My Book Reviews

Category: Book Reviews

This section categories all the posts that I have written for my book reviews.

  • Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Her Name Is Knight

    Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Release: November 1, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: ‎ Thomas & Mercer
    Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N

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    A smash debut novel from rising star Yasmin Angoe, Her Name Is Knight features an elite assassin heroine on a mission to topple a human trafficking ring and avenge her family.

    Stolen from her Ghanaian village as a child, Nena Knight has plenty of motives to kill. Now an elite assassin for a powerful business syndicate called the Tribe, she gets plenty of chances.

    But while on assignment in Miami, Nena ends up saving a life, not taking one. She emerges from the experience a changed woman, finally hopeful for a life beyond rage and revenge. Tasked with killing a man she’s come to respect, Nena struggles to reconcile her loyalty to the Tribe with her new purpose.

    Meanwhile, she learns a new Tribe council member is the same man who razed her village, murdered her family, and sold her into captivity. Nena can’t resist the temptation of vengeance―and she doesn’t want to. Before she can reclaim her life, she must leverage everything she was and everything she is to take him down and end the cycle of bloodshed for good.

    About the Author:

    Yasmin Angoe is the debut author of the bestselling and award-winning thriller Her Name Is Knight. She is a first-generation Ghanaian American and has worked in education for nearly twenty years as a middle and high school teacher and instructional coach. Currently, Yasmin works as a developmental editor and sensitivity reader for publishers and authors.

    Yasmin received the 2020 Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Emerging Writers of Color from Sisters in Crime of which she is a member. She is also a proud member of numerous crime, mystery, and thriller writing groups and organizations like Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.

    When she’s not writing, Yasmin’s editing for clients, searching what show or movie to binge, absorbed in an audiobook, or obsessing about the fact she should probably be writing at that very moment.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Her Name Is Knight Review:

    “Her Name Is Knight” is a brilliant start to the “Nena Knight” series, and I could not put the book down.

    Wow, I cannot believe this is a debut novel by the author because I could not put it down. Nena is one of the best characters I have read recently, and I was rooting for her throughout. She goes through so much in the tale, and you can see how she progresses to become a strong person. Even the supporting characters were so memorable. I loved Nena’s relationship with Georgia and how she opened her heart when she met Cort. The author writes Nena’s feelings so dynamically that you can connect with her. Similarly, the story’s villains, especially Paul, are so conniving and ruthless that you immediately despise them for what he does.

    Moreover, I loved how the author toggled the story with two different timelines, one before and one after the events that changed Nena’s life, by also changing the perspective. My heart went to Nena in the “Before” segment, and I was cheering for her in the “After.” What’s also beautiful is how there is a little of everything for everyone. You have romance, intrigue, action, adventure, and even horror when you witness what Nena witnesses in Ghana. Please note that there are many violent, graphic scenes, so the book is not for the faint of heart. I won’t forget some moments when Nena is in France or when she first reaches the compound.

    Overall, “Her Name Is Knight” is a brilliant debut, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want to read a fast-paced action adventure with a strong female lead, you should pick this one up.

    Book Tour Schedule

    They Come At Knight

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours

  • I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter

    I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter

    Let You Go

    I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter

    Release:14th September 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    She has repeated  nightmare. But she can’t wake up.

    Emily is devastated when she receives an anonymous note proving her long-term boyfriend has been cheating on her.

    Determined to confront him, she tracks him to a seedy bar far off the highway and they have a massive row. As she storms out the door, she rejects a stranger named Daniel who tries to pick her up.

    When she returns to her car, it won’t start. Even worse, her phone has no signal, and no way is she going back into the bar to ask her boyfriend for help.

    Emily has no choice but to walk. As she trudges down the desolate highway, Daniel drives by and offers her a ride. She’s scared by his sudden reappearance and refuses him again.

