Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

#BookReview The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen @Rhysbowen @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheRoseArbor #RhysBowen #LakeUnion #FireflyDist

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction
#BookReview The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen @Rhysbowen @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheRoseArbor #RhysBowen #LakeUnion #FireflyDist Title: The Rose Arbor

Author: Rhys Bowen

Published by: Lake Union Publishing on Aug. 6, 2024

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 379

Format: Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 9/10

An investigation into a girl’s disappearance uncovers a mystery dating back to World War II in a haunting novel of suspense by the bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Paris Assignment.

1968. Liz Houghton is languishing as an obituary writer at a London newspaper when a young girl’s disappearance captivates the city. If Liz can break the story, it’s her way into the newsroom. She already has a her best friend, Marisa, is a police officer assigned to the case.

Liz follows Marisa to Dorset, where they make another disturbing discovery. Over two decades earlier, three girls disappeared while evacuating from London. One was found murdered in the woods near a train line. The other two were never seen again.

As Liz digs deeper, she finds herself drawn to the village of Tydeham, which was requisitioned by the military during the war and left in ruins. After all these years, what could possibly link the missing girls to this abandoned village? And why does a place Liz has never seen before seem so strangely familiar?

Review:

Captivating, atmospheric, and rich!

The Rose Arbor is an absorbing, engaging tale set in England during 1943 and 1968 that takes you into the life of Liz Houghton, a young writer who, after tagging along with her police officer roommate to the desolate village of Tydeham to try and find a missing girl, stumbles across some deep dark family secrets of her own when she becomes engrossed in solving a twenty-five-year-old cold case involving three little girls from London who seemingly vanished without a trace while being evacuated to the countryside during the war.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are independent, intelligent, and driven. And the plot is a compelling, tender tale about life, loss, family, secrets, desperation, tragedy, deduction, friendship, duplicitous behaviours, and wartime sacrifices.

Overall, The Rose Arbor is an immersive, intriguing, touching tale by Bowen that is the perfect choice for anyone who loves an intricate mystery set against the backdrop of war.

 

This novel is available now.

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

      

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Rhys Bowen

Rhys Bowen’s work has sold close to 10 million copies, in over 30 languages. She has been nominated for every major mystery award and has won multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. A complete list can be found here.

Her books include the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy historical mysteries, as well as several international bestselling stand-alone novels.

Photo: Douglas Sonders

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#BookReview What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald @Christinamac79 @AmazonPub @FireflyDist #WhatLiesInDarkness #ChristinaMcDonald #AJessLambertThriller #FireflyDist

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald @Christinamac79 @AmazonPub @FireflyDist #WhatLiesInDarkness #ChristinaMcDonald #AJessLambertThriller #FireflyDist Title: What Lies in Darkness

Author: Christina McDonald

Series: Jess Lambert #2

Published by: Thomas & Mercer on Jul. 16, 2024

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 347

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 9/10

A missing family. A traumatized detective. The past and present collide in a riveting novel of suspense by the USA Today bestselling author of These Still Black Waters, Do No Harm, Behind Every Lie, and The Night Olivia Fell.

Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.

One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.

Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.

Review:

Sharp, intense, and gripping!

What Lies in Darkness is a well-paced, engrossing police procedural that sees Detective Jess Lambert now tangled up in a complicated case involving a missing family that is a lot more sinister than it first appeared and which may even have a connection to her own devastating tragedy that irrevocably changed her life forever.

The writing is tight and intense. The characters are layered, secretive, and persistent. And the plot, told from multiple perspectives, is an ominous tale full of twists, turns, red herrings, supernatural phenomena, secrets, deception, desperation, deduction, and manipulation.

Overall, What Lies in Darkness is a relentless, eerie, simmering tale by McDonald that keeps you guessing from start to finish and is a wonderful reminder that things are never quite what they seem.

 

This novel is available now.

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

     

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Christina McDonald

Christina McDonald is the USA Today bestselling author of Do No Harm, Behind Every Lie and The Night Olivia Fell, which has been optioned for television by a major Hollywood studio. Originally from Seattle, Washington, she now lives in London, England, with her husband, two sons, and their dog, Tango.

Photo courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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#BookReview The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White @Loreth @AmazonPub @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheSwimmer #LorethAnneWhite #Montlake #FireflyDist

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White @Loreth @AmazonPub @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheSwimmer #LorethAnneWhite #Montlake #FireflyDist Title: The Swimmer

Author: Loreth Anne White

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 10, 2024

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 349

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 9/10

A deviously twisty novel of psychological suspense about secrets, neighbors, a need to belong, and murder by the award-winning author of The Maid’s Diary.

Socially awkward Chloe Cooper divides her time between dog walking, bartending, caring for her ailing mother, and at a safe distance, watching people and inventing the stories of their lives. Like Chloe’s new neighbors: glamorous influencer Jemma Spengler and Jemma’s husband, Adam, a renowned surgeon. They’re attractive, wealthy, and in a house of open windows, so exposed.

A move to the Pacific Northwest is supposed to be a fresh start for Jemma and Adam. It’s a renewed commitment to a marriage fractured by secrets. A chance to work through the tragic losses in their past. For Jemma, however, this new beginning also comes with an unnerving sensation that she’s being watched.

Then, on a fog-shrouded beach early in the morning, Chloe witnesses the murder of a swimmer. Her suspicions aroused, she suddenly sees her neighbors in a sinister new light. But as a detective and her partner close in, nothing is quite as it seems. Because the Spenglers are not the only ones with secrets. And Chloe isn’t the only one who’s been watching.

Review:

Brisk, riveting, and suspenseful!

The Swimmer is an intense, ominous thrill ride that introduces us to Chloe, a middle-aged woman who, after becoming consumed with her beautiful, affluent new neighbours, quickly discovers that everything is not as perfect as it seems, everyone has skeletons in their closet, and more than one person is desperate enough to murder.

The writing is edgy and brisk. The characters are consumed, devious, and persistent. And the plot is an intricate, action-packed tale full of twists, turns, secrets, surprises, questionable personalities, duplicitous motivations, manipulative actions, parasitic relationships, violence, and ruthless murder.

Overall, The Swimmer is another tortuous, addictive, unnerving tale by White that is deliciously relentless, surprising, deceptive, and bursting with misdirection.

 

This novel is available now.

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

     

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Loreth Anne White

Loreth Anne White is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic suspense, thrillers, and mysteries.

A three-time RITA finalist, she has also won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Romantic Crown for Best Romantic Suspense and Best Book Overall, in addition to being a Booksellers’ Best finalist, a multiple Daphne Du Maurier Award finalist, and a multiple CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award winner.

A former journalist and newspaper editor who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now resides in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she’s not writing, you will find her skiing, biking, or hiking the trails with her Black Dog.

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#BookReview Party Favors by Sariah Wilson @sariahwilson @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #PartyFavors #SariahWilson #Montlake #FireflyDist

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Party Favors by Sariah Wilson @sariahwilson @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #PartyFavors #SariahWilson #Montlake #FireflyDist Title: Party Favors

Author: Sariah Wilson

Published by: Montlake Romance on Jul. 30, 2024

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 352

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 8.5/10

For a party planner in awe of the royals, daydreams fit for a queen might come true in a captivating romantic comedy by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of The Hollywood Jinx.

For as long as she can remember, Everly Aprile has been obsessed with the Monterran royals, especially Queen elegant, self-possessed, and living a fairy-tale romance. As for Everly, her career as an event planner has stalled—and so has her love life. Then a wealthy new client wants a sweet-sixteen party that’s fit for an American princess. Practicing her “What Would Kat Do” mantra, Everly offers to bring it to life by immersing herself in everything Monterra.

Call it intervento divino when she meets dizzyingly handsome and charismatic Max Colby, who’s relocated stateside from the Monterran kingdom of her dreams. If Everly promises to be his New York City guide, he’ll teach her the customs and culture of Monterra so her party gets a boost of authenticity. Deal. As their friendship grows, Everly starts falling—but for what? Another unattainable obsession? Max is such a dreamboat that surely he sees her as just a friend.

Her royal to-do list is in order. She’s revamping her life and learning to believe in herself. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for fate to bring Everly her happily ever after after all.

Review:

Lighthearted, amusing, and highly entertaining!

Party Favors is a delightfully cute, feel-good tale featuring the hardworking, dependable Everly Aprile, who, after finally getting a shot at getting the coveted position of party planner that she’s always wanted, spends her time focusing on creating the best events she possibly can, indulges in her love for everything Monterran, and acts as a tour guide for her newly acquired friend who she may have more than just a passing fancy for.

The writing is witty and smooth. The characters are easygoing, supportive, and dependable. And the plot is an enchanting mix of life, friendship, tension, chemistry, self-discovery, emotion, familial drama, tender moments, dreams, happiness, taking chances, and unconditional love.

Overall, Party Favors is another clever, uplifting, enjoyable tale by Wilson that I thoroughly enjoyed and which, in my opinion, is the perfect choice for anyone who loves a good rom-com that has a whole lot of heart, humour, and hope.

 

This novel is available now.

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

     

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sariah Wilson

USA Today bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance. She grew up in southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children . She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their four children in Utah, along with two cats named Pixel and Callie, who do not get along. (The cats, not the children. Although the children sometimes have their issues, too.)

Photo courtesy of Author's Website.

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#BookReview The Stranger in Her House by John Marrs @johnmarrs1 @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheStrangerInHerHouse #JohnMarrs #FireflyDist

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview The Stranger in Her House by John Marrs @johnmarrs1 @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheStrangerInHerHouse #JohnMarrs #FireflyDist Title: The Stranger in Her House

Author: John Marrs

Published by: Thomas & Mercer on Feb. 13, 2024

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 347

Format: Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 8.5/10

A stranger has infiltrated your family…and now he’s taking over.

Paul’s just here to help, or so he claims—sent by a charity for vulnerable people to do odd jobs for elderly widow Gwen. But for Gwen’s daughter Connie, there’s just something about Paul that rings alarm bells from day one. He’s a little too kind, a little too involved…Worse still, Gwen seems to have fallen under his spell.

The last thing Connie wants is a stranger meddling in the safe routine she’s built around Gwen. She loves being the one Gwen turns to for cooking, cleaning and company. But the more Paul visits, the more Gwen is relying on him. By the time he conveniently finds himself between homes and has no choice but to move in, Connie is certain he’s trying to push her out completely.

It’s her word against his, though, and as her attempts to unmask him become ever more desperate she’s not the only one left wondering if she’s lost her grip on reality. But when events start spiralling rapidly out of her control, should Connie wage all-out war on Paul and risk losing Gwen forever—or has that been his plan all along?

Review:

Ominous, intense, and absorbing!

The Stranger in Her House is an eerily gripping, suspenseful tale that takes you into the life of Connie, a young woman taking care of her elderly, declining mother who, after accepting the help of a local handyman, suddenly finds her life turned upside down when it quickly becomes apparent that his motivations are not as honest and pure as they first appeared and he’ll do whatever it takes, even kill, to get what he wants.

The prose is tight and edgy. The characters are secretive, consumed, and duplicitous. And the plot is a twisty tale full of drama, deception, lies, obsession, manipulation, tragedy, childhood trauma, dark secrets, violence, and murder.

Overall, The Stranger in Her House is another engrossing, sinister, tortuous novel by Marrs that kept me riveted from the very first page and is definitely the perfect choice for anyone who loves a menacing, highly entertaining, tension-filled read.

 

This novel is available now.

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

     

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.

 

About John Marrs

John Marrs is the author of #1 Best Sellers The One, The Good Samaritan, When You Disappeared, The Vacation, Her Last Move, The Passengers, The Minders and What Lies Between Us. Keep It In The Family and The Marriage Act are released soon.
What Lies won the International Thriller Writers' Best Paperback of 2021 award.
The One has been translated into 30 different languages and is to be turned into an eight-part Netflix series starting in autumn 2020.
After working as a journalist for 25-years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines, he is now a full-time writer.

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#BookReview Life, Loss, and Puffins by Catherine Ryan Hyde @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #LifeLossAndPuffins #CatherineRyanHyde #LakeUnion #FireflyDist

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Young Adult
#BookReview Life, Loss, and Puffins by Catherine Ryan Hyde @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #LifeLossAndPuffins #CatherineRyanHyde #LakeUnion #FireflyDist Title: Life, Loss, and Puffins

Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Published by: Lake Union Publishing on May 14, 2024

Genres: Young Adult

Pages: 269

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 9/10

An exhilarating and emotional novel about grief, hope, friendship, and taking life one beautiful and spontaneous day at a time by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Freakishly smart. That’s the unwelcome box Ru Evans is put into for life. After all, she taught herself Euclidean geometry at age seven, has an eidetic memory, and is about to enter college at thirteen years old.

Boarding at a house near campus 150 miles from home, Ru meets seventeen-year-old Gabriel, an outsider himself who, like Ru, has trouble making friends—until they form a fast sibling-like bond. Finding a relatable someone in the world to talk to is a first for both of them.

But when Ru’s mother dies and the threat of living with her miserable aunt looms, Ru hatches an escape. It’s an impulsive road trip that takes Ru and Gabriel from California to Canada, where Ru can fulfill her ultimate to see Atlantic puffins in the glorious wild.

Mile by mile, Ru discovers the joy of friendship, found family, dark night skies, and the aurora borealis, and she basks in going from being a smart person to just a person. Though she knows they’ll be in trouble when they’re caught, for the short time they are navigating twist by twist of an unknown road, the freedom is liberating, and she is living for what feels like the first time.

Review:

Heart-tugging, sweet, and uplifting!

Life, Loss, and Puffins is a heartfelt, tender tale that takes you into the lives of Ru, a brilliant thirteen-year-old girl attending her first year of college whose life gets turned upside down when her mother suddenly passes, and Gabriel, a teenager who impulsively gives up his studies to take his new friend on a road trip to the north to fulfil some of her wish list of things she really wants to see and do.

The writing style is sentimental and sensitive. The characters are quirky, multilayered, and endearing. And the plot is an impactful coming-of-age tale of life, loss, family, friendship, grief, heartache, support, love, taking chances, introspection, and self-identity.

Overall, Life, Loss, and Puffins is an alluring, empowering, entertaining tale by Hyde full of heart, hope, and healing that does a wonderful job of delving into all the complex dynamics of relationships while also highlighting the incredible power of friendship.

This book is available now.

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

        

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Catherine Ryan Hyde

I am the author of more than 30 published and forthcoming books, including ALLIE AND BEA, SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER, ASK HIM WHY, WORTHY, THE LANGUAGE OF HOOFBEATS, TAKE ME WITH YOU, WHERE WE BELONG, WHEN I FOUND YOU, WALK ME HOME, SECOND HAND HEART, DON'T LET ME GO, and WHEN YOU WERE OLDER.

I'm an avid hiker, traveller, equestrian, and amateur photographer, and have released my first book of photos, 365 DAYS OF GRATITUDE: PHOTOS FROM A BEAUTIFUL WORLD.

I am co-author, with fellow author and publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of HOW TO BE A WRITER IN THE E-AGE: A SELF-HELP GUIDE.

My novel PAY IT FORWARD was adapted into a major motion picture, chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than 23 languages for distribution in over 30 countries. The paperback was released in October 2000 by Pocket Books and quickly became a national bestseller. Simon & Schuster released PAY IT FORWARD: YOUNG READERS' EDITION in August of '14. It is suitable for kids as young as eight. A special Fifteenth Anniversary Edition of the original PAY IT FORWARD was released in December of '14

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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#BookReview The Outlaw Noble Salt by Amy Harmon @aharmon_author @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheOutlawNobleSalt #AmyHarmon #LakeUnion #FireflyDist

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction
#BookReview The Outlaw Noble Salt by Amy Harmon @aharmon_author @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheOutlawNobleSalt #AmyHarmon #LakeUnion #FireflyDist Title: The Outlaw Noble Salt

Author: Amy Harmon

Published by: Lake Union Publishing on Apr. 9, 2024

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 367

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 10/10

From New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes a sweepingly romantic tale of risk, redemption, and what happens when America’s most famous outlaw falls in love.

When infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy decides to go straight, he discovers that too many of the powerful men he crossed won’t let bygones be bygones. To have a chance at a new life, he’ll have to become someone else entirely.

A brief, fateful encounter with the celebrated singer Jane Touissant on the eve of his escape offers a glimpse of what might have been, but Butch disappears, leaving her behind, until their paths unexpectedly converge again in Paris.

Despite having discovered his true identity, Jane trusts the outlaw and enlists his protection on her upcoming American tour. Although Butch is reluctant to agree, fearing his sordid past may put the woman and her young son in danger, the salvation she offers is too hard to resist.

As they set forth on their journey, Butch’s past and Jane’s secrets put them at risk from threats far greater than the law, and this legend of the American West will have to decide what matters most—his life, his legacy, or the woman he loves.

Review:

Unique, tender, and thrilling!

The Outlaw Noble Salt is a fresh, intricate tale that sweeps you away to the early 1900s and into the life of the infamous Butch Cassidy, who after years of robbing trains and staying just ahead of the authorities, decides to try and live a more lawful life in order to be worthy of a special woman and child who have managed to steal his heart.

The prose is rich and expressive. The characters are strong, determined, and loyal. And the plot is an intense, captivating tale of life, loss, love, bravery, strength, loyalty, danger, gunslinging, violence, and murder.

Overall, The Outlaw Noble Salt is a moving, evocative, beautifully written tale by Harmon inspired by real-life historical figures that I devoured from start to finish and is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a classic western story intermingled with a high dose of romance.

This novel is available now.

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

          

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Amy Harmon

Amy Harmon is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in eighteen languages, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah.

Amy Harmon has written fourteen novels including the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as The Law of Moses, Infinity + One and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue. Her fantasy novel, The Bird and the Sword, was a Goodreads Book of the Year finalist. Her newest release, What the Wind Knows, is an Amazon charts bestseller.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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#BookReview The Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingsen @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheLostLettersOfAisling #CynthiaEllingsen #LakeUnion #FireflyDist

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction
#BookReview The Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingsen @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheLostLettersOfAisling #CynthiaEllingsen #LakeUnion #FireflyDist Title: The Lost Letters of Aisling

Author: Cynthia Ellingsen

Published by: Lake Union Publishing on Apr. 1, 2024

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 302

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 9/10

A woman faces the past she fled in a heart-stirring novel about unforgettable love and indomitable courage by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper.

Rainey’s grandmother makes a startling Take me home. To Ireland, the country she fled post–World War II. Though they’re inseparably close, Rainey knows few of her grandmother’s secrets. Until they arrive at Aisling—the majestic estate on the southern coast of Ireland where her grandmother was raised—and Rainey discovers a collection of seventy-year-old letters in a trunk.

Dublin, 1945. The Germans surrender, celebrants crowd the streets, and fourteen-year-old Evie meets her best friend, the spirited Harding McGovern. Years on, they are more like sisters when rumors begin that Harding works in the black market trade—a source of wealth that could give her a dream life in America but could also cause great danger. Evie is uncertain of the truth but will stand by Harding, whatever the cost.

As Rainey uses the letters to reunite her grandmother with the past, what unfolds is a never-forgotten story of family, friendship, and love, and the healing that comes from letting go of secrets.

Review:

Captivating, rich, and absorbing!

The Lost Letters of Aisling is predominantly set in Ireland during the early 1950s, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives. Rainey, a young woman who journeys to Ireland to honour her grandmother’s wishes to return to her homeland to finally confront the past, and Evie, a young woman whose platonic love for her best friend will ultimately change her destiny and life forever.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are troubled, determined, and endearing. And the plot is a moving tale about life, loss, love, emotion, betrayal, family, friendship, heartbreak, guilt, grief, hope, and regret.

Overall, The Lost Letters of Aisling is a heartwarming, alluring, compelling tale by Ellingsen that highlights the enduring passion, loyalty and power of love and is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys a dual timeline story with both a sliver of mystery and a touch of romance.

 

This novel is available now.

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

      

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Cynthia Ellingsen

Cynthia Ellingsen is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Starlight Cove series. The Lost Letters of Aisling is her tenth novel. A Michigan native, Cynthia has lived in Los Angeles and Chicago. Currently, she lives in Lexington, KY with her family and two sassy but charming Siamese cats.

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#BookReview The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White @Loreth @AmazonPub @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheUnquietBones #LorethAnneWhite #Montlake #FireflyDist

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White @Loreth @AmazonPub @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #TheUnquietBones #LorethAnneWhite #Montlake #FireflyDist Title: The Unquiet Bones

Author: Loreth Anne White

Published by: Montlake Romance on Mar. 5, 2024

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 351

Format: Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 9/10

A shocking discovery of human bones reopens an almost fifty-year-old cold case—and rips apart the lives of a group of friends—in a riveting novel by Loreth Anne White, the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Maid’s Diary.

When human bones are found beneath an old chapel in the woods, evidence suggests the remains could be linked to the decades-old case of missing teen Annalise Jansen.

Homicide detective Jane Munro—pregnant and acutely attuned to the preciousness of life—hopes the grim discovery will finally bring closure to the girl’s family. But for a group of Annalise’s old friends, once dubbed the Shoreview Six by the media, it threatens to expose a terrible pledge made on an autumn night forty-seven years ago.

The friends are now highly respected, affluent members of their communities, and none of them ever expected the dark chapter in their past to resurface. But as Jane and forensic anthropologist Dr. Ella Quinn peel back the layers of secrets, the group begins to fracture. Will one cave? Will they turn on each other?

The investigation takes a sharp turn when Jane discovers a second body—that of the boy long blamed for Annalise’s disappearance. As the bones tell their story, the group learns just how far each will go to guard their own truth.

Review:

Intricate, deft, and suspenseful!

The Unquiet Bones is a chilling, engrossing tale that takes us into the life of the grieving, pregnant homicide detective Jane Munro as she and her team suddenly find themselves investigating the tragic decades-old cold case of a missing teen who seemingly vanished without a trace one night after partying with some of her closest friends.

The writing is meticulous and tight. The characters are intuitive, relentless, and committed. And the plot unravels briskly into a sinister tale full of twists, turns, heartbreak, lies, secrets, desperation, suspicious personalities, familial drama, abuse, misdirection, and tragedy.

Overall, The Unquiet Bones is an atmospheric, gripping, highly entertaining thriller that once again highlights White’s exceptional ability to write menacing, sophisticated mysteries that have well-drawn characters and edgy storylines.

This novel is available now.

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

          

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Loreth Anne White

Loreth Anne White is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic suspense, thrillers, and mysteries.

A three-time RITA finalist, she has also won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Romantic Crown for Best Romantic Suspense and Best Book Overall, in addition to being a Booksellers’ Best finalist, a multiple Daphne Du Maurier Award finalist, and a multiple CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award winner.

A former journalist and newspaper editor who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now resides in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she’s not writing, you will find her skiing, biking, or hiking the trails with her Black Dog.

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#BookReview My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills @ilsamaddenmills @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #MyDarlingBride #IlsaMaddenMills #Montlake #FireflyDist

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview My Darling Bride by Ilsa Madden-Mills @ilsamaddenmills @FireflyDist @AmazonPub #MyDarlingBride #IlsaMaddenMills #Montlake #FireflyDist Title: My Darling Bride

Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills

Published by: Montlake Romance on Dec. 5, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 331

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Firefly Distributed Lines

Book Rating: 9/10

In a sizzling romance that sparkles with wit and depth, two wounded souls meet by chance in the desert and agree to get married, and their lives will never be the same.

On a normal day, Emmaline Darling isn’t a car thief. She’s just a simple girl who runs a bookstore and adores cats. But when she’s stranded in the desert and needs to get away from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, she picks her only option: swiping the keys to a famous football player’s Lamborghini and speeding away.

Football star Graham Harlan is in chaos. First he took a hit on the field that left him with a near-death experience, and now he’s promised his brother he’ll get married to secure the family inheritance. Trouble is he isn’t even seeing anyone.

Then a mystery woman steals his car. With his usual stubbornness, he tracks her all the way to Manhattan and gives her an ultimatum: marry me or I’ll press charges.

Her choice is obvious, only neither of them expect the sparks that ignite between them.

As the end of their arrangement looms, will Graham take a chance on love or let his darling walk away forever?

Review:

Romantic, hopeful, and sweet!

My Darling Bride is a heartwarming, sassy tale that takes you on a journey into the life of Emmaline Darling, a young woman who, after an embarrassing first meeting and an unfortunate event involving a stolen car, finds herself agreeing to a fake marriage with the one man, football player Graham Harlan who although struggling with health issues of his own might actually be able to heal and steal her heart.

The prose is smooth and light. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are fun-loving, supportive, and endearing. And the plot is a heartfelt, flirty blend of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous hijinks, introspection, new beginnings, friendship, family, health, happiness, romance, and love.

Overall, My Darling Bride is another charming, witty, delightful tale by Madden-Mills that has all the elements I’ve come to know and love in her novels, including a fierce heroine, an attentive alpha male, and a fast-paced, swoony storyline.

 

This novel is available now.

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

     

 

 

Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Ilsa Madden-Mills

Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Fourteen of her Eighteen novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Not My Romeo #1; The Revenge Pact #1; Dear Ava, Fake Fiancée, I Dare You, and I Promise You #2; I Hate You #5; Not My Match, I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females.

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