Review: The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain (Tales from Karneesia #3) by Claire Trella Hill

About the Book

A herbalist loses her way in the swamp, only to find herself entrapped by a faefolk lord with a plan.

Tansy finds fulfillment in scouring the swamp near her home for medicinal plants and turning them into remedies. It also gets her out of her family’s bursting-at-the-seams cottage. But when she unexpectedly loses her way, she encounters one of the swamp’s fabled denizens—a powerful faefolk lord. And he won’t let her go.

Aistin must have an heir to inherit and protect his demesne, but in his isolated swamp, he doesn’t have many choices. Now he has a plan for that…and it centers on Tansy.

In order to find her way home again, Tansy may have to bargain.

Sprinkled with elements of Beauty and the Beast and Rumplestiltskin, The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain is the third cozy fantasy romance novella in the Tales from Karneesia series.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads / Author's Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was another beautifully written story by Claire Trella Hill. It’s a quick read that I finished in one afternoon. Despite its short length, it didn’t lack a thing. I loved every second of it.

I liked Tansy and her fiery yet sweet attitude. Aistin was a bit of a mystery in the beginning. I was intrigued yet slightly leery of him, but I ended up really liking him in the end. I loved the banter between them. They had me laughing (and swooning) several times.

If you’re looking for a quick and cozy closed-door romantasy, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly recommend it!

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

FIVE STARS

Book Spotlight: MEOW! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies Edited by Vanessa Morgan

Happy Release Day to MEOW! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies Edited by Vanessa Morgan! I'm excited to spotlight it here today! 

About the Book

Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies is the ultimate movie guide for cat lovers and cinephiles. Whether you are a fan of spine-chilling horror, fantasy worlds filled with cats, or the sudden thrill of a cat jumpscare, this comprehensive book has everything you need.

Explore an extensive list of cat horror movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat. From the eerie and mysterious to the downright terrifying, our furry friends are the central figures in these hidden gems and cult classics.

But the magic does not stop at horror. Meow! also delves into the most famous cat-centric sci-fi and fantasy movies. Find cats that have inspired fantastical adventures, mythical journeys, and futuristic sagas. This guide highlights a curated selection of films where cats play pivotal roles, embodying everything from magical felines to alien beings.

Key Features:

• Extensive Cat Movie List: A meticulously curated list of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy movies featuring cats (including short films), perfect for those seeking a thrilling feline fix or want to know more about the roles of cats in fantasy realms and futuristic adventures.

• Best Cat Moments: Detailed descriptions of iconic cat jumpscares and other memorable cat scenes, short films, and TV episodes that have left audiences gasping.

• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Fascinating trivia and behind-the-scenes stories about the making of these movies.

• Recommendations and Reviews: Expert reviews and personal recommendations to help you choose your next movie night pick.

Whether you are searching for the purr-fect horror movie, are interested in the role of mythology in these tales, or love all things feline, Meow! is your go-to resource. Get your copy today!

Find Meow! on:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iJYvTb

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222823748-meow

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/meow-cats-in-horror-sci-fi-and-fantasy-movies-by-vanessa-morgan

Genre: non-fiction, cats, horror, supernatural

Author & editor: Vanessa Morgan

Publisher: Moonlight Creek Publishing

Format: Paperback & Kindle

Cover design: Gilles Vranckx

About Vanessa Morgan

VANESSA MORGAN is the editor of When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampires Movies, Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children, and Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. She also published one cat memoir (Avalon) and four supernatural thrillers (Drowned Sorrow, The Strangers Outside, A Good Man, and Clowders). Three of her stories became movies. She also introduces movie screenings at several European cinemas and film festivals and is a programmer for the Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels. When she is not writing, you will probably find her eating out or taking photos of felines for her website, Traveling Cats.

Author Links

Websites:
https://cat-movies.com
https://traveling-cats.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_morgan_2405/
https://www.instagram.com/travelingcatsblog/

X:
http://x.com/eeriestories
https://x.com/TravellingCats

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Vanessa-Morgan/100068728236816/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelingcats/

Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/eeriestories/

Newsletter:
http://eepurl.com/i4RcnU

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vanessa-morgan-40d447c0-fdd0-409e-b43c-2f3fa5ddfaf5

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Morgan/

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Secret of Moonrise Manor: A Raven Gallows Mystery by Stephanie Bearce

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 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. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring The Secret of Moonrise Manor: A Raven Gallows Mystery by Stephanie Bearce. This is a fun middle grade mystery. I loved all of the Edgar Allan Poe references.

About the Book

Wednesday Addams + Sherlock Holmes = Raven Gallows—a curious girl who uses her budding skills as a mortician and a scientist to investigate a mysterious death at her small town’s haunted hotel.

Raven Gallows lives in a funeral home and is determined to become a famous detective. Her first case is one close to home—find the truth surrounding her mother’s puzzling death six years ago.

When a mummified man is discovered behind a wall at the Moonrise Manor Hotel, Raven is shocked to see that the body is clutching her mother’s gold and silver locket.

Raven gathers her friends—Cosmina Wilde, who thinks she can talk to ghosts; Miles Farnsworth, who works at the haunted hotel; and Eric Wong, who possesses unparalleled computer skills—and sets out to learn the identity of the mummy. As they follow the clues, they discover more than they bargained for, including a stash of stolen art and a legend of a secret society.

The Secret of Moonrise Manor is a story about family, friendship, and the courage it takes to pursue the truth.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Mrs. Butler looked quite peaceful as a corpse.

Friday 56

The light in the attic moved from gray to iridescent pink as the Sunday morning sun reflected through the lead-glass window.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

In a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water--and in the depths of the human heart

As the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable--train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland--messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I always look forward to a new book from Sarah Sundin. Nobody does WWII romance quite like her! This story was great! While it took me a little bit to get into, it wasn't long before I was completely invested and wondering what was going to happen next.

To escape the Nazis, Cilla decided to become a Nazi spy. It was quite the bold plan, though things didn’t exactly go the way Cilla expected. I will say that Cilla wasn’t the most likable character in the beginning, but I loved seeing her journey and watching her continual growth, and by the end, I did end up really liking her.

Lachlan was a fastidious and serious rule follower. He was the complete opposite of Cilla. They got off to a very rocky start, but I loved their banter. And, despite their differences, they made a great team.

I didn’t really know much about Scotland during the war, so that was fascinating to read about. I also enjoyed reading about all the spycraft. The invisible ink, the coded messages, the double crosses. It was all so exciting!

If you’re looking for an inspirational WWII romance that’s full of intrigue, grab a copy of this book. I highly recommend it.

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

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Perfect Rom-Com 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 The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson releasing February 11.

About the Book

She’s written dozens of smash-hit romance novels. Too bad no one knows it.

Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother’s financially struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. But after a disastrous pitch session, she stumbles into correcting another author’s work in a last-ditch attempt to make a good impression with the agent. And she, as it turns out, is spot on.

No one is more surprised than Bryony when the agent offers her the opportunity to be a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one condition: she’ll write books for this vain, demanding woman just as long as Jack Sterling, literary agent of the legendary Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too.

What nobody predicted, however, was that Bryony’s books would turn Amelia Benedict into the Amelia Benedict, household name and bestselling author with millions of copies sold around the world.

And just like that, the Foundry Agency can’t let her go.

But on a personal note, Jack is realizing he can’t either.

Don't miss the delightful romantic comedy, The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson, a story of two seemingly mismatched hearts brought together by fate, proving that sometimes, the perfect love story is hidden in the pages of a well-loved book.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine (The Rivenlea Sphere #1) by Lindsay A. Franklin

About the Book

A shattered heart, a fate foretold.
The world undone by tales of old.

Emlyn DuLaine just wants to know what happened to her sister, Camille, seven years ago on the fateful day she vanished—literally. Emlyn witnessed Camille unravel and disappear, but no one believes her. Since they think she’s crazy, the least the cops could do is solve Camille’s case. Is a little closure too much to ask?

But Emlyn’s life is upended when she is pulled through a portal into the fantasyland of her childhood imaginings—a magical library holding the storyworlds of every story ever published. And trouble is brewing in the land of Rivenlea. Rogue characters threaten their plot lines, and broken classics are beginning to crumble, but Emlyn only wants to find Camille.

As she searches for her sister, Emlyn begins to learn the reality of Rivenlea and her own origins. A nefarious plot is afoot, and the line between fact and fiction is becoming hopelessly blurred. The truth threatens the storyworlds, Rivenlea, and Earth—the fabric of creation, itself.

Amazon / Enclave Publishing / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

“Stories, Miss Emmy, are what bind us. Stories hold us together and help us think through problems, work through emotions. They take us on adventures, allow us to escape, but even more than that, they help us see the universe more clearly. Through stories, fantastical though they be, we see reality in greater detail.”

I’m having a hard time finding the words to describe just how much I loved this enchanting story. It’s such a unique and wondrous book. I was completely captivated and loved every second of it. Well, except for the fact that it ended. I didn’t want to leave Rivenlea or these wonderful characters.

Emlyn was so likable. So relatable. She joins the list as one of my favorite heroines. She’s sassy, sarcastic, awkward, funny, and sweet. And so much fun to read about. Frank was awesome! Mischievous, at times, but the best! I liked Wistlee right off the bat. She had such a kind soul and was such a great friend. As was Phen.

The worldbuilding was excellent. I was so intrigued by Rivenlea and curious about Emlyn’s connection to it.

I loved the message that being different isn’t a bad thing. That it brings something new and unique to the table. That there is a purpose and a role for everyone.

I don’t want to say too much more and spoil the fun, but, goodness! This was an absolute blast! As soon as I reached the end, I wanted to go back to the beginning and start it all over again. Needless to say, it gets a big recommendation from me. I can’t wait for the sequel!

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Where I Found You (Magnolia Bay #1) by Betsy St. Amant

About the Book

From beloved author Betsy St. Amant comes an enemies to more, Hatfields and McCoys swoon-worthy contemporary romance set in a small beach town that reminds us that true love is worth fighting for.

Noah Hebert recently inherited the Blue Pirogue Inn—along with all its problems. He needs money to keep his beloved childhood home from being shut down by his family’s longtime nemesis, Isaac Bergeron. So when Noah’s lawyer approaches him about an additional segment of his late grandfather’s will, it’s just in the nick of time. But even from beyond the grave, his grandfather is up to his usual games. In order to receive the last portion of inheritance, Noah must follow the clues. But there’s one condition…

Magnolia Blossom Cafe manager Elisa Bergeron is shocked to discover an acquaintance from the local Puzzlers Club left her something in his will—and even more surprised to discover they are clues to a portion of his estate. When she learns she must work with introverted inn-owner Noah Hebert to solve the puzzle, she’s torn. Growing up in the middle of a multi-generational feud between their families, she’s been taught by her father Isaac that Heberts can’t be trusted.

When these two exes must work together to save their future, will love get a second chance or will the longstanding family feud claim another generation?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely adored this book! I was immediately pulled in and invested in this enemies-to-more, second-chance romance. I loved the town of Magnolia Bay, the wonderful characters, and the strong message of faith.

I liked Noah a lot. He was a bit of a grump, but he had a good heart. It took me a little bit longer to warm up to Elisa, but I ended up liking her a lot too. There was a bit of a Hatfield/McCoy-style feud between the Bergeron and Hebert families. Despite that, sparks were flying between Noah and Elisa. They had a complicated history, but, goodness, their chemistry was off the charts! I was really rooting for them to work past their issues because they were great together.

The treasure hunt was a lot of fun. It was so clever. I loved seeing Noah and Elisa work together. I also really enjoyed getting to know Noah’s grandpa through the clues. Even though he was no longer there, his presence was felt.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and inspiring romance set in a charming small town, grab a copy of this book. It doesn’t disappoint. I’m eager to visit Magnolia Bay again in the next book!

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

FIVE STARS