"The Death of Mrs. Westaway" by Ruth Ware

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware is a chilling thriller.  Things are not looking up for Hal--bills are starting to pile up and money is scarce.  Then comes a letter that could solve all her problems or make things worse!

I really enjoyed this book a lot!  Hal is a great character and the story line is very well done.  If you can solve this one, you are way better than me.  This is another winner from Ruth, the author of The Woman in Cabin 10.  
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 50:  She would not cry.  She refused to.  But she felt something huge and bitter and wild with grief rise up inside her.

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"Alive and Killing" by Jeff Carson (David Wolf Book 3)

Alive and Killing by Jeff Carson is about a Colorado Sheriff and his 12-yr.-old son, Jack, who happened to be in the right place at the wrong time.  While going on a camping trip in the mountains, they have a run in with some armed men who are set on killing them!   Four men who fought in Afghanistan were assumed dead, but turns out they are alive and killing! 

I liked this book because it was full of adventure and suspense with mystery and interest characters.  The love interest I thought would develop for the Sheriff did not.  I was always eager to come back and read more of this one.  It just seemed a bit odd how the Sheriff was so adept at avoiding fire from military personnel. 
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser at Kindle Loc. 308-10:  Wolf's pulse accelerated as he watched the guy scramble toward them with out-of-control speed.  When he saw what was dangling on the guy's backpack strap--a wood-handled .357 revolver in a leather holster--his body tensed for action.

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The Maid, The Eighth Day (The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Book 8) by Rachel Wesson

The Maid, The Eighth Day (The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides Book 8) by Rachel Wesson is about a mail-order bride who finds out the man she came to marry is no stranger after all. He was engaged to her older sister before the war and is now a doctor. This book is all about her finding out the truth of Colin’s past. It is a heartwarming story about two kind, compassionate people that I enjoyed and that is a quick read. Although this is part of a series, it can also be read as a stand-alone.
(Karen’s review, 4 stars)

Teaser at Kindle Loc. 65 She couldn’t stop herself from looking out the window. He couldn’t have followed her, changing her name had made sure of that.

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The Hidden Village by Imogen Matthews

The Hidden Village: A Story of Survival in WW2 Holland by Imogen Matthews is takes place during WWII in Holland. A whole village was built deep in some woods for the sole purpose of providing a safe place for Jews and German deserters to hide from the Nazis. Although this is an historical fiction novel, it gives the reader a look into what life was like for those helping the Jews. This book is about families and the underground. 
To learn more about the author, please visit www.imogenmatthewsbooks.com

Until reading this book, I never realized the Nazis reached into Holland. I really liked the characters and it is filled with adventure. It follows a boy, Jan, throughout his life and into adulthood. His father was working in the underground and Jan was eager to help others as well. He aided two pilots that were shot down. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in this time period.
(Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Kindle Loc. 139-40: “In the meantime, we need to prepare for difficult times ahead. We may need to provide shelter to people unable to defend themselves.”


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"The Unclaimed Victim" by D. M. Pulley

The Unclaimed Victim by D. M. Pulley is historical fiction based on true crime.  In 1938, a madman is going through the hobo jungles of Cleveland killing people and chopping them up!  Ethel needs to take refuge but winds up in a situation that she never thought she would be.  Sixty years later, Kris learns that her father was possibly killed and chopped up!  Can it really be her dad?  Can this killer still be alive?

This book had some really good parts, but about a quarter of it dragged along for me.  Ethel and Kris were good characters, but the others not so much with a so-so ending.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars) 

Teaser from page 9:  "I don't know," she whispered and pressed her forehead to her knees.  A severed arm floated through a dark stream of thought.  A tattoo blurred in the water.

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"Wildcard" by Marie Lu

Wildcard by Marie Lu is the follow up to Warcross.  Emike was able to escape from being killed in the Warcross games.  Now that she knows what hideo is up to, can she put a stop to it?  I enjoyed this book.  Emike is a wonderful character and there was plenty of action to be had.  The middle sort of dragged but the last part of the book more than made up for it!  It's not as good as Warcross, but readable to be sure.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 18:  He pauses to look back at us.  "Okay with what?  That we're all sitting here, talking about the technicalities of how Emi should throw herself into a situation that might kill her?"

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"Oregon Disaster--Trails of the Heart Book 5" by Rachel Wesson

Oregon Disaster by Rachel Wesson is Book 5 in the “Trails of the Heart” series and centers on Sarah, who ran off to marry Edwin Morgan, a violent drunk miner, womanizer and hateful man against her parents’ wishes. Walking Tall had Bear, one of his men, follow her to make sure she was all right and in the process, they fell in love. Tala, Bear’s wolf/dog, helps protect them against a mountain lion. Bear looks after Sarah and she falls in love with him in spite of the fact that he is part Indian

I liked this book a lot because Bear and Tala were in it a lot and Sarah matures and finally shows some concern for others. She is a feisty girl though and wins Bears heart and respect. This book is about forgiveness, and overcoming one’s past. I loved the ending! (Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Loc. 933-34 on Kindle: “You can’t leave me with that wild animal” “He is better company than you usually keep.”


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"Bad Man" by Dathan Auerbach

In Bad Man by Dathan Auerbach, Ben's brother disappeared in a local store in a small town.  Ben was with him.  Five years later, Ben needs a job and goes to work at that same store.  Ben has never stopped looking for his brother!  He hopes to find a clue or something in that store.

I thought this book was pretty good.  I think it could have been shorter though.  The characters were brought out well, but it only had a so-so ending.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 18:  Ben jogged uncertainly toward a truck that ambled up one of the lanes and away from the store.  Seat poured down his back and sides, stung in his eyes.  It sped up as Ben approached, but he couldn't run any faster.

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"Oregon Discovery" (Trails of the Heart Book 4) by Rachel Wesson

In Oregon Discovery by Rachel Wesson, we meet Tilly and her friend, Fiona, who was her servant.  This book has highs and lows.  Lots of death, but also a reunion and a wedding.  This book jumps a few years with the children in the previous book now in their teens and centers on Almanzo.  Tilly is engaged to a much older man, Richard, that her father has chosen for her.  The man is despicable and Tilly is determined never to marry him!

I enjoyed this book and look forward to finishing this series.  Almanzo is a great character who has both sadness and happiness in his life in this book.  My favorite part was when Fiona and Tilly were held at the Indian camp where Red Wing took care of them and where Tilly was called "Fire Daughter" because of her hot temper.  This is an entertaining historical read I would recommend, but only after reading the previous books in this series.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Kindle Loc. 84-86:  "He believes women should look decorative.  Our sole aim in life is to please our menfolk and produce an heir.  Anything else is against God's wishes."  Tilly's face screwed up as she repeated what her father had drummed into her for as long as she could remember.

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"Oregon Destiny"--Trails of the Heart Book 3 by Rachel Wesson

Oregon Destiny—Trails of the Heart Book 3 by Rachel Wesson continues with focus on Indians, the Captain’s revenge, and the romance between feisty Becky and the Captain. They finally reach Oregon but are disappointed in the town so continue farther.

There is a nice balance between adventure and relationship building in this one. Again, another fast, entertaining and interesting read about families on a wagon train going to Oregon.  I am enjoying this light series very much.
(Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Kindle Loc. 673-77: “He asked why pretty lady made herself look like ugly boy.” David and Johanna laughed but Becky didn’t find his comments amusing. She glared at the Indian.


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"Oregon Dreams" - Book 2 in Trails of the Heart series by Rachel Wesson

Oregon Dreams – Trail of Hearts Book 2 by Rachel Wesson centers on Johanna and Rick with a side story about Rebecca and Captain Scott Jones. There is a lot of traveling in this book and Johanna gets closer to Rick’s nieces, Carrie and Sarah. Sickness hits the camp and Johanna and Rebecca basically become the nurses with help from Eva, Mrs. Newland and Rick. Rebecca enjoys wearing trousers and a flannel shirt to go hunting because being short on men, they had to double up on guard duty Almanzo, a young boy, is found unconscious with a high fever just outside their camp. Johanna nurses him back to health in her wagon. There are many near death experiences and Johanna and Rick get engaged. We find out what Rick and Johanna’s dreams are when they reach Oregon and learn a bit more of the Captain’s background.

I enjoyed this book as much as the first of this series. The relationship between Rebecca and the Captain is quite humorous and entertaining. Johanna and Rick’s relationship is sweet. The suspense during the river crossing and through the mountains kept me glued to the book.
(Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Kindle Loc. 137-38: Johanna didn’t say anything but she couldn’t help but pity Captain Jones a little. He really had no idea what he had let himself in for with her sister.


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"People Kill People" by Ellen Hopkins

People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins is told by six different people who are all dealing with various issues. They are linked together and are interesting to say the least!  The best part of this book to me was not knowing from page to page what was going to happen next!  The story lines were all good as well as the writing.  The ending came as a complete shock to me!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page pg. 55:  The passing thought sparks a white-hot ignition of rage.  Your mom says some people were "born angry," and you agree because you happen to be one of them.

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"Oregon Bound" by Rachel Wesson (Book 1 in Trails of the Heart)

I just started a new historical romance series: (Trails of the Heart) with the first book, Oregon Bound by Rachel Wesson, and loved it! This first book is about the Thompson family moving to Oregon from Illinois with a wagon train. The father is the one who decided to sell his farm and start all over in spite of his wife wanting to stay. His eldest daughter, Eva, did not want to go either because she was in love with David, the son of the town drunk. Her father did not approve of him because of his background and had her matched up in his mind with Harold, the merchant’s son. Eva had two younger twin sisters, Becky and Johanna, and a younger brother, Stephen.

This is a quick read and I enjoyed it a lot because of the interesting characters, the humor and the different relationships. I liked the characters and especially Eva and her twin sisters who each had different personalities and strengths. I also liked how they teased one another but also supported each other throughout the book. There was always tension between Eva and her father because of her desire to be with David and her father’s prejudice against him. Eva’s mother is fierce and intuitive and loves her family very much. I really liked how she came around to being on Eva’s side and stood up to her husband. David proved over and over that he was better than Harold. I look forward to continuing on with this very enjoyable series.
(Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Loc. 816-17 on Kindle: “Eva, we are going to Oregon. You’ve got to accept that and stop being such a misery guts.”


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"The Second Opinion" by Michael Palmer

The Second Opinion by Michael Palmer is an interesting book with about a medical conspiracy, greed, betrayal, murder and a dysfunctional family including two adult children with Asperger's.  Their father who is a prestigious internist at a well-known hospital is in a coma from being involved in a hit-and-run accident.  His oldest son, Dimitri who has Asperger's, believes it wasn't an accident, but only his sister, Thea, believes him.  She also has Asperger's and came back to Boston from working with Doctors Without Borders in Central Africa to see her dad.  She believes there is a slight chance he could recover but the twin brother and sister want to let him go.  Thea agrees to take over her father's patients and senses something is off.  Her life is threatened shortly after she starts asking too many questions.

This is quite the mystery that also includes a bit of romance, suspense and insights into adult Asperger's.  I liked it once I finally started it and looked forward to getting back to it.  I liked Thea and her devotion to her dad.  The ending was a shock to me that I did not see coming.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)  

Teaser from page 25:  There remained unfinished business between them.  The man had never, in all her memory, told her that he loved her, nor had she taken the initiative and told him.  At the very least, she needed that exchange to happen between them before the end.

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"Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen" by Sarah Bird

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird tells the fiction story of Cathy Williams.  Born into bondage, her mother never let Cathy believe she was just a slave.  One day the Union army took her and made her be a cook's helper.  At the war's end, she made a decision that would change her life forever!


This book kept me engaged from page 1.  There is good action and the book had good flow to it.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 11:  Terrill leaped forward, grabbed me roughly, and promised, "I shall personally ensure that he is delivered to headquarters, sir."  Then he shoved me in the direction of a bunch of soldiers, yet still I would not turn loose of Mama.

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