reecaspieces

Overview

A captivating, bold debut about a woman torn between a new flame and a rekindled love as she rebuilds her life. Jourdana Webber’s heartfelt, witty contemporary romance about chasing dreams and fighting for your happily-ever-after is perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Carley Fortune.

Elle Watson had it all—or so she thought.

From climbing the corporate ladder to substantial financial success, Elle’s life is a master class in ambition. So why is she standing in desperation at the edge of her New Orleans balcony ready to jump?

Blindsided by a betrayal at work and utterly burned-out, Elle says goodbye to the life she thought she wanted and tries to reclaim her happiness. (Because she was happy once, right?) She trades the corporate grind for a fresh start in Boston to pursue her long-abandoned dream of becoming a writer.

As her savings dwindle and deadlines approach, the last thing Elle expects is to fall for Boston’s most eligible bachelor, the magnetic Barrett Henry. With his piercing blue eyes and unapologetic dreamer’s charm, he’s both a distraction she can’t afford and a heartthrob she can’t ignore.

But then there’s the effortlessly suave Jude Ashford. Once collateral damage in her battle between ambition and love, he’s the man who knows her better than anyone and the person her heart can’t quite let go of. Caught in a whirlwind of emotions as her past and present collide, Elle must confront old wounds, new possibilities, and the hardest question of all: What—and who—is she willing to fight for?

Told through dual timelines and brimming with witty banter, emotional depth, and a cast of dynamic, relatable characters, Elle’s journey is an empowering story of love, loss, and finding the courage to embrace the unconventional life.

Review

Elle is living what we all wish we could probably do…leave our job and pursue what we truly want to do. Her grandparents left her a good nest egg. So, when she was blindsided at her corporate job, she left and didn’t look back. She decided to pursue her dream of being a writer.

Elle is someone who grew on me as the story unfolded. At first, I wanted to shake her and tell her to grow a backbone…but don’t worry…she does.

I love how this story wove itself around Elle’s love life, including her first love, Jude. I mean, yes it is predictable, but I enjoyed how the author created their love present and past. And believe me, their past is full of problems.

This novel hit me at the right time. I needed something easy, lite, funny but intense and dramatic. And this story fit the bill.

I enjoyed Stella Bloom’s narration. She truly became Elle to me.

Need an empowering tale of courage and going after what you want…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review

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Overview

From the author of The Lindbergh Nanny comes an evocative mystery about the 1920 murder of the gambler Joseph Elwell, featuring New Yorker writer Morris Markey and Zelda Fitzgerald.

At the dawn of the Jazz Age, Morris Markey arrives in New York to become a writer. Having served in France, he needs to be in a place so distracting he cannot hear himself think. New in town, Markey hovers at the edge of the city’s revels, unable to hear the secrets that might give him his first Big Story. Finally one night he spots Joseph Elwell, a man about town known for courting wealthy married women, with a glorious girl in a dress of silver and dollar green.

The next morning, Elwell’s housekeeper runs out into the street screaming that Elwell has been shot. Every door and window in the house is locked. Did the ravishing woman kill her paramour? At last, Morris Markey has his story.

To penetrate the glittering world of Joseph Elwell, Markey turns to the newly famous Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, who met Elwell the same fateful night he night. Bored while Scott is working on his next novel, Zelda offers to help Markey with his investigation.

Together, Markey and Zelda learn that there were many people in Elwell’s life who had reason to want him dead. And when a second man is found shot in his home in a very similar way, Markey begins to suspect that the truth may be more complicated―a story so dangerous that after he finishes it three decades later, he himself is found dead in his home, a single bullet through his head.

Mariah Fredericks’s third standalone novel based on a true story from New York City’s glamorous past, The Girl in the Green Dress is a truly standout historical mystery.

Review

Let me start with…I LOVE THIS COVER!

New in town, Morris Markey hovers at the edge of the city’s revels, unable to hear the secrets that might give him his first Big Story. But when Joseph Elwell’s housekeeper runs out into the street screaming that Elwell has been shot, Morris Markey has his story.

I love anything set in the Jazz Age add in a murder mystery and you have me hooked.

I enjoyed Morris and his tenacity. He is determined to get his story. Now, I did figure out part of this tale, but not all. This had me questioning all the suspects I had pegged for this crime.

I did feel this novel was about 50 pages too long. But the author nailed Zelda Fitzgerald. I have been a fan of hers for quite a while and Mariah captured her exuberance and her eccentric behaviors.

The narrator, Marnye Young, is excellent. There are a lot of male voices in this book and she nailed them.

Need a good mystery with some great characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Uncle Dixon always told Rennie to tell the bees everything, but somewhere along the way, Rennie forgot. Now, with her life at its lowest, she begins to see the bees in a new light. Will she believe again in the magic of the hives, and will she listen as the bees try to guide her home? Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Margaret Renkl, and Rachel Linden.

It’s 1969, and the town of Spark Tennessee, is just as excited about the moon landing as the rest of the country. Rennie Hendricks is grieving and trying to heal from the unimaginable loss of her infant son. She had hoped a child would repair the cracks in her marriage to her husband, Tiny, but the tragedy has only served to illuminate his abusive character. Trying to relieve some of the financial stress that inflames Tiny’s anger, Rennie accepts a position cooking at the local diner. Hidden away in a kitchen making delicious food, she rediscovers the joy she finds in cooking for others, and as she spends more time with her new boss, she realizes there are more options for women than she thought possible.

One of the benefits of her new job is that she can bring meals to her beloved Uncle Dixon, the man who practically raised her along with her late Aunt Eugenia, a woman unkindly labeled as a witch by most of the town. What those people didn’t understand is that Eugenia was a healer and connected to power they couldn’t grasp.

Rennie thinks her elderly uncle is confused when he talks about communicating with his bees, but then she starts to see them glow, leading her toward safety time and time again. Could it be that these bees, discovered long ago by her Aunt Eugenia, are magical and trying to tell her something? And what about the new neighbor, Ambrose Beckett, who seems to understand the bees too. Is he being truthful about why he has moved to Spark, or is there more to him than meets the eye?

Hope-filled and infused with magical realism, Bees in June captures Rennie’s journey back to her true self, creating a rewarding life that the bees showed her was possible if she only believed in herself and the magic that surrounds her.

Review

Uncle Dixon always told Rennie to tell the bees everything, but somewhere along the way, Rennie forgot. Now, with her life at its lowest, she begins to see the bees in a new light. Will she believe again in the magic of the hives, and will she listen as the bees try to guide her home? 

I was afraid this was going to be “too sweet” for me. But I enjoyed Rennie. She is very timid at first but she comes into her own. And trust me, with the husband she has, she better or she is going to be a statistic.

This is a good book to read between some of your heavy books. This has some domestic drama, good friendships and strong family bonds.

This does have some interludes where the bees are talking. At first I was not a fan. But as the story moved along I liked the significance of their conversations. The bees are the magical realism and this added a good bit to this tale! And with the author’s note…heck I was researching bees 😜🐝.

This is narrated by Brittany Pressley; Michael Crouch; Seth Podowitz. I enjoyed this tag team of narrators.

Need a sweet, home town feeling drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

It was a passion neither could forget—until he did.

Tia Hightower isn’t sure how she went from being a powerful witch to fake dating her ex at a winter house party.

For eight years, she has refused to speak Henry Pearlmatter’s name unless it has been to curse it. Now, with their family businesses merged, she and her insufferable ex must pretend to be together to secure a wealthy warlock’s investment. Sharing a room—and a bed—with Henry is bad enough. Even worse is that Tia might have had a small potion mishap…and accidentally erased Henry’s memories of her.

Henry might not remember his ex, but it’s clear there’s still something between them. Whatever went wrong in the past, he intends to figure it out. Faking feelings for Tia isn’t exactly difficult, but one thing’s for certain: starlight carnivals and mulled-wine kisses can’t change history.

With the threat of Henry’s memories hovering over every stolen moment, their time together is running out. But a little bit of Christmas magic and the snow-melting heat between them have Tia wondering if it’s time to risk her heart once more, even if it’s with the warlock who once broke it…

Review

For eight years, Tia has refused to speak Henry Pearlmatter’s name unless it has been to curse it. Now, with their family businesses merged, she and her insufferable ex must pretend to be together to secure a wealthy warlock’s investment. Even worse is that Tia might have had a small potion mishap…and accidentally erased Henry’s memories of her.

This did fall a bit short for me. It is my first fall read of 2025 and this sort of hurt my feelings 😜🧙. I wanted a bit more. This story just seems a bit spastic, especially Tia. One minute she is insecure. The next she is a bada$$, take no prisoner kind of witch. And I just did not like the way she treated most of the people around her, most notably Henry.

That being said, I did like the little bit of Christmas sprinkled in through out this read. Christmas books are just around the corner so this just added a bit to the story.

This is narrated by Natalie Duke. I enjoyed her voices for everyone.

Need a cute, witchy tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Lose yourself in the stunning coastal town of Big Dune Island with this incredibly heartwarming read, perfect for fans of Denise Hunter, Debbie Macomber, and RaeAnne Thayne. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

Gigi Franklin is planning her best friend’s wedding, and long-time friend Austin Beckett is trying to help her keep the private event top secret. As Gigi and Austin work together, sparks begin to fly, but Gigi’s too busy building her law practice to make time for dating.

If the wedding wasn’t enough to manage, she’s also tasked with finding the rightful heir to the local Salty Breeze B&B. Then, newcomer Simon Ridley arrives in town, throwing a wrench in the process.

As Gigi races against time to uncover the truth about the B&B’s ownership and pull off the perfect wedding, an old journal surfaces that might change everything she thought she knew about love.

A moving beach read that will have you yearning to take walks along the coast and craving the beachy splendor of island living. Look no further if you’re searching for a feel-good, small-town coastal romance!

Review

Being a baseball fan, I absolutely loved all the baseball talk. But, that is not all that is in this tale…it is full of family drama and y’all know I love a book with family drama.

Gigi Franklin is planning her best friend’s wedding, and long-time friend Austin Beckett is trying to help her keep the private event top secret. As Gigi and Austin work together, sparks begin to fly, but Gigi’s too busy building her law practice to make time for dating.

I loved Gigi and Austin. Both are so sweet and good for each other. Don’t you just love it when the characters work! These two have their own issues to deal with…both have interesting parents. This leads them to have more in common than they thought.

I also loved the hunt for the heir of the B&B. This created a good bit of mystery and this just added so much to this tale. I mean…a hidden journal!

Not only is this a good story, the narrator, Melie Williams, is wonderful!

Need a heartwarming story with a little bit of everything…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

A captivating new historical novel from Madeline Martin, set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.

You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society…

London, 1895: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club—a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their stories.

Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic young woman haunted by a dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands’ untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder.

As the women form deep, heartwarming friendships, they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts, and the risks they face. Their courage is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent, but when secrets are deadly, one misstep could cost them everything.

Review

Well, if this book won’t make you mad…nothing will! Don’t you just love a book which elicits emotion!

London, 1895: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club—a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their stories.

I did feel this book was a little long but let me tell you, it will make you furious at these men! But you will revel in the women. They are truly outstanding. Talk about brave. In an era where there are very few women’s rights and they are thwarted at every turn…these ladies do not give up.

For a reader, this secret book society had me cheering for all involved!

This is narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. I enjoyed her pacing. She did a good job!

Need a story that makes you thankful for your freedom to read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

A pulse-pounding new Southern thriller from the author of the runaway bestseller A Flicker in the Dark.

Twenty-two years ago, Claire Campbell’s older sister, Natalie, disappeared shortly after her eighteenth birthday. Days later, her blood was found in a car, a man was arrested, and the case was swiftly closed. In the decades since, Claire has attempted to forget her traumatic past by moving to the city and climbing the ranks as an investigative journalist… until an unexpected call from her father forces her to come back home and face it all anew.

With the entire summer now looming ahead—a summer spent with nothing to do in her childhood home, with her estranged mother—Claire decides on a whim to accept a seasonal job at Galloway Farm, a muscadine vineyard in coastal South Carolina less than an hour away from where she grew up. At first glance, Galloway is an idyllic escape for Claire. A scenic retreat full of slow-paced nostalgia, as well as a place where her sister seemed truly happy in that last summer before she vanished, it feels like the perfect plan to pass the time. However, as soon as Claire starts to settle in, she stumbles across an old diary written by one of the vineyard’s owners, and what at first seems like a story of young rebellion and love turns into something much more sinister as it begins to describe details of various unsolved crimes. As the days stretch on, Claire finds herself becoming more and more secluded as she starts to obsess over the diary’s contents… as well as the lingering feeling that her own sister’s disappearance may be somehow tied to it all.

Galloway was supposed to be a place to help her move forward, but instead, Claire quickly finds herself immersed in her own dark and dangerous past.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

Review

Claire has returned to her childhood home. She decides to take a job at a local muscadine farm. This is the farm where her sister worked…before she disappeared. It doesn’t take Claire long to discover things are not as they should be.

Claire is really not my favorite character. She tends to make bad decisions. Or rather decisions on a whim and she has not thought things through. That being said, I did admire her gumption in places. She is like a dog with a bone!

I love a book with lots of twists and turns. And let me tell you, this book wove a tale which had me guessing till the end. It just keeps building with intensity and questions as the story unfolds.

These narrators, Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker are FANTASTIC! Talk about an amazing tag team! Karissa Vacker is one of my top 5 narrators of all time. So, this audiobook production is superb.

Need a tense thriller which will have you questioning everything…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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