reecaspieces

Cursed at Dawn

Author: Heather Graham

ISBN: 9780778334262

Publication Date: August 22, 2023

Publisher: MIRA

Book Summary:

Dracula lives—and he’s hunting for his bride.

Vampires may not walk among us, but FBI agents Della Hamilton and Mason Carter know real monsters exist. They’ve witnessed firsthand the worst humankind has to offer. They’re still catching their breaths after the apprehension of two such monstrous killers when they’re met with horrific news: Stephan Dante, the self-proclaimed king of the vampires, has escaped from prison, followed only by a trail of blood.

All too familiar with Dante’s cruelty, Della and Mason know the clock is ticking. But as Dante claims more victims, a chilling message arrives. The vampire killer seeks his eternal bride—Della herself. Playing into Dante’s desires might be the only way to stop the carnage once and for all, assuming they can outwit him. Della is confident the agents have the upper hand, but Mason knows every gamble runs the risk of not paying off, and this time, the consequences could be deadly.

Review

Stephan Dante has escaped from prison. Della and Mason are absolutely horrified. They are very familiar with Dante, “the vampire killer”. His cruelty and inhumanity is like nothing else these FBI agents have ever come across. They know he must be found quickly or there will be deadly consequences.

I have been reading this author since I was in high school. She has been a staple in my reading life for years. But, this is not my favorite series. It just seems too simple and predictable.

But, dang if she did not teach me quite a few things about Scotland and it’s lore. I very much enjoyed the weaving in of all the old superstitions and legacy’s surrounding the history of this country.

Need a quick serial killer chase…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Heather Graham has written more than a hundred novels. She’s a winner of the RWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Thriller Writers’ Silver Bullet. She is an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. For more information, check out her websites: TheOriginalHeatherGraham.com, eHeatherGraham.com, and HeatherGraham.tv. You can also find Heather on Facebook.

Social Links:

Author Website

Facebook: @Heather Graham

Twitter: @HeatherGraham

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Overview

In a race across Nazi-occupied Italy, two women—a German photographer and an American stenographer—hunt for priceless masterpieces looted from the Florentine art collections.

In the summer of 1943, Eva Brunner is taking photographs of Nazi-looted art hidden in the salt mines of the Austrian hinterland. Across the ocean in Connecticut, Josephine Evans is working as a humble typist at the Yale Art Gallery.

When both women are called to Italy to contribute to the war effort, neither imagines she will hold the fate of some of the world’s greatest masterpieces torn from the Uffizi Galleries and other Florentine art collections in her hands.

But as Italy turns from ally to enemy and Hitler’s plan to destroy irreplaceable monuments and works of art becomes frighteningly clear, each woman’s race against the clock—and against one another—might demand more than they were prepared to give.

The Last Masterpiece takes readers on a heart-pumping adventure up the Italian peninsula, where nothing is as it seems and some of the greatest works of art and human achievement are at stake. Who might steal and who might save a work of art—and at what cost?

Inspired by the incredible true story of the Monuments Women, the Fifth Army WACs, and the looted Florentine art collections during World War II, the latest historical novel by USA Today bestselling author and art historian Laura Morelli plunges readers into the heart of war-torn Italy.

Review

Two women, from different parts of the world, with one goal….to save the art in Italy. Eva, a German photographer and Josephine, a stenographer from Connecticut, are thrown into a world of intrigue in war torn Italy.

I will be honest, I did not feel a great connection to the characters in this story. But, what kept me reading was the history. This story is so well researched. I am fascinated by the history surrounding many art pieces. So, this novel really captivated me on what actually happened to the art in Italy. I learned so much and now I want to go over there and investigate!

I enjoyed the strong women as well! And to know this is based on the true story of WAC…HUGE PLUS!

Need a wonderful, art history tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Within the margins of an antique book, a timeless love waits for a young woman on the precipice of a terrible mistake in this enthralling new novel from the acclaimed author of Some of It Was Real.

Constance Sparks always says yes…when her capricious best friend needs money; when her boss gives her more responsibility without a raise; and when her boyfriend, Hayden, who is very kind but also secretive, asks her to marry him.

