Tag: Book Review

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The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howes: Books On Tour Blog Tour

World War II serves as a backdrop for this novel, which is ultimately a study about resilience and how life carries on even as it seems to be falling apart. Heartfelt and honest, it was a quick and thoughtful read.

I liked how the author started the story before the beginning of the war. It allowed the reader to get a feel for the town and the characters. The underlying knowledge that things were going to change added tension.

Not that there was more needed. Bella and her family face quite a few challenges, war or no war. I did feel like one particular moment early on was glossed over rather quickly. I would have expected it to have more impact and taken up more space in the plot.

I think because it happened so early, I hadn’t had the chance to get a good understanding of the character. That resulted in the event almost feeling more contrived that it should have been.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/2WC2BnY

I really enjoyed Bella’s “professional” trajectory. I’m a big fan of the Andrews Sisters, so I imagined them quite often throughout the book. That brought back some happy memories of learning about their music (and the era) when I was younger.

While I love historical fiction, especially WWII, I also liked that the war served more as a backdrop rather than a main plot point. It was a reminder that people still had everyday worries with the war piled on top.

I thought the message of music as a relief from the personal strains of life was also a good one. The importance of finding something that makes you happy, regardless of what else is going on, should never be underestimated.

Oh, and just a nitpicky thing about the blurb: accurate events, not in the same order as the plot.

Author Bio
Pam is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner.

The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing. 

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Someone’s Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass – Blog Tour (Review)

Holy twisted mind games!

This book started off a little on the slow side, and I thought I was in for a typical “why did the husband disappear” story. Which would have been fine with me.

I could not have been more wrong.

Little by little, the author started dropping hints that something more was at play than Faith’s husband Liam just disappearing. Then seemingly random events occurred that made Faith question what she thought she remembered. An email here found by a colleague there. Cryptic emails that indicate another person in the mix there.

As Faith tries to put all of the pieces together, she starts to uncover something much more sinister than a simple disappearance.

That’s all I’m going to say about the plot, because it would be too easy to give something away. And this book REALLY needs to be experienced without knowing too much.

The author did a fantastic job of scattering just enough information to keep the reader as off balance as Faith was. Being able to experience that feeling right along with her added to the tension of the story. Boy was there a lot of that! The good kind that makes you unable to wait for what happens next.

I would say that roughly halfway through the book it turned from a simple and interesting story into a “can’t-put-it-down-I’m-staying-up-until-3-am-to-finish” type of read. And the last quarter of the book was page-turning, psychological thriller at its finest.

I will also say that I am usually pretty good at figuring out at least part of “whodunit” in most books that I read. This one had me guessing right up to the 80% mark on my Kindle. I think that’s a record. But then the author pulled the rug out from underneath me that made me question what I thought. Just like Faith.

Honestly, I’m going to get myself in trouble if I keep going. Buy this book. The suspense will leave you breathless.

AUTHOR BIO

Seraphina Nova Glass is a professor and Playwright-in-Residence at the University of Texas-Arlington, where she teaches Film Studies and Playwriting. She holds an MFA in playwriting from Smith College, and has optioned multiple screenplays to Hallmark and Lifetime. Someone’s Listening is her first novel.

Social Links:

Thanks for checking in on my stop on the Harlequin Trade Publishing 2020 Summer Reads Blog Tour. Come back on 7/28 for the review of Lies, Lies, Lies!

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The Child Across the Street by Kerry Wilkinson – Books On Tour (Review)

I thought this author’s last book, After the Accident, was one of the most unique books I have read. So, I was looking forward to seeing how he followed it up.

Abi returns home after several years away and is immediately witness to a hit and run. The victim turns out to be the son of one of her oldest friends, Jo. From there, things just sort of…happen.

Usually I mention atmosphere or setting later in a review, but I’m putting it near the top because in this case, the situation within Abi’s hometown plays a direct bearing on the characters. In some ways it as influential as any person is on others in the story.

