Beyond Her Reach by Melinda Leigh Book Review

About the Book:

In a quiet suburban neighborhood in upstate New York, single mom Kelly Gibson is slain in her home―the victim of a rage killing. Right away, Sheriff Bree Taggert has three persons of interest: an angry soon-to-be ex-husband, a furtive rebound boyfriend, and an obsessive neighbor.

But as Bree and investigator Matt Flynn work together to narrow the field, there’s a shocking twist in the case: a second woman is murdered in the same brutal fashion.

While investigating, Bree is attacked and left for dead. When another woman is kidnapped, Bree and Matt must act quickly to unravel the deceptions in Kelly’s life and death and find a killer before someone else dies.

My Review:

Leigh is a prolific author and this mystery is way down the line in this series. I am embarrassed to say I think this is the first book I have read by her. But it will certainly not be my last. I like this book. I like Bree as a gutsy sheriff. She gets attacked too so there is good suspense involving her along with the danger of the investigation.

Leigh gives readers a good balance of the murder investigation and Bree's personal life as she deals with memories from the past. Bree also struggles with the politics of her position as an elected official and budget constraints. The pace of the novel is good.

While there are many novels in this series prior to this one, it is the first I have read and feel it reads well on its own. It is a good novel for readers who like a strong heroine and a hard murder mystery to solve.

My rating: 4/5 stars. 

About the Author:

#1 Amazon Charts and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh has sold over 16 million books. As a fully recovered banker and a life-long lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity while raising her kids. Melinda's debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was an International Thriller Award finalist. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame.

Melinda holds a 2nd degree belt in Kenpo Karate. She's dabbled in Arnis stick fighting, studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and taught women's self-defense. She lives near the beach with her family and two spoiled rescue dogs. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark nature of her imagination.

Montlake, 312 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer by Ragnar Jonasson Book Review

About the Book:

One winter evening, bestselling crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing.

There are no clues to her disappearance and it is up to young detective Helgi to crack the case before its leaked to the press.

As Helgi interviews the people closest to her―a publisher, an accountant, a retired judge―he realizes that Elín’s life wasn’t what it seemed. In fact, her past is even stranger than the fiction she wrote.

As the case of the missing crime writer becomes more mysterious by the hour, Helgi must uncover the secrets of the writer's very unexpected life.

My Review:

This novel got off to a bit of a rough start for me as the time jumped around as did the focus of the characters. In the end it came together and made sense, however. There are two murder mysteries Helgi is working on, the missing crime writer and the missing police detective he has replaced. He is also having relationship issues. That's much going on and I would have preferred a more focused plot.

Helgi's character is well developed, as there is much about his personal life included. The setting of Iceland was adequately described but the author could have done a better job immersing readers in the culture, landscape and weather as most readers will never visit the country. There were some serious twists near the end. The mystery of the crime writer was solved but little else. We are left with a cliff hanger for Helgi's personal life in the final scene.

I liked it mostly but will not be watching for another mystery from this author.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Ragnar Jónasson was born in Reykjavík, Iceland, where he works as a writer and a lawyer and teaches copyright law at Reykjavík University. He has previously worked on radio and television, including as a TV news reporter for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, and, from the age of seventeen, has translated fourteen of Agatha Christie's novels. He is an international Number One bestseller.

Minotaur Books, 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Help in a Hurry by Dr Caroline Leaf Book Review

About the Book:

Learn how to manage your anxiety and find peace with:

· Evidence-based strategies to fight feelings of overwhelm and cope in the moment
· Actionable ways to experience a better, more fulfilled life
· Tips from expert and bestselling author Dr. Caroline Leaf

Even though it's uncomfortable and sometimes even distressing to us, it's perfectly normal to feel lost, anxious, or overwhelmed at times. It's okay to be a bit of a mess! But none of us wants to stay that way for long.

With actionable, evidence-based strategies to handle our most common challenges in life, this practical guide from bestselling author and clinical neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf offers the tools you need to prevent a descent into chaos and instead find peace and strength amid the turmoil of daily life.

If you have felt stuck in crisis mode, the strategies found in this book will help you cope in the moment, manage a chaotic mind, and start living each day with intention and inner peace.

My Review:

I think I have read every book Dr. Leaf has written and I continue to be impressed with her knowledge and practical suggestions toward mental well being. Many of her books give a good deal of information on her clinical studies and results. Some might find those books a bit overwhelming.

This book is more concise with quick help, providing strategies for immediate aid when one might feel one's head is going to explode. The strategies are not knew as I have read them in earlier books but they are presented in a most accessible way here. Chapter titles help readers quickly find the strategy they need.

Some of her insights I particularly like include her ideas on dealing with critical self talk, how deep thinking is necessary and how it differs from worry. As an avid reader, I was happy to see her write the role of reading is “...a fast and efficient way to turbo-boost the brain's ability to change and heal...” (50) I like how she explained the difference between rest and restoration when dealing with feeling tired. Her strategy for dealing with intrusive thoughts is great.

She reminds us we are with our minds 24/7, unlike our time with a therapist or our best friend. We need to learn to deal with our mental wellness ourselves. She also reminds us it is okay to struggle, to not be okay. That is part of being human. She encourages us to be patient and kind to ourselves.

“Maintaining a sense of peace when the world feels like it is falling apart around us is truly one of the most incredible skills we can develop as human beings...” (202)

I highly recommend this book to those who desire to have peace when facing anxiety, worry and feeling overwhelmed. You will find good help here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

About the Author:

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and clinical neuroscientist whose passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain and find their purpose in life. She is the USA Today bestselling author of Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, The Perfect You, Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, and How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess, among many other books and journal articles, and her videos, podcasts, and TV episodes have reached millions globally. She currently teaches at various academic, medical, and neuroscience conferences, as well as in churches around the world.

Baker Books, 240 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Bible Companion Book 5 Job by Karen Westbrook Moderow Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: The Bible Companion Book 5 Job

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study/ Devotional

Release Date: August 26, 2024

Does God care when you suffer?

The Bible Companion Book 5 helps you face hard questions about pain and evil from a perspective of hope. A simple one-chapter-a-day format lets you engage with Scriptures without the pressure of schedules, homework, or heavy reading loads. Short daily readings and thought-provoking questions connect your story to God’s Word. For personal, group, or homeschool Bible Study.

In the Books of Wisdom (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs), God speaks to us in poetry—the language of the heart. These books reveal a God who is concerned not only about our minds and bodies, but also our emotions. Our journey begins with Job, a man who loses everything. Like us, he fears for himself and his family. What he discovers through his pain surprises him and challenges many of our assumptions about God.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Moderow gives a good introduction to biblical poetry in general and Job in particular. I like her insight that Job is a book that is approached differently than historical books, for example. It engages our emotions. It is a book to experience, not analyze. Other insights include that the book refutes retribution theology, that we might think a righteous life is blessed by God while a sinful life results in suffering. Job turns that theology on its head. Moderow also helps us understand what we can and cannot conclude about God from reading this book.

She goes through the book of Job with chapter by chapter commentary and includes questions to get us thinking about what we are feeling in response. It can be read for personal study or used in a group as there are suggestions to do so at the end. I recommend this series as Moderow continues to impress me with her study books. 

My rating: 5/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of earlier books in this series, Book 1 and Book 2. 

About the Author

KAREN WESTBROOK MODEROW is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She holds master’s degrees in theology and creative writing and loves introducing others to Jesus through the stories told in God’s Word.

More from Karen

Most of us have had a Job-like season in our lives. Mine came in 1996 when my eighteen-year-old son was in a terrible car accident that left him with a permanent traumatic brain injury. Mike was in a coma for four months. His prognosis was grim. We were told he would never walk, talk, or live independently.

Come Christmas, he was still in the hospital. I had no heart for celebration, but I wanted to buy a gift for my husband. He loves art so I stopped by a local gallery. Inside, I saw a bust of a man that I immediately recognized as Job. His face was twisted in pain. Behind the hand clutched to his chest, I saw a hole. Inside was a bleeding heart. I stepped back. Job looked just like I felt. Raw. Exposed. Bleeding. I stared at the sculpture a long time. I wanted to buy it, but couldn’t. I just couldn’t.

I walked out of the shop in tears wondering if I would ever smile again. The next months were spent in rehab with Mike. We renovated our house, brought him home, hired caregivers, and prayed that somehow God would heal Mike’s body and our broken hearts. The Lord comforted us during this time, assuring us He had a plan. He would take care of us and there would be an end to our suffering. Every day brought new challenges, but Mike began to improve. More importantly, our faith took root. The Lord brought people, resources, and hope. Against all odds, Mike learned to walk, talk, feed and dress himself. And against all odds, we found ourselves joyful as we journeyed with our son through each milestone. The story is long and complicated. One I’ve journaled in my book, Back Roads Home, but the point is, God was right. There can be joy, even in sorrow. There is hope, even in the dark. There are things in Mike’s life and ours that remain broken, but God’s presence during that difficult time saw us through. Pain was not the end of our story.

