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Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate BOOK 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a promising start for a cozy, young adult adventure on the high seas. You get the classic elements of pirates and treasure maps, while also having the benefit of seeing the story unfold from the young orphan heroine, Evie Waters’s, point of view. It was fun reading about this kind of story from a girl’s perspective, but her overall characterization felt rough at times. She’s stubborn, strong willed and very nerdy, but it would have been more compelling to have a heroine with more dimensions to her personality. My favorite part of the novel was the world building, which we cleverly get to explore more in depth because Evie is an aspiring cartographer and must compensate for her lack of experience with her vast book-learned knowledge.

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The Executive’s Decision (The Keller Family Series Book 1) by Bernadette Marie – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Executive's Decision (Keller Family, #1)The Executive’s Decision by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would give this book a 3.5 if I could. The cliché characters and predictable plot push this novel towards 3 stars, but the great quality and well roundedness of the writing style is enough to merit a 4 star rating. If you enjoy office romances, especially one that’s dripping with all the stereotypes and tropes that come with the genre, then you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for. However, if you were wishing to get something that offered something different or more, look elsewhere. Regan is definitely a polarizing character. You either love her and enjoy the tension that her personal baggage brings to the romance, or you’ll find yourself pulling your hair out over her issues. I recommend Executive’s Decision to anyone who’s just looking for an easy read.

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I usually avoid reading horror/suspense, but I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for Evil Sushi. Not only is it a creative story full of mystery, suspense and the paranormal, but it’s also an interesting way of socially commenting on the state of the world and marine life conservation. The story is definitely weird, but well written and engaging. I recommend this for anyone who’s looking for something different and thought provoking to read.

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The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight Book 4) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Sun at Twilight (Empire at Twilight #4)The Sun at Twilight by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second read from the Empire at Twilight series, and while I have praised N.L. Holmes plenty enough in the past for her immersive world building, fluid writing style and interesting characters, I’ve realized that one of my favorite things about her is her choice of subject. I adore historical fiction, but this is my first time reading about the Hittite Empire from the 1230’s BC. What fascinated me the most was the parallels I found between Tudhaliya IV and King Edward IV of England from the Wars of the Roses in the 1400’s AD. The concept of infighting within powerful royal families and the fears over the stability of succession seems to be a universal and timeless concept, and it was a treat getting to read about it from a different perspective.

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THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST AVENGER (ANNIE TILLERY MYSTERIES) by LINDA MARIA FRANK – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Mystery of the Lost AvengerThe Mystery of the Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mystery of the Lost Avenger (Book 4) is a wonderful blend of historical fiction and mystery. This is my first read from Linda Maria Frank and I found her writing style, plot and pacing admirable. I also love reading about anything WWII, and there’s plenty of intrigue and adventure to keep you turning pages. I recommend this for readers of all ages.

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Slash & Burn (Nite Fire Book 4) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C. L. Schneider treats us to another installment in her fantastic urban fantasy series. I am a big fan of her writing style, and the complexity of her world building and characters. There is also a great balance between emotion and action. I highly recommend Nite Fire: Slash & Burn, Book 4. My only warning is that this series should be read in order because the developments are chronological.

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Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire #3)Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C. L. Schneider treats us to another installment in her fantastic urban fantasy series. I am a big fan of her writing style, and the complexity of her world building and characters. There is also a great balance between emotion and action. I highly recommend Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors, Book 3. My only warning is that this series should be read in order because the developments are chronological.

