When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams #bookreview

Posted on June 23, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

A young widow returns to her late father’s New England estate, only to be drawn into the hunt for the rumored pirate treasure that consumed his life, in this thrilling and moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Husbands & Lovers.

“Utterly transporting . . . one of the most gorgeous love stories I’ve read in a long time.”—Emily Giffin

Local history insists that a legendary pirate buried his treasure somewhere beneath Windward, the decayed Cooper estate on Winthrop Island, but Lucy Cooper never trusted the fable that broke her family apart. When a widowed Lucy returns with her young daughter to grieve her estranged father, she discovers catastrophe: The property is mired in debt she canʼt repay, and Ben Ressler has unexpectedly turned up on her doorstep.

Thirteen summers ago, the teenaged Lucy never meant to fall in love with Ben, a Dartmouth football star vacationing nearby at the Peabody estate and the object of an all-consuming crush by Laura Peabody, Lucy’s best friend. Those few weeks were the best and worst of Lucy’s life, dooming her friendship with Laura. Now, after a fatal accident ended his dazzling NFL career, Ben has returned to live quietly in the Peabodys’ caretaker lodge. He’s also the last person who saw Lucy’s father alive.

As Lucy reconstructs her father’s troubling final days, she uncovers his research on the frozen winter of 1717, when a desperately wounded pirate sought refuge on Winthrop Island with an enigmatic healer. To Lucy, this history points the way to a different kind of treasure: how to heal from the fractures of the past and earn a second chance at love. But just as Lucy’s long-buried emotions sear to the surface, a shocking turn of events reveals that someone else on the island will do whatever it takes to claim the fabled plunder.

A timeless story of love and atonement, When You Loved Memaps both a centuries-old treasure hunt and the intimate territory of the human heart, weaving together past and present as only Beatriz Williams can.

Review

When a widowed Lucy returns to Winthrop Island with her young daughter to grieve her estranged father, she discovers a catastrophe: The property is mired in debt she canʼt repay, and Ben Ressler, her old flame, has unexpectedly turned up on her doorstep.

I enjoyed Lucy and Ben. These two are slow to discover their feelings. But as a reader, you know those feelings are there and they are so strong. Then there is the pirate’s treasure mixed into their world. This keeps the story intriguing for sure.

But, as much as I loved Lucy and Ben, I found the flash back in time to 1717 a bit boring. It just didn’t fit for me. Usually, I enjoy the past mixed with the present. However, this part of the book just slowed the whole story down for me.

I am a huge fan of this author. My favorite book by her is Under the Stars. But all her books are so very good. You cannot go wrong with any of them. Even though this is my least favorite, it is still a 4 star read.

Need a story of love story with a bit of a treasure hunt…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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By The River’s Edge by Gregg Olsen #truecrime #bookreview

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

The decades-long manhunt for a serial killer takes a stunning turn in a haunting and harrowing true crime shocker by Gregg Olsen, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of If You Tell.

In 1990 in Washington state, the bodies of Yolanda Sapp, Nickie Lowe, and Kathy Brisbois were found on the banks of the Spokane River. They were part of a close-knit alliance of sex workers whose oath to protect each other was, in the end, hopeless. For twenty-two years their brutal murders went unsolved.

In 2012, a DNA cold hit pointed to Douglas Perry. A repeat assault offender, Douglas was currently incarcerated in Carswell, Texas. But there was a twist: The facility was for female prisoners. The man authorities hunted for decades was now Donna Perry. Her gender reassignment not only helped to mask the evil deeds of the past, it ended a life of childhood traumas and a pent-up rage unleashed on nearly thirty victims, according to Donna herself. Through total reinvention, she believed she’d finally slayed the monster within.

By the River’s Edge is the astonishing true story of an elusive serial killer, an escape plan like no other, and the women who lived and died on the fringes of the Lilac City for whom justice was at long last served.

Review

In 1990 in Washington state, the bodies of Yolanda Sapp, Nickie Lowe, and Kathy Brisbois were found on the banks of the Spokane River. They were part of a close-knit alliance of sex workers whose oath to protect each other was, in the end, hopeless. For twenty-two years their brutal murders went unsolved.

I really enjoy this author, especially his fiction books. However, he has some really good true crime as well!

This is very well researched but it does have some slow spots, especially the interviews. This was a bit monotonous. But, I do understand why he chose this particular crime. It is definitely unique, especially how they caught him/her and how they had to manage him/her.

This is narrated by Karen Peakes. She is very matter of fact and did a great job.

Need a true crime with a unique serial killer….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this from the publisher for a honest review.

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Echoes of Infamy by Shaina Steinberg #bookreview @kensingtonbooks

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

In postwar Los Angeles, former spies Evelyn Bishop and Nick Gallagher dig into shady real estate dealings, murder, and the appalling aftereffects of Japanese American internment during World War II.

Now president of her father’s company, Bishop Aeronautics, Evelyn is presiding over a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of her factory when she is approached by Billy Takemura, a Japanese American soldier who announces that she’s building on stolen land.

Like Evelyn and Nick, Billy is a war hero. He served in the decorated 442nd Nisei company, while most of his family were forcibly interned at Manzanar. Their thriving family restaurant, and the land it occupied, were taken while they were in the camp. 

Determined to right this wrong—and concerned about her father’s possible involvement in profiteering—Evelyn enlists Nick in her investigation. What starts as a discovery of widespread fraud quickly graduates to murder. Suspects range from an unscrupulous business partner to a bitter widow to Billy’s hotheaded brother. It’s up to Evelyn and Nick to expose the truth. However, it’s not easy when Evelyn is fending off betrayal in her own company and Nick’s brutal childhood returns to haunt him. 

Nothing is as it seems as secrets threaten to destroy the life they have worked so hard to build . . .

Review

This is Book number three in the series, Bishop and Gallagher mysteries. I have read book number one, An Unquiet Peace. For some reason, I skipped the second one. It is not necessary read them in order. I’m gonna have to go back and get number two because I really enjoy these characters.

Evelyn is president of her father’s aeronautics company. She is at the groundbreaking of her new facility, when a young man comes up to her and tells her she is building on stolen property. This sends her on a quest to determine what has happened.

The young man, Billy Takemura, is a Japanese American. His family owned a restaurant before the war and when they were put in the internment camps, someone stole their restaurant. Well, now the aeronautics company is building on that very same spot. As you can imagine, Evelyn is livid. She does not want to be stealing anybody’s land.

But this is just part of the story. There is so much that is going on. I enjoyed the hunt to find out what has happened to the land. I enjoyed all the mysteries, and there is more than one mystery in this book. I also love the family drama. And trust me there’s quite a bit of that…especially where Nick is concerned.

Evelyn and Nick are some of the best characters! And I cannot wait until their next adventure.

Need a story with a strong woman character, THIS IS IT! Add it to your list

I received this novel from the publisher for honest opinion.

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The Museum of Lost Dreams by Christine Nolfi #bookreview

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

Returning to her fractured past, a woman is determined to end a cycle of heartbreaks in a moving novel about family, sacrifice, and redemption by the bestselling author of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.

When Bess Rollins’s parents die in a tragic accident, she is forced to abandon her dream job overseas. After three years away, she returns to her family’s estate in the Finger Lakes, a veritable monument to her brilliant late grandmother, and a reminder of the wreckage Bess left behind.

There’s the guilt over leaving her younger twin siblings, Casey and Caleb, and she struggles to rebuild a bond that may be irrevocably broken. Amid the grief, resentment still looms toward her reckless and self-indulgent mother and father. And then there’s Luke Monticelli, the devoted man Bess walked out on but never stopped loving.

Haunted by her regrets at every turn, Bess soon realizes that the past is far more complicated than she ever knew. With each secret that she uncovers about her family, Bess comes closer to healing their wounds, seizing a second chance at love, and fulfilling dreams that can lift them all—right here at home, where she belongs.

Review

When Bess Rollins’s parents die in a tragic accident, she is forced to abandon her dream job overseas. After three years away, she returns to her family’s estate in the Finger Lakes, a veritable monument to her brilliant late grandmother, and a reminder of the wreckage Bess left behind.

If you follow me at all, you know I love a good family drama. And this is a good one. It has a great house, great characters and family secrets…Heck…it has a little bit of everything!

I really enjoyed Bess! She is full of trauma but she is determined to do her best by her siblings after her parents death.

This has two timelines, present day and Beth’s grandmother’s past. I enjoyed both, but Beth’s grandmother was a true trail blazer. Like I said earlier, this book is full of everything…including lots of secrets!

Need a story to make you laugh, cry and gasp for air…THIS IS IT! This publishes June 23! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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The Stargazer of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt #bookreview @harlequinbooks

Posted on June 17, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

From award-winning author Julie Gerstenblatt, an epic tale of adventure on the high seas, a spunky stowaway, and a family confronting the past to secure their future.

Massachusetts, 1851

Winifred Starbuck wants only one thing: to join her parents on their final merchant voyage—from Nantucket Island to bustling San Francisco, then across the glittering Pacific to the distant ports of China. Yet renowned trade captains Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden their daughter from coming aboard on the adventure of a lifetime. So Winnie does what any strong-willed eighteen-year-old would do: she stows away.

Once the ship sets sail, Winnie is plunged into turbulent waters, treachery, and the thrill of life on the high seas. As she drifts farther from shore, and closer to fabled Canton port, she uncovers a long-buried secret—one that reveals the truth behind her parents’ desperate fear. And as she continues to chart her own course, she’ll have to plumb the depths of her courage to take on a world far bigger—and more dangerous—than she ever imagined.

Review

I am in the minority on this one.

Winifred Starbuck wants only one thing: to join her parents on their final merchant voyage—from Nantucket Island to bustling San Francisco, then across the glittering Pacific to the distant ports of China. Yet renowned trade captains Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden their daughter from coming aboard on the adventure of a lifetime. So Winnie does what any strong-willed eighteen-year-old would do: she stows away.

As much as I enjoyed the setting and the time period on this story, I really did not like Winnie. I found her decision-making skills, very childish and selfish.

And as I said earlier, I am in the minority on my feelings about this book. It is slow in spots. It could have been 50 pages shorter. But I did enjoy learning about the ship, the crew and, of course, the opium trade.

This narrator, Erin Lin, did a pretty good job. I think my issue is more with the story than the narrator.

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

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Secrets of Summer by Susan Mallery @harlequinbooks #bookreview

Posted on June 16, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

Revisit this heartfelt second chance romance book from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. Previously published as A Dad for Billie.

Banker Adam Barrington’s quiet life is disrupted when a baseball smashes his window. Intrigued by the eight-year-old culprit who recently moved next door, Adam is shocked to discover that her mother is Jane Southwick, his ex-fiancée, who left him at the altar years ago.
When Jane decided to return to her hometown and move in to her parent’s old house, she knew that facing her next-door neighbor was inevitable, but when her daughter finds a window to his house—and his heart—Jane is delighted with the bond growing between Adam and the little girl. Now she must confess the secret she has been carrying in her heart for years and risk everything for a second chance at love and family.

Review

I enjoy this author’s books, but this one fell a bit short.

Banker Adam Barrington’s quiet life is disrupted when a baseball smashes his window. Intrigued by the eight-year-old culprit who recently moved next door, Adam is shocked to discover that her mother is Jane Southwick, his ex-fiancée, who left him at the altar years ago.

This is a second chance romance. And yall, I am not sure I would have had that much forgiveness to give this couple a second chance. She left him at the altar, then she had his baby and didn’t tell him for 8 years. That is a lot to forgive. And I will be honest, it has some eye roll moments in some of the dialogue.

What saved this book for me was the little girl Billie. She has some really cute antics.

The narrator, Tanya Eby, did a pretty good job. I think the story was just a bit unbelievable and it just lacked the kick needed.

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

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Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh @tnfiction #bookreview

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

Life has a way of changing your path–and Claire Karadec certainly didn’t plan on a fork in the road in her forties. From New York Times bestselling author Courtney Walsh comes a witty, warm, and uplifting novel about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to become yourself–perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan and Sarah Adams.

After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream–Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love–and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Before she can talk herself out of it, she takes a step of faith, puts her old life in the rearview mirror, and leases an apartment in Chicago, the city that has always had her heart. This one step sends Claire on a journey of self-discovery, giving her the courage to conquer her fears, one checklist item at a time, and showing her that life can be a whole lot brighter than she imagined.

She rediscovers a love for baking, stumbles into new friendships, and even allows her daughter, Minnie, to create a dating profile and choose her dates for her. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is Miles, the charming, off-limits neighbor whose kindness makes it hard to remember why he’s off-limits at all.

Between late-night journaling, disastrous first dates, great big lessons and priceless small victories, Claire learns to quiet the voice telling her she wasn’t enough and listens to the one that asks the harder question . . .

What do I really want?

As old expectations loosen their grip, Claire discovers that belonging isn’t a place you’re invited to–it’s a life you build one brave choice at a time. And the sweetest things often show up when you finally get out of your own way.

Review

Oh! I loved these characters!

After a painfully public discovery shatters her marriage, along with her picture-perfect, country club life, Claire finds herself suddenly single and faced with a blank page for a future. On that page she writes a simple list that reads like equal parts dare and daydream–Move to a new city. Make a real friend. Get a job I love–and she vows to accomplish every single one.

Claire is determined to overcome her public divorce. I loved her tenacity and her humor. And trust me there are some hilarious interactions between Claire and her landlord, Miles.

This is a story about life changing decisions and overcoming past hurts. This book made me smile and took me on a wonderful ride around Chicago with Claire and Miles

The narrator is one I recognized immediately, Patti Murin. She is one of my favorites from Katherine Center books.

Need a story with great characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Beach Thriller by Jamie Day #bookreview @macmillanaudio @stmartinspress

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

The ultimate summer suspense novel is perfect for beach read lovers everywhere! 

Some people lose themselves in a novel. Others lose everything.

Holly Sinclair, a struggling author, is dead broke. After being evicted from her New York apartment, she returns to her family’s dilapidated beach house in coastal New England with one urgent goal: write a book that sells. Fast. 

Reinventing herself won’t be easy, but the old seaside town offers a few unexpected allies. Gail, a driven local Realtor, introduces her to a charming handyman who can help her get back on her feet. Serena, the town psychic, offers encouragement and an unsettling warning about danger ahead. And Jade, a teen runaway, is hiding out in Holly’s attic and desperately needs a safe place to land. 

Holly takes Jade in, and soon the girl finds work with the powerful Carmichael family. Their dynasty has faded, but their connection to Holly’s past is darker than she wants to remember. Their secrets could put both women at risk. 

Not everyone is glad to see Holly return. Someone in town is watching her every move. The Watcher knows something Holly doesn’t. The past may be a foggy echo, but it’s close enough to come rushing in with the tide.

Review

I am not gonna lie. I was very hesitant to read this book. Because I was not a big fan of The Block Party. I would have missed a good one if I had listened to myself 😂.

Holly Sinclair, a struggling author, is dead broke. After being evicted from her New York apartment, she returns to her family’s dilapidated beach house in coastal New England. This house and this town has a lot of bad memories. Holly’s sister died here and she is determined to discover exactly what happened.

There is quite a bit going on in this novel. You have a mystery, an old house, a psychic, a young squatter, and a town that wants Holly to go away. Oh, and a rich family that is hiding quite a bit!

This is a story that is full of questions with several twists and turns to keep you guessing. Now, could it have been about 30-50 pages shorter….YES. But that did not take away from the questions of the past…and trust me! I had quite a few questions.

There are also a good many characters and POVs. So, a good tag team of narrators is warranted. This is narrated by Emily Shaffer, Jane Oppenheimer, Jennifer Pickens, and Megan Tusing. They really did a great job.

Need a good family mystery for your beach trip…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Lost in the Summer of ‘69 by Eliza Knight #bookreview @sourcebooks

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

Three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music, and the epic cross-country road trip they’ll never forget.
Summer, 1969: Eleanor Bell doesn’t have anything to lose. According to the doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon, so why not head west now? Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music again, in a swan song of her own? 
Except she forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she’s going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor. The last thing Nora wants to do before starting as one of Yale’s first female undergrads is hit the road. But then Nora hears something strange on the radio—her grandmother’s voice, singing. Nora and Leanne hop in their Chevy for a cross-country road trip, always one step behind Eleanor, who has been dubbed the Dame of Rock n’ Roll by none other than Johnny Carson. 
Full of nostalgia and awash with the warmth of summer, Lost in the Summer of ’69 is an epic celebration of savoring the encore-no matter what the next act may bring.

Review

Summer, 1969: Eleanor Bell doesn’t have anything to lose. According to the doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon. Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music. Except she forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she’s going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor.

When I get Eleanor’s age, I sure hope I am as brave as she is. She went after something she thought she lost. Then there is Eleanor’s daughter, Leanne. She discovers a lot about herself on this road trip. And I was here for it!

This is a story about lost dreams and it just might take you back to your past. I so enjoyed the nostalgia! And I was way too young to remember 1969 but dang this sounded so cool.

There are places in this story where some of the phrases are repeated. But there are also some great quotes. For instance, talking about books… “She read them to live inside the pages.” Don’t we all!

Helen Laser, is the narrator. She was excellent, especially as Eleanor.

Need a story to take you away…THIS IS IT. Grab your copy today.

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

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Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh #bookreview

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Reecaspieces

Overview

From USA Today bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh comes a witty Jazz Age mystery where rivalry, ambition, and deceit glitter under every chandelier…and no one gets out until the killer is unmasked.

In Chicago’s Gold Coast district, twenty of the city’s most glamorous socialites gather for a charity whist drive at the Bellevue House mansion. Brightest among them are Ginevra King Mitchell and Edith Cummings, real-life debutantes who inspired Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby.

But when their sharp-tongued hostess turns up dead and a blizzard traps everyone inside, suspicion and gossip give way to fear. After all, one guest has a habit of burying husbands, another a proclivity for poison. Their charming veneers belie jealousies, ambitions, and deceits aplenty, enough to drive any one of them to kill.

As whispers turn to accusations, the police start closing in. Ginevra and Edith compete to solve the murder, uncovering secrets far more dangerous than the gossip columns ever revealed. But when a second body is found—strangled with Ginevra’s own pearls—their restless rivalry becomes a race for survival. Who’s next? And is the answer hidden in Fitzgerald’s exasperating novel?

Review

In Chicago’s Gold Coast district, twenty of the city’s most glamorous socialites gather for a charity whist drive at the Bellevue House mansion. Brightest among them are Ginevra King Mitchell and Edith Cummings. But when their sharp-tongued hostess turns up dead and a blizzard traps everyone inside, suspicion and gossip give way to fear.

The setting and the time period sold me on this book. I loved Chicago in the Jazz age. And these debutants…they pull no punches!! Two of them, Ginevra and Edith, were the inspiration for characters in the Great Gatsby. This just added so much to the story for me.

Now, this does have quite a few characters. But, they add so much to the story. I enjoyed how this unfolded. I truly felt like I was playing a game of Clue!

The narrators are Lauren Ezzo and Barrie Kreinik. They did an excellent job with all the voices. And they were distinctive with all of them.

Need a mystery set in the Jazz age….THIS IS IT! This publishes June 16! Add it to your list!

I received this novel for a honest review.

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