Gaming Hell Christmas

 …Mystery abounds at the new Hell in town in “Gaming Hell Christmas”, written by Kathy L. Wheeler and Amanda McCabe, published by Chisel Imprint.

         It is 1796 London, where women exist under the thumbs of men—be it their fathers, husbands, or any male who feels he knows what’s best. Whether from the working class, the desperately poor or royalty, women have few things to call their own—including the right to direct their own lives—and fight a daily battle to maintain the few things they achieve on their own.

After receiving a select invitation The Greensley Girls, life-long friends and confidantes from school, gather at la Sous Rose, the newest gaming hall for an evening of fun and perhaps a bit of mystery, only to discover the answer to their dreams.

 In A Gift for the Duke’s Illegitimate Daughter, Kathy L. Wheeler introduces Alexandra Blessing who only wants to live in her own home, away from the endless demands and expectations of her spoiled half-siblings. Enter Theodore Millburn whose goal in life is to destroy Alex’s father, the Duke of Winsome. Expectations are low when Alex and Theo first meet; together they start out on an adventure where each’s life-long dreams are achieved with the end rewards particularly satisfying. A special aspect of this delightful story is author Wheeler’s special talent for inventing and developing multi-layered, inspired characters.

 In The Merry Widow’s Christmas Adventure, Amanda McCabe introduces Anabel Christie, dowager Lady Ranstruther, just out of a year’s period of mourning. Free at last of a much older, not so cherished husband, Belle wants only to live her life they way she wants, free of the machinations of her stepson who covets not only her person but the limited funds and property she can legally claim as her own. Enter William, Lord Deansley. The two came together in a brief, intriguing interlude years before—and neither has been able to forget the embers that were stirred. Author McCabe gifts the reader with a special ability for describing period costumes, speech patterns and settings to a degree the reader is drawn in immediately.

On a scale of 1-5, Gaming Hell Christmas deserves a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner

                Two lonesome hearts find love at Christmas...

         Hannah Tate is raising her children alone after her husband's death. It hasn’t been easy but after chores get done which she nor her adolescent son completed, she wonders who her mysterious helper might be. While her daughter insists it’s The Gingerbread Man who comes late at night, Hannah has no time for such nonsense.

A veteran of the War of Aggression, John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living and coping with horrific memories of too much violence and death. When circumstance brings him to meet the woman he’s been secretly helping, he doesn’t expect to find love once again.

But he’ll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever.

Our Review: This delightful Western romance is made that much better with author Turner’s flair for using the costumes, customs and speech patterns common to the time. Featuring two lonely people who have lost everything—only to find it again. This is the perfect solution to the rush and bother surrounding modern holiday celebrations. Treat yourself by taking time to sit by a glowing fire with a warm cup of tea, and perhaps a warm gingerbread cookie, and travel back in time to meet John and Hannah and follow their adventures in finding love again. It’ll warm your heart. Promise.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Gingerbread Man deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Scarlet at Crystal River by Randy Overbeck

 . . . It’s Christmas on Florida’s lush west coast and two honeymooners, looking for sun, sea, and other adult activities are haunted by the ghosts of two immigrant children who continually plead for help . . .

 Scarlet at Crystal River, a paranormal suspense, is part of the Haunted Shores Mystery series, written by Randy Overbeck and released by the Wild Rose Press.

      Derrell Henshaw and Erin Caveny are at it again. This time the ‘gifted’ high school history teacher/football coach and the OB nurse are honeymooning in Crystal River, Florida, about as far from cold New Jersey December weather as two people can get. Life is bliss—until the ghosts of two small children intrude at the most inopportune times, imploring their help. Unable to resist their pleas, the two set out, with the help of a Latino interpreter, to uncover exactly what happened—and why.

 Our Review: Fans of Randy Overbeck are again treated to a fast-paced page turner that features well-developed characters and exceptional plotting for suspense and action. Well done!

 On a scale of 1-5, Scarlet at Crystal River deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

A River for Gemma by Deborah Whiting Alexander

 . . . Three spirited women. One perilous past. And an unlikely heroine.

         Miracles abound in Sugar Creek, a small-town nestled near the horse trails and hazelnut orchards of Oregon’s lush countryside. It is here, where twenty-six-year old Gemma Porter lives a vibrant life chasing her dreams. But Gemma is underestimated by a world that pigeonholes her as “intellectually disabled.”

While the naysayers and bullies only see Gemma’s limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius—and a soul of divination. When Gemma’s longing to be a mother collides with her grandmother’s hidden past, three generations of Porter women are put in peril.

A harrowing adventure unfolds into a heroic quest to save their lives. As Gemma’s bravery is tested, she will need to prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother’s love knows no bounds.

 A River for Gemma, written by Debra Whiting Alexander, was an August, 2021 release by the Wild Rose Press.

Our Review: Rarely have we read a book which brought us to our feet, cheering for three very different, extremely brave characters. Each faces their own individual challenges—for different though valid reasons. Each stands on their own and the reader is better for knowing them. This is a truly exceptional book.

Based on a scale of 1-5, A River for Gemma deserves an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews.

A River for Gemma

. . . Three spirited women. One perilous past. And an unlikely heroine.

         Miracles abound in Sugar Creek, a small-town nestled near the horse trails and hazelnut orchards of Oregon’s lush countryside. It is here, where twenty-six-year old Gemma Porter lives a vibrant life chasing her dreams. But Gemma is underestimated by a world that pigeonholes her as “intellectually disabled.”

While the naysayers and bullies only see Gemma’s limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius—and a soul of divination. When Gemma’s longing to be a mother collides with her grandmother’s hidden past, three generations of Porter women are put in peril.

A harrowing adventure unfolds into a heroic quest to save their lives. As Gemma’s bravery is tested, she will need to prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother’s love knows no bounds.

 A River for Gemma, written by Debra Whiting Alexander, was an August, 2021 release by the Wild Rose Press.

Our Review: Rarely have we read a book which brought us to our feet, cheering for three very different, extremely brave characters. Each faces their own individual challenges—for different though valid reasons. Each stands on their own and the reader is better for knowing them. This is a truly exceptional book.

Based on a scale of 1-5, A River for Gemma deserves an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews. 

Sixshooter by Lyndi Alexander

           Valeni Pascual wants to be free to make a living hauling cargo with her spaceship and to understand the shapeshifting alien who presents sometimes as the steamy male Nik and other times as the blonde bombshell Nikki.

          As a rebel insurgence builds against the oppressive government known as the Agency, Valeni and Nik/Nikki encounter a sexy Terran cowboy named Garrett Rawls. Since being pulled into this region of space by another mysterious wormhole, Garrett has looked for a way to return to Earth. After meeting Valeni and Nikki, he might have found something worth staying for.

          However, dark forces may have a much bigger picture in mind for all of them. Valeni, Nik/Nikki, and Garrett are pulled into a life and death fight that lays bare all of their secrets and their desires. Will they lose everything as the battle against the Agency rages around them or can love pull them through?

 Our Review: on any given day, sci-fi, space travel adventure fiction is not the genre we seek out. Sixshooter has opened our minds and shown us new avenues. Multi-talented author Lyndi Alexander owns an imagination with no limits. Her ability for world building and creating fascinating, fun characters goes well beyond the norm. Sixshooter is one for the new age—and not to be missed.

 On a scale of 1-5, Sixshooter deserves a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

Tinsel and Tea Cakes by Jill Piscitello

 . . . Step back in time for an unforgettable winter wedding . . .

           Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.

          After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family's event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.

          When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?

 Our Review: This contemporary sweet romance, set in the glorious White Mountains of New Hampshire, is a study in creating a lusciously detailed setting, populated by a diverse set of characters. Author Piscitello does not let us down when it comes to describing mouth-watering dishes which jump off the page. Then, to offer an even greater treat, are her detailed descriptions of the period costumes worn by guests and staff alike. This story is a picture in artistic design and creativity. Well done.

 On a scale of 1-5, Tinsel and Tea Cakes deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews