Book Review - Girl, Forgotten (Andrea Oliver, #2) by Karin Slaughter

 

Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter is the second book in the Andrea Oliver series.  The book has a dual timeline with a murder connecting two characters together. In 1892, Longbill Beach, Emily Vaughn was a high school senior who was getting ready for prom.  She is described as beautiful and was well-liked by peers and by her conservative community, until the unthinkable happened. When it becomes evident that she is having a baby out of wed-lock, the community closes ranks and tries to protect its respected members, because they are afraid that Emily may claim that one of their own is the father. 

Emily tries to navigate her life from being a beloved member of the community to an ostracized high school student. She has a few secrets that she is keeping from her friends and family, including who the father is of her baby. Someone is desperate to keep Emily from telling her secrets and they want to silence her. When Emily leaves prom, someone is following her and they will stop at nothing to keep Emily quiet… 

Forty years later, Emily’s murder is still unsolved and no progress has been made. Her close friends keep to themselves and her family has tried to move on. 

Newly minted U.S. Marshal Andrea Oliver arrives at Longbill Beach with her first assignment. She and her partner, Bible, are to protect a judge who is getting death threats. Andrea knows she should be focusing on her assignment, but she feels a special connection to Emily. She is determined to find what happened to Emily forty years ago. As Andrea digs into the death of Emily, she realizes that not everyone in Longbill Beach is as friendly and forthcoming as they pretend to be. When a new body is discovered and it is eerily similar to Emily, will Andrea be able to figure out who the killer is before they strike again?

The novel is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. However, I do recommend reading the books in order as it will help explain Andrea’s relationship with her mother, and also will give context to her motives for wanting to solve Emily’s murder. I felt that Andrea has grown so much from the first novel. She went from being a useless character who came across like a fish out of water to a strong and smart Marshal.  She progressed into a surer version of herself and she was able to stand on her own two feet. Her keen instincts allowed her to piece together clues before others even more senior to her.

The book was a highly engaging read and kept me on my toes. There were a few unexpected twists that were delightful, but also a few predictable ones. The characters were well developed and complex. The character dialogues were realistic and immersive as Bible and Andrea were trying to put together the clues.  I enjoyed following the dual timelines and trying to figure out how Emily’s story interplayed with the present murder.  I found the book to be an engrossing read and I can’t wait to read more books by the author. I would recommend the novel to any crime or thriller fans.

Book Review - Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

 

In 2018, Morgan Christopher's life has taken a turn for the worst. She takes the fall for a crime her boyfriend has committed and in the process her dream of finding a career in art has been put on hold. She feels that her world is closing in around her until a mysterious visitor makes her an offer she couldn't refuse. They can get her released from prison immediately if she can restore an old post office mural. Morgan knows nothing about art restoration but, she is desperate to be free. As she begins to work on restoring the mural she discovers that the painting has a few secrets buried.

In 1940, Anna Dale is an artist from New Jersey, who wins a national contest to paint murals for a post office in Edenton, North Carolina. Anna is desperate for a change of scenery after her beloved mother has passed away. She is hesitant at first to work in a town where prejudices run deep but, she finds herself entwined with the townfolk. As she works on the mural, she realizes everyone has secrets that they will stop at nothing to keep hidden.

This was my second novel by the author and I thought this novel was enjoyable as my first. The book followed the same basic format as the other novel with the dual timelines.  I thought this was an interesting read but, I was still confused on how someone can be so nice in front of you but, then take any chance to harm you when given the opportunity. The novel reminds me that you can never know someone's true nature. Overall, the book had a few twists and I would be interested in reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Right After the Weather by Carol Anshaw

 

Cate is a set designer in her early forties. She lives and works in Chicago's theater community. She know she has to grow up and stop taking handouts from her parents. She has a plan in place to fix her financial problems and settle in a serious relationship.

She started a relationship even though she still coming to terms with an old affair that went nowhere. Her ex-husband is currently living with her in her spare bedroom after being kicked out of his house. He spends most of the day searching and reading about online conspiracy theories. Cate sees him spiral out of control but, she is unsure of how to help him. Her best friend, Neale, a yoga instructor who lives nearby with her son. Cate feels that Neale is the ideal model for what being a grownup should look like. 

A few blocks away lives Nathan and Irene who are small time criminals and drug addicts. Their worlds collide when Cate sees them assaulting Neale in her kitchen. Cate has to think fast to take action to save her friend. Cate's world changes overnight when she comes to term with the violence she's capable of.

