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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I read this as a standalone but will definitely be going back and reading the 1st one!

I love a good mystery book but often times have it pretty figured out by the halfway point. Halfway through and I was still suspecting everyone and hadn’t really checked many off my list.
All of the characters are well written and hold their own mystery and interest. Personally, I love Milton & Pearl being so involved in anything that Christy does, from their jobs at the bookstore to being pushed around town in a stroller to going on walks in their harnesses, they are truly living their best kitten lives.

Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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It is obvious how much the Brooks family cares about one another, no matter how diverse and different they may be.
Carter’s background and current life gets more interesting with every page turn. As you see where he’s currently at, what got him to this spot and what he’s attempting to do next, you understand more about why he is so quiet and distant.
I enjoyed the way Sunny balances out Carter and brings him out of his shell. Sebastian adds his own interesting dynamics in both his interactions with Sunny as well as Carter.

I can’t wait to read more about the Brooks siblings.

Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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1 Chapter in and I was hooked.
Hollis and Cash’s banter is so fun. Until it goes too far and Cash’s business and family livelihood is on the line. But again, cue Hollis, and now she’s helping. Funny, quick-witted AND business savvy, she’s pretty much the full package.
I loved the drive and independence that Hollis has, as well as the determination and caring that Cash possesses. They have so many similar qualities, it is obvious why they also get along once they get past their initial razzing of one another.
This is a great book, and I’m looking forward to the next one.

Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Steward – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I have been waiting to learn more about Miller, and this book did not disappoint.
He is quite different from his business owning older brothers. As much of a mess as he seems to his brothers, you soon realize that he’s just the younger brother trying to find his own way.
Maisy just made a real drastic decision in her life, though it wasn’t really what she was wanting to do in the first place. Conveniently, it was Miller’s car she dove into and he is willing to help her out in many more ways than she initially thought.
Honestly though, Bear is the real prize of this book. He steals the show every time that he’s mentioned.

Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Though there was a bit of a slow start and multiple times that I wanted to jump through the pages and shake Margo, I got to the end and didn’t want the book to be over.
The traveling throughout was something to be in awe over. Experiencing Margo’s career highlights and how easily things can be taken away while realistically she is just trying to feel closer to the father she never got the chance to know. The family aspect, and lack there of, prior to working on repairing her relationship with her Aunt. Margo learns a lot about herself, her history and limits throughout this book.
There is a lot packed into this book that once you’re done and sit back to think about it, you realize just how much the book covered.

I have not read the first book of the series, but this worked great as a standalone. And I will now be definitely adding the other to my tbr list!

Good Enough (The Deadman’s Tribe Series Book 1) by Nicole Craig – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This book was such a struggle for me. I wanted to put it down so that I could savor the story, I wanted to binge read it because it was so good. I stayed up late, reading long after I should have been in bed. I had to leave all Kindle devices away so that I could focus on the other responsibilities of my life because I was so wrapped up in Kai & Taylor’s story, I knew that I would get nothing else done.
Kai is a wonderful producer and very great at her job. With a smart mouth and her creative cussing, she was easy to related to. Taylor is the best at his job, which is secretive and nobody really knows what he does, unless he wants you to know.
There is everything in this book. The romance, mystery, suspense. All the things that keep you turning the pages as rapidly as you can.
Honestly, is it August yet? I’m ready for book 2! I want to know more about everyone.G

To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This book has it all. A little romance, suspense, thriller, and smiles. I was caught between wanting to binge read the entire thing and wanting to put it down so that I could take my time reading it.
From the very start I enjoyed reading about Marcie and was so excited when she found Ted. Beverly is annoying and Zeke is just a creep. As the story goes on, those feelings only intensified.
A great read! I enjoyed it and will be putting more Debra Parmley books on my TBR list for sure!

A Christmas Amish Courtship (Amish Courtship Series) by Jennifer Spredemann – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This is the perfect easy-to-read Christmas romance book. The story is easy to follow as you learn about Anne and her family values, the previous ties to Andy and what he is willing to do to get close to her. There is everything from family loyalty to forgiveness and setting aside personal feelings to see your loved ones be happy.
A quick and easy read with a sweet ending. This clean romance book will bring a smile to your face.
I definitely recommend reading this sweet book. It is part of a series but was easy to read as a standalone as well.

Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I was so invested in Lauren & Jake’s story from the beginning.
Lauren is really working tot fill a gap she has noticed in the system since she was a child. She is more than just a social worker but she is truly wanting to better the community she’s in.
Jake is trying to protect the community in his own way. He wants to protect people and hold the bad guys responsible.
Lauren & Jake have a past and the mystery of when Jake will be able to tell Lauren the truth and not push her away keeps you interested beyond the romance.

Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qui – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This is such a fun book. I loved the messages that it gives to children and my daughter enjoyed the illustrations. It sparked good conversation with her regarding why affirmations are important and how hearing herself say those things made her feel.
It is another way to make the alphabet fun and interactive.
Definitely recommend to anyone with children.

Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Karina has taken over her grandmother’s cafe and is trying her best to make her proud. On her deathbed Gigi had 2 things she asked Karina to do, run the cafe and read her diary. Both of which turn out to be a struggle. The cafe is a lot of work, especially for only one person who was planning to be an artist, and the diary has gone missing. Everyone looks like a suspect, as Gigi was well loved and many people have shown interest in her diary. Karina is busy asking anyone who was at the cafe the day it went missing, and also finding out more about her grandmother than she previously did, even without getting to read the diary.
A great book that keeps you interested the whole way through.

Lottery of Secrets by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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From page one I was enthralled. Lynn has won the lottery but doesn’t want her husband, James, to know. She has cancer and isn’t telling anyone. She’s had a difficult burdensome past and is trying to get some answers, but anytime she asks clarifying questions, James gets upset.
Lynn just wants answers for her past. James just wants to spend Lynn’s new wealth.
There are twists, turns, and a whole lot of times you won’t want to put the book down.

My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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My heart was invested in Stas and her story from the beginning. The battling internal feelings surrounding dance and her divorced parents were relatable and well described. She feels most connected to the woman that will soon be her step-mom, but has been her Mama for the majority of her life. Hearing her dad and his church talk poorly about same-sex couples makes her obviously frustrated as she knows first hand what it is like to have 2 loving Moms.
When her Mom is murdered and she is then stuck between who will care for her, all her emotions are frozen. None of the options feel right, being back with her Mom in their home is what felt right but that is no longer an option.
Que in Zane, who is mature beyond his years and dealing with his own demons. A voice of reason as well as a shoulder to cry on, he’s amazing.

This is so well written it transports you right into Stas’ life.

Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I felt connected to Hope from the very start. She has a vision for her life and isn’t going to settle for anything less than wonderful.
Adam’s story is relatable and yet heartbreaking. He is reluctant to open up again with what happened the last time he did.
To open your heart after such a monumental loss is difficult and scary. But it seems like their paths just keep crossing and have been for months, since their first chance encounter At what point do you just cave in and let fate take over, just accepting that maybe this person is put in your life for a reason?

Grab your tissues and block out some time because once you start you will be hooked on this book.

Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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It didn’t even take the first page and I was hooked.

Between reading from Cade’s point of view and the killer’s, it was tense and quick paced. Very easy to read and enjoyable.
When Cade realized that these “car accidents” with nearly identical blonde women drivers was a pattern, he set off quickly looking for other patterns.
Discussing parts of the serial killers past and how he had gone from traditional animals-to-humans was interesting details to show how/why he believed he was going to keep getting away with the killings.
There were a few things that were obviously not going to happen in real life, like bringing in a minor civilian, who is related to the victims, into a high profile case.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book & can’t wait to read the next!

Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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The perfect mix of mystery and comedy. This book had its intense parts and the fun parts.
I loved how it picked up right after Killer Blonde and kept that momentum.
With the introduction of some new characters and brought back the great ones from Killer Blonde to keep it going
As much as I love Cade, Rook is a great addition to the task force and keeps it interesting as Cade continues being very focused.
As you continue to read from both the killers’ and task force characters’ points of view you get to know more about each of them and how they interact.
I would absolutely read more of this series as it kept me interested and I truly enjoy the writing style.

The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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We need a second book!!
I am so invested in what is going on in Sue’s life and am eager to see it continue on.
Everything that goes on and through women’s minds as they journey through life is here: working Mom vs. Stay at home Mom, what to do when your kids grow up, not following the same path as divorced parents, not jumping into new relationships, making adult friends, chauvinists, working in male dominated fields.
It’s ALL here and discussed.

A great reminder that life is what YOU make it, to stand up for what you believe in, to never stop growing/learning and always tell your loved ones how you feel.

I am hoping for a sequel for sure!

No Amends by Angela Lam — Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This book really played on my emotions, I was stuck between wanting to keep reading and needing a break to digest what I had just read.

Tang has weaved herself an interesting web between her real estate job, writing a book and her love life, she is a very busy woman. Layla loves her but is growing impatient with the book. Dee loves Layla but wants more commitment, wants to know that she will have a family there for her and wants that security.

This book definitely grabs your attention.

A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Mina & Wesley were the best of friends growing up and both felt a terrible loss when Wesley suddenly moved. It’s been years, they’re back in each other’s lives but everything is different now. Or is it?

It takes a lot to rebuild your social standing and when you are torn between maintaining your position and figure it out if you can still be friends with someone who meant so much to you but disappeared, there is a lot of pressure. Private school has been great for Mina, but now what.

I truly felt all the emotions Mina and Wes were going through. I found myself wanting to listen to their struggles, be supportive and cheer them on as they went through a whole variety of situations both separate and together.
This book kept my interest and made me excited to keep reading as I was incredible curious what would happen next.

Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I wasn’t even a full chapter in when I knew this book was going to be a struggle to put down. I was entirely invested in Mia’s life and if she was going to regain her friendship with Mitch and grieve Xavier. I couldn’t wait for Jeff to text her again and knew that Shelly or Granny would have great words of wisdom for her.

This book is so well written that it’s easy to sit down and binge chapter after chapter without realizing time going by around you. The twists and turns kept me so interested, I couldn’t help but continue reading.

This book is a great reminder that things aren’t always what they seem and you should be honest & brave instead of waiting for the “right time”.

As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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What a truly amazing book!
I felt for Julie as she never wanted kids and then felt underprepared and unequipped to care for her brother’s children. I found myself cheering for her during the good times and rooting her on during the rough spots.
The inter workings of most families are messy and hard, and Julie’s is all of that. Grief is hard and 4-years-olds can be a struggle, but to grieve while caring for grieving 4-year-olds is a whole different level of difficulty.
Cue in Grant, the brother of Julie’s deceased sister-in-law, who shoes up and creates his own place in Julie and the kids’ lives. Also grieving, also family, also having a stake in the children’s lives.

This book is a real page turner as you continue cheering on Julie and wanting to see her succeed as a new parent.

Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Everyone knows when a married person goes missing, you first look at their spouse and other close relationships. But when someone has woven a tangled web, everyone begins to look suspicious.

This book had me second guessing myself at every turn. Just when I felt confident that I had it figured out, someone else would start to look guilty.
Jumping into the 5th of a series is never easy, but I will definitely be reading the others from this series. Very well written and attention grabbing.

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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As annoying as it can be to be mistaken for his Mom and to have to give up the summer before her senior year, Claire loves Harry and will protect their bond at all costs. Her mom is just not acting like she should and hasn’t ever since she had Harry. But it could be mostly because her brother Pat, is evil.
Hoping that the new guy in school, Chad and her best friend, Mads, don’t make her pick between them Claire is really trying to find her way and help her family. She has enough going on and really needs good supportive friends.

This book is definitely a “hold your attention, page turner” as you become invested in Claire’s story. You can’t help but become one of her cheerleaders through all the things being thrown her direction.

Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Regardless of the size of a neighborhood, do we ever really know our neighbors?
Retirement communities typically have a slow-going pace with committees and activities to help with socializing. Yet, keeping to one’s self can sound very appealing to many. Retirement, aging and end of life can cause some struggles to deal with, both physically and emotionally.
Jane, Leslie, Andrea and Hazel are all at different stages of finding where they belong in this world after recent changes in their lives. Jane, Leslie & Andrea find one another and forge their own friendship while Hazel deals with her life changes on her own.
A quick but good read.

Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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I enjoyed this book. It was funny and entertaining gripping your attention and making you want to know what happens next.
Lizza is disgusted and embarrassed by everything her father is doing for their family. As a typical preteen girl, she would prefer to not have so many embarrassing things happening within her family to make them stand out.
She’s trying to help her family fly under the radar, despite her Dad’s business ventures but everything she tries continue to backfire. How many things can her dad do to embarrass her and how many ways can her ideas go wrong?

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Annie is not looking to settle down. She is over the entire aspect of getting married. Craig doesn’t have any interest in being serious with anyone, ever. But for whatever reason, they have an unquenchable, undeniable attraction to one another. After an agreement to just let the next 2 weeks run their course and then be done. But will 2 weeks really be enough when all they can think about is one another?

 

This book has it all – the emotions, the turmoil, the “fun” of small town drama, and steamy scenes.

 

The Misery House (The house on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Within a small town where “outsiders” are quickly noticed and slowly accepted, the new people are obviously the first suspects when anything changes.But it’s not just the new people that seem off here, it’s also an entire area around an abandoned house. However people seem much more drawn to finding out about the every house than the new members of town.
Even married to a local man, Naomi knows what it’s like to be a “newcomer” and with her kids being born and raised there, they are often still seen as “different”. Torn between siding with his friends and supporting his wife, Cliff must make a decision. Naomi will not stand for people being treated he way she was and wants everyone to stay away from the abandoned house.
This book is un-put-down-able and I am eagerly waiting for the rest of the series.

Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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Pyper is great at giving everyone advice, and they all look to her to do so. She’s caring and compassionate and not wanting anyone to feel the way she did. Last year’s prom changed her entire outlook on many things – boys, high school and her future.
Being a great big sister and a good friend is her main focus now. So much so that she listens to everyone else and focuses on helping them instead of coming to terms with her own.
She is wanting everything to be different this year, but that may mean that she needs to let others in.

The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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This book sucks you in from the very first sentence and keeps you there for the entire book. The characters and storyline are intriguing the entire way through.
Mitch is going through so many things in every aspect of his life that it feels like he just can’t win and right when you think you have it figured out for him, there is another curveball. All eyes are on him, a few times, for different yet similar reasons and you just aren’t sure who to believe. Living in a small town, near his wife’s close knit family, has him feeling even more alone as they drift from him as well as everything he has worked so hard for.

This is a great read!

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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A fantastic children’s book with a good lesson to it. I read this with my 6 year old and was very impressed when her response to Chester putting everything under the bed was “you aren’t supposed to do that! That’s not really cleaning”. But she definitely did want to have her own Messy Kid friends to help clean her room after.
The illustrations are fantastic and it is a book that puts a smile on everyone’s faces. With a great story that is relatable for both parents and children.