Mind Games by Nora Roberts

 Mind Games

Book Summary

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the evil that awaits.

As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse—because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them—and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

My Thoughts

Mind Games by Nora Roberts has a unique concept.  I have been reading Nora Roberts since I was a tween, when the author published her first book.  As with all of the author’s stories, I found Mind Games to be easy to read.  The main characters are likeable (for the most part).  The first third of the book was spent on Thea’s childhood.  I understand providing background on the main characters, but this was a bit much (and it was a tad boring).  I liked the paranormal premise, but it was tame.  It could have been so much more.    I wanted Thea to embrace her gift, hone it, and use it to help others.  The love interest does not show up until the halfway point which is unusual for a romance. The ending was a letdown.  I understood the video game aspect, but it was unexciting.   My favorite character was Thea’s dog. Mind Games felt like it was written by another author.  

Mind Games releases on May 21 and it can be preordered from Amazon*. If you are on the fence about a book, I suggest downloading a sample (despite what they say, you cannot  judge a book by its cover).  Nora Roberts has The Mirror coming out on November 19.  The Mirror is the second book in The Lost Bride Trilogy.  Thank you for dropping in today. Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on The Road Before Us by Janine Rosche.  I need to dust and sweep today (my least favorite chore is ironing--I have summer tops that must be ironed--steaming does not get out the wrinkles).  The cats lose hair faster than I can clean it up (and they are short hair cats).  My cats are sister's who I have raised since birth.  They just turned fourteen.  They are complete opposites (just like my sister and I).  I am currently reading The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma which is A Classy 1950s Mystery and it will publish on June 15.  I hope that you have a tranquil day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hidden Mountain Secrets by Kerry Johnson

 Hidden Mountain Secrets

Book Summary

A mysterious death. A secluded mansion.

This investigation could be fatal… 

Antique dealer Brielle Holt uncovers more than just priceless relics when she overhears a secret that puts a target on her back. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly family feud, Brielle has nowhere safe to hide…until CSI agent Lucas Scott steps in to protect her. With assailants following their every move, Lucas and Brielle must stay one step ahead of someone desperate to hide the truth…and bury them with it.    

My Thoughts

Hidden Mountain Secrets by Kerry Johnson is an appealing tale.  I thought the story was well-written with realistic characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Brielle Holt and Lucas Scott.  I understood Brielle’s love of antiques (I have a weakness for them myself).  It was good to return to Tunnel Creek and catch up with the Holt family.  I loved all the action.  There were twists and turns which kept things lively.  The mystery and suspense had me quickly flipping the pages to find out who was after Brielle.  Faith was nicely woven into the story. I liked that the romance played out slowly.  I finished Hidden Mountain Secrets with a smile on my face.  

Hidden Mountain Secrets can be preordered on Amazon*.  Christmas Forest Ambush and Tunnel Creek Ambush are the other two novels in the series.  You can find Kerry Johnson's other books here. JustRead Publicity Tours is hosting a giveaway.   You need to visit each hosted post of the tour for entries. You can find the schedule at @justreadtours on Instagram. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2024.)  Good Luck!  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on Mind Games by Nora Roberts.  I hope that you have a joyful day,.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller

 The Proposal Plot

Book Summary

A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.

For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It's been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella's got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store--or listen to her about anything.

Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for sure: creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other thing: he's sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he's not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he's surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn't trust this stubborn, pushy young woman--and for her, the feeling is mutual.

Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson's paths continue to cross when Nelson's nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.

My Thoughts

The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller is an engaging Amish story.  I thought the story was well- written with developed, realistic characters.  I especially thought the author captured the bickering sisters (I have a sister who is the opposite of me in many ways and we squabbled often as kids). I liked Ella with her head for business and her bossy ways (I have been told that I am a “bit” bossy).  I understood why Ella was frustrated with Junia (who got away with doing the bare minimum).  There is plenty going on in the story with three romances, bickering sisters, and two businesses.  It was interesting learning about an artisan butcher and how he creates his deli meats.  The Proposal Plot delves into the themes of family, forgiveness, love, sibling rivalry, and second chances.    I liked the humor in the story, and I actually laughed out loud a time or two.  The Proposal Plot is the second An Amish Marigold Novel.  It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read The Courtship Plan.   I enjoyed visiting Marigold, Ohio again and I look forward to stopping by again soon. 

