reecaspieces

Overview

Full of sweetness and charm.” —People

“The happiest I have felt in years inside the world of a book.” —Natalie Jenner, #1 nationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society

“A sparkling ode to second chances.” —Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures

On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.

As a teenager growing up in 1920’s Brooklyn, Augusta’s role model was her father, Solomon Stern, the trusted owner of the local pharmacy and the neighborhood expert on every ailment. But when Augusta’s mother dies and Great Aunt Esther moves in, Augusta can’t help but be drawn to Esther’s curious methods. As a healer herself, Esther offers Solomon’s customers her own advice—unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.

As Augusta prepares for pharmacy college, she is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her great aunt, all while navigating a budding but complicated relationship with Irving. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses Esther’s most potent elixir with disastrous consequences. Disillusioned and alone, Augusta vows to reject Esther’s enchantments forever.

Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past. What happened all those years ago and how did her plan go so spectacularly wrong? Did Irving ever truly love her or was he simply playing a part? And can Augusta reclaim the magic of her youth before it’s too late?

Review

Augusta has just moved to an active senior community in southern Florida. It doesn’t take her long to run into her old boyfriend, Irving Rivkin. He was a delivery boy for her dad’s pharmacy in Brooklyn. He broke her heart 60 years ago and she is not letting him get close now!

Augusta is definitely a character you will not forget. She is tough as nails. Almost too tough. She just might let her stubbornness get in the way.

This story captivated me from the very start. I enjoyed the dual timelines. And the old world charm from Augusta’s aunt just added a bit of flavor! Oh! And the old pharmacy was a joy for me to read about. Add all this together with gangsters, great characters and you have a pretty dang good read!

I have read another book by this author, The Matchmaker’s Gift. I also gave it five stars. So, I think this author has become a favorite!

Need a heartwarming tale with a kick…THIS IS It! Grab your copy today.

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

Overview

A woman drops everything to spend more time with her grandchild, only to discover new truths about herself. A humorous, heartfelt, feel-good novel from the author of Crazy to Leave You.

For Jodi Wexler, a Florida doctor with a flourishing practice, only one thing’s missing: the chance to spend more time getting to know her eight-year-old granddaughter, Macallan.

When Jodi’s restauranteur daughter asks her to watch Macallan in the Berkshires while she takes care of some business out of town, Jodi can’t say yes fast enough. Neither Jodi’s podiatric patients nor her just-fired, suddenly retired husband can keep her away. But when Jodi arrives, she discovers she’s not the only grandma at Lisa’s house. Lisa’s mother-in-law, Di—a hard-nosed real estate agent—has moved into the house. What’s more, there’s Grannie Annie, the twenty-seven-year-old girlfriend of Lisa’s oddball father-in-law. They’re not the only surprises. Lisa’s marriage is faltering even as her new restaurant is taking off.

As the competition for Macallan’s attention among the three “grandmas” increases, Lisa drops a bomb about her life that changes everything. Under pressure, and determined to help her daughter, Jodi must choose her next step. Her decision surprises everyone—Jodi, most of all.

Review

Three grandmothers…yes, Callie has three. She has her mother’s mother, Jodi, her father’s mother, Di. Then there is her Nanny, Granny Annie. These three ladies are determined to love this child the best.

I swear, Jodi is a bit like me. She just can’t help but get drawn into a situation. And Di can really push her buttons. We all have that one person! But, when it all boils down to it. She just wants to do what is best for her grand child…even if that means being cordial to Di.

I loved the dynamics of this story. The three grandmothers are a trip. Each are different and each have a different relationship with Callie. But, I swear, I loved everyone, including Di. There interactions are conflicting, inconsistent, and yes, even heartwarming.

Need a tale with three grandmothers and many conflicts…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

For fans of Kate White suspense novels, Will End in Fire is a heart-racing domestic thriller about an alienated young woman who must find an arsonist before her own life goes up in smoke.

Twenty-seven-year-old climate journalist Ellie Stone has spent her life locked in an unending sibling rivalry with her brother, Josh—star athlete and golden boy–turned–drug addict. One night, after their parents have left her to “babysit” Josh, she and he have a blow-up and she abandons him. Soon after, the house is engulfed in fire—and Josh is burnt beyond recognition. Social media takes this on as a local cause célèbre, blaming Ellie since, years ago, she was involved in a blaze that scarred a teenage girl. Is history repeating itself?

In shock, Ellie can’t recall if she left a lit cigarette in her family home. But could this suspected arson have something to do with the unknown vehicle that was spotted nearby? The only people sympathetic to Ellie are her brother’s best pal—who quickly becomes her new romantic partner—and Josh’s girlfriend, who lets on that their relationship might not have been what it seemed. As she grows closer to her brother’s inner circle, Ellie discovers secrets that make her question whom to trust, how to stay out of danger, and how to save her future.

