Can't Wait Wednesday: When Sorrows Come (October Daye #15) by Seanan McGuire

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 When Sorrows Come (October Daye #15) by Seanan McGuire releasing September 14. I preordered this one as soon as I could. This is my favorite urban fantasy series right now and I'm so eager to see where things go in this installment. (And, FINALLY, the wedding!) Not gonna lie, though. The title has me a little worried. It sounds so ominous!

About the Book

Toby's getting married! Now in hardcover, the fifteenth novel of the Hugo-nominated, New York Times-bestselling October Daye urban fantasy series.

It's hard to be a hero. There's always something needing October "Toby" Daye's attention, and her own desires tend to fall by the wayside in favor of solving the Kingdom's problems. That includes the desire to marry her long-time suitor and current fiancé, Tybalt, San Francisco's King of Cats. She doesn't mean to keep delaying the wedding, it just sort of...happens. And that's why her closest friends have taken the choice out of her hands, ambushing her with a court wedding at the High Court in Toronto. Once the High King gets involved, there's not much even Toby can do to delay things...

...except for getting involved in stopping a plot to overthrow the High Throne itself, destabilizing the Westlands entirely, and keeping her from getting married through nothing more than the sheer volume of chaos it would cause. Can Toby save the Westlands and make it to her own wedding on time? Or is she going to have to choose one over the other?

Includes an all-new bonus novella!

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Carved in Stone (The Blackstone Legacy Book #1) by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book

Gwen Kellerman is an heiress to the infamous Blackstone family, whose history of scandal nearly destroyed her. She now lives a quiet life at the idyllic college founded with her family's fortune and hopes to keep the tragedies of her past safely behind her.

Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case to challenge the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.

Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction, Patrick is the only one who can save Gwen from new danger on the horizon.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Carved in Stone was another fascinating historical romance from Elizabeth Camden. I love the way she always brings to light little-known historical facts and weaves them into a truly compelling read. I know I always say that about Camden's books, but it bears repeating. I love learning about these things that I probably never would've known otherwise.

This book really reiterated the fact that appearances can be deceiving. It was a good reminder to not be so quick to judge someone else just because they come from a different background or have a different opinion.

This story had a bit of a slow start for me, but it wasn't long before I became completely invested in it and couldn't read fast enough. I enjoyed getting to know the complicated Blackstone family and highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance.

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Dead Ringer (Truth Seekers #1) by Susan Sleeman

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring Dead Ringer (Truth Seekers #1) by Susan Sleeman.

About the Book

She was hiding from her past…

When a local woman goes missing and Sheriff Blake Jenkins delivers her blood sample to DNA expert Emory Steele for analysis, Blake discovers Emory is a dead ringer for the missing woman. Blake’s gut says the woman is related to Emory. But Emory rejects the notion, requiring a DNA test before she’ll concede that she does indeed have a twin sister she never knew about.

Now she’ll do anything to see it come to light.

Emory joins Blake in a search for her missing sister, but when an attempt is made to abduct Emory as well, they begin to think the abduction is related to Emory’s birth parents. Blake vows to keep her under his watch until they discover what this maniac is looking for and bring him to justice. But Emory balks at him wanting to keep her under constant surveillance as she’s struggling to come to grips with a former brutal attack, and she wants nothing to do with a man who might want to get close to her. When it becomes clear that Blake is the only one who can keep her safe, will she let him get close enough to do so?

Book Beginnings

Blood-infused water circled the shower drain in Caitlyn Abbott's bathroom and disappeared. Like Caitlyn. Like her life. Like everything she touched.

"This is your last chance, Caitlyn." Her captor lurked in the shadows, his large nose seeming even bigger in an otherwise unremarkable face. "Tell me where she is, or I swear I'll kill you before the night's out."

Friday 56

She stepped into her spare room. Everything was upturned, the closet emptied of clothing, and the mattress slashed. Torn open. Mutilated.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: To Love a Prince (True Blue Royal #1) by Rachel Hauck

About the Book

Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace and dining with the queen. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the city, and a handsome, successful fiancée. The last person on her mind is Gus, a prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricaturized by the press, he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But when he’s jilted at the altar by an American heiress as millions of people around the world watched, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue escapes, finding solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar, rather than serving his country and the Family.

