Book Reviews

Katherine Center did it again. I've enjoyed each and every book of hers I've read so far. This book has complex characters, with problems that are not easily solved, and a story that allowed me to escape in the very best way. I couldn't wait to get back to this book whenever life pulled me away. My favorite quote, "The world keeps hanging onto this idea that love is for the gullible. But nothing could be more wrong. Love is only for the brave."

I first discovered Katherine Center after reading How To Walk Away, and I now feel like she is a must-buy-her-book on release day type of author for me. Women's Fiction, with romantic elements is my favorite genre, and this author does it well. I loved the strong, female firefighter and the layered complexity of the story. I quickly felt like Cassie was someone I was cheering on, and couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what happened to her. The theme of forgiveness was well done, and who doesn't need [...]

The Scent Keeper had fairy tales woven in, and reminded me of the delight I felt when I read The Snow Girl. A fairy tale sort of story, in and of itself, and a new story that you have never heard, all at the same time. This book is full of magical stories with scents at the center, and how they can evoke feelings, and remind us of the past. Beautiful writing, multilayered plot, and characters I found fascinating. I loved this book.

This is a heart-warming story that features an unusual friendship, strong female characters, determination, and love. I came to love both of the main characters right away, and was drawn into the story from the start. If you are looking for a feel good book, (and who isn’t?), put this one on your list.

Barbara O'Neal writes such full stories. Characters with full lives, as if they were real people. And, what I love is the depth of story, and the length! I can linger, and it’s not over before I’ve had a chance to immerse myself. The words are beautiful, and the description of food is amazing. This is the third novel of hers that I've read. A new favorite author for me!

Christina Lauren is a new author (authors really, as it is co-authored) for me. Five friends decide to create profiles for a dating site, and Millie wants to help (four men) to write great ads that reflect their personalities. It's too bad she can't seem to write a revealing one for herself. This one has twists and turns, and will pull on all of you emotions. Yes, it's fun, but it's serious too. High recommend!

Ghost Gifts was one of my favorite books in 2016, and I excitedly read the sequel, Foretold, and watched and waited for this book, the final in the trilogy. I loved reading Peter St. John's story. He has a gift, different from his mother's, that is fascinating. A fantastic trilogy!

This is a fabulous romcom! I loved every word, and I consider it a perfect 5 star romance. First, you have two people from completely different perspectives of publishing. One values beautiful words and is looking at the business as searching for literature. The other looks at publishing just from the business, money-making aspect. This dynamic is just the perfect premise for inherent conflict. I loved every word. I'll be following this author's career.

As a reader and a reviewer, this is the first novel By Diane Chamberlain that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last. This author certainly knows how to make the absolutely worst things happen to her characters, and I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. I could never predicted how the author would resolve Caroline, the main character's, dilemma, and I was surprised and completely satisfied with the ending. I can't wait to read more of her books.

Quirky humor, intriguing story, snappy dialogue, medical drama (if you like ER and Grey's Anatomy, buy this book) and a story of betrayal and forgiveness. The words describe the writing found between the covers of The Queen of Hearts. I'll be watching for Kimmery Martin's next book.

This novel is super funny, and a story that I couldn't put down. A family of five move to NY, and the story is told from the mom’s point of view. This writer knows all about teenagers, and also understands different children, who are all different ages, having different needs and the insecurity of being the mom that is needed in each situation. I read a section of it out loud to two people and we all laughed until we cried! They both want to read the book based on the short passage [...]

This novel is filled with beautiful writing. I was on a road trip with my family while I read The Art of Inheriting Secrets. Every once in a while I’d stop and insist that I just had to read a part out loud. I highlighted so many sections, just for how lovely the descriptions were. I’m not a foodie, but now I want to be. The part about beef stew made my mouth water. This is my favorite kind of story. Women’s Fiction with strong romantic elements. Make this your next read if [...]

The Ones We Choose is a great read about fathers, facing fears and forgiveness with a bit of science thrown in. I’m calling it a smart book for smart women.

Small Great Things is told from three alternating points of view, Ruth Jefferson who is an African American labor and delivery nurse with twenty years of experience…

The Haunting of Maddy Clare is a ghost story with a hint of romance thrown in that has been on my to-be-read list for far too long. Published in 2012, it went on to win two Rita Awards, for Best First Novel and Best Novel with Romantic Elements.

One of my very favorite books of 2016! Do you like a bit of a murder mystery? This book has it. Do you like time travel? This book has it.

I fell into and for this story in a way I wasn't prepared for. The author has a way of letting you get to know the characters, while at the same time, making you want to know more. 

Foretold, for me the long awaited sequel to Ghost Gifts, was just excellent. Ghost Gifts was one of my favorite books of 2016 and this one is, by far, my favorite book of 2017. Filled with gripping emotion, I cannot wait to read the third book in this trilogy. I hope we learn more about Pete and his gift, and I can’t get enough of Audrey and Levi.

Aubrey, the main character, grew up with a traveling carnival. An interesting childhood makes for quite an interesting character. Aubrey can see dead people and it's no parlor trick. I had this book on my Kindle for several months before I picked it up, and once I started reading I wondered why I had waited for so long. This is the first book I've read by this author and I feel she has a fresh voice and tells a unique story. It was truly like a breath of fresh air after being cooped [...]

Have you ever finished a book and felt like you wanted to write a review so deserving of this book that everyone would read it? Of course, you don't want to share spoilers, but this book...