Good Reads: The Whole Town's Talking

The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Whole Town's Talking is about a small Missouri town from it's settlement in the 19th century to it's demise. Told through the stories of it's inhabitants, it a feel good, sometimes poignant story of everyday lives and their sometimes greatness.

I thoroughly love Fannie Flagg books, but this one lacked some of the easy flow of her earlier books. However, it's a good read with a great deal of warmth. Perfect for a winters day.

Good Reads: Lowcountry Book Club

Lowcountry Book Club by Susan M. Boyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lowcountry Book Club is the fifth book in the Liz Talbot mystery series. It is a well written and professionally edited, full length novel.

Liz and her husband are hired to investigate a murder by a prestigious law firm. Their job is to prove that the defendant, the victims husband, is innocent. But Liz can't stop herself from trying to find the true murderer and the evidence to prove it.

I've always loved the main characters in this series, because they are intelligent and honorable. The mystery in the Lowcountry Book Club is fast paced, detailed and unpredictable.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading future books in this series.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: A Killer's Guide to Good Works

A Killer's Guide to Good Works by Shelley Costa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Killers Guide to Good Works is the second book in the Val Cameron Mystery series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel.

The plot was very good; fast paced and detailed. Shelley Costa is an accomplished author and at times writes so beautifully that I would read a section, stop, exhale and relive her words. After reading the prologue I found myself grinning and rubbing my hands together at the thought that I had a whole book of her writing before me.

So if I enjoyed the book so much why did I only rate it as four stars? Because it read like a first book. None of the secondary characters from the first book were in this one. Val's love interest has flown off into the sunset and only rates a couple of sentences. It was disconcerting. I hope this isn't one of those series where the main character has a new man in each book. I enjoy watching characters' relationships grow over time.

I enjoyed A Killers Guide to Good Works and look forward to reading future books in the series.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

*Sex and violence is not graphic in this novel.

Good Reads: From the Sideline

From the Sideline by Amy Avanzino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Sideline is the second book in the chick lit Wake Up Call series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel.

Each book in this series centers around a different woman, each part of a circle of women friends. Autumn was summarily dismissed and divorced by her husband; adding to her insecurity after being raised by alcoholic parents. Both she and her son are beaten down, but her son expresses interest in little league football. Soon she is sitting on the bleachers watching her son find his way, while she copes with the other, rather rabid, football league parents.

The author hit the nail on the head with her characterizations of parents with children involved in sports. It's funny with occasional moments of sadness, but we get to witness the evolution of Autumn and her son as they find their way back to their true selves. I did have a problem identifying with Autumn and felt that she too easily reverted into old, bad habits when faced with adversity.

I highly recommend this book and this series. I look forward to reading more about this group of friends.

ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.

My Book Recommendations

Recently someone asked me whether a certain book review I had posted recommended a book appropriate for Christians.  I had to think about it for a while and I'm not quite sure how to respond.  

Christianity encompasses a large and diverse group of people; from extremely conservative denominations to extremely liberal denominations.  Even within each denomination each church varies in it's accepted practices.  

As an anabaptist Mennonite I can tell you that Mennonite communities have very different rules to live by known as Ordnung.  If you move from one community to another the Ordnung changes and you adjust your behavior, dress and worship to fit the new community.  Or if you are like me and live in an area without a community you adjust your life to fit your personal and family's beliefs.

I don't choose to censor myself or other Christians.  We have to abide by the rules that are set by our personal Christian beliefs or those of our community.  However, I have put warning notices at the end of my reviews when a book contains graphic sex, violence, etc.

I will endeavor in the future to also include triggers for rape, child abuse, etc. that may cause distress to a reader.  I am going to allow my readers to choose books based on their self knowledge and consciences.

God bless,

Pam

Good Reads: The Innocents

The Innocents by Ace Atkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Innocents is the sixth book in the Quinn Colson suspense/southern noire series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel. I don't consider it a stand alone novel and the series should be read in order to fully understand the story.

As usual, the author has written a fast paced plot filled with distinctive characters. Sometimes the secondary characters take over, while the main characters provide the continuity.

I would call The Innocents a book with the themes of misguided trust, betrayal, and denial. It seems to be setting the scenes up for future books.

As for Quinn, he is still occupying the position of anti hero, but I'm sensing a shift in the future. He seems to not have the common sense to figure out that if your entire family and all your friends dislike your girlfriend, you might not be seeing her clearly.

Overall, The Innocents is a satisfying read with a sad, but inevitable ending. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Warning:  This book contains some violence and there is non graphic sex.

Good Reads: A Robot in The Garden

A Robot In The Garden by Deborah Install
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Robot In The Garden is a sweet, quirky read. It is a very well written and professionally edited full length novel.

The Hero, a house husband, finds a homemade robot sitting under a tree in his back garden. His rigid wife, who wants a modern kitchen android, tells him to throw the endearing robot into the trash. After she leaves him the H decides to travel the world with the robot to find it's creator.

This is a story about personal growth and kindness. I liked the fact that instead of a sappy happy ending, we receive a thoughtful HFN.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: With a Vengeance

With a Vengeance by Annette Dashofy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With a Vengeance is the fourth book in the Zoe Chambers Mysteries series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel.

Someone in the county is staging emergency scenes, luring in first responders, then shooting them. Police, fire and EMS responders seem to be fair game and everyone, including Zoe and Pete, are operating under incredible stress until the killer can be found.

I enjoyed the exciting and fast paced plot, but I felt as though they just sort of bumbled onto capturing the bad guy. I would rather have seen better investigative technique.

Zoe and Pete's romance is moving very slowly. I mean, like a snail's pace. She's rather stay with co-workers families than sleep in Pete's guest bedroom??!!

Overall, this was a good read with a few weaknesses. It ends with a HFN.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: The Murderer's Daughter

The Murderer's Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Murderer's Daughter is an extremely well written and professionally edited murder mystery/suspense novel.

Grace grew up in the foster system after witnessing the gruesome murder/suicide of her dysfunctional parents. Thanks to a supportive foster couple she ends up with an excellent education and a career as a psychologist treating patients that have experienced or witnessed trauma. Her very controlled life is thrown out of order when a prospective patient is murdered and the murderer is now intent on eliminating her.

This was a fast paced book with interesting, well developed characters. The chapters alternate between Grace's childhood experiences and her current dilemma.

Grace is the type of character that I thoroughly enjoy. She is realistic, strong and determined. While she has some quirks, understandable with her background, they only make her more interesting.

Warning: this book does include sexual content and violence.

I highly recommend The Murderer's Daughter. I'm not sure if it will be part of a series, but it reads as a standalone with a HFN ending.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: A Muddied Murder

A Muddied Murder by Wendy Tyson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Muddied Murder is the first book in the A Greenhouse Mystery series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel.

Megan, a former attorney, has returned to her small hometown to take over her father's failed organic farm and to live with her grandmother. She is frustrated in her attempts to get her farm store and cafe opened by an overzealous city inspector and the local historical society. When said inspector is found murdered in her barn Megan is the prime suspect.

First novels in a series are always tricky because the author has to introduce new characters and locations to the reader and still tell the story. It is done nicely in A Muddied Murder; I enjoyed the mystery without getting bogged down in the details.

Megan is my kind of female main character; she's a competent adult, intelligent and kind. The other characters were interesting and well developed.

The mystery is not overly complicated nor too simple. Just right.

I recommend this novel and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: Compelled

Compelled by D.B. Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Compelled is book 10.5 in the Vampires in America paranormal romance series. It is an very well written and professionally edited novella.

Cyn and Raphael owe Nick, a sorcerer and Cyn's ex lover, a favor for assisting Cyn when she freed Raphael from his captors in a previous book. Nick needs their assistance to steal the magical handcuffs that were used to restrain Raphael.

This is a short, but fun romp with Cyn and Raphael's relationship at the forefront and the intense competition and hate between Raphael and Nick.

Compelled is a must read for any reader following this series as it sets up future books that contain the sorcerers.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: Counterfeit Conspiricies

Counterfeit Conspiracies by Ritter Ames
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Counterfeit Conspiricies is the first book in the Bodies of Art mystery/suspense series. It is a very well written and professionally edited full length novel.

The heroine works for a nonprofit foundation liberating (stealing) art works from thieves and unscrupulous collectors, then returning them to their rightful owners. She suddenly finds herself in a caper alongside a mystery man that seems to have a similar skill set and the ability to waylay her at the most inconvenient times.

This is a rollicking start to a fascinating and fun series. The plot is fast paced and the characters well developed and complex. Counterfeit Conspiricies was a hard book to put down.

I highly recommend this novel which ends with a HFN.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: The Girls She Left Behind

The Girls She Left Behind by Sarah Graves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Girls She Left Behind is the second book in the Lizzie Snow mystery/suspense series. It is a very well written and professionally edited full length novel.

The Maine winter has hit hard with the added complications of an out of control forest fire and an escaped serial kidnapper. Add a missing teenager and tough heroine, Lizzie Snow, and this plot sizzles with action and suspense.

I am loving this series and I can't wait for new releases. I recommend reading this series in order to fully understand the characters and their actions.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: Winter At The Door

Winter at the Door by Sarah Graves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter at the Door is the first book in the Lizzie Snow mystery/suspense series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel.

Lizzie Snow has left her prestigious job as a homicide detective in Boston to move to a small, rural town in Maine. Her new position as a deputy should allow her to pursue her own search for her missing niece. But first she's thrown into investigating a rash of deaths and all of the victims are ex law enforcement officers.

I love a smart, strong female lead and a fast paced plot and this book delivered. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: Santa 365

Santa 365: A Chet and Bernie eShort Story by Spencer Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Santa 365 is a fun Christmas romp with Chet and Bernie. It is a well written and professionally edited novella.

This is a quick, fast paced mystery that is swiftly solved and remains upbeat throughout the story.

Definitely a must read for Chet and Bernie lovers.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Good Reads: Diner Knock Out

Diner Knock Out by Terri L. Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Diner Knock Out is the fourth book in the Rose Strickland Mystery series. It is a very well written and professionally edited full length novel.

I love this series; the heroine, Rose, is smart and determined to make it through life as an independent woman. The secondary characters are complex and fully part of the plot.

The plot is a fast paced mystery intertwined with the romance between Rose and her underworld boss boyfriend.

I would suggest that this series of mysteries be read in order; this book wouldn't read well as a standalone novel. It does end with a satisfying HFN.

ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.

Good Reads: Guaranteed To Bleed

Guaranteed to Bleed by Julie Mulhern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Guaranteed To Bleed is the second book in The Country Club Murders series. It is a well written and professionally edited, full length mystery novel.

The heroine is a widow (the first book was about her husband's murder) and part of the Kansas City country club set. She has been programmed to deny her feelings and hide any unpleasantness in her life by her controlling mother and promiscuous late husband.

In Guaraneed the h stumbles upon the body of a teenager under the bleachers at a high school football game. She finds herself and her daughter embroiled in a murder investigation, while she dodges the lawyer her matchmaking mother has decided should be her next husband. And there's the handsome police detective that keeps getting drawn into her life by the murders she stumbles upon.

The mystery was complex and fast paced; and the characters well developed. I was disappointed to see that the h was still allowing her mother to manipulate her. With everything she's been through she should have developed the strength to break free of outside influences.

All in all, Guaranteed To Bleed is a satisfying read with a HFN ending. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.

Good Reads: Sky High

Sky High by Susan O'Brien
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sky High is the second book in the Nicki Valentine mystery series. It is a nicely written, full length novel.

Nicki has been a self employed private detective for a year with a home based business doing background checks. She has two small, school aged children and a budding romance with, Dean, one of her past instructors from the PI school. Nicki's character has been fleshed out in this novel, with more information on her past and her philandering late husband. She was a much more well rounded character and I enjoyed her interactions with her best friend.

The Dean character wasn't my favorite. Nicki seems to have well founded reservations about him, but she never openly communicates her concerns. As a result I didn't relate to their relationship.

The runaway groom/murder victim plot was fun and fast paced. The culprit wasn't evident until the end of the book. I like to be kept guessing.

One big problem I had was with a contradiction in the plot. We are told that the woman Nicki's late husband was having an affair with thought that he was separated and didn't know about the children. But toward the end of the book Nicki finds a letter that indicates that she did know about Nicki and the kids. It blows one of the big plot devices out of the water.

Overall, this is a decent read, a good mystery with a so so romance. It ends with a HFN.

ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.

Good Reads: The Scam

The Scam by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Scam was truly a fun read in so many ways. It is the fourth book in the Fox and O'Hare series. It is very well written and professionally edited.

Fox is a male con artist that was pursued and finally caught by the female FBI agent O'Hare. They are now partnered together as a secret FBI team tasked with conning criminals that have never been caught by traditional (legal) means. In The Scam they set out to run a con on a casino owner laundering organized crime money through his casinos.

The plot was fast paced and creative. We see more of O'Hare's retired black ops father and the relationship between Fox and O'Hare continues to develop. The ending was a shocker and made me wish that this series put out more than one book a year..

Overall, this is a great read. Lee Goldberg is doing a good job with this series. The Scam ends with a cliffhanger instead of the usual HFN.

Good Reads: Chasing Daylight

Chasing Daylight by Carey Heywood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chasing Daylight is the third book in the Carolina Days contemporary romance series. It is a very well written novel, but the ARC I was sent had a few spelling errors. Since it was an ARC these errors are not reflected in my rating.

This is a love story between two people with traumatic pasts that are understandably reluctant to get involved in relationships. He is a man haunted by his military experiences and she is running away from a bad relationship. This is the story of how they overcome their past mistakes and forge a new life for themselves. Oh, I can't forget the Hero's dog; he is a pivotal and loving character.

I love reading a novel that has intelligent, mature characters. The main characters are well developed, easy to identify with and act like adults. Their relationship overcomes many hurdles due to their maturity and ability to communicate.

CD contains domestic violence, amputation/prosthetics, and PTSD. The author did thorough research before tackling these difficult subjects. Her writing is compassionate and sensitive.

Can you tell that I loved Chasing Daylight? It is a standalone novel, even though it is part of a series. It ends with a satisfying HEA.

ARC provided by the author.

Chasing Daylight will be released September 21st.