Category Archives: Mira

December 13, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Last to See Her by Courtney Evan Tate

Title: The Last to See Her by Courtney Evan Tate
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A woman disappears into the dark city night…

Gen is on the verge of a divorce from her cheating husband. When her sister, Meg, has a convention to attend in the Big Apple, she invites Gen along to celebrate her newly found freedom. But the perfect sisters’ getaway quickly goes awry when a tipsy Gen defiantly throws her wedding ring off the hotel room’s balcony. Then, wanting some fresh air, she decides to take a late-evening walk alone and vanishes without a trace.

The investigation that follows uncovers secrets—and betrayals—between sisters and spouses that will twist the truth in on itself until nothing is clear.

What really happened to Gen and who, besides Meg, was the last to see her?

Review:

The Last to See Her by Courtney Evan Tate is a twist-filled domestic mystery.

Genevieve “Gen” McCready is a successful author who is divorcing her husband Thad.  She joins her younger sister Meghan “Meg” in New York to celebrate her return to single life. Their first evening together is a drink and laughter filled dinner the ends with Gen going out alone for a walk. Meg wakes up to discover her sister has yet to return and later that day, she files a missing persons report. New York Detective Nate Hawkins casts a suspicious eye on Meg, but she is adamant she has nothing to do with Gen’s disappearance.  Although Meg likes her soon to be ex brother-in-law, his lack of concern over her sister’s fate raises a few questions.  With Gen seemingly vanishing into thin air, will Detective Hawkins be able to solve this perplexing case?

Chapters from Gen’s perspective offer an insightful view into her initial romance with Thad and the many years of their marriage. She spends her days alone in their condo writing her novels while he works long hours building his law practice. At first, Gen’s marriage is quite happy and Thad is welcomed into the family with open arms. But Gen begins to notice changes in her husband that seem to be tied with his growing success. Eventually she tires of his late nights at work and becomes suspicious that he might not be working.  Will Gen find anything to prove where Thad is spending his evenings?

Meg is a very successful doctor who is married with a five year old son. She too works long hours but her husband Joe is understanding of the demands of her career.  Meg and Gen are each other’s best friends so when her sister does not return to their hotel, she knows something is wrong.  Wanting answers, Meg coerces Hawkins into revealing more details of his investigation than he should.  Over the course of several days, Meg does not give up hope about finding Gen.

Thad is cool and controlled after learning of his soon to be ex-wife’s disappearance. He has no desire to try to salvage their marriage and he is ready to move on. Thad vehemently denies Gen’s accusations  and their divorce is slightly contentious. Once he finally travels to New York, will Thad provide any information to Detective Hawkins that will help locate Gen?

The Last to See Her is an engrossing domestic  mystery with an intriguing storyline. The characters are interesting but they are a little difficult to like.  The plot is multi-layered and well-written with clever twists and unexpected turns.  Courtney Evan Tate brings this suspenseful mystery to a rather unanticipated conclusion that is a little unsatisfying. All in all, an engaging mystery that I enjoyed and recommend to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Courtney Evan Tate, Mira, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Suspense, The Last to See Her

October 12, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr

Title: Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Virgin River Series Book Twenty-One
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 258 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr returns to the beloved town of Virgin River with a brand-new story about fresh starts, new friends and the magic of Christmas.

Kaylee Sloan’s home in Southern California is full of wonderful memories of the woman who raised her. But the memories are prolonging her grief over her mother’s recent death. A successful author, Kaylee hoped she could pour herself into her work. Instead she has terrible writer’s block and a looming deadline.

Determined to escape distractions and avoid the holiday season, Kaylee borrows a cabin in Virgin River. She knows the isolation will help her writing, and as she drives north through the mountains and the majestic redwoods, she immediately feels inspired. Until she arrives at a building that has just gone up in flames. Devastated, she heads to Jack’s Bar to plan her next steps. The local watering hole is the heart of the town, and once she crosses the threshold, she’s surprised to be embraced by people who are more than willing to help a friend—or a stranger—in need.

Kaylee’s world is expanding in ways she never dreamed possible. And when she rescues a kitten followed by a dog with a litter of puppies, she finds her heart opening up to the animals who need her. And then there’s the dog trainer who knows exactly how to help her. As the holidays approach, Kaylee’s dread turns to wonder. Because there’s no better place to spend Christmas than Virgin River.

Review:

Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr is a heartwarming romance. Although this newest release is the twenty-first installment in the Virgin River series, it can be read as a standalone.

With the first anniversary of her beloved mother’s death approaching, Kaylee Sloan is still deeply grieving the loss. With a looming deadline and an inability to write, she decides a change of scenery will jumpstart her creative process. Having enjoyed her previous visits to Virgin River, Kaylee rents out her house and heads to a friends’ cabin.  But her plans hit immediately hit a bump in the road when the cabin is uninhabitable due to a fire.  Although a bit defeated, she accepts Mel and Jack Sheridan’s hospitality and offer to help her find a suitable rental in the area. And, as luck would have it, Landry Moore has an empty house that he offers to her.  With the seemingly perfect setting, Kaylee continues working to meet her upcoming deadline.

Kaylee and her mother were extremely close and she is haunted by her memories of their time together. Although her publisher has been very understanding, Kaylee fears her career will suffer if she does not finish her current novel. Although she has several pages written, she is not having much luck hitting her stride. She instead becomes wrapped up in an unexpected project and her growing friendship with Landry. With their relationship heading into romantic territory, Kaylee decides to live in the moment as  they give into their attraction for each other.

Landry is a bit of a loner but he is always friendly when he goes into town. He is a successful artist who is also a part-time dog trainer. Landry is surprised by how much he enjoys Kaylee’s company. When his past collides with his present, he realizes it is time to take steps to finally close that chapter of his life.

Return to Virgin River is a touching romance of healing, friendship and love. Kaylee is a likable character who is surprisingly open to new experiences. Landry is an laidback man with infinite patience. Their romance is sweet and grows naturally from their close friendship. The setting is winsome and Virgin River residents quickly welcome Kaylee into the fold. With an unanticipated plot twist,  Robyn Carr brings this charming romance to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Virgin River series will enjoy this lovely romance.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mira, Rated B, Return to Virgin River, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Virgin River Series

May 25, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter

Title: East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

They share countless perfect memories—and one they wish they could forget.

Childhood friends Hannah, Maya, Blue and Renee share a bond that feels more like family. Growing up, they had difficult home lives, and the summers they spent together in Montauk were the happiest memories they ever made. Then, the summer after graduation, one terrible night changed everything.

Twelve years have passed since that fateful incident, and their sisterhood has drifted apart, each woman haunted by her own lost innocence. But just as they reunite in Montauk for one last summer, hoping to find happiness once more, tragedy strikes again. This time it’ll test them like never before, forcing them to confront decisions they’ve each had to live with and old secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Review:

East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter is an intriguing novel of friendship and healing.

Twelve years after a tragedy that altered their lives, Hannah, Maya, Blue and Renee have all gone their separate ways. They are still friends but they rarely see one another. When Blue’s grandmother’s beach house is put up for sale, Maya convinces her friends to get together to celebrate their thirtieth birthdays. Although Blue is easy enough to convince, Hannah is reluctant to return to Montauk.  Finally agreeing to join her friends, the women set off for a relaxing weekend together. However, unbeknownst to Blue or Hannah, Maya invited Renee to join them.  Blue is furious since she has not spoken to her former best friend over the years. But Maya and Hannah are happy to see their friend despite the tension between Renee and Blue. With each of the women keeping secrets, will the weekend together heal them and their friendships?

Hannah’s life is not at all what she planned twelve years ago. She adheres to a strict schedule and relies on a plethora of medication and rituals to get through life. She and Maya are best friends but there is some friction between them over the weekend. Hannah instantly regrets agreeing to the trip and as her fears threaten to overwhelm her, will she return to the safe life she has carved out for herself?

Blue is a highly successful stockbroker whose career leaves little time for a personal life. And that is just the way she likes it since she is growing to hate spending time at home. Blue is still nursing her fury at her estranged former best friend, but she has never revealed why she stopped speaking to Renee.  Not one to step out of her comfort zone, she unenthusiastically accepts an old love’s invitation to spend the evening together. Will her long held insecurities ruin Blue’s second chance for a relationship with the man she has never been able to forget?

Maya is impulsive, immature and self-centered. She  flits from one job to another and relies on Blue to help her when she runs into trouble. Her latest problem is of her own making and she is in danger of losing something she holds very dear. Maya often fails to think about the consequences for her actions and she is prone to running away instead of facing her troubles head on. Maya is fiercely loyal and her heart is in the right place when she invites Renee to join them, but will this decision culminate with the results she desires?

Due to their various issues,  their weekend away is anything but relaxing. Hannah’s regrets about both joining her friends and the tragedy years earlier weigh heavily and influence her every decision. Everyone is growing weary of Maya’s behavior but they are quick to forgive her poor choices. Blue is hardened and unforgiving towards Renee but she is grateful for her support. She is both excited and terrified to see her first love again but she cannot silence the negative voice inside her head. Renee is cautious but happy to see her old friends and she is tentatively hopeful the weekend together will mend the rift between her and Blue.

Alternating between different perspectives, East Coast Girls is an angsty novel that touches on several relatable topics. The characters are interesting but all of them remain stuck in the past. They are supportive of and genuinely care for each other.  Over the course of their weekend, secrets are revealed and Kerry Kletter brings the novel to a hopeful conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, East Coast Girls, Harlequin, Kerry Kletter, Mira, Rated C, Review, Women's Fiction

April 12, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr

Title: Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sometimes the happiness we’re looking for has been there all along…

Adele and Justine have never been close. Born twenty years apart, Justine was already an adult when Addie was born. The sisters love each other but they don’t really know each other.

When Addie dropped out of university to care for their ailing parents, Justine, a successful lawyer, covered the expenses. It was the best arrangement at the time but now that their parents are gone, the future has changed dramatically for both women.

Addie had great plans for her life but has been worn down by the pressures of being a caregiver and doesn’t know how to live for herself. And Justine’s success has come at a price. Her marriage is falling apart despite her best efforts.

Neither woman knows how to start life over but both realize they can and must support each other the way only sisters can. Together they find the strength to accept their failures and overcome their challenges. Happiness is within reach, if only they have the courage to fight for it.

Set in the stunning coastal town of Half Moon Bay, California, Robyn Carr’s new novel examines the joys of sisterhood and the importance of embracing change.

Review:

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr is a delightful novel of healing and new beginnings.

Thirty two year old Adele “Addie” Descaro is struggling to restart her life after caring for her elderly parents for eight years. She moved back home before finishing her master’s program and she is at loss while trying to figure out a new career path.  Making a decision becomes imperative when her fifty-two year old sister Justine Somersby informs her she might not be able to continue helping Adele financially.

Justine is a lawyer who works long hours to support her husband Scott and their teenage daughters, Amber and Olivia.  She also does more than her fair share of the work around the house as Scott works part-time and participates in multiple sports.  After making a shocking discovery, Justine makes many changes in her life that bring her and Adele surprisingly closer.

Over the years, Adele has given up spending time with anyone except for her family and close friend Jake Bronski. She has also never quite recovered from a broken heart and tragic loss that occurred at the same time she moved home to care for her parents.  Adele is uncertain about how to jumpstart her career while also fixing up the family home.  Finally motivated to make some positive changes, she is soon putting her plans in motion for her future. But Adele is a little surprised to find that making professional decisions is much easier than taking charge of her personal life.

Justine is decisive and no nonsense as she makes plans for her future.  Surprisingly resilient in spite of painful circumstances, she is undergoing a period of discovery during a difficult time.  Despite the unexpected changes,  Justine grows more confident as the months pass.

With both sisters undergoing many changes, Justine and Adele welcome a newfound closeness between them.  Addie embraces the opportunity to strengthen her bonds with her nieces and sister. But she struggles a little with the choices she needs to make and she is a bit disconcerted when her relationship with Jake grows a little strained.  When Addie’s past collides with her present, will she finally gain the perspective she needs to move forward?

Sunrise on Half Moon Bay is a wonderful novel about overcoming adversity and starting over when life throws unexpected curves. Old and new fans of Robyn Carr are sure to enjoy this family-centric novel.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Sunrise on Half Moon Bay, Women's Fiction

April 8, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak

Title: One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 464 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Some families we’re born into

Some we find for ourselves

When Serenity Alston swabbed her cheek for 23andMe, she joked about uncovering some dark ancestral scandal. The last thing she expected was to discover two half sisters she didn’t know existed. Suddenly, everything about her loving family is drawn into question. And meeting these newfound sisters might be the only way to get answers.

The women decide to dig into the mystery together at Serenity’s family cabin in Lake Tahoe. With Reagan navigating romantic politics at work and Lorelei staring down the collapse of her marriage, all three women are converging at a crossroads in their lives. Before the summer is over, they’ll have to confront the past and determine how to move forward when everything they previously thought to be true was a lie. But any future is easier to face with family by your side.

Review:

One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak is a captivating novel about three half-sisters and the challenges facing them as they get to know one another.

Serenity Alston is a true crime writer who unexpectedly discovers half-sisters Reagan Sands and Lorelei Cipriano after taking a popular DNA test. Having decided to spend a week at her family’s Lake Tahoe cabin with her sisters, Serenity is nervous about meeting Reagan and Lorelei face to face. Serenity is also struggling with the events of the past year and a half which she has managed to keep out of the public eye.  Suffering from writer’s block, Serenity is hoping to salvage her career after getting to know her sisters.

Lorelei is the midst of a marriage crisis when she and her four year old daughter Lucy head to Lake Tahoe. She is uncertain what the future holds for her and her husband, Mark, and she ignores his numerous attempts to convince her to return home.  Having grown up in the foster care system, Lorelei is thrilled to get to know her half-sisters, but she is also resentful her childhood was so different from theirs. Of the three women, Lorelei undergoes the most growth as she decides the fate of her marriage and her future.

Reagan is a workaholic who deeply regrets an impetuous decision she recently made.  She, too, is trying to figure out what do in the aftermath. Reagan is afraid her mother  will be deeply disappointed in her.  After the sisters decide to extend their time together, Reagan must come to terms with the unintended consequences of her actions.

Despite their very disparate lives, Serenity, Lorelei and Reagan slowly form a tight bond with one another. Even when they are on opposite sides of an issue, they are supportive of each other.  Serenity is grateful for Reagan’s career advice  and her unanticipated generous offer to help her. Although Reagan is reluctant to confide in her sisters, she is pleasantly surprised by their reactions to her unanticipated news. Lorelei values her sisters’ input as she weighs the pros and cons of staying with Mark.

Over the course of the summer, Serenity, Lorelei and Reagan try to piece together who their father is. Serenity is extremely curious because her parents have been happily married for decades. Reagan’s father died when she was very young and her mother refuses to discuss the past. As for Lorelei, she has no information at all about her parents since she entered  the foster care system at a very young age. They entertain various theories but will the sisters figure out who their father is before summer’s end?

One Perfect Summer is a heartfelt and engaging novel with a fantastic set of characters and interesting storyline. Each of the sisters is three dimensional with relatable flaws and enviable strengths.  Their respective issues are true to life and the resolutions to their problems are realistic. The sisters’ relationships develop  naturally over time and they sometimes struggle with one another’s mistakes and decisions.  With a jaw-dropping, impossible to predict plot twist, Brenda Novak brings this heartwarming novel to an absolutely delightful conclusion.   I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this charming novel to readers of contemporary fiction.

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Filed under Brenda Novak, Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, One Perfect Summer, Rated B+, Review, Women's Fiction

February 9, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery

Title: Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery
Blackberry Island Series Book Four
Publisher:MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 448 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author of California Girls comes an all new original Blackberry Island novel told with Susan Mallery’s trademark humor and charm. Sisters by Choice is a heartfelt tale of love, family and the friendships that see us through.

Cousins by chance, sisters by choice…

After her cat toy empire goes up in flames, Sophie Lane returns to Blackberry Island, determined to rebuild. Until small-town life reveals a big problem: she can’t grow unless she learns to let go. If Sophie relaxes her grip even a little, she might lose everything. Or she might finally be free to reach for the happiness and love that have eluded her for so long.

Kristine has become defined by her relationship to others. She’s a wife, a mom. As much as she adores her husband and sons, she wants something for herself—a sweet little bakery just off the waterfront. She knew changing the rules wouldn’t be easy, but she never imagined she might have to choose between her marriage and her dreams.

Like the mainland on the horizon, Heather’s goals seem beyond her grasp. Every time she manages to save for college, her mother has another crisis. Can she break free, or will she be trapped in this tiny life forever?

Review:

Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery is an emotionally compelling novel of new beginnings.  This newest release is the forth installment in the Blackberry Island series but can be read as a standalone.

Thirty four year old Sophie Lane returns to Blackberry Island after a fire destroys her business. She is grateful to have the support of her cousin Kristine Fielding but Sophie is struggling with rebuilding her  business.  Overwhelmed by starting over, she impulsively hires her twenty year cousin Heather Sitterly along with Heather’s manipulative mother Amber.  Not long after, Kristine unexpectedly faces a crisis in her marriage when husband Jaxsen vehemently objects to her plans to open a bakery.  Sophie, Kristine and Heather are incredibly supportive as each of them confronts the issues that are standing in their way as they attempt to make needed changes in their lives.

Sophie is a strong-willed, controlling woman who micromanages everyone who works for her.  She has no personal life since she spends the majority of her days at work. Kristine convinces her cousin to join a Tai Chi class where gorgeous instructor Dugan catches Sophie’s eye.  As she resists giving up control at work, Dugan offers thought-provoking advice that often infuriates her. Sophie has serious trust issues that threaten to derail both her business plans and her budding romance with Dugan.  With her goal of expanding her lucrative business into new markets, will Sophie understand she is not the expert she believes herself to be?

Kristine is a stay at home mom to three sons. She also runs a successful baked goods business on the side.  Kristine has long dreamed of opening her own bakery and when the perfect store becomes available, she is finally ready to put her plans into action. However, she is completely stunned by Jaxsen’s reaction when she finally reveals her business plan. Forced to take a hard look at her marriage and her own behavior, Kristine must decide if she will put aside her own aspirations in the face of Jaxsen’s obstinate refusal to support her desire to be more than a wife and mother.

Heather is working several jobs to support herself and her lazy, entitled mother.  Caught in a vicious cycle of wanting to leave Blackberry Island and always giving in to Amber’s demands, Heather is absolutely miserable.  Grateful for the opportunity for valuable work experience, she throws herself into her new job at Sophie’s business. Out of her depth yet determined to succeed, Heather must soon decide whether she will do what is best for her instead of always acquiescing to Amber.  Will Heather find the courage and strength to extricate herself from her toxic relationship with her mother?

Sisters by Choice is a thought-provoking novel with realistic characters and true to life issues to overcome. Sophie is a little overbearing but her rougher edges begin to smooth as she becomes more self-aware of how unreasonable she can sometimes be. Kristine must break her pattern of always giving in during disagreements with her husband. Jaxsen loves his wife, but his intransigence over the bakery  endangers their marriage. Heather is a sympathetic young woman who is facing a tough choice that could have long lasting repercussions for her future.  Amber is a thoroughly unlikable woman who makes no effort to take responsibility for her increasingly despicable actions. With believable character growth and surprising solutions to the characters’ various situations,  Susan Mallery brings this charming novel to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans will enjoy this latest addition the Blackberry Island series.

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Filed under Blackberry Island Series, Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B+, Review, Sisters by Choice, Susan Mallery, Women's Fiction