Time passed in roller-coaster fashion. As I rode the highs and lows, I often thought about the Job I saw in the art gallery and wondered how he was faring. Then one year, while looking for an anniversary gift to celebrate our anniversary, Job came to mind. Enough time had gone by that I could now embrace him as a fellow-sufferer and be glad our paths crossed. I called the artist and learned she still had the piece. (Either there isn’t much of a market for art depicting tortured souls or else he was waiting for me.) My husband smiled when I unveiled him. He hugged me and said, “We’ve been through it, haven’t we?” Yes, we have. And we had to wait until we were on the other side to appreciate him. Now when I look at him, I don’t just remember the pain; I remember the gifts of suffering—patience, perseverance, trust, love, hope, and so much more.

As I was going through the book of Job chapter by chapter for The Bible Companion, Job’s sculpture sat not five feet from me. His tortured face and silent tears reminded me that this world is full of sorrow. But the Bible—the book I ran to while in such pain—compels me to carry his story forward. Job-in-clay may be frozen in agony, but Job, the man-who-contended-with-God is not. He comes to trust his all-wise Creator and finds peace. So can we.  At its core, Job is a story of hope. Hope is woven throughout the book that bears his name. As a writer, my desire is to make that thread visible, especially to those who suffer in the dark.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 19

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 20

Texas Book-aholic, September 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 22

She Lives To Read, September 23

Lots of Helpers, September 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 25

Cover Lover Book Review, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 27

Simple Harvest Reads, September 28 (Author Interview)

Dana Barrett, September 28

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, September 29

Guild Master, September 30 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, October 1

Fiction Book Lover, October 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 2

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92782-jy68w42k

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

For Such a Time As This An Emergency Devotional by Hannah Reichel Book Review

About the Book:

A guide for ordinary Christians seeking to live faithfully in extraordinary times

“This is not the first end of the world. Many worlds have ended.”

In an era of political polarization, eroding democratic norms, and rising authoritarianism, many Christians find themselves disoriented, wondering how their faith should inform myriad daily decisions. Drawing upon both scholarship and pastoral wisdom, theologian Hanna Reichel offers a timely resource for believers seeking spiritual grounding amid societal upheaval.

For Such a Time as This provides a thoughtful framework for discernment rooted in scripture, historical wisdom, and the core commitments of Christian faith. Through meditations on scripture, reflections on historical precedents including the Confessing Church’s resistance to Nazi Germany, and portraits of inspiring figures who maintained their integrity in the face of oppression, Reichel guides readers toward their own Christian response to the present moment.

Written specifically for ordinary believers, this accessible volume acknowledges that while some are called to dramatic public witness, all must face the daily challenge of living faithfully as long-established institutions and systems reveal their fragility. Neither alarmist nor complacent, Reichel reminds readers that Christians throughout history have faced the collapse of worlds they once took for granted—and have discovered unexpected liberation in the process.

For anyone troubled by current political trends and searching for ways to disentangle faith in God from misplaced trust in political systems, For Such a Time as This offers both challenge and comfort. Readers will come away with practical wisdom for navigating our uncertain times, a deeper understanding of Christianity’s resources for resistance, and renewed energy for the urgent tasks that faithful discipleship demands today.

“None of this is unprecedented; what is unprecedented is that today it is we who have to do the hard work of seeing idols smashed, grieving and picking up the pieces, holding them into the sun, and seeing new refractions of light in their edges.”

My Review:

This is a powerful book and a very important one for what Christians are currently experiencing in the USA. Reichel reports on the way Christians responded during the beginnings of the rule of Hitler and draws parallels to the current era. She helps us see the different attitudes and challenges us to think through our own possible godly actions. For someone like me who tends to remain silent, she challenges, “Indifference is consent to what is happening.” (69)

The format is somewhat devotional in style with readings organized in four sections, following the liturgy format. She includes a few thoughtful questions at the end of each reading but do not ignore the latter 35 pages or so that form a study guide to the book. I'd put a bookmark there and also go through those comments and questions along with the earlier devotions.

If you had time to study only one book in your discipleship group this year, this should be the book. It is essential material for Christians who are looking for insight on how to live in such a time as this. (6)

My rating: 5/5 stars.

About the Author:

Hanna Reichel is Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Raised an ecumenical Lutheran, Reichel serves as a ruling elder in the PC(USA) and on the Theology Working Group of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Their work has won academic honors including the Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise and the Ernst Wolf Award; it has also been featured in public outlets such as The Atlantic, the Presbyterian Foundation’s Leading Theologically, CTI’s Theology Matters, and Tripp Fuller’s Homebrewed Christianity. Reichel is the author of For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional.

Eerdmans, 180 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo Book Review

About the Book:

Gabriel Fisher was born an orphan, weighing eighteen pounds and measuring twenty-seven inches long. No one in Lakota, Wisconsin, knows what to make of him. He walks at eight months, communicates with animals, and seems to possess extraordinary athletic talent. But when the older brother who has been caring for him dies, Gabriel is taken in by his devout Amish grandparents who disapprove of all the attention and hide him away from the English world.

But it’s hard to hide forever when you’re nearly eight feet tall. At seventeen, Gabriel is spotted working in a hay field by the local football coach. What happens next transforms not only Gabriel’s life but the lives of everyone he meets.

My Review:

This novel has a large element of magical realism with a child born unusually large and growing up to giant status and with a special relationship with animals. His mother was unwed and had been cast out of the Amish community of her parents. I liked receiving some new insights into how the Amish see life and choose to live it.

The pace of this novel is methodical and will be enjoyed by readers who like a deep study into a character as opposed to lots of action. Gabriel is a gentle and loving giant. How others relate to him and his personality makes the book enjoyable. It also explores the intersection of two worlds, the Amish and the world outside that sphere.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Ron Rindo is a professor of English and creative writing at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He has published one previous novel, Breathing Lake Superior, and three short story collections. He lives in Pickett, Wisconsin. Photo credit: Claire Rindo

St Martin's Press, 324 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. Mine is an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Hot Mess Express by Sally Friscea Blog Tour Book Review

 

About the Book

Book: Hot Mess Express: A Humorous and Practical Survival Guide for Menopause

Author: Sally Friscea

Genre: Health & Wellness / Aging

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Discover Your Menopause Survival Kit: Laugh, Learn, and Thrive!

You may have involuntarily found yourself on the Hot Mess Express, but you can take control of your journey and enjoy the ride. Or at least, survive the roller-coaster known as menopause with laughter. Unlike our grandmothers and moms, who never talked about this natural process, Sally takes us on a dive into the humorous yet practical journey of menopause.

Learn about symptoms, treatments, and self-care strategies—from diet and exercise to beauty tips—all enriched with real-life stories that inform and entertain. Empower yourself to discuss health concerns confidently—Is hormone replacement therapy right for me? Would it tame these mood swings? And, why is it so hot in here? Whether you’re in your forties or approaching sixty or beyond, this comprehensive guide offers relief and clarity in navigating the ups and downs of menopause. Embrace The Change with a smile and practical solutions that make a difference—from head to toe.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This book has a wealth of information for women. It covers much more than just menopause. She writes about insomnia, unwanted facial hair, cracked heels, and a number of bodily functions. She includes some humor as she relates her many medical appointments and her attempts to find relief for her many physical issues. She shares her many attempts at finding solutions to her ills and recommends products she has found worked for her.

This is a good book for women facing the general issues of growing older. I am impressed with the amount of helpful information it contains. Like Friscea says, she has done the research so we don't have to.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Sally Friscea writes with humor to give hope to the longing heart. As a former member of the US Army, she found herself on an ISIS kill list but is now trying to live a quieter life after marrying for the first time at the age of fifty.

She weaves hope and humor into nearly every story. She is a multi-genre and award-winning writer. She has completed two children’s picture books and an adult murder-suspense novel based around the Kennedy Space Center awaiting publication. She also enjoys shorter works of fiction and articles.

Currently, Sally is working on subsequent novels for the murder-suspense series, a speculative dystopian novel about the aftermath of a second civil war, and other projects that reflect her diverse background.

She’s the Social Director of the Florida Christian Writers Conference and the president of Word Weavers International’s Brevard Chapter. When she’s not bookkeeping, budget counseling, or writing, Sally enjoys spending time with family and friends, scrapbooking, and doing crafts, some of which she sells on Etsy.

More from Sally

I didn’t know it was hot flashes for the first five years. I thought the air-conditioning was broken everywhere I went, because it was. At my house in Florida, my bedroom at the end of the line sizzled. At the office, the unit that fed my room was down; I relied on the trickle of AC from the main room. And my car fritzed often enough, so I didn’t notice it was hot flashes until a friend’s husband mentioned her “crazy pills” at their house one night. She explained they were for hormones and how awful she’d been before taking them.

When she mentioned hot flashes, the light bulb went off. My mother never said anything about suffering from menopause, and the only person I’d ever known to talk about any of it used to break out an oriental fan when the flashes happened, but she was in her fifties, therefore, I didn’t connect the dots in my early forties. All the older ladies at scrapbooking said my sleep issues were menopause, but again, I was too young for that. Then I learned it’s happening about a decade earlier than in previous generations.

When I complained to a friend at the Florida Christian Writers Conference about my perimenopausal symptoms and my great ignorance, she told me I should write a book and put all my humor into it. I spent the next few months taking notes and decided that I indeed had enough material for a book. My dystopian book in progress got pushed aside, and I started down the rabbit hole of finding answers for myself and compiling a useful tool for others walking blindly on the path of menopause.

I found some existing books using humorous personal stories and others addressing symptoms by using medical speak, but nothing with both, so I married the two and tried to dumb it down in a way that even I would understand. I threw in the humor to make the reader know they are not alone. I addressed those pesky symptoms using pharmaceutical, holistic, and over-the-counter treatments where available to appease all the ladies.

As I wrote the book, I kept finding that how we live our forties determines our fifties, our fifties determine our sixties, and so on, subsequently addressing food and other obstacles to longevity. I wrote this book because most women don’t want to talk about this topic, and most doctors aren’t trained in the field of aging women.

I found that even women who don’t suffer greatly will still submit to the effects down the road with osteoporosis and heart disease, because of the diminishing hormones. I attempted to cast as wide a net as possible by writing it in a way to entertain as well as inform so the reader can advocate for herself with her doctors and learn how to avoid spiraling out of physical independence in the latter years. This book is the sugar coating on a hard topic not being talked about enough. I wrote it so you won’t have to talk about it outside your physician’s office.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 18

Inspired by Fiction, September 19

Simple Harvest Reads, September 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

Artistic Nobody, September 22 (Author Interview)

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

The Sacred Line, September 24

Guild Master, September 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 27

Fiction Book Lover, September 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 28

Pause for Tales, September 29

An Author’s Take, September 30

For the Love of Literature, October 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

 

To celebrate her tour, Sally is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://sweepwidget.com/c/92407-qjrifne8

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Murder Most Fowl by Carmela Dutra Book Review

About the Book:

When their late aunt Dolly passes away, twins Beth and Seth Lloyd inherit a chicken themed food truck. Despite the challenges, the siblings rise to the occasion, even going as far as signing up their truck Kluckin’ Good to compete on a top cooking show and ruffle a few feathers for some good publicity. But the competition goes from heated to lethal when a contestant is found dead.

With the elimination competition becoming far too literal, Beth and Seth will need all the help they can get to get out of the frying pan without landing in the fire. With their loyal assistant–and Beth’s best friend–Rylie by their side, they’ll have to follow the bread crumbs to untangle a very twisted case before either one of them is put on the chopping block.

This humorous series debut with a mouthwatering mystery will charm readers and keep them guessing right until the not-so-bitter end.

My Review:

This is a good cozy mystery and debut effort in the genre for Dutra. It starts out with humor as the heroine amateur sleuth is arrested while wearing a chicken costume. There is good humor sprinkled throughout and a collection of possible suspects. The characters are fun and suitable for this novel to be the beginning of an entertaining series. The investigation was not quite as rigorous as I like in a cozy mystery but did get the job done.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Hailing from the Bay Area of California, Carmela Dutra cherishes her family, rainy days, and making others laugh. After years of working on her award-winning indie children’s picture books, she transitioned into crafting cozy mysteries filled with emotion, humor and heart. When she’s not penning her latest tale, Carmela enjoys sketching illustrations, sipping copious amounts of coffee, and over-cuddling her allergy-inducing cats and dog. She shares her life with her best friend and husband, raising two dinosaur-obsessed sons.

Crooked Lane Books, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. Mine is an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)