    But Daniel won’t take no for an answer. As Emily walks on, he keeps coming back and each time he is more threatening, more menacing. As this terrifying game of cat and mouse steadily escalates, Emily begins to wonder if she’ll ever get off this lonely road alive.

    But who is Daniel really? And what does he know about Emily?

    About the Author:

    Cole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

    He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

    His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!

     Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    I Won’t Let You Go Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Goodness! This book gave me the shivers, mainly because of Emily and Daniel. The story is a cat and mouse game, and the author keeps you at the edge of your seat as Emily tries to survive the psychopath. The author writes the suspense so intensely that you cannot put the phone down. Daniel is one of the most unpredictable, creepy villains, and I hope I never encounter someone like him in real life. The way he stalked Emily, tormented her, and mentally broke her down unnerved me and gave me goosebumps. Emily is great in the lead. Even though the whole story spans less than 24 hours, I feel we get to see Emily mature and go through many emotional changes. You see her go from angry to scared, and eventually, a brave girl who still manages to see good in people, especially men, after what she encounters with Daniel.

    Moreover, the supporting characters in the second half made the story so memorable. I loved Ollie and Mary as a couple and wished they were prominent in the first half. Similarly, I also liked Det. Cole, even though she makes a brief appearance.

    Perhaps the only downside to the tale is how there are many loose ends, especially how Daniel managed to do what he did. For instance, how did he find Emily on top of the tree? And was he responsible for the blackout? We don’t get explanations and rely more on Emily’s assumptions. It would have been nice if there had been a follow-up on how Daniel executed everything. Also, some parts initially were a bit repetitive at how Daniel mocks Emily and the pacing staggers.

    Overall, I loved reading “I Won’t Let You Go” and would be checking out more of the author’s works.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Let You Go

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter Blog Tour hosted by  Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner

    The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner

    The Stolen Child

    The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner

    Release:11th September 2022
    Format: eBook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    She has hundreds of adoring fans. Only one wants to be her best friend. 

    Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children.

    Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.

    But Eliza doesn’t want another friend . . . especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.

    Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And, as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.

    But Eliza will do whatever it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany . . . forever.

    About the Author:

    Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.

     Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Stolen Child Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    The author wrote the two main characters very well. The dynamic between Eliza and Bethany was the story’s highlight and had me glued to the pages. The surprising part is that I enjoyed Bethany the most. Even though she is completely delusional about befriending Eliza, I found her entertaining, and at times, I was almost rooting for her to succeed in her plans. Eliza, to be honest, got on my nerves, especially with how she treated James. Even though she is the protagonist, I didn’t particularly appreciate how she mocked James for warning her about setting her priorities and focusing on Knox over her social media profile. I felt she didn’t start prioritizing Knox until Bethany threatened her family.

    Yet, the scenes between both the characters kept the story intense. The author builds the suspense and plot so well that you wonder just how far Bethany would go and what Eliza and James would do to stop her. The story, in general, also makes you think about how some people would have ardent followers on social media, where they feel they know you personally for sharing so much information, to the point where they can invade your life. Some of my favorite moments in the story were when Bethany initially tries to befriend Eliza by accidentally running into it or when Bethany spends time with the kids.

    However, the ending was not really to my taste. The story ends abruptly and not in the direction I would have liked the author to take. Also, I wished Camilla was more prominent, as adding her to Eliza’s stress would have been interesting. But, overall, “The Stolen Child” is a gripping thriller that I enjoyed reading.

    Book Tour Schedule:

    The Stolen Child

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours

     

     

  • Point Blank by Logan Ryles

    Point Blank by Logan Ryles

    Point Blank

    Point Blank by Logan Ryles

    Release:  4th September 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    His name is Mason Sharpe. Victims take heart—bad guys take cover.

    Army veteran Mason Sharpe’s world is turned upside down when his beloved fiancée is killed in a random shooting. Struggling to cope with his grief, Sharpe instinctively heads for the North Carolina town where he and his bride had planned to honeymoon.

    Alone on a beach, contemplating a future which now seems bleak and empty, he stares into the abyss. But then…

    A body washes ashore. An investigation begins and the police quickly pronounce an accidental death. But Mason isn’t buying it. He believes the man was murdered and someone is trying to cover it up.

    As Mason presses the point, it soon becomes clear that the locals want him gone – and they’re ready to use force to run him off.

    But Mason isn’t the kind of man to be pushed around. He’ll deal with this problem the only way he knows: Point Blank.

    About the Author:

    Logan Ryles was born in small town USA and knew from an early age he wanted to be a writer. After working as a pizza delivery driver, sawmill operator, and banker, he finally embraced the dream and has been writing ever since. With a passion for action-packed and mystery-laced stories, Logan’s work has ranged from global-scale political thrillers to small town vigilante hero fiction.

    Beyond writing, Logan enjoys saltwater fishing, road trips, sports, and fast cars. He lives with his wife and three fun-loving dogs in Alabama.

    Point Blank is his first action thriller with Inkubator Books.

    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Point Blank Review:

    I always enjoy reading the beginning of a new crime thriller, and “Point Blank” does not disappoint.

    Firstly, I enjoyed Mason in the lead. He is mourning the loss of Mia, and it was interesting to see how he connected with others in the story who has also faced similar loss like him. Moreover, Mason goes through a LOT in the story. Something new happens in each chapter that keeps you glued to the tale. Mason encounters shady locals, finds a mystery person searching his room, and has goons chasing him, to name a few.
    Moreover, the author adds many memorable characters to the tale. I adored his scenes with Trudy, Sherman, Marley, and Cassandra. Some of the scenes are heartwarming that make you want to hug them.

    At the same time, the author adds a lot of action and adventure to the story, making it so exciting to read. For me, some standout moments were when Mason and Sherman searched for the missing boat or the goons came after Mason to teach him a lesson. What’s nice is how the author balances the emotional connections that Mason builds with the townspeople with the chilling adventures he encounters along the way. The reveal of what was happening is also something different that I have not read in the genre.

    Perhaps my only suggestion is that I hope we get to see more of Jacquie in the following story, as I would like to read more about Mason and Jacquie’s dynamic. Overall, “Point Blank” is an excellent start to the “Mason Sharpe” series, and I cannot wait to revisit the lead for more adventures.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Point Blank

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Point Blank by Logan Ryles Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain

    Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain

    Secrets In The Mirror

    Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain

    Release: September 13, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Atmosphere Press
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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    Family. The same people who destroyed Gavin’s self-esteem are the ones he must save.

    When Gavin looks in the mirror, he sees his twin Devon ― literally. Yet like the mirror, inside, they are the reverse of each other. Devon is the chosen one, anointed by their demanding Mob-connected father, who demeans Gavin as a nerd but expects him to save his brother from his worst instincts. Gavin struggles to believe in himself and make his own decisions in the face of Dad’s bullying and Devon’s narcissistic gaslighting. When Devon gets into drugs and crime, people start dying. Gavin’s loyal allies tell him he can’t save his twin; he must save himself. He flees to find freedom and success far away, but he can’t hide from his sociopathic brother or the Mob.

    Secrets In The Mirror is a sweeping saga of one family’s journey to rise above cultural precedent. But Gavin is the one who must finally break the shackles of multigenerational and narcissistic abuse, despite inextricable bonds with a twin who’s headed for self-destruction. It is a tale that grapples with the imperative to save others versus the struggle to protect oneself.

