The Witches of Bone Hill by Ava Morgyn #bookreview #smpinfluencers @stmartinspress

Overview

Ava Morgyn’s The Witches of Bone Hill is a spellbinding, romantic novel about family secrets and two young women who discover they’re Nordic witches.

Cordelia Bone’s meticulously crafted life and career in Dallas are crashing down around her thanks to a philandering husband with criminal debts. When her older, carefree sister, Eustace—a cannabis grower in Boulder—calls to inform her that the great aunt they never met has died and they must travel to a small town in Connecticut to deal with the estate, she sees an opportunity to unload the house and save herself.

But once there, the sisters learn they are getting much more than they bargained for. The Victorian mansion they stand to inherit is bound in a dynasty trust controlled by their late aunt’s aging attorney, who insists they retain and inhabit the house but keeps them in the dark about the peculiar rituals of their ancestors. Not to mention a sexy, tattooed groundskeeper with a shrouded past who refuses to leave the carriage house and a crypt full of dead relatives looming at the property line.

As both women grapple with their current predicament, they come face to face with a haunting family secret, the truth of what happened to their mother, and the enemy that’s been stalking them from the shadows for generations. In a twisting torrent of terror and blood, the sisters must uncover the power within them to heal their fractured relationship, reverse their mysteriously declining health, and claim the lineage they wanted to escape but now must embrace if they are to survive at Bone Hill.

Review

Cordelia’s life is falling apart. Her husband has cheated on her and racked up tons of debt in her name. She is about to lose it all. Then she is notified of her great aunt passing away in a small Connecticut town. She and her estranged sister head up there to take care of her aunt’s estate. Little do they know…a family secret is looming!

This story is a little bit of everything…family drama, murder, secrets, ghosts, and of course, witches. I enjoy how this tale manipulates the reader. There were times I was afraid it was about to be a horror book, then it twisted again.

I fell for both Cordelia and her sister Eustace. Both of these ladies are so different. And their interactions with each other is classic sibling love!

Need a good witching tale for Halloween season…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review

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Death From Beyond by Sharon Linnéa #bookreview #audiblebookreview @arundelbooks

Overview

When bartender Avalon Nash dares enter the remains of Tranquility’s infamous haunted lodge, she unleashes deadly secrets waiting to come back to life.
It’s Halloween and Avalon is on the outs with her boyfriend, her cop friend and her best friend.
When she ventures into the ruins of an old lodge above the town, she uncovers evidence of murders that have haunted the locals for decades.
Then a new friend, in town for a high school reunion, vanishes and she must battle the deadly danger that continues to stalk Tranquility to this day.
Some things are called spooky for a reason. And sometimes, those who are alive are most frightening of all.
30 Cocktail Recipes Included
“I loved Death from Beyond! It’s a great story about murder, but also about change and acceptance. Avalon is smart, courageous, and funny.” -Award-winning novelist Rebecca Cantrell

Review

Avalon is a bartender and a bit of a sleuth. When the new guest, who is in town for the high school reunion, goes missing. She knows she must pull out all stops to find out what happened. But she soon uncovers evidence of the mysterious murders that have haunted her town for years.

I enjoyed all the cocktail recipes in this novel. Quite a few I would love to try!

But, this book is a bit disjointed in places. There are times that Avalon does not quite react the way you expect. One minute she is tough and the next she is a bit of a wuss. This is a good read for the fall though. I loved the ghost aspect and the mysterious murders in the abandoned lodge.

This story is narrated by Abbie Pfaff. She really kept the story moving for me.

Need a good October mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Lie By The Pool by Susan Walter #bookreview @suzyapbooktours @luauthors

Overview

A desperate woman. An irresistible invitation. An escalating nightmare of secrets, lies, and murder.

Bree’s new home is luxurious and private, with a fancy Beverly Hills address. What a shame it’s not hers. Widowed, penniless, living in her car, and out of options, she’s climbed the fence and crashed in the pool house. All she wants is a good night’s sleep. But when Sophie, the absentee owner, finds her, she gets a whole lot more.

