The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Violet’s new company has been tasked with protecting a company in town with protestors heading their way. One big problem arises…Violet’s mother, Daisy, is one of the lead protesters. Enjoyable book that made me think about bye mother/daughter relationship.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn
Cruel Hate is the fifth book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and is a Enemies to Lover’s Romance New Adult Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is packed with drama, suspense, family drama, tension, enemies-to-lovers and plenty of angst. I highly recommend reading the prequel Cruel Start before diving into this book as this one picks up where the prequel left us. Each book in this series keeps getting better and hotter than the last one. This is Phoenix and Aspens Duet and holy smokes! These two had a one-night stand that brings a shocking surprise that neither one was truly prepared for. So, a plan is formed to keep both their parents off their backs. But will this fake relationship turn into more than that? These two don’t have a easy time but can they navigate through it all together or will it end in a disaster? I highly recommend reading this book. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out how it all ends. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When We Fell Again is a second chance rockstar romance tale by Julie Archer. I have not read anything by Julie before and was intrigued to see what she brings to the table.
It is a well written angsty story where the characters are well-developed and definitely full of flaws. It is a short tale of drugs sex and rock n roll undeniable chemistry. There is lots of drama, misunderstandings, jealousy and insecurities, tension and chemistry.
When We Fell Again is a good story with lots of ups and downs. There is a motley crew (pardon the pun) of supporting characters who make things very interesting. Julie takes us on a journey of rocky love and into the not so glamorous world of music and the pitfalls that many find in that area.
At times I wanted to knock some people in the head and others I wanted to give a big hug to.
Jordan could once again have it all. Everything he has ever wanted but his past returns to threaten it all to lead to a dark path.
Alexis has been offered a gig of a lifetime but that means seeing him again. Will she be able to save him this time or will his past be too much once again?
When it comes to love the heart wants what the heart wants.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My first thoughts were this was a “must read” because I really enjoyed the first book of the Trentbridge series. I enjoyed how the new storyline and characters were introduced before reintroducing the main characters from the previous books, for example, James Sheldon. It hooked me right away to see where this story was heading. Like the initial book, this one was full of action, a plausible story line, and a resolution that was thought out (as opposed to “just ending” the book, which a lot of books within a series tend to do, in my opinion).
Right away, the cover art drew me in- I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between the stylized eye (symbolizing the lucky break?) and the realistic city scene, portraying the newly introduced character Peter Winston-Moore.
Throughout this sequel, I appreciated how the character development of recurring characters, such as James, remain the same. At the same time, some of the new characters have some far-fetched schemes, but made for a great story!
I really enjoyed the recurring theme in this book, of each of the characters, new and old, getting, in their viewpoint, “lucky breaks,” it really helped with keeping the pacing of this book fast and fresh. This time, the action centers around not a lottery winner, but art forgery and selling art, with great world building as the characters visit fairs, antique stores, and auction houses.
I read a lot of mystery novels, but not much crime novels, so I appreciated the novel’s ending surprising me to some degree. As with the first book, the chapters are on the shorter side, and the writing style is simple and refreshing, not overly flowerly or elegant, which I think depicts the world of art forgery to a tee. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
The Mother’s Threat is another psychological drama from Susan. It is a standalone book so there is no need to worry about missing out from a previous storyline.
This story is about a woman that is trying to build her life and her ever dramatic relationship with her unstable mother is complex to say the least. The twisty tale is driven by the rocky road mother/daughter relationship.
There were many times throughout that I wanted to do away with the vile woman who was supposed to love and care for her daughter. So, to say I had a hard time connecting with this woman was an understatement.
Susan also includes contentious themes within the driving of the story.
This emotionally charged tale is full of pain, frustration, heartbreak, betrayal and a lot more as one woman is ignored whilst trying to stop an all-out war.
If you like a story that is a fast-paced quick read thriller with lots of action, protests, threats and some intense moments this book may just be for you.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked up “The Mother’s Threat” because I have read other books from Susan Specht Oram and have enjoyed them. Like all of her books, the cover gives little away, which I appreciate, with simply a chain link fence, which makes me question- whom or what is being kept in? Or out?
We soon find out the main character, Violet, is a recurring character from the book Shore Lodge, whom has set up her own security service company she set up to try to right the wrongs done to her as well as fellow employees. All goes well until her mother comes to town as part of a huge environmental anti-government protest movement in the quaint town of Millersville. Throughout the book, I appreciated how both of the main characters learn to forgive and move on, as well as grow their mother/daughter relationship- to an extent. I thought the ending was highly predictable, but this book was still worth reading to discover how Violet solves her maternal issues.
The most memorable part of the book was the tension and atmosphere created by the author- I really felt like I was in the middle of a protest, at times. The vivid descriptions of the actions of the protestors, the police, and Violet’s company were highly realistic and fearful, as they were, what would happen next.
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Trentbridge Tales series. While this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading in order to get the backstory on the people involved.
This book is just as riveting as the first one, with twists and turns that no one would see coming. This book kept me engaged throughout and I was not expecting the culprit at the end. Lee Wood has a way of weaving a story together that will have you guessing and second guessing throughout. This is set “over the pond” so there is some terminology that I had to look up but it was not distracting to the overall read.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book will grab you and won’t let up until the words “the end” come up!
Violet is setting up her own security company after years of working for others. She’s amassed a team that has experience covering all the major facets of security. When a prominent business owner approaches her for her services, she’s thinking that this will be a very easy first job. The contracts are signed and everything suddenly changes.
Violet finds herself in the midst of a battle to save not only her client, but the town in which she lives. Rioters find their way to town and just about do them in. Violet and her team are on the case, even if other officials are not.
This book has strong political undertones dealing with corruption in some of the highest local offices. It was almost impossible to put this down as the story just grew more complex with each chapter.
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was fantastic. I highly recommend it. Bridget is on vacation and wonder me over into the secluded part of the beach. That is where she meets Fyn. She doesn’t know that he is actually a prince. Fyn is pulled in different directions, when it comes to Bridget and his family. Will their love be able to handle all the pressure?
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isla did it again. This is such a good series. This book is about Phoenix and Aspen. Phoenix wants to play NFL, but Aspen is pregnant. How will a baby fit in? The book ended on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens. I cannot get enough of Isla’s books. It’s an easy and quick read. I can never put never put the book down. Always exciting and suspense filled. I highly recommend Isla’s books. She does not disappoint!
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I Recommend you go read this book, especially if you love a good vampire, wolf series!! The beginning story just keeps getting better & better! This is the 3rd book in it’s series… Series are a MUST read for me LOL …I always want the amazing world the author creates to continue && that is what most certainly happens here. Can be read as a standalone BUT I very highly recommend reading them in order, to know more about the unfolding story! LOVED the characters & their continued story! Go READ IT NOW!!
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the sweetest childrens book. It explains to kids what happens to animals or pets when they become sick and/or dying. The author does an outstanding job at explaining every step of the way an process for the family, children an vet. Down to the sweet, caring details. Also love the rainbow bridge explanation at the end!
Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Eee-ahh and Shirl are back with a Rocketship Made of Stars. This book is fun, imaginative, educational and the illustrations were colorful and engaging. I really enjoyed this book and although this is for ages 4-8, I believe this story can be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart like me.
Eee-ahh is back on earth and is so happy that she goes to school with Shirl one day so she may hear stories. Eee-ahh meets new friends along the way and also learns all about stars and constellations. Shirl and her friends learn about where Eee-ahh and her stars.
This is a cute, fun story. Loving the learning aspect with all sorts of constellations and what each of them mean.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not wait to get my hands on this book and start reading. As soon as it hit my kindle I opened it immediately and did not put it down until I had finished. It just had to know how things would progress after the previous book. It took no effort to become engaged with this book. I love the characters. I would say they are some of my favourites but that would also apply to every single couple in this series so far.
This author has such a enigmatic and captivating writing style. I love each and every book. They are all completely different yet have the same feel about them. Not only is this one of my favourite series this year, it is only of my favourites overall. I cannot wait until the next book to see how things turn out.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is technically part of a series, but the rest of the series isn’t necessary to follow this book. The author has written another fantastic story! I could not put it down as I waited for what would happen next. It follows Violet Cleveland as she launches her own security company. Unfortunately for her, as she signs her first major client, trouble comes into town. No matter what the personal cost, she will make sure to protect her client. Protestors and vandals try to derail everything she has worked for, and her own mother is a part of the problem. Her mother treats her unbelievably unfair and quite terribly. Violet struggles with loving her mom while still having boundaries and not being ok with her mom’s actions. There is so much angst about loving her mom and not liking her at all. I believe this is something we all struggle in our lives with someone in our families. It is so relatable. Great book!
Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a quick read for me. This book was ok for me. It moved a little slow for me and I was hoping for more action. I didn’t connect with the characters especially Mia who I found a little bothersome. Overall, the plot tied up nicely but the flow was a little stuck for me. I would read others by this author as I did enjoy the book overall.
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author Maria DeBlassie has an amazing perspective with her Tarot cards that lead to her connection with a magical energy that most are not aware of.
Her words spoke to me but I could not connect to her emotions when she wrote about her passion and ways in her poems. For the fact that I am open-minded about a lot of things but for me, this is out of my reach due to I stay away from things that don’t belong to God.
The author has a lot of emotions in her love to have a relationship with her Tarot cards with all respect. Those who like to have a connection with Tarot cards especially my daughter will love this book because she is learning and interested to speak to her cards.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good Thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It was a unique story for me and I loved how the author really did a thorough job on the relationship between Daisy and Violet. It really helped to bring the characters to life and I could really feel Violets turmoil as she struggled with protecting her client and her job over protecting her mother.
Violet has set up her own security company and they are taken on by a big company for protection. In their small town nothing much happens so it should be an easy job. Rumours start of activists arriving to protest against her client has her in edge for trouble. But with the police and even the town mayor not taking her worries seriously is she blowing things out of proportion?
As the activists arrive Violet is also deal another blow when she realises that one of the main activists is her own mother. Now she has to stand against her mother to do whats right by her clients and possible destroy the relationship she has with her mother in the process. What starts out as a peaceful protest soon gets out of hand and as things turn violent will Violet be able to keep control especially without support from the police or mayor?
I had mixed feelings about Violets and Daisy’s relationship. While i could understand Daisy standing up for her beliefs I couldn’t get over how she puts Violet in danger and makes her a target for the activist group. I also didn’t like the way Daisy broke into Violets house. Daisy comes across as a very self centred person, not caring who she hurts in her pursuit to make her views known. I felt for Violet being stuck between a rock and a hard place and I also felt her sense of betrayal and hurt but also admiration as she watches her mother stand up for what she believes in no matter the cost.
It was an enjoyable read that was fast paced and I couldn’t put down.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an incredible book, it was filled with action, excitement, suspenseful, thriller, fast paced. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I felt like I couldn’t read it fast enough. The twists and turns had me guessing and excited into what was going to happen next. The characters in this book were so well developed that they went very well with the story line. The details and story line were well written that it made me feel like I was right there with them. this book was very gripping, and I enjoyed every second of reading it.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This fast paced domestic thriller had me hooked from start to finish. Violet Cleveland is an ex-covert-ops leader who now runs her own security business and so is used to having her mind running on high alert. As well as a new business to worry about she also has to keep her unstable hippie mother in line, especially when there’s a conflict of interest between her ‘make or break’ protection detail and her mothers views. When she finds out that her job is involved with some emotionally charged protests Violet alerts the authorities only to be dismissed as a fear monger. Violet then goes undercover to try and track the source of the threats, only to discovers that her own mother has blown her cover to a potential lynch mob. This was a real page turner with an intriguing storyline and plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The complex mother/daughter relationship between Violet and Daisy really came across in the narrative, and I felt engaged with them. The suspense really built chapter by chapter and the psychological drama kept me gripped throughout.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An emotional and engaging read which kept me captivated throughout. When Julie Mercer donated her eggs in order to help her brother and sister-in-law conceive via in-vitro fertilization, she never thought that just a few years later she would be taking full responsibility for those children, following the death of their parents in a car crash. Julie suddenly has to make room for her four year old twin niece and nephew, not only in her small apartment but in her life. Having decided that she never wanted children she doubts her ability to bring up Lucy and Mikey as her own. As well as her own grief and trauma she has to deal with the twins, which causes Lucy to throw intense tantrums and Mikey to stop talking. Then to complicate things further, the twins’ uncle, and also their biological father Grant turns up on her doorstep saying that he wants to help, but Julie worries that he may want to fight her for custody. Julie also has to deal with an inflexible and unsympathetic boss which puts her job on the line, and then on top of all these new life changes and challenges her family start questioning her role as guardian. Julie herself then needs to determine if the twins parents made the best decision making her their guardian. This is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story, which took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst I was reading it. I really felt engaged with the likeable and relatable Julie and the extremely difficult position she found herself in. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and setting to life making me feel immersed in the story. I recommend having a box of tissues handy when you pick up this must read page turner!
When We Fell Again by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this second chance romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed their writing style as well as their attention to details that made the story pop. The characters not only pull you into their world but also keep my attention to the end. I had no problems picturing myself in their world. They are connectable and made the story easy to read. They have great growth as well as chemistry which just added to the story. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that you don’t want to miss. A great rockstar romance story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills series. It’s a good idea to start at the beginning of the series, although this sequel does a good job of reminding readers of relevant information from The Guardian of Whispers. It’s a fun magic school fantasy series appropriate for strong readers in KS2, as well as KS3.
Jon and Frank are getting used to their powers and the school and wider world they are now a part of. They’re excited to go back after the summer – to see their friends again and learn more about what they can do! And they have the Zodiac Games to look forward to, which it seems the whole school is excited about!
There are also plenty of situations for them to navigate, including Jon coping with the stigma associated with his unusual powers. And there are mysteries to solve, where the twins have to work to keep themselves and their friends safe.
This book gets five stars for me! I’d recommend it to young fans of magic school series such as Children of the Red King and The School for Good and Evil.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have enjoyed this author’s writing style from the first book I read. This is a suspenseful thriller about betrayal and a determination like no other. This is a well written, engaging, fast paced story that has characters that bring the story to life on each page. The twist and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat and made it easy to read. The characters are strong, determined and just as so much to the story. I really enjoyed this suspenseful story and I had to find out what happened at the end. Don’t miss out on this one. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series which I enjoyed reading just as much as the first one. I highly suggest reading the first book to help your enhancement of the characters. This is a well written story that has twists and turns like no other. They are edge sitting and shadow lurking which add to the story’s entertainment value. This is a fast paced story that has characters that pull you into their world from the start. They are connectable, strong and supportive of each other which made the story easy to read. They have great growth and had me guessing on who did it. This is an engaging story that is hard to put down. A thriller you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whew, the sizzle between these two is off the charts! I have read several in this series and the world just keeps getting bigger and more complex. Master Campania went searching for the witches in his territory, and found Willow who he is drawn to. From two different worlds, the odds are stacked against them. So of course that means we are really rooting for them. Great world building, great characters, and a great satisfying plot! Keep them coming!
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very charming, wonderful children’s book. Amaleigha gets a pen pal with a Ukrainian boy which grows into a friendship. When things seem like their getting hard for Vova the class decides to try and do something wonderful and generic to for the community in Ukraine. This book was very well illustrated, and the pictures flows and went well with the story. this was a very inspirational and inspiring story on how no mater what you can make a difference in someone’s life. My kids really enjoyed this book.
Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this installment of Eee-ahh and Shirl’s adventures, Eee-agh follows Shirl to school to hear stories. They have a good time and learn about Eee-aah’s home and constellations. Constellations have many different names. As always it’s a fun, informative book with great illustrations.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Violet has signed her first client to her brand new security business. Everything looks to be going in the right direction for her except one downfall there are protesters coming and she knows one. This story, like all Susan Specht Oram stories, is full of twists and turns that you don’t see coming. A great addition to the Millersville Series. Small towns, big problems.
When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holy mackerel! This story is an emotional rollercoaster that I will ride over and over. Jordan and Lex’s story is a rough one. They both have some baggage to deal with. This is a story with drama, definite angst, overcoming addiction and relationship issues. Those are hard issues to deal with but the author did a wonderful job of making a realistic story of how a pair battles these issues. This is a story that really touches the heart and home. The characters are easy to relate to. A definite must read.
