Book Review - The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham

Photo Credit - Amazon

Agatha knows everything about Meghan but, Meghan doesn't even know Agatha. Agatha looks forward to seeing Meghan every day when she comes into the grocery store where Agatha works.  Agatha thinks Meghan has a perfect life. Meghan is effortlessly chic and has two children, a handsome husband, a devoted marriage, and a gorgeous house. Meghan is the writer of a popular parenting blog that Agatha follows and reads each night while waiting for her boyfriend and the father of her unborn child to return her calls.

Meghan's life might look perfect from the outside but, her perfect life is filled with secrets and doubts. Meghan and her family have a few secrets that they will keep secret no matter what the cost. After an incident occurs, the pair finds their lives and future entwined with each other.

I was excited to read the book but, I did find the novel to be predictable. A few of the secrets weren't noteworthy but, as the story progressed we did find out more shocking ones.  However, I did find the writing to be engrossing and made a normally boring train ride entertaining. I might be open to reading more books by the author in the future.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Photo credit - Amazon

Camden Grayson loves a challenge. Her professional career has never been better but, the rest of her life needs improvement.  Her sisters believe that her motto of "moving on" isn't helping her. Cam's life gets all topsy turvy when her father sells their childhood home to buy a remote island off the coast of Maine.

Paul Grayson and his deceased wife shared a dream of returning to the camp where they first met and fell in love. However, while Paul was busy chasing his career, his wife passed away during an unfortunate accident. He decided that he spent too much of his time waiting to achieve their dreams and decides to buy the island. He believes that he already wasted time he could have spent with this wife but, now he can use this time to bond with his daughters. Will the island provide solace to the family? Will they be able to find their path of happiness?

I grew up and spent most of my time in the city but, I have visited a few islands. Living on an island or even a small community has a different pace of time. A person can breathe and reconnect with each other and Mother Nature. The novel showed how people sometimes get caught up with the daily demands of life that they forgot to take time and reconnect with themselves and each other. The novel was a nice cozy read about three sisters finding their path to happiness along with a few twists.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston + Giveaway

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Sophie couldn't wait for the holiday break so she can spend time with her boyfriend and away from her overprotective parents. When her parents decide to spend some time with her older sister, Sophie is beyond ecstatic to have her freedom. Sophie couldn't wait to tell Griffin the news but, then she finds out that Griffin wants to take a break from their relationship.

Sophie is heartbroken and decides to spend her time at her grandparents' house where the entire family is gathered for the holiday. Her Nonna has a brilliant idea to help Sophie get over her pain by allowing each one of her family members to plan a different blind date for her. With each date allowing Sophie to get over Griffin and enjoy herself, she finds herself lost for words when Griffin begs her to take him back.  However, Sophie is more confused than ever when she finds herself falling for someone else. Will Sophie be able to find the person she should be with?

I thought the novel was a cute and fun read especially when someone is going through heartbreak. However, I was a bit put off by some of Sophie's behavior such as almost ghosting someone when she realized she might like someone else. I thought as she experienced first-hand someone being less than kind with her that she would be better. Or when she felt that excluded from her cousins and instead of telling them how she felt, she pulled away from them. And then she feels hurt when she doesn't feel included in their plans.  I feel like as a person who has been heartbroken or lonely, she isn't very empathetic to people around her. Overall, I still found the novel to be an enjoyable read especially the dates she went on.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book

Title: 10 BLIND DATES

Author: Ashley Elston

Pub. Date: October 1, 2019

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 336

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship.

Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents' house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That's when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.

When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she's started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.

This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever . . . or is it?

"This piece-by-piece romance doesn't need its Christmas theme to sell, but it makes it glitter all the more."—Booklist

"In a funny holiday romance that has Sophie dog-sitting in a hockey rink, watching porn at a drive-in theater, and playing the Virgin Mary in a middle school Nativity, Elston cleverly reflects the family members' personalities through their choices of dates for Sophie."—Publishers Weekly

About Ashley:

Ashley Elston is the author of several novels, including THE RULES FOR DISAPPEARING (a finalist in the Best Young Adult Novel category of the International Thriller Awards) and THIS IS OUR STORY. She graduated with a Liberal Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Ashley worked for many years as a wedding photographer before turning her hand to writing. Ashley lives in Louisiana with her husband and three sons.

Ashley is represented by Sarah Davies at The Greenhouse Literary Agency.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of 10 BLIND DATES, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2987/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/1/2019- BookHounds YA- Excerpt

10/2/2019- Odd and Bookish- Review

10/3/2019- Fictitiouswonderland- Review

10/4/2019- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

Week Two:

10/7/2019- PopTheButterfly Reads- Excerpt

10/8/2019- Read. Eat. Love.- Review

10/9/2019- Paper Reader- Review

10/10/2019- A Bookish Dream- Review

10/11/2019- Savings in Seconds- Review

Week Three:

10/14/2019- book briefs- Review

10/15/2019- Shelf-Rated- Review

10/16/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Review

10/17/2019- Do You Dog-ear?- Review

10/18/2019- Wishful Endings- Review

Week Four:

10/21/2019- Southern Girl Bookaholic- Review

10/22/2019- Eli to the nth- Review

10/23/2019- fictitious.fox- Review

10/24/2019-  Fire and Ice- Review

10/25/2019- Two points of interest- Review

Week Five:

10/28/2019- Riddle’s Reviews- Review

10/29/2019- Jena Brown Writes- Review

10/30/2019- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review

10/31/2019- Novel Novice- Review

 

Book Review - Dory Fantasmagory: Tiny Tough by Abby Hanlon

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When Dory's big sister, Violet is having friend trouble at school, Dory tries to help. However, Dory's vivid imagination takes over and  Dory believes that Violet's problem involves pirates. And Violet's lost friendship bracelet is a hidden treasure that Dory needs to find. When Dory tries to help Violet locate her missing bracelet, she starts having her own friend troubles when her imaginary friend Mary, decides to go on vacation with another friend.

The novel was a quick and fun read. It has the perfect mix of silliness while teaching kids about building a lasting friendship. I enjoyed reading the fun adventures of Dory's overactive imagination.

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Week One

September 30 – Hopkins Homeschool – Review + Creative Instagram Picture

October 1 – Storymamas – Review + Activity

October 2 – Two Points of Interest – Review

October 3 – The Pages In-Between – Creative Instagram Picture + Review

October 4 – Drop and Give Me Nerdy – Review

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The fifth adventure in the enormously popular Dory Fantasmagory series takes on the tried-and-true theme of childhood friendships, and turns it on its head, Dory-style.

     When her big sister Violet has friend trouble at school, Dory tries to come to her rescue. But Dory's active imagination takes over, and she is sure that Violet's lost treasure (a friendship bracelet) has something to do with pirates. In search of the treasure, Dory meets up with a real pirate crew and finds that a pirate's life is harder than she thought. At sea, Dory longs for her imaginary friend Mary. But Mary has gone off with an exciting new friend of her own and Dory is crushed with jealousy. Just when things can't get any worse, Dory's old enemy, Mrs. Gobble Gracker shows up and Dory's ocean adventure takes a surprising turn.

     There's a ton of treasure in Dory's fifth adventure as Dory mixes in pirates, pals (real and make-believe), and her own imagination into one wild and wet free-for-all.

AUTHOR BIO

Abby Hanlon has taught creative writing and first grade in the New York City public school system. Inspired by her students' storytelling and drawings, Abby began to write her own stories for children, and taught herself to draw after not having drawn since childhood. She lives with her husband and two children in Brooklyn.

PRE-ORDER LINK

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/600197/dory-fantasmagory-tiny-tough-by-abby-hanlon/

Book Review - The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ailsa Calder's mother recently willed her an old Scottish manor. However, only half of the house belongs to her. The other half belongs to her father who disappeared twenty-seven years ago with diamonds. Ailsa is torn between leaving her life in London behind and returning to her childhood home. She returns to get the house in order before selling and asks her half-sister to join her.

While spending time at the Manse, Ailsa feels claustrophobic and can't sleep. She feels drained and tired. She senses someone is watching her and especially when she hears stories about the manor's past. Then one night an intruder shows up causing Ailsa to fear what secrets the Manse might be hiding. Will Ailsa be able to move on from her father's disappearance?

