Review: The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

About the Book

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun read. It's a slower-paced book (except for the last fourth where things really ramped up), but it was exactly what I needed at the time.

This book was full of wonderful and likable characters. Amelie and Michael had great chemistry. Their banter was lively and so entertaining. And I really liked Amelie's cousins, Eva and Charlotte, and am hoping they get their own books.

I really enjoyed the mystery. It was fun to play detective alongside Amelie and Michael. To try and figure out what was really going on with Harold Radcliffe. He seemed like a perfectly nice, proper, and charming guy, but was there a darkness lurking inside? Did he kill his wife? I was so invested in finding out the truth.

All in all, this was another great historical romance from Nancy Campbell Allen. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romance and cozy mysteries.

4.5 STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Real Thing (The Macleans Book 4) by Autumn Macarthur

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 The Real Thing (The Macleans Book 4) by Autumn Macarthur. I just finished this sweet romance and really liked it. It was the perfect read for the me after the difficult couple of weeks I've had. We had to say goodbye to our 17+ year old dog Hank. And gosh, that was rough. He was the best and most loyal guy you could ask for. We're gonna miss him so much. 

About the Book (From Amazon)

He's an embittered cynic. She's a perpetually cheerful Pollyanna. They both need to learn what trusting God really means.

Disabled since birth, bullied as a child, Edinburgh author Brodie Maclean has no faith in God, or in human nature. He learned young that his best weapons are his sharp tongue and his biting honesty, and he doesn’t hesitate to use them. When he’s forced to employ Flynn Ferguson as his housekeeper, it’s instant dislike. She’s too cheerful, she’s too loud, she’s too everything. Including distracting. How is he supposed to write with her around?

Even always-look-on-the-bright-side Flynn finds it hard to be glad about her new boss, apart from the little fact the generous salary he pays means she can give her daughter a wonderful birthday. As soon as she can (“Tomorrow, please Lord?”), she’ll quit.

Neither intends to deceive the other, but only when they meet online in an unintentional deception, safe behind names that aren’t their names and photos that aren’t their photos, are they able to be their real selves and fall in love. Can they recognise the truth behind their false impressions before it’s too late?

You’ve Got Mail meets As Good As It Gets meets a mischievous ferret in this faith-filled Scottish enemies-to-love opposites-attract romance.

Book Beginnings (This beginning is a little peak into a story Brodie is writing)

Picking the padlock on the cellar door in the dark wouldn't be the easiest thing in the world, but he didn't dare risk a light. If he could see the kidnappers through the uncurtained windows of their single-room hut, odds were they'd see him as well. The harnessed horse and cart suggested they planned to leave soon.

Friday 56

Brodie ended the call with the animal welfare officer and gave Flynn a twisted smile. He hated to admit it, but he had to. "You were right. Help is on its way."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Shadow Angel: Book Two by Julie Hall & Leia Stone

About the Book

He's gone, and the worst part is, I don't if he's dead or alive.

I dealt with the curse. I picked my side. The hellish nightmare that I woke up to when I discovered I was a Watcher should be over, but it's not. Weeks have passed with no sign of Gage and I can't seem to move on, but a war is brewing and wallowing is no longer an option. With the ruler of the Netherworld after me, my new mission not only affects one realm, but all of them.

Save my mom.
Save the souls.
Save the world.

No pressure.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great sequel! I loved the first book and couldn't wait to get my hands on book two, especially after that ending! Talk about cliffhanger! This book was action-packed and had quite a few twists and turns that left me speechless. I can't really say too much because it would verge into spoiler territory, but what a wild ride! Tatum is tasked with a seemingly impossible mission, but she embraces it head-on with the kind of bravery I wish I had. I can't wait to see how it all plays out in the next book.

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

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Summer We Forgot by Caroline George

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 Summer We Forgot by Caroline George releasing March 8.

About the Book

Caroline George once again transports readers with lush, evocative prose, leading them to ask the question: what happens when we can’t even trust ourselves?

Some memories are better left forgotten.

Darby and Morgan haven’t spoken for two years, and their friend group has splintered. But when the body of their former science teacher is found in the marsh where they attended camp that summer, they realize they have more questions than answers . . . and even fewer memories.

No one remembers—or no one is talking.

The group of reunited friends begins to suspect that a murderer is stalking the coastal highway 30A, and they must try to recover their memories as quickly as possible . . . before the history they can’t remember repeats itself.

Everyone has a secret.

As tensions rise and time runs out, Darby and Morgan begin to wonder if they can believe one another . . . or if they can even trust themselves.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Secrets of Their Past: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Wander Canyon #5) by Allie Pleiter

About the Book (from Goodreads)

Facing the past

could change his future.

Veterinarian Neal Rodgers is in Wander Canyon seeking the truth about his past—not to rescue a litter of kittens under his next-door neighbor’s porch. But persistent single-mom Tessa Kennedy is impossible to ignore—especially when she uncovers a family secret of her own. Discovering the hidden facts of their histories could be the key to unlocking everything in this small town.

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
Book 5: Secrets of their Past

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was another delightful read from Allie Pleiter. This final trip back to the charming town of Wander Canyon did not disappoint. It was great catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

I was so happy that Tessa got her own story. She's been such a fixture in this series, such a loyal friend, and deserved a sweet love story of her own.

Neal was a bit of a grump when he was first introduced, but he ended up being quite charming and an all-around great guy who I couldn't help but root for. He was in town to solve a very important personal mystery, and I was really hoping for the best outcome for him.

And I've gotta say, I really enjoyed getting to know more about a certain other town resident. No spoilers, but I always wondered what their backstory was.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys sweet and inspirational contemporary romance.

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

FIVE STARS

Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Friend

We had to say goodbye to Hank on Friday. We're sure gonna miss him, but we're so thankful to have had 15 wonderful years with him. He was 17+ years old and still such a loving and loyal protector and friend.

We were looking for a new friend for Sadie when we adopted him. We had gone to one of the local animal rescues and saw a few dogs, but none of them worked out. We were leaving when we came upon a pen that had a dog we hadn't seen yet and asked about him. The caretakers kinda dismissed the idea and said they hadn't shown him to us because they were sure it wouldn't work. Well, Sadie had her own ideas and was eager to meet the dog. They reluctantly let us in and it was like Sadie had met her soulmate. Hank. Him and Sadie just immediately started playing and chasing each other. The caretakers were shocked because they said he was scared of everything and everyone. They couldn't believe how his whole demeanor changed. We brought him home and he fit right in.

Hank was a fierce protector and the best friend you could ask for. He definitely had some big fears, but he was always so brave and would face them head on. He kept us safe from the UPS man and took that job very seriously. He could hear those box trucks coming from a mile away and would let everyone know that they were coming. They weren't gonna sneak up on us. Not on Hank's watch.

He was also really good about letting us know when someone was in the neighborhood who he thought shouldn't be there. If anybody came around that he didn't know, they got told in no uncertain terms that they weren't welcome around here.

He had a few "incidents" with some chickens but absolutely loved baby chicks. And baby goats? Oh my goodness, he couldn't get enough of them. He'd give them lots of kisses and loved watching them.

 

He was obsessed with keeping his feet clean (and all the other dogs' feet too, lol!). Whenever Daisy, our German Shepherd, got her feet muddy or wet, she'd run to Hank and he'd get them all cleaned up for her.

Hank really was the best. He was such a sweet guy and a fighter to the end. We're gonna miss him so much.

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

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 The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen.

About the Book

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

Book Beginnings

Amelie Hampton blinked in surprise as her normally unflappable aunt called her to task over a mistake that, frankly, Amelie didn't believe was a mistake at all. Poor judgment, at most.

Friday 56

Another sound near the door startled her, and she squinted around her fingers, trying to sit up in bed. There was something off about the room, as though a door had been opened then closed, a puzzle she couldn't put together. The more she grasped at the wispy thought, the quicker it blew away.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Night Fall (The Quantico Files #1) by Nancy Mehl

About the Book

For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak,
Who feels his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,
Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,
Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains--all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars. When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she'll go--and what she's willing to risk--to put a stop to the Train Man.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this fast-paced read. It was dark, even disturbing, at times, but held my full attention until the very last word. There's a serial killer, a cult, a prophecy of destruction, and a race against time to stop the release of a devastating virus. It does briefly mention Covid a few times since the story takes place after the pandemic ends.

It was very interesting to see the dichotomy between Alex and Adam, who had similar upbringings but chose vastly different paths. One for good, the other for evil.

There was a sense of urgency that had me clicking through the pages as quick as possible. When I'd have to set it down to do other things, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It even invaded my dreams, which wasn't necessarily a good thing, lol, but that explains just how compelling of a story it was. I did guess the twists pretty early on, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit. I'm very much looking forward to checking out the next book in this series.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Maxine Justice: Galactic Attorney by Daniel Schwabauer

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 Maxine Justice: Galactic Attorney by Daniel Schwabauer releasing March 8.