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Chain Reaction (Nite Fire Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C. L. Schneider treats us to another installment in her fantastic urban fantasy series. I am a big fan of her writing style, and the complexity of her world building and characters. There is also a great balance between emotion and action. I highly recommend Nite Fire: Chain Reaction, Book 2. My only warning is that this series should be read in order because the developments are chronological

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Learning to Live: An Enemy to Lovers Ugly Cry (The Infinite Love Series, Book 1) – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Learning to Live: An Enemy to Lovers Ugly Cry (The Infinite Love Series, Book 1)Learning to Live: An Enemy to Lovers Ugly Cry by Kira Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read Learning to Live in two days, and I’m not an uncommonly fast reader. I just couldn’t put the book down. I’m also the type that prefers going into a book completely blind. I really hate spoilers, so most of the time I’ll only go into it with only the title, author, cover art and genre. When I picked up Learning to Live, I knew that it was a romance novel, so I assumed it was about a woman “learning to live” after escaping an abusive relationship. Instead, the story I got was a wildly different YA, coming of age. I loved every moment of it and spent the last 30% of the novel holding back tears. There’s a quote from the main character, Ciera, that’s very fitting: “I love how romance authors can make you feel every emotion in their books, and you feel invested in the characters. By the end of the story, you feel as if you know them on some kind of personal level, and you mourn the loss of them when it’s over.” In this way, Kira Adams gets everything right. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a rich, compelling story about learning to live and how to love. My only nitpick is that there should have been a warning for graphic bullying, nudity and for being sexually explicit. I do not believe that any of these elements were gratuitous or unnecessary to the plot, but it’s important to respect the boundaries and expectations of readers. There is a disclaimer in the online synopsis, but not in the book itself.

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The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Traveler Series, Book of Eleanor Book 3) by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Traveler: Chimera Rising (The Book of Eleanor 3)The Traveler: Chimera Rising by Shannon Nemechek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have a special fondness for retellings of the King Arthur myth. The Traveler: Chimera Rising blends elements from the time of Merlin with different eras as Merlin’s granddaughter, Katie, travels through time with her husband, Colm. In this book, Katie and Colm must travel to Merlin’s time in order to thwart the wizard’s evil son, Mordred. My only regret is not reading this series in order. If possible, I would recommend starting with the first book, instead of reading this as a stand alone as I did. If you enjoy magic, time travel and adventure, then you’ll enjoy this book.

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Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: the Complete Season by Claire Luana – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: The Complete Season (Mythical Alliance Series #1-6)Mythical Alliance: Phoenix Team: The Complete Season by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was hesitant about this one at first. It’s challenging to write about mythical creatures being super heroes without it coming off as hammy or cliché, but Mythical Alliance gets it just right. I read the first book, Phoenix Selected, and I enjoyed getting to know Zariya, the half human, half naga hybrid, and Konstantin Bauer, the mysterious vampire. They were great as individuals and had great chemistry together. The world building was also spot on. The different mythical creatures, or supes, were integrated into the modern world believably, and each race was described as if they naturally belonged to the plot and setting. I highly recommend this series. It’s well written and is a fantastic example of great story telling.

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Heartbeats and Roses (Hartwood Holiday Romance) by Jae Dawson – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine's Day Romance (A Hartwood Holiday Romance)Heartbeats and Roses: A Small Town Valentine’s Day Romance by Jae Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by Jae Dawson and I found her simple and modern writing style easy to follow. This is a fun, light romance novel perfect for getting in the mood for Valentine’s Day. My favorite part of the book was Rose McDaniels, the florist main protagonist. She had an enjoyably earnest and old-fashioned personality. If you’re looking for a sweet, whimsical, second-chance romance, then you’ll enjoy Heartbeats and Roses.

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Havall 16 by A. J. Ullman – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Havall 16Havall 16 by A.J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Without a doubt, my favorite part of Havall 16 is A.J. Ullman’s writing. His characters, storyline and unique style really draw you in. Reading his work felt so fluid I sometimes felt like I was tuning in to one of my favorite T.V. shows instead of picking up a book. The dystopian sci-fi and social commentary of Havall 16’s themes were also an added bonus.

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Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1 AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1 AUDIO BOOK

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Broken Circle is a story about how keeping secrets in a marriage can lead to the destruction of a relationship. I enjoyed the themes of love, infidelity, greed, deceit and family that were explored in this book. All of the characters had strong motivations and ties to one another. This is my fourth Amy McKinley novel, and I’m not disappointed. I love her writing style and how she structures her stories. This is also my second audiobook narrated by Regan Brown. I appreciated Ms. Brown’s performance better in this one and felt like she gave all of the characters their own distinct feel.

