"The Breakdown" by B. A. Paris

If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust? B. A. Paris explores this quandary in her latest thriller, “The Breakdown”.

Cass’s life is just about perfect… handsome and loving husband, lots of friends, new job and a great house. The only scar on her idyllic life is the recent death of her mother, from dementia, which left her wealthy. Unbeknownst to Cass, her mother tucked away lots of money and lived a very frugal life. Oh, and her best friend and husband only tolerate each other.

Que a stormy night and a shortcut through a dark, twisting, wooded road. Cass takes said shortcut against her husband’s warnings. As she passes a lay-by, she sees a car. She does not really want to stop; it’s dark, raining and just darn right scary outside. As she pulls by the car, she sees that it is a woman. So, she pulls in front of the car. She waits for the motorist to put on her flashers, honk, get out or otherwise signal that she needs assistance. After some time, Cass goes on. She gets home, goes to bed and forgets about the incident until news of a murder on the very road she traveled last night jolts her out of her happy, perfect life.

Cass instantly feels guilty. Could she have helped? Could she have saved her? Would she have been murdered too? Then her mind jumps to the next logical question… did the murderer see her? She instantly becomes anxious. She begins forgetting things. She thinks someone is watching her and starts receiving calls from someone who does not speak. Then, she starts hallucinating. Is she going crazy or does she have dementia like her mother? Why is this happening to her? She just wants to have a baby and return to her normal life.

Does Cass find out what is going on? Does she find out who the murderer is before the murderer can drive her crazy? You must read the book to find out. It is a great read… I devoured in less than 24 hours. I really like this author and have not read her debut novel, “Behind Closed Doors”, but plan to soon.

Release/Publication Date:  July 18, 2017

Genre:  Thriller, suspense, crime, murder

Cover: Perfect.

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4 stars

"The Pony Express Romance Collection" by Various

It’s amazing to think that something as ingrained in American history such as the Pony Express was only in operation for 19 months! “The Pony Express Romance Collection: Historic Express Mail Route Delivers Nine Inspiring Romances” is full of interesting facts. For example, they looked for riders who were quite young: between 12 and 18. The smaller and lighter, the better. They also preferred orphans and women were not even considered. You will find these and other interesting facts in the book.

As mentioned in the title, the book contains nine short stories. They all take place within a short time frame and each romance centers around a Pony Express station/stop and tackles issues like bigotry, racism, slavery, prostitution, abuse. The primary characters are also concerned with new telegraph line being constructed as it signals the end of the Pony Express and their jobs.

The common theme throughout these stories, other than the Pony Express and romance, is a character believes that God either does not love them/care about them or does not listen to their prayers. Throughout the story, the character finds him or herself praying/seeking God and realizing His love for him or her. Great reminders that “When god doesn’t answer the way we want Him to, it’s because He knows what’s best for us better than we do.”
I enjoyed “The Gambler’s Daughter” and it’s reminder that “God never leads us to sin”. Set on Christmas Eve in 1860, it is the story of a young lady who sets out to find her father and instead finds romance.

I found that some of the stories seemed to have a similar storyline and appreciated the last couple as they were a bit different. Women were not prized for their ability to cook and clean, but as a horse whisperer and stable hand. However, this is still a good book and would be great for any age as it is clean and has good lessons.

Release/Publication Date:  March 15, 2017

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Western, Romance

Cover: Perfect.

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!

Rating: 4 stars

“The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley” by Hannah Tinti

Cats have 9 lives, but Samuel Hawley has been blessed with 12! “The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley” by Hannah Tinti is the story of Samuel Hawley, his daughter Loo, and the people who interact with them throughout their lives. It is the tale of a lawless father and his attempts to keep those he loves safe. Sometimes he is successful… sometimes he is not. 

Hawley and Loo move around a lot to random destinations. They only stay somewhere six months to a year.  On Loo’s eleventh birthday, Samuel decides to take Loo someplace where she “won’t have to play alone”. This time, though, they return to Olympus, Massachusetts; her mother’s hometown. Loo’s grandmother still lives there.

We soon find out that Hawley has trouble reigning in his temper. We get a feel for why they may have spent Loo’s life running. 

Samuel always had one gun on him and several more within arm’s length. He taught Loo how to shoot at twelve so it seems normal for her to be around guns. They are her friends. She is comfortable with them; she is not so comfortable with her anger. Mixed with her teenage hormones, she often reacts badly confronted by bullies.

I love the way the author switches from the present and Loo’s perspective to the past. Chapters alternate with “Bullet Number One” and so on to tell Hawley’s past, why he is running, and why he loves and protects his daughter so desperately!

As the book progresses, so does Loo’s life. For the most part, she is a loner. However, she finds love. Her attempts to maintain that relationship are frantic and pitiful. She is as strong a lover as her father. He sets up a sort of altar (in the bathroom) to her dead mother everywhere they call home. The explanation of this towards the end of the book is absolutely heartbreaking. It will rip open a wound in everyone who has lost someone they desperately love with the hope that they will look up and see their loved one turn the corner.

Super read; satisfying ending!

Release/Publication Date:  March 28, 2017

Genre:  Literary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Coming of Age

Cover: OK.

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you! 

Rating: 4.5 stars (rounding to 5)

"The Red Hunter" by Lisa Unger

Thanks to Lisa Unger and Simon & Schuster for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Justice or revenge; what’s the difference? Lisa Unger explores this question and the implications of both in her latest thriller, “The Red Hunter”.  She tells the reader that justice is a concept, one agreed upon by a civilized society. It seeks balance. Revenge is wild and raw, it’s a balancing of the scales of the universe.  Revenge seeks chaos. Thus, giving birth to “The Red Hunter”.
We are also told that “when seeking revenge, dig two graves. One for yourself“.

The two main characters, Claudia and Zoey, are both survivors of a horrific crime where each was left for dead. They have lots of other things in common as well. They were both at the wrong place at the wrong time. They both suffer frequently from “les penseées qui viennent dans le nuit” or “the thoughts that come in the night”. Both attempt to move on with their lives by learning to cope and protect themselves and their families. However while learning and practicing self-protection, they take different paths. Those paths cross when Claudia returns, with her daughter Raven, to an old, abandoned house that her father once owned. She plans to start over here by renovating the house and blogging about it. This house just happens to be the site of the crime involving Zoey.

While sharing so many things, Claudia and Zoey do have one glaring difference. Whereas Claudia is very open about the crime and even blogs about it, Zoey does not want anyone to know what she has been through, who she is or to even be noticed.

Raven and Zoey also share several things: they both live in the aftermath of what happened to their parents, struggle to fit in, have questions about their father (who he was/what was he hiding) and they have a supporting friend who happens to be a boy.  They learn that where they have come from does not have to define them. I loved the quote, “Why do you think where you came from has anything to do with where you belong? I certainly don’t believe that. I can’t. I have to believe that we create our lives.” Wow! Where we have been does not matter… it’s where we are going. Such a powerful statement… and true!

I adore Lisa Unger and her writing style. She writes engaging books and does not leave any strings “unpulled”. She always answers all the questions asked during the book. I gave this one five stars (4.5 rounded up). It was a great story with lots of surprises and interesting supporting characters. The reader learns about justice, revenge, friendship, corruption, betrayal, and letting go (as a parent and as one who has been wronged).  We also learn a lot about relationships and love; true, parental and brotherly.  “Some relationships are like pythons: they wrap around you, slowly squeezing until you can’t breathe” Boy, is that ever true!

I like to think that in the end, some revenge is indeed justified!

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate

I reserve 5 full stars for books that move me and stay with me long after I have finished them. “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate was one of those books!

The book details the lives of seven siblings. It travels through their births to their elderly years seamlessly telling the story of how they were stolen from their parents and placed in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society where unspeakable acts were perpetrated against children, the birth parents and adoptive parents.

The book begins with Avery Stafford who has moved back home to assist her mother and father, a Senator, with his public life after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her grandmother, Judy, has just been moved to the memory care unit of a premium care assisted living facility as she has been diagnosed with dementia.  The Senator and his staff are trying to juggle that choice, his illness and a scandal involving corporate-owned facilities. Avery attends a meet-and-greet at a facility with her father and meets May, an older lady who mistakes her for both her sister Fern and then her mother, Queenie. While Avery is distracted, May slips an heirloom bracelet from her wrist. When the worker’s retrieve it, May claims it is hers. When Avery returns to retrieve it, she sees an old photo in May’s room. Her curiosity is piqued when she notices the resemblance of the lady in the photo to her grandmother, Judy. When she visits her grandmother to ask her, she tells her to burn all her appointment books/journals at her home.

The resulting story is Avery’s hunt for the truth. “Secrets have a way of coming out. Secrets also make you vulnerable to your enemies, political or otherwise.” Avery must tread carefully; everything her family does or has done is scrutinized. We are reminded that “secrets ain’t a healthy thang, no matter how old they is. Sometimes the oldest secrets is the worst of all”. Is that ever the truth!
Throughout, she begins to question the path she has chosen for her own life. May tells her “a woman’s past need not predict her future. She can dance to new music if she chooses. Her OWN music. To hear the tune, she must only stop talking. To herself, I mean. We’re always trying to persuade ourselves of things.” Such great advice. We often choose someone else’s path for our life. We are reminded to “dance within the music of today, or we will always be out of step”.
It also delves into dementia, assisted living and caring for our loved ones as they age. “This music of old age… it isn’t made for dancing. It’s so… lonely. You’re a burden to everyone.” Wow… go visit your grandmother!

I am the type of reader that loves stores that are based in truth. This one was. The Tennessee Children’s Home Society and Georgia Tann, did exist and committed terrible atrocities. Do a bit of research; you will be appalled.

This story touched me in so many ways. As a child, my sister and I were often shuffled between family members after the death of our mother at ages 2 and 5. I think that we share an even stronger bond because of that. This book describes that bond so beautifully. “The love of sisters needs no words. It does not depend on memories, or mementos, or proof.  It runs as deep as a heartbeat. It is as ever present as a pulse.” Another character said, “The heart still know. It still know who it loves”. Indeed it does!

Read this book. It will make you cry. You will be glad you did.

Release Date: June 6, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
Cover: Perfect
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 5 stars

"One For Sorrow" by Mary Downing Hahn

In the mood for a good ghost story… the kind told around a blazing camp fire? A ghost story that will keep you looking in corners and jumping at every noise for a couple of days? “One for Sorrow” is just that! This book is set in the midst of the influenza epidemic in 1918 and is written for ages 10 – 12/grades 5 – 7.

Annie moves to a new school and is immediately befriended by an outcast, Elsie. Things take a turn quickly when Annie realizes there is a reason that Elsie does not have friends and the other girls taunt her. Annie soon dumps Elsie and joins the “cool” girls who taunt Elsie. Elsie contracts influenza and subsequently dies as a result of the other girls’ actions. Elsie does not “move on” and decides that Annie owes it to her to be her best friend forever!

I had a couple of issues with this book, but 10-12 year olds won’t even think about them. First, Annie had been to Elsie’s house before. She would have known it was her house and not been surprised when approaching her coffin to see her in her home. Second, Elsie alluded to the fact the their family was poor, but they owned the town butcher shop. Perhaps times were tough because of the war…  And, why, when Annie is being taunted by a ghost, would she be reading “The Woman in White”?
Remember, this is a children’s book ages 10-12. Should not be super scary. For that age group, it is a perfect read.

Release/Publication Date:  July 18, 2017
Genre: Children’s Books (Age Level: 10 - 12  Grade Level: 5 - 7 )
Cover: Perfect!
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 4 stars

"The Last Chance Matinee" by Mariah Stewart

Have you ever dreamed of a “secret” family? Perhaps of someone showing up on your doorstep one day claiming to be your long lost sibling or auntie? That is exactly what happens to Cara, Des and Allie in “The Last Chance Matinee (The Hudson Sisters Series Book 1)”. Their father, Fritz, dies after a short bout with cancer. Later, their Uncle Pete divulges the specifics of Fritz’s will telling Cara that she has two sisters that she knows nothing about and unbeknownst to Des and Allie they have a sister they know nothing about. The details of Fritz’ will are a shock to them all.

I am surprised that none of the three sisters found out about the others throught out their lives… that Fritz never let anything slip or that none of them found a receipt, note, or reference to the other(s). That would be a hard secret to keep for years.

My only issue with the book was that Cara had never divulged her mother’s final words, “Tell him I’ve always known, and it’s all right…” to her father. That would have been one of the first things I told my father if I had been in a similar situation and I would want to know what in the heck she was talking about.

I can’t wait to read the next installment(s) of this series. I look forward to finding out what happens with the theatre and what ensues as the sisters get to know each other and the other inhabitants of the town. Will some or all of them make this their new home?

I especially loved the small town in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains where most of the story takes place. It is an idyllic town where folks really care about other and take care of their own. They love each other and watch out for each other.

Release/Publication Date:  June 2, 2017
Genre:  Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Cover: Perfect!
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 4

"the idea of you" by Amanda Prowse

From the time we are little girls playing with dolls, most of us long to be a Mother. Lucy is no different. She is a woman who finds love a bit later in life than most women. She meets her knight in shining armor at the christening of her friend/co-worker’s baby at the age of 39. After they marry, they find that trying to start a family is not as easy as they had hoped. Her new husband, Jonah, has a teenage daughter that comes to stay for the summer amidst their attempts at a successful pregnancy. This puts further strain on their marriage. This novel is the story of their love, marriage, parenting and attempts to have a baby.

As a Mother who suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks, I empathized with and felt sorry for Lucy.  I, like Lucy, blamed myself and wondered what I had done to “cause” this to happen. As with Lucy, “I did everything it said in my book”. I did not know how to grieve openly. I did not know how to be happy for those around me who bore children around this time. I did not know how to deal with those people who carelessly told me things like “you can have fun trying again”, “you were ONLY 12 weeks”, “it will be OK… you can try again” or “it was God’s will”. Sometimes, I wanted to smack them.  You can only fully realize her pain if you, too, have laid on the couch with your feet up in the hope that you can stop what you know is happening or checking for a bit of blood every time you go to the bathroom.

I found the author’s use of “letters” to the baby interesting and a great way to convey parts of the story. Everything wraps up fairly nicely, though not perfectly for Lucy in the end.

Release/Publication Date:  March 21, 2017
Genre:  Literary fiction, romance, psychological
Cover: Perfect, but only after you finish the novel.
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounding to 4)

"Watch Me Disappear" by Janelle Brown

I devoured this psychological thriller/suspense novel in less than 24 hours. Once I started reading, I could not stop!

“Watch Me Disappear” by Janelle Brown is the story of Billie, a seemingly perfect wife and mother who was able to “spin magic... to be such a terrific parent when she’d had such bad ones”. Billie disappears and is presumed dead during a solo hike in Desolation Wilderness. Making the story even sadder is that the family was just about as close to perfect as you could get. Johnathan, Billie’s husband, is a senior editor at a flourishing magazine/web site and Olive, her daughter, is a student at a prestigious private school. Everyone seems to love Billie and want to be around her. She is beautiful and a great wife and mother. The author had me loving her;  she reads Tana French… how could I not! However, as the story progresses, we realize all is not as it seems.

Most of the story takes place a few weeks shy of the year anniversary of Billie’s death. It makes us question how well we know those around us.

The author writes a perfect story that leaves you guessing what truly happens until the last few paragraphs. She answers every question that is raised throughout the book. Often, with suspense/thrillers, an author throws out bait to make several characters seem guilty or to make the reader question different characters and their motives. Often, some of those little nagging tidbits are never addressed. The author addressed each and every one!

The book did drag a tiny bit in the first few chapters, but the reader needed to get a feel for the characters, their backgrounds and personalities. I felt like a time or two the author got out the dictionary and added some big words (I had to look up a few like ennui, ineffably, nascent, fugging, carapace).  Neither of these is a deal breaker… just pointing out.

I enjoyed this book so much that after finishing this review, I plan to purchase and read her previous novels.

Release/Publication Date:  July 11, 2017
Genre:  Psychological, thriller, suspense
Cover: Perfect. I liked how the text disappears into the water. At first, I did not care for the cover as the mountains play such a large part in this book. However, upon finishing the novel, I realize that the ocean is a perfect depiction.
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 5 stars

“Love’s Compass” by Carla Gade

If you enjoy historical fiction, westerns or Christian fiction, “Love’s Compass” is an ideal book. The author writes of love, faith, God, racism and bigotry.

Eliana Van Horn is not your typical female; she is daring, accomplished and takes up for others. She assists her father in his photography studio and then on an expedition during which they travel through Colorado and New Mexico. Since no single female would be allowed to do so, she disguises herself as a man and poses as her father’s son. Along the way, she meets Yiska Wilcox who is a half breed who joins them on their expedition as a guide.

The author vividly describes the area through Yiska’s writings and makes you feel as if you are there. The author also discusses God, prayer and his love for us simply and beautifully. “it’s not the work we do that gets His attention. It’s a humble heart that seeks Him…He hears us because of His love for us, nothing more.”

Giving “Love’s Compass” four stars. It is a lovely romance with a couple of surprises toward the end. Great clean read for just about any age. Perfect travel/beach/car read.

As a bonus, you will also receive “Pride’s Fall” by Darlene Franklin. It is a historical romance, as well.

Release/Publication Date: April 1, 2017 (previously published as “The Shadow Catcher's Daughter”)
Genre:  Historical Romance, Western, Christian Fiction
Cover: Perfect
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 4 stars

“For Whom the Bread Rolls” by Sarah Fox

“For Whom the Bread Rolls” is the second installment of the Pancake House Mystery series by Sarah Fox.

Marley McKinney is enjoying life running her late uncle’s pancake house, The Flip Side. However, her plans to run a successful business are thwarted by Ida Winkler, the town grouch who has been defacing the restaurant and making prank phone calls. When Marley goes to her house to confront her; she discovers her body. Of course, she herself is a suspect.

Marley and lots of fun supporting characters, including hunky boyfriend Brett make this a fun, enjoyable read.

I have not read the first book in this series, but it made no difference. All the tidbits that you needed to know from the first book were explained in this one, making it a great standalone read. Perfect for the beach or car ride. Neither gruesome nor filled with sex scenes. A perfect “cozy mystery”.

My only critique is that I did get a bit tired of the descriptions of Marley going to the beach to swim or walk. Enough already.

Thanks to this book, I learned what a “cozy” mystery was! I have been calling them “Murder She Wrote” books as I didn’t know any better. Now I do! Cozies are typically set in small towns and feature amateur sleuths who investigate local murders which take place off stage. The murderers are not generally psychopaths or serial killers and are members of the community where the murder occurs. You won't be afraid of the dark while reading one of these books.

Release/Publication Date: March 14, 2017
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Cover: Perfect
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Rating: 4 stars

"See What I Have Done" by Sarah Schmidt

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Let me start by saying that there are very few books that I absolutely cannot finish… even if it pretty much stinks, I still have to know what happens in the end. That being said, I can add this one to that list. I just couldn’t make myself. I tried… really. I did, however, skip to the final chapter so I kind of finished… not really, but kind of.

I was intrigued by the cover and quite excited to read the book after reading the synopsis. I love historical fiction especially that which is centered on fact as this book is. I just could not get past the author’s writing style. I could not focus on the story (it jumped around) and struggled to really follow it. I am giving it two stars. The inclusion of the time line at the end was a plus.

"Secrets of Southern Girls" by Haley Harrigan

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

As a Southern girl, I wish I could say that I liked this book, but I just cannot. I loved the cover from the moment I saw it. It was so beautiful with the shades of purple and the two girls on the front that reminded me of my sister and me. I was also intrigued by the change in the color of the font. I wanted to find out just what secrets these Southern girls had.

I do think this story has potential; perhaps it’s just not quite ready for publication yet. Give it a good rewrite and it could be a decent story. I did like how the author told the past through Reba’s diary which held the key to figuring out the secrets of everyone (not just the girls).
Frist, the book seemed to drag. I thought I would never get to the end. Also, I really disliked Jules from the beginning. She picks up men for one night stands. Her only intention is to use them. When in High School, she was a party girl and drank quite heavily. She would drag her best friend to bars even though they are both under age even though she knows her friend does not want to go. She did not seem to appreciate her Aunt who raised her and was mean to her odd cousin Toby. After moving away, she pushed away the perfect man and did not even want her child when it was born.  And maybe she didn’t kill Reba in the end, but she didn’t get help (and neither did Toby).

Moving on to Reba. She has everyone convinced that she is this perfect, angelic teenager. However, she hops into bed pretty quickly with August and then Toby even though both she and Jules dislike him, know he is a druggie and think he is weird. Then she lies to her family, best friend and boyfriend while continuing to sleep with both boys.

I also found it hard to believe that this good girl turned bad wrote down all of this in a diary that she carried around openly at school where anyone could have grabbed it and read it. When I was a teenager, I would never have been stupid enough to write these things down. If I did, I would have had that thing written in code or under lock and key.

Supposedly, family friend Nell has everyone’s best interests at heart. However, she has kept this diary that contains the answers, for years. She claims to “take care” of Toby now, but he is clearly tormented by Reba’s memory. This comes out in his artwork.

Everyone in this book is just so darn miserable.  None of the characters can move on (except Jules’ Aunt Molly). It just left me feeling sad, especially for Jules' daughter, Beck. In the end, I gave “Secrets of Southern Girls” three stars. If half stars were possible, I would have given it 2 ½. It did have a bit of a twist at the end and has potential with a rewrite, otherwise I would have given it two. In the end, I think August and Jules deserved each other.

“The Hideaway” by Lauren Denton

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

We tend to think of our parents and grandparents as always being the way we know them after we come into their lives. We forget that they had lives, often quite different ones, before we were a part of them.

“The Hideaway” by Lauren Denton is the story of Sara who returns to Sweet Bay, Alabama after her strange grandmother, Mags, dies and leaves Sara her run down bed and breakfast that has become “a senior citizen commune with a revolving door”.  Mags last request is that Sara return, use her talents and skills to renovate the house and property to its fullest potential” and live there while the renovations are taking place.

After returning to The Hideaway to fulfill her grandmother’s last wishes, she stumbles upon a box filled with curious items that belonged to Mags. These items point to a very different person than Sara believed her grandmother to be. Her first inkling that perhaps Mags was not quite who she thought she was occurred at the funeral where a photo of her is displayed. In it, Mags is in her early twenties and smiling at the person taking the photo in a way that clearly showed how much she loved the person taking the photo. Sara also realizes how much she resembles Mags… much more than either of her parents who died tragically when she was twelve.

“The Hideaway” switches from the present to 1960 where we learn what the items in the box are and how they made Mags into the courageous, strong woman that she became. During the course of the book, Sara questions what she thought of her grandmother and what she believes true happiness is and where it can be found.

I gave “The Hideaway” five stars. It is a beautiful story of love, kindness and becoming the person you were meant to be. Oh, and I loved the cover; it was perfect.

“One Perfect Lie” by Lisa Scottoline

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Wow! What a ride. “One Perfect Lie” by Lisa Scottoline is a thriller/suspense novel and it is certainly in the correct category.  I could not put it down.

I have read several of the author’s novels, so I was ready to start reading; therefore, I did not read the synopsis beforehand and did not know the storyline.

This book is so expertly written that I had no clue what was really happening. From the reader’s perspective, it seems Chris is involved in something truly sinister. I enjoyed trying to guess what he was up to so much that I almost wished I did not know his identity and the plan to blow up something so early in the book.

“One Perfect Lie”… let’s ponder that a moment. What is the perfect lie? Is it Chris and his undercover life? Is it Paul and his affair/medical fraud? Is it Evan and his sordid affair with his teacher or his plot to blow up something? Is it Mindy and the lies she told herself about her son/family? So many lies in this book… it was great! To quote the cover, “the most perfect lie is the one you tell yourself.” However, we learn that no lie is perfect, even one told for a good/valid reason as the truth always comes out in the end.

After reading the section of the book where Mindy FINALLY finds out what her husband has been hiding from her it truly made me think about my relationship with my husband. Do I really know him as well as I think I do? Is he really at work when he says he is working late? (No worries to my friends who may read this… it’s hard to fake the sounds of the machine room and far too many people to rat him out!) But, it did give me reason to pause. Then I started wondering about my friends (sorry, peeps). What are they up to behind closed doors? What are their spouses and children up to in the dead of night? Do I really know anyone?

Great story line and ending… everything is wrapped up very neatly. Lots of twists and turns that I truly did not see coming. Solid 5 stars. As with her other best sellers, this is a “don’t miss” novel.

“The Missing Ones (Detective Lottie Parker #1) by Patricia Gibney

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

“The Missing Ones (Detective Lottie Parker #1) by Patricia Gibney is a thriller/mystery/police procedural that had me hooked from the first few words!  After the first opening sentences, “The hole they dug was not deep. A white flour bag encased the little body. Three small faces watched from the window, eyes black with terror.” I was hooked. I could not put it down. I had to find out what had happened, who witnessed it and why they were being killed off!

I did have a couple of issues with the book. First, I wanted to smack Lottie at times. Her children were obviously in need of lots of mothering after losing their father. Not only does she ignore their demands for time with her and for food/dinner, but she has alienated her mother who could be a great help. She even throws a home cooked meal from her mother in the garbage! In her defense, she is a single mother, overworked, addicted to pills, a recovering alcoholic, and going through her own issues after the death of her husband.

Second, when Boyd took Lottie’s call at the gym where a known suspect was listening… really? Anyone could see that one coming!

4.5 stars from me, but as you can’t do halves on any of the review sites, I rounded up. This was a very solid first novel! Good story line with lots of twists and turns.

On the cover, I liked the black and white with the splashes of red text and coat. I assume that the building in the background is St. Angela’s. Not sure what else it could be. However, it should be much larger. Lottie’s counting of the windows played a large part in the ending. That structure is not even close to what it should be.

4.5 stars from me, but as you can’t do halves on any of the review sites, I rounded up. This was a very solid first novel! Good story line with lots of twists and turns. Plan to read the next installment in the series. Be sure to read the acknowledgments and Reader Letter at the end of the book. You will learn why the author writes about losing a husband so poignantly.

“My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela’s Quandary” by Susan Page Davis

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

“My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela’s Quandary” by Susan Page Davis is a selection in the My Heart Belongs series which is a series of Christian romance novels set in different cities/areas in the US by different authors.

The book begins with an unwilling 14-year-old Carmela being forced by her uncle to “perform” at various venues by telling her story of being kidnapped and held hostage by Indians in the American Southwest. After her “performance” she runs crying from the saloon and is befriended by a young boy, Will, whos brother is a deputy marshall.  Will attempts to get his brother, Freeland, to assist Carmela. However, Freeland is quite busy with a prisoner and cannot assist until Carmela and her uncle have left town.

Fast forward five years. Freeland is riding with a prisoner on a coach that just happens to be carrying Carmela and her uncle who is still forcing her to tell the untrue story of her parents’ murder and following life with the Indians by telling her that she still owes him money that her father borrowed and that he has paid for her “upkeep”.  Her uncle even repeatedly tattoos her face so that she will appear credible.

While traveling, they find the next stage coach station has been burned and are subsequently attacked by renegades. The story continues with how they escape and run into Indians and outlaws along the way.

The author tackles several biblical truths: confession, forgiveness, being judgmental and true love.
Gave this one four stars. It is a good solid read, nice ending with a funny twist. Very clean… you won’t be embarrassed if your Mom or child looks over your shoulder.

“The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection: Hope Reaches Across the Centuries Through One Single Bottle, Inspiring Five Romances”

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

“The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection: Hope Reaches Across the Centuries Through One Single Bottle, Inspiring Five Romances” begins in Ireland in 834 AD where a monk is fighting to hide a bronze bottle from invading Vikings.  What is special about this bottle? It is filled with scripture and has a message in Latin engraved around the neck, “spero” which means hope. The bottle shows up throughout all five stories reminding the characters at their darkest hours to always have hope.

First, an Irish princess encounters a Viking warrior bent on revenge and teaches him to love your enemies! The details of Viking warriors and their ways of life were intriguing!

The second story, “A Song in the Night” is set in Scotland. One of the main characters was a bagpipe player. I would love to see that one made into a movie! Super scenery, music and characters. I could hear the bagpipes playing as I read!

New York in 1798 is the setting for “The Forgotten Hope” by Maureen Lang is the story of a young lady who longs to continue to work beside her  father as a doctor rather than become the doting wife that society deems she should be.  The story follows her as she assists during a yellow fever outbreak remind us to always rely on God and to not distance yourself from others in an attempt to not be hurt by life’s tribulations.

“A River Between Us” by Jocelyn Green is set in 1864 Georgia, during the Civil War. It is a sweet reminder to love your enemy! If you enjoy historical romances, check out her “Heroines behind the Civil War” series.

“The Swelling Sea” by Joanne Bischoff  is set in 1890 California at the lovely Hotel Del Coronado and reminds us to never give up.

The epilogue is also by Joanne Bischoff and ties all the stories up nicely. Very happy with the ending. Love that the prologue and epilogue are both mini stories themselves!

If you enjoy uplifting, romantic short stories, I highly recommend this book. All five stories were well written and engaging. They all remind the reader that no matter how dark or troubling your life is, there is always hope in God and His word!

"Simply Clean" by Becky Rapinchuk

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Do you want to clean less, yet have a cleaner home? Are you overwhelmed by trying to keep your home clean? “Simply Clean” by Becky Rapinchuk is a simple, easy to follow guide for getting your house organized and clean with as little time as possible: 10-15 minutes at a time. She also discusses the importance of prioritizing simple tasks and setting “honest” goals. She sprinkles “Quick Tips” or “tips to make life easier” and “Cleaning Extensions”  or “steps to implement a system in your home that will keep it cleaner for longer” throughout the book, as helpers.

She explains why you need a cleaning routine, how to implement, how to deep clean and how to keep it clean afterwards.

The author gives to tips to clean just about anything in your house. There is even a section on making your own cleaning products.  I tried the daily shower spray and absolutely love it! So much cheaper than purchasing, much better for the environment and it can be customized to your favorite scent. I also purchased a set of dryer balls as she recommended in lieu of a fabric softener.  Not sure about those yet, and I don’t recommend with darks items… they left a bit of white lint on all the items. Also, they are a bit noisy (like sneakers in the dryer), so I don’t recommend if your dryer is near bedrooms and you dry clothes when anyone is trying to sleep.

She also includes lots of checklists. Some examples are daily and weekly cleaning tasks,  7-day kick-start, 28-day simply clean challenge, daily and weekly tasks, Spring cleaning, kitchen speed cleaning, stain removal, monthly rotating tasks and many more.

Have similar books been written? Yes, but Ms. Rapinchuk writes in an easy-to-follow manner and has lots of great tips.  If you are a new homemaker, have never read a book of this type or need a refresher, absolutely get this one!

"If I'm Found" by Terri Blackstock

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"If I’m Found" by Terri Blackstock is the second Christian Fiction thriller in a series (If I Run).  I love Terri Blackstock’s books because they depict the struggles and sin of real life. 

“If I’m Found” picks up immediately where the first book ends… with Casey fleeing from authorities after helping Laura Daly and her child to escape. The book follows their attempts to get evidence to exonerate Casey from Brent’s murder (the thing that started her running in the first book).  Casey is very resourceful and it is interesting read how she evades those searching for her.

Casey can’t turn off her desire to help others. Once again, she is almost caught and comes close to being murdered because of her need. At times, you want to yell at her to just stop and do what she needs to do to survive.

If you or someone you love suffers from PTSD, parts of this book may be hard to read. However, Ms. Blackstock writes of the disorder and ways to help those suffering. Hunting Casey and then assisting her gives Brent a purpose.

This book is Christian Fiction and the author discusses how to be saved and feel God speaking to you. She talks about prayers and how “none of those prayers go unheard. They might not be answered like you hope or think they should be.” “You might ask for a car, and God gives you a bicycle.” She also explains what it means to be “washed in the blood.” These passages are beautifully written.

I have read the first book in this series, too and can’t wait to read the next one to find out how Casey and Dylan are going to get enough evidence to finally put Keegan, Rollins and their buddies away! Notice the book covers when they are side by side as they make a cool larger picture. Truly enjoyed the note from the author. Read it and practice “intentional gratitude”!

"If I Run" by Terri Blackstock

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"If I Run" by Terri Blackstock is the first in a series (If I Run).  I have read several of the author’s books and enjoyed them all, so I was eager to read this one. She did not disappoint with this Christian Fiction thriller. If you enjoy Christian Fiction as I do, but get tired of sweet, sappy, “everything always works out perfectly” books, give Terri Blackstock a try! She portrays real life in her books; therefore life is not perfect for her characters, Christian or otherwise. People actually die in her novels… even nice characters!

“If I Run” tells the story of Casey who decides to run after stumbling upon her best friend’s (Brent) body rather than call the police. She does not call the police because she does not trust them. Enter Dylan, an old childhood friend, who is hired by Brent’s parents to find her. After searching the crime scene, Casey’s apartment, the vicious stab wound descriptions and doing a bit of research to learn more about Casey, Dylan begins to believe that perhaps Casey did not commit this crime. Still, he is determined to find Casey and get to the bottom of his best friend’s murder. Casey expertly evades Dylan throughout the book, but it is very believable.

Yes, they are both Dylan’s best friend, but do not know each other. This is explained by Dylan’s service in the Army and deployment to Afghanistan. 

The author expertly weaves Bible truths throughout her story. She discusses being able to depend upon God throughout life’s trials and tribulations: “Jesus never promised to erase his believers’ burdens, but he did vow to help carry them.” Loved the character of Miss. Lucy, her beliefs and background; super supporting character. She tells Casey that “The Lord sometimes uses sorrow in our lives to deepen us” and when Casey asks “why do we have to be deep?” She answers, “Because what good are we if we’re shallow? He can use us when we have some depth. He had sorrows, so why shouldn’t we?” Such lovely faith and devotion.

A great read that left me searching for the next book in the series (If I’m Found) which comes out on March 21, 2017. Notice the book covers when they are side by side as they make a cool larger picture. Be sure to read the note from the author at the end of the book!

"The Elusive Miss Ellison" by Caronly Miller

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"The Elusive Miss Ellison" by Carolyn Miller is a debut novel and the first in a series (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #1). First, I loved the cover of this Christian Fiction Regency Romance. It was a perfect fit for the story and beautiful with its tones of purple and green.

Lavinia Ellison is the daughter of the local reverend and enjoys spending her days caring for the poor and sick in her village. Nicholas Stamford has become the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury and has returned to the village. Lavinia sees him as an irresponsible blackguard. Lavinia has lived her life without her mother as Nicholas’ brother ran her down with a horse while she and Lavinia were walking along the road when Lavinia was a small child. The book tells the story of how they learn to tolerate each other, fall in love and overcome the secret that Lavinia’s family has kept from her all of her life and learns toward the end of the book.

This book discusses forgiveness and the true outcome of it beautifully as “unforgiveness holds us slaves” and “is a slow rot, poisoning our soul, hardening our heart to God and to others”.  The author reminds us that “when we are quick to forgive every offense and wrongdoing, our hearts become softer and more responsive to God’s love until we are like our Savior, who was able to forgive all humanity as He hung upon  a cross.” The portion of the book in which Nicholas is curious about God and being saved was exceptionally well written and I even went back to read it again. Both biblical truths were nicely written and a joy to read.

 I found the book to be a tad slow in the beginning, but it wraps up nicely and the author resolves all the issues. All in all, a lovely read. Great for the beach or a road trip. I look forward to the second in the series (The Captivating Lady Charlotte) which comes out in June.

"Elementary She Read" by Vicki Delany

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"Elementary, She Read" by Vicki Delany is the first of a new series... A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.  It is a classic "who done it".  Gemma Doyle is part owner (with her Great Uncle Arthur) of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in West London on Cape Cod. Adjoining her bookshop is her best friend Jayne's tearoom. After a bus tour, Gemma finds a valuable copy of a Sherlock Holmes magazine hidden amongst her book offerings.

While trying to return the magazine to it's rightful owner, Gemma and Jayne stumble upon a body and Gemma becomes the primary suspect. Gemma is gifted with noticing things that other people do not, as did Sherlock Holmes. The book takes you on her journey to find the killer. Lots of interesting characters are introduced, including an ex-boyfriend, hunky antique books expert and other own residents.

This book was an enjoyable and quick read. It is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading some of her previous books and later books in this series.

"The Silent Wife" by Kery Fisher

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

“The Silent Wife” by Kerry Fisher  is a thriller based on an affluent Italian family in England that is run by Anna, the matriarch. Anna believes that the family is the most important thing in the world and that outsiders are not welcome. In fact, they are such a close knit family that the brothers live side by side and Anna lives across the street. Anna also continually reminds every one of the superiority of their Italian heritage.

The story is told through the view of the two “second” wives, Lara and Maggie. Throughout the story, the reader is not sure which wife is remaining silent.

The story begins with Maggie’s marriage to Nico, the younger son. Nico’s young wife, Caitlin has been dead for two years after losing her battle with cancer. Maggie struggles to begin married life with new stepdaughter Francesca and her son Sam. She is constantly being compared to the perfect Caitlin by her mother in law, Anna and being accused of being a gold digger.

Lara is married to the handsome, athletic brother, Massimo. He appears to be the perfect man, father and husband. But as the story is told, the reader realizes something is amiss.

“The Silent Wife” was an engaging story. It kept me interested and reading to find out what would happen to the family and to figure out which wife was remaining silent.

I enjoyed the story being told from both Maggie and Lara’s point of view. It was not confusing or hard to follow as that can often be. I look forward to reading another of Kerry Fisher’s books.

"Don't Look Behind You" by Mel Sherratt

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

"Don't Look Behind You" is the second book in the Detective Eden Berrisford series by Mel Sherratt.
There are two story lines that intersect throughout the book. First, Detective Eden Berrisford is scrambling to catch a serial attacker/rapist before he attacks again or escalates and kills. The second story is that of Carla. Carla is trying to live her life even though she lives each day in terror. She is always looking over her shoulder and afraid that her abusive ex-husband will be released from jail and finally catch up with her to “make her pay.”

The setting is modern times in Stockleigh. The author tells Carla’s backstory through flashbacks throughout the book. The ending is interesting and satisfying.

I devoured this book in less than 48 hours. It is well written and engaging. I highly recommend, especially if you like thrillers. Exciting, but not gory. Even though this was the second book in the series, this book was a standalone story and any facts pertinent, were explained.

This is the first book that I have read from this author, but it won’t be the last. I plan to catch up with the first book in the series and the next one when it comes out. I have to find out what happens with Eden, her husband and Jed Jackson! She has also written two other series that sound promising.

"Something Blue" by Charlotte Armstrong

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. After writing my review, I had to edit as I realized that this book was originally published in 1959 and is being recovered, converted to EBook and republished.

I was excited to read “Something Blue” by Charlotte Armstrong after looking at the cover and reading the synopsis. I often decide whether to read or move on after viewing only the cover. I was also intrigued as to why the title is “Something Blue” but the girl is wearing red. This was a great cover, but does not seem to fit with the story. The main character, Nan, is not running from anything in the book as shown on the cover. Additionally, I would think that Nan is the girl portrayed on the cover, but she has dark hair (Dorothy has blonde). The new cover implies that the story is set in modern times. However, it is approximately 1955 in the book. That explains some of the phrases used (e.g., ring-tailed doozer). I would make it obvious on the cover with time-appropriate clothing or simply have the year at the beginning of the first chapter.

Moving on. I mentioned that this book is older and has been converted to EBook format. I hope before that happens (in 17 days), someone runs spell check and gives it a quick edit.
Good premise, but a couple of plot holes. First, Aunt Emily had to concoct new identities for their safety, yet she visited her brother every week. Not quite a clean break. Very hard to believe that so many people knew, yet no one tried to find Nan or ever let the cat out of the bag. E.g., Nan’s employer knew and even introduced her to Dick Bartee. A normal person would not really let that happen!

Secondly, the Bartee family hated Clinton McCauley. How would he even have opened the safe on the night of the murder? They would never have told him the combination.

Thirdly, When Johnny visits Dick’s old roommate and acts like he just happens to be sitting in a bar striking up a conversation, he says, “That’s right. We used to play you.” If this were a chance encounter, how would Johnny know where George Rush went to school. A normal person would have turned to him and said, “how do you know this?”

I wanted to reach through the book and smack Nan. She is such a simpering, needy girl that she cannot see Dick is a lying jerk even though all her friends and family keep telling her. She cannot wait a few weeks to get married to possibly sort things out.

And Dorothy. She goes back and forth from being apprehensive about the marriage to being cheerful about it… when telling Johnny that Nan “flew home with Dick.” What? Make up your mind.
Johnny is just as bad. He is in love with Nan and is upset when she plans to marry Dick. By the end of the book, he and Dorothy are going to make a go of it.

Lots of odd connections in this book. Dick dated Blanche who is now married to Bart, Jr. Blanche’s father is the family lawyer, Marshall.  Marshall defended Clinton McCauley in the murder trial. Nate Bartee was involved with Kate Callahan who later was involved with Clinton McCauley when his wife was murdered.

The entire plot is based on Dick wanting Nan’s inheritance. It was mentioned that she received 5K for 17 years. Yes, this book was set in 1955, but 85K (even with interest) does not seem like enough money to justify the intense plan that Dick had to devise, implement and execute for that amount of cash. It was mentioned that her inheritance was going to be security for a loan, but again, just did not seem like enough security for a “rather large loan” to overhall an aging winery and restore a mansion.
The book was OK but a bit hard to read. Two stars.

"Bridesmaids Revisited" by Dorothy Cannell

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I wish that I could say that I really liked “Bridesmaids Revisited” by Ellie Haskell, but I just cannot. I did give it three stars, but would have given 2.5 if half stars were an option. I was intrigued by the synopsis and couldn’t wait to get started on the story.

Ellie Haskell has just sent her husband and children on holiday when she is summoned by three elderly ladies (the bridesmaids) to the rectory where her grandmother lived many years ago for a séance as her grandmother has something she wants to tell her.

To begin, I found Mrs. Malloy (Ellie’s housekeeper) to be terribly irritating. Occasionally, the story did not seem to make sense. For example, too many murders in the past that did not seem to be looked into by authorities. No one noticed a young girl pining for another other than her beau/husband? Not one person in the town recognized a twin (she was disgused)? I did finish the book, but it was at times painful.

This is the first book by Dorothy Cannell that I have read. Perhaps if I had not picked up the series at Book #9, I would have felt a bit more invested and enjoyed the story more. However, the story did stand alone and I did not feel like there were bits that I was missing because I had not read the first 8 books in the series. If you enjoy the other books in the series, then you might enjoy this one. Again, this is my first book by this author and I doubt I will pick up another.

"Sisters One, Two, Three" by Nancy Star

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed “Sisters One, Two, Three” by Nancy Star. It is a story of an extremely dysfunctional family. Reading this book is kind of like watching Jerry Springer… if you think you and/or your family has issues, it makes you realize how normal you really are. It explores several relationships: husband/wife, sisters, siblings, etc. It is also a great reminder that keeping secrets is unwise. Secrets can grow and the longer you keep them, the harder they are to come clean about with those you love.

I found most of the characters in this book extremely irritating; you just want to shake them and tell them to wake up (Lolly… get a spine, Glory… quit being so self absorbed and making young Ginger raise her siblings, etc.)! However, the desire to find out why they are that way (especially adult Mimi and adult Ginger) are what keep you interested and continuing to read. I also had to find out about the tragic accident and how it changed their lives. I devoured this book over a 24-hour period.

The chapters in the first part of the book alternate between time periods. Before the accident and much later when the children are grown with children of their own. You learn about the characters and their personalities and how they became the irritating adults that they are.

I did want to know more about the relationship between Glory and Casper. Did anything happen between them? Is that why Casper and his family continued to care for Callie when she was placed in Martha’s Vineyard? Did Casper and Glory have a relationship while she was there caring for Callie after Lolly’s death? I also would have liked to have read what Glory told Callie and how she kept Callie from wanting to see her sisters. And what happened with Julia? Does she ever come back? Does she ever speak to her mother again?

I found it intriguing that Glory (and others) kept this secret for so long. She never gave up her secrets in life, even when she began to deteriorate and was placed in assisted living/memory care.

This was my first book by the author and I am anxious to read her others. Would give 4.5 stars if we could give halves. I must have really been intrigued by the synopsis and the cover... I requested on NetGalley and purchased as an Amazon Prime First Reads book. ;)

"House of Silence" by Sarah Barthel

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

If we could give half stars, I would have rated this book 3.5. "House of Silence" by Sarah Barthel has a great cover and interesting synopsis. Set in Oak Park, Illinois in 1875, Isabelle Larkin is the daughter of a wealthy family whose mother is more concerned with social status than the fate of her daughter. Isabelle's best friend Lucy is in a similar situation as her family believes her beau, that she intends to marry, is beneath her.

Isabelle is engaged to Gregory Gallagher who appears to be the "perfect" man. He is handsome, from a prominent family and has lofty political ambitions. However, he is not who he appears to be as Isabelle hears him arguing with a servant at their engagement party and then sees him commit a terrible crime.

She attempts to convince her mother of his duplicity, but when her efforts at honesty don't work, she fakes a mental breakdown in which she cannot speak. She is shortly sent to Bellevue sanitarium where she befriends Mary Todd Lincoln. The setting and introduction of Mary Todd Lincoln are two of the things that intrigued me enough to read this book.

While at the sanitarium, she investigates Gregory and she and her best friend finally find out the truth.

"House of Silence" would be a great beach/car read. The first part of the book drags a bit. The book would have been more interesting if there were more details of daily life in the sanitarium at that time and more of Mrs. Lincoln, her condition and background.

"Living Death" by Graham Masterton

Thank you Net Galley for this advance copy in return for an honest review.

"Living Death" is the 7th installment of Graham Masterton's Katie Maguire series. This is the second book by Graham Masterton that I have had the pleasure of reading. The first was "White Bones" which is the first in this series. I already have the second and am anxious to start reading.

As with most books in a series, this is a stand alone book. However, there are bits and pieces of the past that are discussed and are a part of the story, so I look forward to reading 2-6 in the series to fill in the blanks.

If you are a mystery/thriller fan, you will enjoy this book (and series). Katie Maguire is an Irish detective.. In this book, she is on the hunt for whoever is responsible for several strange disappearances. She is also trying to stop an influx of drugs while dealing with an ex-boyfriend who became crippled because of her and who is also living with her.

This book is a bit violent and has a couple of detailed sex scenes, so be aware. I found Katie to be a bit annoying. She has her ex-boyfriend living with her, albeit because of guilt, but brings home another man knowing he will most likely see them together. After knowing him only a couple of days, she is sleeping with him and dreaming of marriage and children. Still, it is a great read!

"If the Creek Don't Rise" by Leah Weiss

Thank you Net Galley for this advance copy in return for an honest review.

Leah Weiss has hit it out of the ballpark with her debut novel "If the Creek Don't Rise". After viewing the cover, I had to know the story behind the waify girl sitting and looking so forlorn by the derelict truck.

"If the Creek Don't Rise" is a myriad of stories: love, anger, jealousy, murder and redemption. It begins with Sadie picking herself up off of the floor of a trailer after being savagely beaten by her husband of only a few days. The book is the story of her deliverance. Many characters are introduced and play a pivotal part in how she got to this point in her life and how she can carry on. The many facets of how these Appalachian mountain folk get by day to day is woven throughout the story; but it is also inspiring and very interesting.

The story is written in first person and chapters switch to different characters. With some books, this makes the story very hard to follow, but Ms. Weiss makes the transformation seamlessly while telling the back story of that character. The dialect may make the book a bit hard to read for some, but as I am from the foothills of the Smoky Mountains it did not for me. The vernacular only adds to the authenticity of the story.

She writes a great, unexpected ending that is truly satisfying. My only complaint is that I want to know more about some of the characters! This would make a great and compelling series. Readers need to know what happens to Preacher Eli, Kate Shaw, Prudence, Birdie and her crows, Tattler Swan, Jerome Biddle and even Sadie later in life. Perhaps some characters will get their own book.

Be sure to read the conversation with the author. She discusses the inception of the book. She entered a writing contest that had an opening prompt of <i>I struggle to my feet</i> and the book blossomed from there.