Until an accident on the beach with a Frisbee changes his course.

Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince, and their childhood friendship is renewed. She assures Gus Lauchtenland needs him, giving him the courage to return home.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment to Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding, their friendship blooms into affection.

But Gus cannot, will not, trust his heart again. Daffy’s engaged. And she also remains a royal family outcast because she knows the Queen’s secret.

When affection grows into love and secrets are exposed, trust is destroyed. Gus must choose which is stronger: the lies of his past or the hope of his future. And Daffy must face every fear to prove she will forever love a prince.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Royalty romances are always hit or miss for me, but this one sounded so good. Plus, I've been hearing such great things about it that I had to check it out. And I'm so glad I did! It was fantastic! It's one of the best books I've read this year.

This story completely enchanted me. I fell into it and didn't want to come back out. It's one of those stories that made the real world fade away. And this is gonna sound weird, but I don't know how else to describe it, but it felt like a big ole hug in book form. I loved everything about it. I stretched the ending out as long as I could because I didn't want it to end. Thank goodness there's another book in this series. I don't want to say goodbye to these wonderful characters.

If you're a fan of romance, this modern-day fairy tale is a must-read. I seriously can't recommend it highly enough. I want to say so much more, but I'm struggling to find the right words. Just trust me and go pick up a copy of it now. It is so incredibly good.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Between Family (The City Between #9) by W.R. Gingell

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 Between Family (The City Between #9) by W.R. Gingell releasing August 31.

About the Book

When someone tries to threaten me by telling me they know my name, I take that personally.

G’day. I’m not really a pet anymore, but you might as well keep calling me Pet. It’s not like I’m gunna tell you my name anyway. And if I sound stroppy, well, I am. First, I was threatened. Now, someone has cut off my house from the human world and left my emotional support vampire on the human side. On the inside, it’s just me and an emotionally compromised fae; outside, a closed arena in the world Behind, where everyone is out to kill us and a few of that everyone might actually be capable of it.

Yep. The Heirling Trials have begun, and it seems like it’s either be king or be dead when it comes to the world Behind…

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Mother's Strength (Wander Canyon #4) by Allie Pleiter

About the Book

Will finding her son a friend

lead to forever love?

Single mom Molly Kane will do anything to help her son overcome his anxieties—including enlisting former police officer Sawyer Bradshaw to give him golf lessons. Sawyer’s a loner, yet he quickly forms a bond with little Zack. And with Molly. But protecting Zack means Molly must keep her heart off-limits from Sawyer, even as her little boy draws them together…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wander Canyon

Book 1: Their Wander Canyon Wish
Book 2: Winning Back Her Heart
Book 3: His Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Mother's Strength

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a heartwarming read. It's the fourth book in the Wander Canyon series, and even though I highly recommend reading the previous installments because they were so good, this one can be enjoyed perfectly fine by itself.

I really admired Molly and her willingness to try anything, even if it seemed outlandish, to help her son Zack with his anxiety. It was so great to see a parent fight for their child like that.

I could definitely relate to Zack. I've dealt with anxiety for pretty much as long as I can remember, so I really felt for the little guy and was rooting for him.

I liked Sawyer right from the very beginning. He had an air of mystery to him that had me so curious to find out more about him. He was definitely struggling with some things, but you could tell that he was a genuinely good guy. And, I've gotta say, his connection with Zack was so sweet. It was great watching him find ways to help Zack cope with his anxiety.

All in all, this was a wonderful read that really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved it and can't wait to visit the charming town of Wander Canyon again.

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: To Love a Prince (True Blue Royal #1) by Rachel Hauck

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring To Love a Prince (True Blue Royal #1) by Rachel Hauck. Royalty romances are usually hit or miss for me, but this one is fantastic! 

About the Book

Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace and dining with the queen. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the city, and a handsome, successful fiancée. The last person on her mind is Gus, a prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricaturized by the press, he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But when he’s jilted at the altar by an American heiress as millions of people around the world watched, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue escapes, finding solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar, rather than serving his country and the Family.

Until an accident on the beach with a Frisbee changes his course.

Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince, and their childhood friendship is renewed. She assures Gus Lauchtenland needs him, giving him the courage to return home.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment to Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding, their friendship blooms into affection.

But Gus cannot, will not, trust his heart again. Daffy’s engaged. And she also remains a royal family outcast because she knows the Queen’s secret.

When affection grows into love and secrets are exposed, trust is destroyed. Gus must choose which is stronger: the lies of his past or the hope of his future. And Daffy must face every fear to prove she will forever love a prince.

Book Beginnings

Let's begin here...

1938

Dalholm, Northton, Lauchtenland

It's said in the north country of Lauchtenland that the sea has a song and love blooms from the earth the same as flora and fauna. It perfumes the air and touches lives in ways no one quite understands.

Friday 56

If she started even the smallest explanation, Daffy feared the whole blooming thing would spill out. And she could not risk it. Even with the prince she worried she might fall into a contemplative moment and reveal her secret. What she knew about the queen. But just imagining the shock on his face was enough to buy her silence.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Breach of Honor by Janice Cantore

About the Book

As a police officer in Table Rock, Oregon, Leah Radcliff puts her life on the line to help others every day. But at home, Leah’s battling her own personal nightmare: Brad, her abusive husband, a fellow officer, celebrated hero, and beloved son of a powerful prominent family. Brad’s violent outbursts and suspicious activities have left Leah physically and emotionally scarred, until one desperate action to put a stop to his abuse results in deadly consequences.

Though public opinion seems ready to convict Leah, Officer Clint Tanner is one of the few to believe she acted in self-defense. As he works with Leah’s attorney to produce the evidence they need, new truths about Brad’s dark side come to light—and reveal a deep-rooted problem in Table Rock. There are some who have breached their sworn duty to serve and protect . . . and they’ll do anything to keep their secret safe.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved Breach of Honor. It tackles some serious issues, one of which was domestic violence. So while it was a tough read at times, I appreciated having a light shined on the topic.

I was fully invested from page one and couldn't read it fast enough. There wasn't constant action, but it was still a genuine page-turner. The very definition of unputdownable.

My favorite part was the faith journey Leah went on. It wasn't easy. She had some serious struggles and doubts, but in the end, it was very inspiring. And I loved the emphasis that was put on prayer. It can be the greatest weapon in any battle. A couple of my favorite quotes: “Prayer was a powerful weapon and should be the first one drawn in any fight.” and “Life isn’t easy, not for anyone. The difference is how people respond to the difficulties. You have prayer to fall back on now, and prayer works. Use it.” I think those quotes say so much.

There were a lot of characters, so it was a little bit hard for me to keep everyone straight at times, but other than that, this was an excellent read that I highly recommend. It just reiterates the fact that I need to read more from this author.

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Dark Intercept (The Shepherds #1) by Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson

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 Dark Intercept (The Shepherds #1) by Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson releasing September 7.

About the Book

When dark forces rise, are faith and firepower enough?

On the eve of his medical retirement, Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson receives a frantic call from his estranged childhood best friend David Yarnell. David's daughter has been kidnapped off the streets of Nashville in broad daylight. The police have no suspects and no leads. The only clue: the body of a dead priest left behind at the scene. With the clock ticking, David is growing desperate, as is his wife, Rachel . . . Jed's first love.

Despite his painful history with David and Rachel, Jed agrees to help. But he's spent his career as a door-kicking Navy SEAL, not an investigator. His presence immediately draws unwanted attention, creates friction with the local police, and triggers a mysterious attempt on his life. Just when he thinks things can't get worse, it starts to happen again--the voices in his head, the nightmares, the visions. Dark memories and strange abilities, things he believed he'd left behind when he fled Nashville for the Navy at eighteen, begin to resurface.

Jed realizes that to save the missing girl, he must take a leap of faith and embrace the gifts he's denied for all these years. To foil this dark intercept, he'll need more than just his years as a SEAL operator, because he has no choice now but to take up arms and join the battle in the unseen spiritual warfare raging all around him. And there is far more at stake than just a missing girl: the world is not the place he thought it was--and he is not alone.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Witching Hours: The Vampire Knife by Jack Henseleit

About the Book

The first book in a spooky new series for only the bravest of readers--perfect for fans of The Spiderwick Chronicles. Now in paperback!