I have read the "French Girl" and liked it but, this novel left me baffled. While the "villain" was unexpected, I felt disappointed. The novel dragged on and on only for a mediocre ending. I was left with more questions than answers. This novel is an easy pass and not worth even a second glance.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate

Photo Credit - Amazon

Natalie Groves has big dreams and hopes but, when her fiancé, Jeremy Walters, suddenly breaks up with her, she felt lost. Her father was then diagnosed with cancer, which left Natalie struggling to keep her family afloat while nursing her broken heart. With her grand plans in the rearview mirror, Natalie's relationship with God is also stilted. 

Seven years later, Jeremy moves back Charlottesville with his infant son and his niece, Lili, needing a place to stay. Natalie has a chance to score her dream job at an internship but, she needs a second job to support her family. The only other option she has is to work for Jeremy.  Will the two of them be able to work together and forgive each other?

I thought the novel was an okay read. I felt while I liked both storylines with Jeremy and Natalie and his brother, Mike and his family, I thought it would be better as two separate novels. I had a hard time liking or knowing any of the characters because I felt like there wasn't much character development. I was actually surprised how "juicy" the storyline was for a Christian fiction especially since it mentions extramarital affairs. Overall, I think it's a decent read for young adults.

  **Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Love and Other Mistakes By Jessica Kate
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages
July 30th 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Jessica Kate’s hilarious, romantic debut novel proves that some mistakes—including love—are begging to be made again and again.

Natalie Groves once had big dreams. But soon after her fiancé, Jeremy Walters, inexplicably broke off their engagement and left town, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Now tasked with keeping her family afloat, Natalie’s grand plans have evaporated . . . and God feels very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and Jeremy is back in Charlottesville with an infant son and years of regrets. When his niece, Lili, lands on his doorstep in need of a place to stay, Jeremy needs help—and fast.

An internship opening finally presents Natalie a chance at her dream job, but she needs a second income to work around it—and the only offer available is Jeremy’s. They could be the solutions to one another’s problems, provided they don’t kill each other in the process. When they join forces, sparks fly. But they both know there’s a thin line between love and hate . . . and that love will turn out to be the best decision—or the biggest mistake—of all.

Praise for the Book

“A stunning debut . . . This tale of love and redemption will stay with you long after you've closed the book. A must-read.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress

“Witty. Charming. Heartfelt. I could go on and on about Jessica Kate’s debut novel. From its highly relatable characters to its pitch-perfect dialogue, Love and Other Mistakes is a delightful, romantic read filled with just the right amount of sass. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud as I watched Natalie and Jem navigate their relationships, careers, and faith. Definitely one of the most enjoyable books I've read lately, and I can't wait to see what’s next from Jessica Kate!” —Melissa Tagg, Carol Award–winning author of Now and Then and Always and the Walker Family series

“Love and Other Mistakes wraps a poignant and warm look at relationships within a smart, sly, and knowing comedic voice. Readers of Sally Thorne and Bethany Turner will be immediately at home with Natalie: an all-too-real heroine who balances whip-smart agency with an endearing vulnerability and whose intersection with long-lost Jeremy helps her forge a path to confidence and discover the woman she was always meant to be. Kate’s unputdownable debut recognizes that all human relationships—familial, friendship, romantic—are worth the keen eye and clever insight of her talented pen.” —Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca Mysteries

“If you’re looking for a story with sass on top of style, or a fresh voice pumped full of fun, you need to read Love and Other Mistakes. Then after you’ve enjoyed this—and I’m confident you will—make a date with whatever this exciting new author writes next!” —David Rawlings, author of The Baggage Handler

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iBooks│Kobo│GooglePlay

About the Author

Australian author Jessica Kate is obsessed with sassy romances.

She packs her novels with love, hate, and everything in between—and then nerds out over her favorite books, movies and TV in the StoryNerds podcast. When she’s not writing or discussing fiction, she’s hunting the world for the greatest pasta in existence.

Her debut novel Love and Other Mistakes releases July 2019, while A Girl’s Guide to the Outback hits shelves in January 2020.

