No Apology Book Reviews - book reviews and author interviews

The Ticket by Heather Grace Stewart

January 9, 2021

Title: The Ticket Author: Heather Grace Stewart Series: Love Again #1 An enjoyable if cliched story Newscaster Pete McCarney planned to go on a long trip with his girlfriend, but after she breaks up with him, he’s stuck with a very expensive, non-refundable ticket designated for an Allison James. Using social media, he seeks someone willing to go in his ex’s place. Forced to take a vacation from her job and needing to get away in general, Allie James decides …

Good Nights by Heather Grace Stewart

January 9, 2021

Title: Good Nights Author: Heather Grace Stewart Series: Love Again #2 Fresh and endearing, if a little flawed Thank you to the author, who provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. After her marriage ends and her hit TV show is canceled, screenwriter Hannah Storm (not to be confused with the real-life sports anchor) rents a home on a quiet island near France in an effort to relax, focus, and write. The app she …

Interview with Tara Moss (The War Widow)

January 9, 2021

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 …

Interview with Sara Driscoll (Leave No Trace)

January 2, 2021

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 …

Interview with Margaret Mizushima (Hanging Falls)

December 23, 2020

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 …

Interview with Lisa Unger (Confessions on the 7:45)

December 19, 2020

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 …

Interview with Amanda Flower (Courting Can Be Killer)

December 10, 2020

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Courting Can Be Killer by Amanda Flower is book two in a great Amish cozy mystery series. It has a combination of quirky characters, close-knit community, and a fun suspenseful story. The main character, Millie Fisher, is becoming more of an amateur sleuth than a matchmaker. The plot has a massive fire at the Amish flea market. Ben Baughman, who has set his heart on marrying Tess Lieb, is found dead. Millie is devastated …

Tempt Me with Diamonds by Jane Feather

March 19, 2021December 3, 2020

Title: Tempt Me with Diamonds Author: Jane Feather Series: London Jewels Trilogy #1 Could have been better with different characters Thank you to Jane Feather, Kensington Books/Zebra, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review a couple years ago. Yes, a couple years ago I had tried to read the ARC so I could review it, but I hadn’t liked the characters and hadn’t had the patience to persevere to the end, …

Elise’s Review – Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

December 3, 2020

Book Review by Elise Cooper Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler is the third in the Weaver’s Creek series. It delves into family bonds and faith, where forgiveness, love, loss, and resilience play a role. The plot starts off with Jonas Weaver returning home after being a medic during the Civil War. Coming home with him is Aaron Zook, a Confederate soldier who lost his leg in the battle of Vicksburg. Jonas’ sister, Elizabeth Kaufman, is trying to get …

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

November 29, 2020

Title: In a Holidaze Author: Christina Lauren Series: n/a A charming holiday romance I would like to thank Christina Lauren, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m a little surprised I like this book, to be honest; CL’s books tend to be hit or miss with me. I didn’t read the blurb beforehand, went in blind, and when I realized it was going to have a Groundhog Day …