Siblings Anna and Max love scary stories, but when they find an enchanted knife on a dark and stormy night in Transylvania, truth becomes stranger than fiction. Suddenly, they find themselves dragged into a world of monsters and magic...a world where it soon becomes all too clear that vampires are not just a fairy tale.

And when Max mysteriously vanishes, it's up to Anna to find him. But can the siblings find a way to survive their own scary story?

This deliciously creepy book is a modern Brothers Grimm tale, full of adventure and fun frights that will have readers jumping in their seats and ripping through the pages to find out what happens next.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a super fun and quick read. I kinda forgot that I had a copy of this book, so when I stumbled upon it again, I had to read it. And I'm glad I did. After reading two serious and emotional books, this was the perfect read to follow them up with. It made me laugh and kept a smile on my face. It also had just a hint of spookiness, which I really enjoyed. And it held my full attention from beginning to end.

Anna and Max had a really sweet sibling relationship. It was nice to read about a brother and sister who got along and supported each other, instead of fighting the whole time, which seems to be the common thing in books like this. I appreciated that.

This would be a perfect read for Halloween. And I'm sure readers of all ages will enjoy it. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the rest of the series.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Breach of Honor by Janice Cantore

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring Breach of Honor by Janice Cantore.

About the Book

As a police officer in Table Rock, Oregon, Leah Radcliff puts her life on the line to help others every day. But at home, Leah’s battling her own personal nightmare: Brad, her abusive husband, a fellow officer, celebrated hero, and beloved son of a powerful prominent family. Brad’s violent outbursts and suspicious activities have left Leah physically and emotionally scarred, until one desperate action to put a stop to his abuse results in deadly consequences.

Though public opinion seems ready to convict Leah, Officer Clint Tanner is one of the few to believe she acted in self-defense. As he works with Leah’s attorney to produce the evidence they need, new truths about Brad’s dark side come to light—and reveal a deep-rooted problem in Table Rock. There are some who have breached their sworn duty to serve and protect . . . and they’ll do anything to keep their secret safe.

Book Beginnings

"Adam-5, do you copy?"

Friday 56

"You're going to wear out a path," Gretchen chided Leah as she paced the conference room.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Treble with Murder (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries #1) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Camryn Paine has an ear for music . . . and for trouble.

When public relations expert Camryn Paine’s alma mater requests her help, she agrees to do some image intervention for the music conservatory. She’s thrown into the thick of things her first day on the job when she witnesses a student drop dead during a talent show sound check.

Camryn’s unique auditory abilities lead her to suspect foul play. The more questions she asks, the clearer it becomes that something is amiss at the school. She’s determined to crack the case before any more dead bodies are found.

Unfortunately, her abilities also make Camryn a threat to a killer who doesn’t want anyone to hear the truth. Will she solve this case and redeem the conservatory’s reputation? Or will her body be the next one to take center stage?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited

MY THOUGHTS

The Treble with Murder was so great! It's quite different from Barritt's other stories, but I really enjoyed it.

Camryn, the heroine, was a little older (in her forties), so it was a nice change reading about a more mature character. I admired her no-nonsense and take-charge attitude. And her special skills with sound were very impressive – almost like a superpower.

The mystery was good and kept me guessing. All of those “freak accidents” couldn't be a coincidence, right? Someone had to be targeting the students. But why? And who could it be? I was definitely surprised by the reveal.

This was another great start to a new series from Christy Barritt. I'd say it has the same kinda vibe as her “Sidekick's Survival Guide” series. So if you liked that, you're sure to love this one. I can't wait for the next installment.

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

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof

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 Gold in These Hills by Joanne Bischof releasing August 31.

About the Book

One wild and mysterious ghost town. Two second-chance love stories. And the century-old legacy that binds them together.

Upon arriving in Kenworthy, California, mail-order bride Juniper Cohen is met by the pounding of the gold mine, an untamable landscape, and her greatest surprise of all: the kind and loving man who awaits her. But when the mine proves empty of profit, and when Juniper’s husband, John, vanishes, Juniper is left to fend for herself and her young daughter in the dwindling boomtown that is now her home.

Juniper pens letters to her husband but fears she is waiting on a ghost. Perhaps worse, rumors abound claiming the man she loves could be an outlaw. Surviving in a ghost town requires trusting the kindness of a few remaining souls, including the one who can unlock the mystery of her husband’s disappearance—and Juniper’s survival depends not only upon these friends but also the strength of heart she must fight to maintain.

