Book Review: Millie by McCall Hoyle

Book Description:

Millie is a feisty border terrier who lives on the streets and has a keen sense for finding scraps of food, usually in the shadows or the cover of darkness. She protects herself with a shield of what is perceived by many as aggression—barking and snarling—when in reality, Millie is just plain scared.

Turned over to animal control after a recent run-in with the dogcatcher, Millie is rescued by a special education teacher who also rehabilitates and rehomes dogs. It’s a win-win. Together, the dogs and her students learn emotional resilience, anger management, and other coping skills.

When one of the students, a struggling reader named Tori, shows a natural gift for dog training and working with fearful dogs, Millie is temporarily placed in her care. Tori may be young, but she knows a thing or two about anger, fear, and abandonment after her mother could no longer care for her and she was placed in kinship care with her grandfather. Millie wonders if she’s finally found her person and begins to let down her emotional guard. But when trust and belonging are challenged, Millie reverts to old habits—fleeing, hiding, and growling. Will she end up back on the streets? Or can Millie and Tori embrace their training, trust in each other, and find a forever home together?

Mille is an empathy-building novel for young readers who love dogs and is a tender portrayal of the importance of emotional safety and what it means to truly belong.

Review:

This is a very cute story told from a street dog's point of view. I used to not be a dog person (that's putting it mildly), but a couple of years ago I caved and got a dog for my teens who were struggling. When you take care of something it is very hard to not love it, especially when it loves you so much. Anyway, I can really see this story appealing to those who have or want a dog, but honestly it's just so well-written that anyone could enjoy it. It has a great message about facing fears and not running away from things that scare us (obviously there are times and places for that, but until we give some things a try we are pushing away people and situations that may be good for us). I liked how the human characters weren't perfect either-they had plenty of struggles and learned and grew throughout the story, along with Millie and a few other dogs. A great story for young and old alike.

Title: Millie
Author: McCall Hoyle
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: March 2024
ISBN: 163993233X
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Book Review: Janitors School of Garbage by Tyler Whitesides

Janitors School of Garbage by Tyler Whitesides

Book Description:

Ordinary trash becomes extraordinary at the magical school of garbage—a summer school for young garbologists.

Garbage has come to life as animated creatures called junklets and are wreaking havoc in elementary schools. Only the specially trained kids from the magical School of Garbage can stop the rise of the trash monsters. With the school’s magical janitorial supplies—brooms that can fly, toilet plungers that can reverse gravity, and mops that can capture anything in their strings—the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Landon Murphy discovers the undercover janitorial world when his soon-to-be-stepsister, Jade Shu, guides him through a magical portal at the bottom of a dumpster that leads to a fantastical landfill and the home of the School of Garbage, where she has secretly been a student for the last few years.

Problems at home with his family make it hard for Landon to feel like he belongs anywhere, but he is quickly welcomed as a student at the intriguing school for wizard-like janitors. His class on the science of garbology is like being a crime-scene investigator, and every student gets to bond with one of three Servites—small, magical animals who exhale enchanted dust to help kids focus or be creative or have energy.

Landon and Jade—along with allies from the original series—are tasked to take out the trash and figure out who—or what—is behind the mysterious garbage attacks and stop them before the entire world is literally trashed.

Collin's Review:

As it has been many years since the last story in this series, I had forgotten much of what had happened in the series up to this point. However, as I read this excellent story, I quickly got back into the story.  In this story, we get to know the next generation of young garbologists. The protagonist, Landon, and his "soon-to-be step-sister" Jade Shu have secretly joined the school of garbage, which is taught by some of the protagonists in the original series. Together they team up try to save the world from new garbage creatures out in the world attacking with garbage, called Junklets, as well as rogue Thingamajunks who are causing all sorts of havoc. This is a great story, and I learned a lot about the importance of teamwork. I highly recommend this book--especially to anyone who enjoyed the original series.

Rorie's Review:

I haven't read any of the Janitors series, but my kids all have, and loved them. I was a bit concerned that I might be lost, but thankfully this story does well as a stand- alone. I do think that reading the original series would be good though. 

Sometimes I have a hard time starting middle-grade fiction, but I'm not sure why, because I've rarely been disappointed when I do read that genre. This story grabbed my attention right away, and I took every opportunity I had to sit down and read. 

The characters were all well-written, and the story line was engaging. I think the idea of hanging out in garbage is brilliant, although extremely gross... which makes it perfect for the middle grade reader. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Title: Janitors School of Garbage
Author: Tyler Whitesides
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: September 2023 
ISBN: 1639931686
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own. 

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book 

Book Review: Along a Breton Shore by Arlem Hawks

Book Description:

A soldier and a young woman, on opposite sides of the revolution, must run for their lives across a war-torn France in this gripping novel of friendship, love, and survival.

France, 1794

Maxence Étienne, a soldier for the République, believes fiercely in the revolution that is bringing liberty to France. But even though the monarchy has fallen and Maxence is part of a great cause, he is still searching for a place to belong.

Armelle Bernard is a young woman from Breton whose father was sentenced to death for hiding counterrevolutionaries. She decides to confront the priest who betrayed her father, and as the conflict escalates, she herself is ordered to be executed―an order to be carried out by Maxence.

Maxence has seen his share of violence and bloodshed, but he also carries a tragic secret and can’t bring himself to carry out his assignment. In allowing Armelle to escape, he is forced to combat a fellow soldier, who dies in the struggle.

Though Armelle and Maxence are strangers and on opposite sides of the revolution, they find themselves united as fugitives of the new republic. Now they must find a way to trust each other as they search for a path to peace, and to freedom.

Rorie's Review:

Not gonna lie, I did not like Maxence in "Beyond the Lavender Fields." He did not come across as a good person at all. This story showed me that there is usually more to a person than what they show on the outside.

Aside from the confusing French names, words, and phrases (I am thankful for the pronunciation guide at the beginning, but the words still don't flow from my brain), this was a very captivating story. After finishing the first book in this series, I did a little bit of research into the French Revolution. While reading this book, I was very tempted to do more research. I know that a historical novel is well-written when I want to keep pausing my reading to look up information about what is happening in the book.

This definitely isn't a "love at first sight" kind of story. It takes quite a while to get there, in fact, which is great for me. I tend to love the getting there part more than the actual romance part.
This is a very well-written story, and I highly recommend it.

Andrea’s Review:

When I first started reading this book I felt like I’d read it before. Then I realized it was a sequel and it was just the setting and some familiar characters that made it feel that way. Reading the first book would help enhance the backstory but this could be read on its own. 

It took awhile for me to finish it, but I think that was mostly due to a very slow start with the over abundance of French words. I completely understand using French names for characters and locations in a book like this, but it makes for a halting and almost textbook-like feel when you have to flip back and forth to the definitions and pronunciation guide multiple times on a page. Thankfully that eased up quite a bit as the story went on, and I could focus on the story instead of individual words.

I enjoyed the relationship between Arnelle and Max. Their rough start and how they pushed each other’s buttons made for an entertaining relationship. I also liked how several relationships were mended or developed when the characters were able to look past a different political view and see how they had other things in common.

Title: Along a Breton Shore
Author: Arlem Hawks
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: June 2023
ISBN: 1639931074
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Book Review: Wyoming Wild by Sarah M. Eden

Wyoming Wild by Sarah M. Eden

Book Description:

Hearts collide when a sheriff’s daughter asks a hardened US Marshal to join her fight for justice and rid a small town of her corrupt father.

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of his lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town.

Andrea's Review:

I love when likable and/or intriguing supporting characters get their own books, so Wyoming Wild made my day. It was fun to learn more about Hawk and to have new characters added to those we love in Savage Wells (assuming you’ve read The Sheriffs of Savage Wells and Healing Hearts). 

Not only was there a sweet romance but there was action and suspense as the main characters were teamed up in support of justice. I liked how it kept me guessing. 

It was a little hard to read all the “ain’t”s and similar words, but they felt true to the characters. One thing happened near the end that had me wondering if I’d missed a page, but on the whole it was a very enjoyable story.

Rorie's Review:

A visit to Savage Wells was long overdue for me, so I jumped at the chance to read this story (even though it doesn't all take place in Savage Wells.) Liesl is my hero! Even though it was her father who was the scoundrel, she risked everything to help out her fellow townfolk whenever she could. Such an inspiring example of doing the right thing even when it's not at all easy. 

All of my favorite Savage Wells characters played a part in this story - something I love about all of this author's series. This is a standalone story, but you would get a lot more out of it if you read the previous books in the series first.  

I highly recommend this story.

Title: Wyoming Wild
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2023
ISBN: 9781639930920
Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Book Review: Virtually Me by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

Virtually Me by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

Book Description:

A mysterious package.
A new school.
A chance to be someone new.

A new virtual reality school where students get a fresh start.

The pandemic was rough on everyone, especially since school went from being a fun place where you could hang out with your friends to a bunch of heads in small rectangles all trying to talk at once. For Bradley, Edelle, Hunter, Jasper, and Keiko, that’s about to change.

A mysterious box arrives at each of their houses, and they’re invited to attend a virtual school. More than just being online, they’ll be able to create an avatar of themselves and interact with their friends and other classmates in real time using VR headsets.

For each of them, that presents an opportunity to become someone they’re not, or someone they haven’t been. For Bradley, it’s a chance to come out of a self-imposed shell. Edelle hopes everyone will see her for who she really is, not just for how she looks. Hunter is looking forward to pretending he’s still the person he was last year. Jasper wants to get over past assumptions. And for Keiko, it’ll allow her to disappear into the crowd.

For all of them, it’s a chance to see just how much they’ve assumed about each other in the past and maybe an opportunity to become friends. 

Review:

It took me a little while to get into this story, but once I did I really enjoyed it. It has a great message about what really matters in our relationships and being kind. It was also very relevant with pandemic, and using a situation like that to see what’s important. I also felt it was really important for the authors to show the real lives of several kids-so readers can see that there's so much we don't know or understand about what people are going through. The virtual school with being able to be someone new helped the characters to take a look at themselves too. And learn how others saw them and their actions. This book holds a message that is truly needed. The authors make a wonderful writing team.

About the Authors:

CHAD MORRIS loves the VR set he got for Christmas and is much better at it than he is at video games, but that’s still not saying much. Still he would love to try to keep his balance on Skatecoaster, laugh like crazy in The Furriest, and punch light blastsat alien bugs in Infestation ExtermiNation. He occasionally dances in public, and he’s pretty terrible at social media.

SHELLY BROWN went to junior high in a regular ol’ building (boring) and has never transformed into a round fuzzy animal. But she has been listening to K-pop since before BTS’s first album and feels a deep affection for well-made falafel pitas. She’s an aunt to some incredible young people, a substitute teacher, and a wannabe Kyoshi warrior.

As a married couple, Chad and Shelly both love writing books and hanging out with each other and their five kids. They’re grateful they get to spend time with students in assemblies across the nation talking about topics from kindness to writing.

Title: Virtually Me
Author: Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: February 2023
ISBN: 9781639930531
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
 
Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Book Review: Miss Newbury's List by Megan Walker

Book Description:

Before Rosalind weds, she wants to experience ten things. Meeting Charlie wasn’t on her list.

England, 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her time. As a child, Ros created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, she has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.

Rorie's Review:

Have I ever mentioned how grateful I am to have been born in this day and age (and location) where I don't have to marry for status and arranged marriages aren't a thing? Well, if I haven't, then reading this book further cemented my appreciation for the freedoms I have. I can't even imagine marrying someone I not only didn't love, but didn't even know, simply because it would give my family a title. 

Now that that's off my chest, I can get into the meat of the review. Quite simply, I loved this story. The author did a great job at bringing the characters to life, and I could easily see myself getting involved in their crazy schemes. Rosalind, Liza, and Charlie made quite the trio - especially poor Liza as she kept trying in vain to bring the other two to their senses. (I'm glad she wasn't successful, that would have made for a very boring story.)

I love stories with happy endings, but I mostly love the battle to get to the happy ending. This one captured that battle perfectly. Definitely a story I recommend.

Andrea's Review:

There was a lot to like about this story. The premise wasn’t particularly unique (there are plenty of stories where people want to complete their bucket list before a major event like marriage), but it made for an entertaining read. I wasn’t as drawn to Rosalind as I wanted-perhaps because she came across as somewhat immature, but that immaturity did lead to some funny moments as she tried to complete her list. I really liked Charlie.

Title: Miss Newbury's List

Author: Megan Walker

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 2023

ISBN: 1639930523

Source: We received review copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book

Book Review: To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

Book Description:

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva's heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother's legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most--her detective and her camera--sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan's pretend courtship of her is real, well, what's the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan's past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected--each other's heart. 

Rorie's Review:

You know those stories that you can just get lost in and can sit and read for hours and hours, not wanting to stop for those pesky real life things that you have to do? Well, this is one of those books. For some reason, I've always gotten a kick out of the "pretending to be in love" trope, but usually the characters don't actually like each other when they start the charade. That Eva and Nathan both secretly liked each other already was a fun twist to the story.

I enjoy a good romance, but definitely appreciate some mystery and suspense thrown in to keep things exciting. This author melds both storylines together masterfully. This is the kind of story that I don't want to end and wish there was more of it. Hopefully Charlotte will be getting her own story soon, so we don't have to leave this world behind for too long.

Andrea's Review:

To Capture His Heart is another great addition to the Proper Romance Series from Shadow Mountain. Allen has created a great group of characters, and it was fun to have the focus on Eva this time. She and Nathan "pretending" to like each other made for an entertaining story, and the mystery kept me on my toes. All of the characters were well-developed, and I couldn't help but be interested in what happened to them. It was a very fast read, and one I can see myself reading again. 

About the Author:

NANCY CAMPBELL ALLEN is the award-winning author of nineteen published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres, ranging from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her most recent books, which include Regency, Victorian, and steampunk romance, are published under Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance brand, and the What Happens in Venice novella series is part of the Timeless Romance Anthology collection published by Mirror Press. She has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999.

Her agent is Pamela Pho of D4EO Literary Agency.

Nancy loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She nurtures a current obsession for true crime podcasts and is a news junkie. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah, with her family, one very large Siberian Husky named Thor and an obnoxious but endearing Yorkie-poo named Freya.

Title: To Capture His Heart

Author: Nancy Campbell Allen

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 2022 

ISBN: 1639930515

Source: We received copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book | Barnes & Noble

Book Review: In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

Book Description:

Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

 

Princess Louise’s life is upended after her father’s untimely death. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control and is eventually relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married. 

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter. 

Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria, but finding a match for the princess is no easy feat. Protocols are broken, and Louise exerts her own will as she tries to find an open-minded husband who will support her free spirit. 

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of a battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.

Zoie's Review:

Coming from someone who isn’t drawn to romance novels, I really liked this book. The book takes places over a span of about a decade. Princess Louise grows from a child into a woman. This book is written in a way that the time progresses naturally, even though it is over a significant amount of time. Louise’s points of view seem fitting for her age throughout the novel. There are plenty of tragedies that the characters have to deal with, but the tragedies aren’t overwhelming. The book is well balanced between tragedy, working past the tragedy, and everyday life. Even with the many characters (Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, their nine children and others), it is easy to follow their lives. Louise’s struggle to be independent while also being under the constraints of royalty is written in a way that it is admirable. Overall, this was a very good book, and I would recommend it. It’s easy to read and entertaining.

Rorie's Review:

I have always enjoyed historical fiction, so this story caught my eye. The way the story is written drew me in right away, and I finished the book in just a few days. While there really isn't anything "exciting" about this story, it was intriguing to read about Princess Louise's life. I can't even imagine being a royal and having little to no say in even the minute details of my life. I found it fascinating to learn about this family, and even read most of the chapter notes at the end of the book, because they helped give me more of a glimpse into the lives of Louise and her family. 

About the Author:

HEATHER B. MOORE is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She has lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as in Hawaii, and attended school abroad at the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about history and is passionate about historical research. 

Learn more about Heather and her books at www.hbmoore.com.

Title: In the Shadow of a Queen 

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 2022

ISBN: 9781639930500

Source: I received an advanced review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Deseret Book

Review: Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

Book Description:

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.

Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.

Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune.

Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.

Andrea's Review:

Krista Jensen did an excellent job writing this lovely Victorian romance. The cover wasn’t my favorite, but don’t let that stop you from reading this book. The Wendy League is such an entertaining group of women. Their quirks and uniqueness made them very likable. I really hope more books are written focusing on the other members since I thoroughly enjoyed Lydia’s story and her interactions with her friends. The romance was sweet and the setting during the second industrial revolution kept my curiosity piqued. It was fun learning more about the rise of the automobile industry, and also women’s suffrage and things like perfume.

Rorie's Review:

I enjoy a main character who is a bit of a spitfire, who doesn't quite fit in with the rest of society. Maybe because I would like to be a bit more spit-fireish, but most certainly am not. Lydia and her friends were so much fun getting to know, and I sincerely hope they will be getting their own stories in the future.
The storyline was entertaining, and I was able to finish the book quickly. I always enjoy it when a book is hard to put down, and I'm not so busy that I have to keep putting it down. (Either that, or I am really good at ignoring those gotta-do's in place of the wanna-do's.)
I look forward to reading more from this author.

About the Author:

Award-winning author KRISTA JENSEN works and plays in the Pacific Northwest with her spunky little dog and anyone else who wants to tag along. When she’s not exploring the outdoors, she can likely be found with her laptop, a pretty spiral notebook, and a Pilot Precise V7, writing about love, triumph, and really great kisses.

Either that or she’s switching laundry wondering who keeps wearing all these clothes. (It’s her.)

For book info and other good things, follow Krista on Instagram @kristajensenbooks.

Title: Hearts of Briarwall
Author: Krista Jensen
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: August 2022
ISBN: 1629729965
Source: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Review: Until You Find Strength by Jason F. Wright

Until You Find Strength:

A Message of Comfort for When Your Grief Feels Too Heavy

by Jason F. Wright

Book Description: 

Everyone experiences loss differently and grieves in their own way, but author Jason F. Wright has learned from his own life some key principles to regaining your footing and finding tranquility after a devastating loss. 

This beautifully illustrated book helps remind those who are grieving that they are never alone in their pain and heartache. 

Review:

I reviewed an electronic version from the publisher, so I’m not totally certain how the final product ended up. But, with what I saw this is a sweet book and seems like it would be a good gift for someone who lost a loved one. I was thinking of a few people while I read it and wondered how they’re getting along now that it’s been awhile since their loved one passed. I liked the advice the author gave at the end for things that can help you get through your grief. This is definitely a book I’d consider buying for someone who lost a loved one.

About the Author:

Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of seventeen books. He lives with his wife, Kodi, and their children in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. 

Blog Tour: The London House by Katherine Reay

The London House by Katherine Reay

Book Description:

Uncovering a dark family secret sends one woman through the history of Britain’s World War II spy network and glamorous 1930s Paris to save her family’s reputation.

Caroline Payne thinks it’s just another day of work until she receives a call from Mat Hammond, an old college friend and historian. But pleasantries are cut short. Mat has uncovered a scandalous secret kept buried for decades: In World War II, Caroline’s British great-aunt betrayed family and country to marry her German lover.

Determined to find answers and save her family’s reputation, Caroline flies to her family’s ancestral home in London. She and Mat discover diaries and letters that reveal her grandmother and great-aunt were known as the “Waite sisters.” Popular and witty, they came of age during the interwar years, a time of peace and luxury filled with dances, jazz clubs, and romance. The buoyant tone of the correspondence soon yields to sadder revelations as the sisters grow apart, and one leaves home for the glittering fashion scene of Paris, despite rumblings of a coming world war.

Each letter brings more questions. Was Caroline’s great-aunt actually a traitor and Nazi collaborator, or is there a more complex truth buried in the past? Together, Caroline and Mat uncover stories of spies and secrets, love and heartbreak, and the events of one fateful evening in 1941 that changed everything.

In this rich historical novel from award-winning author Katherine Reay, a young woman is tasked with writing the next chapter of her family’s story. But Caroline must choose whether to embrace a love of her own and proceed with caution if her family’s decades-old wounds are to heal without tearing them even further apart.

Review:

This was an enjoyable read and I believe the first book I’ve read by this author. I didn’t really know what to expect but I was intrigued by the mystery of Caro. Finding out if she really was a traitor or not made for an entertaining story. I liked the growth of the characters and the relationships that healed throughout the story.

Advanced Praise:

“Carefully researched, emotionally hewn, and written with a sure hand, The London House is a tantalizing tale of deeply held secrets, heartbreak, redemption, and the enduring way that family can both hurt and heal us. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”— Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The Book of Lost Names

 

“An expertly researched and marvelously paced treatise on the many variants of courage and loyalty . . . Arresting historical fiction destined to thrill fans of Erica Roebuck and Pam Jenoff.”— Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code

“Reay’s fast-paced foray into the past cleverly reveals a family’s secrets and how a pivotal moment shaped future generations. Readers who enjoy engrossing family mystery should take note.”— Publisher’s Weekly

About the Author:

Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and is a wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine now happily resides outside Chicago, IL.

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Title: The London House

Author: Katherine Reay

Publisher: Harper Muse

Published: November 2021

ASIN: B08ZMC97BZ

Source: I received a review copy from the tour host. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Blog Tour: Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy

 Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy

Book Description:

Augusta Travers has spent the last three years avoiding the stifling expectations of New York society and her family's constant disappointment. As the nation's most fearless--and reviled--columnist, Gussie travels the country with her Kodak camera and spins stories for women unable to leave hearth and home. But when her adventurous nature lands her in the middle of a scandal, an opportunity to leave America offers the perfect escape.

Arriving in India, she expects only a nice visit with childhood friends, siblings Catherine and Gabriel, and escapades that will further her career. Instead, she finds herself facing a plague epidemic, confusion over Gabriel's sudden appeal, and the realization that what she wants from life is changing. But slowing down means facing all the hurts of her past that she's long been trying to outrun. And that may be an undertaking too great even for her.

Advanced Praise:

“Duffy shines in elegant, flowing prose and delicate precision that underscores the nineteenth-century setting."— Booklist, starred review

"An author to watch."— Library Journal

"Duffy's writing is beautiful, deep, and contemplative."— Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City

Review:

I think this is my first book by this author. The cover is eye catching and I was intrigued by Gussie’s career and how she was trying to ditch her chaperone and uncle-even though I was totally lost on the first page (it took a minute to realize that Gussie was short for Augusta).

Gussie didn’t fit the mold for her time and usually that really endears a character to me. Her selfishness didn’t make her really likable though, so I was torn by wanting to see her live her dreams when she didn’t seem to think much about the other people in her life. Thankfully she evolves as the story goes on.

The relationship in the story had some repetitive issues, but I appreciated the happy ending.

Tour Participants:

• Nov 01    Heidi Reads (Excerpt)
• Nov 01    Austenprose (Review)
• Nov 02    The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)
• Nov 02    A Darn Good Read (Review)
• Nov 02    Reading with Emily (Review)
• Nov 03    A Bookish Way of Life (Review)
• Nov 03    Bookfoolery (Review)
• Nov 03    All-of-a-Kind Mom (Review)
• Nov 04    Between the Lines Books ‘n’ Stuff (Spotlight)
• Nov 04    Library of Clean Reads (Review)
• Nov 04    Wishful Endings (Review)
• Nov 05    Captivated Reading (Spotlight)
• Nov 05    Laura’s Reviews (Review)
• Nov 06    My Bookish Bliss (Review)
• Nov 06    Beauty in the Binding (Review)
• Nov 07    Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Spotlight)
• Nov 08    Novels Alive (Review)
• Nov 08    Bookworm Lisa (Review)
• Nov 09    Nurse Bookie (Review)
• Nov 10    Our Book Confessions (Spotlight)
• Nov 10    Literary Time Out (Review)
• Nov 11    Chicks, Rogues and Scandals (Excerpt)
• Nov 11    Storeybook Reviews (Excerpt)
• Nov 11    Life of Literature (Review)
• Nov 11    Among the Reads (Review)
• Nov 12    Books and Socks Rock (Review)
• Nov 13    Silver’s Reviews (Spotlight)
• Nov 13    Reading Is My Superpower (Review)
• Nov 14    Literary Quicksand (Review)

About the Author:

Kimberly Duffy is Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn't mind.

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Title: Every Word Unsaid

Author: Kimberly Duffy

Publisher: Bethany House

Published: November 2021

ISBN: 0764235656

Source: I received a review copy from the tour host. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS