Mystery is probably my all-time favorite genre, and those from the "golden age" of mystery are the most wonderful. So, when I found this series of six mysteries set in 1930s England that reads like those classic mysteries with an infusion of faith, well... how could I resist? While all books have Continue Reading
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The Exciting Fairy Tale I Never Wanted To Tell
You see them everywhere. Sometimes it's done deliberately--someone retelling a familiar story in a new setting with a twist. Other times, it's accidental and even the author goes, "Oh! Yeah." What am I talking about? Retellings. Whether Austen characters and storylines or Shakespeare, Robin Continue Reading
What Romances Do I Think Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day?
With Valentine's Day this weekend, it seems only fitting to look at some great reads to celebrate the day. I probably wouldn't have thought of it if a friend hadn't said something. Thanks to Lucinda for the Valentine's Day reads suggestion. Whether you're looking for a few short novellas, a Continue Reading
What if the Secret to Your Future Lies in the Past?
First of all, I'm going to warn you I'm book drunk. That fuzzy-headed, impossible to articulate a word, and warm feeling that radiates from your heart at the end of a fabulous book has taken over, and I can't promise to make any sense of this review. Example? That word "sense"? I spelled it both Continue Reading
What Happens When Favorite Authors Take Me to Dream Destinations
A cornfield emerges. Walking through its stalks, hands touching the emerging silks, eyes closed--bliss. The silks change to crisp-edged papers. A voice whispers, "If you write it, she will read." I doubt that happened to J'nell Ciesielski--or ever will. Still, there's truth in them thar words! Continue Reading
Happy Days Are Literarily Here Again–Thank Goodness!
It happens to all of us--authors and readers alike. Sometimes books just don't "click" with us. The worst is when "everyone" loves a book and you just don't. So disappointing and well... I mean, it's easy to get the feeling there's something wrong with you. That happened with a book by Michelle Continue Reading
Discerning Readers Need a Great Read Like This One
When you see a cover that won't leave your mind, sometimes you just have to go find out what it's all about. Well, that's exactly what I did last fall, and what I found... Whoooeee! Yeah. Debut authors are a penny a dozen these days. Phenomenal debut authors with novels you can't put down and Continue Reading
The Best Book I’ve Ever Kind of Liked
Sometimes, I sit down to write a book review and don't know what to say because I have so many thoughts battering my brain for first crack at the door. Other times, I don't know what to say because despite my sometimes "brutal honesty," I strive to be kind in my reviews--even on books that I really Continue Reading
Sometimes the Best Reads Are Out of Your Usual Comfort Zone
The cover drew me first--that ethereal blend of coastal beauty and a woman in a diaphanous gown. The title then caught my attention. Of Ink and Sea. Something about it called to me. A closer look turned my admiration for the cover to a bit of disappointment. The woman floated in air. Nothing to Continue Reading
The Best Marriage Advice We Got Accidentally
"You guys have something going for you." I don't know if my fiance said "What's that?" or just looked at him waiting to hear what our genius thing was, but he continued. "You were friends first. You've got something to hold you together if the romance dies." Little did he know he was Continue Reading
This New Contemporary Romance Has Southern Charm from Down Under
I'd seen the covers of her books--lovely Regency titles that intrigued me. However, when we put out the call for authors in our upcoming series, The Independence Islands, I never imagined I'd see her name among the applicants. Well, let's just say that not only was Carolyn Miller an excellent Continue Reading
Great Things Happen When You Mix Danger and Donuts
The title was a clever play on words when juxtaposed with the quirky cover images. The combination screamed "Cozy mystery," but the synopsis, categories, and opening chapters argued back. "No! Suspense!" Of course, that meant I was riveted, right? Not only that, the writing kept me riveted, Continue Reading