Review

Ellie is 27 years old and has been called home to New Jersey to “babysit” her 24 year old brother, Josh. Josh is addicted to prescription medication. Ellie soon realizes she has forgotten her work computer and so she turns around to go get it and when she comes back home, the house is on fire. This leaves, her parents crushed and Elli in the depths of guilt. If she had not left, this would not have happened.

This is more than just suspense or a mystery. This is about family and trauma of drug addiction.

I enjoyed how this story unfolded. It is set during Covid. And there are several twist and turns that are revealed.

Need a twisty tale with family drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

A feast of a novel, The Stone Witch of Florence is erudite, transportive, and addicting. Magical in every sense of the word.” —Katy Hays, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters

A woman’s secret. A deadly Plague. Unleash the hidden magic…

1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But when word spread of her unusual abilities, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return.

Ginevra obliges, assuming the city’s leaders are finally ready to accept her unorthodox cures amid a pandemic. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different mission: she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics—the city’s only hope for protection. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician and never accused of witchcraft again.

But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve. And the dangerous men behind this conspiracy won’t think twice about killing a stone witch to get what they want…

Review

1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different mission: she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics.

This story started really strong and I was enjoying it. But then it sort of went off the rails. It started dragging. And the ending…it just did not fit.

That being said, there are quite a few things that I did enjoy. I loved Ginerva and the time period. Ginerva has a backstory that is very intriguing. I also loved the religion aspect of this novel. I always learn something new when relics and healing are involved and this story led me down a rabbit hole. The stones used for healing are fascinating. I just hate the story died down for me. As I always say…read the book yourself and form your own opinion.

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

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Overview

Blue Christmas Bones is the next Christmas mystery in the series that Kirkus Reviews characterizes as “Stephanie Plum meets the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” featuring sassy Southern private investigator Sarah Booth Delaney.

Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends can’t help falling in love with Christmas this year, which they plan to spend celebrating the King of Rock n’ Roll at the annual Elvis Festival in Tupelo. The main attraction is an Elvis impersonator competition, drawing impersonators from all over the world to honor the king.

But before the revelry can get underway, a priceless jewel-encrusted belt once belonging to Elvis is stolen from its display case,and Sarah Booth and Tinkie are roped into one of the biggest heists in the history of Mississippi. Soon suspicious minds are lurking around every corner, with one eyewitness even claiming to have seen Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s long deceased and highly questionable manager, prowling around the festivities. Sarah Booth will have to find the devil in disguise or she might just end up singing Jailhouse Rock herself.

Review

Sarah Booth and her friends are celebrating at the annual Elvis festival in Tupelo, MS. But before the revelry can get underway, a priceless jewel-encrusted belt once belonging to Elvis is stolen from its display case, and Sarah Booth and Tinkie are roped into one of the biggest heists in the history of Mississippi.

Being a Mississippi girl, I enjoyed so much about this tale. I loved the setting of Tupelo…I just live down the road. And of course, how could you not love Sarah Booth Delaney. She is one of my favorite characters.

Once again, Carolyn Haines has nailed it! This is adorable and entertaining. Add in the Elvis stuff…from impersonators to the music…and you have a charming holiday yarn!

Need a blue Christmas tale…this is it! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

The magic of Christmas—and a second shot at romance—is in the air in Shelter Springs this holiday season…

Amanda Taylor isn’t a fan of Christmas, but as the owner of a local soap shop, ignoring the holiday season isn’t an option. To forget the pain of Christmases past, Amanda focuses on making the season bright for her customers at the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market. But when her beloved grandmother, Birdie, starts dating the dashing new resident of the Shelter Inn retirement community, Amanda smells trouble. Fortunately, Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie’s charming suitor, is equally dubious of the match. Unfortunately, he’s just as fiery as his grandfather—and Amanda has zero interest in getting burned.

As a single father, paramedic and assistant fire chief, Rafe has more than enough on his plate. Sure, he and Amanda share a common goal in keeping their grandparents apart. Still, that doesn’t mean he should allow himself to feel as drawn to her as he does. Even if she is great with his young son. Even if she does help the burden of his own painful past feel a little lighter… But when their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for.

Review

Amanda has a hard time with Christmas. It brings back some painful memories. But thanks to her grandmother, she has family to be with during Christmas. And she is the owner of the local soap shop and the director of the Christmas market, so Christmas cannot be ignored. When Amanda realizes her grandmother has a suitor, she is not happy.

Enter Rafe. Rafe is a single father and paramedic. His grandfather is the one that is squiring Amanda’s grandmother around. And he totally disagrees with trying to keep them apart.

It is nice when you have characters that you admire. I admire Amanda and Rafe. Amanda is such a hard worker and then there is Rafe who is a great dad. And believe me, when these two get together, sparks fly in more ways than one.

This is a wonderful tale to get you into the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed all Christmassy stuff and the family drama. And of course the happy ending!

Need a Christmas tale with a side of romance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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