reecaspieces

Overview

A powerful story of healing, resilience, and the traditions that bring Southern families together by the USA Todaybestselling author of Lightning in a Mason Jar.

With her waterfront home on the market, marriage over, and teen daughter, Elsie, threatening emancipation, Rosalynn Yates finds her nerves well frayed, and that’s even before a Category Three hurricane approaches the Carolinas. Fortunately, Rosalynn’s mother, Lillian, arrives to help with the evacuation, going into full Mama Bear mode—whether Rosalynn likes it or not.

The three women load a few belongings and Rosalynn’s mobility service dog, Dusty, into her van and start the slow journey to Lillian’s home in Virginia, where further heartache awaits them. As they hash out old betrayals and new crises, Lillian recalls another important road trip, when decades earlier the family joined the historic Capitol Crawl to fight for the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As secrets surface and accommodations become more difficult to find, the women are tested at every turn. But they know that finding hope and reconciliation takes care and patience—just like making the perfect pitcher of sweet tea.

Review

Y’all know I enjoy good southern fiction!

With her waterfront home on the market, marriage over, and teen daughter, Elsie, threatening emancipation, Rosalynn Yates finds her nerves well frayed, and that’s even before a Category Three hurricane approaches the Carolinas. Fortunately, Rosalynn’s mother, Lillian, arrives to help with the evacuation, going into full Mama Bear mode—whether Rosalynn likes it or not.

These characters really stay with you. Basically because everyone in this book is someone I know. If you live in the south you understand family drama, traditions and overbearing mothers. This book has all of the above and then some!

This is a story about secrets, resilience, and hope!

These narrators, Sherri Slater, Jeannie Sheneman, and Jess Moran did a great job with these three women. Great diversity in their voices!

Need a good southern fiction novel… THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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Overview

Revisit the fifth novel in bestselling author Sheila Roberts’ adored Life in Icicle Falls series 

When it comes to men, sisters don’t share! 

After a fake food poisoning incident in L.A., Bailey Sterling’s dreams of becoming a caterer to the stars collapse faster than a soufflé. Now Bailey’s face is in all the gossip rags and her business is in ruins. But the Sterling women close ranks and bring her back to Icicle Falls, where she’ll stay with her sister Cecily. 

All goes well between the sisters until Bailey comes up with a new business idea—a tea shop on a charming street called Lavender Lane. She’s going into partnership with Todd Black, who—it turns out—is the man Cecily’s started dating. It looks to Cecily as if there’s more than tea brewing in that cute little shop. And she’s not pleased. 

Wait! Isn’t Cecily seeing Luke Goodman? He’s a widower with an adorable little girl, and yes, Cecily does care about him. But Todd’s the one who sends her zing-o-meter off the charts. So now what? Should you have to choose between your sister and the man you love (or think you love)?

Review

This is part of a series. And I have not read any in this series and I did not feel lost, but I am going go back and pick up the other others.

At first I was a bit worried. There are quite a few characters. But having read this author before I had faith that she was going to bring it together and it wasn’t long till I was captivated!

This story has a little bit of everything. I enjoyed the drama between the sisters because how can you have sisters and not have drama and trust me there’s drama!

I also loved reading about the tea shop. Being a big tea drinker I felt like I was right there in the tea shop I could smell the lavender.

But not only that, of course there’s a little bit of a love story thrown in to keep the drama running wild!😜

The narrator, Tanya Eby, is one of my favorites and she did an excellent job!

Need a charming, delightful tale with good characters and a great setting… THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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Bookbub

Overview

In the forests of northern Michigan, an ancient oak stands heavy with grief, its twisted limbs hung with shoes like gravestones. For generations the townspeople have shied away from the Raven Tree—and the witch who still walks beneath its branches.

Colwyn Cueny survived the unthinkable as a child. She learned to live with the rumors—to endure being the woman some call child murderer, madwoman, or witch. But when the past refuses to stay buried, surviving may no longer be enough.

When embattled Chicago attorney Marcus Lenarsic arrives, he has one last chance to reclaim his career. Still Marcus refuses to believe his landlady is the monster the town has already condemned. But defending Colwyn means risking more than his reputation. It means battling the secrets buried beneath a decade of fear where every neighbor has already decided Colwyn’s guilt.

The deeper Marcus digs, the more he realizes evil isn’t hidden in the woods. It’s buried under the stories people choose to believe. In a world shifting under the weight of 1960s justice reform, Marcus must untangle truth from legend before the woman he’s come to love becomes the next ghost in the trees.

