After being sexually harassed at a job she hates, Madison Simcoe leaves work and decides some retail therapy is in order. A quick walk to 34th Street After being sexually harassed at a job she hates, Madison Simcoe leaves work and decides some retail therapy is in order. A quick walk to 34th Street leaves her at the door of her favorite department store, Macys. Walking through the revolving doors, everything changes. Along with the heavy crowds of Christmas shoppers, Madison also notices the stores retro decor and the worker's old-fashioned costumes. She soon learns that she has traveled back to 1947; and cannot seem to leave the Department store no matter how hard she tries. As she wanders through the store, Madison meets John Larsen, a WWII veteran who designs and decorates the various displays in the store. He doesn't believe her time-travel tale, but he is willing to help her out.
Madison starts out as a character that lets people walk all over her. As she gets to know John and Rosa and sees what women in the 1947 work force have to put up with, her outlook on life changes. John worries that Madison may be in some kind of trouble, so he offers her a job working with him and his assistant, Rosa. He has PTSD from his time in the war. He knows that people need time and space to work out their problems and wants to give this to Madison.
I enjoy picking up an Anne Stuart book because she always has a unique setting or original plot. I loved that she set this Christmas tale in Macys flagship store in New York City. My only problem with the story was Madison constantly fantasizing about John. That could have been toned down. My rating: 3.5 Stars. ...more
After taking her forensic photography classes, Samantha True must work with the local police to complete the courses. Suffering from the effects of thAfter taking her forensic photography classes, Samantha True must work with the local police to complete the courses. Suffering from the effects of the flu, Sam is called out to the scene of an accident in the middle of the night. A local man hit a deer on the way to work. As the police sergeant instructs her about the pictures that will be needed, Sam throws up on the crime scene. A second call leads her to the scene of a robbery. As Sam snaps pictures of superhero masks and bigfoot, she tries to deduce exactly what happened here.
This is a novella that begins the Samantha True series. It was billed as a humorous mystery, but I didn't find it very funny. This story felt like a Nancy Drew mystery. In fact, the cop on duty compared Sam and her friend to Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon. I guessed the villain early in the book and I was continued listening to the audiobook to see how the author gave the clues. My rating: 2.5 Stars....more
Daisy Etheridge dreamed of becoming a famous singer. But being an unwed mother to two-year-old Kate and trying to keep them both from starving is disrDaisy Etheridge dreamed of becoming a famous singer. But being an unwed mother to two-year-old Kate and trying to keep them both from starving is disrupting that dream. With no job, Daisy needs money for her and her child. The only person she can turn to for help is her baby's father, Jack. But the last time she saw him, he was boarding a boat to Australia.
Three years ago, Jack Wilkins was happy to leave his family's ranch and travel the world. He wanted some adventures in his life. He wanted to see more than the backend of a horse or cow. While escorting his childhood love to California, she broke off their relationship. Jack left town and has recently returned to New Mexico territory and his family's ranch. He finds not only his childhood love, Elena, visiting the family; but also a woman named Daisy who he knew in California, along with the daughter he never knew existed.
Jack realizes very quickly that Kate is his daughter and offers to marry Daisy. But she still wants a career and doesn't trust Jack not to leave her again when he gets bored with marriage. And, of course, she is afraid that he still has feelings for Elena.
This is the last book in the Blood Rose Trilogy. I just hate to see this series end. Characters from the previous books are featured heavily in this one and it was great to see each one of them. I highly recommend this series. My rating: 4.5 Stars....more
Adam and Amelia Wright's marriage is in trouble. Adam is a screen writer and a workaholic. He suffers from face blindness and wouldn't recognize his wAdam and Amelia Wright's marriage is in trouble. Adam is a screen writer and a workaholic. He suffers from face blindness and wouldn't recognize his wife if he passed her on the street. Amelia is lonely with only their dog for company. When Amelia wins a weekend trip to Blackwater Chapel in Scotland, they both know this trip will make or break their marriage.
This domestic thriller is the first book I've read by this author. It was certainly different. I didn't like either Amelia or Adam. The story is told from their points-of-view. We learn that they are both harboring secrets. There is also the point-of-view of a mysterious stranger named Robin, but it isn't clear where this person fits into the story. We also get to read the letters that are written to Adam on each anniversary. This gives us a sense of how their marriage works.
A sudden snowstorm and the less than cheery accommodations at Blackwater Chapel give this story atmosphere. Strange things are happening, but you are never sure who is behind them. The twist near the end of the story surprised me. I certainly didn't see that coming. I listened to the audiobook. Narrators Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine do a fantastic job. My rating: 4 Stars. ...more
After working day and night for a big accounting firm, Rachel Mills is upset when she is passed over for a promotion. When she receives a notice in thAfter working day and night for a big accounting firm, Rachel Mills is upset when she is passed over for a promotion. When she receives a notice in the mail that she has been given an old bookstore by her Godmother, Rachel decides to take some time off, fly to Montana, and check out Paradise Books. Atticus Bowen owns a chain of steak restaurants and has found the perfect location in Montana. When he spoke to the owner of the bookstore about purchasing the building, he was told that she gave the store to Rachel Mills, and he should discuss it with her. Atticus meets Rachel and makes her a generous offer on the building. But Rachel isn't ready to shake hands on a deal. She wants to try her hand at selling books to see how it goes.
Well, it's the season to read Christmas stories. This one was just OK for me. Rachel seemed like a very level-headed person who would make a plan before reopening the bookstore. But for some reason she just flipped the "closed" sign to "open", dusted off some books, and hoped the public would come running to buy books. Her approach to the business drove me crazy. Atticus seemed like a nice guy. He told Rachel that he would wait for her to make a decision, and he actually helped her with her book business. Not too many people would help the competition. My rating: 3 Stars....more
It's the 25th anniversary of the kidnapping of seven-year-old Melody Jones. She disappeared without a trace. The story is featured heavily in the locaIt's the 25th anniversary of the kidnapping of seven-year-old Melody Jones. She disappeared without a trace. The story is featured heavily in the local news. Several people have showed up at the police station to confess to the crime. One man, Steven Harte, says he has information and will only speak with D.I. Kim Stone. Kim considers him a crackpot and has just started to interview him when she and her team are called out to another kidnapping. Grace Lennard disappeared from the school yard while the children were outside for a fire drill. As the investigation starts to take shape, Kim discovers that Steven Harte may actually know something about the new case and about the disappearance of Melody Jones.
Meanwhile, Kim has been ignoring calls from Dr. Alexandra Thorne, a psychologist that Kim put behind bars a couple of years ago. Alex wants Kim to write a recommendation for her upcoming parole hearing. Kim knows that Alex is dangerous and should never be released early. But worrying about Alex's schemes will have to take a backseat to the current kidnapping case.
This is the 15th book in the D.I. Kim Stone series. I enjoyed the kidnapping case and watching Kim and her team unravel the clues. Profiler Alison Lowe was pulled in to help with the investigation. It's always nice to see her included in these books. I wasn't too happy that Alex Thorne popped back up in the series. She is bordering on becoming a super villain who can manipulate her way through anything. I'm ready for that character to go away. My rating: 4 Stars. ...more
Linc Kingston and Jordan Greene have been friends for as long as they can remember. Jordan's mother worked as the housekeeper for Linc's wealthy familLinc Kingston and Jordan Greene have been friends for as long as they can remember. Jordan's mother worked as the housekeeper for Linc's wealthy family, so they grew up together and became fast friends. Years later, Linc took over the family business and hired Jordan has his personal assistant. Recently Linc's father died and when looking through his personal papers, Linc discovered that he has a half-sister that his father kept hidden. She had been in the foster care system and is now single and pregnant. Knowing he can make a better life for her, Linc asks Jordan to accompany him to Miami to meet his new sibling.
Jordan has loved Linc for as long as she can remember. She knows that he is wary of marriage after seeing the things his father put his mother through. Jordan fears that if she tells him how she feels, their relationship will change. But one night in Miami changes everything for them.
This is the first book in Carly Phillips new Kingston Family series. I liked both Linc and Jordan and enjoyed this "friends to lovers" story. It was predictable but entertaining. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mackenzie Cartwright and Connor Crais. They did a decent job though the female narrator sometimes sounded robotic. My rating: 3.5 Stars....more
After moving to Australia for new job opportunities seven years ago, Lily Baltin has returned to England to visit her mother for the holidays. When shAfter moving to Australia for new job opportunities seven years ago, Lily Baltin has returned to England to visit her mother for the holidays. When she arrives, Lily learns that her mother is dating Barry Pritchard, her next-door neighbor. He also happens to be the father of Tom Pritchard, Lily's ex-boyfriend. Tom is the reason Lily hadn't returned home for seven years. And he is also home for the holidays to visit his father. It looks like the worst Christmas ever will have Lily and Tom thrown together at every chance.
This second chance romance was a cute Audible original Christmas story. The parents were amusing and the reindeer bite scene was hilarious. My rating: 3.5 Stars....more
After the death of her sister, Molly McFarlane took her young niece and nephew and fled Georgia. With her brother-in-law searching for them, Molly andAfter the death of her sister, Molly McFarlane took her young niece and nephew and fled Georgia. With her brother-in-law searching for them, Molly and the children board a train heading west. A deadly train accident leaves them stranded in El Paso with no money. Molly learns that the railroad will pay a widow's fee to the wife of any man who was killed in the accident. When Molly learns that Hank Wilkins is not expected to survive from his injuries, Molly passes herself off as his wife, hoping to claim the money. But being a nurse, she can't just sit there and let him die. Molly works night and day to save Hank's life. But what will she tell him if he survives?
The second book in Kaki Warner's Blood Rose Trilogy is even better than the first. Hank is the quiet brother who doesn't have much to say. When he wakes up, he doesn't remember the accident and is worried because he also doesn't remember Molly or their wedding. But when he takes Molly and the children back to the Wilkins ranch to live with him and his family, he decides to make new memories of their life together.
Molly and Hank were perfect together. The author gave us two well drawn characters and made us believe that they were falling in love. I highly recommend this series. My rating: 5 Stars....more
This book contains novellas from two of Allison Brennan's popular series:
Spiral - Lucy Kincaid and Sean Rogan are honeymooning at their Vail, ColoradoThis book contains novellas from two of Allison Brennan's popular series:
Spiral - Lucy Kincaid and Sean Rogan are honeymooning at their Vail, Colorado, mountain retreat, when they discover that their neighbor, Hank Henderson, has disappeared. The day before, Hank told them that during the night he heard a mysterious noise coming from high on the mountain and wanted to look into it. Now Lucy and Sean are left to find out what happened to him.
I liked this story and thought it fit well into the Lucy Kincaid series. Though they solved the mystery, there were a few details I would have liked to have learned.
Retired - Investigative Reporter Max Revere is asked to look into a mysterious death at the Del Sol Retirement Village in Miami. Lois Kershaw wants Max to ascertain if eighty-two-year-old Dotty Holcomb was murdered or died from natural causes as her friends were told. Dotty had not been feeling well for over three weeks, suffering from flu-like symptoms. She was the sixth resident of Del Sol to succumb to her illness. Max has her work cut out for her. She goes undercover as Lois's granddaughter, searching for clues at the retirement village.
This story from the past had been referred to by Max in her previous books. It was nice to learn what actually happened when Max went undercover at a retirement home.
I liked both stories in this anthology. My rating: 4 Stars.
In the middle of the night in Boise, Idaho, a man enters a bar and begins shooting. This act affects many people. Angie Matthews is woken by a phone cIn the middle of the night in Boise, Idaho, a man enters a bar and begins shooting. This act affects many people. Angie Matthews is woken by a phone call from the police. They claim that her husband, Cale, was shot and taken to a nearby hospital. She didn't even know he had left their bed. Tessa was a bartender at Ray's Bar. When the shooting started, she hid in a storage closet, afraid to come out until the police found her an hour later. Widowed Joyce Ketcher answers her door just to be notified that her son, Jed, was killed at Ray's Bar early this morning. He is believed to be the shooter. Their lives are all turned upside down. There are many questions. What made Jed shoot up the bar? Why was Cale at the bar in the middle of the night?
This book came highly recommended by a friend. (Thanks Jonetta!) I'm so glad that I read it. It was riveting. Not only do we get the points-of-view of the three main characters, but we also get the stories of the victims and what brought them to Ray's Bar that fateful night. I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved it. Devon Savari, Hillary Huber, and Stephanie Willing voiced the three main characters of the story. They all did an outstanding job. My rating: 5 Stars....more
Hunter Holt, Faye Smith, and Raider Tanaka became a family after growing up in foster care, living with their foster mother Miss Angelina. Hunter and Hunter Holt, Faye Smith, and Raider Tanaka became a family after growing up in foster care, living with their foster mother Miss Angelina. Hunter and Faye even dated for a while before calling it quits. Now Miss Angelina is asking Faye, Hunter, and Raider to help find runaway foster child, Jackson Holt, who happens to be Hunter's sixteen-year-old half-brother he never knew existed. Authorities believe that Jackson left with a teach who was having an affair with her student. The two are making their way across the country leaving a trail of dead bodies during convenience store robberies. Hunter, Faith, and Raider do not believe Jackson knows about the murders. They want to get to him before it's too late.
This romantic suspense novella is part of the Deep Ops series. Hunter and Faye meet again and rekindle their romance. I thought the romance portion of the story was just OK. The suspense of tracking down the fugitives with the help of Raider Tanaka's Deep Ops team was very entertaining. My rating: 4 Stars....more
As an abused child, Rawley Cooper was taken to live with Dallas and Cordelia Leigh. Growing up at the ranch with a loving family was ideal. Their hugeAs an abused child, Rawley Cooper was taken to live with Dallas and Cordelia Leigh. Growing up at the ranch with a loving family was ideal. Their huge extended family accepted him as one of their own. As Rawley got older, his feelings for Dallas and Cordelia's daughter, Faith, started changing from friendship to more. Knowing he was not good enough for Faith, he left Texas. While working as a cowboy, Rawley receives an urgent telegram asking him to return to the ranch. Now he must face Faith and his feelings for her.
I read the Leigh Brothers Texas Trilogy twenty years ago and loved it. I always hoped that Lorraine Heath would write a story for Rawley. Well, he did get a novella, but I am disappointed. I was expecting so much more. Rawley comes home and we learn exactly what happened to make him leave in a couple of flashback chapters. Then, after talking to Faith about what happened to her while he was gone, he comes to the sudden realization that they belong together. The story was too short and just OK. I did enjoy revisiting all the family members and catching up with their lives. My rating: 3.5 Stars....more
With her life falling apart, Jenny decides to move into her late Grandmother's cottage in Sherwood Forest. When she arrives at the cottage, she finds With her life falling apart, Jenny decides to move into her late Grandmother's cottage in Sherwood Forest. When she arrives at the cottage, she finds her key does not work in the front door and the grounds are so overgrown, she can't even get to the back door. She resorts to spending her first night in a shed on the property. With no friends, no job, and no money, Jenny has no choice but to roll up her sleeves and tackle the mess in the cottage. Having a grumpy neighbor who is not happy to have someone moving in next door does not help matters.
I picked up this book on audible and was expecting the usual Hallmark type Christmas story where the heroine clashes with the hero, slowly becomes friends, then falls in love. This story took a big turn into the unknown when Jenny is befriended by the local diner owner and invited to her Book Club meeting. Suddenly, with an argument and a food fight over which book they will discuss next month, this book did not feel like a Hallmark movie. The members make a pledge to do bucket list type things to improve their lives. Jenny joins in and the book takes an interesting turn.
This was certainly not what I expected. Actually, this isn't a Christmas story at all. After the book club meeting, I was totally hooked. This is a "feel good" book that was very entertaining. You get some laughs, a little romance, and a few tears. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Helen Keeley. She does wonderful work with the various characters. My rating: 4.5 Stars....more
When Detective Mason Brown is called out to investigate a body found wrapped in burlap and partially buried, he knows that this is the murder that hisWhen Detective Mason Brown is called out to investigate a body found wrapped in burlap and partially buried, he knows that this is the murder that his girlfriend, Rachel de Luca, saw in her dreams the night before. What she didn't see was the fact that there are several graves nearby, all containing men who had been reported missing. Do they have a serial killer?
It's been so long since I've read a Brown & de Luca story. The author is putting too many years between these stories. I'm happy to see them back. Rachel is her usual acerbic self. Her dialogue with her "Inner B*tch" is sometimes very funny. She and Mason are perfect together, trying to get to the bottom of this murder before the wrong person is arrested for the murder.
There are a couple of characters in this book that were featured in Shayne's "The Gingerbread Man". It is not necessary to read it before picking up this book, but you may like to get background on these characters. My rating: 5 Stars....more
Hairstylist Chanel Smith hadn't planned on joining the New South Wales police force. She just used it as an excuse to get away from her boss's husbandHairstylist Chanel Smith hadn't planned on joining the New South Wales police force. She just used it as an excuse to get away from her boss's husband who was coming onto her. But a shortage of female recruits gets her into a six-month police academy training school.
Chanel is not cut out for this kind of work. After barely getting through the training, Chanel is a Probationary Constable assigned to King's Cross. On her first day, Chanel accompanies a senior detective to the scene of a murder. A serial killer is murdering prostitutes and leaving their bodies in dark alleys. Wanting to prove herself, Chanel begins working on the case during her off-hours.
I've had this book on my kindle for a couple of years and thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. This is a fast-paced cozy mystery with some laugh-out-loud scenes. Chanel is a young and somewhat naive fashionista who is thrown into a new world. She's a very likeable, caring character who grows throughout the story. She makes several new friends at King's Cross, including a group of drag queens.
This book is entertaining and funny. The mystery portion doesn't begin until the second half of the book. If you are a fan of Stephanie Plum, you will enjoy this one. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. My rating: 4 Stars....more
Ten years ago, Jason Law asked his high school girlfriend to wait for him while he found a job and settled down. When he contacted her six months lateTen years ago, Jason Law asked his high school girlfriend to wait for him while he found a job and settled down. When he contacted her six months later, he learned that she had married. Jason, now a Pulitzer-prize winning reporter, has returned to his small New Hampshire hometown and the woman he never forgot.
This is an older Christmas novella that feels dated to me. I had problems with the story. Jason left home and never contacted the woman he loved for six months. Really??? His excuse was he was getting settled into a new job. Of course, Faith did not know where he was and could not contact him. Now Jason is back. When he finds out she is divorced, he wants to rekindle their romance. She is wary since she has to look out for her daughter.
This second chance at love story really didn't have anything new to offer. My rating: 2.5 Stars....more
Leaving he past behind, American Jocelyn "Joss" Butler traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, to continue her education. Now graduated from the university, Leaving he past behind, American Jocelyn "Joss" Butler traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, to continue her education. Now graduated from the university, Joss is searching for a place to live when she answers an ad for a roommate. Ellie Carmichael and her apartment seem to be exactly what Joss is looking for. Ellie is friendly and easy to get along with. The apartment is huge which allows Joss the privacy she needs as an aspiring writer. Not long after moving in, Joss meets Ellie's brother, Braden. Actually, it's their second meeting since she shared a taxi with him a few days ago. Braden comes on strong. He wants Jocelyn in his bed and knows that she is interested. Jocelyn has no intention of starting a relationship. But a friends with benefits arrangement may be just what she needs.
Joss has many issues. She hasn't dealt with the sudden death of her family which left her in foster care as a teenager. She doesn't let people into her life, preferring to keep everyone at arm's length. But the chemistry between Joss and Braden is wearing her down. Braden is hot. He is a little too confident for me and does display caveman tendencies. And he's used to getting what he wants.
I'm not a big fan of contemporary romance, especially ones written in the first-person. I've owned this book for several years and decided to read it since it fit a couple of reading challenges that I've been working on. The first half of the book was nothing special to me. But as I continued reading, the story dealt with Joss's panic attacks, her growing attachment to her roommate, and her denial that Braden means nothing to her. I started to like Braden more as he worked at understanding Jocelyn and giving her the room she needed. My rating: 4 Stars. ...more
Piper Macintosh has always gone along with her aunt's crazy ideas. Eighty-Seven-year-old Hannah Macintosh Fry fancies herself a witch and a matchmakerPiper Macintosh has always gone along with her aunt's crazy ideas. Eighty-Seven-year-old Hannah Macintosh Fry fancies herself a witch and a matchmaker. When she asks Piper to dig up some valerian root for a medicinal tea, Piper goes along with it even though it means trespassing on her neighbor's posted property.
Clate Jackson has just moved into his new home when he finds someone digging up his backyard. He's not happy about the situation and threatens to call the police if it happens again. Piper does not like her grouchy neighbor, but that doesn't stop her from going along with her aunt's next scheme. She wants Piper to look for buried treasure that is somewhere on Clate's property.
This romantic suspense story just did not work for me. I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Amanda Dolan. She does a decent job with the characters. One problem was the heroine who just went along with whatever her aunt wanted her to do. The other (bigger) problem was the resolution to the story of the treasure. It was just dumb. My rating: 2 Stars....more
Pippa Smith has been living off the grid for several years. Shut away in her small rural Virginia home, she rarely sees anyone since her elderly next-Pippa Smith has been living off the grid for several years. Shut away in her small rural Virginia home, she rarely sees anyone since her elderly next-door neighbor moved to Florida. Pippa avoids people, worried that the members of the cult that she ran away from will eventually track her down. When someone buys the house next door, she is wary that he has been sent by the cult to bring her back.
Former cop Malcolm West needs some time to relax and pull himself together after two years of undercover work. Moving into a new house to make a clean start is just what he needs, especially when he sees the sexy lady living next door. As Mal moves boxes into his new home, he is approached by Angus Force. Angus works for the Homeland Defense Department and wants Mal to join his team. They have heard talk of possible terrorist activity happening in the next few weeks. These rumors are tied to a cult which Mal's neighbor may be involved in. Angus is asking Mal to go undercover again to learn more about Pippa and the cult.
Rebecca Zanetti is a new author to me. This is the first book in her Deep Ops series. This romantic suspense story was full of action, romance, suspense, and a good dose of humor. I was thoroughly entertained by the story and the crazy characters. Angus has put together a team of misfits to stop an imminent terrorist attack. I'm ready to jump into the next book in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars....more
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