Category Archives: Rated B

November 1, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Sleepless by Romy Hausmann

Title: Sleepless by Romy Hausmann
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Dark secrets past and present collide in Sleepless, a haunting novel of guilt and retribution from Romy Hausmann, the international bestselling author of Dear Child.

It’s been years since Nadja Kulka was convicted of a cruel crime. After being released from prison, she’s wanted nothing more than to live a normal life: nice flat, steady job, even a few friends. But when one of those friends, Laura von Hoven–free-spirited beauty and wife of Nadja’s boss–kills her lover and begs Nadja for her help, Nadja can’t seem to refuse.

The two women make for a remote house in the woods, the perfect place to bury a body. But their plan quickly falls apart and Nadja finds herself outplayed, a pawn in a bizarre game in which she is both the perfect victim and the perfect murderer…

Review:

Sleepless by Romy Hausmann is a suspenseful mystery.

Nadja Kulka works for lawyer Gero von Hoven and was at one time good friends with his wife Laura. Nadja lives alone and suffers from extreme anxiety that she is working to overcome. While Gero is out of town, Laura unexpectedly shows up at the office asking for Nadja’s help. Unable to say no, Nadja soon finds herself embroiled in a shocking situation that quickly turns dangerous.

Interspersed with the current narrative is a case Gero worked on several years earlier. A young woman working at her family’s inn embarks on an affair with a married man. The relationship ends in tragedy and Gero eventually ends up defending the person accused of murder. This secondary story arc provides interesting insight into Gero’s character.

Short letters preface some of the chapters and these missives are a bit confusing yet interesting. These letters are brief snippets that offer a heartrending glimpse into a dysfunctional childhood that culminates in a stunning act of violence.

Sleepless is a dark mystery with a multilayered storyline. Nadja is sympathetic yet sometimes frustrating as she allows herself to be manipulated by people she trusts. The various story arcs are seemingly disparate but Romy Hausmann pulls the threads together as the mystery hurtles its way to a breathless conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Flatiron Books, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Romy Hausmann, Sleepless

October 26, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Title: Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Peachtree Bluff Series Book Four
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the newest installment of New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey’​s Peachtree Bluff series, three generations of the Murphy women must come together when a hurricane threatens to destroy their hometown—and the holiday season in the process.

When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother, Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband, James, announce they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

As the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Ansley and her husband, Jack, with Vivi in tow, are grateful they’re planning to leave for the trip of a lifetime. But Vivi’s recklessness forces the trio to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters, who evacuated to New York, soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission. With the bridges closed and no way to access Peachtree Bluff by land or air, they set sail on Caroline’s boat, The Starlite Sisters, determined to rebuild their beloved town—as well as their family.

In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.

Review:

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a warm and inviting holiday novel that is full delightful family traditions. Although this installment is the fourth book in the Peachtree Bluff series, it can be read as a standalone.

The Murphy family is very close even though two of matriarch Ansley’s daughters live out of state. Caroline lives in New York and this year is difficult for her because she and husband James are divorcing. While Caroline has no regrets about ending her marriage, their teenage daughter Vivi is angry about the divorce. Concerned for her daughter, she hopes the holidays with the extended family will prove to be just what they need to reset their troubled relationship. Youngest daughter Emerson, her boyfriend Kyle and their young daughter Carter live in California. Emerson has followed her dream of becoming an actress and she is surprised at how much the trip home alters her viewpoint on her future. Sloane lives in her childhood family home with her husband Adam and their two young children. She is not thrilled with an idea of Adam’s but she knows how important compromise is to marriage. Adding to the tension are the increasingly worrisome hurricane warnings. Will the “hurricane of the century” ruin the holiday traditions that are near and dear to Ansley’s heart?

The happy family reunion is slightly marred by Vivi’s attitude toward Caroline. Ansley well remembers just how difficult Caroline’s teen years were so everyone is understanding of the tense moments between mother and daughter. When the Thanksgiving celebration is over, everyone but Ansley, her husband Jack and Vivi head for New York to enjoy the fun holiday activities Caroline has lined up for them.  Ansley, Jack and Vivi are finishing up last minute hurricane preparations when Vivi’s anger gets the best of her. With the powerful hurricane moving ever closer, will Ansley and Jack bring Vivi safely home before it makes landfall?