I do have a few nitpicks. Sometimes, I felt annoyed with the main character, Liv. In the beginning of the book, she was very suspicious of her husband, Alex. She was afraid of infidelity because of how her parents had dealt with it during her upbringing. However, until the second act of the book, I didn’t feel like Alex gave sufficient reasons to be suspicious. Liv felt upset that he was being secretive, but he literally worked in law enforcement to dismantle crime organizations. I didn’t really understand why she felt so entitled to the classified information Alex had to deal with for his job. These are spoilers, but I also didn’t feel like Liv had appropriate reactions when she found out that Alex belonged to a high profile cartel in South America, and she also seemed too careless when she was undercover and trying to run away from Alex’s family.

In the end, this story is definitely a fantasy type of romance. The woman bounces from one handsome, sexy, wealthy man to another. She is always provided for and she always has a man to cherish and protect her. All of the danger and excitement are just twists and turns along the way. If you’re looking for romance that’s tinged with tragedy and adventure, then you’ll enjoy Broken Circle.

Isle of Wings by E.A. Burnett – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Isle of Wings: A Silverglen Companion NovelIsle of Wings: A Silverglen Companion Novel by E.A. Burnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable mature YA fantasy. The world building and soft magic system were convincing and interesting to learn about. There were enough recycled elements that the world of the Isle of Wings felt familiar, but the numerous cultures, economies and magical creatures and users, combined with good pacing and writing, made this novel unique. The story also would not have worked if the main character, Roana, wasn’t successful. Thankfully, I liked her spunk and active approach to dealing with her problems in life. I didn’t find Iniko, her companion and love interest, as interesting, but I did enjoy his goal of becoming an independent ship master. If you’re concerned about the maturity warning, the cursing is indeed mild and the sexual situations are not explicit and aren’t dwelt upon. I am looking forward to E.A. Burnett’s other novel, Silverglen.

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Evil’s Whisper (Evil Saga book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Evil's Whisper (Evil Saga Book 1)Evil’s Whisper by Jordan Elizabeth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As epic as Jordan Elizabeth’s characters, world building and story might seem to be, I unfortunately did not enjoy the author’s writing style. It was difficult for me to find the characters interesting, and neither the action packed intro sequence or the desert setting really held my attention. It felt like the author had the grand story in mind, but could have spent more time on some basic building blocks.

For example, Sabiya, one of the main characters, opens the story by running away from her wealthy but abusive family. She is immediately captured by desert bandits. Although the concept of her flight from home and abduction is interesting, I personally felt no attachment towards Sabiya. My sympathy towards her could have been built up more by inverting the first few chapters a little. The opening would have been more impactful if we witnessed her hardships at home and then watched her take action in response. Instead, she came off as a spoiled, helpless and miserable princess. Most of her inner dialogue is centered around her dislike or lack of confidence of her physical appearance. This made her feel like an unlikeable Princess Jasmine from Aladdin who’s caught up in the schemes of ancient and powerful beings. Despite my critiques, this book is still worth a read. Everyone has their own tastes and I will probably check out one of Jordan Elizabeth’s other books before forming any solid opinions.

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The Singer and Her Song (Empire at Twilight Book 2) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Singer and Her SongThe Singer and Her Song by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is little praise I could give N.L. Holmes that she hasn’t received already. The Singer and Her Song is the third book I’ve read by this author and it reads well as a stand alone novel. It follows the story of a musician, Uqnitum, in the midst of war. Her kingdom of Mitanni falls to the Assyrians and she must flee for her life with what’s left of her family. Ancient history is such a delight to learn about, but N.L. Holmes’ rich world-building and strong characters gives special life to people and events from thousands of years ago.

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Moonlit Whisper: An Irish Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Moonlit Whisper (An Irish Romance)Moonlit Whisper by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great short, PG-13 romance from Amy McKinley. I liked this one better than A Moonlit Whisper because I found the love triangle and the college setting more interesting. Fiona is faced with a difficult decision: Stay with her fiancé, Lachlan, or rekindle her romance with her long lost ex-boyfriend, Conner.

Fictional or not, I never agree with people who cheat on their partners, so I was interested to see how A Moonlit Whisper dealt with this. In the end, I believe that the story had enough substance and backstory for everything to resolve the way McKinley wanted. I recommend this for anyone looking for a nice, short romance.

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Nite Fire: Flash Point (Volume 1) AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Nite Fire: Flash Point (Volume 1) AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first shifter/hybrid fantasy novel that I’ve genuinely enjoyed from start to finish. I was enchanted by C.L Schneider’s dramatic prose, and Cassandra King did a fantastic job narrating. Her performance was very dynamic and added a lot more thematic context to the story.

Dahlia Nite is a fantastic character, and her special powers as an empath and how she uses it to blend in among humans was very exciting. Schneider’s world building was also detailed, yet expansive. You definitely felt like Earth and its humans were just a small population ignorant of the countless other worlds full of mythical and alien creatures. Not only does it make for good fantasy, but the novel also treats you to murder mystery elements and introspective explorations into identity as Dahlia must choose how she wants to define herself as a Lyrriken, a half human and half dragon being.

Echoes: Lucifer and the Dark Goddess by Nikki Broadwell – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Echoes--(Lucifer and the dark goddess book 1)Echoes– by Nikki Broadwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a hard-earned 4.5 out of 5 stars because it took several chapters for this novel to convince me it was worth the praise its received from many others. Despite being rough around the edges, I found the characters intriguing, the world building completely immersive and the story a great page-turner. The most striking thing about this book was its shift in genre midway. The first half was a grungy, futuristic dystopia, and the second half was a wasteland, survivalist fantasy. There is a R rating, but this book also needs a trigger warning because there are multiple rapes or attempted rapes throughout the book.

There were a few plot devices that I didn’t care for. Fee, the dark goddess and main character, has amnesia at the start of the book, so you’re as clueless as her for a long time about her identity. This leads to her love interest, Lucifer becoming the ethereal being that guides her towards her ultimate purpose. As a reader, I enjoyed Fee better when she was independent and strong-willed. In the second half of the book, she becomes a whiny, dependent, love-sick character. She also gets kidnapped or passes out or has disorienting mystical experiences more times than I could count. All of those instances didn’t feel necessary.

The supporting characters in this book are also very strong. I really liked Elena, Fee’s medical counterpart in her survivalist group, and Sam, Fee’s elderly father figure. I also wasn’t happy with Peyton’s storyline. I believe he deserved and could have been so much more than how his dynamic with Fee ended up. Maybe I’m indifferent towards Lucifer because I was hoping to see more from Peyton, but I’m curious enough about Fee’s future to look forward to how things work out in book two.

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Moonlit Mirage (A Cook Islands Romance) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Moonlit Mirage (A Cook Islands Romance) by Amy McKinley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a pleasant, short and sweet romance. If you’re looking for a brief, fast-paced romance with a plot that could have been spun into a larger novel, then you’ll enjoy A Moonlit Mirage. Personally, I’m not a fan of the secret agent/spy trope, but I was willing to give it a try because I read Amy McKinley’s Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance and I immediately fell in love with her writing.

There were two main reasons why this book didn’t work for me. First, the narration by Regan Brown was subpar. The performance felt rushed and monotonous, and the story could have benefitted from being read with more emotion or at least voice inflections.

Second, I had issues with the structure of the romance. As a reader, I didn’t appreciate the “big reveal” McKinley was going for at the end. You don’t find out who Nadia really is or why she’s a secret agent until we find out why she was involved with Cade’s nearly fatal car accident, all of which is only discussed right before their *spoiler warning* happy ending together. Without having proper context for their characters, it felt like they just fell in love for no reason. If you don’t mind the “love at first sight” plot device, then this romance won’t bother you.

Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Becoming HumanBecoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic YA sci-fi read. As a person who’s been mainly a fantasy and historical fiction reader, I’ve been pushing myself to break into sci-fi this year. Becoming Human is exactly what I needed. Despite the outlandish settings, alien characters and impossible advanced technology, the story is a grounded exploration of the qualities of humanity. You get to explore the importance of individuality, diversity and fragility through the narrative of three teenagers from different worlds. I recommend Becoming Human to any young adult interested in sci-fi or any adult who is looking for a YA read.

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The Finder of the Lucky Devil (The Lucky Devil Series) AUDIO by Megan Mackie – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Finder of the Lucky Devil (Lucky Devil Series Book 1)The Finder of the Lucky Devil by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this as an audiobook and found it enjoyable overall. This is my first adult urban fantasy/cyberpunk read, and I liked the combination between magic and technology. The strongest point of this novel is its world building. There’s so many details and lore, from the collapse of the fairy court to the house of the lucky devil himself. The magic system and concept of second sight was also exciting, and I appreciated that they had a definite class system describing the level of magic a person could use.

However, this book wasn’t without its faults. Megan Mackie and Frank Sjodin did a great job narrating, but I didn’t care for how they chose to divvy up the reading parts. I would have preferred if Megan Mackie read everything, and Frank Sjodin only read St. Benedicts lines and chapters. Sometimes they would go by thoughts or narration and it sounded off. I also didn’t care for some of Mackie’s writing choices. Some details, paragraphs and conversation could have been trimmed for the sake of pacing. For example, the beginning of the book could have introduced Rune and St. Benedict faster.

The characterizations were also very hit or miss. I didn’t care for St. Benedict for most of the book, but I loved Rune, Allie the girl dog and Taki the mermaid. The title of the book was also a cute play on words. When I first picked up The Finder of the Luck Devil, I thought it was about a girl looking for a hot guy, a “lucky devil”, but it was literally Rune using her magical talent as a finder and her title being the heir of the Magdalene and the owner of The Lucky Devil bar.

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Fake Fiancé (A Second Chance Office Romance) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office RomanceFake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book from this author and I have absolutely fallen in love with Amy McKinley’s writing. I was expecting a short and sweet office romance between an assistant and her boss. Instead, I became heavily invested in Adeline and Stone within the first chapter of each respective character. McKinley did a fantastic job of giving Adeline and Stone more than just their appearances or wealth. They felt like individuals with their own personalities and dreams, and I would have enjoyed getting to know them and follow their stories whether there was a romance plot or not. It takes a lot of talent, attention to details, and good pacing to be able to pull off a novel like this, and Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance has me thoroughly impressed.

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Cuckoo Clock – New York (Unbroken Bonds Book 3) by Elisabeth Marrion – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Cuckoo Clock - New York (Unbroken Bonds Book 3)Cuckoo Clock – New York by Elisabeth Marrion
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cuckoo Clock New York follows the exodus of Dr. Esther Rosenthal and her father, Mordechai, from their hometown of Hildesheim, Germany. This story is an excellent narrative for humanizing the experiences and events leading up to WWII and the ethnic cleansing which ensued. I have read my fair share of Holocaust novels and every story is tragic in its own way. Cuckoo Clock New York is an easier read because it allows you to witness the journey of a family that was able to get away. Not only is Esther able to flee to America, but she and her father were able to contribute to the relief effort for German refugee children. This is the story of a woman who helped others even when she was on the run and barely able to help herself.

My only critique would be small details about the writing style. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and sometimes the passages would come off disjointed and the character dialogues felt clunky. The text was also simple to the point of being plain. This made the book feel less immersive and dramatic. Although the events of the book were very important, there were missed opportunities that could have been used to build more tension. There could have been more balance between being a plot-driven and character-driven story. Overall, Cuckoo Clock New York was a pleasant read and a good contribution to the large collection of WWII and Holocaust stories.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lies That Bind is a murder mystery that spans multiple generations. Set in a small town off the coast of Oregon, the story opens with the death of an heiress to the oldest and most prestigious hotel in the area. Follow Logan McKenna, a newcomer to Oregon, as she and her friends try to make sense of the heiress’s death, and Frankie Collins, the founder of The Collins Hotel and family fortune. I enjoyed following the dual narratives of Logan in the 21st century and Frankie’s story from the 1930’s, and I felt like the novel’s structure and concept is executed well enough to provide a good read. However, I preferred Frankie’s side of the story, and I found myself reading through Logan’s storyline just to get back to reading about the events of the past. I didn’t develop any particular attachment to Logan’s plot or her character. Overall, Lies That Bind is a good murder mystery that explores the themes of family, death and greed.

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The Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Sound of SilenceThe Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I lost sleep reading The Sound of Silence. It is an absolute home run of a novel. I deeply respect Dakota Willink’s respectful dedication to revealing the realities of domestic abuse and allowing the countless victimized women to speak their truth through her story. Willink doesn’t use abuse as a literary gimmick, but has a clear and powerful message; Anyone can become a victim, but there is also a chance for a life of security and happiness past the trauma. This is such a delicate subject, and I feel so much more informed after reading this book. I used to wonder things like, “Why would any woman allow herself to be hurt?” or “Why would a woman stay with an abuser?” There is no clear cut answer for every case, but reading this story impresses the subtleties and complexities of these kinds of relationships.

There is a trigger warning for readers in the beginning, but I want to second that warning with another. Some parts of this novel are incredibly difficult to read. Tread with caution. Also, don’t start the book before going to bed because you won’t be going to bed. The Sound of Silence is a must read for anyone who wants to take a step out of their comfort zone and into the shoes of a woman who’s torn apart by the anguish of trauma and is renewed by self-empowerment and love.

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Scepter of Flint (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 3) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Scepter of FlintScepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Scepter of Flint is my favorite Lord Hani mystery so far. I enjoyed the dual issue of both a high profile tomb robbery and the political ramifications of investigating foreign diplomats as potential suspects. I’m also a huge fan of the time period, set during the reign of the immortally glamorous queen Nefertiti and her notoriously unpopular husband, Akhenaten. This is one of the most interesting historical points in Ancient Egypt, and you get to explore both the events of the time and N.L. Holmes’ layered plot and fun characters.

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Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries Book 3) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries, #3)Murder Makes Waves by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder Makes Waves takes you on a glamorous 1920’s cruise full of glitzy luxury and suspenseful thrills. If you’re not busy enjoying the palatial setting with the main cast of characters, then you’re solving mysteries and crimes. I found Frances, a humble young woman from Australia, really charming. Her down to earth attitude and straightforward common sense felt reminiscent of a Nancy Drew type of character. Similarly, her dashing fiancé, Jack, made an equally good Ned Nickerson-esque counterpart. Carmen Radtke did a good job taking classic murder mystery tropes and breathing life into them. I highly recommend this book. It’s well written and a fun read.

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The North Wind Descends (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 4) – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The North Wind DescendsThe North Wind Descends by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The North Wind Descends is a delightful dive into ancient Egypt. If you enjoy historical settings and submerging yourself into ancient cultures, this book keeps you pleasantly engaged. The story follows Lord Hani on a diplomatic mission that unravels as he tackles a murder mystery, deceitful ploys and political intrigue.

My only nitpick would be the pacing. The narrative could have been trimmed down to focus more on the plot. I adore historical fiction, but sometimes even I felt bogged down by the ancient names and terminology. Otherwise, the characters really shone through and I was invested in Lord Hani’s adventure. You don’t have to worry about reading the series out of order either because this was my first Lord Hani mystery and it wasn’t a problem that it was the fourth book. Overall, The North Wind Descends is a pleasant read and a fun escape into the past.

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