Fireflies & Free Kicks Fiction Reviews

February 19, 2022February 20, 2022

The Promise-Shiner-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

The Promise by Emily Shiner is a psych thriller that shows a lot of…well, promise.

The concept is different. I won’t go into details because it is a fairly intricate plot. Any little mention is a spoiler.

The story is told from three points of view: Scott, Erin, and Kathleen. Scott and Erin are married. Kathleen is…an outsider. Sort of.

Honestly, it is a bunch of connections and relationships that are difficult to explain without giving anything away but make perfect sense in the context of the plot.

There is a lot to unpack within all of it as well. To name a few issues, there are shades of gaslighting, Munchausen by Proxy, controlling, stalking, and true psychosis. Ms. Shiner certainly threw a lot at this.

I guess that could be a good definition for a psych thriller though, right?

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It is a linear plot, so there isn’t any jumping around to confuse times or places. What does occur, however, is that since there are alternating viewpoints, the reader often gets the same action from another character’s point of view.

It definitely gives more detail and allows the reader to get a deeper understanding of character motivations, but it also gets repetitive at times.

My only other thing about this psych thriller is that the big reveal appears fairly early in the story. That’s not really a spoiler, I don’t think. I mean, there is still plenty of book left. The author keeps some decent twists for the last few chapters.

But a lot of the “who and why” isn’t there. And that is usually something that makes for a more interesting story.

Regardless, I read and enjoyed The Secret Wife by the author, and The Promise does enough to make me want to read more from Emily Shiner.

Facebook: authoremilyshiner
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Author Bio

Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.

February 18, 2022March 7, 2022

Beach Wedding-Ledwidge-Review-Thriller-Available Now

Beach Wedding by Michael Ledwidge is one of those thriller books that reads like a movie. It’s the perfect way to tell this story.

Terry Rourke and his family return to the rich playground of Long Island for older brother Tom’s fancy wedding. It’s part family reunion, part celebration, and all excess and fun.

But Tom has an ulterior motive. As soon as Terry catches on to it, the perspective shifts. There is still fun to be had, but the undercurrent sweeping below the action is quick and dark.

I will put a side note in here. Michael Ledwidge is a co-writer with James Patterson on several books. The style is very similar, so if you know James Patterson, you know what to expect here.

The chapters are short, the cast of characters is interesting, and the action is linear (except for a few “memory” sections, so it moves along quickly.

Really, there isn’t time to think too much. It is best to just let the story take you along for the ride.

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Although I enjoyed the book immensely and finished it in one sitting I feel like there are some missing parts.

A few characters serve a purpose in a singular scene and then disappear forever. I think the biggest thing for me is that the wedding, the reason they are all on the island, fades into the background as soon as Terry gets wind of updates in “the case.”

No, I’m not going to tell you what “the case” is – you can read it for yourself. No spoilers here.

But I wanted more from the wedding of excess. It is almost like the author started with the intention of the book going one way and then decided to veer in another direction to get the “thriller” points.

I will say, however, that if you think you have it figured out before Terry, you don’t. The author saves a couple of pretty good twists for the last third of the book. I guess that makes it a good thriller.

In other words, just sit back and enjoy the beach wedding.

Facebook: OfficialMichaelLedwidge/
Twitter: _mikeledwidge
Instagram: mike.ledwidge/

About the Author:

MICHAEL LEDWIDGE is the writer of seventeen novels, the last dozen being New York Times bestsellers cowritten with one of the world’s bestselling authors, James Patterson. With twenty million copies in print, their Michael Bennett series is the highest-selling New York City detective series of all time. One of their novels, Zoo, became a three-season CBS television series. He lives in Connecticut.

February 17, 2022February 19, 2022

A Gathering of Men-Simmons-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

In A Gathering of Men, Rona Simmons uses vivid imagery to create a memorable historical fiction novel. There is no way to walk away from this book without being more informed about flying during WWII.