While planning their wedding—and struggling with anxiety about the right course for her future—Constance researches the history of her antique engagement ring and unearths the name of a man who might be connected to it, plus his tragic love story. When she finds a book of letters in her library’s old manuscript section written by the long-dead man, Constance is deeply touched by his words and leaves a note for him confessing her uncertainty and doubts. She’s shocked days later to find a response tucked among the pages.

As the notes continue to arrive, Constance finds herself quickly falling in love with a ghost and putting her real-life relationship in jeopardy. Will a bond based on letters impossibly sent from the past derail her future? Or will Constance discover her voice and risk everything for the chance to somehow connect with her true soul mate?

Review

Constance has finally said yes to her boyfriend Hayden. He has given her a stunning ring. But Constance is still having second thoughts. She has not met Hayden’s friends or family yet. Plus, she has not really been truly honest with him about her past. So, as a distraction from her doubts, she starts to research her ring. What she discovers is a timeless, historical romance.

This was very close to a five star read for me. The only reason it is not…is because I felt like the author could have ended it about 50 or so pages sooner. The tying up of all the lose ends just took too long. And this is just my opinion.

That being said…you really do not want to miss this book. It captures all your emotions. And you just can’t help but fall for Constance and her insecurities. And when she finally comes into her own, she becomes a force! She no longer thinks of herself as second best.

I also enjoyed how the author wove into the story about Constance’s engagement ring. The mystery and the history surrounding this ring is very creative and so dang intriguing!

Need a story with a little bit of everything…romance, historical fiction, mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Tahlulah’s Back in Town

Author: Brenda Novak

ISBN: 9780778386179

Publication Date: August 22, 2023

Publisher: MIRA

Book Summary:

Talulah Barclay returns to Coyote fourteen years after leaving her fiance at the alter. She’s back to sell her deceased aunt’s home and head back to Seattle as quickly as possible since the memories in a small town are long and no one has forgiven her for running off. And when she finds herself falling for the best friend of her jilted ex she knows life is going to get more difficult. And when she’s injured by shattered glass after someone throws a rock through her window she knows she is not welcome in town. But she still has close friends there and they rally around her and she finds herself willing to open her heart to the town and to the man she truly loves.

Review

Talulah’s great aunt has passed away. So, she must return to Coyote. This is not where she wants to be. She left her fiancé, Charlie, at the alter 14 years ago and ran away. And she knows, no one in this small town has forgotten. She also knows she must make amends.

Brenda Novak always has some of the best characters. I swear, I knew everyone in this book! And I loved Talulah! She is just struggling to survive and stay afloat. Then she has to go back to her home town. And BOY, did she make some mistakes there when she was young. She wants to make things right, but as you can guess, it is not as easy as she expected.

Enter Brant. Brant is Charlie’s best friend. Talulah and Brant have never really seen eye to eye. Now, after all these years, these two have a connection. You can just imagine what the town AND Charlie have to say about this!

Need a small town romance….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

Buy Links:

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Author’s Bio

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak has written over 60 novels. An eight-time Rita nominee, she’s won The National Reader’s Choice, The Bookseller’s Best and other awards. She runs Brenda Novak for the Cure, a charity that has raised more than $2.5 million for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). She considers herself lucky to be a mother of five and married to the love of her life. Visit Brenda at http://www.brendanovak.com.

Social Links:

Author Website

Facebook: @AuthorBrendaNovak

Twitter: @Brenda_Novak

Instagram: @authorbrendanovak

TikTok: @authorbrendanovak

Overview

Turn[ing] a familiar suburban setting into a deliciously chilling landscape… Garza once again proves she’s a master of twisted relationships.”—Ashley Winstead, author of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife

In this chilling new novel, a woman discovers that her estranged daughter is missing, but no one believes her, until she meets a man claiming to be her daughter’s fiancé.

