Reviews

Book Review: The Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

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The Campbell Sisters by Eileen Joyce Donovan

Publisher:  DX Varos Publishing (March 7, 2023)
Category: Literary Fiction, British and Irish Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
ISBN: 978-1955065702
Available in Print and ebook, 396 pages

Campbell Sisters

Helen Campbell is the eldest and most practical of three sisters, daughters of hard-working Irish emigrants living in New York City in the 1950s. She does what she can to keep the wild-child middle sister, Carolyn, in line and support the youngest, Peggy, as she pursues her dreams of becoming a doctor. Then Helen meets Charlie.

While it’s love at first sight for those two, Carolyn’s antics threatens to derail all the sisters’ future happiness. However, through thick and thin, the three sisters strive to prevail, though not necessarily in the ways they thought they wanted.

Pre-order Campbell Sisters

Amazon
Barnes&Noble
DX Varos Publishing
Bookshop.org
IndieBound

Guest Review by Sal

A treat for lovers of historical fiction and lovers of the romance genres, ‘The Campbell Sisters,’ by Eileen Joyce Donovan, tells the story of three sisters living and finding love in the sometimes-hectic world of 1950s New York City.

Helen, the eldest Campbell sister, is working at a home for orphans in the city when a random bicycle accident introduces her to Charlie, a local boxer who she finds charming and handsome. Although Helen is unsure about whether or not she should date Charlie, eventually she relents and the two begin seeing each other.

Meanwhile, Helen’s younger sister, Carolyn, becomes embroiled in scandal when Helen discovers that Carolyn is seeing a man who is married. When Carolyn’s relationship is outed to her parents, the consequences will have long-lasting effects on all three of the Campbell sisters, including the youngest, Peggy, whose only wish is to complete medical school and become a doctor.

Despite their initial anger at Carolyn’s mistake, all three sisters will have to come together to help her right her wrong, and their bond will be challenged more than ever before.

All three of the Campbell sisters have very distinct and individual personalities, and Eileen Joyce Donovan pulls that off brilliantly. I was eager to see where each sister’s story went and found myself completely wrapped up in the narrative. Donovan’s writing is fantastic, with just the right amount of world-building versus character-building.

Her view of 1950s New York was both expansive and romantic, and seeing it through the character’s eyes made for a one-of-a-kind reading experience.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, so I feel pretty qualified to recommend this to fellow lovers of the genre. ‘The Campbell Sisters’ is a gorgeous addition to the genre, and it is begging to be added to your TBR!

About the Author

Eileen Joyce Donovan has been writing her entire life, in one way or another, whether it was imaginative stories for friends, or advertising copy for clients. At the persistent urging of her husband, she finally agreed to seriously edit and revise one of her stories and take the plunge. Years later, her persistence paid off and both her debut historical fiction, Promises, and her second novel, A Lady Newspaperman’s Dilemma, won prestigious awards. Her short stories have appeared in several anthologies, and her essays have been included in various Chicken Soup for the Soul editions.

She lives in Manhattan, New York and is a member of Authors Guild, Women’s National Book Association, Women Fiction Writers Association, and The Historical Novel Society.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/etdonovan1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.donovan.923

Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Mar 13 Kickoff & I

Emily Many Thoughts of a Reader Mar 14 Review

Denise Amazon & Goodreads Mar 15 Review

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Mar 21 Review & Guest Post

Sal Bound 4 Escape Mar 22 Review

DT Amazon & Goodreads Mar 23 Review

Just Another Reader Mar 24 Review & Excerpt

Danielle Urban Book Reviews Mar 27 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Mar 29 Review & Guest Post

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books Mar 30 Review & Excerpt

Carole Rae’s Random Rambling Mar 31 Reivew

Jane Amazon & Goodreads Apr 3 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews April 4 Review

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Apr 6 Review

Bee Book Pleasures April 7 Review & Interview

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews April 11 Review

Awards & Praise for Eileen Joyce Donovan

2019 Marie M Irvine Award for Promises, 2021

When Word Count competition for A Lady Newspaperman’s Dilemma

“This story is well written and immerses the reader in the period rooting for Alex. At times, I found her decisions a bit rash, but I remembered myself fighting for my career in a male-dominated field. The story is well-researched, and I enjoyed it immensely.”- Carol Amorosi, Author of The MacKay Mysteries, Series

“It was compelling to read of the mores of the time: school teachers couldn’t drink in public, staying at a boarding house came with a set of restrictive rules and trying to get lead stories in a newspaper entailed being part salesperson/part private investigator.
With the role of newspapers and reporters being in the news of late, this depiction of a young woman learning the ropes in a competitive, male dominated field was fascinating in the scope of how tough it is to get a story right.”- Susan Wands, Author of Magician and Fool

“I don’t normally read historical fiction, but I so enjoyed this book set in the 1920’s. The theme is timeless as the main character is determined to make it in a man’s world. Great read!”- Stacy Wilder, Author of A Liz Adams Mystery, Series

“The characters and fast paced plot drew me in and kept me reading. I enjoyed the historical details and the fact that every time I thought I knew how a character would react, I was wrong. The author is too skilled to fall into stereotypes.”- Grammarian, Amazon Review

Book Review: If She Lives by Erik Therme

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Tess Parker knows tragedy better than most.

After surviving the death of her daughter and kidnapping of her nephew, Tess is ready to return to normal life. But her troubled past has other plans, and when an old threat reemerges, Tess must seek the help of an unlikely ally to set things right.

No matter what the cost.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read Erik Therme‘s books and enjoy his writing style and the suspense in his books. I read the first two books in this series, If She Dies and If She Wakes. Of course, I had to read the last book in the series to find out what happens!

Tess is not as much of a mess as she was in the first two books. She’s realizing the mistakes she made in the past, although she was a grieving mother with little support, so it’s kind of understandable. She and her sister-in-law, Torrie, have become close and Tess has been staying with her since she separated from her husband, Josh. She takes care of Levi, Torrie’s baby, while Torrie works.

Tess is happy in her current situation, so, of course, it doesn’t last for long. Torrie’s house catches on fire and things spiral from there. She’s scared for herself and her family, and the journey she ends up taking is full of suspense.

The ending was satisfactory. It was a bit of a surprise, but I knew there was something…I just couldn’t put my finger on it! If She Lives is a standalone novel, but I suggest reading all three in order to get the most out of it.

About the Author

Erik Therme has thrashed in garage bands, inadvertently harbored runaways, and met Darth Vader. When he’s not at his computer, he can be found cheering on his youngest daughter’s volleyball team or watching horror movies with his oldest. He currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa—one of only twenty-eight places in the world that UNESCO has certified as a City of Literature.

Join Erik’s mailing list to be notified of new releases and author giveaways: http://eepurl.com/cD1F8L

Website: http://www.eriktherme.com
Twitter: eriktherme

Book Review & Giveaway: Ellie-May & her Toy Dragon, Ben by Genna Rowbotham

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Feeling so excited for a new day ahead, Ellie-May struggles to sleep. So when her toy dragon, Ben grows into a real-life dragon, they take to the starry skies and embark on a night-time adventure together, where they visit Ben’s castle and enjoy a dragon party.

But as the sun begins to rise and the stars fade, will Ellie-May be able to stay awake?

Purchase Links

Genna’s website:            www.gennarowbotham.co.uk/shop
Amazon (Paperback):    https://amzn.to/3InCyJN
Amazon (eBook):             https://amzn.to/3GmtLp1
Google Play: (eBook):    https://bit.ly/3QjcKR9

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Ellie May finds out that her toy dragon, Ben, can turn full-size! The first night he does this, he takes her to a party at his castle! When the sun comes up, Ben asks her if she wants to stay and play. As much as she wants to, she realizes how tired she is and that sleep is important:

“But first, I need some sleep:
it’s important you know.
It helps me stay healthy,
and it helps me to grow!”

So, they go home and go to bed so that they can be ready for the day ahead.

Ellie May & Her Toy Dragon, Ben is a picture book with amazing illustrations that are bright and colorful that children will enjoy. It is a fun fantasy told in verse. Children will like this story. It will spark their imagination and help teach them the importance of sleep.

About the Author

Genna Rowbotham wrote her first children’s story in 2017, fitting it in around caring for her young family, and is now an author of nine children’s books as well as a short story in a magazine. Rowbotham has a passion to write stories that help entertain, educate and inspire young-ones as the reader can escape the seriousness of life and enter a world of magic.

Her other interests include reading, writing, travelling, astrology, spending time with her family and exploring the great outdoors.

She lives with her lively, imaginative family in Derbyshire in a house full of books, magazines as well as colourful drawings and all sorts of artwork from her children (empty cereal boxes are often taken from the recycle bin to reinvent something wonderful like a spy camera or telescope).

Social Media Links –

Website:              www.gennarowbotham.co.uk
Twitter:                http://twitter.com/GennaRowbotham
Facebook:           https://facebook.com/GennaRowbothamAuthor 
You Tube:            http://youtube.com/@gennarowbotham
Pinterest:            https://www.pinterest.co.uk/GennaRowbotham_Author
Book Bub:            https://www.bookbub.com/profile/genna-rowbotham

Giveaway

Prize includes Where is Lamby? (rhyming picture book), Lottie the Ladybird’s Adventure (for ages 7-9) and  Ellie-May & her Toy Dragon, Ben (rhyming picture book)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Giveaway

Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Fool Her Once by Joanna Elm

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Fool Her Once (A Novel) by Joanna Elm
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 416 pages 
Genre:  Thriller
Publisher:  CamCat Books
Release date:   Feb, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M. There’s adultery, language, some sexual content, and violent crime, but no explicit descriptions of the crimes.

 


Some killers are born. Others are made.

​As a rookie tabloid reporter, Jenna Sinclair made a tragic mistake when she outed Denny Dennison, the illegitimate son of an executed serial killer. So she hid behind her marriage and motherhood. Now, decades later, betrayed by her husband and resented by her teenage daughter, Jenna decides to resurrect her career—and returns to the city she loves.

When her former lover is brutally assaulted outside Jenna’s NYC apartment building, Jenna suspects that Denny has inherited his father’s psychopath gene and is out for revenge. She knows she must track him down before he can harm his next target, her daughter.

Meanwhile, her estranged husband, Zack, fears that her investigative reporting skills will unearth his own devastating secret he’d kept buried in the past.

From New York City to the remote North Fork of Long Island and the murky waters surrounding it, Jenna rushes to uncover the terrible truth about a psychopath and realizes her own investigation may save or destroy her family.

Buy the Book:
CamCat Books
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound ~ BookShop
BookBub
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Fool Her Once is a book that is difficult to put down. There are secrets from the past that Jenna, an experienced investigative reporter, starts to uncover. She wants to know what happened to the son of the serial killer she reported about years ago. She has always felt she needed to look over one shoulder and she wants to end that. But now, she uncovers things that make her scared about the future for her and her family.

The story switches from the past to the present. At times near the beginning, I didn’t feel it was necessary, but the longer I listened, the more I realized that it was necessary.

Along with the thriller aspect of the story, there are intertwined relationships that are all somehow a part of Jenna’s life. I’ve learned to keep notes on the different characters in books, thank goodness, or I may have gotten confused.

I enjoyed listening to the narrator, Rachel Fulginiti. Her pace and timing were very good.

I’m used to books with surprises, but there were one or two that had my jaw dropping! This is the first book I’ve read by Joanna Elm, but I’m sure it won’t be the last.

About the Author

Joanna Elm is an author, journalist, blogger, and attorney. Before the publication of her first two suspense novels (Scandal, Tor/Forge 1996); (Delusion, Tor/Forge/1997), she was an investigative journalist on the London Evening News on Fleet Street in the U.K. She also wrote for British magazines like Woman’s Own.

Then, she moved to New York where she worked as a writer/producer for television news and tabloid TV programs like “A Current Affair.” She was also the researcher/writer for WNEW-TV’s Emmy-award-winning documentary “Irish Eyes.” In 1980, she joined the Star as a reporter, eventually becoming the magazine’s news editor and managing editor before moving to Philadelphia as editor of the news/features section of TV Guide.

After completing her first two novels while living in South Florida, (Nelson DeMille described Scandal as “fresh, original and unpredictable”) Joanna returned to New York, enrolled in law school, graduated summa cum laude, passed the NY Bar exam, and worked as a principal law clerk for an appellate division justice in the prestigious First Department. She has been married to her husband Joe for 35 years and has one son.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of FOOL HER ONCE
(2 winners/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

Feb 20 –Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 20 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 21– Diane’s Book Journal – book review
Feb 22 –JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 22 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 23 –Leanne Bookstagram – book review
Feb 24 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Feb 27 – Mostly Mystery Reviews – book spotlight
Feb 28 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 1 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review
Mar 3 – My Reading Getaway – book review / giveaway
Mar 3 –Books for Books – book spotlight 
Mar 6 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Mar 7 –The Obsessed Reader – book review / giveaway
Mar 7 –Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 8 –@shangread_la – book review / giveaway
Mar 8 –@bookqueenbee – audiobook review
Mar 9 –Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Mar 13 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Mar 14 –Authors on iTours: Let’s Talk Books – audiobook review
Mar 14 – The Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife – book review / giveaway
Mar 15 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review / giveaway
Mar 15 – Mystery Review Crew – book review / giveaway
Mar 15 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / giveaway
Mar 16 – Books and Games – audiobook review
Mar 17 – Just Another Reader – book review / giveaway
Mar 17 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Mar 20–Adventurous Jessy–book review / giveaway
Mar 20 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book review / giveaway
Mar 20 – Welcome To MLM Opinion’s Reviews – book review
Mar 20 – Bigreadersite–book review
TBD – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review / giveaway
TBD – Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway: Traveling Tootsie by Karen and Kathy Honaker

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Book Title:  Traveling Tootsie by Karen and Kathy Honaker
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Nov 2022
Content Rating:  G. Suitable for everyone.

**** 2023 Family Choice Award ****

Book Description:

Have you ever wished you could go away on your parent’s business trip or hide in their suitcase to explore a new city all on your own? Well, Katie and Steven sure have! They wonder why they always have to stay home when Mommy or Daddy travel for work. Once their favorite yellow teddy, Tootsie, comes up with the idea to stow himself away for Daddy’s trip to Washington, DC, Katie and Steven realize that they’ll be able to travel along, too—but just not in the way they first imagine!

​Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N 
Politics and Prose
BAM ~ indiebound ~ Bookshop.org
Mascot Books

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Katie and Steven aren’t able to go on trips with their parents, but their magical teddy bear tells them to send him on their trips, and he can tell them all about it. Their teddy’s first trip is to Washington D.C., and he tours the entire city before going back home and sharing everything with Katie and Steven. They’re not sad anymore when their parents go somewhere because the teddy will tell them all about it.

What a fun travel book! Children will enjoy the bright, colorful illustrations as well as the story about Traveling Tootsie, their teddy bear. Even better, they will learn about Washington D.C. and some of the important places there such as the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

This is definitely a good book for a child’s library.

About the Authors

Kathy and Karen grew up in the Chicago suburbs and moved to Virginia as teenagers. They enjoyed many family vacations, which began their love of travel. They both reside in Virginia with their families and continue to instill a love of travel with their own children. This is their first children’s book written together, about a favorite childhood memory that they always wanted to share with others to enjoy. They hope to inspire a sense of adventure in you!

connect with the author:

 website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~  instagram  ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed copy of  TRAVELING TOOTSIE

(one winner/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

Mar 13 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 13 – Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
Mar 14 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Mar 14 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 15 –Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Mar 15 – Enjoyingbooksagain – book review
Mar 16 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Mar 16 –regallywritten – book review
Mar 17– Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Mar 17 – Joannasbookshelf – book review
Mar 20 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Mar 21 – Library Lady’s Kid’s Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 21 – Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s –  book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 22 –Fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 22 –Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Mar 23 –Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Mar 23 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 24 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Mar 27 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Mar 28 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 28 –My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview
Mar 29 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Mar 29 –RebeccaReviewedIt – book review / giveaway
Mar 30 –Pick A Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 30 –Books With A Chance – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 31 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 31 – I’m Into Books – book spotlight / giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway: The Adventures of Lefty and Righty: The Windy City by Lori Orlinksy

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Book Title:  The Adventures of Lefty & Righty: The Windy City by Lori Orlinksy
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Mar 7, 2023
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Do you ever wonder what happens to socks that get lost in the dryer? Join Lefty and Righty for the adventure of a lifetime as they sneak out of the laundry room with a destination in mind: a White Sox game! But with so much to do in The Windy City, will they make it to the game in time? Through their fun-filled day, they’ll discover the sights, sounds—and even the tastes—of Chicago, all while encountering a few surprises along the way!

Order the Book:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
Mascot Books
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

What a great book! My grandson enjoyed the story about Left and Righty in Chicago, but I liked it at least as much as he did. It brought back a lot of memories from when I was a kid. We just lived there until I was 11 years old, but I remember going to several of the places Lefty and Righty went to, especially the Field Museum. It was amazing back then, so I can imagine what it’s like now. I’m going to have to take my grandkids to see Sue one of these days!

Lefty and Righty have a great adventure in Chicago and end up at a White Sox/Cubs game before rushing back home to jump in with the laundry.

We can all relate to matching socks, and kids will love the brightly colored illustrations while learning about the great Windy City. This is a story children will want to read over and over.

About the Author

Award-winning children’s book author Lori Orlinsky lives in. . . you guessed it . . . Chicago! Lori is the mother of three little ladies, who are small but mighty. At 5’1”, she wishes her children’s picture book, Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), was around when she was growing up. Lori also wrote The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache and Balloons for Tiger. Her latest book, The Adventures of Lefty and Righty: The Windy City, was inspired by her daily struggle to find matching socks when they come out of the dryer.
​

connect with the author:

 website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ youtube ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed copy of Lori Orlinsky’s

The Adventures of Lefty & Righty: The Windy City!

(one winner/USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

Mar 7 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 7 – @allthingsbooksandababy – book review
Mar 7 – The Life We Build – book review 
Mar 8 – Bizwings Blog – book review / giveaway
Mar 8 -Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway
Mar 9 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Mar 9 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Mar 10 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review
Mar 13 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Mar 14 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Mar 14 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Mar 15 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Mar 15 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Mar 16 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Mar 16 -Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
Mar 17 – Books With A Chance – book review / giveaway
Mar 20 – Pick a Good Book – book review / giveaway
Mar 20 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / giveaway
Mar 21 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Mar 21 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 22 – My Reading Getaway – book review / giveaway
Mar 22 – @regallywritten – book review 
Mar 23 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 23 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Mar 24 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Mar 27 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Mar 27 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 27 – Books and Games – book review / giveaway

Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Flightlog: The Novel Adventures of a Stewardess Wannabe Who Becomes a Flight Attendant by Susan Humphrey

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Book Title:  FlightLog: The Novel Adventures of a Stewardess Wannabe Who Becomes a Flight Attendant by Susan Humphrey
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  338 pages
Genre:  Women’s Fiction, Chick Lit, Memoir(ish), Coming-of-age
Publisher:  Majuscule Press
Release date:   August 2022

Content Rating:  PG. A few romantic encounters but light on the details. Reference to tobacco use.

Book Description:

“It was 1978. People didn’t have home computers, video players, or answering machines. We rented our telephones from local phone companies and hand-wrote letters. The terms ‘politically correct’ and ‘African-American’ had not been coined. ‘Eating disorders’ and ‘alternate lifestyles’ were not yet common household phrases. Only strippers wore thongs, which made perfect sense to me, as they only caused one to gyrate their hynie in a desperate attempt to dislodge the bothersome wedgie.”

So writes Sherri Van Ness, an unassuming girl from the burbs of Kansas who’s about to embark on the adventure of her life when she signs up to become a stewardess. But it’s much more turbulent than this doughy-eyed 19-year-old ever imagined as she tries to navigate past grouchy passengers, fly-by-night relationships and the unforgiving, relentless, humiliating, monthly weigh-ins. Some dreams come true. Others require a vomit bag.

That’s not to say Sherri doesn’t enjoy herself. Au contraire! There are friends to be made and men to be made and the maid who made up her room in New York is so nice!

Yes, the work is difficult at times and the money isn’t always good, but there are perks: free flights and an endless supply of tiny vodka bottles and salted peanuts (peanut allergies hadn’t been invented yet.)

Like Dorothy Gale sans Toto, Sherri leaves Kansas and finds herself amidst a cast of characters as strange to her as the Scarecrow and the Munchkins were to Dorothy. Her whirlwind journey takes her from innocent, insecure stewardess to mature and confident flight attendant. Or does she?

​Book your flight now with this very enjoyable read, put your seat back in the upright position, and enjoy the ride!

BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON ~ Audible
BAM ~ B&N ~ Bookshop.org
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

They say you should write what you know, and the author proves this is true. Although this is fiction, she based it on fact. It’s obvious that she knows what flight attendants did and had to put up with back in the day. I had a cousin who became a flight attendant in the 70’s, and I was always amazed with her accomplishments. I also thought she was perfect for the job because she was gorgeous and didn’t have to worry about the weight requirements that restricted many of us from even thinking about becoming a flight attendant (so sad).

From the point of view of Sherri who wanted to be a stewardess all her life, the story starts with her going to school to be a flight attendant, the friends she made in school, and then her life as a flight attendant. It’s full of stories of friends, men, boyfriends, and flights.

There are quite a few characters but that would be expected in the life of a flight attendant. I enjoyed watching Sherri learn and grow both in her job and her personal life.

The narrator took some getting used to mostly because the sound wasn’t as high quality as most audiobooks I listen to. Eventually, though, I got used to it.

This wasn’t really my cup of tea; however, for those who enjoy lighthearted memoir-type stories, it’s a good read, and I recommend it.

About the Author

Susan Jo Humphrey, the daughter of a diplomat, was born in Izmir, Turkey where she lived for three years. She also lived in Korea and Thailand, before returning home to the US with her family as a teenager. She has traveled all over the United States, and has called several parts of this country ‘home.’ Her many airplane rides as a child convinced her she must one day become a stewardess. Suz was a flight attendant for thirteen of her twenty-five years with UAL. She began penning FlightLog with the help of the Naperville Writer’s Group, outside of Chicago. There, she published in their annual pamphlet, had a humor piece printed in an online magazine, and contributed many articles to local newspapers. At the time of publication, she is busy working on FlightLog II.

Away from the keyboard, Suz loves yoga, reading, cooking, listening to music and playing her guitar. She still enjoys mapping out travel to faraway places she’s never seen, as well as planning return trips to her favorite spots.

She currently lives in Southern California and has two grown children. Today, she’s in healthcare, where she’s worked since 2014. Suz was the ‘baby’ of her flight attendant classes – and the ‘senior’ student in her nursing classes. She’s eager to write that story as well: a novice baby-boomer RN begins her dream career as a travel nurse – just as a pandemic breaks out!

connect with the author: website 

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed copy of FLIGHTLOG:
The Novel Adventures of a Stewardess Wannabe
Who Becomes a Flight Attendant

(one winner/USA only)

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Book Review: Ropes & Last Hopes by Trixie Silvertale

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When a suspicious death takes the life of a friend, our psychic sleuth must expose a killer’s dirty laundry…

Mitzy Moon hopes for a normal day running errands. And this time, she’s determined to get her grandmother’s couture properly cleaned. But her day gets stuck in a spin cycle when she encounters crime-scene tape at the dry cleaner’s and a puzzling murder.

With her only way into the case through an undercover stint in the women’s wrestling league, Mitzy charges ahead with little help from her mentor, Ghost-ma, or her entitled feline. But if the bell rings before she corners the suspect, more lives could end up on the ropes.

Can Mitzy hold a murderer down for the count, or will she be taken out in a lethal smackdown?

Ropes and Last Hopes is the prequel novella to the hilarious new paranormal cozy mystery series, Harper and Moon Investigations. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s wedded whodunits.

Amazon

My Review

I have read all of the Mitzy Moon Mysteries and was bummed to hear that there wouldn’t be any more…until I found out that Mitzy’s adventures would continue with her future husband, Erich, as Harper & Moon Investigators! I was happy to read this prequel.

Mitzy is at her usual tricks. She comes across a murder (at least she didn’t find the body this time) of an old friend of her ghostly grandmother. Of course, she’s planning on helping with the investigation as she always does. Her fiancé has accepted the fact that she’s going to help on investigations, but the deputy, Paulsen, doesn’t like Mitzy or her “nosiness.”

Mitzy goes undercover as a wrestler which is fun and funny. She learns a lot through her psychic powers, and Erich’s team is able to get enough evidence to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together. They make a great team!

I love these stories and feel like I know the characters of Pin Cherry Harbor well. Along with Mitzy and Erich, each character has their own quirkiness. She even has a psychic caracal that she inherited from her grandma. He often offers clues that help the investigations along once she can figure out what the clues mean.

I’m looking forward to reading the first book in the Harper & Moon series!

About the Author

USA TODAY Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and is obsessed with all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she’s thrilled to write them and share them with you.

When she’s not consumed by writing, she bakes to fuel her creative engine and tends to her herb garden.

Visit her online at:

http://www.TrixieSilvertale.com

Book Review & Giveaway: Chris Crossed Murder by Lauren Carr

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Book Title:  Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +) 
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Feb 22, 2023

Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

Description

​It proves to be a Christmas to remember when the Matheson family receives the horrendous news that Chris Matheson’s body has been found in the woods near an international airport.

Everyone is stunned—especially Chris Matheson.

The mystery deepens when they discover the victim has Chris’s federal agent badge and appears to have been investigating one of his old cases.

The Geezer Squad’s latest case is not only a whodunit but who-got-dun. Is this a case of mistaken identity? Was Chris the intended victim? If not, then they must identify the murder victim to find his killer.
​
With Christmas days away, join the Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad as they race to piece together the clues to their most puzzling case yet.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com 
B&N ~ BAM
BookBub
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I love it when a book surprises me, and Chris Crossed Murder did that well. Chris’s old partner from the FBI asks for his help solving a murder that’s tied to a cold case that he’d investigated in the past. Of course, the Geezer Squad wants to help solve the case as well. And when someone tries to kill Chris, they have to figure out if it’s also tied to this case or if one of the many people who want him dead has found him. And who is that dead man that was not Chris Matheson?

Lauren Carr has a list of characters in order of appearance at the beginning of the book, and you may need it for this one. There are a lot of characters! Of course, several of the characters are the recurring ones in the Chris Matheson novels, but there is a host of others who are victims, witnesses, and suspects.

There’s so much more I want to say, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Chris Crossed Murder is a page turner with twists and surprises around every corner. This is my favorite Chris Matheson book so far, and I’m looking forward to the next one.

About the Author

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

Giveaway

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Book Review & Giveaway: Hunterland by Dana Claire

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Hunterland by Dana Claire

Publisher:  CamCat Books (February 7, 2023)
Category: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
Tour dates: February 13-March 24, 2023
ISBN: 978-1792361357
Available in Print and ebook, 310 pages

Hunterland

Supernatural meets Nancy Drew in Dana Claire’s New Young Adult Novel Hunterland

Liam Hunter has warded off hungry vampires, slayed monstrous beasts, and put agonized spirits to rest since he could hold a stake. When trouble comes through the Hunterland message board, alerting them that nurses are dying at high schools across Wisconsin in a string of fishy “suicides,” the Hunter family hits the road to save the
day.

The trail leads to Falkville Falls, where Liam clashes with Olivia Davis, whose maddening family seems inexplicably embroiled in this haunting mess. Olivia has always mothered her little sister, Pepper. But when the Hunter family opens her eyes to the hidden underworld of real monsters prowling the dark, she realizes she can’t protect Pepper from this newest threat by herself. Can the two families work together to uncover who or what is responsible before the next murder, or will this vicious death cycle have no end?

Grab your stakes and your rock salt. Monster hunting class is in session.

Amazon
IndieBound
BookShop.org

Guest Review by Sal

Olivia Davis is having a bad day. First of all, she accidentally stumbles across a dead body. The body of her school’s athletic advisor is found hanging in the main lobby of the building, and Olivia is one of many students who witnesses the body. However, as the daughter of a local cop, she is the only one who keeps her head.  

This is one of several deaths of faculty in their high school in the last few months, and Olivia is suspicious of the fact that they are all being deemed suicides. Even more suspicious is the appearance of a new boy, Liam Hunter, who seems to walk right into the crime scene with no care in the world.  

Liam and his family are monster hunters, finding and killing supernatural creatures like vampires, ghosts and witches before they can kill or hurt any more humans. Traveling the country, they hear about local disturbances and track them down. Now in Falkville Falls, Wisconsin, they are hot on the trail of whatever it is that’s killing faculty in Olivia’s school, but Liam will have to gain Olivia’s trust—and her help, before he can tackle this particular monster.  

This was a fantastic book! I loved the supernatural elements and absolutely adored the worldbuilding. I’ve read a few of Dana Claire’s books before and this one was my favorite yet.  

The relationship between Liam and Olivia was very sweet. I really appreciated the character growth between them meeting and absolutely hating each other at first, and then eventually finding level ground and even attraction to one another. I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, so this was perfect for me!  

I hope that Claire intends to write more novels set in this world, but if not, I will still be looking forward to whatever she decides to release next!  

About the Author

DANA CLAIRE is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate, and destiny in the crossroads of romance and adventure. Her love of romantic tension and the supernatural effortlessly translates into spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her adoring husband living her dreams: writing books, telling stories, and changing the world, one reader at
a time.

Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danaclaire143
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordanaclaire/

Giveaway

This giveaway is for 3 author signed print copies and is open to Canada, the UK, & the U.S.. This giveaway ends on March 23, 2023 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Advance Praise

“Everything I want in a story—Monsters, family, romance, and humor.”
—Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of The Sweet Evil Trilogy

“Hunterland, delights in every way. Both the intrigue and the romance are deliciously dangerous.”—Eva Pohler, USA Today bestselling author of The Underworld Saga

“This coming-of-age adventure is filled with murder, mystery, the paranormal, and lots of thrilling twists and turns.”—Cameo Renae, USA Today bestselling author

“Fans of Supernatural will not be disappointed with Hunterland. Dana Claire knocked it out of the park.”—Lynn Rush, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Feb 13 Kickoff & Excerpt

Wendy Wall-to-wall books Feb 15 Review

Lu Ann Rockin Book Reviews Feb 16 Review & Guest Post Postponed)

Kimberly Amazon & Goodreads Feb 17 Review

Nora Storeybook Reviews Feb 21 Guest Review & Excerpt

DT Amazon & Goodreads Feb 22 Review

Sal Bound 4 Escape Feb 23 Guest Review

Bookgirl Amazon & Goodreads Feb 24 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Feb 27 Review & Interview

Nancy The Avid Reader Feb 28  Review

Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings Mar 1 Review

Gud Reader Goodreads Mar 2 Review

Ashley’s Bookshelf Mar 3 Review

Bee Book Pleasures Mar 7 Review

Lisa’s Writopia Mar 8 Guest Post

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Mar 9 Guest Review & Excerpt

Mark Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Mar 14 Guest Review

Lisa’s Writopia Mar 15 Review

Jessica JBronder Book Reviews Mar 22 Review & Excerpt