what I mean about this author’s ability to draft a story that pulls you in so intensely?

When the final reveal comes, it’s not very surprising as it is more heartbreaking, especially because it didn’t have to happen that way and even with the conclusion, there really isn’t a happily ever after for anyone. My one and only issue with this book is there is a major cliffhanger thrown in at the end that I wish had been dealt with as it definitely creates more problems for the characters in this story.

I was fortunate to listen to the audiobook format and found the narration performed by Tamsin Kennard to be riveting and entertaining. The story is told from Georgie’s point of view and Ms. Kennard did a fantastic job capturing Georgie’s personality, spirit and emotions.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I highly recommend this story to fans of the author because, we love her stories and she’s a must read. If you haven’t read anything by Sue Watson yet, what are you waiting for? I also recommend this book to fans of the mystery, thriller and suspense genres who enjoy stories that are rich in character development and can shock you while entertaining you at the same time.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The New Wife from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream by Sue Watson

Title: Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream (The Ice-Cream Café #2)
Author: Sue Watson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: June 2017
Genre: Chick-Lit / Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: Dani’s on a mission to get her life back on track by the end of the Summer. Running, rowing, aerobics and more, but perhaps all she needs are sweet treats and a second chance?

Twenty years ago, Dani fled Appledore with a broken-heart and a suitcase full of shattered dreams. Only now is she brave enough to put her past behind her and return for a summer selling homemade ice-cream and getting fit by doing sit-ups by the sea.

But the new-look cafe is filled with old memories of Jude, her teenage sweetheart-turned-sour. She thinks of him every time she swirls warm sauce onto a “chocolate-bockaglory” and even with the help of Chris, her gorgeous personal trainer, the urge to break her diet is everywhere she turns.

When Jude makes an appearance at the cafe on the eve of Dani’s birthday party, history threatens to repeat itself. Is Dani strong enough to say no? And is the love she’s been longing for much closer than she thinks?

My Thoughts: Book #2 in The Ice-Cream Café series by the very talented Sue Watson was just as yummy as the first book! Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream introduces the reader to Dani Sheridan, the new assistant manager Ella hires for the Ice-Cream Café. I found Dani to be 100% relatable and easy to empathize with. As a fellow ice-cream addict, erm…connoisseur of all things ice-cream, I completely felt for Dani and the journey she is on.

I loved being back in Appledore with the gang and getting to know Dani. One of the best things about this book, for me, is the author tells a new story instead of rehashing the same story from before. The original characters all make numerous appearances, but this story is all about Dani and her struggles with her weight and self-esteem. Her early experiences at the gym and meeting Chris had me wiping tears of laughter from my eyes and thanking the good Lord I didn’t endure the gym catastrophes Dani did, but I admired her determination and tenacity to keep moving forward.

I was mortified for her when the newspaper article comes out and though it is highly humorous, I understood how Dani felt and would have joined her on a splurge. She is so human, after all, and like the rest of us have highs and lows.

When the reader finally learns what happened to Dani that drove her away for twenty years, I just wanted to cry and hug her. I admired the strength of her character for wanting to put the past behind her and start over in a town she has always called home and ring in her fortieth birthday in style.

I also enjoyed watching Dani’s relationship with Chris blossom from professional training to friendship and hoped pretty please with a cherry on top that their friendship would bloom into more.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this book worked for me on so many levels. Characters that are easy to relate to and care about, locales that have so much charm and appeal you want to go there immediately and a story that serves up so much sweet and yummy goodness, you want to dive head-first into the story and be a part of it. I highly recommend this story to readers of the chick-lit, contemporary romance and women’s fiction genres, but also to readers who like to see good people get a break and find success.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Ella's Ice-Cream Summer by Sue Watson

Title: Ella’s Ice-Cream Summer (The Ice-Cream Café #1)
Author: Sue Watson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 2017
Genre: Chick-Lit / Romantic Comedy / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: Ella’s life just hit rock-bottom, but can a summer by the sea mend her broken heart? When life gives you lemons… make ice-cream!

Life hasn’t always been easy for single mum Ella, but she has just hit an all-time low; she’s jobless, loveless, very nearly homeless and, to make matters worse, now the owner of a pocket-sized pooch with a better wardrobe than her.

Packing her bags (and a bigger one for the dog), Ella sets off for the seaside town of Appledore in Devon to re-live the magical summers of her youth and claim her portion of the family ice-cream business: a clapped-out ice-cream van and a complicated mess of secrets.

There she meets gorgeous and free-spirited solicitor, Ben, who sees things differently: with a little bit of TLC he has a plan to get the van – and Ella – back up and running in no time.

Ella’s Ice-Cream Summer is a heart-warming and hilarious romance that will scoop you off your feet and prove it’s never too late for a fresh start.

My Thoughts: This story is so much fun! I want to drive a pink ice-cream van on the beach serving homemade ice-cream with a Pomeranian in designer duds along for the ride! Ella is a fantastic character that you can’t help rooting for. She is experiencing a lot of bad luck all at once with her children taking off to begin their lives when she is let go from her job and learns that her slimeball ex-husband is selling the house out from under her. Her favorite aunt, Sophia, has recently passed away and Ella wants to go to the funeral and learn more about her inheritance. Ella’s mother thinks it’s a terrible idea and has been on the outs with her sister for most of Ella’s life but won’t explain why. Frustrating, isn’t it? Luckily for Sue Watson’s readers, Ella doesn’t give up that easily.

This story made me laugh and cry and I felt immense empathy for Ella as well as irritation at her mother and her cousin for all the secrets that have kept Ella separated from her extended family. It didn’t take me long to figure out what the secrets were and once it came out and Ella finally got answers, I shed a few tears along with her.

The extended cast of supporting characters add a lot of depth and dimension to this story. As annoying as Ella’s mother was, I thought she was quite entertaining with her misunderstanding of the difference between sexting and texting and what Netflix and chill really mean. Ella’s cousin, Gina, was a very interesting character. At the first meeting, the reader is given the impression that Gina is very vain and full of herself but learn it’s a façade that she erects to protect herself. I also liked Ben immensely and hope he will make an appearance in future books as I thought he and Ella had great chemistry.

My Final Verdict: You don’t have to be a fan of ice-cream to enjoy this book, but it sure won’t hurt. The concoctions Ella creates demonstrates she has a special talent for the family ice-cream business. I highly recommend this story to fans of chick-lit, romantic comedies and women’s fiction as well as readers who are looking for something delicious to appease their sweet tooth.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Ella’s Ice-Cream Summer from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Wife Support System by Kathleen Whyman

Title: Wife Support System
Author: Kathleen Whyman
Narrator: Natalie Drew
Publisher: Saga Egmont Audio
Publication Date: March 2021
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: We’ve got the balance all wrong. Instead of living with our partners, struggling to do everything by ourselves and only seeing each other now and then, we should do it the other way round. We should live together and see them now and then.

Erica knows her suggestion sounds extreme, but when her nanny leaves without notice, she’s extremely desperate. Polly and Louise aren’t convinced, but when circumstances force them to move into Polly’s enormous but run-down house, they have to admit that life’s much easier when the childcare and workload is shared.

At first, communal living seems like the answer to all their prayers - childcare on tap, rotas for cleaning, and someone always available to cook dinner (no more last-minute pizza delivery!). But over time, resentment starts to grow as they judge each other’s parenting styles and bicker over cleaning, cooking and whose turn it is to buy toilet rolls.

And as one woman has her head turned by a handsome colleague, one resorts to spying on her husband and another fights to keep a dark secret, they need each other more than ever. But can Polly, Louise and Erica keep their friendship and relationships strong? Or will their perfect mumtopia fall apart?

Essential reading for anyone fed up with never-ending housework/homeschooling/preparing healthy meals that their kids reject … Will have you shrieking with laughter! Fans of Why Mummy Drinks, Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? and Beth O’Leary won’t want to miss this one!

My Thoughts: Wife Support System by new to me author Kathleen Whyman was not only relatable on so many levels to me, as a woman, but was very clever and entertaining! So many women in the world are performing a juggling act, trying to balance careers, spouses, partners, children and home. Some women appear to manage it flawlessly but come on! They are either Stepford Wives or aliens.

This story introduces us to Erica, Louise and Polly who all share a common trait of many pots on the stove and not enough hands to stir. Erica has a brilliant suggestion after her nanny abruptly quits. Why not share a house with each other and see their respective partners on the weekends? Share everything…housekeeping, the shopping and the child minding. Erica’s partner of ten years, Dan, is hardly ever there and when he is, he can’t be bothered to help. Louise is uber organized and appears to be critical of her husband, Nick. Polly is a single parent who is struggling with anxiety and could use a helping hand but is afraid of letting anyone in close enough to ask.

One house, three women and five kids. As you can expect, it’s not long before tension and resentments build and relationships begin to feel the strain.

I loved this story for many reasons. Relatable characters with real world issues, concerns and problems are a huge draw for me. Add in the entertaining aspect of humor and tears and I couldn’t look away. I liked these women but I often felt like Erica and Louise were selfish and taking advantage of Polly, especially when it came to the child minding. Polly doesn’t work outside the home and it’s her house that everyone moves into. Though it makes sense for Polly to be the primary caregiver, I started to feel a little put out on Polly’s behalf when it started to feel expected.

Erica works on a television show and for a good part of the story is more plugged into her phone and her job instead of being available for her daughter but resents it when her daughter and Polly become close.

Louise struggles with her weight and has a lot of resentment towards her sister. She takes her husband for granted and there are major trust issues for her with her husband. She also ignores her children because she is so wrapped up in her own head. She is a bit of a control freak and it shows with the numerous lists she creates.

Polly is a bit of a push-over. She is dealing with major trauma in her life, raising two children after the man she loves dies suddenly. She is living in a very large house but it is run-down and she could use some friends.

As this story goes on, we learn much more about these women that made me see them more openly with all the baggage they each are carrying. I ended up rooting for all of them to come out on top and this story did not disappoint.

Kathleen Whyman is an author I will be on the lookout for. Her ability to create characters that the reader will connect to is wonderful. This story made me laugh, cry and even shocked me. The plot flows so seamlessly that I was a little surprised that it was ending. I could easily see it continuing and myself catching up with these women over coffee or wine. I went with the audio format for this story and Natalie Drew’s narration was fantastic. She does a brilliant job of conveying multiple emotions and tones for the characters that will draw the reader into the story.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers who like connecting to the characters on a deep emotional level, who like stories that are relationship driven and like surprises mixed in with the laughter and tears. This story reminded me that we all have times in our lives where a little support goes a long way and we just have to be brave enough to ask for it and seize it.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Wife Support System from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza

Title: The Girl in the Ice (Detective Erika Foster #1)
Author: Robert Bryndza
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: February 2016
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Her eyes are wide open. Her lips parted as if to speak. Her dead body frozen in the ice…She is not the only one.

When a young boy discovers the body of a woman beneath a thick sheet of ice in a South London park, Detective Erika Foster is called in to lead the murder investigation.

The victim, a beautiful young socialite, appeared to have the perfect life. Yet when Erika begins to dig deeper, she starts to connect the dots between the murder and the killings of three prostitutes, all found strangled, hands bound and dumped in water around London.

What dark secrets is the girl in the ice hiding?

As Erika inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on Erika.

The last investigation Erika led went badly wrong… resulting in the death of her husband. With her career hanging by a thread, Erika must now battle her own personal demons as well as a killer more deadly than any she’s faced before. But will she get to him before he strikes again?

My Thoughts: First of all, the gorgeous cover is what captured my notice. Major applause and thumbs-up to the talent who designed it. Secondly, like other authors, who initially are only known for their work in one genre, I thought Robert Bryndza’s work was solely in the romance genre. Having enjoyed Miss Wrong and Mr. Right, I had a lot of anticipation with this one.

The Girl in the Ice is the first installment of a multi-book series featuring a character so damaged by what life has handed her, I applauded her ability to get out of bed, much less think straight and solve a heinous murder. Erika Foster is introduced to us on her first day at the Lewisham police station. She was previously at Manchester but was on an extended leave after she was injured in the line of duty that also took the lives of five other officers, including Erika’s husband, Mark. Right away, Mr. Bryndza paints a very precise picture of the pain Erika has endured on the inside and the outside as well as the feeling that she is being drop-kicked into the deep end of the pool on her first day as lead investigator. I felt very overwhelmed for Erika and admired her tenacity and resolve, especially as she meets with resentment from a fellow officer.

The victim is the daughter of a high-ranking member of the government and Erika’s superiors try at every opportunity to keep her and her team on a very tight leash. Erika’s first meeting with the family doesn’t go well either even though both Erika and the victim’s mother are of Slovak heritage. This actually surprised me as I thought it would give Erika and the family some common ground they could connect on, but the family is less than cooperative with the investigation and wield a lot of control with the authorities.

As Erika’s investigation gets more complex, we learn that the killer is watching Erika’s movements very closely and brazenly puts themselves in very close proximity to Erika on multiple occasions. The author does an amazing job of throwing many suspects at the reader, including members of the victim’s family, ex-boyfriends, fiancé and I even began to suspect some of Erika’s associates and superiors. This made for quite a twisty novel for me, trying to figure out the identity of the killer, which took me to nearly the end of the story.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very good story filled with nail-biting suspense and characters that are drawn so well that the reader can easily connect with them. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series to readers who enjoy multi-layers of suspense and intrigue, like to be shocked at the outcome and appreciate that a talented author can cross genre lines and do so quite well.

REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Order Of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5)
Author: J.K. Rowling
Narrator: Jim Dale
Publisher: Pottermore Publishing
Publication Date: November 2015
Genre: Fantasy / Young Adult
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Harry Potter is about to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Unlike most schoolboys, Harry never enjoys his summer holidays, but this summer is even worse than usual. The Dursleys, of course, are making his life a misery, but even his best friends, Ron and Hermione, seem to be neglecting him.

Harry has had enough. He is beginning to think he must do something, anything, to change his situation, when the summer holidays come to an end in a very dramatic fashion. What Harry is about to discover in his new year at Hogwarts will turn his world upside down...

My Thoughts: At 15 years of age, Harry Potter has seen more and experienced more than anyone around him and more than anyone should or could expect. He’s nearly a man and yet everyone continues to treat him like the eleven-year-old little boy he was when he discovered he was a wizard. The gloves are completely off with book #5. Harry is very angry in this book and with good reason. He is attacked and is forced to use magic which results in a hearing to determine if he will be expelled from Hogwarts. Everyone seems to know more than he does about why he is experiencing strange dreams about “you know who” but nobody will tell him anything. Professor Dumbledore goes out of his way to avoid looking at him or even speaking to him. Everyone is tip-toeing around Harry as if he were made of glass.

After the hearing is over and he returns to Hogwarts, things don’t get better at all. The new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher is a despicable and twisted witch who quite quickly uses her influence and connections at the Ministry to take over the school and not teach any actual defense tactics. People are convinced that Harry is an attention seeking lunatic who has made up the entire story of Voldemort’s return.

The first time I read this book, I immediately despised Dolores Umbridge, the new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher. She’s a very sadistic individual who takes great pleasure in punishing people. Though the readers can certainly empathize with Harry’s hatred of Professor Snape, I can state that Umbridge beats Snape hands down in characters you would most like to see receive the Dementor’s kiss. That feeling has not changed one bit between then and now.

Unfortunately for Harry, he doesn’t seem to have an ally at the school. Professor Dumbledore is conspicuously absent and when he does make an appearance, he avoids looking at or speaking to Harry. I felt frustrated for Harry. Hagrid has been gone and when he finally returns, Harry still feels isolated. The only thing he truly looks forward to is playing Quidditch, especially now that Ron is on the team. Unfortunately, Professor Umbridge is determined ruin that for Harry too.

As a result of Umbridge’s refusal to teach true Defense Against the Dark Arts, Hermione insists the only way the students will learn is to do it themselves. After some persuading, Harry agrees to start secretly coaching other students on performing defense spells. They even call themselves “Dumbledore’s Army.”

Ultimately, Harry has to rely on those around him as Voldemort and his Death Eaters make their move. Just like Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix does not have a happy ending for Harry. The wizarding world is officially at war and the stakes are higher than ever.

My Final Verdict: This marks my fourth read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It's amazing how many differences I notice between the books and the movies, as well as details in the books I had forgotten. The audio format is my favorite and Jim Dale's narration is excellent. Whether you are new to this series or a loyal fan who loves to revisit Harry and his world, this is a series not to be missed.

REVIEW: Dorothy by Anya Wylde

Title: Dorothy (Fairweather Sisters #3)
Author: Anya Wylde
Publisher: Smashwords
Publication Date: October 2016
Genre: Historical Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | Audible

Description: Anya Wylde is back with yet another Fairweather sister novel full of comedy, adventure and, of course, toe curling romance.

