The Red Ribbon by Rachel Ledge

     It's 1775, in London. Julia and her friend, Annie are attending the last event of the season. No one saw events happening this way.  Julia was excited because the man she loved, Roland, was acting as chaperone for the ladies.  

     This particular book does a great job covering all the things a fan could want. Love, mystery, family and unexpected surprises.  The writing is solid and the characters defined and will appeal to the readers. I found this book easy to read and the pacing is fast.  The theme of this book fits well with the time period.  This book should be in your TBR pile. You'll want to share the book with friends.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of  5 because you open the book and dive in.

Nowhere to Hide (Justice Served Book 1) by Louise Lyndon

     Marlee recently moved back into her hometown in Australia. She's determined to make a life for her son in this town. There is one problem though. The towns people believe Marlee's grandfather killed her grandmother forty years ago. Marlee will have to clear her grandfather's name to have peace.
     Devon Reilly is an investigative journalist. He's very well know and in Marlee's town to find out who murdered her grandmother. It will take some finesse to get the answers he needs.

     Writing in this book is top notch! The characters are well defined and easy to love or hate. I like the underlying  messages also. The first one is - you can't judge a book by it's cover. The second is- you never really know  someone. You'll find this isn't your typical love story. It will stop your heart in places. Get this one on the TBR pile.

     I did find an issue. The story is mostly over before you reach the 1/2 way mark. It would have been more balanced if the author had spread the story out a little more.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the issue above.

The Boston Ranter: Slanted Vignettes from a Native New Englander by Layden Robinson

     This is an autobiographical story. The author let's us know what living in Boston is really like. Or was really like. Pain, torment, love and sorrow are only a few of the things filling Johnnies life. Brace yourself. This is unlike anything you've ever read before.

     Humorous and honest tales of living in Massachusetts. The author gives us a chance to see inside his life. Well written and in a Massachusetts accent, you'll enjoy this visit.  His unique family is quite lively. As the author shares with us, it's hard not to run down our own list of relatives. We all have one or more relatives like the authors. This book is intense and moves quickly. You'll be surprised at what you learn.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because it's easier to read if you are a bit off balance.

Xing Xang: Destiny Mission Virtue by Todd Tracy

      Seventeen year old Eli did his best thinking while at sea. One afternoon while out on his boat, a storm caught him off guard. The boat is tossed and eventually overturns.  Everyone is certain the teenager is dead. No one knows why he was on his boat. For Eli this is either the beginning or the end. 

     This story is intense. Eli seems to be put through the ringer after he capsizes. The characters are a colorful lot and the writing exceptional. Descriptions by Mr. Tracy will give you vivid pictures of the areas. I found it exciting and scary at the same time. This story will take your breath away in  parts of it. I think this one should be shared with everyone. 

     I did find issues. The reading can be a bit rough in spots. They aren't as clear as they should be. Also, it's unrealistic in parts. To believe the tale it needs to be more defined.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the issues above. 

Alien Manifesto by T.W. Embry

     Ex-Navy Seal, Thomas Scott and several veterans decide to rob a warehouse. Just as things get interesting,  Snarth appears with an offer for the group. Can they really trust this alien and can they do as Snarth orders? It's worth the risk to Tom and so he agrees to be part of Snarth's plan. It's amazing how much Tom's life will change. He'll see and do things he never thought possible. 

     Well written with characters you'll enjoy, Mr. Embry creates a tale you won't soon forget.  I read this one 5 times because I wanted to make sure I was getting everything I could out of it. The details, the characters and the story is intense, but fun also. The fantasy lovers will enjoy this story more than anything they've ever read. I applaud Mr. Embry's originality. He really made this book one of a kind with an ending you will be surprised at. I didn't see it coming.

     I did find an issue. I felt the book intensity also lent itself to making the story a bit confusing in parts. You really have to be concentrating to read this one.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the confusion. It's really a good story though. 

Winning Dr. Wentworth (Sterling University #2) by Rebecca Heflin

     Shelby Wentworth had come home to heal. The scandal at her previous job was more than she could handle. Of course, being home meant seeing old faces and old places. Shelby just needed time. 
     Nash is thrilled to learn Shelby is back home. He knew her presence would put him on edge, but it was worth it to have Shelby where he could keep an eye on her. Things get complicated quickly when old feelings resurface.

     Ms. Heflin can put you right in Shelby's shoes. You feel everything Shelby does. Ms. Heflin's writing style keeps you right in the thick of things. Her characters are familiar, well defined and easy to relate to. Well written, this book will not let you down.  Also in this story, Ms. Heflin says maybe you can go home again. You've gotta get this book. She's a go to author for great reads.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's easy to relate to.

Dreams of Her Own (Dreams Come True #3) by Rebecca Heflin

     Millie Stephens life is nothing to write home about. She's practical and predictable. Millie has decided to shake things up a bit. On her way to work one morning, she is in need of help. Her high heel got caught in a gap in the sidewalk. Out of nowhere, a man stops to help her. Millie feels the electricity of his touch. She's become even more determined to make her life more exciting. It's always the quiet ones you need to watch out for.

     It was so nice to read about a woman whose light isn't totally hidden under a basket. The light can still be seen if you look for it. This book is a great way for people to see they don't need enormous changes to make life more exciting. Well written, you'll begin to root for Millie from the first page. Ms. Heflin tells this story in such a way you get all the feels. Characters are well fleshed out and well defined. Add this author to your favorites list you won't regret it. 

     I did find minor issues. There seems to have been changes made, but bits of previous sentences were left behind.  It just makes it a little confusing. 

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because the story is powerful.

The Summer of New Beginnings (Magnolia Grove #1) by Bette Lee Crosby

     The summer before you go to college is supposed to be a chance to have fun and let loose.  Meghan was so excited to go to college. Then her whole world changed in a matter of seconds. Being the responsible daughter, she knew she would have to look after her mother and older sister. The summer before college was going to be unforgettable.

      Movie, Movie and Movie. I'd love to see this book made into a movie. It would be absolutely fantastic.   This book has it all. Love, hate, family, friends and so much more. Well written and with characters that are well defined, this one must be in your TBR pile! The author knocked this one out of the park. Get yourself a copy of this book and one for a friend. 

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it touched my soul.

A Tangled Web (Sgt. Windflower Mystery #6 by Mike Martin

     Winston Windflower is on a new case. There is a local girl missing. Everyone in town is searching for this girl. They can't imagine where she's gone to. With help from his Cree ancestry, Winston will have to make sense of this mess. His wife is right by his side. They'll figure it out. They have to. A little girl's life depends on it.

     Well written and like-able characters make this a great story. I felt drawn in and part of this story. Mr. Martin is terrific at storytelling. He moves you through the book with an ease and an urgency so subtle you won't even realize it. Before you know it, you are caught up in the story and won't be able to put this book down. 

     I didn't find two issues. The story does seem to lag in places. Not terribly bad, but enough to notice. Some of the story wan't needed. It was just extra filler. It doesn't help the story move along. I know these issues may contradict what I said above, but you will feel all of it.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the issues.

Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump: An Oh Susannah Story by Carole P. Roman

     Lola is Susannah's best friend. Lola has invited Susannah to her house for a sleepover. Susannah is scared of Lola's big house. People have even said there's a ghost in Lola's house. While trying to deal with her own fears, Susannah discovers other people around her have fears too. People have their own idea of what is scary. Susannah must decide if she's going to Lola's for the sleepover.

     A wonderful story and such terrific characters. This is another book with a lesson. It teaches children to confront their fears and not let their imagination keep them from having fun. Ms. Roman is always right on top with her books. The solutions Ms. Roman gives are easy for parents to implement. Your child will love this series as must as the other books by Ms. Roman.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because children are gonna love it.

      

Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag (An Oh Susannah Story) by Carole P. Roman

     Susaannah is in the third grade. Her parents are busy people and so Susannah feels ignored. She doesn't say anything to her parents. Since they are busy they may not listen anyway. Susannah is surprised by what happens next.

     This is a new series to me and I'm already in love with Susannah. Well written and Susannah is a child everyone will enjoy. We all have busy times and we must learn how to handle it. Especially in today's world. I think a child's book can be fun and contain a lesson and Ms. Roman's books do just that. She always has engaging characters children will relate too. You need this series in your child's library.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it will help you open a dialogue about handling pressure and being organized.

In Love with Lucy (NSFW #1) by C.C. Wood

     Lucy needed a job. She was trying to pay off her debt so she could work as a photographer. It's not until she meets Chris she realizes it may be more difficult than she thinks. Chris needs a personal assistant. He's demanding and so far none of the personal assistants last very long. Lucy is willing to give it a try.

     A great book! Well written, it pulls you into the book in the first few pages. Characters are well defined and easy to like or dislike. This author really made the story come alive and become realistic,  You feel as though you are in the room with these two.

     I did find a couple issues. First, the book is very predictable.  It needs a bit more excitement. It needs a couple of secrets too. It would make it less predictable.
     I also found the epilogue didn't really need to be included. It didn't tie up the loose ends. There were so many questions when you finish the book. The epilogue is like another mini chapter.

     I gave this one 4 out of 5 cheers because the story is good, it just needs some work. 

BE ON THE LOOKOUT!

Silver Threads: Memory House Collection (Memory House #5) by Bette Lee Crosby

      Jennifer Green and her husband Drew Bishop were incredibly happy. Their daughter Brooke was loving and kind, just the way they'd hoped she be. Things change the direction of our lives without interference.  Sometimes the direction is difficult and other times it's filled with love. Either way, we must adjust and move on.

     This book is whimsical with a dash of magic and together they make a tender story.  Ms. Crosby captures perfectly the way we deal with life events.  She guides us through story in a gentle but direct way. Silver Threads is a book you'll read again and again. The honesty, the pain, and the laughter will stir your emotions. Put this one at the top of your list.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it reminded me of a time in my life when I went through something similar. 

Just Sam by Kristy Brown

     Sammy had just discovered a love for tennis. It was a love she shared with her Mother. Sammy wanted to play at Wimbledon one day and take her place along side some of the best players in the world.  However, life changes and doesn't always ask our opinion when it does. 

     This book will warm your heart and make you believe in love again. Well written with well defined, love-able characters, you'll get lost in this book. Ms. Brown gets right to the heart of a story and then encourages it to open and allow others to see. The message of this book is one we all need to remember... Love is worth the risks. Add this one to your TBR pile or gift it to a friend. 

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I'm sure this happens to people everyday!