One of the things that Abi and her friends consistently comment on is how much has changed, yet still stayed the same. Hendo’s shoe factory was the lifeblood of the town. Once that happened, it took a lot of the town spirit with it.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B089YSY1K3Social Apple: http://ow.ly/1HV350A4LdJ
Kobo: http://ow.ly/Yw7H50A4LbF Google: http://ow.ly/txga50A4LlE

I think this is vital, because that means the story can easily be translated to any small town where factories or industry have dried up. Once jobs are gone, people lose hope and behavior becomes well…sketchy.

That’s absolutely the case in point here. Abi herself is chased by demons and falls into the same patterns that took her father. Holly (another friend) seems to be involved in a desperate scheme for money – but she didn’t feel she had a lot of other choices.

And then there’s Jo and her family. Secrets and lies abound here. And really, nobody does or says exactly the truth. It’s up to Abi, in her defeated state of mind, to try to figure everything out.

I’m not saying anything else about the plot, because of those secrets. While not quite reaching the bar he set, this is still fine psychological suspense.

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Blog Tour (Review): Deadly Vengeance by OMJ Ryan

Deadly Silence was good; Deadly Waters was better. In Deadly Vengeance, the author really hits his stride.

I am deadly serious; I love these books.

The author knows how to grab a reader’s attention and weave a plot that keeps the action flowing and the pages turning.

This time, DCI Jane Phillips and her team have to find the kidnapped daughter of a munitions dealer before it’s too late. What could be a run-of-the-mill “teen held for ransom” story turns into so much more under this author’s guidance.

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3glPeQ6 Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2AolDGu

Sure, there are the usual bits: huge ransoms, shady secrets, and a lot more going on than meets the eye. That’s all to be expected.

But the author adds in a unique tie to the military which gives the investigation depth. AND, there is a huge roadblock to the form of a hostage negotiator who is sent to “work with” DCI Phillips and her team as a result of the munitions dealer’s call to London.

Yeah, he’s a downright snob, and honestly, not so good at his job, if you ask me. But that is very apparent early on. Still, he serves as a distraction to the investigation which makes it more interesting.

As for the whole plot, you know that I’m not going to give you anything there. Suffice to say that you can expect a few gasps and lots of excitement, especially if you are familiar with the series.

Honestly, I don’t know how OMJ Ryan does it, but the books keep coming and maintain high standards of creativity. There’s no let-up. I think they keep getting better and better.

It’s early in the series, so jump in and read them all to catch up!

About OMJ Ryan:

Hailing from Yorkshire, OMJ Ryan worked in radio and entertainment for over twenty years, collaborating with household names and accumulating a host of international writing and radio awards. In 2018 he followed his passion to become a full-time novelist, writing stories for people who devour exciting, fast-paced thrillers by the pool, on their commute – or those rare moments of downtime before bed. Owen’s mission is to entertain from the first page to the last. 

Deadly Vengeance is the third Detective Jane Phillips book in the series and OMJ’s fourth book with Inkubator Books. 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OMJRYAN1 @OMJRYAN1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OMJ-Ryan-2449880305025779/
Website: https://www.omjryan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omjryan/
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Books On Tour (Review): The Silent Dolls by Rita Herron

There’s a new detective in town, and Ellie Reeves is a force to be reckoned with as she navigates a missing child case that brings up dark memories.

I liked how the author jumped right into the story and didn’t waste a lot of time with slogging setups. Those are great, but sometimes in a new series, they can cause the real plot to be delayed until a bit later in the story. That’s not so in this case.   

Something happened to Ellie when she was a child, and her parents think it could still affect her. This is a problem because her dad is the Sheriff, and she wants to replace him when he retires. But will he choose her? We find out the answer to that very early in the book, and her father’s decision has direct bearing on the case as it is investigated.

Not all of the characters are open books with clear agendas. Ranger Cord McClain has secrets, and his demeanor comes across as equal parts knowledge and strength balanced with mystery. What does Eula Ann know (or not know), and how is she connected to the missing girls? Is special Agent Derrick Fox guided by his personal tragedies? Or does he have information that could blow the case wide open and expose long-held beliefs in the process? And just who is the Watcher?

