REVIEW: Hello From The Gillespies by Monica McInerney

Title: Hello From the Gillespies
Author: Monica McInerney
Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: November, 2014
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: For the past thirty-three years, Angela Gillespie has sent to friends and family around the world an end-of-the-year letter titled “Hello from the Gillespies.” It’s always been cheery and full of good news. This year, Angela surprises herself—she tells the truth....

The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be. Her husband is coping badly with retirement. Her thirty-two-year-old twins are having career meltdowns. Her third daughter, badly in debt, can’t stop crying. And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.

Without Angela, the family would fall apart. But when a bump on the head leaves Angela with temporary amnesia, the Gillespies pull together—and pull themselves together—in wonderfully surprising ways....

My Thoughts: Ah, yes the annual Christmas letter that we have all sent and/or received. Filled with news of how lovely our year has been, focusing and, often, exaggerating on the positive bits. For the past thirty-three years, Angela Gillespie has done just that. Until this year, after a conversation with her best friend, Joan, Angela unloads her thoughts and feelings about her family, marriage, life, everything into this letter. The good, the bad, and the ugly all go in, like an episode of Jerry Springer. Angela has no intention of sending it, but it feels so good to get it off her chest. In a way, it’s therapeutic. Without judgment, Angela can vent her fears and frustrations. Angela doesn’t count on her son having an accident and rushing him to the hospital, where she forgets about the letter sitting on her computer. Her husband, trying to be helpful and thinking he is doing a good thing, clicks send for her and Angela’s moment of truth goes out to over 150 recipients.

What ensues is a story of a family trying to come to terms with what has been revealed about them and the fallout they fear will happen as a result. It’s also a story about forgiveness and healing, making mistakes and being human and living life the best way we can with what we know and how we feel.

I really enjoyed this story. Ms. McInerney writes a story that flows smoothly with characters that are vibrant in their different personalities and lives. I was very curious for what would happen next and hoping for a happily ever after for all of them. Every single member of this family experiences a loss and I enjoyed how they each overcome it and grow from it.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book to readers who like stories of imperfect people living their best lives, the best they can, holding on to love and hope.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Hello From the Gillespies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Left Behind by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins

Title: Left Behind (Left Behind #1)
Author: Time LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication Date: September 2000
Genre: Christian Fiction / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: An airborne Boeing 747 is headed to London when, without any warning, passengers mysteriously disappear from their seats. Terror and chaos slowly spread not only through the plane, but also worldwide as unusual events continue to unfold. For those who have been left behind, the apocalypse has just begun...

My Thoughts: Very enjoyable story, though very frightening too. This was a re-read fifteen years after reading it the first time.

This story centers on the Rapture and the effect it has on four major characters who have been left behind. Rayford Steele is an airline pilot with a wandering eye who is frustrated with his wife's Christian beliefs and feels she puts her faith in Jesus ahead of her marriage. Chloe Steele is Ray's oldest daughter. Like her father, she doesn't share her mother's faith and has more important things to worry about than the tension brewing at home. Bruce Barnes is one of the pastors at New Hope Village Church, where Ray's wife worships. Cameron "Buck" Williams is a journalist for a weekly news magazine. After the Rapture, these four characters band together as born again Christians and form the Tribulation Force to prepare others who were left behind for the seven years of trials and tribulations that will come before Jesus's Glorious Appearing and the final defeat of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet.

Regardless of one's faith or belief, this story is a real nail-biter of intense suspense. The introduction of the Antichrist and the power he commands was frightening. I thought this story was very realistic too, as evidenced by the reactions and explanations people had regarding the disappearance of millions of people at the same time.

I highly recommend this story for people of all faiths and beliefs, as the Rapture and the rise of the Antichrist will affect everyone, one way or another.

REVIEW: Ice by Linda Howard

Title: Ice
Author: Linda Howard
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: November 2009
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: On holiday leave from the service, Gabriel McQueen is sent into a brewing ice storm to make sure that his father’s distant neighbor, Lolly Helton, who has fallen out of contact, is safe and sound. It’s a trip that Gabriel would rather not make, given the bitter winter weather—and the icy conditions that have always existed between him and Lolly. Arriving at Lolly’s home, Gabriel spots strangers through the windows—one of them packing a weapon—and kicks into combat mode. But once Lolly is rescued, the heat—and the hunt—are on. Snowbound, unarmed, and literally under the gun, Gabriel and Lolly must depend on each other to endure the merciless forces of nature and evade the ruthless enemy out in the blackness of the silent night—and out for their blood.

My Thoughts: As you can see, it has taken me quite a while to get to this book, mostly due to my reservations about the storyline. I had to talk myself into starting this one because I thought a story about two people trying to outrun killers in a deadly blizzard would hold no appeal for me. Fortunately, this story held so much more that wasn’t evident to me before I started reading.

There is major history between Gabriel and Lolly, and not the good kind. They have known each other since high school and though they have not kept in touch over the years, the memories they hold are far from fond. When Gabriel is asked by his father to go check on Lolly, Gabriel is less than thrilled. Gabriel’s a good guy, so he does and finds himself in the role of rescuer when he spots armed intruders in Lolly’s house. The story kicks up several notches when after the rescue is made, they have to figure out a way to get back down the mountain without being killed by the intruders or Mother Nature.

My Final Verdict: The story moves at an enjoyable pace. Without getting mired in the details and too much of a character’s inner monologue, which drives me up the wall, the author keeps the story moving with believable and relatable characters. Even the intruders are believable and realistic. I have to say several scenes had me tense with apprehension.

This story isn’t very long and though the author does a fabulous job of wrapping up loose ends, I did feel there were parts that were rushed. I had a hard time accepting that Gabriel and Lolly fell in love that fast, especially with their adversarial past. I’m not completely discounting it, however. Anything is possible in a situation where it’s kill or be killed. I’m just not convinced they are ready to make a life-long commitment. At least not yet. Perhaps if the story had run a little longer, I would have felt differently. For me, the story ended quite abruptly. I would have liked to have seen more of the relationship development and more interaction between Lolly and Sam. Readers of romantic suspense fiction will still enjoy this story and the edge of the seat action.