I originally picked up this book because I thought the cover looked interesting. However, I feel like the book was very boring and just dragged along. I felt like I read more than half of the book and it went nowhere. I didn't like any of the characters and found the main character to be annoying.  I had to recheck the synopsis of the book because the assault doesn't take place until more than halfway of the book.

Book Review - The Other Girl by Erica Spindler

 

Miranda Rader is a police officer for Harmony, Louisiana and she is known for her ability to work under pressure and for her integrity and honesty. This wasn't always the case when she was growing up in Jasper. She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and she worked hard to earn the respect of her coworkers and community.

Miranda and her partner, Jake,  is called to investigate the murder of a beloved college professor. When they arrived to the scene of the crime, they are unprepared for the brutality of the scene. She thought she saw the worst of it until she finds a piece of evidence that shakes her to her core. She finds an article about the terrible night that happened fifteen years ago that Miranda has tried to forget. She tried to bury the memories of that night as well as the girl she once was. 

Now another person has turned up dead. He was the cop who took Miranda's statement that night. His murder was different than the professor and nothing links the two of them except for Miranda. Will Miranda be able to find out who is behind the murders?

I thought the novel started off interesting then slowly descended to being unbelievable to boring. I found Jake's and Miranda's relationship to be tedious and confusing. Jake claims he loves her and trusts her but, then goes behind her back and discloses her secrets to other people time and time over again. And then she forgives him and takes him back repeatedly. Somehow, the two of them claim that they both love each other but, I don't see a single reason why they feel that way towards each other. Then in the end Jake mysteriously puts together all the clues and is able to solve the mystery behind the murders when he was supposedly off the force and visiting his family. The author hints that Jake might be hiding something else about his family but, we never get to know more. 

The plot is completely predictable. I am not sure how Miranda was able to guess so quickly how one person was tied to her past but, then forget another major player from that event until the last possible moment. It was fairly easy to guess who was behind the murders and their motive. I am not sure how this novel is billed a suspense or thriller as the story was slow and barely moved along at times. I also think the title gave away the twist to the end of the novel.

Book Review - A Double Life by Flynn Berry

 

Claire is a simple hardworking doctor living a quiet life in London. However, she is a hiding a secret. She is the daughter of a notorious murder suspect and no one knows it.

Thirty years ago, Claire and her brother was sleeping upstairs when a brutal crime was committed in their family's townhouse. The next morning, her father's car was founded abandoned with bloodstains on the front seat. Her mother insists that she saw him in the house but, his powerful and privileged friends insist that he is innocent. Her father was the first lord accused of murder in more than a century.

Claire's life begins to fall apart when the police tells her that they have found him. She doesn't know if her father is guilty or innocent. Claire will have to decide how far she go to find out the truth.

I read reviews that the book would be a page turner but, I felt like this book was a cozy read. I felt like most of the novel plodded along until the last few pages of the book. The ending comes out of nowhere without alerting the reader the possibility of this character or the ending. I felt like the ending was a disjointed and disappointing.

Book Review - The Girl I Used to Be by Mary Torjussen

 

Real estate agent Gemma Brogan spent the night having dinner with a prospective client. The next morning, she is annoyed with herself for drinking so much and having a hangover.  During the span of a few days, Gemma starts receiving mementos from the night. There is a photo with her kissing someone. Then a video of her complaining about her family. The gifts start getting progressively worse and Gemma has no recollection of that night.

As Gemma starts receiving more threatening and compromising photos, she is worried about her already shaky marriage. She begins to feel helpless like her life is spinning out of control.  Gemma begins to remember a night that happened years ago that changed her life.

The book had an interesting premise but, it was a bit predictable. I was able to figure out who was behind the blackmail scheme. The blackmail scheme wasn't very serious but, more an annoyance. I am surprised that Gemma made it a bigger deal than it really was. I supposed that she was worried about the state of her marriage but, she was consistently telling bigger lies to cover up small truths.  The characters were okay but, I found myself annoyed at Gemma. She kept being timid and cowardly with everyone including her husband and employees. She let her own employees tell her what to do. I understand that this was relating to an incident in her past but, it didn't make it less enjoyable.  I may read other books by the author.

 

 

Book Review - All the Children Are Home by Patry Francis

 

Dahlia and Louie Moscatelli are foster parents who provide long-term foster care for children Jimmy, Zaidie, and Jon. Their lives turn upside down when Agnes, a six year old native girl, comes to live with them.

When they decided to become foster parents, they had a few ground rules. They didn't want no newborns, no delinquents, and no girls. When Dahlia was younger, she suffered through a horrid incident that has left her a victim in her own home. She is afraid of the burden of being a girl.

Louie and Dahlia consider their family to be complete but, when a social worker turns up at their door, they have a hard time saying no. Agnes is a young girl who has been abused and neglected and suffers from emotional damage. 

Agnes Juniper is a rambunctious six year old that has no memory of her Native American roots. Agnes knows nothing about herself other than the box of trinkets she received from her mother. She knows she has a sister as she recalls some dreams of her sister. As the years pass, the Moscatelli family find themselves at odds with outside forces.

The book was an endearing read with a lot of heartfelt moments. I enjoyed seeing the children grow up and try to find their own paths. I felt like the book was a bit incomplete in the end and I am hoping that the author plans to continue the story with happens to them in the later years. I am excited to read other books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.**

Book Review - The Cake Therapist by Judith M. Fertig

 

 

Claire O'Neil is a talented pastry chef that has a hidden extraordinary talent. Most talented chefs can taste flavors that most of us miss. However, Claire can "taste" the feelings of other people. She can customize her treats to help someone celebrate love, dealing with loss, and connecting with others.

Claire returns home to Millcreek Valley when her marriage starts to fall apart. She is excited to open her bakery and starting over. As she starts meeting with her clients, she senses some of them are hiding secrets, while others are in pain. However, Claire starts to notice a sour taste that is signaling a story that desperately needs to be told.  Claire is used to helping other people with her ability but, will this story help guide her?

The novel had vivid descriptions of the desserts being made. You can tell the author has a deep appreciation for food. However, while the author went into details about the food, I felt like the story lacked some details. I wish more time was spent on certain parts of the novel. The novel had two "different" storylines that ended up converging at the end. Both storylines had promise but, failed during execution. At times, the story felt convoluted and disjointed. Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me and I am hesitant to read any 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 - Dark Ink by Gary Kemble

Photo Credit - Amazon

Journalist Harry Hendrick investigates sordid political corruption. He is intrigued to get to the bottom of it when he hears chilling rumors. Mistress Hel is intent on getting revenge. She uses dark arts to get her revenge from past wrongs.

Harry is asked to investigate a string of murders and deaths. The cause of each death hints to supernatural reasons. As Harry digs deeper into the deaths, he realizes that he is caught inside a deadly web. Can he stop Mistress Hel before it's too late?

When I picked up this novel, I didn't realize it was the second book in the series. The novel could be read as a standalone but, I felt like I was missing some backstory on Harry. I liked the creepy atmosphere of the novel and the supernatural theme. However, I can't say that I am a fan of Harry's. I felt like he spent a lot of time trying to focus his desires than actually doing any investigating work. I finished the novel as it was a quick read but, I don't see myself reading more books in this series.

**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 - Blame the Dead by Ed Ruggero + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Eddie Harkins is a Military Police lieutenant during World War II in Sicily. Eddie was a cop in Philadelphia when he decided to enlist.  On his way back to base, Eddie and his driver are flagged down to help solve a murder at the US Army's 11th Field Hospital. Eddie has to solve the murder of Dr. Stephenson and who would want him dead. Eddie and his childhood friend, nurse Kathleen Donnelly, will need to work together to solve the mystery.

The novel was an engaging and thrilling read. The author included vivid details of the atmosphere along with capturing the chaos and mayhem on the battlefield. However, there were a few times when I felt like the author went too much in details and the story took to long to progress. I am interested in reading other books by the author.

**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.**

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Forge Books (March 3, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250312744
ISBN-13: 978-1250312747

Praise for BLAME THE DEAD

“The title of this riveting, finely crafted novel may be Blame the Dead, but I blame author Ed Ruggero--for keeping me up at night, reading "just one more" chapter then another and another. Whether your interests lie in a well-wrought mystery, a classic cop story, historical settings or first-rate military fiction, this thoroughly enjoyable novel set during World War II checks the block. Great pacing, compelling characters, solid research and a fiendishly clever plot add up to non-stop reading excitement.” ―Ralph Peters, author of Cain at Gettysburg and Judgment at Appomattox

“This book is a lot of fun, written with an insider's feel for the U.S. Army and its history.” ―Thomas E. Ricks, author of The Generals and Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq

“Ruggero's story sets itself apart with the vividly rendered field-hospital setting and the focus on the battle-hardened nurses. A solid choice for WWII-thriller fans.” ―Booklist