Present day. Trying to escape the heartache of his failed marriage, Johnny Sutherland throws himself into raising his children and restoring a hundred-year-old abandoned farmhouse in what was once known as Kenworthy, California, in the San Jacinto Mountains. While exploring its secrets he uncovers Juniper’s letters and is moved by the handwritten accounts that bear his name—and as a love story from the past touches his own world, Johnny might discover yet that hope and resilience go hand in hand.

With The Gold in These Hills, acclaimed and beloved author Joanne Bischof returns with an absorbing masterpiece of faith, perseverance, and love that changes the course of history.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Release Day Review: Secrets in the Mist (Skyworld #1) by Morgan L. Busse

About the Book

What’s lurking in the Mist is the least of their worries…

In a world where humanity lives in the sky to escape a deadly mist below, Cass’s only goal is survival. That is, until she finds a job on the airship Daedalus as a diver. Now she explores ruined cities, looking for treasure and people’s lost heirlooms until a young man hires her to find the impossible: a way to eradicate the Mist.

Theodore Winchester is a member of one of the Five Families that rule the skies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he searches for the source of the Mist and hopes to stop the purges used to control overpopulation. But what he finds are horrifying secrets and lethal ambition. If he continues his quest, it could mean his own death.

The Mist is rising and soon the world will be enveloped in its deadly embrace, turning what's left of humanity into the undead.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This book was awesome! Steampunk is one of my favorite genres, so when I found out that Morgan L. Busse was releasing a new steampunk duology, I was ecstatic. Her Soul Chronicles series is a favorite of mine. And Secrets in the Mist did not disappoint. It blew my already high expectations out of the water. I was fully invested and completely immersed in the story from the very first sentence till the very last word.

The world-building was fantastic. Everything really came to life. The descriptions were great, and I felt like I could picture everything with crystal clear perfection. The real world faded away and I was right there in the thick of things with Cass and Theo. It was so eerie when they ventured into the Mist. And I'm not even gonna lie, it got a bit scary when the zombie-like creatures, the Turned, showed up. They were so creepy.

This was steampunk at its finest. Exactly the kind of book that I'm always looking for, but can hardly ever find. I loved everything about it.... well, except that it ended. And on a cliffhanger, no less! Oh my goodness, I need the next book ASAP! This will be a definite reread for me. I loved it so much and highly recommend it!

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Treble with Murder (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries #1) by Christy Barritt

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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.

This week I'm featuring another one from Christy Barritt, The Treble with Murder (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries #1). It's the start of another new series from her. This one has more of a cozy mystery-vibe to it. It seems like just when I finish her latest release, she's got a new one already out. I don't know how she does it!

About the Book

Camryn Paine has an ear for music . . . and for trouble.

When public relations expert Camryn Paine’s alma mater requests her help, she agrees to do some image intervention for the music conservatory. She’s thrown into the thick of things her first day on the job when she witnesses a student drop dead during a talent show sound check.

Camryn’s unique auditory abilities lead her to suspect foul play. The more questions she asks, the clearer it becomes that something is amiss at the school. She’s determined to crack the case before any more dead bodies are found.

Unfortunately, her abilities also make Camryn a threat to a killer who doesn’t want anyone to hear the truth. Will she solve this case and redeem the conservatory’s reputation? Or will her body be the next one to take center stage?

Book Beginnings

Years of therapy have helped me to realize that everyone has issues. Some of us just hide ours better than others.

Friday 56

"If there's something I've learned over the years, it's that you've only got one life to live, so you've got to make choices you can live with. That's exactly what I did."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Over the Woodward Wall (The Up-and-Under #1) by A. Deborah Baker

About the Book

If you trust her you’ll never get home…

Avery is an exceptional child. Everything he does is precise, from the way he washes his face in the morning, to the way he completes his homework – without complaint, without fuss, without prompt.

Zib is also an exceptional child, because all children are, in their own way. But where everything Avery does and is can be measured, nothing Zib does can possibly be predicted, except for the fact that she can always be relied upon to be unpredictable.

They live on the same street.
They live in different worlds.

