Posts

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series #3) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

/0 Comments/in /by

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series Book 3)Secure Heart by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel which although book three in the ‘Chase Security Series’ can be read as a standalone story. However some of the characters do crossover as the series is about the Chase brothers and their team. Having read the previous books I was looking forward to this one and was not disappointed. ‘Secure Heart’, is Julian and Holly’s story, and former Navy SEAL and widower Julian “Smooth” Dupart is the new head of the Chase Group in San Diego and is “breaking up” with his bottle of bourbon. Indie performing artist Holly Dupree Morrison had an abusive childhood followed by abusive relationships. Sadly her four year old daughter Sadie who has a compromised heart needs surgery after taking bad medication from the Chase Group Health Center. Meanwhile, Julian has discovered that his company had been distributing substandard and counterfeit medication. Holly is forced to hire Chase Security when a stalker nearly kills her and a remorseful Julian vows to protect her and Sadie.

Cheerful and sassy Sadie steals Julians heart and so does her Mum but he worries that he can’t face loosing Sadie to the same illness that his wife died from. Holly is concerned about trusting her heart to Julian despite their shared chemistry and mutual attraction. It’s not just Holly who finds herself in danger as someone seems out to get Julian and Chase Security as well. In the background San Diego has a serial kidnapper on the loose who tortures women and abducts their children. Julian and his colleagues have to discover how the threats to Holly and the threats to the company are connected to the kidnapper and work out how to stop them before anymore women and children are taken.

This was an eventful novel which was full of drama, suspense and of course romance. The storyline had me hooked from start to finish and the plot kept me gripped wanting to find out how it was all going to end. I loved the main characters, Julian, Holly and Sadie and how the relationships developed between all three of them. The chemistry between Julian and Holly really came across and I liked how their tentative romance developed throughout the story. An enjoyable and engaging book which I recommend.

View all my reviews

THE PATIENCE OF KARMA (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery #5) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Lianne Probert

/0 Comments/in /by

The Patience of KarmaThe Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Patience of Karma is the fifth book in the Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. This story can be read without having to read the rest of the series, but I would recommend starting at book one. The story and the characters have developed so much throughout that you will be missing out if you don’t.

Book five starts back with Madeline and Mike, now a few months into their marriage. As usual they both have their separate cases to work on, but come together to help each other work through plots, stories and to work things out. The cases are not without their challenges, and although they are almost like reading two different stories the author manages to bring them together as one.
Madeline and Mike are tested in many ways in this story, and their relationship continues to grow.
I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the start, and this book doesn’t disappoint. I have loved seeing the development in the characters of Madeline and Mike, both separately and as a couple. They bring out the best in each other in so many ways.
The author, as always, has done her research and this shines through in the story. I would recommend this series to get stuck in to.

View all my reviews

THE PATIENCE OF KARMA (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery #5) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Meg Tyrrell

/0 Comments/in /by

The Patience of KarmaThe Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my 5th Madeline Dawkins Mystery by Cynthia Hamilton. I’m already a huge fan of Ms. Hamilton’s, and this book did NOT disappoint. Madeline and Mike are at it again, picking up cases and trying to fight through lies and secrets to get to the truth. I love how much she’s including Samir, he’s been such a great character! I would literally read anything Cynthia Hamilton writes, but her Madeline Mysteries are my all time favorite. I can’t wait for the next and I hope she doesn’t stop writing them any time soon!

View all my reviews

Shattered Reality (Summoned Book 1) by C.A. King, USA Today Bestselling Author – Review by Laura Furuta

/0 Comments/in /by

Shattered Reality (Summoned Book 1)Shattered Reality by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shattered Reality (Summoned Book 1)
By C.A. King
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Shattered Reality (Summoned Book 1) by C.A. King. It is a story that includes magic, mystery, and danger. Once I started reading, I was hooked. I enjoyed reading about the character Mudesa Black. She is a psychiatrist and someone intelligent, independent, and strong. She has now found herself on her way back home, a place that she hasn’t been to in a long time. It is there that she meets Perry P, a private investigator. He is handsome, charming, and has Mudesa taking a second look. Will Mudesa find out the mystery behind her fears? What will she find at her family’s estate? Read this book to find out. This story had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. I found the character of Mudesa changing as the story progressed. I was rooting for her to succeed in finding out the mystery she uncovers once returns home. The author has created a wonderful fantasy book in which the story and the characters come alive on the page. Don’t miss out on an exciting and entertaining book that you will not want to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading it.

View all my reviews

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series #3) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series Book 3)Secure Heart by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Chase Security Series and its just as gripping as the first 2. The love story is really touching and emotional that you cant help but love the characters. Along with that story there is also the mystery, mayhem and terror which surrounds Chase Security and the people they protect.

In this story we follow Julian. We found out a little about him in previous books but in this book we learn all about him. I like Julian’s character. He is smart, amazingly good at his job and has a heart of gold.

After being transferred to the San Diego part of Chase Security he realised that things in that part of the business aren’t what they seem and what he unravels will shock and amaze.

As well as this element there is also a romance and this happens with Holly. Holly has had a troubled past but is now making a life for herself and her daughter. With a manager trying to get his claws into her and a crazy fan threatening her safety she hires Chase Security and more importantly Julian to protect her.

Can Julian save her from the dangers around her? Is he able to open his heart and learn to love again? Will Holly see him for the man he is or will she think he is just like all the other men in her life?

View all my reviews

Child of Prophecy (The Tirumfall Trilogy BOOK 2) by J Drew Brumbaugh – Review by Laura Furuta

/0 Comments/in /by

Child of ProphecyChild of Prophecy by J. Drew Brumbaugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Child of Prophecy (The Tirumfall Trilogy BOOK 2)
By J Drew Brumbaugh
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Child of Prophecy (The Tirumfall Trilogy BOOK 2) by J Drew Brumbaugh. It is a story that includes action, danger, magic, and comradery. A prophecy is about to come true that has Gant and those with him springing into action. A prophecy about a child that will lead an army to victory over Gant and the surrounding lands. Read this book to find out the full story of what happens. This story is fast-paced and has plenty of adventure. I love the character of Gant. He is someone that you want on your side of the battle. I also loved reading about additional characters such as Amelia, Pris, and Dalphnia. They have been brought forward from the first story. Many other characters help in this journey. It is awesome how the characters care about what happens to each other. The book had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. The author does an amazing job of making the story and the characters come alive. I felt like I was right there beside them. There are unhappy moments as well as touching ones. Don’t miss out on the second book in a wonderful series. It is exciting and entertaining. I highly recommend reading it

View all my reviews

She’s No Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Katie Matthews

/0 Comments/in /by

She's No CowgirlShe’s No Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

She’s No Cowgirl was a wonderful read by Brooke May! I loved the characters and I found I was easily engaged in their story. I liked that this was a little different to what I anticipated, it was unpredictable and I was hooked the whole way through. I’ve read books by this author previously so I knew the writing would be good and I wasn’t disappointed. Hunter and Kennedy were great characters, they had a great connection and there was some good chemistry between them. Their passion for sport really shone through in the story and this definitely helped with their relationship. I’ve not read any of the other books in this series but I think I shall be looking for them.
Overall a really enjoyable 4 star read and one that I would definitely recommend.

@katiem
View all my reviews

Better To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

Better To Have LovedBetter To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Better To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas is a touching romance that is vastly different to her other books as this one is based on her family. Christy has bravely shared the story of her parents. The story does jump backward and forward between the past/present and memories and can be a bit confusing but once that is under control you get lost in the story and the real life characters. It is a story of self discovery and fighting between your own needs and those of family. It is two stories of two women one from the past and one from the present and the search for answers on who they are and what makes them, them.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Eternal Wanderings: The Continuing Journey of Kara O’Keefe by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

Eternal Wanderings: The Continuing Journey of Kara O'KeefeEternal Wanderings: The Continuing Journey of Kara O’Keefe by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eternal Wanderings: The Continuing Journey of Kara O’Keefe by Danielle Ackley-McPhail is a very short and original fantasy story with a few odds and sods added to the end of the book. Danielle always paints a vivid tale that makes it easy to journey along with the characters. The story doesn’t flow as well as I would have liked but that said I still found the storyline interesting and full of mystery, action and magic.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

THE PATIENCE OF KARMA (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery #5) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

The Patience of KarmaThe Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton is the fifth book in the Madeline Dawkins series. This book can be read as a standalone however in my opinion it is definitely worth reading this whole series! It is always so easy to fall straight back into the Madeline Dawkins life and the cases that she is solving. It feels like you don’t leave them behind at all at the end of each book.
This book was an interesting one to read. There was a lot going on for the characters all at once but it added more to the depth of the book and made it exciting to read. I was intrigued as to how it was all going to turn out and that kept the pages turning quickly. This is another great addition to the series and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.

View all my reviews

She’s No Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

She's No CowgirlShe’s No Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She’s No Cowgirl by Brooke May is the fifth book in the My Cowboy series. This book can be read as a standalone so you don’t need to have read the previous books in the series first. I thought this was a really good sport romance story. It was a sweet, fairly easy read but had great characters with a strong connection between them. I really thought that you could feel the connection between them.
The story itself is entertaining too. With romance and scandal it made for a fun read and the whole way through I really wanted the characters to find a way to make their relationship work. The author paced the story well so that it built up nicely and really got you invested in the story! This was a great book and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

View all my reviews

Love On The Ropes (Love In Action Book 1) by Aviva Vaughn – Review by Katie Matthews

/0 Comments/in /by

Love On The Ropes (Love in Action, #1)Love On The Ropes by Aviva Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Love on the Ropes was a really nice and enjoyable romantic read by an author I absolutely adore. I’m not sure it’s my favourite book from Ms Vaughn but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Erin and Clint, they had a great banter between them (albeit they hated each other) and a nice amount of chemistry. I liked Erin from the very start, she was such a relatable character and I really enjoyed getting to know her from the start. Clint made me work a bit harder to get to know him but I liked that, his character developed nicely over the story.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and as always I look forward to reading more from Ms Vaughn in the future!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Reign (The Larussio Legacy Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Katie Matthews

/0 Comments/in /by

Reign The Larussio LegacyReign The Larussio Legacy by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

Oh My God !! This book was amazing! I was completely captivated by every single word I read, I love this author and have loved every single book I’ve read of hers so I know I shouldn’t have expected anything less but honestly I couldn’t get enough of what I was reading. It was exciting, thrilling, action packed and so much more! The authors’ writing was phenomenal and it is easily one of my favourite books in 2020! Giovanni and Serena are amazing characters and I loved reading about them. I love mob stories so this one was a definite plus for me!
As always I look forward to more from Ms Mari and I 100% recommend Reign!!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Self Made (Freshwater BOOK 2) by Belinda Williams – Review by Katie Matthews

/0 Comments/in /by

Self Made (Freshwater Book 2)Self Made by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

I really enjoyed this book; I have previously read work by this author but not from this series. I really liked Ms Williams writing style, it was easy to read and the characters were really likeable and I could easily relate to them. I like Jessica and Ant, they were connectable characters and I really enjoyed reading about them. Jessica was a smart lady, she knew what she wanted and she worked really hard to achieve it. Ant was hilarious! He made me laugh out loud so many times! He was a great character! I loved the setting for the story; it felt serene at times when the author was describing everything.
I would definitely recommend Self Made! It was a great 5 star read!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series #3) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Heather Lovelace

/0 Comments/in /by

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series Book 3)Secure Heart by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series just gets better and better. I really appreciate the emotional connection that Dunn establishes immediately. As the reader I immediately was invested in the characters and storyline. I love the way Dunn develops the story with a very natural and compelling ebb and flow. Just the right amount of suspense, drama, and romance. Although it can be read as a stand-alone I would absolutely recommend this be read with the other books of the series. They are just so good you will want to read them all.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
View all my reviews

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jonell Collins

/0 Comments/in /by

Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler is such a lighthearted little mystery tale. I love these books featuring Karina Cardinal. She truly is a woman that trouble seeks. It is witty, sarcastic and sounds so much like plain ordinary people, except for the Silverthorne folk of course. This was a quick and easy read for me because I just enjoyed it so much. And when I thought it was over there were still surprises at the end. You can’t go wrong with this one.

View all my reviews

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Erin Wolf

/0 Comments/in /by

Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4) by Ellen Butler, 5 stars.

I always forget just how good this series is until I start the next book and find myself unable to put it down. This book is no exception. I was pulled in from the very beginning. I like how they moved the location to another country. The change in setting was refreshing while still maintaining everything this series is know for. I liked how it was not all about DC and politics, now revolves around ancient relics. There is still a lot of adventure and twists and turns in the story, it is both thrilling and gripping.

Then there are the characters. Karina is great as always. She feels real, not always making the most popular decisions, but ones she feels strongly about. I like how we got to know more about her neighbor, Mrs. Thundermuffin. I could tell from previous books that she was definitely an interesting character and I was so great that the author told us so much more about her in this book. I also like how Rodrigo was more of a main character in this book too. Again, he seemed like an interesting character previously, but I had no idea just what he was made of. This book shows us.

If you like a thrilling mystery suspense with great characters and a gripping story, this book and series are for you. In my opinion, this can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading all of them since they are so good.

View all my reviews

THE PATIENCE OF KARMA (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery #5) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

/0 Comments/in /by

The Patience of KarmaThe Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has to be my favorite book of this series so far. While I have read all the previous books, you could read this as a standalone.
What I really love about this author is as you’re reading you pick up possible clues and then as you keep reading you remember what you read way before and then it takes a turn and it left me guessing.
Two cases to keep them busy and leave you reading until the last word.

View all my reviews

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series #3) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Erica Fish

/0 Comments/in /by

Secure Heart (Chase Security Series Book 3)Secure Heart by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the third book in the Chase Security Series. With each book, I believe the stories are getting better. R. L. Dunn brings her heart and soul into her books. This book is about Julian and Holly. Julian is a former Navy Seal who is a widow. Julian is the head of Chase Group in San Diego. Holly is an artist. She has not had a great track record with good men. Holly goes to Chase to hire them because of a stalker. Will Julian be able to help her? Will there be more involved with Holly personally or just as a case? What will happen to Holly? I highly recommend this story to see what happens next.

View all my reviews

IRRESISTIBLE – FALL INTO ROMANCE (Irresistible Romance Book 5) Anthology – Review by Robin Rankin

/0 Comments/in /by

IRRESISTIBLE - FALL INTO ROMANCE (Irresistible Romance Book 5)IRRESISTIBLE – FALL INTO ROMANCE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

IRRESISTIBLE – FALL INTO ROMANCE (Irresistible Romance Book 5)

by Tamara Ferguson (Author), Natalie Ann (Author), Suzanne Jenkins (Author), Cynthia Cooke (Author), Alicia Street (Author), Jen Talty (Author), Angela Stevens (Author), Patrice Wilton (Author)

Another amazing anthology from some pretty amazing authors  and worth every minute spent reading.

I’m only going to highlight the first book in the anthology which is Two Hearts Truce by Tamara Ferguson.

I fell in love with Jeff the moment he was in a non-combat setting in the previous book.   There was something very charming  about him, well the charm didn’t go away.  He is as charming if not more so once you really get to know him.  He is just an amazing guy who deserves to be happy.

Amanda is a lot to deal with at first, she’s not pleasant or all that likable.   Then you peal back a little bit and start to see a bit of the real her and learn her secrets and her personality makes sense.

You get laughs, love and suspense all in this first book.  Enjoyed every moment of it.

View all my reviews

Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High Collections Book 2) by Mina Chara – Review by Sunday Barnaby

/0 Comments/in /by

Heartbreak Rebellion (Hero High, #4)Heartbreak Rebellion by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion by Mina Chara
Four Stars

Hero High: Heartbreak Rebellion is Books 4 Depression, 5 Acceptance and 6 Hero of the Hero High series by Mina Chara. This segment of the series is filled with fast paced intrigue and adventure along with a little romance throw in. Friday Fitzsimmons is back and on the edge of stardom, but is that what she really wants? This fantasy superhero genre is not one I usually read, but I’m really enjoying this series. All of the characters are growing as the series unravels and the writing is wonderful. I highly recommend this book, series and author.

Review by @sunbarn

View all my reviews

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jana Teppih

/0 Comments/in /by

Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharaoh’s Forgery is the fourth book in Ellen Butler’s Karina Cardinal Mystery series and we are going on a short girls’ holiday to Mexico with Karina … or so we think! It is always a pleasure to meet up with Karina and her kooky circle of friends and the enemies, the enemies tend to take the cake, every time!
Karina is going to Cancun for some sun and margaritas while also dropping off a package to Mrs Thundermuffin and you can guess what she does … Karina opens the Pandora Box and off we go onto a crazy ride with kidnappers and murderers and conmen. It is really good that Karina has friends in right places as she really needs some help to get herself and her fellow lobbyist Rodrigo back home in one piece! I loved how the writer had used her extensive research into the Brazilian National Museum fire to bring alive the story so that we were biting our nails at times and probably praying to ourselves ‘please, please, please …’

View all my reviews

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Amanda Kimble

/0 Comments/in /by

Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #4) by Ellen Butler

Butler has this way of making you love her books. This is part of the Karina Cardinal Mystery Series and damn if it’s not a good one. You will want to read this even if you haven’t read the first 3.

Karina, K.C. as Mike calls her finds that she may be going on vacation alone. Her sister is down, her mom is taking care of Jill, and her boyfriend is working. Once on vacation she finds herself in trouble. The quote I chose for Karina is: “Not a word. Not a f***ing word.”

Mike, FBI Agent, has to work and feels bad about Karina going alone. He surprises her, but instead he’s the one who gets the surprise. He doesn’t like that she finds herself in trouble. The quote I chose for Mike is: “It’s Tuesday. Are you going to take Rick up on his offer?”

Highly recommended if you love crime, drama and romance.

View all my reviews

Fall of the Western Kings (The Tirumfall Trilogy Book 1) by J Drew Brumbaugh – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

Fall of the Western Kings (Tirumfall Trilogy #1)Fall of the Western Kings by J. Drew Brumbaugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fall of The Western Kings by J. Drew Brumbaugh is the first book in the Tirumfall Trilogy. This is a great example of what a fantasy story should be like – it is detailed, and complex while having the right amount of adventure and excitement thrown in. It didn’t take any time at all for me to become engaged with this book. I liked the way in which the story built – it felt like the author actually took the time set the scene and build the main basis of the story.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I have to say I am already excited to read more. I loved his writing style from the moment I started reading and I thought that it matched perfectly with the genre of book he has written. The whole development throughout and just the whole feel of the book were brilliant. This felt like a really strong start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.

View all my reviews

Eternal Wanderings: The Continuing Journey of Kara O’Keefe by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

Eternal WanderingsEternal Wanderings by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eternal Wanderings: The Continuing Journey of Kara O’Keefe by Danielle Ackley-McPhail is a good fantasy story about a girl trying to find her place. This was an interesting story to read. It was easy to connect with from the start and was well developed all the way through. Kara was a good character as the focus of the story – she was easy to engage with and kept the story going.
At time’s I did find the book to be a little confusing however this soon passed and I was able to pick back up the story. Overall this is an enjoyable read and for anyone interested in this genre it is worth a go.

View all my reviews

IRRESISTIBLE – FALL INTO ROMANCE (Irresistible Romance Book 5) Anthology – Review by Betsy Melano

/0 Comments/in /by

IRRESISTIBLE - FALL INTO ROMANCE (Irresistible Romance Book 5)IRRESISTIBLE – FALL INTO ROMANCE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am actually new to this Anthology, if the rest of the books are anything like this one, I’m sure I will love them all. I had no problem following the story and figuring out how the characters were connected. This is one of the best romances I’ve read recently. Jeff & Amanda dated back in high school. Like many young loves, they didn’t last. They continue to be in each other’s lives but don’t realize that each one was still attracted to the other. Will they make it past the reason they broke up?

View all my reviews

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharoah’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation by Ellen Butler is the fourth book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. This book can be read as a stand-alone although you might find it helpful to read the previous books first as it follows the same character throughout.
This book is yet another brilliant addition to this great series. It is always so good to get back into these characters and the adventures that seem to follow them everywhere. The story in this one is exciting and full of intrigued, just like I have come to expect.
The author is doing a brilliant job is creating a series that is not only lasting but still just as exciting this many books in. Each book just seems to get better. This is a great book and the whole series is one I would recommend!

View all my reviews

Tidal Love by KM Lowe – Review by Nicole Noble

/0 Comments/in /by

Tidal LoveTidal Love by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tidal Love by K.M. Lowe

While K.M. Lowe is a new author to me, her writing style feels like a warm familiar blanket. Tidal Love was a great read filled with engaging characters and a wonderful storyline.