(A quick side note about Special Agent Fox. He reminded me a lot of Fox Mulder from “The X-Files.” Driven by an almost identical past event, FBI agent, similar name…it’s all there. If you’re familiar with the show, you’ll know exactly what I mean as you read the book)

These questions unravel against the backdrop of a little girl who has gone missing along the Appalachian Trail. There’s a big winter storm barreling down, so time is of the essence. Ellie and the above- mentioned characters all have their parts to play.

I did like that it was set in the U.S., where locations were actually familiar. Don’t get me wrong, I love my UK Detective Inspectors, but it was a nice change to have terminology and locations that were actually familiar. I think it did make a difference in how I could picture the action.

I know that I haven’t said much about the plot, but I always err on the side of caution when it comes to mystery thrillers like this one. A simple mention of a plot point could give away a more significant thread, and we know how much I hate that. I may have actually done it already…or did I?

You’ll have to read for yourself. I have a feeling that this is going to be an excellent series, so get in on the ground floor and read the first book now. I already can’t wait for the next one.

Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.

With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorritaherron/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ritaherron
Website: www.ritaherron.com
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Books On Tour (Review): Summer at Orchard House by Ellyn Oaksmith

Technically a romance, this story of three sisters trying to save their dad’s vineyard is also a testament to the importance of keeping the American Dream alive. It’s the perfect story for the times.

Right off the bat, I could tell that the author had a vast knowledge of the inner-working of vineyards, a thought that was confirmed the further I read. Whether it was from experience or copious amounts of research, it showed in the details. It also made the vineyard almost a character itself, instead of just a pretty setting for a story.

I think this was important because the vineyard is central to the plot, and it being more than an inanimate object was added depth to the importance of the plot of land. It became symbolic of everything the family had in life.

That was my favorite part of the whole plotline. From the first phone call that Carmen receives from her sister through the stories that unfold, the reason why the vineyard must be saved is clear. It’s their lifeblood, their representation of their family, and their part of the American Dream. Everything that America is to millions of people.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/2VGNo4H Apple: https://apple.co/2yH9JX8
Kobo: https://bit.ly/34fmiVl Google: https://bit.ly/2YTrT2v

I loved how Mr. Alvarez imbued that in his daughters, even if they didn’t exactly realize that at the time. I could relate to the feelings that Carmen had when she realized that she should have paid more attention to her father when she was younger. She regrets not learning from him more, and with his condition, it’s harder to do in the present time. That hit home for me.

I also liked how the author was fair to Evan, giving him depth as well. His character could have been the rich, annoying neighbor stereotype, and there were times that that kind of attitude appeared. However, I thought the author did him a great service in making him human and vulnerable. His first introduction where he felt lonely after meeting with Mr. Alvarez stuck with me through the whole book.

I really enjoyed the journey of all of the characters throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book for many reasons, but mainly for the attention to the heart of the story: the importance of maintaining and keeping sight of dreams.

Author Bio
Ellyn Oaksmith is a USA Today and Kindle bestselling author. After graduating from The American Film Institute, Ellyn was a screenwriter in Hollywood, pitching movies, rewriting scripts and navigating the Los Angeles freeways before Google Maps. Meeting movie stars was a fun and surreal perk.

Ellyn’s first book was published by Avon/Harper Collins. Other contemporary romances with smart, ambitious heroines followed.
Ellyn lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and their polydactyl cat, Forest. Ellyn is an avid competitive rower. 

Website: http://ellynoaksmith.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllynOaksmith 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellynoaksmith/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellynoaksmith  
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Books On Tour (Review): Her Shallow Grave by DK Hood

This is fast becoming one of my favorite series. I came in late at Her Broken Wings (#8), but have been trying to catch up since then. I’ve seen the progression. The writing is crisp, the characters are realistic and likable, and the villains are always super-creepy. This installment is no exception.

I really like how the author doesn’t beat around the bush. The action starts right away so there’s no guessing about where it’s headed and this one really takes the cake. The Sculptor is definitely one of the most chill-inducing and prolific baddies I have “met” in a book.

The camaraderie between Kane and Alton has grown over the series. They’ve been working together long enough that they’re a well-oiled machine. But that doesn’t mean they’ve become complacent. There’s a scene early on that illustrates just how “on top” of things they still are, especially Kane. The man is a beast.

