Lincoln by Alisa Jean


Lincoln by Alisa Jean
Los Angeles Quakes Hockey – Book 1
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

L.A. Quakes’ fans stomped their feet to cheers of “Caveman!” when I made incredible saves in the crease, leading the team to two Stanley Cup victories. I thought I could go on forever, but at thirty-six, the clock’s counting down even for Lincoln Cavanaugh. Social media and fan sites are filled with rumors of me being traded. Or worse. My future looks as uncertain as a loose puck on the ice.

My fate rests in the hands of Catherine Bishop, daughter of the team’s owner and a power to be reckoned with. And what fine hands they are, along with everything else about her. A chance encounter leads to sparks between us, but is falling in love with this incredible woman worth the risk?

Because with her by my side, I’m once again an unstoppable force between the pipes, and victories pile up like never before. However, our love is a ticking time bomb because Catherine has dreams of making history as the first female and person of color to own an NHL team. Sleeping with a player would make that all go up in smoke. I fear when the truth comes out, it will be the final buzzer for us.

A romance story where the hero is a hockey player? I had to read this book! I love hockey—I actually met my husband at a hockey game, and he used to play when he was younger. I put my phone on silent and read this book faster than it takes to make a trick shot.

It was easy to relate to Lincoln Cavanaugh because I understand what it takes to play a sport at a professional level. The dedication, commitment, and perseverance are never-ending. The physical toll is unimaginable, and the responsibility to the team, family, friends, and fans can feel overwhelming. The author, Alisa Jean, did a fantastic job writing a realistic and relatable character in Lincoln Cavanaugh.

I fell in love with Lincoln for many reasons, but the biggest was how he never lost sight of the joy he felt when he played hockey as a kid. He stayed grounded throughout his successful career and humbly gave back to his local youth hockey programs. Often, what begins as fun, competitive, and character-building sadly turns into a business, and players can lose the love for the sport—or worse, become arrogant. Alisa Jean also nailed this reality by creating some arrogant teammates on Lincoln’s NHL team, the Quakes, which added even more authenticity to the story.

Catherine, the heroine, was a perfect match for Lincoln. Their chemistry was strong throughout the story, and the drama between them kept me intrigued. I’ll admit, at first, I found Catherine a little selfish, and there were moments when I felt she wasn’t good enough for Lincoln. However, as their relationship evolved, I saw how they balanced each other out beautifully, and Catherine won me over by the end.

I’m so excited this is Book One in the Los Angeles Quakes Hockey Series because I’m already eager to dive into Book Two!

One thing that was new to me: at the end of the book, there was a QR code to scan for a bonus scene. To get it, you had to sign up for the author’s newsletter. I’ll be honest—I felt a little manipulated. I wouldn’t have downloaded it if I hadn’t loved the story so much. Thankfully, the bonus scene (which felt like an epilogue) was absolutely worth it and gave the book a truly satisfying happily-ever-after.

I’m officially a Quakes fan, and I’ll be eagerly stomping my feet and cheering for the second book in this series!

The Puppet Show by M.W. Craven


The Puppet Show by M.W. Craven
Publisher: Constable
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

A serial killer is burning people alive in the Lake District’s prehistoric stone circles. He leaves no clues and the police are helpless. When his name is found carved into the charred remains of the third victim, disgraced detective Washington Poe is brought back from suspension and into an investigation he wants no part of . . .

Reluctantly partnered with the brilliant, but socially awkward, civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, the mismatched pair uncover a trail that only he is meant to see. The elusive killer has a plan and for some reason Poe is part of it.

As the body count rises, Poe discovers he has far more invested in the case than he could have possibly imagined. And in a shocking finale that will shatter everything he’s ever believed about himself, Poe will learn that there are things far worse than being burned alive …

Washington Poe has been suspended from his police duties for almost eighteen months after taking the blame when his final case goes pear-shaped. While it took some time, he has settled down well into his remote croft and picking up odd jobs from the rural locals in his surrounding areas. Poe’s life is different now, but he’s very happy. Until his previous police colleagues urgently reach out to him. Poe’s name has been carved into the latest victim of a serial killer. Clearly there’s a link between the murderer and Poe and no one will rest until the case is solved.

