Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 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. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile now and am so excited that I finally got a chance. I'm loving it! 

About the Book

A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party--or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones--the most elusive of all faeries--lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she'll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all--her own heart.

Book Beginning / First Line Friday

Shadow is not at all happy with me. He lies by the fire while the chill wind rattles the door, tail inert, staring out from beneath that shaggy forelock of his with the sort of accusatory resignation peculiar to dogs, as if to say: Of all the stupid adventures you've dragged me on, this will surely be the death of us. I fear I have to agree, though this makes me no less eager to begin my research.

Friday 56

Even though I was looking directly at him, at times it felt as if I were staring right through him to the stars and mountains at his back. I could read only mischief in his gaze, which frightened me more than the malevolence I saw in many of the others, though I couldn't say way.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: When a Dragon Comes Courting (Tales from Karneesia #1) by Claire Trella Hill

About the Book

A young mother and a dragon in a man’s guise meet in the unlikeliest of places….

After her husband is drafted and dies in the Dragon Wars, Roe means to have nothing to do with the bitter conflict. She focuses on providing for herself and her baby daughter, keeping to her own land. But when soldiers drag a bloody prisoner into her farmyard, Roe’s intentions turn to ash.

The prisoner has a frightening magnetism about him, a strange heat and power that Roe doesn’t understand—until she realizes he is a dragon, captured in human form. Both fascinated and fearful, Roe offers what succor she can and earns his regard. Roe is determined to free the prisoner before he is delivered for magical torture—and the dragon is determined to protect her.

Dragons have long memories, and neither soldiers nor sand will keep him from returning for what is his….

When a Dragon Comes Courting is a closed door fantasy romance novella set in the world of Karneesia, the first in the Tales from Karneesia novella series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely adored this sweet, closed-door romantasy! It was a quick and entertaining read that I lost myself in. I was captivated by the characters and the world, and didn’t want the story to end.

I liked Roe. She was fierce and determined. Even when she was scared, she didn’t let that stop her. Her daughter Aish was sweet, curious, and helpful. And I loved their dog Fang, who was a protective and loyal companion. Galad intrigued me right from the start. I was instantly drawn to him and wanted to know everything about him.

I highly, highly recommend this novella. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author and am eager for more.

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

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Tracking Tilly: The Little Red Truck Mysteries #1 by Janice Thompson

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 Tracking Tilly: The Little Red Truck Mysteries #1 by Janice Thompson releasing July 15.

About the Book

Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The End of the Road (True Crime Junkies #6) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

With the future of the Arctic Circle Murder Club teetering on rocky ground, the team members have scattered. But it’s not long before they realize some bonds can’t be broken.

Fearing an adversary from her past will find her, Simmy Samuels runs, determined to find a new place to hide. But Ranger Garrett isn’t about to leave Simmy out in the cold and alone. He’s determined to both protect Simmy and to search for his daughter, whom he thought was dead.

As Ranger and Simmy set out to find his little girl, danger follows them into the vast wilderness of Alaska. Challenges meet them at every turn: unyielding danger, truth that feels more like fiction, and reality blurred by deception.

Will they survive long enough to set things right? Or will this be the end of the road for the murder club?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

The first word that comes to mind after finishing this book is danger. It was nearly constant! I really felt for the characters! They encountered some truly dangerous and intense situations. The bad guys were the very definition of villains. There were many surprising twists and turns, and I was reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next.

I was excited to finally learn more about Simmy and Ranger. They both had mysterious pasts, so I really enjoyed getting their backstories. They’re both really interesting characters. I liked them before, but my respect for them grew even more.

I’m loving this series and am excited to dive into the next book. I highly recommend it, especially to people who enjoy thrilling mysteries with a touch of romance. Start with book one, and you’ll be hooked!

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 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. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs. 

About the Book

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night . . .

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

My life has been defined by bells. The first time, I got whipped in the square for stealing while the old brass bells tolled like laughter. The bells were on their final note the morning I found my mother gone. And when Desmond kissed me by the celestine fountain, the bells kept count.

Friday 56

King Brock rearranged the stars themselves to form a road leading to his home island, and chariots lined up to glide over the celestial pathway, one by one, setting down on the foothills of his quaint home.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Flashpoint (Chasing Fire: Montana #1) by Susan May Warren

About the Book

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

The Hollywood heartthrob and the firefighter with a secret…

Rookie firefighter Emily Micah is determined to prove herself as a new recruit to the elite Jude County Hotshots wildfire team. Assigned to the film set of The Drifters, Emily's mission is to protect the cast and crew from the special effects that could ignite the tinder-dry Montana forest and start a wildfire.

If only her favorite actor—TV star Spenser Storm—wasn’t getting in her way.

What could go wrong?

Haunted by the memory of a rabid stalker, former child TV star Spenser Storm is hoping to revive his career, but he’s torn between the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the life of a cowboy on his family’s ranch in Montana. It doesn’t help when he sees the movie that’s supposed to launch his future is going up in flames.

And then there’s beautiful and brave Emily Micah, who not only saves his life, but seems to understand him, maybe better than she should.

As an arsonist threatens the film production, seemingly with the goal of destroying the movie entirely, Spenser realizes he'll stop at nothing to protect his future and the woman now stealing his heart.

But Emily harbors a secret…one that could destroy the flame between them. And when it comes out, it could cost them everything, and ignite an inferno that could destroy all of the northern Montana forest.

Chasing Fire: Montana Series, Book One—Flashpoint—delivers a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and eager to dive into the next chapter of the thrilling series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

"Fear is believing that evil is in control of your life. Your future. But I happen to know that you are a woman of faith. And faith says that God is the one in charge of your life."

This was a fast-paced, fun, and quick read. I can always count on Susan May Warren to deliver an entertaining, heart-pounding, faith-filled romance. This did not disappoint. I loved it!

Can you imagine saving the life of your celebrity crush? Rookie firefighter Emily Micah did just that when she rescued actor Spenser Storm from a burning building on the set of his new movie. This was such a fun premise! I was hooked and flying through the pages as fast as I could.

I liked Emily and Spenser right away. They had a sweet chemistry between them, and I was instantly rooting for them.

This is the perfect summer read! I’m so excited for the rest of the series.

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes

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 Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes releasing July 16.

About the Book

Some viruses go after the body. But the Nightmare Virus goes after the mind.

When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe, trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus.

Cain Cross is determined to find a cure . . . if he can decipher his brother’s chicken-scratch formula notes. But when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Now, every time he falls asleep, he must fight in a Nightmare Arena until he earns his freedom to live in the “new world” that exists only in the mind.

Then he finds a way to manipulate the Nightmare—to change it by mere thought.

Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival. When the Emperor offers him a LifeSuPod—and access to a cure—in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul.

Will he continue searching for a cure, or will he swear allegiance to the Nightmare? And the bigger question might be . . . will he even have a choice?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Mini Reviews: The Rival Kiss by Jessica Kate & Skullduggery by Beverly Twomey

I have a couple of mini reviews for y'all today. They're both short stories, but that's where the similarities end, lol. One's a contemporary romance, the other is a fantasy featuring a necromancer.

About the Book
This short workplace romance will leave you swooning and eager for more!

Maisie Hastings has an endless list of reasons to be annoyed with high-school-rival-turned-teaching-colleague Harry Latu. The latest: after surprising each other at school late one Saturday night, she discovers his plans to build a rival school. It could threaten the viability of the small private school they've spent their careers in, and shoots to Reason #1 on her Why Harry Is Horrible list. But there's more to Harry's secret plan than she's given him credit for. and when their principal shows up, they both have reasons for not wanting to be discovered.

There's only one good excuse Maisie can improvise of why she'd be here late with Harry - and they'd better make it convincing.

The Rival Kiss is a short romantic prequel to Jessica Kate's full-length 2024 romance Drive You Crazy.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was very short, but very fun! Despite the quick introduction, I was already rooting for Harry and Maisie. I loved their fiery dynamic. And I loved that, despite the obvious animosity between them, sparks were flying. Their chemistry was off the charts! I didn’t want this story to end. What a great introduction to the series! I’m really looking forward to visiting Amity Creek again!

4.5 STARS

_____________________________________

About the Book

Down, down to underground. Six feet under. Soil to drown...

Buried beneath the grounds of the College of Magi, The Necromantic Archives are a vast maze of artifacts, magical protections, and carefully preserved secrets. Very few have ever descended to the lowest levels, and even fewer have made it out alive. But when an unexpected death summons the Necromancer back to the College, he must delve into the forbidden alcoves to find the answers he’s long been denied.

Enter the world of The Necromancer’s Apprentice in this prequel short story and meet your mentor.

Author's Website / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This short story has me so excited for more! The worldbuilding was fascinating, the characters intriguing, and the humor spot on. The Void, the necromancer’s familiar, was awesome, and the heist was incredibly entertaining and action-packed. Reading this story was a fun way to spend the afternoon! You can grab a copy of this short story for free by signing up for the author’s newsletter.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The End of the Road (True Crime Junkies #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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. 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. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring The End of the Road (True Crime Junkies #6) by Christy Barritt. 

About the Book

With the future of the Arctic Circle Murder Club teetering on rocky ground, the team members have scattered. But it’s not long before they realize some bonds can’t be broken.

Fearing an adversary from her past will find her, Simmy Samuels runs, determined to find a new place to hide. But Ranger Garrett isn’t about to leave Simmy out in the cold and alone. He’s determined to both protect Simmy and to search for his daughter, whom he thought was dead.

As Ranger and Simmy set out to find his little girl, danger follows them into the vast wilderness of Alaska. Challenges meet them at every turn: unyielding danger, truth that feels more like fiction, and reality blurred by deception.

Will they survive long enough to set things right? Or will this be the end of the road for the murder club?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

THEN

Charlotte Watkins paused outside the glossy black door and suddenly second-guessed herself.

Was this really what she wanted to do?

Friday 56

As his eyes adjusted to the dark room, he braced himself for whatever he'd find on the other side. 

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Falling Down (The Boy in the Iron Box Book 1) by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan

About the Book
A group of mercenaries on an unsanctioned mission survives a plane crash in whiteout conditions in the Tian Shan mountains. The men are accustomed to danger. Now they’re growing accustomed to fear.

Team leader Liev and his band of survivors are stranded in the bitter winds with little hope of rescue—or outlasting the wolves that have scented blood. In the distance is the apparent sanctuary of an abandoned stone fortress. That an ancient bulwark even exists on this forsaken summit is beyond comprehension. So is what lies on the other side of its walls.

From Academy Award–winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Falling Down, part one of The Boy in the Iron Box, a blood-chilling series of short stories about an ancient secret that was never meant to be unleashed, featuring exclusive interior artwork. Each can be read or listened to in one breathless sitting.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was an Amazon First Reads bonus short story. It pulls the reader right into the action, right into the middle of things, and I was hooked! It was action-packed and full of an ominous sense of dread from beginning to end.

It’s a quick read that can be finished in less than an hour, but be warned, this is only the very beginning of a story that ends in a cliffhanger. Which was a bit of a disappointment, but I’m invested and will be checking out the next installment. It felt like the first episode of a TV series.

Just a warning: this was a bit gory, so if you’re sensitive to that, keep that in mind.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Summers End (A Shady Hollow Mystery #5) by Juneau Black

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 Summers End (A Shady Hollow Mystery #5) by Juneau Black releasing July 9. I love this series and am so excited to visit these characters again!

About the Book

A unique take on dark academia, featuring everyone's favorite vulpine sleuth, Vera Vixen.

It's late August in Shady Hollow, and intrepid reporter Vera Vixen agrees to chaperone the school’s annual field trip to Summers End, an ancient tomb built by an early woodland culture. Naturally, her good friend Lenore Lee comes along to help her.

But when the group enters the tomb one morning, they find a corpse that is distinctly more. . . modern than expected. Digging deeper, Vera and Lenore discover that the deceased was involved in the recent excavation at the site, and very unpopular with their colleagues—including Lenore’s sister, Ligeia. Now the fox and raven must delve into the dark world of academia and archaeology to clear Ligeia’s name. Some creature at Summers End thought they were clever enough to get away with the perfect murder. Can Vera and Lenore unearth the truth in time?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Cole and Laila Are Just Friends: A Love Story by Bethany Turner

About the Book
Cole and Laila have been inseparable since they could crawl. And they've never thought about each other that way. Except for when they have. Rarely. Once in a while, sure. But seriously . . . hardly ever.

Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been best friends their entire lives. Cole is the only person (apart from blood relatives) who's seen Laila in her oversized, pink, plastic, Sophia Loren glasses. Laila is always the first person to taste test any new dish Cole creates in his family's restaurant . . . even though she has the refined palate of a kindergartener. Most importantly, Cole and Laila are always talking. About everything.

When Cole discovers a betrayal from his recently deceased grandfather that shatters his world, staying in Adelaide Springs, Colorado, is suddenly unfathomable. But Laila loves her life in their small mountain town and can't imagine ever living anywhere else. She loves serving customers who tip her with a dozen fresh eggs. She loves living within walking distance of all her favorite people. And she's very much not okay with the idea of not being able to walk to her very favorite person.

Still, when Cole toys with moving across the country to New York City, she decides to support her best friend--even as she secretly hopes she can convince him to stay home. And not just for his killer chocolate chip pancakes. Because she loves him. As a friend. Just as a friend. Right?

They make a deal: Laila won't beg him to stay, and Cole won't try to convince her to come with him. They have one week in New York before their lives change forever, and all they have to do is enjoy their time together and pretend none of this is happening. But it's tough to ignore the very inconvenient feelings blooming out of nowhere. In both of them. And these potentially friendship-destroying feelings, once out in the open, have absolutely no take-backs.

If When Harry Met Sally had a quippy literary love child with Gilmore Girls' Luke and Lorelai, you'd get Cole and Laila. Just . . . don't tell them that.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a fun friends-to-more romance full of endearing characters, hilarious moments, pop culture references, a charming small town, and a big city adventure to boot. 

While I really enjoyed the prologue, I was never fully pulled into the story. Not to say that I didn't enjoy it. I did. I just felt a bit disconnected from what was going on. But that was probably just me and the mood I was in.

I genuinely cared about Cole and Laila and only wanted the best for them. (Which was each other, of course!) And I really enjoyed catching up with Brynn and Sebastian.

I absolutely adored the small town of Adelaide Springs. I wish it was a real town! I'd love to visit it!

There were a plethora of pop culture references, and while I usually enjoy that, there were so many that it kinda pulled me out of the story at times.

While this wasn’t one of my favorite Bethany Turner books, I still had a lot of fun reading it and look forward to her next one.

This is connected to Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, but you don’t have to read that to enjoy this story.

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

THREE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Flashpoint (Chasing Fire: Montana #1) 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. 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. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring Flashpoint (Chasing Fire: Montana #1) by Susan May Warren.

About the Book

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

The Hollywood heartthrob and the firefighter with a secret…

Rookie firefighter Emily Micah is determined to prove herself as a new recruit to the elite Jude County Hotshots wildfire team. Assigned to the film set of The Drifters, Emily's mission is to protect the cast and crew from the special effects that could ignite the tinder-dry Montana forest and start a wildfire.

If only her favorite actor—TV star Spenser Storm—wasn’t getting in her way.

What could go wrong?

Haunted by the memory of a rabid stalker, former child TV star Spenser Storm is hoping to revive his career, but he’s torn between the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the life of a cowboy on his family’s ranch in Montana. It doesn’t help when he sees the movie that’s supposed to launch his future is going up in flames.

And then there’s beautiful and brave Emily Micah, who not only saves his life, but seems to understand him, maybe better than she should.

As an arsonist threatens the film production, seemingly with the goal of destroying the movie entirely, Spenser realizes he'll stop at nothing to protect his future and the woman now stealing his heart.

But Emily harbors a secret…one that could destroy the flame between them. And when it comes out, it could cost them everything, and ignite an inferno that could destroy all of the northern Montana forest.

Chasing Fire: Montana Series, Book One—Flashpoint—delivers a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and eager to dive into the next chapter of the thrilling series.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Clearly, his last hope at a comeback was about to crash and burn.

Friday 56

Fear wins when it makes you do something stupid. That kind of behavior is dangerous - not just for you, but for your crew.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Paws, Claws, and Curses (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery #1) by DeAnna Drake

About the Book
What are cursed artifacts, a talking cat, and a dead body doing in the sweet little town of Citrus Grove? That’s what spirited shopkeeper Rebecca Cuthbert wants to find out, and she had better do it fast because she’s the prime suspect in the murder of the town’s shadiest antiquities dealer.

It’s a troubling start to her reunion with her long-lost grandfather and a far cry from the Southern California vacation she was expecting. So far, nothing in Citrus Grove is quite what it seems. Not her grandfather, who suspiciously disappears at the strangest times, not his curious antique shop, which has more secrets than customers, and certainly not the oddball neighbors, with their hidden motives and questionable connections.

As Rebecca races against time with her new feline friend to uncover the truth behind a mysterious murder, she finds herself tangled in a web of danger and deceit as captivating as Queen Cleopatra herself. With help from unexpected allies and an often-exasperating, yet undeniably handsome detective, Rebecca must outwit the cunning killer before she becomes the next victim.

Dig into this delightful series of cozy mysteries filled with quirky humor, friendships, ancient mysteries, and magic.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

What an exciting start to this new series! The writing style was very inviting, and the mystery was intriguing. I had my suspicions as to who the guilty party was but immediately dismissed them, so I was shocked when the final reveal came. I love being surprised like that.

Rebecca was relatable and easy to like. I enjoyed seeing the growing relationship between her and her newly-found grandfather. He’s a very interesting character who I’m excited to get to know better. And I can’t forget to mention Aneksi. I’m not usually a cat person, but this one is hard to resist. What a fascinating creature! I’m eager to learn more about her in future books!

I really liked the charming Mayberry-esque small town of Citrus Grove. It sounds like such a friendly and inviting place.

I enjoyed this story so much and am very eager for book two! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. It’s so much fun!

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

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

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 of Yes by Courtney Walsh releasing July 2.

About the Book

Sometimes you’re so busy writing other people’s stories that you lose the plot of your own.

This wasn’t how Kelsey Worthington’s day was supposed to go. She wasn’t supposed to be picking up Starbucks for her smarmy boss. She wasn’t supposed to get hit by a car that jumped the curb. And she certainly wasn’t supposed to wake up in a hospital room next to Georgina Tate—the legendary matriarch of New York City businesswomen.

Kelsey and Georgina couldn’t be more opposite. Kelsey’s a dreamer, a writer who questions her own skill. And Georgina is a confident businesswoman whose years of shouldering her way into boardrooms and making her voice heard have made her far too outspoken for the faint of heart.

But now, when Georgina’s failing kidneys force her to face some big regrets about the way she’s lived her life, the two women recognize they share a common thread. Maybe it’s time to confront a few things. They must ask themselves: What if I said yes to everything I’ve always said no to?

With Georgina as her companion, Kelsey soon finds herself doing things she’s never done before. Eating street food. Swimming in the ocean. Matchmaking for Georgina with the help of Georgina’s handsome son. And writing her own romance—both in book form and in real life.

So begins the Summer of Yes.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann

About the Book

She’s a master at spotting a forgery . . . and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown . . . and the timing of their reappearance—just days before a new prince’s coronation—reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend—and perhaps save a throne—before time runs out.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

“I believe in God even when He is silent.”

Oh my goodness! This book was a thrill ride from start to finish! It’s the very definition of unputdownable. I couldn’t read it fast enough. It has everything I love in a good thriller: intriguing mysteries, nonstop action, great characters, gorgeous settings, a powerful message of faith, and so much more!

I loved the friendship between Sophie and Lise. They were so supportive of each other. I liked how they were both trying to help people and right wrongs. It was so great to read about women supporting other women.

There was a lot going on in this book, but it never felt like too much. I loved all the twists and turns.

I’ve read a lot of great books this year, but this one tops the list so far. I’m so glad it’s the start of a new series. I’m very eager for more adventures with the Speranza team. I’ll be thinking about this story for a while! Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it!

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

FIVE STARS