Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full of twists and mysteries and I loved the entire thing. From the first till the last page, I was sucked right in. The characters were great! I absolutely loved Karina! She’s amazing and very determined! The title and cover is what drew me in from the start and the story didn’t disappoint me at all! Enjoyable read.
This is book #7. There is happy news for Logan McKenna but will it be short lived due to financial insecurities? Join Logan as she heads back to Oregon for a consulting gig while trying to figure out the profitable viral video that was created by a student. Logan of course always finds a dead body in every story. This time her friends are possibly the criminals behind this horrible crime. In true McKenna fashion she put her life on hold to help discover the truth and finds the killer. I have said this in multiple reviews, READ THE SERIES IN ORDER!!!!! There are moments that are confusing if you read them out of order. I do plan on going back and rereading the series from book 1 to book 9.
Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book #7. There is happy news for Logan McKenna but will it be short lived due to financial insecurities? Join Logan as she heads back to Oregon for a consulting gig while trying to figure out the profitable viral video that was created by a student. Logan of course always finds a dead body in every story. This time her friends are possibly the criminals behind this horrible crime. In true McKenna fashion she put her life on hold to help discover the truth and finds the killer. I have said this in multiple reviews, READ THE SERIES IN ORDER!!!!! There are moments that are confusing if you read them out of order. I do plan on going back and rereading the series from book 1 to book 9.
Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a reverse harem book featuring Devon and her men, Angel and her men. Devon’s come to terms with what her father has done, her boyfriends have her back in every way but they are also concerned on how she will handle him being gone. Now the plan is to exact revenge on the man who bought her. Everything does not go according to plans though and they are in more danger than ever.
This story vacillates from the different POV of many of the characters. This is number five in the series and I had not read the previous books. The relationships for Devon and Angel are established already but I felt like there was enough of a recap to get a full idea of what happened before with the two main characters. Dark romance that pulled me in, I will definitely be going back to read the other stories.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gripping novel about family and friendship which kept me hooked throughout. Having rushed to her dying grandmother’s bedside, Karina Walker agrees to move home and take over the old café. The grieving Karina also promises to read a journal but is shocked when the red book disappears. She teams up with her cousin to make a list of suspects, fearing that someone overheard her mention a hidden stash of money. Karina is determined to track down her inheritance but the town is full of rumours, and when she discovers a buried secret it could change things forever. Karina wants to build a new future for herself but must confront her family’s past first. This was a real page turner and I literally could not put the book down. The intriguing storyline and unpredictable plot twists kept me guessing until the last page, whilst the suspense definitely built chapter by chapter. I loved the main character Karina as she was a very independent and determined heroine. This was an entertaining and engaging read and one which I definitely recommend.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am so addicted to this series, but these cliff hanger endings are killing me! Wicked Games picks up right where Cruel Love left off. We get to know Winter and see a new side of Shane. I can’t wait for the next one so I can see what happens next for them, both individually and possibly together. I hope the author releases a box set or the whole collection together so I can re read all in order. Now not so patiently waiting for November 30 so I can read Wicked Ends. But I don’t want it to end. I love these characters and am so invested.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautiful journal! I love the prompts and affirmations, as well as the illustrations. I like how everything varies from page to page and gets you to reflect and engage. The journal is very interactive and is sure to keep you focused on the prompt. I haven’t used a lot of self-help journals, but I’m glad to have this one on hand!
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery which kept me captivated throughout. In this second book in the series Genie Darling and her ‘not so very departed great-great-aunt’ Adriana travel to Italy. Adriana relies on her old belongings for her spectral life force and a dress has come up for auction. However, once in Tuscany the auction house goes up in flames taking Adriana’s Chanel evening gown with it, and then a dead body is found. Amateur sleuth Genie and her ghostly sidekick decide to investigate when the wrong man is suspected of the arson and manslaughter. This is a fun cozy mystery with a ghostly twist which had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the quirky characters, Genie and the ghost of Aunt Adriana are a great double act and I enjoyed sleuthing with them. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is book #9!!! It’s the last one in the series….maybe I really don’t know. What I do know is the Logan McKenna has been in some dangerous places and I feel like this one might be one of the ones that keeps you wanting to read until the end. I literally spent an afternoon reading this book. Logan McKenna reminds me of myself when I was really young and wanting to work in the police department. In this book, Captain Craig Peterson is washed away by waves during a storm. But no one is sure what really happened and how he was swept away. Can Logan help find out if his death was an accident or was it something sinister that took him away from his family.
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging holiday romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Travel editor America Greene arrives in the idyllic Christmas Cove and is surprised to find it – ‘Christmasless’. She teams up with Leo, the towns mayor, who also happens to be very attractive and eligible, in order to bring Christmas back to the town. The plan is to light up Main Street, which will also give America a story which is her chance at being a writer. Meanwhile Leo and America’s chemistry sizzles off the page and as they work together to save Christmas their relationship develops. However, when a nearby city threatens the town’s future both America’s heart and career hang in the balance. This is a heartwarming romance with likeable and relatable main characters in Leo and America. Their chemistry came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. I loved the small town feel of Christmas Cove and was hoping for a HEA, no spoilers as I recommend picking up this book! It definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author has produced another well written and interesting cozy mystery story that I have enjoyed from start to finish. I loved the character in this book. she was strong, determined and a pleasure to read. It was lovely to see her develop as the book progressed.
The story was entertaining. I wanted to figure out the mystery of the missing notebook and loved watching how it all unfolded. The author has a wonderful writing style that pulls readers in with ease. I would highly recommend this book and her work overall.
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is that time of year when Ben enters the annual bake off, every year he enters the same recipe, but never wins, this year, he is determined to, so what can he do to win?
This is a story about facing fear and failure, but also about not giving up, persevering with your dreams and the importance to keeping trying, all set in the world of a bake off which everyone can understand.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Olivia hasn’t given much thought to her ex’s love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter’s life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate – or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children – Olivia and Roman’s worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I’ve read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I’m definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!
Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great psychological thriller that pulls you in from the moment you start reading. The book is intriguing to read and is full of twists and turns. It certainly kept you guessing and I really wasn’t sure how things would eventually play out.
This book is the first in the series and it is clearly setting up the rest of the series. I was a little taken aback at home abruptly the story seemed to end, but it has definitely served to make me want to read the next book. This author is one that I have definitely come to enjoy and I am excited to see where they will take this series.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What do you do when you fancy trout for breakfast? You go down to Lake Fish-Or-Cut-Bait and see if you can catch something, some days you can, but some days nothing bites, even the mosquitoes who live there.
On one particular day, the wind started howling and sucked up all of the fish, frogs and eels which live in the lake, when it had sucked them all up, it set off to town where it rattled the swings, buffeted the trees and sucked up the balls from the playground, but what happens to them once they are all up in the air?
It has to rain, but this is no ordinary rain, it is raining fish and frogs! What is the phenomenon called when the wind sucks things up and rains them down again? This is an enchanting and informative book talking about the natural world in a fun filled and easy to understand way.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lucifer is a young man who enjoys life to the fullest, be that with family, friends or work, especially when his mother asked him to live and embrace whatever opportunities life throws at you, so on halloween night, he decides to go to a legendary party and try to find one of the hotties who are throwing it, but they also happen to live up at the mysterious Eden Cove Manor. This plan doesn’t pan out, but he decides to take a visit to the Manor instead seeing as its residents are out partying the night away, so against his better judgement and the warnings given to him by his best friend, he decides to go and investigate the rumours himself.
Mordecai is one of the men who live at Eden Cove Manor, he is also one of the halloween party hosts, however, when he is notified that someone breaks into the manor, he rushes home to see what damage has been done and who has done it, however, he isn’t alone and this is where the games begin as he follows the intruder home and leaves him a note, as well as return a personal belonging. When Lucifer wakes the next morning and after his adventure, he finds the note and item and is completely thrown and highly curious about what it all means, so when his work meeting is disrupted, he is annoyed, but also a bit hot under the collar and this is where he meets Mordecai.
As much as he is warned away from the house and its inhabitants, he can’t seem to forget about them, even when he should, so when he has the chance for answers, he takes it, meanwhile, Mordecai is also drawn to the chaos which is Lucifer and he soon realises that he may have found the one person he has been looking for, for a long time, but is he willing to take the risk again, or will time run out and the choice made for him? This is a paranormal romance where first impressions aren’t always true and decisions made can be deadly, or delicious, but which ones are made, you will have to read along to find out.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn
Wicked Games is the seventh book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and is a wonderfully written College Romance/New Adult Romance/ enemies to lovers Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. I’m addicted to this series and I swear each book gets better and better. I’ve been patiently waiting for Shane’s story and holy heck she didn’t let me down. Listen folks if you haven’t already started this series do it now. There are characters that overlap with each book plus you get everyone’s backstory and get to know the characters better. This is Shane’s and Winter’s story we are taken back to where it all started. He’s out for revenge and she’s looking for answers . She doesn’t remember him but he remembers her. These two definitely had sparks. She is living in a nightmare that never ends and he’s dealing with his own personal nightmare as well. You guys this is a must read if you want to know what happens next. Bring on Wicked Ends I can’t hardly wait. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of my favorite vampire romance authors. I have really enjoyed reading this series and this was yet another great book from this author. I am a huge paranormal romance reader and I especially love vampire romances and the author brings a refreshing storyline and series. I always find myself not wanting to put the books down. The characters have fantastic chemistry and the story flows really well from one book to the next in the series. The plot is complex and keeps the reader’s attention. Along with the explosive chemistry and the nice mix of adventure, drama and romance what is not to love. I will definitely be reading more from this author and this series. It is definitely on my top ten.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genie Darling is a young woman with her own business, but she also has a dearly, but not so departed relative who insists on hanging around and that is her great-great Aunt Adrianna, a glamorous young woman who died at a young age and still keeps the old hollywood glamour even after. The most unusual thing is that in order to keep her non-corporeal form, she needs to have objects she once owned nearby so that she can gain energy from them, but a lot of them have been moved away from home.
Knowing that retrieving Adrianna’s belongings is important to her, Genie uses her ability to work from wherever she happens to be to her advantage, so that when some items come up for auction in Italy, the two women come up with a plan of how to retrieve them, which means a working holiday. Genie is excited, but also apprehensive about travelling with Adrianna, knowing how she needs to be close to her objects, however, it is smooth sailing all the way, so now they can relax before heading to the small town where the auction is going to be held.
When they get there, they are able to get into the auction house early so that they can see the items and work out a bidding strategy, as well as scoping out the competition, which happens to be fierce, especially for a little, black, Chanel dress, but things do not go to plan when the auction house goes up in flames and when the fire is put out, a body is found within. This devastates the duo until Adrianna works out that her dress hasn’t burnt along with the items.
This means that that have to put on their sleuthing hats and investigate what, who and when and hopefully exonerate an innocent suspect, but with they be able to detect their way to the beloved garment, or will their clues also go up in flames? This is a cozy paranormal mystery set in the beautiful backdrop of modern-day Tuscany, with plenty of shenanigans and sleuthing to keep you reading until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my, I loved this story. The author set it up so well. The journal disappeared right at the beginning. A cast of characters are suspect. Her cousin’s boyfriend is her ex=boyfriend. I literally couldn’t put this one down. I had to know what was coming next. I loved how this story kept you in suspense and had several mysteries going at once. This author is one of my favorites for her style of writing. She has an excellent way of setting up suspense novels.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. What a fun way to teach about the random way that tornados/waterspouts can send frogs, etc. flying. I grew up hearing about this and often wondered how this could happen. Now, at 58, I know how, crazy. My grandson is now fascinated with this and wants to explore it more. I love the book set up. The name of the lake is funny and made us laugh during story time. If you want to know what it was, you have to read the book, I’m not telling. This author makes learning so much fun. She’s really made learning with my grandson enjoyable and brought many giggles with this new knowledge.
Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Secrets at the Cafe is another interesting and engaging Women’s fiction suspense tale from Susan. What I like about her writing is the intriguing premises she comes up with each story.
The eclectic cast of characters are engaging, well developed and fully realised and it’s hard not to like them and become invested in them. Some of them did make me laugh. We meet up with characters from previous books.
With tensions running high Karina will stop at nothing to fulfill the deathbed promise she made to her grandmother. Now she just has to solve the mystery of who wants and why they took Gigi’s missing diary. What are they hiding? What will they do to hide these secrets?
I read it in one day the pages flying by as I was completely immersed in the story that is so easy to get lost in and having to know how it ended.
Once again Susans vivid narrative helps the story along as she cleverly weaves together a web of secrets in this mystery.
With secrets, family, rumours, upheaval, death, grief, suspects, drama, suspense and so much more there is something for everyone wo enjoys a good mystery.
Follow along in this heartfelt tale as Karina and troops unravels a world of secrets and mysteries that have been long buried in this tumultuous twisty journey.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Raining Fish and Frogs is a fun 26-page story with bright and colourful illustrations by Janet King. The pictures bring Lois’s words to life and children as well as adults will enjoy.
Lois’s stories have messages within, and we get to share these with our children or grandchildren or those that we love. This book is aimed for kids ages 4-8 years of age. It is nice to sit with them and watch as the gears turn, and their imaginations run wild.
It’s not your usual storm. What happens when the weather changes and instead of rain other things fall from the sky. To find out you will need to grab a copy and find out.
An excellent book to enjoy on a rainy day and a perfect gift if you need one.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is definitely a must read if you’re into romance, Halloween and a little sweet revenge.
This is a simple read; I read in one sitting. Simple does not mean boring though! The author kept my attention and I was hooked from the first chapter. You get to see a romance develop between the characters and you see one character overcome his fear with each page you read.
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lost and Found is the ninth book in the Logan McKenna Mystery series. I enjoy this series for the coastal and nautical settings, and the great dynamics with Logan’s friends and family! Lost and Found can be read as a standalone mystery, but the developments in recurring characters and their relationships make it best enjoyed in the context of the series.
One thing I enjoy about these books is how they start with a glimpse of the murder. That means you as the reader can be starting to look for clues from the start, before Logan is even on the case! There are loads of great details to notice and you never know what might be relevant!
The focus on the crabbing industry in this book added a level of interest. Through various characters we see how the unpredictability and competitivity of the industry can impact people’s lives, which then adds to the drama and tension. It’s clearly been well-researched which made it informative as well as adding depth to the story!
This book gets five stars from me. If you’ve enjoyed books in this series already you know you’re in for a treat! I’d recommend the series to mystery fans who enjoy coastal settings,
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is a suspenseful story about family, friendship, a deathbed promise and a missing diary. A story full of drama and twists and turns that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. A fast paced and well written story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world. They kept the story engaging and turning pages fast. They are connectable and add so much to the story. This is an easy story to read as well as entertaining. There is great growth to the story which just added to the plot suspense. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Raining Fish and Frogs was a fun story that can be enjoyed by the young and young at heart. My great nieces and I love Lois’ books and always look forward to what she has in store next.
Creative story-line with engaging illustrations what can possibly happen while fishing the wind picks up and sucks all the water out of the lake? Can you imagine Raining Fish and Frogs!!
This story is cute and very enjoyable and I love the creativity. Thank you Lois!!
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
Kneading a Winning Idea is a children’s book that helps teach about being brave,facing our fear, perseverance, practice , problem solving and never giving up. We follow Ben as he learns through dedication and hard work that anything is possible and that it’s ok to fail because that makes us try harder next time. My five year old son loved this book and we look forward to reading more from this Author. I’d highly recommend this book to children ages birth to eight. It’s a good lesson and helps to build their foundation.
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a must read. Its funny, witty, and so true! If your peri menopausal or going through the change you will recognize all the signs and think its you!
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The path to love for Ebun and Noah is anything but simple and smooth that is for sure but this wonderful author takes you on a captivating journey with these characters and will keep you turning page after page. I loved the way Noah and Ebun kept bumping into each other years apart and how Noah just knew right from the start that their was something so special between them. This is a new author for me and I am positive it won’t be the last time I read this authors work.
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow for the first time in a long time I am struggling to find the right words to explain the rollercoaster ride of emotions I just went on reading this book. This very talented author captivates the reader right from the very beginning with truly well written characters and an absolutely thoroughly intriguing storyline that will definitely keep you hooked till the end. This really is a thrilling mystery that will have you constantly questioning what you think is going to happen next.