I picked this debut book up on a whim and within about five minutes and the first chapter had settled in for an exceptional read. While on the surface this book isn’t anything too unique (disgraced mid level police officer being drawn back into that world after making his peace and getting out) there were a number of elements that I really enjoyed and found freshly unique to this story.

First up I thought it was very brave and clever for the author to have Poe come in as a Sargant to his previous underling, newly promoted DI status. While this isn’t unique – I felt it gave a good tenseness to the atmosphere. Poe and Flynn clearly have a solid working relationship but there’s also a sense of newness to them as they each get used to the other’s ways in their new pecking order. I thought this was an excellent way to sew in some tension without being cliched or having conflict just for the sake of it. I was also thrilled this was more of an “uncomfortable getting used to the new ways” thing rather than there being bitterness or grudges or something I would have felt far more detrimental to the story.

Another key factor for my really loving this story was Tilly’s character. Incredibly intelligent but equally incredibly naïve I felt Tilly was a lovely breath of fresh air. I also loved how Tilly – more than any of the other characters to my mind – grew and learned throughout the story at a much faster rate than anyone else. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see how she’s progressed and also how she handles the emotional and mental fall out from both the case and the darker side to policing work which she was exposed to for the first time in this case.

On top of all this, I found the plot to be deeply intriguing – multi layered and strongly believable. All these items plus a great sense of atmosphere and setting made this hands down the best thriller I’ve read in quite a few months and I am very eager to continue with this new-to-me author. I’d highly recommend this for readers who enjoy a slightly grittier British Police Procedural style of murder mystery. The pace and characters do romp along at a good clip but this isn’t a spy/thriller or American style go-go-go action story – but equally the plot and bodies keep dropping at a good rate so I wouldn’t classify this as an easy-paced British mystery either.

With exceptional characters, a deliciously convoluted plot and a stark reality to it I found this book to be a wonderful debut novel, and I am eager for the next in line. Recommended.

A Loser Like Me by Nathan Burton


A Loser Like Me by Nathan Burton
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In the distant future, an ordinary girl from Mars has an extraordinary dream: to be the greatest bank robber the Galaxy has ever known! Experience Beth’s exciting journey first hand as she recounts how she overcame various obstacles and inconceivable odds to finally achieve her unlikely ambition.

If a little planning goes a long way, what happens when there’s a lot of planning?

Beth’s character development was strong and unique. I especially liked her relationship with Rohxann, both of whom complemented each other’s strengths and weaknesses beautifully. No sooner did I think I had them figured out than a new side of their relationship would reveal itself. This kept my interest levels high and gave Beth plenty of opportunities to share every side of her personality with the audience.

I would have liked to see more world building. For example, how did the characters learn Ancient Martian? How had the various species learned that they weren’t alone in the universe? When did people figure out how to travel between Mars and Jupiter so rapidly? These are just a few of the many questions I wondered about as I read. Answering a few more of them would have rounded things out nicely and given Beth even more opportunities to show us how intelligent, resourceful, and cunning she was.

The thriller elements of the plot were exciting and well done. I liked the way Mr. Burton prolonged the mysteries surrounding Beth’s plans until they absolutely had to be revealed. This gave me plenty of opportunities to guess what she might have up her sleeves and why she made certain key career and relationships decisions that she did early on in the storyline. There were a few moments that didn’t quite make sense to me at first, so it was fun to suddenly realize why those events needed to take place later on once I knew more about the big picture.

A Loser Like Me kept me guessing until the end.

