Home And Away.

 

 

★★★★★

Thank you to publisher, Kensington Publishing for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

  RELEASE DATE: 12/24/2024

 

 

Harper Fleming is done with being passed over. As a journalist for a Chicago newspaper, she’s been refused a shot at the sportswriter position she longs for. And her on again/off again relationship is going nowhere. Leaving both behind, she heads to Nashville, Tennessee, where she plans to interview her grandfather, Bernard Fleming, for a book about her great-grandfather Kelton Fleming’s time in the Negro Baseball Leagues

When Bernard admits to experiencing health issues within days of her arrival, Harper assumes the responsibility of caring for her widowed grandfather. However, when she mentions his father playing baseball in the Negro Leagues, Bernard gives her a trove of letters, journals, and clippings encompassing Kelton’s career. But some stories are too personal to print without dishonoring the memory of her great-grandmother. Instead, with Bernard’s approval, Harper begins weaving them into a novel, telling her great-grandfather’s story through the eyes of the fictional Moses Gilliam. 

 Chapters flow effortlessly as Harper breathes life into each memory. Particularly intense are Kelton’s recollections of the Green Book, an annual guidebook that helped African Americans navigate the segregated South. Negro League teams relied on it as they traveled between games, hurrying out of unwelcoming towns before sundown to avoid the Klan. As Harper delves into Kelton’s past, a piece of her own resurfaces in the form of Cheney, the childhood friend of her two brothers. And though Harper came to Nashville to honor her great-grandfather’s life, she’s finding inspiration to defy others’ expectations, and take her own in a bold new direction . . .

 🌼

 

 Last year, I read Take The Long Way Home by Rochelle Alers and fell in love with the writing, the characters, and the plot. When I discovered the author was working on a new novel, I couldn't help but be curious about the story. The title, Home And Away , caught my eye first; I think that just the cover itself will have you picking up the book and reading the summary. When I discovered that the book was about baseball, I knew I wanted to read it because it is one of my favorite sports to watch, and I have read a few books on it. However, I never read a novel like Home and Away , which gave a new perspective about baseball during the 1930s. It gave me a view of how much different it was back then, and what some of the players had to endure back then. 

Home And Away told two storylines in one. I enjoyed reading Harper's and Moses' stories of being a baseball player in the 1930s.I loved reading both Harper’s story and Moses during the 1930’s as a baseball player. I enjoyed reading both of perspectives in this story, however I was more intrigued to Moses' story and found it difficult to put it down while reading it since I wanted to see what was going to happen. I loved how the two stories intertwined and how Harper could share her family's story without revealing everything at once. I admired how committed she was in her writing and the characters she created, which reminded me of myself when I get a chance to write. 

The story completely captivated me; if I didn't have work or school to do, I could read for hours. I felt the same emotions that Harper and Moses did. I felt like I was part of Harper and Moses' journey. I thought the story's ending was a little rushed, but overall, I liked everything about it and couldn't get enough. I have feeling that I will be re-reading this story again in the future. This is the second book I've read by Rochelle Alers , and I'm already in love with her writing. She has a way of grabbing readers’ attention from the first page. I am excited to see what she has in store for us next.

Listen For The Lie.

 

 

★★★★★

What if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thought so too? And what if the truth doesn't matter? 

 
Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all and, if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. But after Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. 

It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life. But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast Listen for the Lie and its too-good looking host, Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one who did it. 

The truth is out there, if we just listen. 

 

 🌼

 
Intriguing. You will be unable to stop talking about this story. 

I have heard a lot about this book. My only excuse for not reading is that my TBR list is never-ending. I was only a few chapters into the book when I saw why everyone was raving about it; it's everything I enjoy about murder mystery novels. My eyes got drawn to the pages, and I was captivated by Lucy's story and the podcast. Last night, I read till 1 a.m. because I couldn't get enough of the story and the characters. The characters, particularly Lucy, made it difficult not to become engaged and involved in their stories. From the very beginning, you'll question if Lucy is the killer and if she's lying about not remembering what happened years ago. I was wary and suspected that Lucy was lying about something, but I tried not to pass judgment on her like the others did. 

After being suspicious of Lucy for roughly half the book, I found it more difficult to accept that she would murder her best friend. There was someone who wasn't telling the truth and knew more than they were offering. The first person that I was suspicious of was Lucy’s ex-husband, Matt. If Savvy didn't like her best friend's husband, she saw something there that no one else did, and the way he responded with Ben when a podcast episode was broadcast, it was evident that he had anger issues and there was something he didn't want people to know. His anger, I could see him killing Savvy when he got angry, but of course, I couldn’t figure out what his motive would be for killing her. Honestly, I don’t even know what Lucy saw in him. 

I liked the style of switching between Lucy and the podcast, which was fast-paced and had me reading pages to see what would be revealed next. I enjoyed reading the podcast transcripts; each one gave new information, leaving you wondering who was telling the truth. I looked forward to Lucy's interview and wondered what she would tell the audience. There was never a dull time for me while reading the book; each chapter kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover the identity of the ' real' criminal. If you enjoy suspense with twists and turns, check out Listen For The Lie!

The Cliffs

 

★★★

3.5 ★ 

On a secluded bluff overlooking the ocean sits a Victorian house, lavender with gingerbread trim, a home that contains a century’s worth of secrets. By the time Jane Flanagan discovers the house as a teenager, it has long been abandoned. The place is an irresistible mystery to Jane. There are still clothes in the closets, marbles rolling across the floors, and dishes in the cupboards, even though no one has set foot there in decades. The house becomes a hideaway for Jane, a place to escape her volatile mother. 

Twenty years later, now a Harvard archivist, she returns home to Maine following a terrible mistake that threatens both her career and her marriage. Jane is horrified to find the Victorian is now barely recognizable. The new owner, Genevieve, a summer person from Beacon Hill, has gutted it, transforming the house into a glossy white monstrosity straight out of a shelter magazine. Strangely, Genevieve is convinced that the house is haunted—perhaps the product of something troubling Genevieve herself has done. She hires Jane to research the history of the place and the women who lived there. The story Jane uncovers—of lovers lost at sea, romantic longing, shattering loss, artistic awakening, historical artifacts stolen and sold, and the long shadow of colonialism—is even older than Maine itself. 

Enthralling, richly imagined, filled with psychic mediums and charlatans, spirits and past lives, mothers, marriage, and the legacy of alcoholism, this is a deeply moving novel about the land we inhabit, the women who came before us, and the ways in which none of us will ever truly leave this earth.

 

 🌼

 
This book was unexpected and unique. Though I'm always interested, I never know what to expect from authors I haven't read. I read a lot of historical and literary fiction; I can't get enough of it. I enjoyed the story but wasn't expecting so much history from this book. Most of this book's historical elements were enjoyable to me. But in some sections, there was so much information that I felt like I was reading a history textbook. There were a few aspects that could have been shortened. I liked that this book was different from fictional and historical fiction. While reading this book, I gained knowledge. Because of how its story develops and how much material it contains, The Cliffs is not a novel that can be read quickly. I typically paused after reading a few chapters to take in the information. Although The Cliffs is a work of fiction, the way it was organized sometimes gave the impression that it was also educational. 

Jane, the book's primary character, takes some time to warm up to her. I was not sure about her until the middle of the novel. I wondered if her coming back, if there was more to the story than what she was sharing. Of course, I was curious about her employment, what had happened, if there was anything she had done, or if there was more to the story. The part of that storyline dragged on a bit too long. I should figure out what had happened, considering her history. I enjoyed the bond between her and her best friend, Allison; it reminded me a lot of myself and my best friend. Although the story was told from the perspectives of several female characters, I preferred Jane's perspective the most and thought the shift between them was a little unclear. The story was more engaging because it was told from a variety of viewpoints. 

I picked up this book because it was part of Reese’s Book Club , and I had enjoyed most of her books, and I couldn’t help but be curious about the story. I enjoyed the story, but I felt it should not have been so long, and some parts did not hold my attention as well as others. If you enjoy history and want to learn more, I recommend this book.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore(Dream Harbor,#2)

 

 

★★★★

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out. 

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help! 

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…

 🌼

 
I finished Pumpkin Spice Café for my book club a month ago. It wasn't what I expected, but I did enjoy it. I was curious about The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore and excited to read Hazel’s story. Since the first book's introduction, I have liked Hazel and am interested in learning more about her backstory. I heard that some liked The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore over the Pumpkin Spice Café, and I wanted to know why. The story exceeded my expectations, and I enjoyed it more than the previous book; it felt more fast-paced, so I had to put it down to study. Noah and Hazel seemed to have a stronger relationship than Jeanie and Logan. I wanted them to end up together; I didn't want their relationship to be a fling. I cheered for the couple, hoping they would discover their feelings for one another. 

I enjoyed the mystery aspect in Cinnamon Bun Bookstore and the hidden meanings in the romance novels. I liked that she approached Noah for help figuring out who was behind it. I wondered whether he agreed to help her figure it out because he was behind it all, trying to grab her attention. I felt he wanted a relationship with Hazel, not what they had, but he was concerned she didn't share his feelings. There was a lot of attraction between them, and this novel had more heated scenes. This book also had a more realistic mystery. Like Hazel, I was eager to find who was behind the mysterious notes. 

I wasn't sure about the end. The way it happened didn't seem realistic to me. I enjoyed Cinnamon Bun Store ; it could be practically a Hallmark movie if not for the passionate scenes. I'm reading The Christmas Tree Farm for my book club next month, and I can't wait to read Kira's story. I recommend reading this novel, especially if you enjoy romance and mystery.

Heir(Heir Duology,#1)

 

 

★★★★

An orphan.
An outcast.
A prince. 

And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

 
Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hotheaded mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite. 

Banished from her people for an unforgivable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who uses magic to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Martial Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected attraction, Sirsha learns her mission might cost her far more than she's willing to give up. 

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire and nephew of a venerated empress, but he’s loath to take the throne when his aunt steps down. As the son of a reviled emperor, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need.
Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives―and their hearts. Literally. 

 🌼

 
Magical. 

I have read the first book in An Ember In Ashes series, but it has been a long time since I read it. I recall liking the book and being intrigued by the universe; Heir was no different, and of course, I enjoyed that it took place in the same world. I couldn't put this book down for hours, even though I knew I should be sleeping. I was captivated by Aiz, Sirisha, and Quil, and I wanted to know where their adventures would take them. I enjoyed each of the characters' stories, but Sirsha was my favorite; something about her makes you love her. I adored her connection, Quil, and he may have believed he loved someone else, but I believe Sirsha was the one he had been waiting for all along. I can't wait to see what happens next between the two. After that ending, I wish for the next book in the series to be released soon. 

Sirsha is not someone you want to mess with, which is what I liked about her character: how tough she was. She was my favorite point-of-view character in this novel. In that finale, I had a feeling that some twist was coming, but even I didn't see it coming, and now I must wait to see what happens next, which I can't seem to get out of my mind. The connection between Quil and her made me believe that something would happen when they met. I had a feeling that they were both trying to deny it. I wondered if the two of them would last, and I found myself rooting for them. 

The only thing I regret is not starting this book earlier. For An Ember In Ashes , I wish I had read the entire series because if I had, I would have had a better understanding of the world. I now must read the novels again before the next installment of the series comes out. If I'm being completely honest, I'm not sure how to feel about Aiz. Because of how complicated her character may be, she is the most difficult to read of all the characters in the novel. You can never be sure what to anticipate from her. You can't help but be intrigued by her, though. I can't wait to see what she will do next. Any fantasy reader should read this book, especially if they have read An Ember in Ashes , a story you will talk about for days.

Home Is Where The Bodies Are.

 

★★★★

 After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm’s length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn’t been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before.

While going through their parent’s belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends. 

Beth, Nicole, and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave. 

 🌼

 
A story you will never forget. 

I can see why this author is so popular and talked about. How had I not read her book before? I'm still trying to process my emotions while reading the book. I noticed Home Is Where The Bodies Are in Barnes & Noble, and I enjoyed how the book looked like an actual VHS tape. I recall having these as a child. However, the blood on the tape gives it an intriguing aspect. That was one of the first things that hooked me into the book. Since I have never read a book by Jeneva Rose , I decided to check the book out at the library. I’m so glad that I decided to check this book out. The plot of Home Is Where The Bodies Are was not what I had anticipated; it took unexpected turns that would have you reading until the end. 

The title itself, Home Is Where The Bodies Are , will have you picking the book up. It took some time to get into it because the first few chapters moved slowly. Things became fascinating once Michael, Nicole, and Beth began watching the tapes. Like the siblings, I was taken aback when the first audio revealed their parents discussing the disposal of the body. I can't imagine discovering something like that about my parents. Like the siblings, I try to piece together the facts and determine whether they killed someone or whether there was more to the story. I enjoyed how the story alternated between the present and the time of the incident, which gave it a more suspenseful feel. 

Home Is Where The Bodies Are , where you will try to figure out what happened until almost the end. That’s one of my favorite things about this book; I love the stories that keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing. I thought I had figured out what happened several times, but surprising turns threw my theories out the window. The ending was the most surprising of them all. If you love suspense and horror, I recommend Home Is Where The Bodies Are. Now I’m eager to check the rest of Jeneva Rose works.

Dinner For Vampires.

 

★★★★

4.5 ★

In the early 2000s, after years of hard work and determination to breakthrough as an actor, Bethany Joy Lenz was finally cast as one of the leads on the hit drama One Tree Hill. Her career was about to take off, but her personal life was slowly beginning to unravel. What none of the show’s millions of fans knew, hidden even from her costars, was her secret double life in a cult. 

An only child who often had to fend for herself and always wanted a place to belong, Lenz found the safe haven she’d been searching for in a Bible study group with other Hollywood creatives. However, the group soon morphed into something more sinister—a slowly woven web of manipulation, abuse, and fear under the guise of a church covenant called The Big House Family. Piece by piece, Lenz began to give away her autonomy, ultimately relocating to the Family’s Pacific Northwest compound, overseen by a domineering minister who would convince Lenz to marry one of his sons and steadily drained millions of her TV income without her knowledge. Family “minders” assigned to her on set, “Maoist struggle session”–inspired meetings in the basement of a filthy house, and regular counseling with “Leadership” were just part of the tactics used to keep her loyal. 

Only when she became a mother did Lenz find the courage to leave and spare her child from a similar fate. After nearly a decade (and with the unlikely help of a One Tree Hill superfan), she finally managed to escape the family’s grip and begin to heal from the deep trauma that forever altered her relationship with God and her understanding of faith. Written with powerful honesty and dark humor, Dinner for Vampires is an inspiring story about the importance of identity and understanding what you believe. 

 

 🌼

 
Haunting. 

I have read several celebrity memoirs throughout the years. I've never been as astonished while reading Dinner for Vampires. I have no words for what I read and what Bethany Joy Lenz endured in those years. Even before I started reading the book, I was surprised to learn that she had been in a cult, and I was curious to learn how she got there. Dinner For Vampires was a very emotional. Although I had never been a part of a cult, reading the memoir made me feel I had because she described what was happening. I felt her fear, sadness, and doubt. I can’t even begin to imagine what I would done if I were in her situation and endured it for as long as she had, but I understand why she had. She appeared happy on TV and during the interviews, and being in the cult was the last thing I expected. 

I'd been a big fan of One Tree Hill for years, and Haley was always one of my favorite characters, along with Joy's singing. I had no idea Paul Johansson was his closest friend out of the entire cast of the show, but I am glad he was able to support her. I never imagined Bethany wouldn't want to do One Tree Hill, but I'm pleased she did since I can't imagine anybody else playing Haley. I enjoyed reading about her acting career, and it was evident how enthusiastic she was about being an actress. I couldn’t believe that the people who called her ‘family’ didn’t even watch a single episode of her show. I was suspicious of most of them from the beginning; it’s the way that she described and what she shared I didn’t trust them. 

I despised the way they treated and dominated her. I don't think I've ever felt so angry as I did while reading those sections. The book was not always easy to read. I wondered about the title. Dinner For Vampires , but as I started reading the book, it fit exactly what Bethany went through, that her 'family' was vampires. I'm very grateful that I got an opportunity to read this book, and I'll acquire a physical copy in the future to reread it. Even if you have never seen One Tree Hill, I highly recommend this book.

Not In Love.

 

 

★★★★

CONTAINS SPOILERS 

Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.
Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through - and he's a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can't stop thinking about. The woman who's off-limits to him. 

Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business - one that plays for keeps. 

 🌼

 

 
I've heard about Ali Hazelwood for a while. Now that I've read her book, I see why she has such good ratings. . Not In Love has me going through so many emotions. I was there beside Rue and Eli, experiencing everything they were. I felt they were in trouble from the moment they met, and I questioned if they could stay away from each other. When I saw the book in the library, I wondered about the title. Not In Love is an intriguing title for a romance book, especially with that cover. Not in Love is the type of romantic story I rarely read, but I fell in love with this one. At first, I wasn't sure about Rue and Eli's relationship, but it wasn't long before I started rooting for them. 

I knew Rue's feelings for Eli had shifted before she realized it. I had a hunch she was aware of them but was in denial. Rue didn't want to like Eli because of what was happening at her job and felt like she was betraying her friend. If she didn't like him, she would not break her set of rules. There was something about Eli that made her unable to resist him. I knew that if she kept it up, no matter how guilty she felt, her friend would find out what was happening, and I had a feeling it wouldn't go well for her. Not In Love was a hard book to put down; it kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what would happen with Rue and Eli next, as well as her career. 

I was skeptical about Rue and Eli's relationship; it felt rushed and unrealistic. I thought Eli was overly fascinated with her. It didn't take long for me to see that what Eli felt wasn't obsession; it was love, though he didn't recognize it at first. Everything he did for Rue, including watching out for her and trying to protect her. If Eli hadn't acted that way, the impact on Rue might not have been as significant. In a way, they both attempted to protect each other. I believe that of all the characters in the book, Eli and Rue had the most character development; they both evolved substantially. I would highly recommend this book, especially to romance fans.

Before We Were Innocent

 

 

★★★★

4.5 ★ 

A summer in Greece for three best friends ends in the unthinkable when only two return home in this new novel from Ella Berman. . . .

  Ten years ago, after a sun-soaked summer spent in Greece, best friends Bess and Joni were cleared of having any involvement in their friend Evangeline’s death. But that didn’t stop the media from ripping apart their teenage lives like vultures. 

While the girls were never convicted, Joni, ever the opportunist, capitalized on her newfound infamy to become a motivational speaker. Bess, on the other hand, resolved to make her life as small and controlled as possible so she wouldn’t risk losing everything all over again. And it almost worked. . . .
Except now Joni is tangled up in a crime eerily similar to that one fateful night in Greece. And when she asks Bess to come back to LA to support her, Bess has a decision to make. 

Is it finally time to face up to what happened that night, exposing herself as the young woman she once was and maybe still is? And what happens if she doesn’t like what she finds? 

 

 🌼

 
Intriguing. 

A few months back, I went to Barnes and Noble with a friend and found Before We Were Innocent . The title drew my eye, followed by the cover. I love how the cover is black and white, yet the title is in color; it gives the book a mysterious appearance. When I read the blurb, I knew I wanted to get this book; it sounded like the type I enjoy reading. I was excited when Before We Were Innocent was selected as my book club's November selection. I was captivated by the book from the first page of the book. Every page and chapter kept me turning the pages, wondering what would be revealed next. Like everyone else, especially Bess, I was interested in learning the truth about what happened to Evangeline in Greece all those years ago. I wondered how she died, and I was interested in whether she had been killed and, if so, what the intent was. Throughout the book's first few chapters, I had a lot of questions. 

I was wary of Joni from the beginning. I had a feeling that there was something she wasn't telling Bess. However, I didn't understand why Bess would cover for Joni after such a long separation. I wondered if Joni knew something about Bess, which was why she was covering for her. Joni and Bess's friendship fluctuated, much like a romantic relationship. There were moments when I couldn't help but wonder how they were friends. Despite everything, Joni was there for Bess when it counted. Therefore, I had a hate/like connection with her. I had wondered if their friendship would survive the truth. 

Evangeline is another character I wasn't sure about. How she interacted with her friends looked slightly too controlling for me. I was also puzzled as to why she was acting that way. I was expecting a thriller when I picked it Before We Were Innocent , which it was in certain ways, but I thought it was more literary fiction. I had fun reading the book and talking about it in my book club's weekly meetings. I would highly recommend checking this book out.

Last Christmas In Paris.

 

 

★★★★★

August 1914. England is at war. As Evie Elliott watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, depart for the front, she believes—as everyone does—that it will be over by Christmas, when the trio plan to celebrate the holiday among the romantic cafes of Paris. 

But as history tells us, it all happened so differently… 

Evie and Thomas experience a very different war. Frustrated by life as a privileged young lady, Evie longs to play a greater part in the conflict—but how?—and as Thomas struggles with the unimaginable realities of war he also faces personal battles back home where War Office regulations on press reporting cause trouble at his father’s newspaper business. Through their letters, Evie and Thomas share their greatest hopes and fears—and grow ever fonder from afar. Can love flourish amid the horror of the First World War, or will fate intervene? 

Christmas 1968. With failing health, Thomas returns to Paris—a cherished packet of letters in hand—determined to lay to rest the ghosts of his past. But one final letter is waiting for him…

 🌼

 

 
A heartwarming story of friendship, love, and hope. 

I had no idea what to expect from this book. This was the first book I ever read by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb , and I'm delighted that I picked to read it first. I finished it last night, and so many emotions are still running through my head. It was unlike any other historical fiction or romance story I'd ever read, but it was also one of the most beautiful. I can't get the story or characters out of my mind. Last Christmas In Paris is a story you'll remember and share with friends. That is exactly what I did, and I even recommended it to friends who love reading. I have much to say about this book, but I can only say so much without giving too much away. Last Christmas In Paris is more than just a love story; it's also about friendship, fear, and hope. 

Last Christmas In Paris is not what I expected it to be, and at first, I was unsure about the writing style. That skepticism only lasted a few pages, and I discovered I was so engaged in the novel I spent hours reading because I couldn't find a good spot to stop. I liked how the letters were between different characters, but my favorites were between Evie and Tom and Evie and Alice. I think of all the characters; the three of them were my favorites. Evie and Tom needed each other, and I believe that the letters they sent to each other helped them get through the horrific war. On the other hand, I appreciated Alice's support and the fact that she was always there for Evie when she needed counsel, regardless of the situation. 

Within the first few letters, I noticed that Tom and Evie's relationship had transformed; there was such a strong connection. Throughout the novel, I hoped and rooted for them to realize how much they cared for each other. I only prayed they'd recognize it before it was too late. I'm not sure what it was about this book, but it affected me; I'm continuing to feel all the emotions. Now I'm looking forward to reading the other books they Co-wrote together as well as their solo ones. My only regret is that I hadn't read it sooner.

The Author's Guide To Murder.

 

 

★★★

 Thank you to publisher,William Morrow for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for this literary American show-off (or Americans in general), finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists. 

The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky, sexy erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book a historical novel about the castle’s lurid past and its debauched laird, who himself ended up creatively murdered. But the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious. 

Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? Is the murder of the long-ago laird somehow connected with the playboy author’s unfortunate demise? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death? 

 

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This was not the first novel I'd read by the three authors. I enjoyed their earlier books, The Glass Ocean and All the Ways We Say Goodbye, which they co-wrote. I have read the author's individual works as well. Lauren Willig, Karen White, and Beatriz Williams are the authors I look out for, especially in historical fiction. I was thrilled to find out that they were writing another book together. With a title like The Author's Guide To Murder , it's hard not to be drawn in. It also included three writers working on a book together. I enjoyed the book, but not in the way I expected when I initially heard about it. 

Sadly, around half of the plot was flat, unlike the other books they wrote together. It took me a few chapters to get into the plot, and I thought that nothing seemed to be occurring and that some of the information in the book was dull. I am pleased I gave a book a try because I couldn't put it down once the story started. I couldn't help but wonder whether any of them were responsible for the murder; everyone had a reason for doing so. I enjoyed reading the interviews with the three of them at the beginning of the book; they were all so different that it was difficult to believe they were friends. The mystery element of the book was my favorite part of it. 

I enjoyed that it was set in Scotland, where I wanted to travel after reading the novel. The book was a little too long and an epilogue was unnecessary. Overall, I enjoyed the story, particularly the mystery component. I am curious to see what the authors have in store for us next