Falling by Jane Green

Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: July 19th 2016 by Berkley

The New York Times bestselling author of The Beach House,Jemima J, and Summer Secrets presents a novel about the pleasure and meaning of finding a home—and family—where you least expect them...

When Emma Montague left the strict confines of upper-crust British life for New York, she felt sure it would make her happy. Away from her parents and expectations, she felt liberated, throwing herself into Manhattan life replete with a high-paying job, a gorgeous apartment, and a string of successful boyfriends. But the cutthroat world of finance and relentless pursuit of more began to take its toll. This wasn’t the life she wanted either. 

On the move again, Emma settles in the picturesque waterfront town of Westport, Connecticut, a world apart from both England and Manhattan. It is here that she begins to confront what it is she really wants from her life. With no job, and knowing only one person in town, she channels her passion for creating beautiful spaces into remaking the dilapidated cottage she rents from Dominic, a local handyman who lives next door with his six-year-old son. 

Unlike any man Emma has ever known, Dominic is confident, grounded, and committed to being present for his son whose mother fled shortly after he was born. They become friends, and slowly much more, as Emma finds herself feeling at home in a way she never has before.

But just as they start to imagine a life together as a family, fate intervenes in the most shocking of ways. For the first time, Emma has to stay and fight for what she loves, for the truth she has discovered about herself, or risk losing it all. 

In a novel of changing seasons, shifting lives, and selfless love, a story unfolds—of one woman’s far-reaching journey to discover who she is truly meant to be…

My Thoughts…

Falling is the first Jane Green book for me, leaving me to wonder if I have been living under a rock.    This book is wonderful.   Jane Green’s writing style is wonderful.   I was pulled right into the storyline with the amazing setting and the charismatic characters.  The love story was sweet but not easy, the relationships were true and hard, and the friendships were real.     

The cutest character was Jesse.  A young boy who’s mother left him to be raised by his handsome, handy, and wonderful father, Dominic.     Jane Green did a perfect job with him.  He acted as a child should.  Sometimes he rebelled,  most of the time he was loving, and always he acted like a child should.     His life was not perfect but it was normal.  

Emma and Dominic both had interesting parents.   I liked that their life was not perfect.    There were mistakes, both by themselves and their families.    The doubts came into their relationships but they stuck it out and made their relationship the priority.   While they struggled at times, there was never any doubt that Emma and Dominic were meant to be. 

I cannot end my review without mentioning the ending.  I won’t spoil it for you but Oh My Gosh!   I never saw it coming, I still can’t believe that twist, and am not sure what to think of it.   I was left with my mouth hanging open not able to believe what I was reading.  

This is my first Jane Green book but not my last     I recommend picking up your own copy.  

Book Links

Amazon   |   Goodreads   |   Barnes and Noble

Good Morning America declared Falling “the perfect summer read”

“Enchanting and lyrical, Falling is a summer love story you don't want to miss.”

– Bustle

“Some are calling Falling [Jane Green’s] best yet.”

– The Associated Press

Night and Day (Eve Duncan #21) by Iris Johansen

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: July 19th 2016 by St. Martin's Press

Iris Johansen's third book in her latest explosive trilogy starring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan takes readers on a high-energy adventure with Eve fighting to overcome the odds. Protecting Cara Delaney from the enemies who want her dead leads Eve to be their target. It will take everything she has to rescue Cara, and doing so will put that which is dearest to her at risk. Night and Day is the pulse-pounding race to a conclusion that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

My Thoughts…

Night and Day is the third book in the trilogy within the entire Eve Duncan series.    I devoured the first two books (see reviews HERE) and only hoped that the third book would be just as good.    While I did devour the third book I think the first two were better.    That may be just due to the fact that there was so much build up to saving Cara that when it came time to actually save Cara I wasn’t ready because it meant this trilogy was ending.     Either way this trilogy is certainly the best part of the Even Duncan series.   

This is a hard review to write as I don’t want to give away anything from the story.     I can say that in true Iris Johansen fashion there was a ton of intrigue, mystery, romance, and surprises.     The biggest surprise is Eve and Quinn’s future.    I never saw it coming, I never dreamt it would happen, and I am beyond thrilled that it did.     The relationships between Quinn, Eve, Jane, and Cara are amazing.   They are as close as a family can be.   The understanding, respect, and protection go above what happens in an everyday family.    While most everyday families will never find themselves being hunted by a psychotic drug lord’s wife or searching for treasure in faraway lands it just seemed normal for Eve Duncan.  

I LOVE this series.   Eve Duncan has cost me so many hours of sleep and I am always anxious for the next book to be released.    I recommend checking out this series within a series.   As with all of Iris Johansen’s books they can be read as a standalone.   I do recommend that books 19, 20, and 21 are read in order.    

Book Links

Amazon   |   Goodreads   |   Barnes and Noble

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn & GIVEAWAY

I am reposting my review of A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn in celebration of it being released in paperback.    I loved everything about this story and am excited to share my thoughts again.     Plus, look at this gorgeous new cover!

 Published September 1, 2015 by NAL/Penguin

London, 1887. As the city prepares to celebrate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee, Veronica Speedwell is marking a milestone of her own. After burying her spinster aunt, the orphaned Veronica is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry—and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as she is fending off admirers, Veronica wields her butterfly net and a sharpened hatpin with equal aplomb, and with her last connection to England now gone, she intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

But fate has other plans, as Veronica discovers when she thwarts her own abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron with ties to her mysterious past. Promising to reveal in time what he knows of the plot against her, the baron offers her temporary sanctuary in the care of his friend Stoker—a reclusive natural historian as intriguing as he is bad-tempered. But before the baron can deliver on his tantalizing vow to reveal the secrets he has concealed for decades, he is found murdered. Suddenly Veronica and Stoker are forced to go on the run from an elusive assailant, wary partners in search of the villainous truth. 

My Thoughts…

I don’t even know where to start with this review.   I loved everything about A Curious Beginning.   The setting, the characters, the style of writing, the storyline…it was all wonderful.

The setting of London and some surrounding areas are great.   I could picture the warehouse that Stoker lived in, both before Veronica and after Veronica.   When they traveled I could picture what they were seeing and how they were going in circles to be sure they were not being followed.    My favorite was when they joined Stoker’s rather interesting friends in the traveling show.   I have heard of such things long ago and think they would be interesting to experience.  

While the collecting of animals is not my thing (dead or alive), I loved that right away Veronica and Stoker had that in common from the beginning of their relationship.    It was interesting watching them try to figure each other out.   They had to learn how to communicate, fight (which they did well), travel, and lose some modesty with each other while still being true to themselves and keeping themselves safe.     In a time when men and women did not stay together without being married, I was kept me guessing how they would portray themselves at each step of their journey.

The mystery of who Veronica really is was not something I could solve.   I had ideas; I knew that it had to be big if everyone she met was trying to kill her.    I kept trying to figure out how everyone fit together and who was working together or against each other.    When it was revealed who Veronica truly was, I was shocked.   It was truly not what I expected but I was thrilled with the twist.    She came to terms with it all pretty easily knowing that if she didn’t she would not stay alive.   

Needless to say, I cannot wait for more of Veronica’s travel mysteries.  I hope that Stoker continues to keep her in line (haha) and be a big part of her story.   

Book Links

Amazon   |   Barnes and Noble   |   Goodreads

About the author

Deanna Raybourn is the author of the award-winning, New York Times bestselling Lady Julia Grey mysteries and several standalone novels. She lives in Virginia with her family.

Advance Praise for A CURIOUS BEGINNING:

“The intrepid Veronica’s witty narration and the sexual tension she shares with the equally eccentric and articulate Stoker deliver a fun read with promises of more to come.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Mastermind of the charming Lady Grey Mysteries series, Raybourn introduces her latest feisty heroine, deftly twining together suspense, romance, and cracking good dialogue….As Veronica and Stoker careen through dastardly plot twists, they match wits, bantering with skill worthy of Tracey and Hepburn. A thrilling—and hilarious—beginning to a promising new series.”

—Kirkus

“With wicked intelligence, Deanna Raybourn has created a fresh and fascinating sleuth. Veronica Speedwell is sure to join the greats of mystery fiction. Impeccably plotted and meticulously researched, A CURIOUS BEGINNING will leave you, as it left me,

whimpering for more.”

—Alan Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce series

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Lowcountry Stranger (Sweeney Sisters #2) by Ashley Farley

Paperback, 284 pages

Expected publication: July 1st 2016 by Leisure Time Books

Family Drama, Southern Style. 
There's a stranger in town. And it’s no coincidence when she shows up uninvited at a Sweeney family wedding. All eyes are drawn to this urchin who seems to have washed in with the tide. Before the night is over, the doe-eyed waif charms young and old with her street smarts and spunky personality. For better or worse, Annie Dawn is here to stay. 