Wolf of the Nordic Sea by Jennifer Ivy Walker


Wolf of the Nordic Sea by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

Named after the Norse God of the Sea, Njörd grew up sailing, swimming, and fishing the fjords of Norway. Endowed with extraordinary senses, speed, and strength, he became known as Wolf of the Nordic Seas, leading lucrative Viking raids from the Baltic shores to the Black and Caspian Seas. When a Viking völva foretells his future through a seidr vision, Njörd learns that his fate and his mate—the siren with the sea goddess eyes—lie on the alabaster coast of Normandy in the distant Land of the White Chalk Cliffs.

Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir is a skilled shieldmaiden who seeks vengeance against the ruthless Frankish count who killed her brother and abducted her father in an attempt to seize her clifftop castle. But rather that submit to the count’s relentless demand for her hand in marriage, Elfi allies with Richard the Fearless—the Viking Duke of Normandy— and the Danish Jarl of Ribe known as the Wolf of the Nordic Seas.

As Elfi and Njörd discover startling secrets about their respective pasts, they find that the three Norns have entwined the threads of their fates not just as political allies, but as mates destined to fulfill a divine prophecy.

Wolf of the Nordic Seas— book 2 of the Valiant Vikings series set in tenth century Normandy— is a sizzling, scintillating blend of historical fiction, Norse mythology, paranormal fantasy, and steamy Viking romance!

This is the second book of Jennifer Ivy Walker’s Valiant Vikings series but can completely stand on its own. The characters in the first book make an appearance but this is very much Njörd and Elfi’s story.

I really enjoyed the first book (you can see that review here,) but I think I enjoy this one even more! I especially loved the addition of sjóvættir and Úlfhéðnar, akin to the mermaids and werewolves. The similarities and the differences were quite enjoyable.

This book, however, does leave us with a bit of a cliffhanger as Elvi and Njörd’s story does not come to a complete resolution, but don’t let that put you off. The third book of the series should be out soon… and I can’t wait, because it features one of my favorite couples from book one. I’m so excited!!

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The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan


The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Cozy Mystery
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

“I tell other people’s stories for a living. . . . I nip and tuck their excesses, soften their hard edges, polish whatever an armada of editors and publicists deem unsightly till it sparkles.”

It’s a dream assignment. Former Senator Dorothy Gibson, aka that woman, is the most talked-about person in the country right now, though largely for the wrong reasons. As an independent candidate for President of the United States, Dorothy split the vote and is being blamed for the shocking result. After her very public defeat, she’s retreated to her home in rural Maine, inviting her ghostwriter to join her.

Her collaborator is impressed by Dorothy’s work ethic and steel-trap mind, not to mention the stunning surroundings (and one particularly gorgeous bodyguard). But when a neighbor dies under suspicious circumstances, Dorothy is determined to find the killer in their midst. And when Dorothy Gibson asks if you want to team up for a top secret, possibly dangerous murder investigation, the only answer is: “Of course!”

The best ghostwriters are adept at asking questions and spinning stories . . . two talents, it turns out, that also come in handy for sleuths. Dorothy’s political career, meanwhile, has made her an expert at recognizing lies and double-dealing. Working together, the two women are soon untangling motives and whittling down suspects, to the exasperation of local police. But this investigation—much like the election—may not unfold the way anyone expects . . .

Recently toppled Presidential Candidate Dorothy Gibson has reached out to an upcoming ghost writer to discuss writing her memoirs. As the most talked about woman currently in the United States no sane person would ever turn that opportunity down. When a well heeled neighbor dies under mysterious circumstances, the author – along with an energetic Dorothy Gibson – undertake a secret investigation to discover what’s going on. Let the sleuthing begin!

I picked this book up on a whim and am delighted to say this is easily one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. I believe it’s the debut novel for this author – it’s certainly the first I’ve ever heard of him – and I shall absolutely be keeping my eyes open for any future works. Fun and lighthearted, this is written very much in the style of two friends gossiping over a hot cup of tea or coffee and some delicious cake.

I admit it took me a little while to get used to the voice of the story – we never really learn too much about the ghostwriter telling the story, it’s more in the style of someone telling us about their recent adventure and experience and while we do get snippets I did find this a little disorientating at first. It very quickly became obvious though that the other characters – Dorothy Gibson and the nearby neighbors – were really what the story was all about. So while I did find it a little unusual at first I was very quickly engrossed and I completed understand why the author wrote the story in this manner.

The characters are amazing – I found them all vibrant and very well written. While I would slot this book into a “cosy mystery” style of work it is very modern and relevant as well. The pace and plotline moves along at a decent clip but this is certainly more of a cosy feel rather than an action-orientated story or an espionage go-go-go sort of pace. I would strongly recommend readers who enjoy regular mysteries (as opposed to thrillers or spy novels) or small town mysteries should find this book well up their alley.

A new author with an excellent first novel this was a delightful find and one I shall happily keep an eye out for in the future for following works. An interesting and vibrant read I greatly enjoyed it and can happily recommend it to other mystery readers of all ages.

King of Hearts by M. Jean Pike


King of Hearts by M. Jean Pike
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

After keeping a secret promise to a friend, Harper Blessings’ s life is spiraling out of control. Her food truck barely pays the bills, she’ s raising her rebellious brother and caring for her forgetful aunt…and she’ s four months pregnant.

When Aunt Clara wanders off at a carnival and hires the carousel operator who rescues her to do odd jobs, Harper’ s house-of-cards life begins to topple. The last thing she needs is a handsome drifter complicating her already problematic life. Or so she thinks.

Drifter Dalton Kingston has a few secrets of his own. Growing up as a child of privilege, he wanted for nothing…except love. Then an unspeakable tragedy causes him to walk away from it all, pushing love as far away as possible. Until love pushes back in the form of a beautiful woman who desperately needs his help, and the God he’ s not sure he can forgive.

This was a wholesome, inspirational, and heartwarming romance set in a small town where everyone knows your name.

Harper, the leading lady, is doing all she can to keep her head above water. Dalton, the leading man, is simply trying to make it through another day. They’re drawn to each other by their shared compassion and natural instinct to care for others. It’s amazing how their faith in God allows them to open their hearts again after the heartbreak they’ve experienced from people who were supposed to love them unconditionally.

I found their love story to be especially encouraging because it tackled the theme of forgiveness—-something that can be incredibly challenging. Several characters in the book demonstrate what it looks like to forgive others, and in doing so, offer hope that forgiveness is not only possible, but necessary for personal healing and the strength of relationships.

Aunt Clara is a standout character. She’s the glue that holds both her family and the town of Redford’s Crossing together. I’d even go as far as to call her an angel in disguise. Her presence is endearing and uplifting, and she brings out the best in those around her.

The writing style immediately pulled me in–from page one, when Aunt Clara wandered to the carousel and met Dalton. The plot is original, the pace is steady, and the ending is absolutely delightful.

This is the kind of story I could happily read more than once. I wholeheartedly encourage others to give it a try.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead


The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Publisher: Anchor
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 5 stars
Review by Snowdrop

When Elwood Curtis, a black boy growing up in 1960s Tallahassee, is unfairly sentenced to a juvenile reformatory called the Nickel Academy, he finds himself trapped in a grotesque chamber of horrors. Elwood’s only salvation is his friendship with fellow “delinquent” Turner, which deepens despite Turner’s conviction that Elwood is hopelessly naive, that the world is crooked, and that the only way to survive is to scheme and avoid trouble. As life at the Academy becomes ever more perilous, the tension between Elwood’s ideals and Turner’s skepticism leads to a decision whose repercussions will echo down the decades.

The Nickel Boys is historical fiction. However, it is based on a true story of a reform school for boys located in Florida. The Dozier School for Boys was opened in 1900. Even with its rumors of abuse and cruelty as well as periodic investigations, this school changed the lives of or ended the lives of many boys throughout 111 years. The main character is a young black kid named Elwood. His journey through his time there made this seem very real. Sometimes it was hard to separate fact from fiction.

This brings up my need to say this is a hard book to read. It’s difficult to think such things could live in our society in front of our faces for so long. Whitehead is called a storyteller and there can be no question it’s the perfect description.

I think you could spend a long time mulling over whether this was a good or a bad book. I don’t think you will ever wonder if it is well-written because every page demonstrates what a talent this author has. In my mind it was a good book and one I needed to read; one everyone should read. A Pulitzer Prize book that needs to be added to the mandatory school reading list as a classic.

Difficult as some of this might be to face, don’t miss out on such an overwhelming yet special 5 star read.

The Spiral’s Edge by Michael Boss


The Spiral’s Edge by Michael Boss
Publisher: Schular Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Spiral’s Edge is more than poetry-it is a journey through unseen moments, a reflection on resilience, and homage to extraordinary individuals who navigate life’s complexities. I have witnessed in my 25 years of teaching, courage, creativity, and perseverance in ways that have shaped my perspective. This book is for those who exist on the margins, for voices often unheard. It captures the tension between fragility and strength, isolation and understanding. To the reader: may you find meaning, connection, and perhaps a reflection of yourself in these pages.

Some battles never end.

The metaphor of war was used in multiple ways, from describing cruel illnesses that gradually sap students of their strength to the never ending to-do lists teachers struggle with to non-educational stressors in life like a parent losing their job or a family not having enough food that can make it incredibly difficult for any child to pay attention to their lessons. I enjoyed taking note of the various ways in which this theme was explored as Mr. Boss talked about the difficult aspects of his profession. Teachers are on the front lines of all sorts of tragedies, both big and small, that often must be kept in mind no matter what else the class is studying that day.

Everyone has unconscious biases. “Her World of Touch and Sound” gently explored the narrator’s – or maybe the author’s – experience confronting their own assumptions about and unexamined biases against people who are blind. This was not a topic I was necessarily expecting to see covered, but it fit in perfectly and reminded me that we all have blind spots even on topics we might think we have all figured out. It takes a strong character to confront this, and the willingness to do so was one of the many reasons why this was an automatic five-star read for me.

I loved the level of detail that was included in this collection, especially in the poems that were shorter in length. If the right words are selected, it doesn’t take many of them to paint a vivid picture of what life can be like in special education classrooms. Some of my favourite moments included descriptions of students who rarely or maybe even never spoke but who still found all sorts of creative ways to communicate with other people. What beautiful and thought provoking scenes those were.

The Spiral’s Edge overflowed with compassion and joy for people who have special needs as well as for those who teach them.

Intersections by Karen F. Uhlmann


Intersections by Karen F. Uhlmann
Publisher: She Writes Press
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

Style-guru Charlotte Oakes sells beautiful lifestyles, but her mentally ill daughter is an addict, her long marriage is dead, and she is pregnant with her ex-lover’s baby. Stunned after witnessing a hit-and-run in Chicago that leaves a child dead, Charlotte thinks she sees her Prius fleeing the scene. Her troubled daughter, Libby, is the only one who could have been driving.

His partner and best friend killed in a drug bust, police officer Ed Kelly learns that forensics has found that the fatal bullet came from Ed’s gun. Under internal investigation, Ed copes by filming cars at the site of the recent hit-and-run, hoping to catch the child’s killer. There, he notices Charlotte’s pilgrimages to the makeshift memorial, and over the weeks, the two become unlikely friends sharing intimate stories. But Charlotte won’t trust him with her most vulnerable secret of all: her suspicions about her daughter’s involvement in the accident.

