Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Half Truth (Squeaky Clean In Between Mysteries #2) 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Half Truth (Squeaky Clean In Between Mysteries #2) by Christy Barritt. Yep... another Christy Barritt book, lol. I was going to feature a different book by a different author, but I was halfway into it and not liking it, so I switched gears and started this one. It's so good! Funny and suspenseful. Just what I needed. 

About the Book

*This book officially falls between It Came Upon a Midnight Crime and Organized Grime. It can also be read as a standalone.*

Big trouble can come in small packages . . .

Gabby St. Claire grabs the chance to check an item off her bucket list: attending an auction of unclaimed storage units and hitting a jackpot with her winning bid. But her expectations plummet faster than her bank account on Tax Day when she gets a glimpse of what she’s won.

Convinced she’s wasted her money on a risky venture, Gabby soon realizes that there’s nothing ordinary about her winning items. In fact, the contents of the storage unit appear to be evidence from a crime—a deadly one.

With a suspicious man following her and new clues discovered at every turn, Gabby must figure out what happened. But someone is out to stop Gabby. Will the killer strike again and keep the truth buried? Or can Gabby uncover the truth—the whole truth—before another death occurs?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

I raised my hand in the air as I felt opportunity begin to slip away. "One hundred dollars!"

Friday 56

We took off down the road. As we turned out of the neighborhood and onto a main thoroughfare, I saw Riley glance in his rearview mirror. I knew something was wrong.

Again.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Wedding at Sea (Muir Harbor #3) by Melissa Tagg

About the Book (From Goodreads)

Lilian doesn’t remember anything about her life before the day Maggie Muir found her on her front porch—a toddler, abandoned and alone. And maybe that’s okay. She has a beautiful life at Muir Farm, including an adopted family she adores and a successful career as a lawyer. But she also has a secret . . . one that raises just as many questions about her future as it does her unknown past.

And, of course, it would be private investigator Wilder Monroe, her brother’s best friend and the bane of her existence, who sniffs out her secret before anyone else.

Wilder has spent the past three years trying to close the one case his father couldn’t—the mystery of Maggie Muir’s long-lost granddaughter. But the decades-long search has become more tangled than ever. It’s become more personal, too. Not only are the Muirs the closest thing to family he has left, but if he can solve this mystery, maybe he'll keep himself from drowning in the one he can’t . . . the truth about his father’s death.

In the midst of secrets and swirling questions, Maggie asks a favor of both Lilian and put aside their bickering and work together to plan her summer wedding. It’s a big ask, made all the more difficult when danger comes calling at Muir Farm. But if the two enemies can stand each other long enough to pull off the event of the year, they just might solve a mystery in the process.

And the biggest discovery of all? That sometimes the one your heart longs for is the last person you ever would've expected.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was absolute perfection! What a stellar conclusion to this series! I LOVED the first two books. I fell in love with the characters and the setting and was captivated by the mystery. So to say I was eager for this final book is an understatement. And I'm happy to say it exceeded my very high expectations. 

This is one of the best romances I've ever read. I loved watching Wilder and Lilian's dynamic shift. It was so much fun. And so sweet. It never felt forced but felt like a very natural progression, which I appreciated so much.  

Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend not only this book but the whole series. While this might could technically stand alone, I'd still recommend reading them in order because of the overarching mystery and how each story builds on the others. 

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

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Beautiful Disguise (The Imposters #1) by Roseanna M. White

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 A Beautiful Disguise (The Imposters #1) by Roseanna M. White releasing August 22.

About the Book

In Edwardian London, not all that glitters is gold as a lady and an intelligence officer's secret mission take them from the city's dazzling ballrooms to its covert intelligence offices.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the field, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they're creating a new secret intelligence branch, he's intent on showing his worth. He suspects an aristocrat of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but he needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father's death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm for the elite to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society who want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend's father as a potential traitor.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend's sake, and she's more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can't possibly be as noble as he seems.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Nurse's Homecoming (True North Springs Book 3) by Allie Pleiter

About the Book

A temporary position…

Or the beginning of happily-ever-after?

Camp True North Springs is everything nurse Bridget Nicholson needs: a new start after her broken engagement and the opportunity to help grieving families heal—despite her overbearing father’s disapproval. But no one warned Bridget that she’d be working with her ex-boyfriend, Carson Todd…or that another shot at love might be exactly what she needs.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this second chance, opposites-attract romance. It was such a heartwarming and inspirational read.

Camp True North Springs is such a wonderful and special place. It's a place of healing and rest for families who are dealing with the traumatic loss of a loved one. My heart really went out to those families. They were dealing with so much, but the camp was a much-needed bright spot for them.

The characters were authentic and easy to like. (Well, except for Bridget's dad. He was a real pill! And that's putting it mildly!) Bridget was kind, resilient, and still trying to get out of her dad's imposing shadow. Carson was a genuinely nice and caring guy. While Bridget's family was wealthy, Carson was perceived as poor and unambitious by her dad, who always wanted more for her.

This story took some surprising turns and kept me thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to fans of inspirational contemporary romance.

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Wedding at Sea (Muir Harbor #3) by Melissa Tagg

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Wedding at Sea (Muir Harbor #3) by Melissa Tagg. This was so good! The perfect conclusion to this series. It releases this coming Thursday, June 29, and I'll have my review up that day, if you want to come back and check it out. 

About the Book (From Goodreads)

Lilian doesn’t remember anything about her life before the day Maggie Muir found her on her front porch—a toddler, abandoned and alone. And maybe that’s okay. She has a beautiful life at Muir Farm, including an adopted family she adores and a successful career as a lawyer. But she also has a secret . . . one that raises just as many questions about her future as it does her unknown past.

And, of course, it would be private investigator Wilder Monroe, her brother’s best friend and the bane of her existence, who sniffs out her secret before anyone else.

Wilder has spent the past three years trying to close the one case his father couldn’t—the mystery of Maggie Muir’s long-lost granddaughter. But the decades-long search has become more tangled than ever. It’s become more personal, too. Not only are the Muirs the closest thing to family he has left, but if he can solve this mystery, maybe he'll keep himself from drowning in the one he can’t . . . the truth about his father’s death.

In the midst of secrets and swirling questions, Maggie asks a favor of both Lilian and put aside their bickering and work together to plan her summer wedding. It’s a big ask, made all the more difficult when danger comes calling at Muir Farm. But if the two enemies can stand each other long enough to pull off the event of the year, they just might solve a mystery in the process.

And the biggest discovery of all? That sometimes the one your heart longs for is the last person you ever would've expected.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The houseboat bobbed on choppy waters, little more than an inky shadow against the faintest shards of moonlight.

Friday 56 (I had a hard time finding a snippet at 56% that wasn't a spoiler, so this one is from 57%)

Lilian was weeping by the time she finished the letter, the words blurring in front of her as she let the frayed single page fall into her lap.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Two Believe (Silas McKay #2) by Luana Ehrlich

About the Book

It was no ordinary robbery. The suspect is no ordinary thief. The investigator is no ordinary detective.

He’s Silas McKay, head of operations for Discreet Corporate Security Systems in Dallas, Texas.

Silas doesn’t usually investigate stolen merchandise, but when his boss asks him to look into a jewelry heist at Gadise Diamonds, a high-end store in the Dallas area, he makes an exception.

When Silas learns this was no ordinary robbery, and the suspect is no ordinary thief, he enlists the help of Ashley Davenport, who’s no ordinary woman.

It was no ordinary robbery . . .
It happened in broad daylight, no weapons were involved, and there were plenty of security cameras present.

The suspect is no ordinary thief . . .
He’s Todd Harriman, a billionaire’s son, who could afford to buy the entire jewelry store, so why would he devise an elaborate plan to steal merchandise from it?

Ashley is no ordinary woman . . .
She’s a wealthy socialite, about to start her own detective agency, and the last person Silas needs in his life right now, especially since he’s still angry at God for the loss of his wife, and Ashley doesn’t believe in God.

As Silas and Ashley work together to confront the guilty party, Silas must confront his feelings about Ashley as well as his anger toward God. Can Silas believe God wants the best for him? Can Ashley find the faith to believe? Can two believe?

Two Believe is an inspiring suspenseful read from USA Today bestselling author, Luana Ehrlich, and Book II in the Silas McKay Suspense Series, a character-driven, emotion-packed series featuring Silas McKay, a corporate security investigator who’s not afraid to take risks, but who’s a little skittish about making changes.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I read the first book, One Wonders, in the Winter Deceptions box set and loved it. This sequel was just as good! It held my full attention from beginning to end.

 

Silas and Ashley are great characters who work well together. The case they're working on this time seemed very open and shut, but it was unique in the fact that the crime was committed in broad daylight and in full view of many people, but there was no proof. How did the guilty party pull off the crime? And how were Silas and Ashley going to prove it? I was racing through the pages, wondering how this would all conclude.

 

Luana Ehrlich is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for high-stakes suspense. I can't wait for her next release!

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Shadow of Deceit (Shadow Lake Survival #1) by Susan Sleeman

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 Shadow of Deceit (Shadow Lake Survival #1) by Susan Sleeman releasing August 2.

About the Book

When returning to her past threatens her life and a murder occurs…

When Mia Blackburn returns to Shadow Lake to inherit her uncle’s property, she doesn’t expect a threatening warning before she even reaches the rustic resort. And when a fire traps her in the burning barn that very day, she fears she won’t get out alive. Just in time, Ryan Maddox, her ex-boyfriend and Shadow Lake Survival owner, rescues her from the deadly blaze. She’s thankful for his rescue, but after their tumultuous breakup, he’s the last person she wants to see.

Will she be the next victim?

Despite the threatening warning and her residual feelings for Ryan, Mia won’t let anyone scare her from the rustic resort before she fulfills the terms of her uncle’s will and inherits the property. Ryan insists on keeping a close eye on her, and soon Mia feels safer and closer to Ryan than ever before. Yet the threats haven’t stopped, and soon Mia’s inheritance includes a murder, and she could be the next victim.

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS HIGH-STAKES INHERITANCE BUT COMPLETELY REVISED AND NEW CONTENT ADDED.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: The Sun Still Rises: A Charity Anthology

About the Book

Light shines brightest in dark places…

A selfish empress slowly turns to gold. A highschooler's hallucinations reveal a dangerous new world of Faerie. An outcast battles shadow demons to save her people from the plague.

This charity collection of YA fantasy stories celebrates the light found in dark places, just as Lani Forbes once embodied having hope in difficult times. Her spirit shines on through these beautiful, bittersweet tales full of fallen stars and fae princes, werewolves and magic wielders, samurai and smoky skies.

Featuring stories from Ronie Kendig, Jill Williamson, Julie Hall, Carrie Anne Noble, S.D. Grimm, and more!

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a beautiful collection of hope-filled short stories honoring the memory of author Lani Forbes, who sadly passed away from cancer. These YA fantasy stories brilliantly showcase finding hope and light in the darkness.

With any collection like this one, I was drawn to some stories more than others, but each one left me feeling encouraged and uplifted. Some of my favorites were Pixie Dust and Princes by Julie Hall (I hope Hall expands or revisits this story because I want more!), Where I'm Supposed to Be by Callie Thomas (if I had to describe this in one word: enchanting), The Evenglow by Cassandra Hamm (this was such an emotional read. I loved it!), Falling Scales by C.M. Banschbach (I want to read more from this author!), and companion stories, The Weaver and the Dragon by Lauren Hildebrand and To Share the Sky by A.C. Williams (I loved the worldbuilding!) The list could keep going, though, because this anthology is full of great stories. There were many authors I was familiar with, but there were quite a few new ones that I'm looking forward to reading more from.

This anthology is sure to uplift the reader and fill them with hope. 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.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Two Believe (Silas McKay #2) by Luana Ehrlich

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Two Believe (Silas McKay #2) by Luana Ehrlich.

About the Book

It was no ordinary robbery. The suspect is no ordinary thief. The investigator is no ordinary detective.

He’s Silas McKay, head of operations for Discreet Corporate Security Systems in Dallas, Texas.

Silas doesn’t usually investigate stolen merchandise, but when his boss asks him to look into a jewelry heist at Gadise Diamonds, a high-end store in the Dallas area, he makes an exception.

When Silas learns this was no ordinary robbery, and the suspect is no ordinary thief, he enlists the help of Ashley Davenport, who’s no ordinary woman.

It was no ordinary robbery . . .
It happened in broad daylight, no weapons were involved, and there were plenty of security cameras present.

The suspect is no ordinary thief . . .
He’s Todd Harriman, a billionaire’s son, who could afford to buy the entire jewelry store, so why would he devise an elaborate plan to steal merchandise from it?

Ashley is no ordinary woman . . .
She’s a wealthy socialite, about to start her own detective agency, and the last person Silas needs in his life right now, especially since he’s still angry at God for the loss of his wife, and Ashley doesn’t believe in God.

As Silas and Ashley work together to confront the guilty party, Silas must confront his feelings about Ashley as well as his anger toward God. Can Silas believe God wants the best for him? Can Ashley find the faith to believe? Can two believe?

Two Believe is an inspiring suspenseful read from USA Today bestselling author, Luana Ehrlich, and Book II in the Silas McKay Suspense Series, a character-driven, emotion-packed series featuring Silas McKay, a corporate security investigator who’s not afraid to take risks, but who’s a little skittish about making changes.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The last thing I wanted to do this Monday morning was drive an extra twenty minutes in Dallas rush hour traffic.

Friday 56

As we walked across the parking lot, I reminded Ashley there were security cameras in the lobby of the building, and even though I didn't think they were monitored, we needed to look like we were residents.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Jonas (The Minnesota Marshalls #2) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Jonas Marshall is done storm-chasing, plagued with the memory of a terrible accident that paralyzed a fellow chaser, so the last thing he’s going to do is run into more danger. Now, he’s just a simple weatherman deploying dirigibles in an experiment to track weather patterns in Slovenia.

As far from danger as he can get.

But danger comes knocking in the form of hiker in need of rescue, and he can’t deny that her companion—beautiful Sibba Kovac—is a great distraction from the guilt that haunts him…until she paraglides right out of his life.

Probably for the best.

But danger still won’t leave him alone when a storm knocks his dirigibles out of the sky, and he happens upon one that looks tampered with…

It is. And worse, it’s carrying what could be radioactive waste. At least according to EOD expert Sibba…who finds herself face-to-face with the rescuer she can’t forget. But she’s not looking for him—her grandfather is missing, and she’ll stop at nothing to find him.

When her missing grandfather leads to the threat of a dirty bomb, she’s the only one who can stop it. And Jonas is the only man brave enough to run into danger with her. But she doesn’t have room in her heart to love him—not when she lives with death in her periphery. Can the right man, at the right time help her see beyond her fears to a future?

And if they have a chance to save the world, can Jonas let go of the woman he loves?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

God is in the storm. Though the winds blow, and my life feels torn apart, if I can just trust Him, I’ll discover Him at the center.

What an action-packed adventure! The stakes were high and the suspense just kept building. There was hardly a dull moment. I appreciated the fact that despite all the nonstop action, there was a lot of humor and a great message of faith, too. A message that really resonated with me. There were so many passages that I highlighted.

Susan May Warren has the special gift of being able to transport me right into the settings of her books. It's like I'm actually there. I love being able to "visit" places I'll probably never see in real life. So I loved "visiting" Slovenia here.

I really liked Jonas, but it took a while to warm up to Sibba. Though, once I learned more about her and began to understand her better, I ended up liking her a lot. 

This was another great one from Warren. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys inspirational romantic suspense.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Love Script (Love in the Spotlight) 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 The Love Script (Love in the Spotlight) by Toni Shiloh releasing August 1. 

About the Book

A Hollywood hair stylist.

Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

The silver screen's latest heartthrob.

Lamont Booker's bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent's push for a fake relationship--something he never thought he'd consider in a million years.

A love that goes off script.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Behind Closed Doors (The Worlds Behind Book 2) W.R. Gingell

About the Book

When is a curse not a curse? How does a house become a prison? Why is a reformed murderer the only hope for a far-too-easily injured boy?

Athelas has always been opposed to having a small, possibly-cursed Australian boy in the kitchen. When that small boy disappears, however, and Athelas’ housekeeper Camellia strongly encourages him to do something about it, he finds himself wavering.

YeoWoo wants nothing to do with the disappearing Harrow, cursed or otherwise. Caught up with her own investigation and preparations for revenge, she would prefer her housemates to remain unseen and unheard. Entirely absent is even better.

But Athelas and YeoWoo have something in common: they both tread warily when it comes to their housekeeper, who runs the house with a tea-scented, magic-laced rod of iron. Camellia holds the key to Athelas’ pretensions of reformation being accepted—and blames him for Harrow’s disappearance. And she is determined to save Harrow, no matter what it takes.

Life as a reformed murderer would be so much easier if the process didn’t include so much…reformation.

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I didn't think it was possible, but this was even better than the first book. After that cliffhanger ending, I couldn't wait to dive into this one. Just as I've come to expect from Gingell's stories, it was a fun, weird, twisty, fast-paced ride that I couldn't read quickly enough.

I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm gonna try to be careful here. I will say that I loved that we got to see more of some favorite characters from the City Between series. And I liked learning more about Athelas' past, heartbreaking though it was. And I loved watching him try to be a better person. He's still the same twisty fae we all love, but he's working towards redemption, and I'm loving it. Camellia has to be one of the most intriguing characters ever. I need to know more of her story!

I can't say enough good things about this book. I highly recommend it to fans of urban fantasy, but just a warning, this isn't a standalone. It's closely tied to the City Between series, so it'd be best to start there.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Jonas (The Minnesota Marshalls #2) by Susan May Warren

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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Jonas (The Minnesota Marshalls #2) by Susan May Warren. The third book just released earlier this week, so I thought I'd better get caught up. I'm really enjoying this series so far.

About the Book

Jonas Marshall is done storm-chasing, plagued with the memory of a terrible accident that paralyzed a fellow chaser, so the last thing he’s going to do is run into more danger. Now, he’s just a simple weatherman deploying dirigibles in an experiment to track weather patterns in Slovenia.

As far from danger as he can get.

But danger comes knocking in the form of hiker in need of rescue, and he can’t deny that her companion—beautiful Sibba Kovac—is a great distraction from the guilt that haunts him…until she paraglides right out of his life.

Probably for the best.

But danger still won’t leave him alone when a storm knocks his dirigibles out of the sky, and he happens upon one that looks tampered with…

It is. And worse, it’s carrying what could be radioactive waste. At least according to EOD expert Sibba…who finds herself face-to-face with the rescuer she can’t forget. But she’s not looking for him—her grandfather is missing, and she’ll stop at nothing to find him.

When her missing grandfather leads to the threat of a dirty bomb, she’s the only one who can stop it. And Jonas is the only man brave enough to run into danger with her. But she doesn’t have room in her heart to love him—not when she lives with death in her periphery. Can the right man, at the right time help her see beyond her fears to a future?

And if they have a chance to save the world, can Jonas let go of the woman he loves?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

He had to get off this mountain.

Friday 56

"I promise, this is the fastest way down." Sibba stood, harness on, her fluffy orange-and-blue chute spread out across the grassy hill.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Bard Tidings by Paul Regnier

About the Book

The spirit of a warrior lies deep inside a bard. Deep down. Way, way down.

Jonas wakes up each day regretting his position as the king’s bard. He dreams of escaping the kingdom and returning to life as a traveling musician with his best friend Elrick. But when his love Bree is taken prisoner in the castle, he and Elrick must act. Their attempts at rescue go horribly wrong, and the king marks them for death. Now they must flee the kingdom with a hefty reward on their heads.

Meanwhile, the king’s soldiers march to war, placing Bree’s hometown in their path of destruction. Jonas must go from lute player to monster slayer as they travel through dangerous lands on a desperate quest to stop an army.

Their adventures throw them in league with fearsome lycans, stabby assassins, and a cursed warrior. With their help they must survive a pursuing dragon, slay a sorcerer, defeat an army, and of course, compose the perfect song along the way.

Can Jonas and his friends survive the journey and save an innocent town before it’s too late?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

This was so much fun! It was exactly the kind of upbeat and humorous fantasy novel that I've been looking for. I loved the characters, the setting, and the fact that there was a good message too. 

I love a story that I can sink into and feel at home in, and this was exactly that. I felt like I was right there, traveling alongside these reluctant and unlikely heroes on their action-packed adventure. There was never a dull moment. It was fast-paced, exciting, and impossible to put down. If you're a fan of this genre, you're sure to love Bard Tidings. 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

Can't Wait Wednesday: Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham

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 Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham releasing August 1. 

About the Book

The world could do with a little more kindness and positivity and random acts of singing, don’t you think?

Dear Reader, My name is Penelope, and while I may not be a real-life princess, I’ve been told I possess a certain fairy-tale heroine quality. I wield optimism as my weapon of choice, don amazing shoes and vintage hats whenever possible, and speak in musical references. All of which perfectly qualifies me to succeed in my new role as a marketing intern at the historic Darling House theater on the island of Skymar.

Only . . . it seems this internship position is going to be a LOT bigger than I thought. The Gray family, who owns the theater, has been stuck in a rut of darkness ever since the loss of their matriarchs. Now all that’s left is a dying theater, a reclusive grandfather, three siblings, and an adorable seven-year-old girl who desperately needs some pixie-dust magic.

So that’s what this story is about. My plans to save the theater! (Plans that, somehow, keep being stolen by a local competitor.) And an anonymous online theater troupe. And two single brothers who may be vying for this American girl’s heart . . . until they’re not (or maybe they just want me for my ideas too). And a dream job offer that will require me to make a truly heart-wrenching decision. I may not excel at finishing stories, but I promise to see this one through to its happily ever after.

Positively,
Penelope

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope's guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a wonderful historical romance! Y'all know I love a good fairytale retelling, and I've gotta say, this was excellent. One of my favorites in recent memory. I loved all the nods to Snow White. Every time one popped up, I had to smile. My favorite part of the story was the Seven Drovers. They filled the shoes of their Dwarf counterparts so well. I loved them all.

Oftentimes with Snow White retellings, "Snow" comes across as annoyingly and unrealistically perfect, but I was happy to find Penelope to be very likable. Yes, she had the typical characteristics you'd find in Snow White, but she wasn't perfect, and I really liked that. Titus was a true gentleman. Such an honorable and caring guy. He could be stubborn about some things but could admit when he was wrong, which I appreciated. While I thought the villainess was a bit over the top, she fit the part well.

All in all, I really enjoyed this western retelling of Snow White. It was a fun and sweet read that I highly recommend to fans of inspirational historical romance.

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

4.5 STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Behind Closed Doors (The Worlds Behind Book 2) 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Behind Closed Doors (The Worlds Behind Book 2) W.R. Gingell. This is a super fun and twisty sequel. I'm loving this series!

About the Book

When is a curse not a curse? How does a house become a prison? Why is a reformed murderer the only hope for a far-too-easily injured boy?

Athelas has always been opposed to having a small, possibly-cursed Australian boy in the kitchen. When that small boy disappears, however, and Athelas’ housekeeper Camellia strongly encourages him to do something about it, he finds himself wavering.

YeoWoo wants nothing to do with the disappearing Harrow, cursed or otherwise. Caught up with her own investigation and preparations for revenge, she would prefer her housemates to remain unseen and unheard. Entirely absent is even better.

But Athelas and YeoWoo have something in common: they both tread warily when it comes to their housekeeper, who runs the house with a tea-scented, magic-laced rod of iron. Camellia holds the key to Athelas’ pretensions of reformation being accepted—and blames him for Harrow’s disappearance. And she is determined to save Harrow, no matter what it takes.

Life as a reformed murderer would be so much easier if the process didn’t include so much…reformation.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

There was no one in the house when YeoWoo returned that morning. That was a vast improvement over yesterday when the entirety of the two-storey house had somehow been filled with the curious combination of a small, crushed human boy, a very angry housekeeper who smiled through her anger in a worrisome way, and a very nearly dead and far too twisty fae.

Friday 56

Given the nature of his more delicate work, Athelas sighed faintly and set his teacup down precisely on the table beside him at the buzz of the phone, catching Camellia's eye from across the room as he pulled it out of his pocket.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Fractured Lies (Lantern Beach Exposure Book 1) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Lantern Beach has seen its fair share of trouble. But the danger isn’t over yet . . .

As security agent Jonah Gray zeroes in on his current mission, he finds scientist Rachel Atwood in his crosshairs. Right before his foster brother died, he handed Jonah a slip of paper with the woman’s name on it and muttered the word “killed.” But the more Jonah gets to know Rachel, the more he’s uncertain if she’s a killer or a target.

Rachel Atwood hopes to leave trouble behind when she takes a new research position at a cosmetics company located on Lantern Beach. But things aren’t as idyllic on the coastal island as she’d assumed. Something fishy is going on at the waterfront lab, and Rachel is unsure who to trust.

When lies are exposed, Jonah and Rachel's newfound trust is shattered. Can they pick up the fractured pieces of truth in time? Or will a killer’s devious plan destroy them both?

A suspenseful mystery full of romance, forced proximity, hidden identities, secrets, and danger around every turn.

Amazon / Goodreads 

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

My THOUGHTS

We're back in Lantern Beach with the start of this new series! I always enjoy visiting the island and its residents, so I was excited to find out what was going on around town this time.

The mystery instantly grabbed my attention and kept me guessing. Vowing to find the person who killed his friend, Jonah's search takes him to Lantern Beach and scientist Rachel Atwood. With his friend's cryptic last words, and the fact that she was just promoted into his friend's old position at the cosmetic company Ocean Essence, make her his top suspect. But instead of being a potential suspect, could she be the next victim? Something fishy was happening at Ocean Essence, and I was racing through the pages to find out exactly what was going on!

I really liked both Rachel and Jonah. I admired Jonah's loyalty and determination to get to the bottom of his friend's murder. And I could relate to Rachel and her social anxiety. I loved the fact that her favorite Bible verse was mine too!

All in all, I really enjoyed this trip back to Lantern Beach. I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, too. I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense and look forward to the next one.

FOUR STARS