Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Trail of Mountain Secrets (National Park Protectors Book 2) by Darlene L. Turner

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Trail of Mountain Secrets (National Park Protectors Book 2) by Darlene L. Turner.

About the Book

A case of mistaken identity.
A K-9 to the rescue.

Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking secret: She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Searching for a skull in the dangerous northern tip of Asterbine National Park wasn't where park archeologist Violet Hoyt wanted to be six days before Christmas, but her leader had tasked her to find the other Hancock family member who'd been missing for two years.

Friday 56

The sound of stomping hooves and horse whinnies filtered through the barn, drowning out the music.

Wolf barked, then growled.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen releasing December 2.

About the Book

She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.

As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late?

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this compelling Regency-era novel laced with intrigue, love, and English village charm for fans of historical romance and whodunit mysteries.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Sons of Day and Night (Chronicles of Twinsbane Book 1) by Mariposa Aristeo

About the Book

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

Amazon / Goodreads / Enclave Publishing Store

MY THOUGHTS

Y’all! This book was an absolute blast to read! It had me laughing out loud in several places, trying to hold back tears in others, and on the edge of my seat. It held my full and undivided attention from beginning to end. I loved it so much!

The worldbuilding was fantastic. Inspired by Australia, it was rich, detailed, and fully immersive. I thought the premise was really interesting. The fact that everyone had a double had me so intrigued.

While neither Daccias nor Waruu was very likable in the beginning, I couldn’t get enough of them. They were interesting and flawed characters who I ended up loving so much.

I didn’t want this book to end. I tried to slow down and savor the last little bit, but I couldn’t. I had to find out what happened! It was so good! I highly, highly recommend it and look forward to reading more from this talented author.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Sons of Day and Night (Chronicles of Twinsbane Book 1) by Mariposa Aristeo

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Sons of Day and Night (Chronicles of Twinsbane Book 1) by Mariposa Aristeo

About the Book

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

It is said the king is the only living soul without a twin.

Friday 56

Father once said that the mark of a king is a heart that cares for the good of each and every subject. A king, a true king, would give his life in exchange for the salvation of even the humblest citizen.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Edge of a Knife and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova releasing November 30.

About the Book

Monsters. They are not always easily spotted, and often easily misunderstood. Sometimes, the monsters must be slain—and sometimes, they must be saved . . .

In this collection of nine folkloric fantasy and science fiction stories, you will find a motley crew of characters facing off against monsters or accepting the monstrous within themselves, including:

~a ruthless mermaid who must make a deadly choice to free her little sister from a dangerous mistake;

~a galactic gravedigger branded a traitor for burying a rebel—and forced to decide between her beliefs and the future she’s fought to build;

~a once-wicked queen who must face her darkest self in order to help another young woman avoid an unhappy fate;

~a ghostly creature trapped in a spaceship full of secrets—secrets that may destroy the young man set to inherit the ship’s dark legacy;

~and a desperate thief on the run, who must decide whether the wolf shifter tracking her down is a foe . . . or her best chance at survival.

Full of beauty and brokenness, romance and revenge, madness and mercy, these stories may just have you rooting for the monsters . . .

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Bellarose and the Captain (The Aerowyn Tales Book 3) by Carla Reighard

About the Book

Heroic rescues.
Revenge and reckonings.
A sassy dragon.

Bookworm Bellarose, heroic Gerard, brave Quinn, and mysterious Elayne continue to play out familiar, but twisted fairy tales with only Bellarose having flashes of memory from the real world.

After the heroic rescue by the stringent Captain Modo, Bellarose thinks she’s safe. She’s not. Aerowyn’s enemies know the enchantress has been using Bellarose and the adversaries stop at nothing to thwart those plans. What or who will it take to fix the distorted stories and return the teens to their own world? An unpredictable and irrevocable price will be paid to reach the conclusion to this trilogy with several happily ever after endings.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

What a fantastic conclusion to this series! I absolutely adored it! I started reading it immediately after I finished the previous book. I had to find out what happened to these characters! It exceeded my very high expectations.

This was the fastest paced story of the series. It took many surprising turns that I didn’t see coming. And I had a difficult time putting it down.

I really enjoyed seeing how much the characters grew throughout the series. And I loved the messages woven in about how looks can be deceiving and it’s always good to look behind the surface to the real person hiding beneath.

I really came to love these characters and was sad to say goodbye. But what a fun adventure! I know I’ll want to reread this series again and again. It was so good! If you’re a fan of twisted fairytales, don’t hesitate to grab a copy! You’ll love it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Bellarose and the Pirate (The Aerowyn Tales Book 2) by Carla Reighard

About the Book

Pirate ship.
Sea witch crafted typhoons.
Mermaids.

Bookworm Bellarose, less egotistical Gerard, insecure Quinn, and mysterious Elayne continue to live inside a fairy tale. This time Bellarose has been kidnapped by an infamous pirate with a hooked hand.

They still have no memories of their real world as each teen is forced to play out an adventure—some aboard a ship and some on an exotic island. Dangers surround them as they battle mythical creatures and face inner demons. Since Aerowyn’s curses have caused the stories to be warped, villains who should not have existed are thwarting the enchantress’s plans to fix the tales with no end in sight.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

What a wonderful continuation of the story that started in Bellarose and the Beast. I was so excited to dive back into this world and see what these characters would encounter next. It did not disappoint. I was completely immersed in it. The real world faded away, and I was right there in the middle of the story too.

This story reimagines Peter Pan and the Little Mermaid. I loved the nods to the original tale but also loved how unique it was too.

I loved revisiting the characters from the first book but also enjoyed meeting the new ones too. Jasper was a complex character. A dastardly pirate with a tough exterior, but every once in a while, he showed his compassionate side. Not often, but I really enjoyed seeing glimpses of the man he could be.

I enjoyed getting all the different POVs. Sometimes when there are multiple perspectives, it can get hard to tell whose it is. But that was not the case here. They were all distinctive, and it was easy to know who was who.

I'm so excited to start the next book to see how this fantastic series concludes. I highly, highly recommend this book to fans of fairytale retellings. Be sure to start with book one!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Bellarose and the Pirate (The Aerowyn Tales Book 2) by Carla Reighard

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Bellarose and the Pirate (The Aerowyn Tales Book 2) by Carla Reighard. This whole series releases November 11. I'm hoping to have my reviews up for this one and book 3 sometime next week. If you're interested in my thoughts on book one, check out my post here.

About the Book

Pirate ship.
Sea witch crafted typhoons.
Mermaids.

Bookworm Bellarose, less egotistical Gerard, insecure Quinn, and mysterious Elayne continue to live inside a fairy tale. This time Bellarose has been kidnapped by an infamous pirate with a hooked hand.

They still have no memories of their real world as each teen is forced to play out an adventure—some aboard a ship and some on an exotic island. Dangers surround them as they battle mythical creatures and face inner demons. Since Aerowyn’s curses have caused the stories to be warped, villains who should not have existed are thwarting the enchantress’s plans to fix the tales with no end in sight.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The day Jasper led a mutiny, a gentle breeze blew the Black Fear's sails, but the sea only stirred where the ship sliced through it. Jasper's racing heart thumped in his chest, but his grip remained steady on his knife's hilt. His bare feet made almost no sound while he approached Captain Starr as the pock-faced man glared at a pod of dolphins on the starboard side.

Friday 56

Intense sunlight cut through the tattered curtains and flared its rays into Jasper's eyes. He grunted, annoyed at the disturbance. The glinting light made his headache worse.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Harlow Morgan and the Sky City (Harlow Morgan, Book 1) by Lyndsey Lewellen

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Harlow Morgan and the Sky City (Harlow Morgan, Book 1) by Lyndsey Lewellen releasing November 17.

About the Book

Harlow Morgan: airship pilot, trouble magnet, possibly glowing.

Airship pilot-in-training, Harlow Morgan is a wiz in the sky—but her father’s disappointment on the ground.

In the steam-powered nation of Corshire, where science reigns and magic is outlawed, Harlow’s famous inventor father expects perfection. Her twin sister delivers. Harlow? Not so much. She’d rather be flying airships at the Academy than following in his brilliant footsteps.

But when a reckless lie puts a classmate’s future at risk—and exposes a hidden magical artifact tied to her family—Harlow finds herself swept into a dangerous underground war. With strange light burning across her skin and outlaw sorcerers on her trail, Harlow teams up with the boy she betrayed to unlock the truth behind the artifact… and survive the city in the sky.

If the deadly Magics don’t get her first, her father’s secrets just might.

With flying cities, wild inventions, secret magic, and a spunky heroine, Harlow Morgan and the Sky City launches The Harlow Morgan series, a middle grade fantasy series perfect for fans of Nevermoor, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and The Wingfeather Saga. A fun read for readers 10 and up!

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley

About the Book

Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book had a truly gripping opening chapter that hooked me and didn’t let go until the very last page. I couldn’t read it fast enough!

True Crime podcaster Tori Mitchell helped free an innocent man. With the real killer still out there, will she become their next target? Tori is also trying to help prove that her nephew didn't commit a murder. I admired Tori’s tenacity for finding the truth. I also really enjoyed the podcasting scenes. I wouldn’t have minded more of them.

I really liked Scott. I enjoyed seeing his grit and determination in not only trying to get his job back with the FBI after being shot. But also, in his commitment to sobriety. It was also inspiring to see his trust and reliance on the Lord.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to fans of heart-pounding and faith-filled romantic suspense. Even though this is book five in a series I haven’t read, I had no trouble at all diving in. It stands alone perfectly fine.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS