"Pieces of Her" by Karin Slaughter

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter is a dark thriller that focuses on a mother and daughter who are in danger. The mother has had a very adventurous life but never shared about it with her daughter. The daughter is sort of in limbo, trying to find her purpose and also trying to figure out who her mother really is. The mother is a complex person who loves her daughter very much, but makes her leave and go out on her own when her mother’s past seems to be coming back to haunt her.

As with most conspiracies, this book has a complex story line and lots of characters to keep straight. It is slow moving and drags in places, but if you can stick with it, everything falls into place in the Epilogue. All my questions got answered. I can’t really say much about the details of the story line without giving spoilers, but I can say I’m glad a read to the end and finished it. The writing did not appeal to me though because it alternated throughout the book between the past (1986) and the present (2018). The chunks it time were quite long and it was a bit challenging to remember where the events left off before the time switched. How Nick was so charismatic and able to manipulate people was sort of interesting. I thought the daughter was pretty stupid so didn’t care for her.
(Karen’s review, 3 stars)

Teaser from page 61: “They’re going to take you down harder than him, Laura. You did that kid a favor. This is all going to be about what you did, not what he did.”

SPOILER ALERT--STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS YET:

I was confused because some characters have the same name and I didn’t realize they were different people until much later in the book when it came out the mother was in the witness protection program and had changed her name. I liked the surprise twist that Andrea’s “stalker” was a U.S. Marshall.


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"Another Good Dog" by Cara Sue Achterberg

Another Good Dog--One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs by Cara Sue Achterberg is heartwarming non-fiction. Cara really misses her companion of 17 years--her wonderful dog, Lucy!  Her husband got her a "back-up" dog, but it is not the same!  Cara needs something to ease the pain.  She decides to tackle a new adventure of fostering dogs.

If you are a dog lover, you will love this book!  She has her ups and downs in this new adventure, some funny, some sad.  She writes about her experiences very well.  I think maybe even a non-dog lover would enjoy this.  Keep up the good work, Cara!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 7:  I'd thought I would wait to adopt another dog, wait until I didn't miss Lucy so much and wouldn't compare every potential dog to her.  But months had passed, and I only missed Lucy more.

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"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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"Among the Wicked" by Linda Castillo

Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo is a story about Chief Kate Burkholder going undercover as an Amish women moving to Roaring Springs, New York.  She agrees to temporarily join the community to try to get evidence about some nasty rumors about the Bishop and look into the suspicious death of a 15-yr.-old girl that was found dead of hypothermia in the woods near where she was living.   Kate is determined to see through the assignment in spite of being in very serious danger and Tomasetti's objections. 

I enjoyed this book but once again, typical of Linda Castillo's Amish mysteries, Kate Burkholder bravely solves the mystery with near death experience.  She is brave but not too bright.  Kate's escape from death is hard to believe. 
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 49:  I'm loath to admit it, but I don't want leave.  Already, I miss him.  Already, I'm apprehensive about what lies ahead.

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"Tear Me Apart" by J. T. Ellison - WOW!

In Tear Me Apart by J. T. Ellison,  Mindy is a downhill skier.  She has a bright future ahead of her, but then she gets into a horrible crash during a competition.  She is taken to a hospital where they discover that not only is her leg broken, but she needs a stem cell transplant as soon as possible!  The good news is that her parents and her aunt are there.  One of the three has to be match to give Mindy the blood she needs.  Right?

WOW!  This book is so good!  All the characters were very well developed.  The story line is believable and the twists and turns in this book will make your head spin!  Do not miss this one!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 31:  Yet, as they wheel her away, Lauren has a moment of sheer panic.  A premonition of sorts.  Something is not right with their world.  Little does she know, this is only the beginning.