REVIEW: Apprentice In Death by J.D. Robb

Title: Apprentice In Death (In Death #43)
Author: J.D. Robb
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: September, 2016
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Buy The Book: Amazon | Audible | BN

Description: Lieutenant Eve Dallas returns in a fast-paced new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author J. D. Robb.

Nature versus nurture...

The shots came quickly, silently, and with deadly accuracy. Within seconds, three people were dead at Central Park’s ice skating rink. The victims: a talented young skater, a doctor, and a teacher. As random as random can be.

Eve Dallas has seen a lot of killers during her time with the NYPSD, but never one like this. After reviewing security videos, it becomes clear that the victims were killed by a sniper firing a tactical laser rifle, who could have been miles away when the trigger was pulled. And though the locations where the shooter could have set up seem endless, the list of people with that particular skill set is finite: police, military, professional killer.

Eve’s husband, Roarke, has unlimited resources—and genius—at his disposal. And when his computer program leads Eve to the location of the sniper, she learns a shocking fact: There were two; one older, one younger. Someone is being trained by an expert in the science of killing, and they have an agenda. Central Park was just a warm-up. And as another sniper attack shakes the city to its core, Eve realizes that though we’re all shaped by the people around us, there are those who are just born evil...

My Thoughts: As a reader, I am reaping the rewards of the imagination J.D. Robb has, though dark and twisted it might be. Her ability to take one moment and weave a complex and edgy story around it takes serious talent and skill. For me an active shooter case always fills me with terror and dread. It can happen anywhere to anyone with no warning. The only thing separating society from the monsters is our ability to use rational thought to problem solve our differences and make informed choices.

Unfortunately, not everyone follows this logic and reverts to monstrous behavior. When an active shooter incident happens in Central Park, Eve and her gang begin their investigation, having no idea just how heinous this crime is and how much worse it will get. Eve learns that not all the victims were random; some were deliberate and definitely connected. I was shocked to learn not only who the killer was but horrified at who the apprentice is and the reason behind the killings. Random or deliberate, it sent a chill down my spine thinking about how fleeting life is and how important it is to make every moment count. Tomorrow is certainly not guaranteed to anyone.

My Final Verdict: There isn’t a whole lot more that I can say about this series that hasn’t already been said. Each story packs a punch, but this one really hits hard. I love the methodical way Eve tackles the case. She is excellent at organizing her board and compartmentalizing the details for easier recall later on. Her team works together perfectly like peanut butter and jelly. The storylines ring true and relevant, the characters are realistic and it’s so easy for me to relate to them all.

Most importantly, the conversations Eve has with those around her are priceless. She comes across as impatient, bossy and grouchy, actually she isn’t coming across that way. She really is impatient, bossy and grouchy, for the most part and that’s what makes her such an amazing character. She has all of these flaws that should make the head-shrinkers at NYPSD recommend her removal from a position of authority, but instead the top dogs of NYPSD defer to her knowledge, experience and abilities to investigate the cases in a way nobody else can. She’s just getting started and we all can expect much more from our amazing cop.

REVIEW: Eyes On You by Kate White

Title: Eyes On You
Author: Kate White
Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: June, 2014
Genre: Thriller / Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | Audible | BN

Description: From New York Times bestselling author Kate White, comes a riveting psychological suspense in which a media star must battle a malevolent enemy who may be disturbingly close to her.

After losing her on-air job two years ago, television host Robin Trainer has fought her way back and now she’s hotter than ever. With her new show climbing in the ratings and her first book a bestseller, she’s being dubbed a media double threat.

But suddenly, things begin to go wrong. Small incidents at first: a nasty note left in her purse; her photo shredded. But the obnoxious quickly becomes threatening when the foundation the makeup artist uses burns Robin’s face. It wasn’t an accident—someone had deliberately doctored with the product.

An adversary with a dark agenda wants to hurt Robin, and the clues point to someone she works with every day. While she frantically tries to put the pieces together and unmask this hidden foe, it becomes terrifyingly clear that the person responsible isn’t going to stop until Robin loses everything that matters to her . . . including her life.

My Thoughts: I first started reading Kate White’s books when I discovered the Bailey Weggins series. I found her stand-alone novels to be engaging, capturing my attention with the storylines and intriguing characters. Eyes On You doesn’t disappoint either.

We meet Robin Trainer after losing her job two years prior. She is at a party promoting her new book and her new TV show is gaining ratings and popularity. Strange and increasingly threatening events begin to happen to Robin, nasty notes, shredded photos, drugged food, even her makeup gets sabotaged, causing burns to Robin’s face.

This story leads the reader on a hunt for the perpetrator. Not just who, but why? Who hates Robin enough to scare her, terrorize her, hurt her and even want her dead? This story takes stalking to a whole different level as Robin realizes the person doing this is someone close by, someone she works with every day, someone she trusts.

My Final Verdict: This story is a very dark depiction of the lengths someone is willing to go to destroy another person, regardless of the reason. It was impossible for me to figure out who was behind the attacks and was surprised at the big reveal. The storyline kept me interested in the outcome and I found the characters to be realistic and relatable. Readers of suspenseful thrillers will enjoy this story.

REVIEW: Dying For A Date by Cindy Sample

Title: Dying for a Date (Laurel McKay Mysteries #1)
Author: Cindy Sample
Publisher: CreateSpace
Publication Date: September, 2013
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: WOULD DATING BE THE DEATH OF HER?

