authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
Title: Bull Moon Rising Author: Ruby Dixon Series: Royal Artifactual Guild #1 MUCH thanks to Ruby Dixon, Berkley, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m a recent Ruby Dixon fan, and I knew I wanted to read this book the moment I first read the premise and saw the pretty cover last year. Life happened and I wasn’t able to read it right away when it came out last fall, …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Amish Bride’s Secret and Uncovering Her Amish Past by Patrice Lewis both have female leads that appear to have deceived the male lead. The Amish Bride’s Secret plot has Cara Lengacher needing to start over after a broken engagement and an out of wedlock pregnancy. She decides to accept Matthew Miller’s advertisement for a mail order bride and move to Montana. But she must navigate her pregnancy and hope it will not affect …
A roundup of several smaller reviews I wrote in Spring 2025. Beware of spoilers! Title: Perfect Fit Author: Clare Gilmore Series: n/a Thank you to Clare Gilmore, RB Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t intentionally DNF at 82%, but life interrupted and circumstances are preventing me from finishing it. I enjoyed what I did read, though. Josie and Will are wonderful, sympathetic characters with relatable …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Only Light in London by Lily Graham is a heart-wrenching story. It delves with loneliness, love, endurance and compassion. The plot has a Jewish journalist, Sebastien, in Germany, needing to escape to London before he is captured. He must leave behind his sister and parents, hoping that they will join him soon. Alone and grieving his family left behind, he joins a local amateur dramatics group. When Sebastien enters the meeting place, he …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Librarians of Lisbon by Suzanne Nelson is a fast-paced roller coaster ride of deceit, espionage, and danger inspired by real historical figures. The setting of Lisbon plays a significant role because Portugal was a neutral country filled with espionage, romance, and friendship. The main characters are two Boston librarians, Selene Delmont and Beatrice Sullivan, who are trained by the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (precursor to CIA) and assigned to work in Lisbon. …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Two of Us is a novella anthology that includes The Odd Couple by Lori Foster and Force of Nature by Maisey Yates. The plots focus on rescue dogs and how they brought together two meant-to-be couples. Elise Cooper: Idea for The Odd Couple? Lori Foster: The idea originated with the first book in a series of guys connected by close friendships that have fostered a sort of brotherhood. There will be four books …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin takes readers on a journey to the Scottish shore. This is one of her best, as she intertwines WWII history, spy craft, espionage, military intelligence, family disputes, strong character development, along with an emotionally wounded hero and heroine. The plot has Cilla van der Zee as a member of the Dutch resistance who infiltrates the local Nazi Party to gather intel. Because it is becoming more …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper B is for Bonnet and Unforgotten by Shelley Shepard Gray are both riveting stories. B is for Bonnet continues the story of four English raised siblings, Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Johnny, who return to their grandparents Ohio community as they ponder becoming Amish. This book is Johnny’s story who becomes smitten with Amish café owner Treva Kramer. He and she must navigate the difficulties of being heartbroken, she by a former boyfriend and he …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hostage Security and A Match for the Sheriff by Lisa Childs have fascinating stories that are compelling. Hostage Security is a suspenseful romance that involves a child being kidnapped. Five years ago, Josh Stafford ended his engagement to Natalie Croft after he pleaded guilty to a crime he did not commit to protect his loved ones. As he was leaving for prison, he told Natalie that he did not love her, which devasted Natalie. …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses by Jennifer Faye is a great read. This book is very heartwarming and has readers wondering will the hero be able to open his heart again after his losses. Intertwined are three homeless puppies, town lonely hearts, and a massive snowstorm. The heroine Candi Goodman has no family, has lost her job, and the animal shelter she volunteers is closing. She agrees to drive the last three puppies from …