Review: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

There is no book I look more forward to each year than the new one from Sarah Sundin. She never fails to deliver and her latest release, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, just might be my new favorite. I don't know how she does it, but each book is better than the last. Just when I think it can't get better, she outdoes herself.

This time, we follow alongside two Americans living in Nazi-occupied Paris. Lucie, a ballerina turned bookstore owner, and Paul, an automaker running a factory in Paris, are more than they first appear. At first glance, they couldn't be more different. They're the very definition of opposites. But when they look below the surface, they have more in common than not.

It took me just a minute to warm up to Lucie and Paul, but it wasn't long before I absolutely loved them. I really admired their bravery in doing what they could to aid the Resistance. The stakes were so high and the consequences so dire if they were caught. That kind of courage is so inspiring. Paul's daughter Josie was adorable. She was such a sweet and creative little girl. I really enjoyed her imaginative stories about Feenee and the rock monsters.

I usually gravitate more towards WWII books set in the US or Germany, so to read about what it was like in France during that time was very enlightening. I learned so many new things.

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: Secrets of Shame: The Colsons (Fog Lake Suspense #6) 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 Secrets of Shame: The Colsons (Fog Lake Suspense #6) by Christy Barritt. 

About the Book

A killer has a promise to keep . . .

Attorney Isaac Colson only wants to put his tumultuous past in Fog Lake behind him and return to his life in Memphis. But when an ominous text threatens that he must come back or there will be deadly consequences, he knows he can’t take any chances.

Rebecca Moreno has only ever loved one man—her high school sweetheart, Isaac Colson. But when his dad went to prison for murder, Rebecca’s father forbade them from seeing each other again.

Years later, Isaac is back in town and old feelings are stirring. But Rebecca is harboring a secret that could change everything. When The Good Samaritan Killer strikes again, guilt pummels her. She has to tell Isaac the truth. But as events unfold, she has more to lose than ever.

Isaac and Rebecca must find answers—their lives depend on it. But everyone seems to have secrets, each that forms an obstacle to finding the truth . . . and to staying alive.

Book Beginnings

I promised I'd be back.

Friday 56

Rebecca hadn't thought about Anita Murphy in a long time - though she had nothing but fond memories of the woman. She had no idea the Colsons were connected to her, although Rebecca vaguely remembered the woman teaching at the private school Isaac and Madison had transferred to.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Stone (The Metcalfes #1) by Ronie Kendig

About the Book

She cost him everything. Now, he’s forced to protect her.

Stone Metcalfe embodies the Metcalfe legacy—blue eyes, an unfair amount of good looks, and hardcore patriot-laced character. But a foolish lapse in judgment dismantles his name and career. Humiliated and furious, he retreats to his mountain lodge to hide from media hounds and eke out a new life. However, one phone call from an old Army buddy upends Stone’s best-laid plans.

Supermodel Brighton Buchanan had designers and men eating out of her hand until a terrible mistake trapped her in the soul-eating world of human trafficking. Years later, she is used by her captors to take down the best man she’s ever known. The man she loves. Hope lost, she’s unexpectedly freed—and thrown back into Stone’s life. Being forgiven is out of the question considering how much he hates her.

Believing danger and her are one wrong move away, Brighton will do anything to keep him from being ruined again—even if it means going back to that life. As everything is falling apart and threats mount against Brighton, Stone realizes forgiveness is the easy part. Protecting her—and his heart—is another story.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated Kendig putting a spotlight on human trafficking. She handled the horrifying subject with great care and grace. Very well researched, this story had a real authenticity to it, which, I won't lie, made for a difficult read at times. It's absolutely heartbreaking knowing that things like this are happening all over the world. But I'm glad that a story like this will bring much needed awareness to this heinous crime.

Canyon and Leif Metcalfe are favorites of mine, so it was great getting to know some of their siblings better. It took me just a little bit to warm up to Stone, but I ended up really liking him. He's a great guy who's had his trust broken so many times that it's hard for him to forgive those who have hurt him. And Brighton's at the top of that list. She pretty much destroyed his life, and now she's back and in need of his help. Talk about an awkward situation! There are plenty of fireworks, that's for sure!

This was a fast-paced, hard to put down read. I highly recommend it and am very eager for the next book, Willow.

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

4.5 STARS

There's also a giveaway over on Instagram! Just click this link and you'll find all the details. Good luck! 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Oathbound (The Royal Rose Chronicles #1) by Victoria McCombs

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 Oathbound (The Royal Rose Chronicles #1) by Victoria McCombs releasing February 8.

About the Book

Beware the waters. The dangerous deep brings ruin to all.

Emme has spent her life avoiding anything to do with pirates. But the fates are cruel, and now a hidden sickness leads her to partner with pirates for the one thing that can save her—a cure on an island none are certain exists.

The pirate captain’s secrets are darker than the deep and threaten to kill them all. His obligations are tinged with betrayal, for his oathbind must be fulfilled. To ignore it is to invite peril of unimaginable destruction.

As the adventure unfolds, the sea takes more than she expects and the sea gives more than he wants.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Elite (Collective Underground #2) by Kristen Young

About the Book

Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?

Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.

Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?

Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to check out the sequel. It's been just about a year since I read Apprentice, so it took me a little bit to get settled back into this world. But once I did, I was completely invested once again. I remembered just how compelling it was, how great the characters were, and how disturbing the Love Collective was. This is not a standalone, so be sure to read book one before diving into Elite.

Kerr Flick, or Cadence as we now know her real name to be, has just gotten her old memories back, and it's overwhelming, to say the least. Especially considering her special skill. She's been brainwashed to think and act a certain way, so for her to discover that pretty much everything she knows is a carefully constructed lie is, putting it mildly, jarring. It's a lot to take in. There were times where she was very stubborn and a bit childish. But considering the fact that her world has essentially been turned upside down, her attitude wasn't unrealistic. But it did get on my nerves a bit after a while, though.

I really liked getting a peek at some of her old memories. It was very interesting to see what life was like Before. It was bittersweet, for sure, but very interesting. It really helped get a bigger picture of what was really going on and what was at stake.

I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good dystopia. Just be sure to start with book one.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Elite (Collective Underground #2) by Kristen Young

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 Elite (Collective Underground #2) by Kristen Young. I really enjoyed the first book, so I was excited to start this sequel. It took me just a little bit to get settled back into this world, but once I did, I couldn't read it fast enough.

About the Book

Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?

Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.

Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?

Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.

Book Beginnings

My name is Kerr Flick. Or Cadence. Or...something. I don't know.

Friday 56

I feel the ache of the distance that has grown between us. Our easy friendship seems like an age ago now.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Shadow Angel by Leia Stone & Julie Hall

About the Book

From the moment I saw the shadows come to life, I knew my world would never be the same.

Yesterday I was a teenager waiting tables in Manhattan, and today, monsters exist and I can see them.

Overnight I’m thrown into the realm of the Watchers, a society of earthbound angels split into two factions: The Shades, whose powerful dark magic is given to them by the fallen angels, and the Lumens, whose abilities are bestowed on them by the archangels of Avalon.

They’re on opposite sides of a brutal war, and I only have a few days to pick which side I want to join. I’m ready to choose when the Shades force my hand by cursing someone I love.

The only hope I have of saving them rests on the broad shoulders of the prickliest Shade alive, Gage Alston. He’s cold, arrogant, and quite possibly the most attractive guy I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Do I trust him? No.
Do I need him? Yes.
Do I want to kiss him? Maybe.

Perhaps I’ll choose darkness after all.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a fantastic start to a new series. Julie Hall and Leia Stone have created a fascinating and intriguing world that I can't get enough of. The beginning was a stunner. I was instantly hooked and couldn't read fast enough.

The characters were great and easy to root for. Tatum was instantly likable. She's thrust into this new world that's been hidden from her for her whole life, and while it's shocking and scary, she handles it all with a bravery that I admired. And Gage! Where do I even begin? He's broody, kinda cranky, and has a bit of a prickly personality. Plus, he's fighting on the wrong side of the battle, but there's something so endearing about him. It's easy to see the goodness that he's trying so hard to bury deep down.

This was, at times, a dark read with quite a few scary moments, but it never got to be too much for me. There was a good mixture of humor and lightness here too, and a great reminder that the light can never be overcome by darkness.

All in all, this was an absolute blast and is a must read for fans of urban fantasy. I highly recommend it and can't wait for book two! I need it ASAP!

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

FIVE STARS

Hardback Cover Reveal for SHADOW ANGEL by Leia Stone and Julie Hall

I'm super excited to be part of the hardback cover reveal for SHADOW ANGEL by Leia Stone and Julie Hall! Shadow Angel is a YA urban fantasy featuring angels and demons, a strong female lead, found family and a handful of hold-your-breath swoony moments. It releases January 21st, 2022 but is available for preorder now. (And I'll have my review for it up tomorrow. Spoiler Alert: It's AWESOME!)

About the Book

From the moment I saw the shadows come to life, I knew my world would never be the same.

Yesterday I was a teenager waiting tables in Manhattan, and today, monsters exist and I can see them.

Overnight I’m thrown into the realm of the Watchers, a society of earthbound angels split into two factions: The Shades, whose powerful dark magic is given to them by the fallen angels, and the Lumens, whose abilities are bestowed on them by the archangels of Avalon.

They’re on opposite sides of a brutal war, and I only have a few days to pick which side I want to join. I’m ready to choose when the Shades force my hand by cursing someone I love.

The only hope I have of saving them rests on the broad shoulders of the prickliest Shade alive, Gage Alston. He’s cold, arrogant, and quite possibly the most attractive guy I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Do I trust him? No.
Do I need him? Yes.
Do I want to kiss him? Maybe.

Perhaps I’ll choose darkness after all.

BOOK INFORMATION
Title: Shadow Angel, Book One
Series: Shadow Angel
Authors: Julie Hall & Leia Stone
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: January 21st, 2022

Preorder Link: www.ShadowAngelSeries.com

Can't Wait Wednesday: In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

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 In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh releasing February 1.

About the Book

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Between Kings (The City Between #10) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

G’day. I’m Pet. Heirling. Biter of fae lords. Trouble.

I have a lot of names these days—including my own, real name. Unfortunately for me, someone else knows that name too; not to mention the names of my other heirling friends. Now those heirling friends have disappeared, stolen by the current King Behind for a fight to the death where only one contender to the throne remains.

The rules say there’s no way in and only one way out of that fight, but I’ve always preferred to work outside the rules. I just have to trust my friends to help each other stay alive long enough for me to get them out—without becoming a contender for the throne myself.

Because one thing is for sure: I am absolutely not planning on being the next King Behind.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Wow, I don't even know where to start! What a wild ride! I had mixed emotions going into the conclusion of this series. I didn't want this wonderfully weird adventure to come to an end, but I was so eager to find out how everything would resolve. It didn't disappoint. It did have a bit of a slow start, but things quickly picked up and I was racing through the pages. There were big reveals, surprising twists, and an absolute shocker that left my jaw on the floor. I don't want to say too much more and accidentally spoil something. But if you're an urban fantasy fan, this series is a must read! I can't think of an UF series that I've enjoyed as much as this one.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Between Kings (The City Between #10) by W.R. Gingell

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 Between Kings, the conclusion to the City Between series by W.R. Gingell.

About the Book

G’day. I’m Pet. Heirling. Biter of fae lords. Trouble.

I have a lot of names these days—including my own, real name. Unfortunately for me, someone else knows that name too; not to mention the names of my other heirling friends. Now those heirling friends have disappeared, stolen by the current King Behind for a fight to the death where only one contender to the throne remains.

The rules say there’s no way in and only one way out of that fight, but I’ve always preferred to work outside the rules. I just have to trust my friends to help each other stay alive long enough for me to get them out—without becoming a contender for the throne myself.

Because one thing is for sure: I am absolutely not planning on being the next King Behind.

Book Beginnings

There are some things in life that you have to learn for yourself. You know: how to make the perfect cup of coffee; how to step between the layers of the worlds without getting stuck somewhere you don't want to be; who you should trust and who you definitely shouldn't. That sort of thing.

Friday 56

"I'm no more the villain of the piece than you are the heroine: everything is a matter of perspective in this life."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Recorder by Cathy McCrumb

About the Book
The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey.

Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.

Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.

With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder's time is running out.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I'm struggling to find the words to describe just how fantastic this book was. Wow! Five stars aren't enough! I'd give it more if I could. It has one of the most compelling openers I've ever read. I don't know what it was about it, but it completely gripped me and had me so eager to find out more about Recorder and her world.

I quickly became fully immersed in the book. It held my full attention, the real world faded away, and I couldn't get enough of it. The writing style, Recorder's narration, had me glued to the pages. I wanted to read it as fast as I could, but I made myself slow down and take my time with it. I wanted to savor every detail and spend as much time as I could with these wonderful characters.

The world building was stellar. It was fascinating and detailed, but never overwhelming. Things were revealed slowly throughout the book at just the right time.

I don't think I've read anything quite like this book before. It felt wholly unique and yet had a familiarity about it too. I don't want to say too much more and spoil anything; I loved discovering everything as it unfolded. I'll just end with a huge recommendation. If you're a fan of this genre, you won't be disappointed.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

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 Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin releasing February 1.

About the Book

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Crimes and Covers (A Magical Bookshop Mystery #5) by Amanda Flower

About the Book

Christmas is coming to the Western New York village of Cascade Springs, and so is the long-awaited wedding of Charming Books proprietor Violet Waverly and police chief David Rainwater. Grandma Daisy and Violet's best friend, Sadie, go all out to make the nuptials the event of the season--whether Violet likes it or not. But the reception becomes memorable for all the wrong reasons when a woman's dead body floats by on the frigid Niagara River.

Violet is shocked to recognize the deceased as a mysterious woman who visited Charming Books two days before the wedding, toting a rare first edition of Henry David Thoreau's Walden. Well aware that a mint condition copy could be worth more than $14,000, Violet told the woman she would have to have the book appraised before she could consider buying it. Most displeased, the woman tucked the precious tome under her arm and stormed out of the shop. Now she's dead, and an enigmatic message scrawled in pen upon her palm reads, "They stole my book."

It's a confounding case, indeed. But fortunately, Violet can draw on the resources of her bookshop's magical consciousness, which communicates clues to Violet via quotes from Walden. With Emerson the tuxedo cat and Faulkner the crow at her side, Violet sets out to recover the priceless book by solving a murder most transcendental.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Crimes and Covers is the fifth installment of the Magical Bookshop Mystery series. You could probably read this as a standalone but I'd still recommend starting at the beginning just to have a better appreciation and love for the characters. I've really enjoyed this series, so I was excited to solve another mystery alongside Violet, Grandma Daisy, Faulkner, and Emerson.

Charming Books is a book lover's dream. I could imagine spending hour upon hour at the store, never wanting to leave. As in the previous books, the store played an integral role in solving the mystery. The shop aids Violet in solving the crime by highlighting clues from a specific author's works. This time, Henry David Thoreau was the spotlighted author.

There were times that the dialogue felt a little awkward and stilted. And there was quite a bit of repetition of information that had just been given, just said in a different way, which got a little annoying after a while, but all in all, I enjoyed this trip back to the charming town of Cascade Springs.

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

THREE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Recorder by Cathy McCrumb

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 featuring Recorder by Cathy McCrumb. I've gotta say, this book is a great way to start off the year. It's fantastic! I'm loving it so much!

About the Book

The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey.

Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.

Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.

With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder's time is running out.

Book Beginnings

I did not have a name - none of us did - but once when I was young, I had a friend.

Friday 56

I had decided to return to the beginning and follow the trail forward when an unexpected hand on my shoulder startled me. I spun around.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Crime Strikes a Chord (The School of Hard Rocks Mysteries #2) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

With Christmas fast approaching and Grand Isle Music Conservatory’s big show to oversee, Camryn Paine has plenty to keep her occupied. Add a request to locate a stolen—and possibly cursed—Stradivari violin into the mix, and she fears it’s more than she can handle. After some pressure from her boss, Camryn agrees to investigate.

Things take an alarming turn when a suspect is found dead. Then someone from Camryn’s past appears with a secret that turns her world upside down. Suddenly, her busy Christmas seems perilous as well.

The more clues Camryn uncovers, the deeper she sinks into danger. With the holidays upon her, and both her past and future feeling uncertain, Camryn knows she can’t rest until she has answers. But the cost may be more than she’s willing to pay.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to dive into this sequel. And, I've gotta say, it was just as good. Camryn's such a fun character to read about. Her “supersonic” hearing is a great skill to have while solving mysteries. There are so many clues to be found through sound.

Camryn is hired to find a very expensive violin (worth two million dollars!) that's gone missing from the Abernathys house. Apparently, the moving company is holding their belongings hostage and demanding a ransom to get it all back. Strangely enough, the violin wasn't supposed to be packed up, but it went missing at the same time the movers were there. The investigation takes many surprising twists and turns as Camryn tries to solve this confounding case.

This was a quick and fast-paced read that kept me fully entertained. I'm eager to solve more mysteries with Camryn in future installments.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson

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 Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson releasing January 11.

About the Book

In this gripping split-time novel, Grace Tonquin is an American Quaker woman who works tirelessly in Vichy France to rescue Jewish children from the Nazis. After crossing the treacherous Pyrenees, Grace returns home to Oregon with a brother and sister whose parents were lost during the war. Though Grace and her husband love Elias and Marguerite as their own, echoes of Grace's past and trauma from the Holocaust tear the Tonquin family apart.

More than fifty years after they disappear, Addie Hoult arrives at Tonquin Lake, hoping to find the Tonquin family. For Addie, the mystery is a matter of life and death for her beloved mentor Charlie, who is battling a genetic disease. Though Charlie refuses to discuss his ties to the elusive Tonquins, finding them is the only way to save his life and mend the wounds from his broken past.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Sunrise (Sky King Ranch #1) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him.

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Sunrise is the first explosive volume in a new nail-biting series from USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I didn't know what this book was about before starting it. I just knew it was the new one from Susan May Warren and I had to read it. She's one of my favorite authors and rarely ever disappoints.

Sunrise was excellent. A five star read, for sure. I was instantly pulled in and became hopelessly invested in the characters' lives. I couldn't read it fast enough, and yet, I tried to take my time with it, to spend as much time in this world and with these characters as possible.

It's the first book in the Sky King Ranch series and is set in Alaska. The descriptions really transported me. Everything was so vivid, it was like I was actually there. I love when an author can do that.

The spiritual message was great. It brought tears to my eyes. It was something I didn't know I needed to hear, but I was so moved by it.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. The characters were great, the pace was fast, and the setting was breathtaking. The sequel can't come out soon enough.

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

FIVE STARS