Blending folklore, psychological suspense, and historical mystery, Burning the Raven Tree is perfect for fans of Kate Morton, William Kent Krueger, and the haunting atmosphere of the classic film Rebecca.

Review

This is a fabulous mix of folklore and mystery!

Colwyn Cueny survived the unthinkable as a child. She learned to live with the rumors—to endure being the woman some call child murderer, madwoman, or witch. But when the past refuses to stay buried, surviving may no longer be enough.

I enjoyed this intricate tale. This story is full of a little bit of everything…folklore, family drama, mystery and a good dose of psychological suspense.

I especially loved Colwyn Cueny. And as the story begins to unfold, you truly do not know where this woman stands. And let me tell you she has been through it. And you need to read this to find out what because that is some major intensity.

This is narrated by Abigail Reno. I started researching her right away. I don’t think I have ever listened to one of her narrated books, but I will be on the lookout from now on.

Need a twisted tale to keep you guessing… THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this for a honest review.

Purchase Here

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BookBub

Overview

Shortly before Christmas in 2018, Tess McCarthy, after years as a hard-working English teacher who never did anything out of the ordinary, flies to Western Australia’s remote Abrolhos Islands. She is in search of answers–both to the infamous Batavia shipwreck and her personal family crises.

In 1628, Saskia, an orphaned young Dutchwoman, boards Batavia with relatives, bound for a new and potentially dangerous life in the East Indies–only for her world to first collide with Aris Jansz, the ship’s taciturn under surgeon.

Tess, Saskia, and Aris–their lives linked by secrets that span generations–carry the baggage of past losses and the uncertainty of their futures. And, in the most unlikely circumstances, they may find qualities that echo through centuries: faith, acceptance, and love.

Review

Shortly before Christmas in 2018, Tess McCarthy, after years as a hard-working English teacher who never did anything out of the ordinary, flies to Western Australia’s remote Abrolhos Islands. She is in search of answers–both to the infamous Batavia shipwreck and her personal family crises.

I enjoyed so much of this novel especially the setting and the archaeological aspects. And of course it had me researching the Batavia Shipwreck. I love a story when it is based on true historical events.

Now it does tend to be a bit preachy in spots. But it is unique, especially when it talks about the shipwreck.

This is full of drama and questions!!

This tag team of narrators, Kristy Best, Jessica Spies, Angus McGruther, made the whole story come alive.

Need a good archaeological tale… THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today

I received this novel for a honest opinion.

Purchase here

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BookBub

Overview

Redemption isn’t given. It’s fought for. 

After years of violence, Solomon leaves the brutal backdrop of New York and its underworld to find peace in California where he settles for the quiet life of a gardener defined by routine, restraint, and a fragile kind of peace that had alluded him. Having been a former child soldier, mercenary, and hit man, he is determined to put his past behind him. But as violence erupts on the grounds he tends, his hard-won tranquility shatters when he encounters a young boy named Gaby whose life is in danger.

Protecting the child pulls Solomon back into a world he swore he’d buried. As they set out on an unexpected journey, hunted by men who will stop at nothing to get what they want, Solomon must confront not only the threat closing in but the darkness he carries within.

Propulsive and deeply human, Laws of Solomon is a story of redemption, found family, and the cost of choosing compassion in a brutal world. In saving Gaby, Solomon may finally discover whether peace is something a man like him can earn—or something he must sacrifice everything to protect.

Eriq La Salle brings readers into the world of his acclaimed Martyr Maker series with this standalone novel—the perfect entry point for readers new to La Salle’s writing.

Review

Protecting the child pulls Solomon back into a world he swore he’d buried. As they set out on an unexpected journey, hunted by men who will stop at nothing to get what they want, Solomon must confront not only the threat closing in but the darkness he carries within.

Well! Eriq is one talented person…actor, writer, narrator…and I am sure there is so much more!

This book takes you on an emotional ride! But let me tell you, Solomon is one complex character. He will kill you in a heartbeat, he has a terrible past, but he will NOT leave a child behind. And this child steals a piece of his heart. I loved the emotions this story created!

I could listen to Eriq La Salle narrate anything. You talk about excellent. Of course, I love it when an author narrates their own work. But this man’s voice is so smooth!

Need an emotional thriller to send you into the weekend….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.