Unsure if she is looking for Mr. Right, or Mr. Every Other Saturday Night, divorced mother of two, Laurel McKay reluctantly joins THE LOVE CLUB, a popular local dating service. Dressed to kill, she meets bachelor number one at a trendy restaurant. But the date is a bust, literally, when the guy decides Laurel is dessert, and she breaks his nose with her cell phone. It gets even worse when the man is found murdered the next morning, and Laurel has his blood on her clothes.

Despite her now being a person of interest to the police, Laurel bravely ventures out on date number two. When that unlucky bachelor disappears during dinner, Laurel’s only alibi is a bottle of Dom Perignon. The sexy investigating detective thinks she’s innocent and is worried she may be the next target. That’s more than enough motivation for Laurel to find a murderer determined to kill her social life––before dating becomes a dead end she can’t escape.

My Thoughts: Interesting story of single mom who goes on several dates ending with her dates being dead. Obviously, she is the prime suspect so she and a slew of interesting characters commit themselves to finding the real killer.

It was enjoyable and fans of the cozy mystery genre will enjoy it too, however I'm on the fence if I want to continue the series. I liked Laurel, but found her a little annoying at times and thought she put herself in harm's way too often for my liking.

REVIEW: Slaughtered by K.A. Lugo

Title: Slaughtered (Jack Slaughter #1)
Author: K.A. Lugo
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Publication Date: October, 2018
Genre: Thriller / Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: The Texter

Fallen homicide detective, Jack Slaughter, closes the door on the home where his perfect family has been brutally snatched from him. Moving across the city, he works as a private investigator to fund his own investigation into what happened to his family—who killed his little girl, Zoë, and where is his wife, Leah?

Every three month for the last three years, Jack receives a simple text telling him where he can find his missing wife. There’s a body at each location, but none of them are Leah.

Jack hates missing person’s cases, but they’re his bread and butter. He only takes the case to find Carl Boyd's missing wife because the details of her disappearance closely match Leah’s. He hopes by finding Bonnie Boyd, he'll find his own wife.

The Butcher

Following the leads in the Bonnie Boyd case, Jack discovers someone has been killing women all over the city for the last three years, a fact Jack’s ex-partner and still best friend, Ray Navarro, has neglected to tell him. The city has a serial killer and officials haven’t been able to find a single lead on the person they’ve dubbed The Butcher.

Could Bonnie Boyd’s disappearance be linked to The Butcher? More important, was Leah one of The Butcher’s victims? Could he have gone so far as to murder a child? With every clue Jack weaves together, his own life unravels even more.

My Thoughts: K.A. Lugo hits a homerun with the first book in her debut series about a police detective who has turned his back on his badge and the justice system when his young daughter and family dog are found murdered and his wife has vanished without a trace. For the next three years, Jack receives texts from someone toying with him, telling him where his wife’s body is, only for Jack to discover that its someone else’s body, murdered in the most heinous way.

Jack takes on missing persons cases as a private investigator but still holds onto the hope that one day Leah will be found and he can finally get the answers he so desperately seeks and the peace that having closure will bring.

This story grabs the reader from the start and its one fast and intense ride, so hold on tight! Jack is a character you can’t help but empathize with and root for. His grief comes across sharp and painful. His reminisces about Leah make his pain all the more vivid.

This story held a lot of surprises for me and the unmasking of the killer leaves more questions than answers that I predict will be made clear in future installments. I really enjoyed the side plot of the missing person case Jack is working on, which was really interesting, as well. Jack’s quest for justice is far from over, but with the support of his former partner and best friend, he is on the right path.

My Final Verdict: There are some gruesome and graphic descriptions of murder scenes that the weak kneed reader may struggle with, but it’s relevant to the story. I highly recommend this to all readers and fans of thrillers, suspense and police procedural plots will enjoy the hard-edged and sordid backdrop of this story. The characters are realistic and believable. The plot and dialogue flow smoothly and fit the characters and their personalities.

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

REVIEW: Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag

Title: Cold Cold Heart
Author: Tami Hoag
Publisher: Dutton
Publication Date: January, 2015
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Dana Nolan was a promising young TV reporter until a notorious serial killer tried to add her to his list of victims. Nearly a year has passed since surviving her ordeal, but the physical, emotional, and psychological scars run deep. Struggling with the torment of post-traumatic stress syndrome, plagued by flashbacks and nightmares as dark as the heart of a killer, Dana returns to her hometown in an attempt to begin to put her life back together. But home doesn’t provide the comfort she expects.

Dana’s harrowing story and her return to small town life have rekindled police and media interest in the unsolved case of her childhood best friend, Casey Grant, who disappeared without a trace the summer after their graduation from high school. Terrified of truths long-buried, Dana reluctantly begins to look back at her past. Viewed through the dark filter of PTSD, old friends and loved ones become suspects and enemies. Questioning everything she knows, refusing to be defined by the traumas of her past and struggling against excruciating odds, Dana seeks out a truth that may prove too terrible to be believed…

My Thoughts: Really enjoyed this story about a woman who survives the unthinkable horror of being the next victim of a serial killer. Dana Nolan had a great life as a TV reporter living the dream. Then she is kidnapped and nearly killed by a notorious serial killer. Her will to survive and live enables her to overcome the horror but not without many scars on the outside and the inside.

She returns to her hometown to put her life back together but learns there are questions and dangers there as well. Dana’s best friend, Casey, disappeared right after high school graduation and has never been seen or heard from since. Dana realizes that in order to heal from her ordeal, she has to look to the past to find the answers to questions she cannot remember, which makes her also realize that she doesn’t know whom she trust.

The reader doesn’t meet Dana prior to her encounter with the serial killer so the Dana we know is one who is plagued with PTSD and nightmares. She isn’t the sweet and happy girl her friends and family remember. She speaks her mind, quite brutally at times and seems to have lost the ability to have feelings of empathy or compassion. So you can imagine the shock and dismay people feel when Dana starts asking blunt questions about Casey and her disappearance, unaware and probably not caring whose toes she steps on or who she offends.

