Morgan’s Landing by Linda Griffin

May 19, 2025 By Leave a Comment



Morgan’s Landing by Linda Griffin
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In the small town of Morgan’s Landing, fourteen-year-old Julie Morgan disappears on her way to school after a spat with her twin sister. Detective Jim Brady uncovers a few suspects—Is it fired school janitor Bear Wayans, paroled sex offender Raymond Ochner, Julie’s computer teacher David Hartwell…or his own teenage son Colin? Jim can’t believe his son could be involved, but his wife is convinced the boy is hiding something. He needs to find Julie before the worst happens—and keep the peace at home.

Not everything is as safe as it may first appear to be.

This tale did a good job of exploring what it’s like to live in a small community. I especially liked the scenes that showed the many different connections between various characters. While not everyone knew everyone else on a personal basis, they did see each other around regularly and had all sorts of loose ties to each other through school, work, and other activities that typically take up a lot of someone’s time. I enjoyed taking note of how everyone knew each other and, in some cases, what they thought of one another, too.

It would have been helpful to have more character development. As interested as I was in the plot, getting to know the characters wasn’t as easy as I would have preferred it to be because of how little time was spent describing their personalities. I could describe their physical appearances and occupations easily, but I would struggle if someone asked me if the major characters were shy, boisterous, serious, thoughtful, talkative, or some other adjective. If this hadn’t been the case, I would have happily gone for a higher rating as the storyline itself was attention grabbing.

The twist at the end was a wonderful surprise that I hadn’t seen coming. I enjoy it when mysteries play around with the rules of their genres and expect their readers to keep thinking of new possibilities from the first scene to the last one. Kudos to Ms. Griffin for her creativity here! It’s a big part of the reason why I get a thrill every time she comes out with a new book.

Morgan’s Landing kept me guessing.

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What Might Have Been by Marianne Plunkert

May 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment


What Might Have Been by Marianne Plunkert
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Desperate to escape a lecherous uncle, Melissa Sullivan stows away in a wagon departing Nebraska City for the Colorado territory. She has resolved never to be subservient to any man as her aunt was, and especially not to the high-handed Union Army Lieutenant Nathaniel Bellamy, who seems to think he can make decisions for her because he happened to find her hiding in his wagon.

Upon arriving at their destination, Lieutenant Bellamy reports to his post while Melissa is given an opportunity to fulfill her goal of being self-sufficient by a kind, considerate, and handsome mine owner but wonders if her choice is worth the price.

How can two strong-willed people set aside their pride to give love a chance?

I found myself relating to the title What Might Have Been more than I’d like to admit. The heroine, Melissa Sullivan, faces several moments in her life where she’s left to wonder about the different paths her life could’ve taken. Interestingly, the hero, Nat Bellamy, has his own “what might have been” reflections, which makes the title feel especially meaningful. What stood out most to me was the message that it’s more important to look forward in life than dwell on the past—because, ultimately, we can’t change what’s already happened.

The story is a romance between Melissa and Nat. Their chemistry is undeniable, though they don’t act on it for quite some time. Miscommunications, emotional walls, and life circumstances continually keep them apart. Other than a few sweet kisses, it’s a mild romance in terms of heat, but the emotional depth carries the story.

What really sets this book apart is its plot—it’s raw, touching, and full of grace-filled moments. Without giving away too much, there’s a powerful reason why Melissa is living with her aunt and uncle, and the story takes off when she escapes the clutches of her cruel uncle. From there, it’s a dramatic adventure filled with tension and heart. I appreciated that Nat was strong, capable, and a true gentleman, especially given the challenges of traveling by wagon to the Colorado Territory.

Nat’s two best friends, Al and Tom, are essential to the story. Their presence adds richness and depth, and the narrative wouldn’t be the same without them. Melissa also makes a friend named Mavis, who becomes a source of encouragement and genuine companionship. While there are other characters who make appearances throughout the book, these five form the emotional core of the story.

What Might Have Been held my attention from start to finish. It was well-written, emotionally engaging, and ultimately delivered a satisfying happily-ever-after for Melissa and Nat. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical romance—it’s a heartfelt journey worth taking.

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Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus

May 9, 2025 By 3 Comments


Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Melody is fostering her niece while her sister, Captain Opal Erickson, is deployed to Kuwait. A chance meeting at work with Clayton, a construction manager, awakens feelings of the love and romance. Everything is perfect until Opal reveals a family truth and swears Melody to secrecy.

