Regarding Anna by Florence Osmund

I never wanted to be a private investigator. After high school, I'd had aspirations of becoming an interior decorator and had even enrolled in classes at Morton Community College. But when my parents died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their home three months before my eighteenth birthday, with no relatives to take me in, I was left to fend for myself. And that was when everything changed. ~ Excerpt from Regarding Anna 

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a book, the author weaving a maze of plot so deep you are right there with the characters? Well, author Florence Osmund gave me that experience. 

Grace. the main character, is left on her own after finding her parents dead. Soon after, she discovers clues in the attic which lead her to believe the two people who raised her may not be her parents after all.  As a young private investigator, Grace doggedly examines any lead in the case she labels Attic Finds. 

Throughout the story, she continues to delve into her confusing past, which leads her to Minnie. This elderly woman is tetchy gem and nearly steals the story with her antics. I adored her. After a rough beginning to their relationship, Grace and Minnie end up working together on the mystery of Grace's past. The camaraderie is endearing, the rapport amusing and the growing relationship is a joy to follow.

The many characters peppered throughout the book are well developed, and vary from snarky to endearing. Despite the number of people, I didn't have trouble keeping track of them. Each of them added a layer, and new revelations into the Attic Find case.

Grace's personal journey to self-discovery and worth, the friendships garnered and the wealth of information she never expected to find ties together nicely...without any loose ends.

I highly recommend this book.

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ARC from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wicked Satyr Nights by Rebekah Lewis

Excerpt: The pale light gave her a bluish hue, and so distracted was he by her natural beauty that he didn't see her scars right away. The puckered flesh traveled her lift thigh and hip coming just to her waist and across her stomach, and likely her back as well. The crisscrossing scar tissue was the only imperfection on her soft, otherwise flawless, skin.

"Oh, vixen." He dropped to his knees and drew her closer. "What did this to you?" He ran his hand over the markings.

I loved the tenderness of above scene.

 That said, read on for my review of Wicked Satyr Nights. 

I couldn't put this book down! Thanks to the author, Rebekah Lewis, I lost sleep. Why? Well, let's sum it up with the fact bedtime meant nothing when it came to putting down Wicked Satyr Nights. Just one more chapter became my motto. 

I am intrigued by mythology, and wow, I inadvertently learned a lot about it. The author seamlessly entwines mythology with contemporary times. Not only that, the premise of this story was so well thought out it is BELIEVABLE.

 Kat, the heroine, is an independent, professional woman: yet her recent accident has her reeling. Finally healed--on the outside anyway--Kat takes an assignment to film a documentary on the urban legend, the Jersey Devil, without really holding any belief such a thing exists--until the winged myth kidnaps her.

It's clear the author did her research, right down to the weapons, curses, lineage of the gods, as well as the strength and weakness each hold. The immense thought involved combining myth, logic, human, god, and nymph is seamless. Not once did I doubt the plot, or trip on a hitch...other than the one in my heart when mythological god and human join with acceptance and love. 

The sexual scenes between the two main characters, Pan (the Jersey Devil) and Kat are steamy and loving. Their conversations are deep and usually fall into playful banter. I laughed out loud several times. I love it when that happens.

I'm drawn to series books, but I need closure. The ending of this book left me wanting more without leaving me hanging. Well done!

I highly recommend this book to those who want to broaden their mind while entertaining the possibility of love despite differences, faults or past mistakes. 

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ARC from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Perfect Letter by Chris Harrison

The Perfect Letter deserves a perfect grade--A+. Chris Harrison has a lot of imagination and writing kudos beneath those good looks of his. I'm surprised he didn't follow the dream of publishing instead of hosting the Bachelor and Bachelorette. Then again, perhaps that's where he garnered so much about Leigh Merrill's, the heroine's, point of view.

I assumed The Perfect letter would somewhat revolve around the world of the shows Chris hosts, but I was wrong. The characters feel real, the mystery surrounding a murder is tangible, and the romance put me through a myriad of emotions. I highly recommend this book. Get “The Bachelor” out of your head and think “The Notebook” instead. A moving read with depth and purpose.