The Proposal Plot is avalable from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  The first An Amish Marigold Novel is The Courtship Plan.  You can find Kathleen Fuller's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Hidden Mountain Secrets by Kerry Johnson on Tuesday, May 14.  I hope that you have a joyful Mother's Day weekend. I have had my mother's gift hidden in the back of my closet since the beginning of January.  Now that my knees are feeling better, I will be setting up my Memorial Day display.  Unfortunately, they do not make inflatables for Mother's or Father's Day (I have searched high and low with no success).  Take care, keep smiling, and Happy Reading!

 Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen

 Resort to Murder

 

About Resort to Murder

 

Resort to Murder (Northwoods Mysteries) 

1st in Series 

Setting - Wisconsin 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gemma Halliday Publishing 

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 225 pages 

When Emmy Cooper’s life in Chicago is turned upside down, the young interior designer retreats to her family’s lake cottage resort in the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods for a much-needed break. Hoping to clear her mind and gain a fresh perspective, she looks forward to enjoying the slower pace and the crisp, clean pine air at her beloved Cooper’s Cove Resort with her family, dogs, and her best friend, Whitney. Unfortunately, her homecoming isn't as calm as she'd hoped when Emmy finds out a ruthless development company is relentlessly pressuring Lake Covington property owners, including Emmy's family, to sell their land so they can build an extravagant, modern resort that would ruin the quaint esthetic of the area. And things only get worse when Emmy finds the dead body of one of the developers floating in the lake—murdered! Suddenly the police are involved, and since Emmy's father was leading the fight to stop the shady development from getting approval, he's quickly painted as the prime suspect. Now it's up to Emmy to prove her father’s innocence, save the reputation of Cooper’s Cove, and find out who would resort to murder.

About Annie McEwen

Annie McEwen is the author of the Northwoods Mysteries Series, set amongst the tall pines and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin, where she spent vacations as a kid. Annie and her husband are empty nesters living in their rural Indiana home, but their married children and two toddler grandsons fortunately live close by. Being grandparents is definitely the best gig ever! They also have four fur babies, one of whom is a very important character in her books. When Annie isn’t writing, playing with her grandsons, or tackling trash-to-treasure projects, she works as a radiological technologist. As a former farm kid, she still loves to dig in the dirt and garden. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime and loves attending mystery conventions.

Author's Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688271296 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniemcewen_author/ 

Goodreads: Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen | Goodreads 

Website: Annie McEwen | small town cozy mysteries (anniemcewenauthor.com)

My Thoughts

Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen transports readers to the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods where the Cooper’s Cove Resort resides with her descriptive writing.  I enjoyed getting to know Emmy Cooper and her parents as well as Emmy’s closest friends, Whitney and Marcus (with the mullet).  The death of the developer has Emmy’s father at the top of suspense list. Emmy teams up with Whitney and Marcus to prove her father’s innocence.  They ask questions and search for clues. They even set up a murder board in Whitney’s apartment to keep track of their suspects and clues.  Trouble finds the threesome as they search for the truth. The reveal left me with a lingering question or two.  

Emmy has one character trait that made me cringe.   She seems to have bladder issues when she is excited, nervous, or upset.  I believe it is supposed to be funny, but I found it unpleasant (sorry, but I did not enjoy reading about a woman peeing herself).   Emmy finds a certain officer appealing and cannot help blushing bright red every time she encounters him.  I like the close-knit town where gossip flows faster than maple syrup on a hot stack of pancakes.  I am amazed at how much the characters can accomplish in one day.  It made me wonder if the days were longer in Wisconsin (If so, I need to move there).  Resort to Murder is a Wisconsin whodunit with a determined developer, a cozy campfire, firm friends, good food, gossip galore, park avenue pink lipstick, and dithering over a decision.

Resort to Murder can be purchased from Amazon, B&N, Apple, and Kobo.  The next Northwoods Mystery is Dead, White, and Blue which comes out July 2. Would you like to win a paperback copy of Resort to Murder along with a bookmark and some stickers (Sorry, but US Only)?  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment on my blog for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller.  It is the second An Amish Marigold Novel.  I hope that you have a joyful day. Do not forget to enter the giveaway before you depart. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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Tour Participants

May 8 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

May 8 – Angel's Book Nook - SPOTLIGHT

May 8 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

May 9 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

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May 9 – Socrates Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT

May 10 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

May 10 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

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May 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

May 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 12 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

May 12 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

May 13 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

May 13 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW, GUEST POST

May 13 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading – REVIEW

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May 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

May 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

   

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Love on a Whim by Suzane Woods Fisher

 Love on a Whim

Book Summary

Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.