To honor her sisterly pledge, Mel attempts to reject any advances from Clayton, until he guesses the truth. Torn between loyalty to Opal and love for Clayton, she pours herself into work, making a mess of everything. When the dust settles, Mel is left wondering if she’ll be able to put the pieces of her life back together.

Chance Meeting was such a fun and heartwarming read. I completely agree with the praise comments shared at the beginning of the book. Melody is a relatable heroine as she navigates the challenge of living a balanced life. Like many of us, she struggles to juggle work, family, responsibilities, and making time for herself. It’s all too easy to become overwhelmed and burned out—and sometimes, it takes hitting rock bottom to recognize your limits. I admired Melody’s dedication, persistence, and strong moral compass. I found myself truly invested in her love story because she genuinely deserved a happily-ever-after.

The hero, Clayton, felt almost too good to be true. He’s handsome, successful in his career as a construction manager, romantic, and a natural with kids. Melody is fostering her niece, Kansas, while her sister, Opal, is deployed. Watching Clayton step in and help—especially when he pulled off an adorable camping-themed sleepover for a group of girls—was both entertaining and endearing. It was beautiful how Melody, Clayton, and Kansas seemed to fit together so naturally, like a ready-made family.

Chance Meeting is an easy, engaging read with a smooth-flowing plot. Things progress without major complications—until Melody’s sister drops a family bombshell and swears her to secrecy. The drama that followed had me on edge, especially the impact it had on Melody’s relationship with Clayton. Just when you think Melody has reached her breaking point, another plot twist emerges, pushing the story into even more emotional territory. I was completely hooked, wondering how she would pull her life back together.

All the tension only enhanced my enjoyment of the story. The chemistry between Melody and Clayton was both tender and sensual, and I loved watching them open their hearts to the possibilities of a shared future. They both value family, share common interests, and are thoughtful and respectful toward one another’s feelings.

The best part? The ending. Every plot thread was wrapped up beautifully, leaving me fully satisfied and smiling. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion. I highly recommend taking a chance on Chance Meeting—it’s a sweet, emotionally rich romance that’s well worth the read.

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Whippoorwill Hill by Jules Parker

May 5, 2025 By 1 Comment


Whippoorwill Hill by Jules Parker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

After a rocky divorce, Leslie Downing travels to the small town of Rosemont, Kansas, to lick her wounds and help renovate her uncle’s newly acquired home. But when a handsome policeman comes knocking on her door, she soon finds out that Rosemont harbors some dark secrets–and that her own problems pale in comparison to the trouble headed her way. Ex-sheriff turned ex-con, Dane Chappell, has lost everything at the hands of Rosemont’s crooked mayor. In his quest for revenge, he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process, not even the beautiful, stubborn newcomer who now occupies his home. When the temperature rises, can Leslie handle the heat? Or will Dane be the one going down in flames?

I almost didn’t pick up this book because the synopsis revealed so little—but that turned out to be its genius. I was intrigued by how a small-town sheriff could become an ex-con and even more curious about what would drive him to risk his freedom for revenge. Who was the mysterious outsider standing in his way, and why was she there? I was ready for a romance wrapped in a suspenseful mystery, and my imagination couldn’t have prepared me for what unfolded. The storytelling was incredibly creative, and now I understand why the synopsis was so vague—there would have been too many spoilers!

What I can share is that the heroine is Leslie Downing. Her eccentric uncle, Claven, bought a house in a small town, and she arrived early to get everything set up before he moved in. Leslie is intelligent, grounded, and guided by a strong moral compass; her special bond with her uncle adds an extra layer of warmth to her character.

As with any small town, there’s a full cast of quirky, interesting characters—but I’ll let you discover them for yourself. I love when a story makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a community where everyone knows each other, secrets simmer beneath the surface, and loyalty runs deep… mostly.

Then there’s Dane Chappell. Ooh la la. This former sheriff turned ex-con turned brooding hero is the strong, justice-driven character I couldn’t help but swoon over. The chemistry between Dane and Leslie was instant and electric, and their emotional tension kept the pages turning.

This suspenseful romance had more plot twists than I could’ve ever predicted. Just when I thought I had things figured out—bam! Another twist. I wasn’t even close to guessing the real culprit behind it all.

If you’re in the mood for a gripping mystery wrapped in steamy romance and small-town charm, this book delivers on every level. Just be prepared—you’ll want them to bronze the last cookie (inside joke), and you won’t want to put the book down.