4 Stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ARC from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

Captive Trail, by Susan Page Davis, is the second book of The Texas Trail series. Like the first book, this centers on a family in mid-1800 Texas. The Morgan family has a different author and I love her writing voice.

Let me tell you a bit about the story. Taabe Waipu is a Comanche captive. She escapes to avoid marrying a man she doesn't love. She searches for her white family, but on her travels, her horse falls and she's injured and alone. Ned Bright, a stagecoach driver happens along and finds her. He brings her to a mission where nuns take care of her and help her recover.

Okay, if that isn't enough to suck you in and make you want to read this book, then you're dead. 

All kidding aside, this was a great story, filled with major character growth. (Not to mention history about Texan life in the 1800's.) I loved the main character, Taabe Waipu, and admired her tenacity and courage.

The author, Susan Page Davis, has a beautiful writer's voice, smooth storytelling chops, and the ability to make characters come alive in my head.

4 stars

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255.

Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin

Lone Star Trail is the first book I've read by the author, Darlene Franklin. I'm intrigued enough by the first in the Texas Trail Series to continue on with the other five books. Time will tell if I enjoy the other stories as much…or more.

Lone Star Trail is about German immigrant family, the Fleishers, who leave their home to pursue a better life in the new Union state of Texas in mid-1800. However, life doles out difficult times for this family. A Texan, Jud Morgan, is initially hateful toward the immigrants, but ends up helping them. His views about immigrants gradually change as the story progresses. I like the believability of this happening. It was well developed. Kudos to the author.

The main premise, from what I gather, is about looking past prejudice, and learning about those who seem different and seeing life through their eyes—and hearts.

The book is full of history, which I adore, and the faith lessons are not shoved down your throat. A great, clean read, without being preachy.

On the flip side, the secondary story line wasn't necessary. In my humble, yet honest, opinion, it actually took away from the main plot.

Wrapping this up, I will read Captive Trail by another author I haven't read: Susan Page Davis. It's the next book in this multi-authored series. 

Though I enjoyed Lone Star Trail, I hope the next story stays focused on the main plot without branching off and thinning out the story. 

3 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

His Cemetery Doll by Brantwijn Serrah

The title alone captured my interest, 

but once I read the excerpt I was as entranced.

 A former soldier, Conall Mackay, is raising a child alone…a child he found in a graveyard.  The author, Brantwjin Serrah, has an imagination that outreaches past the graveyard, and into the madness beyond. Yet, she still incorporates tenderness and empathy into the story.

His Cemetery Doll is full of deep imagery. So deep that I could feel the mist, see the fog, and taste the wintry breath of whispers. Brantwijn Serrah certainly penned a fantasy that sweeps a ribbon around this reader and whips me into another world filled with the unimaginable…and makes them real.

The relationship between Conall and what he calls his cemetery doll is nothing like I imagined. He fears, but still is drawn to her. The exquisite and touching moments existing between him and someone so far removed from the living was breathtaking…and downright heart-wrenching.

On the other hand, the relationship between Conall and his adopted daughter, Shyla, is fresh and full of life. I adored Shyla and all her differences. She is smart, inquisitive and endearing…and loves to play in the graveyard, making up stories about the ones who lie there. 

All the characters in this book are well developed and I pictured every single one of them in my mind's eye. I loved, hated, gasped, smiled and even wiped a tear or two while reading His Cemetery Doll.

Even if you've never read paranormal, you should give this book a try. I guarantee you'll be surprised. I can't imagine anyone reading this story and not liking it.

4 stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Asylum by Dana Wright

 I read this in bed, and had to scurry out to the living room and turn on the light.

Dana Wright has crafted many genres into Asylum. That is quite an undertaking, but she did it well! Murder mystery, ghosts, talking with the dead, time-travel, and romance are intertwined into a story about a modern day woman with a not so modern day talent.

 The main character, Rachel Winestock, can sense the spirits of those who have moved on, and the last thing she needs is a high-profile man who wishes to debunk her talent. Matt Rutledge is the man, and though she wants to despise him, she finds herself craving his belief…as well as his body.

The story flows well, the characters are rich and well-developed, and the writing is impeccable.

Asylum has several twists and turns and I loved following them all. And I will follow this author as well!
4 star

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate

The cold feeling washed over me again--a brew of fear, fascination, and uncertainty. How could all of this be a coincidence? Who'd left this thing on my desk, and with what intention? ~Excerpt from The Story Keeper

The Story Keeper is two books in one. It is about a New York City editor Jen Gibbs, and the historical journey of a Melungeon woman, Sarra. I was captivated by the entwining stories.

Jen Gibbs, a new editor at George Vida's publishing company, discovers a partial manuscript on her desk. Unfortunately, it's from the notorious Slush Mountain—the one no one but the owner himself touches. Unsure of who put it on her desk, Jen is determined to return it, but first, a tiny peek won't hurt. Right?

Wrong. 

Slush Mountain hurtles Jen Gibbs directly to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. The very place which sheltered her childhood from the outside world. The place she fled from years ago.

The mysterious manuscript grabs Jen by the throat, and won't let go. She must find the author; even if it means visiting painful memories. I couldn't let go of the manuscript either. I traveled with Jen Gibbs through the back roads, and into a world far removed from New York City...and enjoyed every moment.   

The author, Lisa Wingate, has seamlessly captured past and future. Never did I feel jolted from one time period to the other. I probably could sum up this book in two words: full impact. The growth of the main character, Jen Gibbs, is gradual and full. The story of the Melungeon woman, Sarra, and Rand, the man who found her, is astounding.

I found myself whispering parts of this book, savoring the language of Appalachian history with each word.

Be sure to put this book on your TBR list.

 5 stars

Quick question:  Did you google Melungeon?

The Grey Curse by Krista Kelley

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. The Grey Curse grabbed me in the first couple of sentences: Rebecca Grey stared down at her blood covered hands. While it was animal blood, it still signified the horrible deed. Whoa…I couldn't put it down. I love it when that happens.

Now I'd thought every twist in a vampire/witch story had been done, but The Grey Curse proved me wrong. This is NOT your standard vampire/witch story—or typical love story. There are twists and turns weaved in the plot and you can tell the author put immense effort into the story.

Krista Kelley's writing is impeccable, emotive and imaginative. Though this is a short read, it's a complete one.

When I discovered this was Krista Kelley's debut publication, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to see what else she has in store. Read this book. You won't be disappointed. 

4 stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

This coming of age story grabbed me from the first paragraph. I loved the constant twists and how everything tied together at the end. The author, Miranda Beverly-Whittmore, gives the main character, Mabel Dagmar, a wonderful voice throughout the story. Anyone who stood on the outside looking in as a young adult will relate to Mabel and anyone who didn't will gain insight into the life of someone less fortunate.

This story delves honestly into how one's actions--no matter how well-intended--can twist into tragedy. Speaking of intentions, there's evil ones too, leaving me with my mouth agape. Not one character, be it Ev, her family, or even Mable, was predictable...or ended up how I pictured in my mind.

This author has a gift. She lulls the reader in a soft, unassuming way, and then shocks with a surprise, twist or downright I-can't-believe-that-just-happened. 

I love the turns along the gravelly path in Bittersweet. I adore the cottages, each with a personality, and dubbed after a flower. And every one of them have bolts upon the door...even the bedrooms and bathrooms. Why, in such an idyllic and private setting of the Winslow Retreat is there a need for this? This was the earlies hint of the secrets waiting to be divulged. 

Mabel is the narrator in this story, with her perspective fluctuating between her disdain of her underprivileged past, and that of her wealthy roommate, Ev Winslow--and the desire to be like her.

I looked at the picture of the gathered Winslows above my desk, although it was as silly an enterprise as opening the menu of a diner you've been going to your whole life. I knew every blond head, every slim calf, as though her family was my own~excerpt from Bittersweet

The descriptions the author pens are amazing. I could smell the dank forests, feel the shock of water against my skin...or basking in the warmth of the sun. I could smell the food in the dining hall, and I shivered at the whisper of secrets nagging to be told.

The rhythm of the story soothed, shocked, and spattered in imagination, littering my mind with the constant--yet not overdone--twists and plots throughout the story.

5 Stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: Blogging For Books has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.