reecaspieces

Overview

Against the sunlit backdrop of Italy, five expats discover each other—and rediscover themselves—in a charmingly funny and poignant novel by the author of An Unfinished Story and A Spanish Sunrise.

Tucked away on a cobblestone street in enchanting Bologna, Italy, is the only English bookstore in the city. It’s owned by prickly Sandy Cooke, who keeps love, and even romantic fiction, at a distance. Her employee, timid and hopelessly optimistic Moira, dreams of transforming the struggling shop into a vibrant community hub. Against the odds, one Bolognese summer, it becomes a haven for fellow expats at their own crossroads.

Bianca is a psychotherapist escaping both a breakdown and withering reviews of her new self-help book. On her heels is her father, George, wrestling with retirement—and regrets. He’s had a few, but the light of his life has always been his daughter. Then there’s Harold, a young and awkward barista from Denver recovering from his first belly-flopping high dive into love. Maybe it’s time for reinvention.

At the only English bookstore in Bologna, paths converge for five damaged souls who discover that healing doesn’t require much—just honest connection and an open heart.

Review

Tucked away on a cobblestone street in enchanting Bologna, Italy, is the only English bookstore in the city. It’s owned by prickly Sandy Cooke. Bianca is a psychotherapist escaping both a breakdown and withering reviews of her new self-help book. On her heels is her father, George, wrestling with retirement—and regrets. Then there’s Harold, a young and awkward barista from Denver recovering from his first belly-flopping high dive into love. Maybe it’s time for reinvention

As you can tell, there are quite a few characters running around in this novel. But the author pulls this together really well. I will say, the story line I liked the least was Bianca and her father. Or rather, I just didn’t like Bianca. She does redeem herself in the end. But I wanted to pop her one on more than one occasion. But I did enjoy grumpy Sandy and George with all his to do lists.

I appreciated these narrators, Barrie Kreinik and David de Vries. They had very good distinction with all these characters.

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

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

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Overview

From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a suspenseful domestic thriller about identity, revenge, and the dangerous secrets kept hidden from the ones we love most.

It’s the holidays, and photographer Brooklyn Locke is bound for Italy with her husband, Trey, and their two children. But when Trey vanishes from the airport, missing their connecting flight, their impromptu vacation—and life as she knows it—begins to unravel.

Desperate to find her husband, Brooklyn accepts help from a stranger on the same flight, Eden Barrow. But Eden soon makes a shocking claim. She is the sister of Trey’s first wife, and ten years ago he was the main suspect in her murder.

Struggling to comprehend these accusations, fate delivers one more blow: a violent accident that leaves Brooklyn fighting for her life. With nowhere else to turn, Brooklyn leans on Eden for support. But each kindness feels too rehearsed, feeding her doubts about Eden’s motives and Trey’s true past.

Brooklyn has her own dark history she’d rather forget and confronts an unsettling possibility. Her life is not what it seems, and the truth is a trap—laid by someone waiting for the perfect time to strike.

Review

It’s the holidays, and photographer Brooklyn Locke is bound for Italy with her husband, Trey, and their two children. But when Trey vanishes from the airport, missing their connecting flight, their impromptu vacation—and life as she knows it—begins to unravel.

J.T. Ellison has been one of my favorite thriller authors ever since I read Good Girls Lie! That book is still my favorite! But this book is pretty dang good too!

I enjoy a smart read…and this one has you chasing ideas and suspects. And don’t get me started on all these twists and turns. You really do not know who to trust. I mean…the husband, Trey, he has some major secrets. Then there is Eden…you need to read this to find out!

I love a good tag team of narrators! And these are the best…Brittany Pressley, Samara Naeymi, MacLeod Andrews, Saskia Maarleveld, Hillary Huber.

Need a twisted tale to get your blood pumping… THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

One of the most anticipated books of 2026!” —New York Times
“One of the finest suspense writers of her generation. Amazing dialogue, complex characters and a dazzling plot. Never has betrayal seemed so fascinating. ” —S.A Cosby 

Twenty-five years ago in Seaside, Washington, a charming drifter named Sam met three inseparable teenage girls at the local amusement park. Days later, one of them was found dead, her body surfacing in a flooded cranberry bog not far from where she was murdered.

Barb and Nicolette were shocked to learn that the man they all met at Wonderland was the Carnival Killer. After he’s arrested for the murders of five young women – one of whom was their best friend, Lorelei – Nicolette moved to the city to pursue her dreams of being famous. Barb stayed behind in Seaside, eventually becoming a reporter for the local paper. Their past safely behind them, they’ve both moved on with their lives.

But when the Carnival Killer recants his confession and a new body washes ashore on the eve of Wonderland’s grand reopening, the secrets that Barb and Nicolette have worked so hard to bury begin to resurface, threatening to destroy everything in their carefully constructed lives.

Review

When the Carnival Killer recants his confession and a new body washes ashore on the eve of the local amusement park grand reopening, the secrets that Barb and Nicolette have worked so hard to bury begin to resurface, threatening to destroy everything in their carefully constructed lives.

This is a multilayered story that fluctuates between the past and the present. And the way these stories intertwine, really keeps you intrigued! And don’t get me started on the secrets…these friends are hiding some major drama. So, to say this story is full of tension is an understatement!

I can definitely say, this story starts out so strong. It reels you in and keeps you there. However, I really expected a bigger twist at the end of this novel. If you are familiar with this author, you know she is known for some twisted tales. This is a good read, I just expected a bit more.

This cast of narrators, Brittany Pressley, Chris Brinkley, Eunice Wong, Ferdelle Capistrano, and January LaVoy…absolute chefs kiss!

Need a story full of lies, secrets and betrayals….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

Purchase here

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BookBub

Overview

One of the most anticipated books of 2026!” —New York Times
“One of the finest suspense writers of her generation. Amazing dialogue, complex characters and a dazzling plot. Never has betrayal seemed so fascinating. ” —S.A Cosby 

Twenty-five years ago in Seaside, Washington, a charming drifter named Sam met three inseparable teenage girls at the local amusement park. Days later, one of them was found dead, her body surfacing in a flooded cranberry bog not far from where she was murdered.

Barb and Nicolette were shocked to learn that the man they all met at Wonderland was the Carnival Killer. After he’s arrested for the murders of five young women – one of whom was their best friend, Lorelei – Nicolette moved to the city to pursue her dreams of being famous. Barb stayed behind in Seaside, eventually becoming a reporter for the local paper. Their past safely behind them, they’ve both moved on with their lives.

But when the Carnival Killer recants his confession and a new body washes ashore on the eve of Wonderland’s grand reopening, the secrets that Barb and Nicolette have worked so hard to bury begin to resurface, threatening to destroy everything in their carefully constructed lives.

Review

When the Carnival Killer recants his confession and a new body washes ashore on the eve of the local amusement park grand reopening, the secrets that Barb and Nicolette have worked so hard to bury begin to resurface, threatening to destroy everything in their carefully constructed lives.

This is a multilayered story that fluctuates between the past and the present. And the way these stories intertwine, really keeps you intrigued! And don’t get me started on the secrets…these friends are hiding some major drama. So, to say this story is full of tension is an understatement!

I can definitely say, this story starts out so strong. It reels you in and keeps you there. However, I really expected a bigger twist at the end of this novel. If you are familiar with this author, you know she is known for some twisted tales. This is a good read, I just expected a bit more. 

This cast of narrators, Brittany Pressley, Chris Brinkley, Eunice Wong, Ferdelle Capistrano, and January LaVoy…absolute chefs kiss!

Need a story full of lies, secrets and betrayals….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today. 

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

Purchase Here

Amazon

Bookbub

Overview

Two women, bound by blood and betrayal, must break silence across centuries—or be silenced forever, in the dazzling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin.

Lilith Legare’s life is unraveling. Since her mother’s death, strange things have been happening – plants turn toward her touch, animals linger in her path, and the birthmark on her arm has started tingling. Worse still is her recurring nightmare of being burned alive at the stake.

Her search for answers brings her from Savannah to England, to the decaying Brackenmere Manor where the past blurs with the present. There, Lilith discovers a legacy she never asked for and along with it, the threat of peril. History must be rewritten, or she too will die.

In 1645 Suffolk, Sybil Brantham stands accused as a witch. An educated, wealthy widow, she is branded a threat by men who fear her independence. As arrests begin and suspicion abounds, Sybil must protect her younger sister, even as betrayal takes root within her household.

Across centuries, Lilith and Sybil are bound by blood and by danger. To save themselves, and each other, they must confront the silence that has stolen women’s power for generations—and dare to claim their voices before it’s too late.

Review

Lilith Legare’s life is unraveling. Since her mother’s death, strange things have been happening – plants turn toward her touch, animals linger in her path, and the birthmark on her arm has started tingling. Worse still is her recurring nightmare of being burned alive at the stake.

Nothing like a recurring nightmare to get you to travel across the pond and find your ancestors! And Lilith does just that!

I enjoyed this dual timeline story. Lilith and Sybil are woven so well together that each story makes you want more. But Sybil’s tale will break your heart. She is such an amazing character and I wanted to jump through the pages to help her.

I did feel the ending is a bit too easy after all the drama, but this is a minor issue.

And do not sleep on the author’s note, it is fantastic!

I have listened to several books with this narrator, Saskia Maarleveld. As always, she is excellent.

Need a good, witchy read to start your fall season…THIS IS IT! This publishes September 1!

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

Amy Bridwell reluctantly accompanies her family on a Grand Tour of the Continent–the very trip her former sweetheart proposed they take as newlyweds. Receiving no suitable marriage offer in the six years since, and with her heart still guarded by regret, Amy has no choice but to go along with her widower father and younger sisters to ensure their travels go smoothly.

James Fletcher is building his practice as a physician in the fashionable resort town of Spa. Though he came with a wounded heart, seeking distance from Amy’s rejection, he’s managed to build a respectable life and is now engaged to a woman who will ensure his professional future. If only he could be sure that his betrothed’s heart is truly his.

When the Bridwells arrive at their first destination, Amy is stunned to encounter James again and to find him promised to another. As old feelings resurface, Amy must confront the choice she made six years ago and face the possibility that her heart has never truly moved on. 

Review

This had a bit of slow start. But once I fell in love with these characters, the story took off.

This is a second chance romance which follows Amy and James. James is struggling to get his physician practice off the ground. He has been in love with Amy forever. But circumstances beyond their control have kept them apart. That is until Amy ends up in Spa and runs into James. And the old feelings resurface!

This setting of Spa, Belgium in the 18th century really had me intrigued. I enjoyed reading about the baths and the cures people expected from these miracle waters.

This is not my usual genre. I used to read historical romances quite a bit in my younger days. I may have to start picking them back up.

This is well researched with great characters and a wonderful setting.

The narrator, Hannah Curtis, did a good job, especially with all the secondary characters.

Need a second chance romance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from Recorded Books for a honest review.

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Overview

A touching novel about unexpected connections and found family. Leo’s growth and change are paramount, and he feels like a real person, not a token.” —KIRKUS REVIEWS 

A Zibby Owens Most Anticipated Book of Summer 2026

The current is threatening to pull them under.

Berry thought she had it figured out—juggling her vice principal role while raising her sixteen-year-old autistic son, Leo. But when a promotion opportunity collides with her family’s deepest needs, she must confront whether she’s been fighting the wrong battles all along.

McKenna is drowning. Between caring for her grandmother with dementia, losing her swimming scholarship, and facing homelessness, the college student’s carefully constructed world is crumbling. Her only lifeline? Teaching swim lessons to children with autism—including Leo.

As these two women’s paths converge in the most unexpected way, they discover that sometimes the people who need saving the most are the ones who end up saving you.

Review

This is told from two different points of view, Berry and McKenna. Berry is juggling her vice principal role while raising her sixteen-year-old autistic son, Leo. McKenna is caring for her grandmother with dementia, possibly losing her swimming scholarship, and facing homelessness.

I loved both of these women. And trust me, both are so different and are dealing with difficult circumstances.

Berry seems to be so strong, and she is, but she is also vulnerable in so many ways, especially where her family is concerned. I enjoyed how Leo is portrayed in this tale. Also, the problems with raising an autistic child is never ending! The author showed it all! The effects on a marriage, family, and the struggle with letting go…are paramount to Berry’s life.

Then there is McKenna. Her situation breaks your heart in so many ways. Some of it is her fault but not all! Her relationship with Leo is a lifeline for her and him. I love how Leo and McKenna’s friendship grows!

This is narrated by Cassandra Campbell and Annalee Scott. They each did such a great job!

Need a story about life, love and friendship…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Bookbub

Overview

She thought she knew her family. One photograph proves she has been living a lie.

Joanne has always believed her mother died giving birth to her. It’s a painful truth, but one she’s accepted. Then, whilst sorting through old baby clothes, she finds a photograph tucked away in a box—her birth mother, smiling and very much alive, cradling a newborn in her arms.

As Joanne starts searching, the answers she gets only lead to more questions. Her journey takes her to Rose Cottage, where her mother once lived, and into a past filled with long-hidden secrets. Can she find out what really happened? What could be so terrible that her father has kept it from her for her whole life—and is she ready for the truth?

Revised edition: Previously released as The Secret of the Brighton House, this edition of The Missing Mother of Rose Cottage includes editorial revisions.

Review

Joanne has always believed her mother died giving birth to her. It’s a painful truth, but one she’s accepted. Then, whilst sorting through old baby clothes, she finds a photograph tucked away in a box—her birth mother, smiling and very much alive, cradling a newborn in her arms.

I enjoy a good family drama with secrets. And this is pretty good. It does tend to drag in places. But I loved Joanne and her quest. And trust me…she discovers more than she bargained for.

The setting of Brigton and Berwick-Upon-Tweed in the United Kingdom is definitely unique (unless you are from across the pond). This and the dual timelines of present day and the 1980s, create an uncommon story to captivate you.

I also enjoyed these narrators, Lucy Rayner and Bronwen Price. I am not sure I have ever listened to either one. I will have to look for other books by these narrators.

Need a family drama with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this from the publisher for a honest review.

Purchase Here

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