Good historical fiction is a plausible story in a known historical era. Great historical fiction puts the reader in that time and space, so they feel like they are experiencing it with the characters.

This book falls a bit beyond great historical fiction. It is obvious that extensive research has gone into crafting this story. The smallest of details are in sharp focus.

You know you are reading someone’s memory – not what the author imagines might have happened.

Of course, there is a good dose of that too. The story does need to have a shape. Otherwise, it is just a memoir. But the author weaves the fictional parts with the obvious “real” parts into a compelling narrative.

I would like to add here that anyone who had parents or grandparents who served in WWII knows that many men refused to talk about their experiences. My mom has often said that her father was a different man when he returned from the South Pacific.

He never elaborated, and she learned not to ask, but it is not an unusual story. He was gone before I was born so I never saw it for myself. But this is a story I hear often from friends.

What Rona Simmons has done is create a story that answers at least some questions for people who can no longer ask their relatives. It is raw, emotional, and sometimes difficult to read – and that is because of the “real” memories used as a base for the story.

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I like how she separated the narrative into five parts. It makes for an easy trajectory of the friendship, especially between Lake and Roger. I don’t mind admitting that I teared up more than a few times.

The aftermath of a particular flight is especially emotional (they didn’t know about PTSD then). But sometimes it feels like the emotions of the men flow from the pages, reaching out, begging to be recognized and validated.

I am a huge historical fiction reader, and I cannot think of a more realistic “in the moment” story than A Gathering of Men. I highly recommend it.

February 16, 2022March 13, 2022

The Paris Network-Curham-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I chose to read The Paris Network by Siobhan Curham. First, I loved Beyond This Broken Sky by the author. It was one of my favorite historical fiction reads of 2021. And the book description sounded interesting.

Little did I know that I would almost instantly feel connected to the book in so many more ways than one can imagine. Two stand out as very personal to me.

1. The main character’s name is Jeanne. So is mine.

2. The main character is named so because of her mother’s love of Joan of Arc. So am I.

Eerie coincidence, of course, but instantly endeared me to the character.

Add in a love of books and dabbling in local theater, and really, the book can’t hit many more of the targets for me.

On an even more personal note, I also recently found out the truth about my birth family. So, this novel really hit on several levels.

But again, that is all specific to me. What about someone who has none of these connections?

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It is still a fantastic historical fiction novel. The author captures the attitudes of the French people as they move from “it’s a phony war” to the disbelief regarding German callousness and ambition, to the realization they need to fight to save their country.

That overall arc is clear in the novel, but the way the author relays all of this through Laurence, Gigi, and the townspeople is heartfelt and realistic.

There are also stark portrayals of bravery and cowardice. And Laurence’s “dispensary of books” is a fascinating concept that I wish someone would establish now. That is some genius.

The Paris Network is another fine novel by Siobhan Curham, and I look forward to the next one.

Twitter: SiobhanCurham
Instagram: SiobhanCurham/

Author Bio:

Siobhan Curham is an award-winning author, ghost writer, editor and writing coach. She has spoken at businesses, schools, universities and literary festivals around the world, including the BBC, Hay Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Bath Festival, Ilkley Festival, London Book Fair and Sharjah Reading Festival.

February 15, 2022February 16, 2022

The Rebound-Walsh-Review-RomCom-Available Now

I really loved One Night Only by Catherine Walsh, so I was excited to see how The Rebound would be. In a way, I suppose you could say that The Rebound is the perfect follow-up to the first book, even though they aren’t in any way related.

There are some similar situations, however. Girl from America heads to Ireland to nurse a broken heart, meets cute guy, stuff happens…pretty much a typical RomCom drill.

Except, as noted in the blurb, the cute guy is someone she didn’t know she knew until after the stuff happens.

I apologize if that sounds cryptic, but it is in the promo material. And I am not going to give away any more plot than that in this review.

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This author’s strength lies in the character development…of the background characters. I know that sounds weird. But I got a stronger feeling for the secondary characters and quirky townfolk than I did for the featured couple.

I had a particularly difficult time with Abby. She suffers from a chronic case of misunderstanding and reluctance to talk things out. A little of this is fine, but in this case, there are times that I feel it featured too much “not talking.”

Honestly? A few passages read like a bad episode of Three’s Company where people all have ideas about what is happening, and none of them are accurate. But nobody talks to anyone else to sort it all out.

In spite of Luke’s hunkiness, I also don’t think his character is as developed as it could be. I get the relationship, but I think it could have been more fun if he had more of a background.

That being said, The Rebound is still a lovely RomCom, and a great choice for a quick, sweet, clean read.

Twitter: CatWalshWriter
Instagram: catwalshwriter/
https://catherinewalshbooks.com/

Author Bio:

Catherine Walsh was born and raised in Ireland. She has a degree in Popular Literature and the only prize she ever won for writing was at the age of 14 in school (but she still cherishes it.)

She lived in London for a few years where she worked in Publishing and the non-profit sector before returning to Dublin where she now lives between the mountains and the sea. When not writing she is trying and failing to not kill her houseplants.

February 14, 2022February 19, 2022

The Wedding Dress-Atkins-Review-Romance-Available Now

The Wedding Dress by Dani Atkins is not your usual romance book. Instead of a linear story, they all have one thing in common.

You guessed it – the wedding dress.

The concept is interesting and makes it very easy to read because you don’t have to commit to the entire story all at once. Who has time for that these days?

All three stories are unique, and each has its charm. I don’t want to give the plots of each away. But I will say that I liked Bella’s story the most.

Suzanne’s is very straightforward. It felt “typical” even as the author had a twist up her sleeve that I didn’t see coming. That was kind of cool. And after Bella’s, Mandy’s seemed almost like an afterthought. Other readers will certainly have differing opinions.

But Bella’s story…that is the stuff a true romance is made from. I could read an entire book just on her story alone. It has all the elements that one looks for in a romance, but not in all the usual places.

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Nobody is a villain, nobody is a hero (well, sort of). It is an honest portrayal of how events beyond our control can upend our lives, sending us down paths we never imagined.

Honestly, it is one of the most honest portrayals of life that I have read in a while.

Again, I do not want to give away the plot, but the catalyst for the story is surprising and effective. I would love to know where the author found the inspiration for that.

And I usually get annoyed when an author tries to keep a reader guessing by not sharing all details until the last pages, but this time it didn’t bother me. In a way, I knew deep down what Bella’s decision was, and was confident that she had made the right one. And I was right.

You could not pick a better day than Valentine’s Day to start The Wedding Dress. The author has given all romantics a treat with this one.

For a different type of story from Dani Atkins, try Gone Too Soon.

About the author:

Dani Atkins is an award-winning novelist. Her 2013 debut Fractured (published as Then and Always in North America) has been translated into 18 languages and has sold more than half a million copies since first publication in the UK. Dani is the author of four other bestselling novels, one of which, This Love, won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2018. Dani lives in a small village in Hertfordshire with her husband, one Siamese cat and a very soppy Border Collie.

Follow Dani:

Twitter: @AtkinsDani
Facebook: @DaniAtkinsAuthor
Instagram: @daniatkinsauthor
#TheWeddingDress

February 12, 2022February 10, 2022

The Marriage Secret-Baldwin-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin is a good psych thriller that lulls the reader into thinking one thing is happening when (really) there is something else going on.

I love when a book can turn the tables on me!

The author makes an interesting choice by letting the reader know pretty much from the start that Zach is not a good guy (that’s not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb). The crux of the story, then, becomes a question: Just how much will Holly put up with before she cracks?

And is her baby enough to make her hang on to a toxic relationship?

Obviously, you’ll have to read it yourself to find out. But the author wisely keeps that question in the forefront of both Holly’s and the reader’s minds. It is easy to say “she should just leave” but it is difficult to remember that there is always more consideration to be made.

Even after the events that are mentioned in the blurb (yes, still a pet peeve of mine), the reader quickly realizes that there is more to the story. And if you think you know where the story is going – you don’t.

Honestly, there are enough throwaway moments to keep a reader guessing as to whether they are actually throwaways or if they figure more importantly in the overall story.

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Additionally, things occur with other characters that make Holly question her choices. This is another wise choice by the author because the evidence starts to become quite obvious.

While the book doesn’t drag at all, the action does pick up in the second half. There are several double and triple-crosses and an ending you probably will not see coming.

If I had to nitpick anything, it’s that ending. Again, not to give anything away, but I wish it had been “live.” You’ll understand when you read it.

There are many secrets in The Marriage Secret, and it takes to the very end for them all to be revealed. Smart plotting by Carey Baldwin makes this a good read.

Twitter: @careybaldwin
Instagram: @authorcareybaldwin

About the author

By day Carey is a dedicated pediatrician. By night she’s a USA Today bestselling and award winning author of edgy suspense. In addition to her MD, Carey also holds a PhD in clinical psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.

February 10, 2022February 8, 2022

The Night She Went Missing-Bird-Review-Thriller-Available Now

The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird is the sort of roller coaster ride of a thriller that slowly builds the story through anticipation before swooping into a lot of revelations.

In other words, the build-up is slow and steady. It draws the reader in. And then when things start to happen and the truth comes out, it all speeds really fast to the end.

That analogy sort of stinks, but it’s as close as I can get.

The story is told in three parts. Each one does its part to advance the narrative. It is methodical but never boring. The author does a great job of highlighting the insular nature of a small town, how it treats outsiders (even if they are insiders), and the patronage of important branches of government.

That last one is important because the action focuses on the Callahan family: why they moved from Oregon to Texas and what ties they have to others in town. It is effective.

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There are some parts that appear superfluous. The reason the family left Oregon is made out to be bigger than it actually is, and the connections that are referred to in the present time don’t really go anywhere.

I also wish there had been more follow-through on Catherine’s music. I thought at one point that the author was going to do something unique with Catherine’s tendency to turn toward music to calm herself, but it didn’t materialize.

Pity, because that would have made a neat section in the last chapter when the summary/epilogue occurs.

Another strong part of the story is the perspective that even though a person may have everything together on the surface, there is always the real possibility of turmoil beneath.

A shiny cover can hide a multitude of sins and omissions.

I really liked how everything came to light and the “mystery” was solved. It was natural and nothing was forced. Well, a scene towards the end involving the matriarch of the community and the three main women characters felt awkward, like an afterthought.

And Catherine has an attitude about a particular plot point that seems out of character. I don’t want to give away what it is, because it would be a major spoiler. Let’s just say that her perspective on Emily’s situation seems presumptuous and frankly out-of-character.

But that does not take away from the story. The Night She Went Missing had turning pages to find out what really happened. It is not often I get that engrossed in a novel. Great debut novel from Kristen Bird. I look forward to reading future stories.

For another “missing person” novel, check out my review of the thriller Where I Left Her.

Social Links:
Author Website
Twitter: @kbirdwrites
Facebook: @kristen.bird.writes
Instagram: @kristenbirdwrites
Goodreads

Author Bio:

Kristen Bird lives outside of Houston, Texas with her husband and three daughters. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music and mass media before completing a master’s in literature. She teaches high school English and writes with a cup of coffee in hand. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mixes. THE NIGHT SHE WENT MISSING is her debut novel.

February 9, 2022February 4, 2022

Am I Allergic to Men?-Bailey-Adult Humor-Available Now

Am I Allergic to Men by Kristen Bailey is one of those books with which I have a love/hate relationship. That makes this book review difficult to write.

There’s so much to love, but I hate it because it’s the end of the series. Why? Because all of the Callaghan sisters have stories and it is done.

