Review of The River Witch by Kimberly Brock

The River Witch by Kimberly Brock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The River Witch by Kimberly Brock is an exceptional southern gothic novel! This was actually my first southern gothic read and I must say Kimberly has helped me to fall in love with this genre. It was also the first Audible book I have listened to in a long time, and Alison Edwards’ narration was divine! Her southern charm whisked me away into the lives of Roslyn and Damascus, one adult and one child, each searching for meaning and hope in their circumstances. Kimberly’s rich descriptions allow the reader to see, smell, and taste the setting of an island off of Georgia. This was one of those reads that you never want to end, as you feel that you are a part of the story, along with the characters.


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Review of Colleen Hoover's Without Merit

Without Merit by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first Colleen Hoover read and I was blown away! I listened to it on Audible and literally did not want to stop to do life because I wanted to know what was going to happen to these magical characters I fell in love with! Merit has an unusual family life. She lives in an old church with her father and step-mother, as well as her mother who lives in the basement and will not come out. Other characters include Merit's twin sister, her older brother, a younger brother, an uncle by marriage who comes along unexpectedly, and Merit's love interest, whom she believes to be her twin's boyfriend. Merit finds herself in the throes of depression and the story comes to a head when she writes a heartfelt letter after which she attempts to remove herself from her reality. Each character is so deliciously developed that you will feel that they are your personal friends. The reader will quickly become invested in the story which has a superb ending. I cannot wait to read more by Colleen Hoover, and luckily I discovered there is quite a collection to choose from!

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Review of Karen Katchur's The Secrets of Lake Road

The Secrets of Lake Road by Karen Katchur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a sweet and sad read about the secrets safely stored within the confines of a summer lake town. Twelve-year-old Caroline arrives to spend the summer with her Gram. Her mother, who grew up there, is aloof and emotionally unreachable. Tragedy strikes when six-year-old Sara disappears and is thought to have succumbed to the depths of the lake where a previous tragedy is dredged up, implicating Caroline's parents in the death of a young man they once knew. Karen Katchur is masterful in transporting the reader to the scene. and her characters are rich and compelling.

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Review of Fractured by Catherine McKenzie

Fractured by Catherine McKenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Catherine McKenzie continues to keep the reader guessing! This novel is a tantalizing, slow burn, leading to a shocking climax! The story is told from the points of view of Julie, a once-stalked author of a true crime novel, and her across-the-street neighbor, John. Their friendship is frowned upon by their Stepford-wife-like-neighbors. Julie becomes the recipient of actions thought to be pranks, or are they something more--like a repeat of her stalking dilemma? She is finally shunned by all of her neighbors, including John. One morning, all of the pent up emotions come to a head when tragedy strikes and someone is left dead. You will not be disappointed in this one, folks. I am off to find another Catherine McKenzie novel, now. I think I have turned into a fangirl….


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Review of The Doll House by Phoebe Morgan

The Doll House by Phoebe Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.

Spooky and creepy, this book was a perfect pre-Halloween read, or anytime scary read, for that matter! Phoebe Morgan does a fine job at keeping the reader in the dark as to who is terrorizing sisters Corinne and Ashley. Corinne finds herself the recipient of pieces of her childhood dollhouse as the anniversary of her revered father’s death approaches. Corinne’s long time boyfriend makes light of the situation and makes her feel that she is unstable. Her mother is acting strangely. Sister, Ashley, finds her family falling apart. She fears her husband may be straying, her teenage daughter has become rebellious, and her toddler is exhibiting symptoms of possible illness. All of the strangeness comes to a head as the sisters meet in the cemetery to celebrate the one year anniversary of their father’s death. The reader will not be disappointed!


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Review of The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie

The Good Liar by Catherine McKenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like a tantalizing gourmet meal, Catherine McKenzie blends the ingredients of her story, The Good Liar, into a delectable treat! The book centers on two storylines revolving around a catastrophic event that occurred one year ago. Each character’s story is divinely woven until they masterfully collide with a pop of flavor! Readers will enjoy distinguishing between which of the main characters plays best at the role of “the good liar.”

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Review of Foretold (Ghost Gifts #2) by Laura Spinella

Foretold by Laura Spinella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Laura Spinella does not disappoint with this worthy sequel to Ghost Gifts! Foretold goes deeper into main character, Aubrey’s, bittersweet past that now intersects with her complicated present circumstances. This read delves into a murder mystery while staying true to Ghost Gift’s eerie, paranormal element. The story would not be complete without a touch of romance that will leave the reader longing that Aubrey will make the right choice. I cannot wait to see what Spinella has for us next!


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Review of Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Think Big Little Lies meets The Girl on the Train with a sprinkling of The Wife Between Us, and you have Jessica Strawser’s sure-to-be blockbuster, Not That I Could Tell. This story is full of intrigue and will keep you guessing to questions such as: Where the heck is Kristin? Is she alive or dead? Is her soon-to-be-ex-husband a murderer, abuser, or just a world-class jerk? Why can’t any of her friends who were present with her that last night remember just what happened in their last hours? Readers will not be disappointed in this edge-of-your-seat thriller!


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Review of The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book, but I had a hard time staying intrigued.

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Review of Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella

Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ghost Gifts is a juicy paranormal adventure with a romantic twist! Laura Spinella creates characters of a full embodiment, like a fine wine. Readers will find themselves drawn into the mystery of Who killed Missy? and anxiously awaiting to see whom Shelbey will choose--her wayward almost ex-husband or her difficult but intriguing new co-worker. Although Laura Spinella’s book stands on its own, I believe readers of Heather Graham novels will be drawn to this story.


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Review of Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sweet Tea and Sympathy is a sweet novel that blends eccentricity, a touch of family drama, and a little bit of romance in a southern setting. Readers will find themselves giggling over the main character’s quirkiness, especially in the opening scene, but also throughout the novel. This novel is perfect for a day at the beach or sitting in the sun while sipping a sweet tea!


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