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Cinderella Busted

Cinderella Romances, #1

by

Petie McCarty

 

Heartwarming second chance romance!

 

Cinderella Busted is the first book in author Petie McCarty’s fun and frothy Cinderella Romances series, and it kicks off these fairytale retellings in style. When specialty nursery owner Lily Foster is mistaken for a wealthy Jupiter Island socialite, she decides to go with the misunderstanding and enjoy a fun evening out among the local rich and famous. What she didn’t count on was falling head over heels for her billionaire escort nor for him to be the money behind the development company trying to run her off her land. 

Lily Foster has always been driven to excel at school or work; she wanted to make her father proud. But now that he’s gone, she’s the owner of the family nursery business and making it a success. She’s done well for herself except when it comes to her personal life, as she’s always been too busy and focused to have any fun. I couldn’t blame her for wanting to have one fun evening out with the handsome Rhett Buchanan. Her mistake was in not revealing her true position at the nursery right away. She made an assumption that Rhett wouldn’t accept her for herself. 

Rhett Buchanan, a self-made billionaire, is much like Lily in his drive and focus. He made an assumption about Lily’s presence at the nursery based on what she was wearing. He was smitten from their first meeting, and their time together only solidified his initial feelings for her. However, his history with women, including a devastating betrayal at an early age, has left him wary of any woman’s motives for wanting to be with him. With deep-seated trust and self-esteem issues, it doesn’t take much for him to assume the worst about Lily’s masquerade. 

The couple’s relationship runs from one end of the strong emotions spectrum to the other, and all in one week’s time. The chemistry between the two is unmistakable, and their tempestuous relationship reveals the depth of their emotions for one another. Each has good friends in their corner who can see how well they are suited for one another and try to get them back together. However, there are also a couple of dirty players working to throw a monkey wrench in the works for their own benefit. The back-and-forth twists and turns make for an exciting and heartwarming romance. 

I recommend CINDERELLA BUSTED to romance readers who enjoy second-chance romances, fish-out-of-water tales, and enemies-to-lovers storylines.

 

See this and my other book reviews at Guatemala Paula Loves to Read!

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My Year of Casual Relationships

South Bay, #1

by

Ruth F. Stevens

 

Absolutely wonderful and thoroughly satisfying!

 

My Year of Casual Relationships by Ruth F. Stevens is a new adult contemporary novel filled with memorable characters, unlikely friendships, love and loss, and self-discovery. Mar Meyers is an icon for healing, growth, and second chances. 

The main character, Margaret ‘Mar’ Meyers, is putting together a new life, including a new persona after her husband of 28 years leaves her for one of his employees. As often happens, Mar loses not only Henry (good riddance!) but also their couple friends, who gravitate toward the newly-formed couple rather than the newly single Mar. Worst though is the contentious relationship that develops with her only child, Michael, who’s married and has a young son of his own, Mar’s grandson, Benny. Michael inexplicably takes his father’s side in the divorce, even though Henry is the one who had the affair and broke up the marriage. I ached for Mar with every unhappy and ugly interaction with her son but had strong suspicions as to the underlying reasons for his behavior all along. 

Mar’s mother, who lives across the country from LA in New York City, is another unfulfilling relationship in her life. Whether due to her British stiff-upper-lip demeanor or the fact that she’s completely self-absorbed, she’s no source of comfort or support for her daughter when she needs it the most. She seems so cold and unfeeling, which may be the reason for some of Mar’s own personality flaws. Mar struggles with being standoffish, critical, and expressing empathy. She is well-known for speaking her mind without considering the consequences of her words until it is too late. However, despite her initial emotional distance, she experienced significant personal growth as the story progressed, and I liked her more and more for it. 

The author’s writing style is smooth and comfortable, and it drew me into Mar’s life from page one. I was genuinely interested in what Mar thought and had to say. The descriptions of the fitness center, Mar’s waterfront apartment, restaurants, and clubs she frequents are vivid, and I could easily picture the characters in these settings. I enjoyed the names Mar initially gave to the women regulars at the fitness center, which also created a strong image of each. However, I was glad she got past this superficiality and eventually got to know them and their true identities. I was delighted to see at the end of the book that the planned sequel is already in the works and is scheduled for publication very soon. I’m not ready to leave Margaret’s story behind. 

With its relatable and sympathetic main character and realistic plot, I recommend MY YEAR OF CASUAL RELATIONSHIPS to readers of contemporary and women’s fiction. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.

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On The Block: Stories of Home

edited by Ellen Oh

 

Welcome to The Entrada! You’ve come home.

 

On The Block: Stories of Home is an anthology of twelve connected vignettes, edited by author Ellen Oh, that portray the diverse families in residence at the New York apartment building known as The Entrada. Each chapter, appropriately titled by the apartment number of each new middle-grade-aged narrator, is a lovely gem and tells of the young resident’s life in the days leading up to the building’s first community potluck. 

The stories explore the cultures and concerns of the new young immigrant, and while their origins are global, their hopes and fears are universal and relatable to all readers. I loved that the connections among the families while beginning with a common address, became personal through the friendships of the building’s child population. I enjoyed the concurrent points of view of events or encounters among the children, two or more people observing the same event but “seeing” or interpreting something from it that was entirely different. And I’m not talking about the paranormal activity threaded through some of the tales, though there is that! 

Food is a common thread running through the collected tales. There are numerous scenes of family meals, and some of their favorite dishes may be unfamiliar to many readers. However, they are tempting just the same because of the authors’ tantalizing descriptions. The story culminates in the building’s big community potluck on a wonderful summer Saturday evening. 

At the end of the book are the contributing authors’ biographies, including the titles of their previous works. That information alone is gold and could provide additional stories for the targeted age group to enjoy.

I recommend ONE THE BLOCK to readers of middle-grade fiction, especially those interested in getting a peek into a different culture. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

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The Cats’ Museum

by

Viviana Falleti

 

This based-on-the-truth story blossoms with colorful fantasy!

 

The Cats’ Museum by Viviana Falleti tells the history of the cats that have inhabited the famed Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, from the 18th century to the present. The cats were originally brought into the museum by Catherine the Great to combat a rampant rat problem, which they still do to this day. The initial recruits did such a good job their numbers eventually swelled to as many as 74, and staff was assigned to attend to their needs and daily maintenance, as well as weekly brushing and monthly health checks. Once a year, Catherine would provide an amazing feast for these small essential workers consisting of delicacies specifically chosen to please the feline palate. In 2005, the Hermitage Museum began holding the annual “Day of the Hermitage Cats” celebration. The areas in the museum where the cats reside are opened up, and the cats are allowed to mingle with the public. A cat-themed festival is held on the grounds for all to enjoy. 

While relating this history, the author also whisks readers into an imaginative and whimsical behind-the-scenes look at the annual feline feast. What we have is a magical evening of food and fun, complete with a feline dance recital in traditional costumes. The fantastical tale is beautifully illustrated in luscious colors with intriguing details to explore again and again. The cats’ faces are delightfully expressive, and their appearance is so varied that cat lovers will be able to find an example of their favorite furry friend. Key felines are revealed to have traditional Russian names. 

The narrative is perfect for reading aloud and includes questions to engage young listeners further. I recommend THE CATS’ MUSEUM for young readers and listeners, especially those who have a soft spot for cats. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.

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The Barber, The Astronaut, and The Golf Ball

by

Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis

 

The story of the warm and enduring friendship between The First American in Space and his barber, Carlos Villagomez, and a peek behind the scenes of the early days of the space program.

 

The Barber, The Astronaut, and The Golf Ball was written by the wife and husband team of Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis, co-owners of the Brazos Bookstore in Houston, Texas, and both the grown children of a NASA engineer and a NASA scientist. Besides revealing the story of the souvenir golf ball, the book is a wonderful recounting of the warm and enduring friendship between Alan Shepard and his barber, a local cultural icon and civic leader, Carlos Villagomez. 

The history is fascinating, and the shared anecdotes wonderfully humanize The First American in Space, Alan Shepard. The book is thoroughly supported by the extensive research – reading and interviews – conducted by the authors, including memories of their and the space program’s formative years. Readers should be sure to read the lengthy Introduction, which explains the authors’ connection to the program through their fathers’ amazing careers. I really enjoyed the human history of the program participants as well as the many facts I’d never heard that were worked into the narration. I also gained new insights, more respect, and even awe for the courage of our astronauts and the innovation (especially when under pressure) of our engineers and scientists at NASA. 

While much has been written about the stars of the Astronaut Program, this work provides a candid view of Shepard both at work and at home, revealing a sentimental and caring side to the man. It is also the story of Carlos Villagomez, and it is fascinating on its own. One of 13 children and a Navy man himself, what he did and accomplished in his life in his hometown of Webster, Texas, was especially noteworthy and inspirational reading. While Shepard was a national hero and an American icon, Villagomez achieved the same status here at home. 

The story was a delightful surprise, and the Acknowledgments and extensive list of Sources at the end of the book provide additional works to check out. I recommend THE BARBER, THE ASTRONAUT, AND THE GOLF BALL to readers of biographies and memoirs, especially those interested in the American space program and real-life heroes. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.

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Poetic Justice

Restaurantland Romance, #2

by

Kathleen McFall & Clark Hays

 

A deeply satisfying 1990s return to love at the Rose &Thorn Restaurant.

 

Poetic Justice is the second book in authors Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays’s Restaurantland Romance series and features Rosalyn “Roz” Anders, a prominent secondary character from the series’s debut novel, Kitchen Heat. Once again, readers are treated to multi-faceted characters dealing with serious, realistic struggles as they navigate their way to true love. 

Roz Anders is fighting for her sobriety, and it’s a day-by-day battle to control her addiction to alcohol. But when head chef Clay hires new line cook Hudson Destry, there’s an immediate attraction that gives her an added incentive to stay on course. However, her previous failed relationships and her debacle of a play for Clay the prior year have made her gun-shy and cautious of moving too fast, wanting to give whatever is growing between them a proper chance to flourish. She pours her heart and soul and struggles into writing poetry and is finding some surprising success when she shares her work at local readings. 

Hudson, newly released from prison where he was incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit, is keeping the details of his past under wraps for now. Through a justice project, his wrongful conviction is under review, and he is slowly getting closer and closer to being exonerated for the crime. Hudson wants to share everything about his past with Roz, and while he can be open about being an ex-con, his lawyer has advised against discussing any other aspects of his case until the court makes its final decision. Little does he know a messy twist of fate is about to complicate his relationship with her. 

I loved how the authors told this story from both the woman’s and the man’s point of view and portrayed the physical, emotional, and practical struggles these two characters faced, one as an alcoholic (the aching need for a drink) and the other as an ex-con (the difficulties finding a job and how people judge and forever relate to them.) But between these two damaged individuals, the chemistry is absolute FIRE when they are falling in love and gut-wrenching when they are falling apart. 

The story is set in early through the mid-1990s in a turbulent and environmentally-conscious Oregon. Hudson and Roz’s younger sister are both committed eco-activists. Still, while Hudson favors a non-violent approach to saving Mother Earth, Camille is not averse to using more hard-core methods. The plot unfolds along multiple timelines, moving back and forth through Roz’s and Hudson’s pasts to highlight how the characters came to be working at the Rose & Thorn Restaurant in their present psychological states and the nexus of the tragic lie that put Hudson in prison. I did have a little difficulty keeping the shifts in timelines straight, requiring one to pay strict attention to the chapter headings with dates that progressed days, weeks, or months. However, I did enjoy this method of revealing the backstories of the characters. 

The staff at the Rose & Thorn is still the quirky collection of characters they were when introduced in book one, though it took me going back to my review of that one to refresh my memory as to who everyone was; there are quite a few people to keep straight. As the story progressed, dropped clues to each person’s backstory also helped bring me back up to speed. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember why sweet Meredith was involved with Rob until the mention of her dissertation.

The plot is compelling, interesting, and, at times, suspenseful regarding the eco-terroristic activities, Hudson’s exoneration, and the couple’s rocky journey to a forever romance. The diverse secondary characters entertain and tease more stories to come. I recommend POETIC JUSTICE as a definite must-read for romance readers who enjoy a not-too-distant-past setting, the Pacific Northwest, or a culinary theme in their stories.

 

Read more of my book reviews at Boys' Mom Reads!

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Encounters With Old Coyote

by

Laura Koerber

 

Quiet and thoughtful tales of a life well-lived and what comes after.

 

Encounters With Old Coyote, a new novella by author Laura Koerber, is the story of a life, the existence of a higher being and afterlife, nature, and our place in all of it. After receiving a diagnosis of cancer, Andrea commits a gentle suicide under the stars in a favorite out-of-the-way campsite, simply expecting oblivion. However, she becomes aware that she is now in an afterlife she never believed existed. As she floats above her lifeless body, Old Coyote, a supernatural spirit dubbed the Trickster, arrives at her remote and final fireside and subtly starts her on her next journey with a story. As Old Coyote explains, “…that’s how people understand things. By telling stories.” 

Andrea does the storytelling, and readers get clear images of the life she’s led over the past 70-plus years. Although seemingly a random collection of memories, each one is a gem depicting a journey taken during her lifetime, some in which she makes an impact on another person or creature and others which impacted her. The stories range from sojourns in the natural world to a dark, eerie dream to a childhood road trip with her family and a bizarre late-night encounter at a suddenly and frightening remote campground. The settings are vividly descriptive, with desert beauty and dusty, dry heat, barely navigable, rocky two-tracks, and colorful yet stark canyonlands. Andrean tries to elicit direct answers from her odd spirit guide with these memories from her life but ultimately ends up with more questions from him. Eventually, acceptance seems to be the key to what comes next. 

I recommend ENCOUNTERS WITH OLD COYOTE to readers who enjoy stories with magical realism. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Murder, She Wrote: A Killer Christmas

Murder, She Wrote, #59

by

Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran

 

As Cabot Cove plans its biggest Christmas season ever, someone adds murder to the holiday Calendar of Events.

 

A Killer Christmas is the 59th novel in the long-running Murder, She Wrote mystery series penned by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran, and this latest tale does not disappoint. All the regulars are present and accounted for, with some newbies on hand, just in time for the holidays and a homicide. 

Reading a new mystery set in Cabot Cove is like returning to your cozy book hometown. Jessica Fletcher, Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff and Maureen Metzger, and so many others feel like family. With each added adventure, I’m always left in awe of how the authors maintain such perfect continuity from story to story and are able to work in so many familiar residents. In this story, the whole town comes together to plan a Christmas calendar of events to rival any in the state to win the title of Maine’s Christmas Town. 

The plot unfolds quietly with a lot of focus on the planning of the holiday events, setting arrangements in motion, and Eve trying to secure the sale of a large mansion on the cliffs overlooking the cove that will net her substantial commission. While interesting because I like Jessica and her circle of friends and acquaintances, I thought the build-up toward the murder took too long, Rose Marie’s death not occurring until over halfway into the book. Her death occurs almost on the page, in front of several women, including Jessica, and no one saw anything to make them believe that her time was imminent. And a recent altercation with another character distracts everyone on the case. However, the truth does not stay hidden long, and there is an interestingly calm and tragic resolution to the investigation. 

I recommend A KILLER CHRISTMAS to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy holiday-themed stories. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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Frozen Lives

Coroner’s Daughter Mystery, #4

by

Jennifer Graeser Dornbush

 

Compelling story as Dr. Emily Hartford tries to stop a kidnapper who may also be a serial killer.

 

Frozen Lives is the fourth book in author Jennifer Graeser Dornbush’s excellent Coroner’s Daughter Mysteries, but readers new to the series can easily catch up and enjoy this latest case. The author does a fabulous job smoothly establishing the characters’ backstories without slowing down the current action. With a strong, likable female protagonist and a riveting plot, I was so completely absorbed in what was going on that time flew by. I enjoyed every minute of it. 