I’m sad. And I’m not ready to say goodbye to this wonderful group of siblings. Over the five-book series, they have come to feel like family.

It’s a good thing that Ms. Bailey throws everything imaginable into this book because it was her last chance.

First off, I do have to preface the rest of this review by stating that I have been looking forward to Lucy’s story. As the youngest, she has been in the periphery of the other sisters’ stories, and her character is easily the most engaging of all.

Now, I am not going to give away how the author relays Lucy’s story, but I will say it completely threw me for a loop. It was nothing that I expected, but everything I wanted for Lucy.

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The story kicks off in a raucous manner, with the most entertaining bar fight I have ever read. And the rest of the story doesn’t disappoint either.

Filled with trademark bluntness, hilarious situations, and a dose of seriousness, this story is amazing from start to finish. In addition to the unfiltered craziness, there are also heartfelt moments and emotional realizations

Honestly, I do not want to give away anything from Lucy’s story, because it is not what you think it will be. Because of that, it is perfect for Lucy.

Her free spirit, charm (yes, even the bluntness of it), and wicked humor are on full display, but we also see her sensitive side. We also get a generous dose of the other sisters as the family comes together in a time of trouble.

One thing I take from this story is that Dad Callaghan is a saint for dealing with this crew. And now we know where the daughters get their feistiness. Mom Callaghan is a force to deal with.

I could go on and on about this story, but I will just repeat that it is not what you expect, but it is perfect for Lucy.

Seriously, I am looking forward to whatever this author has up her sleeve next. She has set the bar pretty high with the Callaghan crew.

I do recommend getting to know the sisters before starting Am I Allergic to Men? So, check out my book reviews of the other books in the series from Kristen Bailey:

Website: www.kristenbaileywrites.com.
Facebook: kristenbaileywrites/
Instagram: kristenbaileywrites/
Twitter: @mrsbaileywrites

Author Bio:

Mother-of-four, gin-drinker, binge-watcher, receipt hoarder, enthusiastic but terrible cook. Kristen also writes. She has had short fiction published in several publications including Mslexia & Riptide. She writes women’s fiction and she hopes her novels have fresh and funny things to say about modern life, love and family.

February 8, 2022January 31, 2022

The Perfect Home-Lynch-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

The Perfect Home by Kevin Lynch is the second psych thriller I read in less than a week that focuses on a person’s home no longer being safe for them to live in. (For the other book review, check out The Guest Room).

In this case, June and her long-time neighbors start having issues when a new tenant (Steve) moves in. A once quiet street is now home to cars in need of repair on blocks and music blasting.

June’s family says that the neighborhood is no longer safe because of the increase in rentals, and they want her to consider selling. When bad things start to happen, June wonders if there is something more nefarious at hand.

The book kicks off with a brutal attack, but the reader does not get to that point in the actual plot until much later in the book. The build-up to the pivotal event is good if a little uneven.

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Part of my issue with the book is that it is written in the past tense as if June is relating it all. That makes it difficult for me to get into the action. Of course, that is a personal reading preference.

There were also times that the dialogue seemed stilted. I don’t know if that is because of the tense or not. But it wasn’t as sharp as it could have been.

The overall plot of the story is engaging. Some readers will not figure out who is behind everything. The psych thriller aspect is good. I guessed at the mastermind but underestimated the reach of the person responsible and how it all tied together. So well-done on that.

The Perfect Home is a solid psychological thriller that you won’t regret adding to your TBR. You can also look at my book review for Somebody Out There, another psych thriller from Kevin Lynch

Author Bio

Kevin is a Guidance Counselor by day and a psychological thriller author during his off hours. He puts an original slant on some common experiences and creates engaging stories with a personal twist. Kevin lives in Dublin, Ireland with three great kids, a frenetic Westie, Alfie, and a wife who makes him laugh, which is really all he could ask for.

Kevin writes psychological thrillers. The Perfect Home is his second novel with Inkubator Books.