Robin M. (robinmy) - , reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 2167 more book reviews

Nina keeps her mother Maggie locked in the attic as revenge for the things that Maggie did to her. Maggie has had a chain around her ankle for the last couple of years. She's tried to escape, but each time Nina stops her. What did Maggie do to cause Nina to lock her up?

Ugh. I can't believe I finished this book. I stuck with it since John Marrs is the Author of the Month in one of my Goodreads groups. This book has many 5-star reviews. I just can't figure out what people liked about it, but I'm glad they had a better experience than me.

The story unfolds with two points-of-view: Nina and Maggie. We jump between the past and the present as the story progresses. The pacing was incredibly slow. The story dragged on and on. The characters were unlikeable. There was no one to root for. They were more or less two lunatics living in the same house. There were lots of twists in this story, mostly predictable. The rest of the twists were over the top. The ending of the story was just AWFUL.

On a good note, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Knoweldon. She did a good job with the characters. My rating: 1.5 Stars.

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Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 42 more book reviews

This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely, not the last. 

Miss Tilly runs the Weber Hays, the Victorian B&B, and just happens to own this adorable white kitten named Snowball. Emily Diemer does all the cooking and baking as well as keep several local businesses stocked with her baked goods. Unfortunately, while on her morning bakery errand, Snowball sneaks into her purse. Lukas, Miss Tilly's nephew, is a professional photographer who happens to see the mischievous kitten while taking pictures. 

Emily takes an immediate dislike towards Lukas because she believes he is extremely selfish for traveling the world as an international nature and architectural photographer instead of helping out his aunt with the neglected inn. 

I enjoyed reading this sweet holiday story. Additionally, I loved Snowball's escapades as he played cupid to both Emily and Lukas. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. 

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Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 2693 more book reviews

Fast-paced, gripping story of an interpreter, Zaire, who overhears a bombing plot and tries to do the right thing by reporting it to the American embassy. Instead, she is detained and accused of murdering her roommate. CIA agent Buck flies to Rome to escort her back to the States, expecting a quick trip to the airport and an easy flight home. What he gets is a woman with a target on her back and a race to escape those who want to stop her.

The growing urgency to uncover the truth while running for their lives kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Relentless pursuit, close calls, and intense confrontations kept me on edge throughout the book, wondering when they would catch a break. Buck's suspicions made sense, and I loved his ability to find a solution. The nail-biter twist at the end was an outstanding conclusion to the mission.

I enjoyed the development of Zaire and Buck's relationship. Zaire was terrific. Introverted, but not shy, intelligent, and able to adapt to circumstances, and with a penchant to spout trivia when she's nervous. Buck is unflappable and skilled at his job. Sparks flare between them from the start. Buck resists because a past relationship has led him to believe that certain aspects of his past make it impossible for someone to love him. The rare moments of downtime allow them to get to know each other, and the attraction builds from there. I liked how Zaire wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted. I ached for them both when Buck pushed her away, believing that their connection was only because of what they'd been through. I loved the ending and seeing Buck see the truth. I loved the epilogue and seeing how they took the time to be sure of their feelings.

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Charlie H. (chesse) reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 137 more book reviews

Great book. Wish I had found it sooner.

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Alice B. reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 3731 more book reviews

What happened to Hannah Montague a former resident of the inn? The three sisters have found two secret rooms in the inn which was once the home of Hannah Montague and her husband, but they are trying to figure out with some clues. Did she leave or did something untimely happen to her? I guess she left, but I don't know, but it's worth reading and finding out.

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Mary M. (bkwrm) reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 7 more book reviews

I really enjoyed this book. Especially the fact that it took place in the decade I was born.

It was so heart-warming how these four women supported each other through all of their life's struggles.

It was very eye-opening the inequality "back in the day". I found it interesting that in order for women to obtain birth control or to open a savings account in their name - their husband had to sign off on it.

I listened to the audio for a good portion of the book.

The book was well written and the audio well done.

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Eileen S. (smileen) - , reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 287 more book reviews

Another wonderful story by this amazing author! A dual timeline story about a young girl who during the war was taught to be a jewel thief, like Robin Hood-so she could take from the rich and undeserving and give to the cause,and the poor. All her life , she has blamed herself for her sister's disappearance when the Nazi's were at the door. When a bracelet is discovered that may prove what happened to her sister, she goes on a search to find out what she missed all these years.As usual, with her books, I was in tears in the end!