The author also pays attention to secondary characters, giving them their own times to shine. FBI Agent Jo Wells and Bobby Kalo have their own parts to do. I especially like Bobby’s story.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B087378QTGSocial Apple: https://apple.co/2V88Oru
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2xyBosS Google: https://bit.ly/2wEG93K

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I realize these books read more like a popular tv show. The characters all have their strengths and together they make a team. The plots are self-contained, but have the through-plot lines that continue from book to book. I dig that.

I’m trying to avoid the plot, because I really think books like this need to be experienced, and I don’t want to be the one to spoil someone’s experience. I mentioned The Sculptor; he is as nuanced as the regular characters, and I appreciate the attention to detail. I also like that one of the victims did not act like a typical victim. I was rooting for her. And that’s all I am going to say about that.

This is one of the few series that I think you really can read as stand-alones, but I do think you miss the background of the team. So jump in now.

Author Bio:

I’ve always had a wicked sense of humour and was the kid who told the ghost stories around the campfire. I am lucky to have family all over the world and have spent many vacations in places from Paris France to Montana USA and Australia. I use the wonderful memories from these visits to enhance my stories.

My interest in the development of forensic science to solve crime goes back many years. I enjoy writing crime, mystery and thrillers. With many stories, waiting for me to write I’ll look forward to sharing many spine-tingling stories with you.

D.K. Hood is an active member of International Thriller Writers

Website: www.dkhood.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkhoodauthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DKHood_Author
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Books On Tour (Review): The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski

I started this book expecting one thing and I was pleasantly surprised with what I took away from it.

A lot of historical fiction set in World War II is set in the midst of the war. This book was unique because it starts before the Germans invade and occupy Paris. Right there I knew I was in for something different. The opening scenes of Michel trying to leave Paris were harrowing, and perfectly captured the panic and urgency of the situation.

I found Michel to be a complicated lead character. On the one hand, he seemed like a drifter and someone who had no particular attributes that made a reader want to root for him. I couldn’t quite get a grasp on who he really was. I think perhaps that was purposeful because it allowed him to fit in with the group he ended up with ultimately.

That group is the reason this book is good. The main thrust of the plot is the woebegone circus trying to find places to perform in the face of impending war. The juxtaposition of the horrors of war and the magic of a circus is clever and made the emotions around each much stronger. For each bit of news or encounter with the Nazis, I wanted the joy of the circus to hang on a little bit longer.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3eMifEf Apple: https://apple.co/34mzW9h
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2RmjnoF Google: https://bit.ly/38oTs77

Not that the circus doesn’t have its problems, but it’s up to the reader to find out what those are (I am definitely not going to give away plot points here). I will say that I suspected a major one and was not surprised by it. But I loved reading about the backgrounds of the various circus performers and felt that they really came alive from the pages.

I did think that there was a big but slow build up, as most of the book covers just over a year or so. But then the last 10% of the book covers years and we get the wrap-up of all of the characters briefly and almost as an afterthought, not to mention the end of Michel’s story is very abrupt. I felt like there had been so much invested in these characters’ stories that they deserved a better ending.

My only other complaint is that the title gives away a major plot point (well, two, kind of). I couldn’t get behind Michel’s worries as he joined the circus because of the title. That was a shame, because his concern did add to the tension of the plot. But it ultimately meant nothing to me because I knew the truth.

It was magically lyrical at times and was a nice departure from the usual historical fiction settings. I would recommend this book.  

Author Bio
Carly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students. 

Twitter:  @carlyschab11
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Books On Tour (Review): Somebody’s Daughter by Carol Wyer

With every new book that comes out in this series, I always wonder how the author is going to top the last one. After the events of the past two, I couldn’t imagine what Natalie would have to face next.

I should really learn NOT to worry about these things. As always, Ms. Wyer has things deftly in hand.

What she has done with this book is not only very smart, but it is effective. With the shocking events of The Blossom Twins and The Secret Admirer, one could see Natalie coming very close to the edge of falling apart (naturally so). Ms. Wyer gives everyone the chance to take a breath and reset as Somebody’s Daughter takes place a year after The Secret Admirer.

It works well because it gives the characters a chance to have advanced in their personal and professional lives. It’s a fantastic way to reboot but keep the same characters on their trajectories. I’m not going to spoil who is in what position or exactly how things have changed. You’ll have to read for yourself!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/31Bnumx

Natalie and her team have quite the investigation this time. I particularly liked how it started as one thing, but then there was an unexpected event that sent the investigation in a different direction. After a few more twists and turns, it wrapped up quite neatly.

Again, contrary to the past couple of books, the investigation seemed more realistic. I think that was because Natalie was not personally involved. Don’t get me wrong; they’re always good, and the author certainly does her homework. Her forensics and techniques are spot on. But having it NOT be personal to Natalie actually gives the police work a chance to shine. The author conveys the difficulty of an investigation, so it’s nice to see it center stage.

I also like how this book seemed to have a “cinematic” feel to it. The cutaways and interspersed chapters from multiple points of view flowed smoothly. The transitions are never jarring, but this time I could picture the action like I was watching it on television. I love that the world Ms. Wyer creates feels this way.    

There is also a message to be learned that is woven into the investigation. This time, the author offers a subtle but searing commentary on the homeless. It’s useful both within the investigation and as a real-life reminder.

Even as the characters are in a “fresh start” position, Ms. Wyer lays the groundwork for where possible conflicts may arise. What does David want to tell Natalie that has to be mentioned in person? There’s obviously more to that story. What does Frances really want? Will Lucy go down the same path as Natalie, putting the job before family? Will Natalie finally back off and enjoy her second chance?

I devoured this book in one sitting (thank goodness for lazy Saturdays and understanding family members). Natalie is back and better than ever, and I can’t wait to see where the future leads her.

Author Bio
Winner of The People’s Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer is a best-selling author and stand up comedian who writes feel-good comedies and gripping crime fiction.

A move to the ‘dark side’ in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in LITTLE GIRL LOST, the #2 best-selling book on Amazon, #9 best-selling audiobook on Audible and Top 150 USA Today best-seller.

A second series featuring DI Natalie Ward quickly followed and to date her novels have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated for various overseas markets, including into Norwegian, Italian, Turkish, Hungarian Slovak, Czech and Polish.

Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ”Irritable Male Syndrome’ and ‘Ageing Disgracefully’ and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines ‘Woman’s Weekly’ featured in ‘Take A Break’, ‘Choice’, ‘Yours’ and ‘Woman’s Own’ magazines and the Huffington Post.

She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr Grumpy… who is very, very grumpy.

To learn more about Carol, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk or follow Carol on Twitter: @carolewyer.
Carol also blogs at www.carolwyer.com 
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Making Whoopie by Erin Nicholas-Blog Tour (Review)

The third book in Erin Nicholas’ Hot Cakes series does not disappoint. In fact, I think it might be my favorite so far.

I always enjoy how the author builds her characters through her series. We’ve met and gotten to know both Grant and Josie over the first two books, so we have an idea of what their characters are. But in this book, they take center stage.

I’m not going to rehash the plot, 1) because I hate book report reviews, 2) you can find details elsewhere, and 3) I hate spoilers.

I loved the chemistry between these two. The author always creates good heat between characters, but Grant and Josie were off the charts. I liked how he was a little bit domineering and how she was turned on by it, even as she thought she wouldn’t be. That was realistic and believable. And did I mention hot?

But it’s not just couple’s chemistry, the friends who own Hot Cakes have a camaraderie that is enjoyable and downright hysterical. Their conversation about cupcakes early on was laugh out loud funny. And I love Piper throwing her two cents in all the time. I truly can’t wait for her story; I think she’s my favorite character.

The conflict in this book is a familiar trope, but because of the relationship between Grant and Josie, it doesn’t feel like a retread. It feels fresh and actually makes sense in the bigger picture of the overall plot. Of course, there are screw ups and misunderstandings, but not as many as one might expect. It’s nice to see adults being adults and not acting like teenagers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but that’s no surprise, given how I felt about the first two: Sugarcoated and Forking Around. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series.

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