Month: April 2018

Second Chances – Rachel Cullen

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

Set in Manhattan and suburbs, this is the story of four different women who are trying to make their way in a crazy world. We first meet Michelle, who in a moment of anger/despair, walks out on her husband and children, for reasons not yet known to us, and isolates herself in a small apartment. We then meet Danielle, a newly divorced and now single Mom to a newborn, who’s father wants nothing to do with her. She’s all alone and frantically trying to manage a screaming baby. We meet Sabrina, Danielle’s friend, who works in a sales venue, which has her traveling frequently, having one-night stands with men, who seems to shy away from any commitment, but suddenly finds herself in a compromising situation that threatens everything. Then we meet Megan, daughter of Danielle’s ex-husband; she’s 15 years old, and struggling with the autocratic ways of her father.

As the novel progresses, these women’s lives all merge – each chapter detailing a different character and her story, as each individual struggles with betrayal, hope, self-confidence, and self-worth, as they make the most of their situations and attempt to find their happy-ever-after’s.

I truly enjoyed this book! It is a sweet story, one suitable for the beach or rainy day, with thoroughly engrossing characters, scenarios and situations that we can all likely relate to! A wonderful read!! Thank you Ms. Cullen! I loved Second Chances!!

One Last Breath – Jackson & Bush

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

I LOVE when sisters Lisa Jackson & Nancy Bush team up to write a book!
Aurora ‘Rory’ Abernathy & Liam Bastian seemed to be star crossed lovers. Married quietly after a mere month together, Liam’s mother, initially outraged at her son’s choice, now insists on a ‘real’ wedding, fitting of the family’s stature as a premier Portland, Oregon family. As Rory anxiously awaits her step-brother for her walk down the aisle, she’s accosted by a stranger who threatens her and her unborn baby – a baby she’s not yet told anyone about. After getting the upper hand on her would-be murderer, she flees the wedding venue in a panic. Shortly thereafter, gunshots ring out, with multiple people from the wedding injured, including the groom.

Five years later, Rory, living under an assumed name, has raised her child alone, and provides for her best as she can, working as a barista in a coffeehouse. But, lately, she’s had the strange sensation that she’s being followed. Then, while manning the drive-thru, she hears Liam’s voice through the speaker, and sees his image in the camera – and flees for safety with her daughter.

But Liam is not to be denied, and eventually he finds Rory. But as the past comes alive to haunt them as strange things start to happen – vandalism to Bastian construction projects, murder of a former suspect and the murder of a woman who looks suspiciously like Rory…

I enjoy anything these two create, and this latest novel is no exception! Full of twists and turns, and loaded with action, all hurtling to a climax you won’t see coming!! Fabulous read!!

Jack Frost – Christopher Greyson

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

Jack Stratton is a former police officer, turned private investigator, who takes a case for an insurance agency after an untimely death on the set of a reality survivor show. While the death was termed accidental, the crew of the show have been receiving death threats, and Jack is to go in undercover to evaluate the situation.

The television show is presently filming atop a snow-capped mountain, with a gondola as the only transportation to the top. Alice, Jack’s fiancée and investigative partner, will stay behind, albeit unwillingly, and research records, crew background checks and raw footage from the shows filming.

As Jack transports to the mountain top, he sees a sign – the Iroquois’ sign for death, carved into the mountainside. One atop, he becomes the crews newest ‘gofer’, as his undercover role. As he begins to meet and assess the crew and contestants, malicious things begin to happen. A contestant is disqualified, and after a show of temper, goes missing.

Numerous incidents begin to occur, hampering and narrowly missing injuring cast and crew. As tension mounts, Jack desperately searches for a killer, Alice makes her own discoveries to identify a killer, and a monstrous snowstorm changes course and heads in their direction…

I’ve been an avid reader for years and I cannot believe that I’ve never discovered Christopher Greyson and his Jack Stratton series! I read this all in one sitting and stayed up late into the night to finish it! Non-stop action, adventure, intrigue and of course mystery! This book has it all! Fabulous read!!

My next goal now is to read the rest of the Jack Stratton series! Mr. Greyson, you have a new fan!!

Somebody’s Daughter – Rochelle B. Weinstein

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

I don’t know where to start – this book was wonderful!!

Bobby & Emma Ross are the parents of two teenaged twin daughters, Lily & Zoe. Living in a luxury hotel that they own, they are considered one of Miami’s premier families. A deep and abiding love for one another, a secure business, a hotel staff that adores them, a magazine article and cover photos in the works, and a big birthday party planned for the twins 15h birthday – life has never been better.

Then, as a bunch of teens gather for an overnight stay to celebrate the twins 15th birthday, Emma overhears a gasp of horror, and teens murmuring as they glance at a cell phone. She hears the words, “That’s not Lily, it’s Zoe”.

Thus begins a nightmare for the Ross family, as they learn of, and begin to deal with the aftermath of a bad decision and a video gone viral. As Emma struggles to understand and support her daughter, she is haunted by memories of her own youth, and a decision she made that continues to impact her world today.

This is a novel about family, love, shame, revenge, humility acceptance, and forgiveness. It was an amazing read and I could not put it down! It will resonate with you long after the final page is turned! My next to-do is to read the rest of Rochelle B. Weinstein’s work! Fabulous!!