A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams #1) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams #1) by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Publisher/Year: Mountain Brook Ink, 2016
Format: E-book (Kindle)
Rating: ⭐
Goodreads

Summary

School teacher Nicole Davis is on summer break, but this vacation is unlike any other. Her beloved Grandmother’s final wish has landed Nicole smack in the middle of her favorite destination–Sunriver, Oregon, following Grams’s clues on mysterious scavenger hunt. Unexpectedly, Nicole finds more than just a fellow sleuth in a handsome police officer, Mark Stone. But Mark must return to his job in Portland at summer’s end, and Nicole must guard her heart.

Mark is hoping for a quiet summer in Sunriver as he contemplates his future in law enforcement, but a string of burglaries draws him from his self-imposed break from detective work and thrusts him into the middle of the investigation. To complicate matters, Nicole is in jeopardy, and he knows his growing feelings for her could cloud his judgment. Will their differing career goals be the end of their summer romance–or just the beginning of forever after?

What I thought

I’ll be honest, I did not care for this book. I downloaded this as a freebie from Amazon, and while it was overall a sweet (if a little tame) story, it just wasn’t for me. I just struggled with the writing, and I didn’t feel connected to Nicole or Mark. But don’t just take my word for it–plenty of readers have glowing reviews of this one on Goodreads. I think it was just a case of not being the right reader for this book.

The One Who Got Away by L. A. Detwiler

The One Who Got Away by L. A. Detwiler
Publisher/Year: One More Chapter, 2020
Format: E-book (Nook)
Pages: 312
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

“Get out while you can. You’ll die here…”

Adeline Evans has recently moved into a home for the elderly. A safe space, where she can be cared for.

When she begins to receive cryptic and threatening notes, she is certain that someone is out to get her.

But the residents are warned against listening to a woman who is losing her memory. It would seem Adeline is tormented by the secrets in her past, and that the menace is all in her mind.

Until danger comes down the corridor and starts knocking in the night…

What I thought

I consider myself pretty lucky to have a local author whose books I enjoy so much, and The One Who Got Away was no exception. This was my first time reading one of her thrillers, and it did not let me down–this book went to some DARK places. The feeling of a claustrophobia and tension absolutely permeate the pages of this book. And I really loved how unique this story was–from the setting taking place inside a corrupt nursing home to Adeline’s perspective. Her point-of-view put such a distinct twist on everything. Having dementia, she was, at times, an unreliable narrator, but it was also heartbreaking to read, at the same time. The pacing of the story does ebb and flow a bit, but the ending hit me like a sucker punch. I did NOT see that coming. I appreciate it so much when an author doesn’t take the safe way out, and in this case, it just added to the overall bleakness and horror of this book.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I am so glad to have read one of Lindsay’s thrillers, finally. I’d definitely recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels!

Salvation Station by Kathryn Schleich

Salvation Station by Kathryn Schleich
Publisher/Year: She Writes Press, 2020
Format: Paperback
Pages: 313
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

Despite her years of experience investigating homicides for the force, Captain Linda Turner is haunted by the murders of the Hansen family. The two small children, clothed in tattered Disney pajamas, were buried with their father, a pastor, in the flower garden behind a church parsonage in Lincoln, Nebraska. But Mrs. Hansen is nowhere to be found–and neither is the killer.

In St. Louis, the televangelist Ray Williams is about to lose his show–until one of his regular attendees approaches him with an idea that can save it. Despite his initial misgivings, Ray agrees to give it a try. He can’t deny his attraction to this woman, and besides, she’s assured him the plan is just–God gave her the instructions in a dream.

Multiple storylines entwine throughout this compelling mystery, delving into the topics of murder, religious faith, and the inherent dangers in blindly accepting that faith as truth. While Reverend Williams is swept up in his newfound success and plans for his wedding, Captain Turner can only hope that she and her team will catch the Hansens’ cunning killer–before more bodies surface.

What I thought

Thank you to She Writes Press and Book Publicity Services for a free finished copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was a good, solid debut, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this one! The first thing that caught my attention with this book was its cover–how deliciously creepy! I was also drawn in because in a world of thrillers, Salvation Station certainly stands out with its unique premise. This turned out to be an easy read with writing that flowed well and an interesting plot that kept the story moving forward. One thing that I do want to note is that rather than being described as a murder mystery, this is more of a suspense novel. You find out almost immediately “who did it,” and the question shifts to “will they catch the culprit before it happens again?” Still, I enjoyed the multiple perspectives employed to tell the story. I will say that I much preferred Linda’s section about solving the crime. I found that the heavy religious tones, although not necessarily preachy were a bit much for me.

Overall, I’m glad I had the chance to read this one and it was a good debut entry into the suspense genre!

Wild Man (Wild Men #1) by Melissa Belle

Wild Man (Wild Men #1) by Melissa Belle
Publisher/Year: Autumn Ink Press, 2019
Format: E-book (Nook)
Pages: 111
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

Colton Wild didn’t save me. He showed me it was safe to live again.

I met him when I was sixteen and broken. When the world was filled with fear.

He was a high school football star at seventeen and ridiculously cocky. He was also hotter than the sun with his messy blond hair, clear blue eyes, and wicked grin.

My family and I were on the run from a predator, and Colton was harboring his own secrets and pain. We were two lost souls, and the moment I saw him, I felt something spark inside my soul.

He flirted with me shamelessly, and I pretended to hate him. I wasn’t allowed to get close to anyone. My life, and my family’s life, depended on it.

But I couldn’t stay away from Colton. He was the brightest light I’d ever seen.

And once the sun went down, I threw all my rules out the window…

What I thought

I don’t have much to say about this one other than that this was a short ‘n’ steamy prequel novella that definitely has me interested in continuing on with the series. Romance is a genre that I just don’t read enough of, but this was a fun intro to two of the series’ characters who initially met as teenagers. Being that this prequel focuses primarily on their time as teens, there’s A LOT of angst and A LOT of hormones flying around, but there’s also innocence and a feel of nostalgia, as well. Plus, this gives you a little added background to their characters as adults. I really liked this one, and I’m planning on continuing the series. I’d recommend this if you’re looking for something fun to shake up your reading a little bit!

Lost & Found (Rocky Pelligrino #1) by Jacqueline Sheehan

Lost & Found (Rocky Pelligrino #1) by Jacqueline Sheehan
Publisher/Year: Harper Collins, 2007
Format: E-book
Pages: 245
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

An unforgettable tale of love, loss, and moving on–with the help of one not-so-little dog…

After the death of her husband, Rocky flees to Peak’s Island, a tiny speck off the coast of Maine, a million miles away from everything she’s lost. Taking a job as an Animal Warden, Rocky meets Lloyd, a large Labrador Retriever, who enters her world with a primitive arrow sticking out of his shoulder. And so begins a remarkable friendship between a wounded woman and an injured, lovable beast.

Can the magic of Peak’s Island and its quirky residents heal Rocky’s pain? As the unraveling mystery of Lloyd’s accident and missing owner leads Rocky to an archery instructor who draws her in even as she finds every reason to mistrust him, she discovers the life-altering revelation that grief can be transformed…and joy does exist in unexpected places.

What I thought

I really enjoyed this one! This was an odd little book with one quirky and irreverent heroine, and I’m actually a little sad to be finished with this one. This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea–the reviews seem pretty mixed. So don’t take my word for it, but I, for one, thought this book was great. Rocky became one of my favorite heroines. I liked that she was different and flawed and truly grieved for her husband in her own way. Grief looks so different for everyone, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that. And let’s talk about why everyone is here in the first place–that adorable cover! Dog lovers, rest assured, Sheehan hits the nail on the head as to what makes our furry friends so special. All I could think about while reading this at work was how much I’d rather be at home cuddling with my Zeus! As for the minor characters, I wish I felt like I “knew” them more, but they were all so unique that I do feel sorry to leave them. I’m glad there’s a sequel! This was a great little summer read for me, and I’m glad that I finally got around to it!

Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman

Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman
Publisher/Year: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2020
Format: ARC – paperback
Pages: 351
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

Living through WWII with her young daughter Vivi, working in a Paris bookstore, and fighting for her life, Charlotte is no victim, she is a survivor. But can she survive the next chapter of her life?

Alternating between wartime Paris and 1950s New York publishing, Paris Never Leaves You is an extraordinary story of resilience, love, and impossible choices, exploring how survival never comes without a cost.

The war is over, but the past is never past.

