I'll Be Seeing You by Jana Richards

 About Jana Richards’ Twice in a Lifetime Series: After Gabriel Daniels’ car accident, he finds himself in a waiting room next door to Heaven. To earn his angel wings and be allowed the privilege of looking out for his loved ones back on Earth, Gabriel is tasked with giving three mortals their second chance at love. What Gabriel doesn’t count on is having to examine his own life during this process. Coming to terms with his mistakes, especially his mistakes in love, is the biggest test of his afterlife.

About Book 1, I’ll Be Seeing You: Apprentice angel Gabriel Daniel’s first assignment in his quest to become a full-fledged angel is to give WW2 veteran, Frank Brennan, a second chance at love. With help from his mentor, senior angel Thomas, Gabriel takes Frank back to 1944 to Plymouth, England. There, Frank made his biggest mistake with love. His first time in 1944, Frank fell in love with Claire Cartwright, but when he found her kissing another man, he ended their relationship, despite Claire’s insistence that things weren’t as they appeared. This time around, Gabriel’s task is to convince Frank to trust in Claire’s love and fidelity, despite the evidence against her.   

At the same time, Thomas takes Gabriel on a journey through his relationship with Sloane, the love of his mortal life. For the first time, Gabriel sees how his jealousy and distrus. t tainted their love. Unless Gabriel persuades Frank to trust Claire, his goal of becoming a citizen of Heaven is doomed, along with his desire to watch over his mother and brother back on Earth. Frank has a complicated history that Gabriel must help him confront before either of them gets what they need. 

Our Review: Author Jana Richards ability to infuse compelling, impactful emotions into her characters’ actions leaves the rest of the field in the dust. Her second talent is the research she put into this particular story. As the child of two people who were raised during the Great Depression, who then survived WW 2, the songs, dress and hair styles, social mores and values brought us back. This is a lovely trip back in time—one that brought more than one smile. Well done!!

Based on a scale of 1-5, I’ll Be Seeing You merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Legacy Lies Loyalty by Darlene Fredette

             When loyalty is tested, and lies run deep, the legacy they inherit could cost them everything.

About the Book: Bound by a loved one’s promise, Jordan McKenzie is devoted to caring for the historic estate she calls home. But a string of mysterious accidents pulls her into a web of danger. When a hidden family connection surfaces, and an innocent kiss lands at the worst possible moment, she’s left questioning trust, devotion, and the people closest to her.

 Chef Logan Crane returns to Redford Falls, hoping to claim an inheritance that could make his dream restaurant a reality. Meeting Jordan changes everything, and her warmth becomes an anchor in the storm he never saw coming. As old wounds reopen and loyalties shift, he realizes she’s the one person he can’t imagine facing the truth without.

 With danger looming and long-buried secrets emerging, Jordan and Logan must decide what—and who—is worth fighting for.

Our Review: there are many reasons to commend the author for in this latest edition to the Redford Falls Stories. First, we have a delicious romance between two deserving people; next, long buried family secrets—on both sides—which beg to be uncovered; third, the series of mysterious ‘accidents’ that hamper solving the initiating incident. Author Fredette has an enviable way of keeping the reader turning the pages to learn the identity of the ‘bad guy’. And what a trip it is.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Legacy Lies Loyalty merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Secret Recipe by Darlene Fredette

 In the heat of the kitchen, one woman’s secret recipe blends danger, deception, and desire.

 About the Book: Jess Robinson is desperate for a fresh start, but an unexpected call from her criminal father drags her back into a world filled with danger and deception—one she thought she’d escaped. With a missing bag of stolen jewels at stake, she must execute the perfect con.

          Between two jobs and family obligations, firefighter Travis Cooper is stretched too thin. The last thing he needs is an unqualified baker at his widowed mother’s bakery and who stirs up more questions than answers. Something about Jess feels familiar, and while Travis is drawn to her, he’s convinced she’s hiding more than a few secrets.

          As drama simmers and danger closes in, Jess and Travis are caught in a game where every move could cost them everything.

Our Review: As with all her creations, author Fredette’s ability to pack strong emotions into a short story is enviable. Jess Robinson isn’t exactly ‘on the run’ but she’s running for the life of her inmate father—to keep him safe from retaliation behind bars.

          Another of Fredette’s many talents is creating setting. If readers believe nothing much happens in a small town, think again. Redford Falls might be on the far end of Eastern Canada, but it could easily be any small town, anywhere on the globe.

Last, Jess’ background, compelling to all, is no different from any adult who has experienced loss, sadness and neglect at the hands of a manipulative parent who likely knew no other life.

          Secret Recipe will draw you in from the first page and not let go till the very last line.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Secret Recipe, merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

A New Dawn by Trina Spillman

        A pulse-pounding political thriller where love, betrayal, and democracy collide.

About the Book:

A catastrophic explosion rocks Washington, D.C., leaving chaos in its wake. Attorney Ian McCullough rushes to find his partner, a presidential nominee caught in the blast, and instead uncovers evidence pointing to a conspiracy at the nation’s highest level. Each step closer to the truth puts Ian in greater danger, as powerful forces move to silence him.

At the center of the plot is the ruthless vice president, whose false-flag operation could plunge the country into panic and secure his rise to power. With enemies closing in and only a few unlikely allies to trust, Ian must risk everything to expose the truth before democracy itself becomes collateral damage.

Our Review: As a long time, fanatic reader of political fiction, we glommed onto A New Dawn and liked it for its fresh voice and relevancy to today’s political climate. We found the ‘lead’ characters, Ian and James, to be well drawn and compelling in their motivation, conflicts and devotion to each other. As the “stars” of this show, both filled the bill nicely.

A few of the secondary characters however [such as the commandant of the naval base] took up needed space which should have been devoted to more the important and necessary antagonistic characters who deserved additional time—and clear identification to name and role.

Overall, the story ends too abruptly, leaving several loose threads. A bit more attention to the “powerful forces” behind the underlying plot was just not there, thus leaving us wanting.  

Based on a scale of 1-5. A New Dawn merits a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

Red Gate Farm by D. V. Stone

 Everything is at its most bleak…when a man of steel—and his trusty sidekick—step up to save the day.

 About the Book: Just when animal rescuer/horse boarder-rancher Addie Martin thinks she’s got it all together, eminent domain steps in and threatens her life as she knows it. There she is, with horses, goats, dogs, and cats without a place to live and nowhere to go. Up steps a former newspaper reporter and his pal, Albert who possesses more than the usual amount of spiritual support. The road to recovery for both Henry and Addie is not a smooth one. Wrong turns, obstreperous animals, late night vandalism and shadowy politicians wreak havoc until a sweet solution is found.

 Our Review: Short, sweet, simple and well written. The lead characters are terrific but it is the supporting cast—the two and four-legged ones who stand out like flags at a parade. We didn’t expect to like this one so much—and are certain those who are committed to endangered animals, heroines who refuse to stay down after life hands them a couple hard knocks, and heroes who make you smile. What’s not to love?

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Red Gate Farm merits a 9.

  Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hook, Line and Murder

    Who says hunting killers won’t heal a broken heart? Not when each murder Meg solves brings her closer to why her husband and son had to die…

About the Book: What does Meg Brightbook, a retired kindergarten teacher, do when the killer of her husband and only child still walks free a year after dirt had covered their graves? Go rogue, of course!

When the detective responsible for Meg’s nightmares takes over the murder investigation of her former student, Meg hunts the killer down with help from her friends. Their cozy lunches at Sweet Buns Café turn into tactical meetings while these retired grade school teachers get themselves in trouble better suited to those in their twenties. And to put the icing on their cream scones, someone is after Meg. Is it the killer—or has she uncovered secrets better left buried with her loved ones?

Our Review: with fun, snappy dialogue that puts the reader into the middle of each scene—no matter what it might entail—the story brings readers, especially those of a ‘certain age’, who might be facing issues associated with sudden loss to the inevitable: What would I do? How would I handle it? Who can I depend on to help me get through this hideous loss?

This Sweet TOOTH group retirees aren’t ready to hang up their teacher tools yet because there’s still a lot of life left in there, gray hair and aching joints be damned. This is a great story that while showing all the usual bumps and grinds of a first attempt will smooth out into a terrific cozy series—one we look forward to seeing where author Calpo will take things.

On a scale of 1-5, Hook, Line and Murder merits a 4.5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Stone of Destiny

      Bound by destiny, torn by fate—their love stood unbroken, victorious over all when a woman, torn between fate and forbidden love, must defy a Fae prophecy and battle dark forces to reclaim her future—and the heart of the Fae warrior she can’t forget.