Tatum hasn’t seen her daughter, Adrienne, in years, not since Tatum’s husband—the pastor in their small California town—all but disowned her. When she finally gathers the courage to secretly reconnect with Adrienne, Tatum’s thrilled she’s even willing to talk to her. But then—Adrienne disappears.

Tatum tries desperately to get the police or her husband to take her daughter’s disappearance seriously, but no one will listen, until a mysterious man shows up claiming to be Adrienne’s fiancé. It’s a relief to finally have someone who believes her, someone who’s trying as hard as she is to find out where Adrienne is. But can she trust that this stranger is who he says he is? And can she find her daughter before it’s too late?

Review

Adrienne has disappeared. Her mom, Tatum, knows something is wrong but no one believes her. Tatum and Adrienne have not had the best relationship but they have reconnected lately. So, Tatum knows she did not go away and not tell anyone. When Adrienne’s fiancé shows up, Tatum is relieved that someone finally believes her. Adrienne IS missing! But then Tatum makes a discovery and this just might be the death of her and Adrienne.

This novel brings out all kinds of feelings. Of course, terrified and angry are the first, but you also have sadness because of the way Adrienne has been treated by her family. Being from the small town south, I see this happen all the time. And to say I wanted to come through the pages and slap someone is an understatement…ok..now that that is out of the way…

I enjoyed these characters. I loved the strength of Adrienne. And her mom…I was just giddy when she finally got her backbone. That was almost the best part of the book! And don’t get me started on Adrienne’s “fiancé”…he is a piece of work.

Need a thriller which creates all kinds of emotions…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

A serial killer, a woman on the run, and an obsessive parole officer tangle in a psychological net of death and secrets . . .

When a severed finger was found in her car four years ago, Kerry Grey was arrested as an accomplice to the brutal slayings of three young women. Unbeknownst to Kerry, her husband Lucas was not only missing, but a deranged serial killer. Finally out on parole, she is ready to start anew and reunite with her young son. However, when a vigilante group inflamed by fear and motivated by reward money sparks a fevered hunt for Lucas, the nightmares of her past return.

Only one person can help Kerry evade the hysteria of the media—her parole officer, Adam Nash. But can she trust him? Was his move to the backwoods town of Joy, Montana coincidental or does Nash have his own obsessive hidden agenda involving the Hatchet Killer mystery, her husband and sweet justice?

It is not long before Kerry’s new life turns dark when she discovers that Lucas has been secretly giving their son carvings made of bone. And when a freshly dismembered victim is uncovered in the forest, the law is after her once again. Left with nowhere else to run, Kerry escapes up a mountainous trail to find Lucas and, one way or another, put an end to the real-life nightmare.

In a final twist of lies and betrayal, Kerry finds Lucas and the truth that will change everything.

Review

Kerry’s husband Lucas is accused of being the Hatchet Man. He murders young ladies and chops them to pieces. Kerry has served time in prison for being his accomplice. She was found with a finger in her car. She is now out of prison but Lucas was never caught. She now believes he is after her to get to their son.

Kerry broke my heart on more than one occasion. She has definitely gotten a raw deal. Then there is her parole officer, Adam Nash. Something is just not right about him. But, as the reader, you cannot quite put your finger on it.

Now, this novel is unique in more ways than one. And just wait till the end of this book…there is a big twist. Sounds like the author may be planning a sequel! We shall see.

Need a thriller that moves like lightning….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

Fourteen-year-old Reese’s dream of winning the Black Elk race is shattered when her beloved horse, Trusted Treasure, falls at the last jump and the vet suggests they put him down. While still reeling from that loss, her family suffers a second tragedy—one that results in the end of their family business, the sale of Trusted Treasure, and irreparable damage to Reese’s relationship with her father.

Heartbroken and still longing to find Trusted Treasure, Reese meets Wes, a selective mute, whose way of training horses is unlike anything she’s ever seen. If anyone can win the Black Elk, it’s Wes—but he’s struggling with his troubled past, and having a teenage girl hanging around his barn isn’t exactly what he’d planned. Through heartaches and triumphs, Reese must prove her worth if she wants to heal her family, help Wes, and show them all that some dreams are worth fighting for.

A spellbinding tale in which every teenager has magical powers within them just waiting to be discovered, this book will have you laughing and crying—sometimes on the same page—all the while rooting for Reese, the most unlikely of heroes.

Review

Reese has lost her mother. Then her dad sells her horse, Trusted Treasure. This damages her relationship with her dad almost beyond repair. So, Reese has had several severe blows in the past few years. But, she has not lost her determination to get her horse back. She meets Wes, who lets Reese hang out at his barn. She works hard and proves her worth. Then she discovers where Trusted Treasure is!

I adored Reese. Now, she is young so she makes some terrible decisions. And I wanted to come through the pages and pop her a time or two. But, I also wanted to hug her as well. She has been through so much and she truly struggles. You can feel so much of her hurt in this story. You also can see her strength coming through these pages.

I am usually not a big fan of young adult novels. But this one may change my mind. This is an emotional yet thrilling read. I love how the author sprinkles in a bit of mysticism! (And, as usual, you will need to read this to find out!)

Need a novel which will have your heart pounding one minute and breaking the next…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

A BookBub Pick for Best Historical Fiction of Summer 2023*

A heartwarming story about the power of books to bring us together, inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw, by the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London.

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.

With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.

But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families—and escape may not be possible for everyone. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left—literature.

Review

Zofia’s wonderful country of Poland has been invaded by the Nazis. As you can guess, this has rocked all of their lives. Zofia’s father has been arrested and her friend has been sent to the ghetto. But, surrounding all this tragedy, Zofia still continues her work in the library. This is where she feels safe. But the laws of the Nazis are still invading her life in her wonderful library. So, she decides to circumvent the Nazis and save as many books as she can.

Zofia is such an amazing young woman. I loved her intelligence and her strength. Not only does she save books, she saves many lives as well and you will need to read this to find out!

This story has quite a few characters to keep up with. But, I enjoyed so much about this novel, especially all the book references! I mean…what book lover wouldn’t!

Need a tragic, but heartwarming story about books…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

To break out of a 24-hour time loop, all Jack needs is for Gemma to fall in love with him in a single day. All Gemma needs is to remember him first . . .

Gemma Peters is doing fine. She’s making a name for herself in the L.A. music biz as a radio producer. She’s got a ride-or-die best friend in Lila, and she gets to come home to Rex, her loving Labrador, every night. But ever since her rock star ex-boyfriend used her to get a record deal from her rock legend dad, she’s made a “no musicians” rule when it comes to dating that’s becoming more like a “no dating” rule, period.

So, when Gemma crashes (literally) into Jack one Thursday morning, at first she feels like fate might finally be doing her a favor. After all this guy is cute and, wait, is she imagining it, or is he staring a little too deeply into her eyes? And how does he know her name? Even harder to explain is the funny feeling of déjà vu she gets every time she looks at him. It’s not at all like Gemma to kiss a man and forget him completely, so then how can she explain the dreamlike memory of his lips on hers?

The truth is this is no ordinary Thursday. Not for them. In fact, they’ve lived this day over and over for months. And while Gemma has been totally oblivious to the time loop, Jack has been agonizingly aware of every single iteration. Luckily, Jack has a theory to bring his own personal Groundhog Day to an end. And it’s simple. Before the day is over, he just has to get Gemma to fall in love with him.

Review

Gemma is making a name for herself in the music scene in LA. AND she is doing it without the help of her famous, estranged father. However, she is struggling with the break up from her ex-boyfriend. He used her to get to her dad. So, when she literally crashes into Jack, she feels an immediate connection. And then she feels the déjà vu. What is actually happening here?

These two characters are in a time warp. This regular Thursday has played on repeat for them for months. Now, Jack has a plan to get it to stop. He just needs Gemma to get on board. That turns into a pretty tough task.

Now, this story is just a bit out there. But the characters are so dang cute. I adored Gemma and Jack. It does get a bit repetitive because the day repeats over and over. However, they learn something new about each other on every turn of the clock.

Need a unique romance with a kick…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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