authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah will give the famous novel The Grapes of Wrath a run for its money. As with her other books, this one also portrays a woman who overcomes something in her life and turns out stronger in the end. It is a complex, intricate journey where the main protagonist comes into her own, overcoming the large number of obstacles thrown her way. Set during the Dust Bowl, the Great …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice is a gripping story. No one should be surprised by this author’s talents. This is the second book in the series, and it has many sub-plots, and enough suspects to keep the readers guessing. Just when someone thinks they figured out the antagonist, she throws in a twist and turn, presenting other people of interest. The book begins with Shadow Box artist Claire Beaudry Chase thinking she has …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Good Old-Fashioned Cowboy is the second in the Jasper Creek series written by Maisey Yates, Caitlin Crews, Jackie Ashenden and Nicole Helm. This is a compilation of authors who write about cowboy heroes and heroines. They focus on four best friends, similar to the authors views of each other. The plot begins with these four friends deciding to return to their small hometown of Jasper Creek Oregon. The best friends, Hope Marshall, Charity …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Special Ops Seduction by Megan Crane takes readers on an exciting, intense, and gripping adventure. The story has the right amount of romance, suspense, and action. The book opens up with a mission, saving the lives of a biological scientist and his sister. After staying in a safe house, they suddenly disappear. Alaska Force must now attempt to find and rescue them once again. It turns out that many of the top generals will …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Rancher’s Wager by Maisey Yates will remind readers of a romantic western TV show. People can picture the hero and heroine in a poker game where losing the bet means the loser must be the other’s ranch hand. The plot has rancher Jackson Cooper facing off in a charity poker game against his rival Cricket Maxfield, where the stakes get personal. Whoever loses must be the others’ worker for thirty days. Jackson intentionally …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Alaska Mountain Rescue by Elizabeth Heiter is an engaging romantic suspense novel. What makes these stories stand out is the special bond between the dogs and their owners. Heiter has the uncanny ability to take a reader on a journey through the Alaskan wilderness as part of the K-9 team. The Alaskan setting is vibrantly developed and comes to life as a character. Navigating through the wilderness allows the story to have many twists …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The War Widow by Tara Moss brings into play the author’s own work as an advocate for women, children, and those with disabilities. Although there are feminist and social justice issues in the book, readers are not hit over the head and there is no lack of adventure and action. Fans of Phryne Fisher will enjoy this novel. There are similarities between the post WWI detective, Phryne, and Moss’s post WWII detective Billie. Both …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Leave No Trace by Sara Driscoll takes readers on an action-packed roller coaster ride. In this book the protagonists have to worry about the dangerous elements, along with the murderer. The action sequences, as well the heroine’s fear of heights, make for riveting scenes. Meg Jennings and Brian Foster of the FBI’s Forensic Canine Unit head to Georgia to investigate killings by bow and arrow of a county commissioner and State Patrol officer. With …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hanging Falls by Margaret Mizushima is an excellent mystery. But readers get a bonus with this series as they learn about the bond between dog handlers and their canine partners. There is also a subplot that delves into the background story of the main character. While on a scouting mission to pinpoint trail damage from flooding, Officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo, along with game warden Glenna and her dog Moose, find …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger is a riveting thriller. This nail-biting story has at its heart psychological manipulation, lies, deceit, and secrets. The plot begins when Selena Murphy misses her regular commuter train and ends up on the 7:45. There she has a chance encounter with the passenger sitting next to her. The woman, Martha, confesses that she is having an affair with her married boss. Selena, having just found out her …