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A New Life

Reflections of Michael, #4

by

L.J. Ambrosio

 

Live true to yourself and love others as they do the same.

 

A New Life is the fourth book in author L.J. Ambrosio’s emotionally exploratory and character-driven series, Reflections of Michael. This book follows Ron and Louie’s relationship after the death of their beloved canine companion, Rhonda. 

Life has almost come full circle for Ron. Once the young wanderer whom Michael took under his wing and mentored, Ron passes along what he’s learned in his life to Louie, the confused young stray he met as the manager of the Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris. Where once he was the one seeking his place in life, Ron has found his purpose and is finally ready to end his self-imposed exile and return home to the US. He also feels Louie has come into his own and will survive nicely, with more confidence, comfortable in his own skin and the answers to his questions about his sexuality. I was glad Ron invited Louie to move out of the bookstore and into his apartment with him. And although nothing could ever replace Rhonda in their hearts, Mikey, the Jack Russell puppy, was a lovely addition to their lives. 

This story was full of heart and surprises as Louie finds his footing as a leader among his politically active friends, or when he befriends a sick and lonely older man, pursues possible new love interests, and bravely deals with being the target of bigots. Ron, Louie, Mikey, Madam, and so many of the characters had worked their way into my heart that the ending absolutely gutted me. It brought a very emotional closure to Ron and Louie’s story. 

I recommend A NEW LIFE to fans of the previous books in the series. 

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

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Bright Midnights

Limerent, #2

by

L.S. Delorme

 

Thrilling new-adult paranormal romance!

 

Bright Midnights may be the second book in author L.S. Delorme's enthralling new adult paranormal romance Limerent series, but readers just discovering it will easily be able to step right into the tale. This book and its predecessor are what can be termed foundational, introducing characters, themes, and storylines that stand alone but will eventually converge in a future volume.

While high school is tough for almost everyone, it is even more so for 17-year-old Amelie. Her only escape is in her "dreams," where one night she encounters a mysterious young man, Clovis, to whom she finds herself inexplicably drawn. As she learns his story and their connection to each other, her special gift is revealed to the wrong people, and the life she'd finally started learning to cope with goes sideways. 

I was initially attracted to the book by its intriguing premise and quickly became a fan upon getting to know the story's main character, Amelie McCormick. Her lifelong and self-guarded secret struggles with her health immediately drew my sympathy, as did her difficult relationship with her family, especially her mother. Amelie's circumstances felt unique among the majority of the books of this genre, with her hillbilly-ish family and her acceptance into her high school's elite crowd. Just at face, her problems were going to be different, and these differences lent themselves to some fresh interactions and situations. The unique ways her powers affected her classmates, teachers, and anyone in her vicinity when she relaxed her restraint were fascinating, also leading to surprising, unanticipated results. Her flying forays into her dream world will strike a chord with many. The sequences are vivid and eerie, and much like what we all experience at times, but hopefully, without the surprise crossovers into the physical waking world Amelie has. Just a reminder that this book is intended for a new adult audience. The story is related through multiple points of view, and there is a creepy sexual interest in the main character by a vice principal at the school, and readers sensitive to such should take note. 

With its engaging and relatable main character and its fresh, intriguing plot, I recommend BRIGHT MIDNIGHTS to readers who enjoy paranormal romance, suspense, and thrillers. 

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

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The Summer I Remembered Everything

by

Catherine Con Morse

 

A summer of growth, love, and remembrance.

 

The Summer I Remembered Everything by Catherine Con Morse is a wonderful young adult story of a pivotal summer in Emily Chen-Sanchez’s life. With her perfect older sister, Emilly always felt she was playing a losing game to shine in her parents’ eyes. While she had always admired, perhaps, idolized Tessa, she was also jealous, and her feelings led her into constant arguments with her overachieving older sister. When a less-than-satisfactory grade on her end-of-year report card grounds her for the first three weeks of summer vacation, she figures getting a job will at least get her out of the house and give her a break from her family. She applies to be a companion to an elderly neighbor lady, Mrs. Granucci, thinking she’ll be helping her around her home with her daily activities; however, the lively senior is vivacious, active, and busy with life. Yet, she is harboring a secret; her little episodes of forgetfulness are just the start of a hidden problem, something much more serious. 

Emily is such a relatable girl, with her dreams and innocent desires, and the summer is one of coming of age in so many ways. She’s got the short end of the stick with a bad case of sibling rivalry, topped by having very cautious, anxious parents. Her mother has just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and is undergoing treatment. Her best gal pal is in London for the next several weeks, and her best friend, Matt, has a crush on another girl, again. But this time, his crush on a girl with so many similar interests just hits differently for Emily. Now, her new employer and growing mentor, Mrs. G., swears her to secrecy about her declining mental acuity and memory issues. Any one of these situations would be a handful for a sixteen-year-old to handle, so it’s no wonder that mistakes are made and lessons must be learned. 

The story really struck home for me, having had to care for someone, also not a family member, with cognitive decline. Things happen or get said that truly catch you off guard. The incident where Emily is accused of stealing is not an uncommon tale; it occurs frequently as loved ones progress through their disease, and it is hard to take, difficult to overcome, and move on. The situation between the two sisters was emotional to read about. I appreciated how the author had the characters confront their differences and air their feelings and perspectives. As time passes, you realize that having a sister is a truly unique relationship. 

I recommend THE SUMMER I REMEMBERED EVERYTHING to readers of young adult fiction, especially those looking for a POC perspective. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through Toppling Stacks Tours.

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The Unknown Truth

by

Libby Hall

 

Frank, unvarnished journey toward mental health.

 

The Unknown Truth by Libby Hall is a frank and unvarnished recounting and examination of the author’s life as she struggled with mental health issues. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to define and identify what contributed to her eventual diagnosis of complex PTSD, enhance her path to healing, and give others who are also struggling with similar issues and feelings a blueprint for taking action. 

Libby was born into what for years she thought of as a ‘normal’ family, but the opposite proved to be the case. What was normal for her was just what she was accustomed to living with. Her mother suffered from severe depression, and Libby’s relationship with her set the stage for her own struggles later on as the mother of three boys and her relationship with them. 

By writing journal entries, Libby could focus on pinpointing her feelings and beliefs about her life and self-worth. One of the major issues she quickly uncovered was her belief that her concerns weren’t as worthy as others’, which caused her to downplay her needs, even in therapeutic settings. 

As the oldest child of three, she also pushed herself to excel and seek approval in everything she undertook, in order not to become a bother to her parents. This tendency added pressure to be strong and independent, as she sought to receive the love she was entitled to. Her story is honest and open, and told with understanding and common sense, and made for some very eye-opening revelations. 

I recommend THE UNKNOWN TRUTH to anyone with questions about their feelings and with mental health questions.

 

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

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Gone to Ground

by

Morgan Hatch

 

Goals clash as a young man battles powerful, unseen adversaries in this dark and gritty thriller.

 

Gone to Ground is the clever new thriller by Morgan Hatch that pits a gifted high school senior from the wrong side of town against the wealthy, privileged, and politically connected over the fate of his neighborhood and the homeless denizens of an eyesore section of land. A large piece of undeveloped real estate in East LA is eyed as the perfect location for the terminal for the new high-speed rail project under construction, and monied and politically savvy backers rush to take possession. Unfortunately, it is also the site of a large, long-established, and well-entrenched homeless encampment. 

High school senior Javier Jimenez has always had his younger brother Alex’s back, but lately, he’s been replaced in his brother’s esteem by the fast-talking minions involved with the local gang, Denker Street. Already burdened by bills and helping to keep their overwhelmed mother’s head above water, he’s tried to talk Alex off the path he’s going down, but to no avail. 

Underdog Javier is an unusual protagonist but a worthy adversary in this complex tale of divergent storylines. He’s got so much going against him, yet he’s on a successful road leading to college and a bright future afterwards, especially considering his natural financial proficiency. He’s an engaging character, soon to face difficult choices as things get dark and gritty, and you can’t help but root for him.

 I really liked how the author structured the plot, developing several seemingly unconnected storylines at the start. Each, in itself, is an intriguing thread, and I was surprised by the way they all eventually converged to create the larger story. 

GONE TO GROUND is book one of a planned trilogy, so I am already anticipating more from this author. I recommend this book to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy a grittier tale or one set in Los Angeles but away from the bright lights, glitz, and glam. 

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

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Spoons

by

J. Corn

 

Colorful, simple, and comforting story about missing and remembering our loved ones who have passed on.

 

Spoons by J. Corn is a helpful children’s picture book about how we can gain comfort from loss by remembering our loved ones who have passed on before us. Grief, loss, and loneliness are natural feelings after the death of someone we love, but when missing them, remembering the good times with them and their special traits or talents or things that made them happy can lessen the pain of loss and make those reflections a positive and healing experience. 

The author conveys these ideas through the whimsical story of the Spoon family whose Grandmother Spoon has died and becomes Grandmother “Angel” Spoon. Mom and the young Spoons miss her physical presence in their lives as they go about their day. But when they remember how she, too, enjoyed the same activities they were doing that day, they began to feel she was with them in spirit. The author color codes the lines of dialogue to the colors of the Spoon family members so readers can easily identify which of the Spoons are talking. This lovely picture book, with its simple message, would be a gentle way to open discussions with young children about the loss of someone in their lives.

 I recommend SPOONS to families with young children who have recently experienced the loss of someone in their lives. 

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

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Dream by the Shadows

The Shadow Weavers Duology, #1

by

Logan Karlie

 

Atmospheric slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers young adult fantasy.

 

Dream by the Shadows is the first book of the Shadow Weavers Duology by author Logn Karlie, and it is an atmospheric young adult enemies-to-lovers tale within a frightening world of nightmares and dreams, shadows and light. Young Esmer’s world falls apart when her parents succumb to “The Corruption,” a horrific disease that turns normal people into slavering, demonic killers, plaguing her village. With her only desire being the protection of her younger brother, she soon becomes a pawn in an eternity-long struggle between her world’s leader, Lord Mithras, the Light Bringer, and the evil antithesis known as the Shadow Bringer. 

Esmer Havenfall is the heartbreakingly engaging young heroine trapped by the circumstances of her parents’ actions and their subsequent deaths. She already carries a load of guilt, feeling responsible for her older sister’s death, and she is the only support for her sweet, much-loved younger brother, Elliot. I was exhausted for this young woman, as each time she tried to sleep, she found herself in the nightmarish Dream Realm, where she encountered the notorious and reviled Shadow Bringer. 

The plot moves quickly as the author builds a complex setting and an intricate system of magic. There’s a lot of ground to cover, and I had some difficulty keeping up at times. I enjoyed the push-pull of Esmer’s emotions toward the Shadow Bringer as she was both repulsed by his reputation and sympathetically drawn to the man suffering behind the mask. The descriptions of the diverse and vivid settings were at times lush, stark, and always atmospheric. 

As I mentioned, I did have some trouble comprehending the full nature of the world of Noctis, the lore, and the magic system; it was just that vast. It took the entirety of the book for me to gain a modicum of comfort with it all, as much is revealed during scenes in the Dream Realm that early on played out with all the well-known confusion one experiences in a nightmare. The excitement of the story really takes off toward the end of this book, leaving me anxious for the next, so I can see how this will all resolve. 

I recommend DREAM BY THE SHADOWS to readers of young adult fantasy. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through Toppling Stacks Tours.

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Sins of the Father

Detective Nathan Parker, #4

by

James L’Etoile

 

A threat from Parker’s past teams up with a dangerous new foe.

 

Sins of the Father is the fourth book in author James L’Etoile’s gripping Detective Nathan Parker series, and pits the canny lawman against a merciless new foe: a seemingly all-knowing and unstoppable criminal organization that even has the Mexican cartels on defense. While investigating a corpse found at a desert crossroads by a vanload of Boy Scouts and their leaders, Detective Sergeant Nathan Parker of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office inadvertently gets involved in a federal Joint Terrorism Task Force operation. After being arm-twisted into working with them, he suddenly finds himself on his own and back in charge of the case when the task force is discovered to be compromised and Red Dawn, the very organization they’re hunting, abducts their loose cannon of a group leader. 

What a great story! The complex plot is full of surprising twists and turns that reach several years back to the murder of Nathan’s former partner, Josh McMillan. His coworker and close friend died in Nathan’s arms, and it has taken him a lot of time and professional help to begin to cope with the emotional trauma. When another detective is critically wounded while working with him on this new case, Nathan quickly realizes he and the man’s partner, Barry Johns, are emotionally vulnerable and should seek out support as soon as they are able. The secondary plot about the experiences of the wounded detective and his wife, forever waiting in the hospital, was so accurately portrayed that it was almost difficult to read. 

The activities of Red Dawn drew in a perplexing cross-section of Phoenix’s society. Multi-millionaires running foundations, rich college students chasing a good time, immigrants minding their own business, and even Nathan’s old friend and Miguel’s boss, the former coyote, Billie Carson, appear to have nothing in common at first, but connections slowly come to light as Nathan and his team follow the clues. Nathan is smart, persistent, and persuasive, putting together a cohesive team that includes both his former and current girlfriends, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Lynnette Finch and Deputy Linda Hunt. 

The relationship between Nathan and Linda continues to deepen, progressing to the point where she and Leon are considering moving in with him and Miguel. Their love for each other and their sons is strong, both having overcome baggage from their pasts. This case definitely puts their connection to the test. In addition, I really loved seeing how Nathan’s relationship with his adopted son, Miguel, has normalized to a natural father-son feeling, and they’ve developed a solid family unit. 

With its strong personal storyline and complex criminal investigation, I recommend SINS OF THE FATHER to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy a good police procedural with an emotional personal story.

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

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The Everest Enigma

Abbie Bradford Mystery, #1

by Jeannette de Beauvoir

 

Stunning locations, an intriguing setting, and a puzzling mystery from the past.

 

The Everest Enigma is the debut novel in veteran author Jeannette de Beauvoir’s exciting Abbie Bradford Mystery series. Abbie, a trust fund baby from an old, established Bostonian family with a fresh new PhD in history, is recruited by bestselling historical romance author Emma Caulfield to accompany her on a research trip for her next book to Kathmandu, Nepal, and the Everest Base Camp. At loose ends since achieving the terminal degree, Abbie agrees only to discover, once in the mountains, that there is more to the trip than her new employer has let on. Emma hasn’t told her everything she needs to know about their adventure, and now people around them are being killed. 

Abbie Bradford, with her unusual childhood and opportunities, is the engaging and surprisingly amusing narrator of the story, and her ‘voice’ hooked me from the very start. She easily adapts to what’s thrown her way as the mystery unfolds around her. Interesting side characters offer plenty of suspects, and the plot twists keep the story exciting and moving forward in unforeseen directions. The unusual setting and the details of the world of mountain climbing were intriguing and unexpected highlights for me, and they have me wondering what could possibly top them in Abbie’s future. 

I recommend THE EVEREST ENIGMA to mystery readers, especially those who enjoy cold cases and dramatic settings as a background to the action. 

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

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The Spirit of Vanderlaan

Samantha Hayes, #1

by

Susan Harris Howell

 

A fun, quirky start to a warm, non-traditional new mystery series.

 

The Spirit of Vanderlaan is the first book in author Susan Harris Howell’s new mystery series featuring the nurturing university psychology professor, Dr. Samantha Hayes. In this first adventure, supernatural experiences on campus involving her and her students, including some more than coincidental room assignments and a death linked to the professor’s past, have them puzzled. This was a perfect kick-back, relax, and enjoy book for the end of my day, and I found the story warm, nostalgic, and completely engaging. 

Samantha Hayes is a delight, and she is absolutely surrounded by outstanding supporting characters, especially her cadre of teaching assistants and the small knot of students who are regulars in her classes and during her office hours. I enjoyed the easy camaraderie that developed between Samantha and her students and was reminded of my college days with the fun and thoughtful mentors and friends I met while in school. I had to laugh at an incident early in the book where Samantha had to adjust a disgruntled and privileged student’s demands for service! I really look forward to seeing more of this crew. 

I recommend THE SPIRIT OF VANDERLAAN to readers of cozy paranormal tales. 

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