The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis

June 15, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

When archaeologist Neil Watson finds the body of an American veteran of the D-Day landings in the ruins of an old chapel, he turns to his old friend DS Wesley Peterson for help.

Both men are researching an invading force: Wesley, a group of American veterans on a sentimental journey to their wartime base; and Neil, a group of Spaniards killed by outraged locals as they limped from the wreckage of the Armada.

Four hundred years apart, two strangers in a strange land have died violently. Could the same motives of hatred, jealousy and revenge be at work? Wesley is running out of time to find out . . .

DS Wesley Peterson is settling well into Devon. He and his wife are ecstatic to finally be pregnant with their much longed-for new baby and they both are enjoying their work. When Wesley’s old archaeologist friend uncovers a dead body at the site of his next dig – a Veteran’s D Day landing, they begin to uncover a number of secrets possibly better left in the past.

This is the second book in the DS Peterson series, and I found it quite enjoyable. While there isn’t as much of a focus on the archaeology aspect to the plot as I would have liked, this was still a strongly written, well-paced and interesting British police procedural mystery book. I thought the characters were varied enough and well written enough they kept my attention and didn’t get too mixed up.

Readers looking for a strongly historical story might find this doesn’t quite fit the bill for them, but I do think readers looking for a slightly different mystery series – one strongly focused on the police aspect of solving the crime and a slower, more realistic country setting style of pacing – should find this as enjoyable as I did. I did enjoy the way the author handled the World War 2 connections and found them to be both sensitively written but also intriguing enough to maintain my attention. And while the plot wasn’t overly convoluted, it did keep me guessing well into the story.

A strong and interesting mystery novel, this is a good book and a series I plan to continue reading.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today by Valerie Bertinelli

June 13, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today by Valerie Bertinelli
Publisher: Harvest
Genre: Contemporary, Recent Historical, Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Behind the curtain of her happy on-screen persona, Valerie Bertinelli’s life has been no easy ride, especially when it comes to her own self-image and self-worth. She waged a war against herself for years, learning to equate her value to her appearance as a child star on One Day at a Time and punishing herself in order to fit into the unachievable Hollywood mold. She struggled to make her marriage to Eddie Van Halen — the true love of her life — work, despite all the rifts the rock-star lifestyle created between them. She then watched her son follow in his father’s footsteps, right up onto the stage of Van Halen concerts, and begin his own music career. And like so many women, she cared for her parents as their health declined and saw the roles of parent and child reverse. Through mourning the loss of her parents, discovering more about her family’s past, and realizing how short life really is when she and her son lost Eddie, Valerie finally said, “Enough already!” to a lifelong battle with the scale and found a new path forward to joy and connection. Despite hardships and the pressures of the media industry to be something she’s not, Valerie is, at last, accepting herself: she knows who she is, has discovered her self-worth, and has learned how to prioritize her health and happiness over her weight. With an intimate look into her insecurities, heartbreaks, losses, triumphs, and revelations, Enough Already is the story of Valerie’s sometimes humorous, sometimes raw, but always honest journey to love herself and find joy in the everyday, in family, and in the food and memories we share.

One of America’s Sweethearts and a very real person all in one.

I picked this book up from a recommendation from a friend and I’m glad I did. The writing left a little to be desired, but I have to say this read a lot like it was written by a friend. Like friends talking to each other. The author has fears, issues and desires that are like all of us. She just happens to be in the public eye.

I liked that the author talks about her life, but this isn’t a linear biography. It’s not meant to be. It’s how she’s coming to terms with being herself. With accepting herself. In spots, it feels repetitive, but honestly, I got it. She’s trying convince herself that it’s okay to be imperfect. Lots of us need that pep talk. We need to hear we’re not perfect and that’s okay. This was her journey to making herself feel okay.