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"White is the Coldest Colour" by John Nicholl

White is The Coldest Colour by John Nicholl is about a child Psychiatrist who is a sexual predator and part of a ring of many pedophiles in Wales. This is a work of fiction, but is based on the author’s experiences as a police office and child protection social worker. This book reflects the reality of how much harm sexual predators inflict on their victims. This book shows the depravity of man and is a very disturbing read! It also includes physical abuse and a lengthy investigation.

I can’t say I enjoyed this book because it is so dark and the doctor was a horrible human being! I had to keep reading to find out if the cops would find the missing 7-yr-old boy in time and see the doctor brought to justice. The ending was better than I expected; however, I would have liked the story to have continued on a bit to end on a happier note. It seemed to end too abruptly.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 6: If a respected doctor such as himself could abandon any semblance of a conscience, learn to fully embrace his true nature, and view life and death from a purely Darwinian perspective, why the hell couldn’t Sherwood do likewise? That was the one thing which may have saved him.


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"That's Not What Happened" by Kody Keplinger

That's NOT What Happened by Kody Keplinger is a book about six survivors of a school shooting who try to piece together what actually happened.  In a small town at the local high school, a shooting took place.  Flash forward three years and this came out to tell the story of one girl who had words with the shooter.  But one girl knows the real story of how it went down and wants the truth to come out!

If you are looking for an action book, this is not it.  It is an interesting look of how a group of teens each have their own version of what happened.  For the most part, this book kept me engaged.  The down parts were few and far between.  The best part of this book were the letters on the strength of that, I give this book 5 stars!
(Gerard's review)

That's NOT what happened by Kody Keplinger is about six survivors who actually were with classmates when they got shot.  This book focuses on the aftermath and how these six dealt with their traumatic experience.  When a story develops that isn't true about how Lee's best friend was killed, Lee decides she has to set the record straight.  She gets all the survivors to write letters telling their stories of what happened to them.

I was somewhat confused, thinking this was about the Columbine shooting; however, it is a fiction story that appears to be loosely based on that which I found kind of distasteful.  It's well written and certainly interesting. 
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Teaser from pg. 11:  And there is so much that you--and they--don't know.  So many stories that had gotten mixed up, confused, or misrepresented.

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"After Anna" by Lisa Scottoline

After Anna by Lisa Scottoline is about Maggie, a mother who loses custody of her baby girl because of her husband having her declared unfit due to her postpartum psychosis.  She remarries a widower who is a doctor named Noah and becomes a stepmom to his 9-yr-old son, Caleb.  They have a happy family until Maggie gets a call from her daughter asking her to come to the college to meet.  Maggie's sees a news article about her ex-husband dying in a plane crash and is ecstatic about finally seeing her 17-yr-old daughter after being separated for so long.  Will Anna finally become part of a happy family after feeling abandoned for so many years?  Will Noah be welcoming?  Is Anna a nice girl or a manipulative brat?  Did Noah get framed for murder or did he really kill his stepdaughter?

 I felt bad for Noah all through this book and was rooting for him and Maggie to be happy together once again.  This was a very entertaining read for me.  I liked the trial parts and was completely surprised by the unexpected twist.  Unfortunately, the twist was unbelievable and Maggie being the heroin really was far out.  I would have preferred the book be written in chronological order but it was cool how the story got told by much of the trial.  I liked it and was happy with the ending.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

 Teaser from page 2:  His life had exploded like a strip of firecrackers at a barbecue, igniting the patio furniture and spreading to the house until everything was blazing out of control, engulfed in a massive fireball.
His entire world destroyed.
It had all started with Anna.  

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"Bright We Burn" by Kiersten White (Book 3 of And I Darken series)

Bright We Burn by Kiersten White is the third and final book of the And I Darken series.  The author saved the best for last!  This book is fantastic!  This is full of action.  Lada is so Good!  Nobody had better get in her way!  She is so "bad ass."--LOVED IT!  In this book, Lada controls her land, but she wants ore and wants it known that she is in charge!  However, not everyone goes along with that and the fighting begins!  This whole series is really good!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 219:  "How could a woman do this?"  Ali Bey's voice was filled with equal parts wonder and disgust.

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"Night Blood" by Elly Blake

Night Blood is the third, and sad to say, the final book of the Frost Blood series by Elly Blake.   It was a fantastic series!  Ruby must bring the Frost Blood and the Fire Bloods together to hold back the beasts that will take over the world! 

I liked that this was action packed from start to finish.  Ruby was a great character and had good interaction with the other people in the book.  It has a very good ending too!  I LOVED this series!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 33:  The cold of Arcus's fingers on my wrist did more to penetrate the angry haze than that single pleading word.  I lowered my hands but kept them molten hot.

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"A Gathering of Secrets" by Linda Castillo

A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo is a murder mystery that is extremely sad.  Right from the Prologue, this book blew me away!  It is downright gruesome at times with some suspense.  The Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder gets herself into a couple dicey situations in this book.  When she discovers what a slime bag the 18-yr-old Amish boy really was, it becomes a struggle for her to hunt down his killer.

This book had some surprises but I came close to figuring out who the murderer was.  I thought the plot was interesting and kept my attention throughout the book.  I finished this one in just two days.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review (3.5 stars):
In A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo, a teen-age boy is found burned to death in his own barn.  Foul play is suspected.  It is up to Kate to find out who did this and why.  This book is pretty much the same as her other books with it set in the Amish community, her in danger while trying to solve the case, and some of her personal life.  The names and incidents change, but pretty much follows the same pattern.  I thought it was okay.

Teaser from page 6:  Meet me in the barn at midnight.  I'll make it worth your while.

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"Cathy--Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 11" by Rachel Wesson

Cathy, Book 11 of the Colorado Springs Mail Order Bride series by Rachel Wesson is about drug addiction in the 1800s. When Cathy’s adoptive parents died in a boating accident, the doc gave her some medicine to which she became addicted. Her cousin, Archibald, was appointed her guardian and her father suggested they marry. No love between them though. With the help of Cathy’s maid, she ran off to Clover Springs to find her long lost sister, Mary. Cathy was afraid Archibald was poisoning her and he threatened to put her in an asylum! Shortly after arriving in Clover Springs, she fainted in the street which was how Abe O’Malley met her when he carried her over to the doctor’s office.

This book started out a bit slow and at first, I felt sort of bombarded with a bunch of new characters. I would have liked more of Cathy’s married life with Abe. I thought there should have been more catching up with the sisters. This book seemed to end abruptly. Wilma and her girls were just like a little distraction in this book which focused almost completely on Cathy and Abe. I liked it, but not as much as the others in this series.
(Karen’s review, 3 stars)

Teaser from Loc. 570-71 on Kindle: “My parents, the people who adopted me, hid them from me. My letters to Mary are in the bag.”


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"I Am Still Alive" by Kate Alice Marshall

In I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall, life is not going too well for Jess.  Her mom is dead.  Now she is in a remote wilderness with her dad, who was not around for much of her life until now!  She is not in good shape either.  Can things get any worse for Jess?  I thought this book was pretty good.  It goes back and forth in time for a bit.  Jess was a great character.  I had some trouble with the ending so that brought my rating down to a four.  It was a good read except for the ending.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 16:

I'm going to die, I force myself to think, and then I say it out loud, shout it, because I need to believe it down in my gut or I'm never going to be able to move.
"I AM GOING TO DIE," I scream across the lake.

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"Eleanor" by Rachel Wesson - Book 10 in Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Series

Eleanor by Rachel Wesson is another good 1800 historical fiction story about how the ex-slaves longed to find their family members that they got separated from as slaves.  Eleanor is the new school teacher in Clover Springs who came from England.  This is a beautiful story of true friendships between blacks and whites as well as how racism still existed after the slaves were freed. 
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Kindle Loc. 207-8:  Seems I was an embarrassment to my family.  Despite my pale skin, I am the daughter of an ex-slave.

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"Nyxia Unleashed" by Scott Reintgen (We Both Loved This One)

Nyxia Unleashed by Scott Reintgen is the follow up to Nyxia.   Emmett and the rest of the Genesis 11 and 12 must now explore a new planet and collect Nyxia for Babel.  I enjoyed this book much more than the first one!  There is lots more action for one thing and I liked how the author had new stuff coming up.  I never really knew what was going to happen next!  The ending was full of action and I look forward to the third and final book in this series to see how it all plays out.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)


Karen's review:
Nyxia Unleashed by Scott Reintgen is book 2 in the Nyxia series that I am loving!  This book picks up where the last one left off as Genesis 11 and 12 land on Eden.  The world building is phenomenal but left me slightly confused.

I really enjoyed all the humor in this book and that the two "teams" really became one and worked together against Babel who was lying to them the entire time.  I felt very bad when two of the group died.  There were some surprises and twists and kept turning pages to see what was going to happen next.  The thing I really didn't understand was that only one shipment of Nyxia got sent back and no one even questioned it.  I thought that was odd.  I was also a bit confused as to what Jacqueline Requin was doing on Eden as a queen or whatever--at least she had a lot of authority.  This series is so awesome, a very interesting read that I couldn't put down.  I am so disappointed that I have to wait until next year for the last book--UGH!  I have so many unanswered questions!  I liked this one as much as the first, if not more.  I highly recommend this series.
(5 stars)

Teaser from page 20:  The blood's soaking through his uniform.  Azima holds a rag to the thing, trying to stop it.  This isn't exactly the welcome we expected on Eden.

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"Christmas in Clover Springs" by Rachel Wesson (Book 8)

Christmas in Clover Springs by Rachel Wesson is Book 8 of the Clover Springs Mail Order Brides series. This one is about Alecia and how she realized what she had been taught to believe about people was not right. She came from Boston to Clover Springs by a chance meeting with Father Malloy on the train. One kind deed changed her life completely for the better.

I read this in one morning! I liked how Alecia and Father Malloy brought 30 more orphans to Clover Springs. This was predictable, but I still enjoyed it very much. I liked seeing how Alecia’s prejudice fell away once she got to know people and re-evaluated her beliefs. I also liked the surprise twist at the end.
(Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from Kindle location 1001-2: She smiled slightly. Her mama would have swooned if she knew her only daughter stood in the middle of a school yard covered in mud from head to toe conversing with an Indian.


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"Thanksgiving in Clover Springs" by Rachel Wessen

Thanksgiving in Clover Springs (Clover Springs Mail Order Brides Book 7) by Rachel Wesson centers on Little Beaver and Asha, a pregnant Indian girl from a rape by a white soldier. It has very little to do with Thanksgiving which was only right at the end of the book! Some Indian customs and life on an Indian reservation are revealed. Little Beaver is a great character so I enjoyed this book about him.
(Karen’s review, 3 stars)

Teaser from Loc. 119 on Kindle: A bundle of what looked like rags shrank back from him. It wasn’t an animal but a child.


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"The Cabin at the End of the World" by Paul Tremblay

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay is one of the dumbest books I ever read! I should have known I wouldn’t like it when I saw Stephen King praising it. I just kept reading because I thought it must get better, but it never did. Two gay guys and their adopted Chinese daughter are at a cabin in New Hampshire on vacation when four strangers come to see them. Practically the entire book takes place inside the cabin. The only action in this book is killing people. The writing was annoying to me as well, very wordy. I was glad when it finally ended! It’s a stupid scenario and depressing. Maybe Stephen King fans would like it, but I really hated it. I give it zero stars if I can. It’s really the worst book I ever read and finished and feel like it was a big waste of my time. I should have quit on it from the start when I thought about it. I would not recommend this one to anybody.
(Karen's review)

Teaser from page 25: “We are not here to hurt you. We need your help to save the world.”


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