Her Own Legacy, Her Own Revolution, Her Own War (Château de Verzat #1-3) by Debra Borchert

 

Her Own Legacy by Debra Borchert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a new series. This author has extensively reseached this time period and it's very evident!! Before we talk about the book though, can we all just take a few minutes and soak in the beauty of the cover? Oftentimes that's why I pick up a book and this was no exception.

Countess Joliette de Verzat would much rather be out and about and managing the family's vineyards and leave all the politics behind. Everyone depends on her for the family's fine wines but she's really got no stake in the inheritance unless her husband dies and leaves her a widow.

The women start to march during the Revolution and it's during this time that the rightful owner of the vineyards is located. Joliette's life is in danger. Can she count on being saved?

Such a great book full of rich history!! I loved every page of this story!!

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Her Own Revolution by Debra Borchert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Why would you want to do that though when this author has done massive amounts of research to make this story, while still a work of fiction, as historically accurate as possible? Don't cheat yourself out of another good read!

Women's rights are pretty non-existent in this man's world time. Geneviève doesn't care though and bends rules to attend University dressed as a man. Talk about a risky move, but especially when her father is the Prosecutor, responsible for sending people to the guillitine. A man she believes to be innocent is added to the execution list but doesn't stay on there long thanks to the help of Geneviève. Her life is now at risk but how many can she save?


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Her Own War by Debra Borchert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The amount of research that has gone into creating and writing this series is phenemonal!! It's one reason that this author stands out in her genre of historical fiction. She is truly a master of details, to the point that you feel like you are living in that time period while reading this story.

Geneviève LaGarde is being forced to make some of the hardest decisions of her life. Every choice she makes impacts the lives of hundreds of others along the way. Napeleon is in charge and being the tyrant that he is, life is beyond miserable for most alive. Land is confiscated, people are forced into servitude, and that's just the beginning. Geneviève isn't going to let him have his way anymore if she can do anything to help it.

A great story of love, determination, and a powerful woman coming up against a horrible government.

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The Gift of Belonging (The Wise Women #3) by Cheryl Burman

 

The Gift of Belonging by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a beautifully written story about Rose. There is magic, there is love, struggles, and overcoming adversity. I found myself strongly identifying with Rose as I learned more about her in this story. I found it hard to put this book down to deal with "life" and was glad when I could get back to this story. Rose will stick with me for awhile!

I didn't realize this was part of a series when I picked it up. I'll be picking up the others in the series before this one. Each book is independent of each other so there's no "missing out" but this author writes so well I want to read everything she's written.

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Booked for Murder (Turtle Island Mysteries Book 1) by Savanna Grey

 

Booked For Murder by Savanna Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you're looking for a cozy mystery with some fun twists and turns, be sure to grab this one. Grace is a hairdresser, bookstore lover, therapist extraordinaire, and so much more! I mean, she owns a store called "A Breath of Fresh Hair" so you know it's gonna be good! A well-known author shows up dead and Grace and her friend Danny jump in to help solve the mystery. There are some fun twists and turns and you'll finish this story in no time!

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Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Book 2 by Susan Boles

 

Curve Balls and Commitments: Pickwick Pirate Queens Softball Romance Book 2 by Susan Boles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's been Tasha's dream to open up a dance studio. Her eyes is on the prize and the paperwork is submitted only to find out that someone else beat her to the punch and got her perfect location. As she begins the search again, during softball season of all times, a new guy arrives in town named Derek. He's handsome and definitely not from Pickwick Bend. She's also run into Eli, a local EMT who grew up in Pickwick Bend, left, and is now back. Both men start to woo her and she's having to figure out who to spend her time with. Softball is also her passion and as the pitcher for the Pickwick Pirates, she's got to be on her game.

It comes down to choices and who do you trust for Tasha. Will the town she loves back her up when the going gets tough? Will the Pickwick Pirates win this years championship? Will Tasha be able to find the perfect space to open up her studio?

This was a great short read that took me just under two hours to read start to finish. I do feel like the last 3-4 chapters were a bit redundant and unnecessary. Otherwise, a nice clean romance novel with a hint of mystery.

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On the Run: Giovanni Madia's Saga Begins by P.J. Mann

 

On the Run: Giovanni Madìa's saga begins by P.J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I saw an author that I am a huge fan of was writing another series, I was eager to get my hands on it! There's nothing like settling down with a great book and realizing you've just finished the whole story in one setting!

This one is fast paced and features Giovanni Madìa. He's a respected clan member but when his boss double crosses him and his family is now in peril, Giovanni doesn't play. There is mystery, intrigue, and lots more in this riveting story! I'm super excited to read the books to come in this series!

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Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander

 

Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are some books that you read that stick with you for awhile. This is one that I believe will stick with me. I normally struggle with reading dual timeline books and I did have some difficulties with this one in keeping things in line. However, this storyline grabbed me from the get go and wouldn't let me stop until I finished.

There are so many emotions in a book like this. It's based on a true story so knowing that made it even more real. There were moments I felt like I could have been Colleen in this book and going through the things that she was experiencing. This was a very intriguing story to me, and being a lover of WWII history, I learned a few things I didn't know much about.

This author, who is new to me, did a great job of explaining things and keeping them in perspective considering the dual timeline she wrote in. I am interested in reading more of her work!

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Children of the Wandering House by Lois Wickstrom

 

Children of the Wandering House by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you've read any of my reviews, you know that Lois Wickstrom is a favorite of mine. This book is a little different than her norm, as this one is a chapter book. She mostly writes very short stories that are beautifully illustrated. This one does not have any illustrations and I so wish it did!

Berry has become separated from her house and when she gets to the Gathering, her house is nowhere to be found. Skew has picked her up and then her friend Invert and Invert's brother Hasty join in their house. What's to come is a lot of adventure, a little bit of a mystery, and a quest to keep the forest from being destroyed.

As I previously mentioned, this one is a bit different than the norm for this author. I did find the storyline enjoyable, if a bit strange. This one is more geared towards older chapter readers and the story will likely intrigue them!

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Finding Cleo: A Sensual Romantic Suspense by Jennifer Raines

 

Finding Cleo: A Sensual Romantic Suspense by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Jennifer Raines and this book did not disappoint! It has everything you'd want in terms of emotions: happiness, sadness, worry, regret, love, anger, and the list goes on! She spends a good deal of time getting you emotionally invested in the lives of her characters to the point that you feel like they may be your next door neighbor. Then you just can't help but be sucked into the story and before you know it, a few hours have passed by and your done reading the story. This one is no exception!

Let's talk about this book cover first though....it's gorgeous! I love the setting and the colors. Book covers often times don't get enough credit. While I realize that they are rarely in the control of the author, they deserve some love too!

Cleo is doing everything she can to live her life without her father, who was "accidentally killed" while doing some research. For all intents and purposes, she's without her mother too but by choice after she moved on with her life and another man.

Jack is interested in the unsolved mystery of a Scandinavian man and soon learns the whereabouts of his daughter. He's interested in pairing up with her to see if they can put this mystery to bed....but Jake's also trying to see what, or who else, he can put to bed.

There are twists and turns, ups and downs and Cleo and Jack seek out answers about Cleo's dad. They learn more about each other and have an undeniable attraction that needs to be investigated as well.

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Just Desserts and Murder: A Temperance Matthews Cozy Mystery (Little Bakery Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by Lucinda Race

 

Just Desserts and Murder: A Temperance Matthews Cozy Mystery by Lucinda Race
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good introduction to a new author and this is apparently the start of a new series too!
Temperance Matthews has dreamed for years of opening a bakery in the beautiful Oak Hollow. One day that dream came to fruition, but it was so very short lived. Her bakery goes up in flames and a body is found on site. It's bad enough that she lost her dream bakery, but she soon learns that her assistant has lost her boyfriend, as he was the victim. Another person was stabbed too! A lot of questions start to swirl and it's not long before the Temperance finds herself leaning on her background in the FBI. How can she ever prove who did this?

This is such a fun, cozy read! I love Hank, Temperance's dachshund dog and faithful companion. The story will keep you engaged and I'm very excited for the next adventure for these two. While this is the first book in the series, the author has already let us know that these books can be read as standalones.

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The Magic Maze Trilogy by Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor

 

The Magic Maze Trilogy by Samuel Warren Joseph
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a super fun trilogy to read! It's my first experience with these authors but I'll be looking for more of their works for sure!

Tyler & Tess in the Magic Maze (Book 1)
In this story, we are introduced to Tyler and Tess, 11 year old twins. They are on their way to a soccer game when they are sucked into a magical maze. This story is full of adventure, twists and turns, and lessons to learn! I love this book as it's got me excited to read the next one and we're meeting new characters at the end of this story!

Madness in the Magic Maze (Book 2)
Tyler and Tess are trying to solve challenging puzzles in order to be able to go home. It's a combination of wit, smarts, and sometimes luck to crack these codes. It's always best to do things like this with someone you know and love as teamwork is such a huge part of it!

Escape From the Magic Maze (Book 3)
The last book in our trilogy features another challenging maze for Tyler and Tess. It's a race against time to solve the puzzles in order to make it home. With teamwork, humor, and their smarts, can the twins make it back to their home sweet home?

This series is so much fun to read! It's like Alice in Wonderland meets Wizard of Oz, and goes in the Labryinth and ends at Narnia! I love the humor, as well as the complexity of the mazes. Just when you think you have it figured it out, you learn that you haven't. These stories are meant for people aged 7-12 but truthfully, they are great for all ages.

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Lane and the Inventor by Amy Q. Barker

 

Lane and the Inventor: Small town, second chance, sweet and steamy romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone.

If you're looking for a slow-burn romance that is full of deep emotion, this one's for you! It's a beautiful story of Logan and Lane. An adventurer and a recluse. A story of love lost and found. Some steamy moments, some tender moments, and sometimes you just want to smack someone moments.

Curl up and enjoy this story and come back for more of Ms. Barker's work!

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The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins

 

The Family Business by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kimberly Mullins is at is again with another great story! I love how she incorporates characters from her Notebook Mystery series into this story. She also introduces a few new friends!

This book focuses on the prohibition area with John and his family. Their ties are in New York, Chicago, and California and the family is going in separate directions with their unique businesses. How can they keep the family business(es) growing while facing all these new regulations?

There are some plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat while you read this fast paced novel. Even though Ms. Mullins's stories have intertwining characters, these stories can be easily read as stand alones.

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I Love You by Rosalind Barden

 

I Love You by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very sweet story with a cuddly looking creature. A great book for lap reading or to have read to you. A beautiful way to remind others of your love for them!

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Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant

 

Chasing Roses by Jean M. Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Four unlikely people, each experiencing dramatic life circumstances, team up to solve an interesting scavenger hunt in the beautiful New England countryside. Friendships will be formed, relationships will be tried and tested, and a prize will be awarded to the team of 4 who can successfully complete the scavenger hunt first. This story kept me engaged and I loved the characters. I felt like I was part of this team and their adventures. I recommend this great read!

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Notebook Mysteries: Murderous Christmas Mischief (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins

 

Notebook Mysteries Murderous Christmas Mischief by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I look forward to these Christmas novellas in this series! Set in Chicago in the 1880's, Emma, Jeremy, their family and friends are all ready to celebrate a quiet, no frills Christmas. It's been awhile since they could just enjoy the company of each other without some sort of crime taking place. Dora, who's battling a fever, happens to look up and is convinced that she sees someone sinister outside the window. So much for a non-working Christmas! It takes her a bit to convince the team that they should look into this and eventually, they do.

It's a quick, exciting read that will have you wanting more!

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Fabulously Flawed: A Small-Town Contemporary Romance (Keeney Builds Series #3) by Lynne Hancock Pearson

 

Fabulously Flawed: A small-town contemporary romance by Lynne Hancock Pearson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carl and Sylvie have history together but neither of them are excited about reliving it anytime soon. Carl has made it clear that he's back in Keeney for as short a period of time as possible. He's devoted to caring for his grandmother but then finds himself working temporarily for the family business. Sometimes life has a funny way of putting people in your path (or back in your path) that you didn't know you needed.

Carl and Sylvie are easy characters to fall in love with! Enjoy spending a few hours in their story!

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Gavin to the Rescue by Cori Cooper

 

Gavin to the Rescue by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great book and really, the whole series is a lot of fun to read. There is quirkiness, teenage angst, some romance, and just a lot of fun when reading a Cori Cooper book!

It's Gavin's senior year and things all seem to be going well. He just needs to survive the annual prank war with a rival high school. He receives a mysterious text message that turns things upside down and all of a sudden, he finds himself questioning a lot of things.

This story is about finding out who your real friends are, who you can trust, and how to overcome challenges. It's geared towards young adults but it can be enjoyed by adults of any age range. I love how the author writes in such a way that you feel that you are a part of the story and the characters become your friends. Finishing a book by this author sometimes leaves a pit of sadness until the next story arrives!

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Death in Vain (Eve Sawyer Mystery #6) by Jane Suen

 

Death in Vain by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a pretty quick read that kept me turning pages pretty rapidly. I'm a fan of this series and have enjoyed the cases that Eve has been involved in.

It's time for Eve to take a break. She's definitely earned it! She stops at a small town diner in Vain and starts to hear rumblings of a young lady's body being found in the road. Eve just can't help herself and she soon finds herself investigating the murder of this young person. So much for that much needed break!

This book can be read as a stand alone but I do highly recommend reading all the books in this series so you don't miss out on more of Eve's story. Each one seems to be better than the last!

I am also in love with this cover! It's very reminiscent of the small town diners that I like to frequent for a good downhome country kind of meal!

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Sangrita: Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Series by Kathryn Dodson

 

Sangrita: Jessica Watts Southwest Suspense Series by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such an enjoyable series and one that I recommend reading in order. They can be read in any order but this one especially builds off the last book, El Diablo.

Before I say much more about this story, can we take a moment and enjoy the beautiful cover that holds this story?! It's a perfect introduction to Jessica Watt's newest adventure.

It's actually more of a nightmare where Jessica quickly learns that she's the hunted instead of the hunter. There's action, danger, lots of suspense, and a focus on issues facing people in the world today. It's scary to think that, even though this is a work of fiction, there are real life monsters out there who act like those that Jessica is after.

If you love a strong female lead who doesn't back down, along with enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, this book (and entire series) is for you!

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The General's Gift (The Swans of Paris #2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

The General's Gift by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Giovanna Siniscalchi and this story in this series is probably my favorite of hers...so far!

Celeste is colorful, fun loving, care-free, and has no idea where she came from. Hawk sees life in black and white, is grumpy, and is charge of transforming Celeste into the person she's intended to be. Neither can imagine where all this is going and may be surprised by the outcome.

Giovanna has woven another beautiful story with poetry, humor, war, and so much more. Be sure to pick this one up and give it a read!

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