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Shelter in Place
Shelter in Place
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 16 more book reviews


Very well written story that follows several people, for years, after a mall shooting.
How each reacts to the trauma and aftermath explores the many ways people respond to such an event.
Well worth the reading time.


Taking the Heat
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


A gripping story on a mother's survival, in a place hard to live in.


Sovereign (The Books of Mortals)
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


a good book on the way some people have to fight, just to survive, despite the odds.


Gone with the Wind
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


An excellent book on history and romance.


The Lady with the Dark Hair
eadieburke avatar reviewed on + 1612 more book reviews


Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella's greatest work--a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair .
In 1879, Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists' pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella's sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.
This dual-timeline story from award-winning author Erin Bartels takes readers from the sleepy Midwest to the sultry Mediterranean on a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one's dreams.
I have read every book that Erin Bartels has written and have found them all different but very well written. This one is about painters and art about The Lady with the Dark Hair. This is a dual timeline-story that takes us to the Mediterranean. I found this book very interesting as I had no idea that Erin was an artist. I find her very intriguing and do look forward to what comes next from her. If you like art and painting I'm sure you would love this book. Pick it up and read it as you will be surprised as I was that the book is actually well worth the read!


Safe in Her Bodyguard's Arms (Price Security, 2)
reviewed on + 1112 more book reviews


Obie grew up in the Florida swamps until a drug cartel killed her parents. Then she was raised by her suburban aunt and now manages a coffee shop after earning a hospitality degree. Xander was in the British special forces and currently works for a security company. How their paths cross and what happens next made for an exciting and compelling read. I enjoyed her knowledge of the landscape keeping him safe and both of thier willingness to talk about family dynamics. The gunshots start on page 25 and the action doesn't let up!


Clive Cussler's Hellburner (The Oregon Files)
eadieburke avatar reviewed on + 1612 more book reviews


When Juan Cabrillo fails to capture the leader of Mexico's most dangerous drug cartel and loses an Oregon crew member in the process, he's determined to get revenge. Little does he know that the explosion he just narrowly escaped was merely the latest flash of violence from a machine of war that has existed for decades, dating from the bloodiest episode in Armenia's history.
Cabrillo's Corporation of mercenaries may have finally met its match in The Pipelineâa criminal syndicate passed down from father to son across generations. A group that sits with its finger on the trigger of a torpedo so deadly it could level entire cities. With millions of innocent civilians hanging in the balance, the Oregon's crew must unravel a tangle of drug-smuggling routes and international conspiracies spanning from the Aegean Sea to the Indian Ocean, putting their lives on the line to find the weapon before its countdown hits zero.
This was a good book but a bit different spin than the other books in the Oregon files. It was written by Mike Maden but not with Clive Cussler. This changed the whole voice of the novel and I found it a bit distracting while reading the book. The characters of the crew did not work together and I did miss this in the book. Hopefully Mike Maden will correct this in his next writing of the book. I think the books should be a bit consistent with the other books as this book feels like a different series. I realize that it must be difficult to write a book following the author's death but feel like it's important to get it right or start a new series. Sorry for being so critical but this is just a suggestion to help the author with his next endeavor of writing the next book.


A Turn in the Road (Blossom Street, Bk 8) (Large Print)
reviewed on + 2 more book reviews


I loved this book- as I love all of Debbie Macombers books.


Defend and Betray (William Monk, Bk 3)
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


Good book on suspense, keeps you wondering about the end of things.


Home Front: A Novel
reviewed on + 362 more book reviews


Good read


Fairy Tale
reviewed on + 362 more book reviews


Good read


The Traitor
The Traitor
Author: V. S. Alexander
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 362 more book reviews


Good read


The Heir Apparent (Orb of Zorn)
BoysMom avatar reviewed on + 715 more book reviews


The Heir Apparent by John Gorman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


With its elaborate backstory and vibrant world-building, I felt like I was right there with the characters.

The Heir Apparent, the first book in author John Gorman's new high fantasy series, Orb of Zorn, takes a minute to lay the groundwork for the story's setting, but then the action takes off, and you realize the buildup was worth every bit of it. The writing is so visual it feels made to become a movie.

The author deftly juggles several disparate groups of companions, seemingly unrelated at first, but gradually it becomes clear they are all moving toward a similar goal, to thwart the reemergence of the evil Shadowlord. The story of each set of companions is compelling, and I would be hard-pressed to single out a favorite; I liked them all and look forward to what comes next in their stories.

In addition to great world-building, an exciting plot in constant forward motion, and characters that quickly mattered, the author injected quite a bit of humor into the dialogue. I also enjoyed the creative character and place names, such as Horst Smidwick, Flettsdorf, and the two orc brothers, Borg and Brig. Besides the orcs, Gorman populates his world with a variety of fantastic creatures like elves, trolls, kobolds, and some I can't even name. It's been a while since I've read and enjoyed a classic fantasy so much, and I will be following this author to be notified of the next book in this series.

I recommend THE HEIR APPARENT to readers of high fantasy and classic quest stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.



King's Ransom (87th Precinct)
marcijo28 avatar reviewed on + 280 more book reviews


I am really enjoying reading McBain's 87th Precinct series!


Class Reunion
Class Reunion
Author: Rona Jaffe
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
debs avatar reviewed on + 641 more book reviews


I loved this book so much back when it was new, that I read it at least three times. It would be very nostalgic to read it now.


Ghost in the Window
Ghost in the Window
Author: Betty Ren Wright
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


A good mystery for any age, but kids will like it better.


It Only Hurts When I Laugh
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


Fine book for humor, makes others laugh, too.


Shattered
Shattered
Author: Dick Francis
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Book Type: Hardcover
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


Interesting tale of what dangers one can face, and how to overcome them.


Merciless
Merciless
Author: Mary Burton
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


A mystery that keeps you n your toes, always a good read.


When We Left Cuba
When We Left Cuba
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
pj-s-bookcorner avatar reviewed on + 857 more book reviews


Set amid the tumultuous 1960's with the overthrow of Batista and rise of Castro in Cube, the Bay of Pigs invasion, the missile crisis and the assassination of John Kennedy. Beatriz Perez and her once powerful sugar empire family are exiled to Florida when Castro overthrows Batista's government. But her heart will always be in Cuba, especially after the murder of her brother.


The Wild Lavender Bookshop (Someday Valley, Bk 2)
scoutmomskf avatar reviewed on + 2536 more book reviews


Good story about six people who become three couples whose lives intersect when they come together to help one of their own. Each character is unique, with their quirks, and I enjoyed seeing their changes and journeys.

Noah is a relative newcomer to Someday Valley. A New York native, he left a successful business career and an overbearing family to start a bookstore in the small town. Noah is an observer of human nature rather than a participant. He listens to his customers' stories, dreams, and regrets while trying to decide what he wants from his life. But for now, his life revolves around his bookstore and upstairs apartment.

One of his customers is Cora Lee, the quiet elementary school teacher who lives in the other apartment above the shops. She is the daughter of Noah's landlord, Bear Buchanan, and sister to Katherine, her brash older sister.

Noah and Cora Lee have been drawn to each other for a long time but only did something about it after an unexpected rooftop encounter. I loved Noah's sensitivity to Cora Lee's shyness and how he did everything possible to make her feel safe with him. I liked how Cora Lee saw Noah for the intelligent and sensitive man that he was. As they got to know each other and explored their growing feelings, each opened up about their dreams. I loved how Cora Lee gave him the support and confidence he needed to pursue his dream. Their time together was sweet.

Bear is the local fix-it guy. He mostly keeps to himself. He works on his farm when he isn't working in his repair shop. He also has a secret life that no one is aware of. He has had an ongoing relationship with his neighbor, Eliza, for many years. He wants more, but Eliza is reluctant to change a relationship that has worked for so long. Eliza has an intriguing backstory, and I was fascinated by the stories she told. I liked Bear's sensitivity to Eliza's needs and that he never gave up on his hopes for their future.

Andi Delane's trip to Someday Valley has two purposes. On the surface, she is there to meet the two half-brothers she didn't know she had. Her biological father was not part of her life, and she knew nothing of their existence until after his death. She has always wanted a sibling and is excited and nervous about meeting them. The other reason is darker. Andi is an undercover detective in Dallas and has the misfortune of being identified by a pretty nasty criminal. She needs to go into hiding until she is called as a witness in his trial because there is a contract out on her life. Andi is independent and resents the need for protection. She is especially ticked when she checks in with the sheriff, and he sets one of his deputies to tail her and watch over her.

Dan is intrigued by Andi from the moment he gives her a speeding ticket on her way into town. He's pretty happy to follow Andi around, even though she does her best to make his job harder. I loved their interactions over the first few days as it became apparent that Andi underestimated Dan's abilities. I liked it when she stopped playing stupid games and started working with him. Their fake relationship ruse gave her the cover she needed for being in town but also gave Dan an excuse to spend more time with her. Having been burned once in love, he never expected to fall for someone else.

Things get complicated when those who are after Andi come looking for her. She isn't used to having someone have her back and isn't sure how to handle Dan's protectiveness. It takes a little while to find the balance that satisfies their needs. The intensity increases as the bad guys close in, and Dan and Andi devise a plan to keep her safe and alive. It was interesting to see how the three couples worked together to make it happen. The build-up and final confrontation kept me turning the pages until it was over. All that was left was the question of where their relationship was headed. I loved the epilogue and seeing each couple's decisions about their futures.

#netgalley


The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, A War Story, A Love Story (A Novel)


Mark Helprin I love as an author, always have. This new book I'd give 6 stars if I could. WOW. Where in some books, some thoughts are so profound you want to go grab a pen and write them down to remember them, the writing in this one is soooo good you'd be writing down most of the paragraphs in the book. It kinda knocks your socks off. Erudite? Yes, Deep? Yes, Beautiful? Yes. Well-written? OMG, yes.
Hats off to you Mark Helprin !!! What a power punching novel.


The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, A War Story, A Love Story (A Novel)


Mark Helprin I love as an author, always have. This new book I'd give 6 stars if I could. WOW. Where in some books, some thoughts are so profound you want to go grab a pen and write them down to remember them, the writing in this one is soooo good you'd be writing down most of the paragraphs in the book. It kinda knocks your socks off. Erudite? Yes, Deep? Yes, Beautiful? Yes. Well-written? OMG, yes.
Hats off to you Mark Helprin !!! What a power punching novel.


The Land of Steady Habits: A Novel
reviewed on + 130 more book reviews


Interesting story about how many of us feel sometimes.


Force of Nature: A Novel
oldrockandroll avatar reviewed on + 282 more book reviews


This is the second book I have read by this author. The first book was really good, this one not so much in my opinion. The story seemed to drag on and on, characters were confusing at times. I was glad when I finally finished it. I rarely not finish a book. I probably will not read any more books by this author.


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