How far would you go for love? And what if the consequences could change your whole world?
I love a good time travel story, and this one is a little unHow far would you go for love? And what if the consequences could change your whole world?
I love a good time travel story, and this one is a little unique and brings in the Butterfly Effect. Any small change made in the past could have a huge impact on the present.
Caitlyn discovers her abilities when she turns 21, but sadly, no one has given her the heads up like Grandma, who experienced the same thing in her youth. The downside is that Grandma has dementia and isn't always in the right frame of mind to answer Caitlyn's questions. Caitlyn does have a very supportive family; however, she can't tell them what is going on with her. She plays it off as being dizzy, losing friends, and whatever else she can come up with to pacify them. This is hard because I know she wants to tell them the truth, especially her sister, who will most likely experience the same thing when she turns 21.
I'm not sure how or why this disorder picks the year that she returns to. But it is 1983, and the house she lives in is just being built. This is how she meets Toby and falls head over heels for him. Remember that Butterfly Effect I mentioned? Her interactions with Toby do cause some ripples in her present when she returns. You will have to read the book to find out what exactly.
This was a very engaging book, and each time she jumped, I wondered what she might do that could change her world in the present. We see the small changes, but I think there is more to come based on her actions near the end of the book. This is obviously going to be a series because the book ends and leaves you hanging. This is one of those times that I wanted to throw the book across the room because I wanted to know what was going to happen in her present day based on this event. But alas, I will have to wait for the second book to discover the answer. But it is a doozy.
There are many unique events that happened that were surprising, and it led me to believe how some things might turn out. I don't know if I am right or not. I will have to wait for book 2.
If you enjoy time travel novels, you might enjoy this one. We give it 4 paws up.
Merged review:
How far would you go for love? And what if the consequences could change your whole world?
I love a good time travel story, and this one is a little unique and brings in the Butterfly Effect. Any small change made in the past could have a huge impact on the present.
Caitlyn discovers her abilities when she turns 21, but sadly, no one has given her the heads up like Grandma, who experienced the same thing in her youth. The downside is that Grandma has dementia and isn't always in the right frame of mind to answer Caitlyn's questions. Caitlyn does have a very supportive family; however, she can't tell them what is going on with her. She plays it off as being dizzy, losing friends, and whatever else she can come up with to pacify them. This is hard because I know she wants to tell them the truth, especially her sister, who will most likely experience the same thing when she turns 21.
I'm not sure how or why this disorder picks the year that she returns to. But it is 1983, and the house she lives in is just being built. This is how she meets Toby and falls head over heels for him. Remember that Butterfly Effect I mentioned? Her interactions with Toby do cause some ripples in her present when she returns. You will have to read the book to find out what exactly.
This was a very engaging book, and each time she jumped, I wondered what she might do that could change her world in the present. We see the small changes, but I think there is more to come based on her actions near the end of the book. This is obviously going to be a series because the book ends and leaves you hanging. This is one of those times that I wanted to throw the book across the room because I wanted to know what was going to happen in her present day based on this event. But alas, I will have to wait for the second book to discover the answer. But it is a doozy.
There are many unique events that happened that were surprising, and it led me to believe how some things might turn out. I don't know if I am right or not. I will have to wait for book 2.
If you enjoy time travel novels, you might enjoy this one. We give it 4 paws up....more
This was quite a surprise reading for me. It was suspenseful, and I appreciated the story being told from a kidnapped woman's perspective as she was hThis was quite a surprise reading for me. It was suspenseful, and I appreciated the story being told from a kidnapped woman's perspective as she was held by a man for five years. It is also told from other points of view, but when they say that serial killers can be your next-door neighbor, they are correct. There were some twists and turns that I didn't expect!...more
This was just the right book for me to read at this moment. A light romance filled with DOGS!!! There are 6 of them altogether, which made my dog loviThis was just the right book for me to read at this moment. A light romance filled with DOGS!!! There are 6 of them altogether, which made my dog lovin' heart happy.
I really liked Hazel and Linc's characters. They were down to earth but still flawed. Hazel is getting over a disastrous marriage, and Linc is trying to move past women who only see him for his money. The chemistry between these two is HOT!
I read this just to enjoy the story and a little light reading. I sped through this book and didn't want the story to end. I don't know if this is a series, but I think Linc's brother, Eugene, needs a book. I just feel like there is more to him than meets the eye. I think it would be cool is there was also a book about his other brother, Warren, and how he meets his husband and their relationship.
I also liked Linc's mother. She is very down to earth and can see what her boys don't see. But isn't that a mother's job? Hazel's mom and sister are a bit of a handful, and while initially, I was very disappointed in their treatment of Hazel (they treated her as if she was ten and not a grown woman), I know they cared about her. However, things turn around when Natalie (the sister) has her own issues that need to be resolved.
If you are in the mood for a light, fun romance filled with adorable dogs, read this book!...more
Of all of the books I have read by this author thus far, this is my least favorite. Maybe because I cringed throughout at Luke's pushiness and Tara's Of all of the books I have read by this author thus far, this is my least favorite. Maybe because I cringed throughout at Luke's pushiness and Tara's introverted nature. This did not seem like a love match, and not especially how quickly it happened. I was right to cringe at different scenes, and if Tara had been my friend, I would have been inserting myself into her life more to tell her to slow down. There is no reason to rush any relationship. I know there are those out there who will say that love at first sight can happen, but there were too many red flags, in my opinion.
However, this story is not without its merit in addressing heartache from the death of parents, faith in yourself, and finding love in whatever form it appears. I think it reminds us that we need to have faith in ourselves and even a higher power. There are lessons to be learned from everything in life; we just have to look for that information each day.
Outside of the main characters, there is a myriad of supporting characters that add depth to the story. The characters vary in personality, and there were some that I wasn't fond of, but all of the characters blended into the story seamlessly. I enjoyed the various relationships between these characters and what they brought to the story.
Overall, the story (and this series) is about hope, and there is hope in this story. It is also about faith, whether that is internal or external. We give this book 3 1/2 paws....more
I really delved into this book, and the topics were relevant to what we might see in today's world.
Sadie fell under the spell of a football player in I really delved into this book, and the topics were relevant to what we might see in today's world.
Sadie fell under the spell of a football player in college that she was tutoring. However, he was not one of the good guys; he was very controlling and took her away from her family and support system. She was one of those women we hear about but may not know. I felt for her and being unable to break free sooner than she does. Thankfully, she has a strong family support system that welcomes her back into the fold. However, will her childhood sweetheart forgive her for her indiscretions, or will he continue to hold her at arm's length?
The story is filled with honesty, mistakes made, and forgiveness given by many. Sadie has a lot to contend with and has to learn how to win back Kyle but on his terms. I appreciated that she realized what she had lost and wanted to get it back, but it took her a bit to realize that you have to approach situations with care.
There is a great supporting cast of characters, and I really liked Cindy and Roland. I don't know if they get their own book or not, but if they don't, they should!
I like that the author didn't shy away from this topic and interspersed faith and religion at just the right moment so the book did not feel preachy.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
This novel depicts the faith of many characters, but also their strong-willed personalities.
Neka is a kind, gentle soul who has loved James since she This novel depicts the faith of many characters, but also their strong-willed personalities.
Neka is a kind, gentle soul who has loved James since she was 17. While he was kind to her during the four years until now, she wasn't someone that I think he considered seriously for a long-term relationship until his father threw an ultimatum in his path, and his arranged fiancee dumped him. While they might know each other, they really don't know each other. That changes over the course of the book as they deal with their respective families. Neka is a somewhat naive twenty-one year old, but her parents are also a bit overprotective. I suppose I can't blame them, but some of their words to her seemed inappropriate. She is twenty-one, not a child. James' father is no picnic either. Why would he force one of his children to marry just to stay in the company? Seems crazy to me.
Despite the family interference, James and Neka set down a path for life together. It takes some real conversations to understand each other's beliefs and goals for life. It isn't all about business, but there is a foundation for so much more waiting to be discovered. I believe James also helps to bring Neka out of her shell and make her more confident with her beauty and intelligence. Neka also shows unwavering faith in James and his goals for life and his business.
I felt like the characters had some depth and strong faith. There are some times when the conversations feel forced, but not too often. It also felt like we should know the characters and the families better than we do as if this is a book further in a series.
This was still a very enjoyable book, and we give it 4 paws up....more
This story will appeal to those who enjoy time travel and paranormal books.
Jonah and Allie, along with their Aunt Margaret, move from New Hampshire tThis story will appeal to those who enjoy time travel and paranormal books.
Jonah and Allie, along with their Aunt Margaret, move from New Hampshire to Rattlesnake, Nevada. This is what some might classify as a dying town. I don't remember the population, but around 500 sounds right. So you can imagine what sort of folks live here and what environment these newcomers might face. There is a bully that runs the town, with his son a bully at the high school. The townfolks are very closed-minded and do not like outsiders at all, save a few.
I enjoyed watching the story unfold, from learning to navigate a new high school to trying to figure out what this ghost needs help with. Both kids are dealing with more than they should have in their lives, not only with the move but with trying to come to terms with the allegations against their father. Margaret is trying to support their little family, but it is hard to gain acceptance from the local residents, which in turn makes it hard for her to find a job.
Jonah is a bit of a wild card. He isn't afraid to go after what he wants or stand up to the local bully, Snake. He can also see a ghost that needs his help in finding something, but she doesn't know what. It takes an unusual turn of events for Jonah to figure out what she needs help with and then try to assist 100 years in the future.
This story is fraught with emotions, from loneliness to fear to desperation. There is even a little romance in the story. It depicts what people might encounter if in a similar situation. There is a silver lining at the end. It will appeal to a wide variety of readers, not just those who like young adult or paranormal aspects in their novels.
These have been such fun stories to read. Some have some surprise twists at the end, but all mysteries are resolved in these short stories. I have eveThese have been such fun stories to read. Some have some surprise twists at the end, but all mysteries are resolved in these short stories. I have even discovered a few authors that I want to look for their books to add to my never-ending TBR.
When I first started reading this book, my e-reader jumped to near the end of the book, and I came across a weird statement that didn’t fit with the story. Once I realized what happened, I started back at the beginning and realized there is a mystery for the reader to solve, and most of the authors have clues in their stories. Some flow naturally with the story, and others stand out. I started highlighting these clues so that when I finish all of the stories, I can piece together the clues and try to solve the mystery. I will have my work cut out for me!
This anthology is excellent when you just have a little time to read. You can read a story (or two) while waiting in line, at the doctor’s office, or any time when you have just a few minutes.
I also enjoyed all of the stories centering around a wedding or a similar situation.
Looking for a spooky novella? This might be the answer to what you are seeking.
Brandon and Angela are in a somewhat serious relationship, and he decidLooking for a spooky novella? This might be the answer to what you are seeking.
Brandon and Angela are in a somewhat serious relationship, and he decides to take her on a romantic weekend, where he plans to propose. This could go one of two ways, considering she is still gun-shy when it comes to relationships, thanks to her previous one. But that doesn't deter Brandon in the least. He realizes what a gem she is and will not be swayed to wait! However, he does not expect the outcome of this weekend. But then, I don't think anyone would!
Angela is an empath and has a passion for photography. She is able to see several ghosts around the inn where they are staying. Some believe her, and some do not. But that doesn't deter her from her beliefs. She also hopes to capture a ghostly orb on film.
This is set before a time of cell phones and digital cameras. I really enjoy books like this because the characters can't rely on technology to do what is needed.
While this may be a short story, I found myself engrossed in the tale, cringing at several conflicts and hoping that all would work out in the end. Luckily, it does! There are some somewhat violent parts, but we are left to imagine the scenes on our own, and the minute details are not shared. Considering how vivid my imagination can be, it isn't hard for me to picture it in my mind.
There is one character I do not like from the initial introduction, and for good reason. Let's just say he is not a nice guy.
While this is part of a series, each book stands on its own, and the inn is what ties the books together.
This book does not read like a short story, so I was surprised when I finished it so quickly. I wanted to know more about Brandon and Angela and where their lives would take them after this weekend at the Harbor Pointe Inn. We give this book 5 paws up....more
This is the last of this series (unless we are surprised later!), and I am sad to see it go. I have enjoyed Alexa Owl's trips to the past to help angeThis is the last of this series (unless we are surprised later!), and I am sad to see it go. I have enjoyed Alexa Owl's trips to the past to help angels solve crimes.
In the first few books, Alexa helped Bobby Starr solve murders that hadn't been solved during his life. This time around, he brings another probationary angel to Alexa, and they are to solve Bobby's murder. The kicker? It is her boyfriend Cliff's grandfather, who recently passed away. But these two make a good team, just like Alexa and Bobby did in the first books. There is a variety of potential suspects, and when the whole truth is revealed, there are more people involved than you might have guessed.
I liked the relationship between Winnie and Louie. It was a sweet story and a reminder that everyone needs companionship.
I enjoyed this final book in this series as it wraps up a few things for Alexa personally. We don't see Bobby as much in this book; he is working on his own case for the Guardian Angel Squad. But he pops in now and then to help out Alexa and Slater. I tried to figure out who Bobby's killer was, but it was a surprise in the end. There are a few chuckle-worthy moments in this book.
While I hope that we might see another in this series, if this was to be the last book, it ended well. I can't complain at all.
This is the follow-up book to The Ripple Effect, which I reviewed a few months ago. This follow-up book wraps everything up nicely, which is good becaThis is the follow-up book to The Ripple Effect, which I reviewed a few months ago. This follow-up book wraps everything up nicely, which is good because I remember being frustrated at the end of the first book with the cliffhanger!
Caitlyn is still traveling back to 1984, where she met the love of her life, Toby. She never knows how long it will take to travel back in time, how long she is gone, or when she will be there next. Sometimes it is a day, sometimes it is weeks. But each time she goes back, she manages to make ripples in the timeline, and everything changes when she returns to 2022. You would think that she would have learned by now to lay low, but no such luck.
There are so many things I would like to tell you about this book, but I can't because it would spoil the story. Let's just say it is filled with romance, friendship, and truth. I really like all of the characters, and there are some positives to Caitlyn's journey to the past and the people she meets since it is possible she will meet them in the present.
You must read the first book to truly understand and appreciate everything that happens in this book. I could see potential future stories in this series, but I believe it will only be the two books. Maybe the author will surprise us and create another story that continues this time traveling disorder.
This mystery is a little different from other books that I have read. The protagonist, Graham Huston, is a man of few words, and it is evident from hiThis mystery is a little different from other books that I have read. The protagonist, Graham Huston, is a man of few words, and it is evident from his writings and his speech. He doesn't believe in using flowery language to describe anything. He writes in short, concise sentences, yet he gets his message across. Scattershot journalism is how they refer to it in the book. It is almost like reading poetry with short sentences. However, at the same time, the story feels jerky, at least until you get used to the author's writing style. I have seen some refer to it as bullet prose; they wouldn't be wrong.
Graham is a man with a troubled past. It takes us some time to learn why he has come to Magnolia Bluff. Once we do learn these facts, we can feel the weight on his shoulders and the burden he has been carrying. He didn't plan to stay in town, but a job cleaning in the newspaper office led to his investigation into the May Twenty Third killings. Who is killing these people? What is the connection? And, of course, who is doing the killing? The answer will surprise you.
I enjoyed trying to decipher the clues along with Graham. There aren't many until he stumbles across the final clue to close the case. Once I gleaned enough information, I started to suspect one person. Of course, I was wrong, but for another reason. However, the clues didn't end there, and while I suspected what that last clue might be, I wasn't 100% sure it was the right answer.
I found the characters engaging. They were all typical of a small town, but that isn't a bad thing. Everyone knows everyone else's business, so watch what you do, or you will end up in the paper!
At the end of the day, there was justice and peace for those who needed it.
I have wanted to read this series for some time. This is the second book in the series, but you don't need to read them in order, but it might help. I'll let you know once I work my way through the rest. We give this book 4 paws up....more
This was an amazing romantic comedy. I laughed through nearly the whole book with the quick wit and comments from all the characters. They all added tThis was an amazing romantic comedy. I laughed through nearly the whole book with the quick wit and comments from all the characters. They all added to the humor and delight of the book.
Laurel is a hot mess but a loveable one. She somehow manages to get herself into a situation with her boss, and what ensues is just plain fun. There are awkward moments, but it just adds to the depth of the story.
There is tension between Laurel and Max, her pretend husband for this caper. This is due primarily to a situation that happened years ago that was never resolved. Sometimes, what we overhear isn't the whole story. I loved the dynamic of these two, her trying to teach Max to love Christmas and Max trying to hide his true feelings for Laurel.
The book is peppered with goats, brothers with big mouths, and good, clean fun. If you want a book that will cheer you up or lighten your mood, this is one you will want to check out.
Sigh, this novel has all the feels - from joy to anger to sadness and love. This band of friends is there through thick and thin, the ups and downs, wSigh, this novel has all the feels - from joy to anger to sadness and love. This band of friends is there through thick and thin, the ups and downs, which is what all true friends do. That isn't to say they don't have their disagreements or misunderstandings, but this trio represents what friendship should look like.
Arianna, Ava, and Sunny are fast friends. They have been dealt with their own share of problems, but I like how they help one another through those times. Whether it is ex-husbands that are the scourge of the earth or stepchildren that make life crazy. There are also mothers who bring a fresh perspective to their world.
After a rotten Christmas, they decide to celebrate Christmas each month. There is a theme for the month, but they still bring in the joy of Christmas, from giving gifts to wearing stocking hats and more. As the year went on, I enjoyed seeing the ups and downs of each woman and their families. Not every day or celebration was perfect, but they made it balanced and stepped up to support one another during some dark and sad times. There are many moments where I shed a tear or two, but that is the sign of good writing when it tugs on the emotions.
I don't know if I had a favorite character or not, but I think Molly might top the list. She is Ava's mother and has worked as a postal worker for many years. She has her eyes set on retirement when she hits 60. Will she make it? There are many unhappy customers at the post office, which we may have all experienced in our own towns, but this monthly Christmas project puts a new spin on how she addresses these people. Perhaps there is more to them than just a transaction. I think I connected to her because of her age, and while I haven't gone through what she has gone through, I can appreciate her struggles and successes.
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention there is a dog in here, too, Buster. He is adorable, and how could anyone not love him?
I was sad to see the book end but happy knowing there were so many positives that came out of this book. Be kind to one another; you never know what someone else is going through.
This book has the perfect balance of science fiction and suspense and is a book you will want to read, especially if you enjoy Star Trek and Space ForThis book has the perfect balance of science fiction and suspense and is a book you will want to read, especially if you enjoy Star Trek and Space Force or really anything having to do with space. I have to admit that my husband has turned me onto Star Trek, and the concept of traveling through space is one that boggles the mind. But is a topic I am always willing to explore.
Set 50+ years in the future, Mil (short for Millennium) has been living on the moon, farming oxygen from the soil until he is told that someone else will be providing all of the oxygen for the moon and shuttles. On top of that, Mil has discovered a secret bunker that is in an exclusion zone. His curiosity about the bunker in a moon's crater has all the markings of a conspiracy theory. What ensues is a search for the truth, evading those in authority, and trying to stay alive.
I wasn't sure what to expect since this isn't a genre I typically read. I found myself engaged in the story from the start. Mil may be a crusty old fella, but he isn't stupid. He has had a hard life, and isolation on the moon wouldn't be easy for many. That isolation also kept him from his children and grandchildren. Despite that, it is ironic that his daughter and granddaughter are both in the space field. One is willing to help him, the other not so much. Family! But you shouldn't count Mil out; he is in the game and willing to do what he needs to do to uncover this secret. Or maybe it is just his curiosity.
The upside to this science fiction novel is that it is primarily set on the moon and Earth. There isn't any world-building that has to be done other than a little bit on the moon. The characters are not perfect, and some are flawed, but there is depth to all of them.
I had a hard time putting this book down, and I certainly didn't want it to end. I was invested in Mil and his discoveries. I thought about how I would react if I were in his shoes. I probably wouldn't have the gumption that he has, but if I lived on the moon, I might be the same way. I do have to say that the first few times I saw the name Mil, my mind automatically went to the acronym for mother-in-law until I realized that it was short for Millennium.
Miranda is the target of an unknown stalker who believes that she has something to repent for in her life. The stalker goes through the seven deadly sMiranda is the target of an unknown stalker who believes that she has something to repent for in her life. The stalker goes through the seven deadly sins in his attempt to achieve his goal with her. The targets are frightening, but luckily not harmful. However, that could change at any time. On top of dealing with this situation, she is also helping her best friend Tracey and her family through a potential sex offender situation with their 16-year-old son. It is one of those situations that is innocent but was blown up because of other certain factors. These are the suspense/thriller storylines in the book. But there is also Miranda's nighttime online show, which talks about legal situations and offers resources for those who need help. She has it cushy since she has a studio in the basement of her home. However, the network wants her in Manhattan five days a week instead of doing two shows at her home. I know which I would prefer.
I loved this book. The mystery/suspense of the stalker kept me on the edge of my seat, not knowing when they would strike next. Then, it tugged at my heartstrings with Tracey's family situation. Then there is the adoring husband, who is very supportive of everything she does. That is my kind of man! There is also the family connection with her father and his new wife. There are some tense moments when some health issues are uncovered. I am amazed that Miranda is able to hold everything together, considering everything that is happening in her life.
I had a hard time putting this book down, and while I had read the first book, it had been a few years, and I didn't remember much about that one. So, although this is the second in a series, it could be read on its own since there are plenty of references to what happened in the first book to bring you up to speed.