 

The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.

 

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this sweet story of love, family, and the unpredictability of life.

My Thoughts

Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an appealing story.  I thought Love on a Whim was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  I enjoyed catching up with Marnie, Dawn, Callie, Lincoln, and, especially, Leo (the Cowboy).  I could relate to Brynn who is a success at her job but feels unfulfilled.  She made an impulsive decision while at a conference and panicked (I am sure we have all made decisions that we regret the next morning).  A change of locale plus being with good friends may be just what Brynn needs.  We meet Lincoln’s son, Bear, who has a bad attitude towards his father, Lincoln, as well as the Dixon’s.  Lincoln’s daughter is getting married and over-the-top is a mild term for the nuptials.  

Forgiveness is the main theme in Love on a Whim.  Bruno said two of my favorite quotable lines, “Forgiveness is an essential ingredient for any meaningful relationship” and “Nothing is impossible with God.” I was a tad disappointed with the ending (I do not want to give anything away).  I wanted a certain event to be described, so I could experience it instead of being told about it.  While Love on a Whim can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the Cape Cod Creamery series in order which will allow you to get the full experience. I like that Marnie’s best friend, Maeve Grayson, from the Three Sisters Island series, is included in the story.  I enjoyed the quotes relating to ice cream before each chapter. My two favorites are, “Ice cream is cheaper than therapy” and “I’m skipping dinner and going straight for the pints.”  I will miss my visits to Cape Cod as well as the scrumptious ice cream descriptions (do you think I can get Dawn to send me a couple pints of Double-Fold Vanilla).  

Love on a Whim is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Cape Cod Creamery series are The Sweet Life and The Secret to Happiness.  The author has A Healing Touch (I cam eager to read Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus's story) coming out October 1 and A Year of Flowers on November 19 (four novellas in one).  You can find Suzanne Woods Fisher's other novels here.  Thank you for taking time out of your day to join me.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Resort to Murder by Annie McEwen.  It is the first book in the Northwoods Mysteries.  I am off to rest my knees.  I received gel injections which are to help the arthritis in my knees (first I need to recover from the injections).  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Amelia's Hope by Susan Lantz Simpson

 Amelia's Hope

Book Summary

Young widow Amelia Stauffer loves her serene life caring for her three daughters along with widower Ryan Miller’s two little girls, weaving baskets, and baking treats to sell at her friend’s store. Her peace is shattered, though, when various possessions disappear and an unknown person prowls her property at night.

Ryan Miller thinks of Amelia as much more than his children’s babysitter, but he and Amelia belong to different groups of Mennonites making a relationship impossible. Will they find a way to bridge that gap while working together to identify and stop the intruder?

My Thoughts

Amelia’s Hope by Susan Lantz Simpson is the second book in the Plain Path series.  It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Christina’s Courage.  I felt for Amelia Stauffer who is a widow with three young girls.  Ryan Miller is a widower with two little girls.  It is obvious from the beginning that Amelia and Ryan are attracted to each other. I do not know how Amelia managed to get so much done each day while taking care of her children and watching Ryan’s.  I like that we get to catch up with Christina and Noah from Christina’s Courage.  There is humor throughout thanks to the local gossip, Annie trying to help her visiting cousin, Elam find a wife. 

The mystery was interesting.  Items would disappear from Amelia’s buggy and farm.  Then odd things began happening around the farm.  Amelia is scared to be alone on the farm, especially at night (I do not blame her).  I do feel that she made some poor decisions especially for a woman with three children (I would have asked Bishop Micah for permission to have a cell phone for emergencies).   The guilty party was easy to discern.  I know that I would not be as forgiving and understanding as Amelia (it would take time).  The story is easy to read, but I found the pacing to be leisurely.  I thought Amelia’s Hope was long (394 pages). It would have helped if the repetitive details were eliminated.  I loved Meggie who is a dog in the story.  She is lovable, protective, and smart.  Amelia’s Hope has an ending that left me smiling.  

Amelia's Hope is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Plain Path series is Christina's Courage.  You can find Susan Lantz Simpson's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be taking tomorrow off.  I have been doing too much which has caused a fibromyalgia flare up.  This gets me a visit to the doctor and rest (easier said than done).  I am featuring Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher on May 7.  It is the third book in the Cape Cod Creamery series.  I hope you have a delightful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel

 Only the Brave

Book Summary

Sophia Alexander, the beautiful daughter of a famous surgeon in Berlin, has had to grow up faster than most young women. When her mother falls ill, Sophia must take charge of her younger sister, Theresa, and look after her father and the household, while also volunteering at his hospital after school. Meanwhile, Hitler’s rise to power and the violence in her very own town have Sophia concerned, but only her mother is willing to share her fears openly.

After tragedy strikes and her mother dies, Sophia becomes increasingly involved in the resistance, attending meetings of dissidents and helping however she can. Circumstances become increasingly dangerous and personal when Sophia assists her sister’s daring escape from Germany, as Theresa flees with her young husband and his family. Her father also begins to resist the regime, secretly healing those hiding from persecution, only to have his hospital burned to the ground. When he is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, Sophia is truly on her own, but more determined than ever to help.

While working as a nurse with the convent nuns, the Sisters of Mercy, Sophia continues her harrowing efforts to transport Jewish children to safety and finds herself under surveillance. As the political tensions rise and the brutal oppression continues, Sophia is undeterred, risking it all, even her own freedom, as she rises to the challenge of helping those in need—no matter the cost.

My Thoughts

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel is an emotional historical novel.  Sophia Alexander is a strong main character. I found Sophia to be inspiring and kindhearted. Her determination to help others despite the circumstances was inspiring.  Sophia’s life takes unexpected twists and turns throughout the story.  She will be tested many times throughout the war.  Sophia will need strength if she is to survive.   I can tell that the author did her research.  In the story, we get a glimpse at some of the atrocities that occurred in Germany during this time period. It is heartbreaking and unsettling that one man wreaked so much havoc on the world (baffling as to why people believed in him).  It is a reminder to not let history repeat itself.  As with all Danielle Steel books, there is repetition of details (does the author believe we will forget from one chapter to the next or, in some cases, one page to the next).  There are some sections that are unhurried (could be a tad peppier).  The story has an abrupt ending. There needed to be a better explanation for Sophia’s decision.  Only the Brave is an emotive and compelling tale that will linger with you longer after you finish it.

Only the Brave is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  Danielle Steel has Resurrection releasing on June 25, Joy coming out on August 13, Triangle out on October 1 and Trial by Fire will be out on November 19 (I do not know how she does it).  On January 7, 2025, Danielle Steel has  Never Say Never.  You can follow Danielle Steel on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Amelia's Hope by Susan Lantz Simpson.  It is the second book in the Plain Path series.  I hope that you have cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Cold Case Tracker by Maggie K. Black

 Cold Case Tracker

Book Summary

A missing sibling. A targeted witness.

A K-9 on the case.

K-9 officer Jackson Locke’s sister has vanished—and the key to finding her lies with Amy Scout…his sister’s best friend and his old crush. But when Amy comes under attack, two things become clear: Jackson’s sister has been investigating cold cases and someone wants Amy dead. Now he must untangle the mystery between the cold cases and his sister’s disppearance while guarding Amy from an enemy willing to kill to hide the truth…

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Thoughts

Cold Case Tracker by Maggie K. Black captured my attention right away.  I liked the main characters and the chemistry between them.  Sergeant Locke’s K9, Hudson is smart, protective, and a darling.  Reepi, the parrot, was another delightful addition.  I enjoyed the interactions between Hudson and Reepi. The story moved along at a good pace thanks to the action.  I enjoyed the mystery which had twists and turns.  It was a suspenseful tale.  Cold Case Tracker has romance, mystery, suspense, and faith.  I enjoyed the first book in the Unsolved Case Files series.

Cold Case Tracker is available on Amazon* and Barnes & Noble.  The next book in the Unsolved Case Files is Christmas Cold Case which  be out on November 26 and can be preordered from Amazon*.  You can find Maggie K. Black's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be back on Tuesday, April 30 with Only the Brave by Danielle Steel.  I have a doctor's appointment today.  I will be getting gel injections into my knees for my arthritis. If they help, it will be worth any discomfort.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.