Indigo by Karen Hulene Bartell

               About Indigo: Reeling after a broken engagement, a woman inherits a rustic cabin on a Wisconsin lake and intends to flip it as quickly as possible. But eerie incidents, along with rumors of a mythical windigo, cause her more than a little alarm. Surrounded by shady real-estate agents, ruthless threats, and a treacherous ex, she is overwhelmed—until a rescued puppy and a shocking spark with a local man sets her world on fire…literally…

Our Review: With a complex series of sub-plots, author Bartell excels at presenting characters so vivid and true to life, they jump off the page. From a couple fly-by-night real estate agents to an ex-fiancé worthy of any TV documentary about serial con artists to some really creepy neighbors—who may or may not be blood relations to the heroine—this is a story that deserves time in order to absorb and relish the meaning. To read it too fast risks missing important points that should not be ignored.

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Indigo merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Renewal Required by Mia Augustine

 Great stories matter. So does the freedom to tell them.

“Renewal Required”, a  contemporary romance, written by Mia Augustine, is part of the Summer Heatwave anthology, written by  eight talented, award-winning authors to benefit FIRE:The Foundation for Individual Rights and Free Expression.

About the story:“. . . we should start a movement—require renewal of marriage licenses. . .” So speaks Seattle based interior designer and home staging expert Magdalena Hartwell. Long time married to Maxamillian, they are empty nesters, after their son goes off to college and—surprise—is happy, healthy, and speaks to them on a regular basis. Point for their side. But there’s something off in paradise. And just maybe a monkey, in the form of local shock jock radio contest. And the fun—as well as a serious learning experience about themselves and the person they married—and the fun begins.

Our Review: Another terrific story by the ever-talented Mia Augustine. We have two long-time married professionals who seem to have lost that special something. Through a set of four challenges, flavored by fast-talking local DJs, Augustine shows her readers how two deserving people come together and suddenly recognize the why and how their life has turned upside down. All in front of watchful Seattle who is not afraid to share their opinions.

A hoot of a story on several levels.

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33 Photos From the Ghetto

 Those who forget—or deny—the past are doomed to repeat it.

 33 Photos From the Ghetto: A documentary, currently available at HBO Max, tells the story of the only known photos from inside the Warsaw Ghetto during the uprising of April 1943.

 Our Review: The sometimes grainy black and whites show the suffering and degradation of the Warsaw Jews at the hands of Hitler’s henchmen. If anything, these vivid photographs invoke equally jarring images of recent events that occurred, not only in Minneapolis, but many and other American cities as well. While some might ask, ‘when will the madness end?’ devoted fans of the late Leon Uris who recall his blockbuster novels which included Exodus, Mila 18, and QB-VII will nod and say, ‘finally, here is the proof.’

 Based on a scale of 1-5, 33 Photos From The Ghetto merits a 10.

  Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Water Diamond by CB Wilson

 . . . Sometimes the only person who can think like a jewel thief is a jewel thief’s daughter. . .

About The Water Diamond: When a legendary Art Deco bracelet vanishes under suspicious circumstances, diamond recovery specialist Taylor “Hunter” is called in to recover it. What begins as a high-profile theft quickly escalates into something far more dangerous: a murder, a decades-old disappearance, and a hidden second bracelet tied to a mystery dating back to May 29, 1929.

As Hunter follows the clues, the investigation leads from the elegance of the Wrigley Mansion to its historic coastal counterpart, the Wrigley Mansion on Catalina Island—uncovering a web of secrets that spans desert and sea. But she’s not the only one searching, and someone is willing to kill to keep the truth buried.

Our Review: It isn’t often we can say a book kept us up late into the night—or woke us up in the early morning hours to finish—because learning the identity of the real “bad guys” became an obsession. With her talent for crisp, non-stop action and creating individualized characters who support “Hunter” in clever, often unexpected ways, author CB Wilson has herself a winner here. From the cocky and manipulative ex-husband—Chad the Cad—to the FBI guy whose too hunky for words but also has just the right knee-knocking moves, to the former diplomat we all hope to emulate in our golden years, to Glimmer the gem-detecting Dachshund who is most definitely one for the books.

Action, characters, and plot, combined with glamorous settings, make this a must read for cozy mystery fans.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Water Diamond merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Sworn to Collide by Maria Imbalzano

 She thought she had it all—until she realized she’d lost herself. 

 About Sworn to Collide: After devoting eleven years of marriage to Ben, her high school sweetheart, and stepping off the corporate ladder to raise their three children, Denise is ready to seize the reins of the career she always dreamed of. But as soon as she commits to step back into the professional world, Ben drops a bombshell that disrupts everything. Suddenly, this once rock-solid couple finds themselves in a battle over ambition, identity, and whose turn it is to shine. As personal choices draw them further and further apart, they must confront their widening rift—a threat to the love they thought was unshakeable.

     Can they rediscover the passion they once shared, or will their divergent paths pull them apart for good?

Our Review: Starting with a sensational piece of cover art which effortlessly describes the themes of this powerful novel, the author takes her readers on a roller coaster of emotions—from elation to brutal sadness, then fear, and finally—loss of faith in herself. This is not an easy book to read. Each reader—in one way, shape or form—will recognize a time in their life when they wished for a do-over, a second chance, or simply to make the pain go away. Gird your loins and pick this book up. It is a powerful primer on the essential need for strong, effective communication between partners.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Sworn to Collide merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Abby's Gift by Kim Janine Ligon

 

The best presents are not wrapped.

 About Abby’s Gift: At age twenty-five, Janet Marshall returns to the small town where she lived as a foster child. There, she reconnects with childhood friends and has a job she enjoys. But something is missing. 

After Abby, Janet’s college roommate, calls to arrange a weekend visit, Janet soon discovers her old friend is frightened and running from something—or someone.

          Without warning, Abby is gone as suddenly as she appeared but leaves something for her trusted friend. Can Janet find it in her heart to reconstruct her life and embrace this gift?

Our Review: Once again, the author demonstrates her ability to weave suspense into the everyday life of a small town. The supporting characters can be found in any village and are as remarkable for their quirks as well as their ‘humanness’. For an extra treat is the slow, trial-and-error progression of the mother-daughter relationship. Equally as fun to watch is the profound devotion the entire town harbors for Janet when the chips are down and she and her beloved child are thrust into danger from unknown sources.

Do not miss this page-turner of a story; it’s a winner.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Abby’s Gift merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews 

When I Was Your Man by Jana Richards

 About the 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, he 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 those when it comes to love, is the biggest test of his afterlife.

About Book 3, When I Was Your Man: Apprentice angel Gabriel Daniels has traveled from his first assignment during World War II, to the swinging sixties-seventies and in his third and last assignment, finds himself in modern day Toronto. There, he is confronted with the biggest mistake of his life—breaking off his relationship with Sloane, the woman who stood at his side through thick and thin.

With his mentor, senior angel Thomas, at his side, Gabriel takes a long, hard look at the hardest lessons life hands a mortal: working through guilt, resentment, acceptance, and letting go. At the painfully emotional ending, everything comes clear to him and those he loved.

Our Review: Author Jana Richards' ability to infuse gut-wrenching emotion into her plots leaves the rest of us in the dust. Another talent is to include common life events such as the effects of mental illness and subsequent divorce on children of a failing marriage, canceling a wedding, literally at the altar, then repairing long-standing family relationships. This story is a valuable lesson in how we cope—or fail to—with difficult life lessons. Well done!!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, When I Was Your Man merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Tiny House, Big Fake Fiance

                  Come to Pinevale, Washington, for cozy vibes, heartwarming chosen family, and spicy second-chance romance where the houses are tiny, but the joy is so big!  

About Tiny House, Big Fat Fiancé:

Zax Dupré gave Lilah Alves, a leather craftsman, the hottest night of her life—then he ran off with her tiny house. If she doesn’t get it back, she’ll be homeless. The hunky carpenter and she strike a deal: he’ll customize her tiny house if she pretends they’re engaged, smile pretty for his social media followers, and fool his prudish auntie long enough to finish the job by her impossible deadline.

Easy peasy, right?

Our Review: Welcome to another of Sadira Stone’s fun, sexy contemporary romance series. This one, set in the Pacific Northwest, features underlying themes of tiny houses, hunky master carpenters, and gorgeous leather workers. As always, while enjoying a steamy, second-chance romance, the reader learns about the planning and construction of tiny houses, the latest rage for those looking to downsize—or have the option to pick up and go when the mood strikes.

Stone gives it all—and we’re better off for it.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Tiny House, Big Fat Fiancé merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Fractured Valor by AA DaSilva

                Danger isn’t the only thing they can’t outrun.

About Fractured Valor: After a mission went wrong, Xavier Mastroianni’s takes a slow two-year trip downhill, one drink at a time. But after a former brother-in-arms appears in the local drunk tank, and proposes an impossible assignment, Xavier reluctantly agrees to transport research scientist Isabel Torres cross-country to deliver the antidote to a lethal biohazard threat. One day at a time; one bad guy at a time—and there’s a whole slew of them—around every corner, it becomes a mission of international security as well as personal recovery. 

As Xavier and Izzy race against the clock, facing danger at every turn, he becomes fixated on more than just the mission. For a woman accustomed to feeling nothing, she makes him want to feel everything.

Our Review: This is AA DaSilva at her best: fast paced, descriptive emotions, complex, multi-layered characters and realistic, honest dialogue. Action-suspense plot lines like this don’t come any better.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Fractured Valor merits an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Art of Deception by Maxine Douglas

 Every masterpiece tells a story—this one whispers murder.

 About Art of Deception, A Mystery on Lilac Lane Story:

In the picturesque town of Wisteria, Wisconsin, gallery owner Skye Johnson loves celebrating local art and the friends who create it. When photographer Lucas Cooper agrees to show his new collection honoring his late mentor, Skye can’t wait to display it—until one photo reveals something strange. Hidden in the image of the old Hendrickson barn, where Lucas’s mentor was found dead, is a detail that doesn’t belong.

Someone has added a painted clue—a silent cry for help from a witness too afraid to speak. Now, Skye and Lucas must unravel the mystery brushstroke by brushstroke before the truth—and the artist—are buried for good.

Our Review:

It’s always a pleasure to read something crafted by the multi-published, award winning Maxine Douglas. A writer of different genres, with Art of Deception, her talent for creating suspense—then putting it to paper—excels. Plus, the small-town atmosphere of Wisteria is a pure pleasure to read, including the unique flower-related names of businesses and events.

And not to be overlooked is the slow burn romance between Skye and Lucas, a heart- warming journey that keeps the reader turning the pages to see if these two stubborn artists will ever take that last step toward happy. Do not miss this one; it’s a winner.

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Never Can Say Goodbye by Jana Richards

             The Twice in a Lifetime time-travel romance series features apprentice angel Gabriel Daniels who, in order to earn his angel wings and be allowed the privilege of looking out for his loved ones back on Earth, 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 the process. Coming to terms with his mistakes, especially those in his own love life, becomes the biggest hurdle he must overcome.

About Never Can Say Goodbye: It is 1979 and Gabriel’s newest ‘client’ is Joanna Compton a college student who, eight years before, ended her engagement to Lucas Kendall after a car accident left her a paraplegic. She sent Lucas away—not because she stopped loving him—but because she was terrified of becoming a burden to him.

Now, Joanna is a successful lawyer, specializing in advocating for the rights of the disabled, has cut herself off, refusing help from friends, co-workers, or even her mother, believing that because of her disability, she must constantly prove her worth.

When Lucas comes to her for help with his wrongful dismissal case, she refuses him, claiming it would be a conflict of interest. Gabriel, anxious to earn his wings, needs her to change her mind. Helping Joanna reclaim what she’s been too afraid to want would bring him one step closer to Heaven—and the only way he’ll be able to keep watch over the people he loves back on Earth.

Gabriel and Joanna both have their work cut out for them.

Our Review: Once again, author Richards has infused heart wrenching emotion into her work, showing the reader the depths of despair as well as triumph. Joanna and Lucas, two lonely, desperate people, deserve happiness but both are too stubborn and hard headed to accept it. While intense in the descriptions of the rights of employees, especially those who are ‘differently abled’ this is a story of love, devotion, and triumph. And a beauty.

            Based on a scale of 1-5, Never Can Say Goodbye merits a 7.

           Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Bedeviled by the Baroness by Kathy L Wheeler

 London, 1823: A scandalous masquerade, a missing heir, and a baroness who refuses to play by the rules.

About the Book: When widowed Baroness Lady Rose Stanford crashes a notorious masquerade in search of a titled husband, she doesn't expect to kiss a mysterious stranger—or get pulled into a dangerous game of blackmail and murder.

     Emerson Whitmore, a self-made merchant, wants nothing to do with the peerage until a cousin’s suspicious disappearance and a damning note thrust him into aristocratic intrigue and into the path of the most irritating and desirable woman he...wishes he'd never met.

     Sparks fly and secrets unravel as Rose and Emerson join forces to uncover a killer, protect vulnerable young women, and navigate a society where appearances deceive and love may be the ultimate scandal.

Our Review: The latest in the Rebel Lords of London series by the talented Kathy L Wheeler covers a range of serious topics such as murder, kidnappings and human trafficking—yet we often found ourselves smiling due to the quick, snappy dialogue and all too human responses from the two lead characters, Emerson and Rose. Once again the author shows her talent at combining mounting suspense with down to earth emotions. Now we wait—and hope—for Ben to have his day.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Bedeviled by the Baroness merits an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Parallel Peril by Maria Lynn Barrs

              A TV journalist searching for her long-lost sister becomes trapped inside an isolated colony where she must fight to survive—and confront her guilt, her past love, and the terrifying truth about what really happened to her sister.

About the Book: TV journalist Vicky Robeson spent years chasing stories—and the ghost of her sister, who vanished after a childhood tragedy. She tracks a trail of secrets pointing to a mysterious group of fundamentalists living deep in the California foothills. She joins forces with her former lover to locate the isolated colony and discovers that women are trapped there for nefarious purposes. What begins as a search for truth turns into a fight for survival. Trapped and cut off from the world, Vicky and her lover risk everything to escape, free the women, and face the terrifying possibility that one of them may be the sister she blames herself for losing.

Our Review: This one hits all the high notes for fans of women’s fiction, suspense and mayhem, all rolled into a crackling travel adventure. Author Barrs knows how to write bad guys—then scares the crap out of her fans with clever plotting and exceptional supporting characters. Very well done!

Based on a scale of 1-5, Parallel Peril merits an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Bane of Dragons by Dan Rice

 In The Bane of Dragons by Dan Rice, in order to save the planet from ravening shapeshifters, a teenage alien human hybrid must overcome her greatest fear, herself.

 About the Book: Monstrous forces from across the multiverse have set their eyes upon Earth as the perfect planet to create a beachhead in the universe humanity calls home. The problem with that? Humans will be enslaved…and used as food stock for skaags, ravenous shapeshifting super soldiers.

    Allison, a teenage alien human hybrid, is humanity’s only hope. She must do the unthinkable and travel the slipstream, the super highway through the multiverse, to bring the conflict to the enemy’s turf. With a crack squad of miscreants as allies, she does just that, but nothing goes according to plan.

     Instead of arriving at the enemy’s home world, they end up as the prisoners of angry terrestrial octopi. Their astute negotiations don’t win them freedom, but see them transferred into the custody of General Bane, the skaag supreme military commander feared throughout the multiverse. Allison discovers that to save herself and life on Earth, she must learn to unravel the magic binding General Bane and his kind to their overlords. To accomplish that, she must face her greatest fear, herself.

 Our Review: One of the things better than the glorious cover art on this story is the writing. Even fans of YA or the fantasy/paranormal/futuristic genre will drop their teeth over this one. It is edge of your seat action, toe curling danger, and a few hints of the gore involved. Author Dan Rice has hit this one out of the park.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Bane of Dragons merits an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

A Hero's Heart by Evelyn Timidaiski

           About A Hero’s Heart: Seeking safety and comfort offered by her beloved Aunt Vonnie, Victoria Ansley flees to Sea Grass Cove to escape a violent blackmailer. Moments after her arrival in the small tourist town, the no-nonsense town sheriff informs her Vonnie has gone missing. Almost immediately, random events suggest the building which houses her aunt’s home as well as her popular bakery might be key to Vonnie’s disappearance. While waiting for her aunt to be found, Victoria takes over the running of the business and starts learning the intricacies of pastry making. She and the sheriff begin a methodical search of the building—and discover dead bodies, a hidden speakeasy-casino, and a desiccated skeleton.

Blake Morrison’s job as the local sheriff would be a breeze—if not for Victoria Ansley. The woman attracts trouble like bears to honey. While he doesn’t believe she has any part in the kidnapping or murders, one ‘accident’ after another proves to be too much for his comfort level so he moves into the house as a bodyguard. Knowing his attraction to her will only complicate matters, he maintains a strict hands-off posture.

As pressure from local politicians and townspeople mounts, suspects start coming out of the walls, putting both Victoria and Blake at risk—not only for their very lives but for their hearts.

Our Review: Evelyn Timidaiski’s first attempt at writing a mystery is a home run. Following advice from experts, she keeps the hits on coming, one more dangerous than the last. Balancing the mystery surrounding the historic Maine cottage is the sweet romance between Victoria and Blake—turning the story into a winner all around.

Based on a scale of 1-5, A Hero’s Heart merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Fowl Deeds by Wanda J. McLaughlin

 Fowl Deeds:—where small-town charm meets big-time crime.

About the Book: After catching her husband cheating with his bombshell secretary, Darby Alexander swears her life can’t get any messier. Until a dead man shows up in her front yard.

Now, her quiet Arkansas neighborhood is crawling with cops—including the town’s new police chief whose good looks stir feelings she can’t ignore. When the victim turns out to be an ex-con—with her address tucked into his pocket—Darby realizes she’s not just unlucky in love… she might be next on a killer’s list.

Ignoring warnings to stay out of police business, Darby and her best friend Lurlene dive into a world of small-town secrets, shady dealings, and intrigue at the local poultry plant. What begins as curiosity morphs into a fight for her life as Darby uncovers a deadly conspiracy no one saw coming.

Our Review: Move over Stephanie Plum and Lulu; the new kids have arrived in town. Darby and Lurlene are a pair to remember. Not only does the author excel in developing multi-layered characters—her talent for setting in this rural Arkansas town is memorable. Cannot wait to see what’s next on the agenda for these two.

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Derailed Hearts by Darlene Fredette

       With a matchmaking grandmother and a mythical rabbit at work, two hearts on a cross‑country train are destined to collide.

About the Book: Single father and ER doctor Ethan Marley is ready to put down roots. A cross-Canada train trip with his young daughter seems like the perfect fresh start—until a captivating woman on board steals his breath. Jenn is also headed to Redford Falls, and though Ethan vows to keep things friendly, she makes his heart race faster than the locomotive carrying them east.

Fashion designer Jenn Martini planned a quiet, soul-restoring journey to visit her father. Instead, she finds herself sharing close quarters with Ethan and his daughter, and the unexpected connection between them derails every intention she had for solitude. By the time the train pulls into Redford Falls, she longs to be part of their family—and for the first time, her guarded heart begins to heal.\

But as Ethan and Jenn discover how much they share, they must decide whether the truth will shatter their fragile new beginning…or save their future.

Our Review: With a real sense of hearth and home, author Darlene Fredette once again enthralls her readers with compelling characters whose logical and understandable goals, motivation and conflict warm the heart, making them think about what’s most important in life. This is a lovely story and a terrific compliment to this enjoyable series.

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

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