The memorable Sweeney sisters from Her Sister’s Shoes have returned with more suspense and family drama to hold you spellbound until the dramatic conclusion. As she approaches the next stage of her life as an empty nester, Jackie is torn between expanding her fledgling design business and spending these last precious months with her boys before they fly the coop. Her own worst enemy, Sam is terrified of making a commitment to Eli Marshall, handsome police officer, true love of her life. Her resolve is tested when a ghost from her past shows up after nearly two decades. Faith nurtures her seven-year-old daughter who is recovering from the trauma of her abusive father. Is the threat in the past, or is there more danger on the horizon? The sisters seek guidance from their mother, Lovie, a true Southern matriarch who shows them how to respond to adversity with grace and dignity. 

Things are heating up in the Lowcountry. The Sweeney sisters remind us, once again, that being a part of a family is about more than sharing the same DNA. 

My Thoughts…

Oh my… This Sweeney family has more drama, heartache, and love than any family I have ever known.    Sometimes a family is just destine to have drama.  I feel like that is true for this family.     Between a stranger coming to town and implementing herself into their family to a person from the past coming back to a kidnapping and so much more this is a very busy book.      There is a lot going on within the story but the theme is family, love, and support.   Never was there a doubt that this family would come out on top and together.    

I found myself pulled into this story from the very beginning.   When I was forced to put the back down I found myself thinking about the story and characters wanting to continue with their story.     With each chapter I found something or someone else who is wonderful.  

The teenage/children characters were my absolute favorite.    They acted their age, protected their families, and were perfect for this story.    They knew what children their age should know and did not act older and behave in ways that children did not usually behave.     I think this adds a lot to the story when characters, both adult and children, act their ages.      Ashley Farley did an excellent job of portraying them. 

This is the second book in the series, the characters are consistent, but the story is one of its own.     You do not have to read My Sister’s Shoes (MY REVIEW HERE) to appreciate Lowcountry Stranger.   There is enough background given that this story will make perfect sense reading it without reading the first one.   Although, I recommend reading them both (in any order) because they are both wonderful.  

Book Links

Amazon   |   Barnes and Noble  |   Goodreads

Look at You Now by Liz Pryor

My Journey from Shame to Strength

A Memoir by Liz Pryor
A Random House hardcover and eBook on sale June 28, 2016

In 1979, Liz Pryor is a seventeen-year-old girl from a good family living in a wealthy Chicago suburb. Halfway through her senior year of high school, Liz discovers she is pregnant—a fact that her parents are determined to keep a secret forever. They don’t want their daughter’s future defined by this mistake. They also want to protect their family’s name.  One snowy January day, after driving across three states, Liz’s mother drops her off at what Liz  thinks  is a Catholic home for unwed mothers—but when they arrive, she learns that the home is actually a locked, government-run facility for delinquent and impoverished pregnant teenage girls.

In the cement-block residence, Liz is alone and terrified: a girl from a privileged, sheltered background living amid tough, street-savvy girls who come from the foster care system or juvenile detention. But over the next six months, isolated and in hiding from everyone she knows, Liz finds herself questioning everything she was once taught about the world.   Left to fend for herself she eventually bonds with the girls, and for the first time, sees life through a wider lens.

Told from the perspective of that fragile yet resilient 17 year-old-girl, LOOK AT YOU NOW is an honest, moving, suspenseful story about finding strength and friendship in the most unlikely circumstances.  Liz’s journey speaks to the power of family to elude us even as they are closest to us, and to the value of digging deeply to learn who we are as individuals.  For anyone who has lived with a version of judgment or shame, this book offers a reminder of the power we can  have to define our own lives.

Infused on every page with the drama of how one single mistake can change everything, this is a memoir you will not forget.   

My Thoughts…

I was expecting a sad, tough story.   Instead I read a story about a young girl who stood on her own two feet and showed girls who did not have the family support, the education, or the knowledge to become successful how to do so.      Liz does not have an easy path herself but at least she has a family to go back to, she has a future to look forward to, and she has an education. 

Being a pregnant teen in 1979 is not easy or accepted and Liz’s mother does what she believes is best for her.       I was bothered every time the mother, Dorothy, said we will just move on and forget it.  Meaning that they won’t think of the baby Liz has, that this won’t affect their lives.    She could not be more wrong.   While I am not familiar with Liz Pryor’s life now I cannot imagine how this time in her life did not affect how she lived her life after high school. 

What I took away mostly from this book is how a tough situation can turn into a more positive affect.    Liz could have gone to have her baby, stayed quiet, become reclusive instead she took the other girls under her wing, reading to those who could not read, feeding those who did not eat, easing worries, and mostly becoming friends with girls who may not have had true friends before meeting her.    I was in awe of her strength and surety of how lives would turn out after babies were born.   The support and the belief in each girl was amazing.     I also believe it opened her eyes to how her life could have turned out if she did not have a family to support her.   

Look at You Now is an honest memoir.    I recommend picking up your own copy . 

 Book Links

Amazon   |   Goodreads   |   Barnes and Noble

Liz Pryor is an author, speaker, parenting columnist, and life advice expert. Her book about female friendship, What Did I Do Wrong?, was a finalist for a Books for a Better Life Award. In 2011, ABC’s Good Morning America conducted a national search for an on-air life advice guru, and out of fifteen thousand applicants, Pryor was chosen for the position. She lives in Los Angeles with her three children.

 “This coming-of-age memoir is authentic and unforgettable.”—Publishers Weekly

“Unsentimental yet moving.”—Kirkus

Daughters of the Bride by Susan Mallery

Date of Publication: July 12, 2016

Blurb

With Joy, Love, and a Little Trepidation Courtney, Sienna and Rachel Invite You To the Most Emotional Wedding of the Year… Their Mother's

Courtney ~ The Misfit ~
As the awkward one, Courtney Watson may not be as together as her sisters, but she excels at one thing—keeping secrets, including her white-hot affair with a sexy music producer. Planning Mom's wedding exposes her startling hidden life, changing her family's view of her—and how she views herself—forever.

Sienna ~ The Free Spirit ~
When Sienna's boyfriend proposes—in front of her mom and sisters, for crying out loud—he takes her by surprise. She already has two broken engagements under her belt. Should she say "I do" even if she's not sure she does?

Rachel ~ The Cynic ~
Rachel thought love would last forever…right up until her divorce. As Mom's wedding day draws near and her ex begs for a second chance, she's forced to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about why her marriage failed, and decide if she'll let pride stand in the way of her own happily ever after.

A must-read for anyone who has survived the wedding of a sister, a mother, a daughter—as told by #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Susan Mallery!

My Thoughts…

This is a bonus book.   It is 4 marvelous stories within one book.   The characters all have their own stories to tell yet their stories intertwine perfectly.      Each character has the same history of a mother left by the death of their father to raise the sisters on her own.    There is no money and very little time for extra attention.   Yet, each sister reacts in their own way.   Their reactions vary from fear of commitment, to the need of control, or to the need to keep everything a secret to prove to everyone they are worthy.  

 While the sisters keep their struggles to themselves, not being willing to share the shame of struggling with anyone else.    These sisters each are close, best friends, and want to reach out to each other.      I wanted them to help each other.    They deserved to be happy and successful.    The theme of the story is being brave.  Each sister needs to be brave to find their happy ever after. 

 The 4^th story is of the mother’s wedding.   Weddings will either tear a family apart with stress or pull them together to make it amazing.   I was thrilled as I could feel this family come together to give their mother the wedding she always dreamed of.      The stresses, the choices, and the fun in planning the wedding were portrayed perfectly.    

 The setting of the hotel was amazing.    I could see the ballroom, picture the small room Courtney stayed in, and feel the friendships built within its walls.    I chuckled at the misadventures that happen within the hotel, smiled at the love found, and worried about the secrets that were held. 

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Bride-Susan-Mallery/dp/0373789718/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466690479&sr=8-1&keywords=susan+mallery+daughters+of+the+bride

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughters-of-the-bride-susan-mallery/1123016762?ean=9780373799435

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/daughters-of-the-bride/id1063229178?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/daughters-of-the-bride

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27877466-daughters-of-the-bride

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About Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan's books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.
Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they're an integral component to a happy life. Visit her online at www.SusanMallery.com.

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His to Protect (Fireside #2) by Stacey Lynn

ebook, 225 pages

Expected publication: July 12th 2016 by Loveswept

A warm home for broken hearts, the Fireside Grill serves up hope and healing in equal measure. Stacey Lynn’s sensual, deeply emotional series heats up as a jaded restaurateur falls hard for a woman who’s hiding from a damaged past.

Declan James lost his last ounce of trust the day his wife walked out the door, leaving him to save the restaurant they built together. Throwing himself into his work, Declan swears off women—or at least, women who expect him to stick around in the morning. But when he discovers a skittish beauty scrounging through the Fireside’s trash to feed her dog, Declan offers her a job and a place to rest her head. There’s just something about her that awakens his protective side. And soon, not even that mangy mutt can stop Declan from caring for her.

After one too many trips to the ER, Trina Wilson finally gathered the courage to leave her husband, taking only her car and hyperactive boxer. Unfortunately, life on the run proves harder than she anticipated—until Declan takes a leap of faith on her. But even as Trina starts to see beyond his gruff exterior, she can’t relax, even for a moment. Not with her husband still tracking her down. What Trina doesn’t know is that in Declan, she has a powerful ally—and, if she would only follow her heart, a devoted lover.

My Thoughts…

His to Protect is the second book in this series.   I could not wait to read Declan and Trina’s story.    I liked that the characters from the first book reappear in the second yet if you didn’t read the first you can still enjoy every word of the second.  

The second book is a more common story, I felt like I had read in before in a book by a different author.    Stacey Lynn took this storyline and added her twists, turns, and love into the story and made in 100 times better than any others I had read.    The two points of view really added to the story.  I liked that I could read Declan’s side and then read Trina’s take on the same happenings.     This dual POV added so much to the story.  

I enjoyed how respective Declan is of Trina.   He could push it with her and she would have probably let him but he lets her take the lead.   I felt like this made Trina show her strength and help her learn to say what she wants and stand on her own.      I also enjoyed how Trina let Declan take the lead when he needed to so that she could stay safe or just enjoy what was going on.   This made Declan a manly man and not just a pushover for a beautiful woman.   

Stacy Lynn is a great author and this is a great series.    Check it out. 

Book Links

Amazon   |   Goodreads

I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella & GIVEAWAY

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: July 12th 2016 by St. Martin's Press

Lisa and Francesca are back with another collection of warm and witty stories that will strike a chord with every woman. This six book series is among the best reviewed humor books published today and has been compared to the late greats, Erma Bombeck and Nora Ephron. Delia Ephron said of the fifth book in the series, Have a Nice Guilt Trip, "Lisa and Francesca, mother and daughter, bring you the laughter of their lives once again and better than ever. You will identify with these tales of guilt and fall in love with them and fierce (grand) Mother Mary." This seventh volume will not disappoint as it hits the humorous and poignant note that fans have come to expect from the beloved mother-daughter duo.

 Book Links

Amazon  |   Barnes and Noble   |   iTunes   |   Kobo     |   Goodreads

Meet Lisa...

Lisa Scottoline is The New York Times bestselling author and Edgar award-winning author of 26 novels, including her latest work, MOST WANTED. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter Francesca Serritellafor the Philadelphia Inquirer titled “Chick Wit” which is a witty and fun take on life from a woman’s perspective. These stories, along with many other never-before-published stories, have been collected in a New York Times bestselling series of humorous memoirs including their most recent, Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?, and earlier books, Have a Nice Guilt Trip; Meet Me at Emotional Baggage Claim; Best Friends, Occasional Enemies; My Nest Isn’t Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space; and Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog, which has been optioned for TV. Lisa reviews popular fiction and non-fiction, and her reviews have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Lisa has served as President of Mystery Writers of America and has taught a course she developed, “Justice and Fiction” at The University of Pennsylvania Law School, her alma mater. Lisa is a regular and much sought after speaker at library and corporate events. Lisa has over 30 million copies of her books in print and is published in over 35 countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of disobedient pets, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Meet Francesa....

I was born in Philadelphia, and I grew up in its suburbs. I guess we have to do the credentials part of our show: I went to my local high school and then to Harvard, where I majored in English. After a year or two of feeling entirely intimidated by the place, I found my stride and went on to receive the Charles Edmond Horman Prize and the Baron Russell Briggs Prize for my creative writing. My senior thesis, a novella, won the Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize, and I graduated with honors. If we met in person, I would never bother with this stuff, I only mention it here so I sound like a legitimate person who has a website.

In real life, my proudest accomplishments are more along the lines of: My best friend today is the same girl who was my best friend in sixth grade; I’m not squeamish—I’m not afraid to muck out a horse stall, remove a spider from my bathroom, or dress a wound; I taught my dog two tricks, and occasionally he actually does them when someone else is watching.

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Miss Ridley & The Warlock by Diana Green & GIVEAWAY

Gemma Ridley’s first encounter with Squire Kenrik proves nothing short of alarming. So much so, she considers fleeing back to the city, despite the fact only poverty and scandal await her there. Could those challenges be worse than staying as governess on a haunted estate and working for a dangerously handsome eccentric?


Little does Gemma realize what dark secrets and wondrous enchantments will transform her life at Rook Hall. Squire Kenrik is more than he seems—more than any man she has known. He may be the source of her undoing, or he may hold the key to her deepest desires. Only time and the guidance of her heart will tell.

My Thoughts...

Warlocks, fae… so much more magic happening in Miss Ridley and the Warlock.   I loved every word, paragraph, page, and chapter.    The story is perfectly put together, the words flow together seamlessly, and the characters are exactly as they should be.     There is romance, danger, secrets, magic, and so much more going on.  

The characters are perfect.    Even the “bad guy” is not a hated character, he is a guy who fell in love with a woman in love with someone else and he can’t manage to give up on her.     The Squire is truly wonderful.    He has secrets, who doesn’t, but he cares and loves for those important to them.   His love and protection for his children is second to none.   His care for the governess is slow and steady.   The treatment of his staff is with total respect.    The governess, Miss Ridley, is smart, tough, lovable, understanding, and the perfect person to teach the children.     I cannot say a bad word about any of the characters.  

Diana Green has the start of a wonderful series.   I cannot wait for more of this series.    

***Stories from the Secret Realms are historically-inspired fantasy romance. They share a setting reminiscent of England in the mid-19th century, but their world is rich with magic. 

Each book stands alone, and they can be read in any order.

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    Paperback

Read the First Chapter HERE

Coming later this year.....

About the author
Since her childhood, growing up in New Zealand, Diana has been an avid storyteller. For years she enjoyed teaching art and special education, while writing as a hobby. After she developed an autoimmune disorder, a career change was necessary, but happily this led her to become an award winning, Amazon bestselling author.

Diana’s books are mostly fantasy, with strong elements of romance. She placed first in the 2016 EPIC Awards – Fantasy/Paranormal Romance Category, first in the 2015 Paranormal Awards – Romance Category, second in the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Awards, and fourth in the International Digital Awards. She has also been a finalist for the CRW Award of Excellence, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the Chatelaine Awards, and the Aspen Gold Published Novel Contest.

For more information, excerpts, trailers, and reviews visit DIANAGREENBOOKS.COM

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Newsletter   Facebook   Goodreads   Amazon author page

"Everyone on my Newsletter mailing list is entered monthly for free e-book drawings. The winners can choose from any of my titles.  If you want to be included in a quarterly mailing list, just let me know in your message using the Newsletter link above. Your contact information will not be shared with anyone."

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Since She Went Away by David J. Bell

 Paperback, 432 pages

Published June 21st 2016 by NAL

Three months earlier, Jenna Barton was supposed to meet her lifelong best friend Celia. But when Jenna arrived late, she found that Celia had disappeared—and hasn’t been seen again. Jenna has blamed herself for her friend’s disappearance every single day since then.

The only piece of evidence is a lone diamond earring found where Celia and Jenna were planning to meet, leading the national media to dub Celia “The Diamond Mom.” And even though Jenna has obsessively surfed message boards devoted to missing persons cases, she is no closer to finding any answers—or easing her guilt.

But when her son’s new girlfriend—who suddenly arrived in town without a past—disappears, a stricken Jenna begins to unwind the tangled truth behind Celia’s tragedy. And as long-buried secrets finally come to light, she discovers how completely lives can be shattered by a few simple lies. 

My Thoughts…

Since She Went Away has two storylines.  I was intrigued on how these lines would criss and cross.  I had ideas, I had hopes, I had thoughts…boy was I wrong.    Well, at least mostly wrong.      

My heart went out to those who had lose people due to bad circumstances, it can never be easy to lose someone much less when it is unexplained and unexpected.    Jenna and Jared were the two characters that I felt the most for.    Jenna as a mom was trying to do right by her teenage son yet she was dealing with so much.   The guilt over losing her best friends, not keeping in touch with Ciela’s daughter, and so much more going on was just too much for one person to handle.   I felt like at times she was too into herself to see what was happening with Jared and there were many times I was worried about both of their safety.      Both of them seemed to be honorary police officers and were way too involved with all the crimes happening in the town. 

David Bell did an amazing job twisting and turning the story to pull the reader in.    There were so many different ways this story could have gone and I was so surprised at the ending.   I had kind of seen where it was heading, I then thought no way… not going to happen and then it did.    OH MY GOSH!   

I certainly recommend picking up a copy.   I can’t wait for another David Bell book. 

Book Links

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About the author

David Bell is an associate professor of English at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He received an MA in creative writing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in American Literature and creative writing from the University of Cincinnati. Visit him online at www.davidbellnovels.com