Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow

 

   March 1812 in London is a dark time. Lady Amora Hargrove finds out just how twisted her brother is. She was trying to stay out of his way. His temper was explosive. Since their father died, her brother was the new Earl of Hargrove.  He made Lady Amora's life a nightmare. He spent his time gambling or chasing women. Who was going to save her from this mess?

   The beginning of this book is very original. I don't think I've ever read a book where the brother is showing his true self so openly. I found it does have some heartbreaking places throughout. Ms. Barlow brings with her a strong will to make this book come alive. The characters are detailed and allow us to see the good and the bad. Amora's brother even shows his black heart. The pace of the book is very smooth. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

  I found no issues here.

  I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because the subject matter can be botched but Ms. Barlow handled it very well.

To Sketch a Killer by Caryl Janis

  Sarah's newest temp job was simply put, boring. She didn't expect much from the insurance job, but she gave it  100%. What Sarah couldn't know was how tight knit  the neighbors around her job were. It seemed to be that way almost from the very start of the neighborhood. Sarah made friends and might have even found a boyfriend.

   Set in the 1970's, we get to meet many of the people who live and work on this street. I found the story so wonderful. The writing is stupendous! Ms. Janis sets out the characters almost like a lineup. I felt like I was in the moment with this one. I could  seemingly hear the noises of offices and such. This is another one for October. The book will escort you through the areas Sarah examines.

   I found no issues here.

   I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5.

The Eidola Project Robert Herold

  When a young girl goes missing, but no one seems to be looking for her, strange things are happening.  Since the missing girl, Molly, snuck out many times even her father wasn't certain of where she might be. He alerted the police with the news of Molly being missing. How will they ever find her?

    This story is perfect for October. Mr. Herold does an amazing job of telling every characters individual story. He weaves the plot in such a way that will make you wonder if you missed some details. There is a little of everything in this book. Psychics, ghost hunters and investigators all have a place in the story. I was enthralled with this book. Can't wait to see what's next for Mr. Herold.

  I did find one issues, well it's more like a suggestion. I think Nigel's story should have been explained a bit earlier.

   I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a wee bit spooky.

Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck

    It was supposed to be a simple camping trip. The fifth graders did this every year. No one could have anticipated the way this 1995 trip would play out. These types of things didn't happen to small schools like Foster Middle School. Who would be called upon to sort out the camping trip mess?

  Mr. Overbeck topped himself with this book. Well written with three dimensional characters you'll recognize. Cruel Lessons is intriguing and heartbreaking. It's a story taken straight from society today. I enjoy the slowing building of the story because just when you think you've got it all worked out, another piece drops in your lap. You chose get this one for your TBR pile.

  I didn't find any issues.

   I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because when Mr. Overbeck writes, it's as though he know intimate details of the readers life.

 

 

Hello Friends and Followers,

    I just wanted to let everyone know what's happening.  I am still having issues with my sight.  This time it's something new plus the old issues.  I'd give you the names of the issues if I could remember them.  I'm reading when I can and I  post as I'm able. Some off you know I've had trouble with Amazon and Mr. Jeff Bezos.  He's trying to make me pay $50 before I post any reviews. It's illegal to make people pay to post reviews. My lawyer is the one who let me in on that.  So I am doing my best to get Mr. Bezos to take that off my account so I can post my reviews. I do have about 50 reviews to post but remember I  post them in 30 places and that takes time.

   I am doing my best to keep things going. Talk to you soon!

Melanie

      

    

The Fountain John A. Heldt

     Three siblings move back to Oregon after a series of setbacks. Each one wanted to make things better for the other two. Bill, the oldest, was investigating reports of people finding a way to turn back the clock on their lives. It kept Bill busy but so far they were all unfounded.  Paul and Annie, Bill's siblings, just wanted him to settle into being a widower. Would Bill ever find anything?

     A knockout is the word I'd use for this book.  The story will touch your heart. Mr. Heldt really lets his characters to shine through. You will recognize these characters in your own family. It's the first time I can agree whole heartedly with the author. Get this and make Mr. Heldt an auto buy.

    I found no issues.

    I gave this one 5cheers out of 5.

Daddies of the Shadows #4 Wolf Kate Oliver

  Wolfe's life had never been easy. He never seemed to be welcome anywhere he went. He survived by his wits and muscles. Wolfe knew he'd never find anyone to accept him into their home. That was until he met Lucy. She gave him feelings he'd only seen in his friends. Lucy's life wasn't easy either but she was trying. Could they come together forever?

    WOW! I have to tell you, this series is one of the VERY best. It's easy to get caught up in the story. Kate Oliver has the ability to draw the reader in, one page at a time. The characters are so real they leap off the page. I felt as if I were sitting in the same room with this couple. You may balk at the subject matter but I implore you to step out of your comfort zone and read this series,

   I didn't find any issues. This book does have adult themes and some triggers.  You can't go wrong with this one.Try it anyway. 

    I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5.