Blood on the Chesapeake by Randy Overbeck

     Darrell was starting a new life and Wilshire was as good a place as any to get the ball rolling. Though a small town, Wilshire hid a huge secret. Darrell wasn't concerned about the secret, he didn't want to get involved. Something seems to be pulling at Darrell. Telling him to keep his eyes open.  Darrell takes the advice and is shocked by what he does see.

     I love that this book includes some history. It makes the story more interesting.  The characters are very human and lovable. Humor, suspense and romance are all included. Mr. Overbeck weaves a tale like a master story teller. He never gives you much about the secret and that keeps you reading. This should be on your TBR pile for summer reading.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because everyone needs to read it.

An Ill Wind Is Blowing by Donald Montano

     John Sampson and his companions arrive in Charleston. They are not welcome. It will be up to John to change things in Charleston. With the help of some of the townsfolk, they might actually stand a chance of completing their mission. It could also mean more trouble for John. 

     Powerful and engaging, this book is as fantastic as the other two. This could easily be a TV miniseries. Once again it's well thought out, historically accurate and has characters you won't soon forget. Watching the development of the story line is fascinating. I can't wait to read more.

    Once again the "end of chapter" statement isn't needed.  It's the only issue I found.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it blew me away.

Escape Back to Charleston by Donald Montano

     John Sampson finally found a bit of happiness. He knew he was blessed to have found Arley and the people he now called friends. In his happiness, John wanted to help his friend Joshua find the woman he loved. This would mean a trip back home, he was ready though.

     I would love to see this and the other two books in the series as movies. Rough and tumble, yet soft and loving, this book has it all. There is even a good dose of humor throughout. The best part is you can read each book alone and you still get a captivating read. Incredibly well plotted and such wonderful characters. Put it on your TBR pile. Near the top.

     The only issue is again the "end of chapter" statement.

   I have this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it swept me away.

Drink Deep From the Well of Good Intentions by Donald Montano

          The Civil War was over. Nothing was the same. Death, destruction and hatred were everywhere. John Sampson served four years in the war. Now he just wanted a quiet place to be alone. He decided to head west. He never dreamed the war would follow him. 

     BLOCKBUSTER! Movie-waiting-to-happen. This book is crafted in such a way you get lost in it. The characters are well defined and so life-like you'll forget it's fiction. I was enthralled with this book. In my mind I could see it playing at a movie theater. Very few books hit me that way. Put this author on automatic buy. I know I have.

     I did find one issues. It's a personal preference. I'd take out the  "end of chapter" statements. It's a given the chapter ends if the next chapter is labelled.

     I have this one a resounding 5 cheers out of 5.

Junkie (Cal Rogan Mysteries #1) by Robert P. French

     Cal's life is out of control. His wife tried to help him set things straight many times. She's had enough. Thinking if Cal lost visitation with their daughter he'd get his head on straight, she tells Cal she's moving away. Worried he'll never see his daughter again, Cal gives himself a time limit to get things right. Now, will he be able to do it?

     Well written, meticulously plotted and life like characters will draw you into this book. Mr. French has developed a story line that will have you loving and hating the characters you'll meet. I enjoyed this fresh take on the subject of junkies. I found myself reassessing who-dun-it with every page. I'm excited to read more of this author's work. You will be too.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because of the fresh take.

Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation by Robert W. Fieseler

   Most people believe the shooting at Pulse night club in Florida was the biggest attack on gays. It was not the first. In the seventies, an oasis for gays and their friends in New Orleans was set on fire. It only took sixteen minutes to kill thirty-two people and injure fifteen. The Upstairs Lounge was a small but perfect place to gather.  Several at the lounge that night were still firmly in the closet. The fire brought them all out. 

   I enjoyed learning about this lounge. The story is well written  and  told in a forthright way. Getting to know those in attendance that Sunday is an honor.  It is also heartbreaking. You'll enjoy meeting the people at the club and the environment surrounding them. You'll also learn just how difficult it could be for gays. This one should be in your TBR pile.

  I didn't find any issues.

   I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5.  This touching account will teach you many things.

   

Tangled by James W. Lewis

     High school reunions take so much work.  Usually the former classmates are pretty divided about attending. There had to be something to draw everyone in. When an unknown person starts dropping hints about the former classmates, everyone was excited.  It became a true mystery to figure out who the unknown person was. 
     A high school reunion should be a time of laughter,  fun and memories. Everyone is hiding a secret. Will the reunion end all of that or will it bring even more to light? This reunion promises to be explosive.

     Well written and plotted, this one should be on your TBR pile. The characters are life-like and easy to relate to. Mr. Lewis weaves a story like a master storyteller.  He keeps the reader on their toes with subtle hints throughout. I enjoyed this book because it's more in line with many high school reunions. You're gonna find this one engaging.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because of the final twist.