This Christmas by Jeannie Moon

Title: This Christmas (Christmas in New York #1)

Author: Jeannie Moon

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 141

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Single mother Sabrina Gervais has built a happy life with her daughter Charlotte in their eastern Long Island hometown of Holly Point. Having Charlie meant putting some of her own dreams on hold, but Sabrina is content to surround herself with family and friends, safe from the realities of the outside world. She had enough of that when the man she loved broke her heart.

Jake Killen’s career in professional hockey has brought him many rewards on and off the ice, but returning to New York brings back a flood of memories. When he sees Sabrina again, he discovers that he didn’t just run away from her ten years ago, but also from their unborn child.
Struggling with anger, guilt, and chemistry that’s off the chart, Sabrina and Jake wonder if they can find love again and, this Christmas, make all their wishes come true.

One of those free Kindle reads that I picked up at some point. I am always ready for a holiday romance this time of year. Unfortunately this one fell a bit flat for me. I really enjoyed Jake and Charlie. They were amazing characters! Sabrina was just way too immature and annoying. I couldn’t deal with her. Not great and definitely not for me.

Christmas in New York

#1 This Christmas
#2 Christmas Light
#3 All I Want for Christmas
#4 A Match Made at Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Kiss of Christmas by Jillian Eaton

Title: A Kiss of Christmas

Author: Jillian Eaton

Publisher: Bay Horse 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 246

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Two Christmas novellas guaranteed to warm your heart this holiday season...

THE WINTER WISH

Lady Sarah Dawson has one simple wish for Christmas: to gain the attention of Devlin Heathcliff, the handsome viscount whom she has loved for as long as she can remember. All hope seems lost...until one afternoon fate steps in and Sarah learns that sometimes, with a little holiday magic, winter wishes can come true.

Hmmm…. I wanted to really like this story, but it was a little too time-rushed for me. I just didn’t buy Devlin’s sudden transformation. I needed more from him to understand the why. And Sarah was just a bit too much for me.

THE RISQUE RESOLUTION

Due to a clause in her father's will, Lily has until Christmas to find a husband. It's a seemingly impossible task...until she meets the mysterious, insufferable, and oh so handsome Captain James Rigby. But the last thing on the embittered soldier's mind is marriage, especially to Lily Kincaid, a woman who is as infuriatingly stubborn as she is beautiful. With time running out, can Lily convince James - and herself - that true love really does exists?

Another super rushed story. I really wished to spend more time with Lily and James, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Once Upon a Royal Christmas by Robin Bielman

Title: Once Upon a Royal Christmas (Palotays of Montana #2)

Author: Robin Bielman

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 244

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Literary Escapes - Wyoming

Rowan Palotay hopes she never runs into the too-handsome Prince Theodore Chenery ever again after she leaves an embarrassing first impression. But fixing her mistake garners even more attention from the prince, and when he requests she be his reporter for a news story, she can’t say no.

Prince Theo is completely enchanted with Rowan and finds her special brand of kindness and honesty impossible to ignore. Back home, his choices are made for him, but here in this small town where his mother grew up, he feels connections he never has before. And the more time he and Rowan spend together, the more he wants her—all of her.

When obligations back home take a turn he didn’t see coming, he’s ready to stake his claim. But when his father and the media get wind of his relationship with Rowan, Theo must decide whether to follow his heart or his royal duty.

Another fun and fluffy romance for this month. I really enjoyed Rowan and Theo’s story. It was nice to be back in Marietta, even if we didn’t spend much time with any of the other characters. And hoo boy! This had some very steamy scenes!

Palotays of Montana

#1 Falling for Her Bachelor
#2 Once Upon a Royal Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

Falling for Her Bachelor by Robin Bielman

Title: Falling for Her Bachelor (Palotays of Montana #1)

Author: Robin Bielman

Publisher: Tule Publishing 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 206

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Literary Escapes - Wyoming

When Navy firefighter Nick Palotay returns to Marietta to go on the bachelor auction block for a good cause, he expects it to be risk free. But when he needs someone safe to bid on him and his sister's best friend is coaxed into stepping up, Nick isn’t prepared for the effect Cassidy has on him. She sends his mind to all kinds of dirty places…places his battered heart can’t afford.

Freelance photographer Cassidy Ware is in waaay over her head. She’s always been Nick’s other little sister, but she’s all grown up now and just a glance from him leaves her hot and bothered. Still, she can stay immune to his charms and keep him at an emotional distance because she’s got an agenda, too. She’ll help the too-handsome Nick with his charitable deed, and, in return, he’ll help her keep an unwelcome suitor at bay.

A deal’s a deal, but when their “business transaction” turns into more pleasure than duty, can they walk away from each other without losing what matters most?

A cute little story of an off-limits romance. I really really liked Nick in this story, Cassidy a little less. I would have liked a bit more story in the in-between scenes. This could have been turned into a great full length novel. As it stands, I really did enjoy this story.

Palotays of Montana

#1 Falling for Her Bachelor
#2 Once Upon a Royal Christmas

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas with the Black Sheep by Natalie-Nicole Bates

Title: Christmas with the Black Sheep

Author: Natalie-Nicole Bates

Publisher: Books to Go Now 2014

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 44

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

It’s Christmas time, and Eriah Jameson has returned home to restart his family’s business. Due to his wild child past, no one is friendly or welcoming to Barrow Haven’s black sheep.

Aylin Myers lost her job when Eriah’s father took ill. She knows Eriah needs her help getting his business up and running again, but she doesn’t trust him. If he fails, she knows it will dishonor his father’s memory. And Aylin knows that at Christmas, it’s the right thing to help your fellow man—no matter how wretched he might be.

As Aylin gets to know Eriah, she sees a side of him Barrow Haven never saw. That perhaps the black sheep has changed for the better. Still, can she be sure this side of Eriah is real, and not just a facade he’s perfected over time to get his own way?

Decent little short story featuring a Holiday romance. In truth, I gave this three stars because it just didn’t seem like it was finished. There was way too much missing and unsaid in this story. I would have liked it better if it had been twice as long.

Next up on the TBR pile:

My Christmas Curse by Joan Gable

Title: My Christmas Curse

Author: Joan Gable

Publisher: 2013

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 160

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Rbook

Megan Blake has been cursed with bad luck every Christmas season for as long as she can remember. This December, in an attempt to make light of her Curse, Meg—a travel journalist—writes a daily Christmas column chronicling her past misfortunes. As Christmas and her trip home to Indiana near, Meg waits for her Christmas Curse to strike again. Or has it already, causing her father’s depression? In the meantime, her walk down memory lane is conjuring up startling revelations about her present.
She discovers that there is more to her mother than just being a parent. As Meg and her mom bridge their generation gap, can these two women help with her father’s depression? When she learns that Crush—the first boy she ever liked—will also be in Indiana for the holidays, she can’t help but wonder if he’s still single or happily married with children. Will Crush turn out to be as meaningless as her ex-boyfriends of Christmas past? Will her blasts from the past leave her questioning her future?

Another dud of a holiday romance for me. It was another free Kindle book so I shouldn’t be too upset. The characters really fell flat. I didn’t like Megan at all. And we didn’t get to spend much time with any of the other characters. I spent almost 3/4 of the book wondering when the story was going to get started. Slow and uninspiring.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Lovebirds by Rachelle Ayala

Title:Christmas Lovebirds (Have a Hart #1)

Author: Rachelle Ayala

Publisher: Lovely Hearts Press 2015

Genre: Romance

Pages: 314

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Melisa Hart has a soft spot for her brother Connor’s ex-best buddy, Rob Reed. Unfortunately, Rob slept with Connor’s girlfriend and is no longer welcome with any of the Harts.
Melisa lends her pet lovebird for a Christmas Toy Drive, but a mix-up brings her face to face with Rob and his lovebird. Melisa is drawn into a whirlwind romance with Rob and discovers he hasn’t told her the entire story.
Can two little lovebirds and Christmas cheer open Melisa’s heart to giving Rob another chance?

Oooooffff! This book was such a dud for me. Melisa was a very annoying main character. I just wanted to smack her so many times. The romance was okay but nothing very exciting. But my biggest problem with this book was the many many many many chapters about birds and bird care. I felt like I was reading a freaking veterinary pamphlet so many times. I was so incredibly bored. Judging by this volume, I suspect that the rest of the series is similar, just switching out the animals from lovebirds. I just couldn’t find myself enjoying this book at all.

Have a Hart

#1 Christmas Lovebirds
#2 Valentine Hound Dog
#3 Spring Fling Kitty
#4 Blue Chow Christmas
#5 Valentine Wedding Hound
#6 Summer Love Puppy
#7 Dog Days of Love
#8 Valentine Puppies and Kisses

Next up on the TBR pile:

Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken

Title: Unexpected Gifts (Castle Mountain Lodge #1)

Author: Elena Aitken

Publisher: Ink Blot Communications 2011

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 184

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Snowed in for Christmas…She only wants to ignore it. But he’s determined to show her everything the season has to offer…including love.
For Andi Williams, Christmas represents everything she’s supposed to have—and doesn’t. Running away to a remote mountain lodge seems like the perfect way to escape the season. And it would have been if it weren’t for the snow storm and a booking mix-up that finds her stranded. That is, until a rough around the edges, green eyed stranger offers a solution.

There was no way in good conscious that Colin Hartford could leave the woman with nowhere to stay. Especially on Christmas. He knows all too well what it’s like to be alone for the holidays. It isn’t long before Colin’s determination to enjoy the festivities he’s missed for so long sweeps Andi into the season of joy that she’s not so sure she’s ready for.

If Andi can allow herself to open up—just a little—she might finally have the chance to experience everything the holidays can really offer…including love.

Another fun Christmas book. I really enjoyed Andi and Colin’s story snowed in at the Castle Mountain Lodge. This is a sweet romance with a hint of heat in a few scenes. I wanted a bit more heat at times, but it was a good story. My only issue was the rushed ending. Doesn’t it seem like I’m always complaining about a rushed ending? That’s because it very negative trend. But I did really enjoy reading this little romance. I’m not sure I will continue with the series (mainly because I got this as a free book), but it’s a good series so far.

Title: Unexpected Endings (Castle Mountain Lodge #2.5)

Author: Elena Aitken

Publisher: Ink Blot Communications 2013

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 48

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

Return to the beautiful, rustic and romantic Castle Mountain Lodge and catch up with Andi and Colin who prove that sometimes Unexpected Gifts have equally Unexpected Endings.

While I was reading the first book, I noticed that this short story was the follow-up. I tacked it onto the end of the first book. It was good, but I really really wanted more. Still a fun little read.

Castle Mountain Lodge:

#1 Unexpected Gifts
#2 Hidden Gifts
#2.5 Unexpected Endings
#3 Mistaken Gifts
#4 Secret Gifts
#5 Goodbye Gifts
#6 Tempting Gifts
#7 Holiday Gifts
#7.5 Accidental Gifts
#8 Promised Gifts

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Title: A Hundred Summers

Author: Beatriz Williams

Publisher: Berkley 2013

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 369

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Literary Escapes - Rhode Island

Lily Dane has returned to Seaview, Rhode Island, where her family has summered for generations. It’s an escape not only from New York’s social scene but from a heartbreak that still haunts her. Here, among the seaside community that has embraced her since childhood, she finds comfort in the familiar rituals of summer.

But this summer is different. Budgie and Nick Greenwald—Lily’s former best friend and former fiancé—have arrived, too, and Seaview’s elite are abuzz. Under Budgie’s glamorous influence, Lily is seduced into a complicated web of renewed friendship and dangerous longing.

As a cataclysmic hurricane churns north through the Atlantic, and uneasy secrets slowly reveal themselves, Lily and Nick must confront an emotional storm that will change their worlds forever...

My favorite Beatriz Williams book that I’ve read so far. Like many of her books, this one starts out fairly slowly, setting the scene and the characters. But about 50% of the way through, suddenly the plot starts moving faster and faster until it comes to the big conflict. Loved this story so much. I love the setting on the fictional Seaview, Rhode Island and New York City. I could see the summer community and every single cottage and building. I immediately fell for Lily and was rooting for her throughout the book. She’s definitely too much of a wallflower in the beginning, but eventually she finds her strength. I loved the romance between Lily and Nick. At times, I wanted to slap both of them, but that’s kinda the point. Miscommunication, lies, and omission all created their situation and it’s up to them to untangle the problem. The last 30 pages was a bit rushed (would’ve loved to have spent a bit more time with the aftermath of the hurricane), but overall I really really enjoyed this historical fiction.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Christmas Layover by Robert Tate Miller

Title: The Christmas Layover

Author: Robert Tate Miller

Publisher: Entangled Bliss 2018

Genre: Romance

Pages: 252

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Literary Escapes - Colorado

The weather forecasters said the snowstorm would miss the eastern seaboard. They were wrong. When Ally Henderson’s flight from Southern California to get married in New York City for Christmas gets diverted to the tiny Midwestern town of Bethlehem, she’s desperate to get back in the air and back to the Big Apple. But with all the airports closed, she’s forced to rely on Midwestern hospitality to wait out the storm. And she soon learns that she has a storm of her own to weather. One that could shatter her life.

Living with a kind stranger is one way to spend a snowed-in Christmas, but when she meets the local diner owner, Jake, sparks fly. Only, Ally’s a big-city girl with big-city dreams, and Jake will always be a Bethlehem boy.

This one was a mixed bag for me. I loved the overall storyline of the diverted flight. I really enjoyed Ally and Jake. I especially loved the interactions between all the characters. Unfortunately the book had major problems. So many times, there were abrupt transitions leaving me confused and lost. I had to reread so many chapter sections to understand exactly what was going on. This story would definitely have benefited from another editing pass.

Next up on the TBR pile:

What's a Rogue Got to Do with It by Samantha Holt

Title: What’s a rogue Got to Do With It (Rogues of Redmere #4)

Author: Samantha Holt

Publisher: Helstone Press 2018

Genre: Romance

Pages: 168

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Finishing the Series

Lewis Knight left behind his life as the son of nobleman years ago. The rough, scarred man is quite content to use his brute force and bad reputation to help the Earl of Redmere with his smuggling—a ruse to aid the war effort. Knight doesn’t care too much about the reasons behind the subterfuge, so long as he gets paid.
And stays busy enough to forget his past for good.
That’s not so easy, however, when he’s forced to return home. And thanks to the earl’s meddling, he’s accompanied by the woman who plagues his thoughts far too often…
Louisa has been too busy running her inn to think too much about the dark, brooding Knight. Even if she does steal the occasional glance at those broad shoulders. However, when a man arrives in Cornwall with lifechanging news and Louisa’s inn is threatened, she must investigate. With Knight’s help, she digs into this stranger’s past and stirs up more danger than she thought possible.
Now that Knight is driven to protect her, the barriers between them feel harder than ever to keep in place. Somehow, she keeps working her way under his unyielding exterior. But Knight knows he’s not worthy of a woman like Louisa—not while his past shadows his every move.

And we’ve now come to the end of the Rogues of Redmere series. Thankfully it ends well with an entertaining travel story featuring Knight and Louisa. I would have liked a bit more towards the end, but that’s usual with the romances I read. I did enjoy this coupling more than books two and three, so yeah! A decent short romance series that I finished this month.

Rogues of Redmere

Next up on the TBR pile:

Waiting for a Rogue Like You by Samantha Holt

Title: Waiting for a Rogue Like You (Rogues of Redmere #3)

Author: Samantha Holt

Publisher: Helstone Press 2018

Genre: Romance

Pages: 158

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Finishing the Series

He knows trouble when he sees it.
Fortunately, Drake likes trouble, especially when it comes in a particularly attractive package. While he and his crew of smugglers are waiting for their next job, Julianna makes a welcome distraction from the damned ache in his leg and the scars making his skin itch.
A shame Julianna doesn’t like him one jot then, not even when he rescues her and promises to bring her to her brother. She knows a rogue when she sees one and the last thing she needs is another man in her life telling her what to do. Not even her brother…
A brother who happens to be the face of the smuggling operation Drake partakes in. And a terrifying face at that. Knight is the muscle behind the crew, ensuring their cover remains in place so that they can help the war effort whilst making a pretty penny. Knight won’t be too happy when he finds out Drake has decided Julianna is a challenge he more than welcomes.
It’s a risk he’s more than willing to take.

So the third book in this series. I definitely liked Julianna more than Patience, but I wasn’t as fond of Drake as I was of Nathan. Overall, an enjoyable Regency romance, but not my favorite. I’m hoping that the last book in the series really draws me in.

Rogues of Redmere

#1 You’re the Rogue that I Want
#2 When a Rogue Loves a Woman
#3 Waiting for a Rogue Like You
#4 What’s a Rogue Got to Do with It

Next up on the TBR pile:

When a Rogue Loves a Woman by Samantha Holt

Title: When a Rogue Loves a Woman (Rogues of Redmere #2)

Author: Samantha Holt

Publisher: 2017

Genre: Romance

Pages: 190

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Finishing the Series

Notorious rogue, Lord Nathaniel Kingsley always tended to leap without thinking. Becoming a smuggler, adopting a sheep, getting engaged to Miss Patience Grey….
Patience has no need for a fiancé, or a husband. For once in her life, she wants to prove she’s just as good as a man and she does not need Nathaniel Kingsley getting in her way. With her brother injured, it is up to her to continue her family’s work…and that means tracking down a French spy and ensuring said spy will turn.
Unfortunately, no one believes she can do it alone. Which is where Nathaniel comes in.
Nate is happy to be of service. Why pass up the opportunity to repay an old friend, especially with a little intrigue along the way? Find the spy, play escort to Patience, return home to continue smuggling. Easy.

Another fun and fluffy romance for me. I’m not quite sure that I liked Nate and Patience more than Red and Hannah, but they were decent characters. I did like Nate a lot and getting to know some of the characters mentioned in the first book. At times, the characters do not act like Regency era people, but I’ll allow it. We’re not going for period accuracy here. It’s a bodice-ripper. And if that’s the criteria, I really enjoyed this one.

Rogues of Redmere

#1 You’re the Rogue that I Want
#2 When a Rogue Loves a Woman
#3 Waiting for a Rogue Like You
#4 What’s a Rogue Got to Do with It

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Second Deluge by Garrett P. Serviss

Title: The Second Deluge

Author: Garrett P. Serviss

Publisher: 1911

Genre: Proto Scifi

Pages: 215

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Dancing with Fantasy and Scifi - Proto Scifi

I routinely listen to The Apocalist Podcast highlighting apocalypse books chronologically and they haven’t recommended many of the books for listeners to read. This one was an exception. I dove in not knowing much about this apocalypse book, but ended up really enjoying it. The book reminds me of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. There’s an adventure story punctuated with random science writing. We get a protagonist which no one listens to until it’s too late. We have some wild plot points. There isn’t many female characters, but that’s pretty typical of writings from the time period. The plot is fairly laughable in 2019 standards, but this was a fairly enjoyable classic science fiction novel.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Among the Dead by Daniel Cotton

Title: Life Among the Dead (Live Among the Dead #1)

Author: Daniel Cotton

Publisher: Permuted Press 2013

Genre: Horror

Pages: 444

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

There are over a million people in the city of Waterloo. Today, most of them have died, and now they are hungry. Corporal Dan Williamson is caught in the middle of the outbreak. He is desperately trying to reach his wife who is somewhere amid the urban decay. There are other souls out there, other tales of survival among the horror. Dan will soon learn that the living may prove to be an even bigger threat than the dead.

A random free ebook find for spooky October! Overall, I really enjoyed this zombie adventure story. I loved the vignette style of storytelling and constant change of setting. Dan is a good zombie apocalypse hero for follow. I ended up knocking off a star for the too many sexual references and scenes. I just couldn’t with those scenes. I doubt that I will continue with the series, but this was a good read for the week.

Life Among the Dead:

#1 Life Among the Dead
#2 A Castle Made of Sand
#3 A Bittersweet Victory
#4 The End

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Tower Formerly Known as Sears and Two Other Tales of Horror by Lisa M. Lilly

Title: The Tower Formerly Known as Sears and Two Other Tales of Urban Horror

Author: Lisa M. Lilly

Publisher: 2011

Genre: Horror

Pages: 45

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook

A recruiting event at an amusement park turns deadly when the attractions develop minds -- and purposes -- of their own. A woman struggles with whether to stay in her soulless job, unaware that far more than her career is at stake. And an unpopular new law firm chairman faces not only disgruntled attorneys but a haunted skyscraper bent on his destruction.

I didn’t realize that this was such a short collection of stories. It was one of those free ebooks that I picked up along the way and I finally just opened it the other night. Very uneven stories. I really enjoyed the Sears Tower story. The amusement park story was interesting. But the last story at the restaurant was very strange and not to my taste at all.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Hope for the Best by Jodi Taylor

Title: Hope for the Best (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #10)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Headline 2019

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 320

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Finishing the Series; Alphabet Soup - T

Max is no stranger to taking matters into her own hands. Especially when she's had A Brilliant Idea. Yes, it will mean breaking a few rules, but - as Max always says - they're not her rules.

Seconded to the Time Police to join in the hunt for the renegade Clive Ronan, Max is a long way from St Mary's. But life in the future does have its plus points - although not for long.

A problem with the Time Map reveals chaos in the 16th century and the wrong Tudor queen on the throne. History has gone rogue, there's a St Mary's team right in the firing line and Max must step up.

You know what they say. Hope for the best. But plan for the worst.

Another good adventure story through time. Overall I really enjoyed the plot and the various time periods visited. Max, as usual, is a delight and I love following her around. I loved reconnecting with Matthew and Matthew Ellis. Unfortunately, this volume was not quite as good as some of the previous. The reason: not enough Peterson and Markham! We need to go back to St. Mary’s and spend more time in its halls. Maybe next story…

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

Next up on the TBR pile:

Secrets of the Greek Revival by Eva Pohler

Title: Secrets of the Greek Revival (Mystery House #1)

Author: Eva Pohler

Publisher: Green Press 2015

Genre: Horror

Pages: 331

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Women Authors; Horror

Ellen and her two best friends share a mid-life crisis by hatching a plan to renovate an 1860's Greek revival in the nearby historic district of San Antonio. Although Ellen isn’t one to believe in ghosts, she comes face to face with something inexplicable in the attic. Her ghost-enthusiast friends convince her that they must help the spirit find closure, and as they dig deeper into the past, they uncover a shocking history that someone in the neighborhood doesn’t want exposed. But Ellen and her friends don't give up easily. They realize they've been called to give voice to the invisible women who suffered behind the walls of the house for decades.

This book, hmmm… It wasn’t what I was expecting. That disconnect probably caused a massive reduction in stars for me. I went in thinking this was going to be a horror book full of ghosts and long-kept secrets. And we only get long-kept secrets. Plus there needs to be some serious content warnings due to sexual assault. I was turned off my the descriptions of those. If this is the style of the series, I’m not going to continue reading these.

The Mystery House:

#1 Secrets of the Greek Revival
#2 The Case of the Abandoned Warehouse
#3 French Quarter Clues
#4 The Hidden Tunnel

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean

Title: A Curve in the Road

Author: Julianne MacLean

Publisher: Lake Union 2018

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 266

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Women Authors;

Abbie MacIntyre is living the dream in the picturesque Nova Scotia town she calls home. She is a successful surgeon, is married to a handsome cardiologist, and has a model teenage son who is only months away from going off to college.

But then one fateful night, everything changes. When a drunk driver hits her car, Abbie is rushed to the hospital. She survives, but the accident forces unimaginable secrets out into the open and plagues Abbie with nightmares so vivid that she starts to question her grip on reality. Her perfect life begins to crack, and those cracks threaten to shatter her world completely.

The search for answers will test her strength in every way—as a wife, a career woman, and a mother—but it may also open the door for Abbie to move forward, beyond anger and heartbreak, to find out what she is truly made of. In learning to heal and trust again, she may just find new hope in the spaces left behind.

This isn’t a bad book, but I definitely think this book is just not for me. I wasn’t a fan of the first person narration that, at times, seemed to move back and forth throughout the timeline. Abbie and Zack were decent enough characters. I just didn’t get a great feel for Abbie beyond the trauma. I may have liked this book if it started before the accident to allow for the reader to get to know our main character. But most of all, I wasn’t a fan of all the coincidences and reveals. Too much. It made the entire storyline much too unrealistic for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury by Marc Levy

Title: The Strange Journey of Alice Pendelbury

Author: Marc Levy Translated by: Chris Murray

Publisher: Amazon Crossing 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 278

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Modern Mrs. Darcy - Translation; Alphabet Soup - L

Alice Pendelbury believes everything in her life is pretty much in order—from her good friends to her burgeoning career. But even Alice has to admit it’s been an odd week. Not only has her belligerent neighbor, Mr. Daldry, suddenly become a surprisingly agreeable confidant, but he’s encouraging her to take seriously the fortune-teller who told her that only by traveling to Turkey can Alice meet the most important person in her life.

What’s more, the peculiarly insistent Mr. Daldry has even agreed to finance Alice’s trip—one that against all reason seems to be predestined. It’s on this journey, crazy from the outset and strangely irresistible, that Alice will find out that nothing in her life is real, that her past is not true, and that the six people she’s about to encounter will shape her future in ways she could never have dreamed.

I was very intrigued by this book and wanted to love it so much. Unfortunately it really fell flat for me. The story started well with the introduction of Alice and Mr. Daldry. I loved her encounter with the fortune teller and her parties with friends. But once the journey begins and Alice and Ethan arrive in Turkey, I just got so bored. The story became very predictable and the big twists just felt very flat. I didn’t love the last 1/2 of the book at all.

Next up on the TBR pile: