Another beautiful read I've read for Black History month. I find it so fascinating to read historical fiction book based on actual people and events suAnother beautiful read I've read for Black History month. I find it so fascinating to read historical fiction book based on actual people and events such as this one is. Richly detailed, I'll admit to having never reading about Nigeria and knew very little about its customs, people and foods and I found the learning process interesting. This dual timeline effortlessly blends past and present this debut novel is one not to pass up. Princess Adenrele Ademola was born Nigerian royalty, but you would not know by her actions. She only wants to help the people of Britan, training at Guy’s Hospital in London as a nurse, she receives no special treatment. She faces the devastating effects of WWII and prejudice behavior of some of those she is trying to help. She won't let this stop her though. Through diaries Yemi who also comes from Nigeria to London, the great niece of Ade and her friend Mike who's relative was a friend of Ade are able to find out more about their families. The story is magnificent and unique, I've never read a story taking place during WWII like this. Though Adenrele Ademola faces many adversities she is strong, and she shines, not letting anyone hold her back.
Pub Date 07 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
I was drawn right in by the beautiful seasonal cover. This is my first Poppy McAllister mystery book. I think the story may have been a bit enhanced fI was drawn right in by the beautiful seasonal cover. This is my first Poppy McAllister mystery book. I think the story may have been a bit enhanced for me if I had more of a background for the characters, but it still feels as though it could be read as a standalone story. Cape May, New Jersey is beautiful this time of year, always nicely preparing for its annual Mischief Night. Poppy McAllister is not pleased when she is wrangled into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour during Halloween season. Between annoying and arguing guests that includes a psychists, a paranormal researcher and more who can't seem to stand each other. Then the unthinkable happens and one of them ends up dead. A well-developed story with quirky characters that works well with the story. I enjoyed the mystery with its twists and turns, and I'll be looking for more in the series.
Pub Date 25 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
The book has a open, flowing sense to it. It's fun, whimsical and different. Our story starts out with a young female orphaned baby in the South of FrThe book has a open, flowing sense to it. It's fun, whimsical and different. Our story starts out with a young female orphaned baby in the South of France in the 1960's. The story is told in Love's point of view. It touches people, blows in the wind, it's in the trees. It's free flowing, all surrounding. It's not just romantic love, parental love, friends love. Marie-Jean is a matchmaker and sees love all around her, but will she find her own? Will love freely flow to this gentle soul and send her soulmate to her? Very open, seeing, seeking and encouraging book. Well written.
Pub Date 25 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Though I was sad to see Jessica Redland’s Hedgehog series end I am delighted to see a new series beginning with the first in the series “The Start of Though I was sad to see Jessica Redland’s Hedgehog series end I am delighted to see a new series beginning with the first in the series “The Start of Something Wonderful.” Full of a heartwarming story, hope, laughter, friendships, love, laughter and so much more. Small town vibes with such a cozy feel to it that you’ll just love. Autumn Laine was very close to her Grandad . When she loses him and her illustrator job she’s broken. She accepts her parents offer of visiting them in Paris. She hasn’t been back since a breakup many years ago. Though she’s an artist the artistic community of Montmartre just doesn’t feel right either. Though trying to avoid it a ghost from her past resurfaces, an old boyfriend who she had an extensive past with. As we read about their backstory, we get a clear understanding of their previous relationship. Autumn is an illustrator of greeting cards but has lost her mojo after her grandfather’s death. Upon meeting a new man their friendship progresses rather quickly as her encourages her with her artistic abilities and they may collaborate on a project. When her old flame is once again interested i rekindling things and her new beau wants to take it to the next level, how will she choose. I really loved the references to the Beatrix Potter illustrations, her gardens and home. The mentions of the many woodland animals and all the other animals was a welcome addition to the story. Warm and pleasant, I loved this story and its characters and look forward to many more additions to this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Bella Osborne books are such fun pick me ups. This one is full of fun, laughter and taking what life throws at you, working through it with the help oBella Osborne books are such fun pick me ups. This one is full of fun, laughter and taking what life throws at you, working through it with the help of friends and family. I was impressed with the character development. Once we learn of the characters back story, we have a better understanding of their surprising past, and they turn out to be a pretty decent person after all. Life isn't all roses, and we see that here, but I love the positive vibes and encouragement we see for the characters here from friends and parents. I have read other books by the author so I know I will enjoy the banter, lightheartedness and encouragement in all her books. Looking forward to more reads by this author.
Pub Date: 20 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
An American Wife in Paris is the second book in the incredible The Diplomat's Wife series. Before starting this book, I do advise you to read An AmericAn American Wife in Paris is the second book in the incredible The Diplomat's Wife series. Before starting this book, I do advise you to read An American Wife which is the first book in this series. It will give you the characters backstory and help you to understand their thoughts even better. Once again, we see Kitty returning to Paris as an undercover agent. She knows it's her most dangerous mission yet. Married to an Austrian diplomat she is thrown into a very different world than she was used to. Edgar is Nazi spy; it breaks Kitty's heart to have to sign papers for a divorce for her safety. This is for you if you enjoy spying, thrilling, edge of your seat gripping stories. One thing we notice is Kitty's unfailing love for Edgar. It propels her forward and is the driving force and encouragement for doing what she needs to do. Once I started reading it this book was very hard to put down. You must ask yourself can you trust your contacts? Kitty works with the Resistance movement and constantly finds herself in dangerous situations The research is very evident in the book and it's such a compelling read. Very well written. The ending was very tense, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Publish date July 20, 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Finding Us, is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series by Tracie Peterson. Now Tracie has some calling her the "Queen of Historical fictioFinding Us, is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series by Tracie Peterson. Now Tracie has some calling her the "Queen of Historical fiction." I can rightly see how she would have earned this nickname. I've been reading her books right from the start when she was published with Barbour books and knew she would go far in the publishing world. Her books take ahold of you, and you get lost in the fictional world she is portraying. The first book in this series focused more on cameras and taking pictures and selling them at an exposition in Seattle in the early 1900's. Now this one does the same thing as it continues the series but not as much as the first. "Women and children first" they said effectively removing Amelia Reed, heavily pregnant from her husband as she's helped into a lifeboat when the ship, she's on with her husband starts to sink. When the lifeboat is found capsized, she must have drowned. A chance meeting at the exposition has want to be botanist Camera Girl Eleanor Bennett meeting botanist Bill Reed when she snaps his photo. As they get to know each other their mutual fascination with botany brings them together. As Eleanor snaps pictures of others at the expo she sees a sight that she won't soon forget. A woman in widow's weeds, with a haunted look on her face with a newborn baby. The woman agrees to have her picture taken so she can have a picture of her young baby. Remarking to Bill about this memorable woman she shows the picture to Bill who is astounded saying this is his sister-in-law. This starts the process of trying to relocate the woman despite many obstacles and through dangerous situations. The book is a tale of love, loss and restored faith. I found the book to be very enjoyable and realistic and greatly look forward to more books by this author.
Pub Date: 25 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Several months ago, I got my introduction to B.K. Borison's book while reading Lovelight. The book is phenomenal, and I couldn't wait to read In the WSeveral months ago, I got my introduction to B.K. Borison's book while reading Lovelight. The book is phenomenal, and I couldn't wait to read In the Weeds and am so glad I did. Grumpy meets Sunshine in In the Weeds. Beckett Porter is in charge of Lovelight Farms, you could call him Mr. Grumpy. Evelyn St. James is a social influencer; traveling is just another day on the job. She doesn't particularly enjoy it anymore; the likes and comments online just don't give her the excitement it used to. I absolutely loved the dynamics between Beckett and Evelyn. She's quite a distraction to him after meeting. He's had a few flings, not really caring if they come or go. When Evelyn hits the scene, this changes his perspective tremendously. He wants her in his life but with her leaving and returning several times, can he trust her to stay put? One of the most sensual books I've read in quite a while. Can he convince her true "happy place" is with him on the farm? This series is my happy place for sure, I just love it. I'm looking forward to reding the next in the series, Mixed Signals. That'll be up soon for me. Can't wait to see what else she'll come out with.
Pub date 4 July 2023. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more