reecaspieces

Overview

In the aftermath of a tumultuous year, Fiona Winslow finds solace in the decaying grandeur of Wurimbirra, the rambling family estate she once called home. Intent on restoring it, she discovers the keys to more than just the dilapidated mansion—beneath the crumbling plaster and dust are secrets that have been buried for a generation.

When a curious book, The Midnight Estate, catches her attention in her late uncle’s library, Fiona is plunged into a tale that mirrors her own—a story of love, loss and betrayal. But as the lines between fiction and reality blur, Fiona must ask herself: Is the true mystery the one hidden within the walls of her ancestral home, or is it within the pages of a book that chose her as much as she chose it?

Told in a dual narrative and set against the Gothic backdrop of Wurimbirra, Kelly Rimmer, bestselling author of The Things We Cannot Say, weaves an intricate and compelling tale, inviting readers into the heart of a family’s deepest secrets with an absorbing book-within-a-book mystery.

Review

Fiona has decided to buy her uncle’s estate, Wurimbirra. But this absolutely flusters her mother. Fiona cannot figure out why. But, Wurimbirra has its own issues. Fiona is not falling for the ghost stories about the place. But the strange happenings are definitely giving her cause for concern.

This is a story within a story.

Fiona discovers a hidden novel written by her uncle, The Midnight Estate. It tells the story of a young woman and her abusive husband. But Fiona also sees some parallels with her own life. And this opens some huge family secrets that pull at all your emotions.

Nothing like a creepy house, a great setting and family secrets to keep me glued to the pages. Kelly Rimmer has done it again.

Plus, the narrator, Siho Ellsmore, is absolutely excellent.

Need a well written, creepy, family mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from honest review.

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Overview

A dead body. A very bookish clue. Can Judy and her book club crack the case?

Undertaker Judy is used to spending more time with the dead than the living and along with her crime-loving friends, enjoys nothing more than cracking fictional cases over a glass of wine in their book group. Complete with a lawyer, a chemist and a bona fide bookworm, there’s not a murder they haven’t been able to solve.

But when the local librarian is found dead, clutching a copy of Romeo and Juliet, the book club is thrust into their first real-life case. Was their friend part of a doomed love affair too, or has there been foul play?

Then in a twist no one saw coming, another death comes to light. And when the book club realise one of their own is in danger, can they find the killer before one of them is shelved away for good?

Review

When the local librarian is found dead, clutching a copy of Romeo and Juliet, this book club is thrust into their first real-life case. Was their friend part of a doomed love affair too, or has there been foul play?

This story started out pretty strong. It has some cute characters and their interactions will make you smile. I also enjoyed all the book references. But, it did start dragging for me. I kept wanting it to move faster.

The narrator, Jilly Bond, started out pretty well. I liked her for voice for the older women in this book. But she did get a bit shrill when something exciting happened.

Need a cute murder mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

Delilah Thomas has a stellar track record of avoiding conflict. Her life mantra? Keep the peace. Born to a family she has never fit in, Delilah learned early that no matter what it costs her, it’s best to keep quiet, nod, and agree. Now in her late thirties, she has mastered the art and employs it daily with the preschoolers she teaches.

Then Peach Pit sets up shop in her small hometown and infiltrates every female relationship, including Delilah’s lifelong best-friend group. A direct sales business, Peach Pit claims its beauty products are organic and all-natural and recruits women to become “Darlings” who host parties to sell products to friends and family. Delilah’s friend Betsy is ecstatic to join, drawn by promises of sisterhood and easy income. But something seems off to Delilah.

When customers, including her pregnant friend Eliza, start reporting rashes, Peach Pit refuses to take responsibility. Then Betsy lets an unsettling secret slip, and Delilah can’t hold her tongue any longer. With the help of her retired neighbor, Mrs. Chopra, and travel journalist Jasper–Delilah’s longtime pen pal and childhood crush, finally in town for a visit–Delilah investigates the company and uncovers the grim truth. She is faced with a choice: Stop pushing and keep the peace, or find her courage and expose Peach Pit’s shady business practices, even if it costs her the unthinkable

Review

Delilah Thomas has a stellar track record of avoiding conflict. Born to a family she has never fit in, Delilah learned early that no matter what it costs her, it’s best to keep quiet, nod, and agree. Then Peach Pit sets up shop in her small hometown and infiltrates every female relationship, including Delilah’s lifelong best-friend group. A direct sales business, Peach Pit claims its beauty products are organic and all-natural. But something seems off to Delilah.

I enjoyed reading about Delilah. It takes her a while to find her voice. But when she does, she leaves no stone unturned getting to the bottom of this shady business. And that has a surprising twist surrounding it.

This is an uplifting read that has a little bit of everything, friendship, family drama, romance, motherhood and financial hardship. This does have quite a bit of characters but the author did a great job with all their differences.

The narrator, Brittany Goodwin, is a good one. She does not try to do a fake southern accent, for this I am very appreciative! 😜

Need a novel of friendship and shady business practices…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

Artist Emily Carmichael has always considered Splendid Lake her home, but she never imagined she would ever return. However, when she learns her childhood best friend, Jake Hughes, is struggling to save the beloved Hughes Family Orchard, she doesn’t hesitate to pack her bags and head back to the North Carolina mountains–even if it means battling a corporate giant and resisting the temptation of too many candy apples.

For Jake, the orchard is more than just a business; it’s a living legacy, a bond with his father and a promise to his family. As Jake and Emily work side-by-side to prepare for the orchard’s centennial anniversary, long-held feelings, once hidden beneath years of friendship, begin to surface. For Jake, Emily’s return illuminates what’s been missing in his life, and for Emily, being with Jake stirs long-dormant emotions she’s too scared to name. The air is crisp, the apples are sweet, and the sparks? They’re flying higher than a bonfire.

But with Jake’s ex-girlfriend’s dramatic reappearance and the mounting pressure to keep the orchard from failing, their budding romance is put to the test. Can these two best friends turn a season of chaos into a lifetime of love, or will their romance fall flat before the first frost?

Review

Artist Emily Carmichael has always considered Splendid Lake her home, but she never imagined she would ever return. However, when she learns her childhood best friend, Jake Hughes, is struggling to save the beloved Hughes Family Orchard, she doesn’t hesitate to pack her bags and head back to the North Carolina mountains–even if it means battling a corporate giant and resisting the temptation of too many candy apples.

This is a romance with an ex that is out of control….I really wanted to slap her silly. And there were places I wanted to do the same to Jake…even if I thought he was cute! But, Emily, she gave it her all! I loved her! She has wanted Jake since high school. But, she is not stupid enough to let him get by with anything.

The narrator, Brittany Goodwin, is just ok. She is a bit overly dramatic in places. This is minor, just something I noticed.

Need a sweet romance with a fall feel….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Conspiracy, the third book in USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble’s Sanctuary series (following Ambush and Prowl), delivers exactly what her fans want: the ideal blend of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat with just the right amount of romance. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Allison Brennan, and Lynette Eason.

Fifteen years of secrets. One chance for justice.

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leopard–a chilling embodiment of Paradise’s deepest fears–is now stalking her.

Haunted by resurfacing memories, Paradise, Blake, and her newfound brother, Drew, follow a trail of clues that leads them into a web of dark family secrets. The deeper they dig, the more shocking the connections become, linking their families to a dangerous conspiracy that someone is still willing to kill to protect.

With every step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate. Paradise, Blake, and Drew must race to expose a murderer who has remained hidden for fifteen years, but this time, they are the ones being stalked. If they can’t unmask the killer, the past will destroy both the fragile future Paradise and Blake are trying to build and the family she has finally found with her brother.

A conspiracy of lemurs is a family. But a conspiracy of people can be deadly.

Review

Just as wildlife veterinarian Paradise Alden begins to envision a future with Blake Lawson, the ghosts of her past return with a vengeance. The murder of her parents has shadowed her for fifteen years, but a new threat brings the cold case into the terrifying present. A trained leopard–a chilling embodiment of Paradise’s deepest fears–is now stalking her.

This is a good family mystery/ romantic suspense. I enjoyed Paradise and Blake. I will say, this is a bit preachy in places. But, this is just a minor inconvenience for me 😂.

I really enjoyed the animals in this tale…yes, I know I am an animal lover. But this was a bit unique reading about the lemurs and the big cats. I loved how Paradise handled all of the intense interactions.

This is book number 3 in the Coble Sanctuary series. This is the only one I have read. I do not think it is necessary to read them in order.

This is narrated by Karen Peakes. She did a good job. She did tend to get a bit excited during the intense sections. I liked it. It added to the drama.

Need a romantic suspense set in a conspiracy…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel for a honest opinion.

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