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Final Cut

Hollywood Mystery, #1

by

Marjorie McCown

 

Murder on location at an already troubled movie production.

 

Final Cut is the first book in author Marjorie McCown’s fascinating new Hollywood Mystery series, and it features Hollywood costumer Joey Jessop as the unlikely and reluctant amateur sleuth. Joey’s latest job is as the key costumer for a new superhero epic, a film she had doubts about accepting because her ex is the assistant director, and the director, while a hugely successful moneymaker, has a problematic reputation for creating a toxic working environment. From the first day of photography, Joey’s doubts appear to have been well founded, but things go from bad to worse when she discovers the body of the second assistant director, her ex’s new love interest, in the surf on the beach near the shoot. Suddenly, Joey, who lives her life pretty lowkey, is in the media’s spotlight and is attracting a lot of attention from the police. 

I loved Joey: her personality, her expertise, and her ability to navigate so well in such a highly charged work setting and demanding career. Her running explanations of what goes on behind the scenes to costume a film were fascinating, and her care and concern for her coworkers, staff, and actors made me like her even more. Due to the early trajectory of the police investigation, she is almost obligated to get involved in investigating Courtney’s murder and determine the truth behind what’s going on with the film. She did a good job gathering information and putting things together. 

She’s joined in the story by a cool variety of secondary characters, some involved in the film or the film industry, but a few are not. There were some strong personalities at work throughout the story, and several quirky individuals, as well as real celebrities, made an appearance or were mentioned, keeping the story interesting and current. The Malibu/Hollywood/LA setting is familiar, but the author’s descriptions were vivid and fresh, and I almost felt like I was seeing these places in person for the very first time. 

The plot moves quickly, first with prep for the film and then picked up even more as tragedy strikes the set and the murder happens. I was so absorbed in the story I was surprised at how much time had flown by as I’d read. This cozy mystery is perfect for a relaxed, kicked-back with a book evening. 

I recommend FINAL CUT to cozy mystery readers, especially those interested in behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories and filmmaking.

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For You I’d Break

Peace Falls, #1

by

Hannah Jordan

 

This exceptional second-chance romance kicks off a new series!

 

For You I’d Break is the exceptional first novel in author Hannah Jordan’s wonderful new Peace Falls romance series, and I’ve never encountered a better treatment of the second-chance romance plot. Great characters, a charming small-town setting, and complex, realistic emotions and problems all combine for a fantastic series debut. 

The female main character, Rowan Stevens Norris, has returned home after discovering her husband cheating and to recover from injuries sustained during a freak accident with a person riding a Segway. Cal Cordoba is the leading man whose past has caused him to reject emotional commitment in relationships. He’s returned to his hometown of Peace Falls to join an established medical practice as a physical therapist. Although the two went to the same high school, they did not run in the same social circles; Cal was the football star, and Rowan was the invisible introvert. They reconnect when Rowan’s mother schedules her for PT with the now-Dr. Cordoba and the sparks fly. 

Both Rowan and Cal are surrounded by good friends or family, most of whom also have their own emotional burdens. Cal and his friends, Adrian and Theo, share a past tragedy that they are all still paying for physically and emotionally, and their daily struggles are realistic. Lauren, Cammie, and even Avery have their own heartbreaks to overcome. 

There is conflict between Rowan and Cal from the start but there is a ton of chemistry as well. While I enjoyed the push-pull of their relationship, I couldn’t put the book down until I got to the HEA. The dialogue throughout the story absolutely sparkles and is a major highlight of the book. I laughed out loud quite a few times because the banter was so witty. The author does a wonderful job creating the town of Peace Falls and populating it with memorable people without killing the plot with details and exposition. I am already looking forward to catching up with these characters as the series continues. 

I recommend FOR YOU I’D BREAK to romance readers, especially those with an affinity for tales of second-chance romance.

 

Check out this and my other book reviews HERE and register for the giveaway before it ends. The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

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A Small Town Christmas

by

Florence Witkop

A lovely Christmas novella with a slow-build romance, a starting-over plot, and a little touch of danger.

When Leah is unexpectedly laid off from her accounting job, her only choice is to take up residence in the old Victorian mansion her great-grandmother left her in her will. Her plan is to renovate and sell it and fund the next chapter in her life. However, the dilapidated condition of the old house immediately sidetracks those plans; Leah doesn’t have the kind of money needed to even get it ready to give away let alone make a substantial profit. Thankfully, there’s a steady income from the renter of the carriage house on the old property, and the hunky Knox just happens to specialize in renovating the type of Victorian homes that this Christmas town is famous for. Still, Leah is going to have to find a job to supplement her income to get the old house back in shape and on the market so she can get on with her life.

A SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS by Florence Witkop is quite a lovely holiday-themed novella with a slow-build romance, starting over plot, and a little touch of danger. The author’s storytelling put me right with the characters as they work together to remodel a dilapidated old Victorian home left to the heroine by her great-grandmother and keep their day jobs going.

When the owner of the Christmas shop where Leah is employed suffers a medical emergency, she and Knox step up to keep his beloved business going despite her apprehensions and relative inexperience in retail and the spate of business burglaries that are starting to plague the Christmas town. There is such a warm hometown feel to this story: a closeness among the neighbors and shop owners that it feels like the possible start of a series. (I’d vote yes!)

I recommend A SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS to readers of romance, especially those who enjoy a holiday-themed story.

Available on Amazon.

 

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Las Mañanitas: The Beautiful Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Ernesto Joel Rosales and Jeanette Gonzalez Seneviratus; Illustrated by Dana Sanmar 

A delightful introduction to the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Juan Diego, and her annual veneration. 

Las Mañanitas is a wonderful children’s picture book that explains the story of the appearances of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the religious observations (and the title of the book) that occur in December. It introduces and gives the background circumstances of Juan Diego, the first Catholic saint born in the New World. 

The story is told from the viewpoint of a regular family with children participating in the events for the first time, and it is delightful, straightforward, and colorfully illustrated. Grandpa recounts the inspirational and historical tale while Grandma prepares the traditional costumes her young grandchildren will wear during the celebration. Best of all, the book provides the entire story in realistic but simple dialogue in both Spanish and English, side by side or one above the other on the page. Language students could use the book for a simple and interesting reading comprehension exercise and a glimpse into this cultural aspect of Catholicism in Mexico and other Latin American countries or communities. 

I recommend LAS MAÑANITAS: THE BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION OF OUR LADY OF GUADELUPE to young children and their families, especially those interested in Our Lady and the Saints. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy via Netgalley.

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Vibrations: Children of Atlantis

by

A.R. Alexander

 

A unique tale for upper middle-grade readers featuring magic and myths, friendship, and trust.

 

Vibrations: Children of Atlantis by A.R. Alexander is a unique adventure for older middle-grade to younger young adult readers featuring magical realism and two determined teen protagonists tasked with defending the world against an ancient enemy. Incorporating elements from several mythologies, Nada Gilbride and Kani Kakoa are all that stand between their world and complete destruction. 

The author has created a pair of unique main characters in Nada and Kani. Nada is deaf but can see sound waves. She learned to speak by mimicking the pattern of the waves she observes from others. Kani, while able to hear, can see the vibrations of energy and has learned to manipulate them. Urged from a young age to hide their unusual abilities from others, both are naturally full of questions about their gifts. Since the adults in their lives refuse to talk about it, they are desperate for answers, especially when their abilities seem to be attracting creatures only found in myths and legends and even affecting their physical well-being in public. Their confusion and need for clarity are well portrayed, and I was drawn to their situation and anxiety over not knowing what was “wrong” with them. 

The story’s suspense builds quickly with the appearance of supernatural creatures and the subsequent attention of a mysterious trio who seem to know more about their situation than they do followed by an involuntary stay with the FBI at a secret research facility. But a simple field trip to a museum where an ancient artifact awakens and causes both Nada and Kani to blackout brings things to the attention of someone close by that can finally deliver the answers the teens crave. Unfortunately, the explanation of what was behind their abilities and reactions was not clearly explained enough for me, and I was left feeling I didn’t really have a better understanding of what was going on or the magic system in play than what I’d gotten from the book’s blurb and the kids’ own suppositions. I enjoyed the growth in the relationship between the two main characters, leading to the trust they would need to complete their trials later, as well as the budding, sweet romance (which kept this story appropriate for younger readers.) However, their pairing as a team during their training and the training itself is glossed over, while much more story is expended on a rivalry with another couple to be the champions who will defend the world from destruction. 

The link to Atlantis, which given its prominence by appearing in the title, was only given a superficial explanation, leaving me wondering how all these teenagers with special abilities were connected to it. There were other instances of plot points suddenly popping up without explanation. I enjoyed that some inanimate objects were sentient, so there were some fun moments where a plane was complimented to keep her happy, and a platform was thanked for allowing their back to be used as a training surface, but there wasn’t an explanation of why these objects were aware, and others weren’t. Also, it just pops up that Auntie apparently had a rival from her past who is now the director at the island where the teens are undergoing their training. On the other hand, the various settings were diverse and vividly described, so I always had a clear picture in my mind of where the action was taking place. 

I recommend VIBRATIONS: CHILDREN OF ATLANTIS to upper middle-grade readers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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What Meets the Eye

(Kate Myles, #1)

by

Alex Kenna

 

Absorbing mystery featuring a female PI who was a successful LAPD detective before being sidelined by a car accident.

 

What Meets the Eye is the first entry in the Kate Myles private detective series and the debut novel for author Alex Kenna. When a well-known painter is found dead in a downtown loft apartment, it appears to be suicide and with her history, it’s plausible. But as PI Kate Myles digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that hint Margot Starling’s death might just be a case of murder. With an engaging and sympathetic main character and a stellar plot, the book grabbed me from the start, and I didn’t want to put it down! 

Kate Myles, the detective on the case, has a heck of a tragic backstory. Injured in an on-duty accident, she’s still not fully healed physically. Kate is still mentally working through what happened to her and coming to terms with her new future, unable to continue to work for the LAPD. She became addicted to the pain meds she was prescribed during her recovery, and her attorney husband used this during their divorce to win custody of their small daughter. 

John was not the supportive spouse he could have been during her struggle with pain and later addiction; he was already involved with a colleague at work. He’s also a controlling and petty sort who manipulates Kate by withholding or curtailing her weekends with their daughter. But I liked how Kate had dug herself out of her addiction, had gotten her PI license, and was trying to rebuild her life. Kate is strong-willed, determined, and doesn’t give up. Her investigation is top drawer, and I liked how she is able to reach out to former LAPD colleagues for assistance and reciprocate when she can. She has a good, solid reputation she can still trade on. 

The case is an intriguing one and has some unique aspects to it. The art world setting was exotic and fresh, with many big personalities involved. I liked how the author brought in several points of view in addition to Kate, and I enjoyed how the backstories were presented in flashback vignettes. The writing style was easy to read, and the story just flowed. I was swept up in Kate’s investigation and only looked up after I’d read more than half the book. 

I recommend WHAT MEETS THE EYE to mystery readers who enjoy detective fiction with a strong female protagonist or an art world setting. 

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

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I’m Beautiful Because I Am:

Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care

by

Azizi Tuere

 

Joy-filled, relatable, and sharable!

 

I’m Beautiful Because I Am is the first book in author/illustrator Azizi Tuere’s children’s picture book series “Because I Am…,” and it is a lovely, joyous story of a young girl’s search for what made her HER. With its engaging main characters and gorgeous illustrations, it was easy to linger over each page and consider the child’s many discoveries. 

From the cover to the very end, readers will notice that the illustrations are joyous and joy-filled, employing a vibrant color palette that makes each scene sparkle with magic. Every step of the main character’s journey through her day is relatable. Whether she’s outdoors soaking up nature, enjoying indoor hobbies and activities, or spending time with a friend or family pet, the familiar examples of the daily life of a child provide opportunities to share relatable experiences customized for the little ones in your life. At the end of the book, the author even offers suggestions for enrichment activities that are simple, doable, fun, and meaningful. 

I recommend I’M BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE I AM to readers with young ones in their lives. 

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

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A Celtic Yuletide Carol

Christmas in the Castle

by

Jennifer Ivy Walker

 

A satisfying holiday-set tale of love and loss, healing and redemption.

 

A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker is an excellent addition to the ongoing Christmas in the Castle collection and even features characters from some of the author’s previous works. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces and learning how their lives had progressed since their stories were first told, and I loved getting to know the new personalities. However, the book is absolutely a standalone novel. 

Laudine, the matriarch of the de Landuc clan, is a renowned healer and knows that some members of her own family are in desperate need of her more subtle skills. Her middle son, Cardin, suffered an emotional crisis when his beloved wife died giving birth to their son, and in his anguish, he blames his own lust for Charlotte and, consequently, the child Lukaz for her death. Refusing to even look at the baby, he tries to outrun his grief by posting to far off Aquitaine in the service of his king, leaving his son to be raised by his older brother and his wife. Although in excellent and loving hands, as Lukaz grows, he’s subjected to the scorn and bullying of the older boys serving as squires in his uncle’s household, who taunt him with accusations of being a bastard or abandoned or unwanted. After six long years, Laudine knows that if she can just get father and son reunited, love will heal them both. 

With the help of her most skilled student, Ulla, she plans to fake a fatal illness and sends for Cardin and his older brother, Gaultier, to return home to Brittany, claiming it is her dying wish to see them for her final Yuletide season. Ulla, although an accomplished healer, is also suffering emotionally from the loss of her husband and young sons a couple of years earlier. Formerly a talented singer, the horror of their deaths left her mute, and she had returned to Laudine and the one place she knew she could find safety and, hopefully, solace. She spends her days preparing herbal medicines and hunting with her wolf, Vill, and falcon, Finn. However, she avoids the presence of babies and children because of the intense pain and sorrow seeing them now causes her. Still, when young Lukaz needs someone to teach him archery, Laudine asks her to take on the task in hopes their close contact will help repair the damage in Ulla’s heart. 

The author does an amazing job developing these characters’ histories and establishing their states of mind, and I was completely invested in their journeys toward healing, love, and redemption. The women are strong and capable characters despite the tragedies they’ve endured in their lives, and the sons de Landuc are the strong, responsible, yet caring products of their decent, loving parents. Cardin has a rough start initially, trying to assuage his grief with drink, dicing, and brawling. He’s become irresponsible and selfish in his pain, and Gaultier has carried him for six long years. His weak starting point makes his redemption that much more of an emotional journey for us all. 

The author employs multiple points of view to tell the story, and her writing style is compelling yet easy to read. She doesn’t waste a single sentence, though, as each one is full of atmosphere, vivid description, and action: almost full stories themselves. The settings of Aquitaine and Brittany are interesting and well-developed, and they include a subplot dealing with the political events of the time with historical figures mentioned throughout. This storyline is where much of the conflict and suspense of the book resides, as Cardin is targeted as a patsy for an evil man’s ambitious plans for his own gains. The political machinations are a fascinating part of the story and beckoned me to read more about the history involved.

I recommend A CELTIC YULETIDE CAROL to readers of historical romance, especially those who like a holiday setting in their stories. 

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

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Plenty

by

Kelly K. Lavender

 

A violent tale of the vulnerable victim of a cruel, corrupt sheriff who fights back!

 

Camille White had been a rebellious teenager, a product of disinterested, self-absorbed parents. But after her father is sent to prison and her mother commits suicide, she is taken in by Grammy Barbara, whose steady patience and love turns the young girl’s life around. Inspired to help younger teens avoid her mistakes, overcome drug addiction, and escape similar unhealthy existences, Camille volunteers to be the teenage outreach coordinator for the police department, where she meets Grant Griffin, the son of the sheriff. Grant and Camille are on fire for each other, but his father is completely against their relationship, deeming Camille an unfit whore and addict and not good enough for his son. However, he quickly realizes he can use her weaknesses to further his corrupt activities and keep his son in line doing his bidding. But one night, Gordon Griffin goes too far, and Camille decides that enough is enough. 

Plenty by Kelly K. Lavender is shorter length, hard-core novel of betrayal, cruelty, sex, drugs, and murder. The narrative is gritty, the action violent and messy, and many of the characters depraved. Camille, the people who try to help her, and even Grant suffer, including death, at the hands of the evil sheriff with so much power within his grasp. The author deftly connects the storyline dots and ties together a number of disparate plot points. 

PLENTY is recommended for readers of domestic horror. Sensitive readers should be aware the content of the story includes suicide, suicidal thoughts, sexual abuse and assault, on-the-page murders and deaths, strong language, and other violence. 

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

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Scars of the Heart: Short Stories

by

Bob Van Laerhoven

 

A fascinating collection of short stories from a master storyteller.

 

Scars of the Heart is a collection of short stories by Bob Van Laerhoven that sweep the reader from wherever they are to a fascinating, often gut-wrenching, reality in venues around the globe, both past and present. Each tale is a gem that evokes an emotional response that will stay with readers long after the pages are turned. 

The stories, for the most part, are set in far-flung locations, the very corners of the world, many in war zones, with the conflicts being the catalysts for what is to come. In other tales, the war is in the mind of the narrator, who may be fighting a losing battle against betrayal or guilt. Diverse settings and cultures enhance the atmospheric nature of the tales as the author reveals the characters’ struggles and insights, often with surprising twists at their conclusion. His writing made each narrator come to life and solidified their situations and surroundings so concretely I felt present in the story. 

With his vividly constructed scenes and realistic portrayals of people on the edge, I recommend SCARS OF THE HEART to readers of fiction, action/adventure, thrillers, horror, and fans of short stories. 

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