When Ed finally learns the truth about, he struggles with his beliefs and duties. If he keeps quiet, he has breached his commitment to the law. But if he does the right thing as an officer, he may send Libby to jail—and lose Charlotte.

A tragic twist of fate brought them together. Friendship binds them together. But one person’s secrets might just tear them apart. Will these two unlikely strangers turned friends be able to navigate the chaos and lies and find their way through it all?

To have a child die so early in a book really shook me, especially since I wasn’t reading one of my usual police procedurals. However, the hit and run aspect drew me in, made me want to know the truth – was it Charlotte’s Prius or was it just a similar car? These are things I had to know and fast.

Charlotte Oakes is an interesting character in that she’s not a great person, but you root for her anyway. She loves her daughter, fights to give her the chances she deserves, but she’s also cheating on her husband. Despite that, she shows over and over how loyal and dedicated she is to her daughter, Libby, and later to her new friend, Ed.

I hate to admit it, but for the majority of the book, I did not like Libby at all. This makes me cringe because the poor girl had issues, things that were actually compounded by her father’s actions – or lack thereof. But I still had a hard time whenever she was in Chicago with Charlotte. However, she does get some major character growth, which made me happy.

Ed Kelly I liked immediately. He reminded me of the police officers you’d find in older TV shows – a bit chubby, genial, and focused on just doing the best job he could do, given any set of circumstances. He’s also struggling since his partner was killed. He and Charlotte make an odd pair, but they definitely work. They both bring something unique to the situation to help the other.

Intersections is more a story about families and friends than it is about discovering who was driving the car. While I hadn’t been expecting that, it still worked and made for an engaging and enjoyable novel. I did feel like the conclusion to the hit and run was a bit anti-climactic, but the end results were reasonable and understandable. Overall, this was a well-written story with complex and likable characters. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic fiction or stories about complicated families and how they interact.

About Grace by Barbara Shoup


About Grace by Barbara Shoup
Publisher: Querencia Press
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Grace Lowery is a typical Midwestern American teenager: pretty, smart, a good student from what is, to all appearances, an average, middle-class, single-parent home. There’s just one difference: A series of bad decisions involving her wealthy, charming-but-irresponsible boyfriend has landed her in the state juvenile correction facility for girls.

Thus begins About Grace, a unique coming-of-age story in which a young woman deals with the consequences of her actions-and sees how those consequences are different for people living more and less privileged lives. Grace is forced to reckon with the harsh reality of the juvenile carceral system, the people she meets there, and her complicated feelings for the boy whose influence led her to this place. More important-and challenging-Grace begins to remember and unpack a history of childhood abuse at the hands of a trusted adult. It’s a journey to self-awareness under harsh and unanticipated conditions, shocking revelations-and surprising friendships.

Second chances don’t come along every day.

Grace’s character development was well done. As the layers of trauma she had experienced since early childhood were slowly peeled back, I saw glimpses of the person she’d been as a little girl as well as hints about who she might become as an adult who had worked through the pain and hopefully built a beautiful life for herself. I admired her vivid imagination and empathy for others. She was a well-rounded and memorable protagonist whose flaws only make me more interested in reading about her.

I would have liked to see more attention paid to resolving the conflicts by the end of this book. In no way did I expect everything to be neatly wrapped up due to how serious Grace’s problems were and how much therapy she still needed to work through them, but I finished reading this feeling a little unsatisfied with how everything was left off. Even a postscript that explained what happened next with the most important relationships in her life would have been enough for me to bump this up by a star.

Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that explored how social class affects the way young offenders are treated. Grace and the other residents at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility for Girls came from a wide variety of backgrounds, most of which involved poverty and the various side effects of a family never having enough time or money to deal with the painful challenges they faced in life. This isn’t a topic that is covered in the young adult genre as often as I’d like to see it brought up, especially when it comes to how it intersects with youth correctional facilities. Kudos to Ms. Shoup for inviting her readers into this world!

About Grace made me yearn for more.