 About the Book:  Kat MacArthur still feels the loss of her brother to another time. Seeking solace, she stumbles upon Ceallach, a Fae warrior, she’s had feelings for ever since she met him. The emotion grows stronger whenever they are together.  Yet he warns her to stay away from the upcoming gathering for the Iona Stones. Kat refuses—she needs to be there to help her family and Ceallach.

Ceallach is torn between duty, magic, and the ache for mortal love. His Fae soul is sworn to protect the Iona Stones during the Gathering, but his heart is lost to Kat. With the prophecy looming, he cannot promise her forever—no matter how much he longs to. The maiden of the Iona Stones now faces sacrifice, and he fears if his beloved gets too close, he cannot save her.

When dark forces rise to take the Iona Stones along with their powers, Ceallach is forced into an impossible decision—to defy destiny or surrender to love?

Our Review: As with all the stories in this time traveling Scots historical fantasy-romance, the author again offers descriptions of the varied characters, places and the times—whether past or present—in such vivid detail they jump off the page. This is an entertaining conclusion to a most entertaining and inventive series. 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Stone of Destiny merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Miracle: The Boys of '80

  Do You Believe in Miracles?

 Miracle: The Boys of ’80: For those who aren’t able to attend the Milan-Cortina Winter Games up close and in person, stay home, snug and warm and partake in the next best thing.

 Our Review: Do you remember where you were when Al Michaels asked the above question? I was snug and warm in our TV room, nursing our third daughter [who will not appreciate my advertising her actual age to the world] while a ragtag group of college kids stunned the hockey world, first by defeating the Russian team, then beating out Finland for the gold medal. The ‘boys’ may be showing a bit of gray and perhaps aren’t moving as smooth and fast as they did in on the rink back in 1980, but watching the joy on their faces as they viewed film clips is a pure joy.

An interesting, underlying theme to this retrospective is an insider look at the enigmatic coach, Herb Brooks. His now adult children commented during the broadcast and showed, along with thoughts from ‘the boys’, on his manner and temperament—what each learned from his style and have carried with them for the rest of their lives.

A pure joy to watch and remember.  

Based on a scale of 1-5, Miracle: The Boys of ’80 merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Forever Kind of Love

 Two wounded souls—an artist and a musician—find love amidst personal struggles.

About the Book:

Devastated by her husband’s arrest for investment fraud, New York photographer Willow Barton flees to her Ohio hometown of Cedar Hill, determined to rebuild her life. But when she’s drawn to her best friend’s brother, Zachary Hayes, a charming country music star, she struggles to resist the chemistry between them, despite seeing him as a player. Adjusting to small-town life proves harder than she expected, and the whispers surrounding her husband’s scandal only intensify her desire to keep her guard up.

As they work together to renovate a garage apartment and her darkroom, hidden desires ignite, but Willow is still dealing with the financial and personal fallout of her marriage. Zach, juggling his rising career and complicated past, finds himself wanting a steadiness he never expected. He knows Willow is the kind of woman who needs commitment, yet he can’t deny the pull he feels toward her.

But when Zach’s ex-girlfriend resurfaces, Willow doubts his intentions, forcing her to confront difficult decisions about trust, forgiveness, and love. With her future hanging in the balance, Willow must decide whether to protect her heart or risk everything for a chance at something real.

 Our Review: In this sweet, second chance at love romance, two people come together with all the baggage of the past, and once they find the one, they strive to overcome past hurts and doubts in order to move on. Another theme looks at the effects of dementia and its effect, not only on the patient, but on family and caregivers. The love and care shown by all the characters is subtle but touching.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Forever Kind of Love merits a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Ruff Justice by Tara Choate

A woman searches for that desperately needed balance between a demanding job and a personal life.

About Ruff Justice: Irene Lisner was not expecting a request to mediate her sister’s marriage. Or to drop her own list of cases to help a coworker. Or a new dog to come into her life. Or a date. A talented principal and a rigid business manager have squared off over accusations of false enrollment, improper purchasing, and state curriculum violations. As Irene investigates the charges, she finds hidden agendas and ulterior motives that make her wonder if she can restore justice to the hardworking school. And, of course, her irrepressible best friend has something to say on everything, especially the new dog.

Our Review: It isn’t often when we find a character we can admire, someone who works each day at a demanding job while balancing the demands from extended family members, and coping with a chronic, potentially debilitating illness. On top of all that, she’s just lost her much loved canine partner and must decide if she can manage a new dog—or give up an important part of herself.

This is a touching story on so many levels—watching Irene help the less fortunate protect and preserve their basic rights to an education, while supporting a family in crisis, and just maybe finding a new human partner to compete with the canine.

Based on a scale of 1-5. Ruff Justice merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews.

The Cowboy's Last Chance

               8 seconds is the span of time for a bull rider to win or lose, live, or sometimes die.

About The Cowboy’s Last Chance: When Vivian Blackburn sets out to shoot pictures at a rodeo, she's not looking for a cowboy—but after meeting bull rider Calhoun Kelly, she's found one. They have an instant attraction and are compatible in every way but one—he has a strong Christian faith while she lost hers after losing both parents to extreme violence.

When Vivian begins to experience dreams that warn of upcoming danger, she doesn't know what to think. Calhoun decides to hang up his spurs at the end of the season but before he does, he and Vivian are married—and he rides his last rodeo. After he's critically injured, his life hangs in the balance. Will Vivian find her faith and pray? It's a close call but time will tell.

Our Review: This touching love story describes two people who have suffered deep loss, each choosing to deal with it in their own ways. Chance is a man of deep religious faith, while Vivian gave up on religion after losing her parents to inexplainable violence. Regardless of a very basic difference, they are, quite frankly, madly in love. That emotion jumps off the pages and into the heart. Their journey is as vivid as the setting of the rodeo culture—a secondary character for sure—as well as the beautiful Southwest Missouri countryside. The resolution of the basic conflict is gut wrenching in its telling—and not to be missed.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Cowboy’s Last Chance merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Bootleg Broadway

              For a look at events and results following the ratification of the 18^th Amendment [aka Prohibition], we offer Bootleg Broadway, written by Diana Rubino and published by the Wild Rose Press.

About Bootleg Broadway: a story of debauchery and a little romance. Booze, music, sex, murder, Prohibition…New York… what a time to be alive!

Our Review: Told from the point of view of the main character, musician and raconteur Billy McGlory, this fictionalized version of life during Prohibition is based on research and discussions with many who lived during that tumultuous time, Author Diana Rubino offers a close-up and personal view of everyday life during Prohibition, those who learned to cope, who went along to get along. This is a vividly painted story, filled with outrageously named and multi-colorful characters, ringing of truths only insiders would know. They should. They lived it.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Bootleg Broadway merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Twisted Fates by SD Porter

 Twisted Fates, written by SD Porter and published by the Wild Rose Press, brings a compelling conclusion to the Haunting of Pinedale High series.

 About Twisted Fates: The ghosts of the Pinedale High girls’ volleyball team have been trapped on campus for decades. When Ben Danvers arrives on campus, grieving the death of his twin sister, Beth, the past and present collide. Beth, now a ghost herself, vows to help the trapped players get their justice and recruits her brother’s help. During their investigation, the twins discover that even though it’s been more than forty years since the tragedy, the danger is still very much alive.

 Our Review: This one has it all: well-drawn, interesting characters, both human and ghostly; compelling goals, motivation and conflict, coming from a variety of sources; and emotion. Gut wrenching, from the heart, appealing to all age groups, emotion. A large box of tissues is called for, particularly during the last pages. This is one beautiful story. Our congratulations go out to all who are responsible for bringing this excellent story to fruition.

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Twisted Fates merits a 9.

 

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Tetons By Morning

               A cowboy and a librarian discover love the second time around isn’t always roses.

About the Book: After a whirlwind summer romance, Casey Girard marries ex-rodeo champ Chance McCord and settles at the North Star, his family’s Wyoming ranch. Certain their love will last forever, she secretly harbors fear he will return to the rodeo circuit.

 Chance never wanted the responsibility of running the ranch. When circumstances force him into that role, he must protect the North Star Legacy, as well as keep his promises to Casey. Loving and protecting her and his stepson are what matter most in his life.

When their tragic pasts come back to haunt them, their love is tested to the limit. How will a summer romance survive the depths of winter?

Our Review: As in book one of the North Star Legacy series, the author shows a talent for creating a setting which is so vivid and colorful, the descriptions jump off the page. Equally compelling are the two lead characters, Casey and Chance, so needy and deserving of the love and respect, which they rarely receive from those who should be giving it instead of tearing them down at every turn, keep the reader rooting till the last satisfying pages. Another winner from talented author Lucy Kubash. 

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Tetons by Morning merits a 6.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The End of Promise by Rita A. Popp

           The murder of an arrogant young professor puts an amateur detective to the test.

About the Book:

Paul Kiefer enjoys a promising career at New Mexico University—until a murderer cancels his plans to fast track to full professor. Shocked at the sight of her colleague’s dead body, department head Eleanor Jarviss turns for comfort and aid to her daughter Bethany.

When, as the Jarviss Family Foundation’s grants manager, Bethany goes to campus to award a student scholarship, she gets drawn into the murder investigation. With her mother’s help, and the support of her cowboy boyfriend, Nathan, she compiles a list of suspects stunned but not saddened by the scheming doc’s demise.

It’s academic that one of them is the killer.

Our Review: written in a crisp, clear writing style, this one will be a joy for cozy mystery fans. The suspects are varied and cleverly portrayed—showing the machinations of higher education can be rich and fulfilling at its best, ugly at its worst. This one takes the concept of ‘publish or perish’ to new and interesting lengths. And it’s a beauty.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The End of Promise merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

How to Write Compelling Romance Novels

 From emotional intimacy to breathless tension, this definitive guide shows romance writers how to build love stories readers devour in one sitting.

 About the Book: Looking to write a romance novel your readers will devour in one sitting? Look no further than How to Write Compelling Romance Novels, the must-have guide for any writer who wants to create page-turning love stories!

With its insider tips and practical advice, this guidebook will take your romance writing to the next level. You'll learn how to create emotional beats, build sexual tension, and craft conflict that will keep your readers hooked until the very end. And with detailed analyses of emotional stakes, subtext, and internal conflict, you'll have all the tools you need to craft a compelling love story that will leave your readers breathless.

How to Write Compelling Romance Novels will also show you how to create authentic emotional intimacy and chemistry between your characters, so your readers will be rooting for their happily-ever-after. And with examples created especially for this guidebook, you can see exactly how to put these concepts into practice.

Whether you're an experienced romance writer or just starting out, How to Write Compelling Romance Novels is the ultimate guidebook for writing unforgettable love stories. So why wait? Grab your copy today and discover the secrets to writing romance that will make your readers fall in love with your characters and beg for more!

 Our Review: Do Not Let the Title Deter You! 

     From many years experience at presenting workshops to authors at all levels of their careers as well as genres, we found Author DeVere's primer to be clear, concise and an excellent tool for writers of any fiction genre and who would do well to keep at hand. From offering tips on how to deliver that extra degree of emotional punch and excitement, to creating multi-dimensional characters whom readers will relate to, this one is a winner all the way around. Well done!!

On a scale of 1-5, How to Write Compelling Romance Novels merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Conditions

            When reinvention comes at a price, an acupuncturist—and reformed law breaker—must decide if freedom is worth facing the mistakes of her past and confronting those whom she never thought would jeopardize her future. . .     

     About the Book: Being married to a thief had one definite upside—financial security for her sister’s medical expenses. Up until acupuncturist Summer Halley experienced a pregnancy loss while on a heist, she was willing to overlook the immorality of her husband’s crimes. But the miscarriage elicits broken vows and sacrificed money, a perfect combination for the FBI to exploit.

Forced to assume the role of informant in her ex-husband’s realm, Summer also faces the undeniable tension building between her and Liam Reyes, the FBI handler on the case. As she reconciles the choices surrounding her past, Summer concedes to cooperating with Reyes, even when he reveals his own conflicted feelings.

Just as Summer and Reyes stop seeing each other as adversaries, a new target threatens their tentative trust while the truth about her sister’s deception is exposed.

Our Review: Several individual events which can occur in anyone’s life fill this intense, compelling story:

Pregnancy loss. Tragic, unexpected, devastating; author Mueller delves into each emotion with heartbreaking detail.

Vile, manipulative intimate partners—and those vile, manipulative pals they often hang with. Again, Mueller does bad guys so well, when Summer finally reaches her limit, it’s a stand up and cheer moment.

Finding that one person who makes bells ring, birds sing, unicorns dance. We have one word for Summer and Liam: Wow.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Conditions merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Bondwitch by Chelsey Ortega

        Prom night is supposed to be magical, it wasn’t the kind of magic Annamaria was ready for.