It’s not a deep read, but I wasn’t expecting that. I was expecting exactly what I got–her journey and how she’s dealing. I’m glad I read it and will look for more from this author.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Lights of Love by Morgan Malone

June 12, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Lights of Love by Morgan Malone
A Dickens Holiday Romance (Book 14)
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Romance, Holiday, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Saul Rosen has quite a reputation in Dickens. He has only recently become a full-time resident after decades of drifting into town for a skiing vacation, some summer cultural event, or to celebrate the Jewish Holidays at Congregation Etz Chaim. Saul is known as a supporter of local businesses, due largely to the years-long restoration of his vast country property. His frequent travels abroad have given him the world-weary air of international intrigue. His silver hair and bright blue eyes cause hearts to flutter. And he’s a bachelor.

Yehudit Eberhardt is also a recent full-time resident of Dickens. Mystery surrounds her, too. After decades living in New York City and Boston, her voice still carries the slightest trace of Europe. Her quiet elegance graces the halls and sanctuary of Etz Chaim, her laugh echoes in Morty’s Deli and her serene smile greets all she meets throughout the friendly town. Living high above the lights of Dickens in her exclusive condominium, Judy—as she is known to friends—seems to have a perfect life. But, as a recent widow, she lives alone, except for her beloved daughter’s frequent visits from Chicago.

Winter has come to Dickens and its famous Christmas spirit is on full display. Judy and Saul are thrown together as the Jewish community of Dickens prepares for Hanukkah. Judy is certain the spark she feels whenever she is near Saul is due to the static electricity of winter woolens. But Saul recognizes the currents of attraction and is drawn to her. Will these two solitary souls be able to ignore the shared losses that draw them together or will the gentle candles of the Hanukkah menorah light the love in their hearts?

A second chance at a forever love.

I love stories with older characters. Love doesn’t just happen for the under thirty crowd. This book was a great example of love after fifty and I loved it. I also loved that this story features Jewish characters and welcomed me into a world I wasn’t expecting. I didn’t know what rites took place during Hanukkah and this book let me in on those. The writing is fantastic and I felt like I was right there with the characters. I got emotionally involved with them, too. I wanted more from this story because I wasn’t ready to let Judy and Saul go. I love the sense of family in the story, too.

This book features love, loss and moving forward. It’s a delightful holiday read and features a cute romance with older characters. I recommend this for your holiday reading list. It’s fresh, it’s fun and it’s super cozy.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Downward Sizing Dog: A Reformed Big Dog Snob Defends the Small Dog Life by Karen Lena Izzo

June 12, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Downward Sizing Dog: A Reformed Big Dog Snob Defends the Small Dog Life by Karen Lena Izzo
Publisher: Small Dog Press
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Pets
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In this informative, often funny, and always compelling read, long-time big dog lover Karen Lena Izzo proves that small dogs deserve more respect.

Told from her perspective as a (mostly) reformed big dog snob, Izzo combines heartwarming interviews and personal stories with facts-in-your-face science to prove small dogs are as canine as the retriever next door.

You’ll meet dozens of dogs and their people, and regardless of your opinion going in, you’ll end the book with a wider perspective on how all dogs–even the smallest–fulfill that ancient “best friends” contract between our species.

Small dogs are people, too.

I have to admit I’m a dog person who is also a cat person. I love critters in all sizes and I’ve been known to put a book down forever if the dog dies in the end. This isn’t such a book (the dog doesn’t die). This is a good read for someone trying to figure out if they’re a dog person and what size might work for them.

I’ve always been of the opinion that the dog picks you, not the other way around. My animals have all come from the APL or rescues and while I’ve had an idea who I wanted, it’s the dog or cat that’s picked me. I must also confess, I don’t have a bias toward the size of the dog. This author, though, sort of does. It’s implied in the title–defending the small dog life. That’s okay. Some are meant for small dogs and others for larger ones.

I liked this book in that the author does a great job of defending why small dogs are great. All dogs are great, but sometimes the smaller ones get the bias of being seen as ankle-biters or walking puffballs. They’re pups, too and demand love. Then again, large dogs get labeled as dangerous or big and scary. It’s all about perspective. This book gives that.

I had some issues with the way big dogs were portrayed in this book, though. Any animal, when left to their own devices, can be destructive. They can have anxieties and will leave messes. Any dog can be a travel companion and the best of friends to their master. It’s all about how the dog is raised and how the owner accommodates the dog. Small dogs are good in their own ways and so are big ones.

If you’re considering getting a dog, I highly suggest going to the local shelter or a rescue. Adopt, don’t shop. But that said, you have to pick what’s best for you. This book will help you do that. If you’re wanting a dog, then try this book. It’s worth a read.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Back in Time with Jelly Beans by Michelle Godard-Richer

June 12, 2023 By 2 Comments


Back in Time with Jelly Beans by Michelle Godard-Richer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Fueled by curiosity, and her dream of becoming a big-time journalist, Bella Thomas digs deep into the history of her small town. Mayflower thrived until the local Jelly Bean factory burned to the ground in 1927, killing handsome founder, Henry Hinchcliffe, and devastating the economy.

In a twist of fate, instead of Bella finding the past, she’s snatched out of the present and transported to the factory a year before the fire. There she is rescued by the sweet and swoon-worthy Henry.

Bella can’t stop herself from falling for him even though he’s destined to marry another and suffer a tragic fate. Without any regard for her own happiness, Bella is determined to prevent the fire and save Henry. Even if he can never be hers.

Love always finds a way.

The romantic storyline was a sweet and gentle one. The chemistry between Bella and Henry was perfect. Their personalities fit together nicely, and I appreciated the way they slowly moved closer together while continuing to check in on each other to make sure they were both on the same page. I couldn’t think of a better match for either of them, and I eagerly kept reading to find out what might happen to them next.

Time travel wasn’t well explained in this universe. I never quite figured out how it worked and why some characters could do it while others could not. It would have been helpful to know more about this topic, and I would have happily gone for a full five-star rating if the author had fleshed this out a little more.

I adored the kindness in this novella. Time travel can be risky, especially for characters like Bella who suddenly end up almost a century in the past without much knowledge of the social conventions of the 1920s or any appropriate clothing for it. I worried a little about her at first and was delighted to see how welcoming the people she met back then were. They immediately accepted her and did everything they could to make her feel at home. This was such a heartwarming way to transition Bella and the audience to life back then.

Back in Time with Jelly Beans was beautifully romantic.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Foxglove Summer by Ben Aaronovitch

June 9, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Foxglove Summer by Ben Aaronovitch
Publisher: Gollancz
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When two young girls go missing in rural Herefordshire, police constable and wizard-in-training Peter Grant is sent out of London to check that nothing supernatural is involved.

It’s purely routine—Nightingale, Peter’s superior, thinks he’ll be done in less than a day. But Peter’s never been one to walk away from someone in trouble, so when nothing overtly magical turns up he volunteers his services to the local police, who need all the help they can get.

But because the universe likes a joke as much as the next sadistic megalomaniac, Peter soon comes to realize that dark secrets underlie the picturesque fields and villages of the countryside and there might just be work for Britain’s most junior wizard after all.

Soon Peter’s in a vicious race against time, in a world where the boundaries between reality and fairy have never been less clear….

PC Grant has finally left London – albeit reluctantly – when two eleven-year-old girls go missing in rural Herefordshire. There is no indication anything paranormal is related to the disappearance, but anything related to children really needs to be checked out personally. Once he’s there, Peter realizes that not everything may be as it seems.

This is the fifth book in the Rivers of London series, and I am absolutely, thoroughly enjoying myself with it. Aaronovitch has the uncanny ability to make me both laugh aloud and groan or want to cover my eyes as I continue to devour every word. Peter is still very much a novice at all this wizardry and magical stuff, but this is the first book where I can really get a good feel and sense for the power he is growing and how his dedication to his training is finally beginning to pay off. He’s been able to cast some spells since almost the first book – but I have always to date had a strong sense that Peter as a wizard and practitioner was still forming and learning and finding his feet.

He is absolutely still a novice to my mind here, but there is equally a strong sense of his growing, learning and becoming more powerful. I love how this isn’t happening overnight or in between books with big gaps or lags to “account” for his growing prowess. This does make the timeline feel more dragged out, sure, but it also makes it more realistic and gives me the reader a better feel for just how long-term magical powers in this world have to be earned and learned over a period of time. I really like that.

I also enjoyed how this time while Peter has plenty of support – with regular phone calls back to the Folly and Nightingale and with a slew of supportive and helpful fellow police officers in the local precinct, this is the first time Peter really has performed his duties primarily alone and on his own steam. I have never doubted Peters intelligence or his training as a police officer, but it was rather lovely to see him acting pretty much on his own – just with plenty of support from secondary sources. In many ways Peter seemed in this book to be spreading his wings and testing his boundaries and I felt this was an optimal time and Peter was ready for the task. That was wonderful to read.

The previous book ended with quite a strong twist. I will say that this is clearly something of the larger story arc and so it wasn’t fully resolved in this book, but there was movement, and this plotline was not ignored. I could understand if some readers are really hanging out for this resolution, but as there are a number of plotlines like this related to the much larger arc that are only slightly added to each book (like Nightingale’s background, what really happened during the war, and the whole drama surrounding the Faceless Man) I really don’t think these small additions but no massive movement forward should really be a shock to anyone. Much like these other plots I’ve mentioned – there is movement, and acknowledgement in most of these areas – but these are slower burning plots and I’m learning that patience is needed for them all.

Readers looking for a light and funny as well as paranormal and intriguing mystery novel really should love this book. Personally, I’d start at the start of the series for while this book possibly could be read by itself it’s really quite deeply involved in the longer story arc, and I feel readers really should go to the beginning and start with Rivers of London – the first in the series. It’s well worth the price of admission and this series is quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites. Highly recommended.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Murder for Liar by Verlin Darrow

June 8, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Murder for Liar by Verlin Darrow
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Tom is dangerously close to discovering where his threshold is—the point of no return for his sanity. His encounter with the killer represents one more bizarre hot potato he’s forced to juggle instead of filing away neatly. It’s not one too many, but what if the next one is? And could all the coincidences that keep happening to Tom be nothing more than that? Could a young woman named Zig-Zag really be an angel? How could a dog lead Tom to one of the most important clues? The questions pile up, much as the murders do.

Want an unusual read sure to keep you guessing? Murder for Liar by Verlin Darrow could be for you. Psychotherapist Tom has eccentric patients and a murder mystery on his hands. Arundel visits Tom for counseling, but he’s not very cooperative and even makes Tom a bit uncomfortable. What’s up with this guy?

Soon other equally unique characters show up at Tom’s door. There’s a strange connection between them and something odd going on. Are these occurrences connected to the murders happening around town? Someone Tom knows, a perfectly lovely colleague, becomes a victim. Then a new friend of his becomes threatened. These characters and the questions they raise really drive the story forward.

Tom finds himself in some wild situations and begins to question his own sanity. Could he really be losing his stability, or is something sinister the cause of it all? This book does a good job making one wonder. It is hard to tell what is at the root of it all, making for an engaging mystery. For a book full of surprises with an underlying spiritual theme, why not have a look at this one?

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Operation: Norway by William Meikle

June 7, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Operation: Norway by William Meikle
Publisher: Severed Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Horror
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

It’s supposed to be a simple sanitation job, a post war scientific base that needs cleansed of anything that might prove incriminating to British and Norwegian governments.

But when the S-Squad try to complete their mission they are pursued in the mountains and fjords by something out of legend.

They have woken a sleeping beast.

Now it’s angry, ready for a fight. And it’s bringing its friends along.

Captain Banks and his crew have been promised extended leave and their next few missions to be in warmer, easier climates. Only none of that was to be when Banks is called into the office of his Corporal and instead of their leave being approved, he is given a new and urgent mission. Promised it’s a quick in-and-out and just a look-see with potentially an explosive “sanitation” of the site, Banks is hoping for once their mission might be straightforward and relatively easy.

I really enjoy these S-Squad stories by William Meikle. With big beasties, a well-versed group of Army squaddies and a strong hint of paranormal (and very mild horror) these are the best kind of B-grade monster movies in a quick story that I could ever imagine. The stories are usually shortish (about 150 pages) but they are always high action with loads of explosions and shooting and quite a fast pace to them.

Readers looking for something strongly intellectual or high brow won’t find that here. These are fun, fast paced, action shoot ‘em up style of stories with monsters and beasties and a whole load of rambunctious fun.

This time our favourite squaddies are in Norway, and I was really pleased with the atmosphere the author created. With such a short page length I feel Meikle did a brilliant job keeping the tension high and slowly fed the reader enough hints and tips to both what had occurred in the past – and therefore what we could expect our squaddies to unearth – for me to be eager to continue reading. When the action begins it’s all the usual S-Squad fast paced romp and I feel readers who enjoy this series, and this style of writing will be as happy as I was.

Fun, frivolous and a romping good tale – this was a great story and excellent addition to the series. Recommended.

Filed Under: Horror, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Wicked Intent by Lora Leigh

June 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Wicked Intent by Lora Leigh
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Control has meant everything to Tally Raines. Control of the office she ran as Jesse Wyman’s secretary, and now control of Lucian Conover’s office as well. But Lucian isn’t content to be controlled by his fiery secretary. As a matter of fact, Lucian thinks she needs to loosen up and let the sexy, sensual woman hiding beneath her cool exterior free.

And he will dare her to do just that… with a little help.

Three hearts and a lot of tension. Oh boy!

I knew when I picked up this book that it’d be hot. It’s a Lora Leigh and they’re always hot books. This one didn’t disappoint. I raced through this book because the pace was so quick. I liked that there weren’t any extra pieces. The story is tight and the pace just as tight.

Tally is hard to relate to because she’s so strong willed. I wasn’t a fan of her right away, but I did like her transformation and growth. I liked it because I can see myself and others in her. She had to go through hell to get to the point where she could grow, and I liked it. Dev and Luc are just drool-worthy. I could see them in my mind and oh boy, oh boy. I wanted a pair for my own. I liked the test of wills between them. It was a great game to see how it’d play out. No spoilers at all.

If you’re looking for a menage story that’s hot enough to burn the pages, has some kink and will keep you turning pages, then this might be the one for you. Luc, Dev and Tally are fantastic. Give it a read.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Uncontrollable by Sara Staggs

June 2, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Uncontrollable by Sara Staggs
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

At 36-years-old, Casey Scott appears to have it all: a booming career as a civil rights litigator, a loving husband, and two sweet young children. But she also has epilepsy, and her worsening seizures threaten to destroy the life she toiled to build.

When her doctor says she is likely to die if her seizures are not controlled, Casey is at a crossroads: will she choose her career and lifelong aspirations, or her family and health?

The decisions she makes affect her marriage, children, and future in ways she could never expect.

Told by Casey and her husband, Uncontrollable is an emotional roller coaster that examines both what happens when the life we may be forced to live is not the life we planned to live, and the compromises we make to survive in the face of adversity.

Painful, but beautiful…which is a lot like life.

Casey has seizures from her epilepsy and it’s taking a toll on her life. She’s already stressed and over her head, but she’s not about to tell anyone she’s in too deep. That’s not how she’s wired. That said, the balances in her life and her stresses are about to become too much for her to handle. This is the story of how she has to learn to balance and let go, while potentially getting what she wants.

This book and the author show how having a chronic illness can be a pain, but also something possible to live with. It’s not the hardest thing to handle, but it’s difficult at times. Casey is flawed and human, which makes her an interesting character. I liked how she had to learn to power through in a way she wasn’t used to. There’s a sensitivity to her character, too. I liked the dynamic between her and Jonah as well. The book showed how life isn’t always clean and the messiness is what makes it great.

If you’re looking for a book to challenge you, but also stay with you long after the last page, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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