Category: Review Sunday

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Kelly reviews A Madness Of Sunshine by Nalini Singh

TITLE: A Madness of Sunshine
CHARACTERS: Anahera Rawiri & Will Gallagher
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Penguin Random House

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh welcomes you to a remote town on the edge of the world where even the blinding brightness of the sun can’t mask the darkness that lies deep within a killer…

On the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, Golden Cove is more than just a town where people live. The adults are more than neighbors; the children, more than schoolmates.
That is until one fateful summer—and several vanished bodies—shatters the trust holding Golden Cove together. All that’s left are whispers behind closed doors, broken friendships, and a silent agreement not to look back. But they can’t run from the past forever.
Eight years later, a beautiful young woman disappears without a trace, and the residents of Golden Cove wonder if their home shelters something far more dangerous than an unforgiving landscape.
It’s not long before the dark past collides with the haunting present and deadly secrets come to light.

REVIEW:
They often say that you can never go home. But for Anahera that is exactly what must happen. After the death of her husband Anahera needs a safe place to regroup and process all that has happened over the last several years. Being home also means having to face the ghosts that drove her away from Golden Cove to begin with.

When one of the Golden Cove locals goes missing everyone is reminded of the events of eight years prior and the three missing hikers. The newest member of Golden Cove Detective William Gallahger is determined to find out what happened to Miriama and not make the same mistake he had in the past.

It was a great honor to get an early copy of Nalini Singh’s newest book A Madness of Sunshine. I really enjoyed this new world that Nalini has built for us. A Madness of Sunshine is different then her previous books, there is no paranormal aspect found in her Psy/Changeling Series and The Guild Hunter series or straight contemporary like her Rock Hard series. A Madness of Sunshine is a mystery thrill with a touch of romance. If you are a fan of Nalini’s I believe you will enjoy this book very much. I look forward to the next installment in this world *fingers crossed*.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss & Berkeley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Mrs Miracle Christmas by Debbie Macomber

TITLE: A Mrs Miracle Christmas
CHARACTERS: Mrs Miracle, Laurel, Zach and Helen
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mrs. Miracle shows an ordinary family that they are blessed beyond belief in this uplifting holiday tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

As the holiday season begins, Laurel McCullough could use some good news. She and her husband, Zach, have been praying for a baby that seems more and more like an impossible dream, and they’ve had to move in with her beloved grandmother, Helen, who’s having trouble taking care of herself. But when Laurel contacts a local home-care organization for help, there are no caregivers available.

Then Mrs. Miracle appears at her door. No stranger to lending a helping hand to a family in need, Mrs. Miracle reveals herself to be nothing short of a godsend. Helen’s even convinced she’s an angel! Still, Laurel has to admit that Helen has become noticeably happier and more engaged, decorating the family Christmas tree and setting up the nativity with Mrs. Miracle’s companionship. In the meantime, Laurel and Zach begin to encounter curious signs, all pointing toward the arrival of a special baby.

With Christmas approaching, there appears to be even more to Mrs. Miracle than meets the eye. In a classic turn of Debbie Macomber’s signature seasonal magic, Laurel, Zach, and Helen experience a holiday of heavenly proportions.

REVIEW:
The perfect Christmas story!

I have not read all of the Mrs Miracle series. I have seen some of the movies and have read a story here or there but of course the stories can be stand alones. These stories are not only about romance but about the faith of Christmas, God and yourself.

When Laurel and Zach are coming to their wit’s end in walks Mrs Merkel/Miracle who is an angel, literally. And she makes no qualms about it where Helen (Laurel’s unhealthy mother) is concerned. Mrs Miracle is there whenever Laurel needs her.

Mrs Miracle reminds us of what Christmas is supposed to be about. It is about helping, loving and faith. This is a perfect book to remind ourselves who we should be and remind us there are always angels on our shoulders.

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

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Kimberly reviews Wolf Rebel by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Wolf Rebel
SERIES #: SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #10
CHARACTERS: Rachel & Knox
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She let him get away
SWAT werewolf Rachel Bennett is hounded by nightmares after a vicious attack left her with PTSD. Not knowing who or what she can trust anymore, she’s relieved to be assigned to a high-profile protective detail. Diving into work might be the distraction she needs, until she notices the mysterious hunk who seems to follow her wherever she goes—and recognizes him.
Now he needs her help…
After he’s badly injured, former Navy SEAL Knox Lawson seeks out Rachel when he realizes he’s turning into a werewolf. He’d once been part of the group hunting her kind, but he knew he had to quit when he found Rachel in his crosshairs. Now he desperately needs her help.
Rachel isn’t sure she trusts Knox, but having him around keeps the nightmares—and the monster creating them—away. Knox might not know much about being a werewolf, but there’s no doubt he’ll do everything in his power to win her trust and keep her safe.
SWAT Series:
Hungry Like the Wolf (Book 1)
Wolf Trouble (Book 2)
In the Company of Wolves (Book 3)
To Love a Wolf (Book 4)
Wolf Unleashed (Book 5)
Wolf Hunt (Book 6)
Wolf Hunger (Book 7)
Wolf Rising (Book 8)
Wolf Instinct (Book 9)
Wolf Rebel (Book 10)

REVIEW:
This is #10 in the series but it can be a stand alone. I really enjoyed this story in the series. It really takes us through the PTSD issues so many are facing right now. I thought Rachel was a great character letting us see that not only men are affected by PTSD. I also thought she was a strong independent woman who was just going through a lot in life.

Knox is a great character too. It took me a bit to get to understand him but then I found myself liking him.
Another great addition to the series.

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 Christmas Past by Mary Burton

TITLE: Christmas Past
CHARACTERS: Nicole & David
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/29/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christmas Past is a seasonal, serial-killer-thriller from New York Times bestselling author, Mary Burton.
Photographer Nicole Piper just received a very unwelcome Christmas gift – a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. Uncovering the truth means enlisting homicide detective David Ayden’s help, and embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger and desire . . .
Christmas Past is a pacy, action-packed novella that’s guaranteed to send chills down your spine – the perfect Christmas scare-fest that will appeal to fans of Tess Gerritsen, Kathy Reichs and Karin Slaughter.

REVIEW:
This was originally part of the anthology Silver Bells.

This is a quick novella that really has nothing to do with Christmas but that being said it was a fast read that leaves you in suspense.

As with most novella’s you can’t say too much about the plot or you give things away and with this story going so quick (about 100 pages). But I will say it is a wonderful romantic suspense that is perfect between full novels.

As always Burton is on par with the best.

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

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Kimberly reviews Spy by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Spy
CHARACTERS: Alexandra Wickham
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A young woman is caught up in a dangerous double life on behalf of her country during World War II in Danielle Steel’s thrilling new novel.

At eighteen, Alexandra Wickham is presented to King George V and Queen Mary in an exquisite white lace and satin dress her mother has ordered from Paris. With her delicate blond looks, she is a stunning beauty who seems destined for a privileged life. But fate, a world war, and her own quietly rebellious personality lead her down a different path.

By 1939, Europe is on fire and England is at war. From her home in idyllic Hampshire, Alex makes her way to London as a volunteer in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. But she has skills that draw the attention of another branch of the service. Fluent in French and German, she would make the perfect secret agent.

Within a year, Alex is shocking her family in trousers and bright red lipstick. They must never know about the work she does–no one can know, not even the pilot she falls in love with. While her country and those dearest to her pay the terrible price of war, Alex learns the art of espionage, leading to life-and-death missions behind enemy lines and a long career as a spy in exotic places and historic times.