I liked Dana, though I found her a little hard to relate to at times. I understood her anger and irritability, but it was still a little shocking at times. The author does an amazing job of weaving the past and present together, slowly peeling back layers into Dana’s past, without revealing too much too soon. When the killer is revealed, I can’t say I was too surprised, but more that Dana didn’t catch on sooner. The ending was typical nail-biting edge-of-your-seat intense that this author does so well.

My Final Verdict: Readers who enjoy intense storylines with a mystery to solve and a thrilling ride along the way will enjoy this offering. I also highly recommend it to everyone who enjoy a good story with damaged characters who survive against all odds to come out ahead.

REVIEW: Relatively Normal by Whitney Dineen

Title: Relatively Normal
Author: Whitney Dineen
Publisher: 33 Partners Publishing
Publication Date: October, 2018
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Catriona Masterton's fiancé, Ethan, is Normal. He plans trips six months in advance and arrives at the airport a minimum of three hours early. He purchases life insurance, luggage insurance, and always opts for the extended warranty. He's responsible, reliable, and would make any woman a wonderful life partner. In other words, he's the exact opposite of the Masterton clan. Cat's mother has a kitchen gadget fetish, a father whose best friends are taxidermied field mice, and a super stoner man-child brother who lives--where else?--in the basement. Then there's Nan, her proud Scottish grandmother with a proclivity for profanity and mischief. What on earth will Catriona's Normal fiancé think when he comes home with her to meet her parents? What will he think when he discovers his soon-to-be in-laws invited Cat's ex to join them for Thanksgiving dinner? Find out in a laugh-out-loud journey of self-discovery, familial pandemonium, and love. A must read for fans of a true romantic comedy!

My Thoughts: Fun story about a woman who finds herself in the middle between what she thinks is normal and what is right. Cat believes she has found the perfect mate in Ethan. He is uber organized, reliable, responsible and dependable. He won’t break her heart and he isn’t weird like her family. He is the complete opposite of Cat’s family and she has avoided introducing him to her family until now. A trip home for Thanksgiving reopens doors to the past and Cat finds herself struggling to come to terms with not only who her family is, but ultimately who she is and what she wants. This story takes on a real interesting angle when Cat finds out her parents invited her high school sweetheart to join them for Thanksgiving. Cat’s grandmother also adds a lot of humorous twists to the story with her feisty nature.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. The author does an excellent job of creating appealing characters in a story that entertains on many levels. The story moves forward at an enjoyable pace, it held my interest and kept me engaged. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy stories about families and coming home.

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

REVIEW: All I Want For Christmas by Jenny Hale

Title: All I Want For Christmas
Author: Jenny Hale
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October, 2016
Genre: Women’s Fiction / Christmas
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: All I Want for Christmas is a big, cozy Christmas story about the importance of family, the strength of childhood friendships, and learning to trust your heart.

Fans of Carole Matthews, Susan Wiggs and Susan Mallery – and anyone who likes the glow of Christmas lights and the rustle of wrapping paper – will fall in love with this feel-good Christmas treat.

Christmas comes once a year . . . But true love comes once in a lifetime.

Snowflakes are falling, there’s carol singing on every corner, and Leah Evans is preparing for a family Christmas at her grandmother’s majestic plantation house in Virginia. It won’t be the same now that her beloved Nan is gone, but when Leah discovers she has inherited the mansion, she knows she can give her daughter Sadie the childhood of her dreams.

But there’s a catch. Leah must split the house with a man called David Forester. Leah hasn’t heard that name in a long time. Not since they were kids, when Davey was always there to catch her.

Now David is all grown up. He’s gorgeous, successful, and certain of one thing: Leah should sell him her half of the house.

They can’t agree, but as they share memories over wine by the log fire, Leah notices a fluttering in her stomach. And by the look in his eyes, he’s starting to feel it too.

Will it be Leah or David who must give up their dreams? Or, with a little bit of Christmas magic, will they finally understand Nan’s advice to them both about living life without regrets … and take a chance on true love?

My Thoughts: Jenny Hale is quickly becoming my favorite go to author for my Christmas reading fix. She decorates the atmosphere in her stories with all the holiday cheer and whimsy one can expect for the season. The story comes to life with the love and togetherness the holiday brings and is a delight for me as a reader.

Leah has inherited her childhood home from her grandmother and the memories of growing up there are what are driving her to giving her daughter the best childhood she can. Leah doesn’t count on there being a catch to the inheritance. Leah discovers she is co-owner with her childhood friend, David, whom she hasn’t seen in years. As children, they were thick as thieves, but now they are grown up and are on opposite sides of what is to be done about the house they both love.

I liked both Leah and David and empathized with them and the situation they find themselves in. Initially, I couldn’t understand why Leah’s grandmother would name them both beneficiary of the home and when I learned they both had distinctively different plans for the house, thought there would be no way these two former childhood buddies could resolve this conflict. David impressed me right away with his kindness and compassion towards Leah. He makes her a very generous offer that she is torn over taking and the guilt she is sure she will feel if she does. Leah has had to rely on herself to raise her young daughter as the father hightailed it out of there early on, so putting her trust in people isn’t something Leah does easily. Though life has dealt her a rotten hand, I loved that Leah is not bitter or angry at the world. She has a big heart and wants what is right and fair for everyone.

Grandma’s advice to Leah and David is to live life without regrets and they discover Grandma had a few of her own. As they work together to uncover the secrets, they become close and with just the right amount of nutmeg in the eggnog, you have a Christmas miracle that brings together families and friends to embrace the joy of the season. This story made me want to be there, sitting in front of the log fire or in the kitchen that I envisioned big and bright, copper pots hanging over a monstrous island, with the scents of Christmas in the air.

My Final Verdict: A feel good Christmas story of love and friendship to keep the reader toasty warm during the winter chill, I recommend this story any time of the year, eggnog optional.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of All I Want For Christmas from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Title: The Couple Next Door
Author: Shari Lepena
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Publication Date: July, 2016
Genre: Thriller / Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: It all started at a dinner party. . .

A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors--a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives…

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all--a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story.

Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they've kept for years.

What follows is the nerve-racking unraveling of a family--a chilling tale of deception, duplicity, and unfaithfulness that will keep you breathless until the final shocking twist.

My Thoughts: With The Couple Next Door, new to me author, Shari Lepena, delivers a suspenseful and intriguing story about a couple who suffer a parent’s worst nightmare when their baby daughter is kidnapped from her crib while they are next door at a dinner party. So many thoughts ran through my head as I read this story. I couldn’t understand what would compel a parent to leave their child alone after their babysitter cancels on them. Why didn’t they cancel and stay home? Why didn’t they take their daughter with them? As the story unravels, more details, lies and shocking deceptions are brought to light.

As a reader, it’s important to me to have a connection with some or all of the characters; feel empathy for their situation; care about them. All I felt for Anne and Marco Conti was contempt. The more I got to know them, the less I liked them. They are mired so deeply in their dysfunction, it’s a miracle they can drag themselves out of bed each day, much less bathe or feed themselves. That would usually be enough for me to give up on the story and chuck the book against the wall. But no, I turned into one of those annoying people who slow down to a snail’s pace in traffic when there’s an auto accident just to gawk and stare. I couldn’t stop reading this story. I had to find out what happens. I desperately needed closure on whether baby Cora is found alive, but I also needed to find out what these twisted and moronic people would do next.

There were moments when I felt sorry for Anne and Marco, but it didn’t last long. Like the Detective assigned to the case, my only concern was getting the baby back in one piece. We find out early on how the kidnapping went down, but the author does a wonderful job of throwing some red herrings into the story to keep us all guessing.

My Final Verdict: Readers who like intense plots with flawed characters that keep you engaged will enjoy this intriguing suspense story.

REVIEW: Swimsuit by James Patterson

Title: Swimsuit
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Date: June, 2009
Genre: Thriller / Mystery
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: THE BEACH...
A breathtakingly beautiful supermodel disappears from a swimsuit photo shoot at the most glamorous hotel in Hawaii. Only hours after she goes missing, Kim McDaniels's parents receive a terrifying phone call. Fearing the worst, they board the first flight to Maui and begin the hunt for their daughter.

...WILL NEVER BE...
Ex-cop Ben Hawkins, now a reporter for the L.A. Times, gets the McDaniels assignment. The ineptitude of the local police force defies belief--Ben has to start his own investigation for Kim McDaniels to have a prayer. And for Ben to have the story of his life.

...THE SAME FOR YOU AGAIN.
All the while, the killer sets the stage for his next production. His audience expects the best--and they won't be disappointed. Swimsuit is a heart-pounding story of fear and desire, transporting you to a place where beauty and murder collide and unspeakable horrors are hidden within paradise.

My Thoughts: For the first time, in probably ever, I have to start a review with a warning. This book was extremely graphic and violent and it took me a couple of attempts to get through it. I love this author and have read other titles of his that have been graphic, but this one really got to me. I’m glad it didn’t stop me or I would have missed a really intriguing and interesting story. This book doesn’t pull any punches. It starts right off with the abduction, rape and gruesome murder of a young model. If you can hold your cookies through that bit, then you are made of stronger stuff than I was. Where this story really pulled me in was the way the killer plays an apparent cat and mouse game with everyone, how brazen he is in selecting his victims and ending their lives without regard, be they young models, elderly people or even children.

If that’s all this story was, then I would say, don’t waste your time. You’ve read one serial killer gruesome slice and dice, you’ve read them all. No, this story goes beyond that when the killer forces our hero, Ben, to write his tell-all memoir. Yes, you got that right. Forced…Ben has no choice, if he wants to live. Ben has to find a way to keep ahead of Mr. Psycho and figure out who he is so he can bring him down, all while letting Mr. Psycho believe he’s writing the book. Psycho dude is a master of disguise, so this whack job shows up anywhere and anytime he wants taking Ben completely by surprise. I felt like Ben doesn’t have a clear grasp of who he is dealing with and the danger he is putting himself and his girlfriend in by poking that bear. But, it makes for intense reading moments. What will happen next? How does the killer seem to know Ben’s every move?

My Final Verdict: This was definitely not my favorite by this author. There were a lot of holes in the story and the ending was very weak for me after the rollercoaster ride the book put me through. If you are seeking an intense and graphically violent story and mindless hours of entertainment, lock your doors and give this one a go.

REVIEW: Bah, Humbug! by Heather Horrocks

Title: Bah, Humbug! (Christmas Street #1)
Author: Heather Horrocks
Publisher: Word Garden Press
Publication Date: September, 2011
Genre: Chick-Lit / Christmas-Holiday
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Lexi Anderson is an up-and-coming, Martha Stewart-type TV hostess whose two kids love the Jared Strong adventure novels, which happen to be written by their new neighbor, Kyle Miller.

For the first time in his writing career, Kyle has writer's block - until he sees the snowman on his lawn and realizes this is the perfect place for his villain to hide the weapon. He digs into the snowman to discover two things: the weapon fits into he body just under the head, and the snowman was supposed to be the back drop for Lexi's next show.

From this improbable beginning comes friendship. Can there be more for a woman who is afraid to get close again and a man who has shadows from his childhood?

Families join together and hearts are healed as this couple goes walking in a winter wonderland.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this charming Christmas story that brings two people together for the holiday. I enjoyed how Lexi and Kyle meet and at first glance, I wondered if they would get along. Destroying your neighbor’s snowman isn’t a good way to begin, but happily, Lexi doesn’t hold a grudge and a friendship begins to blossom. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that her kids absolutely love Kyle and are two of his biggest fans.

Where Lexi is all about Christmas and the spirit of the holiday, Kyle is the complete opposite. No decorations, no cheer, no spirit. He’s on deadline and struggling with writer’s block. Who has time for any of that nonsense? He even puts off his family when they ask him to host a family Christmas gathering. Soon, Kyle finds more reasons to participate in the festivities and by letting go of his anxiety gives him the boost he needs to overcome his writer’s block.

I had a little difficulty accepting how quickly Lexi and Kyle jump from friendship to love and how a little Christmas decorating and hosting a gathering cures Kyle of the grief he has carried his whole life and why he avoided Christmas. But I’m a sucker for a happy ending, so it was all good.

My Final Verdict: Excellent choice for readers who want a little Christmas cheer and whimsy in their reading, but don’t have the time to sit down and read a full-length novel.

REVIEW: Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich

Title: Tricky Twenty-Two (Stephanie Plum #22)
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: November, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Something big is brewing in Trenton, N.J., and it could blow at any minute.

Stephanie Plum might not be the world's greatest bounty hunter, but she knows when she's being played. Ken Globovic (aka Gobbles), hailed as the Supreme Exalted Zookeeper of the animal house known as Zeta fraternity, has been arrested for beating up the dean of students at Kiltman College. Gobbles has missed his court date and gone into hiding. People have seen him on campus, but no one will talk. Things just aren't adding up, and Stephanie can't shake the feeling that something funny is going on at the college - and it's not just Zeta fraternity pranks.

As much as people love Gobbles, they hate Doug Linken. When Linken is gunned down in his backyard it's good riddance, and the list of possible murder suspects is long. The only people who care about finding Linken's killer are Trenton cop Joe Morelli, who has been assigned the case, security expert Ranger, who was hired to protect Linken, and Stephanie, who has her eye on a cash prize and hopefully has some tricks up her sleeve.

My Thoughts: I enjoy this series for the most part, though there are times that I find myself rolling my eyes…hard at the antics going on in Trenton. Lula never fails to surprise me and I always enjoy any time Ranger is on the scene. I think the eye-rolling stems more from the sense of the same old song and dance that seems to be going on with Stephanie. No money, no car, no life and still torn between Joe and Ranger. After 22 books, why can’t she keep a dang car in one piece through the whole book? Why do all the bad guys on the East Coast seem determined to force Stephanie into public transit or relying on Old Blue? How come nobody blows up Old Blue? When is Ranger going to get sick of giving Stephanie a loaner, only for it to get blown to smithereens? I shudder at what his vehicle insurance premiums are…yikes! Luckily for Stephanie, Ranger doesn’t seem to mind.

This story has a little bit of a twist with Joe sorta kinda maybe breaking up with Stephanie. Of course, we all know Joe and that isn’t how it actually translates, but still. I thought the moment I had long been awaiting was finally here! Stephanie is free to be with Ranger! Cue the happy-dance music, people! Wait, what? Why isn’t she grabbing Rex and beating feet to Ranger’s door? If I didn’t genuinely like Stephanie, I probably would have been beating my head against the wall and washing my hands of her. This series has characters that the reader can really relate to and like. You care about them so you share in their joys and successes and empathize with them in their setbacks and losses. This author does an amazing job of breathing life into these characters, so it’s easy for the reader to get pulled in on an emotional level. I really want to see Stephanie with Ranger…at least for longer than a chapter or two, but I also know her heart belongs to Joe and will probably always will. I guess I am OK with that. But hey, Joe broke up with her! Yes, it was stupid and he’s an idiot, but HE BROKE UP WITH HER! Girlfriend, what are you waiting for!!! Even your Grandma thinks Ranger is “totally hot.”

My Final Verdict: This story has a lot of interesting moments and I always enjoy the scenes Grandma Masur is in. Lula and Connie also bring a lot of entertainment to the mix and Stephanie is a lucky girl to have them in her corner. This series isn’t your hard-edged nail-biting edge of your seat suspense thrillers, but it’s wonderful for a few hours of fluff reading that can and often do entertain.

REVIEW: Christmas In Transylvania by Sandra Hill

Title: Christmas in Transylvania (Deadly Angels #4.5)
Author: Sandra Hill
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publication Date: October, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Description: For the first time ever, the leader of the Viking Vampire Angels, Vikar Sigurdsson, has been talked into celebrating a traditional Christmas! The tree has been decorated, the gifts have been wrapped, and the stockings have been hung. And that's mistletoe, not cobwebs, hanging from the ceiling of the creepy castle full of vangels … really!

The icing on the vampire cookie comes when vangel Karl Mortensen rescues Faith Larson, a battered young waitress, from her abusive boyfriend and hides her in the castle amidst the Christmas chaos. But what Karl thought was a frail young teenager is actually a very tempting woman. And she thinks his fangs are sexy!

But a strange "Christmas visitor" at the castle and demon vampires up to their old tricks could threaten the budding romance between Karl and Faith. It's an impossible match—a human and a vangel—but Christmas is a time for magic.

Karl and Faith don't stand a chance …

My Thoughts: Meh…it had some cute moments. There were some humorous moments, but the book didn’t grab me like I hoped. I’m going to chalk it up to not having read any of the Deadly Angels series and not knowing anything about any of the characters who made an appearance in this story or why they are vampire angels (how is that even possible?). I will say I liked Karl and Faith but I didn’t really buy in to how quickly they fell for each other. Didn’t feel genuine to me. Let’s face it. He rescues her from a bad situation at home with the douchebag boyfriend, so naturally, she feels gratitude and that can evolve into something, but I just wasn’t convinced. They don’t know each other and don’t know anything about each other. I thought Faith’s reaction when she discovers what Karl is was a little downplayed.

My Final Verdict: If you are looking for paranormal Christmas cheer, you might like this. If you are a fan of this author’s Deadly Angel series and already are familiar with all the characters, then I expect this book will deliver what you are looking for.

REVIEW: A Shoe Addict's Christmas by Beth Harbison

Title: A Shoe Addict’s Christmas (Shoe Addict #2.5)
Author: Beth Harbison
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: October, 2016
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: From the author of the beloved bestseller Shoe Addicts Anonymous, comes a heartwarming twist on a classic tale filled with holiday cheer.

Noelle is not a fan of the holidays and to make matters worse, she is at a crossroads in her life when it seems that love and adventure are no longer possible. When she stays late at her job in a department store on a snowy Christmas Eve she accidentally gets locked in after closing. She isn’t too concerned about the prospect of spending the night in the store…until a woman appears out of nowhere and tells Noelle that she’s her guardian angel. Soon Noelle finds herself camped out in the shoe department facing several “ghosts” of Christmases past, present, and future...Will visiting the holidays of yesterday and tomorrow help Noelle see the true spirit of Christmas? And will the love she has longed for all her life be the best surprise gift of all?

My Thoughts: A short and cute story about a girl gets the spirit of Christmas in a most interesting and unusual way. Noelle isn’t a Scrooge type person, but she isn’t a Buddy the Elf either. On Christmas Eve, she works late, oblivious to the time, and ends up getting locked in. The idea of camping out in an upscale department store sounds like an awesome idea until she runs across an elderly woman in the shoe department who claims to be Noelle’s guardian angel. So, we begin a journey into Noelle’s life to see how she has checked out of life by just existing instead of living. With the help of the gorgeous designer shoes, Noelle relives numerous memories of her life and the missed opportunities.

I enjoyed this story and was a little envious of Noelle. Getting stuck in this beautiful department store and being given access to anything she wants sounds like a dream come true, even with her boss showing up at the end of the story practically ordering her to go on vacation to Rome and feel free to take whatever you want from the store. Sign me up! Call me crazy, but if one of my friends offers me an all-expense paid trip to Rome, I am not going to balk at the chance. Noelle isn’t like that. She avoids opportunities or challenges to bring excitement, love, joy, or whatever to her life. It may take an act of God and her guardian angel to give Noelle the push she needs.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this story to readers looking for something short and sweet for their holiday reading pile that will satisfy their craving without adding calories.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Shoe Addict’s Christmas from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: A Vampire's Christmas Carol by Cynthia Eden

Title: A Vampire’s Christmas Carol
Author: Cynthia Eden
Publisher: Smashwords
Publication Date: November, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Christmas-Holiday
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: This holiday season has bite.

Ben Prescott hates Christmas—he’s a vampire, and to him, there’s certainly nothing jolly about the holiday season. While the humans are running around being merry, he’s hunting in the shadows. Ben plans to spend the holidays his way…by stalking deadly prey.

But fate has other plans for Ben.

Three visitors are coming Ben’s way…A demon who will force Ben to face his past, a ghost who will show Ben the present he could have, and a shifter who will reveal the darkness that waits in Ben’s future. Unless Ben can change his ways, he may just turn into a real monster, one who can’t be saved by anyone or anything.

’Tis the season…to be undead.

Ben’s redemption rests in the hands of the one woman he loved and lost—Simone Laurent. If Ben is going to have a chance at being more than just the beast in the darkness, he has to prove himself to the lovely Simone. A very hard task, considering that, once upon a Christmas Eve, Simone died in Ben’s arms…
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Warning: This book features one very tortured vampire, a sexy ghost from his past, and hot scenes designed to melt the winter snow. Plenty of action, adult situations, and steamy times are ahead. Happy holidays!

My Thoughts: This book was my first holiday read for 2018. It’s super short, which can be a good thing or bad thing. Good because a finished book is great and if I can read it faster, then yay! Bad because it’s short and sometimes a reader just needs more, you know, especially when there are vampires, which is one of my weaknesses.

Meet Ben Prescott, vampire and hater of Christmas. What’s there to love when you are undead, not by choice, and the woman of your dreams is dead-dead? No hanging of stockings or sipping of the Christmas cheer for our Ben. Instead, he is out hunting human prey. The evil human variety are his choice of prey and ridding the world of evil people should be a good thing, but unfortunately for Ben, he is on a path of self-destruction which will turn him into a monster incapable of knowing or doing the right thing.

Ben is given the opportunity to choose a different path when he is visited by three paranormal beings that are on a mission to show Ben the light by showing him what awaits him if he stays on his present course.

I love tortured characters and vampires are my favorite. They hold all the trump cards when it comes to self-loathing, pain, misery and torturing themselves. I also love stories about redemption and when a tortured character finds redemption, it is so satisfying.

Ben is a great character. His mortality was taken from him against his will and he lost not only his life, but the love of his life. Can we say he’s a little bitter? Yes, we can. Who wouldn’t be? He shuts himself away from everyone and everything and focuses on hunting people who deserve to be hunted. This lifestyle has accomplished what he intended but now Ben needs a new path before he becomes the evil that he has been hunting.

Ben and Simone’s chemistry is white-hot and I felt so bad for these two that they have had to suffer so much heartbreak and anguish not of their choosing. I really wanted more time with Ben and Simone to learn about their beginning and stick around for the after to see how they grow and build their lives together.

I recommend this book to fans of paranormal romances and fans who enjoy Christmas themes and are looking for something a little different to add to their holiday cheer reading list. Christmas is the season for love and joy and nobody deserves love and joy more than Ben and Simone.

REVIEW: Don't Mention The Rock Star by Bree Darcy

Title: Don’t Mention the Rock Star
Author: Bree Darcy
Publisher: Bree Darcy
Publication Date: January, 2015
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy the Book: Amazon

Description: They fell in love in an instant … so why have they spent a lifetime apart?

As a teenager Kellie dated an American boy but circumstances meant they went their separate ways. Now he’s back and she’s so tempted to see him again. But two decades have passed and they are both married with children.

And the last thing a celebrity reporter like her needs is the world finding out about her past relationship with a rock star. Especially as Kellie’s husband doesn’t even know she once dated AJ Dangerfield, lead singer of legendary band Danger Game. And she has no intention of him finding out. EVER.

As Kellie deals with a demanding boss, a bullied son, an infuriating mother-in-law and a best friend who won’t act her age, she finds herself playing a dangerous game. What will happen if her two worlds collide? And is it possible that first love never fades?

My Thoughts: Enjoyable story about first love and the path life leads us on based on our choices and decisions. I really liked Kellie and AJ together. They mesh so well and I enjoyed watching them mature as individuals and as a couple. Kellie is by AJ’s side and as his popularity and fame grow, they are pulled apart when AJ makes a choice that drives Kellie away. This book is told both in the past and present as the reader is given a birds-eye view into their lives as they grow from teenagers to adults with careers, marriages and children.

I felt a lot of empathy for Kellie as she struggles with her feelings for AJ and keeping that time of her life private from her present life. I admired Kellie for maintaining composure when her personal life and career as a celebrity reporter collide. She does a wonderful job keeping them separate. I liked the man AJ became and how he befriended Kellie’s son, who struggles with being bullied and having a domineering and critical father.

My Final Verdict: For a debut novel, the author does a fantastic job creating a story that flows smoothly from the past to the present and back to the past again. The dialogue is clear and realistic for the time period as well as the ages and personalities of the characters. The characters are easy to relate to and though I wasn’t cheering for all of them to get a happy ever after, I liked that some of them were redeemable in the end and earned some respect from me. I recommend this book to readers who like complex characters who don’t allow their emotional baggage from the past derail their journey in the present.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Don’t Mention the Rock Star from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

Title: A Dog’s Purpose (A Dog’s Purpose #1)
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Publisher: Forge Books
Publication Date: July, 2010
Genre: General Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, this touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?

Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8 year old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey's journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders, will he ever find his purpose?

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh out loud funny, this book is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

My Thoughts: All Bailey wants is to be a good dog. He knows his purpose is to take care of the people in his pack and be a good dog. I absolutely loved this story of Bailey and all of his numerous lives that bring him full circle back to the life he loved the most. Bailey offers the most meaningful insight to his surroundings and I loved how quickly he adapts each time he is reborn as a puppy, knowing he has a purpose and his determination to discover it. Though Bailey has many names in this story, I will refer to him as Bailey as the heart of the story for me is when he is with Ethan as Bailey.

The characters were well written and I loved the way the story flowed. I could easily relate to the characters and felt a lot of empathy for them. This story is told in the first-dog perspective and hearing Bailey’s opinions and thoughts and reactions to the world around him was thoroughly enjoyable.

My Final Verdict: This was my first time reading this author’s work and this book was a keeper-shelf book for me. I laughed and cried through the story and fell in love with this wonderful dog whose only purpose is to bring joy to those around him. I think he aced it.

REVIEW: Brotherhood In Death by J.D. Robb

Title: Brotherhood In Death (In Death, #42)
Author: J.D. Robb
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February, 2016
Genre: Mystery / Suspense / Urban Fantasy
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Dennis Mira just had two unpleasant surprises. First he learned that his cousin Edward was secretly meeting with a real estate agent about their late grandfather’s magnificent West Village brownstone, despite the promise they both made to keep it in the family. Then, when he went to the house to confront Edward about it, he got a blunt object to the back of the head.

Luckily Dennis is married to Charlotte Mira, the NYPSD’s top profiler and a good friend of Lieutenant Eve Dallas. When the two arrive on the scene, he explains that the last thing he saw was Edward in a chair, bruised and bloody. When he came to, his cousin was gone. With the mess cleaned up and the security disks removed, there’s nothing left behind but a few traces for forensics to analyze.

As a former lawyer, judge, and senator, Edward Mira mingled with the elite and crossed paths with criminals, making enemies on a regular basis. Like so many politicians, he also made some very close friends behind closed—and locked—doors. But a badge and a billionaire husband can get you into places others can’t go, and Eve intends to shine some light on the dirty deals and dark motives behind the disappearance of a powerful man, the family discord over a multimillion-dollar piece of real estate . . . and a new case that no one saw coming.

My Thoughts: Oh Em Gee! Just when you think this series has pulled out all the surprises and maybe it’s time to give Eve and the Scooby Gang a break for a change, the powers of brilliance in the great imagination of the talented J.D. Robb says “Oh no, you ain’t seen nothing yet!” Insert evil mwah ha ha ha here…

I thought with a story featuring the wonderful Dennis Mira as the central character would be a slow paced story, like Dennis is a comfort to Eve, with fuzzy sweaters, scents of pipe tobacco and hot chocolate. I thought (smacking forehead here) that this would be a soft shuffle of a story, as Lord knows Eve and the gang work awful hard and could use a bit of a rest. This story peels back layer upon layer that opens a depraved and twisted world to Eve filled with people who have gotten away with horrific acts…until now. I’m shocked Eve and her gang haven’t been committed to an asylum yet or undergoing intense therapy by now. One of the things I love about the characters in this series is their uncanny ability to do the job and do it well while maintaining their perspective of the world around them and keeping it real with a great balance of humor and sarcasm.

This story is definitely not black and white when coming to the identity of the villain. I had a lot of empathy for the characters who found themselves cast in this role, but like Eve, felt that justice still needed to be served. Eve often finds herself in the position of having to make some very hard decisions, but I admire her strength of character and integrity and how hard she works to keep it separate from her personal feelings.

My only negative issue with this story was no Mavis, Leonardo or Bella. Hopefully, they will make an appearance in the next book to add a little color to the mix.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book. It’s keeper-shelf material for me, as are most of the books in this series. I always look forward to what Eve gets into next and watching her grow as a character in a variety of situations is highly entertaining.