Never Fall Again (Gossamer Falls, Book One)

 

LYNN H. BLACKBURN

Stats: Trade paperback, Revell, 2024

How acquired: Revell Reads Blogger Program

First line: Landry Hutton didn’t believe dreams came true anymore.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I have a new favorite author! I was literally laughing out loud at the banter between the characters less than ten pages in, so I knew I was going to enjoy this. Although I will admit that the huge family tree at the front of the book gave me a little trepidation about keeping all the characters straight. However, the main characters are the ones who count, and I didn’t actually have any issues after all.

Landry has isolated herself and her daughter, Eliza, at The Haven, the resort where she lives and works, selling her pottery and giving pottery lessons to the affluent guests. It’s been three years since she was widowed and fled to Gossamer Falls to get away from her inlaws, at the invitation of her best friend, Bronwyn. She’s starting to feel safe and settled, and with the purchase of a small plot of land, ready to have a real home for herself and Eliza. Enter Cal, who runs a construction company with his brothers. When Landry comes to Cal about building her home, he’s intrigued by her, but he’s vowed to never date a single mother due to an issue in his past. And since Landry isn’t interested in a relationship either, they agree that they are going to be good friends. Little do they know!

I liked that they built a solid friendship first, as I do love a slow burn. The author does a wonderful job filling out their characters, letting us inside their heads so we get to know them and understand their actions and motivations. This is a romantic suspense, but other than a major incident and mention of a smaller one, there’s not much suspense or action for the first half of the book. Not that I’m complaining – as much as I love adrenaline rush action I’m drawn in more by character driven stories over plot driven. I really liked Landry, who is brave and strong and determined to give Eliza a happy life. And I absolutely loved Cal, who often made me laugh. Another thing I’m very drawn to is humor in a romance. The narrative breezes along, often with light moments but still touching on some darker ones. Just like real life. And when the suspense portion of the story suddenly accelerated I was glued to the pages.

I loved how Cal’s family and friends kept referring to Landry and Eliza as “your girls”, to which he responded with quick denials. I think my favorite scene in the whole book was when Cal finally admitted it to himself. But truthfully, I loved the whole book. I’m very much looking forward to the next one.

*Received via the Revell Reads Blogger Program and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven's guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction. 

Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family's business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can't bear to lose like that again. 

Before construction on the house can begin, Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.

Under a Summer Skye (Skye Sisters, Book One)

 

SUE MOORCROFT

Stats: Kindle Edition, expected pub date 5/23/24

How acquired: Via NetGalley

First line: Thea’s heart tried to claw itself out of her chest as she stooped over the motionless figure sprawled in the road.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: This is my first time reading Ms. Moorcroft, and I didn’t really know what to expect. I love stories set in small communities, and the setting of the Isle of Skye in Scotland definitely interested me. And just 2% into the story, when Thea witnesses a handsome stranger rescuing a drowning dog, I was hooked.

Often when I read I’ll pause to look up the pronunciation of a word, because even reading silently to myself I like to pronounce things correctly. I didn’t have to worry about that here, thought, thanks to the author who skillfully and helpfully inserted pronunciations, such as Thea remarking to Dev that when she moved to the Island from Suffolk she thought “Sleat” was pronounced “sleet” rather than “slate” (so did I). And most surprising to me was learning that “Loch” is pronounced with a “chh” sound at the end rather than as “lock”! Who knew?! There are also lot of great descriptions of the countryside, the village, the ocean, the sky. And the author is obviously very knowledgeable about gardening, or did some thorough research on the subject.

Thea and her sister both work at a manor home that is partially open to the public, Thea as head gardener, and Ezzie in administration. In her previous life Thea had starred on a reality TV show, until a collision between her car and a bicyclist spun her world into chaos. But she, along with Ezzie, has made a new life for herself in this remote area. When Dev shows up just in time to rescue that dog, Thea mistakes him for a job applicant, and Dev seizes on the idea and runs with it. He’s actually there to try and secure an interview with Thea for a trashy celebrity website, a job he hates but has taken out of financial need. The thought of spending the summer on Skye, working with his hands in the gardens instead, seems like heaven and an opportunity too good to pass up. But the purpose of his original mission has already set wheels in motion, and he spends much of the book trying to do damage control and agonizing over whether or not to confess the truth to Thea. I loved Dev, but at times I wanted to knock him on the head and tell him he needed to come clean. I often had a feeling a dread, for of course the day of reckoning would come eventually.

This was a truly delightful read, that touched on some deep issues, as Thea, who was adopted, also deals with learning who her birth mother is. The secondary characters are not necessarily fleshed out well, but I was so caught up in Thea and Dev, and Ezzie, and eventually Thea’s birth mother, that I didn’t care. And the little dog, Daisy, who is a joyful character in her own right. I gather that the second book in the series will be Ezzie’s story, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.

*Received via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A chance encounter is about to change everything for Thea Wynter.

The moment she arrived on the Isle of Skye, life changed for Thea. Running from a succession of wrong turns, she comes to the island in search of blue sea, endless skies, and mountains that make the heart soar. Here, she feels at peace.

Crimson Lake (Crimson Lake, Book One)

 

CANDICE FOX

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, Forge, 2020.

How acquired: Borrowed from my mom.

First line: I was having some seriously dark thoughts when I found Woman.

(For Goodreads synopsis, scroll down.)

My thoughts: A unique plot, with Ted, an accused child rapist/murderer (his case was dropped for lack of evidence that could sway a jury) teaming up with Amanda, a convicted murderer turned private investigator, to look into the disappearance of a local well known author. Told in first person POV by Ted, a former police detective, we get a deep dive into what his life is like after having spent eight months in prison and losing his job, his reputation, his wife, his baby daughter, and all of his friends. While working with Amanda, a strange and quirky woman who pled guilty to her crime, he begins to secretly look into her case and stir things up.

I love stories set in Australia, though mostly what I've read was in the Outback, so I did not expect to read about people in cities and towns living with crocodiles practically in their back yards. The author did a wonderful job setting the atmosphere, and convincing me I do not want to live anywhere near a croc. Though I wouldn't mind having a goose and her babies for pets, as Ted finds himself doing.

I never knew where the plot would go next, and the last 30 pages or so had me on the edge of my seat. I need the second book immediately!

Goodreads synopsis: How do you move on when the world won't let you?

12:46: Claire Bingley stands alone at a bus stop
12:47: Ted Conkaffey parks his car beside her
12:52: The girl is missing . . .

Six minutes in the wrong place at the wrong time--that's all it took to ruin Sydney detective Ted Conkaffey's life. Accused but not convicted of a brutal abduction, Ted is now a free man--and public enemy number one. Maintaining his innocence, he flees north to keep a low profile amidst the steamy, croc-infested wetlands of Crimson Lake.

There, Ted's lawyer introduces him to eccentric private investigator Amanda Pharrell, herself a convicted murderer. Not entirely convinced Amanda is a cold-blooded killer, Ted agrees to help with her investigation, a case full of deception and obsession, while secretly digging into her troubled past. The residents of Crimson Lake are watching the pair's every move . . . and the town offers no place to hide.

The Reluctant Christians

 

KRISTINE JOHNSON

Stats: Dorrance Publishing Co., 2023

How acquired: From the author via ReedsyDiscovery.

First line: The child waited, buried deep within the worn blankets of her small bed.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: This was a much deeper read than I expected, almost dense, but not in a bad way. The writing felt a little awkward at first, with so many places that seemed to be missing a comma, and then other places that seemed to have extra commas just thrown in wherever. I thought the book needed some editing, but then I began to wonder if this was just the author’s writing style. And once I got used to it the narrative began to flow easier. I was never quite sure in what direction the story would go at any given time, and when I thought I did see the path I was often wrong.

I love a good character study, and the author definitely delivered on that score. I enjoyed watching Kate blossom from a shy quiet child, who hid in her closet at night when her mother had men over, to a confident young woman learning to navigate her way through life. But her mother’s growth and journey was even more satisfying. Nora started the book a very unlikable character, who seemed to be the villain. But thanks to the kindness, although belated, of her ex-husband’s parents, she began to find redemption and became a very sympathetic character.

A vivid and detailed accounting of two women rising above their misogynistic upbringing and finding their own strength and resilience.

*Received via ReedsyDiscovery and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

This compelling and exciting fictional story of the Reluctant Christians depicts the lifelong journey of a mother, Nora Young, and her daughter Kathryn (Kate) as they struggle to remove themselves from the restrictive tentacles of life in a small town dominated by a conservative, misogynistic religion. This is a love story that exposes abuse within religious organizations, but by no means is this story anti-religion. Rather, it is a story of self-reliance and resilience that explores the strength of the soul within. This is a love story that spans decades of pioneering a new path for a family in a new time for women who seek freedom, and break barriers of behavior dictation, despite the fear of repercussion. 

The characters find themselves united to bring comfort and forgiveness to their lives. The strength of their relationships challenges them to defy the unjust suffering and persecution of sister ancestors, one another, and all women who have encountered prejudice and abuse of power. Together they rise above with wisdom, compassion, lessons learned and groundbreaking leadership. Together they confront the past and carve the future. There are children to be cared for, loves to be discovered, death and grief to be endured, and life to be lived by the characters entwined in this dramatic love story.

Shadows at Dusk (Missing in Alaska, Book Two)

 

ELIZABETH GODDARD

Edition read: Trade paperback, Revell, 2023

How acquired: Revell Reads Blogger Program

First line: The old cargo plane vibrated as the pilot descended into the airdrop zone, the turbulence shuddering through Carrie Jams.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: Another wonderfully written, action packed romantic suspense from Ms. Goddard! In this second book in the Missing in Alaska series, Carrie is a pilot in Shadow Gap, ferrying passengers around Alaska, delivering supplies to residents living in remote areas, and whatever else is needed of her. When Trevor arrives in Alaska looking for answers to his sister’s disappearance, Chief Autumn Long, the heroine of the first book, recommends Carrie as a guide. Carrie is reluctant, as she’s about to leave for a long awaited vacation, and despite being intrigued by Trevor, she refers him to another local pilot. But when Carrie’s business partner, mentor, and best friend is murdered, her whole life is turned upside down, for the second time.

I really liked and admired Carrie. Ten years ago she miraculously survived an attack on her life, and still carries the emotional and physical scars. She’s worked hard to overcome adversity, and flying brings her peace and comfort. I loved Trevor. He uprooted his own life to help his sister escape an abusive marriage, and thought she’d created a good life for herself, only to have her disappear without a trace on a vacation to Alaska, leaving only a handful of photos for Trevor to decipher.

So we have two mysteries running concurrently as it becomes clear that someone does not want Trevor investigating his sister’s disappearance, and it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill Carrie. I love an Alaskan setting. The wild land, the mountains, the seclusion, all lend themselves to the perfect backdrop for mystery, suspense, action, danger, and survival. But we also get an engaging story and great character studies of Carrie and Trevor and what drives them. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

*Received from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can. 

But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer. 

As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.

Tell Me Another Lie (A Huckleberry Ridge Romance, Book Four)

 

K.T. RAINE

How acquired: BookSirens

First line: The striking contrast of the white rose against the red countertop captured Belle’s attention as soon as she stepped out of the massage room.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: K.T. Raine was one of my new author discoveries almost two years ago, and I have devoured each of her books since then. Each one has been just delightful, and TELL ME ANOTHER LIE is no exception. Would that I could live in Huckleberry Ridge!

Belle is a young widow who recently moved back to Huckleberry Ridge for a fresh start. A massage therapist, her new business is doing well, and the local animal shelter has found the perfect dog for her. She still mourns her husband, but life is looking up. Until she becomes the target of an unknown admirer’s unwanted attention.

Enter Woody. Belle’s cousin, a police officer, asks Woody to keep an eye out for Belle since her business is on his beat. Gentle sparks fly, but neither is looking for a relationship, and they both make some assumptions about the other. Shallow assumptions, but hey, they’re only human. And of course they get over those assumptions as they get to know one another.

The mystery of who the secret admirer is was well plotted, and I didn’t come close to figuring it out. There’s plenty of bantering conversations that made me smile, and I laughed a few times. I adored Woody, he’s a bit swoon worthy! The writing is engaging and characterization of both Belle and Woody is done well, especially considering the book is only 176 pages (the pdf version I read).

My only complaint is one throwaway sentence that came off as a little racist to me, when Woody is on an airplane, in a seat that is apparently on the smaller side. That sentence gave me pause and left a bad taste in my mouth and my brain.

While each book in the series can be read as a standalone, I recommend starting with the first book, and then also reading the author’s actual standalone, HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL, which is the first of the author’s books that I read. They are all sweet, kisses only, romances with some suspense thrown in, that will leave you sighing at the end. In a good way!

*Received from BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Four years after the death of her husband, Belle Cosgrove returns to her childhood home of Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho seeking a fresh start. With the successful launch of her new massage business, things are finally looking up ... until a secret admirer starts leaving eerie gifts and messages. Can she convince her damaged heart to accept the help of Woody Bannock, a reserved, ridiculously handsome police officer? Book 4 in the clean, contemporary Huckleberry Ridge Romance series.

Into the Fire (Undaunted Courage, Book 1)

IRENE HANNON

Edition read: Trade paperback, Revell, 2023

How acquired: Revell Reads Blogger Program.

First line: Fire was cleansing.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I really really enjoyed this one. Bri is an arson investigator, called out to investigate a fire that killed a retired arson investigator. She’s irritated when her boss calls in the ATF and tells her she’ll be working with an ATF Special Agent, but Marc is not quite what she expects and she’s intrigued by him. As he is by her. Bri is a wonderfully nuanced character. A former smokejumper, her life was changed after a fall caused by a malfunctioning parachute, the physical effects of which still linger. Just prior to that, she had a bad experience with a fellow smokejumper wooing her and then showing his ugly side. So getting closer to Marc or having any type of relationship with him is not in her plans. Marc, meanwhile, left his big time job to move home when his grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. He doesn’t have a bad relationship behind him, but his plan is to get focus on his grandmother and his new career and not get back into the dating pool for awhile, so pursuing Bri is not on his agenda. I loved the slow build up of the relationship between Bri and Marc, which often took a backseat to the investigation. Because this isn’t just a love story. This is a romantic suspense, and the author provides plenty of the latter as Bri becomes a liability to the serial killer who’s victims are dying in fires made to look like accidents.

The mystery of who was setting the fires and why was very well done. I was a little stunned when we finally learned who the culprit was. The writing and the characterization are wonderful and engaging. There is a lot of action as the investigation ramps up, as well as the danger to Bri, but we also get to know both Bri and Marc really well, as we’re inside their heads and privy to what makes them tick. I really liked Bri, and I loved Marc.

Irene Hannon is quickly becoming a favorite author who’s entire backlist I want to read now. 

*Received from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers. 

When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance--and maybe even their lives--go up in flames?

On Moonberry Lake (Moonberry Lake, Book 1)

 

HOLLY VARNI

Edition read: Trade paperback, Revell, 2023

How acquired: Revell Reads Blogger Program.

First line: Her mother knew when someone was pregnant and when someone was dying.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: Cora returns to Moonberry after her mother’s death, a place she hasn’t been since she was a child, and moves into the rundown family lodge that she’s now inherited. The back cover copy states that she “…finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.” And that is the most true sentence I’ve read all week, as it seems each new resident of Moonberry we meet is more outlandish than the last one.

But the book is about more than just the eccentric residents of a small town. It’s about a woman who was raised to run when things go bad, and has spent most of her life looking for something without knowing what, and then finding it in this small town. Friends, family, a purpose, love and acceptance, and faith. And no matter how eccentric or weird those outlandish characters are, they are never caricatures but are portrayed lovingly and realistically.

The writing is beautiful, but then Revell has curated an absolutely wonderful group of authors, so that’s a given.

*Received from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed*

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Cora Matthews's life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever "normal" is.

It certainly isn't what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family's dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance--with a surprising condition attached--Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.

As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.