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Donna C. (g-ma) reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 3196 more book reviews

One word---BORING!!

The story is just not a page turner and isn't very interesting at all, I don't understand the good reviews on this one

The pages with Dix are just page filler and not necessary at all and adds nothing to the story, just very boring

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Margaret Y. (frogslady) - , reviewed on 7/4/2025 + 93 more book reviews

I'm enjoying this series very much. Cassie is learning to cope and do life with supportive friends and not to do everything on her own. The story moves right along and kept my interest so that I did not notice time passing.

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Shanna H. (shanhook) reviewed on 7/3/2025

I wasn't expecting this book to be so funny. I loved the MC and her relationship with her Grandmother. I would read another book just about the two of them going through their regular, everyday lives.

The mystery/thriller portion was okay. I didn't guess the ending, but I wasn't even focused on figuring out who did it; I was just enjoying letting the podcast figure it out for me.

IMO, it's worth the read. Just don't take the mystery too seriously. Sit back and enjoy the read.

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Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 1008 more book reviews

This is a quick read that is at times LOL funny. The author is involved with a Boston Terrier Rescue, and this book introduces the reader to some of the dogs and people she meets through her rescue work. Her life sounds crazy as at one point she has 4 dogs, a young daughter, and a husband in a Manhattan apartment. Her husband must be a very understanding person.

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Suzana P. (suzsees) reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 15 more book reviews

Really enjoyed this book, the story and style of the writing were amazing! Highly recommend.

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Cookie M. (cookiem) reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 8 more book reviews

Sometimes the older books are the best. I just loved reading through the tips and facts of the vegetables.

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Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 1003 more book reviews

Tangled Darkness by M.M. Desch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Riveting thriller featuring desperate characters and complex, calculated deception.

Tangled Darkness by MM Desch is a must-read thriller featuring a sympathetic and vulnerable main character caught up in a cold, complex, and calculated deception. I didn't want to put this book down.

Dr. Leslie Schoen, the main character with a history of addiction, is shocked when she receives a notice from the state's medical licensing board, claiming someone has accused her of stealing samples of a powerful, restricted drug from her workplace. While her checkered past leaves her in a vulnerable state, of both mind and situation, rather than wringing her hands and doing nothing, she prepares to fight this obvious setup.

The atmosphere crackles with hidden malevolence as Leslie tries to determine who among her colleagues is behind the accusation. In the meantime, she keeps her troubles from her newly pregnant wife, Izzy, who has finally conceived after months and months of disappointment and miscarriage. I was kept constantly on the edge of my seat as Leslie worked her way through the obvious roadblocks put in her way to the surprising resolution.

I recommend TANGLED DARKNESS to readers of mysteries, thrillers, and medical dramas.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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Michael B. (Ichabod) reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 170 more book reviews

In her book, "Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future," Patty Krawec delves into Indigenous history and the settler colonial mindset. The initial five chapters investigate the motivations and justifications behind historical atrocities such as massacres, the horrors of residential schools, and ethnic cleansing. Krawec challenges the idea of the United States as a "nation of immigrants," asserting instead that it is a "nation of settlers." She distinguishes that "Immigrants come to a place and become part of the existing political system... Settler is a way of being here." Settlers perceived the land as unutilized, a view supported by the papal "Doctrine of Discovery," which granted European powers the right to claim newly discovered lands not already owned by Christians.

Indigenous people began to disappear. School teaches about "... brave colonists fighting for freedom" and "Native people who, despite early Thanksgiving friendship, become dangerous and then mysteriously vanish." Krawec advocates for unforgetting the past, asserting that we chose to forget or bury the harms of settler colonialism. By challenging our assumptions and questioning their origins, collective progress can be achieved.

"Nii'kinaaganaa," an Anishinaabe concept centered on universal kinship, forms the foundational principle of this book: the journey to becoming kin. Each chapter provides a suggested assignment, guiding readers who are looking to bond with the Indigenous community and contribute to reconciliation. The book concludes with Krawec's call for collective action, suggesting a number of ways to connect with organizations dedicated to social justice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) - , reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 742 more book reviews

Another truly cozy mystery, maybe a bit too much, with details about meals, and, inevitably, manicuring and the new spa. Mystery was ok, although the victim was pretty easy to spot and some readers probably cheered his demise. Nice details about some of the settings and most of the characters are pleasant enough to spend time with.

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Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 711 more book reviews

he Turtle House is a debut novel inspired by author Amanda Churchill's grandmother. The plot traces the life of Mineko (Minnie) in a nonlinear fashion from her girlhood in Japan, her marriage to an American GI and living on a military base in Japan, leaving the Army and adjusting to civilian life in Texas, and eventually life as a widow with a son and daughter.

A secondary storyline features Lia, Minne's 25-year-old granddaughter, who's struggling to find a way forward after an incident disrupts her personal and professional lives. The only positive thing about living with her parents is the opportunity to strengthen her relationship with Grandminnie and capture audio recordings of her memories.

I was deeply invested in Minnie's story with its many heartaches and transitions, less so with Lia's until the final quarter of the book; I loved how their lives intertwined in the final chapters.

The Turtle House reminded me of Banyan Moon by Thao Thai in several ways (debut novel, character driven, strong grandmother-granddaughter bond, immigrant story, house fire). Each tells its own story, but they could certainly be in conversation with each other.

Thank you to Harper and the Thoughts From a Page podcast (patron perk) for a review copy of this novel.

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Ginny W. (TriGin) - reviewed on 7/3/2025

It begins with Harry Crane who is grief stricken over the sudden death of his wife. Harry escapes to the forest who works for the Forest Service. While in the forest, he meets Amanda Jeffers and her ten-year-old daughter, Oriana. They're both grieving for Dean, their husband and father who, without warning, died suddenly a year before. The three helped each other to get through their grief.

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Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 1178 more book reviews

The world building in this book is impressive but the level of darkness was too much for this gentle reader. The blurb contained the descriptors "ferocity, grueling, deadly, and sadistic" so it's my fault for not taking them seriously enough. If you want a story of Fae rebellion with rape, murder, and torture this may be the right book for you.

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Marcia C. reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 699 more book reviews

An almost perfect novel of romantic suspense, taking place mostly in a vivid small town with interesting characters. The main character is haunted by her father's long ago crimes that seem to be reviving, like a corpse that just doesn't want to stay buried.

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Donna C. (g-ma) reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 3196 more book reviews

The first 50 pages were so boring then it went into the then/now option and I hate that! So I quit reading!

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Shayla B. (ShaylaB) - , reviewed on 7/3/2025 + 43 more book reviews

Sweet & heart wrenching story. Peter saved Pax when he was a young kit & they have been together ever since. Until one day Peter is forced to leave Pax in the woods. The story is of Peter's journey to find Pax & Pax's journey to find his way back to Peter.

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Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on 7/2/2025 + 42 more book reviews

This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely, not the last!

Jane Williams is born during a Christmas blizzard and receives a rather unique gift - one that allows her to literally see true love. On the day of her 29th birthday, she learns about her gift from Colette Dubois. Anyway, in order for Jane to experience true love in her life she must identify the six types of love before the full moon following her 30th birthday - agape, eros, ludus, mania, pragma, and storge.

I enjoyed reading the six mini subplots that reminded me of short love stories. For example, "agape" - unconditional, altruistic love - Mary, Jane's friend, is in love with Luca, her Italian builder, he moves back to the USA to marry her and become the father of her unborn child. "Eros" - passionate love - Katie, Jane's friend, totally and completely loves her husband Josh no matter the obstacles. "Ludus" - playful, non-committal love - Lo, Jane's assistance, falls in love with Grant, a married man who has no plans of leaving his wife. "Mania" - obsessive love - Flynn, Jane's brother, is driven by compulsive love for Celeste, someone he has never met who happens to live in the next building over. "Pragma" - love driven by the head, not the heart - Elaine, Jane's friend, falls in love with her neighbor, Charles, but decides to stay with her husband, Matthew. "Storge" - love born from friendship - Mel, Jane's friend, falls in love with Vivian, a lady who frequently visits his newsstand.

This was a wonderful, heartwarming story that I definitely recommend.

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Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 7/2/2025 + 1008 more book reviews

This was the first book I have read by Wally Lamb. I don't know why I was avoiding his books, I suppose given the popularity and plots I thought they would be sentimental and tear-jerky. Well, this book was sentimental and tear-jerky, but I am here for it! I read it in 3 days despite its length. The ending was a gut punch, this was an enjoyable and engrossing read.

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Kayleen (jegka) reviewed on 7/2/2025 + 167 more book reviews

This was not a bad book, but sadly the book description seemed to have more action that this story. It was a long slow build up to the next book.
I couldn't quite buy that the witch in hiding and the witch hunter fall for each other so quickly when each was using the other. And the twists didn't see very twisty.

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