Spy follows Alex’s extraordinary adventures in World War II and afterward in India, Pakistan, Morocco, Hong Kong, Moscow, and Washington, D.C., when her husband, Richard, enters the foreign service and both become witnesses to a rapidly changing world from post-war to Cold War. She lives life on the edge, with a secret she must always keep hidden.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts This is Danielle Steel so really what do you expect other than greatness? Danielle Steel has been around for what seems like forever and I have read most of her books. Ms Steel has a way of not just pulling you into a story but walking you softly with sweet words until you are so entranced that you can’t remember anything but what is going on in her story. Well it is the same with this one.

In this one Alexandra is an aristocrat who comes from a good family and expects nothing more than to be a wife and mother. But then WWII begins and everything changes. She soon by chance becomes a spy for the country and her adventures really begin.

There are only a couple of authors that as I read make me wish I could jump through the pages and visit the area. And Danielle Steel is one of them. Her heroine’s are always someone women can relate to. And there is always a touch of romance. But more so is the scenery, the historical information, the ambience that make you want to jump on a plane and visit the sites.

Another incredible read from Danielle Steel.

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

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Single by K.L. Slater

TITLE: Single
CHARACTERS: Darcy & George
AUTHOR: K.L. Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
‘I keep feeling like I’m being watched – dropping the boys off at school, choosing wine at the supermarket – but when I turn around there’s nobody there…’

When single mother Darcy’s son falls from a rope bridge at a local playground, life stands still. She clutches his small, limp body, frozen, until a pair of strong hands push her aside, and she watches as George, a local doctor, saves her son’s life.

George is a single parent too, and with his twinkling hazel eyes, easy charm, and lack of wedding band is almost too good to be true, but coffee becomes lunch, lunch becomes dinner, and soon they can’t go an evening without seeing each other. When he invites her to move into his beautiful home with its sprawling garden for her boys, Darcy doesn’t hesitate.

But as Darcy is settling in, she receives a bunch of flowers with a chilling message. George says they’re from an obsessed ex-girlfriend, Opal, and days later Opal turns up at Darcy’s son’s football match. She claims to have shocking information that could threaten George’s custody of his daughter.

Darcy doesn’t know who to trust, but she’s starting to suspect that, whatever the truth, she might have put her beloved boys into terrible danger…

From the million-copy-bestselling author K.L. Slater this utterly gripping psychological thriller will make you gasp out loud as you race towards the unforgettable twist. If you loved The Girl on the Train and The Wife Between Us this book is for you.

REVIEW:
It has been a while since I read K.L. Slater and now I kind of remember why. I had a hard time getting into this book. I never got into the characters and the thriller part just didn’t thrill.

I enjoyed the children the most. And I enjoyed the scenery of the area… And of course the house. Wow!

I didn’t find the ending surprising. There were parts that kept me involved which is why I put the rating as 3. I can imagine there are people who will enjoy it but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

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

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Kelly reviews Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: Snow Creek
SERIES #: Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes #1
CHARACTERS: Megan Carpenter
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: November 18, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the Number One New York Times and Amazon Charts bestselling author, comes an absolutely heart-stopping and completely unputdownable crime series, introducing Detective Megan Carpenter.

Footprints were scattered about like fallen leaves. She looked down into the ravine, and once more her lungs filled with fear. A body, blackened and motionless lay splayed out in the bushes.

Detective Megan Carpenter is no stranger to evil. Escaping the horrors of her old life, she’s vowed never to let anyone hurt her or those she loves ever again. Joining the small police force in Jefferson County’s Port Townsend, Megan is determined to get every victim of a crime the justice they deserve.

So when Ruth Turner walks into the Sheriff’s office claiming her sister Ida Watson has been missing for over a month, Megan’s instincts tell her that she needs to do more than just file a report.

Arriving at a secluded farmhouse in the hills above Snow Creek, she finds Ida’s teenage children alone and frightened.

Then a few days later, close to the Watsons’ home, the blackened body of a woman is discovered in an abandoned pickup truck.

Megan must unravel the disturbing secrets of the isolated Snow Creek community if she is to catch the killer.

But Megan has dark secrets of her own too…

Hidden in the back of her closet is a box of tapes containing every single recording of her therapy sessions with Doctor Albright over thirteen years ago. As Megan begins to play the tapes, she’s taken straight back to her terrifying childhood, back to the time she was a kid called Rylee, fighting to survive.

Can Megan finally confront the past she’s spent years trying to block out and will listen to her own painful story help her solve the complex case she is now entangled in?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Snow Creek is the first book in the Detective Megan Carpenter Tapes series and my first book by Gregg Olson. I enjoyed this book.

There are a lot of twists and turns that had me guessing until the end. Throughout the novel we learn snippets of Megan’s life before she became a Detective. But there are still so many questions unanswered. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series to find out more about Megan.

If you like a good suspense book you need to pick up a copy of Snow Creek.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Wednesday (sorta)! Kimberly reviews The Last Christmas by F. Paul Wilson

TITLE: The Last Christmas
SERIES #: Repairman Jack #16
CHARACTERS: Repairman Jack
AUTHOR: F. Paul Wilson
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jack is back.
Wilson never said he was through with Repairman Jack. He said he was through turning in a new novel every year. He also said when a story came along that was right for Jack, he’d write it.
The Last Christmas is that story.
It’s late December between Ground Zero and Fatal Error, a winter of discontent for Jack who’s perhaps spending too much time hanging at Julio’s. An old contact, Edward Burkes, convinces him to take on a missing-person fix. As usual, nothing is as it seems, and the missing person isn’t exactly a person. In fact, it’s like nothing anyone has ever seen.
And in the middle of all this, the mysterious Madame de Medici hires him to safeguard a valuable object. Simple, right?
Not even close.
Yep, Jack is back and, as usual, weird trouble is on his heels.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4.5 Hearts

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Jack is back! Whoo hoo! It’s been so long and an added bonus to have some more time with Jack.

This is a different kind of Repairman Jack story and yet the same. The characters we have known and loved are all back. We get to see the quirkiness of Jack and the weirdness of his case just as we always have. And then there is a bit of supernatural (for lack of a better word) that happens with Jack.

Any fan of the series will be thrilled to have this last visit. It is like seeing a friend that we thought we would never see again.

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

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

TITLE: The Starless Sea
CHARACTERS: Zachary Ezra Rawlins
AUTHOR: Erin Morgenstern
NARRATOR: Dominic Hoffman, Dion Graham, Bahni Turpin, Fiona Hardingham, Allan Corduner, and Jorjeana Marie
RUN TIME: 18 Hours & 39 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 5, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N | Google Play | Penguin Random House

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Night Circus, a timeless love story set in a secret underground world–a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea.

Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues–a bee, a key, and a sword–that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library, hidden far below the surface of the earth.
What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians–it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead. Zachary learns of those who have sacrificed much to protect this realm, relinquishing their sight and their tongues to preserve this archive, and also those who are intent on its destruction.
Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly-soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose–in both the mysterious book and in his own life.

REVIEW:
After 8 long years after the release of The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern has done it again! She just hit the ball out of the park with bases loaded!!!! GRAND SLAM!!!!

I really don’t want to recap the whole story for you. So I will say that this was an absolute fabulous story and I loved every second of this book. Erin is such an amazing story teller. They way that she is able to build each character. How she creates a story that weaves a path for each character that you just never really know where it will end or how or why that character is important. But Erin is able to create characters and a story that you are so totally 100% invested in. All the highs and lows of the story will tug at your heart strings. Again I loved this story so much.

I was able to get an early copy of the audiobook from Random House Audio to listen too. Normally I don’t like multiple narrators of a story but they way they put this audiobook together was perfect.

If you are looking for a great book I would highly suggest this book to you. If you have already picked up this book and have not read Erin’s The Night Circus you need to pick that up too.

Side note to Erin: Please don’t make me wait another 8 years for your next great story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Dark Illusion by Christine Feehan

TITLE: Dark Illusion
SERIES #: Dark #29
CHARACTERS: Julija & Isai
AUTHOR: Christine Feehan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/03/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A mage and a warrior must see beyond their facades and embrace the bond that links their souls in this powerful Carpathian novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

At any other time, Julija Brennan would find solace in the quiet of the Sierra Mountains, but now the mage is in the race of her life. Having broken free from her controlling family, Julija’s attempts to warn the Carpathians of the coming threat has failed and put a target on her back—and those who hunt her are close behind…

After centuries locked away in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains, Isai Florea can’t believe he’s finally found his lifemate—the missing half of his soul. The second he sees Julija his world blazes with color. But despite their explosive connection Julija rebels against what she sees as Isai’s intent to control her and rejects the bond that would prevent him from becoming a monster.

As their unfulfilled bond continues to call to them both, Julija and Isai aim to complete the task that brought them together. They are used to facing danger alone, but now the mage and the ancient warrior must learn how to rely on each other in order to stop a plot that threatens all Carpathians…

REVIEW:
First I consider Christine Feehan as one of the best paranormal authors of our generation and most times I love her books. This one I am on the fence about.

I liked the story itself. But I had a problem with Isai. He was really an abusive jerk who after seeing him through the first few chapters I never was able to connect to him.

And Julija just never seemed to be anything more than a doormat. Yeah she has times of coming into her own but again maybe because of the first few chapters I couldn’t connect with her either.

Now that being said, the story itself was interesting. I enjoyed the danger that the characters went through and of course the writing is really good.

Just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy this couple.

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

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews It’s A Christmas Thing by Janet Daily

TITLE: It’s A Christmas Thing
CHARACTERS: Rush & Claire
AUTHOR: Janet Dailey
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon BN

The best gifts last a lifetime . . .
Veterinarian J.T. “Rush” Rushford isn’t looking be his first without his beloved
four-year-old daughter, Claire. A year ago, Rush’s wife divorced him for another man–then broke his
heart further by revealing that Claire was her lover’s child. The final blow was Rush losing all parental
rights. Now he’s in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the
season–until something like a Christmas miracle happens . . .
Turns out Claire’s parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. It’s
bittersweet, knowing that he and Claire will have to part again, maybe forever. . . . Until a smart, not to
mention beautiful, lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt takes a liking to the vet and his little
girl and gets involved. With her on their side, and love in their hearts, this Christmas just might be the
most joyous of all . . .
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 Hearts
REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
Oh how I loved this story. This is a great book to snuggle up with on the couch and fall into the Holiday
season.
Rush was madly in love with his daughter just to find out that he is not Claire’s dad, breaking his heart.
When Claire’s mom and her new boyfriend go on vacation they have to leave Claire with Rush. But there
is still sadness for Rush and Claire knowing they have to part soon. And then Rush’s new girlfriend brings
the fun back into the holidays.
What a delightful story. I loved Claire and her world of an old dog and a pregnant cat and of course Rush,
her favorite cowboy. To me this was Claire’s story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Deadly Silence by OMJ Ryan

TITLE: Deadly Silence
SERIES #: Detective Jane Phillips #1
CHARACTERS: Jane Phillips
AUTHOR: OMJ Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some sins can never be forgiven.
DI Jane Phillips was a star detective driven by a relentless quest for justice. But then she stepped outside the law.
Now, demoted and suffering with PTSD, she finds herself facing the deadliest threat of her career — a serial killer who is preying on vulnerable women, murdering them in a shocking and bizarre ritual.
A master of deception, he selects his victims at random. Or so it seems. But as Phillips investigates, she begins to see a method in the killer’s madness. Perhaps these victims aren’t random at all…
As the pressure mounts, can Phillips find the link between these ritual murders before the killer strikes again — or will her dogged determination to solve the case bring his deadly silence to her door?

REVIEW:
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I found my mind trying to figure it out while trying to fall asleep which means that the book was getting to me. That says a lot if you ask me.

I thought the writing from this new author was great. And the characters had a lot of definition but also seemed human.

I highly recommend checking out this new author.

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

4 Hearts