The Fairweather sisters adore each other and always stand by one another. But when circumstances force Dorothy May Fairweather to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley, the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke’s arch enemy, things change.

With her one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to vex all those that mean the most to her.

Now all alone and miserable, Dorothy has to win back her sisters, the duke, her in-laws and her breathtakingly handsome new husband.

My Thoughts: This series is such a hoot and the author is fantastic. Her extraordinary talent of creating stories of romance, comedy and adventure has made me a die-hard fan. In addition, these stories feature characters that are so well drawn, I feel as if I know them personally so I am helpless to stand by as a third-party observer when I have become so invested in their well-being. Dorothy introduces us to a third Fairweather sister, who is living with eldest sister Penelope and this story appears to have taken place several years after the last story.

Dorothy is convinced she is in love with Lord Lumley and no other man will do. Never mind the fact that she has been in London for three seasons and has yet to procure a marriage proposal from any eligible bachelor of the ton. It doesn’t matter. Dorothy believes that Lord Lumley is malnourished, the skin is practically falling from his bones, he has dreadful circles under his eyes and she is determined to rescue him by marrying him and feeding him.

On the other hand, Dorothy’s best friend, Kitty, is in love with Lord William Huxley, the Duke’s neighbor and enemy. Lord Huxley shows absolutely no interest in Kitty and is, in fact, quite rude to her and Dorothy on one occasion. When Kitty goes missing, Dorothy is convinced that Lord Huxley has kidnapped her and in typical Dorothy fashion, heads off to his residence to rescue Kitty. Unfortunately, Dorothy and Huxley find themselves in a situation that is misinterpreted and leads to a wedding that neither party wants.

Dorothy now has to figure out how to obtain the forgiveness of her sisters, the Duke and Lord Huxley while navigating her new role as Lady Huxley and getting to know Huxley’s stepmother and sister, who are also less than pleased with the sudden marriage.

Dorothy is my favorite Fairweather sister. Of course, I said that about Penelope and Celine when I was reading their stories, but I truly think Dorothy has topped them all. Jane will have some very big shoes to fill when I get my hands on her story. I thought Dorothy was truly delightful and I loved how she perseveres when faced with difficult situations. Lord Huxley comes across as you would expect of the aristocracy of Regency England. Stuffy, arrogant and completely full of themselves. Hmmm, sounds familiar, doesn’t he? That’s right, he reminds me of the Duke, when I first met him in Penelope’s story. And, with the Duke, I grew to like him enormously once he let his guard down. I even warmed up to his sister a little, but the stepmother, not so much. I loved how Dorothy had the woman questioning her sanity with the stunts Dorothy was pulling.

The ragamuffin child that Dorothy is determined to take under her wing whether he likes it or not was also an interesting character that brought quite a bit of entertainment to their lives. I’m sure Huxley will never look at another Renaissance type painting without imagining a curly moustache added to the woman.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I loved this story and highly recommend it to readers of historical romance, but also comedies and adventure genres in a historical setting. There wasn’t that much romance in this story, but I give Dorothy high marks for her attempts to steal a kiss or two or three from her new husband.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Dorothy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Locked Door by Freida McFadden

Title: The Locked Door
Author: Freida McFadden
Narrator: Shaina Summerville
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Publication Date: September 2021
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Some doors are locked for a reason…

While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.

Until the day the police arrived at their front door.

Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.

Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims.

Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her.

As long as they don’t look in her basement.

My Thoughts: I’ve heard so much about this author and am happy that I was finally able to get around to trying her and I went with the audiobook version. I regret that. Allow me to explain. I am a huge fan of the mystery / thriller / suspense genre and have found I enjoy them more when I listen to the audio format, but unfortunately for me, the narration performed by Shaina Summerville was not enjoyable. The various voices she used for the characters sounded forced and over wrought in tone and emotion level. Save yourself the agony and go with the print or e-book format.

The premise of this story is very interesting. Main character Nora Davis is a surgeon whose point of view used in telling the reader about her father, Aaron Nierling, who has been in prison for over 25 years for multiple murders. As a child, she had no idea, but she discovers his secret and is the one who turns him in when she is around 11 or 12 years old. Her mother is also arrested but commits suicide. Nora is sent to live with her grandmother and changes her last name, goes to college, becomes a highly skilled surgeon and is trying to move on with her life and leave her past in the past. Unfortunately for Nora, some of her patients are being found murdered and their hands removed, which is a trademark of her father. This whole scenario rings the creepy bell for me. Is there a copy-cat? Is Nora picking up where her father left off? In addition to Nora, the author deftly throws a couple more potential suspects at the reader to further muddy up the waters. It took me nearly the entire book to decide and guess whether Nora was the killer or if it was someone else.

When the ending comes and the killer’s identity is finally revealed, I was shocked. This author did an excellent job of distracting me with just enough details and red herrings that I didn’t see the linebacker sized surprise waiting to tackle me from left field.

Another aspect of this story that I really enjoyed is hearing Nora’s point of view both in the present and twenty-six years ago. Seeing Nora as a child added to the confusion of whether she is a true protégé of her father’s.

Besides the narration, I took issue with Nora and her hypocrisy. She keeps everyone at arm’s length for obvious reasons. The question is does she do this because she is like her father and can’t be discovered continuing his work or does she do this because she is terrified of how people will react if they found out? Being a surgeon, her reputation is everything, and it would be dragged through the mud once people found out who she really is. When she crosses paths with Brady Mitchell, the guy she dated for three months in college, she is very stand-offish with him. What annoyed me is her reaction when she finds out he has a daughter but kept it from her. What?! Hello?! Are you kidding me here, Nora? You are going to judge Brady when you are keeping the biggest whopper of a secret yourself? People in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing rocks, Miss Nora. I mean, I get it. Keeping quiet about your dad is a legitimate action. I would do the same thing. I just think she overreacted in way too many instances where Brady was concerned.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very good story that kept me engaged all the way to the end. Although I found Nora annoying for a lot of the book, I had a lot of empathy for the situation she found herself in and was hopeful that she really is an innocent party in the events occurring. I highly recommend this story to fans of mystery / suspense / thriller stories who like to be kept on edge and shocked to the core. I will be on the hunt for more of Freida McFadden’s work and look forward to my next read of one of her books.

REVIEW: Those Summer Nights by Mandy Baggot

Title: Those Summer Nights
Author: Mandy Baggot
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: Sunshine, soft white sand and a sizzling hot millionaire – you don’t get trouble in paradise, right?

Imogen Charlton is sorted. Dead-beat husband? History. Dream job? Application sent. But then her impulsive brother, Harry, spends every last penny on a Greek restaurant in Corfu, and is determined to run it himself. It’s up to Imogen to bring him to his senses.

When sexy millionaire Panos Dimitriou offers to buy back his family taverna, Imogen wonders if all her prayers have been answered (and all her fantasies about to come true). But Harry won’t budge, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Bright pink bougainvillea tumbling over whitewashed walls, endless blue skies, the sparkling Mediterranean; it’s hard not to fall for Corfu. And that’s not all Imogen is falling for…

As the sparks of passion fly between Imogen and Panos, is Imogen having second thoughts on selling the restaurant? And will she have to choose between love and a new dream?

This summer, spend long sunny days on the beach, and balmy nights in Greek tavernas on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Miranda Dickinson and Lindsey Kelk.

My Thoughts: A story set in a locale so richly described in detail with characters that you are rooting for is not a book to be missed. I am ready to pack my bags and get on a plane to Corfu and I’m not a huge fan of the beach setting.

Just like Imogen, I had deep reservations and concerns about Harry’s purchase of a restaurant, sight unseen in another country. My first thought is why isn’t there some kind of power of attorney in place to ensure that these type of over the top situations don’t happen in the first place as we learn early on that Harry is suffering from a manic depressive behavior disorder. Just like Imogen, I found myself visibly cringing when, upon arrival at the restaurant, they find a dilapidated wreck needing extensive work. Lastly, just like Imogen, I began to change my opinion of this adventure once I could see the potential this restaurant has and witnessed the enthusiasm and drive in Harry to make it successful. I couldn’t do anything else but root for the guy and admire his determination to make it work and reunite his family.

I liked Panos and knew there was more beneath the stuffy shirt and tie persona he presents to the world. Once his walls began to crumble and I learned why he does what he does, a tidal wave of empathy rose up for him. His grandmother, Elpida, was a spitfire and I laughed myself silly at some of her antics and loved that she was willing to help out two English strangers get this restaurant up and running.

The only issue with this story is that it ended where it did. I would have liked a little more closure regarding Imogen and Panos. I assume they got together on a more permanent basis, but is she really going to work in her brother’s restaurant after all her dreams and ambition to work in the hotel industry? I would like to think that with Panos’ influence and contacts, she could explore that more.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers who like to be swept away to exotic locations to spend time with amazing characters, food and drink.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Those Summer Nights from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The People Next Door by Keri Beevis

Title: The People Next Door
Author: Keri Beevis
Narrator: Shakira Shute
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Publication Date: January 2022
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Her new house has a mysterious past—and her new life in the English countryside is about to take a dark turn . . .

When Ellie and Ash move into a beautiful old house in rural Norfolk, England, they believe they’ve found their perfect home. Intrigued by the people next door, Ellie befriends shy but sweet Benjamin, and as time goes by, becomes ever more curious about his elusive sister, Virginia.

But when she discovers that her new home has a darker past and that Ash has been keeping secrets, what she thought was a perfect life in the countryside begins to unravel. Is her best friend to be trusted, are the new neighbors all that they really seem, and why is her new puppy so obsessed with the cellar? Most worrying of all is the mystery of what happened to the former occupants of the house.

When Ash goes away on business and strange things begin to happen, Ellie’s paranoia goes into overdrive. But are these all coincidences—or is she really in danger?

My Thoughts: Ellie Summers and her boyfriend Ash Brady move into their dream home. It’s in the boonies and needs a lot of work, but it has a beautiful garden. In between working on the home and adopting a dog she accidentally hit with her car, Ellie befriends her neighbor, Benjamin, who lives next door with his sister, Virginia.

Upon learning that a brutal murder occurred in the house five years before and the seventeen-year-old daughter of the murder victim is missing, Ellie is less than happy that she was not made aware of this before purchasing the home. This right here is why I prefer to buy my homes brand spanking new. I want to be the first owner in the home. I want my bum to be the first on the toilet. I can’t be having no murder nonsense happening in the home prior to my owning it.

Ellie comes across as very skittish and highly nervous and slightly paranoid. Several scenes made me feel more tense probably because she was. Maybe if she hadn’t let her guard down later on in the book, she wouldn’t have ended up in the horrific situation she finds herself. See what I did just there? Now you are just going to have to read this book to find out what the horrific situation is. I will say the mounting terror and suspense made me feel like I was in the middle of an Alfred Hitchcock movie and Norman Bates is lurking around every corner with a giant butcher knife.

Overall, I liked Ellie and Ash and thought they were good together. Ash’s best friend, Pete seemed a likable character as well. I detested Pete’s wife, Roxanne. I found her to be an overbearing and controlling character. She talks down to Ellie and is hyper-critical of everything Ellie does, from the house to the dog. The more I learned about Roxanne, the less I liked her.

Benjamin and his sister Virginia set off my creeper alarm almost immediately. Ellie meets Benjamin at the veterinarian’s office when she brings in the dog she hit with her car. They strike up a conversation and realize they are neighbors, so Ellie befriends him. The more he comes around, the more creepy he seems. It doesn’t take me long to realize he’s obsessed with Ellie and it seems like he’s always finding an excuse to come over. As creepy as he appears, he also seems harmless. His sister, on the other hand, comes across as even more creepier. She’s mentally ill, doesn’t verbalize and never leaves the house. Ellie tries to interact with her but is unsuccessful.

Things become really sinister for Ellie when Ash leaves for a week-long business trip and I’m still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor at what went down. Some of the events didn’t come as a surprise to me, but there were many twists and turns that shocked me.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the performance by Shakira Shute for the most part. Her use of various accents was performed flawlessly. Ash is from Australia and living in England and I enjoyed hearing the inflection in his voice. I found Benjamin’s voice to be highly annoying and pictured myself probably not wanting to engage in conversation with him because of it. I am going to chalk it up to not liking him in the first place, so my subconscious was probably looking for reasons to dislike him more.

My Final Verdict: This was my first Keri Beevis novel and I look forward to reading more of her work. She weaves a story that is filled with dark thoughts and darker deeds that left me tiptoeing up to doors and cautiously peering around corners in case she had something waiting to jump out at me. Readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries and thrillers should pick this one up. I highly recommend the audiobook, as it adds to the suspense.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The People Next Door from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Woman Next Door by Natasha Boydell

Title: The Woman Next Door
Author: Natasha Boydell
Narrator: Mhairi Morrison
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Publication Date: February 2022
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Two neighbors struggle with envy of each other’s lives—and as their friendship grows, their questions do too . . .

Sophie is a happily married mum of two who considers herself lucky—until her beautiful and highly successful new neighbor Angie moves in along with her charming husband and four talented children. The two women couldn’t be more different, but after a storm brings them together, an unlikely friendship develops. As their children grow closer, so does their bond.

But the alliance between the families is a wake-up call for both women. Angie’s success makes Sophie consider whether she really is as satisfied as she makes out. And Sophie’s uncomplicated marriage forces Angie to look at her own and accept that it’s not as perfect as it seems. Both women vow to change.

But their decisions may not lead where they expect, in this absorbing novel about risks and relationships by the author of The Missing Husband that explores whether the grass is always greener on the other side of the garden fence . . .

My Thoughts: So…the old saying about never judging a book by its cover rings loudly and true for me with this book. I assumed I was going to be listening to a domestic thriller / mystery / suspense type novel with The Woman Next Door by new to me author Natasha Boydell. Maybe my subconscious craves this genre and I just can’t get enough of them. Instead, I got a women’s fiction story about the various relationships we embark on in our lives and what betrayal, lies, secrets and forgiveness does to those relationships.

Once I got over my initial shock and yes, disappointment, that there would not be anyone lurking in the darkened shadows wielding a butcher knife and the only spilled blood would likely be from a skinned knee or two, I got busy getting to know the numerous characters in this story.

First up is Sophie Brennan, her husband Allan (not sure how the author spelled it as I listened to the audiobook) and their two children Tom and Katie. Sophie is a stay-at-home mother and though she gave up a career in journalism to raise her children, she longs to have a career or something to call her own.

Angie Taylor is Sophie’s new neighbor who has moved in next door with her husband Jack and their four children Benji, Indie, Freddie and Ellie. Angie is a lawyer and very career oriented and has major trust issues with her husband, who she suspects of having a wandering eye.

Angie’s youngest two children are around the same age as Sophie’s children, so it’s really the children who bring the families together as they want to hang out and play. As you would expect, the families spend loads of time together, barbecues, picnics, school events and even go on vacation together. Sophie and Angie develop a deep friendship that I thought was typical of women who have things in common, but I sensed early on that they envied each other. Sophie envied Angie’s independence and successful career. Angie envied Sophie’s perfect marriage and the tight-knit bond she has with her husband and children.

Everything seems to be going well until it isn’t. Life throws these families a major curveball that sets them all on a course that drives them apart. Nobody gets murdered or goes missing, but the loss of the friendship felt like a death to me.

Where this story got really interesting for me is that the author didn’t let it end there. She fast forwards the story ten years later with the children all grown and the youngest of Sophie and Angie’s children find themselves crossing paths at Oxford. Will old resentments, bitterness and pain reappear or will there be healing and forgiveness?

Despite my initial remorse over the lack of suspense, I found this story to be very engaging and it held my attention quite well. I found the characters to be well written and engaging and easy to relate to. I thought a few of the characters were overly shallow and selfish, but my opinion changed as I got more into the story. The audio narration by Mhairi Morrison was performed very well and kept me plugged into the story.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I am quite glad I stuck with this story and was pleased with how it all played out. I don’t recommend it to readers who like the thrill of suspense, but readers who enjoy family drama and relationship driven stories should give this one a look.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Woman Next Door from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Girls' Night Out by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke

Title: Girls’ Night Out
Author: Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: July 2018
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: For estranged friends Ashley, Natalie, and Lauren, it’s time to heal the old wounds between them. Where better to repair those severed ties than on a girls’ getaway to the beautiful paradise of Tulum, Mexico? But even after they’re reunited, no one is being completely honest about the past or the secrets they’re hiding. When Ashley disappears on their girls’ night out, Natalie and Lauren have to try to piece together their hazy memories to figure out what could have happened to her, while also reconciling their feelings of guilt over their last moments together.

Was Ashley with the man she’d met only days before? Did she pack up and leave? Was she kidnapped? Or worse—could Natalie or Lauren have snapped under the weight of her own lies?

As the clock ticks, hour by hour, Natalie and Lauren’s search rushes headlong into growing suspicion and dread. Maybe their secrets run deeper and more dangerous than one of them is willing—or too afraid—to admit.

My Thoughts: Hold on to your knickers, folks, you’re in for one wild ride with Girls’ Night Out by new to me author team Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke. Who is better to write a story about friendships, the good, bad and the ugly, than two friends? This book drew me in right from the start and I was almost frantic to find out what happened. The book begins after Ashley has disappeared while on holiday in Tulum, Mexico with Natalie and Lauren, her alienated best friends. Ashley asked them to come to Mexico to repair and rebuild their friendship and the story is told in both the present and the past with the chapters broken up by different perspectives and time periods.

Natalie wakes up on the beach with no memory of what happened, but knows she is one of the last people to see Ashley before she disappears. She and Ashley own a beauty product business together that is being approached by Revlon to buy. Natalie wants to sell, Ashley does not.

Lauren has barely spoken to Ashley over the last year since her husband, Geoff, died and she and Ashley had a blowup at the funeral, with Lauren blaming Ashley for his death.

Adding to the above conflicts and resentments is Ashley spending a large quantity of time with a local man, Marco. Natalie and Lauren resent his presence and perceived interference. If Ashley asked them to come to Mexico to repair their friendship, why is she forcing Marco’s presence on them? I had a huge problem with that, myself. I thought Ashley was very selfish in that regard.

Another curious feature of this trio is the underlying competition between Natalie and Lauren to be Ashley’s favorite. I found it interesting that they both allow Ashley to manipulate and control their lives, but instead of drawing them closer to one another, it pulls them closer to Ashley.

Ashley’s disappearance is also an interesting dynamic. Did she run away with Marco, to escape her life, her unhappy marriage? Did Marco kidnap her? Is she being held against her will or likely murdered?

I felt a lot of empathy for all three women and the pressure they are all under with the friendship that is unraveling faster than they can tie off the loose ends. I kept thinking that Ashley would eventually show up, days later, tanned and glorious, claiming she needed some Ashley time and didn’t think it would be a problem. Marco was a complex character that also added to the mix. Is he a threat or is he really a simple man who is just at one with the universe?

This story is much darker than that as more secrets are revealed, more lies are covered up and when the truth finally comes out, I was left in shock. Major kudos go to Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke for their expert ability to weave a tale so twisted and convoluted that draws the reader in, not realizing the danger that awaits these characters. The setting they create in and around the resort, the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and the El Castillo pyramid is amazing in its detail, I felt I was there too. For anyone considering a trip to Mexico, this is definitely something to add to your bucket list.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to fans of thrillers, mysteries and suspense who enjoy a twisted and bumpy ride to the end. Fans of women’s fiction will enjoy this story too as this story is also very relationship driven and shows how fragile these relationships can be if they are not nurtured. I will be on the lookout for more of this writing team’s work and if they have written anything as good as this one, I am definitely in for a treat.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Girls’ Night Out from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Wrong Woman by Leanne Kale Sparks

Title: The Wrong Woman (Kendall Beck #1)
Author: Leanne Kale Sparks
Narrator: Erin DeWard
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Publication Date: February 2022
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: The past is never far behind, as a string of murders threatens to unleash long-buried secrets in this pulse-pounding thriller for fans of Melinda Leigh and T. R. Ragan.

The only survivor of Denver's notorious "Reaper" serial murders, FBI Special Agent Kendall Beck grapples with the ghosts of her past by seeking justice for victims of abuse. She's neck-deep in a particularly ugly case involving the disappearance of five-year-old Emily Williams--but her investigation is derailed when her best friend and roommate, Gwen Tavich, turns up dead floating in a nearby lake.

Devastated by the news of Gwen's death, Kendall teams up with Denver detective Adam Taylor to find the killer. Gwen's fiancé, Ty Butler, is being evasive about the last time he saw Gwen, and as the evidence mounts against him, he's arrested for the murder. With every new clue, Kendall questions how well she really knew her friend. And when Gwen's dark secrets begin spilling out one by one, she begins to understand the devastating magnitude of her murder. The Reaper has returned to Denver--and he's not stopping at just one victim.

As the trauma of Kendall's past comes roaring back, she and Adam have no time to spare before more bodies start piling up. And then Kendall makes a shocking discovery that reveals the horrifying truth behind Emily Williams's disappearance. Now, Kendall must confront her darkest fears as she and the Reaper face off one more time.

My Thoughts: With The Wrong Woman, new to me author Leanne Kale Sparks introduces us to FBI agent Kendall Beck in a new series. Years ago, Kendall was the only surviving victim of the Reaper who terrorized Denver by murdering young girls. While trying to help one of the victims, Kendall was shot and left for dead. While working on a missing child case, Kendall’s attention is blind sighted when her best friend, Gwen disappears and her body is found days later in a lake. Initially, I struggled to keep the numerous cases straight and how, if at all, they are connected.

Kendall partners up with Denver Detective Adam Taylor to assist with the investigation into Gwen’s death and the subsequent arrest of Gwen’s fiancé, Ty. I liked Adam and found him to be an interesting character and happy to see that he will continue in the next book. Adam and Kendall have great chemistry, but there was no hint of a blossoming romance here, which I actually liked. Let’s keep our eye on the ball, people, and not muddy up the waters even more with the romance nonsense.

Where Kendall has a temper that gets her in the hot seat, Adam is more methodical and purposeful in his process. I enjoyed how he works the clues that come up with focused intent, assuming everyone, including Kendall, is a potential suspect in Gwen’s murder.

Secondary characters made this story more interesting as I tried to figure out who the killer is. Of course, my vote was completely off the mark and when the killer’s identity was revealed, I initially felt it was too convenient. The final showdown, however, was nail-biting intense. Kudos to Ms. Sparks for drawing me to the edge of my seat, unable to press pause on my iPod. Major thumbs up also go to the narrator, Erin DeWard, for her stellar performance. Her ability to convey to the reader the feelings of the characters gave me more opportunity to empathize and care about what happens to them. Additionally, her performance also gave me a nervous anxiety in regard to the killer and his methodical stalking of Kendall and his victims. Please, people, don’t leave your vehicle unlocked while you are pumping gas!

My Final Verdict: You may or may not be surprised with the outcome of this story, but the journey getting there will leave you breathless. I highly recommend this book to fans of mysteries and thrillers as well as readers who like strong protagonists and creepy antagonists. Fans who enjoy seeing the villain get their comeuppance will root for Kendall and Adam all the way.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Wrong Woman from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Ellen at Sea by Diane Michaels

Title: Ellen at Sea (Ellen the Harpist #2)
Author: Diane Michaels
Publisher: MiddleRun Press
Publication Date: January 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN
Description: Who a harpist brings with her on a four-month long gig aboard a cruise ship: Her best friend. A lock-picking pianist. And a blow-up doll.

Who she leaves behind…

When Ellen’s boyfriend Josh goes on the road with a Broadway touring production, Ellen takes to the high seas. Can tropical destinations, a busy performance schedule, and cheap booze in the crew bar distract her from the heartache of her separation from Josh? Or will her mother’s devastating news and her best friend’s antics send her overboard?

My Thoughts: Ellen is back and she’s taking her harp and hitting the high seas! I really enjoyed this one more than the first one. Why, you ask? Because there was no Monica! Amber was there, but she actually turned out to be a decent character, so I warmed up to her more than I did in the first book.

This book takes place approximately one year after the first one ends where we find Ellen and Josh together and he is leaving on a four-month Broadway tour. Chloe steps in and announces she has acquired a gig as a musician on a cruise ship and got Ellen a spot too. What’s not to love about this scenario? Josh will be gone anyway. Who wants to spend the winter months in New Jersey when you can be on a cruise ship heading to the warmer tropical climates? Besides, the ship will return to New York once a week, so Chloe and Ellen can touch base with Gwen. Win, win if you ask me.

Ellen’s frustration at having a relationship with Josh on her phone only when she can get a signal builds and though I understood why she felt the way she did, I felt like she wasted too much time agonizing over it. Her time could have been better spent enjoying herself on the cruise. Food, drink, fun…

Though some new characters were introduced that added an interesting dimension to the story, I still enjoyed tagging along with Ellen and Chloe and didn’t really feel connected to the others.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I found this sequel to be very enjoyable. The author creates an amazing setting with the cruise ship that I feel was very well researched. The characters were easy to connect with and the story flows smoothly. Fans of stories with interesting locales should give this one a look as well as fans who enjoy a happily ever after.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Ellen at Sea from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Man I Married by Elena Wilkes

Title: The Man I Married
Author: Elena Wilkes
Narrator: Colleen Prendergast
Publisher: Saga Egmont Audio
Publication Date: April 2021
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | Audible

Description: You love him. You’ll do anything for him. But do you really know him?

This is the story of Lucy and Paul.

They met. They fell deeply in love. They got married.

Lucy thought that she had everything she wanted.

Until she found the photograph from Paul's past life, read the text messages he's so desperately trying to hide. Until she uncovered Paul’s darkest secrets.

Now Lucy realizes she doesn’t really know her husband. She doesn’t know if she can trust her own mind. She doesn’t know the lengths Paul would go to keep his perfect life.

And worst of all, she doesn’t know that she’s in danger...

A gripping, dark psychological thriller with an absolutely nail-biting ending that will keep you hooked - the perfect read for fans of Behind Closed Doors, Mark Edwards, and Lisa Jewell.

My Thoughts: First of all, the publisher’s description doesn’t really convey the actual gist of this twisty novel. There were so many red flags I noticed before they got married about Paul’s Jekyll and Hyde personality switching with the flick of an invisible switch, I lost count. It definitely wasn’t all daisies and sunshine until the moment Lucy found the photographs. Even after she finds photos and starts to unravel all the lies, she is still with him! She even goes so far to sneak out in the middle of the night to leave him, wrecks the car, ends up in the hospital and then returns home with him! Sorry, I just can’t abide a protagonist that is intelligent, but behaves so stupidly and cluelessly.

Secondly, this story moved too slowly in the buildup. Nearly two-thirds of the novel is this mundane back and forth between Paul and Lucy. His cruel, hurtful verbal attacks, her walking on eggshells, over and over. Get on with it already! By the time things started to get interesting and it appeared that Lucy had finally grown a backbone, the story is over and I’m sitting here wondering what happened. Did she get away? Did she dream the whole thing? Is she really in the psych ward or did she escape? I was so let down by the end. I was honestly expecting Lucy to open up a can of whoop-ass on Paul, but I can’t be sure who the real villain is here.

So, what did I like? I liked that the author creates a world where not everything is as it seems. Smart people can and are misled all the time. This story demonstrates so vividly what it is like to be gaslighted by someone you love and trust. This story is a good reminder that we all carry baggage from previous relationships and when the red flags start flying, it’s time to cut and run. I enjoyed the audio performance of Colleen Prendergast. The fear in Lucy’s voice and the cold and hurtful remarks from Paul were superbly played.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I am left scratching my head in bewilderment about this book. Fans of thrillers and suspense will enjoy the edge of your seat anticipation, but readers who need closure and connection to the characters may want to give this one a pass.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Man I Married from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.