Category: 9/10

#BlogTour #BookReview The Midwife’s Secret by Emily Gunnis @EmilyGunnis @Mobius_Books @headlinepg #TheMidwifesSecret #EmilyGunnis #MobiusBooksUS

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#BlogTour #BookReview The Midwife’s Secret by Emily Gunnis @EmilyGunnis @Mobius_Books @headlinepg #TheMidwifesSecret #EmilyGunnis #MobiusBooksUS Title: The Midwife's Secret

Author: Emily Gunnis

Published by: Headline Books on Dec. 7, 2021

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 384

Format: Hardcover

Source: Mobius Books US

Book Rating: 9/10

A little girl goes missing from Yew Tree Manor – the same house from which a girl vanished decades before. Does the key to the present lie buried even deeper in the past, in the forgotten history of an innocent midwife accused by a family of shocking betrayal? A gripping, heartwrenching story of love, loyalty and family secrets.

From the internationally bestselling author of THE GIRL IN THE LETTER and THE LOST CHILD.

When six-year-old Alice Hilton goes missing in the snow on New Year’s Eve 1969 from Yew Tree Manor, suspicion immediately falls on local man Alf Simms. Simms had a grievance against Alice’s father, wealthy Richard Hilton, and he is arrested, tried and found guilty for Alice’s death. Tragically the child is never found.

Decades later, Willow Simms, an architect working on a development at Yew Tree Manor, discovers that the land surrounding the house is holding a secret. And when another little girl goes missing from Yew Tree, Willow realizes the key to her disappearance lies in the history of the house, and the two families attached to it. A terrible wrong needs to be made right…and to uncover it, Willow must unravel events from long ago, when in 1919 a court sentenced a midwife to death, for a shocking crime that happened at Yew Tree Manor…

Review:

Absorbing, mysterious, and moving!

The Midwife’s Secret transports you to Sussex, England between 1946 and 2017, and immerses you into the ongoing, complex, multi-generational relationships between the wealthy, entitled Hilton family and the poor, victimized James family complete with all the powerful emotions, despicable tales, long-buried secrets, and unimaginable tragedy that has tied them together for the past seventy years.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are vulnerable, conflicted, and hardworking. And the plot is an enthralling, emotional saga filled with life, loss, familial drama, survival, betrayal, corruption, social injustice, tragedy, inequality, manipulation, and heartbreak.

Overall, The Midwife’s Secret is a heart-tugging, clever, haunting tale by Gunnis that reminds us that the choices we make often have far-reaching consequences, and skeletons often find their way to the surface no matter how well they’re buried.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                

 

 

Thank you to Mobius Books US for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Emily Gunnis

Emily Gunnis previously worked in TV drama and lives in Brighton with her young family. She is one of the four daughters of Sunday Times bestselling author Penny Vincenzi.

Photo courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview Mercy (Atlee Pine #4) by David Baldacci @davidbaldacci @HBGCanada @grandcentralpub #DavidBaldacci #Mercy #AtleePineSeries

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#BookReview Mercy (Atlee Pine #4) by David Baldacci @davidbaldacci @HBGCanada @grandcentralpub #DavidBaldacci #Mercy #AtleePineSeries Title: Mercy

Author: David Baldacci

Series: Atlee Pine #4

Published by: Grand Central Publishing on Nov. 16, 2021

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 416

Format: Hardcover

Source: HBG Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

FBI Agent Atlee Pine’s harrowing search for her long-lost sister Mercy reaches a boiling point in this breakneck thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci. 
 
For her entire life, FBI agent Atlee Pine has been searching for her twin sister, Mercy, who was abducted at the age of six and never seen again. Mercy’s disappearance left behind a damaged family that later shattered beyond repair when Atlee’s parents inexplicably abandoned her.
 
Now, after a perilous investigation that nearly proved fatal, Atlee has finally discovered not only the reason behind her parents’ abandonment and Mercy’s kidnapping, but also the most promising breakthrough yet: proof that Mercy survived her abduction and then escaped her captors many years ago. 
 
Though Atlee is tantalizingly close to her family at last, the final leg of her long road to Mercy will be the most treacherous yet. Mercy left at least one dead body behind before fleeing her captors years before. Atlee has no idea if her sister is still alive, and if so, how she has been surviving all this time. When the truth is finally revealed, Atlee Pine will face the greatest danger yet, and it may well cost her everything.

Review:

Thrilling, twisty, and meticulous!

Mercy is a propulsive, gripping tale that picks up right where Daylight left off, taking us back into the life of FBI agent Atlee Pine, as she and her loyal assistant, Carol Blum, decide to take a leave of absence from the bureau to work full-time on discovering once and for all what happened to her twin sister, Mercy, who after escaping from her captors nineteen years ago seems to have vanished without a trace.

The writing is gritty and descriptive. The characters are cunning, ruthless, and persistent. And the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as it immerses you into a malicious tale full of twists, turns, mayhem, chaos, revenge, survival, danger, violence, cruelty, and murder.

Overall, Mercy is another compelling, intricate, addictive mystery by Baldacci that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend, and although it seems like it might be the last novel we get to enjoy in this series, it certainly introduced us to a new, formidable heroine, Spectator, who is easily in my opinion definitely worthy of a series of her own.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

            

 

 

Thank you to HBG Canada & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About David Baldacci

David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 130 million worldwide sales. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. Still a resident of his native Virginia, he invites you to visit him at DavidBaldacci.com and his foundation at WishYouWellFoundation.org.

Photograph by Allen Jones.

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#BookReview To All the Dogs I’ve Loved Before (Pine Hollow #3) by Lizzie Shane @ReadForeverPub @GrandCentralPub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2021 #ToAlltheDogsIveLovedBefore #LizzieShane #PineHollowSeries

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#BookReview To All the Dogs I’ve Loved Before (Pine Hollow #3) by Lizzie Shane @ReadForeverPub @GrandCentralPub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2021 #ToAlltheDogsIveLovedBefore #LizzieShane #PineHollowSeries Title: To All the Dogs I've Loved Before

Author: Lizzie Shane

Series: Pine Hollow #3

Published by: Forever on Nov. 30, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 385

Format: Paperback

Source: Forever

Book Rating: 9/10

First love gets a second chance when a mischievous dog finds a way to keep fetching the town librarian’s high school sweetheart in this charming small-town romance. 

The last person librarian Elinor Rodriguez wants to spend time with is her first love, Levi Jackson, but it seems her mischievous rescue dog has other ideas. Without fail, Dory slips from the house whenever Elinor’s back is turned. And in Pine Hollow, calls about a dog herding cars on Main Street go straight to Levi. The quietly intense lawman broke Elinor’s heart once, and now she’s determined to move on, no matter how much she misses him.

As the kid who barely graduated—and still struggles to hide his dyslexia—Levi always believed that Elinor was way out of his league. Even though he ended their engagement all those years ago, Elinor still takes Levi’s breath away whenever he sees her. But with a little help from a four-legged friend, Levi and Elinor may just get the second chance they deserve.

Includes the bonus novella I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Hope Ramsay!

Review:

Sincere, charming, and fun!

To All the Dogs I’ve Loved Before is a heartwarming, rewarding tale featuring the intelligent, sensible Elinor and the stubborn, reliable Levi as they discover that the heart wants who the heart wants, and some things are definitely worth a second chance.

The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are warm, dependable, and funny. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, family, friendship, small-town living, adventurous endeavours, nostalgic moments, romance, and a lovable, four-legged rascal named Dory.

To All the Dogs I’ve Loved Before is the third title in a series that, for me, just keeps getting better and better. It’s a sweet, playful, amusing read by Shane with characters I couldn’t help but root for and a swoon-worthy ending that left me smitten, satisfied, and hoping for more!

 

This book is available now. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following link.

       

 

 

Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lizzie Shane

Contemporary romance author Lizzie Shane was born in Alaska and still calls the frozen north home, though she can frequently be found indulging her travel addiction. Thankfully, her laptop travels with her and she has written her way through all fifty states and over fifty countries.

Lizzie has been honored to win the Golden Heart Award and HOLT Medallion, and has been named a finalist three times for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA Award®, but her main claim to fame is that she lost on Jeopardy!

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#BookReview The Secret Stealers by Jane Healey @healeyJane @AmazonPub #TheSecretStealers #JaneHealey #LakeUnion

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#BookReview The Secret Stealers by Jane Healey @healeyJane @AmazonPub #TheSecretStealers #JaneHealey #LakeUnion Title: The Secret Stealers

Author: Jane Healey

Published by: Lake Union Publishing on Apr. 1, 2021

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 456

Format: Paperback

Source: Amazon Publishing

Book Rating: 9/10

A female American spy in Nazi-occupied France finds purpose behind enemy lines in a novel of unparalleled danger, love, and daring by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Beantown Girls.

