The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon-Goldring-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I am a huge fan of Suzanne Goldring. Her historical fiction novels have impeccable research. They are heartfelt and unique. The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon is no exception. This may be my favorite one yet.

There is a contemporary storyline that alternates with the historical timeline. And (as usual) the author does a masterful job switching between the two.

This works because each of the timelines is a full story in its own time. It is almost like reading two different stories, where each has its own interest. Except they weave together to make a full narrative.

Simply put, it is masterful storytelling.

First off, Sofia is tasked with putting together an exhibit of her recently deceased father’s paintings. Riccardo is world-renowned, and the paintings are full of symbolism. However, neither Sofia nor her mother (Isobel) fully understands them.

In the historical timeline, we get Riccardo’s story. He grew up in Italy during the German occupation of WWII. The history is apparent. This makes some of the symbolism in Riccardo’s paintings is abundantly clear.

But the pathos in the story comes from his childhood. In linear fashion, how the events that he witnessed created a tortured mind. And how that tortured mind produced the famous paintings.

I know that sounds convoluted but it really isn’t. It is straightforward and easy to follow. The topic and the focus grab the reader with their uniqueness. Together, they weave a spell that allows for seamless transitions.

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I don’t want to say how Sofia and Isobel come to learn more about Riccardo’s paintings. That is part of the surprise of the story. But it is an interesting twist that allows for some self-reflection from both characters.

I will say that I did not like Isobel. Why? Because she was, to put it bluntly, a shrew. Now, I understand why the author wrote her character that way. But it was annoying.

I felt no pity for her complaints about how much she suffered at the hands of Riccardo’s genius because she was just so unlikeable. Even when you learn his secrets, she still is whiny and entitled.

Honestly, Sofia was a saint for putting up with her. And even she had her trouble doing so. Their relationship is not an easy one. They are quite opposite each other.

That all takes place secondary to the paintings, though. Finally, a last word about the symbolism. These were easily my favorite parts of the book. As I mentioned, some were obvious, and others only became apparent after Riccardo’s story unfolds.

But all of it is fascinating and gives this novel a truly unique spin.

Suzanne Goldring is a masterful author, and The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon is an excellent addition to the genre. For more by this author, check out the following books: My Name is Eva, The Girl Without a Name, Burning Island, The Shut Away Sisters.

Suzanne Goldring historical fiction author headshot
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Author Bio:

Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specialising in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Whether she is working in her thatched cottage in Hampshire or her seaside home in North Cornwall, Suzanne finds inspiration in the secrets hidden by everyday life.

The Invite-Browne-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

The Invite by Sheryl Browne is one of those psych thrillers where the reader thinks the plot is going in one direction but then it goes in seven others.

So, paying attention from the beginning is an absolute must. Blink, and you may totally miss an important event or twist.

Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I had to concentrate this much on a psych thriller. Not that I am complaining – I love that it was NOT cookie cutter or the same ol’ thing.

The Invite is definitely a unique entry in the genre.

Kaitlin is part of a whirlwind romance with Greg. When her BFF Zoe shows up at Kait’s birthday party, she warns Kait to not get carried away.

And then, as the blurb says, Zoe disappears.

What follows is a convoluted but very well-plotted story of revenge, payback, jealousy…and just a touch of psychosis from more than one character.

The beginning of the book, when the foundation is laid, is a little slow and feels uneven. But as the story progresses, it becomes obvious that those basics are very important.

Honestly, this is another one of those that if I mention one little thing, I run the risk of giving away a plot point.

And if ever there was a time that you want to experience the story on your own…this is it.

Kaitlin is a sympathetic main character. She is realistic and it is easy to go along with her emotions. Especially as she starts to question who is telling the truth and who she can trust.

The two are not mutually exclusive either.

The Invite could also be described as a roller-coaster type of psych thriller…slow build-up into a second-half full of twists and loops speeding to the end. Which you will not expect.

I hope I did this book justice without giving any plot points away. Sheryl Browne has done it again – The Invite is a must-read psych thriller.

Other books by the author: The New Girlfriend, The Perfect Sister, The Liar’s Child, My Husband’s Girlfriend, Trust Me

Author Bio:

Bestselling Author, Sheryl Browne, writes taut, twisty psychological thriller. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies where she completed her MA in Creative Writing. Sheryl has also obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Science and – according to readers – she makes an excellent psychopath. Sheryl’s latest psychological thriller THE INVITE comes to you from BOOKOUTURE. Her previous works include the DI Matthew Adams Crime Thriller series, along with contemporary fiction novels, The Rest of My Life and Learning to Love.

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.

Emily Shiner psych thriller author headshot
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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.

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.

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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.

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?

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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