Receive her sassy short The Kiss Dare FREE when you sign up for her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com. StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

What is your inspiration for writing?
Life itself. Relationships are complicated, interesting, dramatic, funny and illogical. Plus, I just have this inner drive to create stories. It’s like breathing—just gotta do it. 

Website│Goodreads│BookBub│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Book Review - The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Photo Credit - Amazon

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all from the outside. They have a loving relationship, a beautiful home, and their adoring baby, Cora. The couple decides to leave Cora at home while they attend a dinner party next door. They arrive home, they realize something is wrong and their daughter is missing. When the cops are called in, the detectives are suspicious of the couple. The pair realizes that they both have deadly secrets that they have been keeping from each for years.



I found the novel to be a very interesting read but, halfway through the novel, I figured out the basic premise of the ending. A few things were a surprise but, not enough to say this book was a suspenseful or a thrilling read. I wish some of the characters and the side stories were more detailed. For example, the detectives felt that something was off by the whole kidnapping but, they never really went into much detail on why they felt that way. Overall, it was a decent read and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Claiming the Drakos Heir by Jennifer Faye + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Popi Costas just lost her sister to a tragic boating accident. Now she is faced with raising her late sister's unborn child alone. That is until the baby's wealthy uncle decides he wants custody of the child. Apollo Drakos is charming, handsome, but has a reputation for being selfish. Popi is determined to keep Apollo away from the baby. However, as Popi gets to know Apollo, she realizes there might be a soft interior under his hard shell. Will Popi and Apollo be able to put aside their differences? 

The novel follows the basic formula for a good romance novel: two people who do not communicate with each other and assume the worst of each other. However, the novel does have a few emotional rollercoasters, especially when dealing with a custody battle of a young child. I enjoyed reading and finding out the backstory of each character especially the mysterious Apollo. A definite must-read for anyone who loves romance novels.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Claiming the Drakos Heir (Greek Island Brides #2) By Jennifer Faye Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages June 1st 2019 by Harlequin Romance

The rebel bachelor is back…

To claim her baby!

In this Greek Island Brides story, pregnant surrogate Popi Costas is faced with raising her late sister’s child alone, until the baby’s wealthy uncle arrives to take charge! Apollo Drakos is distractingly handsome, but Popi won’t let that stop her from fighting to keep the baby. Yet as she gets to know the man behind the wild card reputation, Popi’s reconsidering welcoming Apollo into her new little family…

Goodreads│Amazon│AmazonUK│AmazonCA B&N│Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay

Freebie

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

The Greek Island Brides Series Finding love that lasts to infinity!

All marriages that take place on renowned wedding destination Infinity Island are guaranteed to last forever!

And the picturesque Greek island is about to weave its magic for friends Lea, Popi and Stasia. They dream of finding their own happy-ever-afters... And they’re about to meet three billionaires who will sweep them off their feet—and down the aisle!

Follow Lea’s journey from surprise pregnancy to dream proposal in...

 

Book #1 - Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby

From one night…

To nine months!

In this Greek Island Brides story, for jaded tycoon Xander Marinakos, renowned wedding destination Infinity Island is just another opportunity to expand his empire. Until he’s captivated by its beautiful owner, Lea Romes… When their one night together has unexpected consequences, Xander must negotiate the deal of a lifetime, and put his guarded heart on the table to convince independent Lea they can be a family…for infinity!

Order Now: Amazon│AmazonUK│AmazonCA B&N│Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay

And coming September 2019…

Book #3 - Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring

A convenient engagement…

An inconvenient attraction!

In this Greek Island Brides story, widow Stasia Marinakos is learning to enjoy life again aboard a Mediterranean cruise. Her chemistry with gorgeous Greek tycoon Roberto Carrass is a pleasant surprise—until she’s mistaken for his fiancée! Nevertheless, the guarded bachelor asks Stasia to continue the charade to stop his family from matchmaking. As their attraction grows, their fake romance feels ever more real…but what will happen when the vacation ends?

Pre-order Now: Amazon│AmazonUK│AmazonCA B&N│Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│YouTube│BookBub│Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a copy of Carrying the Greek Tycoon's Baby (print if US, ebook if INT) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card Open internationally Ends June 12, 2019

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