About the Book

Can Justice Save the Earth from Extinction?

Maxine Justice is an ambulance-chasing lawyer desperate for relevance and cash when aliens hire her to represent them before the United Nations. An off-planet consortium wants to heal humanity of every natural disease in exchange for 30% of Earth’s gold reserves.

The deal launches Max to legal stardom and makes her an international target for assassins. MediCorp, Star Cross, PharFuture—the big medical companies all have good reasons to want Max out of the way. Worse, she discovers her alien clients may be planning something more sinister than anyone has imagined.

Can a lawyer who failed the bar exam three times find some way to save the world from global and interstellar conspiracies? Or will humankind’s future end in a galactic courtroom?

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Fatal Storm & Charmed Waters (Cormac and Amelia #3 & 4) by Carrie Vaughn

It was so great catching up with Cormac and Amelia. I just wish these stories were a little bit longer. I hate saying goodbye to these characters.

These novellas are a spin-off from Carrie Vaughn's Kitty Norville series. Cormac and Amelia played very pivotal roles in that series, and with Cormac being my favorite character, I was ecstatic to have some fresh stories featuring him and his ghostly partner.

These stories would probably work just fine as standalones, but I'd still recommend checking out the previous ones because there's a lot of fun adventures and interesting backstory.

In Fatal Storm, Cormac and Amelia arrive at a supposedly haunted lodge to make sure that the psychic is the real deal. Not long after they arrive, though, they get snowed in and a dead body is discovered. The killer has to be one of the guests, but which one is the guilty party?

And, of course, if there's been a murder and Cormac is around, he's always the number one suspect. And this time is no different, which complicates his ability to solve the case.

This felt very much like a traditional mystery, but with the added benefits of some paranormal activity, which was so much fun. The murder victim wasn't the most likable guy, and it seemed like everyone in the house had a reason to get rid of him. I had my suspicions pretty early on but was never 100% sure. Almost everybody else made sense for the crime at one point or another. All in all, it was a really great and fast-paced read. I'd give it 4.5 stars.

How did a mermaid wind up in landlocked Colorado? In an artificial body of water, no less? In Charmed Waters, Kitty and Ben join Cormac and Amelia on the case. They're not there to solve the conundrum of how the mermaid ended up there, though. They're trying to get her back home. It's not an easy task though because there are other people doing everything in their power to stop them.

To complicate matters even more, a viral video showing them interacting with the mermaid hits the web and there's no way to secretly move her. Not now that the reservoir has been turned into a media circus with dozens of news crews and hundreds of gawkers trying to catch a glimpse of the mermaid. Why can't anything ever be easy?

I loved catching up with Kitty and Ben. Plus, it was great seeing their baby boy Jon as well. Cormac's interaction with the little guy was hilarious and so true to character. You could tell he's not a natural with kids, but he tries.

This story moved at a breakneck pace. It had me reading as fast as humanly possible. I didn't see a way for them to save the mermaid. There were so many obstacles, so much that could and did go wrong. They seemed to have the worst luck. But what an exciting and heart-pounding adventure! I really hope there are more stories to come featuring Cormac and Amelia. I can't get enough of them. I'd give Charmed Waters 4.5 stars.

Amazon / Goodreads

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Night Fall (The Quantico Files #1) by Nancy Mehl

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 Night Fall (The Quantico Files #1) by Nancy Mehl. 

About the Book

For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak,
Who feels his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,
Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,
Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains--all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars. When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she'll go--and what she's willing to risk--to put a stop to the Train Man.

Book Beginnings (From the Prologue)

His mother sat in the chair next to his bed, reading from The Book. He was almost twelve now, and she'd been reading it to him ever since he was a little kid.

Friday 56

He took a deep breath. "We don't know where the three moved to when they left Kansas City, but he was probably close to twelve when he and his father landed in Independence without the mother. That makes their whereabouts when he was between the ages of seven and twelve unknown. We're not sure where they were living those five years, and we have no information as to what happened to the mother during that time. We've searched for her and found nothing."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Good Neighbors by Stephanie Burgis

About the Book

When a grumpy inventor meets her outrageous new neighbor in the big black castle down the road, more than one type of spark will fly!

Mia Brandt knows better than to ever again allow her true powers to be discovered. Ever since her last neighbors burned down her workshop in a night of terror and flame, she's been determined to stay solitary, safe, and - to all outside appearances - perfectly respectable...

But Leander Fabian, whose sinister castle looms over her cozy new cottage, has far more dangerous ideas in mind. When he persuades Mia into a reluctant alliance, she finds herself swept into an exhilarating world of midnight balls, interfering countesses, illicit opera house expeditions, necromantic duels, and a whole unnatural community of fellow magic-workers and outcasts, all of whom are facing a terrifying threat.

Luckily, Mia has unnatural powers of her own - but even her unique skills may not be enough to protect her new found family and help her resist the wickedly provoking neighbor who's seen through all of her shields from the beginning.

This novel-length collection includes all four stories and novellas originally published on Stephanie Burgis's Patreon in 2020-2021: Good Neighbors, Deadly Courtesies, Fine Deceptions, and Fierce Company.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a charming read. It’s a collection of four short stories/novellas that follows new neighbors Leander Fabian, a necromancer who lives in a dark and foreboding castle, and Mia Brandt, an inventor who’s just moved to the neighborhood after a bad experience forced her and her father to leave their old one.

Mia was a fierce, stubborn, and independent woman who never backed down. She was set in her ways and had a bit of a prickly personality but was likable from the get-go. And her distaste for socializing was 100% relatable, at least for me. She was such a fun heroine to read about. My only complaint about her was her habit of constantly jumping to the wrong conclusion. It got kinda tedious after a while.

Leander was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome. And the mysterious air around him just added to his intrigue. Him and Mia were great allies, but I never fully bought into their romance.

While this collection wasn't my favorite from this author, it was still an enjoyable read, especially the first two stories.

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

THREE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Cinderella Must Die 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 Cinderella Must Die by W.R. Gingell releasing February 28.

About the Book

Cinderella is married to The Prince, and the Evil Stepsisters are banished to a pocket dimension for their punishment and rehabilitation. It’s Happily Ever After.

Or is it?

Jane and Charlie have been imprisoned for two years now, serving a sentence especially chosen by their stepsister as justice for her sufferings. It seems that they’re the only two people in the world besides Ellen who know that Ellen’s “sufferings” were a carefully manipulative campaign to win a prince and a crown; the two stepsisters merely collateral damage.

But now, trouble is brewing at the castle: death threats, torn gowns, ruined books.

Is Ellen up to her old tricks, or is someone really trying to kill her? And when even their closest friends didn’t believe them innocent the first time, can Jane and Charlie escape the blame a second time if Ellen does die?

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

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?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! I don't even know where to begin. This was such a beautiful story and just an absolute joy to read. Author Toni Shiloh has a real gift. I've loved everything I've read by her and this is my favorite one yet.

This story was full of wonderful characters who were easy to root for. Brielle had such a kind soul. I admired the way she handled being thrust into such an overwhelming situation. She did it with such grace and poise. And I loved how she leaned on the Lord and prayed over every decision, big or small. It was so inspiring. The first-person narration felt so natural and inviting, like I was listening to a good friend tell me her story.

I really appreciated the strong element of faith that was woven throughout this whole novel. It's always so special when a story can make me feel closer to God, and this one did just that.

This was a sweet read with a lot of depth and a great message of faith. It has everything I look for in a good contemporary romance and so much more. It's just an all-around fantastic story that I highly recommend. I really hope there are more stories to come set in the gorgeous island country of Oloro Ile. There are so many secondary characters that I'd love to read more about.

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Good Neighbors by Stephanie Burgis

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 Good Neighbors by Stephanie Burgis. It's a romantic historical fantasy collection of short stories/novellas following the same characters. I will say that this wasn't one of my favorites from this author, but it was still enjoyable, especially the first two stories.

About the Book

When a grumpy inventor meets her outrageous new neighbor in the big black castle down the road, more than one type of spark will fly!

Mia Brandt knows better than to ever again allow her true powers to be discovered. Ever since her last neighbors burned down her workshop in a night of terror and flame, she's been determined to stay solitary, safe, and - to all outside appearances - perfectly respectable...

But Leander Fabian, whose sinister castle looms over her cozy new cottage, has far more dangerous ideas in mind. When he persuades Mia into a reluctant alliance, she finds herself swept into an exhilarating world of midnight balls, interfering countesses, illicit opera house expeditions, necromantic duels, and a whole unnatural community of fellow magic-workers and outcasts, all of whom are facing a terrifying threat.

Luckily, Mia has unnatural powers of her own - but even her unique skills may not be enough to protect her new found family and help her resist the wickedly provoking neighbor who's seen through all of her shields from the beginning.

This novel-length collection includes all four stories and novellas originally published on Stephanie Burgis's Patreon in 2020-2021: Good Neighbors, Deadly Courtesies, Fine Deceptions, and Fierce Company.
 

Book Beginnings (From the first story: Good Neighbors)

It wasn't so bad living next door to a notorious necromancer, most of the time.

Friday 56 (From the third story: Fine Deceptions)

I looked at my first-ever ally and friend, who was waiting for my response with hectic color staining his alabaster cheeks and an anguished look in his gleaming dark eyes.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: 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.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

The mystery surrounding the Good Samaritan Killer gripped me in LEGACY OF LIES and the intrigue continues in SECRETS OF SHAME.

Attorney Isaac Colson, son of alleged serial killer, receives a text from an unknown number saying, “Every day you're not in Fog Lake, someone will die”. It could be a prank, but what if it's not? He races back to his hometown just in the nick of time to save his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Moreno, from a dire situation. Rebecca has a secret. One that would change everything. But because of threats to her family, she can't reveal it. Can these two come together and solve a mystery that's haunted the town for years?

I can't say that I ever really connected with Isaac or Rebecca. Even though Rebecca had a legitimate reason to stay quiet, I still got extremely frustrated by her silence. But despite all that, the questions swirling around about the Good Samaritan Killer kept me glued to the pages. I needed to know if the real killer was behind bars, or if he was set up. Was the actual culprit still on the loose and back to terrorize the town of Fog Lake? I was pleasantly surprised to find the answers to those questions.

I'd definitely recommend reading LEGACY OF LIES before this one. The other books in the Fog Lake series are optional, but great reads.

3.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson

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 Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson releasing February 15.

About the Book

You’ve Got Mail meets The Proposal—this romance is one for the books.

Savannah Cade’s dreams are coming true. The Claire Donovan, editor-in-chief of the most successful romance imprint in the country, has requested to see the manuscript Savannah’s been secretly writing while working as editor herself—except at her publishing house, the philosophy is only highbrow works are worth printing and commercial fiction, particularly romance, should be reserved for the lowest level of Dante’s inferno. But when Savannah drops her manuscript during a staff meeting and nearly exposes herself to the whole company—including William Pennington, new publisher and son of the romance-despising CEO herself—she races to hide her manuscript in the secret turret room of the old Victorian office.

When she returns, she’s dismayed to discover that someone has not only been in her hidden nook but has written notes in the margins—quite critical ones. But when Claire’s own reaction turns out to be nearly identical to the scribbled remarks, and worse, Claire announces that Savannah has six weeks to resubmit before she retires, Savannah finds herself forced to seek the help of the shadowy editor after all.

As their notes back and forth start to fill up the pages, however, Savannah finds him not just becoming pivotal to her work but her life. There’s no doubt about it. She’s falling for her mystery editor. If she only knew who he was.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Sleep Deprived by Therese Heckenkamp

About the Book
An odd encounter in a cemetery. A baby in need.
Every mom’s worst nightmare.

When sleep deprivation skews her judgment, grieving young mother Mae risks everything to save a baby—only to wind up accused of a crime.

Now her freedom, her marriage, and her life are at stake.

She fights to clear her name, but can’t do it alone. Her husband is the only one she can turn to. But with their relationship crumbling, even he may not be on her side.

Will their struggles rekindle their love, or kill it?

If they don’t work together to overcome past wounds and current danger, Mae might finally end up resting in peace. Permanently.

Riveting read-all-night romantic suspense by an award-winning author.

Sleep Deprived previously appeared in the limited-time novella collection Dangerous Pursuits: 15 Stories From Today's Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a compelling read! This novella grabbed me from the start and never let go. The suspense just kept building and I couldn't read fast enough. I lost all track of time and ended up finishing it in record time. There was so much packed into this quick read.

I really felt for Mae. She'd recently experienced a heartbreakingly unimaginable loss. She's grieving and hasn't slept in months. Every night she visits the cemetery and on this particular night, she finds herself in a situation that leads to being accused of a crime. The police don't believe her when she tells them what actually happened. Truth be told, it did sound ludicrous, even she admits that. But how can she convince them she's innocent? I was on the edge of my seat wondering how in the world she was gonna get out of the mess she found herself in. The odds were stacked so high against her.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. Any fan of this genre is sure to love it. This was my first time reading anything by this author and I'm excited to check out more from her.

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

4.5 STARS