Sophie invites Bree back for a party. When it winds down, Bree can’t resist sneaking upstairs to sleep in a real bed. But the next morning, she wakes to find Sophie’s dead body floating in the pool. As the resident vagabond, she’s both the only witness and the prime murder suspect.

Bree knows she shouldn’t run, but her husband’s death was mysterious, too. If she’s going to clear her name, she’s going to have to work fast. Because the killer is still out there, and she’s next.

Review

Bree is really down on her luck. She has lost her husband. She has lost her home. She has lost her job and now she’s living in her car. She has been squatting in an empty house at the pool. She’s been sleeping on a pool chair and using the pool shower. She has recently been invited to a party at the same home by young lady name, Sophie. So Bree takes the opportunity to sleep in a real bed the night of the party. But when she wakes up, she sees Sophie dead in the pool. She knows she is now the prime suspect.

Bree is a character which will steal your heart. I loved her from start to finish. Then there is Sophie. Sophie is an enigma. I really like Sophie, but you know she is hiding secrets.

I love how the story moves like lightning but it is slow to give up its mysteries. This is a tale full of lies, secrets and puzzles. And when it unfolds…you need to read this to find out.

Need a fast paced thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger #bookreview @atriabooks

Overview

In 1958, a small Minnesota town is rocked by the murder of its most powerful citizen, pouring fresh fuel on old grievances in this dazzling standalone novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the “expansive, atmospheric American saga” (Entertainment Weekly) This Tender Land.

On Memorial Day, as the people of Jewel, Minnesota gather to remember and honor the sacrifice of so many sons in the wars of the past, the half-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River, dead from a shotgun blast. Investigation of the murder falls to Sheriff Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero who still carries the physical and emotional scars from his military service. Even before Dern has the results of the autopsy, vicious rumors begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has recently returned to Jewel with a Japanese wife. As suspicions and accusations mount and the town teeters on the edge of more violence, Dern struggles not only to find the truth of Quinn’s murder but also put to rest the demons from his own past.

Caught up in the torrent of anger that sweeps through Jewel are a war widow and her adolescent son, the intrepid publisher of the local newspaper, an aging deputy, and a crusading female lawyer, all of whom struggle with their own tragic histories and harbor secrets that Quinn’s death threatens to expose.

Both a complex, spellbinding mystery and a masterful portrait of midcentury American life from an author of novels “as big-hearted as they come” (Parade), The River We Remember is an unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home, a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal, and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about the places we call home.

Review

Jimmy Quinn has just been found murdered by a shotgun blast. Jimmy is the most influential citizen of the town of Jewel, Minnesota. AND he has a lot of enemies. The sheriff arrests a Native American who is a WWII veteran and he has returned from the war with a Japanese wife. However, as the sheriff digs deeper, he realizes that Jimmy had a lot of secrets.

Well, Mr. Krueger has done it again. This tale has great characters and story that just won’t quit! I think my favorite character is Noah Bluestone. I love his strong silent tendencies. Then there is Sheriff Dern. He is broken in so many ways and he really just wants to do the right thing.

This is a story that is riveting and intriguing from the very first word! It encompasses so many complex situations from racism, sexual assault and of course, murder. It also explores the aspect of healing from tragedies and hidden wounds.

Need a captivating tale from start to finish…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan #christmas #bookreview @harlequinbooks

Overview

The Book Club Hotel is a gift…the perfect escape-and-find-yourself novel.”—Susan Wiggs, New York Timesbestselling author

This Christmas, USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with another heartfelt exploration of change, the power of books to heal, and the enduring strength of female friendship. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Jennifer Weiner.

With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season.

But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life’s ups and downs. But Hattie can see they’re also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs.

In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter?

Review

Erica, Claudia and Anna have been friends since college. They get together every year for a book club meeting. This year they missed their summer retreat so they decided to get together at Christmas. They book a quaint hotel called The Maple Sugar Inn. But, Erica has a big secret she is not sharing.

Hattie is a single mom and owner of The Maple Sugar Inn. She knew immediately who Erica was when she showed up at her Inn. But, things do not go as well as she expected.

I have read Sarah Morgan’s Christmas books for years and this is her best one yet! And I am trying really hard not to give away a spoiler. But y’all need to read this! Trust me…it will put you in a fabulous mood for Christmas. The quaint inn, the wonderful library, the great characters all create a festive tale!

Need an adorable Christmas novel for the book lover…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes lively, sexy contemporary stories for Harlequin.

Romantic Times has described her as ‘a magician with words’ and nominated her books for their Reviewer’s Choice Awards and their ‘Top Pick’ slot. In 2012 Sarah received the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America. She lives near London with her family. 

Find out more at http://www.sararahmorgan.com

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SOCIAL LINKS:

Author Website: https://sarahmorgan.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahMorgan 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahmorganwrites/ Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/4x93bww7

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BUY LINKS:

BookShop.org

Harlequin

Barnes & Noble

Books A Million

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The Golden Gate by Amy Chua #minotaurinfluencer #bookreview @minotaurbooks

Overview

Amy Chua’s debut novel, The Golden Gate, is a sweeping, evocative, and compelling historical thriller that paints a vibrant portrait of a California buffeted by the turbulent crosswinds of a world at war and a society about to undergo massive change.

In Berkeley, California, in 1944, Homicide Detective Al Sullivan has just left the swanky Claremont Hotel after a drink in the bar when a presidential candidate is assassinated in one of the rooms upstairs. A rich industrialist with enemies among the anarchist factions on the far left, Walter Wilkinson could have been targeted by any number of groups. But strangely, Sullivan’s investigation brings up the specter of another tragedy at the Claremont, ten years earlier: the death of seven-year-old Iris Stafford, a member of the Bainbridge family, one of the wealthiest in all of San Francisco. Some say she haunts the Claremont still.

The many threads of the case keep leading Sullivan back to the three remaining Bainbridge heiresses, now adults: Iris’s sister, Isabella, and her cousins Cassie and Nicole. Determined not to let anything distract him from the truth—not the powerful influence of Bainbridges’ grandmother, or the political aspirations of Berkeley’s district attorney, or the interest of China’s First Lady Madame Chiang Kai-Shek in his findings—Sullivan follows his investigation to its devastating conclusion.

Chua’s page-turning debut brings to life a historical era rife with turbulent social forces and groundbreaking forensic advances, when race and class defined the very essence of power, sex, and justice, and introduces a fascinating character in Detective Sullivan, a mixed race former Army officer who is still reckoning with his own history.

Review

There has been a murder of a presidential candidate at the famous Claremont Hotel in San Francisco. Detective Al Sullivan is on the case. But, this case has opened up a can of worms from 10 years previous, a mysterious death of a child.

Detective Sullivan is a character I really liked. He is not your usual detective you would expect in the 1940s. He had a past that he is trying to hide. He is also smart and does not take no for an answer. I love how he handles some of the suspects.

I enjoyed the history surrounding San Francisco. The author really did her research. Throw in this unique mystery and you have a pretty dad-blame good read! This story just kept twisting around itself. As a reader…you think you know…but then you don’t…but then you do..or do you?!?!

Need a good murder mystery with a good bit of history thrown in…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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The Other Year by Rea Frey @suzyapbooktours #audiobookreview #bookreview

Overview

Can the entire course of a life be traced back to a single moment?

On a coveted two-week beach vacation, working mom Kate Baker’s nine-year-old daughter, Olivia, vanishes suddenly among the waves—a heart-dropping incident that threatens to uproot her entire reality. But in the next moment, Olivia resurfaces, joyously splashing.

What would I do if she didn’t come up? Kate wonders. How would I live without her?

In another set of circumstances that hold a different fate, Kate doesn’t have to wonder. Because in that “other” world, in the pulse-pounding seconds after Olivia goes under, she doesn’t come back up.

Told in parallel timelines, Kate begins to live two lives—one in which Olivia resurfaces and one in which she doesn’t. In the reality that follows her daughter’s death, she maneuvers through every mother’s worst nightmare, facing grief, rage, and the question of purpose in the aftermath of such profound loss. She endures, day by day, in a world without her daughter.

In her alternate timeline, while she explores a tremulous romance with her best friend, Jason, she finds herself grappling with the ex-husband who abandoned Kate and Olivia years prior. Even as Kate scrambles to hold her daughter close, Olivia pulls further away. The line between joy and loss seems to get thinner with each passing day.

Woven into a single story, both Kates discover a breathtaking fragility and resilience in their respective journeys. Bringing to light the drastic polarities dire circumstances often create, The Other Year explores truths about love, loss, and the sharp turns any life can take in the blink of an eye.

“In this world-altering women’s fiction novel, single mother Kate Baker looks away for a single moment, only to lose sight of her daughter in the ocean. As a result, her world splits into two separate realities: one where she gets to keep being a mother and the other where she doesn’t. The message is clear: Love your people. A tear-jerker with heart.”—Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author

Review

Kate Baker and her daughter, Olivia, have taken a two week vacation at the beach. In one scenario, Olivia disappears in the waves long enough for Kate to panic. But, she eventually resurfaces with no ill effects. In another scenario, Olivia drowns and it changes Kate’s life irrevocably.

This is a unique layout for a book. And honestly, it might need to come with a trigger warning. When my children were little, I used to avoid books where a child was killed or kidnapped. When this child died…it tore me up. But, the way the author portrays the alternative year, very uncommon and different. I do not see how this author created this story and did not cry her eyes out, and maybe she did.

Sometimes you need a tale which will make you realize what is important and this story brings that front and center.

This novel is narrated by Brittany Pressley. I loved her. Excellent job on the emotion! And believe me…this story is emotional.

Need a heartbreaking tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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The River Runs South by Audry Ingram #audiblebookreview #bookreview #southernfiction @dreamscapeaudio

Overview

When Camille Taylor’s husband dies unexpectedly, the carefully constructed life she’s worked so hard to build in Washington, DC, shatters. After struggling for almost a year, she reaches a breaking point, packs up her daughter, and heads for the Alabama coast where she grew up.

The salt air and slow rhythms of the coast soothe Camille’s spirit, but when she meets local fisherman Mack Phillips, she learns that things have changed in her hometown. Runoff from an abandoned development site is polluting the water, and Mack has brought a suit against the site’s owners—Camille’s father among them.

Battling her own fears for the fragile ecosystem of her beloved Mobile Bay, Camille joins her father’s defense team, but the more she learns, the more she wonders if she’s landed on the right side of the fight. Meanwhile, Camille is slowly drawn to Mack’s fearless resolve, his sterling ideals, and finally to the man himself.

Faced with blurred lines between right and wrong, Camille must decide for herself what the next chapter of her life will bring.

With timely commentary on Alabama’s fragile ecosystem and exploring themes of grief, love, and community, The River Runs South will appeal to fans of southern fiction on the hunt for the nostalgia of Sweet Home Alabama.

Review

Camille’s husband has recently passed away and she is floundering. She is having trouble focusing at her job and she feels like she is failing her little girl. So, she packs up and moves home to Fairhope, AL for a few weeks….just to get her bearings. She soon meets a local fisherman, Mack Phillips. But, things are not as they seem and Mack is a mortal enemy of her father.

Camille and her daughter, Willa, are fabulous. I love how Willa is a wild child! She sets her southern grandmother on her ear on more than one occasion.

Then there is Mack. I love his principles and I love how he manages to handle things…you will need to read this to find out.

This story is full of great scenes of nature, great descriptions of Fairhope (I love this town!) and a wonderful story about what is right and wrong.

This is narrated by Megan Tusing. A trigger for any narrator for me is a child’s voice. Megan did a great job with this kid and the whole story!

Need a good southern fiction tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Karma Under Fire by Love Hudson-Maggio #bookreview #romance

Overview

Two societies collide: the trendy, upscale, ultra-hip universe of Atlanta and the alluring, bound-by-tradition world of old India!

“Crisp, engaging prose and quick-paced storytelling will please readers of lively, travel-minded international fiction…. Enormous wealth, extravagant weddings, unyielding tradition, fantastic Indian cuisine–all the boxes for depicting India as an exotic backdrop for romantic adventure get checked.” (Publisher’s Weekly)

Pressured by her challenging mother, Harlow Kennedy, an aspiring jewelry maker, agrees to marry politically ambitious pretty-boy Addison Whitmore. The match will elevate Harlow’s non-existent social standing and guarantee financial security for life. The wedding is scheduled to take place as soon as Harlow returns from her BFF’s wedding in India.

On the other side of the world, the parents of Tej Mayur, the “it” chef of Atlanta’s hottest new Indian restaurant, are fretting about their son’s unmarried status. They summon him home.

When Harlow meets Tej on a flight from Atlanta to Delhi, sparks fly. Unfortunately, Tej’s nuptials are already being arranged by his privileged East Indian family, and Harlow is not Indian. After touching down at Indira Gandhi International, they flee one another’s company–or so they think.

Karma Under Fire transports readers across the globe, and like Mississippi Masala and Crazy Rich Asians, at its core it’s a vibrant heartwarming story about two young people’s search for love while they navigate the uncertain path between passion and tradition.

Review

Tej has been called home. He is the new “it” chef of Atlanta. But his Indian family think it is time he gets married. So, he is headed home to his own nuptials and he has never even met the bride. He meets Harlow on the plane and sparks fly.

I really enjoyed how the author combined American and East Indian culture. She really showed the differences and the similarities.

The characters and I had a love hate relationship. I truly despised Tej! He has no morals. I did enjoy Harlow. She is a go getter! But then things change and she has to make some major adjustments.

This is a rare love story! It literally transports the reader all around the globe with tales of love and drama!

Need a unique multicultural tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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The Trade Off by Sandie Jones @macmillanaudio @stmartinspress #smpinfluencers #audiobookreview #bookreview #audiblebook

Overview

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club Pick The Other Woman comes The Trade Off, an electrifying new novel of suspense that begs the question: Would you tell a story, if you knew it was a lie? Or tell the truth and sleep at night?

For Stella, deputy editor of The Globe, the choice has always been clear. It doesn’t matter how low she has to stoop—getting the best story is what she’s built her reputation on.

For Jess, The Globe’s rookie reporter, the story stops when the truth does. But she knows that the dirty tricks of the tabloids will be hard to overturn.

And when a celebrity is hounded by The Globe and pays the ultimate price, Jess wonders just how much Stella and the paper are responsible.

Determined to show the world what the tabloid is capable of, Jess will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth, but she needs to watch her back, because someone else is prepared to kill to bury it.

RISK or REWARD. JUSTICE or REVENGE. INNOCENCE or GUILT.

Review

Jess has finally been hired as a news reporter. It’s for a tabloid but she is beyond excited. However, things change quickly. Jess soon realizes the lengths her boss and her editor will go to to get the story.

I did not like a single character in this book. Even Jess…she is supposed to be the good one. I found her a bit mousy. I know, I know…she is young. But, I just felt the whole set of characters were immoral. I am sure that is exactly what the author wanted to portray, the nastiness of the tabloid business and the people surrounding it.

Now, I love a production on an audiobook and I also enjoy when the author takes part in the production. This one has all of the above! Narrated by Nathalie Buscombe; Sandie Jones; Sofia Engstrand. Excellent job by this team!

Need a good tale which will have you cringing…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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