Harleigh Harrison is not the same woman that she used to be. After an abusive relationship, she is now trying to find out who she is again. With the promise of a wonderful town and nightlife, her family sends her off to find herself again. But is the sun, sand, and a few drinks all it will take to get her life back? Or will she discover she is more broken than this holiday trip can fix?

Giovani Russi is finally able to focus on the important things in his life, like his hotel and growing his empire. After overcoming the drama that was his ex and everything that entailed, he was ready to coast on smooth waters. That is until he meets Harleigh. Like his hotel, he can see that this beauty has a story behind her walls. Will he be able to help her heal with the beauty of his town and all it offers?

Ms. Lowe brings the reader two broken people and lets us take part as they learn to overcome their pasts and love again. The ebb and flow of this book was so easy. The gradual unfolding of both Harleigh and Giovanni’s stories to their flourishing relationship, Ms. Lowe makes sure the reader is pulled in and entranced. With great dialogue and subtext, the reader also takes the journey with the characters as they learn how to trust again. Not only themselves but other people in their lives. With Ms. Lowe’s attention to detail and stunning description of the story’s location, it surely makes you want to hop a plane to Bulgaria to visit this wondrous place. If you are looking for a book to “fall into” this is definitely one you should pick up.

View all my reviews

Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

/0 Comments/in /by

Pharaoh's Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4)Pharaoh’s Forgery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharaoh’s Forgery is the fourth book in Ellen Butler’s Karina Cardinal Mystery series. Like in the previous books, the plot is driven by Karina’s impressive ability to get wrapped up in dangerous, mysterious crimes. Pharaoh’s Forgery combines exotic holiday (to Mexico, not Egypt as the title might suggest) with the theft and forgery of historical artefacts.
In this book, Karina draws on her growing network of friends and useful contacts to help her out with the trouble she inevitably finds herself in. I particularly enjoyed getting to spend some more time with Rodrigo, Karina’s charismatic co-worker, and Mrs Thundermuffin, her eccentric neighbour. It was fun having characters who feel like old friends around, and to learn more about them.
This is a great read for anyone missing going on holiday and exploring museums (and I imagine will be an enjoyable holiday read when we can travel again!). Butler does a good job of describing the places Karina visits, and we get plenty of time to enjoy the hotel (and the food! I was hungry just reading it!).
For me, this is a five-star read. It’s a really good series and I’m enjoying seeing Karina grow and develop as she gets used to the trouble that seems to follow her around and learns how to protect herself. It’s worth starting at the beginning, with Isabella’s Painting, to get to know Karina and meet some of the supporting characters.

View all my reviews

Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur

/0 Comments/in /by

Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily ConjuringsEveryday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a beautiful piece of nonfiction which gives you an idea about how to bring a little more joy and enchantment into the everyday. As the book goes from topic to topic, it is a study of the little things and how much they can cause enjoyment, disruption and rest. It is a work from the heart and it shows how a change of perspective can make the difference between doing something because you always do it and really investing in what you are doing.

There are examples in each chapter of the type of things that bring joy to the author, it goes into such detail about the beauty within these things and the way in which she describes the actions and feelings behind them, which make the book even more immersive.

In the first chapter the author talks about what enchantment is and the definition of the word, this is done in such a way that you can almost see the word in front of your eyes and all of the magic that it can contain within it. This view of enchantment really sets the tone for the rest of the book and the format which the author will use to talk about how she sees her everyday enchantments.

The next chapter talks about double egg yolks and how she sees them as a joyful surprise when they burst out of the egg when cracked open, this leads her to talk about how this can uplift you when you see the bright colours and how it can also bring a feeling a fullness and opportunity to start the day the right way.

As you read through this wonderful book you find yourself thinking about the things in your own life which bring you joy, it draws out the feelings behind these things and helps you to reconnect to them in a meaningful way. It shows an example of a new ebay of thinking and finding the joy in the enchantment anyone can find in their everyday living situation from first thing in the morning through to last thing at night.

So embark on a journey of discovering the magic, conjuring and enchantment which can be found everyday if you go looking for it.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews