Book Review: "The Dark Corners of the Night" By Meg Gardiner

Oh for the love...

The Midnight Man or BOY or whatever is about to wreaking havoc on the LA area and he's not taking NO for an answer.
Funny, because this man boy toy is about to get his bell rung but first he's going to terrorize these communities, the unsuspecting sleepy parents, and the children whom he gets pleasure from terrorizing.

After all this psycho behavior is part of his M.O. and he's becoming more brazen with each crime that he gets away with so why not become 'mission oriented.'

Victims are feeling unsafe. The area is practically checking over their shoulders. Yet the horror continues to be upon them.

Until, the clues result in a possible break.

Could the killer be a cop's son?

Could this person have inner knowledge and utilize the police departments most sacred tools to get ahead such as the use of scanners to know the ins and outs?

What if the person is a teen? Could someone capable of such paranoia be just a kid?

When an 8th grader is assaulted the tide turns and the heightened alert to capture and bring this nut in becomes more urgent.

"Not desperation but escalation."

Truth be told all of these actions by this culprit seems to be impulse driven but also juvenile ie. vandalism of police cars.

So, it shouldn't be that difficult to put the clues together as they fall piece by bloody piece.
The creature of the night is smart, elusive, and cunning so be on alert!

When the final reveal is made the result was not shocking but was a relief.
The key was in the crimes and what was deliberately taken away.

Sometimes troubled teens become troubled adults without intervention and counseling. This is one such case that required early assistance but was ignored and slipped through the cracks.

Well, just one more thing to note...
TIMES UP!

When abuse goes ignored it has consequences...

A great new read that I was unfortunately declined from reading at NetGalley but ultimately scored by copy at my local library.

So please do support such fine institutions!

Stay humble folks!

Still good stuff!

Book Review: "Long Bright River" By Liz Moore

Two sisters. Similar streets. Totally different and gripping backgrounds!

WOW!!!

Folks, this one blew my 'favorite Barnes and Noble reading socks' right off my feet! Seriously?? I didn't just read that?? OMG!

It's an emotional tear jerker with a 'life of hard knox' and 'drug addiction.'

What's the end result if you don't fight for the one you love? Could you turn your back on a family member suffering from such an illness like drug addiction if they continued on the same destructive life cycle?

Look it here- Mickey ended up doing the brunt of the work in keeping this family tight knit and close to the sleeve. She raised Thomas (Sis Kacey's son) when Kacey was unable too be a hands on parent.

If this doesn't take the heart strings try this on for size as we learn that there's this man Simon whose involved with both these ladies in different ways that prove a challenge.

Now, Kacey isn't just wallowing here because she's also dealing with issues deemed delusional and hurtful.

Their own mom was a drug addict and their bio father left the girls to drink his life away.

Not quite the humble abode.

Children learn from their parents and if that structure is absent they must find alternatives. The alternatives her may just prove deadly.

Luckily, there are those who still believe in supportive structures, tough love, empathy, compassion, and never surrendering to the unknown abyss of the dark side.

Could an undercover police officer also be part of this vicious cycle in keeping the drugs flowing freely within arms reach?

Well, allow me a second to diverge into personal territory: Nearly 20 yrs ago I witnessed more than I care to recollect in the NICU when my own son fought for every breath. 

My son was born with vater syndrome a skeletal abnormality from a genetic chromosomal mutation and was life flighted to a nearby children's hospital. He spent two months there and I witnessed things that no parent should ever experience in a lifetime.

My own son would go code blue because he had esophageal atresia and would aspirate on his own mucus resulting in a fused esophagus among many other things. He was born to parents who did everything right w/o drugs & alcohol.

However, while in the hospital I noticed other newborns suffering from the debilitating drug addictions & further discussions with my mom a retired RN/OBGYN would only confirm the horror of the newborns struggles.

They were almost unconsolable in their pleas...yet the nurses and doctors worked around the clock to console as best they could. I can recall those stories of shaking and trembling from the counteracting drugs ie. Methadone that they would require to take them down from the drug high.

