Month: April 2020

Posted on

Blog Tour (Review): The Summer Villa by Melissa Hill

After a few good psych thrillers, I was ready for something lighter, and I certainly got it with this book.

BUY LINKS:
Harlequin  Indiebound Amazon Barnes & Noble 
Target Walmart Google Kobo

Right off, the setting drew me in. I would welcome the opportunity to “visit” the Amalfi Coast any day, but it was especially attractive given the current worldwide social/travel situation. The descriptions did not disappoint. I could picture, and almost feel, the atmosphere every time a scene took place at the villa. In fact, those were some of my favorite moments.

I also liked that the three main characters were so different from each other. Kim (American), Colette (English), and Annie (Irish), all meet at the villa in their 20s, each having their reasons (and methods) of being there. I liked Annie the best, as I found her to be the most interesting character. Unfortunately, it felt like there were times that she got shorted more details that she deserved.

Kim was the center of the story, as she is the one who brings them back together six years after they initially met. She describes herself as being like Paris Hilton, and that seems apt. She was less likable, mainly because it seemed like she didn’t do a whole lot of growing up, despite having more responsibilities. It was pretty apparent that she couldn’t get a grasp on motherhood due to her own mother’s attitude as Kim was growing up.

Colette was somewhere in the middle of the two. I liked her, but just as her character always put herself aside for others or tried especially hard to please people, she sometimes faded into the background and lost her self. She was the hardest for me to get a clear picture of…but maybe that was intentional.

I thought that the author did a good job exploring relationships between female friends. I also could totally relate to a place having special memories and wanting to recapture what made it so special in the first place. That’s not always possible, as it turns out. I will admit, I also saw the twist coming, but that is probably just because I read A LOT.

I did find it a little difficult to care about any of the characters, but I enjoyed just letting the story carry me along, and I already mentioned how much I loved the setting. Not everything has to be deep; sometimes, just a little vacation is enough. This one fit that bill for me.

AUTHOR BIO

MELISSA HILL lives in south Dublin with her husband and daughter. A USA TODAY and international #1 bestseller, she is the author of 13 novels, including The Gift of a Charm and A Gift From Tiffany’s. The Gift of a Charm was a USA TODAY bestseller. Hailed “the queen of the big plot twist,” she combines all the warmth and humor of contemporary women’s fiction with plots that keep readers guessing from page to page. Melissa also cowrites forensic thrillers with her husband, Kevin, under the pseudonym Casey Hill, featuring crime scene investigator Reilly Steel. For more information, visit www.caseyhillbooks.com.

This is the last book of the Harlequin Trade Publishing 2020 Spring Reads Blog Tour, and I am grateful to have been able to read each of these amazing books. Keep an eye out for the Summer Tour, coming soon!!!

Posted on

Blog Tour (Review): The Closer You Get by Mary Torjusssen

I’m back on a psych thriller kick. I just came off of a fantastic roller coaster of a read, so I was a little leery about jumping into another one. Fortunately, this one completely surprised me as well. (Two for two ain’t bad!)

Complete honesty here: The first few chapters had me worried. Ruby took action for a few good reasons (or so she thought), but it seemed like it all dragged on. I thought that the book was going to be more of that, and it was frankly getting a little tiresome.

But about a third of the way through, it zigged when I thought it was going to zag, and we were off to the races.

The chapters then move seamlessly back and forth between Ruby and Emma, and the depths of sinister motives are slowly revealed. There is A LOT more going on than what is on the surface. It is only at the very end that the reader gets a chance to reflect on events and put all of the pieces together.

I thought Emma and Ruby were interesting counterparts. Both appeared to be strong at some points and weak at others, but their strengths came out at different times. I also thought that both women showed tremendous growth, both internal and in terms of each other. Emma’s realizations were especially truthful, as she was brutally honest with herself (sometimes lacking in characters). She realized that nobody was blameless in the whole situation.

(I know that sounds a little convoluted, but I don’t want to give away any plot points).

I also think that Tom was one of the best-written characters I have “met.” He is complex and unpredictable. I was always off-balance with him, so the characters’ interactions felt especially “lifelike.” He was one twisted bastard. You should definitely give this one a try. Stick with it through the set up because it takes off and keeps you guessing to the very end.

About Mary Torjussen

Mary Torjussen has an MA in Creative Writing from Liverpool John Moores University and worked for several years as a teacher. She is the author of two novels, Gone Without a Trace and The Girl I Used to Be, and her new novel will be published in 2020. She writes dark, gripping thrillers and her debut novel, published in several international territories, has been optioned for television by Ecosse Productions.

Posted on

Blog Tour (Review): Roses Are Red by Miranda Rijks

When I read a book, I make notes and write the review in my head as I proceed. The final result that you see on this blog is usually a mixture of the highlights of each mental review I complete. I can’t remember the last time I had a review change in my mind as much as it did for Roses Are Red.

At the beginning of the book, I thought it would be a psych thriller in flashbacks, illustrating the reasons leading up to the shocking first chapter. That was wrong.

Then, I thought it would be about a woman putting herself back together after trauma. That was partially right.  

As I reached a little under halfway, I was positive I had it all figured out. I was disappointed that it seemed so simple and that I still had lots more in the book to go. But I kept reading because I wanted to see how it all played out.

Can I just say that the last third of the book had me turning pages as the action ratcheted up and some of what I thought I knew got thrown out the window?

In other words, if you think that you know what is happening, you probably don’t. I don’t want to say much more than this, because it is kind of pointless to go into character development and things like that without giving away plot points, and I definitely don’t want to do that.

Suffice to say that this is a great psych thriller that can also serve as a cautionary tale (you’ll figure that one out as you read), and was compelling enough for me to read it in one sitting. That’s difficult to do. So, grab it and give yourself a whirlwind treat of a read. This is a psychological thriller with lots of suspense and you will not be disappointed.

About Miranda Rijks

Miranda Rijks is a writer of psychological thrillers and suspense novels. She has an eclectic background ranging from law to running a garden centre. She’s been writing all of her life and has a Masters in writing. A couple of years ago she decided to ditch the business plans and press releases and now she’s living the dream, writing suspense novels full time. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband, musician daughter and black Labrador.
Miranda is the author of YOU ARE MINE and I WANT YOU GONE. ROSES ARE RED will be her seventh novel published with Inkubator Books.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MirandaRijks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MirandaRijksAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirandarijksauthor/
Posted on

Blog Tour (Review): The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman

I like books where I learn something new, in addition to a great plot, of course. The Heirloom Garden fits the bill in both cases. And just take a look at that gorgeous cover!

BUY LINKS:
Harlequin  Indiebound
Amazon Barnes & Noble 
Books-A-Million Target
Walmart Google
iBooks Kobo

I liked the main plot of the book. Iris lost her family in the 1940s and has since become a hermit, tending only to her flowers (and boy does she have a lot of them). Abby and her family rent the house next door (owned by Iris) but are dealing with their own set of problems. Through a few events, the two women forge a bond that develops. It is an emotional and uplifting story.

I liked Iris and her story the best. She was an interesting character, and the way she dealt with loss and her life after WWII felt realistic. A lot of her perspectives seemed familiar, as they sounded like things my grandmother used to say. I also know that I have eaten in her kitchen, right down to the table and chairs that matched the countertops, and everything being color-coordinated. Those descriptions brought back great memories for me.

Additionally, Shirley’s comments on her husband’s return from the war were especially real, as that same thing happened to my grandfather. He died before I was born, but my mom still tells stories of how different he was when he came back from the South Pacific. I think that is true for a lot of men.

It certainly was true for Cory. His experience was certainly similar to that of men returning from WWII. However,  they didn’t have the diagnosis of PTSD in the 40s and 50s. I thought this was a good parallel to be made, and it connected the two families nicely. Less successful were Abby’s attitudes about feminism and the workplace. While I recognize that chauvinistic attitudes still exist, the ones described seem more fitting to the 1980s or 90s than to the book’s setting of 2003. That note didn’t hit for me, nor did her reluctance to let Lily play with dolls (but that’s another issue altogether).

I learned more about the cross-breeding and care of flowers than I ever thought I would. I understand the need to highlight Iris’s intelligence and passion, given her past renown.  It did get a little bit heavy at times, sometimes going for more than a few pages. I loved the detail (because I love learning), but there were times that it detracted from the story. I wanted the plot to move along.

Ultimately, however, there was a strong message that family is always with you. I also thought a sub-message was “family is where you find it” as the relationship between Abby and Iris progressed. I loved how Iris honored her family going back generations, and how much importance she put on traditions. People are quick to create their own sets of memories these days, and I wish that more people cherished the items and memories of their past. Iris is someone I would love to know in real life.

Author Bio

Viola Shipman is the pen name for Wade Rouse, a popular, award-winning memoirist. Rouse chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose heirlooms and family stories inspire his writing. Rouse is the author of The Summer Cottage, as well as The Charm Bracelet and The Hope Chest which have been translated into more than a dozen languages and become international bestsellers. He lives in Saugatuck, Michigan and Palm Springs, California, and has written for People, Coastal Living, Good Housekeeping, and Taste of Home, along with other publications, and is a contributor to All Things Considered.

SOCIAL

This review is part of the Harlequin Trade Publishing 2020 Spring Reads Blog Tour. Come back on April 30th for my review of The Summer Villa – the last book until we head into summer reading!

Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): Can You See Her by S.E. Lynes

What began as a poignant story seemingly about a middle-aged woman who felt invisible to everyone quickly evolved into something darker and more insidious that had me turning pages to finish this in one sitting. It was just that good.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3ci3DLg
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3ekatSt
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3bbimaN
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2REIza5

Full disclosure, this review may seem like I am talking in riddles, but for this book, I really do NOT want to give anything away. There are so many little bits that could ruin it. So I am going to be as vague as possible while still trying to illustrate how excellent the book was.

I will admit that the first few chapters took some getting used to, as the stream of consciousness that was Rachel’s retelling of events was hard to follow at times. However, once I got to “know” her, it became easier.

The story is told primarily from Rachel’s point of view as she speaks with…someone. These chapters alternate with transcripts of police interviews of other characters. The timeframe is unclear, but it all appears to be part of an investigation. Of what, I cannot tell you.

Rachel is an infinitely relatable character. Even as her real story remains unclear through most of the book, every middle-aged woman can relate to the feeling of being invisible to those closest to her. That likability made it challenging for me to get a grip on her actual personality. It seemed like I was off-balance, changing my theories every other chapter.

The author also offers a searing analysis of the place that hate and revenge have taken in our society. The line between the two is blurred, and the ease at which people can slip between them is eye-opening.

As I mentioned above, this book was an absolute page-turner, with twists and revelations right up to the very last page. By far, one of the best psychological thrillers (in the truest definition of the genre) that I have ever read.

Author Bio
After graduating from Leeds University, S E Lynes lived in London before moving to Aberdeen where she worked as a BBC Producer. In 2002, she moved to Rome with her husband and two young children. In 2007, after the birth of her third child, she returned to the UK and gained an MA in Creative Writing from Kingston University. Currently, she writes novels and teaches Creative Writing at Richmond Adult Community College.

Twitter: @SELynesAuthor
Posted on

Books on Tour (Review): The Island Girls by Noelle Harrison

Even after reading the blurb, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. What I got was an in-depth exploration of family loyalty, sisterly bonds, and the different ways responsibility manifests itself. This book drew me in and kept me turning pages late into the night to find out how everything worked out.

I loved the through-line of sisterhood. Not only do we see the bonds between Katie and Susannah, Emer and Orla, and even Rebecca and Lynsey to an extent. I thought the author did an excellent job drawing parallels that were subtle but packed an emotional punch.

The story unfolds in alternating chapters between Emer’s life in 2011 and Susannah’s in the late 50s/early 60s, and the transitions were seamless. The story is such that there is no jolt between the time changes.

I thought that Emer was an interesting character. She was obviously seeking redemption for what she saw as a slight to her own sister, but she learned through Susannah’s history that there could be so much worse out there. I don’t know that she had that big revelation, but she definitely learned that lesson. And I thought that the moment when it all crystalized (when Susannah went looking for her) was poignant and powerful.

I did feel, however, that the romance between Emer and Lars was sometimes weak; it could have used a little bit more depth, as it was the only part (to me) that felt a little contrived. I think that is primarily because everything else that we learn, through letters and recollections, is so real.

I don’t mind saying that by the end of the book, I was in tears. The bravery that comes from getting through a loved one’s death is one thing. Sacrificing one’s entire life because of guilt (or a sense of duty or a sense of shame) is an entirely different animal. It is ultimately up to the reader to decide which one Susannah operates under as she makes her choices.

 Overall, I think the author managed to capture the mentalities of both small town “Island” inhabitants and those who wish to overcome that mentality (personified by Katie and Susannah’s opposing views on the matter). Ultimately, the realization that each of them comes to is that what is “right” doesn’t necessarily mean that it is right forever. And there are always options, even when it seems as if there aren’t.

It is a novel full of impactful insight that I will be thinking about for a long time.

Author Bio

Noelle Harrison is the Irish author of nine novels and five plays and has been translated into over 13 different languages. Her short stories have been published in Lines of Vision, Irish Writing on Irish Art, & Gutter Magazine of New Scottish Writing. In 2016, Noelle co-founded Aurora Writers’ Retreats building on 20 years’ experience of teaching creative writing in Ireland, Scotland, Norway and England.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/2VAKYDH
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2KbNElX
Kobo: https://bit.ly/34LhOFW
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3ctnpmW
Posted on

Blog Tour (Review): Burn Zone by Annabeth Albert

Not a genre that I usually read, but I’m always looking for new reading experiences. I’m glad I took a chance on this one.

(My apologies, but for some reason, the cover picture would not load. Here are the Buy Links instead).

One thing that struck me right away is that the author did a fantastic job of describing the extreme conditions that smokejumpers and hot shots work under every day. I thought the descriptions of the training and atmosphere were realistic and certainly added to the story.

I also liked the characters. It felt like some of them may have been introduced in previous books (I forgot to check), so there maybe wasn’t as much description as I would have liked, but that’s on me. I also wasn’t sure why the author chose to roll out Wyatt’s fate the way she did. It was apparent that something had happened, but by trickling out the details, I felt that the impact of it was somewhat lessened.  

Being relatively new to the genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the romance aspect, but I really liked how the author created the tension between the two characters. I have read a few books of this type where it was all about the sex (just like some books with hetero couples). I appreciated that there was an emotional story behind the attraction. There was depth, and the characters’ journeys were easily relatable.

It was an exciting book, and I would undoubtedly find this author again.

About Annabeth Albert

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter.  In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

Connect with Annabeth Albert

Posted on

Blog Tour (Review): Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr

I was excited to read this book because I grew up near Half Moon Bay, and it’s still one of my favorite areas to visit. I hoped that the author would be able to capture the quirkiness and beauty of the town. I’d say that it ended up being a mixed bag.

I thought the plot had promise. Two sisters who were far apart in age and life experiences are forced to rely on each other to rebuild their lives. Each sister had distinct personalities and their way of looking at things. I liked the interplay between the two as they got to know each other and learned from each other. I also thought the twist on Scott’s situation was bold. It’s something that occurs but isn’t often talked about, so kudos on addressing it.

I also got glimpses of the town, and I could picture the neighborhoods and areas (which was cool), but I think there were missed opportunities. How can there be a book set in Half Moon Bay that doesn’t mention the Pumpkin Festival? Or any one of the historic restaurants? And the author does not do justice to the drive between Half Moon Bay and San Jose. (That’s probably just a personal nitpick since I am so familiar with the area).

I also thought that the second part of the book was better than the first half. It felt like the author was trying to throw in too much at the beginning. There was just one thing piling on top of another. I understand that the author needed to set the stage, but honestly, it was just too much. More straightforward would have been better and would have gotten to the heart of the plot faster.

Overall, I think it was a good book, but there were a few missteps. I am new to this author and will certainly give her another chance, but I hope it is more direct to the point without extra angst to play on emotions.

Author Bio

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at www.RobynCarr.com.

Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): In Darkness Look For Stars by Clara Benson

It’s been a while since I read a historical fiction novel, so I was pleased to see that this one was next up on my list. There was a lot to like about it, and I very much enjoyed it from start to finish.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3cfvKe3
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3bckT4k
Kobo: https://bit.ly/34COWQ8
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3aa9b9g

Very often, a book has a contemporary plot-line that then dovetails with the historical one in some fashion. One thing I liked about this story is that the “contemporary” line is only 7-8 years after the initial action, which works for two reasons. One is that the characters are primarily involved in both storylines (so obviously the times need to be close).

It also allows for the characters to be still carrying the weight of the war on their shoulders. There hasn’t been time to recover fully from the war itself, not to mention the aftermath. This closeness of storylines makes the switching back and forth more seamless than some others that have a more distant time difference.

I thought the characters were also well-crafted. Each one of them was flawed and trying to find their way in their new situations. Ambition, guilt, betrayal, family loyalty, and even love play significant parts in each of the character’s journeys. Harriet was the anchor for all of it, even as she struggled to find her footing in her new life.

Sebastien was the only character I had a difficult time pinning down. On the one hand, he was a temperamental teenager who had experienced significant personal tragedies. On the other, it seemed as if there was something off with him even as a young child. There is an allusion to a schoolmaster and his pupils that is briefly mentioned and then never addressed again. It makes me wonder if that was to be a reason for Sebastien’s temperament.

I did like Cecilia’s journey. She was the embodiment of how guilt could destroy a person from the inside. Even though she made her choices and had to live with them, I found her story to be satisfying and was glad the author gave her the arc that she did.  I especially liked the connections of music as colors; that is something that has always fascinated me, and I was interested in Cecilia and Emil’s descriptions.

Ultimately, this is an epic story spanning roughly a decade that showcases how ambition and desire can drive people to fatal decisions, and how families don’t always do best by each other. It was a great read, and I would highly recommend it.

Find her at clarabenson.com
Facebook at ClaraBensonBooks
Twitter:  @ClaraBooks

AUTHOR BIO

Clara Benson is the author of traditional English whodunits and other historical fiction. Over the years she’s lived in London, Milan and Florence, and can still speak a bit of Italian if pressed. Now she lives with her family in the north of England, where she spends her days writing and trying to ignore an ever-lengthening to-do list.

Posted on

Books On Tour (Review): Find Her Alive by Lisa Regan

The author has created quite the world for Josie, and this eighth book in the series is more personal than many of the others. It’s still a page-turner from start to finish.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0844S7ZKTSocial
Apple: https://apple.co/2NRArRC
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2vhFaFJ
Google: http://bit.ly/2NSn2Zj

One thing I enjoy about Ms. Regan’s books is the research and detail that goes into her plots. I always learn something new, whether it is an investigative technique or something to do with forensic science. This time I learned an awful lot about bone growth and ornithology.

I also like how easy it is to read her books. Everything flows together seamlessly, from scene to scene and even between perspectives. The action primarily belongs to Josie, but there are some scenes from an alternate character (no spoilers) that give the reader background on motives for crimes. Those were very well-done. Even though I figured out part of the twist early on, I was satisfied to see how it all played out.

As I mentioned, this one is personal to Josie, because her twin sister Trinity figures heavily in the plot. This gives the reader more insight into Josie’s family situation and highlights just how far she has come, yet how far there still is to go in reconciling her past.

The author also does just enough to make the reader care about the characters. There is no angst or playing on feelings (and that could certainly be the case for Josie), nor are the characters remote or unlikeable. Josie (as the protagonist) is flawed and human. I also like how the villain(s) have their own backstory. They are rarely bad for the sake of being bad, but often have at least semi-legit reasons for their evilness. It just makes the story as a whole more interesting.

As with other books, this one can be read as a standalone, but as Josie’s story comes more to light, it will become more and more difficult to read them without knowing the backstory. Do yourself a favor, and if you haven’t already, grab this series from the beginning. You’ll be entertained and learn something new with each book.

Author Bio

Lisa Regan is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Amazon bestselling crime novelist.  She has a bachelor’s degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University.  She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter. Find out more at her website: www.lisaregan.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Lisa-Regan-189735444395923/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Lisalregan
WEBSITE: www.lisaregan.com
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6443334.Lisa_Regan
close

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)