Anna Cavanaugh is a restless young widow and brilliant French teacher at an all-girls school in Washington, DC. Everything changes when she’s recruited into the Office of Strategic Services by family friend and legendary WWI hero Major General William Donovan.

Donovan has faith in her—and in all his “glorious amateurs” who are becoming Anna’s fast friends: Maggie, Anna’s down-to-earth mentor; Irene, who’s struggling to find support from her husband for her clandestine life; and Julia, a cheerful OSS liaison. But the more Anna learns about the organization’s secret missions, the more she longs to be stationed abroad. Then comes the opportunity: go undercover as a spy in the French Resistance to help steal critical intelligence that could ultimately turn the tide of the war.

Dispatched behind enemy lines and in constant danger, Anna is filled with adrenaline, passion, and fear. She’s driven to make a difference—for her country and for herself. Whatever the risk, she’s willing to take it to help liberate France from the shadows of occupation and to free herself from the shadows of her former life.

Review:

Immersive, pacey, and affecting!

The Secret Stealers is an absorbing, gripping tale set predominantly in Nazi-Occupied Paris during WWII that follows Anna Cavanaugh, a young widow and french teacher who, after taking a position as a PA to the director of the OSS, General Donovan, finally gets her wish to return to Paris as an undercover spy using her unique skillset to infiltrate, befriend, and acquire special intelligence from the enemy to help the efforts of both the French Resistance and Allied Forces.

The prose is polished and eloquent. The characters are spunky, driven, and resilient. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel into a sweeping saga of life, loss, family, heartbreak, betrayal, secrets, espionage, danger, survival, tragedy, friendship, and a touch of romance.

Overall, The Secret Stealers is a rich, evocative, tense novel by Healey that grabs you from the very first page and is sure to be a big hit with historical fiction lovers everywhere. I devoured, enjoyed, and highly recommend it!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

         

 

 

Thank you to Amazon Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Jane Healey

Jane Healey is the author of three historical fiction novels. Her novel THE BEANTOWN GIRLS was a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Her latest novel, THE SECRET STEALERS, was an Amazon First Reads Editor’s Pick, one of the New York Post’s Best New Books in April 2021 and was a Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice pick.

Jane has given presentations about the history behind her novels to hundreds of libraries, book clubs and organizations around the country, including through the Jewish Book Council Network and the American Red Cross. She is also the host of Historical Happy Hour, a monthly webinar and podcast featuring premiere historical fiction authors and their latest novels.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Northeastern University, Jane shares a home north of Boston with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, running, cooking, and going to the beach.

Photo courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins @MandaCollins @readforeverpub @HBGCanada @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2021 #MandaCollins #AnHeiresssGuidetoDeceptionandDesire #ALadysGuide

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#BookReview An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins @MandaCollins @readforeverpub @HBGCanada @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2021 #MandaCollins #AnHeiresssGuidetoDeceptionandDesire #ALadysGuide Title: An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire

Author: Manda Collins

Series: A Lady's Guide #2

Published by: Forever on Nov. 16, 2021

Genres: Historical Romance, Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: HBG Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

Former lovers become reluctant allies in this delightfully witty historical rom-com from the bestselling author of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem—for fans of Evie Dunmore, Enola Holmes, and Netflix’s Bridgerton!

England, 1867 : As half of the writing duo behind England’s most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her.

After Caro’s dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father’s business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself?

Val–the new Viscount Wrackham–is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he’s ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she’s never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day.

As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he’s a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance–before death does them part?

Review:

Quirky, adventurous, and fun!

An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire is a playful, engaging tale set in London during 1867 that takes you into the life of Miss Caroline Hardcastle, a crime columnist who, after one of her closest friends goes missing, must grudgingly team up with he ex-fiancé and one man who broke her heart, the dashingly handsome, Lord Valentine Thorn in order to solve the case and rescue her dear friend, Effie as quickly as possible.

The writing is cheeky and engaging. The characters are resourceful, clever, and endearing. And the plot is a passionate, compelling tale full of family, friendship, societal expectations, deductive reasoning, scheming behaviour, tricky situations, awkward moments, secrets, attraction, desire, sleuthing, and of course, a little romance.

An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire is an amusing, lighthearted, entertaining tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second title in the A Lady’s Guide series by Collins, that if you ask me, keeps getting better and better.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

            

 

 

Thank you to HBG Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Manda Collins

Manda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of historical romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds master’s degrees in English and Library & Information Studies. Her novel Duke with Benefits was named a Kirkus Best Romance of 2017. She lives on the Gulf Coast with two lazy cats, a very spoiled Shih Tzu, and more books than are strictly necessary.

