Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Publication Date: March 5^th, 2019

Rating: 3 ¼ Stars

Mr. Emerson is retiring from teaching, despite only being 55 years of age, he refuses to accept technology apart from his coffee maker and is sorely stuck in his ways. Meanwhile, newcomer to town, Willow West is the town’s newest art gallery owner and her “hippie” spunk seems to be just what Mr. Emerson needs to freshen up his ways, and his coffee. But will George Emerson keep pushing her away or will Willow give up on being friends with George before he gets the chance to? The dysfunction of Willow “Wild” West and the OCD schedule of George prove opposites may attract.

This “older” love story isn’t your everyday read. Sure, it’s a story line Hallmark may drool over, but it’s heartwarming effects and catchy characters felt more substantial and relatable despite their quirks than many Hallmark classics. In fact, it isn’t very often I pick up a book that features “advanced age romance,” but it was a great reminder that even after one’s “prime” love and friendship can still creep up on you. Courting Mr. Emerson has everything from 50+ year old characters to “lost” graduating seniors, flattering a broad demographic of readers.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black by Julian Sedgwick, Alexis Deacon (Illustrations) & Marcus Sedgwick

Publication Date: August 13^th, 2019

Rating: 2 Stars

Harry and Ellis are brothers; one a conscious objector, the other a soldier fighting the Germans. When bombs fall on the pub they both recently reconciled in, Harry is determined to stop at nothing to locate his brother, dead or alive.

This book is written from Harry and fictional character, Orpheus Black’s, point of view. Harry, in a state of confusion, journals his day and uses his artistic skill to sketch images, while Orpheus brings life to Harry’s disillusion by providing poetic verses not unlike brother, Ellis’, poetic talents. But, will Harry ever find his brother? Is Ellis even alive? This twisted tale of uncertainty will keep you confused until the very last note.

Julian and Marcus Sedgwick team up to transplant the reader directly into Harry’s delusional state, and, while Harry never strays far from the bomb site, the reader is captivated by his tales of the underworld. But, prepare to be just as confused as Harry throughout this read as one works to decipher reality from fiction.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rewired: An Unlikely Doctor, a Brave Amputee, and the Medical Miracle That Made History by Ajay K. Seth, Robert Suggs

Publication Date: January 8^th, 2019

Rating: 4 ¾ Stars

I was a bit nervous after reading the book flap description that this read would be a bit “heavy” and procedural for the average consumer. While my family has an extensive medical background, I personally have NONE. Regardless, I was intrigued by the cover image (I will admit) and the prospect of reading a novel surrounding an amputee and the ground-breaking effects this would likely have on war veterans. What I didn’t expect, was walking away from this book wholly enjoying the story telling of authors, Dr. Seth and Robert Suggs, and feeling the profound effect of Melissa Loomis’ positive spirit throughout her ordeal.

Melissa Loomis is first introduced to us as an “average” homeowner, who happens to find herself suffering from a racoon bite. While this is a concerning encounter, it is certainly not worthy of an entire book. However, the battle the ensues within Melissa, and with the guidance and treatment of Dr. Seth the story becomes entirely engrossing for even the “average” reader.

Dr. Seth has a way with words. He so effortlessly guides the reader on this journey and enraptures us in his, and Melissa’s, life post-bite. The authors display talent in their tone and writing, ensuring their “doctor-speak” is toned down to be understood and visualized by anyone who happens to pick up this book. And picking up this book is exactly what you should be doing! Be prepared for the buoyancy of Melissa’s optimism and harrowing promises of Dr. Ajay Seth in this quick read.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Sounds and the Glory: How the Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How to Win Over America by Matt Pentz

Publication Date: March 5^th, 2019

Rating: 3 ½ Stars

I thought my love for soccer would propel me through this read. Doubly, I figured my connection to the professional soccer world of the Pacific Northwest, through my own collegiate coach’s player days on the Tacoma Stars (picture below), would solidify my engagement to this book.   But, The Sounds of the Glory: How Seattle Sounders Showed Major League Soccer How to Win Over America would have even the most super fans on their heels.

