Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh #audiobook #bookreview @harpermusebooks

Posted on October 28, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

Sonora’s story is about not giving up in the face of setbacks. An inspirational tale.” —Booklist

“This one’s for the horse girls, the girls who fell in love with Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken and hoped someday they’d be like the fearless, determined, strong Sonora Carver whose love and belief in her horses made her an icon.” –Joy Callaway, international bestselling author

Inspired by a true story of one of the first female horse divers, Sonora explores a world of daring feats and extraordinary adventures set in the heyday of the American carnival scene.

Sonora Webster is penniless but plucky, and despite the looming Great Depression, she follows her wanderlust, answering an advert to dive with horses. Little does she know that she is about to be thrust into a world teeming with danger, excitement, and fierce competition.

As Sonora delves into the cutthroat world of show business, complete with trapeze aerial acts and juggling bears, her undeniable talent and unwavering dedication propel her into the limelight, making her a sensation, and after marrying the show runner, her entire life becomes their act and their horses. But she soon learns that a diver–and her horse–are only as good as their last show, a show some are hellbent on shutting down. When a tragic accident changes her life forever, can Sonora muster the courage to climb the forty-five-foot tower and dive again, risking her life to save the show and their horses from falling into the wrong hands?

In Sonora, Jenni L. Walsh vividly captures the spirit of a brave woman who defied societal norms to follow her dreams, diving into the unknown with courage and resilience.

Review

Sonora Webster is penniless but plucky, and despite the looming Great Depression, she follows her wanderlust, answering an advert to dive with horses. Little does she know that she is about to be thrust into a world teeming with danger, excitement, and fierce competition.

I love a book that has me researching. I had no idea that any of this happened. I had never heard of horse diving. This is a bit insane. But, it is true! This story had me researching all kinds of stuff! I mean…who would expect a horse to dive off into water…for fun! But this is what happened.

I am not gonna lie. When I first started this book, I was terrified that I was going to have to DNF it. I cannot do an animal passing away because of human cruelty or stupidity. But, luckily this author did a fabulous job explaining how this came about and how they took such great care of their animals.

Now that that is out of the way. You must read this because of Sonora! She was a real person. And boy, was she fierce. I loved her intelligence and her empathy. She is someone I would love to have a conversation with. And when you read this, you will understand why!

This is narrated by Piper Goodeve. She is a bit soft on places, but I liked her!

This is a very good tale about a true story that you do not want to miss. Grab your copy today.

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

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The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan #bookreview @wmmorrowbooks

Posted on October 27, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

A new holiday story set in the Scottish Highlands to warm booklovers’ hearts by Jenny Colgan, New York Times bestselling author of Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop.

Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McKinnon, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McKinnon family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.

But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.

Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.

A treat for booklovers and treasure hunters alike, The Secret Christmas Library serves up a delicious mystery with a hint of romance, and plenty of holiday spirit!

Review

What a fabulous setting….snow covered Scotland, old castle, old books and a cute guy! 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿📖🏰❄️

Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McKinnon, the handsome laird of a Highland ancestral holding which includes a vast crumbling castle. Mirren needs to find a rare book which could save the entire estate.

Mirren is a bit of a hot mess. This is what is so compelling about her. You just think she cannot get the job done. But, don’t count her out. Then there is Jamie…oooolala! He is a bit of a softie which just makes him so adorable.

I love anything set in Scotland. So, when I ended up in an old castle in a snowstorm, I was hooked. Add in a treasure hunt for an old book and you have a great read for anytime of the year!

Need a story full of secrets, great characters and great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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On A Sundown Sea by Jill G. Hall #bookreview #historicalfiction

Posted on October 25, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

Set at the turn of the 20th century, a mystical, tantalizing novel about a visionary’s journey toward her destiny. 

In 1888, Katherine Tingley, a medium and clairvoyant, continues to have a childhood vision of a white city on a sundown sea. While serving the poor at her Do-Good Mission on Manhattan’s East Side, she encounters William Q. Judge, a mesmerist and leader of the American Theosophical Society. He recognizes her potential, convinces her to become his student, and guides her on a spiritual path that could make her mystical dream become a reality. 

After Judge’s passing, Katherine assumes leadership of the Society and embarks on a world crusade to spread brotherhood, learn from ancient cultures, and search for a Himalayan Mahatma. In 1900, she moves the Theosophical headquarters to San Diego. Here, she sets out to establish Lomaland—a sacred space of learning, artistry, and divine harmony, built on a barren peninsula yet brimming with hidden potential. As people from around the world converge to share in her vision, they form a community united in purpose to spread enlightenment. However, betrayals, lies, and libels accumulate until a monumental court case ultimately decides her future and the fate of the white city on a sundown sea.

Review

I enjoy a book with a strong female lead! This book has it in spades!

In 1888, Katherine Tingley, a medium and clairvoyant, continues to have a childhood vision of a white city on a sundown sea. While serving the poor at her Do-Good Mission on Manhattan’s East Side, she encounters William Q. Judge, a mesmerist and leader of the American Theosophical Society. He recognizes her potential, convinces her to become his student, and guides her on a spiritual path that could make her mystical dream become a reality. 

Not only is a strong female lead a favorite of mine, I adore a book with mysticism. Katherine Tingley is a clairvoyant with a plan. She is one of my favorite characters of the whole year!

This book takes you on a wild ride through many aspects of Katherine’s life. She did not fit into the norm of society. As a matter of fact, she took on this society with the fight of her life.

Need a wonderful, historical tale about a real person…THIS IS IT!

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Winston and the Windsors by Andrew Morton #nonfiction #bookreview #audiobook @harlequinbooks

Posted on October 24, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Queen and Diana, a groundbreaking story of the riveting hot-and-cold relationship between the House of Windsor and Winston Churchill.

From an early age, Winston Churchill was convinced that he was a man of destiny. Today, it seems his premonition was correct—few figures in British history have been so deeply and consequently involved with the British family as Churchill. While many people in positions of power have advised kings and queens during their reign, Churchill was unique in his role: helping to shape not only a reign, but an entire royal dynasty.

In Winston and the Windsors, Andrew Morton, one of the world’s best-known biographers and a leading authority on celebrity, presents a meticulously researched joint biography of Winston Churchill and the House of Windsor. Throughout the course of his career and life, Churchill’s connection to the Windsors fluctuated wildly. At times, he was the royal family’s trusted confidant. At others, he was their leading antagonist. In exploring the complex dynamic between the two, Morton argues that, regardless of whether the attitudes of the royal family were warm or icy toward Churchill, their relationship was central to the twentieth-century history of the British monarchy.

From the Churchill family’s intricate relationship with the Crown, to Winston’s initially begrudging but ultimately fruitful partnership with George VI, to his enduring fondness for Queen Elizabeth II, this fascinating narrative biography sheds new light on the ways the Crown not only shaped Winston Churchill’s career, but the ways in which Churchill shepherded the monarchy into the modern era.

Review

This is very well researched and in depth. I am a big fan of Royal biographies. I did not learn a whole lot I did not know. But, I did enjoy the section about Winston and King Edward. I had forgotten what a huge role Winston played in keeping Edward in line after he abdicated.

Winston and Queen Elizabeth also had a unique relationship. Their admiration of each other was an essential part of their dynamic.

Winston was a powerful force with his intelligence and his energetic charisma. Andrew Morton does a fabulous job bringing this to the forefront. He also did a great job with Winston’s funeral. I teared up with the admiration shown to this man who helped shape a dynasty but also changed the world.

Johnathan Keeble is the narrator and he could not have been better. He was regal and noble throughout.

Need a good royal biography…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this from the publisher for a honest review.

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Midnight Knock by John Fram #bookreview @atriabooks

Posted on October 23, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

A locked-room mystery meets white-knuckle horror in this mind-bending thriller, where strangers must survive a deadly night in a remote Texas motel.

In the frigid west Texas desert, weary travelers converge at a lonely roadside motel nestled at the foot of a massive mountain. Ethan and Hunter have left behind a corpse, a fire, and a horrific act of violence. Kyla and Fernanda are fleeing for the border. Stanley and his granddaughter are returning from Mexico with a mysterious man in hot pursuit. All of them are on the run from something. All of them are hiding something.

And somehow, they’re all connected to the motel’s other guest, an enigmatic woman named Sarah Powers.

Within hours, Sarah is dead. The strange twins who run the Brake Inn Motel inform the surviving guests that her murder demands justice. The guests are given an ultimatum: uncover the killer by midnight—or die when the protective lights around the motel go out.

Because something very old and very dangerous lurks in this corner of the desert. And it’s hungry.

But nothing at the Brake Inn Motel is quite as it seems. As time ticks away, alliances fracture, secrets unravel, and the guests will not only have to confront the violence of the past—they will need to face the darkness within themselves.

A masterful blend of psychological tension, supernatural horror, and layered storytelling, The Midnight Knock pushes the boundaries of what a mystery can be. And with its unforgettable climax, this novel cements John Fram as a contemporary master of the genre.

Review

In the frigid west Texas desert, weary travelers converge at a lonely roadside motel nestled at the foot of a massive mountain. Ethan and Hunter have left behind a corpse, a fire, and a horrific act of violence. Kyla and Fernanda are fleeing for the border. Stanley and his granddaughter are returning from Mexico with a mysterious man in hot pursuit. All of them are on the run from something. All of them are hiding something.

This story has a great premise. It is horror driven with a captured audience in an old hotel. And it has some terror filled moments. But, it just moved so slow. It took forever for the intensity to get where I needed it to be.

And as with some characters in a horror film…they make dumb decisions. And that is true in this book as well. It also has some weird Sci-Fi elements that just didn’t seem to fit.

This is 2.5 stars rounded up.

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

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The Graceview Patient by Caitlin Starling #bookreview #thriller #audiobook @dreamscapeaudio

Posted on October 22, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

Misery meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers in this genre-bending, claustrophobic hospital gothic from the bestselling author of The Death of Jane Lawrence.

Margaret’s rare autoimmune condition has destroyed her life, leaving her isolated and in pain. It has no cure, but she’s making do as best she can—until she’s offered a fully paid-for spot in an experimental medical trial at Graceview Memorial.

The conditions are simple, if grueling: she will live at the hospital as a full-time patient, subjecting herself to the near-total destruction of her immune system and its subsequent regeneration. The trial will essentially kill most of, but not all of her. But as the treatment progresses and her body begins to fail, she stumbles upon something sinister living and spreading within the hospital.

Unsure of what’s real and what is just medication-induced delusion, Margaret struggles to find a way out as her body and mind succumb further to the darkness lurking throughout Graceview’s halls.

Review

Margaret’s rare autoimmune condition has destroyed her life, leaving her isolated and in pain. It has no cure, but she’s making do as best she can—until she’s offered a fully paid-for spot in an experimental medical trial at Graceview Memorial.

This story is good. It is just a bit monotonous. It goes on and on about her sickness and what they are doing. And I am medical so I enjoy books about medicine but this sort of got on my nerves just a bit. However, it is creepy enough to keep you entertained with WHAT THE CRAP IS GOING ON questions.

And then it gets weird…that is just the only way to put it. I was truly captivated with trying to figure out where this was leading.

The narrator, Xe Sands, is one of my favorites. She has such a calming voice and this really is great in the creepy parts.

Need a tale which will have you questioning everyone’s sanity…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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The Widow by John Grisham #bookreview #thriller @doubledaybooks

Posted on October 21, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

#1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham is the acclaimed master of the legal thriller. Now, he’s back with his first-ever whodunit, even more suspenseful than his courtroom dramas, as a small-time lawyer accused of murder races to find the real killer to clear his name.

“A classic, compulsive, taut and thrilling novel from one of the great storytellers of our time. The Widow is John Grisham at his irresistible, unforgettable best.”—Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colors of the Dark

Simon Latch is a lawyer in rural Virginia, making just enough to pay his bills while his marriage slowly falls apart. Then into his office walks Eleanor Barnett, an elderly widow in need of a new will. Apparently, her husband left her a small fortune, and no one knows about it.

Once he hooks the richest client of his career, Simon works quietly to keep her wealth under the radar. But soon her story begins to crack. When she is hospitalized after a car accident, Simon realizes that nothing is as it seems, and he finds himself on trial for a crime he swears he didn’t commit: murder.

Simon knows he’s innocent. But he also knows the circumstantial evidence is against him, and he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. To save himself, he must find the real killer….

Review

This story starts strong and sort of slows down in the middle. But in true John Grisham fashion…THE ENDING!

Simon Latch is a lawyer in rural Virginia, making just enough to pay his bills while his marriage slowly falls apart. Then into his office walks Eleanor Barnett, an elderly widow in need of a new will. Apparently, her husband left her a small fortune, and no one knows about it.

I enjoyed Simon. Lord, is he a hot mess and yes, he wants the widow’s money. However, he does have some intelligence on how to go about it. But that doesn’t necessarily save him.

Then there is Eleanor. I didn’t quite know what to make of her. Does she have the money? Does she not have the money? Is this a big scam? WHAT?!

This is an intricate tale that will keep you guessing. And yes…I guessed wrong on more than one occasion!

Need a good puzzle of a read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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The Bolden Cylinder by Norman Woolworth #bookreview

Posted on October 20, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

A potentially momentous discovery. A suspicious fire. A 50-year-old missing person’s case. Are they connected?

When Buddy Bolden died in a Louisiana insane asylum in 1931, a quarter century after his reign as the undisputed first “king” of jazz, he left behind no known recordings. But when quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard, he wonders if he has stumbled upon an important piece of musical history. In researching his discovery, Bruneau runs headlong into an arson investigation led by his childhood friend, NOPD Detective Bo Duplessis, which in turn may hold the key to a 50-year-old unsolved missing person’s case.

To untangle their present-day mysteries, Bruneau and Bo must first piece together a perplexing string of puzzles from the distant past. Their parallel investigations immerse them in the rhythm-and-blues subculture of 1960s New Orleans, and transport them to the dawn of the 20th Century, when a brash young musician introduced a new sound to the city, forever changing the course of music history.

Fast-paced and vividly drawn, The Bolden Cylinder introduces a memorable cast of eccentric characters, including a malodorous collector of early R&B memorabilia, a sultry nightclub singer, a reputed mob boss, a 12-year-old tap dancer, and an inscrutable peddler of voodoo paraphernalia. Together, they serve up a savory gumbo of suspenseful intrigue set against the seductive backdrop of a city in which past and present are forever interwoven.

Review

When Buddy Bolden died in a Louisiana insane asylum in 1931, a quarter century after his reign as the undisputed first “king” of jazz, he left behind no known recordings. But when quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard, he wonders if he has stumbled upon an important piece of musical history.

I expected more from this book. I wanted more from the asylum and more history. Plus, it is not as fast paced as I like. It is enjoyable but it is a bit wordy. That is not to say it is not a good read. I think I went into this tale with different expectations than the author.

That being said, I loved the setting of New Orleans. The author took you all over this area and did a fabulous job. I have not been to N.O. in quite a while. But I could just picture it. AND THE FOOD!

The mystery is also different with a wonderful myriad of characters. And the way it is woven together definitely keeps the reader guessing to what is going to happen next.

Need a unique mystery set in New Orleans…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan #bookreview #christmasread #audiobook @HTP_hive @harlequinbooks

Posted on October 17, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

This Christmas, the Balfour family will have more secrets to unwrap than presents…

Becky is stranded at the airport, so when she bumps into her brother’s best friend, Will, and he suggests they drive home together, Becky reluctantly agrees. For the first time, Becky is dreading Christmas, and only Will knows why. Can she trust him to keep her secret?

Her twin sister, Rosie, married Declan after a whirlwind romance, and now the cracks are starting to appear. Rosie and Declan have agreed to hide their problems from her family, but Rosie’s insecurities are growing. Will this Christmas bring them closer or drive them apart?

Hayley can’t wait for her first Balfour family Christmas with Jamie. The Balfour Christmas traditions sound wonderful, but she’s worried about her place in this close-knit family. Will there be room for her too? And how will they react to the secret she and Jamie have been keeping?

Despite everyone’s best intentions, all the chaos and confusion could derail their normally happy holidays. Can they tell each other the truth in time to enjoy a perfect family Christmas?

Review

This book hit me at a great time. I needed this after some heavy reads. This was perfect!

This Christmas, the Balfour family will have more secrets to unwrap than presents. Despite everyone’s best intentions, all the chaos and confusion could derail their normally happy holidays. Can they tell each other the truth in time to enjoy a perfect family Christmas?

There are quite a few characters in this book. Usually this is a turn off for me. But I loved each and every one.

And then there is the diversity of all the couples. This made the whole book for me. You have Rosie and Declan…complete misunderstanding in their realm. Then there is Becky and Will…pretend romance and you know where this leads. And finally you have Hayley and Jamie…completely sweet and adorable.

Add in the family dynamics with the meddling moms and the outspoken grandmother(my favorite by the way) and you have an adorable Christmas tale that just makes you smile!

Need a good Christmas story with great couples and true to life family dynamics…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong #bookreview #audiobook @stmartinspress @macmillanaudio

Posted on October 16, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

From New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes a nail-biting supernatural horror about a haunted lakeside property and twisted family secrets.

When Samantha Payne’s grandfather dies, she figures she won’t even get a mention in the will. After all, she hasn’t seen him in fourteen years, not since her father took his own life after being accused of murdering a child at their lakefront cottage. Her grandfather always insisted her father was innocent, despite Sam having caught him burying the child’s body, his clothing streaked with blood.

But when she does attend the reading of the will at the behest of her aunt, she discovers that her grandfather left her the very valuable lakefront property where the family cottage sits. There’s one catch: Sam needs to stay in the cottage for a month. To finally face the fact she was wrong and her father was innocent, in her grandfather’s words.

Traveling to Paynes Hollow, Sam is faced with the realities of her childhood and the secrets kept hidden in the shadows of her memories. When her aunt goes missing a couple days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything again. Plagued by nightmares and paranoia, she begins hearing sounds in the forest and seeing shapes crawling from the water as the rippling waves of the lake promise something unspeakably dark lurking just below their surface.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

Review

Traveling to Paynes Hollow, Sam is faced with the realities of her childhood and the secrets kept hidden in the shadows of her memories. When her aunt goes missing a couple days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything again.

Now this did get a bit weird, especially at the end. And by weird…I mean it turns slightly to the horror side.

However, the intensity just slowly keeps building as this story moves along, especially where Sam is concerned. I loved second guessing her actions.

As a reader, you truly have no idea what is actually going on. Where is Sam’s aunt? Did Sam kill her? What about the past? There are lots of questions. This just adds to the tension. Plus, I enjoyed the creepy feeling throughout this story. (Until it got to the weird part!😜)

Kelley Armstrong is a very diverse writer. So the ending of this tale did not really surprise me with the unique turn..but then again it did. You need to read this to find out.

The narrator, EJ Lavery, is a good one.

Need a fast paced thriller that has a bit of a horror feel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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