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is a heartwarming novel of family, love and new beginnings. The characters are richly developed which makes them quite appealing. Peachtree Bluff is a lovely town that is close-knit with a storied past. The storyline is engaging and well-executed. In between the family drama and terrifying hurricane, there is also time for unexpected romance. Kristy Woodson Harvey brings this family centric novel to a wonderful conclusion that is uplifting and quite touching.

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Filed under Christmas in Peachtree Bluff, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Rated B, Review, Women's Fiction

October 22, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: I Am Not Who You Think I Am by Eric Rickstad

Title: I Am Not Who You Think I Am by Eric Rickstad
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Genre: Historical (80s), Mystery, Thriller
Length: 276 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

One secret.

Eight cryptic words.

Lifetimes of ruin.

Wayland Maynard is just eight years old when he sees his father kill himself, finds a note that reads I am not who you think I am, and is left reeling with grief and shock. Who was his father if not the loving man Wayland knew? Terrified, Wayland keeps the note a secret, but his reasons for being afraid are just beginning.

Eight years later, Wayland makes a shocking discovery and becomes certain the note is the key to unlocking a past his mother and others in his town want to keep buried.

With the help of two friends, Wayland searches for the truth. Together they uncover strange messages scribbled in his father’s old books, a sinister history behind the town’s most powerful family, and a bizarre tragedy possibly linked to Wayland’s birth. Each revelation raises more questions and deepens Wayland’s suspicions of everyone around him. Soon, he’ll regret he ever found the note, trusted his friends, or believed in such a thing as the truth.

I Am Not Who You Think I Am is an ingenious, addictive, and shattering tale of grief, obsession, and fate as eight words lead to lifetimes of ruin.

Review:

I Am Not Who You Think I Am by Eric Rickstad is a bleak yet engrossing psychological thriller.

In 1976, eight-year-old Wayland Maynard witnesses his father’s suicide. He discovers a cryptic note that he conceals from everyone, including his mother. Fast-forward to 1984 and the Maynard family is barely hanging on. Wayland’s younger sister Lydia is involved in a toxic relationship with a much older boyfriend. They barely see their mother who works double shifts that barely provide for the family. After Wayland remembers an odd detail about his father’s death, he decides to try to understand the meaning of the suicide note.  Why did his father leave a note that reads, “I am not who you think I am”? Equally confusing and painful, why did his mother remove every trace of his father?

Wayland’s friendship with Clay is already strained when he tells him about his decision to investigate his father’s death. Angered by Clay’s response, Wayland begins his search on his own. Almost immediately, he runs in to his classmate and crush Juliette Lancaum. He accepts her surprising offer to help him but their partnership is rocky because of her unreliability. Wayland is undeterred as he sets out to prove that his theory about what happened to his father is true. He has a short fuse and he is quick to lash out at the people who care about him. His mother’s questions unleash unexpected frustration and rage that he finds difficult to control. As he edges closer to finding the truth, Wayland spirals into a dark frame of mind that results in shocking decisions that will forever haunt him.

I Am Not Who You Think I Am is a gripping mystery that moves at a brisk pace. Wayland is a sympathetic character who turns out to be his own worst enemy. He slowly but steadily unravels his family’s secrets but is he prepared for what he is about to unearth? With diabolical twists and jaw-dropping turns, Eric Rickstad brings this atmospheric thriller to a poignant conclusion.

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Filed under Blackstone Publishing, Eric Rickstad, I Am Not Who You Think I Am, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Thriller

October 21, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Stowaway by James S. Murray & Darren Wearmouth

Title: The Stowaway by James S. Murray & Darren Wearmouth
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From writer, producer, and actor best known as “Murr” on the hit television shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index, James S. Murray, and co-writer Darren Wearmouth, comes The Stowaway, a suspenseful masterpiece that leaves a cruise ship stranded at sea with a serial killer hiding aboard.

Two years ago, Maria Fontana, the head of the Psychology Department at Columbia University, sat on a jury for one of the most depraved cases ever to pass through the hallowed halls of City Hall. Wyatt Butler, an antique watch restorer and alleged serial killer, was portrayed in the courtroom as a brutal monster. But Maria had to make the tough choice. In good conscience, she couldn’t convict him based purely on circumstantial evidence, and her deciding vote set Wyatt Butler free. The media soon outed her as the lone juror and her successful and quaint life was turned upside down. The victims of Wyatt’s ritualistic killings never forgave her either.

Now, she and her family have decided to take a vacation to get away from everything: a two-week-long transatlantic cruise. Nothing, and nobody should be able to bother her there. With her two twins and her fiancé Steve, she is set to put the past behind her as soon as the ship leaves port. But when a passenger mysteriously disappears, Maria is left to wonder if maybe this was no coincidence. When another passenger is discovered brutally murdered in a similar way to Butler’s ritualistic MO, the ship goes on lockdown.

Maria, one of only twelve people in the world with intimate knowledge of the case, faces a perilous ticking clock. Is it a copycat? Or is she trapped on board with the bloodthirsty maniac she chose to set free?

Review:

The Stowaway by James S. Murray & Darren Wearmouth is a fast-moving mystery with plenty of tension.

Psychologist Maria Fontana is a juror on the trial of accused serial killer Wyatt Butler.  His murders are particularly gruesome but the prosecution’s case leaves  room for reasonable doubt. The jury is hopelessly deadlocked with eleven jurors voting guilty and one holdout. After the trial ends, Maria returns to her job as the head of psychology at a local college and unexpectedly embarks on a new romance with Steve Brannagan. But the media frenzy and public outrage continue and Maria finally reveals she is the juror who voted not guilty. Due to intense scrutiny, she is encouraged to take a year-long sabbatical from her job and patients.

Right before Maria is due to return to work, she, her now fiancé Steve and her twins are setting out on a transatlantic cruise to Britain. The time away from the public eye has been helpful and she hopes no one will recognize her. After a few slightly paranoid moments, Maria begins to relax and enjoy their vacation. But after a grisly discovery, Maria is certain Butler is on also on board the ocean liner. But will anyone, including Steve, take her fears seriously?

Head of security Jake Reese is used to passenger deaths but he is unprepared for what is about to happen during the voyage. No long after leaving port, he and makes the grim finding in one of the cabins. However, he and Officer Tracy Hendricks do not have the necessary equipment to do much of an investigation.  As the situation on the liner becomes dire, will he capture the perpetrator who is responsible for the increasingly chilling acts of violence?

The Stowaway is a spine-chilling mystery that is full of suspense. The non-stop action keeps the pages turning at a blistering pace. Maria’s experience as a juror is life-altering and she works hard to keep her paranoia at bay during the voyage. Steve is a bit goofy which makes him the perfect foil for Maria’s anxiety. Jake has experience in law enforcement but his investigative options are severely limited. With edge of the seat action and unpredictable plot twists, James S. Murray & Darren Wearmouth bring this suspense-laden, nail-biting conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Darren Wearmouth, James S Murray, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Suspense, The Stowaway

October 15, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipson

Title: The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance.

Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina.

When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson.

As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.

Review:

The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston is a charming small-town romance.

Twenty-six-year-old Brianna Porter’s world is turned upside down when her father unexpectedly passes away. In the aftermath of his death, she struggles with helping her mother through her grief while also trying to keep the family business going on her own. Brianna is a little resentful when her sisters are unable to provide support after her mother’s health crisis. She is also frustrated with her fiancé Taylor Reese’s inability to find time to help her. Juggling so many problems, Brianna is grateful for real estate developer Scott Gibson’s assistance. But are his reasons for helping her as altruistic as they appear?

Brianna is overwhelmed after her dad’s shocking death. She is barely making a dent in getting the resort ready to open when her mom suffers a health emergency. Although she initially does not trust Scott, Brianna soon relies on him for his construction skills as they make necessary repairs around the resort.  As they spend more and more time together, she begins to have feelings for Scott. But Brianna feels she must honor her commitment to Taylor.

Scott is a kind-hearted, compassionate man who is very easy to like. He is patient with Brianna after their misunderstanding. He jumps and helps without a second thought and he is incredibly gentle with Brianna’s mom. Scott and Brianna  share common interests and they greatly enjoy each other’s companhy.  Scott soon realizes his feelings run deeper than friendship but he has too much integrity to come between Brianna and Taylor.

The Heart of Splendid Lake is an engaging romance with a warm and inviting setting. Brianna is a little prickly and struggling to cope with everything that has recently happened with her family. Scott is a self-made and hardworking man who has not always had an easy life. Brianna struggles with many difficult choices at various points in the unfolding story. With a late conflict to resolve, Amy Clipston brings this sweet romance to a heartfelt conclusion.

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Filed under Amy Clipston, Contemporary, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Heart of Splendid Lake, Thomas Nelson Publishing

October 14, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Defending Britta Stein by Ronald H. Balson

Title: Defending Britta Stein by Ronald H. Balson
Liam Taggart and Catherine Lockhart Series Book Six
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Defending Britta Stein is a story of bravery, betrayal, and redemption—from Ronald H. Balson, the winner of the National Jewish Book Award

Chicago, 2018: Ole Henryks, a popular restauranteur, is set to be honored by the Danish/American Association for his many civic and charitable contributions. Frequently appearing on local TV, he is well known for his actions in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II—most consider him a hero.

Britta Stein, however, does not. The ninety-year-old Chicago woman levels public accusations against Henryks by spray-painting “Coward,” “Traitor,” “Collaborator,” and “War Criminal” on the walls of his restaurant. Mrs. Stein is ultimately taken into custody and charged with criminal defacement of property. She also becomes the target of a bitter lawsuit filed by Henryks and his son, accusing her of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Attorney Catherine Lockhart, though hesitant at first, agrees to take up Mrs. Stein’s defense. With the help of her investigator husband, Liam Taggart, Lockhart must reach back into wartime Denmark and locate evidence that proves Mrs. Stein’s innocence. Defending Britta Stein is critically-acclaimed author Ronald H. Balson’s thrilling take on a modern day courtroom drama, and a masterful rendition of Denmark’s wartime heroics.

Review:

Defending Britta Stein by Ronald H. Balson is an engrossing novel with a dual storyline.

In 2018, Danish immigrant Ole Henryks owns a popular restaurant in Chicago. He is well liked and he is honored to be a recipient of an award from the local Danish community.  Ole is well-known for his feats of heroism in Denmark during World War II which is why everyone is shocked when spray painted words on the outside of his business cast aspersions on his wartime actions.

Britta Stein is also an immigrant from Denmark and she does not deny she  defaced Ole’s restaurant. But why would she spray paint what appear to be carefully selected words on Ole’s business? Britta is not at all concerned when Ole hires an attorney to sue her for defamation. Catherine Lockhart agrees to represent Britta and becomes very captivated by her client’s storytelling.  Cat’s strategy to win the case rests on her husband Liam Taggart’s ability to find records and other information that prove Britta’s innocence. With just a short time to prepare the case, Cat and Liam are soon in a race against time to find evidence to back up Britta’s wartime recollections.

Britta weaves an enthralling story about the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II. Not much changes in Denmark initally due to an agreement between the two countries. But the Danish resistance fighters immediately begin efforts to sabotage the German’s war efforts. Britta’s family is Jewish but they are left in peace until Germany changes the terms of the agreement. The Danish people’s reaction is truly remarkable as they work hard to protect their fellow countrymen from Nazi atrocities. Britta’s memories paint a damning picture but will Liam find the proof they need to reveal the truth about Ole’s actions?

Defending Britta Stein is an inspirational novel with a meticulously researched storyline. Britta never wavers as she tells her lawyer granddaughter Emma Fisher and Catherine about her life during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. She details the harrowing days leading up their escape from the Denmark. Liam utilizes every resource available to him as he hunts for evidence to prove Britta’s accusations about Ole are true. Catherine absolutely shines in the courtroom as she vigorously fights on behalf of her client. With this newest release, Ronald H. Balson once again brings a little known aspect of World War II vividly to life.

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Filed under Contemporary, Defending Britta Stein, Fiction, Historical, Rated B, Review, Ronald H Balson, St Martin's Press