The depth of history and knowledge on the creation and success of the Seattle Sounders’ MLS team is immensely detailed in the 200+ pages of this read. Each chapter offers glimpses into key members of the team and staff, from the young Morris, to the veteran Dempsey and many of the staff in between, this book cumulates it all. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned soccer fan or know nothing about the sport, this read will leave you a Sounders fan for sure!

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Character Carved in Stone: The 12 Core Virtues of West Point that Build Leaders and Produce Success by Pat Williams, Jim Denney, Mike Krzyzewski (Foreword)

Publication Date: February 5^th, 2019

Rating: 3 Stars

Authors, Pat Williams and Jim Denney, have paired up to write several leadership based books, including Coach Wooden’s Forgotten Teams: Stories and Lessons from John Wooden’s Summer Basketball Camps. In this, the second book read by author duo, I continue to be amazed by the niche in which they are able to theme their book, but the broad audience in which the lessons apply.

Character Carved in Stone: The 12 Core Virtues of West Point that Build Leaders and Produce Success provides engaging military history with valuable and applicable leadership lessons. For instance, determination is important to achieve your goals whether one is a business leader, coach or military general. Similarly, like military leaders, when you let employees or soldiers make their own decisions and stand back without interference, you show your subordinates that you trust them and simultaneously earn their trust right back.

These lessons are just a few of what you can expect to uncover through an extensive dive into the history and traditions of the West Point Military Academy. Each chapter does a great job following a military hero that stood out in portraying the values and virtues of West Point. This intriguing read of war history and insight shows the steadfast leadership characteristics applicable to both the battle field and board room.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Sky Above Us (Sunrise at Normandy #2) by Sarah Sundin

Publication Date: February 5^th, 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

The Paxton brothers all find themselves deployed by the U.S. Military Services during WWII. Oldest brother, Wyatt Paxton finds himself in the Navy in book one, The Sea Before Us. But in this, The Sky Above Us, book two of the Sunrise in Normandy Series, Sundin continues to show her talent. The Sky Above Us, follows middle brother, Adler Paxton as he takes to the sky as a fighter pilot.

Both novels detail the lead up to the invasion of Normandy’s beaches, best known as D-Day. While book two provides minimal overlap with Wyatt’s story, these books can easily be read as standalone. Sundin provides the perfect amount of detail to connect readers to the Paxton brothers’ family fallout as we navigate forgiveness and reconciliation in the face of war. This heartwarming series is great for lovers of romance, historical fiction. WWII is often an overdone historical fiction genre, but Sundin brings much to love in her build up to D-Day through her creation of characters and drama both on the Homefront and abroad.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

10 Choices Successful Couples Make: The Secret to Love That Lasts a Lifetime by Ron Welch

Publication Date: February 5^th, 2019

Rating: 2 Stars

We applauded business professionals when they read “business-minded” books throughout the year. These reads are praised as boosting business acumen and relished as a sign of leadership. But, as I read this book I noticed the MANY stares from others, skeptical of my reading choices and likely questioning the strength of my own marriage, because it would seem, rarely do couples read marriage books and god forbid they do so in a public space.

Often partners do not seek counselling advice unless something “bad” has happened or their “spark” has diminished. However, I feel it is extremely important we break these stereotypes. Like business, it is good practice to “check-up” on your marriage, whether this occur through reading, counseling or scheduled couples time. As an avid reader, I enjoy reading diverse topics, including one such as this and while I would classify my own marriage as happy and healthy, I still had a few great takeaways from this read I hope to incorporate with my own spouse.

One of my favorite topics was Welch’s chapter on communication. I found his ideas are not limited to marriage communication, but the examples within were understandably tied to couples. The idea of brevity in speech resonated with me. My personality type is well studied and prefers a “get to the point” type of presentation in the workplace, I like to stay on topic, am driven by deadlines and am very analytical. Obviously, this personality does not stop when I arrive home, and my husband is well known for his “long-windedness,” so this was a great reminder to the two of us in communication styles.

Unfortunately, at times this book was rather dull and was organized like an intense therapy session. It lacked stories and examples and required the reader/couple to really dig DEEP and analyze EVERY flaw. One really needs to know their self, and their spouse, to do many of the exercises, and while few chapters had some immediate takeaways, many required deep reflection. Additionally, the title was specific to 10 Choices, but the book had 15 chapters, this made it hard to really understand the 10 items I was supposed to grasp, and the organization certainly could have been paired down, (the arrows by some headers and not others was distracting and made sections seem “less important” than the arrowed sections). While I 100% believe that marriage books should become a routine part of every couple’s reading list, I would not necessarily recommend adding this one to this year’s list.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson

Publication Date: January 15^th, 2019

Rating: 3 Stars

A family full of secrets hires Sybil Delafield to be Mrs. Chalcroft’s companion, as an aging Mrs. Chalcroft has but a few months left to live. But, the secrets, letters and family tangles quickly ensnare her. Sybil, agreed to work at Croft Towers in hope of finding answers to her orphaned upbringing, but what she finds is so much more.

In the Shadow of Croft Towers transports you firmly back in time as Sybil navigates the elite societal family in which she’s employed. Author, Abigail Wilson, delivers on historical relevance and strong female characters as Mrs. Chalcroft remains secretive, independent and strong willed despite her ailing condition. From parties, highway thefts and charm, the adventures of Sybil Delafield keep readers engaged as she settles into her new life. I would love to see Wilson give us a follow up novel on several of the other key players in this book, such as Sinclair or even Mrs. Cantrell, as they seemed to be hiding many undisclosed secrets of their own.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: An Improbable Pairing by Gary Dickson

An Improbable Pairing [January 8, 2019] by historical romance novelist Gary Dickson chronicles the enduring themes of a young man’s coming of age and the rebellious love with a mismatched European high society Countess. Set in the golden years of 1960s Paris, Geneva, Gstaad, and Cannes, An Improbable Pairing provides an inside look into the worlds of haute couture, three-star gourmet restaurants, and lavish hotel suites—the domains of rank and privilege. But society’s privileged resist when an interloper threatens to upset their cozy structure.

In September of 1963, Scott Stoddard, an American graduate student, is traveling to Switzerland when he meets the Countess de Rovere, a French divorcee—he is smitten, and she is intrigued. What begins as a little coquetry soon becomes a serious love affair, much to the consternation of the Countess’s ex-husband and mother, not to mention the Countess’s friends of European high society. A meeting of equals poses problems enough, but what about one between two people who seem to have so many differences? And when a man of traditional attitudes couples with an independent and self-confident woman, something’s got to give. It won’t be the countess. As their liaison transcends an affair that cannot be dismissed, they all agree that something must be done.

An Improbable Pairing proves that love will prevail even when family and society are against the couple’s will. “Those of us fortunate enough to have been in love or to be in love remember or know the intensity and deliciousness of being infatuated with another person,” says Dickson. “Troubles and cares melt away and being with that person of our desire overtakes all reason. A kind of trance develops where we see no wrong, disregard any blemish, deny any fault. This is the feeling I hope to invoke with readers of An Improbable Pairing.”

Gary Dickson is an inveterate traveler and a Francophile, sans merci. Educated in the United States and Switzerland in history, literature, and the classics, Gary lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Susie. Follow him on Goodreads, Instagram and Facebook.

An Improbable Pairing is now available on Amazon and other retailers.

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Question: What do you want readers to take away from Scott and Desirée’s connection and relationship in the story?

Gary Dickson: I want readers to understand and remember the architecture of the relationship between Scott and the Countess, Desirée. While built on the chemistry of attraction and love, it is buttressed by affection, intelligence and humor. To be in love is often chemistry, but to stay in love the relationship must be of such importance that the couple is willing to make the necessary modifications to their pre-conceived desires and attitudes in order for their love to survive and blossom.

Q: What makes An Improbable Pairing so different from other historical romance novels?

Dickson: Most historical fiction is heavy with obvious research piling on specifics sometimes not pertinent to the story. In the case of An Improbably Pairing, no research was necessary since the scenes and the culture of this period are so very familiar to me. As a result, the descriptions have the authenticity of first-hand experience rather than a ponderous factual approach. This story is light-hearted, fast-paced yet packed with accurate detail, as one reviewer remarked, “an almost cinematic description.”

Q: Do you have additional stories or books you are working on?

Dickson: Yes, many in the works! I have already written a sequel but with an espionage and thriller flavor called A Spy with Scruples, a continuation of the Scott and Desirée story. I also have an idea for a sequel to this novel, which is a continuation of the spy motif that takes place in Switzerland, New York, and Palm Beach, FL. I have also completed another novel, a melange of a fantasy, a mystery, and a romance within the speculative fiction genre. Additionally, I have written and will shortly publish a book of poetry, La Poesie De Bonne Bouffe/The Poetry of Good Eats. A series of 25 poems in French with English translations, celebrating French food specialties, a French and English recipe for each, and an acknowledgement page which details the places I’ve frequented and learned about these delicacies.

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About the Author:

Gary Dickson is an inveterate traveler and a Francophile, sans merci. Educated in the United States and Switzerland in history, literature, and the classics, Gary lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Susie.

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An Improbable Pairing is available January 8, 2019 on Amazon and other retailers.

Coming Soon: Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles & Secret Soldiers: How the U.S. Twenty-Third Special Troops Fooled the Nazis by Paul B. Janeczko

Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles

Release Date: April 2^nd, 2019

Rating: 3 Stars

Where the Heart Is tells the story of an adolescent, Rachel, in her summer between middle school and high school. While this is often a terrifying time for anyone, full of excitement and unknowns, Rachel’s summer is increasingly stressful as her family life unravels in front of her.

This read began to drag on in the day-to-day of Rachel’s life. The author successfully captured the friendship and relationships with Rachel’s sister, Ivy, and best friend, Micah, but failed to keep attention through the backdrop of financial strain. There was a lot happening, and while the themes themselves seemed to promise an engaging read the execution failed to grip.

As children, Micah proposed to Rachel. Their friends and family think of them as a couple but as Rachel struggles with her own identity, their relationship begins to erode. Meanwhile, amidst her own anxieties, Rachel’s parents begin to fight more and more about money, their house never seems to have any food and everything has fallen into disrepair.

This read has many sobering lessons as we are reminded that everyone has their own unique story. However, it takes MANY pages and many weeks of Rachel’s daily life before these messages fully unravel.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Secret Soldiers: How the U.S. Twenty-Third Special Troops Fooled the Nazis by Paul B. Janeczko

Release Date: April 23^rd, 2019

Rating: 2 ½ Stars

In 1944 the U.S. military began using soldiers of deception to fool the Germans. These soldiers used inflatable tanks, sonic sounds and theatrics to deceive the German Army into thinking there were larger battalions than there actually was, forcing them to concede ground or shift positions for the “real army” to invade. This unit was comprised of radio men, artists, designers and actors, recruited for the purpose of theatrical deception. One of their Captains was directly out of Hollywood and several members went on to become successful artists and fashion designers. All in all, this team served 21 missions and given the nature of their work it was often hard to classify their missions as “success” or “failure,” but regardless, the secret of their unit remained hidden within them for 50 years until the U.S. declassified it. Their stories are told here.

This book enlightened me with an entirely new aspect of WWII. I had not previously been aware of the U.S.’s attempt at deception in several key advances. That said, I would have liked to see more on the background, history and futures of the men who served in this unit. Much of the story was densely packed with military terminology and movement patterns. For the average reader, the excitement was too frequently lost in the descriptive language and mission objectives. Throughout the book, the author rewarded us with stories highlighting a technique (bridges), member of the unit or famous battle. These provided much needed respite from the lengthy and long-winded mission details and were deliberately placed within chapters.

This read exposes readers to the secrets of WWII, but unless you are a serious “history buff,” the long-winded details may wear you down.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Brunch at Bittersweet Café by Carla Laureano

Publication Date: February 5^th, 2019

Rating: 4 ¼ Stars

Maybe it is the recent home renovation I just did, or my addiction to Top Chef, but this read was exactly what I needed to get me through the snowy days. Set in Colorado, on a blizzardy night, Justin becomes stranded in his “project car,” a recently restored Mustang GT. Melody hesitantly rescues him by allowing him a warm place to wait out his tow. But, as they begin chatting about each other’s careers, Melody’s late hours as a baker, and Justin’s hectic flying schedule, they start to see something more in this chance encounter. Over the ensuing few weeks they begin to find excuses to see each other, but will their bubbling careers pull them in opposite directions, or is faith in God and love enough to make it work?

This deliciously heartwarming and “bittersweet” read is perfect for cozying up by the fire. Author, Carla Laureano, shows off her talent in this, book two of the Supper Club Series. From Melody’s delicious pastry concoctions to the banter amongst friends, Bruch at Bittersweet Café sweeps you into a sugary delight. And, while this certainly reads as a perfect standalone novel, the friendships between Rachel, Melody and Ana will draw you in to adding the entire series to your TBR pile.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Publication Date: May 28^th, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

The Escape Room offers a look inside the powerful world of New York’s investment banking. This book could be described as similar to The Wolf of Wall Street, however the author artfully weaves in a story of loss between the contrasting present day escape room and the events that led up to that very elevator.

I could not put down this electrocharged and exciting read in a powerful story of greed and how far those will go for money. Sara Hall is the epitome of very MBA graduate, a load of student loan debt and no job prospects on the horizon. Until she meets Vincent on the elevator at Stanhope. Stanhope & Sons offers the ideal backdrop into the lucrative NY Investment scene – ludicrous amounts of money, insanely high standards and best of all reputation.

Megan Goldin’s sophomore novel, proves she’s an author to follow. The Escape Room blew my expectations out of the water…or should I say elevator.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Cover Reveal: The Path Keeper by N.J. Simmonds

Title:                                      The Path Keeper

Series:                                   The Indigo Chronicles, Book 1

Author:                                 N.J. Simmonds

Genre:                                  Young Adult/Urban Fantasy

Publication date:              May 28, 2019

Publisher:                            BHC Press

Formats:                              Hardcover, 978-1-947727-80-9, $26.95, 416 pages

Trade Softcover, 978-1-947727-81-6, $15.95, 392 pages

Ebook, 978-1-947727-82-3, $7.99

LCCN:                                    2018948480

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ABOUT THE BOOK
What if all our lives were mapped out before birth? Does anyone have the power to change our destiny?
Ella hates London. She misses her old life in Spain and is struggling to get over her past—until she meets Zac. He’s always loved her but isn’t meant to be part of her story. Not this time. Not ever. Little does she know that his secret is the one thing that will tear them apart and force her to live in a world that no longer makes sense. A world full of danger, lies and magic.
The Path Keeper is a passionate tale of first loves, second chances and the invisible threads that bind us. Can love ever be stronger than fate?

This special edition hardcover includes the exclusive short story “One Day I’ll Fly Away”

The trade softcover and ebook cover

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A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

Writing The Path Keeper, and the other subsequent books in the series, has been a tumultuous journey. I first had the idea in 2012 and seven years later I’m incredibly moved that Ella and Zac’s story is going to be read worldwide. The themes of fate, past lives, love in all its guises and being a teenager in London and Spain are all very close to my heart. I can’t wait to hear what others think.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natali Drake, who writes under the pen name of N.J. Simmonds, is an accredited member of the Society of Authors and the Romantic Novelists’ Association. When she’s not busy working on her YA fantasy romance series she is also a freelance writer and brand consultant. She has written articles for various UK newspapers and online publications with two of her essays appearing in The Mother Book published by Selfish Mother. In 2015 she co-founded the online magazine The Glass House Girls and is a regular contributor.

Originally from north London, Natali studied Feature Writing at City University and began her career in corporate publishing and marketing before moving to Spain to write, and to raise her family. She now divides her time between her two homes in the Netherlands and Spain with her husband and two daughters.

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DIGITAL ARCs OF THE PATH KEEPER

Book reviewers and bloggers interested in reviewing the book may request a digital ARC of The Path Keeper. ARCs are available through NetGalley and at the publisher’s website.

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONS & MORE!

Look for exclusive digital content, including free downloadable posters and exclusive content, as we lead up to release day of The Path Keeper.

Visit the book’s page to learn more.

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher

Publication Date: October 23^rd, 2018

Rating: 3 ¼ Stars

Often war movies are focused around a “famous” battle or event, such is the case with Dunkirk and Hacksaw Ridge, or full of blood and gore. However, refreshingly, that is not the case with Indivisible. Rarely are readers, or viewers, exposed to the battles soldiers are facing within.