Photograph courtesy of read-forever.com.

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#BlogTour #BookReview Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens @SophieCous @centurybooksuk #JustHaventMetYouYet #SophieCousens

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#BlogTour #BookReview Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens @SophieCous @centurybooksuk #JustHaventMetYouYet #SophieCousens Title: Just Haven't Met You Yet

Author: Sophie Cousens

Published by: Century on Nov. 11, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: Paperback

Source: Arrow Publishing

Book Rating: 9/10

Tell me the story of how you two met…

Laura has built a career out of interviewing people about their epic real life love stories.

When she picks up the wrong suitcase at the airport, Laura wonders if this could be the start of something that’s written in the stars.

From piano sheet-music to a battered copy of her favourite book, Laura finds in the bag evidence of everything she could hope for in a partner.

If Laura’s job has taught her anything it’s that when it comes to love, you can’t let opportunity pass you by. Now Laura is determined to track down the owner of the suitcase, and her own happy ending.

But what if fate has other ideas?

Review:

Intimate, poignant, and romantic!

Just Haven’t Met You Yet is an addictive, uplifting, slow-burning tale that takes you into the life of Laura Le Quesne, a young woman who, after heading to the Channel Islands to investigate and write the story of her late parent’s epic love affair, also finds herself on the hunt to identify and meet, with the help of a broody cabbie, the one she has been waiting for her whole life after she picks up the wrong suitcase of a man who seems, based on his possessions, to be her fated soul mate.

The writing is warm and sweet. The characterization is spot on with a delightful cast of characters that are endearing, genuine, and kind. And the plot is a charming tale full of hope, heart, and humour.

Just Haven’t Met You Yet is, ultimately, a story about love, loss, life, trust, family, friendship, community, ageing, self-discovery, happiness, and fate. It is a sentimental, absorbing, compelling novel by Cousens that does an exceptional job of highlighting that true love is not just roses, chocolates, and grand gestures but all the tender, touching, supportive moments in between. I absolutely adored this novel and look forward to reading all of this author’s previous novels as soon as I possibly can.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

              

 

 

Thank you to Penguin Random House UK – Arrow Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sophie Cousens

Sophie Cousens worked as a TV producer in London for more than twelve years and now lives on the island of Jersey in the UK, balancing her writing career with working for an arts charity and taking care of her two small children. She is the author of This Time Next Year and Just Haven’t Met You Yet.

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#BookReview A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones @Darynda @smpromance @StMartinsPress #AGoodDayforChardonnay #DaryndaJones #SunshineVicram #smpromance #smpinfluencers

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#BookReview A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones @Darynda @smpromance @StMartinsPress #AGoodDayforChardonnay #DaryndaJones #SunshineVicram #smpromance #smpinfluencers Title: A Good Day for Chardonnay

Author: Darynda Jones

Series: Sunshine Vicram #2

Published by: St. Martin's Press on Jul. 27, 2021

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 416

Format: Hardcover

Source: St. Martin's Press

Book Rating: 9/10

Running a small-town police force in the mountains of New Mexico should be a smooth, carefree kind of job. Sadly, full-time Sheriff–and even fuller-time coffee guzzler–Sunshine Vicram, didn’t get that memo.

All Sunshine really wants is one easy-going day. You know, the kind that starts with coffee and a donut (or three) and ends with take-out pizza and a glass of chardonnay (or seven). Turns out, that’s about as easy as switching to decaf. (What kind of people do that? And who hurt them?)

Before she can say iced mocha latte, Sunny’s got a bar fight gone bad, a teenage daughter hunting a serial killer and, oh yes, the still unresolved mystery of her own abduction years prior. All evidence points to a local distiller, a dangerous bad boy named Levi Ravinder, but Sun knows he’s not the villain of her story. Still, perhaps beneath it all, he possesses the keys to her disappearance. At the very least, beneath it all, he possesses a serious set of abs. She’s seen it. Once. Accidentally.

Between policing a town her hunky chief deputy calls four cents short of a nickel, that pesky crush she has on Levi which seems to grow exponentially every day, and an irascible raccoon that just doesn’t know when to quit, Sunny’s life is about to rocket to a whole new level of crazy.

Yep, definitely a good day for chardonnay.

Review:

Wacky, wild, and wonderful!

A Good Day for Chardonnay is a refreshing, highly entertaining mystery that transports you back to Del Sol, New Mexico, where police chief Sunshine Vicram now finds herself investigating another multitude of oddball events that pull her back to the past, including a potentially fatal stabbing, a hit and run involving the delicious Levi Ravinder, and a missing teenage boy.

The prose is brisk and amusing. The characterization is spot on with a wonderful cast of characters that are eccentric, sharp-witted, and endearing. And the plot is the perfect mix of suspense, humour, witty banter, familial drama, friendship, secrets, deception, community, mayhem, steamy moments, and sexy times.

Overall, A Good Day for Chardonnay is a quirky, gripping, brilliant tale by Jones that has a storyline that will make you laugh, make you smile, and most definitely leave you wanting more. I absolutely adore this Sunshine Vicram series, and I can’t wait to read A Hard Day for a Hangover when it publishes next month.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

               

 

 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Darynda Jones

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. She currently has two series with St. Martin's Press, the Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of more than 25 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview The Killing Tide by Lin Anderson @PGCBooks @panmacmillan #RhonaMacLeod #TheKillngTide

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#BookReview The Killing Tide by Lin Anderson @PGCBooks @panmacmillan #RhonaMacLeod #TheKillngTide Title: The Killing Tide

Author: Lin Anderson

Series: Rhona MacLeod #16

Published by: Pan Macmillan on Sep. 7, 2021

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Police Procedural

Pages: 400

Format: Hardcover

Source: Publishers Group Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

The Killing Tide by Lin Anderson sees forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod investigating a mysterious abandoned ship which has swept ashore in the Orkney Isles.

After a fierce storm hits Scotland, a mysterious cargo ship is discovered in the Orkney Isles. Boarding the vessel uncovers three bodies, recently deceased and in violent circumstances. Forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod’s study of the crime scene suggests that a sinister game was being played on board, but who were the hunters? And who the hunted?

Meanwhile in Glasgow DS Michael McNab is called to a horrific incident where a young woman has been set on fire. Or did she spark the flames herself?

As evidence arises that connects the two cases, the team grow increasingly concerned that the truth of what happened on the ship and in Glasgow hints at a wider conspiracy that stretches down to London and beyond to a global stage. Orcadian Ava Clouston, renowned investigative journalist, believes so and sets out to prove it, putting herself in grave danger.

When the Met Police challenge Police Scotland’s jurisdiction, it becomes obvious that there are ruthless individuals who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect government interests. Which could lead to even more deaths on Scottish soil . .

Review:

Meticulous, sinister and sharp!

The Killing Tide is a menacing, creative police procedural that sees forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod and her team tangled up in two cases that seem at first glance to be isolated incidents, a woman set on fire at an apartment building in Glasgow and an abandoned cargo ship containing several victims washing ashore in Orkney, but as the investigation unfolds, it doesn’t take long before it quickly becomes apparent that these cases may be connected and may have ties to a criminal syndicate with influential friends and a penchant for fulfilling all the devious things the rich and powerful like to indulge in.

The writing is atmospheric and crisp. The characters are multifaceted, intuitive, and persistent. And the plot is a compelling, ominous mix of twists, turns, red herrings, secrets, deduction, mayhem, violence, manipulation, and murder.

Overall, The Killing Tide is crafty, dark, and unbelievably the sixteenth book in the Rhona MacLeod series. I have yet to read a novel by Anderson that isn’t gripping, pacey, and extremely satisfying, and this one is definitely no exception.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

              

 

 

Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lin Anderson

Lin Anderson is a Scottish author and screenwriter known for her bestselling crime series featuring forensic scientist Dr Rhona MacLeod. Four of her novels have been longlisted for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year, with Follow the Dead being a 2018 finalist. Her short film River Child won both a Scottish BAFTA for Best Fiction and the Celtic Film Festival’s Best Drama award and has now been viewed more than one million times on YouTube. Lin is also the co-founder of the international crime writing festival Bloody Scotland, which takes place annually in Stirling.

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#BookReview #Audiobook The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub @HachetteAudio #ReadForever #Forever2021 #ThePerksofLovingaWallflower #EricaRidley #TheWildWynchesters #HachetteAudio

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#BookReview #Audiobook The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub @HachetteAudio #ReadForever #Forever2021 #ThePerksofLovingaWallflower #EricaRidley #TheWildWynchesters #HachetteAudio Title: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower

Author: Erica Ridley

Narrator: Moira Quirk

Series: The Wild Wynchesters #2

Published by: Forever, Hachette Audio on Oct. 26, 2021

Genres: Historical Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 346

Length: 10 hrs 27 mins

Format: Audiobook, Paperback

Source: Forever, Hachette Audio

Book Rating: 9/10

Fans of Bridgerton will love this Regency romp in which a proper Society miss recruits a very improper lady grifter in a quest for vengeance, only to find love instead.

As a master of disguise, Thomasina Wynchester can be a polite young lady—or a bawdy old man. Anything to solve the case. Her latest assignment unveils a top-secret military cipher covering up an enigma that goes back centuries. But when Tommy’s beautiful new client turns out to be the highborn lady she’s secretly smitten with, more than her mission is at stake . . .

Bluestocking Miss Philippa York doesn’t believe in love. Her cold heart didn’t pitter-patter when she was betrothed to a duke, nor did it break when he married someone else. All Philippa desires is to rescue her priceless manuscript and decode its clues to unmask a villain. She hates that she needs a man’s help—so she’s delighted to discover the clever, charming baron at her side is in fact a woman. Her cold heart . . . did it just pitter-patter?

Review:

Captivating, mysterious, and seductive!

The Perks of Loving a Wallflower is an enticing, passionate tale that takes you back to London during 1817 and into the life of Thomasina Wynchester, a young lady with many faces who is bound and determined while helping her family solve the mystery involving the wartime cipher to finally introduce her true self to the bluestocking she yearns for, the lovely Miss Philippa York.

The prose is witty and sweet. The characters are strong-willed, determined, and resourceful. And the plot is an arousing combination of friendship, family, secrets, determination, action, adventure, societal expectations, desire, acceptance, tender moments, and unconditional love.

Overall, The Perks of Loving a Wallflower is a charming, seductive, heartwarming romp by Ridley that does a fabulous job of taking the historical romance genre and spicing it up with a little gender-bending, some sapphic love, a touch of mystery, and such a unique and intriguing cast you can’t help but cheer them on. I was once again lucky enough to not only read this novel but also listen to the audio, and I have to say if you get a chance, give this one a listen as Moira Quirk, the narrator, does an incredible job of bringing not only this story but these characters to life.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following link.

               

 

 

Thank you to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Erica Ridley

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical romance novels. When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rain forests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Photo courtesy of Forever website.

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#BookReview Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey @kristywharvey @uplitreads #christmasinpeachtreebluff #kristywoodsonharvey

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#BookReview Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey @kristywharvey @uplitreads #christmasinpeachtreebluff #kristywoodsonharvey Title: Christmas at Peachtree Bluff

Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey

Series: Peachtree Bluff #4

Published by: Gallery Books on Oct. 26, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback

Source: Uplit Reads

Book Rating: 9/10

“When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband James announce that they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

When the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Vivi’s recklessness forces her, along with Ansley and her husband Jack, to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances in Peachtree Bluff become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission.

With Caroline’s boat the Starlite Sisters in tow, Sloane and Emerson set sail loaded with supplies. When they arrive, they find not only their family in need, but also an entire community desperate for help. Putting aside their own plans for December, they decide to stay in Peachtree, rebuilding their beloved town—as well as their family—just in time for the yuletide season.

In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.”

Review:

Quaint, heartfelt, and evocative!

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is a delightfully amusing, festive tale that sweeps you away to Peach Tree Bluff, Georgia and immerses you into the lives of the Murphy family, especially four strong women, as they gather to celebrate, support, interrogate, heal, grow, communicate, close doors, open new ones, take chances, and survive mother nature.

The prose is vivid and expressive. The characters are genuine, compassionate, and reliable. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel effortlessly into a bewitching tale of life, love, friendship, family, self-reflection, determination, community, happiness, holiday traditions, romantic moments, blossoming relationships, stormy weather, and the special bonds between sisters.

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is another absorbing, uplifting, magical tale by Harvey that does a brilliant job of highlighting her exceptional ability to create relatable characters, idyllic places, and memorable storylines that thoroughly enchant from start to finish.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

            

 

 

 

Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the USA TODAY bestselling author of six novels, including Feels Like Falling, The Peachtree Bluff series, and Under the Southern Sky. A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous online and print publications including Southern Living, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, Domino, and O. Henry. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her work has been optioned for film and television, and her books have received numerous accolades including Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Beach Reads, Parade’s Big Fiction Reads, and Entertainment Weekly’s Spring Reading Picks. Kristy is the co-creator and co-host of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction. She blogs with her mom Beth Woodson on Design Chic, and loves connecting with fans on KristyWoodsonHarvey.com. She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband and son where she is (always!) working on her next novel.

Photo by Jay Ackerman.

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