Seeing Things by Jana Richards

 In order to find a missing child, an embattled librarian must learn to trust her visions—and her heart.

 About the Book: As she is ‘seeing’ the actual abduction of a small boy, librarian Leah McKenna knows she must expose herself to trauma on several levels in order to save this child. She hates the visions and wishes for them to go away forever. David Logan, the boy’s uncle, doesn’t believe in much—particularly psychic phenomenon. In fact, he convinces himself she knows who took the child and plans to stick close in order to discover the boy’s whereabouts.

As the two search for Jeremy, they uncover truths about themselves, their torturous pasts, and the way they truly feel about each other. Leah must convince David that the visions, as well as her feelings for him, are real. All this while time runs out in their search for this missing six year old.

Our Review: In a break from her usual small town romances where strong families are at the core of everything, inventive author Jana Reynolds treats her fans with a new talent for writing edge of your seat suspense. In this case, a child abduction—fed by long standing greed and nourished by long standing family secrets—is filled with understated, profound grief and misunderstanding.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Seeing Things merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stone of Faith by Margaret Izard

              The heart’s most extraordinary battle is the one fought for love.

About the Book:

A cursed pirate captain and an enslaved siren defy a power-hungry madman—and fate itself—to claim a love that spans centuries as they strive to save the human and Fae realms from which they come.

Haunted by a family legacy that threads magic through the ages, Captain Ewan MacDougall and his ghostly crew sail between worlds, freeing enslaved peoples. While a worthy goal, Ewan longs for what eludes him—true love. After he crosses paths with a legendary siren of the sea who is bound to a cruel, power-hungry madman, he knows he has found the woman who is destined to claim his heart.

Forced to use her voice to lure ships into the clutches of evil, the spark in Ewan MacDougall’s eye awakens hope in Lorelei’s soul—and the chance to protect her Fae family. Yet, the wicked monster who is holding her captive will stop at nothing to kill the human who touches and loves her as no one has done before.

Before they can claim a life together, Ewan and Lorelei must break the chains of dark magic and find the Stone of Faith before they become two more victims.

Our Review: Author Margaret Izard, a master at time travel romance as well as historical fiction, has done herself proud with this latest addition to the Stones of Iona series. Ewan is a true hero, brave and intrepid but with a whippy sense of humor. His honesty and courage draws loyalty in others like a magnet—and when he spies Lorelei for the first time, all bets are off. The setting, as always, is breathtaking as is the particular attention to details of the past as well as the present. Well done!

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Under the Tree of Life by Ruben Gonzales

Boy and girl rebels can start a war; it takes a queen to end it.

 About the Book: After a brutal military coup shuts down a Central African country, Family Medicine practitioner, Dr. Thema Book, is hired to lead a medical mission to aid desperate villagers, aided by a team of former special ops veterans who come along for protection.

Beneath a stand of Baobab trees, which the locals call the Tree of Life, Dr. Book and her crew are drawn into a civil war between villagers and the military. Treating the locals as well as wounded child soldiers puts the mission in jeopardy—while pitting crew members against each other.

Faced with the decision to run or stay, Dr. Book discovers her roots in the village stretch deeper than she thought possible. Thema decides to stay and with the help of the ops team, they fight for the people she's come to love

     Our Review: Filled with non-stop action on the part of the “team”, the heart wrenching desperation of villagers, too long the victims of political upheaval, and the plight of child soldiers, this is a fine addition to the Men of Valor series out of the Wild Rose Press. Author Gonzales brings his years with the Peace Corps to this story, creating Thelma Book: the physician we all hope would care for ourselves, our children and grandchildren—and our world. Plus, with the snappy dialogue and back and forth banter, fans of special ops adventure-fiction will glom onto this one. Do Not Miss.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Under the Tree of Life merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

  

Winter's Kiss by Darlene Fredette

 When her high heels flattened the snow, his defenses didn’t stand a chance.

 About the Book: Danielle Lerato adores the ocean breezes of Victoria, on Canada’s west coast, the comfort of her routine, and a life that requires minimal interaction with snow boots. But when her company relocates to Redford Falls, with a population of unpredictable charm, she agrees to train her replacement with one goal in mind: get in, get out, and never look back.

      Andrew Bailey, a local restaurant owner with a fierce protective streak, doesn’t believe in second chances. Yet, Danielle’s fiery spirit, stubborn streak, and snow-fueled scowls shift his expectations and crack open the door to a future he never dared to imagine.

      As mutual chilly glares and sarcastic banter thaw into cozy glances and unexpected flirts over shared cups of hot cocoa, Danielle suspects the town’s snowy landscape is warming more than her toes. Add in a legendary matchmaker-bunny named Thumper, Redford Falls is stirred into a romantic frenzy, and maybe this snowy wonderland isn’t a detour.

        Maybe it’s destiny.

Our Review: This update of a previously published story is just as much fun as the first time around—especially the scene where Danielle and Andrew ‘meet’ up again. The characters—all of them—are unique and fun [including the infamous Thumper]. This is a short story that cries out for a warm fire, an adult beverage of choice, and a crocheted afghan. Our last comment is this: why hasn’t the Hallmark Channel not picked up this series?

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Winter’s Kiss merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

 Every teenager has his or her own secrets. What else is this small Georgia town hiding?

 About the Book: Karin Slaughter, no stranger to man’s inhumanity to women, does not spare the details when it comes to describing the anguish incurred on the family and friends of victims of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. This time, when it hits a small Georgia town, it doesn’t stop with one incident. When a similar crime repeats after twelve years, small town cop Emmy Clifton struggles to maintain herself midst perceived failures to friends, family, and mostly herself as she takes the back roads of North Falls Georgia in her professional role as chief deputy sheriff—always thinking ‘if only I’d done this…said that…” .

Our Review: Having thoroughly enjoyed the author’s wonderful Will Trent series, when we heard author Slaughter had a new one in the making, we glommed onto it and did not want to let go. This holds one surprise after another, keeping the reader thinking, wondering, trying to ID the bad guy—as every good mystery writer wants us to do. We can only hope that Slaughter has more in store for Emmy, her sister Jude and son Cole. Keep them coming, because #1 in the new North Falls series is a winner on every count.

Based on a scale of 1-5, We’re All Guilty Here merits an 8.

 Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Phantom Algebra by Dan Rice

      On the run from her abusive father, a teenage MMA fighter finds love and opponents she can’t strike in ghosts.

About the Book:

Zuri and her mother settle in Pinedale, North Carolina, to start over. For years, they’ve been on the run from Zuri’s father, a retired boxer and full-time gangland enforcer. In Pinedale, Zuri finds a gym where she can train in mixed martial arts in order pursue her dream of becoming a champion fighter. At Pinedale High, she discovers friends among the outcasts while battling academic challenges and something unexpected…ghosts.

After she encounters a tween phantom haunting the library, Zuri’s life is turned upside down and inside out as she attempts to help the spirit. This incurs the wrath of devils, living and dead. Zuri will need her martial arts prowess, heart, and the aid of friends to protect everyone she loves.

Our Review: It’s always a treat to read something out of the creative mind of Dan Rice. This one in particular, a part of the Haunting of Pinedale High series, features teenagers and ghosts, a specialty of author Rice who knows how teens think, talk, feel. How they ‘work’ the system whether we’re talking MMA training, school hierarchies or family systems. Zuri has a mind of her own and knows how to use it. Her sensitivity to others—whether corporeal or ghostly—shows through loud and clear. We can’t wait for the next one from this talented writer.

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Undeveloped Memories by Karina Bartow

      We assume we know everything there is to know about those who raised us…until we discover that we don’t. . .

About the Book:  Freelance photojournalist Lorelei Carmichael returns to her hometown of Sedona, Arizona to check on her aging uncle Reed who interrupted his life to raised her and her brother after the tragic deaths of their parents. While searching through the attic, Lorelei comes across evidence of her uncle’s past life as a photographer covering an Alaskan earthquake—then finds more clues which give her the impetus to search for those people, places and things Reed may have given up all in the name of family responsibility.

In an ironic twist, she is offered the assignment to go to Alaska for a story commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of that very disaster. Many people step up to the plate to help Lorelei on her journey which includes a tour to witness the lasting impact of the fifty year-old catastrophe. During her rare free time, she reads one of Reed’s letters to a local woman; this leads her to meet Azalea, the woman Reed knew fifty years ago and never stopped loving.

Torn between her desire to make up for all he sacrificed for her and her brother—as well as her concern over inflicting more heartache, when she returns home and finds a note that his lady love snuck into her bag, Lorelei admits all to her uncle who now has a second chance at love with the woman he lost.

Our Review: This story is much more than a second chance at lost love; it is one of familial devotion and sacrifice. It is also a life lesson in despite all the odds and common sense rearing its often ugly head not being afraid of trying one more time. Sweet and sad at times, it is also filled with sly humor and snappy dialogue spoken between two men of a certain age that readers will relate to immediately. Do not miss this one; it’s a beauty.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Undeveloped Memories merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Wine Jelly Murder by Meg Benjamin

 Weddings can be murder—this time, for the father of the bride, Now, Roxy needs to find out who hated him most.

 About the Book: Roxy Constantine and Nate Charbineaux are into weddings, both for work and family. But after the obnoxious father of the bride is murdered at the engagement party, they learn more about his business than they bargained for.

     Now someone wants to stop Roxy from investigating even as she pulls out all the stops on a super New Year’s Eve wedding celebration for her uncle and his new wife.

     She’ll need more than wine jelly favors and wedding cake to stop the killer.

Our Review: The Wine Jelly Murder was our first exposure to this fun cozy mystery series out of the Crimson Rose line for the Wild Rose Press—and it definitely won’t be our last. For those who find cooking in any form and all it entails frightening to the extreme, this is a textbook for using ingenuity and imagination. For those who appreciate crusty characters straight out of a casting call for cops, Ethan Fowler is a special treat. Roxy and Nate, who jump off the page from the start, are the picture of lovers who’ve both been around the block a time or two and are finally ready to settle down. This one’s a beauty!!

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Wine Jelly Murder merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Paw Prints in the Ledger

 She’ll tell you all about embezzlement and fraud—when she’s not hip deep in training her faithful dog.

About the Book:  Irene Lisner is dedicated to her job as a forensic accountant with Oregon’s Justice Department. Recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she battles every day to make her body do the things she needs it to do while managing a high-stress job. Training her dog for the next agility trial helps her blow off steam, but he’s at the end of his career as an agility dog—and she’s not feeling as good as she’d like.

Being assigned a politically fraught case forces her to work even longer hours instead of getting the rest her doctor recommends. But when checks are discovered missing during a standard audit for the city of West Linn, Irene is sure the city’s problems go beyond staff turnover and the political drama created by the new media hound mayor.

While coping with the often ambiguous, always unrelenting symptoms of MS, Irene and her team confront corruption, embezzlement, and political maneuvering. Under enormous stress, she identifies underlying problems for city officials, confronts the embezzler, and seeks to reconcile a future with a potentially debilitating diagnosis.

Our Review: It’s always a treat when you read a book that features not only well-drawn and layered characters but offers the opportunity to learn something new. In the case of Paw Prints in the Ledger, this math dummy learned about forensic accounting, what goes into the training and care necessary to succeed in the competitive world of canine agility trials, and—perhaps most important—the latest in effective treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis. Best of all, we hear there’s more coming in this forensic accounting series, so hang on. We can’t help but wonder what we’ll learn next.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Paw Prints in the Ledger merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

A Life Came Calling by Ann Howard Creel

 "We both want this. We both need this. This is what people live for."

About A Life Came Calling: Before she can accept a marriage proposal from a new suitor, secretary Janey Nicol feels she must travel to a small town in the Tennessee in order to put to rest her feelings for Cole, her fiancé lost in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. There in the lush Smoky Mountains she comes to learn and respect the customs and people Cole spoke of—pays her respects to his grieving parents, learns some important life lessons, gains courage to follow what’s in her heart—and finds new, everlasting love.

Our Review: This is more than a love story, of recovery from loss and grief, of finding a path to new adventures and opportunities. It is a study of history on the very last days of WWII, where the setting of the lush Smoky Mountains stands out as a colorful secondary character, and cuisine and customs of the region flow slow and smooth. It is the type of book one should read slowly, in front of a fire or beach chair, with an adult beverage of choice at hand. It is lovely and sweet and enduring. 

Based on a scale of 1-5, A Life Came Calling merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Painted Dreams by Darlene Deluca

After artist Katlyn Andrews is hit hard by a devastating career setback, she has to decide if following advice from up-and-coming television star Nick Summers will lead to success and fulfillment—or send her back to square one with an embarrassing thud.

About Painted Dreams:

 Katlyn Andrews is a talented artist on her way to fulfilling a dream—her own show at a New York City gallery. Focused on her career, she left her hometown for the bright lights of the Big Apple. When she’s drawn back to Denver to check on her beloved grandmother, she finds a surprise—Nick Summers, a woodworker bidding on a job at her parents’ upscale home. His gorgeous smile and easy-going manner charm her immediately. Too bad he lives in Colorado.

Nick adores the mountains of Colorado, but NYC is on his radar. He’s auditioning to be a guest host on a home-builders network there. Since that’s a long shot, he’s still pounding the pavement closer to home to secure jobs like the high-end Andrews project. Meeting his client’s intriguing daughter has his thoughts going in other directions. Too bad she lives in New York.

Distance does not dim their attraction. Unfortunately, it turns out dreams can be shattered. While Nick’s career is on an upward trajectory, Kat’s unexpectedly takes a big hit. Devastated, she struggles to find a path forward.

Our Review: This intriguing story which offers the reader a behind the scenes peak into the intricacies of woodworking as well as the many styles of fine art, also showcases a hero we’d all want for ourselves, our daughters or our granddaughters. Then there’s Nana Kitty, a grandmother we wish we’d had, or would strive to become. Author Deluca’s attention to the details surrounding fractured family dynamics captured our attention from page 1, then kept us turning the pages to attain a most satisfying conclusion. Thank you!

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

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

  

Ghosted by Lori Matsourani

      A haunted inn, a first crush, and a second chance for love with “help” from the resident ghost…

About the Book: When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.

Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?

 

Our Review: Going beyond the solving of a centuries old mystery and resolution of lost love and betrayal, Ghosted offers glimpses into pre-Revolutionary War activities on Maryland’s eastern shore as well as favorite dishes peculiar to the locale and rich descriptions of the setting. It is also more than the typical vengeful ghost seeking the truth behind his death and betrayal by his best friend. As author Matsourani infuses the speech patterns and customs/mores unique to the period—both living and dead lead characters learn important life lessons while uncovering the truth of the past. Warning: the final confrontation between the grieving ghost and [current] deceitful fiancé is not to be missed.

 

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

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Lucky Genes

 Running away is the only life Cheyenne knows. Archer can’t let another woman leave him. A chance meeting sets off their libidos. . . but before their romance takes root, an abuser starts exacting revenge.

About the Book: He’s a successful real estate attorney, relationship-shy and focused on creating his niche as the owner of a small firm. His distrust of others keeps him from forming intimate relationships. She’s a newcomer to town, currently working as a building inspector for the city, hoping to elude her abusive father by changing cities, names, and appearance as needed. Flings for sexual kicks suit her just fine because close relationships are not safe. It’s best to leave no trace, endanger no one else, and share as little personal information as possible.

          Until someone from her past tracks her down—with the intent of  silencing her for good.

Our Review: Packed with non-stop action and incredible suspense, this fast-paced story features two anti-heroes who, often unlikeable and occasionally irascible, are persons whom you know without a doubt are the ones you want at your back for anything, anywhere.     

Based on a scale of 1-5, Lucky Genes merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

A Long Way From Eden by Jana Richards

 An abused woman, running from her past. A man, sick of secrets and lies. To set themselves free, they must take a huge leap of faith.  

 About the Book: Two single parents of college age children, find themselves, finally, able to take deep breaths and pat themselves on the back for raising two terrific kids, watching them making their way to establishing lives of their own. Until the unimaginable happens and all that each have overcome comes back to bite them where it hurts the most. How each learns to cope, adapt, and survive is a study in every parent’s fear.

 Our Review: This is a story about things that could happen to those of us of ‘a certain age’. We’ve been there and done that—and we’ll be damned if we’ll sit by and allow similar things to happen to our kids just as they’re getting a start on building their futures. Meg Evans and Zane Martin, each in their own way, survived some of the worst things that can happen to anyone. They’ve overcome the unimaginable and finally are seeing the light. Until their precious children do something stupid, something careless—and it all comes back in brilliant technicolor, flashing lights, and blaring sirens.

          This is a story that will make any reader sit back, take a deep breath, and wonder ‘how would I handle this?’ or maybe ‘what would I do if I were Meg or Zane?’   

 Based on a scale of 1-5, A Long Way From Eden merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Bleed Through Effect by AA Dasilva

 Amidst a complex web of love, betrayal, and the quest for power, morality is tested, and two soulmates must face the consequences of choices they make across multiple lives.

About the Book: Charlotte and Simon are ready to move on with their lives after dismantling the black-ops agency known as Quantym. But Charlotte begins suffering from nightmares and disturbing visions, and she fears events on the Periphery—her parallel life—are impacting her via the bleed-through effect.

In a dual timeline between the main reality and the Periphery, Charlotte and Simon must confront the blurred lines between strength and weakness, love and loyalty, and their past and future.

As they struggle to regain control over their lives, a catastrophic secret is revealed, a vengeful lover on a quest for power closes in, and Charlotte must figure out a way forward...even when the past refuses to let go.

Our Review: If non-stop action, dystopian theories and super evil bad guys make the top three spots on your To Be Read list, anything by AA Dasilva are the ones for you. In book 2 of her Periphery Series, she takes things to a higher level as Charlie and Simon work to solve the problems created by Mitch and Jared Cardoza, masterminds of Quantym and world domination in general.

If you are into letting your imagination run wild, if you don’t mind a little—to—a—lot of violence, this is the one for you.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Bleed Through Effect merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

 

 

 

 

Out of the Crash by Susan Poole

 About the Book: After a fatal hit-and-run devastates their close-knit community, author Caroline Beasley and high school senior Ethan Shawver find themselves at a crossroads as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Both are left reeling as they try to make sense of the tragedy that has irrevocably changed their families forever. Caroline struggles with the dark implications of her son's role in the crash, feeling the weight of guilt and despair. Meanwhile, Ethan grapples with the sudden loss of his mother and stumbles upon a disturbing secret that threatens to upend everything he believes. As they each search for truth and healing, they must confront their deepest fears and regrets to find a way forward.

Our Review: The three major themes in this novel are ones which could happen to any of us—male or female, middle-aged or young adults just starting their lives. Each is frightening in their own right and often too horrendous to consider the ‘what would I do if. . .’ situation.

Caroline and Ethan find themselves shoved into the unthinkable, with little to no support, then battle their paths toward surviving the unthinkable.

This is a powerful novel written by a powerful author.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Out of The Crash merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Tempered Journey by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

 A second chance at love comes when it’s least expected, but most needed  

 About the Book: Nurse Pat Greene and widowed cowboy Craig Harris, each at a crossroad in their lives, are looking for signs directing them to the next path to take. Romance? Could they? Better yet—should they? What will their loved ones think? Better—what won’t they think? This is a story of second chances and finding the strength to move on after profound loss.

Our Review: For inspiration, faith, and/or strength in the face of adversity, the incomparable Pamela Thibodeaux and her stories are the answer hands down. Her characters are memorable, well drawn and individual right down to their speech patterns. Pat and Craig are able to admit they are at a crossroads for the next step in their lives—yet they do not back down, do not doubt themselves when it matters most. A testament to them are the lifelong friendships they’ve each maintained as well as loving, supportive family.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Tempered Journey merits a 6.

  Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Ballard

 

 

After a woman speaks her truth. . . she then pays the price on “Ballard” the newest police procedural Netflix series based on the novels by Michael Connelly and starring Maggie Q.

 About the Series: The once hotshot homicide detective for the LAPD, Renée Ballard, watches her career go up in smoke after she accuses a high-ranking officer of sexual assault. Because she refuses to go along to get along, the rapist-cop pulls a few strings and gets Renee exiled to the Cold Case Squad. Working as the only sworn officer she leads a ragtag group of retired, future, and wannabe reserve officers, while attacking, literally, boxes of unsolved cases. In the process if solving more than a few cases, they turn up a serial killer.

Our Review: The ten-episode binge worthy series will surely raise anyone’s conscience while watching Ballard and her team navigate their way through the system—all in the name of helping families of the dead or presumed dead. Some just want a body to bury; others don’t know if their loved one might still be alive; while others, of course, want justice. Then, there’s the issue of multiple unsolved homicides—whose victims are all persons of color—where police response might have been less than . . .average.

The higher ups are relentless in holding Ballard’s ‘transgression’ over her head, offering non-verbal promises of no support for her team’s work at solving the unsolvable. All because she refuses to back down from the age old chauvinist mantra: “an accusation like that can ruin a good man’s career”. She’s not about to retract, bury, nor forget anything. And then. . . the newest member of the squad discloses she too was victimized by the same ranking officer. Ding Ding Ding.

          The action is non-stop; twists and turns abound; and just when the viewer thinks Ballard has everything wrapped up neat and tidy—the feces hits the fan. This one’s a beauty.

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

 Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Death's Honesty by Brian Anderson

 Welcome to Minneapolis and the favorite haunts of PI Lyle Dahms and associates who make up the next installment of a compelling series.

 About the Book: On his deathbed, Minneapolis private investigator Lyle Dahms’ father—a retired suburban police patrolman—asks his son to reach out to a dark figure from their shared past. Despite his reservations, Dahms feels he cannot refuse. The visit set off a chain reaction that will expose long-buried family secrets and provoke dangerous enemies.

          As threats mount, Dahms must protect not only his family but that of his father’s former partner—a man he is not sure he can trust.

 Our Review: In this fourth book of the intriguing and compelling Lyle Dahms series, author Brian Anderson delves deeper into his enigmatic lead character, tossing in the cadre of quirky friends—and not so friendly enemies. As always, the reader goes right to the bitter end to find out who the real bad guy is in this intriguing and painfully emotional novel of suspense and family secrets. Excellent!!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Death’s Honesty merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Letters to Nobody by Jean M. Grant

 Her heartbreak becomes his success.

 About the Book: When the plot of a bestselling novel eerily mirrors her own life, librarian Helen Wright freaks out. The anonymous ‘grief letters’ she wrote so long ago went nowhere—and were infinitely cheaper than therapy.

          But somehow the letters that were supposed to stop at the Dead Letter File, ended up in the hands of a hot shot journalist turned novelist. That’s bad enough; now, he’s coming to her town to promote his book.

          Gabe Dennehy uses a book tour of small New England towns in order to find his muse—the letter writer who saved his soul and his career. He owes her. Big time.

          In order to rescue her town’s library from small town politics and a bulldozer, Helen and Gabe must dig into the past. But a plot twist might just destroy their chances to rewrite their future.

Our Review: Letters to Nobody is more than a mystery—of sorts—it is a love story to those lost and much loved. It is a story of friendship, family, community, and an interesting dive into the history of the Underground Railroad. Jean M. Grant at her very best!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Letters to Nobody merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

 The Martini Club to the rescue.

 About the Book: The Martini Book Club, a collection of former CIA agents, are living out their retirement in the quiet town of Purity, Maine. After one of the group comes under suspicion when a teenager goes missing, Club members step up to the plate. Despite creaking joints or maybe moving slower than they might like, the brain still recalls the right steps, the right moves. Violent crime rarely happens in Purity and the acting Chief of police, while young and relatively inexperienced, is at a loss as to what’s really going on—till Maggie Bird and her pals come to the rescue.

 Our Review: This is more than “townies vs summer people”, a common issue in any tourist town. It is something deeper, going back decades, filled with taciturn ‘Mainers’ who go along each day, coping as best they can. The dry humor and dialogue, true to each individual character, brings smiles to our lips and nods of agreement for devotees of the characters created by Ludlum and Drury, Maxim and LeCarre—and we are so happy for it.  

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Summer Guests merits a 7.

  Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

One Sweet Christmas by Darlene Fredette

 Everyone has a price.

 About the Book: Candice Cane agreed to sign the divorce papers under one condition, for four days, Jackson Frost must play Santa Claus in her chocolate shop. However, her Christmas miracle would crumble if Jackson knew the truth.

Property developer, Jackson Frost, wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. However, the temptation of delectable chocolate—in any form—as well as a second chance at lasting love, might lure him to stay.

 Our Review: One never knows what to expect when it comes to the intrepid Darlene Fredette. Just when you think you’ve got the plot figured out, a wrench-wielding monkey sneaks in to muck up your thinking. Such is with this delightful Christmas-themed novella set in Redford Falls, a once thriving tourist town that has seen better days and is more than deserving of someone of real estate developer Jack Frost’s talents. No pun intended. Stop by Cane’s Chocolate Shop and watch Santa in all his forms take one for the team that raised and loved him. No matter what.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, One Sweet Christmas merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

 A group of retired CIA operatives, living in the small Maine town of Purity, are drawn into intrigue, death, and memories sooner forgotten.

 About the Book: They came to Purity, Maine for a variety of reasons, the big draw being a place to live out their final years in peace and quiet, enjoying their regular ‘book club’ meetings which come to be called The Martini Club. Out of the blue, dead bodies start showing up, followed by a couple nefarious looking characters. Suddenly their gray hair, crackling joints and diminishing stamina are forgotten as unused skills kick into play—for survival of themselves and those they’ve come to care for.

Our Review: Readers who ‘grew up on’ political thrillers by Robert Ludlum, John R. Maxim, Alan Drury et al, Tess Gerritsen’s The Spy Coast, book 1 in her new thriller series, The Martini Club, will glom onto this book and relish each word, every phrase right to the last page. Maggie Bird and her spook pals bring back the old days of reading about the cold war machinations and how the operatives coped with some of the things they were compelled to do in the name of patriotism—or greed. If you do nothing else, this one will make you sit back, smile and nod.  “oh, boy, this is the one.”

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Spy Coast merits a 7.

  Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Always a Bridesmaid by Jana Richards

 Will she shed the ugly duckling and emerge into a swan—or conform to the wishes of others?

 About the Book: With a short, sturdy frame, larger than ‘pert’ nose, and overly large breasts, in a family of swans Dani DiPietro has always considered herself the ugly duckling. She’s the bridesmaid her friends always count on; but men never consider a bride. To protect her heart, and keep secrets—her own and others—she plays the funny girl. Lonely, unfulfilled, wanting more.

When Zach Morrison was dumped at the altar, Dani was there to help him pick up the pieces. A year later, he comes to her needing help. Will she pose as his girlfriend to help him fend off the unwanted advances of the former dumper-fiancé?

The two play their roles too well and make believe rapidly morphs into reality. In the face of ‘maybe this is the one for me’, old hurts, old wounds and unanswered questions collaborate to sabotage this couple’s finding a forever life.

 Our Review: In keeping with previous stories in this unique, entertaining series, we expected a fun, laugh out loud romp. Boy, were we wrong.

Author Richards shows her skill for delving into long standing and repeated hurts and humiliations—and the effect they wreak on a person’s decision making. Dani is a proud woman, super loyal to family and friends, often to her detriment. She keeps her secrets and promises—often to great personal loss. Her refusal to betray a friend’s most personal secret causes Zach, whose repeated misuse and abuse by the spoiled, selfish former fiancé, to doubt her and break things off.

          But the story doesn’t end there. Just as it looks like these two might have their acts together, Dani’s most important secret rears its head, and is sure to strike a personal chord in many readers. Watching her battle the mis-guided and mis-informed opinions of those who matter the most, demonstrates loud and clear that our own peace of mind and personal approval is what deserves attention. This is a beautiful piece of writing and should not be missed.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Always a Bridesmaid merits an 8.

  Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews