Category Archives: Rated B

December 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

Title: First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard
The Maidels of Morning Star Sries Book Two
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Founded by five enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morningstar Marketplace is a joyous
success. What’s even more remarkable is the gift the business bestows upon each of these
unmarried women—the unexpected blessing of love . . .

Leaving Flaud’s Furniture to teach at the community’s new school is a joy for
Lydianne Christner. Old Order Amish, but new to Morning Star, she’s grateful that the congregation trusts her with the position—but she panics when handsome Bishop Jeremiah Shetler asks about the life she left behind. If anyone discovers the secret she’s hiding, she would, quite rightly, be shunned.

A widower, Bishop Jeremiah admires young Lydianne’s youthful energy and skill with the children. He’s also curious about her past, and the burden he senses on her heart. When his request to court her is
refused, he’s stung, and lonelier than ever. It isn’t until a crisis prompts a tearful Lydianne to confess to him that Jeremiah is faced with a choice that requires all of his faith—and teaches them both that love and forgiveness go hand in hand.

Review:

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is a thought-provoking Amish romance. This latest release is the second installment in The Maidels of Morning Star series, but can be read as a standalone.

Lydianne Christner has created a new life for herself and she is surrounded by supportive friends.  She is a wonderful young woman but her past mistakes continue to haunt her. Knowing she will never marry, she is hoping the school board will hire for to teach the town’s children. Lydianne is intelligent, caring and well-liked so she would be the perfect teacher. She also finds herself the object of Bishop Jeremiah Shetler’s affections but she deeply regrets she cannot enter into a relationship with him. She is quite dismayed to learn that widower Glenn Detweiler is interested in her as well. With Lydianne’s feelings for Jeremiah growing, how will he react when he discovers her secret?

Jeremiah has deeply grieved the loss of his beloved wife, Priscilla, but he is finally ready to think about remarrying. His interest in Lydianne has been steadily growing but he is intuitive enough to recognize her emotional walls.  Although Jeremiah tries to keep his distance once she firmly turns him down, he continues to hope she will give him a chance.  He is a wise and respected bishop who is understanding of those seeking his counsel. But what will Jeremiah recommend after learning what Lydianne has been keeping from everyone?

Lydianne and Jeremiah are wonderful people who are obedient to their faith and trust God with their problems. They genuinely care about the well-being of everyone within their community. Both Lydianne and Jeremiah’s imperfections are perfectly balanced by their strengths. Lydianne cannot forgive herself for her previous transgression and she is grateful for the grace offered to her by Jeremiah and others.  The aftermath of the startling revelations proves to be healing and life altering.

First Light in Morning Star is a heartfelt Amish romance with a storyline which features real life issues. The various characters are wonderfully developed and easy to like and many are dealing with realistic problems. The setting springs vibrantly to life and it is very easy to visualize the various town, businesses and homes.  Charlotte Hubbard brings this marvelous romance to a endearing and uplifting conclusion.  A fabulous addition to The Maidels of Morning Star series that old and new readers are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Amish, Charlotte Hubbard, Contemporary, First Light in Morning Star, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Maidels of Morning Star Series, Zebra Books

December 14, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Truth, Lies, and Second Dates by MaryJanice Davidson

Title: Truth, Lies, and Second Dates by MaryJanice Davidson
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy, Mystery
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Truth, Lies, and Second Dates is a sweet and sassy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson.

Captain Ava Capp has been flying from her past for a decade. She’d much rather leave it, and her home state, behind forever. But when she finds herself back in Minnesota, against her better judgment, everything goes sideways in a way she never expected it to.

M.E. Dr. Tom Baker has never forgotten Ava and the cold case she ran away from. When she shows up unexpectedly in town, in spite of himself, sparks fly. Which is terrible because he can’t stop his growing attraction to her. Can these two Type-A’s let their guards down and work together to put Ava’s tragic past behind her for good? And keep their hands off each other at the same time?

Review:

Buckle up! Truth, Lies, and Second Dates by MaryJanice Davidson is a rollicking, fun-filled read.

Airline pilot Captain Ava Capp unexpectedly gets roped into attending the ten year memorial marking the still unsolved murder of her best friend, Danielle Monahan. After running into Danielle’s twin brother Dennis and his girlfriend, Xenia, her stay in Minnesota brings up old memories Ava would much rather forget. But when all kinds of trouble ensue, Ava ends up staying in town much longer than she is comfortable with. However, her recent acquaintance, Medical Examiner Dr. Tom Baker, just happens to know all about Danielle’s case. Ava and Tom team up to try to figure out who is causing problems for her and hopefully, unmask a killer.

Ava and Tom are a bit quirky with wicked funny senses of humor. Ava does not plan on becoming romantically involved with Tom but the clumsy, super intelligent ME proves to be too irresistible to resist.  He is a kind, compassionate and all around great guy who is dedicated to the people he loves. Ava, on the other hand, has plenty of emotional walls in place but she cares about the people around her more than she lets on.

Despite their very mutual attraction, Ava and Tom want to discover who is behind the recent issues in her  life. Tom is quick to realize these events must be related to Danielle’s murder. They also astutely deduce she must have made the killer uneasy by attending her friend’s memorial. With a plethora of suspects, but no motive, will Ava and Tom zero in on the murderer before she becomes the next victim?

Truth, Lies, and Second Dates is a hilarious novel with just a dash of suspense. The cast of characters are somewhat eccentric yet very endearing. The storyline is full of zany adventures that are laugh out loud funny. The search for Danielle’s killer is intriguing and MaryJanice Davidson keeps readers guessing whodunit right until the novel’s dramatic conclusion.  I truly enjoyed and highly recommend this amusing novel to fans of romantic comedies.

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Filed under Contemporary, MaryJanice Davidson, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Romantic Comedy, St Martin's Griffin, Truth Lies and Second Dates

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

December 2, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Suspicious Minds by David Mark

Title: Suspicious Minds by David Mark
Publisher: Severn House Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense
Length: 263 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When you’re dreaming, it’s dangerous to wake up . . . An addictive psychological thriller from David Mark, currently writing “at the top of his game” (Publishers Weekly)

Liz Zahavi is desperate. Desperate for her controlling partner, Jay, to stay with her, to actually love her. Desperate to be well again, after a recent diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. Desperate to be understood.

Private therapy seems like the answer to her prayers, but Liz doesn’t even make it to her first appointment. Lost in a maze of country roads, she crashes her car, only to be rescued by a brooding local farmer . . . who just keeps on rescuing her. Attractive and intense, Jude is a dream, and Liz doesn’t want to wake up.

But four years ago, Jude’s perfect, pretty wife died alone in the woods near their house. And as Jude’s past boils into the present, threatening to destroy their new happiness, Liz begins to wonder what exactly her new man is capable of . . . and how far he’s willing to go.

Review:

Suspicious Minds by David Mark is a multi-layered domestic mystery.

Elizabeth “Liz” Zahavi has recently discovered she has Boderline Personality Disorder. But she is placed on a waiting list for treatment. She lives with her boyfriend Jay and does not work outside the home.  After Jay finally agrees to pay for a private counselor, Liz sets up her first appointment. Unfortunately she gets lost in the countryside and crashes into another vehicle on her way to meet the psychologist. This unlucky series of events ultimately ends up changing her life when she is rescued by Jude Cullen. After a traumatic encounter with Jay, Liz, (who now calls herself Betsy), moves in with Jude.

Liz and her sister Carly’s childhood was dysfunctional and they eventually ended up in foster care. While Carly mostly has her life together, Liz has not been as lucky. Although not entirely happy living with Jay, she stays with him since she has limited options. Now she has a definitive diagnosis, Liz hopes she can to get her negative thoughts and wild mood swings under control.

After her car accident, Liz is intrigued by Jude and she looks forward to his texts. At the same time, she discovers shocking information about Jay and her reaction sets in motion a violent confrontation with him. Jude offers her a quiet place to land in the aftermath and she is happy with their solitary life. However, Betsy is unable to quiet the little voice that keeps telling her he is too good to be true.

Jude does have a rather tragic past that he does not talk about. He is also locked in a battle of wills with a wealthy landowner. Betsy continues to push aside her misgivings but she will soon have no choice but to confront Jude about the secrets he is keeping. Their relationship remains fraught and Betsy begins to harbor doubts about her decision to live with him.  Continuing to ignore her misgivings, Jude’s issues eventually become a looming problem that are becoming increasingly dangerous.

Suspicious Minds is a clever mystery with an interesting cast of characters. Betsy is often her own worst enemy as she tries to protect herself emotionally. Jude is an even-tempered caring man with a mysterious past. With the tension building to an unbearable pitch, David Mark brings this unique domestic mystery to a suspenseful conclusion. An outstanding mystery I highly recommend to fans of the  genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, David Mark, Domestic Mystery, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Severn House Publishers, Suspense, Suspicious Minds

November 30, 2020 · 11:55 pm

Review: The Wicked Hour by Alice Blanchard

Title: The Wicked Hour by Alice Blanchard
Natalie Lockhart Series Book Two
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the award-winning author of Trace of Evil, a detective dealing with the scars of her past must solve a seemingly unconnected string of murders, and face the impossible question of what to do when the killer may be hiding amongst the ones you know, in Alice Blanchard’s The Wicked Hour.

“Readers will welcome a return to Burning Lake with Natalie at the helm.”—Associated Press

“Lockhart is a relatable new heroine on the police-procedural scene, and one who will appeal to readers of Tana French.”—Booklist

The day after Burning Lake’s notorious, debauched Halloween celebration, Detective Natalie Lockhart uncovers a heartbreaking scene—a young woman, dead and lying in a dumpster. There’s no clue to who she is, save for a mystifying tattoo on her arm, and a callus underneath her chin. She’s not from around here. No one knows who she is.

As Natalie retraces the young woman’s steps leading up to her death, she uncovers a deeper, darker horror—a string of murders and disappearances, seemingly unconnected, that may have ties to each other—and explain the abrupt disappearance of her best friend years ago.

As she digs deeper within the mind of the hunter, Natalie finds a darkness she could never have imagined. And as she draws closer to the truth, the killer is weaving a trap for her that may prove inescapable.

Review:

The Wicked Hour by Alice Blanchard is an intriguing mystery. The second installment in the Natalie Lockhart series, I highly encourage reading book one, Trace of Evil¸ for important backstory.

Like the rest of Burning Lake’s residents, Detective Natalie Lockhart is relieved their yearly Halloween celebration has come to a close. Needing to keep busy, she volunteers for early morning clean up duty in the downtown area.  Following the discovery of the remains of a naked young woman, Natalie is working hard to identify the victim.  Realizing a vital clue from the outset, Natalie soon learns that another missing person might be linked to her victim. With the assistance of her friend and boss Lt. Luke Pittman, Natalie follows the scant leads she uncovers in hopes of catching the killer.

Natalie is struggling in the aftermath of a previous case that thrust her in the limelight and left her reeling after a shocking discovery. Keeping occupied is the only thing that helps keep her from dwelling on her memories.  Natalie is also a little off center at work since her relationship with Luke and another co-worker are somewhat strained. She hopes to recapture their once easy camaraderie but she is making little progress.

Natalie’s current case reminds her of the circumstances of her best friend Bella Striver’s disappearance twelve years ago. Pushing aside her concerns about Bella, Natalie follows the little information she has on the victim.  She begins by retracing the woman’s steps on the night she died. She soon learns very unnerving details that bring her face to face with someone else from her past and another person with whom she implicitly trusts. Uneasy about the direction her investigation is going, Natalie nonetheless explores all leads regardless of her personal feelings.

The Wicked Hour is an engrossing police procedural that is interesting yet a little slow paced. Natalie is quite introspective as she tries to move forward and heal the rifts in her personal and professional lives. With a very unexpected plot twist,  Alice Blanchard brings this engaging mystery to a surprising conclusion.  A great addition to the Natalie Lockhart series that will leave readers eager the next book in the series.

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Filed under Alice Blanchard, Contemporary, Minotaur Books, Mystery, Natalie Lockhart Series, Rated B, Review, Suspense, The Wicked Hour

November 23, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Irena’s War by James D. Shipman

Title: Irena’s War by James D. Shipman
Publisher: Kensington Books
Genre: Historical, WWII, Fiction
Length: 342 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Based on the gripping true story of an unlikely Polish resistance fighter who helped save thousands of Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto during World War II, bestselling author James D. Shipman’s Irena’s War is a heart-pounding novel of courage in action, helmed by an extraordinary and unforgettable protagonist.

September 1939: The conquering Nazis swarm through Warsaw as social worker Irena Sendler watches in dread from her apartment window. Already, the city’s poor go hungry. Irena wonders how she will continue to deliver food and supplies to those who need it most, including the forbidden Jews. The answer comes unexpectedly.

Dragged from her home in the night, Irena is brought before a Gestapo agent, Klaus Rein, who offers her a position running the city’s soup kitchens, all to maintain the illusion of order. Though loath to be working under the Germans, Irena learns there are ways to defy her new employer—including forging documents so that Jewish families receive food intended for Aryans. As Irena grows bolder, her interactions with Klaus become more fraught and perilous.

Klaus is unable to prove his suspicions against Irena—yet. But once Warsaw’s half-million Jews are confined to the ghetto, awaiting slow starvation or the death camps, Irena realizes that providing food is no longer enough. Recruited by the underground Polish resistance organization Zegota, she carries out an audacious scheme to rescue Jewish children. One by one, they are smuggled out in baskets and garbage carts, or led through dank sewers to safety—every success raising Klaus’s ire. Determined to quell the uprising, he draws Irena into a cat-and-mouse game that will test her in every way—and where the slightest misstep could mean not just her own death, but the slaughter of those innocents she is so desperate to save.

Review:

Based on a true story, Irena’s War by James D. Shipman is an interesting yet poignant novel set in Poland during World War II.

Irena Sendler watches in horror as the Nazis march into Warsaw in 1939. She is a social worker who has been distributing food and supplies to those in need.  After the Nazi invasion, Irena wrestles with her conscious when Gestapo agent Klaus Rein offers to allow her to continue her job. Finally deciding to continue caring for her fellow citizens, Irena works long hours to secure food as it becomes scarce due to the war and occupation. After the Jewish population are forced to move into the ghetto, Irena turns her attention to helping her friends care for those living in crowded conditions with little food. After she becomes a resistance fighter, Irena risks everything to help the orphaned children in the ghetto escape when the Nazis begin sending the Jews to Triblinka extermination camp.  But, with a traitor in their midst, Irena must hurry to save a final group of children before time runs out.

With her estranged husband in a German POW camp, Irena lives with her bedridden mother. She has little patience with her mother and she resents the time it takes to care for her.  Irena is not a particularly likable woman but it is easy to admire her dedication to helping those in need. She is deeply devoted to saving as many people as she can and she does not hesitate to take risks to help them. Irena is impatient and easily frustrated when things do not move as quickly as she would like. With Klaus Rein closing in on her operation, Irena’s rescue operations are becoming increasingly dangerous to her and those assisting her.

Irena’s War is a well-researched novel with highlights the heroic and tireless work of the Polish resistance and Irena Sendler during World War II. The storyline is engaging but the pacing is a little uneven. Irena is a difficult person to like initially but as the story progresses, she becomes less abrasive. James D. Shipman shines a much needed light on this incredible story of Irena Sendler and the resistance group, Zegota.

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Filed under Fiction, Historical, Historical (30s), Historical (40s), Irenas War, James D Shipman, Kensington Books, Rated B, Review, World War II