reecaspieces

Overview

A bold and beautifully written examination of a mother’s love told through the eyes of Cinderella’s ‘wicked’ stepmother.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) • “Destined to be one of the biggest books of the year.” —Glennon Doyle, #1 bestselling author of Untamed • “Splendid.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) • “Breathtakingly beautiful.” —Emilia Hart, bestselling author of Weyward 

Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. Fierce and determined, Ethel clings to the respectability her deceased husband’s title affords her, hoping it will secure her daughters’ future through marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the wellbeing of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairy tale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

Review

I have never been a big fan of retellings. But, I enjoyed this one!

Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one.

This is told from the stepmother’s point of view. Not only that…it is a bit of creative genius. This takes the story of Cinderella and turns it on its ear!

This story is about motherhood, life’s struggles and wanting more for your family. And let me tell you, Lady Tremaine is not stupid. She knows what kind of cards to play and when! I loved her tenacity and her intelligence to get the job done. And believe me, she gets more than one job done. She successfully changes this story for the better!

While I was reading this book, I received a copy of the audiobook. So I read the first half and then I listened to the second half. This is narrated by Bessie Carter and she did a great job. But this story is so good, you can listen to it or read it. It works both ways.

Need a take on Cinderella which will have you gasping out loud…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

A brilliant young innovator with a mysterious past and a boldly sharp-witted Lady uncover deadly secrets in #1 New York Times bestselling author Catherine Coulter’s thrilling, new Victorian-era romantic mystery filled with daring escapes, exciting twists, witty humor, and characters you won’t soon forget.

When Alex Ivanov was 12, someone tried to kill him. Now, 11 years later, they still want him dead.

England, 1842. Queen Victoria reigns, Buckingham Palace is overrun with rats, and the streets of London are filled with intrigue.

Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator, designing cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. As a boy, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with no memory of who he was. Rescued and raised by the formidable Ryder Sherbrooke, Alex has built a new life, but his past is catching up with him.

Lady Camilla Rohman has problems of her own. Trapped by a scheming stepmother and a family determined to see her married off, she is as clever as she is desperate. When fate throws her into Alex’s path, their connection is undeniable.

But as their whirlwind romance turns into marriage, danger follows. On their honeymoon, a series of deadly attacks make one thing clear—someone wants Alex dead. As they race to uncover the truth, old enemies and long-buried secrets come to light, leading them to a shocking revelation that will change everything

Review

Well, Catherine Coulter has returned to her roots on this one, historical romance!

Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator, designing cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. As a boy, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with no memory of who he was. Lady Camilla Rohman has problems of her own. And when fate throws her into Alex’s path, their connection is undeniable.

Historical romance used to be my jam growing up. It was a staple in my reading library and Catherine Coulter was at the very center. I don’t know if it is me or if it was the author but this book did not do it for me.

I found this story full of eye roll moments and way too much predictability. There were also many places that I felt the characters would not act that way in Queen Victoria’s time.

That being said, I did love the mystery surrounding Alex. This kept me reading because I had to discover the mystery surrounding his disappearance!

This is narrated by Anne Flosnik. Not sure if I have ever listened to her before. I will have to be on the look out for more of her work.

Now, will I continue to read this author…ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY! Catherine Coulter will always be one of my go to authors!

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

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Overview

From USA Today bestselling author Audrey Blake comes a story of love, hope, and perseverance, following one woman’s fight against an invisible enemy.

One woman physician. A group of talented midwives. A deadly disease spreading.

1849. Dr. Nora Gibson is the only female surgeon in London. In all of England, even. After earning her medical degree and overcoming the prejudice of those who wished to see her fail, she’s finally earned her place at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her newlywed husband and her eccentric but ailing adoptive father, the great Dr. Horace Croft.

But peace is hard to come by as a physician, and for one like Nora, it’s almost impossible. When Nora takes up the fight to bring midwives into the medical field, her already fragile reputation comes under fire by colleagues and London society itself. And if the possibility of losing her rights to practice medicine wasn’t enough, a dangerous enemy has made itself known: the deadliest cholera epidemic in over a century. It’s a swift disease that wreaks havoc and tragedy across the city, especially amongst the working classes, and Nora will do anything she can to help. Soon, she finds herself on the frontlines of the disease, and as those around her begin to fall, she’ll have to find the strength to stand alone and maintain her greatest oath: to save lives. Whether she’ll make it through, though, is up to fate.

Review

1849. Dr. Nora Gibson is the only female surgeon in London. In all of England, even. After earning her medical degree and overcoming the prejudice of those who wished to see her fail, she’s finally earned her place at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her newlywed husband and her eccentric but ailing adoptive father, the great Dr. Horace Croft.

Nora is definitely a strong female lead and she knows her stuff. She makes some tough decisions but sometimes she just doesn’t think things through. She is then surprised at the outcome of that decision. Nora is definitely in a tough field where “maleness” is the only prerequisite.

Being in the medical field I usually like historical novels surrounding this area of expertise. But this one is just slow. I kept thinking it was going to get better.

This is narrated by Susan Lyons. I have enjoyed her narration several times before and she is the reason I kept listening to this one.

Need a historical medical drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

An aspiring DA must put his trust in a criminally seductive fixer in a twisty thriller about secrets, manipulation, and murder by USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb.

Deputy district attorney Carson Tanner is nicknamed the Avenger for good reason. Fifteen years ago, the murder of Carson’s family fueled an unrelenting need for justice. His latest investigation into Birmingham crime boss Otis Fleming is a career maker—if he can crack Fleming’s closest confidant.

Annette Baxter is a fierce and cunning fixer who makes the dirty deeds of the city’s elite disappear. She’s ready to turn on Fleming to save herself—but Carson may not be ready to face all the secrets she protects.

Annette claims there’s more to Carson’s brutal past than he could have imagined, and a string of new murders suggests that someone in town is tidying up loose ends. Can he trust her long enough to find the truth? Can she trust him long enough to survive?

Revised edition: Previously published as Faceless, this edition of The Fatal Confidant includes editorial revisions

Review

If you are not reading this author….WHY NOT?

Deputy district attorney Carson Tanner is nicknamed the Avenger for good reason. His latest investigation into Birmingham crime boss Otis Fleming is a career maker—if he can crack Fleming’s closest confidant, Annette Baxter. Annette Baxter is a fierce and cunning fixer who makes the dirty deeds of the city’s elite disappear.

Debra Webb is a solid author for me. I have enjoyed every book I have read by her. And this one is no different! This is an intricate tale to keep you on your toes!

First of all, this setting of Birmingham, Alabama…I loved it. But these characters are the best. Carson has such a terrible past but when it collides with Annette…LOOK OUT!

I love that these characters are so flawed! You cannot help but be invested in what is going to happen next!

This is narrated by Eva Kaminsky. I appreciate that she didn’t try to sound southern 😜! She did a good job!

This has been previously published as Faceless.

Need a book about secrets and how the past can change your future…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

In the next book in this New York Times best-selling series, Evan Smoak takes on his most complex mission yet―one where he not only has to protect but also avenge, and find a way to balance vengeance with mercy.

Once a black ops assassin for the government known as Orphan X, Evan Smoak broke with the program and went deep underground, using his operational rules and skills to help the truly desperate with nowhere else to turn.

When Luke Devine, one of the most powerful men in the world, has a psychological crisis, Evan flies to the East Coast to help him. While there, he learns of a young woman who was kidnapped off the New York City subway, clearly in danger and in need of aid. With no name and few clues, Evan and his team track down the missing woman, who was assaulted and abandoned. Evan offers his help―and sets out finding the young men responsible. But the woman insists that Evan abandon his usual methods―no vengeance and, in particular, no killing. Which will prove no easy feat given the mounting incoming threats from all sides. In a mission that takes Evan from coast to coast, from the poorest corners of society to the richest, Orphan X must figure out a way to protect the innocent, avenge the victimized, and balance justice with a measure of mercy.

Review

With no name and few clues, Evan and his team track down the missing woman, who was assaulted and abandoned in NYC. Evan offers his help―and sets out finding the young men responsible. But the woman insists that Evan abandon his usual methods―no vengeance and, in particular, no killing. Which will prove no easy feat given the mounting incoming threats from all sides.

Well this takes you on a wild ride. It also shows you how Evan,or Orphan X, has another side to him. The way he handled this young lady…oh boy! This will melt your heart. But don’t be fooled…he can take down any opponent and then some!

Y’all know I love this series. And this is one of the best ones in quite a while! No I did not give it 5 stars because it could have ended sooner. It is just too long, in my opinion. But it is still full of intensity and, lord have mercy, Orphan X is full of himself in this one.

And you cannot do better than Scott Brick as the narrator. HE IS ORPHAN X!

Need a fast paced and intense tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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