    About the Author:

    Leslie Kain earned her degree in psychology at Wellesley College, then worked at McLean Hospital for two years. But supporting children demanded a more significant income, so she got her MBA at Boston University and began a career doing business development in bleeding edge high tech and Intelligence. Once her kids were somewhat self-sufficient, she returned to her passion, serving as a director in nonprofits (NAMI, CHADD), focusing on mental health. Having written “nonfiction” (technical, scientific, marketing) during her varied careers, she surprised herself when she attempted fiction. She turned to novels with several short stories published in literary journals and an anthology. She brings her passion for psychology to levels of inner conflict and resolution. Originally from “all over” the U.S., she now resides in Mexico with her husband and cat Sheba (her writing muse)

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Secrets In The Mirror Review:

    Oh, my goodness! “Secrets In The Mirror” is a remarkable story with strong, contrasting leads that hooked me to the storyline.

    Let me start by saying that I loved stories with twins. The author does a fantastic job in writing Gavin and Devon. As soon as the tale absorbs you, you feel so protective towards Gavin and despise Devon with a passion. I loved Gavin, and he was the star of the show. He goes out of his way to care for everyone around him, even though everyone tells him to focus on himself. Some of my favorite moments are the moments with him and Katie, his graduation, and the love he shares for his mother.

    Similarly, Devon is just nasty to the core, and you wonder what havoc he would wreak as he is not mentally stable. The author writes their personality so well that you worry about what Devon would do to sabotage Gavin and hope that Gavin will not turn sour just like him. The supporting characters, like their parents, also had a dramatic role, and I was not too fond of Tony. However, that is not to say that the characters are one-dimensional. The author surprisingly adds different tones to each character, and I felt even a bit sorry for Devon.

    Moreover, the author gave me a lot to think about regarding Narcissistic personality disorder, and I realized that I know people in reality who display this personality (albeit not as strongly as Devon). The author adds in many passages, especially in the beginning, when we hear from Dr. Epstein about the various causes and side effects, that made me fascinated on the topic.

    Overall, “Secrets In The Mirror” was a story I don’t think I will forget anytime soon, and I loved it!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Secrets In The Mirror

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours. Check out my post, and make sure to enter the giveaway!

     

  • The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    The Mensch

    The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    Release: 12th August 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Sobriety Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    How can a crooked man ever go straight?

    Jewish gangster Alex Cohen settles in Florida surrounded by his wife and family. But his past life in the criminal underworld stalks his every move. And when a bullet whizzes past his ear, he must decide whether to run or fight.

    In his desire to go straight, Alex inserts himself in the East Coast porn film industry. But he finds that the tentacles of the mob are clasped tight around his life.  The Feds start using new laws to hunt down mob bosses. And rats in his organization are too ready to testify against him. Now Alex must clean the house before the authorities throw him in jail or the mob kills him to stop him from ratting them out.

    The seventh book in the Alex Cohen series is a historical thriller novel that reveals the dying embers of Jewish organized crime in America. Leopold Borstinski’s crime fiction shines a light on the death of the old-style mob in an explosive finale.

    About the Author:

    Leopold Borstinski is an independent author whose past careers have included financial journalism, business management of financial software companies, consulting and product sales and marketing, and teaching.

    There is nothing he likes better, so he does as much nothing as he possibly can. He has traveled extensively in Europe and the US and has visited Asia on several occasions. Leopold holds a Philosophy degree and tries not to drop it too often. He lives near London and is married to one wife, one child, and no pets.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Mensch Review:

    “The Mensch” is one of those books I wish I had read right from the beginning instead of picking up the 7th book to read first. Even though I have not read most of the previous books, I immediately liked Alex as the lead. He is by no means perfect, but it was interesting to see how he tries to become a better man and do things legitimately, only to backfire on him. I enjoyed his scenes with Sarah and their relationship, even when others like Liddy come into the picture. Moreover, it was interesting to see how Alex balances the business between Ezra and Massimo versus David and Moishe. The author wrote the family dynamics nicely, and I wondered how long Ezra and Massimo would be patient with Alex until they snapped.

    Moreover, I enjoyed some sub-plots, particularly the new business Alex finds himself in with Mort and when Richard comes into the picture. The author has a friendly style of writing the character’s conversations. We also get some action-packed moments where Alex fears for his life, and we wonder what will happen to him. There was not a dull moment in the story.

    However, the only concern I had with the story is how it somewhat changed gears now and then. For instance, in the beginning, the plot focuses on Alex and Mort, [then switches gears to Meyer and Israel, and then takes another tangent on Richard. It would have been nice if these plots somehow connected to a bigger picture.

    Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading “The Mensch,” and I hope the author writes more books with Alex Cohen.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Mensch

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • Don’t Leave by Pru Heathcote

    Don’t Leave by Pru Heathcote

    Dont Leave

    Dont Leave by Pru Heathcote

    Release: 29 July 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Red Dragon Publishing LTD
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at Amazon

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    JANE is a young woman who is grieving for her child.  Relatives take her to a remote holiday cottage on the Northumberland coast.

    From the moment she arrives at the cottage with her much older and over-protective husband, Peter, Jane keeps catching glimpses of a little girl and hearing a child crying.

    Peter is sure that these are hallucinations. Moreover, Jane has been diagnosed with schizophrenia – a diagnosis she disagrees with.

    She sets out to discover who or what the child could be. A ghost? A real child? Or something else?

     Author Bio:

    I’ve always loved telling stories and putting them down on paper as soon as I could write. I began my working life in Hertfordshire as a local newspaper reporter – obits, weddings, Uncle George’s Kiddies’ Corner – then went on to teenage magazines (Fab and Rave) and women’s magazines.

    I moved to Northumberland forty years ago and worked as an adult education tutor, teaching any subject I didn’t need a qualification for, including creative writing.

    Over the years, I’ve written dozens of stories for magazines, a commissioned biography, and several plays, one of which was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.

    Out of my Plays, my novel “Dont Leave” won entry in the 2020 Lindisfarne Prize, From marriage, I have three grown-up children and two grandchildren. I live in Warkworth, a village on the Northumberland coast, an area that provides most of the inspiration for my stories.

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    Don’t Leave  Review:

    “Don’t Leave” is a unique psychological, supernatural thriller I enjoyed reading because of its exciting twists.

    I admit; that this book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a traditional ghost story where a couple experiences supernatural experiences when they enter a new house due to something that happened there. The author surprised me with a twist I did not see coming, and I loved the plot’s direction. There are quite a few twists and turns that I did not expect, which made the story very entertaining.

    Moreover, I liked Mrs. Mortimer a lot. She is a complex character that initially, you dislike her attitude and hatred towards the world (except for her cat Whiskey). However, as the story progresses, you start to feel sorry for her and appreciate her more than anyone else. Frankly, I liked her even more than Jane. While good for the most part, Jane was sometimes a bit annoying. I didn’t appreciate how she suspected Peter and simultaneously got romantically inclined toward another person. Jane’s personality was certainly a bit weird at times, but I liked her, especially when she was with Suzy.

    Also, I liked the eerie moments that the author adds to what Jane experiences in the house. Wherever she goes, and whatever she does, Jane hears a small girl crying and saying, “Don’t Leave.” I also comprehended that would be the reason, and the climax surprised me. The author has a beautiful knack for writing in this genre, and I cannot wait to see what other stories she weaves.

    Overall, “Don’t Leave” is a great book to pick up if you enjoy the genre.

    Book Tour Schedule

    DONT LEAVE

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dont Leave by Pru Heathcote Blog Tour sponsored by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha

    Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha

    Midnight on the Marne

    Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha

    Release: August 9th, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Forge Books
    Source: suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, 

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    France, 1918. Nurse Marcelle Marchand has important secrets to keep. Her role as a spy has made her both feared and revered, but it has also put her in extreme danger from the approaching German army.

    American soldier George Mountcastle feels an instant connection to the young nurse. But in times of war, love must wait. Soon, George and his best friend Philip are 

    fighting for their lives during the Second Battle of the Marne, where George prevents Philip from a daring act that might have won the battle at the cost of his own life.

    On the run from a victorious Germany, George and Marcelle begin a new life with Philip and Marcelle’s twin sister, Rosalie, in a brutally occupied France. Together, this self-made family navigates oppression, near starvation, and unfathomable loss, finding love and joy in unexpected moments.

    Years pass, and tragedy strikes, sending George on a course that could change the past and rewrite history. Playing with time is a tricky thing. If he chooses to alter history, he will surely change his own future—and perhaps not for the better.

    About the Author:

    Sarah Adlakha is a native of Chicago who now lives along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her husband, three daughters, two horses, and one dog. She started writing fiction shortly after retiring from her psychiatry practice. Her debut novel, She Wouldn’t Change a Thing, was a CNN most anticipated book of 2021. Midnight on the Marne is her second novel. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Midnight on the Marne  Review:

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    “Midnight on the Marne” is a remarkable historical fiction novel that moved me, and I loved reading it.

    The highlight of the story is the chemistry between George and Marcelle. While I loved how the author depicted the history of the incidents at Marne River during World War I, I couldn’t get past George and Marcelle. The author wrote the connection between these two so beautifully, and I loved their scenes together.

    Secondly, I enjoyed the twist towards the end of the story, which takes a turn that I did not expect. Thank goodness I did not read the book’s synopsis because that tends to spoil a lot of the tale, but I was pleasantly surprised by how the author directed the story. The twist made the story stand out and memorable, and it is not a book I would easily forget soon.

    Thirdly, I loved the supporting cast as well. Philip charms the pages with his silly jokes, Lina with her fierce bravery, and even cute Gabriel and Juliette. The author writes the characters so beautifully with varying emotions that you feel you have known them for years. Similarly, even Max and Roland turned out to be complex characters who made the story stand out.

    And finally, the author brings back to life some important events of World War I in the tale of Colonel McAlexander’s regiment and the events at Marne River. It was fun to see how incidents would have steered from just the actions of one or two people if they had reacted differently.

    Overall, I loved reading this book and, as I also enjoyed “She Wouldn’t Change a Thing,” the author is now one of my favorites!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Midnight on the Marne

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha Blog Tour hosted by suzyapproved Book Tours. 

  • Summer Up ! by Tom Leihbacher

    Summer Up ! by Tom Leihbacher

    Summer Up

    Summer Up ! by Tom Leihbacher

    Release: July 14, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle,

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    The last day of school had finally arrived, and summer break was on. With it came the promise of two and a half months of sun-drenched, fun-filled freedom. There were  Summer camps,  trips,  sports , foods, and nights to look forward to. And to say nothing of summer afternoons hanging out at the town pool or the teenage art of sleeping in. But not every day was all fun and games for Charlie Riverton and his friends. During that memorable summer of ’75, they faced a protracted battle for turf rights in their own backyards.

    It wasn’t easy, and they took their lumps along the way. But they stuck together and stood up for themselves. With helpful guidance from a heavenly friend, their shoulders grew a little broader and an unforgettable new chapter was written into Briarcliff Manor folklore.

    Come join Charlie, Sky, and the whole cast from A Gift Most Rare on a summer-long, fun-filled, coming of age adventure.

    About the Author:

    Tom Leihbacher resides in his hometown of Briarcliff Manor, New York. He and his wife are active in community and church activities. In addition to membership at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, he enjoys dining at the local restaurants, spending time at his family home on Cape Cod, and taking long, daily walks with his rescue dog, The Gipper. His first novel A Gift Most Rare was published in October of 2020. Summer Up! is the sequel. There are two more books under development in this four-part series.

    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Summer Up ! Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    I loved reading “A Gift Most Rare” by the author and was looking forward to “Summer Up.” The story is a beautiful continuation to revisit the characters at Briarcliff. This book focuses more on DMarks, and how he changes during the summer as the group finishes middle grade and prepares for high school.

    The author has a beautiful writing style that melts your heart. I enjoyed DMarks in the lead. At times, he is annoying for how he gets the group into trouble, but I loved seeing him transition with Sky’s presence, which even Charlie noticed. The author also adds a touch of adventure and excitement as DMarks faces off his rivalry with Will Morris. It was interesting to see the various pranks the two pull off and also a bit scary as to how far they would go to beat each other. Will also turned out to be one of my favorites.

    Moreover, I loved the sense of community, as we also invest in the lives of the other residents at Briarcliff. I adored Mr. Olson and Mary and their budding romance thanks to Taylor and Annabelle. Similarly, Parker and Suzie were cute, and I loved how the author wrote their scenes together. At the same time, I also enjoyed Charlie and Michelle together and found them adorable.

    Another beautiful thing about the story is that, even though it is religious, the author doesn’t force down the religious themes too much in the story. The book is beautiful because of the heartwarming characters and their simple idyllic lifestyle, which makes you want to feel like you belong there. I am so excited that two more books are coming out in this series, as I cannot wait to revisit the characters.

    Overall, “Summer up!” is a great continuation!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Summer up

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Summer Up ! by Tom Leihbacher Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

  • Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner

    Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner

    Echoes of Home

    Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner

    Release: January 1st 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Question Mark Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,

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    After accepting a generous opportunity to start afresh, Leslie Wills, eagerly begins his journey to the Scottish Highlands of Elphin.  It is a settled village that sits huddled amongst the mountains.

    The people are welcoming, and the scenery is breath taking.

    But deep within its Highland paths, there is a location without  the public’s knowledge. This an atmospheric location you love to learn the truth of its troubled past.

    But once you bear witness to its sights and sounds, you will never forget its presence. Then, you uncover the truth, journeying back to a forgotten time.

    Echoes of Home, is beautifully crafted into a plot full of secrets and suspicion. You will start  longing for answers. A ghost story, which will haunt you long after it’s finished…

    About the Author:

    Born and bred in the county of Staffordshire. Matt is a keen reader of classical, horror and fantasy literature and enjoys writing in the style of traditional ghost stories. During his working life, Matt joined the ambulance service in 2009, transporting critically ill patients all over the UK. After writing his first novel, Matt became a part of the family of Question Mark Press publishing. And , he now dedicates his time on future releases. His hobbies include genealogy and hiking, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Emma, his children, and his family.

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    Echoes of Home Review:

    The highlight of the story is the connection between Les and Coull. What surprised me was how the author managed to write the friendship between the two characters nicely. The tale mainly focuses on the ghost story surrounding Elphin Cottage, but I got immersed in Coull and Les’s bond. Both have spent time in loneliness, and it was heartwarming to read how the situation brings them together.

    Secondly, I liked how the author brought the elements of a classic ghost story into the picture. We get instances of spooky rattlings, and unexplained tappings, in a ghostly cottage, where Les, our hero, witnesses strange occurrences. The story will give you shivers in some scenes, and the parts where Les sees an image in the window or what he experiences in the woods stood out for me. Moreover, I enjoyed how the author incorporates different styles, like letter inserts from other characters, that add to the story’s charm.

    Thirdly, I liked Les in the leading role. He is someone who is trying to build a new life after facing loneliness with all the family members leaving. It was interesting to see how he reacts to the situations he encounters, even with people like Jonathan, who returns to his life for a short while. The author portrayed the emotions of the cast very well.

    Perhaps the story’s only improvement I would have liked was the climax. I felt the story took a more emotional and easy turn when I would have liked a more build-up for the ending, especially on the villain and other vital characters.

    Overall, “Echoes of Home” is a simple yet emotional ghost story that will spook you at times and get you teary-eyed, too. It was a lovely read.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Echoes of Home

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.