Darren Turner is a Chaplain in the U.S. Army. Shortly after 9/11 he is deployed to Iraq for a 15-month tour. During his tour, he spreads the word of God and offers support, advice and guidance to his fellow comrades. But, while Chaplains are tasked with being there for others, who is there to help the Chaplains?

Meanwhile, Darren’s wife, Heather, is on the home front caring for their three children as they anxiously await their fathers return. But, when Darren finally returns home, like many soldiers, he isn’t the same man. Their marriage nearly falls apart, and the same man that helped put others’ marriages together struggles to maintain his own.

Written with the actual CaringBridge entries of Heather and Darren Turner and via a first-person point of view, the reader is offered exclusive access to the mind of a solider and his family. Indivisible is sectioned into three parts: the pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment. Each part offers enough detail to familiarize the reader with the process each solider must face. Through this layout, those unfamiliar with the armed forces begin to understand the hardships both soldiers and their families face. I especially loved that the deployment section is laid out month by month, each beginning and ending with Darren’s actual CaringBridge entries. By laying out the book in such fashion, I found myself counting down the months until Darren’s return home, making one feel extremely connected to the characters both near and far.

This extraordinary story developed for the big screen captures what is often not visible, the internal battles we endure to show strength and support on the exterior while hiding our own anger, fear and pain. This captivating novel reminds us to live and let God.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the book, and then watch the story unfold in the comfort of your own living room as the DVD releases January 29^th, 2018.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Coming Soon: Candlewick Press – Starworld by Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner & Mother Tongue by Julie Mayhew

As we welcome the new year, be sure to start your 2019 reading list off with some Candlewick Press releases coming soon!

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Starworld by Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner

Publication Date: April 16^th, 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

High school is a hard time, but having a mother with cancer and a disabled brother, or struggling to understand your sexuality while navigating your mother’s OCD makes high school even harder. So, when Zoe, a popular girl, and Sam, an art savant struggling to stay invisible, develop an unlikely friendship something extraordinary is bound to ensure.

Hold on to your heart as Starworld takes you to another galaxy, in this enchanting tale of friendship, love and finding one’s self. I don’t know that you will encounter a more enriching, engaging and heart wrenching book. I feel like a better friend and person for having read Sam and Zoe’s story.

Many authors set their books in a high school setting, but often fail to capture the essence of the struggle, or fail to create characters that are relatable. Coulthurst and Garner eloquently transmit the anxiety, stressors and high school friendships in their first pairing and after the beauty of this book, I certainly hope to see more from these two!

*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Candlewick Press. All opinions are my own.

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Mother Tongue by Julie Mayhew

Publication Date: August 13^th, 2019

Rating: 2 Stars

When youngest sibling, Nika, is killed in a terrorist attack on the first day of school, Dasha is lost. She has lost her purpose after years of caring for her youngest sister. Trying to find comfort and love again this is a coming of age novel in the hardest sense.

Mother Tongue is a foreign story of sadness, loss and rising again. However, as a born and raised middle-class American I felt lost in the Russian references, settings and familiarity. Often books set in foreign lands, such as Exit West, A Place for Us or The Pearl That Broke Its Shell provide a balance between detail and landscape that allows “outsiders” to connect to the story without feeling lost or severed from the storyline. Unfortunately this book lacked that “connectedness,” as the balance in the descriptions and experiences was lacking for the general reader.

*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Candlewick Press. All opinions are my own.

Code of Valor (Blue Justice #3) by Lynette Eason

Release Date: January 1^st, 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Never a dull moment in this heart pounding romantic suspense. Every page of this read will have you holding your breath, gripping your seat.

Emily Chastain would be dead if it weren’t for Brady St. John’s love of the water and need for a vacation. But, as soon as Brady saves Emily once he discovers she’s a magnet for trouble, and that those hunting her will stop at nothing to kill her and tie up their loose ends. Loose ends she didn’t even know she was tied up in. But Brady has fallen for her, and isn’t going to allow his law enforcement connections to let Emily down.

Each chapter ends with you wanting more, and before you know it your entire night has been spent chasing Emily, trying to figure out what she’s gotten involved in. This is certainly strong enough to be a standalone novel, but Brady’s references to Krystal leave you wondering what has crushed him so helplessly in the past.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

Publication Date: March 5^th, 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

When Hen and Lloyd make friends with their new next door neighbors the last thing on their mind is that one of them may be a serial killer, but when Hen spots something suspicious during a dinner party, all friendliness is out the door. Is Hen’s suspicions her mental health acting up, or could the high school teacher next door really be what she thinks he is?

Before She Knew Him is a deeply twisted and disturbing tale of upbringing, mental health, friendships and the secrets we protect. This is sure to be a highly talked about suspense arriving early 2019. A perfect blend of The Wife Between Us and The Couple Next Door, this upcoming novel shows readers just how important paying attention may be.

*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Daughter of Moloka’I by Alan Brennert

Publication Date: February 19^th, 2019

Rating: 3 Stars

Fourteen years ago, we were introduced to Rachel Kalama in the book, Moloka’i. Rachel, diagnosed with leprosy was quarantined on Moloka’I island in Hawaii, where she birthed a beautiful baby girl, Ruth. Daughter of Moloka’I is Ruth’s story. This second book in the series, released over a decade later, is the life that Ruth leads after leaving Moloka’I, free of leprosy. This read is a sad reminder of the United States’ past, from Japanese internment camps during WWII to the harsh treatment of those that don’t “look like us.”

Moloka’I will always remain a favorite of mine, but this was a worthy follow up, even ending gracefully as the story is finally complete. While this read provides enough background to read as a standalone, I highly recommend picking up book one prior to reading this.

*A review copy of this book was provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

New Every Day: Navigating Alzheimer’s with Grace and Compassion by Dave Meurer

Publication Date: November 20^th, 2018

Rating: 3 ¾ Stars

I do not currently have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, however given the number of people diagnosed with this disease every year I felt compelled to learn more about the stages, symptoms, family strain and resources available for those that do. Author, Dave Meurer, accomplishes this and much more through his injection of humor and stories of his mother-in-law, currently in moderate stage Alzheimer’s.

New Every Day provides readers light resources on how to navigate the treatment and support of loved ones with Alzheimer’s. From Medicare, Medicaid, assisted living facilities and personal respite care, Meurer covers all the bases. His stories are relatable to those who have encountered this disease and the knowledge he provides is critical for family members new to caring for individuals affected. While the internet and your own research can often provide in depth guidance, this book gives the necessary encouragement and humor for those immersed in the disease.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Lady of a Thousand Treasures (The Victorian Ladies #1) by Sandra Byrd

Publication Date: October 9^th, 2018

Rating: 3 Stars

A Victorian love story of Eleanor and Harry as they learn to trust and love each other again.

Eleanor is tasked with undertaking a thousand-piece inventory of Lord Lydney. In doing so she faces the hardest decisions of her life. Facing financial peril and the struggle of being a single woman in Victorian times, the reader is left praying for Eleanor to succeed in making the right decision.

Byrd pens a powerful story of women helping women in an era of men – the mid-1800’s. Eleanor Sheffield hopes to break the glass ceilings with the help of fellow females, as every female can relate to her struggles of determining who to trust. The timeless profession of appraising art and jewelry takes on a new challenge in a time of female possession by men. Will Eleanor prove worthy of making a name for herself as a female? Will Eleanor trust the right people? Lady of a Thousand Treasures takes the reader back in time to answer these very questions and more. Unfortunately, despite the more than 100 years that separates Eleanor from today, the struggles she faces remain ever relevant.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Hidden Peril (Code of Honor #2) by Irene Hannon

Publication date: October 2^nd, 2018

Rating: 3 Stars

Kristin Dan is content in her world, owning her own shop that sells fair trade products from around the world. But, when her part-time shop keeper is murdered her world is thrown into peril. Detective Luke Carter is determined to find the killer. But, he finds something more in the process.

This slowly building romantic suspense winds the reader through Kristin’s life of giving back and Luke’s procedural attempt to chase down a suspected terrorist. Will Luke find the killer or will his feelings for Kristin get in the way?

Reading like a standalone novel, the good natured-ness of Kristin’s life is overshadowed by the MANY concurrent events in both the investigations and familial life. While the interwoven first-person narrative of the terrorist, Luke and Kristin cause for some confusion throughout the chapters, Hannon proves to be on par with the authors of this, the romantic suspense genre.

*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.