Saturday, September 29, 2018

Book Review: The Lies We Told by Camilla Way

The Lies We Told
Title: The Lies We Told 

Author:  Camilla Way

Stars: 4 Stars out of 5

Review:
A mystery/thriller told from two different times and perspectives. The readers will find that the story unfolds slowly and they will wonder at the connection between the two apparent tales. But as the story progresses they will find themselves totally immersed in the tale which comes with a completely unexpected twist at the end. It will leave you wondering if there is more to follow. A well written British mystery as only the British do them.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review. Thank you Frank for the Review.

Synopsis:
The highly acclaimed author of Watching Edie returns with a new novel of dark psychological suspense that explores how those closest to us have the most to hide...

When Clara's boyfriend, Luke, disappears, everyone believes that he's left her, but Clara thinks she knows the truth. Recent evidence suggests that Luke had a stalker, and Clara worries that he's been kidnapped. Then Luke's older sister, Emma, who vanished twenty years ago, suddenly reappears.

Emma wants to help Clara with her search for Luke, but she refuses to talk about what happened--even though it nearly destroyed her family when she vanished. And the deeper Clara digs into Luke's mysterious disappearance, the more convinced she is that the two incidents are connected.
 



Kindle Edition336 pages
Expected publication: October 2nd 2018 by Berkley

About The Author:
Camilla Way
University of Glamorgan. Her father was the poet and author Peter Way. Formerly Associate Editor of the teenage girls' magazine Bliss, she is currently an editor and writer on the men's style magazine Arena. Having lived in Cardiff, Bristol, Bath and Clerkenwell, she now lives in south-east London.

Friday, September 28, 2018

Book Review: Haunted Hayride with Murder (An Otter Lake Mystery #6) by Auralee Wallace

Haunted Hayride with Murder (An Otter Lake Mystery #6)
Title: Haunted Hayride with Murder (An Otter Lake Mystery #6)

Author: Auralee Wallace 

Stars: 3 Stars

Review:
I will admit starting off a series on book 6 might not have been the best of ideas.  I will admit I didn't find it all the inspiring enough to go back and start with book 1. 
The story and characters are flat, the mystery predictable, and very little suspense even for a cozy mystery.
Auralee Wallace tries hard to have readers fall in love with her characters but this reader was unable to connect.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher  St. Martin's Paperbacks for the advance copy Auralee Wallace Haunted Hayride with Murder.  

Synopsis:
Erica Bloom is loving everything about autumn this yearin Otter Lake, New Hampshire: changing leaves, apple cider, cozy sweaters... and the warm and fuzzy relationship that's heating up between her and Sheriff Grady Forrester. But when some local teens out to find some Halloween thrills come across a boot with a dead man's foot bones still inside it, a chilling new reality comes into play. Everyone in Otter Lake knows about the age-old witch who haunts the apple orchard bordering the White Mountains. So when the bones turn out to belong to a long-gone local with a scandalous connection to the orchard, stories of the spooky figure roaming the forests at night once again rise up from the past. Now it's up to Erica and the rest of the Otter Lake Security team to expose the identity of the killer. Will they be able to lay this ghost to rest...or will this witch hunt be their last?


Paperback320 pages
Expected publication: September 25th 2018 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About The Author:
Auralee Wallace
Auralee Wallace has played many roles in her life, including college professor, balloon seller, and collections agent. When this semi-natural blond mother of three children (and psychiatric nurse to two rescue cats) isn’t writing humorous novels about quirky characters, she can often be found watching soap operas with lurid fascination and warring with a family of peregrine falcons for the rights to her backyard. She can also be found on Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, and her blog http://auraleewallace.com/.

Auralee is represented by Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary Agency.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Book Review: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas (Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1) by Katie Ruggle

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas
Title:  Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas (Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1)

Author: Katie Ruggle 

Stars: 5 stars

Review:
If you have't read Katie Ruggle  you are missing out. Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas will put you in the holiday spirit even while you are trying to figure out who is trying to kill Camille Brant. This book has heart and soul mixed in murder and family. Its the perfect blend for a night in next to the fire.

Steve Springfield moves from Monroe (Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit Series) to his childhood home to find a better place for his growing kids. 


Katie is about to combined the humor of family, the spirit of Christmas and a mystery that will keep readers wanting more as they close the book.


Katie Ruggle is about to bring mystery, suspense, romance all the while create a series that will have readers once again hooked line and sunk.  Sorry Husband of mine I am going to be buying another can't miss series by now new Favorite Author.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance copy of Katie Ruggle Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas

Synopsis:
When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected danger to follow them to his childhood home...

Or that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget.

Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town's resident eccentric, she's used to being lonely--until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he's always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn't take long before she's in danger of falling for him and his rambunctious kids. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas.


Mass Market Paperback416 pages
Expected publication: September 25th 2018 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

About The Author:
Katie Ruggle
A fan of the old adage “write what you know”, Katie Ruggle lived in an off-grid, solar- and wind-powered house in the Rocky Mountains until her family lured her back to Minnesota. When she’s not writing, Katie rides horses, trains her three dogs, cross-country skis (badly) and travels to warm places where she can scuba dive. A graduate of the Police Academy, Katie received her ice-rescue certification and can attest that the reservoirs in the Colorado mountains really are that cold. A fan of anything that makes her feel like a bad-ass, she has trained in Krav Maga, boxing and gymnastics. 

You can connect with Katie at katieruggle.com  Twitter @KatieRuggle

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Book Review: Watched From a Distance (Love Under Fire #3) by Allison B. Hanson


Title: Watched From a Distance (Love Under Fire #3)

Author: Allison B. Hanson 

Stars: 4 1\2 Stars

Review:
The one down fall of this series is when you see how many chapter are in the book but when you realize the chapters are short it makes for a fast read.
The story starts off with a bang well at least to the head that is.  I wouldn't call this a stand alone novel because it bring in characters from the other books but at the same times they are secondary characters that backgrounds are covered in this story quickly.
With this series there is steamy scenes, romance, guns and lots of fighting.  Moms who are romantic suspense readers will contact quickly with Lena Scott characters and cheer when she wins the battle.

I enjoyed this book and the fast pace and quickly writing will keep readers wanting more.  The story seems to have moments of not sure where it was going and the ending was wrapped up in a nice little bow.

Thank you to netgalley and the publsher Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara) for the advance copy of Allison B. Hanson Watched From a Distance.

Synopsis:
Lena Scott is in a world of hurt. She’s being forced to pay off her ex’s debts to people who’d rather kill her than look at her…and are making demands she’s desperate to avoid. But kidnapping and murder? Hell, no. When the threats turn deadly, Lena refuses to be a pawn any longer.
Five years ago, U.S. Marshal Dane Ryan left his old life and went into witness protection alone to keep his family safe. Working for Task Force Phoenix under a new identity, it’s his job to protect others from those who’d harm them.
When the beautiful and mysterious Lena lures him into danger, he suddenly doesn’t know who to trust. She has her own agenda, and they both have big secrets, but for either to survive, they’ll need to work together to defeat their mutual enemy. Falling in love will only mean more to lose…
ebook
Expected publication: September 24th 2018 by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara)

About The Author:
Allison
One very early morning, Allison B. Hanson woke up with a conversation going on in her head.  It wasn’t so much a dream as being forced awake by her imagination. Unable to go back to sleep, she gave in, went to the computer, and began writing.  Years later it still hasn’t stopped.
Allison lives near Hershey, Pennsylvania. Her contemporary romances include paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery suspense.  She enjoys candy immensely, as well as long motorcycle rides, running and reading.
https://allisonbhanson.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Book Review: Hidden (Deep Ops #1) by Rebecca Zanetti

Hidden (Deep Ops, #1)
Title:  Hidden (Deep Ops #1)

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Stars: 5 Stars

Review:
Hidden is the beginning of a new series by Rebecca Zanettii.  If you have read her books before you know her books have steamy sex scenes but she is also able to weave it between character building, a story that will haunt you as you put the book down and humor.  That's right humor this story has moments where you will laugh.  I was surprised how much I fell in love with the secondary characters and the humor they bought into the story.
Malcolm isn't one of the funner moments the animals and Wolfe were perfect and a good balance to some of the darker side of the story.
This book straddles the line (Pun in Tended) of erotic and Romance.  Readers can skip the sex scenes because they do not add to the basic story line which is what readers will not be able to get enough of.

I can't wait to read the next book in this fun, dark romantic suspense series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publsher for the advance copy of Rebecca Zanetti Hidden
(Deep Ops #1)

Synopsis:
Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .

Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up . . .

Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock .


Paperback400 pages
Expected publication: September 25th 2018 by Zebra

About The Author 
Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Book Review: In the Darkest Hour (Gin Sullivan #3) by Anna Carlisle

In the Darkest Hour (Gin Sullivan, #3)
Title:  In the Darkest Hour (Gin Sullivan #3) 

Author: Anna Carlisle

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
4 Stars out of 5

Having never read a book by Anna Carlisle before and starting in book 3 I can't help but wonder if the reason I wasn't a huge fan of this book is her writing style.  She takes a long time to get into the mystery and the formal way people speak to each other in a small town took this readers out of the story several times.
The author catches up readers well enough but finding a connecting to the characters was a lot hard because of the violent natural of the make lead. Gin accepts a lot of behavioral issues that should have been a sign to cut and run.
Gin is a good character who is smart and willing to find the truth but the formal way she speaks makes it difficult to connect to readers.  It sometimes feel forced.  The thriller side was interesting but I can't say I didn't see the end coming.
I want to give this author another try and read the first in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Books for the advance copy of Anna Carlisle In The Darkest Hour.

Synopsis:
Small-town secrets don’t stay buried for long, and no one know that better than former Chicago medical examiner Gin Sullivan. On extended leave from her job, Gin is back in her hometown of Trumbull, PA, settling into a quiet life with her old high school sweetheart, Jake Crosby. But the demons of Gin’s past are lying in wait—and when Jake’s estranged mother turns up dead in a local motel from a heroin overdose, life in Trumbull begins to unravel one thread at a time. 

Dead set on revenge against the dealer, Jake brings in local high school student Jonah Krischer to face justice. But Trumbull police chief Tuck Baxter has to contend with the boy’s father, a prominent physician who threatens legal action over the unconventional arrest—even though Jonah admits to stealing his dad’s prescription pad to sell phony opiate prescriptions for cash. And when Jonah offers to lead police to a body in exchange for leniency, the stiff turns out to be one of the doctor’s own patients. Is there a killer on the loose in Trumbull? 

The race is on to find the truth in Anna Carlisle’s In the Darkest Hour, the third hair-raising Gin Sullivan mystery.


Kindle Edition
Expected publication: September 11th 2018 by Crooked Lane Books

About The Author:

https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Carlisle/e/B01I11E1VI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Friday, September 21, 2018

Book Review: Echoes Of The Past by TJ Hamilton

Echoes Of The Past
Title: Echoes Of The Past

Author: TJ Hamilton

Stars: 2 stars

Review:
The book started off with just the right amount of interest before everything turned sideways and the story came to a slow and painful stop.  The characters were not likable enough to keep readers interested.  As the story slows down the readers will flip pages to end the story or just toss it aside for something a bit more exciting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Escape Publisher for the advance copy of TJ Hamiliton Echoes of the Past.

Synopsis:
Blue lights in the red dust...Echo Springs on the edge of the outback – a town where everyone knows your name, and your business. But the wholesome country living and welcoming community aren't what they used to be. Echo Springs has a dark underbelly, and it is seeping ever outward.Born on the wrong side of the tracks to a family well–known for all the wrong reasons, Leila Mayne's childhood was marked with suspicion and derision from the people of Echo Springs. But her heart has always belonged to this town, so after graduating from the academy, she returns sporting a shiny new badge and the desire to be an agent of change. But change isn't easy, and Echo Springs isn't ready to accept a Mayne on the right side of the law. Everyone except her childhood sweetheart, the man she ran away from and has spent her time trying to forget. Hayden is as big and beautiful and supportive as ever. But he has secrets, dark secrets. Secrets that could destroy the integrity and fresh start Leila has worked so hard for. When it comes to a battle between her heart and her badge, Leila knows that there can be no winners, and she will lose everything.


ebook200 pages
Expected publication: September 18th 2018 by Escape Publishing

About The Author:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17964443.TJ_Hamilton

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Book Review: Fear Nothing (Detective D.D. Warren #7) by Lisa Gardner

Fear Nothing (Detective D.D. Warren, #7)
Title: Fear Nothing (Detective D.D. Warren #7) 

Author: Lisa Gardner

Stars4.5 stars

Review:
First book I have read by this author and I am hooked. This was an excellent murder mystery grounded in a law firm in the middle of a reverse discrimination complaint against them. The story moves along nicely and comes with an unexpected, kick in the groin, twist when the murder is solved by the very pregnant heroine. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a book about lawers and the practice of law.

I have rated this book 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Heidi I was unable to get a screenshot of the front of the book so did the next best thing that was possible.  Thank you Frank for your Review

Synopsis:
My name is Dr. Adeline Glen. Due to a genetic condition, I can’t feel pain. I never have. I never will. 

The last thing Boston Detective D. D. Warren remembers is walking the crime scene after dark. Then, a creaking floorboard, a low voice crooning in her ear. . . . She is later told she managed to discharge her weapon three times. All she knows is that she is seriously injured, unable to move her left arm, unable to return to work.

My sister is Shana Day, a notorious murderer who first killed at fourteen. Incarcerated for thirty years, she has now murdered more people while in prison than she did as a free woman.

Six weeks later, a second woman is discovered murdered in her own bed, her room containing the same calling cards from the first: a bottle of champagne and a single red rose. The only person who may have seen the killer: Detective D. D. Warren, who still can’t lift her child, load her gun, or recall a single detail from the night that may have cost her everything.

Our father was Harry Day, an infamous serial killer who buried young women beneath the floor of our home. He has been dead for forty years. Except the Rose Killer knows things about my father he shouldn’t. My sister claims she can help catch him. I think just because I can’t feel pain doesn’t mean my family can’t hurt me. 

D.D. may not be back on the job, but she is back on the hunt. Because the Rose Killer isn’t just targeting lone women, he is targeting D.D. And D.D. knows there is only one way to take him down:

Fear nothing.



Hardcover416 pages
Published January 7th 2014 by Dutton (first published January 1st 2014)


About The Author:
Lisa Gardner
aka Alicia Scott

New York Times bestselling crime novelist Lisa Gardner began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has parlayed her interest in police procedure, cutting edge forensics and twisted plots into a streak of eleven bestselling suspense novels.
Readers are invited to get in on the fun by entering the annual "Kill a Friend, Maim a Mate" Sweepstakes, where they can nominate the person of their choice to die in Lisa's latest novel. Every year, one lucky stiff is selected for literary immortality. It's cheaper than therapy, and you get a great book besides. For more details, simply visit Lisa's website.
Lisa lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with her family, as well as two highly spoiled dogs and one extremely neurotic three-legged cat. Lisa graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in international relations.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Book Review: What I've Done (Morgan Dane #4) by Melinda Leigh

What I've Done (Morgan Dane #4)
Title: What I've Done (Morgan Dane #4)

Author: Melinda Leigh

Stars: 5 Stars

Review:
I swore Melinda Leigh couldn't get any better and than I sit down and read book 4 in the Morgan Dane series and Wow!
What I've Done is by far the best in the series and while you can read it as a stand alone because the author catches readers up fast to the previous books read the first 3 to understand what makes this book amazing!
The author creates a a cast of characters that come to life as readers focus on Morgan and her future. 
The story takes readers on a mystery of Lincoln Sharps life before meeting Morgan as well as a promise that will have him hanging on to his life.

From the quite moments to the heart pumping moments this story will have readers dying for more.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Melinda Leigh What I've Done.

Synopsis:
Haley Powell wakes up covered in blood, with no memory of the night before. When she sees a man lying in the backyard, stabbed to death, she has only one terrified thought: What have I done?

Agreeing to take the case as a favor to her PI friend Lincoln Sharp, Morgan must scale a mountain of damning circumstantial and forensic evidence to prove her client innocent. Haley couldn’t appear more guilty: her bloodstained fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and she has no alibi. But Morgan can’t shake the feeling that this shocked young woman has been framed.

Someone out there is hell-bent on sabotaging her defense, targeting Morgan, her partner, and especially Haley. Someone who will stop at nothing—and whose next move will be deadly.

Paperback336 pages
Expected publication: September 18th 2018 by Montlake Romance

About The Author:
Melinda Leigh
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity while raising her kids. Over the next few years, she learned a few things about writing a book. The process was much more fun than analyzing financial statements, and she decided to turn her hobby into a career. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. She is a RITA® Award Finalist and has earned three Daphne du Maurier Award nominations, two Silver Falchion Awards, and a Golden Leaf.

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 in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two kids, a couple of shelter dogs and two rescue cats who clearly run the show. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination. Find out more about Melinda by visiting melindaleigh.com.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Book Review: Wyoming Cowboy Justice by Nicole Helm

Wyoming Cowboy Justice
Title: Wyoming Cowboy Justice

Author:  Nicole Helm

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
Nicole Helm Hatfield and McCoys type of western story has just the right amount of realism and fantasy that will keep readers wanting more as they fall in love with Laurel and her strength and Grady the miss understood Carson. The story is fast pace intrigue with the right amount of sexual tension to keep romance readers needing more and mystery reads watching out for the next bullet.
Nicole Helm can create a world readers will want to stay in long enough to get out alive.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Intrigue for the advance copy of Nicole Helm Wyoming Cowboy Justice. 


Synopsis:
Welcome to Bent, Wyoming Where the Wild West Never Died Resident bad boy and saloon owner Grady Carson knows his brother is not a murderer, and he'll do anything to prove it. But partnering with Laurel Delaney? Worst idea ever. The beautiful by-the-book cop challenges him like no other. Bad family blood--and a killer at large--makes their attraction unthinkable. Dangerous. Reckless. How can they solve a crime to prevent a family war and then let forbidden love ignite it anew?

Paperback288 pages
Expected publication: September 18th 2018 by Harlequin Intrigue

About The Author:
Nicole Helm
Nicole Helm is the bestselling author of down-to-earth contemporary romance and fast-paced romantic suspense. From farmers to cowboys, midwest to the west, she writes stories about people finding themselves and finding love in the process.

She lives with her husband and two young sons in Missouri enjoying Cardinals baseball and dreams about someday owning a barn.

www.nicolehelm.com

Friday, September 14, 2018

Book Review: My Little Ikigai Journal: A Journey Into the Japanese Secret to Living a Long, Happy, Purpose-Filled Life by Amanda Kudo

My Little Ikigai Journal: A Journey Into the Japanese Secret to Living a Long, Happy, Purpose-Filled Life
Title: My Little Ikigai Journal: A Journey Into the Japanese Secret to Living a Long, Happy, Purpose-Filled Life

Author: Amanda Kudo

Stars: 5 Stars

Review:
I can't even begin to tell you how much I love My Little Ikigai Journal.  Everything in this very short book has help create a better structure for not only me but children.  The questions you can answer with as much depth as you want. I enjoy all the creative ways for finding "reason for being." 
Its a perfect journal to buy for those who are struggling life with changes that bring them away from the reason for being.
This is an inspired Journal that everyone should own and work on during their daily joys and struggles.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher  Castle Point Books for the advance copy of My Little Ikigai Journal 

MUST HAVE!!

Synopsis:
You can eat healthy, stay active, and keep stress under control but still be overlooking a huge part of the health and happiness equation. That's the headline from experts who study the longest-living people in the world. The missing piece: knowing and honoring your ikigai, or "reason for being." My Little Ikigai Journal is just what you need to discover a sense of purpose worth up to 7 years of extra life expectancy!

-Over 120 pages of thoughtful questions, creative exercises, and little inspirations to guide you to your unique ikigai 
-Grow in understanding of what you love, where you excel, how you see the world, and where you can make a difference 
-Just moments spent with this journal each day will illuminate your purpose and increase your joy!


Paperback128 pages
Expected publication: September 11th 2018 by Castle Point Books


About The Author: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37638109-my-little-ikigai-journal

https://www.amazon.com/My-Little-Ikigai-Journal-Purpose-Filled/dp/1250199816

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Book Review The Watchdogs Didn't Bark: How the NSA Failed to Protect America from the 9/11 Attacks by Ray Nowosielski, Emanuel Stoakes

The Watchdogs Didn't Bark: How the NSA Failed to Protect America from the 9/11 Attacks
Title: The Watchdogs Didn't Bark: How the NSA Failed to Protect America from the 9/11 Attacks

Author(s): Ray Nowosielski,  Emanuel Stoakes

Stars: 4 1/2

Review:
I hate to say this might come off more personal than it should because of the topic that is being written about.
Readers will not be able to get though the first 100 pages without wanting to pull their hair out.  Realizing the people who were suppose to be protecting us failed at their one job is hard but seeing how easy it would have been for them to prevent something like this from happening years before the first bomb that failed to take down the towers years before 9/11.  I can't say how much I wanted to punch something.
I understand there are always two view points but these author make a compelling story that will have readers demanding more answers.  I understand there are things as normal people we do not need to know.  I can see the debate of transparency vs allowing Americans to sleep in their beds at night with a fake since of security everything is alright with the world.

History isn't going to judge this time in history well because there is so many falsehoods and well as the buried truths.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Hot Books for the an advance copy of Ray Nowosielski and Emanuel Stoakes The Watchdogs didn't Bark.

Synopsis:
The Watchdogs Didn't Bark takes a fact-based, character-driven approach to telling the shocking, previously unrevealed story of the NSA's failure to protect America on 9/11. Citing new insider testimony, the book explores how and why the world's most powerful and least understood intelligence agency failed to stay true to its most basic objective: protect the homeland from a Pearl Harbor style attack. No one was fired for 9/11, and many of the worst failures went on to play lead roles in running programs and operations utilized in the War on Terror. 
Emanuel Stoakes and Ray Nowosielski examine for the first time this episode of America's secret history in full-detail, conveying the psychological imperative felt by NSA leadership, which was caught red-handed withholding actionable intelligence that could and should have saved nearly 3,000 lives, the unprecedented program embraced in secret under the direction of Vice President Dick Cheney to reclaim the agency's place in history, and the successful cover-up undertaken to preserve power long enough to ensure the secret initiative they had begun would be embraced and protected. The byzantine nature of the contemporary national security state and its push for less and less transparency and oversight can be clearly traced back to this formative episode. We have inherited the unchallenged legacy of this failure and continue to pay the price.


Hardcover160 pages
Expected publication: September 11th 2018 by Hot Books

About The Author(s):

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Ray+Nowosielski&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ARay+Nowosielski

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Book Review: Judy Moody and the Right Royal Tea Party (Judy Moody #14) by Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds

Judy Moody and the Right Royal Tea Party (Judy Moody, #14)
Title: Judy Moody and the Right Royal Tea Party (Judy Moody #14)

Author:  Megan McDonald,  Peter H. Reynolds

Stars: 5 stars

Review:
(9 Year old Review of the book)
How can someone not like Judy moody books.  They are the best.  I think it was super funny, and I liked Judy the best but man what does she call her? hum nemesis Jessica is really mean.  I really liked the book and I can't wait to read more of the books.  Thank you to who gave the book to my mom and for me to read. I love Judy Moody she is funny, and likes to have fun and I like reading.

Mom's turn
The story is perfect for 6-11 year old girls to read.  It is under 200 pages but your girls will love the story and be able to connect with the different characters and what they are going though.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Candlewick Press for the advance copy of Megan McDonald Judy Moody and the Right Royal tea party  

Synopsis:
Judy Moody is in a royal purple-mountain-majesties mood. Make that Majesty with a capital M! With Grandma Lou's help, Judy has dug up proof that some old-timey Moodys (aka the brave Mudeyes) lived in merry olde England. In fact, if her grandpa's notes are right, Judy might even be related to -- royal fanfare, please -- the Queen herself! Should Judy start packing her purple robe for a sleepover at Buckingham Palace? But then Judy's family tree gets a few more shakes -- thanks to her nemesis, Jessica "Fink" Finch -- and some more surprises come tumbling out. Crikey! These new gems are not nearly as shiny or sparkly as the crown jewels. Now Judy has some right royal family secrets she'd like to keep hidden away in a dungeon somewhere -- and especially away from Jessica, the princess in pink herself! 


Hardcover160 pages
Expected publication: September 11th 2018 by Candlewick Press

About The Author:
Megan McDonald
"Sometimes I think I am Judy Moody," says Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody series, the Stink series, and THE SISTERS CLUB. "I'm certainly moody, like she is. Judy has a strong voice and always speaks up for herself. I like that." 

For Megan McDonald, being able to speak up for herself wasn't always easy. She grew up as the youngest of five sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, an ironworker, was known to his coworkers as "Little Johnny the Storyteller." Every evening at dinner the McDonalds would gather to talk and tell stories, but Megan McDonald was barely able to get a word in edgewise. "I'm told I began to stutter," she says, leading her mother to give her a notebook so she could start "writing things down." 


Critically acclaimed, the Judy Moody books have won numerous awards, ranging from a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year to an International Reading Association Children's Choice. "Judy has taken on a life of her own," the author notes, with nearly 3 million Judy Moody books in print. Interestingly, the feisty third-grader is highly popular with boys and girls, making for a strong base of fans who are among Megan McDonald's strongest incentives to keep writing, along with "too many ideas and a little chocolate." And now -- by popular demand -- Judy Moody's little brother, Stink, gets his chance to star in his own adventures! Beginning with STINK: THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING KID, three more stories, and his own encyclopedia, STINK-O-PEDIA, Stink's special style comes through loud and strong -- enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the first book. About the need for a book all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class full of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair à la Judy's little brother, chanted, 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book all his own."


More recently, Megan McDonald has recalled some of her own childhood with the warmth, humor -- and squabbles -- of three spunky sisters in THE SISTERS CLUB.


Megan McDonald and her husband live in Sebastopol, California, with two dogs, two adopted horses, and fifteen wild turkeys that like to hang out on their back porch.

Book Review: One Perfect Kiss (Hope #8) by Jaci Burton

One Perfect Kiss (Hope, #8)
Title: One Perfect Kiss (Hope #8) 

Author: Jaci Burton 

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
A modern day love story that takes place in a small town located in Oklahoma. The story flowed and had no glaring errors. A small town football coach (ex pro player) has players on probation and must work, in conjunction, with their English teacher in order to get them off probation. The story works through their mutual attraction and subsequent romance to a happy ending. If you are a fan of good writing this is a book that should be put on your to be read list.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.


Synopsis:
Josie Barnes has always craved a sense of home. She's found that in Hope, Oklahoma--she bought a house, has a new job as an English teacher at Hope High, she's made wonderful friends, and she's taking in stray animals that no one else wants. Now she's flirting with fellow teacher and hot high school football coach Zach Powers. But he's almost too good to be true, and Josie learned long ago not to trust in the too-good-to-be-true, because it has always let her down.

A former pro football player, Zach had to pull back when a career-ending knee injury forced him to rethink his future. Now he's happy calling plays as Coach. If he could just get Josie Barnes to stop benching his players for their poor grades, life would be perfect. Instead, she drives him crazy as the stern teacher at school and the sexy woman of his dreams outside of the classroom. He knows she's been hurt in the past, but he wants to be that guy she can trust.

The one thing Josie has never been able to count on is the people closest to her. But Zach intends to show her that what they have between them is a textbook case of love.



Kindle Edition320 pages
Expected publication: September 4th 2018 by Berkley

About The Author:
Jaci Burton
Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 70 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Book Review: Hitting the Books (Library Lover's Mystery #9) by Jenn McKinlay

Hitting the Books (Library Lover's Mystery, #9)
Title: Hitting the Books (Library Lover's Mystery #9)

Author: Jenn McKinlay

Stars: 4 stars out of 5

Review:
A very pleasant cozy mystery for those who prefer their reading to not be grusom or bloody. It starts nicely and continues on in the same manner. It also has a bit of romance between some of the characters for the reader who likes a love story to unfold along with their mystery. I enjoyed the book and have no qualms on recommending it to the aforementioned class of readers.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for your review.

Synopsis:
When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library's records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another "accident" and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide.

A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. But things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek and when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead, Lindsey, her staff and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word..


Hardcover304 pages
Expected publication: September 11th 2018 by Berkley Books

About The Author:
Jenn McKinlay

http://www.jennmckinlay.com/

Jenn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several mystery series and will be debuting a new women's fiction series in June 2017, starting with the title About a Dog. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets and her husband's guitars.

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