“At the start of this exceptional WWII mystery and series launch, Lt. Eddie Harkins, an MP who was once a Philadelphia beat cop, comes across a murder scene near Palermo, Sicily.... Ruggero plays fair with his readers and makes the carrying out of a homicide inquiry in wartime both exciting and plausible.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Ruggero uses his military expertise to create a vivid and unconventional setting for a murder mystery, crafting an intriguing quagmire of institutional corruption to challenge his everyman hero.” ―Library Journal

The nurses of the US Army's Field Hospitals, mobile units that operate just behind the battle lines, contend with heat, dirt, short-handed staffs, the threat of German counterattack and an ever-present flood of horribly wounded GIs. At the 11th Field Hospital near Palermo, Sicily in the bloody summer of 1943, nurses also live with the threat of violent assault by one of their own--at least until someone shoots Dr. Myers Stephenson in the head.

Enter Eddie Harkins, a tough former Philadelphia beat cop turned Military Police lieutenant, who is first on the scene. Although he has never been a detective, Harkins soon finds himself the lone investigator, either because the Military Police are under-staffed or because someone in power thinks this rank amateur will never get close to the real killer. When the hospital commander tries to derail Harkins' investigation by transferring or harassing key witnesses, it becomes clear to Harkins that the unit is rotten to its core, that the nurses are not safe, and that patients who have survived Nazi bullets are still at risk after they arrive at this place that is supposed to save them.

Harkins fights--and worries that he is losing--multiple battles. He is driven to give hope to nurses who just want to do their life-saving work, to right at least a few of the wrongs around him, and to do penance for sins in his own past. The one bright note for Harkins is a rekindled relationship with Kathleen Donnelly, a nurse from Harkins' old neighborhood; but even that is complicated when Donnelly becomes a victim.

You can purchase Blame the Dead at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Ed Ruggero

Ed Ruggero has studied, practiced, and taught leadership for more than twenty-five years, helping organizations develop the kinds of leaders people want to follow. His client list includes the FBI, the New York City Police Department, CEO Conference Europe, the CIA, the Young Presidents Organization, Forbes, the SAS Institute, Hugo Boss USA, CitiFinancial, and Time, among many others. He has appeared on CNN, The History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and CNBC and has spoken to audiences around the world on leadership, leader development and ethics. Ed is a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company and has been a panelist for The Washington Post’s On Leadership series. He also has been a guest speaker at Harvard Business School and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Ed is the author of eleven books, including Duty First: West Point and the Making of American Leaders, a study of leader development at the US Military Academy; and Combat Jump: The Young Men Who Led the Assault Into Fortress Europe, July 1943, which became a one-hour docudrama on The History Channel. Ed is also the co-author of The Leader’s Compass, a fictional story of how one leader developed a personal leadership philosophy. His most recent book is The First Men In: US Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day.

After his graduation from West Point, Ed received his commission in the United States Army and served as an infantry officer in a variety of leadership positions, followed by an assignment teaching at West Point. After his service, Ed continued to share his insights about leadership, leading to his career as an author, public speaker, and trainer.

Ed is the founder and principal of The Gettysburg Leadership Experience, The Concord Leadership Experience, The Valley Forge Leadership Experience and the Normandy Leadership Experience, four distinct experiential learning programs in which participants walk the grounds of great military struggles and learn battle-tested leadership lessons that will help them meet today’s business challenges.

        

WEEK ONE

MARCH 2nd MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

MARCH 3rd TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT

MARCH 4th WEDNESDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW

MARCH 5th THURSDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

MARCH 5th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

MARCH 6th FRIDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW 

WEEK TWO

MARCH 9th MONDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

MARCH 10th TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW 

MARCH 11th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW

MARCH 12th THURSDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW

MARCH 12th THURSDAY Zenithmeridian REVIEW 

MARCH 13th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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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 - The Liar's Room by Simon Lelic

Photo Credit - Amazon

Susanna Fenton is living a lie. She is keeping secrets from her daughter and her friends. Fourteen years ago, she left her husband and her identity behind to keep her daughter safe. She works as a therapist helping people, hoping she put her past behind her.

A young man, Adam Geraghty walks into her office, insisting he needs help from Susanna. Susanna feels that Adam isn't being honest with her and he has a darker motive. She begins to fear that her secret has been discovered. Why is Adam asking Susanna for help? What are his true motives behind his visit?