What I thought

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book took me completely by surprise. In a genre that many would argue is “overdone,” this WWII historical fiction offered a fresh, unique perspective that managed to be one of the most heart-wrenching, thought-provoking books that I’ve read thus far this year. This was a quick read, and even though the prose was spare, I found myself absolutely immersed by the story and its characters. I’m being intentionally vague here to avoid spoilers, but my point here is that this is an incredibly moving story that is going to stick with me for some time. Beautifully told, it examines the human condition and our need for connection and asks the question: “What would you do in order to survive?” I’d highly recommend this one for historical fiction fans and book club members–this novel begs to be discussed! As for me, I’m looking forward to reading more from Ellen Feldman!

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Publisher/Year: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2005
Format: Paperback
Pages: 874
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

Often considered Charles Dickens’s masterpiece, Bleak House blends together several literary genres–detective fiction, romance, melodrama, and satire–to create an unforgettable portrait of the decay and corruption at the heart of law and society in Victorian England.

Opening in the swirling mists of London, the novel revolves around a court case that has dragged on for decades–the infamous Jarndyce and Jarndyce lawsuit, in which an inheritance is gradually devoured by legal costs. As Dickens takes us through the case’s history, he presents a cast of characters as idiosyncratic and memorable as any he ever created, including the beautiful Lady Dedlock, who hides a shocking secret about an illegitimate child and a long-lost love; Mr. Bucket, one of the first detectives to appear in English fiction; and the hilarious Mrs. Jellyby, whose endless philanthropy has left her utterly unconcerned about her own family. As a question of inheritance becomes a question of murder, the novel’s heroine, Esther Summerson, struggles to discover the truth about her birth and her unknown mother’s tragic life. Can the resilience of her love transform a bleak house? And–more devastatingly–will justice prevail?

What I thought

I absolutely do not view reading as any sort of competition (except, maybe, with one’s self), but I want to begin this review with a self-congratulatory pat on the back because I did it! I finished Bleak House during the dumpster fire otherwise known as 2020! And even better? I enjoyed it!

I just love Charles Dickens. I do. Nobody else can paint such an all-encompassing portrait of Victorian England like ole Chucky D. His books are definitely challenging, but his skill with words, especially evident here, makes the read all the more rewarding. I can’t help but be impressed by the fact that despite the novel’s length, the 700 characters, and the 1200 plotlines, I was still completely invested in this story at its end, which put a silly smile on my face. I knocked off a star because, admittedly, it did feel long at times, but I did truly enjoy this one. And there’s just so much to enjoy–the incredibly crafted writing, the characters who were so vividly written as to leap from the pages (even the minor ones), the mystery, the romance, the melodrama, the biting satire. And speaking of satire–can we seriously talk about how funny Dickens is?

Bleak House is a time-honored classic that surprisingly still offers insight on the legal system and society for modern-day readers, while maintaining the same level of pure entertainment as it did for its monthly readers in 1852-53. For mood readers, this would make a great fall or winter read. 4/5–I’d definitely recommend this one–you can’t go wrong with Dickens!

So We Can Glow by Leesa Cross-Smith

So We Can Glow by Leesa Cross-Smith
Publisher/Year: Grand Central Publishing, 2020
Format: ARC – paperback
Pages: 245
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

A lush, glittering short story collection exploring female obsession and desire.

From Kentucky to the California desert, these forty-two short stories–some long, some gone in a flash, some told over text and emails–expose the essence of girls and women in moments of obsessive desire and fantasy, wildness and bad behavior, brokenness and fearlessness, and more.

Teenage girls sneak out on a summer night to meet their boyfriends by the train tracks. A woman escapes suffocating grief through a vivid fantasy life. Members of a cult form an unsettling chorus as they extol their passion for the same man. A love story begins over cabbages in a grocery store. A laundress’s life is consumed by obsession for a famous baseball player. Two high school friends kiss all night and binge-watch Winona Ryder movies after the death of a sister.

Leesa Cross-Smith’s sensuous stories will drench readers in nostalgia for summer nights and sultry days, the intense friendships of teenage girls, and the innate bonds felt between mothers, while holding up the wild hearts of women so they can catch the light.

What I thought

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Let me start this review by saying that I don’t think I have ever loved a short story collection so much. I want to have Leesa Cross-Smith read me a story every day–that’s how much I loved this collection. Ranging in length from short flash fiction to longer stories, this was a beautiful and sensuous tribute to what it means to be a woman. And I LOVED it. I want 42 MORE stories. This was exactly what I was in the mood for, and I’m so glad to have read it. I can’t get over how much I felt SEEN and how much nostalgia I felt for my own teenage/college years. For stories with ALL the girl power, I can’t recommend this one enough!