Successful Chicago surgeon Dr. Emily Hartford is smart and capable in her profession. With the extra skills acquired years earlier working side by side with her father, the coroner of her old hometown of Freeport, Michigan, she comes to the aid of her best friend, Jo, when her young son disappears from a local lakeshore playground. Jeremiah is found safe, but the circumstances surrounding his abduction remain shrouded in mystery, and there are indications that he may still be in danger. 

Even before Jeremiah’s disappearance off the deserted beach, Jo’s life was becoming a hot mess. With three school-age children and a demanding hospital nursing job, she’s been living the tough life of a single parent because her husband, Paul, is on the road for business more than he’s home and shouldering his fair share of family responsibilities. (Later, readers will discover this situation is a common thread in the story.)  Although he’s not happy with his work demands, he has refused to take steps to improve his situation, which I immediately thought was weak and suspicious. 

After the events in previous books had put her engagement to her surgery clinic partner, Brandon Taylor, on hold, she has finally gotten to the point where she’s ready to get their relationship back on track, something he had been advocating for already. However, her involvement in Jo’s troubles elicited some odd comments and weird vibes from Brandon and had me questioning their fit as life partners. 

The story is suspenseful and agonizing when young Jeremiah is missing, and there are several shocking twists, including an ultimate cliffhanger finale, that left me gasping. I recommend FROZEN LIVES to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who would enjoy a great small-town Michigan setting and fans of the previous books in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

 

Follow the link above BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 2024 for a chance to win a copy of FROZEN LIVES.

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A Hush at Midnight

by

Marlene M. Bell

 

Exciting and suspenseful culinary-themed cozy mystery!

 

A Hush at Midnight by fan-favorite veteran author Marlene M. Bell is a new culinary-themed cozy mystery, and this intriguing who-dun-it kept me right on the edge of my seat from the start. The suspicious death of the elderly matriarch of a wealthy local family propels her friend, Chef Laura Harris, to push for answers when the local deputy/coroner seems convinced that it is natural causes. However, when a twist in the will reveals Laura is the woman’s beneficiary, the police take notice, and suddenly, she’s suspect number one in a murder investigation. 

Laura Harris moved from California to the small Texas town of Coldspell to spend precious time with her dying mother in her final months. In the days that follow, Laura takes her mind off her grief by helping a friend with her struggling bakery business. She also makes time to visit her elderly friend and mentor, Hattie, who lives in another town some distance away. 

It’s been ten years since Laura and Hattie last spent time together, and Laura discovers her friend is frail and ailing. The neighbor woman who is helping out as a part-time caregiver doesn’t seem to offer much comfort or care to her friend, and when she hustles Laura out the door after a too-short visit, Laura feels uneasy. Her worry only increases on her drive back to Coldspell, and she turns around to go back and relieve her mind that things are okay. On her return, no one answered the door at the main house, and no one seemed to be on the property. Laura hears Hattie’s corgi barking from inside the guest house and discovers Hattie’s body there in the groundskeeper’s bed. 

Laura is a steady and loyal friend and a highly motivated sleuth, but boy, does she have a hot mess on her hands: her mother’s recent death, Hattie’s death, accusations of food poisoning and acts of sabotage at her friend’s bakery, a questionable pilot boyfriend, and then she’s pegged as a suspect in her friend’s murder! The cookbook she’s writing is going to have to take a backseat for a bit! 

The plot moves quickly, with Hattie’s death occurring early in the book. The initial foot-dragging by the local deputy acting as coroner to take a closer look at the evidence was frustrating, and Laura’s outsider status as a friend rather than next-of-kin didn’t help. With each chapter, some new twist or obstacle appeared, and strange phone calls, texts, and slanderous fliers ramped up the suspense and feeling that Laura was being expertly manipulated. All these elements kept me thoroughly engaged in getting to the final resolution. 

I recommend A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy culinary-themed storylines. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

 

Click the link above BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 2024, for a chance to win an A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT GIFT BOX.