Set amongst the glittering backdrop of London’s iconic Savoy hotel, a young woman is forced to confront her troubled past as she uncovers the story of the hotel’s first female bartender who has been erased from the history books—”an exhilarating, tender read that will leave you smiling” (Fiona Jackson, bestselling author).
Six years ago, Cinnamon Scott was a young writer on the rise in New York City. But since the sudden loss of her parents, she’s been stuck in place, retreating to a life of endless partying—made possible by the massive fortune she’s inherited. Despite their tragic loss, she and her older sister Rosemary have always had each other to lean on. But now, with Rosie living in London and about to give birth to twins, Cinnamon feels more lost than ever.
When Rosie is put on bedrest, Cinnamon flies to her sister’s side, where she’s temporarily living at The Savoy. Immediately swept away by the beauty and history of the legendary hotel and its famed American Bar, Cinnamon finds ample opportunity to distract herself. When the late shift bartender tells her the story of Ada Coleman, the woman who crafted the cocktail recipes The Savoy popularized in its famous handbook a century ago, Cinnamon is inspired by the bartender’s vivid stories of Ada’s fearlessness and can’t understand why Ada’s name is nowhere to be found.
After meeting a handsome historian researching the hotel and realizing that Ada is likely to be once again overlooked, Cinnamon must decide if she can overcome her demons and stand up for Ada’s story. And, along the way, she might just save her own story too.
Review
Cinnamon has been a party girl ever since she lost both her parents. But, now she must get her act together. Her older sister, Rosemary has been put on bed rest with her pregnancy. Cinnamon rushes to be by her side at the Savoy Hotel in London. Cinnamon starts to spend a lot of time at the American Bar where she discovers stories about Ada Coleman, the Savoy famous mixologist.
Cinnamon is a bit damaged. She has never gotten over the death of her parents. As a matter of fact, she blames herself. This tragedy completely derailed her life. But, since she has arrived in London, she is starting to face some things about her life.
Enter Ada! I loved learning about Ada. And let me tell you, this book had me researching. She was a fascinating lady! She is known for the Hanky Panky cocktail!
This story is a bit slow, especially at the start of this book. But hang with it! It picks up. It is full of great history and a bit of family drama you do not want to miss!
Christin Larkin is the narrator. And she has quite a few female voices. I love how she made each one distinctive, especially Rosemary and Cinnamon.
Need a good tale about a forgotten person in history…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans in the third novel of the Royal Street series by New York Times bestselling author Karen White.
Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.
That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets. And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest. Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. .
Review
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.
Let me start off with this is book 3 in The Royal Street series. This is a stand alone book. But, for fun, I would read the others too 😜.
I will say, this story is a bit wordy in places. It probably could have been several pages shorter. But, I will also say…I enjoyed it! I mean, it has a ghost or two or three…and not all are nice!! It also has a creepy doll that keeps reappearing when it shouldn’t. What is not to love?! Add in the great city of New Orleans with its mystical history and you have a very good book to keep you up at night.
Need a ghostly tale set in the great town of New Orleans…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
A phony psychic vision goes wrong when a woman unexpectedly finds herself involved in a murder investigation, perfect for fans of May Cobb and Catherine McKenzie.
Twenty-five-year-old Jade Crawford spends her days selling crystals, conducting séances, and reading tarot cards in her shop in Winston-Salem, NC. But her connection to the other side is all a facade. After losing their mother to a terrible accident and their father serving jail time, Jade and her younger sister Stevie do what they can to survive. When a local politician goes missing, Jade sees a lucrative opportunity to drum up new clients and inject some much-needed cash into their pockets.
Jade submits a “psychic vision” to the police tipline only to discover that her shot in the dark is chillingly accurate when the police find the politician’s body. Caught in a media whirlwind, Jade revels in her newfound popularity and success, but she quickly finds herself the target of not only a police investigation but of the killer who is still on the loose.
With stunning suspense that is perfect for fans of Samantha M. Bailey, Finley turns the screws tighter into a taut and thrilling read.
Review
Jade submits a “psychic vision” to the police tipline only to discover that her shot in the dark is chillingly accurate when the police find the politician’s body. Caught in a media whirlwind, Jade revels in her newfound popularity and success, but she quickly finds herself the target of not only a police investigation but of the killer who is still on the loose.
I enjoyed Jade. She tries to do the right thing, she just can’t. She has good intentions they just fall apart because she has bills to pay so she reverts back to what she knows and that is conning people. And trust me, she goes above and beyond on quite a few of her schemes.
This story takes you on a wild ride of tarot readings and seances. However, it is a bit slow in spots but I was rooting for Jade. I know she is a con artist but she is just doing what she has to do to survive.
The narrator, Sarah Beth Pfeifer, did a very good job, especially with Jade.
