reecaspieces

Overview

Gripping…I couldn’t put it down!” -bestselling author Katie Fforde

In this captivating story from the bestselling author of Picking up the Pieces, Daisy has always envied the perfect family next door. But will a weekend of unexpected drama prove that the grass isn’t always greener?

Daisy Harrop has always felt like she exists in the background, and since her mother stopped getting out of bed, her life has come to a complete standstill. Daisy would give anything to leave the shabbiest house on the street and be more like the golden Kelleways next door, with their perfectly raked driveway and flourishing rose garden…

Winnie Kelleway is proud of the beautiful family she’s built. They’ve had their ups and downs—hasn’t everyone? But this weekend, celebrating her golden wedding anniversary is truly proof of their happiness, a joyful gathering for all the neighbours to see.

But as the festivities get underway, are the cracks in the ‘perfect’ Kelleway life beginning to show? As one bombshell revelation leads to another and events start to spiral out of control, Daisy and Winnie are about to discover that things aren’t always what they seem.

Review

Well, things are never as they seem, as we have all learned from social media. And this story follows two families that live next door to each other. One family is struggling. The mother is depressed and stays in bed or her room all the time. Their house is falling apart and the daughter, Daisy, always feels like she is not spectacular and not seen. The other family is perfect…or seems to be in Daisy’s eyes. They have the perfect home, lots of money, and just seem to be the golden family. But soon the cracks start to show!

I really enjoyed all the family drama in this novel. This is like a soap opera. And daisy is such a cute character. She is in love with the Kelleway’s son. She knows that this whole family is flawless. And she needs them in her life….she wants their life. But, does she really?

As the Kelleway’s world starts to crumble, other secrets come out and Daisy starts to see exactly what the Kelleway’s world is all about!

Need a good family drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

From the bestselling author of Beyond the Moonlit Sea comes an atmospheric tale of how one woman’s search for the truth uncovers long-hidden secrets and rocks the very foundation of her world.

Scarlett Fontaine is a true Hollywood legend—a singer, actress, and beloved fashion icon. But Scarlett dies tragically at just thirty-six years old, leaving behind no children. Or so the story goes…

Gwen Hollingsworth is the curator at a museum dedicated to Scarlett’s life. She’s also sole heir to Scarlett’s fortune as a descendant of the star. But all is not well in Gwen’s world. She’s dealing with a messy marital separation and is struggling to move forward. So when Peter Miller, a biographer and photojournalist, comes to the museum with shocking claims about Scarlett—a life of exile in Alaska, a baby born in secret—Gwen’s whole world is turned upside down. Again.

Determined to uncover the truth, Gwen and Peter set out for Alaska together but soon find themselves on a path toward something far deeper and more meaningful than either of them ever expected.

A Storm of Infinite Beauty takes readers on a breathtaking journey from a lush vineyard in Nova Scotia to a rustic lodge in Alaska where old family secrets are revealed and the quest for true happiness begins.

Review

Gwen has been approached by Peter, a biographer and photojournalist. He wants to write a biography about Gwen’s famous cousin, Scarlett Fontaine. And he comes bearing a photo that no one in the family has ever seen. This opens a whole new mysterious life of Scarlett Fontaine.

This story goes back and forth between two different time periods, present day and the 1960s. I enjoyed both aspects of these time periods, however, I felt the 1960s went on longer than it should. But, I enjoyed how the author portrayed all the secrets and the full reveal!

I have only read one other book by this author, The Color of Heaven. I only rated it three stars because it was just too sweet for my tastes. But this tale is a bit different. I loved the setting of Alaska and the secret life of Scarlet Fontaine! This kept me entertained from start to finish!

Need a story full of secrets…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

For fans of The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, a charming Japanese novel about how the perfect book recommendation can change a readers’ life.

What are you looking for? is the question that Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi, poses to those who come to her for their next book. The list of recommendations she gives, however, always contains one unexpected addition that promises to give its the borrower the motivation they didn’t realize they needed to change their life.

Each visitor comes to the library from a different juncture in their career, family, or stage of life, from the restless sales attendant who feels stuck at her job, to the struggling working mother who dreams of being a magazine editor. The conversation that they have with Sayuri Komachi – and the surprise book she lends each of them – will have life-altering consequences.

With heartwarming charm and wisdom, What You Are Looking for is in the Library is a paean to the magic of libraries, friendship, and community, perfect for anyone who has ever found themselves at an impasse in their life and in need of a little inspiration.

Review

Each visitor that comes into this library arrives at a time in their life when they need a change. The librarian, Sayori Komachi, always gives the visitor a little surprise in their book list. It is a surprise the visitor did not know they needed but it leads to life changing decisions.

This story reads like a compilation of short stories. But each story takes place within the scope of this library and its librarian. I would love to see a tv adaptation. I would like to see if what shows up on the screen is what I pictured in my head as I was reading this.

The librarian, Sayuri, is clairvoyant…or something like that. She knows exactly what each patron needs to hear to discover their strengths. And that is what she does. Isn’t this what a lot of librarians do…listen and discover what is needed.

I really enjoyed this novel. Now, I was not very hip on the short story style format. But, that is just my preference. But each story has its own power and energy!

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

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

Author Bio:

Born in 1970 in Aichi prefecture, and currently living in Yokohama, Michiko Aoyama worked for two years as a reporter for a Japanese newspaper in Sydney after graduating from university. After her return to Tokyo, she started to work as a magazine editor at a publishing house before turning to full time writing. Her work has won the 1st Miyazakimoto Prize, the 13th Tenryu Literary Prize, and has been a runner up of the 2021 Japan Booksellers Awards. This is her English-language debut.

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18144498.Michiko_Aoyama

Overview

Amid magical shenanigans in charming Starfall Point, this book might just have you laughing out loud.” —Hazel Beck, author of Big Little Spells and Small Town, Big Magic

Juggling newfound witchy powers, a house full of ghosts, and verbal battles with the handsome local librarian is almost too much for a new witch to manage. But falling in love with said librarian wasn’t on her to-do list…

From the moment Riley Everett set foot in Starfall Point, magic bubbled inside of her. But with only her late aunt’s journals and a cantankerous live-in ghost butler to instruct her on all things witchy—including her newly inherited Victorian haunted house—Riley seeks out a coven for sisterhood and support. The last person she expects to be drawn to is the town’s frustrating, yet ridiculously attractive head librarian.

Edison Held knows almost everything there is to know about Starfall Point, but Shaddow House was always off-limits, thanks to its elusive owner. If he can convince the new owner, Riley, to let him take a peek inside, there’s so much he could learn. But as he gets closer to Riley, he’s fascinated by her dazzling wit and fiery spirit. Edison will do whatever he can to help Riley keep her family legacy alive, especially if it means spending more time with the captivating new witch in town.

Bestselling author Molly Harper wields a magical pen in this hilarious, delightful witchy romcom perfect for fans of Erin Sterling and Lana Harper.

“The combination of smart protagonists, ghosts, and witches is good fun and readers will look forward to future escapades.” —Booklist 

“Will appeal to readers who enjoy witchy paranormal romance.”

Review

Riley has just discovered that she is a witch. She has floated through life doing whatever menial job available and come to find out, she has a destiny. Her parents kept all this a secret from her. She did not find out anything until her aunt died and Riley was blindsided. Riley has inherited her Aunt’s old Victorian home. But she soon discovers it is full of ghosts and thousands of secrets!

I just adore Molly Harper. I have been a fan since I read Sweet Tea and Sympathy. She always has some great characters and this book has some of the best! I just loved Riley and all the ghosts in the house! I cracked up at their antics!

This book is perfect for fall…ghosts, witches, enchanted items and a little bit of love thrown into the mix!

Need a cute read to get you in the mood for Halloween…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

For Chicago police detective Annalisa Vega, Sam Tran’s death presents an ominous puzzle. The ex-cop turned PI is found hanging from a cemetery tree with a message across his chest that suggests someone holds a murderous grudge against the police. Annalisa suspects the real answer lies in one of Tran’s open cases. She believes he stumbled on a dark secret during his investigations and someone killed him to keep him quiet. Her own family harbors plenty of secrets, something Annalisa is reminded of when her brother turns out to be one of Sam’s last clients.

Vinny Vega hired Tran to find a dangerous stalker on his daughter’s college campus. Now Sam is dead and the stalker remains at large, with Annalisa’s niece Quinn firmly in his sights.

To protect Quinn, Annalisa begins tracing Sam’s steps back through his open cases, which include not only the campus stalker but also a brutal double homicide from twenty years ago. Did Sam finally find the killer? Did he uncover the stalker’s identity? Annalisa must figure out which secret got Sam killed, and fast, or someone else will die. Every move she makes brings her closer to the truth of Sam’s death and closer to a murderer who will stop at nothing to remain free.

Review

Annalisa has been called in to a case she never wanted. Sam Tran, an ex cop, has been found hanging from a tree with an ominous message around his neck. Annalisa soon discovers that her own brother, Vinny, hired Sam to find a stalker. The stalker is after Annalisa’s niece. Needless to say, Annalisa is not happy being out of the loop.

This is part of a series. I have not read the others and it is not necessary. But because this book was very good, I am definitely going to go back and get the others.

This was very close to a five star read for me. I loved the intricacies and all of the twist and turns. I really enjoyed Annalisa. She is intelligent and tough. Now, her niece, Quinn, is just not my favorite. But she is young and makes stupid choices. Then there is Annalisa’s brother, Vinny. I think he was my favorite character. He comes on like any father of a teenage daughter. He had me smiling at his antics to keep Quinn close.

The hunt for the killer and stalker is creatively intertwined. I loved how one death of an ex cop lead to the revelation of a murderer from a twenty year murder case.

Need a wonderful thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

After the sudden death of her husband, Christine Harveywould do anything to give her precious children Molly and Ryan a fresh start. The huge clifftop house she’s hastily purchased has the most breath-taking ocean view she’s ever seen. Surely here they can someday be happy again?

But Christine had no idea that her family’s new dream house is right next door to where a child was abducted and murdered. And nobody told her that the father–who was the main suspect in the police investigation before it collapsed–still lives there.

Everyone urges her to move on, but Christine can’t stop thinking about that child. Fearing for the safety of Molly and Ryan, she frantically delves deeper into the old case, looking for anything that will give them some answers.

But some secrets are best left buried, and as the behaviour of their new neighbour grows increasingly unsettling, Christine wonders if digging up this one was the worst thing she could have done for her family…

From the number-one bestselling author, this is a binge-worthy listen with a twist that will make you gasp. Perfect for fans of JP Delaney, The Housemaid and Shari Lapena, you won’t be able to stop listening to this one.

Review

Christine’s husband has passed away. She decides that she and her kids need a fresh start. They move to a cliff top house with breathtaking views. But Christine soon learns this area has a past. A little child was murdered on the beach below her. And the murderer was found…but was it the right guy. Christine knows deep in her heart the cops made a mistake! She is positive it was her neighbor!

This book needs a bit of a trigger warning. It starts off with two rough scenes…one with an animal and one with a child. I will be honest, it was almost a DNF for me at that point. I thought I will give it 3 strikes…it was up to 2! The story just kept getting better and better after that rough start. And it reeled me in…hook, line and sinker!

Erica Sands is a smart cookie. I loved her strength and intelligence. She never gives up. Then there is Christine. I really enjoyed how the author portrays her. As the reader, you are definitely drawn into her situation, which creates all kinds of emotions!

The narrator, Jan Cramer, is not my favorite in this novel. I felt like her voice was very harsh for Detective Sands, especially when she is giving bad news to someone. And she gets pretty shrill when Christine would get excited. Now that one might be by design. Someone listen to this and tell me your thoughts!

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

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

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Chirp

Overview

Game Warden Mike Bowditch’s engagement party is interrupted by the discovery of a gruesome double murder in this new thriller from Edgar Award-winning author Paul Doiron.

On the evening of their engagement party, Maine Game Warden Investigator Mike Bowditch and Stacey Stevens witness what seems to be a hit-and-run speedboat crash on a darkened lake. When they arrive at the scene, their spotlight reveals a gruesome sight: a severed arm floating just beneath the surface. As day breaks, the warden dive team recovers not one but two naked corpses: a dismembered man and the married woman with whom he was having an affair. Mike begins to suspect the swimmers’ deaths were not a senseless accident but a coldly calculated murder.

Meanwhile, the hunt is on for the mysterious boater. Suspects abound on the lake, nicknamed “Golden Pond,” including the violent biker husband of the murdered woman who may have taken vengeance on his wife and her paramour; a strange woman who claims to have witnessed the crash, but then changes her story; a very aggressive realtor and his wife who were determined to catch trespassers; and the lake’s earnest young constable whose eagerness to help may hide darker motives.

Alone among his fellow officers, Mike starts to sense the involvement of a trained marksman, smarter and more dangerous than any enemy he has ever faced before. As Mike and Stacey get closer to identifying the killer, their own lives are suddenly on the line as they confront a lethal killer who plans to silence them forever. The finale is a tour de force of drama and suspense.

Review

Mike and Stacey are at their own engagement party when they hear what sounds like a speedboat crash. What they discover is a severed arm. Later the dive team find two dead bodies at the bottom of the lake. As Mike and Stacey get closer to uncovering the killer, they realize they are the ones being hunted!

This is book 14…geez…I have read none of these. This is my first one. I did not feel lost or anything, but I needed more history. So, this is a good series to add to my tumbling TBR.

I absolutely loved the setting of Maine. This has been on my bucket list for years. I also enjoyed the characters, Mike and Stacey, especially Stacey. She definitely has Mike’s number and can make him stand around!

Now, on to the important stuff…this story is a super good whodunit and why! It is intense and a bit creepy in places. But, I so loved the hunt for the killer!

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

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

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