About Bondwitch: Eighteen-year-old Annamaria Lyons has never left her small hometown of Harrison, Wyoming. She has lived with her aunt, Trinity, since her parents died when she was two years old. Trinity has been a wonderful guardian with one exception—she won’t allow Annamaria out of the house after sunset. That is, until the night of senior prom. Annamaria’s long-lost sister arrives, bringing with her a world full of hidden family secrets and the supernatural.

Forced to flee her childhood home without a proper goodbye to her human life and first love, Annamaria immerses herself in the magical world. New friends and a new suitor challenge her original dreams for the future, and when she finds herself caught in the middle of a centuries-old conflict, Annamaria must decide to rise above it or give in to the darkness.

Our Review: For any new author, imagining a plot can be monumental. Putting it in a crisp, understandable story arc is difficult. Keeping the length to a reasonable limit is close to impossible. Author Ortega persevered in creating something that shows a young woman’s journey to finding her true self, and her true heritage. It is a story of family responsibility and devotion, how we triumph and how we sometimes fail. 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Bondwitch merits a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Kitsune Kisses by Patricia Kiyono

        Kitsune Kisses: three romantic short stories, bringing Japanese mythology to life in modern-day America.

      About Kitsune Kisses:

·              Protecting the Pack: Legend has it that certain magical foxes are able to transform into other living beings, especially human women. As the fox ages, it grows extra tails, up to nine. Extra tails are regarded as a sign of increased wisdom and power. Kitty is a kitsune who's just gotten her second tail. In her human form by day, she's a caretaker at a wildlife sanctuary, returning to her daughter and the other animals at night as a red fox. She doesn’t expect to fall in love until she meets Bill, a photographer with sea-blue eyes that remind her of the island nation she left behind.

·              Tanuki Trouble: In Japanese legend, a racoon-like creature called the tanuki are shape-shifters who cause mischief. They often wear a straw hat, which is a symbol of protection against bad luck and trouble. When Marty Kraus must take a road trip from West Michigan to Branson, MO to save his family farm, his two best pals, Ross and Jack, tag along to help, then invite Ava Jordan to join them as part of her escape from an abusive father. Ross sees the truth before Marty and Ava — they were meant to be together. But what can a tanuki do to help?

·              Tea Time: In Japanese legend, tsukumogami are items that have existed for hundreds of years become sentient. They sprout arms and legs and become mobile and are able to talk. An online search shows pictures of walking umbrellas, cooking utensils, and items of clothing. Most of the time, they too cause mischief. Shy and introverted Mindy is a graduate student at Michigan State who inherited her Japanese grandmother’s beautiful old tea set. When she meets Rob, her outgoing next-door neighbor, the teapot and cups decide to help the relationship along.

Our Review: While each of these three stories are obvious romances between two deserving characters, they are also love stories shared by family—of the blood and the heart—as well as sentients who care about their owner. Told in incredible detail, this collection would appeal to students from middle school age to young adults to ‘seniors’ who are looking for a feel-good read by a cozy fire with their favorite adult beverage at hand. In this masterpiece of storytelling, Kiyona excels.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Kitsune Kisses merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The First Fiancee by Rita A. Popp

 The discovery of human bones near a remote New Mexico mountain village sets a worried sister on a treacherous path to solve a murder.

About the Book: Bethany Jarviss heads to the mountains of New Mexico to support her frantic sister, Joni, whose fiancé, Matt, might be a murderer. The bones of a long-missing young woman, Krystal Decker, have been found by hikers. Matt, who was engaged to Krystal in the past, swears he thought she left him to pursue a singing career.

Now, as news of the murder swirls, the newly engaged couple get ready to open their bed-and-breakfast inn for Christmas. As Bethany meets the village locals, she finds that plenty of people besides her future brother-in-law had motive for killing his beautiful, thieving, secretive first fiancée.

For her sister’s sake, Bethany turns amateur detective and won’t stop asking questions until she discovers the killer’s identity!

Our Review: This intriguing fast paced mystery involves the unmasking of who murdered a troubled young woman. As the days go on, the list mounts. The Southern New Mexico setting becomes a character of its own, one which is vividly portrayed as a small town on the verge of fading into nothingness. As well, Bethany is especially well drawn, someone you’d want to call a friend—as well as a sister. Cannot wait for the next book in this interesting series.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The First Fiancée merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews