The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes #bookreview @berkleypub

Overview

This captivating story is an ode to book lovers!”—Woman’s World

A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women—and their secrets—in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton.

London, 2024: American expat Margo Reynolds is renowned for her talent at sourcing rare antiques for her clients, but she’s never had a request quite like this one. She’s been hired to find a mysterious book published over a century ago. With a single copy left in existence, it has a storied past shrouded in secrecy—and her client isn’t the only person determined to procure it at any cost.

Havana, 1966: Librarian Pilar Castillo has devoted her life to books, and in the chaotic days following her husband’s unjust imprisonment by Fidel Castro, reading is her only source of solace. So when a neighbor fleeing Cuba asks her to return a valuable book to its rightful owner, Pilar will risk everything to protect the literary work entrusted to her care. It’s a dangerous mission that reveals to her the power of one book to change a life.

Boston, 1900: For Cuban school teacher and aspiring author Eva Fuentes, traveling from Havana to Harvard to study for the summer is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a whirlwind adventure that leaves her little time to write, but a moonlit encounter with an enigmatic stranger changes everything. The story that pours out of her is one of forbidden love, secrets, and lies… and though Eva cannot yet see it, the book will be a danger and salvation for the lives it touches.

Review

A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women—and their secrets.

This story is told in three different time periods; 1900s Boston, 1966 Havana, and 2024 London. I did like the present day a bit better than the others. Just because there seemed to be more mystery and drama unfolding. Plus, I liked Margo. I loved her cleverness.

But don’t sleep on the other parts of the story. They are all gripping! Between the Cuban revolution and the adventure Eva has at Harvard, you don’t know what is about to happen. But Chanel brought all these time periods together splendidly!

Need a “hunt for a book” tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Softly As I Leave You by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley with Mary Jane Ross #bookreview #memoir @hachetteaudio

Overview

The long-awaited memoir by Priscilla Presley chronicling her difficult, inspiring journey beyond the walls of Graceland and behind the elegant image the world sees.

Priscilla Presley’s divorce from Elvis left his fans incredulous. How could she leave the man every woman wanted? From the outside, life in Elvis’s mansion looked glamorous and enviable, and in many respects, it was. But inside the mansion, her husband was constantly surrounded by a male entourage while at the gates, lines of beautiful women waited hopefully for an audience with the King. From the time she was seventeen years-old, that life was all Priscilla had known. During her ten years with Elvis, it became painfully apparent that she had no idea who she was outside Elvis’s world. The only way to find herself was to leave that world and seek a new life of her own, because leaving was the only way to survive, for herself and for her daughter.

Softly, As I Leave You, is the deeply personal story of what Priscilla lost and what she found when she walked away from the man she loved. Despite the legal separation, their love for one another transformed into a touching and tender dynamic that endured until Elvis’s untimely death four years later. Shattered by Elvis’s passing, she had to reinvent herself a second time as the single mother of a talented, often headstrong daughter who never really recovered from her father’s death. Priscilla’s dedication to motherhood was enriched by the birth of her second child, and she gradually found her footing as a businesswoman, actress, designer, and legislative advocate. She transformed Graceland into an international destination and helped guide the development of Elvis Presley Enterprises. But the unexpected, shattering loss of three immediate family members years later brought Priscilla to her knees. She shares her journey with a quiet dignity that will comfort and reassure anyone who has suffered–and survived–seemingly unbearable loss.

A compassionate, and inspiring story of finding your place in the world, Softly, As I Leave You, is a sweet Southern melody that will take the listener with Priscilla on her long road home.

Review

This follows Priscilla as she has navigated the world after her divorce from Elvis.

There are a lot of fascinating details in this memoir. Being a GenXer and not living far from Memphis, I remember so many details about her and Elvis, especially his death (like most of the world). This just briefly touches on his death. This is about Priscilla and her family.

Priscilla has definitely had her tragedies in her life. And I found her very down to earth. I love her loyalty to her kids and family. She talks about both of her children’s struggles with addiction. This is hard to read in places.

She also touches briefly on her time in Scientology. I do believe it helped her navigate her grief through Elvis’ death. But, it took her a while to realize exactly what she had gotten herself into.

All in all, this is a compelling memoir, especially since she narrates it herself. This always adds so much more!

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

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Dragon Fires Everywhere by Hazel Beck #audiobook #bookreview @harlequinbooks

Overview

When a witch plays with fire, she might just ignite a love that can’t be extinguished…

Newly-minted Historian of the soon-to-be-ascended Riverwood Coven Georgie Pendell has always played her part—so why does she feel like an outsider in her own life? Duped and dumped by her boyfriend, Georgie finds herself dismissing love as a fairytale. But when the words she reads aloud from an enchanted storybook free a dragon shifter, everything changes.

Georgie finds herself drawn to the dragon in ways she didn’t think were even possible for her, and her dragon, with his fiery golden gaze, all but claims Georgie as his own. But beneath his scorching intensity lies a secret, one that stretches back into the ancient past.

With the Joywood Coven still finding ways to upend the new order of the witching world, Georgie and her coven will need to prove themselves up to the task of being in charge, and right the wrongs their predecessors committed—if they can uncover the truth. Because something is missing. Something that will stop the Joywood once and for all. Something that only a Historian and an ancient dragon can find.

Review

Well if you follow me at all, you know I always say…I do not read dragons and vampires. Well! This book proved me wrong.

Newly-minted Historian of the soon-to-be-ascended Riverwood Coven Georgie Pendell has always played her part—so why does she feel like an outsider in her own life? Duped and dumped by her boyfriend, Georgie finds herself dismissing love as a fairytale. But when the words she reads aloud from an enchanted storybook free a dragon shifter, everything changes.

I loved this dragon, Azreal. I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth. But I fell for him hard. He is a man through part of this though. And he absolutely had Georgie’s back throughout the whole book and this just made me love him more. Georgie is a character I have loved since the beginning of this series and she is no holds barred in this book.

And y’all…the secrets come out in this book. The true story is revealed and it is a great ending to the Witchlore series This is the best book of the series hands down!

Need a good witchy tale with a good looking dragon…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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One Of Us by Dan Chaon #bookreview #historicalfiction @macmillanaudio @henryholt

Overview

It’s 1915 and the world is transforming, but for thirteen-year-old Bolt and Eleanor—twins so close they can literally read each other’s minds—life is falling apart. When their mother dies, they are forced to leave home under the care of a vicious con man who claims to be their long-lost uncle Charlie, the only kin they have left. During a late-night poker game, when one of his rages ends in murder, they decide to flee.

Salvation arrives in the form of Mr. Jengling, founder of the Emporium of Wonders and father to its many members. He adopts Bolt and Eleanor, who travel by train across the vast, sometimes brutal American frontier with their new family, watching as the exhibitions spark amazement wherever they go. There’s Minnie, the three-legged lady, and Dr. Chui, who stands over seven feet tall; Thistle Britches, the clown with no nose, and Rosalie, who can foretell the death of anyone she meets.

After a lifetime of having only each other, Eleanor and Bolt are finally part of something bigger. But as Bolt falls in deeper with their new clan, he finds Eleanor pulling further away from him. And when Uncle Charlie picks up their trail, the twins find themselves facing a peril as strange as it is terrifying, one which will forever alter the trajectory of their lives. An ode to the misfits and the marginalized, One of Usis a riotous and singularly creepy celebration of the strange and the spectacular and of family in its many forms.

Review

It’s 1915 and the world is transforming, but for thirteen-year-old Bolt and Eleanor—twins so close they can literally read each other’s minds—life is falling apart. When their mother dies, they are forced to leave home under the care of a vicious con man who claims to be their long-lost uncle Charlie, the only kin they have left. During a late-night poker game, when one of his rages ends in murder, they decide to flee.

I enjoyed reading about the strange characters in the Emporium of Wonders. But y’all, that is about it! I had such high hopes for this book. It is just plain SLOW! And I usually DNF one this slow, but I just kept thinking it was going to get better.

Plus, it just has some gross parts. I fast forwarded through some of those. Like I said…this book just was not for me.

This is 2.5 stars rounded up.

This is narrated by a great tag team: Dan Chaon; John Pirhalla; Stephanie Németh-Parker. Sadly, it did not make me like this book any better.

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

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The Guest in Room 120 by Sara Ackerman @harlequinbooks #bookreview

Overview

A Zibby’s Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2025!

From USA Today bestselling author Sara Ackerman comes a spellbinding dual-timeline novel set at Honolulu’s iconic Moana Hotel, where a real-life mysterious death in 1905 collides with a writer’s search for the truth one hundred years later. For fans of Ariel Lawhon and Fiona Davis.

1905 As the mother of a university and a woman with an iron will, Jane Stanford has made her share of enemies. After a scare at her mansion in San Francisco and on the advice of her doctor, she flees to Honolulu and the fashionable new Moana hotel. But as fate would have it, the island is not as safe as it seems.

2005 Zoe Finch is a bestselling author who desperately needs a jump start on her next novel, and she makes a split decision to attend a writers’ conference at the Moana under an assumed name. As a storm brews offshore, she begins having nightmares that feel hauntingly real. Terrified, Zoe enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters and, over the course of the week, races to uncover the shocking truth of what happened in the hotel one hundred years ago almost to the day.

1905 ‘Iliahi Baldwin’s life changes the moment she lands a job at the Moana. Newly hired and reeling from a tragic loss, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with the formidable Jane Stanford upon her arrival, which leaves young ‘Ili devastated when the unthinkable happens. ‘Ili knows things, but there are powerful people who need the truth to remain hidden, and to cross them could prove disastrous.

Inspired by the incredible true story of one of America’s most mysterious deaths, this is an unforgettable tale of betrayal and secrets that still echoes through the years.

Review

 Zoe Finch is a bestselling author who desperately needs a jump start on her next novel, and she makes a split decision to attend a writers’ conference at the Moana under an assumed name. As a storm brews offshore, she begins having nightmares that feel hauntingly real. Terrified, Zoe enlists the help of mystery writer Dylan Winters and, over the course of the week, races to uncover the shocking truth of what happened in the hotel one hundred years ago almost to the day.

I love how the author wove the time periods together. Sara is a master at this. But this time, I loved the present day more than the past. I loved Zoe. She is flawed but this is what drew me to her. She wants to do her best even if she makes mistakes along the way.

However, Jane Stanford is also fascinating. I had no idea about this lady and her mysterious death. Add in the ghostly visits and you have a fascinating tale that will have you researching, as with all of this author’s books. I swear, she always has me looking up unique historical facts.

I love Sara Ackerman. Her novels can take me away to fascinating time periods. My favorite is The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West. Add that one to your list as well!

Need a novel that is atmospheric, historical and has a bit of ghostly visits…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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A Killer Wedding by Joan O’Leary #bookreview @wmmorrowbooks

Overview

Fans of The White Lotus and Knives Out will gobble up this whip-smart whodunit… Good luck solving this especially twisty mystery before the big reveal—you’ll need it.”—Marie Claire

“The Riptons are American royalty—wealthy, powerful, and bound by secrets. When they gather at a grand Irish castle for the society wedding of the year, as the ceremony unfolds something far more sinister lurks beneath the glamour. From the ambitious heirs and spurned lovers to the enigmatic staff and mysterious uninvited guest, everyone harbors secrets—and some are deadly. A gripping whodunit in the vein of Agatha Christie, A Killer Wedding will keep you guessing until the final, shocking twist.” —Liv Constantine, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish

Wildly witty and wickedly fun, A Killer Wedding is an escapist mystery that proves you’ll never forget your wedding day…especially if it starts with a murder.

Christine can’t believe her luck. The iconic Gloria Beaufort, founder of the billion-dollar beauty empire Glo, has personally chosen her to cover her grandson’s wedding for Bespoke, the cult fashion magazine that every A-list bride dreams of being featured in. A career-making scoop and a free trip to a castle turned five-star hotel on the Emerald Isle? It feels too good to be true…

Because it is.

Gloria is found dead on the very first morning of the celebratory weekend, and her entire family wants to keep her death a secret and for the wedding to march on. When Gloria’s heirs issue a chilling warning to Christine to keep things quiet, she can’t help but wonder if one of them is guilty. There’s the son who’s hiding a damaging lawsuit; the resentful daughter-in-law; the grandson who’s had a few too many run-ins with the law; his ambitious wife who’s hiding more than one secret; and Gloria’s favorite grandchild, the picture-perfect groom. As Christine navigates a world where glamour masks grimy secrets and everyone she meets is a suspect, she realizes that among this glitzy elite, nothing is as it seems.

Set against the dazzling backdrop of ultimate luxury and an endless reveal of surprises, A Killer Wedding is a fast-paced, humorous mystery the pulls back the curtain ontoxic family dynamics hidden beneath the surface of billionaire-level wealth.

Review

This one has a rough start. The author introduces a lot of characters and they do not have much development. I am not going to lie, I almost DNFed in the first 50 pages.

BUT it did get better.

Gloria, the matriarch of the family, is found dead in her room before her grandson’s wedding. The family decides to keep it a secret. Why??

There are a lot of moving parts to this tale. And you really have no idea who to trust. You do know that there are not many people that liked Gloria. She definitely had some issues when she was alive.

I loved the setting of Ireland and the old castle. But, this tale is a bit disjointed. And lord have mercy…how many times are name brand products mentioned through out this story. This was a bit distracting.

But it is an “ok” murder mystery with a family I am so glad I am not a part of.

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

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You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan #bookreview @stmartinspress

Overview

All bets are off when a single-minded photographer and a professional hockey player are forced to spend a week together on his sister’s Christmas tree farm, perfect for fans of Jenny Holiday and Maggie Knox. 

Maisie Smart doesn’t look back. Not on the choice she made to be a photographer, and not on the one-night stand she had six months ago. But sleeping with a professional hockey player who bolted the morning after is a whole new level of embarrassing. Now she’s about to spend the week at Tickle Tree Farms with her family this Christmas—and then the universe throws a Grinch in her festive plans.

Nick King is a mess. After a significant injury benches him, he has more time to dwell on his anxieties and the one-night stand he can’t get out of his head. With the holidays around the corner, he figures visiting his sister and nephew at their Christmas tree farm will be a good way to sort himself out. That’s impossible when he learns Maisie is there, still beautiful and justifiably angry about the way he left. But Christmas is the time for second chances, and the forced proximity may help Nick and Maisie unwrap feelings neither of them can walk away from twice.

Review

This is a fun, enjoyable read from start to finish.

Maisie is meeting her family at a Christmas tree farm for the holidays. Little does she know she is about to run into her one night stand…Nick.

Nick is a famous hockey player. He has had an injury that has sidelined him. After this time off, he is not sure he wants to go back. So, when Maisie walks back into his life after he left her after a one night stand, he knows he cannot ignore his feelings for her.

As predictable as this Christmas tale is (and most Christmas books are!), I found myself grinning and smiling through most of it. I loved Maisie and Nick. And the banter between all the characters just brought the whole group to life.

Not only is this a cute romance between Nick and Maisie. It also has some family drama (I mean you can’t have Christmas without that!😜) and some great friends that come through for both Maisie and Nick.

Need a novel with great characters, good Christmas spirit and is fast paced to get you in the mood for the holiday season…this is it! Publishes September 23, 2025.

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

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A Thousand Ways To Die by Trymaine Lee #audiobook #bookreview #nonfiction @macmillanaudio

Overview

A deeply personal exploration of the generational impact of guns on the Black experience in America

A few years ago, Trymaine Lee, though fit and only 38, nearly died of a heart attack. When his then five-year-old daughter, Nola, asked her daddy why, he realized that to answer her honestly, he had to confront what almost killed him—the weight of being a Black man in America; of bearing witness, as a journalist, to relentless Black death; and of a family history scarred by enslavement, lynching, the Great Migration, the also insidious racism of the North, and gun violence that stole the lives of two great-uncles, a grandfather, a stepbrother, and two cousins.

In this powerful narrative, Lee weaves together three strands: the long and bloody history of African Americans and guns; his work as a chronicler of gun violence, tallying the costs and riches generated by both the legal and illegal gun industries; and his own life story. With unflinching honesty he takes readers on a journey, from almost being caught up in gun violence as a young man, to tracing the legacy of the Middle Passage in Ghana through his ancestors’ footsteps, to confronting the challenges of representing his people in an overwhelmingly white and often hostile media world, and most importantly, to celebrating the enduring strength of his family and community.

In A Thousand Ways to Die, Lee answers Nola and all who seek a more just America. He shares the hard truths and complexities of the Black experience, but he also celebrates the beauty and resilience that is Nola’s legacy.

Review

WOW! Just WOW!

I don’t even know where to start. This book shares some hard truths about gun violence in America.

This is well researched and full of details that I had no clue about. AND it has a touch or two or three of personal experience by the author with gun violence.

It also touches on the tragedy of America’s past and its present. There were several places I gasped out loud at the shocking details. I was also shocked at where some of the guns are run through…one of them…my small home town of Ripley, MS and the neighboring towns of Holly Springs and Tupelo. Talk about research and details, it is all in here.

Y’all know I love a book narrated by the author. This just adds to the emotions. And believe me, this book..IT IS POWERFUL!

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

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The Red Knot by Monique Asher #bookreview @recordedbooks #audiobook

Overview

Gripping, atmospheric, and off-putting, The Red Knot is the perfect blend of occult mystery and small-town horror.

On a tiny, isolated island off the southern Alaskan coast, three girls have vanished without a trace, and Audra’s close friend—the island’s therapist—has been found murdered. A recent storm has severed all communication with the outside world, leaving Audra, the town’s lead detective, trapped and at the head of a very personal case.

Her lead suspect, Valorie, the daughter of a notorious cult leader and the town’s outcast, was discovered blood-covered and dazed at the crime scene. Valorie’s memory is a gaping void, a dark well hiding traumatic secrets, including the truth about the teenage kidnappings that haunt the island.

As Audra digs deeper into the town’s twisted history, it becomes clear other murders on the island, dating back decades, might be connected. The clock is ticking for the missing girls, and every clue leads Audra to question even those she’s known her whole life.

Valorie must confront the horrors of her past while Audra’s investigation becomes a descent into madness. On this cursed island, the line between neighbor and nightmare blurs, revealing that true horror often wears a familiar face.

Review

Well this is a dark, intense story!

On a tiny, isolated island off the southern Alaskan coast, three girls have vanished without a trace, and Audra’s close friend—the island’s therapist—has been found murdered. A recent storm has severed all communication with the outside world, leaving Audra, the town’s lead detective, trapped and at the head of a very personal case.

I loved the guessing game on the cult. Cults fascinate me. And this book takes you on a wild ride where this is concerned. As a reader, you are not quite sure how this plays into the story. But this author just kept adding to the drama with this monstrous riddle (pun intended if you read this story)

This has some major twists and turns. Yes it is classified as horror. And I knew this going in. And as I was reading, I thought, this is just a thriller. But just you wait. This ending is where the “horror” comes into play. And in a BIG way!

At first, it took me a bit to like this narrator, Jennifer Pickens. She tended to speed up during the intense parts. I became used to this as the story moved along.

Need an intense, edge of your seat read…THIS IS IT! This book publishes September 23.

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

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No Rest for the Wicked by Rachel Louise Adam #bookreview @macmillanaudio @minotaurbooks

Overview

With an expert hand, Rachel Louise Adams’s debut No Rest for the Wicked reads like an edge of your seat, heart-pounding scary movie.

In one Halloween obsessed Midwestern town, everyone’s on red alert after a local politician goes missing. Little do they know it’s only the beginning. 

It’s been close to twenty years since forensic pathologist Dolores Hawthorne left her hometown of Little Horton, Wisconsin. The town is famous for its Halloween celebrations, but also its history of violent deaths linked to the holiday. To Dolores, it’s the place she fled, family, bad memories, and all. Until the FBI calls to tell her that her father–the former mayor turned US Senator–is missing under mysterious circumstances.

Some people count to ten to wake up from a nightmare. Dolores always counts the bones of her head instead: sphenoid, frontal, lacrimal. But no matter how many times she counts them, it doesn’t change the fact that her father is missing, that his final words of warning to her were to trust no one, and that now, the rest of her family is giving Dolores a chilling welcome. With Halloween fast approaching, Dolores must face the past she left behind before it’s too late.

Review

This book is wicked…just like the title!! I loved the intricacies and all the twists and turns. This book keeps you on your toes for sure!

It’s been close to twenty years since forensic pathologist Dolores Hawthorne left her hometown of Little Horton, Wisconsin. Dolores fled everything when she was younger…family, bad memories, and all. Until the FBI calls to tell her that her father–the former mayor turned US Senator–is missing under mysterious circumstances.

Dolores is a tough character but she has some major trauma as well. She covers this well…until she can’t anymore. I found her character heartbreaking but I loved her toughness and intelligence.

Then there is the huge twist I did not see coming. Talk about gasping when I read it…this knocked me for a loop!

This tale has quite a few moving parts and the author wove them around each other magnificently. I love how the author brought all the moving parts together…and not without consequences.

The narrator, Jeremy Carlisle Parker, is excellent! But he really had a very good tale to work with!

Need a good fall read that will give you a few surprises…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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