Kimberly reviews The Wedding Dress by Danielle Steel

TITLE: The Wedding Dress
CHARACTERS: The Deveraux/Allen family
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/28/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Danielle Steel’s epic new novel, the lives of four generations of women in one family span fortune and loss, motherhood, tragedy and victories.

From the glamorous San Francisco social scene of the 1920s, through war and the social changes of the ’60s, to the rise of Silicon Valley today, this extraordinary novel takes us on a family odyssey that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as each generation faces the challenges of their day.

The Parisian design houses in 1928, the crash of 1929, the losses of war, the drug culture of the 1960s—history holds many surprises, and lives are changed forever. For richer or for poorer, in cramped apartments and grand mansions, the treasured wedding dress made in Paris in 1928 follows each generation into their new lives, and represents different hopes for each of them, as they marry very different men.

From inherited fortunes at the outset to self-made men and women, the wedding dress remains a cherished constant for the women who wear it in each generation and forge a destiny of their own. It is a symbol of their remaining traditions and the bond of family they share in an ever-changing world.

REVIEW:
This is a sweet story from one of the best in the world, Danielle Steel. In this wonderful read we meet the Deveraux/Allen family. As the family goes through generations of good and bad including war, births, money struggles and so much more the thing that thrives generation after generation is The Wedding Dress.

This book reminded me so much of Jewels, the book Steel wrote in 1992. A family heirloom that is handed down through the generations and if only the heirloom could tell the stories it has seen.

Again, Danielle Steel has written a book that will stand the test of time and like her heirlooms will be passed along the generations of readers.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Reckless Road by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Reckless Road
SERIES #: Torpedo Ink #5
CHARACTERS: Player & Zyah
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/09/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Refuel your passion with a new installment of the Torpedo Ink series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

While Gedeon “Player” Lazaroff is one of Torpedo Ink motorcycle club’s roughest members, he’s also one of the calmest. Little rattles Player, except for the times his gift gets the better of him. When that happens, he has to just lie down in the dark and hope for the best. But on a night when he’s on the verge of losing it, he meets a woman who manages to soothe his fractured mind.

Zyah is a striking, ethereal beauty who seduces him with every word and move. Their night together is one of pure, exquisite bliss. But when Player gets confused and thinks their intimate encounter was nothing more than a dream, his careless dismissal leaves her humiliated and angry.

Now, Player will have to devote his every breath to convincing Zyah to give him a second chance. Because she might be the only one who can save him from himself….

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is the 5th in the series and, of course, I recommend reading the series but each book can be a stand alone. Feehan is one of my go to authors. I am never disappointed in a Feehan book and this is another example of why.

In this story we read about “Player” and Zyah. One of Feehan loves to do is show the world of “gifts” and Player has a psychic gift that he tries to hide. He has a mind-breaking night and runs into Zyah who somehow calms him. But he does what he knows and breaks her heart. But somehow they get thrown together and Player knows he wants her but also needs her. But will his love for his brothers trump the love for Zyah?

Feehan can get, ummm, let’s say “Sexy” in her books. And Player and Zyah have their moments of bedroom scenes but I enjoyed the relationship coming together for these two. They fit and Feehan knows they need each other and puts together a great couple.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Driven by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Driven
SERIES #: Deep Ops #4
CHARACTERS: Angus & Nari
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Unswerving: Angus Force is determined to hunt down the serial killer he’d once shot dead–or so he thought. But an anonymous source reports that Lassiter is alive. Force hasn’t slept since, knowing it’s only a matter of time before “the Surgeon” strikes again. And soon, a body is found, bearing Lassiter’s same maniacal MO. It’s just the beginning of a murderous trail blazing through DC and Virginia, right to Force’s backyard…

Unstoppable: Nari Zhang is the shrink for the ragtag Deep Ops Unit, though she isn’t Force’s shrink–which is a very good thing. Because once they’re thrown together on the case, their attraction is explosive and irresistible. They’ll just have to fight that much harder to keep the heat between them from flaming out of control. But things are about to become far more challenging, and deadly, than they could have imagined…

Unhinged: Once the killer catches a glimpse of Nari, she becomes his new obsession. She is now the focus point–for both Force and Lassiter–in a dangerous dance for survival…

REVIEW
4.5 Hearts I have been a fan of Rebecca Zanetti for years now and I swear with each book she gets better and better.

We have been waiting for Nari and Angus’s story from book one. They are part of a team and there is something between Nari and Angus but neither wants to admit it. That is until Nari is the new obsession of the killer and Angus is not going to let anything happen to Nari if it kills him.

I love love love the way Rebecca Zanetti writes. There is something that draws you in from the first page of the story. And as a fan knowing we were finally getting the story we have been waiting for.

Zanetti writes so many genres and writes them all with perfection. This book is as good as her many others but I do suggest reading this whole series so you understand why Zanetti’s fans have been waiting for this book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Paradise Peak by Janet Dailey

TITLE: Paradise Peak
SERIES #: New Americana #5
CHARACTERS: Travis & Hannah
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/26/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Join America’s First Lady of Romance, Janet Dailey, on a journey to the great state of Tennessee, as a community unites to save a small mountain town from a raging wildfire heading its way…

With a wildfire burning its way toward Paradise Peak, Tennessee, folks are drawing together to save the small mountain community. Times like these can make a hero out of a man–no matter what dark secrets he carries in his heart…

A desire for absolution brought ex-con Travis Alden to Paradise Peak. But when he finds honest work, along with a keen sense of belonging, he shelves his plan to unburden his guilty secret, instead working to rehabilitate a ranch–alongside the very people his transgressions hurt the most. With the chance to create a haven for wildfire refugees, Travis seizes the opportunity to do good, to earn the respect his new boss shows him. Only Travis doesn’t count on his feelings for his boss’ beautiful niece.

Hannah Newsome is a woman with a past as bleak as Travis’–the kind of woman he should protect, not pursue. But once the rugged loner sees her wariness turn to warmth, once he tastes the potent passion between them, all he can think about is having it all right here in Paradise Peak, with Hannah by his side…

REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Janet Dailey for as long as I can remember. I feel she is a kick back to the old romance novels. There is simple romance and difficult women’s lit in one story.

In this story we meet Travis who is coming back from prison and has some amends to make but there are also secrets he is still keeping.

I, yet again, loved the writing of Dailey. The characters are well formed and the setting is beautiful. The romance of Travis and Hannah is not easy but the writing as you turning the page to see what they must overcome next, knowing that together they will.

Any fan of women’s lit will love this story and is probably already a fan of Janet Dailey’s. And this book is while fans have stuck with Dailey for decades.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done by Lynn S Zubernis

TITLE: There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done
CHARACTERS: Supernatural The CW Characters
AUTHOR: Lynn S Zubernis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/05/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fifteen years. Two brothers. Angels and demons. A story like no other. And one of the most passionate fan bases of all time.

That’s Supernatural.

There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done: Actors and Fans Celebrate the Legacy of Supernatural is an emotional look back at the beloved television show Supernatural as it wraps up its final season after fifteen unprecedented years on air.

With heartfelt chapters written by both the series’ actors and its fans—plus full-color photos and fan illustrations—There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done traces Supernatural’s evolution, the memorable characters created by its writers and brought to life by its talented actors, and the many ways in which the show has inspired and changed the lives of both its viewers and cast.

Both a celebration of Supernatural and a way of remembering what made it so special, this book is a permanent reminder of the legacy the show leaves behind and a reminder to the SPN Family to, like the series’ unofficial theme song says, “carry on.”

Including contributions from:

Jared Padalecki (“Sam Winchester”)
Jensen Ackles (“Dean Winchester”)
Richard Speight, Jr. (“Gabriel”)
Andrea Drepaul (“Melanie”)
Carrie Genzel (“Linda Bloome”/”Linda Berman”)
Julie McNiven (“Anna Milton”)
Tahmoh Penikett (“Gadreel”)
Shoshannah Stern (“Eileen Leahy”)
Brendan Taylor (“Doug Stover”)
Lauren Tom (“Linda Tran”)
And many more, including a special message from Mischa Collins (“Castiel”)
Edited by Lynn S. Zubernis, a clinical psychologist, professor, and passionate Supernatural fangirl, There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done is the ultimate send-off for this iconic show that has touched and changed the lives of so many fans across all walks of life.

REVIEW:
As a fan of Supernatural I really enjoyed this book which is coming out at a great time. The show was due to end last tv season but with the pandemic the show is being aired this fall…. Lucky fans!

This book is really a great read for any fan of the show. Of course, if you are not a fan this is not the book for you. But as a fan you will enjoy every word. The stories the author shared were emotional knowing these times were coming to an end. But as any fan laughing is part of the show and part of this book.

I loved the pictures and revisiting favorite characters.

Great for any fan!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Shadow Falls by Wendy Dranfield

TITLE: Shadow Falls
SERIES #: Detective Madison Harper #1
CHARACTERS: Madison Harper
AUTHOR: Wendy Dranfield
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/25/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You thought your little girl was safe at summer camp. You were wrong.

She drags her eyes open, realizing she’s starting to fade. Did she imagine the voices, or were they real? She tries calling out—“Daddy?”—using all her remaining strength. But she’s too late and her little voice just isn’t loud enough…

When Detective Madison Harper arrives at a remote summer camp in Shadow Falls, northern California, her heart breaks for Jenny, the sweet little girl last seen splashing in the lake with her friends before she vanished. Peering into the silent cabins filled with rows of neatly made beds, Madison knows this idyllic place is hiding a terrible secret.

The girl’s parents are distraught, and the local police have no leads—they desperately need Madison’s help. She’ll do whatever it takes to crack this case, because it’s the only way back to the son she lost to the care system years ago when she was framed for a crime she didn’t commit.

But with the camp staff keeping tight-lipped and her new partner on the edge of a breakdown, Madison can’t find any truth to her instinct that there is more to Jenny’s perfect parents than meets the eye. Until she discovers a disturbing family portrait Jenny drew at the local library. Was this angelic girl more troubled than anybody knew? Was she in danger from those she trusted most?

One thing is certain, if Madison doesn’t find the answers soon, the lives of more innocent children will be at risk…

An absolutely unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you up all night! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Melinda Leigh.

REVIEW:
What an interesting start to a new series. I do not believe I have read this author before but I really enjoyed the way she wrote.

In the first book we are introduced to Madison, once a police officer herself and who has spent the last few years in jail for a crime she did not commit. Now that she is out she wants to find out who framed her. She teams up with Nate, who spent almost 2 decades serving time in prison for a crime he did not commit. But something gets in their way as they go about the search for the person that set Madison up.

Jenny went missing and Madison and Nate Madison “knows” there is more to the story than Jenny’s parents are telling. And there is more to Jenny than everyone knows.

I found this really interesting. The backstory on Madison is well written and while it is not the main part of the story, which is about Jenny’s disappearance. I look forward to learning more about Madison and Nate and their next case.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Royal by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Royal
CHARACTERS: Charlotte
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/18/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this spellbinding tale from Danielle Steel, a princess is sent away to safety during World War II, where she falls in love, and is lost forever.

As the war rages on in the summer of 1943, causing massive destruction and widespread fear, the King and Queen choose to quietly send their youngest daughter, Princess Charlotte, to live with a trusted noble family in the country. Despite her fiery, headstrong nature, the princess’s fragile health poses far too great a risk for her to remain in war-torn London.

Third in line for the throne, seventeen year-old Charlotte reluctantly uses an alias upon her arrival in Yorkshire, her two guardians the only keepers of her true identity. In time, she settles comfortably into a life out of the spotlight, befriending a young evacuee and training with her cherished horse. But no one predicts that in the coming months she will fall deeply in love with her protectors’ son.

She longs for a normal life. Far from her parents, a tragic turn of events leaves an infant orphaned. Alone in the world, that child will be raised in the most humble circumstances by a modest stable manager and his wife. No one, not even she, knows of her lineage. But when a stack of hidden letters comes to light, a secret kept for nearly two decades finally surfaces, and a long lost princess emerges.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Who has read a book by Danielle Steel and been disappointed? If you have then you need help! Danielle Steel is THE author of our lifetime for women’s lit. She has written so many books and none of them disappoint her fan base and the children (maybe grandchildren) of her original fan base.

In this story we travel back to WWII and meet Princess Charlotte of England who is sent away for her safety during the war. Yes there is romance and adventure but this is more about the telling of a woman’s story and about romance.

Another wonderful story from Steel. Worth every moment of sitting on the couch, cuddled in a cozy blanket with a glass of wine.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews 13 Steps To The Cellar by Teresa Mathews

TITLE: 13 Steps To The Cellar
CHARACTERS: Callie Harris
AUTHOR: Teresa Mathews
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/19/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
There were thirteen steps to the cellar. They were steep and they were narrow—but was a fall down them enough to have caused the twenty-seven deep lacerations to her aunt’s head?

Callie Harris travels from her home in Alabama to her aunt’s former mansion in Maine to unravel the haunting forty-year-old mystery of Dr. Laverne Harris Doss’ brutal death.

Why wasn’t a murder weapon found? Was her uncle justly convicted of the killing? Was his mistress involved? Or was the murderer the bearded stranger rumored to have arrived by train that night?

In the charming town of Richmond, located on the banks of Maine’s historic Kennebec River, Callie uncovers the community’s darkest secrets—a botched police investigation, a betrayed widow’s lie, a dead woman’s blackmail, and a wealthy philanthropist’s shame. The web of intrigue extends far beyond Callie’s suspicions and its connection to her personal story pierces her to the core.

REVIEW:
I have to say… What a surprise! Not how the book ended up everything about it. The writing was done well and the suspense was great.

I really enjoy a book where I think I know the “who-dun-it”/”the truth is out there” info but find out that the author was able to trick me. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen enough with me. But this one did! I was sure I had it all figured out…. But nope!

I enjoyed the characters which were plenty but not confusing and who always had a bit of suspense to them.

I liked Callie who gave off that “I only came here for the house” feel and ended up with so many more questions than answers.

Pleasantly surprised!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Neighbors by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Neighbors
CHARACTERS: Meredith & Charles
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/05/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Danielle Steel’s gripping new novel, a reclusive woman opens up her home to her neighbors in the wake of a devastating earthquake, setting off events that reveal secrets, break relationships apart, and bring strangers together to forge powerful new bonds.

Meredith White was one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. But a personal tragedy cut her acting career short and alienated her from her family. For the last fifteen years, Meredith has been living alone in San Francisco with two trusted caretakers. Then, on a muggy late summer day, a massive earthquake strikes Northern California, plunging the Bay Area into chaos. Without a moment’s hesitation, Meredith invites her stunned and shaken neighbors into her mostly undamaged home as the recovery begins.

These people did not even realize that movie star Meredith White was living on their street. Now, they are sharing her mansion, as well as their most closely kept secrets. Without the walls and privacy of their own homes, one by one, new relationships are forged. For every neighbor there is a story, from the doctor whose wife and children fear him, to the beautiful young woman dating a dishonorable man, to the aspiring writer caring for a famous blind musician.

In the heart of the crisis, Meredith finds herself venturing back into the world. And thanks to the suspicions and the dogged detective work of a disaster relief volunteer, a former military officer named Charles, a shocking truth about her own world is exposed. Suddenly Meredith sees her isolation, her estranged family, and even her acting career in a whole new light.

Filled with powerful human dramas, Neighbors is a penetrating look at how our world can be upended in a moment. In a novel of unforgettable characters and stunning twists, acts of love and courage become the most powerful forces of all.

REVIEW:
There is just something about a Danielle Steel book. Especially in winter. Her books are perfect for a cold day in front of the fire with a warm drink and comfy blanket. And that is exactly what I did and read this book pretty much all day.

In Neighbors we meet Meredith. A woman in self isolation (perfect for 2020, right?) who’s life is passing her by while she misses her daughter, is robbed blind by her live-in help and she withers until tragedy strikes. An earthquake hits her neighborhood of San Francisco and while her luxurious mansion is intact her neighbors are not so lucky. So Meredith does the only logical thing and invites them to stay while they get their lives in order.

I found this story so compelling. The characters are so interesting and, well, real. I loved how with every new person Meredith meets she grows some herself. Especially one older gentleman that may bring something a bit more than friendship.

I have always loved Danielle Steel and it is hard to believe this woman still has so many stories in her back pocket.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Scorpion’s Tail by Preston & Child

TITLE: The Scorpion’s Tail
SERIES #: Nora Kelly #2
CHARACTERS: Nora & Corrie
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/12/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Following OLD BONES, the second “happily anticipated” new thriller in Preston & Child’s new series will once again feature Nora Kelly, archaeologist at the Santa Fe Archeological Institute, and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson investigating a new case that requires both their skills (Booklist).

After a shoot-out Swanson is involved in, leaving a senior FBI agent gravely wounded, Corrie finds herself under investigation. Her supervisor assures her she’s not to blame and the black mark on her record will be cleared in short order. But Corrie finds herself shaking her overwhelming guilt.

As a distraction, she takes on a new case involving a fifty-year-old, mummified corpse discovered in a hidden enclave at High Lonesome, a long-abandoned New Mexico ghost town. Quickly out of her depth, she quickly realizes she needs the help of her foe-turned-ally, archaeologist Nora Kelly, who soon uncovers a startling truth: the deceased had been poisoned, and died clutching a priceless artifact from outside High Lonesome.

REVIEW:
This is the 2nd in a new series from Preston/Child. And Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson make excellent partners.

One of the best things about a Preston/Child book is the real life history that they add to their story. In this one we are brought to the desert of New Mexico. When Swanson finds a decades old dead body she asks Dr Kelly, archaeologist, to help.

The story takes some wonderful twists and turns leading the reader on a fact filled and fun ride.

Preston/Child have a magical way of writing together. Their stories, including this one, pull you in from the first couple of pages. And the suspense lasts until you turn the final page.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: The Forever Girl
SERIES #: Wildstone #6
CHARACTERS: Maze, Heather, Walker & Caitlyn
AUTHOR: Jill Shlavis
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/12/21
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts I have been a fan of Jill Shalvis’ for years now and this book is a great example as to why.

This story is about the family you choose or more maybe the one handed to you when the biological family wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. Caitlin’s family takes in the others as foster kids. They become “siblings” and inseparable but then things change and everyone goes their own ways.But now Caitlin is getting married and she wants everyone back where they should be… by her side.

There is so much emotion in this story. I am not a crier but a number of times I wanted to. And more than once I laughed or shook my head. The dynamics of these characters is fantastic. I really love each of them.

The Forever Girl takes you on an emotional journey that shows you what is really important. It makes you want to call your best friend/sister and tell her how important she is to you.

A great story by Shalvis and any fan of women’s lit needs to have on your shelves to read again and again.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Chaos by Iris Johansen

TITLE: Chaos
CHARACTERS: Alisa Flynn
AUTHOR: Iris Johansen
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author introduces CIA agent Alisa Flynn, who is willing to go rogue if it means catching the most heartless band of criminals she’s ever encountered.

When CIA agent Alisa Flynn flaunts the rules by breaking into a mansion in the middle of the night, she skillfully circumvents alarms and outwits guards only to find herself standing in billionaire Gabe Korgan’s study . . . busted by Korgan himself. This could cost her her job unless, in a split second, she can turn the tables and try to convince him to join her on the most important mission of her life.

In a ripped-from-the-headlines plot, schoolgirls in Africa have been kidnapped, and Alisa knows that Korgan has the courage, financial means, and high-tech weaponry to help rescue them. With so many innocent lives hanging in the balance, what she doesn’t reveal is that one of those schoolgirls is like a little sister to her. But when the truth gets out, the stakes grow even higher.

Calling in additional assistance from renowned horse whisperer Margaret Douglas, Alisa and Gabe lay their plans, only to see them descend into chaos as the line between right and wrong wavers before them like a mirage. Every path is strewn with pitfalls, each likely to get them — or the hostages — killed. But with the help of a brave team and a horse with the heart of a warrior, they might just get out of this alive.

REVIEW:
As a fan of the Eve Duncan series I was excited about starting a new series from Johansen and I was not disappointed.

I found Alisa Flynn and Gabe Korgan to be great characters. They have a fun and intense blooming relationship. I enjoyed the background characters as well.

The suspense was typical of Johansen’s writing. It keeps you wondering the whole time and it is not a guarantee that who you think it is really is correct.

A great introduction to a new series that I can’t wait to read more of.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.