The heartbreak to witness personally any newborn lose a life is something I will never forget! I pray you never witness such but I have and it's awful to see a newborn covered over with a blanket and the parents taken to another room in NICU while your very own continues to fight for life.

I pray everyday for those lost souls and I can't tell you why the baby died in the NICU that day but I pray he/she was comforted knowing the higher powers welcomed his/her soul.

This book as you can tell near this latter section truly shook me up as I'm a parent of three children now all teens all graduating next year. My eldest from 2 yr college, my 2nd from high school, my 3rd from elementary to move up to high school.

Children are a blessing and to have almost died in childbirth multiple times is not how I thought my own story would go but they were all high risk and each of them lucky to be alive. I myself had to have emergency section and have had multiple major health issues since this time.

Count your blessings as this story could be anyone's story.

I've read other reviews in which they felt torn from hearing the interactions between these sisters and the family members.

It's a life of hard knocks that many of us have lived; myself included, and though it may never end it's a life worth living regardless of the struggles.

That ending in this story was a powerful reminder of overcoming those obstacles and never giving up.

Highly recommend reading this amazing piece of work.

Book Review: "Last Chance Summer" By Shannon Klare

Imagine the pressure of being the sheriff's daughter in a small town.

Now, imagine that same daughter with a hidden secret so troubling that it's taken years to overcome.

Alex had a best friend until a tragic end took her life.

She was shipped off to summer camp in hopes of a renewal as camp counselor.
Camp is where she meets up with her rival turned friend turned confidante and co- counselor named Grant.

Grant also has a troubled past which helps in the ultimate support of each other once they get beyond their differences.

I love the way this originated with both fighting their past and healing their wounds.

Revisiting the spot where it all happened that one fateful night was so disheartening yet showed the characters growth and maturity.

This was truly a wonderful read that I had the pleasure of receiving this gifted copy via the author through Instagram giveaway. 

I highly recommend this read for all ages!

Book Review: "Blindside" By James Patterson

The "World's Best Storyteller" is a hit or miss with me and this time he was a bit off.

Blindside begins with a two-fer deal as we have a mayor with a missing daughter and a father of six with a son in prison. Why not work together?

So, it shall begin with a whirlwind of sources with just 'one father helping another.' Innocently enough we follow this windy trail to uncover an informant, a murder, a bunch of pills changing hands, and families that are deeply concerned.
The final outcome brings about change.

Love is blinding. Love is cruel. Love is heartless. Love can be used as a tool of the heart.

Escaping may not be easy.

Freedom may be elusive.

Safety may be an allusion.

One thing is for sure - the parents in this story won't stop this answers are found.

It's a race for the truth and for survival.

A good but not a best for JP...

Book Review: "How to Love Your Elf" By Kerrelyn Sparks

"It's imperative to always have a plan."

Kerrelyn Sparks had a plan to produce the best debut book in this,'Embraced by Magic Series' and she hit this one out of the park with fantasy, magic, and romance in a remarkable way.

I've not read any prior works nor do I feel you need to in order to fully welcome this one and embrace the situation at hand.

"Raised in isolation on the magic-shrouded Isle of the Moon, five girls became five sisters. Now women, they are ready to claim their places in the world—and perhaps change it forever . . ."

Hell yeah!!

So we do have our share of strong female empowerment and I love every second of it. We also have a strong male in the Woodsman who may just be the lost prince in hiding...

Sorcha and the Woodsman aka thief in the forest soon find a bond unlike any other and perhaps it was helped along with a 'magical love potion' or two.
Hey, as long as it works because it was a hard fought battle not only with their past demons but their futures whether it be together or separate.

Sadly, there are children being trained to do the unthinkable in order to carry out the Circle of Five orders (army with magical powers.)

The Living Oaks are holding secrets and the leverage needed to overcome and overthrow may be coming very soon.

Sorcha is about to find the ugliness as someone else wants to have and to hold all the power.

Abductions, surrenders, battles, and so much more await the reader in this entrancing new work.

The ending was absolutely powerful beyond measure and dynamically intriguing.
That plan came together nicely..

I can't wait to read the second in this series so please keep me in mind once released.

Thank you to Kerrelyn Sparks, the pub, and whomever sent me this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

An absolute pleasure to behold!!!

Book Review: "Cross Justice" By James Patterson

If you think you'll have this one figured out from the start you'll be wrong.

So much more is on the horizon, so much about interracial relationships, about inner hurts, and about a final appeal for justice and truths.

While this book was extremely slow moving, with character introductions that named familial relationships which made it difficult to follow, in the end it all came together but it wasn't until the last chapter.

The main question readers might have is about the past..in more ways than one involving not only those who lost their lives but also those fighting to find answers like Cross.

Coach Stefan is all in this mess as he's been accused of an unthinkable crime involving rape.

He's facing some steep charges but are those charges accurate?

What if he was framed with his own bodily fluids?

Now there's a new one....I can't imagine anyone going to the extremes as was portrayed here but James is one heck of a story teller.

Did Finn Davis have anything more to add to these interesting final moments?
I mean after all there's more than one death here and a young man lost his life but the reasons are even more damning.

My word if the bodily fluids wasn't enough of a twister how about a tornado with the whole issue surrounding the death of Rashawn Turnball.

Of course, the usual players are in this one: Drugs, trafficking, corruption, money laundering, blackmail, & racial tensions.

You see Rashawn was once called a 'black bastard' which obviously shows motive but also madness.

I cannot believe anyone could do what occurred here but to involve family....double nasty!

Wow!

Interesting dynamics at play throughout this one.

Keep on track and stay on target...Don't lose sight of the end goal which is JUSTICE for ALL!

Book Review: "A Divided Loyalty" By Charles Todd

It's 1921 when Ian is assigned a rather interesting cold case for this Scotland Yard detective.

Now, the rest of the story goes like this...

Chief Inspector Brian Leslie is perplexed about the entire situation and there's quite a bit of hidden information from these newly uncovered letters.

These letters may be the key to unlocking this close knit secret - a secret that shouldn't be exposed - at least not yet.

Because if this secret is leaked and the truth is known ....

Well, the end result is somebody knows the truth, somebody is talking, but someone will have to speak and answer to the charges.

It's all about justice in the end and justice shall be sought.

A great new read by Charles Todd the dynamic duo.

Book Review: "The Last Girl Standing" By Lisa Jackson

When there's trouble on the horizon with the elites....

Ahhh! The Five Firsts are about to experience a shocker right before senior year graduation when one of their own dies.

Carman well lets just say she wasn't so lucky when she died trying to save another. Was this an accident? How could this happen trying to save the hottest guy in the school?

Full steam ahead as now these elite groups join up for a reunion that showcases their similarities but also their differences. With the latter being magnified.

I can't say too much because it'd give away the plot but there's plenty more to come with a pregnancy, a murder charge or two, and so much more.

This really was jam packed and well written.

A great new read.

Book Review: "Uncanny Valley" By Anna Weiner

"The world is full of people who aren't realizing their potential in large part because their cities don't provide the opportunities and living conditions necessary for success."

With this noted, the issue surrounds the tech v nontech industry in relation to Silicon Valley, E-read app careers, and those famous start up companies that promise quick success.

It's a delusion for sure but it's also very much reality.

Those at the top of this 'ponzi scheme' sell the kool aid quicker than you can consume it!

Here in this old coal mining company of Wilkes Barre Pa we are seeing the slow influx of such techno savvy companies. 

I for one like the new change but am cautious to embrace this new fad of ideas but for a different reason as they do bring interest among the young but the older group of late 40's folks aren't getting in this mix.

The idea that Anna sought after an emotional narrative, a feel good movement, a yearning for more while having to turn inward should tell you all you need to know.

"I feel the force of the swerve."

"I unpinned the uterus and put it in my pocket."

"There are no adults in the White House."

"We're the government now."

"Society was shifting."

I'd add to this society doesn't realize the danger-at least not yet- but like everything they will soon feel the same wrath many of the survivors of malignant narcissism know all too well.

It's a slow, subtle, humiliating process that shines fool's gold in a new light.
I hate to say it but if we don't get it together and soon it may continue ....VOTE!
While this book wasn't just political in nature but more economical with a strong gender identity in play I'd beg anyone to attempt to get hired after raising 3 kids for 20 yrs like self with a dual masters and then tell me how hard life is after being left bankrupt, homeless, lt unemployed, without assets -savings-credit- housing-or heck even food. 

Everything these days is put on a wait list including careers apparently and after searching for ten years just for employment the only advice I can give is life is grand but hell all at once.

If you are lucky to wake in the morn-count yourself blessed.

Everyday is a struggle, a hustle, a non stop competitive market to be best...while not showing the best....

Good luck to all!

Book Review: "The Vanished Birds" By Simon Jimenez

A mysterious child -unable to speak- falls from the sky with a flute for comfort.

The music is magical yet there's so much work to be done.

The boy is special and many admire him which makes him a target.

This is the world of poisonous moons, hate filled adventures, cats with two tails, and so much more.
It's a new digital world with long past memories of normalcy.

Climb aboard if you like Sci-Fi as this one may capture your heart.

Book Review: The Truants By Kate Weinberg

People disappear when they most want to be seen.

Misfits are running rampant breaking rules while Jess falls in love with two storytellers.

Silenced by others is a big commodity in this one and it's a powerful display of what results when others are silenced permanently.

What I can tell you is the island is full of ghosts and everyone has a story to tell.

Clearly, some stories are more painful then others but remember help is available.

A good read by Kate Weinberg.

Book Review: "The Wounded Shepherd" By Austen Ivereigh

An insightful and informative look into the man who vowed to create change.

Welcoming yet moving Pope Francis is showing that the process is tedious, slow, but can be accomplished with the right tools in place.

To be brutally honest one of the reasons I wanted to examine this book further in depth was because of the treatment or lack there of in the Catholic Church.

In fact, to be even more specific I was a former minister of hospitality in a Catholic Church run by men. Men were in every aspect of the hierarchy.

So, imagine this young, vibrant, tenacious women stepping up to fulfill the role as not only minister but lead usher among all men.

Miraculously you can say something odd resulted from this desire to serve. After serving in this full capacity for several years I was astonished when the priest came up to me one day and acted like as if he's never seen me before after I served for 2 full years (on and off with medical issues such as pneumonia/bronchitis/flu).

One Sunday I went to perform my usual routine and was bombarded by angry white men from all angles who wished to run me out of the church for simply wishing to take up the collection. A volunteer position I've done every other Sunday for 2 years straight w/o ever a complaint and in fact nothing but complements for finally having a woman serve in such capacity.

I was then shocked when two male ushers (older white men and one with a med condition) grabbed the wicker collection basket out of my hands).

The reasoning was nothing more than they were afraid of change and never did apologize. Consequently, I've never been back to church since this incident and refuse to go back until such an apology and acceptance is provided.

I now will address this book- per page 94/95 in which this author notes: "It wasn't misogyny that kept women out of senior roles at the Vatican but clericalism -"when the {the curiali} see how much better women are at doing things, there's no problem," He said; rather, it was a "problem of power."

Pope Francis has in ways perceived the changes in our society and our times and has acted upon them for the good of all.

"Under Francis, there's a lot more movement, a lot more talk about women."

Far too often women operated out of a role of simply servitude and not true service.
As we now see Francis observed that," to invite a woman to speak about the wounds of the Church is to invite the Church to speak about herself, about the wounds she has."

Even more importantly, " Integrating the woman as a figure of the Church into our thinking."

Which is exactly what the priest noted to me that these men need time to come around to this thinking.

In the meantime, women shouldn't sit on the sideline but are being forced out and silenced and it's wrong.

When this happened to me the older man said to the others-there's more of us than her- meaning I was all alone, as a woman, and these men would ultimately get there way by force and by numbers!

They all went out to pray and worship and it's disgusting that they can sin such as this in the church mind you without even a thoughtful reflection to wrong doing.
It reminds me much of the same with the sexual abuse scandals which in my area has resulted in filing bankruptcy among the diocese.

Similar to the way the Vatican also felt similar financial constraints and had to reconfigure it's financial dealings.

While the Pope doesn't welcome the fancy ways and is very laid back it's also noted he can show his dark side such as the recent incident in which he slapped a woman's hand for reaching out and grabbing him.

While I agree she was also not innocent -what does this show the world in terms of character, responsibility, and accountability.

This is my issue with the Catholic Church and we must stop kicking the can and start addressing these underlying issues.

While I feel this book was well written I believe more can and needs to be done to fix this broken channel of worship.

Women being silenced, children going unheard, adults with wounds is not my idea of healing using payoffs behind closed doors.

Book Review: "A Long Petal of the Sea" By Isabel Allende

“Pain is unavoidable, but suffering is optional.”

I've provided this quote because it sums up the eloquent and beautifully written work by Isabel Allende.

It's an emotional and exhilarating look into a historical time when there was much chaos, pain, suffering, humiliation, and injustice.

The Civil War of the 30's in Spain is how it all begins with the overthrow of the government.

It wraps up with the fleeing of many seeking freedom, protections, better lives for themselves and their family members.

"We have to protect the child." "You'll have to marry me." 

And so it begins...with the love triangles, the historical consequences, and the exiles.

Pregnancy during this time was uniquely different and when it occurs it's hidden away with adoption as the only way.

However, what if the end result was different.

The man you loved never died in war. The child you gave up for adoption was truly still alive. What if a long lost love really was your soulmate for life.
So many questions that deserve respect, thoughtful reflections, and peaceful resolutions.

Surely, these relationships were complex, driven, and in some cases forceful.
What we must remember in the end is this," You can't change the past, but perhaps you can banish the worst memories.."

Grateful to have read this masterpiece!

Book Review: "The Caretakers" By Eliza Maxwell

"In the isolated estate she’s found the perfect getaway. But there’s no escaping the past.."

In this situation we have Tessa our filmmaker who went to extremes to set a a wrongly convicted man free.

Only the fact remains he's killed again...or did he?

Well, everything points to his guilt. However, the deeper issues haven't yet surfaced and when they do they may shock everyone.

Deaths, confessions, affairs, violence, kidnappings, suicides...and so much more awaits the reader.

Tessa's sis Margot is part of the list of 'people to watch' along with Valerie Winters, Lloyed Winters, Oliver, Aiden, and Cora.

Don't lose sight of the truths because once their gone their gone...

Book Review: "How Quickly She Disappears" By Raymond Fleischman

Atmospheric! Remote! Intriguing?!

Well, there you have it...

I read this while waiting for my kids to exit school in the local library.

I did have some issues with the start, the mid was ok, the end not sure.

I enjoyed the fact that Elisabeth was determined to find the truth about her missing sister regardless of having to meet a killer in prison...

However, at the same token that back and forth tug is also what drove me nuts! It was like dangling a carrot, having it appear, disappear, re-appear.

I felt like I was being taken for a ride and unable to escape and it was draining.

The end really left me wondering more than having conclusive answers.

At least we learn what happened to Jacqueline but the adds on characters like Margaret just didn't work.

I wish it didn't sway back and forth and got more to the point faster as I think that would've helped overall with the appeal.

Book Review: "The Persian Gamble" By Joel C. Rosenberg

Can Oleg and Marcus work together to prevent a war with NATO?

Three world powers, a nuclear alliance, one man who must risk it all to end this deadly strategy!

Drinks anyone?!

Holy smokes this was fantastic!!

US Secret Service Agent finds himself on the other side of danger when he must elude detection by the Russians while simultaneously convincing his own government to grant safe harbor to the man who was behind the mastermind -Russian Agent and Assassin -OLEG!

Sounds interesting, Right?

Add to this toxic environment N. Korea is using a smokescreen to sell weapons to Iran.

Now where did I hear this one before??? Reality strikes again!

World disaster looms. Ryker's faith is being tested. Warheads being shipped to Iranian counterparts could spell DISASTER.

One constant- Joel knows how to rock the boat with gusty moves and twists beyond belief.

I've started with the third in this series working backwards -story of my life- and I'm loving every second.

I was introduced to Mr. Rosenberg from a 'spy guy' online and I'll tell you he was spot on. When I was approved to the 3rd Marcus Ryker E-Read at  Netgalley for The Jerusalem Assassin I jumped at the chance to read it because of such rave reviews.

If you've not encountered his work, pick it up, indulge, delight your senses, you'll be in for a treat!

Book Review: "The Last Flight" By Julie Clark

Two Women. Two Flights. 

One uniquely written novel.

Claire appears to live the ideal life. Married to Rory. Life seems perfect.
Until she learns of his darker side and seeks out. STAT!

So, with a chance at freedom she takes it and jumps at the chance to trade flights with EVA.

What happens thereafter, is quite mysterious and intriguing.

The plane has crashed. Everyone believes Claire is dead. 

Yet, one major issue remains...RORY!

It's the boys will be boys saga...

This time it's the girls turn...

Evidence points to one hell of a shady fella with one deadly situation being explored.

The past may come back to haunt you!

This was splendid in every form. It takes off from the start and never lets up.

Loved it!!

Book Review: "Her Nightly Embrace" By Adi Tantimedh

A wild one with Hindu gods, sexual addiction, and plenty of profanity.

I'm not sure how to even discuss this as there's plenty of side steps along the way with numerous characters that it'd be too in depth to do this justice.

So suffice to say Ravi is a PI with a support system that's seriously flawed and lacking in all the right motives.

Don't forget the wheeler and dealer of the gang and the bride who ran away.

It's truly a catch all kind of thriller that goes over the main characters head and drives everyone gonzo including me.

However, perhaps you like these type of stories with these wild plots and so if you do this is for you.

Enjoy!

Book Review: "I See You So Close" By M. Dressler

Imagine the mindset to even accomplish a task in writing about a ghost who comes back to haunt a town in real form?

Ok, now that I have you there now wonder about where to take this story....

Driven by memories, rage, & justice, through a door to just ..Poof! Be Gone!

OK?

But this door is more of an experiment or shall we say a gathering in which they all come down upon others around them in this one location.

This gal Emma Rose is really something as she goes about haunting and terrorizing everyone and everything until...

The tables are turned from the town's Gold Rush past and Emma is now being haunted...

I'm not going to spill the scoop on how this plays out but safe to say it's bizarre, messy, and downright cray-cray...

In other words, if you like thrillers you'll enjoy this one!

Book Review: "Dead Wrong" By Noelle Holten

Cat and mouse psychology? Killer on the loose?

Guilt before innocence?

What we have here is all of this intoxicating soup to nuts and then some as we go along for the ride with DC Maggie who is having second doubts on a man she put behind bards for life.

Three women. Three deaths. Three cases closed.

NO! WRONG!

Because the newest death occurred while Bill was in prison which leads to a 2nd killer on the loose.

Time is not on our side here and the intensity is heating up ...

I can't imagine a more challenging dynamic but Noelle calmly portrayed each side with vigor and lurid details that crept upon you.

It was that deep seeded psycho around every corner feel and it may just keep you up at night.

As you already know this is the 2nd in this series and it's truly worth your precious time to crack it open and enjoy!

Thank you to Noelle, the pub, NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review

Book Review: "The New Guy" By Kathryn Freeman

OMG!! Who doesn't want a piece of this action?

So, look ladies...We have a hot guy, a steamy night, and tomorrow he'll be your new employee.

Yes, it went down like that but hey I'm not the judge nor the jury because these guys and gals are all flawed beyond belief.

Drinking binges, one night stands, jealous rages, extravagant drama, and add a few rivals to this mixed bag and pop...there it goes!

I'm not a new gal on the block but I do love J-Lo nor am I old school fuddy duddy so this is perfect for a gal like me to really grasp the concepts and enjoy.

Let Loose!

Live a little!

Sip that wine and hell who cares - go for it!

A perfect romance on a perfect sunny day!

Blessings!

Book Review: "Dark Tomorrow" By Reece Hirsch

FBI agent Lisa is called in to investigate cyber threats involving the Dark Web courtesy of NatalyaX our hacker extraordinaire.

An email suddenly breaks and it results in the entire East Coast going dark.

It's this sudden action that causes panic resulting in a new plan of action being addressed.

With everything on the line Lisa must nullify another cyber attack and set the axis spinning again.

It's an ok read but wasn't really suited for someone like myself as I do enjoy spyware but this didn't have enough energy to keep it flowing freely and for that I sadly must give it a low rating.

Thank you to the publisher, the author, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Best Friend" By Adam Mitzner

First and foremost I must note that this is my first novel from this author under the Broden Legal Series.

With this said, I gravitated towards this ARC as a Criminal Justice Master as well as having interned as an undergrad with the Public Defender's Office. I was always told to become a prosecutor but funds weren't there so my dream subsided and then marriage and kids and you know the rest.

I honestly couldn't let this one pass me by without at least trying it and with that I must say,"Thank You" to NetGalley, Adam, and his publisher.

This began in a ball of fury as we learn that Clint (NY Defense Attorney) has a close friend whose been charged with murdering his bride.

We forward thirty years and he's again being charged with another crime and Nick has to wonder if lighting strikes twice.
This friendship is being tested by all avenues using all sorts of pressure.

The nature of the beast is more than just the crime as we uncover a host of other underlying issues here including harassment.

What lengths will an attorney go for his client?

Would a defense lawyer choose to lay his job on the line to defend a killer if he even had a suspicion of guilt?
It's something I'd love to ask Alan Dershowitz but that's a whole other topic and way too political dealing with constitutional and criminal law.

What I enjoyed here was the legal maneuvers, the criminal aspects, the criminality and the defense aspect.

I'll never forget having to memorize the crimes code for my state and this reminds me of those bygone days.

I say this because some take cases for the love of money while others do so for the prestige and still others because they love that challenge.

This is one of those situations in which you have all three of the above but also morals, values, friendships, forgiveness, empathy, and love all factoring in to that equation.

That ending was just fantastic and what a way to end!!

A great new read that I highly recommend.

Book Review: "When the Time Comes" By Adele O'Neill

Jenn is a wife whose terminally ill with a husband named Liam who recently moved out for his mistress.

The story goes that Jenn and the kids truly need his help so they invite him back only to have a day go by and they find her dead!

WTH?!!

Is this a suicide, a murder, or a well orchestrated plot?

I'll tell you the bestie thinks he's nothing more than a womanizer, a cheater, and a liar!

Straight up! Loser!

But there's another part to this story that lovely mistress?

What does she think about all this??

CRICKETS...can't be good!

I'm seriously Adele you got me good girl!

Loved it!!

Book Review: "Truths I Never Told You" By Kelly Rimmer

Riveting, Explosive, Heartfelt Emotions!

I can't think of anything else but to say this left me speechless.

Parenting is such a difficult task for anyone much less a mother suffering from postpartum depression.

I've read many books on this topic and each time it tugs at my heartstrings because it's an added condition that really is so often not discussed and swept under.

I wish this topic was more a central focus but the way this was wrapped up into the plot was done in a manner that was remarkably unique.

It begins with Beth and her hoarder father who kept her mother's journal tucked away.

It turns out she never died in a car accident as the offspring believed and now Beth's connection is exponentially enlarged.

That ending with Patrick and the Aunt was magnificent.

Each character though flawed was relatable and vivid.

I couldn't get enough of this and hated that it all had to come to an end.

Though the end was something that we could all cheer on!

Great!!

Book Review: "Safe House" By Jo Jakeman

Charlie's paid the price for a fake alibi for a murderer but could she now pay the ultimate price?

With classic thrills and chills Jo Jakeman takes readers on a he said/she said tango dance between Charlie and Lee.

Lee truly believes that the police tried to frame him for the murder but he's also an older man whose been around a few times and may have the upper hand against AKA Steffi.

Oh, did I forget to mention she's in hiding so that's her alternate name.

Now, there's this guy Ben whose another loose cannon and either he's a stalker, a madman, a hitman, or a combo of all three with an ax to grind because he's on top of Charlie like flint clinging to a dryer.

You get my drift?!

Ben seems to have one motive in mind and that's finding out where his daughter from 2014 is today.

Oh, there's another gal Penny whose also off the rocker and seems to have a connection with not one but two men.

What can one say other than to keep the nastiness in check and forgive the jealous rages.

If not at least know that sometimes a conviction is more than just a mere conviction it's a 'death sentence.'

Nuff said!

This was superb in every regard!

Grab this before it runs off...

Book Review: "Call of the Raven" By Wilbur Smith

Where's the button for beyond infinity stars? 
Goodreads & Netgalley get on it! Stat!

I'm beyond thrilled to have read this one and can't imagine where I've been to have not read any prior works by this author.

First off this: "An action-packed and gripping adventure by bestselling author, Wilbur Smith, about one man's quest for revenge, the brutality of slavery in America and the imbalance between humans that can drive - or defeat - us. "--Doesn't do justice!

In fact, there's so much more going on here that to list it all would take days.

You'll be on the edge of your seat reading this and you won't be able to flip the pages fast enough without getting a paper cut or kindle burn.

I've read many thrillers but this one literally captivated me from the moment it began as it was uniquely different and I love an author who thinks outside the box for thrillers.

Mungo is a man of privilege. He's about to find out life has hardships and hard knocks is about to enter his realm. He's lost his inheritance, his gal, and had his family ruined.
So now what?

Well, Mungo wants justice from the man whose holding her captive-Chester is up on the plank!

What is one man willing to sacrifice to achieve power?
What is one man willing to do to save the life of another?
What will one man do under the name of love?

OMG!!

Just read this !

Book Review: "The Vanishing" By Jayne Ann Krantz

Fogg Lake has a stunning secret! So too does Catalina! Could they both be plain crazy?

Well, folks there ya have it!

We have a situation or shall I say a scientific experiment that centers more upon the psychic than the science.

We also have a woman who can analyze crime scene like nobody else. You can say she's gifted in her talents and abilities with a strong connection to her senses.

Sure many have said she's just delusional especially after her relationship with the crime scene consultation company head man Roger.

Or, she's on to something far bigger and she's wiser beyond her years.
So you decide, but safe to say it's a safe bet to know the underlying issues resulted from an explosion while Catalina and Olivia where in a cave.

Cat is certainly going to need all the help she can get to find Olivia (her PI partner in crime) and have this story end well.

Kudos to the author!

A great new read for 2020!

Book Review: "The Banty House" By Carolyn Brown

The commonalities are diverse yet obviously exposed!

This reminds me of our political climate today in which we are all fighting, hooting, hollering to get our points across yet underneath it all -if we truly stopped to listen- we'd find we have more in common than we think, and that we all want the same.

It's this deep down passion that's portrayed here with these 3 older sisters, a pregnant homeless teen named Ginger, and the handyman Sloan all living under one roof.

What's even more fascinating is their own interactions and relationships formed from this chance meeting and how they begin to rely upon one another for comfort and love.

A soul searching is in play here and the end result will leave you breathless....

Thank you to Carolyn Brown, the pub, NetGalley for this lovely ARC in exchange for this honest review.