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Gone Crazy by Terry Korth Fischer

April 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Gone Crazy by Terry Korth Fischer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

A formal declaration of love scares the bejesus out of small-town Detective Rory Naysmith. As Valentine’s Day approaches, he evaluates his relationship with bookkeeper Esther Mullins, and decides to take her on a romantic date that ends with a poet’s murder. Assigned to the case, Rory pushes his private life aside. Things gets tricky after Esther is appointed Executrix for the estate—then rumors start that place a priceless item among the poet’s many possessions.

The race is on to unearth the treasure and solve the murder, but it leaves Rory wondering if Esther will live long enough to become his Valentine—or end up as the murderer’s next victim.

It’s almost Valentine’s Day in Rory Naismith’s little town of Winterset, Nebraska, and Detective Naismith is supposed to look into a robbery at the local hardware store. He might be thinking more about what he’s going to get as a gift for his almost serious lady friend, Esther. Winterset has decided to appoint a Poet Laureate and during the reading they attend, one of the poets’ collapses. Esther runs to help her but unfortunately can’t save her. It definitely looks like foul play.

I like this Rory Naismith character so much. I like small-town cop stories, and this one fits the bill. To me this was almost a somewhat sophisticated cozy. There’s an amateur sleuth, a handsome cop, and a small town with delightful characters. Fischer has made all the characters come alive with a homey description of those very much like the real-life ones I grew up with in my small town.

I might have used the word cozy but there is nothing missing from this good mystery with lots of surprises and hidden clues. Gone Crazy is Book 3 of a series titled “Rory Naismith Mysteries”. I have read the previous Rory Naismith books and loved them just as I did this one.

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Blessings and the Thief by Elaine Violette

January 20, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Blessings and the Thief by Elaine Violette
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Holiday, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Damien Reeves grudgingly agrees to host his ailing Uncle Lionel’s Christmas party at the Blackmoor Inn, a restored castle famous for absurd ghost lore. When he learns of petty thefts that have occurred among his uncle’s elderly friends, he hopes discovering the culprit might keep him from reliving his own tragic holiday memories. When a beautiful young woman arrives, a more enticing challenge appears.

Tessia Bennington is relieved to spend the holidays at the reputed haunted inn with her aunt and uncle after the man she’d expected to marry begged off. She enjoys the frolicking escapades of the aged partiers while ignoring the handsome host’s flirtations. What she can’t ignore is a ghostly presence seeking her help.

Neither Tess nor Damien could have imagined the bizarre events and this most unusual holiday. Will they part with special memories or shed their defenses and find happiness in each other?

Christmas is the perfect time for romance and ghost stories.

I enjoyed the gentle ambiance of this tale. The characters lived in a world where the most scandalous thing that could occur were a missing pair of gloves or two young lovers kissing for a moment when the elders weren’t looking. This was a place where everything always turns out well in the end even if there may also be a few mischievous ghosts rumpling the bedsheets or moving personal items around. There’s something to be said for spending time in such a peaceful world.

It would have been helpful to have more character development in this piece, especially considering how many people were staying at this inn over the holidays and how little time there was to get to know most of them. I found myself feeling sympathy for characters like Annabelle who tended to be described in ways that didn’t always paint her in the best light. While I’m not sure if this was the author’s intention, it made me wonder what she and other characters like her would be like if their virtues were highlighted instead as well as how this tale would be different if told from another perspective instead.

The paranormal subplot made me smile. I enjoyed learning the backstories of the various ghosts who were said to haunt Blackmoor Inn and seeing what the characters thought of them. Would they believe in ghosts or think that question was a silly one? Other readers should discover the answers to these questions for themselves, but I thought these scenes added depth and humor to the storyline.

Blessings and the Thief was a cozy Christmas tale.

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Men in Books Aren’t Better by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter

January 17, 2025 By 2 Comments


Men in Books Aren’t Better by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Pressured by her looming deadline and an unfinished romance manuscript, author Molly Covington applies her immersive research skills and goes all in. She hires a male companion for inspiration during three days of research in Las Vegas. Enter sexy, confident Jared Washington-an extreme sports enthusiast and relationship skeptic who moonlights as a Plus One male companion. Molly’s contract puts him within arm’s reach of buying his own business and making his dreams come true. The chemistry between her and Jared is surprisingly easy. Before their Vegas rendezvous comes to an end, one of them will need to lay all their cards on the table to discover if they’ll be lucky in love.

After reading the synopsis, I felt this book might be a perfect fit for my holiday vacation reading. When I opened to chapter one, the page opposite caught my eye—it was a “Praise for Amanda and Lisa-Marie” section featuring remarks from five authors. Their glowing reviews made me feel even more confident that I had chosen a winner. Without repeating their thoughts on Men in Books Aren’t Better, I wholeheartedly agree.

I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between the hero, Jared, and the heroine, Molly. Though my busy work schedule meant I had to start and stop several times, each time I picked it up, the story lifted my spirits. I connected deeply with the cast of characters, especially Molly, who was well-developed, grounded by a supportive family and co-workers, and yet carried the fame of being a number-one author with grace. Her quick wit and humor added so much charm to the story. While Molly had her share of baggage, it paled in comparison to Jared’s. Jared, to me, was like an adorable puppy needing to be saved—bless his heart. He, too, was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. I especially loved the moments of flirtation, banter, and occasional miscommunication between Molly and Jared, which made their relationship feel authentic and relatable.

The writing style enhanced my enjoyment, particularly the dual perspectives from Molly and Jared. Their points of view on shared experiences added depth and revealed their vulnerabilities, making them all the more lovable. Jared had all the qualities of a perfect book boyfriend: handsome, smart, sensitive, kind, a little insecure, and an old-fashioned gentleman. Molly, on the other hand, was inquisitive, determined, intelligent, beautiful, honest, and a touch dramatic. Her wardrobe of Bon Jovi and Duran Duran T-shirts won me over completely.

The story is set in Las Vegas, marking Molly’s first visit, with Jared as her guide. Having vacationed there myself for the first time last year, I felt transported back to the vibrant city. The vivid descriptions and immersive writing allowed me to experience the sights, sounds, and energy of Las Vegas all over again.

The chemistry between Molly and Jared was a joy to witness as their relationship slowly unfolded. I couldn’t help but cheer when they finally achieved their Happily Ever After. By the end, I had a delightful book glow. This story made me smile from start to finish, and I would happily read it again. It’s a keeper for my library, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, heartwarming romance.

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A Christmas Storm by D. V. Stone

December 16, 2024 By Leave a Comment


A Christmas Storm by D. V. Stone
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Holiday, Inspirational, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

An early storm is brewing in Upstate New York, and military wife Lacey Prescott is caught unprepared when it turns into a blizzard. Defeated by her own lack of preparation and the recall of her husband’s Christmas holiday leave, her joy in the season is replaced by bitterness and anger.

In an unexpected turn of events, Lieutenant Matthew Prescott’s leave is reinstated. But the journey home is not an easy one since a Nor’easter stands between him and his family.

Amidst the storm’s fury, Lacey gets a glimpse of the past, present, and possible future, while Matt gets assistance from a mysterious stranger.

In a heartwarming story of determination, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected kindness of strangers, the possibility of a Christmas reunion brings a sense of hope with a message of love and support from friends and family that embodies the true spirit of Christmas.

Everyone needs to slow down eventually.

Treating the weather almost like it was a character was a creative move that makes me want to read more from this author. Snow is beautiful, but blizzards can be deadly even for people who are experienced with them. I smiled and nodded along as the characters briefly discussed the things that can go wrong when the roads are treacherous for driving and a family hasn’t stocked up on food, fuel, and other supplies before the storm arrived. While the blizzard itself wasn’t sentient, its presence added plenty of conflict and tension to the storyline as Lacey and her loved ones tried to figure out how to best ride it out.

I would have liked to see more attention paid to developing the plot, especially since it was inspired by Dickens. The author could have done so much more with the intersection between Lacey’s stubborn personality and the blizzard that had her trapped at home. Some important plot points involving the dangers she faced were smoothed away when I thought they should have been explored in greater depth. I would have happily chosen a higher rating if the narrator had been willing to show more examples of the risks she took by not being prepared for this storm and not wanting to ask for help.

With that being said, I enjoyed the modern spin the author put on A Christmas Carol. It was updated nicely for the twenty-first century and included a protagonist that I found relatable and generally pretty likeable, too. Her flaws were realistic, especially considering the glimpses of her past that were shared with the audience that showed why she’d become such a fiercely independent adult. Honestly, I could see myself acting just like her if I’d had her childhood and young adulthood!

This is the third instalment of a series that does not need to be read in order.

A Christmas Storm was heartwarming.

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A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker

November 27, 2024 By 5 Comments



A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Once a royal Breton knight, Sir Cardin is now infamously known as Basati, the Basque Wolf. Savage and sullen, he drowns his guilt in raucous taverns, accruing enormous debt and acquiring vengeful enemies.

Ulla, widowed daughter of a Viking chieftain, is a skilled archer who lives as a recluse in a secluded woodland cottage. Rendered mute by trauma, she avoids humans, preferring the company of her wild wolf and falcon as she hunts in the Forest of Brocéliande.

When his mother’s dying wish calls Basati home, he finally meets the son he abandoned at birth and Ulla, the enigmatic priestess who is teaching the boy to hunt. As the holidays approach, Basati finds himself smitten with the beguiling beauty as he bonds with his once forsaken child.

But past enemies plot against him, and Basati is ensnared in darkness.

Can music lure the savage wolf into the light of love?

Incredibly, unexpectedly, it is the clever machinations of one woman who sets alight the plot of A Celtic Yuletide Carol.

The strength of family and sincere attachments brings readers close to the characters in this new historical romantic adventure. Cardin, one of Brittony’s royal knights, proves to be a deep and complex character. His nickname might mean ‘wolf,’ but he seems more like the brute the word also means.  However, we heart-wrenchingly come to see why he makes the choices he does.  And Ulla is not the just a lovely damsel. She, with her falcon, wolf, and horse create an image that is almost magical.

Yet, if not for a brilliant bit of trickery by a very secondary character, the two might never have met. It seems a step outside the usual, for this type of medieval romance.

A healer, Ulla is not merely beautiful, but is an active, important and thinking character. Her working companionship with her animals is thrilling to read. I really appreciated the strength and resourcefulness of the fairer sex in this tale. However, there is a lot more to it. At times, the descriptions become near poetic.

Truly, the author can describe a tavern so perfectly, you will believe you can smell it. ‘Odin’s blanket’ (snow), mistletoe, and druidic celebration all work to give this a Yuletide setting. The wonderful characters together with the believable setting have we can foresee further developments between the characters.

However, the motivation of every character is not always good, and alliances between various kingdoms across France, might, indeed, be fragile. The larger world intrudes quite abruptly, and all is not smooth sailing for Ulla, Cardin, and the extended family. Their story will keep you on the edge of your seat!

I always have to find something to complain about, and in this case it’s the cover. It is a great looking, dramatic cover that says, ‘historic Celtic Adventure,’ but it just isn’t different enough from others of its ilk. Yes, Cardin is every bit as masculine as one could imagine, but in my mind, Ulla ought to dominate this cover.

That said, it was my great pleasure to read this book. Many congratulations to the author… and to readers, I highly recommend you put this one on the top of your TBR list.

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The Witch of the Breton Woods by Jennifer Ivy Walker

August 12, 2024 By 7 Comments


The Witch of the Breton Woods by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Traumatized by horrors witnessed during the Nazi invasion of France, a young woman retreats to the dense Breton woods where she becomes a member of the clandestine French Resistance. When she finds a critically injured American paratrooper whose plane was shot down, she shelters the wounded soldier in her secluded cottage, determined to heal him despite the enormous risk. Ostracized by villagers who have labeled her a witch, she is betrayed by an informant who reports to the Butcher-the monstrous leader of the local paramilitary organization that collaborates with the Germans. As the enemy closes in, she must elude the Gestapo while helping the Resistance reunite the American with his regiment and join the Allied Forces in the Battle of Brittany. Can true love triumph against all odds under the oppressive Third Reich?

Survival in occupied France is a struggle, but Yvette has no choice. Her home and her family are destroyed, and she lives with constant fear. The little village of Le Vivier-Sur-Mer houses not just French Resistant fighters, but also Nazi collaborators. She lives by bartering, fishing and taking enormous care. So, discovering a foreign solder is not welcome, and not safe. Even so, Yvette hurries to find him help. Finding this soldier adds to her (and her friends’) danger. Beau’s injuries, as well as his predicament, require ongoing help and Yvette steps up.

From the first moments of their meeting, Yvette is shown as caring and unselfish. The author uses everyday activities to show the dedication of her character. Yvette’s efforts to find food and plan special menus for Beau exhibit not only her generosity, but something more. The food (in such short supply!) becomes a link between them, showing both her caring and his appreciation. It cleverly parallels their relationship.

The reader is distantly aware of the happenings of the war, of atrocities committed, of concerns about what might be next: but in every moment, it is Beau and Yvette and their relationship that is important.

I did not care for the presentation of the bad-guy’s point of view; I did not care to read his thoughts or motivations. I have to admit I have a personal dislike of stepping away from the main characters in any work, so it is possibly not quite a fair complaint here. However, this is my only complaint.

Overall, this is a wonderful, captivating novel, and I highly recommend it.

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