The novel had a few twists and turns but, I didn't find the novel to be exciting. I didn't find any of the characters relatable and I felt that the novel moved very slowly. Overall, it wasn't a bad read but, it wasn't very psychologically thrilling.

 **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 - The Furies by Katie Lowe

Photo Credit - Amazon

Violet is nervous on her first day at the all-girls Elm Hollow Academy boarding school. It's her second chance to have a fresh start in the midst of a family tragedy.  Desperate to fit in, Violet finds herself joining a group of girls who are considered outsiders. She soon finds herself in an advanced study group with the other girls, leads by her mysterious art teacher, Annabel.

The group studies mythology and Greek and Celtic legends but, also the school's own gruesome history.  Annabel tries to teach the girls that class is about learning history and mythology and not about magic. However, this doesn't stop the girls from trying to get their hands on some spells. 

Together, they try to harness the power of magic for themselves. They find themselves wrapped up in power they never had before. When a violent incident occurs, Violet finds herself feeling defenseless. When her friends' actions take a turn for the darker, Violet finds herself conflicted.

I thought this novel was going to be about a group of girls who were using magic to get their way. Instead, I am not sure what this novel is. I have a few mixed feelings about it and I am still not entirely sure if I enjoyed the novel. I was reminded of Emma Cline's "The Girls" (which I was also in-between with). I didn't really feel like the book came together in a cohesive and enjoyable way for me. I didn't really care for any of the main characters and thought they didn't really face any consequences. While I didn't really love this novel, I am open 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 - A Nearly Normal Family by M.T. Edvardsson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Stella Sandell is an average teenager from a well known local family. However, her life is turned upside down when she stands accused of the brutal murder of a man almost fifteen years her senior. Everyone wants to know how Stella knows the man and what her motive for the murder.

Stella's father is a pastor and her mother is a criminal defense attorney. They both are considered pillars of truth, honesty, and integrity in the community. When news of Stella's arrest arrive, they find their morals to be tested as they defend their daughter. How far will they go to protect their daughter? What secrets is Stella hiding?

The novel was narrated by three different narrators: her father, Stella, and her mother. It was interesting to see how all three characters overlapped for a satisfying ending. While the book was an engrossing read, I had a hard time rooting for Stella. Stella does a lot of things because she is bored and nothing happens to her. However, when her plans go awry, she puts the blame on other people instead of blaming herself. Personally, I didn't care for her as a person as when people were trying to help her, she kept pushing them away. Overall, the book as an entertaining read and I look forward to reading more books from the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free uneditted 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 - Crimson Lake (Crimson Lake, #1) by Candice Fox

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ted Conkaffey was a prominent detective on the Sydney drug task force, a beloved husband and a soon to be a father. All it took was six minutes in the wrong place at the wrong time to ruin everything Ted holds dear to him.  Ted is accused but, not convicted of a brutal abduction of a young child. He is a free man but, he becomes public enemy number one when he is released. However, he staunchly maintains his innocence and goes up north to lie low.

Upon his arrival to Crimson Lake, Ted's lawyer introduces him to a private investigator Amanda Pharrell. Amanda is an eccentric convicted murderer. However, Ted has a hard time believing that Amanda is a cold-blooded killer. He agrees to help with her investigation of a missing author. While digging into the case, he secretly digs into Amanda's past.

I am torn after reading this book. After reading the positive reviews online and on the book cover, I was actually expecting a bit more from this book. I found Ted to be very "weak" of a character and relies on Amanda for support but, then he questions her innocence. Amanda's character seemed a bit weird that she is oddly outspoken but, refused to talk about her trial or defend herself. I felt if the story wasn't as slow, I would have enjoyed it better.

 **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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Maria Tontta receives news that her mother is dying, she travels back to her homeland with her beloved son, Nico. She finds herself missing her home and wanting to return back home. She is devastated when she learns her childhood home might be sold because the family is bankrupt. Maria finds herself torn between the love of her family back home and her new life with her family in America.  When Nico's biological father reappears in Nico's life, Maria is afraid that she will lose him too. Will Maria be able to let go past wrongs?

The book was an interesting read about a woman who conflicted with two separate desires. Maria tries to follow her heart but while abiding to God's will. Each of the characters are flawed and are in situations that they hope can be better. I enjoyed reading this book especially with the dynamic between Maria and Nico. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I just might!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

Book Review - Plunge into Darkness by Kristin N. Spencer + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A small farming village has a deep dark secret.

When Ever Morena befriends her neighbor, Dawn, her life changed forever. Together the pair builds a close bond like sisters. When Dawn suddenly disappears, Ever becomes desperate and heartsick over her friend. Ever tries to move on and becomes the village healer but she still questions what happened to her best friend. Until Dawn reappears and is unable to speak. Ever is willing to risk everything to be able to cure Dawn. She takes her into the Concealed Forest and prays for Dawn. Will Dawn be able to regain her voice? What happened to Dawn?

The book was an interesting read about friendship and darkness. I found the book a bit hard to get into at first but I am glad I read it through. I wish the book had a bit more detail about the people and their culture. For example, I wish I knew more about pikiro root and the disease, affectation. However, it was an interesting beginning to the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Plunge into Darkness
Author: Kristen N. Spencer
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Genre: Fantasy

Two girls.

A village with a dark secret.

Their only hope is a mythical figure Ever Morena has only read about in her father’s lone book.

Ten years ago Ever’s best friend disappeared without a trace. Though the loss of her friend only came close to killing her then, the truth of what happened might finish the job now—just when her future as the village healer is looking bright. Ever must risk everything she loves in order to plunge into darkness on an impossible journey in the middle of the Concealed Forest.Never before has redemption been so costly.Please note: This book contains subject matter which some may find troubling as it spotlights helping those who have experienced abuse. I tried to handle this topic as delicately as I could, keeping the reader’s experience in mind.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

 

Kristin N. Spencer spends part of each day imagining up new worlds and beings when she isn’t busy taking care of her three children and writing partner husband T. E. Spencer. When she’s not writing you can find her working in full time ministry, sewing cosplay costumes, or watching geekesque movies. She writes whatever genre she wants including but not limited to Non-Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Sci-Fi, Space Fantasy, and traditional Fantasy. Kristin studied Comparative World Literature at California State University, Long Beach and received a Bachelors, which she fondly calls a degree in reading. Her favorite movie is Sabrina (the Julia Ormond version) and her favorite person is Jesus.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card, ‘Plunge Into Darkness’ Paperback, Minimalism Art Classic Notebook Journal, and Huhuhero Fineliner Color Pen Set (10 Pack)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/d070/plunge-into-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

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James is the perfect husband; he's a loving father, caring husband, and has a successful career in the government. However, when he is accused of a heinous crime, Sophie is determined that James is innocent and she will protect her family at any cost. Kate is the lawyer prosecuting the case and she is determined that James is guilty and will stop at nothing to bring him down. Is James innocent or is something larger at play?

When I first came across this book, it reminded me of the TV show, "How to Get Away with Murder". The book was interesting for the first few chapters when we were being introduced to the characters and their backstory. However, the plot seem was a bit predictable and was filled with filler. An interesting story, but I wish more was done with it, but I would be opened to reading more novels by the author.

Book Review - His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit : Amazon

Two years ago, Mark Fisher was accused of a crime he didn't commit. He left the Amish community, in hopes to start over but he could never forget his home. Mark returns to Hart County when his mentor reaches out to him for help at his store. At the store, is where he meets the innocent Waneta or Neeta Cain. At first, Neeta is afraid of Mark but she decides the Amish way is to forgive people and decides to befriend Mark. As their friendship buds, Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who knows Mark isn't capable of hurting anyone despite his rough exteriors. When their friendship starts to bloom romantically, one of Neeta's close friends was attacked just when Mark begins to feel at home. Then another woman who knows both Neeta and himself is attacked, Mark is scared for Neeta's safety. Who is the culprit behind these crimes? Why are they targeting these women?

I have read a couple of the author's books and have enjoyed them. This one is no exception; I love how it has a darker and grittier side to Amish romances. The novel was suspenseful and kept me guessing but like many of her books, you are given clues to the culprit's identity. A thrilling read for anyone who likes Amish romance novels.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected copy of this book for review**

Book Review - Things We Lost in the Fire: Stories by Mariana Enriquez

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A collection of short stories by an talented International writer that uses readers emotions to explore the multi-dimensions of life in modern day Argentina. The stories range from a nine year old serial killer, a handicap girl who wanders into a ghostly house, to a girl who mutilates herself.  After reading the short and somewhat disturbing stories, you will start to question what the world is really like. 

The book was a bit more graphic than I am used too but it was an interesting read and made me question and think about life. At first value, the stories aren't much, the characters never develop while the story sometimes just drops off. However, if you are the type to read between the lines and like to imagine what could have happened, you might enjoy this book better.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**