Need a story about a fraud that gets herself in some hot water….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Powerful, haunting, and precise.” —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
These aren’t just stories. They’re love letters.
Told through a mix of true stories and new fiction, Dear Orchid opens the heart in unexpected ways: through loss and love, silence and recovery, and the hard-won resilience of people who don’t always fit the mold.
With tenderness and heart, Dear Orchid is an Asian American author’s homage to Mary-Louise Parker’s Dear Mr. You, through letters to a girl newly freed from East Berlin, an aunt lost to Communist-era borders, and Purple Heart-decorated heroes. These intimate portraits explore the messy beauty of friendship, family, disability, and belonging.
You’ll meet a wounded hero who jokes through his pain, a beloved cat with a crayon note taped to his back (“HELP ME”), and characters who refuse to be defined by what they’ve lost.
The final chapter brings a fictional reunion with the unforgettable cast from the Goodbye Orchid trilogy, offering healing, closure, and a second chance romance.
Written in a lyrical, letter-style format, this collection blends memoir and imagination in a deeply personal exploration of grief, identity, and human connection. It’s a window into private moments that echo something universal. Underneath the heartbreak and humor runs the quiet pull between star-crossed lovers, whose stories unfold across time, distance, and impossible odds.
Whether you’re drawn to true stories of survival or fictional narratives filled with tenderness and truth, Dear Orchidoffers an emotional journey that celebrates love in all its forms.
A collection for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or longed to understand the emotional truth behind the quiet moments that shape us.
Includes elements of multicultural and medical romance, true stories, and unforgettable moments of vulnerability and hope.
Excerpt
Was it a hand-me-down? Had you found it in a thrift bin? You boarded my New Jersey Transit train wearing khaki pants, loafers, and a decidedly unfashionable oatmeal-blue sweater. Scratchy wool hairs sprouted from its worn surface, its V-neck revealing a button-down shirt underneath. But you also sported a warm smile and a pile of books, not a common accoutrement at eleven p.m. on a Saturday night.
So, when you indicated with a nod that you wanted to join my row of three orange seats, I scooted towards the window, leaving an empty space between us. In that moment regarding you, I instantly absorbed an array of impressions. You seemed genuine, trustworthy, warm, and—I don’t know how else to put it—safe.
That night, your literary choice made all the difference.
“Is that John Irving’s new book?” I asked, my tone trending towards excitement as I eyed the patterned grey cover printed with the words A Prayer for Owen Meany.
“Yeah, he spoke at my sister’s college graduation, so I wanted to read it,” you said, your voice new to my ears. Yet you seemed familiar to me, like we’d known each other a long time already.
As the train swayed, you spoke over the clatter of the tracks to tell me about the book and your work as an engineer. You made me chuckle, acting out scenes from the British comedy troupe Monty Python. “It’s just a flesh wound,” you cried, mimicking the tone of the Black Knight after King Arthur dealt a blow that was clearly more than a nick. I always said if there was one quality I needed in a person it was a sense of humor.
In most ways, you weren’t like other men I was drawn to. In those young college days, I tended towards creatives, artists, an edgy style, and a hint of angst. Still, I was disappointe to hear that you’d be getting off at the next stop to change trains.
Then your big brown eyes lit with an idea. “At night, I work at Brentano’s Bookstore to help pay down my student loans. Just give me
your address and I’ll ship you a copy of John Irving’s book.” The train slowed to enter your station.
You were a stranger. Yet your demeanor seemed kind. I calculated a split-second judgment call. I took the pen you offered and scribbled an address into your notebook. Not my actual physical address, but a safe, central location for mail.
You studied my college P.O. Box address and granted me a smile.
“Bye,” you said.
I waved as you left.
It wasn’t goodbye.
A week later, I visited my post office to find a brown paper-wrapped book. Using your return address, I sent a thank you card. Then you wrote me a letter telling me about yourself. You mentioned your parents’ impending divorce. I replied, telling you about my life at school and expressing sympathy for the hard time you must be going through. A few letters later, you wrote to ask me for my phone number.
We spent hours talking, trading stories both heartfelt and funny. One day, you suggested that we meet for dinner.
On our first date, our clashing sartorial choices almost ended our evening prematurely. Your conservative 3-piece blue suit seemed to promise a professorial lecture rather than a fun-filled meal. You later admitted that my outfit gave you pause. My minidress nipped at the waist, black-and-white striped stockings, and shiny patent shoes with oversized bows seemed quirky.
Luckily, those first impressions soon melted away. Once we sat down for dinner, it felt as though there wasn’t enough time for all we wanted to say and do. We prolonged the evening by imbibing drinks at my friend’s bar, laughing and talking all the while. Then we rode the train to New Brunswick to dance at my favorite college hang-out, The
Melody, until its two-a.m. closing time.
When did you sense this wouldn’t be the last time we saw each other?
***
Our early correspondence now lives together with keepsakes from our travels, alongside handmade pottery from our international assignment to China, our twin’s grade school finger paintings, and marble tiles from our two-year home renovation. On a treasured bookshelf, two copies of A Prayer for Owen Meany have spent the decades of our marriage tucked side-by-side, like a long-time wedded couple.
Somewhere among the stuff we’ve collected over the years, if we dig deep enough, perhaps we could even find your scratchy wool oatmeal blue V-neck sweater. I no longer question your fashion choices. Your favorite “uniform” of a sky-blue button-down shirt, khaki pants, and loafers suits you. As does your kindness, care, and always, your good humor. Thank you, dear Mr. Blue Sweater, thank you for our laughter and our own stories. Enough to fill books, our hearts, and a lifetime of memories.
CAROL VAN DEN HENDE is an award-winning novelist who pens stories of resilience and hope. Her novels Orchid Blooming, Goodbye, Orchid and Always Orchid draw from her Chinese American heritage, and have won 40+ literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and Royal Dragonfly Awards for Disability Awareness and Cultural Diversity. Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.”Woman’s World called Always Orchid “One of 7 Books You Won’t Be Able to Put Down.” The International Pulpwood Queens selected Goodbye, Orchid, Orchid Blooming and Always Orchid as Books-of-the-Month. Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, global marketer, digital strategist, Board Trustee and Climate Reality Leader. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all.
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a murder that left a dog stranded in And to All a Good Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt’s bestselling series.
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can’t wait for Christmas. He doesn’t care much about the season, unless it’s football season. Andy’s excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there’s a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.
Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.
The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff’s sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff’s tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.
With David Rosenfelt’s signature humor and hijinks, it’s time to close this case for good and bid it a good night.
Review
I have read quite a few Andy Carpenter mysteries. I love the cute comments and of course the dogs!
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can’t wait for Christmas. He doesn’t care much about the season, unless it’s football season. Andy’s excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there’s a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.
Andy always does a great job solving these mysteries. He has some very interesting side kicks that help him unravel the issue. And I just love to read about him in the courtroom. Talk about not wanting to be there…he does what he has to do to get home to his family and dogs.
I have always listens to these books. I love the narrator, Grover Gardner. These stories just fit him. He is very matter of fact. So when a bit of snarky comes in, it always surprises me and makes me laugh even more.
Need a good mystery with a bit of laughs and cute animals…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this from the publisher for a honest review.
Laura Dave continues Hannah Hall’s pulse-pounding journey in the riveting and deeply moving sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling blockbuster that’s sold more than 5 million copies and is now a hit Apple TV+ show, The Last Thing He Told Me.
Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.
But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.
As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be one way back to Owen.
A gripping, rich, and deeply evocative novel about the power of forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him picks up right where the epilogue for the “genuinely moving” (The New York Times) The Last Thing He Told Me left off, giving readers the eagerly awaited and absolutely exhilarating sequel to Dave’s global blockbuster.
Review
Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them. But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.
Now, this picks up where The Last Thing He Told Me left off. (that was a cliffhanger!) I would suggest you read that one first. Just for the simple reason, the characters will mean so much more. You will understand the situation a bit better. And believe me, it is a bit complicated but it is intense.
There is not a lot of Owen in this book. It is more about Nicholas. Nicholas has a complex past. And the deal he made to protect his family is falling apart. But Nicholas is NOT going to let his past threaten his family!
I love when an author has a hook in every chapter and this makes you want to keep reading and not stop. Laura Dave is an expert and this. Trust me, when you pick this up you will not want to stop.
Need a book that is intense from start to finish…THIS IS IT! This book publishes January 6.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
It was worse than the date from hell. Teacher Leah Gerard waited hours for the man…until she saw his bloody body being dragged away. Did she imagine it? The police believe she did, as there’s no body to corroborate her story. Then Leah becomes their prime murder suspect. Determined to find the truth, Leah hires ace investigator Owen Walker, who delves into every possibility while protecting —and captivating—Leah. But when her longtime roommate disappears, troubling questions and danger follow. Who wants Leah charged with murder? And who wants her dead?
Review
Leah is waiting for her date, and waiting and waiting. Then she discovers his bloody body being dragged away. And Leah becomes the prime suspect. Determined to find the truth, Leah hires ace investigator Owen Walker, who delves into every possibility.
I enjoyed this story but it is a bit predictable and, dare I say, simple. Plus, the romance between Owen and Leah did not fit, in my opinion. It was almost like it was an afterthought to the murder.
But this story does move quickly, especially at the beginning. Even if it is a bit predictable, I did enjoy listening to it unfold.
The narrator, Megan Tusing, did a good job with all the different voices. And there are quite a few male voices and she had a different inflection for all of them.
Need a quick tale to get you through the week…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
This is 3.5 stars rounded up.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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.
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.
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!
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