Category: Review Sunday

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Kimberly reviews Return To Virgin River by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Return To Virgin River
SERIES #: Virgin River #19
CHARACTERS: Kaylee & Landry
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/13/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr returns to the beloved town of Virgin River with a brand-new story about fresh starts, new friends and the magic of Christmas.

Kaylee Sloan’s home in Southern California is full of wonderful memories of the woman who raised her. But the memories are prolonging her grief over her mother’s recent death. A successful author, Kaylee hoped she could pour herself into her work. Instead she has terrible writer’s block and a looming deadline.

Determined to escape distractions and avoid the holiday season, Kaylee borrows a cabin in Virgin River. She knows the isolation will help her writing, and as she drives north through the mountains and the majestic redwoods, she immediately feels inspired. Until she arrives at a building that has just gone up in flames. Devastated, she heads to Jack’s Bar to plan her next steps. The local watering hole is the heart of the town, and once she crosses the threshold, she’s surprised to be embraced by people who are more than willing to help a friend–or a stranger–in need.

Kaylee’s world is expanding in ways she never dreamed possible. And when she rescues a kitten followed by a dog with a litter of puppies, she finds her heart opening up to the animals who need her. And then there’s the dog trainer who knows exactly how to help her. As the holidays approach, Kaylee’s dread turns to wonder. Because there’s no better place to spend Christmas than Virgin River.

REVIEW:
I will say that I have not read all of the books in this series… yet! I read some here or there but now that I have seen the NetFlix series I have really enjoyed this series and want to catch up on all of them.

In this one we meet Kaylee and Landry when she needs a place to rent. She comes to Virgin River to get away after her mom’s death and figures it’s a good place to finish her novel. Landry becomes the friend and love interest that she didn’t know she needed or wanted.

I love the way that Carr writes. The pain Kaylee felt for the loss of her mother was palpable and I felt horrible for her. But I loved how Landry was with her.

Another great story by Carr in the wonderful town of Virgin River!

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Evil Never Dies by S.M. Hardy

TITLE: Evil Never Dies
SERIES #: Dark Devon Mysteries #2
CHARACTERS: Jed & Emma
AUTHOR: S M Hardy
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/17/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The village of Slyford St James is no stranger to supernatural happenings, as long-time residents Jed and Emma know all too well. Although Jed’s spiritual connection with the dead was once a source of pride, it now fills him with dread. When he receives an invitation to the family estate of his old army friend Simon, who wants Jed to use his gift to solve the brutal murder of his elder brother, Jed is initially reluctant, but Emma encourages him to agree, hoping that this new sense of purpose might lift him out of his melancholy, despite the circumstances.
When they arrive at the estate, Jed is shocked by how fragile and fearful his friend has become. As Jed calls upon the spirit world for the first time in eighteen months, the results are dramatic, and a gruesome warning reveals dark and dangerous family secrets that threaten the safety of them all.

REVIEW:
This story had so much promise. I loved how Emma could communicate with ghosts and Jed has a special connection with the dead but tries to close himself off from it. But now his friend wants his help to solve his brothers murder.

I liked the beginning. But to be honest there was so much thrown into this book that I really didn’t enjoy the second half of the story. It became all too much and lost the uniqueness of the story.

If the author had taken a bit more time he/she would have been a bit more consistent in the telling of the story and keeping the whole story as good as the first half.

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

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Kimberly reviews Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

TITLE: Magic Lessons
SERIES #: Practical Magic #0
CHARACTERS: Maria & Hannah
AUTHOR: Alice Hoffman
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an unforgettable novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Unnamed Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.

When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.

Magic Lessons is a celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Any fan of Practical Magic needs to read this book. Ever wondered why the family is cursed about their first loves? Wonder how they became witches? Well this book you will learn from Maria Owens. Through her history we learn how what we know began.

I enjoyed this story. This is not about witches or witchcraft or the supernatural. Just as with Practical Magic it is about love, family and learning about yourself.

Maria starts off as an abandoned baby and is raised by a witch. She becomes a servant, follows her “true love” to Salem, Mass (we all know that area) and then on to NYC.

As I said in the beginning. Any fan of Practical Magic needs to read this book!

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Happily This Christmas by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Happily This Christmas
SERIES #: Happily Inc #6
CHARACTERS: Wynn & Garrick
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

There’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

Wynn Beauchene has a thriving business, a great kid and a mildly embarrassing crush on the guy next door—local cop Garrick McCabe. She’s a strong, independent woman who can’t help dreaming what-if about a man she barely knows. Until he needs her help…

Garrick’s pregnant daughter will be home for Christmas, and his house needs a woman’s touch. Garrick and his little girl were tight once and he’s hoping a small-town Christmas will bring her back to him. But thawing his daughter’s frosty attitude will take more than a few twinkle lights. Maybe sharing the holiday with Wynn and her son will remind her of the joy of family.

As the season works its magic on these wounded souls, Wynn realizes it’s time to stop punishing herself for a painful secret, while Garrick remains haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes. Will he allow Wynn to open the only gift she truly wants—his heart?

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Happily, Inc (and Fool’s Gold) are my favorite places to visit. Susan Mallery is honestly one of my favorite authors. She pulls me in before I have finished the first page. And this book is no different. Especially for the holidays!

Ok so let’s say it out right. This is a holiday romance so we know with the magic of the holidays Mallery will give us a HEA. But this isn’t about the ending but about the getting there. In this novel Wynn has been secretly in love with Garrick for a while. And now he could use his help when his daughter comes to town.

I really like all the characters in the story. Wynn and Garrick are so sweet together They both need each other but have no idea how or why. And then they both have a child and they need Wynn and Garrick too. And of course the people of the town make visiting Happily, Inc a great place to spend the holidays.

There is no way to read a Susan Mallery book and not love it. I could go into all the wonderful things in this book but there are too many.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Perfect Sister by Zoe Miller

TITLE: The Perfect Sister
CHARACTERS: Alice & Holly
AUTHOR: Zoe Miller
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Once inseparable, years of resentment and jealousy have driven Alice and Holly apart. But, though they barely speak these days, Alice knows her sister is hiding something.

When she hears that discovery at a soon-to-be-demolished apartment building has led police to re-open an ‘accidental death’ case, Alice thinks nothing of it. Until someone knocks at her door, with questions about Holly…

Alice doesn’t believe her sister is capable of involvement in anything so sinister. But when she tries to contact Holly, she can’t be reached…

Forced to dig through the past in order to uncover the truth, Alice also starts to uncover years of Holly’s secrets – and to doubt her innocence. And as the evidence mounts up, she has a choice to make: does she want to help her sister clear her name, even if Alice will end up paying the price?

REVIEW:
I will be honest. This book was confusing. Nothing that we are supposed to “know” came from the story. The sisters were close at one point and now they are not. Then a murder takes place and Holly and her husband take off. Alice needs to find out why.

I really didn’t understand a lot of this book and why it was happening. I mean the family dynamic is really off. It is not like the sisters love or hate each other. They just are sisters and nothing more. Then there are a bunch of other characters that have nothing to do with the story.

The suspense was fine. I am not really sure with all the other confusion that I cared about the suspense but it was still there to read.

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

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Kimberly reviews A Witchly Influence by Stephanie Grey

TITLE: A Witchly Influence
CHARACTERS: Carmen & Abby & Finn
AUTHOR: Stephanie Grey
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Get ready to have fun and be influenced!

Fate can show up as anything… As a freshly minted divorcee, witch Carmen Devereaux returns to her hometown in North Carolina. With this decision comes another change in her life: Fate has decided that she is to become an Influencer, someone who guides others onto the path that they were meant to take.

When she’s assigned to Abby Windsor, a young schoolteacher, as well as her own stepbrother, Finn Cleary, she soon encounters several obstacles, including getting stuck in her own past.

A quirky, fun, and lovable cast of characters, including Lenny the Snowman—a grumpy, old snowman who really loves trashy reality shows, especially ones about real housewives, Egbert the Lobbyist Pencil—a pompous pencil who lobbies on magic and loves tasty cuisine, and Muse Siobhan Waters, who is thoughtful and down to earth, help guide and inspire Carmen whenever she gets stuck working on her assignment. Along the way, Carmen learns to influence others…and herself.

Humorous and light-hearted, A Witchly Influence is the perfect feel-good book of the year.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts What if witches were really fairy godmothers? Carmen moves back to her hometown and becomes, for lack of a better title, a life coach. But then that is what the witches in this book seem to be. They help the people of the world make the word a better place. In this novel Carmen is set to help Abby and, of all people, her step-brother Owen.

I enjoyed the book. It was cute and had a nice amount of humor. The characters in Carmen’s world are so funny. I don’t see myself running out to tell the world about it but I will certainly pick up the next in the series.

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

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Kimberly reviews Going Under by Skye Jordan

TITLE: Going Under
SERIES #: Wildfire Lake #2
CHARACTERS: KT & Ben
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/14/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Another sweet & steamy read from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Skye Jordan!

Some women want roses and I love yous. I want hot guys and great sex.

Maybe I’ve absorbed too much testosterone employed in the male dominated world of mechanics, only, I’m no longer working on a cruise ship with sexy men around every corner. I’m building a business with my two best friends in a small town where reputation is everything.

But it’s only six months before I can take my money and run–straight back to the sea. Only this time I’ll have my own sailboat, choose my own destinations, and live by my own rules.

When I meet Dr. Delicious over stitches, we’ve got instant heat, but he comes with major drawbacks, starting with an affinity for dating and ending with his status as a single dad.

Before I know it, I’m putting together a frilly “dream bed” for Christmas and teaching his oldest to repair a carburetor.

Dr. Delicious is the very definition of commitment, and falling for him is a non-negotiable no way.

Too bad my heart hasn’t gotten that memo.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the series and Skye Jordan never disappoints. Her men are strong and have a heart of gold. Her women are independent and confident. And this story is no different.

KT is a bit of a tomboy who works in a male driven world of engineering and is in town to work on a Marina for Wildfire Lake with her two best friends. When she gets hurt she goes to see Dr Ben who is a single dad and committed to his work.

But when they meet there is something more than a one night stand and while neither one of them want to admit it we as a fan of romance know they have no say in where their hearts take them.

Another great story from Skye Jordan. She is easily one of my favorite go-to authors because he never disappoints.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Murder, Forgotten by Deb Richardson-Moore

TITLE: Murder, Forgotten
CHARACTERS: Julianna Burke
AUTHOR: Deb Richardson-Moore
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/18/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julianna Burke, bestselling mystery novelist, has a secret that those closest to her are hiding from the world. Julianna is losing her memory, and with it her powerful gift for storytelling that propelled her to fame.

A further devastating blow comes when Connor, Julianna’s beloved husband, is murdered. Even this is not something Julianna’s mind can hold on to, and every day her assistant has to break the heart-wrenching news all over again.

Julianna is desperate to know what happened to her husband. As she battles her failing mind to investigate, a detail of the murder surfaces that makes Julianna question everything she’s ever known. Somehow she must fight to find the truth, even though her grip on reality is fading…

REVIEW:
I picked up this book since it is set in North Carolina, I live in NC albeit on the other side of the state, and I am glad I did.

Julianna is an author who is trying to finish her book before dementia sets in completely but then her husband is murdered and she takes off to Scotland in case she is in danger as well. But within days she heads back to NC where her daughter has moved in.

The investigation deepens when we learn just how many people had keys to the house, and with Julianna’s memory fading quickly she wonders if even she could have done something.

I enjoyed the story. The suspense was palpable and I felt so bad for Julianna at times. Her confusion is heartbreaking. The story was unique and enjoyable. I will be looking for more from this author.

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

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle

TITLE: A Heartfelt Christmas Promise
CHARACTERS: Vanessa & Mike
AUTHOR: Nancy Naigle
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A perfect gift that captures the spirit of the season, USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s A Heartfelt Christmas Promise celebrates the holidays, small-town traditions, and the generosity of love between two lost souls who find everything they ever wanted in each other.

Vanessa Larkin was supposed to be spending Christmas in Paris, France on a business trip she hoped to enjoy as a working vacation. Instead, she’s been assigned to Fraser Hills, North Carolina—home of the Best Fruitcake in the USA—to convert her company’s property into warehouse space and shut down Porter’s, the fruitcake factory. Offering retirement packages and selling locals on new job opportunities may not spread holiday cheer, but Vanessa believes she’s helping secure the town’s future.

Mike Marshall’s family founded Porter’s. For decades, the factory served as the lifeblood of the community until his grandfather sold the business to a Chicago corporation. The sale cost the town its independence—and the Marshalls their family ties. A horse farmer, Mike was never involved with his grandfather’s company, but still felt Fraser Hills lost part of its identity. And as a widower raising a teenage daughter, he’s suffered enough losses in one lifetime. News of the factory’s closing means losing another piece of the town’s legacy.

Far from the skyscrapers and rapid pace of the city, Vanessa finds herself enjoying the easygoing rhythms of rural living. With Mike as her guide, she learns to appreciate the simple pleasures found in shared holiday festivities among friends. Fraser Hills is a town she is growing to love—and Mike is someone she is falling in love with. Now all Vanessa needs is a Christmas miracle to give her newfound friends and home a gift they’ll cherish for many New Years to come.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I mean who wouldn’t pick up this book with that adorable puppy on the front? But I honestly can’t remember reading a book by Naigle before I am glad that puppy sucked me in. This is a Hallmark movie in the making!

Set about a fruitcake factory in Fraser Hills, NC (I live in NC and love my small town!). Vanessa comes back to help with her grandfather’s company not realizing she was going to fall in love not only with a man but with the small town.

This is a wonderfully written Christmas/Holiday romance. It has everything a person needs to get into the spirit. Hallmark…. Are you listening????

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Missing Persons by Michel Brandman

TITLE: Missing Persons
SERIES #: Buddy Steel #1
CHARACTERS: Buddy Steel
AUTHOR: Michael Brandman
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
MISSING PERSONS is the first book in the new Buddy Steel mystery series by New York Times best selling author, Michael Brandman.

Steel… smart, aggressive, ironic, spare and cynical… has been content working homicide at the LAPD until his father, the legendary Sheriff Burton Steel, falls ill with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Sheriff Steel is headquartered in Freedom, a privileged coastal community located a hundred miles north of Los Angeles. His health failing, he asks his son Buddy to come home to cover his back and to groom him to be his successor.

Buddy reluctantly agrees. He returns to Freedom despite having outgrown its small town limits, wary of his father’s authoritarianism.

No sooner does he hit town than Buddy learns the wife of the high-flying star of a Freedom based world-renowned television ministry has gone missing. A visit to the woman’s home leads to a hostile confrontation with her husband’s family and Buddy’s realization that something greater than simply a missing person is at stake.

Allegiance between father and son provides the backdrop for Buddy’s complex investigation of twisted families, avaricious con artists, violent gangs, drugs, corruption, and murder. And added to the mix is an enigmatic femme fatale who succeeds in upending Buddy’s tenets regarding contemporary relationships.

MISSING PERSONS is its own book, yet crime fiction fans will find it a joy to trace its literary lineage from Raymond Chandler and Robert B. Parker through to Sue Grafton and Michael Connelly.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This was so not what I hoped it would be. I could never find myself liking Steel at all. He is just so rude and brash and everything else you imagine a LAPD officer is (especially in this day and age). This seemed to put every stereotypical attitude that we are hearing about nowadays. Maybe it was because of all the tensions the country is going through in real life but I found myself pissed at the author for perpetuating the stereotype. Not all cops are rude and uncaring.

The suspense part was ok but I think I was already beyond caring by the time we were supposed to care.

Just not for me.

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

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Kimberly reviews The Love Study by Kris Ripper

TITLE: The Love Study
CHARACTERS: Declan & Sidney
AUTHOR: Kris Ripper
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/29/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happens when the search for the perfect date goes perfectly wrong?

Don’t miss this charming romantic comedy from critically acclaimed author Kris Ripper.

Declan has commitment issues. He’s been an office temp for literally years now, and his friends delight in telling people that he left his last boyfriend at the altar.

And that’s all true. But he’s starting to think it’s time to start working on his issues. Maybe.

When Declan meets Sidney—a popular nonbinary YouTuber with an advice show—an opportunity presents itself: as part of The Love Study, Declan will go on a series of dates arranged by Sidney and report back on how the date went in the next episode.

The dates are…sort of blah. It’s not Sidney’s fault; the folks participating are (mostly) great people, but there’s no chemistry there. Maybe Declan’s just broken.

Or maybe the problem is that the only person he’s feeling chemistry with is Sidney.

REVIEW:
Ok let me say I am not exactly sure what caught my attention about this book because this is everything that is happening in the world today and while I have no problems with any of it I do not usually read the genre. But I requested it so I read it and it was a cute lighthearted read. But the part I loved best was the relationship of Declan’s circle. I can see the conversations happening just the way they are written.

Now the next thing I want to say, since I am not into this type of read and do not have friends/family who fall under the LGBTQ description I did live in San Francisco for awhile and was used to seeing same sex couples but I do not understand the “nonbinary” label and other things so that was hard for me to read about.

All of this being said it is still a funny book with a lot of good lines from the author. And I can imagine it would be a hit with fans of the genre.

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

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Kimberly reviews All The Missing Pieces by Julianna Keyes

TITLE: All The Missing Pieces
CHARACTERS: Reese Carlisle
AUTHOR: Julianna Keyes
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/21/20
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Reese Carlisle hates her life.

Three years after her father’s arrest for one of the largest embezzlement schemes in history, twenty million dollars is still missing, and the world believes she knows where it is.

Two years after her brother’s death, they still think she killed him.

One year later, she’s still hiding.

When the loneliness is too much, she seeks out strangers for one dark night, no questions asked. She makes up a name, puts on a disguise, and tries to forget.

One night she meets a new man. She tells him her name is Denise, she’s a dental assistant, and she loves dogs. He tells her she’s smart, she’s pretty, she’s funny. Things she hasn’t heard in too long.

Things that are too good to be true…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts A bit romance, a bit mystery and a whole lot of good read. After Reese’s dad goes to jail for stealing a butt-load of money Reese goes into hiding, sorta. She is still out in the world but under a bunch of pseudonyms and back stories. Then she meets Chris.

There are a lot of things to figure out while we enjoy the HOT romance between “Denise”/Reese and Chris. Does Reese have or know where the missing $20M went? If Reese isn’t who she says she is, how do we know Chris is?

Fun fast read that has a bit of everything.

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

4 Hearts