On an unplanned detour from home to school one morning, Avery and Zib find themselves climbing over a low stone wall into the Up and Under – an impossible land filled with mystery, adventure and the strangest creatures. And they must find themselves and each other if they are to also find their way out and back to their own lives.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Over the Woodward Wall was an entertaining novella from Seanan McGuire writing under the new pen name A. Deborah Baker. It's connected to her book Middlegame, but stands alone just fine.

It might've just been my mood at the time, but I didn't feel any urgency to get back to it when I had to set it down. It should've taken me one day, two at the most, to finish, but it ended up being four days until I reached the end. Which is so weird for me with a McGuire book. I usually gobble them up as fast as I can. But not this one. And I really can't pinpoint why that was the case. It sounded exactly like something I'd love. It had a fairy tale vibe to it, very reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz. It was whimsical. The writing was great and what I've come to expect from McGuire. It just didn't resonate with me and I'm kinda sad about that. But I guess that happens sometimes. We can't love every book.

I wouldn't say this is one of McGuire's best, or one of my favorites from her, but it was still an entertaining read, nonetheless. And I am curious enough about what will happen next that I'll probably pick up the sequel.

THREE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green

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 Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green releasing August 31.

About the Book

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have done “work of national importance” in the West as conscientious objectors: volunteering as smokejumpers, parachuting into and fighting raging wildfires. But the number of winter blazes they’re called to in early 1945 seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don’t add up.

A member of the Women’s Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother’s pacificism, but she's shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report...and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it’s wrong to lie; she’s willing to do whatever it takes so justice will be done.

As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the shocking secrets they discover.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Who You Are (Murphy Brothers Story #6) by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book

An unusual arrangement brought them together. Their clashing personalities are likely to drive them apart. Is it remotely possible that love could take them both by surprise?

Brandon Murphy is stuck. He works alone every day, out in the woods, exactly as he wanted. Trouble is, he hadn’t counted on it becoming so…mundane. So when he receives an unusual request—to show up as the arranged fiancé of an heiress in trouble—he figures he may as well. After all, they’ll have six months to decide whether to go through with the marriage. It might just be the spark his life’s been missing.

And oh, are there sparks! Just not the sort he was hoping for.

Megan Alexander is livid. Not only has her father driven away the fiancé of her choosing, but her mother has written to a complete stranger, asking him to come and fill that now-vacant role. What modern woman would consider such an arrangement? Determined not to comply with the insane deal, Megan comes up with a plan of her own: drive the crazy man who agreed to such an idea away—preferably at a run.

From their first disastrous meeting, both Brandon and Megan are certain they will never get married. Ever. But Megan’s plans for her future rely on Daddy’s goodwill, so she needs to see the six months through. And Brandon gave his promise on that time frame; he’ll be a man of his word—even if it kills him.

Six months and they can walk away. Because there’s no way they’d ever consider the alternative…is there?

Who You are is book 6 in the Murphy Brothers Stories; Christian novels full of romance and redemption. Don't miss this family of seven brothers as they navigate through life, faith, and love.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

“Trust in the Lord and do good.”

I loved this latest story featuring the Murphy brothers. This time was Brandon's turn in the spotlight. After the little tease in the previous book, I was so curious about how his story would unfold. And let me tell ya', it did not disappoint. It was so interesting to see him in an environment he wasn't completely comfortable in and to watch how he dealt with everything. He was presented with a unique opportunity and even though it sounded a little bizarre, he felt God calling him to pursue it. It was so inspiring to see him put his wholehearted trust in the Lord.

I didn't know what to think of Megan to begin with. She seemed snobbish and a bit like a spoiled brat. But as I got to know her better, I really came to like her. There was a lot of hidden depth to her. She was just really good at hiding it.

To say Brandon and Meg didn't like each other in the beginning is a massive understatement. Man, that was rough! I don't know if they could've disliked each other more if they tried! There were fireworks, for sure! Though, it was fun watching them discover that there was more to each other than first met the eye. Just goes to show, don't judge a book by its cover.

As I've come to expect from author Jennifer Rodewald, there was a strong spiritual message here. One that really resonated with me. How does she do that every single time? It's always exactly what I need to hear.

If you're a fan of contemporary romance, this series is a must-read! I can't recommend it highly enough!

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

FIVE STARS